Red Sox: Trouble In Paradise?

Notes from a day in baseball:

• McAfee Hell. Oakland ... not a dream vacation spot for the Red Sox, apparently. Here are some numbers, according to the Boston Globe: Coco Crisp is 0-for-7 in Oakland, 4 for his past 29 overall. Julio Lugo is 1-for-10, 3 for his past 22. Dustin Pedroia is 1-for-10. Mike Lowell is 1-for-9. And Terry Francona didn't even get to stay around and watch the entire game on Wednesday, as he was ejected in the eighth for arguing balls and strikes, the Athletics going on to take a 3-2 win. Boston has lost four straight — three of those to the A's — six of seven and have now lost seven straight at McAfee Coliseum. Joe Kennedy through seven strong innings, and Bobby Crosby drove in two runs after a ground ball deflected off first base for a double (Doh!). Athletics Nation is all over this, of course.

• Hell's Bells. All hail The Hoff ... Trevor Hoffman increased his own record to become the first to reach 500 saves, San Diego beating the Dodgers 5-2. Fun note: David Wells lifted Hoffman to his shoulders after the final out for a victory ride. Hoffman, 39, gave up Nomar Garciaparra's leadoff double in the ninth, then retired the side for his 18th save in 20 chances this season.

• Gary Stops Talking, Starts Hitting. Gary Sheffield had two homers and five RBI and Justin Verlander pitched seven strong inning sto go to 6-2, as the Tigers stomped Texas 10-0.

• Fun With Headlines. From Dave Barry's Blog: "He's been in the league for years now, yet somehow, this never gets old." We agree.