Matt is officially not allowed back in the country. When we were in Europe, the Sox were in the midst of their crazy streak with a 14.5 game lead on the Yankees. Now he’s in China, and the Sox bust out against old friend Contreras while Tampa lights up Mussina.

It’s hard to pick a favorite moment in this one. There’s JD trying to pull a Bellhorn only the umps don’t reverse the call this time, or Julio “En Fuego” Lugo hitting a grand slam, but for my money, the best was when Ozzie decided it would be a good idea to put on the shift for Eric Hinske. Um, Ozzie, you do realize he’s hitting .194? OK, .200 after that game, thanks for helping him to the Mendoza line! The problem with the shift is that you leave a gaping hole on the left side. A guy like Papi usually won’t take advantage of the situation and lay down a bunt because he’s a big power threat, and he wants the extra base hit. But this is Eric Hinske, the guy can’t buy a hit! Of course he’s going to try to lay down a bunt. Even after he bunted one foul, Ozzie didn’t realize his mistake, and the next one’s fair into left field. A hit by En fuego and a bases clearing triple by Coco later, and suddenly the blown home run call doesn’t seem so bad. It’s just too bad Coco couldn’t have stretched it into an inside-the-park grannie.

In Yankee news, is Torre trying to kill Scott Proctor? He isn’t the league leader in appearances (he’s all of 2 behind), but it seems like every situation calls for Scott Proctor in Joe Torre’s mind.

Matt: 13-3 TB and I can’t believe that Scott Proctor hasn’t pitched.
Kim: You’re behind. He’s pitching now, 14-4.

I’m just waiting for his arm to fall off.

How did I know the Sox would pull out of this funk against the lowly Rangers? Because Ron Washington, in all his wisdom, decided not to put Red Sox killer Frank Catalanotto in the lineup last night. That combined with some freaking offense, and the Sox finally pull one out 7-3. Tomorrow is the first time the Sox will see the D-Rays this season. You know, cause we’re only halfway done with the season…

I apologize, it’s been way too long. In my defense, it’s also been two hectic weeks that I’d prefer not to relive. (If you need to know why, click here.) Of course, Julio Lugo and his o-for-everything isn’t helping. Getting swept by the Mariners? Losing two of three to the Rangers? This is not helping boys.

But we’re one week away from the All-star break, which is the official beginning of summer (summer solstice be damned), and it’s great to see the Sox tie for the most players on the roster with the Tiggers. Papi, Manny, Beckett (despite his collapse yesterday), Paps and Doubles will all be representing the Sox in SF. If I had an extra $900 to blow on a standing room only ticket, you can bet your ass I’d be up in SF for the game. If we’re lucky, and follow the old Chicago adage “vote early and vote often,” Okajima may be able to join the boys for a night out in the Castro. Or, maybe not.

I promise, with a 10.5 game lead in the division, I’ll be back on the blogging circuit soon.