Lester's 9 K's Lead Boston to Win

A very strong outing from John Lester improved his record to 9-7 on the season. He got into a bit of trouble in the fourth, allowing two runs but cruised otherwise. Even in that inning, the Orioles basically cashed in on a couple of well placed, rinky-dink, infield hits. People have expressed concern about Lester's workload last year and the effect it would have on this season. I think Lester is proving that he is a horse in the mold of C.C. Sabathia, a power lefty with filthy off-speed stuff to compliment a dominating fast ball.

Adam LaRoche hit a homer in his Red Sox debut, not a bad way to endear yourself to the fans. It came with the Red Sox leading 5-2 in the seventh, but it put the game out of reach for Baltimore. I am curious to see how this move pans out. I have no feeling really for what kind of a player LaRoche is, but another lefty bat, this one with power the opposite way, is a nice option to have. If he can help spell Mike Lowell so he is fresh later in the season, great. I think the only way Lowell can remain an effective player at this point in his career is if he gets regular rest.

Red Sox Avoid 6th Straight Loss

Ok, ok. So they didn't play last night. Boy, do they need the rest. Again, the cure for road loser-itis seems to be returning to Fenway. And again, the competition over the next week is not the '27 Yankees. So hopefully, the Sox will get off the skids. They picked a devil of a time to fall into their worst slump of the season. Of course, it coincides with a seven game Yankee win streak.

The Sox added even more depth this week. I especially like the move to get Adam LaRoche. (Who needs Pawtucket when you have the Pirates for your AAAA farm team?) No, they didn't pick up any game changers, but the more capable bats you have, the better you can weather injuries and slumps. Mike Lowell is bound to go cold or get injured again. When that happens it will be nice to get a little pop at 1st base from LaRoche as Youkilis moves to 3rd. That may be the Sox best option going forward anyway. I hate to say it, but Lowell looks done in spite of some good moments this year. In any event LaRoche is a much better option than Kotsay or anyone else that might play first other than Youk.