Seven things that have me worried about the Red Sox, as last night's loss to the Tigers puts them three back in both the AL East and the wild card races:

1. They have lost seven in a row against teams not named after birds.

2. Sox starters have gone at least seven innings just four times in the last 21 games. Three were by Schilling and one by David Wells.

3. Josh Beckett's ERA is 7.00 in August.

4. Jason Johnson is still the #5 starter. When is Wake getting back?

5. The younger pitchers seem a bit lost without 'Tek behind the plate. I'd love to see some splits for Beckett, Lester, Papelbon, Delcarmen and Hansen with and without Varitek.

6. The offense has been pretty anemic lately, except against the Orioles.

7. The teams second best starter is a 43 year-old fat guy who is one bad step from screwing up his knees again.