There's no dependable lefty setup man. Garciaparra's wrist, first and foremost. The combustible Everett, or at least how his personality mixes with others', the manager's included. Nearly every pitcher between Martinez and closer Derek Lowe. Little has happened other than Nixon and Troy O'Leary hitting consistently and Ramirez not exactly showing Gold Glove defense.
Answers are few, but productive players are many.
Garciaparra, Ramirez and Everett produce at their accustomed levels. At least two of the starters behind Martinez consistently provide six or seven innings a start. Manager Jimy Williams deftly manipulates his roster and general manager Dan Duquette obliges by dealing some of the surplus and improves the pitching. Williams' job won't last long in that sort of hell. The overall talent is as good as any in baseball.