Shaking Feathers and Scales Off Our Sox

Well, the break is here, and everybody can breathe easy for the next four days with the Sox on top of the East by half of a game. It really is funny how the cozy confines of home can put a team as close to right as possible, despite the fact that it plays almost neutral (1.097, according to ESPN's numbers). Tampa Bay traded streaks with the fire-sale Cleveland Indians, and somehow the All-Star Game having a Boston tilt to it doesn't look so silly. Two thoughts about the last few games.

First, I know it sucks losing Julio Lugo for 4-6 weeks, but it sure is nice to see Jed Lowrie's shining face in the dugout again. His defense is just about the same as Lugo's, but it'll be nice to have somebody put a ball over the infield instead of bounce it in front of the grass into the welcome, waiting hands of the other team.

Finally, Jonathan Papelbon needs a little bit of a talking to. Yes, he has 28 saves, but he's already given up 32 hits, two more than all of last year, and it's only the midpoint of the season. Fact of the matter is, he's not fooling batters quite like he has the last two years. He's been leaning on his fastball to the point where he appears to be rearing back and firing it home as hard as he can, hoping he gets the swing and a miss. We're seeing a lot of full counts and bloop hits. Just today, if it hadn't been for Alex Cora covering for Jacoby Ellsbury's misplay the Orioles would've had bases loaded and no outs. Whole different game. Now, in saying this I'm not accusing him of losing his lustre or anything, but he needs to start using his head a little more.