Bad News All Around

First, the Sox bullpen very uncharacteristically gives up runs in the 8th & 9th innings to lose game 1 to the Indians 9-6.

Then, we hear news reports that Clay Buchholz has a stress fracture in his back & is probably done for this year.

Going back to last night's game, John Lackey had a chance to step up & give the Sox a positive shot in the arm with a good pitching performance. He did not. Too many pitches over the heart of the plate, including back-to-back home runs by Cabrera & Hafner. The Sox came back to tie the game 5-5, so Lackey leaves with a no-decision. Big John did nothing to solidify his claim to the #3 starters role. Still inconsistent.

Question: Why is Tito using Daniel Bard in a tie game? Franklin Morales had been up & warming. Usually, Bard & Pap are exclusively used when we are ahead. And Tito tries to limit their appearances during the regular season. Bard ends up giving Cabrera another home run to put the Tribe ahead for good. I think the NESN announcers jinxed Bard by talking about his streak of scoreless innings. That's over now.

Question: Why are we overlooking the Indians & talking about the upcoming Yankees series? The Indians have had our number this year just like the White Sox. We could be 2 games behind the Yankees by the time the weekend gets here.

Finally, how about we let someone else beat us other than Asdrubal Cabrera? Can't we pitch around him for the remaining 3 games? He is the hottest bat on an otherwise unimpressive Cleveland offense. Without Sizemore & Choo out of the lineup I would walk Cabrera & take our chances with the other 8 sticks.

We need to play smarter over these next 3 games.