Cowbell Up!

The Sox got a big win at the Juice today, on Cowbell Night. Sox fans had a chance to ring in the beginning of the road trip, sparked by a pair of Ortiz homers, winning 3-2.

It's not easy to get into the manager's head, but let's try. The Sox pitching is scuffling, based on today's report that Schilling's 7 innings were the first seven inning start since July 20th. Is that possible?

Tim Wakefield's absence hurts the rotation a lot, as Schilling, Beckett, and Lester are now the top three, with Wells and Jason Johnson major question marks.

Papelbon and Delcarmen are looking like the top two out of the pen, followed by Timlin and Hansen, with Snyder the long man. Corey, Tavarez, and Seanez are looking for roles. At least one must go to allow the Sox to have more position player depth, especially if Lowell remains injured.

Lefty Phil Seibel is in the wings at Pawtucket, and one wonders if Chris Smith can be far behind after today's initial performance.

Ortiz now is at .289/.393/.629/1.022 amazing. But don't forget Manny Ramirez at .317/.429/.626/1.055. Ortiz is first in homers, RBI, total bases, and second in runs scored.

Coming into tonight the Sox are second in runs scored, first in defense, and seventh in ERA. They are also third in K/BB, as often mentioned a good predictor for subsequent ERA.

The Sox hold a half-game lead on the White Sox for the Wild Card.