The 10-game win streak didn't happen. Baltimore simply has our number. I wish the Orioles the best versus the Yankees. The Red Sox could use their help.

The Sox can't catch a break. When the Sox win, the Yankees win. When the Sox lose, the Yankees lose. The Yankees lost against Baltimore on Thursday so maybe we can bring the deficit one game closer. The Sox trail New York by eight games. The Yankees have a world of porblems so the difference can be madeup, but it will take some work and luck.

Meanwhile, Boston continues its road trip. Starting today the Sox will face a talented, deep Minnesota team. The Twins may use that depth to acquire one more pitcher before the weekend is over. However, Twincities.com reports the Twins options are fading. The Star Tribune says their refusal to move certain prospects may leave the team in limbo. There is also a little controversy surrounding Minnesota's firstbaseman Doug Mientkiewicz.

The Red Sox options also may be disappearing.

With so many teams in contention, it's become a seller's market. How much will it cost the Sox to improve the team? How does one move Derek Lowe for a better starting pitcher? Will Nomar remain in Boston? Will the Red Sox let the deadline pass without making a move?

I doubt Theo Epstein and Co. will be able to do too much. Boston doesn't have the prospect most teams desire. Boston.com reports Nomar will most likely stay and Derek Lowe may go.

It's time to think outside the batter's box. Is it possible to send a package like Millar and Lowe to Florida for Brad Penny? That would be nice and cheap.

According to Twincities.com, the Twins begin crutial stretch After winning five consecutive games over division rivals, the Twins face Boston, Texas, Anaheim and then Cleveland. The Star Tribune looks at the Twins' August matchups. But a 10-game home stretch is a lot better than a 12-game road trip, I assure you.

The Star Tribune takes a look at former-Twin David Ortiz. Why Minnesota ever let this guy go I'll never understand. He has been a great addition to the Red Sox. The Twins should be afraid when he squares off in the box. I predict he'll have a huge series in Minnesota.

Another player with some connection to Minnesota is Kevin Millar. He used to play for the St. Paul Saints. He shares his memories with the Star Tribune.

It will be a tough series, especially facing Johan Santana. Santana should be considered a Cy Young contender. In his last 10 starts (78 innings), he has seven wins, a 1.39 ERA and 100 strikeouts. He also has a WHIP well under 1. Truly amazing. He'll face Pedro on Sunday.

The Red Sox need to win this series and every other from this point forward.

In the Boston.com article, Kevin Millar calls Gabe Kapler a team "hero". I like Kapler, but team hero? I don't think so. Kapler has a great arm and will fill-in nicely in right field while Trot Nixon is injured. However, we have too many right-handed batters off the bench. Millar, Burks (injured), McCarty and Kapler, Youkilis are all right-handed. Besides a starting pitcher, the Red Sox need a lefty off the bench, preferably an outfielder.

Reader comments: Who do you consider to be the Red Sox hero so far this year?

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