I don’t have the wherewithal to write a cohesive column during these depressing times, so I’m going to fall back on the Ross Perot format and use bullet points. Then, when that’s over, I’m going to use one of those bullets to blow my brains out.

* Yesterday on PTI, Tim Kurkjian said the last time a pitcher had won a postseason game after 16 days rest was Red Ruffing back in like 1930. Apparently no one shared that tidbit with Terry Francona.

* Wakefield flouncing on the ground and struggling to get up on that Carl Crawford dribbler basically symbolizes this Red Sox squad right now. They’re beaten down. They look old. The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak, etc.

* The next time I see Mike Timlin on the mound, he’d better be throwing out the first pitch at a Sox game next spring.

* Varitek, yeah, don’t think you’ll be getting that Posada-like four-year deal this offseason. P.S. Stop trying to hit left-handed. P.P.S. Stop trying to hit right-handed.

* Good to see Sean Casey is playing a big part in this series. Pinch-hitting in a blowout? When he’s healthy, he’s probably the second-most consistent bat (Youkilis) on the entire team. Why not put him at first base and Mark Kotsay in center? Because of defense? What defense is there against five-run deficits? I know — offense. Something we don’t get from Crisp and Ellsbury.