Red Sox 8
Devil Rays 6

I wasn’t watching last night’s game close enough to confidently asses the quality of Jon Lester’s performance, beyond “sucky.” But, the Red Sox won. Rejoice.

Tito showed a little due confidence in Manny Delcarmen, bringing him in with the tying run on in the sixth. It was the right move, but only considering the recent collapse of Eric Gagne. I’m not ready to see Gagne in any high leverage innings just yet.

If you needed any evidence that the Red Sox offense struggles against low caliber
opponents in their first meeting, I present to you the following:

Aug 15 @BOS W 6.2 4 3 3 2 3 1
Aug 21 BOS L 5 8 7 7 0 5 0

After registering a quality start (I know, it’s a stupid statistic) against the Sox on August 15, Andy Sonnanstine looked a lot more like a Devil Ray last night.

Some thoughts on the wild card contenders:

• On Monday, Scott Boras was standing in the best seats in LA, during the Angels-Yankees game, talking on a cell phone like he was negotiating world peace. Standing in full view behind home plate like a billboard for Smug. Posterboy superstar agent must be snuffed out.

• Among other things covered by the fine journalists on the YES Network: apparently Joe Torre has been giving strict instructions on usage for Joba Chamberlain, creatively titled the Joba Rules. Would any manager but Torre be handcuffed by such strict and public guidelines? Not exactly a vote of confidence.

• Mike Mussina was embarrased by the Angels. He walked off the mound after 1 2/3 like a lost puppy.

• Watching the Yankees claw back into a game in the second — only to see the Angels put up a five spot in the third, 12-5 — is currently the highlight of my week. It’s only Wednesday.

Tonight, Diasuke Matsuzaka faces Edwin Jackson. The former top prospect’s season numbers are ugly, but over his last four starts he’s sporting a nifty 1.33 ERA. Essentially, he’s been preventing solid contact. 11 walks and 23 hits in 27 IP is nothing to write home about, but his .608 OPSA and 0 HR allowed are pretty awesome. I’m looking forward to it.