This was not the best way to return from a vacation. Perhaps I should have gone deeper into the woods instead of the golf course. Although, truth be told, I was in the woods there. Perhaps I should have stayed in the kayak instead of returning to shore. Perhaps I shouldn't dwell on the should haves.

It happened. Two consecutive losses and three out of the last four games. Life's not so good. What's worse? The Red Sox have lost to Tampa Bay and Seattle - two of the weaker teams in the American League.

So today, for the first time in over a month, I have removed the cap. I should have known. Tuesday I got a phone call from Michelle at "Life is Good" responding to my inquiries. In her message she mentioned how pleased she was that the cap seemed to be working. Figures. "Let me know if there is more we can do," she stated.

So much for that. What can you do now? I haven't a clue.

Although the hat is gone, I've not lost my faith in the team nor should anyone else.

The team has struggled versus unknown pitchers. First Seattle's 28-year-old Bobby Madritsch, now Tampa Bay's 20-year-old Scott Kazmir. Projo.com writes how the unfamiliar presents familiar problems.

TBO.com writes about the shock jock's performance. People should keep an eye on Kazmir, he's a really good lefty who has moved up quickly through the minor league system. Boston.com offers more information about the phenom and his "dream outing."

Even with the win last night manager Lou Pinella thinks its a little unfair that the Devil Rays have to play the Red Sox and Yankees 19 times, according to the Boston Globe. He wants a more balanced schedule. What does he care? Rumor has it Sweet Lou will be in New York managing the Mets. Pinella's resume speaks volumes but a few more wins versus the Sox certainly wouldn't hurt his cause.

What the Sox have to do is focus on the task at hand. The Devil Rays are slippery, fast and have nothing to lose. If the Red Sox lose their concentration, the pressure will mount.

The Sox need to take advantage of the easier schedule. Heck, the Yankees have to face the Red Sox six more times. That's no easy task.

Need more reassurance? The L.A. Times reports that the Angels also struggled against Madritsch. It's difficult for me to imagine the Sox losing their four game lead over Anaheim for the wild-card. Especially when the Angels face Texas seven more times and Oakland three.

I've heard so-called die-hard fans complain about the recent slip. They cite some historical reference about the team's demise. "Here we go again," they grimace. Not so. I'd be surprised if the Red Sox did not win the American League East. There, I've put it in writing.

Reader comments: Have the recent losses to Seattle and Tampa Bay increased your anxiety?

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