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Up next: Rays at Red Sox

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 18, 2001

7:05 Tonight, 7:05 Wednesday, 7:05 Thursday

THE PAST WEEK: The Red Sox haven't played since Sept. 9. Before that, they went 1-6 against the Yankees and Indians to fall 13 games behind New York in the AL East and 13 games behind Oakland in the wild-card race.

SCOUTING REPORT: Boston has lost 13 of 14 to free-fall from playoff contention to near elimination. Their demise has as much to do with the Yankees as managerial changes or injuries. New York won all six games played with its East Division brethren since Aug. 31. Boston's 21-33 record in the second half is in large part due to its sagging offense, which has batted 25 points lower than it did before the All-Star break, and because the staff's ERA has risen from 3.57 to 4.06. Injuries are a factor, particularly the losses of ace Pedro Martinez (shoulder) and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (wrist). Manager Joe Kerrigan suspended outfielder Carl Everett for four games on Monday after he arrived late to practice the day before and argued with Kerrigan when told to leave.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Red Sox have won 11 of 13 against the Rays this season and lead the series 30-19.

CONNECTIONS: Rolando Arrojo, the Rays' first All-Star, has done it all for Boston this season: middle relief, closer and starter on occasion. ... Red Sox first baseman Calvin Pickering attended King High in Tampa, and Everett attended Hillsborough High. ... A former 25th-round draft pick by the Red Sox, Rays catcher John Flaherty played 48 games with Boston from 1992-1993. ... Rays pitcher Tanyon Sturtze is a native of nearby Worcester, Mass.

WHO'S HOT: Ugueth Urbina has a 1.90 ERA, 26 strikeouts and seven saves in his past 19 innings.

WHO'S NOT: First baseman Brian Daubach is hitting .158 (3-for-19) with two RBI since returning from the 15-day disabled list on Sept. 1. -- Compiled by Kevin Kelly.

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