Boxers or Briefs?

Where's the "Inane Banter" banner when you need it? With the Red Sox recovering from offensive malaise, they hammered out a 12-4 victory over the Rays and last week's Sox slayer James Shields.

It was a full service party with every starter with a base hit, and the DUSTBUSTER's three hits the key. Josh Beckett picked up his third victory, as the Sox reached the 1/5th of the season mark.

The Sox have crept up the ERA board in the AL, headed toward the upper half as the collective ERA moves near 4. The surprise on the board is Clay Buchholz, who is in the top 20 among ERA leaders at 3.71. With the rotation of Beckett, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Lester, and Buchholz, the Sox have stability for now, with supports on the horizon in Bartolo Colon and Justin Masterson. Three other hopefuls at Portland include Dustin Richardson, Michael Bowden, and Jose Vaquedano as the Sox are deep in pitching prospects.

Why the break in the offensive slumber? The return of Jacoby Ellsbury helps, as Ellsbury has scored three runs since returning to the lineup after tweaking his groin. Despite relatively limited at bats, he's tied for second in runs scored in the AL.

The best team in the AL for the past ten games? The Rays.

Notice anything different about the broadcasts? I haven't heard (yet) Jerry Remy pitching scoresheets, hot dogs, bandanas, tee shirts, websites, All-star galas, and so forth. Maybe ownership put the kibosh on non-NESN-related promos. However, we pack-gate today, as we learned about Don's girlish (my wife's description) pack rat routine, including his pillow, flashlight, and candles. Boxers or briefs?