So far, the 2nd round of inter-league play has been anything but friendly to the Sox. 6 games, 4 losses. I would say that’s not good.

It’s the same song for the Sox..pitching!! They get good pitching and they have a good chance to win, they don’t, and they don’t.

Let’s be positive, and start with the good. Jose Quintana might be pushing Phil Humber or Gavin Floyd to the pen, or somewhere else. In his past 5 starts, not including his ejection game against the Rays, Quintana has allowed 5 earned runs in his past 23 innings, for an 1.95 ERA. I wouldn’t think there is a snow balls chance in hell that he’ll leave the rotation once everything gets settled, but weirder things have happen.

Quintana didn’t have his best stuff on Monday, but he still kept the team in the game. Through 4 innings, he had allowed 7 hits, but benefitted by 2 double plays. I know, I know, who is this kid? He is so new that not even ESPN has a picture of the guy.

With John Danks still battling a sore shoulder, Quintana will get more starts, which right now is great for the Sox.

Jake Peavy is also continuing to pitch lights out. He lost his game on Wednesday, 1-0, but the Sox have to be ecstatic with what they are seeing from the guy. The only blemish against Peavy was a Carlos Beltran home run. If more players had the drive, and determination of Peavy, baseball would be an even better game than it already is.

Now to the bad. I am talking about Floyd. I chronicled his struggles a few days ago, so lets just say nothing’s changed. Floyd didn’t make it through 5 innings before allowing 8 hits and 5 earned runs, plus 5 walks. He also threw 83 pitches. Something’s physically wrong. I don’t know have an inside information, but it’s just what I think.

The Sox offense was tripped up, over the 3 days. Well, most were, just not Adam Dunn. Dunn hit his 21st and 22nd home runs of the year, and is now tied for the lead in that category. Great for him!

Other than that, there wasn’t anything to write home about. Konerko and Pierzynski each punched out 3 hits in game 1, while Alejandro De Aza got 2 in game 2.

Even with losses in the past 2 games, the Sox still have a game and a half lead over Cleveland in the tight A.L. Central. Sox best watch out, as the Tigers are now just 4 out.

Sos in LA to face the Dodgers over the weekend.