Okay, I never thought I’d say this but I kind of feel sorry for the Boston Red Sox. They have been desolated by injuries this year: Lowell, Pedroia, Varitek, Matsuzaka, Cameron, Youkilis, yikes! Despite these rash of injuries the Bo Sox have still posted a very respectable 76 and 60 record. That record would put them in first in the American League West and put them just three out in the Central. Problem is the Bo Sox play in the East where they are now 10 behind the Yankees for first and 7.5 behind the Rays for Wild Card. The fat lady isn’t singing for the Red Sox yet but she’s warming up. Oh whom I kidding, she’s singing. They are done. Only an epically legendary choke from either the Yankees or Rays would allow the Sox back in it. The Yankees have won 8 in a row and the Rays have too much pitching to choke.
Then again, speaking of streaks, the San Diego Padres have pitching out their wazoos yet they managed to lose nine in a row. The Padres lead on the San Fran Giants is now a mere two games. Luckily for the Padres (and luck is kind of a relative thing when you haven’t won a game in more than a week) the only hot team right now in the West is the Arizona Diamondbacks and they are still 21 games out. Despite the nine game loss the Padres pitching still leads the league in ERA at 3.37 and Whip at 1.23. Matt Latos, Jon Garland (who the Mets passed on) and Clayton Richard have all won at least 12 games with ERAs below 3.51. Heath Bell (who the Mets let go) has 37 saves. I still think the Padres will hold on, but if they don’t this choke will be… wait for it… Legendary.
