Nothing But Bad News, Pitching Wise

Before Monday's game, the Red Sox all but said that Clay Buchholz is likely done for 2011 with a stress fracture in his back. I find it interesting that the news didn't break until August 1st, the day after the trading deadline passed.

Gotta figure the Sox didn't want word getting out until the deadline was gone, as the price of a starter would have cost them even more.

John Lackey was his usual rotten self, allowing five runs in less than seven innings, including back-to-back homers in the sixth, after the Red Sox gave him a 3-1 lead after three innings. The Indians hit four home runs, including two by MLB's only player named Asdrubal, and went on to a 9-6 win.

The pen was equally bad, as Daniel Bard allowed Cabrera's second HR (after video replay) and his 26+ innings scoreless streak is over. Randy Williams and Matt Albers also allowed single runs.

New York's win in Chicago trimmed the Red Sox East lead to one game.

My pal Jere pointed out tonight on his blog that the Sox are 17-19 in series opening games. That means they play .690 baseball in games that aren't series openers. Go figure that one out.

Erik Bedard will make his Sox debut Thursday against the Indians in the series finale. I was thinking about that today and thought that would be a smart move, as the Red Sox could push Jon Lester back to Friday when New York comes to town.

And speaking of Bedard, I wonder what number he will pick. He won't get the one he wore in Baltimore or Seattle, and that is 45. I'm sure that has been unofficially retired until Pedro Martinez is elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015. I'd love to see him take number 21.

I'd love to see anyone take 21. It's about time that finally happened.