Tons of Runs?

Jason Johnson faces J.P. Howell in today’s game, which figures to be a slugfest: Howell’s opponents have a.370 OBP and a .448 SLG for his career. He's given up 9 hits in 3 2/3 innings so far this season.

Johnson had a 5.96 ERA with the Indians, and while the Sox thought that groundball pitcher like him would improve in front of their stellar infield defense, he’s actually been worse with for Boston, allowing 12 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings for a 7.90 mark. If guys are hammering your pitches, the fact that they’re on the ground doesn’t help much.

With Mike Lowell still hurt, I wonder if it’s time to see Dustin Pedroia playing for the big league club. Pedroia, who has played 28 games at second base and 69 at shortstop this season, took ground balls at third prior to last night's game and appeared to be making a smooth transition. When asked how he felt on the corner, he said he felt comfortable.

"I've played that side of the infield my whole life," he said. "It's just another 10 feet."

He’s hitting .305 / .386 / .432 for the Pawsox.