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By KEVIN KELLY
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 11, 2001
Tonight, 7:15,Wednesday, 7:15, Thursday, 7:15
THE PAST WEEK: Heading into Monday's game, the Red Sox were 1-6 against the Yankees and Indians to fall 13 games behind New York in the East and 13 games behind Oakland in the wild-card race.
SCOUTING REPORT: Manager Joe Kerrigan held a team meeting Monday to try to keep his team from giving up on what was a promising season only a few months ago. The Red Sox had lost 13 of 14 to free-fall from playoff contention to near elimination. Injuries are a major factor, particularly the losses of ace Pedro Martinez (shoulder) and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (wrist). Kerrigan also benched first baseman Brian Daubach, second baseman Jose Offerman, outfielder Carl Everett and catcher Scott Hatteberg on Sunday. Nearly every aspect of the Red Sox has declined since the All-Star break. At .251, the team is hitting 24 percentage points lower and the staff's ERA has jumped from 3.57 to 4.04.
SEASON SERIES: Boston's series against the Rays couldn't come at a better time. The Red Sox are 6-0 at the Trop and have won 11 of 13 overall against Tampa Bay in 2001.
TAMPA BAY-BOSTON CONNECTION: Reliever Rolando Arrojo, the Rays' first All-Star, has done it all this season: middle relief, closing and starting when needed.
WHO'S HOT: Ugueth Urbina has a 1.90 ERA, 26 strikeouts and seven saves in his past 19 innings. WHO'S NOT: Everett was hitting .170 (9-for-53) with two doubles, one homer and 17 strikeouts before Monday.