Still trying to adjust my eyes from the fog in Norwich. Man, that was a strange night.

Now, onto the second half. The Sea Dogs need to improve, but it should be easy for the Red Sox, right? Well ...

The Red Sox should win the American League East (New England's traditional angst aside). So, the questions about this club concern how far they will go.

Who will be the No. 3 starter (after Beckett and Dice-K, and in front of Wakefield). The hope is obviously Schilling. It sounds like the Red Sox are being ultra-cautious with him - unless (gulp) there is a bigger problem there.

The guess here is that Schilling will be ready. While they are waiting for Schilling, it would be nice to give Jon Lester a look, unless Kason Gabbard really shows something this month. Here's a wildcard: Clay Buchholz.

Who is the right-handed set-up reliever? Maybe it really will be Mike Timlin at the end. Terry Francona is obvious comfortable with him, and if Timlin shows any signs of re-gaining his form, he will get the call.

But it is good to see Manny Delcarmen getting key innings (funny, it seemed that once the Red Sox showed more confidence in him, Delcarmen turned into a confident pitcher).

Who among J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo and Wily Mo Pena will turn it around? My bets are on Drew and Lugo. Drew is just too good of a natural hitter to slump all year. In the clutch, I'd take Ortiz (duh), Youkilis or Lowell, but Drew should come around.

Lugo may not become an offensive force (and not at lead-off), but if he gets the average up to .260 or so, it means he is getting on base, and his speed will matter.

Pena needs consistent playing time to have a chance at improving, and he is not going to get it in Boston. I'm guessing a trade. It is easy to find another outfielder for ther stretch run and playoffs. Guy named Ellsbury comes to mind.

Both the Red Sox and Sea Dogs are home tonight. Portland is still in a playoff hunt. They lost Buchholz to Triple-A, but received Justin Masterson. If the bullpen gets it going, so go the Sea Dogs.

E-mail this entry to a friend