The Weekend Series Preview

The Sox enter their three-game weekend series in Texas, back 5.5 of the Yankees; up 1.5 on the Rangers in the wildcard. This is a big set - don't take it likely. The Sox should fare well in the home run haven of Arlington, especially with Mike Lowell and Jason Bay showing some considerable improvement in their last couple games. If the pair are truly healthy, as their last couple games hint at, expect some big offensive showings. The re-emergence of Lowell is especially encouraging and his two-homer outburst on Tuesday must have made Youk's non-appeal an easy decision. Now, on to the matchups. Starters: Boston has the advantage in Game One's slotting, as hot lefty Jon Lester takes on righty Kevin Millwood. While Millwood posts an excellent 3.38 ERA, his 4.58 FIP ERA suggests he is more league average than All-Star. Lester, on the other hand, should give Texas big problems. Game Two is a very interesting matchup. Veteran Brad Penny carries good peripheral n...