Baltimore and less: Sox sweep but lose Coco

Everything seemed to be clicking for the Red Sox over the weekend with great pitching performances and just enough hitting to squeak out a 3 game sweep of the normally pesky Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. When things are going well, however, is normally when bad stuff happens and it did on Saturday when Coco Crisp was injured (WEEI whiner: "Since when does Coco Crisp go Snap, Crackle, Pop?") while trying to steal 3rd. The speedy centerfielder will now be on the bench for 5-6 weeks as he heals from a break in a knuckle on his non throwing hand.

On the plus side the Sox announced Monday that they have extended the contract of "Big Papi" David Ortiz thru 2010 at about 12.5 a year that includes a club option in 2011.

All in all though the Sox have had a wonderful start to the season at 5-1 in their first 6 games, all on the road, including the sweep in Baltimore.

"Bal-ti-more?"

Tim Wakefield pitched better in his 2nd outing, but the O's helped out stranding over a dozen baserunners in Sunday's 4-1 Red Sox win. Matt Clement was staked to a 7 run lead in the 1st inning of Friday night's game so he was able to cruise, allowing 4 runs. Saturday Curt Schilling had a 2nd start, possibly en route to an AL Comeback Player of the Year award...

Schilling only allowed only one run on 3 hits in 7 innings. The Sox new closer Jonathan Papelbon recorded saves number 2 and 3, Saturday and Sunday, although Sunday's performance included a double and a hit batter. Both games, however, ended with former Sox loud mouth Kevin Millar making the last out. On Saturday Millar looked silly striking out, while on Sunday a home run would have tied the game, but instead Kevin delivered a Cowboy Pop-Up to end the game. In all Kevin played like he drank the whole bottle of Jack, going 0-for-the series. Millar also struggled at 1st base, allowing a ball to get by him Sunday that produced a run.

The only thing more obvious than Millar's misfortunes was the absence of Anna Benson:

"Sorry boys I was too tired, maybe next series..."