I look at this morning's standings and notice that the Red Sox still hold a four-game lead. Phew!

Losing two to Detroit and another to L.A., it's obviously been a tough week.

The Tigers never should have been in position to steal a series away from Boston. But, I knew that the Angels were going to be a challenge for my dear ol' Sox. The two teams match up well against each other - both offensively and defensively.

The Angels have speed, power and hit for average. In fact they led the American League, hitting an even .300, before last night's game.

But I as I looked at recent history, I gave the edge to the Sox. I was wrong. The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy tells how Boston never really faced the Angels last year.

Between the first and sixth innings I was sure that Bartolo Colon was the odds-on favorite to win the 2005 Cy Young Award. Anyone who could shut out Boston would get my vote. Then he tired and the Sox were able to put up three runs off him. And just like that Colon was thrown back into the mix.

After those three runs, I was hopeful for one of those Boston comebacks. The Red Sox are never out of it, or so I thought. Then a certain pitcher who will be named comes in and gives up five runs. Dashing my hopes.

Now I realize the game wasn't lost in the eighth inning, but a five-run deficit is a lot different than a 10-run deficit.

Why Mike Remlinger? What value does he bring the World Champion club? I'm unimpressed. He's appeared in five games and has a 21.21 ERA. He has given up 12 hits in that time and allowed 14 runs, 11 of them earned.

It was worth a try I suppose, but the experiment should now be over.

ESPN's Sean McAdam says the Sox are still searching for relief. The site also points out the fact that the Red Sox are last in bullpen ERA. That's right, last, even behind the Tampa Bay and Kansas City.

If the Sox need to further experiment, try one of the young prospects. How about Lenny Dinardo? He seemed to do well in this role.

The story suggests that Jonathan Papelbon will move to the pen after Wade Miller returns. This will indeed be a much-needed boost. I've been forunate enough to see Papelbon pitch and he has the stuff of big leaguers. The article goes on to say that Craig Hansen isn't that far off.

The same sentiment is echoed by the Portland Press Herald's Kevin Thomas. His column today describes the young phenom. The Boston Herald says that GM Theo Epstein may even activate Hansen before the Sept. 1 deadline to make him eligible for post season play. Though, I haven't seen him pitch, he must me THAT good.

Keith Foulke may be back in a couple of weeks which I hope helps. But I fear that the root of his problems was not his knee.

One of my other fears has been averted, for now. Tim Wakefield, who took a hit off the shin, shouldn't miss anytime. The Red Sox official site says his X-rays came back negative. That is very good news. The Sox can ill afford to lose Wake. He has been one of the best starters this year and has been the most durable of all. I can't remember the last time Wake missed a start due to injury.

There's still time for the Sox to increase the gap and they have the schedule to do it. But it is not going to come easy. Boston needs a little luck and lots of pitching. The future however is looking bright.

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