August 29, 2008 Giardi: You 'need Lowell', 'need JD Drew' Play video

(NECN: Mike Giardi, Chris Collins) - Tampa Bay beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 yesterday and combined with Boston's 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees, that moves the Rays 4.5 games ahead of the Red Sox in the AL East race.

Meanwhile, Boston starter Josh Beckett will have his ailing right elbow looked at by an orthopedic surgeon today. He hasn't pitched since August 17.

The Red Sox also are missing injured right fielder J.D. Drew, third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo.

So, what hopes do the Sox have for the playoffs this season?

"You need Lowell, you need JD Drew going forward," says Mike Giardi.

"I don't think you can count on anyone who's on the DL at this point to help you down the line," says Chris Collins.

"If Beckett's healthy, he's your number one starter," says Giardi.

"There's not a team in baseball that wouldn't trade places with the Red Sox," says Collins.