Red Sox Thoughts

Last night's game was a killer. To come back against Phil Hughes with homeruns by David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, Victor Martinez (2), and Kevin Youkilis and take a 9-7 lead into the 9th only to lose on a walkoff homerun to Marcus Thames. I was ready to jump off a bridge watching Jonathan Papelbon's Lidge-esque attempt to close out the Yankees but a day later, I am not quite ready to give up on the 2010 Red Sox. Call me insane but a 1-2-3 of Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, and John Lackey is going to get hot and carry the team for a long stretch and Clay Buchholz isn't too far away from making it a foursome. The Rays and Yankees are legitimate threats to run away with the AL East and Wildcard but the Red Sox could wedge themselves into the race before the summer ends... The career of David Ortiz looked like it was rushing to a tragic end just a few weeks ago but the Big Papi of old is starting to break through, giving the Red Sox some much needed swagger in the middle of the lineup... Mike Lowell has earned the respect of his teammates and the Boston fans since coming to the Red Sox before the 2006 season. The MVP of the 2007 World Series, Lowell has struggled the last two seasons with injuries to his hip and thumb and was finally replaced at his familiar third base this winter when the Sox signed Adrian Beltre. Lowell has every right to frustrated but he has not yet used the media to unfairly criticize the team or Terry Francona. During an interview today, Lowell did voice his displeasure with his limited role but he also complimented the recent resurgance of Ortiz and admitted that his roster spot would be best used on a more versatile player. I hope that if Lowell gets a chance to hit in either of the two games at Fenway against the Twins this week that he receives a standing ovation for all that he has done. It could be our last chance to let Lowell know how much the fans of Boston think of him... If Theo Epstein was willing to move Papelbon - based on his potential contract after the season, not last night's blown save - it could bring the Red Sox the prospects they need to pry Adrian Gonzalez away from the Padres... Enjoy Dustin Pedroia tonight...