Was there a problem with Jon Lester Monday night, or is he just bummed out?

Lester struggled in his latest start in Pawtucket, giving up 8 earned runs, 9 hits and 4 walks over 4 1/3 innings. Surely, he was not happy being passed over for a spot in the Boston rotation. But Monday was a sign that Lester is just not ready to jump in.

As much as I liked Gabbard's start against Atlanta last month, I hope he can go more than five innings this time.

For those keeping watch, Julio Lugo is now 0 for his last 29 at-bats, and is batting .191.

Mark Buehrle is tempting. But if the deal must involve Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury. No. No. And that means NO.

Sea Dogs shortstop Jed Lowrie is batting .405 in his last eight games. For the season, he's at .305 with a .416 on-base percentage. He's moving along nicely but don't expect the Red Sox to rush him because of Lugo.

Mike Timlin has a 6.48 ERA and is showing few signs of life on the mound. Is this a case of the Red Sox hoping he catches fire at the end? Because if Timlin in on his game in the post-season, that is when he earns his salary.

In that Pawtucket game Monday, Brandon Moss hit his 13th home run.

And now this report from the jetstream in Lancaster, Calif. Outfielder Bubba Bell his is 19th and 20th home run for the Class A Jethawks, and is batting .359. Bell will be 25 in October. Why not move him to Portland now and see if he is legitimate or a product of the environment?

Also in Lancaster on Monday, pitcher Krist Johnson (first round draft pick last year) gave up only one earned run in 7 innings. He has allowed 5 earned runs in his last four starts which, out there, is amazing.

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