BOSTON -- The day's hockey work is over (update: It was until the Sabres called up Cody McCormick tonight), so why not sneak over to Fenway Park for some baseball? Can't resist. But while the Bruins are starting to create quite a buzz around town, the Red Sox are doing nothing but causing angst.
The Olde Towne Team entered tonight's game against Texas just 4-9, its worst start since opening the 1996 season 2-11. Boston is coming off a four-game sweep at the hands of the Rays and has dropped six straight in the Fens, its worst run since a 12-game slide in 1994.
It gets worse. Mike Cameron (hernia) and Jacoby Ellsbury (chest contusion) both went on the disabled list before tonight's game. Cameron could be looking at surgery.
Dustin Pedroia said Monday night that the Red Sox simply haven't shown up for some games this year. GM Theo Epstein mostly agreed with that assessment when he met the media today.
"We have to own it, take responsibility for it and recognize that It has to change," Epstein said. "It's a very disappointing stretch of play. But it's also an opportunity to confront it and show some leadership."
Some numbers on the Sox heading into tonight:
---They haven't led for 48 straight innings
---They're 0 for their last 32 in RISP situations dating to April 14
---They're ninth in the AL in batting average (.249), 11th in runs (50 in 13 games) and 12th in team ERA (4.58).
---No shortage to the slumpees list: JD Drew is just 6 for 41 (.146) with one home run, David Ortiz is 6 for 38 (.158) with no home runs. Victor Martinez is batting .212 with one home run and Kevin Youkilis is at 2.17.
---Struggling arms too: Jon Lester is 0-2, 8.44, John Lackey is 1-1, 5.63, Tim Wakefield enters tonight's start 0-1, 5.11.
It's only April but the Sox are already six games behind the first-place Rays and 5 1/2 behind the Yankees. Heard lots of griping and hand-wringing on the subway coming over here. With good reason.
---Mike Harrington
tagged
Major leagues | Red Sox
