Its hard to say “must win” in April, but the Red Sox picked up a big one last night against the Blue Jays. A loss would have all but guaranteed a sweep with Julain Tavarez scheduled to duel Roy Halladay tonight.

Determining the ace of the Sox staff is difficult, with four pitchers at the top of their game this team should be better than 8-5. Clearly, a bum named Manny Ramirez is preventing dominance. The bats threw up a crooked number against Ervin Santana with ease, then were dominated by Gustavo Chacin? After a miserable start against old friend Tomo Ohka, I was preparing the gallows. For a moment (or an eternity), it looked like Timmeh was in for an excellent losing season on a winning team.

Ohka must take extra breaths between innings, because he didn’t waste any time with such trivialities when he was on the mound. A sharp contrast to the Yankee game, where Jeremy Sowers was terrified to throw the ball. It was difficult for me to get my thoughts on the page because the innings were flying by with no regard for this lowly blogger. At the top of the sixth in the Sox game, the Yanks and Indians were limping through a rainy third inning. Did I see that correctly? Matt Stairs, Frank Thomas, and Royce Clayton were all starting? Crank up the Delorean, Marty, and take me back to 2007.

The machinations by the mediots blaming Lugo’s defense and Daisuke’s performance in Tuesday night’s game are a load of hooey. I can say “hooey” on the internet, right? The botched DP led to a run, but this offense needs to score in bunches against the likes of Chacin. That was a team loss, and defense was far from the Red Sox only failure. Blame sells newspapers, so ostensibly Lugo and Daisuke are the the scapegoats; JD, take note and tread lightly.

Continuing his campaign to lead the league in ISO-power, Doug Mirabelli has as many homers as singles. Last night he provided all the offense, a solo shot and RBI single were enough. When are we going to see the much anticipated Mirabelli-Hinske chest-bump?

It’s time for Ortiz to begin employing the bunt a little more. The Sox don’t face Joe Maddon until July, but he’ll probably move Dioner Navarro to the left of the pitching mound if Ortiz lays down five straight bunts. You know Jerry Remy would wet himself. Speaking of the the RemDawg, The “vaaaaahhhse” line has gotten a little old. How much longer until Administrative Professional’s Day? Also, does that mean I have to get the temp at my office some chocolate or something? What’s the protocol here? Administrative Professional means “secretary,” right?

In the fifth, the knuckler was diving and dancing a bit too much, three straight walks loaded the bases but a timely strike out prevented any damage. The bottom of the depleted Jays’ offense figured Wake out in the seventh, Royce Clayton was driven in by John MacDonald after lacing a double to left. Brendan Donnelly came on to work the eighth, and with a three run lead, you know who’s coming out for the ninth.

If anyone had dreams of a more progressive (Bill James style) bullpen approach, last night was proof the Red Sox aren’t as smart as you. Papelbon was shaky, missing his spots repeatedly, but the gas was there and the win was preserved. Where does Terry turn if Papelbon is needed for six outs today? He should be used in the three-run save situation only preceding an off day, or Gustavo Chacin start.

Consistency has never been a strength for Wakefield, but his three starts in 2007 are very encouraging. Thanks for everything, Tim, past, present, and for the next one to infinity years.

Tonight: Tavarez at Halladay, Fausto Carmona (CLE) at Darrell Rasner (NYY)