You're getting a little too close

Is it time to panic yet? Maybe. We'll see after this weekend. The Sox just can't score runs lately, and their pitching has been horrendous over the past few games. Schilling got rocked two nights ago and Beckett was just as bad last night. So strange. Is Colorado better than I thought? The Red Sox lead over the Yankees in the AL East has gone from 14.5 games to 7.5 games in a New York minute. I'm officially concerned.

The Yanks, meanwhile, have won nine in a row and look like the team they were supposed to be when the season began. They get to play the slumping Mets, who have lost their last five, and old pal Roger Clemens starts for the Bad Guys tonight. Should be interesting to see how Clemens does against a decent lineup, I'll be rooting for the M-E-T-S all weekend.

Once again, Julian Tavarez (3-4, 5.25 ERA) has to pitch against the other team's #1 starter. In this case, it's San Francisco's Barry Zito (6-6, 4.02) who the Sox have seen plenty when he was with the A's. They're 5-5 with a 4.78 ERA in 13 career starts, but he's a lefty and they're having a ton of trouble against lefties this year.

I can't wait to see the reception Barry Bonds gets, Sox fans love booing a villain. "Steeeeeroiiiiids!"

On the other hand, one Mr. Dave Roberts will get a HUGE ovation when he steps up to the plate. He deserves it. "The Steal" will never be forgotten.

JD Drew, where are you? Lugo? Coco? Start hitting now kthx.