Wow! Did the Sox look good or what in their four-game set with the Detroit Tigers? I mean, they outscored the cats 25-14 and were a Julio Lugo error away from taking out the brooms and sweeping the kitty litter under the tarp.

So yeah, our nice overpaid backup, I mean starting shortstop Julio Lugo stinks like a college student’s shower towel. This is the same guy that’s taking playing time away from Jed Lowrie, the same guy that has 10 errors as of May 9 and the same chap that needs to be demoted to Pawtucket’s equipment room.

Does anyone reading this agree that the signings of outfielder J.D. Drew and Lugo were two of the worst free-agent acquisitions that you can remember on this team? I know we win, I know that the front office knows how to construct a team through the draft, but they have no clue how to sign guys. I mean, Matt Clement anyone? We still could have starting pitcher Derek Lowe for that money. Oh, just so you know, over his three full seasons with the Dodgers, Lowe has recorded a combined 3.70 ERA in 639 1/3 innings of work.

Thoughts from the week when we learned that a five minute standing ovation can apparently erase 21 years of shame and embarrassment.

Strangest Threesome of the Week: David McCarty, Curtis Leskanic and Brian Daubach.

Honestly, what the hell was that all about? You’re celebrating Boston as the city of champions. You have a collection of ex-Bruins led by Bobby Orr, a group of Celtics led by Bill Russell and John Havlicek, and a group of Patriots led by Tedy Bruschi. And then, representing the 2004 Red Sox - the team whose title probably meant more to Boston than all the other combined - and you trot out Curtis Leskanic, David McCarty and Brian Daubach.

I’m guessing they didn’t make these arrangements anytime around April Fool’s Day, because if I’m Leskanic there is no way I’m buying this phone call:

“Curtis, baby. It’s the Red Sox. So listen, Opening Day, we’re having this big get together. We’ve got conformations from Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Danny Ainge, Bobby Orr and Tedy Bruschi, and, OK, we know this is a stretch, but we were kind of hoping you’d come represent the 2004 Red Sox. It only feels right. And if it sweetens the pot at all, you won’t be alone. We’re in negotiations right now to have David McCarty and Brian Daubach on board as well.”

Julio Lugo had a memorable afternoon in Toronto today, committing three errors, going 0-4 at the plate, and popping up to end the game with runners on first and third — when a three-run home run would have tied it. Afterwards, we asked Lugo (via telepathy) how today’s game ranked on his all-time list of piss-poor outtings.

Lugo — "I shouldn’t have even bothered to wake up today."

Us — "One could argue that you didn’t."

So, the Red Sox’ 175,000-mile road trip will soon be over, and Boston can slink back to Beantown to face the Detroit Tigers, who’ve been playing Julio Lugo-like ball all season. So, something has to give, right?

In Lugo’s defense, he didn’t exactly let us down on Sunday. I mean, no one expected him to hit a three-run home run. This is Julio Lugo, after all – the only regular from last year’s championship team who built up NO goodwill with fans. Given that, you’d think the guy would work a little harder to do the little things right. Say, setting his feet on routine grounders and not flipping the ball across the diamond like he’s Omar Vizquel in an Old-Timers’ Game?

Talk about deep? Here are my top-20 outfielders for 2008. The beginning of the 162-game quest is just days away. I can’t wait!

Home Cooking

Jacoby Ellsbury (OF) Boston Red Sox

All signs indicate that Ellsbury will be the man once the Japan fiasco commences. In 2007, he posted a .902 OPS in 116 at-bats, which I feel could be a bit deceiving. However, he has 40-steal potential and should be a lock for 100-plus runs scored in Boston’s dangerous lineup. Ellsbury’s bread and butter is his speed. Although he probably won’t register the vaunted batting averages of an Ichiro, he quite possibly could be the poor man’s version of the Japanese import. Ellsbury should still be available in the 12th round.

J.D. Drew (OF) Boston Red Sox

Last season proved that big money doesn’t buy happiness. Drew’s first season in Boston was atrocious. He hit .270 with 11 dingers, 64 RBIs, 84 runs scored and four stolen bases in 466 at-bats. Plus, he only played in 140 games due to various injuries, go figure. His .796 OPS in 2007 was 94 points lower than his career mark of .890. However, his postseason grand slam against the Cleveland Indians bought him some time, but if he doesn’t perform in 2008, the carnivorous fans in this town will begin to nibble on a daily basis. Drew will likely go undrafted in many leagues, he’s waiver wire material.