April Becomes May

After a dominant April, the Sox stumbled as they entered May. Papelbon blew a save against Oakland, and both he and Donnelly gave up earned runs for the first time this season, in the same game. It seemed for a moment to be a bad sign. And everyone began to wonder – was this another great April, whose memory would fade as the season wore on? Was this another year in which the Sox would tease all the nation, and then leave everyone disappointed?

Since that first day of May, the Sox have gone 7-1, all the more remarkable, because the last six games were on the road. Two out of three in Minnesota, and a sweep in Toronto. Wakefield hasn’t given up an earned run in his last two starts, and his ERA is now below 1.8. The bullpen has steadied itself too, Papelbon having returned to form, and the supporting cast having pitched well on this road trip. But the big story remains Okajima. So he gave up his first inherited run of the year, but he has yet to surrender another earned run. Nothing since the season’s opening pitch. His ERA is approaching .5, and soon won’t be perceptible without, say, an electron microscope.

The other day I called yawkeywaystore.com, looking for some Okajima gear, and was amazed to learn that, as yet, there is none. I guess no one was expecting this, not even the marketing guys. They have gobs of Dice-K stuff, shirts and hats and probably mousepads too, and even some JD Drew shirts. But no Okajima. I asked the gal on the phone what was up with that? I know, I know, she said. Everyone is asking for it; it will be here soon.

On this road trip though, it wasn’t just the bullpen. The starters returned to form, and the bats have come alive. Ortiz, Manny and especially Lowell are all looking good right now. And guys are getting on base ahead of them. Even Pedroia homered the other night.

Meantime, the Sox are coming home, to host the Orioles, Tigers and Braves. Let’s hope that the run continues, and that everyone stays healthy. Go Sox.