The Sox are in the midst of interleague play and like most of the American League, they are taking advantage of the situation.

Face it, the American League is better than its counterpart.

One could blame the designated hitting factor, but that does not explain why teams like the Red Sox have done well in National League parks.

It is completely lopsided.

This may also explain why pitchers, like Bronson Arroyo and Derek Lowe have found new success after leaving the A.L.

People always ask me what do I think about the Arroyo trade now. Arroyo would not have these types of numbers if he had stayed in Boston. He is motivated by the trade. He wants to prove to the world, especially Red Sox Nation, that the trade was a mistake. Second, the N.L. Central is no match for the A.L. East. The Red Sox face two of the toughest offenses in baseball 19 times a year - Toronto and New York. Yes, the Reds have Houston and St. Louis to contend with, but as we have witnessed the last two years, those teams can be beaten. Third, Arroyo has the benefit of facing pitchers; aside from him, pitchers can't hit.

So all in all, I think the trade is still a good one. Granted the injury to Wily Mo Pena hurts, but that could not have been predicted. Yes, the Sox could have used another arm, with the losses of David Wells (could have been predicted) and Matt Clement (who hasn't been the same since getting hit on his noggin.)

Though they lost Coco Crisp for a period, Pena and a few pitchers, they remain in first place.

Tonight, my boy Jon Lester gets the call. I drafted him two weeks ago in my fantasy league, but opted not to start him - Bummer! He was impressive in his last start, I suspect he'll do well tonight.

Watching last night's game I almost fell asleep. The loud bats however kept me awake. After the Sox scored their sixth run, I knew the game was theirs.

The team has a new look to its pitching staff. Craig Hansen is up, Javier Lopez added, Jon Lester we've written about and Kyle Snyder has been added also.

There are two different camps when it comes to Snyder. Some that say if K.C. doesn't want him who will? Others suggest that K.C. assessment of talent over the years is so bad that they can't see a good thing when it's staring them square in the face.

I'm not sure where I stand. Snyder did well versus a lackluster Nationals team. His 12-6 curve was impressive. This is the right time to bring him up. He'll gain some confidence after his last outing. He should face Philly (which will be tough) on Sunday. Then his schedule seems a bit lighter - Florida and then Tampa Bay. I don't see him going much beyond that. Clement should be back eventually.

Then again perhaps we won't need Clement nor Snyder in a few weeks. Eventually the Braves are going to realize that they are done. I've got the fork right here.

And now that John Smoltz is willing to step up and do everything he can for Atlanta including a willingness to leave. That's commendable.

With that kind of talk though, teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Detroit and Dodgers have got to be mildly interested. Smoltz was even so bold as to dangle a carrot in front of Detroit - you know it's his home town, where he was originally drafted, etc.

I'm sure Atlanta is especially pleased to hear its clubhouse leader has essentially given up on the season. For that reason alone, I say forget him. I'd much rather have his teammate Tim Hudson.

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