The Second Cup: Bullpen relief

If there was ever an alka seltzer appearance, it came last night in Anaheim, didn’t it? Has there been a bigger stretch of back-to-back-to-back-to-back relief innings against any team but the Yankees this year than there was in Anaheim last night? I don’ think there has. After reading through the best of this morning’s offerings, it looks like other writers didn’t think there has been, either.

Jon Boy struggled again last night, but he remains tantalizing because of his occasional spot-on control.

BOSTON HERALD

Protective Cabrera knows number is up - He’s among the most beloved former Red Sox stars, even though he lived in Boston less than five months. Still, Orlando Cabrera is anything but bashful when talking of how much he loved playing in Beantown, and how it wasn’t his idea to move on. For instance, he was more than happy to let new Herald writer Rob Bradford in on the curse he’s put on the team. Time to move Brandon Moss back down, huh?

More not good for Lester - Tony Massaroti weighs in on the ever-increasing pitch totals and earlier exits for Sox youngster Jon Boy Lester.

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

Drew still a mystery to Sox - ProJo columnist Sean McAdam picks a good night to lay out the dilemma that is the constant up-and-down battle that is J.D. Drew, as the sudden center fielder - he played in dead away for the first time in four years - had an impressive night at the plate, and in the field, after more and more days of struggles.

BOSTON GLOBE

Loose change for Sox - Gordon Edes’ game story starts with the growing sense of panic around New England, then settles into a nice set of Terry Francona quips. Classic.

The road is paved with hot issues - Only Dan Shaughnessy could go on the road for a series between two division leaders and come away with so little original. Who this man shot (well, Babe Ruth, over and over again) to get a column, it’s just unbelievable. I mean look right there! It makes us so mad we write grammatically incorrect sentences! Aarrgghh!

– Cameron Smith