Normally when Josh Beckett gives the Boston Red Sox 7 innings allowing just 2 runs there’s a pretty good chance they are going to win. Unfortunately though, the once reliable Hideki Okajima has gone south for winter a little bit early.

Yesterday’s game marked the second straight time Beckett has gone out and done his job as the ace of the Red Sox staff. It was also the second straight game where he didn’t get a win after deserving one. The win also spoiled Beckett’s homecoming to Houston.

Is it time for a phantom DL’ing of Okajima in similar fashion to Mike Timlin? Do they need to let him go down to Pawtucket on a rehab assignment to work on his splitter which is about as flat as a piece of plywood right now? One things for certain, we probably won’t be seeing Okajima be used in any tight ballgames right now.

While Okajima has declined comment after games, pitching coach John Farrell talked about Okajima’s woes right now.

“Earlier in the year he had some wrist issues that had a physical effect and I think subconsciously it affected how aggressive he was in finishing the pitch,” Farrell said. “There are not physical ailments right now, yet it’s a pitch he’s not had consistent execution that we saw a year ago. More than anything it’s the confidence level he has in throwing the pitch.”

If he really does have wrist issues, why not put him on the disabled list and let him back to normal. Lord knows we can use a healthy Okajima and one that is dominating like last season. With Okajima struggling right now, the Red Sox may need to be active players in the trade market and make a deal before the July 31st deadline.

Brian Moehler was efficient on the mound for the Astros yesterday.

Security will be beefed up even more down in St. Petersburg this week as the Red Sox received a threat against two players in the mail.

David Ortiz has been swinging off the tee with about 70% strength and could go out on a rehab assignment around the All-Star break.

Richard Justice thinks the Astros should keep on fighting.

With all the hoopla around the upcoming series against the Rays, the Red Sox players are focused on winning ballgames, as they should be.

“Our expectation is to win games,” said second baseman Dustin Pedroia. “We’re not thinking about settling scores. We’re going in there to win games.”

“Honestly, I’m not thinking about (what happened earlier this month),” said Jason Varitek. “I’m hoping that’s behind both teams.”

With the Rays sitting in first place right now, these games are huge for the Red Sox, especially given the fact that a 4-game series with the Yankees lies ahead after the 3-game set with the Rays.

Anna-Megan Raley of the Houston Chronicle talked to fans after the game on what they thought of the win on Sunday for the Astros. Classic response by the Red Sox fan interviewed at the beginning.

As the weather has gotten warmer, Jacoby Ellsbury has cooled off at the plate for the Red Sox.

For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant and Providence Journal websites.

And if you’d like to see what the enemy paper is saying, head over to the Houston Chronicle website.