By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor

It is their worst start since 1996, their second worst in 25 seasons. It is the first time the Sox have been swept by the Rays in a four game series. It is the first time the Sox have lost 6 straight at Fenway in 16 years. They let Tampa steal 10 bases in four games, and the Rangers steal nine in five innings (the most since 19-f’ing-13). With the Celtics and Bruins actually doing awesome in playoffs, it’s like the Red Sox took to their old ways.

But, I think it’s time to start looking at the glass half-full, not empty. And hey, we may have sucked tonight against the Rangers, but at least we did pull out a win, after losing six straight at Fenway.

So among a string of disappointments, who’s actually doing well?

Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek: Only four Red Sox are batting about .300. Two of those, are none other than bench newbies, Lowell (.333) and Varitek (.385), both of which have been close to being traded before this season. Granted, they’ve only played in 3 and 4 games, but in that time, Tek managed to hit 3 homers. Only Dustin Pedroia (.346) has hit more this season so far.

Clay Buchholz: The Red Sox have three aces and supposedly the best starting rotation in the MLB. But who’s looking good? The Sox #5 man, Clay Buchholz with a 1.80 ERA. This is compared to Beckett (3.86), Lester (8.44), Lackey (5.63), and Wakefield (6.38). He’s allowed 10 hits, 7 runs, but only 2 ER, and 8 SO’s. Let’s hope the number 5 will motivate 1-4 to pick it up. We’ll see if he stays consistent tomorrow.

Hideki Okajima: Of our entire bullpen, Okajima is actually performing the best, with a 1.93 ERA. In seven games he’s allowed 5 hits, 2 runs, and only 1 ER.

Josh Reddick and Darnell McDonald: Just called up from the minors today, Reddick must have had some fire to prove himself. And, the way the rest of the Sox have been playing, he didn’t have to do much to make an impression. Reddick hit 2 RBI today against the Rangers, driving in two runs. Then, Darnell McDonald (who?) was sent in for Ellsbury (now on the DL) and hit a two-run homer, to tie the game up 6-6 in the bottom of the eighth. THEN, he hit in the winning run. FRANCONA, This guy better stay in the line-up from now on.

Think this list is kind of short? Well it is. The reality is that the Red Sox aren’t doing much good at all, but they pulled out a win today, and it is still early. I feel the turning point around the corner.

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