After starting off the season poorly, then going on a tear, the Red Sox were 2 and 4 in their last six games. Even worse, it came against the Orioles and Mariners, two of the worst teams in baseball.

Great to see Carl Crawford hit the walk-off single yesterday. To say Crawford has struggled out of the gate is an understatement, but sometimes you need a hit like that to turn things around. Tonight is important for Carl to have a few good at-bats to keep the confidence level up.

While I was excited for Crawford, I also was bummed for Tim Wakefield not getting that win yesterday. Inserted back as a starter because of a Clay Buchholz stomach ailment, Wakefield pitched three hit ball and left the game up 2-0. Bullpen loses the lead. No decision for Wake. Shot of his head down in the dugout. We've seen this scenario thoughout his career.

I was all for getting Bobby Jenks from the White Sox. Dude has not pitched well in Boston so far. After allowing four earned runs in his last three outings, his ERA is 9.35 and he's taken two losses. Whether it's confidence or comfort, that's got to change.

Since the poor start, starting pitching has not been the problem. It's been the referenced bullpen and leaving runners in scoring position capped by an 0 for 11 with RISP performance against Seattle Saturday. More of the same happened in the previous Baltimore series and throughout the start of this young season. It's great the team is getting in the position to score, but tough not to see them cross the plate.

Great pitching matchups this week as the Red Sox host the Angels at Fenway Park...

Monday: Buchholz vs. Weaver

Tuesday: Lester vs. Haren

Wednesday: Beckett vs. Santana

Thursday: Matsuzaka vs. Pineiro

Also, my sure to listen to my Red Sox podcast weekly on www.wxlm.fm and follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nickgradioshow