Opportunity lost

With both the Yankees and Rays losing on Tuesday, the Red Sox had a golden opportunity to gain some ground in the division race, but a 10th-inning hiccup in Oakland resulted in a frustrating loss

Ramon Ramirez couldn't have picked a worse time to balk, sending to game-winning runner to second base.

From there, it was time to see what Triple-A call-up Michael Bowden had to offer in a big spot. As it turned out, not much, and the Athletics walked off with a 5-4 win.

Now, it's time for Clay Buchholz to make his return to the rotation, after spending the month of July on the disabled list. Josh Beckett will also return from the DL on Friday night in Seattle.

Is that enough to make this Red Sox team contenders once again?

Once Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez get back (don't worry, I realize Jacoby Ellsbury is still on the DL as well), the Sox will be a force in the American League East. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't inquire about a few power-hitting outfielders that may be available at the trade deadline.

Reports on Wednesday have the Philadelphia Phillies (who are seven games out of first in the National League East) trying to trade for Houston's Roy Oswalt. Those same reports have the Phillies needing a third team to get in the mix, with that third team taking upcoming free agent Jayson Werth off their hands.

Over the luxury tax threshold or not, the Red Sox should at least make a phone call. Even if their biggest need is a left-handed reliever.

Listen to Wednesday's show as I talked about that, and the NHL's recent attempt to reject the 17-year, $102 million deal that New Jersey signed Ilya Kovalchuk to. Like it or not, the Devils did nothing wrong.

Click here to listen to Wednesday's show in its entirety. Also, be sure to subscribe to I'm Just Sayin' on iTunes.

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