But if this is a keeper league, now might be the ideal time to play up his great start and the fact that he’s already qualified at both shortstop and second base for 2010 and peddle the 23-year-old to a non-competing and rebuilding team that thinks he’s all that.

Jeff Niemann drew plenty of attention after tossing the finest game of his career on Wednesday, a two-hit shutout with nine Ks and just one walk, but the truth is, he’s been pitching much better for a few weeks now, and it’s time to start considering him if you need help on the mound.

In case you hadn’t noticed, B.J. Upton has finally awoken from his season-long slumber.

Denard Span enjoyed a huge game against the BoSox last week, but he’s gone into the tank since, sputtering to a 2-for-17 since – a slump that’s dropped his BA 17 points and under the .300 mark.

With the BoSox in an offensive funk (13 runs in five games heading into Sunday’s action), manager Terry Francona juggled his lineup, dropping Jacoby Ellsbury from the lead-off spot down to eighth in the order.

Next on the career win list is 74-year-old Jamie Moyer, who is one shy of 250 wins, but looks done like dinner.