Sox Lose to Jays

The Red Sox blew a 3-1 lead in losing to the Blue Jays 7-3. Curt Schilling felt strong and feels like he should pitch at least 8 innings every time out. That's a terrific attitude. Unfortunately, his splits show that he becomes less effective after 105 pitches or so (320 OBP/515 SLG/835 OPS over the last three years, vs. 262/376/638 overall), so it's probably not a good idea to push your luck with him in a close game. Boston has a good bullpen and Scott Williamson was rested, it was time for Terry to take the bull by the horns and make the change. Hopefully, this game will be a lesson to all.

Largely overlooked in all of this "Grady, Part 2" talk are the 13 men left on base, including 7 in scoring position. The Red Sox haven't had the timely hitting, with Gabe Kaplar (456 OPS in 28 plate appearances), Pokey Reese (445 in 23 PA's) and Bill Mueller (634 in 36) doing a lot of the squandering. Reese should do better (though not a lot), Mueller will do better and Trot Nixon will return next month, but the team is struggling a bit with the bats right now. A couple of extra hits (or, in some cases, just putting the ball in play), and Curt could have taken a rest with a bigger lead.

Still, the Sox took 2-3 from the Jays and are in good shape, behind their pitching, heading into the Bronx this weekend. Tonight: Arroyo vs. Contreras.