Baldwin's dugout exuberance and clubhouse looseness were a morale boost for the struggling Sox. Manager Jerry Manuel's contention that Ray Durham is the key to the offense was borne out when the leadoff man hit .450 in the club's first six victories, but only .174 in 10 losses. When he doesn't get on, everyone else starts pressing. Herbert Perry admitted to a sore throwing arm after committing five errors in his first four games at third base, but he continued to play as the team's second-leading hitter behind Paul Konerko .
Relief pitching is a concern.
Bob Howry's ERA was over 5.00 before two scoreless innings Sunday. Antonio Osuna is on the DL with shoulder inflammation after being demoted to mopup work. Kelly Wunsch is being asked to face more than one or two batters as the bullpen's only left-hander. Sean Lowe is being monitored after a shoulder cleanup procedure last fall. Bill Simas is out for the season after elbow ligament surgery.