Hughes to miss next start due to whiplash

Phenom Phil's neck's a bit sore this evening after watching three balls quickly leave Comerica Park and his ERA balloon to 5.35.

The Yankees aren't so good against real competition, it seems, as they now fall 7.5 games behind Boston in the AL East.

Julian Tavarez, the fifth starter in the Sox rotation, meanwhile, gave up only 2 hits today, while their fourth starter, Tim Wakefield, is tied for the Major League lead with 16 victories this year.

And the worst member of the Boston bullpen at this point is Eric Gagne, who's capable of and due once again to be the lights-out closer that he has developed into over theh past few years.

Cost of missing the playoffs for the first time in recent history? $195 million.

Good pitching? Priceless.