The Second Cup: Are you kidding me?

There’s no way anyone can actually say that they predicted the Sox would lose this series with Kansas City. That being said, they lost it. So, how did Boston drop two of three to the pereniall AL Central doormats … AT HOME? Here’s how the papers saw it:

Julian Tavarez may have plenty of time to contemplate what might have been … while sitting in the bullpen and watching Jon Lester in his starting spot.

BOSTON GLOBE

Slide step - Like others, Gordon Edes leads by comparing Boston’s .500 ball to the surging Yankees. But unlike some stories, Edes’ gamer seems to focus on the team’s struggles - and Yankee comparisons - throughout the piece.

Lugo not likely in leading role - Edes starts the notebook with Tito’s assurances that Julio Lugo won’t return to the leadoff role … yet. But he also hits on the Astros’ reluctance to trade closer Brad Lidge, as well as Jon Lester’s latest Pawtucket start and the sudden surge of Mike Timlin.

Getting it right in left? - Globe intern Daniel Malloy’s latest installment is a piece on the struggles of left fielder Manny Ramirez, who seems to make as many errors as saved runs by playing so shallow in left. The topic is clearly simmering in the minds of Sox fans, and Malloy’s piece is a nice check on that pulse.

Tavarez is still at a loss - Malloy also covers being Julian Tavarez, which last night meant being a pitcher who blows a lead … and can’t last five innings.

BOSTON HERALD

Red Sox losing grip - The title of Jeff Horrigan’s game story clearly underscores the concern of so many Sox fans, and maybe secretly the Sox themselves. Suddenly the Yankees have made this a true AL East race, but Horrigan focuses mostly on the dismal downspin of Tavarez, and how he may have pitched his last Red Sox start.

Bullpen maintains usual strength - According to Michael Silverman, amidst the Sox struggles, the Boston bullpen remains one of baseball’s best, with the sudden surge of Mike Timlin and Manny Delcarmen combining with Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon to form an almost unequalled group.

Sox dealing with reality - Tony Massaroti reminds fans that if they Sox made a deadline deal, they may have to give up a lot to get it done, a cost which - given the strength of the Boston farm system - may make it a crippling move a year or more down the road.

Tito takes offense - Horrigan’s notebook focuses on Terry Francona’s vigorous defense of his team’s sputtering offense which, while hitting for better average, is now struggling to knock in base runners.

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

Tavarez, Red Sox falter again - Joe MacDonald spells Steven Krasner to write the ProJo gamer, focusing - take a wild guess - on the struggles of everyone’s favorite full-time pitcher/part-time bowler.

The only thing they’re hitting is the skids - Sean McAdam writes of the Sox’s sudden struggles, drawing the parallels to the 2006 team’s stumbles and highlighting their lack of offensive production.

Even Wally’s flag waving is drooping a bit, isn’t it?

Lefties getting it right against Ortiz - What, you thought just because Krasner didn’t write the game piece, he wasn’t at the Fens? Instead, the ProJo beat man writes the notebook, focusing on Big Papi’s struggles with southpaw relievers sent in to shut him down specifically. He also has an eclectic mix of other notes: Manny’s fielding struggles, the Royals as free swingers and some frustration for Dustin Pedroia.

Don’t expect Dye to switch Sox - McAdam and MacDonald combine on another potential trade piece, claiming that a source is saying Jermaine Dye wouldn’t accept a trade to Boston, because he wouldn’t be in the everyday strarting lineup. So much for the Wily Mo Pena and a pupu platter trade to land the slugger.

HARTFORD COURANT

Royal visit no treat - Jeff Golberg’s gamer goes where others have boldly treaded: with struggling Sox and booming Yankees.

Just not coming through - Golberg’s notebook focuses on the team’s inability to hit with runners in scoring a position, a problem that is truly becoming conspicuous.

– Cameron Smith