For now, we seem to be able to scotch tape a line-up togeher around Scrappy-Doo, J.D., Being, and Youk. Opting for the DL really costs us little in terms of offense at the moment, would get Moss some exposure to major league pitching in order to (hopefully) raise any trade value in the future, and would also let the weather warm up some – which would be helpful if Papi has lingering soreness.

Besides which, Beckett’s playoff last year have made me a believer in the potential autumn benefits of a DL stint – if your team can afford it. Of course, Beckett has always been a playoff stud, and the benefits probably are greater for pitchers, but still…

And yes, Papi needs to get his head straight. The at-bats I’ve seen look like he’s forcing, and I agree with the ESPN “experts” that his stance is wierdly upright.

In the 21st inning! Still going.

Next opponent for SD = Arizona.

Those teams must be rubbing their hands together.

Still favoured by God.

I think Ortiz is going to have to tell that to Tito however. I can’t imagine Francona approaching him about it.

We’ve got a series against LAAoA coming up. Doesn’t Ortiz own the Halos?

seriously, everyone needs to chill a little bit with Papi. He has had 60 something at bats. Thats all. Hitting like most things in sports is perfected through repetition. Papi needs as many at bats as possible to work his way out of the slump.

Everyone slumps. Papi was on a tear for like 5 + years, a slump was bound to happen.

We are winning, the Sox have several people on fire right now, we can afford to carry Papi for a month.

No worries, no need to do something that will make the slump worse.

I think that Lugo now is a bigger issue than Papi. Lugo is not hitting for shit, and is making errors. I know it may sound bad, but I think we should let Jed Lowrie play a little in SS. I mean, it worked last season with Pedroia, it could work again.

We should give him a game or two, and see how he does. Or am I wrong?

Why don’t you stop panicking?

Ortiz doesn’t need mental rest. He needs his knee to get stronger. When it does, he’ll be fine.

A couple hits the other night, a grand slam tonight…I think the sox might want to hold off on the DL for Ortiz.

Lowrie got 2 hits and a RBI. When Lugo has this kind of production, I’m sure it’s a miracle and it’ll rain in the following day. :)

Lowrie hit a sacrifice fly in a situation where Lugo ALWAYS hits ground balls usually for double plays. It drives me nuts, either that or he strikes out in critical situations most times.

Tonight goes to show that without Lugo, the Sox are a much better team. Why is this OBVIOUS discovery taking so long to be found out by management?? Does Lugo own stock in the company or what??

Lowrie acts like he’s a 3rd or 4th year professional hitter. Man, I might have to eat my words about Santana this off season. I am starting to really like this kid.

And Allen was ready to put Papi out to pasture…

Even if Papi didn’t have 5 rbi and 2 hits last night. I would put him in Richie Sexson of 2007 category if he is still has .112 BA by late May. Papi is a leader of the team along with Varitek. If you bench Papi, it is going to cause some bad vibes on the team, unless the Sox are playing below .500 ball..

I think Lugo’s errors are more disturbing at this moment than Ortiz’s slump. Manny is carrying the team at this moment with his bat, but Lugo’s errors can screw up not only the innings, but the starting pitching, especially their pitching count, and the use of the bullpen. Lugo’s hitting would be forgiven as long as he fields well, but if his fielding isn’t going well, the Sox should seriously think of trading him, and eat most of his contract, put Lowrie at SS or kicked themselves for letting Hanley Ramirez go.. (yea yea no Beckett, no Lowell,)

I think the Sox have had more SS in the past four years than Spinal Tap has had drummers.. (Nomah, Orlando, Edgar, Alex, Julio)

makes me look like an idiot by hitting, I’m okay with that…

=)