Random Thoughts (June 28, 2010)

The Red Sox keep on winning games but they also keep losing important players to injury. While taking 2-of-3 from the Giants in San Francisco this weekend, the Red Sox lost three of their stars leaving the team short handed as it tries to keep up with the Yankees and Rays in the A.L. East. Dustin Pedroia went down with a broken foot on Friday which should cost him at least six weeks on the disabled list and forced Theo Epstein to make a trade for Oakland utilityman Eric Patterson. Clay Buchholz was pulled from Saturday's start after two innings after he hyperextended his left knee while running the bases (Reason #369 why the National League should adopt the DH) although he is not expected to miss his next start. Finally, Victor Martinez left yesterday's game with a fractured thumb which will probably lead to a stint on the disabled list. The Sox cannot afford to lose the offense that Pedroia and Martinez provide. Epstein could make a call to Florida and inquire about Dan Uggla to fill-in for Pedroia (with the option of flipping Uggla for bullpen help near the trade deadline if Pedroia recovers quickly). Replacing Martinez will be a bit more tricky as serviceable catchers are hard to come by but there had been talk earlier in the season about acquiring Chris Iannetta from the Rockies. If Victor is going to be out for an extended period of time, Iannetta would be a nice addition. With the Rays coming to Boston tomorrow, the Sox need to come up with some answers in a hurry... It's a shame that most Americans will now turn their backs on international soccer with the U.S. eliminated from the World Cup but for all of its many flaws - low scoring games and the constant flopping by players are at the top of that list - it is a wonderful game to watch and I am glad to have stuck with it following the exciting play at the 2006 World Cup and 2008 European Championships... Just a few weeks ago, it looked like the Chicago White Sox were heading for a very long summer due to an underachieving roster and a feud between general manager Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen. Then the month of June came on the calendar and the ChiSox have pushed their way back into contention in the A.L. Central with the Tigers and Twins. With a potent offense led by Paul Konerko and a solid pitching staff, don't count out the White Sox just yet... Count me in as a fan of Evan Longoria calling out Rays teammate B.J. Upton for his lazy play in centerfield over the weekend. The Rays are a talented group but they lack a leader and Longoria's actions show that he is willing to assume the leadership responsibility in that clubhouse... Enjoy 29 tomorrow...