Wang Chunged....

For awhile this game had all the makings of an instant ESPN classic.  I guess it probably was for fans of the New York Yankees.  Tonight the Sox and Yanks squared off in round one of the 2008 edition of the great rivalry.  Clay Bucholtz, tonight looked like the heir apparent that he is supposed to be, going six strong innings, giving up only one run on four hits.  Bucholtz had a shakey 5th inning, but other than that, he was a good as you could ask for against a potent line-up like the Yanks.  The bullpen, however was another story, once again failing to it's job, giving up six hits and three runs in just three innings.  There are some guys in this bullpen that cannot pitch to no more than a batter or two without having massive problems.  Mike Timlin was not as good as we had heard all spring, and he looked like total crap in his short stint.  Javier Lopez as looked really bad again, a common theme in this early season.

  I guess I will say a little something about the Red Sox offense tonight, they stunk, the end.  If not for a miss played ball by Bobby Abreu, the Sox would have gone hitless and scoreless.  J.D. Drew continues to be Mr. April in Boston, hitting a solo shot in the 5th that broke up Wang's no-no and shut-out.

  On the more bad news catagory, David Ortiz continues his horrible career worst slump tonight, again failing to get a hit or even sniff at a hit.  It may be passed time to say it or do it, but  Papi may need a rest.  This slump looks like the kind that may not be able to be worked out in game situations.  Francona, who always sticks with his players longer than he should, maybe should consider sitting Papi in favor of Manny in the D.H. spot and Coco and Ellsbury in the outfield.  I know it sounds bad and disloyal, but this may be in Papi's best interest for saving his season.  One thing is for sure, you cannot have a guy in the three hole hitting under .050, not with the bullpen this team has.