White Sox 4, Red Sox 1

The Red Sox went 6-1 in the Midwest, with Gavin Floyd spoiling a perfect 7-0 trip yesterday afternoon in Chicago. He took a no-hitter into the 7th inning. And even after that was broken up and the Red Sox chased him from the game, Chicago's bullpen was able to get the last 7 outs for him.

Beckett settled down after a 3 run 1st inning. In his remaining 5.2 innings, he only allowed 3 hits and struck out 7. The outing was certainly good enough to win on a normal day. But not when facing Gavin Floyd.

Beckett threw 126 pitches. And that's a day after Lester threw 122 pitches in his 1-0 win. That speaks to how unreliable the Sox' bullpen has been. But I don't think this will be a common trend throughout the season. Both Beckett and Lester will be making their next starts on 5 days rest. So why not take advantage of that?

The Red Sox should try to avoid Gavin Floyd in the future. He's now 7-0 in his career against Boston. I'm glad he pitches in the AL Central.

With all due respect to Floyd, the Red Sox' offense has been exceptionally inconsistent this season. The Red Sox have played in 21 games, and in 17 of those they've scored either 3 runs or less, or 9+ runs.

Youkilis missed the game with tightness in his back. He was just starting to get a few hits lately, but I'm concerned there might be a physical problem that's keeping him from hitting with consistency. Hopefully it's a problem that can be solved without an extensive absence from the lineup. However long it takes though, you don't want to have to deal with lingering back problems all season long. If something is wrong with Youkilis, he needs to get healthy now so he can contribute down the stretch.

Sox return home just 1 game under .500. They host the A's tonight. Buchholz opposes 3-1 Tommy Milone, who's coming off an 8 inning 3 hit win against the White Sox.

-The Captain

Red Sox 10, White Sox 3

The 9 runs that Philip Humber gave up last night were the most ever allowed by a pitcher in the start after pitching a perfect game. Credit the Elias Sports Bureau for unearthing that factoid.

How sweet would life be if the Sox could play in the AL Central? And why not also send the Tigers to the East in that trade. That'd be perfect.

Another double digit output of runs last night. Youkilis hit a Grand Slam and went 3 for 4. His numbers are steadily increasing as this road trip progresses. Aviles is hitting. Gonzalez, Ortiz, and Ross are knocking guys in. Everything is clicking on offense right now. Even when the manager fills out a lineup card incorrectly.

Which means all you need from Felix Doubront is 6 innings and 3 earned runs. And an old-fashioned 3 inning save from Tazawa.

This team is going to win and lose with its bats. And for the last 4 nights, they've been winning.

Daniel Bard is back to his starting role tonight. He faces John Danks. Danks is 2-2 with a 5.11 ERA. And someone tell Bobby V that Danks is a lefty.

-The Captain

Red Sox @ White Sox Preview

It's the battle of the Sox. Haha, sorry that just sounds funny. Anyways, it is an interesting game tonight, because the White Sox have Phil Humber on the mound and the past time he took the mound he threw a perfect game.

Not to be a dick about his perfect game, because it's amazing no matter what, but he did it against Seattle. If you do that against the A's, Seattle, or the Twins I'm impressed but not amazed. Yea, I'm a dick, but it's the truth, those teams can't hit for shit.

Now to credit Humber he has actually been pretty good over the last two seasons going 9-9 last year with a 3.75 ERA. I still don't really understand why he is good, he kind of came out of nowhere, but he it's been a pretty good sample size and he has been good.

Going against Humber will be Felix Doubront, who has yet to record a win or a loss this year, but has been very good with a 3.94 ERA and last time out gave up a run, four hits and struck out seven over six innings against the Yankees before all hell broke loose.

I like Doubront a lot, but he could be pitching for his job tonight. Cook needs to get brought up and it's between Bard and Doubront, so I think these next two days could mean a lot for those guys.

I like the Red Sox chances tonight. I always feel better when they face a righty, so I say the Red Sox win again tonight.

Red Sox win 6-5
Player of the Game: Gonzalez
Game starts at 8:10pm

White Sox Looking To Trade Jake Peavy?

"Jake Peavy's strong start for the Chicago White Sox has put him back on some teams' radars as a midseason acquisition, reports Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Peavy is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA in three starts, striking out 21 in 19 2/3 innings (ESPN)."

I wouldn't touch this guy unless the White Sox ate almost all of his $17 million contrat. He has been a nice story to start the year, and actually pretty impressive, but I just don't see him staying healthy. When I see Peavy I see a guy whose next pitch might be his last. I am sure the White Sox would love to get some prospects for him, but I would be shocked if they can pull it off.