Things to Ponder After an Off Day

With a much needed off day yesterday following an arduous series in the heat of Texas, I have a renewed confidence in this team. While I do think that they are going to coast into September on fumes, when the rosters expand this team will be MUCH better off. I've got a few things to ponder regarding the sox and the rest of the league.

• Whether the Sox make the playoffs or not, you can expect some sort of youth overhaul at the end of the season, someone that MAY be intriguing for Boston is Chone Figgins. He fits the mold: plays 3B, OF, Steals bases and is a patient hitter.
  
• I wouldn't rule out the Sox re-opening the talks with Toronto for Halladay, Seattle for Felix, and/or San Diego for Gonzalez.
  
• I am pretty confident that Lowell will not be back next year.
  
• Albert Pujols is leading in 2 of the 3 legs of the triple crown (HR's and RBI's) but is 30 or so points away from the batting title lead. If anyone can do it The Machine can. Bring it home Winnie, make Stan The Man proud.
  
• Jason Bay's value is plummeting and he should have signed the contract that he was offered at the ASB. Look for the Sox to push HARD for Holliday if he'll sign with someone other than the Cards.
  
• I am CONVINCED that the Giants are getting into the playoffs and they are going to wreak havoc all over the NL Post Season.
  
• Although the Sox just got swept by the Yankees I still feel like there is NO advantage to either team head-head.
  
• Josh Beckett will win the Cy Young.
  
• The Braves are going to sneak up on the Mets' and create quite a race down the stretch.
  
• The Marlins are one more LEGIT pitcher away from being a World Series winner.
  
• Jake Peavy is going to get the White Sox in the playoffs.
  

That's what I got for today folks, but let's sees what Tito does with the lineup tonight. Does Ortiz, who seemed to have found his pseudo-stroke again sit twice against the lefties in this series. When will Mike Lowell get the playing time he deserves. Someone hitting a shade under .300 should get the nod over a jelly armed catcher skating by at .223.

Stay Tuned

Ryan