G38: Athletics 6, Red Sox 4

LOB: 13.

The Red Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth inning and did not score (Bellhorn struck out, Damon struck out and Renteria flew out).

The Red Sox had the bases loaded with one out in the seventh and did not score (Varitek struck out and Youkilis grounded out).

The Red Sox had runners at first and second with one out in the eighth and did not score (Renteria struck out and Ortiz grounded to first).

The Red Sox ended the game with runners stranded at second and third.

Boston puts a lot of guys on base -- they lead all of MLB in Runs Created Per 27 Outs with 5.84 (and led everyone in 2004 by a huge margin) -- and because of that they will end up leaving a lot of guys on base, but knowing that doesn't make it any less frustrating. ... P.S. Oakland is 30th (dead last) in RC27 with 3.55.

Bronson Arroyo had one bad inning in seven. A single, double and hit batter loaded the bases and Mark Kotsay's triple to right brought all three runners in. Kotsay then scored on a ground out. Arroyo allowed four of his six hits in that frame. Mike Myers began the eighth by allowing two singles. Both of those runners eventually scored.

Edgar Renteria must be moved down in the order. It is unacceptable for a major league team's #2 hitter to have an on-base percentage of .296. And he's slugging .338. Slugging! He had one of the quietest ten-game hitting streaks recently (April 30 to May 14). (Right in the middle of it was the game he got hit on the hand trying to bunt; doesn't that count as a game played?) Renteria has been "better" in May (.280/.321/.300) -- though 13 of his 14 hits have been singles.

Bill Mueller (.378 OBP) isn't keen on batting high in the order and Trot Nixon (.450 OBP) was moved down because of his leg problems, but something has to be done. Mark Bellhorn isn't getting hits (.233), but his OBP is .333. How about Varitek at #2? Kevin Youkilis started at first base last night. I'd say put him at #2 -- with his small-sample size OBP of .515 -- but it's unlikely that he's taking over for Kevin Millar. Too bad.

Clement / Zito at 10:00.