All-Star Mike

Yeah! Mike Lowell got picked for the American League All-Star team! He's a reserve, but I'm so glad that the other players recognize what a key ingredient he has become. It will be his fourth AS appearance - he went three times for the Marlins - but his first in the AL and his first for the RS.

Also on the team are David Ortiz - a starter at 1st - Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon. It's a shame that Youkilis didn't get chosen, but that's how hit goes.

Hoping that the Red Sox bats come to life tonight. They've lost two in a row to the Rangers - both my one run and both outings full of lost opportunities. Ortiz is really struggling at the plate - I think he's got some kind of lingering hamstring problem which is preventing him from getting the power from his lower body. We played less than .500 ball in June, yet remain 10 1/2 games ahead of the nearest competition in the AL East. Although it's nice to have a comfortable lead, I hope we don't fall victim to complacency as the season draws closer to the end.