Speaking of cups ...

Lately, my 4-year-old son has taken to whacking me square in the junk whenever the mood strikes him (and usually when I'm least expecting it). I imagine it's much like those clips you see on Funniest Home Videos, although I can assure you that when you're the victim, laughing is not an optional reaction.

One particular incident occurred on a recent road trip when we stopped off for some Mickey Ds (my son's choice). After hours of driving, I was pretty jacked up about getting some McChicken and chocolate shake in my belly when out of nowhere, my little buddy stopped, turned and connected flush on the sack of stones. Needless to say, the pain was unbearable and instantly cured my longing for fast food (or any food).

Later that day, when the incident (not the pain) was all but forgotten, my wife casually said to me, "You need to start wearing a protective cup."

Thanks, Dear.

LOBs, RISP and a bunch of BS. The "bizarro" Yankees compiled 13 LOBs and went 0-for-9 with RISP in their 14-1 loss to Boston. The most prominent BS artist of the day was Tampa Bay's J.P. Howell with his sixth of the season (although the Rays won). Seattle's Mark Lowe also got his sixth BS, but this dude's obviously not a closer. His career line: 12 save opportunities, two saves.