yes, it seems that most of the time whenever the sox see a new pitcher they can't hit for anything, not even a good pitcher... just any pitcher, and that is their excuse.
as for the lefties, i don't think the sox will have much problems with it. it could cause a problem with the twins though, and that is good for us.
the one guy who might, and i emphasize might, be a stopper for them is affeldt. he pitched pretty well last year, but he was bothered by blisters on almost every start last year it seemed. he could go the other way just as easily though too.