I've been a little remiss in my duties lately, but my theory still holds true. If I don't watch they don't win. So with the holiday and a family issue to contend with I missed the first three games of the Tampa Bay series. Obviously, last night I was able to sit and relax with the Sox for the first time this week. I was not disappointed.

David Ortiz continues to amaze me with his hitting. Even when I expect it, he goes over the top. Last night's grand slam ws no different. The victory helped the Sox avoid a sweep, which was extremely important especially when they face the Chicago White Sox tonight. That little boost of confidence will indeed assist them in taking down the 2005 champions.

Why I love reading home town newspapers: TBO.com writes From broom to bust. Who says that newpapers are unbiased.

I have got to hand it to Tampa Bay. They put on a good show. I was particularly impressed with the pitching that held the Sox to a .175 average before last night's romp.

Losing three in a row to the Devil Rays certainly stings, but Boston remains the leader in the East by three. I hope Tampa treats the Yankees with the same warm welcome, the Sox received.

I'm not sure how I feel about the Sox traveling to Chicago at this stage of the season. Though they trail the surprising Tigers by one game in the Central division, the White Sox are arguably still the best in the majors.

Chicagosports.com writes Boston is back, ready to battle the Chicago Sun is promoting this series as well with Sox vs. Sox: It's about rings, five things

True this is a battle of championship clubs. But lots has changed with the Boston nine and little has changed with the White Sox, though I'm sure they'd like to have Aaron Rowand back right about now.

Boston's Jon Lester has not lost a game and has a better ERA (3.08) than his counterpart, lefty Mark Buehrle (3.86). However his 1.56 WHIP is extremely high especially going up against such an offensive threat. Buehrle on the other hand has been able to keep his walks to a minimum. To me it will come down to the starters. Boston needs six strong innings from Lester as its pen has been depleted over the last few nights in Florida.

The series promises to be a tough, entertaining matchup. Which Sox will make it through the wash. Not too worry I'll be watching.

A side note: The Red Sox are preparing for the future. The organization penned two young international prospects, Moises or Oscar Tejeda and Engel Beltre. What I don't understand is why Tejeda has two names. One to take the cash the other to stow it away? I just don't know. Perhaps that's one is his middle name.

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