What the heck, Eck?

Did I hear Dennis Eckersley correctly tonight. Youk gets hit by a pitch and after the replay Eck reads his lips for the viewers. I half expected a big hook to come out and relieve us of our new color analyst. It will be interesting to see if NESN does anything.

BTW -- Lugo's inability to ATTEMPT to complete the back end of a double play in the fourth led to three runs. Unbelievable! All he needed to do was sidestep the bag and make a throw. Instead he stands flat footed and tosses a lazy ball to first that the runner barely beats. What was he thinking? Arrgghhhhh.

Nick Green, really?

Are you kidding me? I find it hard to believe that the Red Sox do not have a better option at shortstop than Nick Green. Green is a journeyman utility infielder. Shortstop is the position that he struggles with the most. How can the franchise not have a major league ready defensive shortstop in the minor league system? To me, that throw today sealed his fate.

Julio Lugo is not the answer either. Defensively, he is also a liability. The recent leg injury has taken his most desirable asset -- his speed and quickness.

The timetable for Jed Lowrie's return is still questionable. Can the Sox wait this out?

Here's a thought. Toronto comes to town on Tuesday. They have one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball that is currently buried behind the middle infield of Marco Scutaro and Aaron Hill. John MacDonald will make plays. Exactly what the Sox need. I understand Toronto will be reluctant to trade within the division especially if it helps the team that it is being chased by.

I was a big fan of Alex Gonzalez. The offense can suffer with a solid defensive shortstop. I know this much; Green and Lugo are not the answer, Lowrie is a question mark and we need help.

BayWatch

The good news is Jason Bay's production this year has come at the most opportune time for the Sox. With Ortiz struggling and Youkilis out, Bay has carried the Sox. However, this production will come at a price.

Bay's contract is up at the end of this year. Each timely three run homer adds to his asking price. I am pleading to Theo and his bosses to sign this guy ASAP. Bay seems to be the consummate teammate and professional athlete; unassuming, hard working, selfless and willing to play every day. After our former left fielder's drama filled departure last year and suspension announcement this week, I have an even greater appreciation for our current left fielder.

The longer we wait to sign this guy the more it may cost. Give Bay his contract now. He has proven to be a great fit in Boston.

#34 after 25 games

David Ortiz: Stats after 25 games = .208 batting average (20 hits in 96 at bats), 7 doubles, 1 triple, 10 runs scored, 12 runs batted in and 0 home runs.

This is the longest home run drought in Papi's career. The cause for these struggles can be any number of different factors; old age, wrist, no Manny, trying too hard. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that Big Papi is not the hitter he once was. Take a look at his strikeout to walk ratio. This year he has walked 12 times and strikeout nearly twice as many (23). In past years with the Sox Ortiz has managed this ratio far better.

2008 -- 70 BB/ 74K

2007 -- 111/103

2006 -- 119/117

2005 -- 102/124

2004 -- 75/133

2003 -- 58/83

These numbers make it clear that he is not comfortable in the batter's box. A big part of this is the fact that Ortiz is not catching up to fastballs. The inability to hit a pitcher's fastball causes a player to try and gear up for that pitch. When the pitcher throws something off speed, Ortiz is so out in front and off balance he has no chance in driving the baseball.

Terry Francona recently stated that the Sox line up is set. With the way Youkilis and Bay are swinging the bat a change makes sense. Francona is known as a loyal manager to his veteran players. At this pace, sooner or later a change will have to come.