In Clay we trust?

Well, even Wakefield can’t get a decision every time, right? Maybe Clay Buchholz can.

Tonight the Sox had better hope he can, or else the losers of four straight will become losers of five straight. Rosters couldn’t expand fast enough, and now that they have the young phenom will get his second start of the season.

Clay Buchholz got a win in his first start, and another tonight would go a long way toward cementing his legacy with Sox fans.

Last time out Buchholz was dominant when he could locate his pitches. If he can find the corners of the plate today, he may return to more of the form that made him the minor league’s most strikeout efficient pitcher this year.

The Orioles found a way to rock Mike Timlin last night, all after Wake had struggled with control. All that really means is that Timlin will be out of action tonight, a concern since his worst outings this year have come after he’s been out of action for extended periods of time.

Combined with the lack of use of the team’s prime relievers in the Bronx, it’s fair to assume that tonight the Sox will have all bullpen hands on deck, or all Pirates of the Caribbean pitching in, as the case may be. Naturally, that includes Julian Tavarez, who has been terrific in long relief and spot starts since losing his slot in the rotation.

Boston caught a break last night with the implosion of Phil Hughes. Who knows if they can catch another one tonight, with Tampa Bay anything but a reliable thorn in the Yankees’ side.

Hear that Clay? How ’bout a nice 9K day. The Sox’ll take that one, that’s for sure.

– Cameron Smith