Is the Yanks-Sox rivalry dead?

Well, it isn't exactly the headline-maker it was just a couple seasons ago. The Sawx are now 2-5 against the Yanks after last night's 11-9 loss, and Josh Beckett goes tonight -- the same former ace who has allowed 14 earned runs in 10 innings against the Yankees this season.

What's wrong with these guys?

Well, their pitching has been atrocious -- Beckett (1-1, 7.46) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-1, 7.89) have enormous ERAs and haven't even been close to the pitchers they've been in the past.

Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save in 10 chances last night, but even he isn't the same pitcher he's been -- 3.32 ERA and only 14 Ks in 19 innings, along with nine walks. He had a costly walk last night too.

David Ortiz has had a mammoth May to get his average to .235, and the hitters can still rake -- Kevin Youkilis (30 BB, .996 OPS) is the anchor of a very potent lineup.

Their current 10-game stretch could be a huge factor as to whether this Sox team is any factor at all this season: After tonight there are two games at home with the AL Central-leading Twins, then three at the NL East-leading Phillies followed by three at the AL-East leading Rays.

The Sox are 2-9 against their two chief rivals in the AL East. That's the clearest sign that this team -- now 19-20, the same record as the panic-stricken Mets -- is not ready to live up to its end of the rivalry.