Bullpen and Bay Are Carrying the Depleted Red Sox

It's quite amazing the Red Sox are in second place - only a game behind Toronto going into tonight's opening game against the Angels. (May 12th)


Amazing because of not only key injuries lately (Youkilis, Pedroia) and the continuing struggles of David Ortiz, but, also, the sub-par starting pitching of Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.


Two keys to their success have been the stellar work of the bullpen and the consistent, clutch hitting of Jason Bay. Hideki Okajima has contributed several great outings of more than one inning recently. Ramon Ramirez is still performing well. Plus, while I've been very concerned about Jonathan Papelbon, his last two appearances have eased my worries a bit.


Papelbon's performance Sunday night against the Rays - when he struck out BJ Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria - was his most clutch, positive showing of the season. Why? He got three excellent hitters to miss repeatedly with swinging strikes -- something he had failed to do this year. Though I was not close enough to my television to study his pitches, it appeared he was getting a little more "late life" in the fastball, which made the difference.

Watching the team tonight without Youkilis and Pedroia, however, is sobering. The lineup of hitters is SO weak. This is the kind of night I miss Manny Ramirez.

While I'm on Manny, my primary reaction to his suspension is sadness. Manny is the best hitter I ever saw come through Boston and I'll never forget his relaxed, beautiful hitting form at the plate. Secondly, I still believe the Red Sox will be forced to try to find a very good hitter at the trading deadline and that Theo and company will be open to making a MAJOR trade, if that's what it takes to get another bat in the lineup. Without Manny and with the potential of Ortiz not regaining his form, the team faces a real chance of petering out in the dog days of August.