Hank Steinbrenner was his usual direct self when describing the Yankees' 11-3 loss to Boston Wednesday night, according to a Newsday blog.

Lost in the rout was the performance of reliever Manny Delcarmen, who came through when the game was still close (1 IP, 2 K). On Tuesday, Delcarmen allowed a hit and 2 walks in 1/3 of an inning, before Justin Masterson bailed him out. On Sunday, Delcarmen was lights out (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) to get a save.

Just Manny being (inconsistent) Manny. He has an ERA of 4.18. With Mike Timlin showing few signs of turning it around, Declarmen's role is huge.

The Red Sox did not just give chump change to the Braves for Mark Kotsay, Luis Sumoza, 20, was showing power in Lowell with 11 homers in 51 games (.301 average). Sumoza was signed as a 16-year-old for $200,000.

With the Yankees fading (though not out), the AL playoff picture is narrowing. The top five teams: Rays (80-51), Angels (80-52), Red Sox (77-55), White Sox (76-57) and Twins (75-58) ... The battle is not only for a berth (which the Angels already got), but for the best record and home field advantage.

Now for a quick look at the minors:

Catcher Dusty Brown (.288) and outfielder Jeff Corsaletti (.234) both went 2-for-5 for Pawtucket.

Dustin Richardson (6.59) had one of his best outings in a while for Portland (6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K).

Reliever Josh Papelbon has been in Lancaster all year (4.17 ERA in 37 appearances). He pitched 2 perfect innings Wednesday (2 K).

The kids in Greenville did okay, with shortstop Oscar Tejeda (.262) and third baseman Michael Almanzar (.197) both going 2-for-5. Almanzar, 17, hit his first home run at the A level.

Shortstop Casey Kelly made his first start in Lowell (2-for-4, 2 doubles) ... Outfielder Mitch Dening (.307) went 2-for-5 ... Pitcher Kyle Weiland (1.13), the third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, continues to dominate with 5 no-hit innings (1 BB, 8 K).

Reminder that the Red Sox play the Yankees at 1 p.m. today (Jon Lester) and the Sea Dogs start at 6 p.m. because of the post-game fireworks show.

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