August 1 - Red Sox lose, Jason Johnson tipping pitches

    Through the first two innings yesterday, Jason Johnson was tipping his pitches.  Whenever he threw his curveball, he would be about one quarter second quicker to the plate coming out of the stretch.  The pitching coach came out and talked to him in the middle of the second or third (I can't remember which) and Johnson changed his delivery. 
    From that point on, the indian's hitters swung at missed a lot more, and were definitely fooled by his curve.  Even though the Red Sox eventually lost the game, Johnson's work past the second inning was a good sign.  If Johnson can began to throw a half-dozen quality innings per game, it will give the Red Sox another starter capable of winning, which the Sox seem to be lacking recently.
    Another good sign yesterday came from Coco Crisp, who went 2-4 with a stolen base.  Crisp is now hitting over .400 over his past 9 games.  If Crisp continues on his tear, Francona may want to push him to the top of the lineup and replace Youkilis with some speed.  Youkilis could then drop down to the number two spot, a great place for him with his on-base potential, and Loretta could move down in the order.