After a hot start the Sox have been struggling a bit. Here are the records for each turn through the rotation:
1-4
5-0
4-1
4-1
4-1
3-2
2-3
3-2
The Sox are 5-5 in their last 10 games. They losttwo games in what would have been Contreras turn in the rotation. Both games were winnable but the bullpen let each one get out of hand (12-6 against the Angels and 10-7 against the D-Rays). Still, I can't help but think Contreras would be 7-0 if not for his stay On The DL.
More worrisome is that the Sox lost both of Vasquez' turns in the rotation. Against Minnesota, he was unable to hold a 4-0 lead which is inexcusable against the Twins line-up. Last night, he gave up 3 runs in the seventh inning and was unable to hold a 3-2 lead. The Sox should have scored more runs for him, but Vasquez needs to do a better job of avoiding the big innings.
If he is unable to avoid these meltdowns, Ozzie should take the Cheat's advice and keep Vazquez on a short leash.