Here's a pitch for more strong-arm tactics

This is neither 2003 nor 2004, when the Red Sox scored 961 and 949 runs, respectively. The 2007 Sox are an OK offensive team, nothing more. They've had some tepid nights at the plate already, and you should prepare yourself for at least a half-dozen more shutouts or 3/4-hit nights, and not always against a primo starter, either.

Pitching has placed the 2007 Sox at the top of the AL East, and pitching is what will keep them there. But pitchers are fragile creatures (see Bombers, Bronx) and two of Terry Francona's starters were alive and kicking when the 1967 Sox revived baseball hereabouts. Stuff happens (See Bombers, Bronx). You're always a tweak or angry oblique muscle away from a Kyle Snyder start or two (not that this would be the worst thing in the world).

If Roger Clemens is available, get him. If someone holds a fire sale for a quality pitcher after the All-Star break, get him. Give Tito so many quality pitchers he'll have to hold a lottery to see who gets a playoff start, or even gets a spot on the postseason roster.

More teams that couldn't hit have won with great pitching than vice versa.

End of story.

2. T-E-A-M, YEA, TEAM!

There isn't a soul among us who had a clue that as the Red Sox jumped to a 17-9 record that an indispensable player would be Hideki Okajima. Nor is there a soul among us who would have predicted Alex Cora would have made so many direct contributions to victories during those 26 games.

So?

So it's always nice to be reminded that what will always separate sport from entertainment is this wonderful element of the unknown. We do not know how the games will turn out and we do not know who will determine the outcome.