Red Sox in Three: Major, Minor, and Cape League Perspectives

• Another day, another disheartening Boston Red Sox loss. But then, what do you expect when the club scores only six runs, leaves 26 runners on base, and bats only .208 with runners in scoring position in three games at a place once called the Homer Dome? Sure, the pitching has been thin lately, but if the bats had shown even the slightest signs of life, the club’s showing in Minnesota would have been dramatically different – or at the very least, we’d now feel a whole lot better about it!

• Meanwhile, life is good down the interstate in Pawtucket, RI, where the BoSox’s AAA affiliate continues to put on an excellent show for its fans and supporters. This observer had the opportunity to spend a glorious Sunday afternoon on the berm beyond left field, and the view of both the diamond and the PawSox bullpen was unparalleled. The kids played in the grass, we ate hot dogs and peanuts, and it was as close to the informal Cape League experience as I’ve ever had at a professional game.

• Speaking of the Cape League: the nation’s premier college summer circuit opened its 122nd season yesterday with games in Brewster and Wareham. (The three other scheduled contests were postponed due to wet conditions and will be made up on Tuesday.) Besides the usual high caliber of play, attractions this year include new fields in Brewster and Bourne, and the annual All Star game on July 29 – which will be hosted by (you guessed it!) the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. Y’all come!