25 (9*)

A lackluster performance deserves a lackluster column. Sox lose again, as do the Twins. They're still tied for first with identical records, but they've fallen another game behind the Red Sox in the Wild Card race -- four games back.

Joe Crede tweaked his back while making a play in the field and he's experiencing stiffness. So Crede's out. Look for Juan Uribe, who filled in admirably for Crede during the latter's time on the DL, to take over third. Josh Fields is back with the Sox now that the rosters have expanded, so he's a possibility, but Ozzie doesn't like his defense. We'd guess Crede will not be with the Sox in 2009. Jerry Reinsdorf is not going to want to pay what Boras will demand to sign him, let alone pay that for a guy who's health is suspect. Someone out there will take a chance on Crede's getting better. Of course, if he goes, he'll recover and be an All-Star; if by some miracle he stays, he'll be on the D.L.

Sorry this seems so gloomy, but this is supposed to be the soft part of the schedule, and the Good Guys are not taking advantage of it. We need to clinch before the series with Minnesota. No one wants to have to win up there. So snap out of it and fast. Go Sox!

*nine days until our grandson's due date.