Ouch! That wasn't much fun and certainly not what I expected from the first-place Sox. However, even after losing three of four, Boston has remained on top.

Who would have guessed that Al Leiter would have displayed that kind of performance?

Not I. I thought there was a fork sticking from his back. In fact, when I heard the news that the Yankees acquired him, my mouth began to water. Surely, Boston's offense would feast in his first start for New York. I expected another 17-1 victory, like Tim Redding dished up Friday night.

Instead, Leiter delivered the goods.

Before joining New York, Leiter had a 3-7 record. I figured a 39-year-old, National League pitcher with an ERA of 6.64 would struggle against the World Series Champions. I wasn't alone either. The Times Union's Brian Ettkin had similar thoughts. He called the move "desperate." The New York Daily News said even the Yankees' expectations weren't high. In the article, Brian Cashman simply called Leiter a "Band-Aid."

Let's face it no one knew what Leiter would do. No one predicted this type of start. Newsday says Leiter is at end of tunnel. Apparently he's seeing the light.

It would appear, at least for one important game, that the Yankees found the right guy. The New York Times confirms that assertion. How long can he keep this up? It's anyone's guess.

Leiter did throw strikes - something he hasn't done all year. As a result he was able to rack up eight Ks - a season high.

If he can keep his control and trust his defense, Boston should be worried. But one game doesn't make a season or save an dying career. Al Leiter has walked more people than strikeouts (63-60). Add 91 hits and his WHIP is still a whopping 1.78. That's after counting Sunday's three-hit, three-walk performance. So, it's likely his outing was a fluke.

I believe the story line would be different had Boston had time to prepare. (The trade went down Saturday).

One thing is for certain - in order to win the division Manny Ramirez has to start hitting lefties. His numbers suggest he should be able to turn it around. (.357 lifetime against southpaws). But so far this year, he's batting a putrid .197.

Winning the division will be very important this year. Chicago's White Sox may be running away in the Central, but Minnesota is a force to be reckoned with. They are in a virtual tie with the Yankees for the wild-card spot. And Oakland and Texas are also in the hunt only two games back. If by chance the Yankees were to overcome their pitching woes and take the Eastern League title, Boston would contend with those three powerful teams for a playoff slot. Along with Baltimore who is hardly out of the Eastern race themselves.

MSNBC's Mike Celizic's says the Red Sox have to counter the Yankees move. he says, "As bad as the Yankee pitching has been, Boston’s is worse — third worst in the American League." Right you are Mike.

But I'm still not too worried.

The next four weeks will be interesting. The Yankees are about to embark on tough road trip against Texas and the Angels. They are home versus Minnesota and the Angels the following week. In fact, for the next seven series the Yankees face only one sub-.500 team (Toronto).

During that same stretch, the Red Sox face Tampa Bay twice and Kansas City once.

The Red Sox understand where they are and where they need to be. Perhaps the sight of Hanley Ramirez playing second is a sign. And according to the Portland Press Herald's Kevin Thomas there were a number of scouts at the Sea Dog game sneaking a peak at pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

Some sort of transaction is inevitable.

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