Not the best way to start the second half. The Sox seemed to let there guard down.

And Mark Loretta's error, a rarity this year, allowed two runs to score. What was he looking at? It's not like he would be throwing to home in that situation.

Jon Lester pitched well enough for the win. His walk totals remain high (five last night and 25 in 37 innings on the season). The walks once again stopped him from getting past the sixth inning. In fact, last night he was only able to go five. I still like him. But when your WHIP is up near the 1.60 marker there's signs of trouble. With just a little more experience and confidence he'll be a star.

The pitching situation in Boston is a bit unclear as injuries mount. The Boston Globe has the status of some pretty important pieces to the second half puzzle.

The Red Sox however need more help in the rotation. It's time now to look for available starters. Forget how they are going to fit in, just bring them. The more the merrier. The experiments with Jason Johnson and Kyle Snyder didn't work. Cut 'em move one.

And though I do not know much about Craig Breslow, I can tell you that the left-hander is not suited for the rotation. Why? As I've said before, there is no need to have too many lefties on this Boston team. He would be much better served out of the pen in situational matchups though Javier Lopez has been quite capable in that role.

So who now is available to help. Evan Brunell at All-Baseball.com suggests going after Jake Westbrook.

This to me, is a brilliant idea. Westbrook is relatively cheap money and a huge upgrade over say Jason Johnson. I've like Westbrook for quite some time. After a tough start to the season, seven of his last 10 have been stellar. He's not getting much run support however, a problem fixed when comeing to Boston.

There could be some competition for Westbrook's services. So far I have found that the Diamondbacks may be interested.

Westbrook is frustrated as is the rest of Cleveland's team. The GM will be looking to shake things up. I expect Andy Marte to make an appearance soon.

Westbrook could be just one of many to find a new home. I'm not sure that moving Westbrook is exactly the best move for Cleveland but he would certainly help the Sox.

The White Sox are looking to upgrade their starting rotation. Wow! They are going after Giant's starter Jason Schmidt. If he is available, the Sox should make this a bidding war. Schmidt is quite good.

I would also approach the Atlanta Braves for Tim Hudson. He's a quality starter. His experience in the A.L. may prove beneficial come playoff time.

And talks should continue with Florida for D-Train. Though at this point acquiring Dontrelle Willis looks to be a longshot

A look at ESPN's Rumor Mill and other sources and it would appear that the Sox are laying low. But when it is this quiet something is in the works, you can be sure of it. Especially after two fairly significant deals in the National League.

Readers: What should te Sox do to improve the club?

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