Draining night

Sorry for tonight's post. I'm distracted and under time pressure ...

With the struggles of the Red Sox, I was honestly looking more forward to the Pirates-Phillies game than the Red Sox-Yankees on ESPN tonight. I'm getting tired of waiting for the Sox to turn it on, and I was a little curious to see whether the surging third-place Pirates would make a statement against the reigning NL champs.

We had to run an errand and when we got home, the Sox, behind Daisuke Matsuzaka, were already down 5-0 to the Empire. WTF!!! Something is off this year. They're playing like they're dead. I know, I should remain patient and take life as it comes, especially when there are more important things to worry about, but I'm starting to lose it. David Ortiz hit a big solo home run in the 4th. J.D. Drew hit a three-run homer in the 5th, so maybe they're showing their old pluck. Never give in. In the 7th, Yankees 7, Red Sox 6.

In Philly, Chase Utley got the flu, spoiling the family reunion planned for the return of Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz to the lineup. To make room for J-Roll, Wilson Valdez was designated for assignment as if he were dead to the Phillies. I wonder if he started crying hysterically when he got the news. {Even though he's a former Met, Valdez did well defensively for the injured shortstops. I wouldn't mind having him around the minors in case of any other major infield injuries. But let's hope that doesn't happen.}

After giving up a leadoff home run, Kyle Kendrick settled down and the Phillies made a statement against a potential playoff opponent. Phillies 12, little doodles, err, Pirates 2.