How hot has Trot been since moving to the number 3 spot in place of the injured Everett? And who says he can't play center?

Anyone miss the fact that Mike Lansing hasn't been in the line-up much and Lou Merloni seems to be the starting short stop now?

I'll take the proverbial 'foot in mouth' for this one too, but any moans and groans about O'Leary lately?

Obviously I'm in a great mood after a win like that and there's pretty much no bad I can say about the team, not today anyway. But as always with RSN things can change quickly, but today I'm walking on air.

Trot Nixon (1-4 R 2RBI HR): As I mentioned above, since the injury to Carl Everett Jimy was basically forced the put someone in the #3 hole and hope for the best. Did he ever strike gold when he decided to go with Trot. In the last two weeks for Trot (12 games) look at these numbers, 14-49 .286 10R 13RBI and 4HR. The average may be kind of low but look at the run production, he's getting it done when it counts. Oh, and also during that time frame Trot has walked 12 times, not bad for even the best #3 hitters out there eh.

With all that said it's pretty obvious that Trot's two run blast in the 8th sparked the big comeback. Possibly the biggest comeback of the season to this point.

The hero of the night award definitely goes to Jose Offerman, but lets not forget the guys who set up his dramatics. As much as we'd all like to see Mike Lansing float onto the waiver wire never to be seen again you have to tip your cap to him for starting the ninth inning rally last night with the one out pich-hit single.

Chris Stynes (2-4 R RBI 2B): It was either JustOnceB4IDie or SFSoxer from the message board who said if Stynes can just get into the line-up regularly (translated: stay healthy), he's a gamer. How true it is. Not only did Stynes get a big double to set up the 9th inning dramatics last night, but look at his stats over the last couple of weeks during the Sox 'time of turmoil'. 10GMS 14-44 .318 8R 7RBI 5BB. What I like best about the production is that it's coming from all over the place in the order. One night Jimy has him at leadoff, the next at #7, but either way Stynes is doing the job.

Jose Offerman (1-3 2RBI): I'll take 1-3 every night if he keeps coming up with big hits like that the rest of the way. The Sox have stood tall in this tough ten game stretch leading into the ASB so far. This has been a big time gut check, and even though there's allot of baseball yet to be played, so far you can't really complain.

Derek Lowe (2IP 1H 0R 0ER 1BB 2K W): If Bernie Williams can get elected to the all-star game for one month of production (he was terrible in April and May) why can't Lowe get elected for 2 stellar months? Oh, wait, I forgot, our manager isn't making the picks.

Before I wrap this one up I need to mention a few other guys who didn't necessarily contribute much last night, but have certainly stepped it up huge since the injury plague started.

Scott Hatteberg: For a guy who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in limited action, he's certainly taken advantage of getting regular time with Tek on the shelf. In Hatty's last 13 games he's hitting .355 (16-45) 12R 4RBI 9BB. Could you ask for more out of a #2 hitter? As much as most of RSN complained the first time Jimy put him in the #2 slot, I don't want anyone else hitting there right now.

Brian Daubach: I think we should have a series against the Devil Rays every week. Dauber seems to own that team and when ever we face them he gets hot. Over his last 12 games he's hitting .382 (15-39) 7R 13RBI 3HR.

Troy O'Leary: This is a tribute to SRYD for keeping the faith with this guy. Not to say he won't tank again in another week, but Troy has been a big part of us staying a part of the AL East picture the last two weeks. I can say that I defended Troy to the end from when he started here all the way thru last season, but after his horrific start this year he finally broke my back.

Though I think SRYD's loyalty borders on the insane sometimes (read: Pete Schourek) he's been right with Troyo. In his last nine O'Learybagger is 9-30 (.300) 5R 8RBI HR 7BB. Can't really complain about that can you?

I'm assuming Jimy is keeping Arrojo in the rotation, especially after his sparkling performance last time out. So with Cone going yesterday, Arrojo's turn is back up. Which Rolando Arrojo will show up today? I have no idea, but if were going to keep this going he needs to be as good or better against the Braves tonight. I'll be out there somewhere in the bleachers in case anyone wants to try and find me.

paul@redsox2000.com