Redbirds and Deadbirds (Down 9-2 in the 8th)

Admittedly, the Sox have faced a tough schedule recently, with the Yankees, Orioles, Angels, and Cardinals. Unfortunately, as much as we desire, they can't play Kansas City, Tampa, and Detroit enough.

Of course, it's not bad enough the Cardinals have been beating us like a rented mule, we have to humiliate ourself by throwing at (excuse me, how do you know?) Cardinal batters. Maybe it was a Drysdalian intentional walk.

Signs outside the Red Sox offices?

Wanted: pitching;

Don't ask, don't tell.

The Sox stump to beat the slump on the hump, as the pitching continues to beget, er, complaining. The Sox team ERA rapidly approaches 5.00 and the bullpen continues to struggle.

Four Rent. The bad news. Edgar Renteria has grounded into four double plays in two games. The good news is that Edgar makes Mark Bellhorn's strikeouts look better.

Minor adjustments. The PawSox have played better recently, behind the offensive production of Justin Sherrod and Roberto Petagine, and Cla Meredith now has an ERA of 1.69. Abe Alvarez has allowed only 54 hits in 69 innings, a major improvement for him.

At Portland, Jeremy West, Dustin Pedroia, and Chris Durbin are all over .300, Hanley Ramirez is the top prospect, and Brandon Moss has raised his average to .293 with a phenomenal streak. Jon Papelbon, Jon Lester, and David Pauley have all been solid in the rotation. One wonders whether before trading any of the top guys away, especially the starters, whether they deserve a shot at a higher level (even AAA) lest we get 'Bagwelled' under a new regime.

At Wilmington, Anibal Sanchez (1.93), Jose Vaquedano, and Luis Mendoza have all pitched well. Presumably, all the High A guys won't be capable of helping before 2007.

Feeling a draft? As silly as it is for me to comment about minor league prospects whom I've seen only in limited action on the tube, it's ridiculous to comment about college and high school draftees. The learning process between college and professional baseball usually demands TIME, and after waiting a lifetime for a title, I'm content to rebuild the organization the right way, rather than the quickest way.