Middlebrooks, Nava Providing Youthful Punch to Lineup

It's just what the doctor ordered to get the Sox out of their May funk. Another win last night, 6-1 over the Mariners, moves the Sox to 3 games under .500 for the season. And it's no coincidence that Daniel Nava & Will Middlebrooks are a big part of the Sox current 4 game win streak. Both have contributed offensively & defensively. They have provided a shot in the arm at a much needed time for this depleted lineup. Youk is expected to return to the lineup versus the Phillies this weekend. That will necessitate Middlebrooks going back to Pawtucket. But Middlebrooks is just one injury away from coming back to the big club. And Nava is a lot different from the kid who made his debut a few years ago. You might say that Nava returned from the scrap pile as a better hitter from both sides of the plate & a much, much better fielder. Hard work does pay off in his case. An infusion of youthful exuberrance can ignite a team for a short period & we'll take what these 2 guys provide as long as possible.