Holding Tight

The bridges around here are getting quite crowded with people lining up to jump off. The truth is, it may be just a tad early for that.

So as a Sox Community Service, some random thoughts as we try to maintain our composure during this rough patch.

1. Let's all get a grip, okay? The Yankmees have won 10 of 11, while the slumping Sox have won only 6 of 11. The Yanks feasted on a cupcake schedule, winning six of the 10 from Pittsburgh and Arizona at home. Meanwhile the Sox were out west and still managed three wins against Oakland and Arizona before stumbling against Colorado at home. They have ramped it back up against the Giants. The final toll? Over the past 11 days, the Yanks have played .909 ball while the Sox have hit a .545 patch. The net result? We're still up 8 1/2 games. Do you think New York will continue to play .900 ball? Be realistic. You knew the Yanks would make a run. Hopefully this is it and the result is still a healthy lead for the Sox. Chill out.

2. Coco is a black hole in the lineup, that is true. However, I still think if he can even hit .250 he will be worth it for the ground he covers in center. Be honest, don't you feel good about anything hit anywhere near him out there. His defense has been vastly underrated. As for the absurd suggestion of putting Wily Mo out there for a while, pullease. Pena not only can't hit, but he plays defense like a drunk trying to eat spaghetti with chopsticks. I'll take Coco out there and enjoy whatever offense he gives us.

3. There's really not much that can be done about the other gaping hole in Julio Lugo. Another failure due to Theo's mancrush on him, Lugo is going to have to fight his way through this. What are the alternatives? Alex Cora on a regular basis? I don't think so. They could bring up Hanley Ramirez....oh wait, that's not an option anymore. Oh well. We'll just have to suffer through the rest of the season watching him flail helpless away while he makes Youk dance at first saving all his bad throws. Then at the end of the season, Theo can pay someone else to take him off our hands while we overpay another overrated shortstop.

4. J. D. Drew will come around. He has a history and is too good not to put it together. The concern was his passion and durability, not his talent. That will come. Leadoff may be just the right place for him.

5. They were right about Pedroia. He has been successful at every level, and he's doing it here. Not a bad deal with him for 300K.

6. Varitek hitting .270 is more than we could have hoped for. Hopefully he can hold up for the entire season.

7. Dice K seems to be settling in nicely. Four solid starts although due to Battis Anemia from the Sox has resulted in him getting only one win out of the stretch. He gets better with each start.

8. Every one keeps talking about Jon Lester coming up and bouncing Julian Tavarez from the rotation. I hate to say it, but the better choice might be Wake. I love Timmy, but Tavarez has been more effective and you pretty much know what you are going to get with him. With Wake, he can be very, very good, or very, very not.

9. Tito continues to be superb handling his lineups and his team. He gives his players enough rope to hang themselves, but finally does make a move when he needs to. Contrast that with 1978 when Zimmer refused to sit down Butch Hobson, who was playing with bone chips in his elbow and couldn't hit or throw down the stretch when the Sox coughed up their big lead.

10. This could be the end for Mike Timlin. I hate to say it, but I actually prefer to see Joel Pinata before Timlin in a game that means something.

I'll leave you with the good news. The Yanks fly out west after today to play the Rockies and Giants, then go to Baltimore for three. They return home to face Oakland, Minnesota and the Angels prior to the All Star Break.

I'll go out on a limb here and say they won't be playing .900 ball during that stretch.

Relax.