Can You Pivot When You're Underground?

For what seems like the 19th time this season, the Sox had a chance to reassert themselves this week. The Olympics ended, leaving the Sox as the only game in town, and the memory of Johnny Pesky generated some warm feelings toward the team.

Then they lost three out of four, and much of the oxygen in the room was taken up not by those losses, which have become too routine, but by a goofy he said / he said / no he said controversy over a team meeting.

Aaron Cook went from half a no-hitter to a loss, and has now reportedly been placed on waivers.

Clay Buchholz pitched a great game Thursday, but last night was a home run derby.

In a normal year, this Yankees series, and the next one at Fenway, would be pivotal moments.

Give up? Never. There are still about 40 games left to play, and anything's possible.

But it's just not very likely.

Pictured: Andrew Bailey, who is back with the team.