Love the glove work, Alexei... but where's the bat?

I’ll admit this thread title is a little harsh. The Sox aren’t really “slumping,” they’re 4-6 in their last ten, but their lack of a winning streak is troubling to me. I know, I know, it’s only been a month. But the longest Sox streak this season stands at three wins. The inability for the offense to get hot for more than a couple games is a problem. Combine that with a

starting rotation that not only has a glaring hole in Jose Contreras but has been inconsistent in the other four spots, and you’re going to have trouble winning games.

I’m not too worried yet. There’s plenty of time left and nobody in the AL Central is pulling away from the pack, but I’d like things to start clicking. I’d like Alexei Ramirez to start hitting, I’d like Gavin Floyd and John Danks to string a couple good starts together, and I’d like the back end of the rotation to get sorted out. I admit there’s plenty of time to do it, but the sooner it’s fixed is for the better.

Tonight the Sox face early Cy Young favorite Zack Greinke and the Central-leading Royals. Also, the Sox are sending 5th starter Bartolo Colon against Greinke, which isn’t the best matchup. The Royals are playing pretty far above their heads this season, but they’re obviously an improved team. Sweeping a short series against them would be a good step in reminding them where they belong in the standings. The offense has to show up big tonight to give Colon a shot. Luckily I’ll be at work tonight (with a big stack of homework waiting for me upon my return) so I should be able to avoid what I fully expect to be a baseball bloodbath. Prove me wrong, pale horse.