Doug Mirabelli made the most of his start Monday. He sent the ball deep to tie the game in the seventh inning and Manny closed the deal in the eighth.

Having Mirabelli back on this team, may be the smartest things the Sox have done all year. While his presence behind the plate didn't help Wakefield last night, he has been a valuable asset. The move may even rival the acquisition of Orlando Cabrera in 2004. The simple fact that he bare-hands the bat brings me pleasure. It helps when you only have one start a week.

Kansas City's Luke Hudson was impressive, until the seventh. He had held the team scoreless. Then the Sox figured him out. The Kansas City Star calls it just another failure. The loss put the Royals 30 games back in their division.

This series vs. the Royals should put the Sox in better position though the Yankees aren't going way easily.

From reading a couple of responses to Monday's entry, one would guess that Sox fans aren't too concerned about the team's current situation.

Yes, the schedule appears to be in Boston's favor. However, Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Cleveland have given the Red Sox fits all year. Add a couple of series with Detroit, Chicago and the AL West, which the Sox have only played .500 against, and red flags go up.

If you add Tim Wakefield to the DL, that would make 3/5 of your regular season starters are gone. Still fans aren't worried?

I'm concerned. The Sox need help. Fans and the ownership can't keep walking around with blinders. Where is the help going to come from?

The trading deadline is only a fortnight away. Everyone in the league except for maybe Detroit needs pitching. Even the White Sox, who have dominated of late, are looking for an upgrade in the rotation. Bringing in a hot arm is going to prove most difficult for the Red Sox.

But a look at ESPN.com's Rumor Central has Boston interested in acquiring Julio Lugo, Tampa Bay's shortstop. This is curious. Alex Gonzalez has easily surpassed expectations and continues to shine his Gold Glove in that spot. Why the Sox would consider Lugo is beyond me.

It could be that the Sox are biding their time in wait for the injuries to settle. This would be an monumental error in judgement.

David Wells is close to a return. However he is no savior. The memory of one playoff game is tainting reality. Wells may indeed be improving, but does he have enough to go the distance. I think not. Those knees can no longer hold the weight, never mind his shoulders.

Matt Clement is not the pitcher he once was. He hasn't had his head in the game, since, well, his head was in the game. He too can not be relied on to get us a division title which is what is needed this year.

We already know that Kyle Snyder is not the answer, nor is Jason Johnson.

Please end the silence.

Two more things

1: It sure looked like Will Farrell wanted to be anywhere rather than in the booth with Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo last night. Or was it just me?

2: That damn ball. Enough already. Why Mientkiewicz can't let go if it is beyond me. He is a great defender and it shows both on and off the field.

But he's acting as though it's a pen he took from the office suppy closet. Believe me, I have a couple of those pens and they aren't going to any Hall.

Monday he called out Larry Lucchino.

Let's face it. Mientkiewicz is no longer a member of the club. The ball could fetch a pretty penny if it ever ended up on e-bay. For that reason alone it should either be in the Hall or part of the organization's memorabilia heap. Especially after all the unnecessary controversy.

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