The winning streak is over, but it didn't have to be. Without Manny in the lineup, we lose, it's that simple.

Why didn't Manny play? Hamstring tightness. Hmm. The Boston Globe writes about Manny's day off. He always seems to disappear or "rest" a little early around the break. Wasn't he "sick" last year? Projo.com reports how Manny begged out of Sunday's game. The day off is a "sore subject" in the Boston Herald. As it is with me. I believe Manny wanted to get a headstart. For if he were to sweat during Sunday's game, that would have meant taking a shower. Manny couldn't spare the time. He probably had to meet up with his Yankee All-Star pals at some Houston hotel. I wonder if he will be healthy enough to start in Tuesday's All Star game? Just a hunch, but I think he'll be okay. Yes, I'm bitter, because we desperately need him to make a run at the playoffs.

The hot streak continues. Without Manny, Johnny Damon tried to carry the team again. While he hasn't the best throwing arm, you can't argue with his stats. Since July 1, he has a .480 Avg., 4 HR, 9 RBIs, 14 Runs, and 3 sbs) Incredible! He is truly a table setter. Boston.com reports though a sweep would have been nice, Johnny Damon and the Red Sox remain upbeat.

Myself, I'm a little concerned.
At a recent family cookout my cousin proposed a theory: What if Major League Baseball is set up like NASCAR? In NASCAR drivers form teams and help each other win races. Drivers then receive compensation for their assistance. So some drivers are racing not to win but to make sure a certain teammate wins. The are paid spoilers.

Could this be happening in baseball? For instance, the Red Sox trail the Yankees in the AL East by 7 games. I think the difference can be attributed to two AL East teams. Combined the Yankees are 17-4 vs. Baltimore (8-1) and Tampa Bay (9-3). The Red Sox are 7-5 combined against both teams, leaving a differential of 10 wins. The Yankees are not that much better than the Sox.

Here's a few other facts to consider: Lou Piniella and Lee Mazzilli are former Yankees, the Yankees train in Tampa Bay and George Steinbrenner is a Tampa Bay resident. Hmm, collusion? Probably not, but it is interesting.

The Sox have to work a little harder in the second half to make up all of those games.

At the break, everyone wants to grade the teams. The Boston Herald offers its Red Sox report card. CBS Sportline's David Ortiz is looking forward to the home run derby. Talk about fun: Bonds, Palmiero, Sosa, Blalock, Berkman and Ortiz. The only bummer Ken Griffey Jr. is hurt.

Reader comments: How would you rate the Red Sox first half? Why?

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