Random Thought #1: Is it just me or has JD Drew changed his plate approach in this series against the Rangers? One of the things that made him valuable in the leadoff spot was his patience at the plate and ability to get on base. The past two or three games, however, he has been less patient, swinging earlier in the count at pitches that would probably have been called balls. Result: more strikeouts, groundouts, and fly-outs and less hits and walks.
Random Thought #2: According to Boston.com, Buchholz's start, originally scheduled for tomorrow, has been rescheduled for Wendesday. Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't they be in Baltimore on Wednesday, for a ROAD game? Given Buch's abysmal ERA on the road, it doesn't bode well for a win that day. That can't be good for the already fragile psyche of Young Buch. The 0's may be in last place in the AL East, but they're no slouches in the offense department. They will capitalize on Buch's command problems with his fastball and will sit on the breaking ball. It's too bad neither Wake nor Colon will be ready to pitch on Wednesday. Buch needs to be sent down to AAA for his own good.
Random Thought #3: What's in the orange juice down in Tampa Bay? Now they're mowing down teams on the road too. Granted, they're not top-notch teams, but with two of their main bats on the DL, how is it that they can't seem to lose?
Random Thought #4: I'm glad to see Jake back in the lineup and I hope he continues to hit like he did in Kansas City and Chicago. Coco has been lauded for his defense, but his throwing arm leaves a lot to be desired. Jacoby has a better throwing arm and his defense is getting better as well. Not to mention, he can play all three outfield positions while Coco seems limited to center.
Random Thought #5: Lugo seems to be making progress toward coming off the DL and while this is good for Lugo, it could be trouble for the Sox. Lowrie has done an outstanding job at short, both offensively and defensively. He's come through countless times with the bases loaded. I'd hate to see such talent have to ride pine while Lugo, who bats below the Mendoza Line with RISP and has 16 errors on the season so far, plays. Lugo is the veteran, but Lowrie is the hotter bat right now (and the surer hand in the infield). If Lowrie cools off significantly, maybe putting Lugo back in wouldn't be such a bad idea, but until then, Lowrie gives the Sox a better chance to win.
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