Big Papi comes through again!

Grand slam last night in a losing cause. HR tonight. Nice job from the bullpen.

Now to the Globe to see what Theo has to say regarding today's moves.

Still fight left in our Sox!

Sent from my iPod

Dice-K is in his usual mode...

22 pitches in the 1st inning.  Puts his team in the hole right out of the shoot.  Too bad Theo can't find someone to take Dice-K.  $100M for this guy?  (contract plus the right to bid on him).  So, John Henry, as a finance guy, do you feel that you've gotten a good ROI on this guy? 

'Sox mount valiant 9th inning comeback

The one thing I have to say about this year's team is that they never give up.  Despite racking up a frightening level of injuries to key players, they have remained in the hunt.  They are entering a critical point with the Yankees acquiring players like Kerry Wood and Lance Berkman.  I will not be disappointed if Theo does not pull the trigger on a big trade. 

Yet, something is in the works.  Hermida has been DFA'd. 

We'll see what happenes.  I am sure that many of us will be checking the Globe  throughout the evening. 

Boston Red Sox - Little Sox chatter as trade deadline approaches - The Boston Globe

More insight from the Globe as to trade considerations.

Boston Red Sox - Little Sox chatter as trade deadline approaches - The Boston Globe

Sox digging deep for a reliever - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

I am sure that Theo is working the phones. Interesting note on Ram-Ram.

Sox digging deep for a reliever - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Mikey Lowell remains hot in AAA

It would sure be great if Tito could get him into the lineup for several games in a row.  He could rest Papi, Youk, and Beltre over a period of 3 days to get Mikey some MLB AB's.  He continues to see the ball well and connecting. 

Scutaro is having a solid year...

he has been steady at the plate.  Has had to fill in at the leadoff spot due to Ells' prolonged absence.   I have meant to blog about him earlier.   Seems to me tha the could drop to the 9th spot when Ells returns.

Just checked the 'Sox prospects site.  Ryan Kalish and Lars Anderson are hitting well.  Perhaps they will make a strong case to make the team in 2011. 

Petey received bad news today that his foot will require the full 6 weeks to heal, well beyond the 33 days since the injury was incurred.  So, he has a few more weeks before he can return. 

For A-Rod and others, 600 just doesn't add up - The Tony Massarotti Sports Blog, featuring Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics analysis

The HR stats of guys like A-Rod, Bonds, Sosa, et al has really diminished what was once monumental aaccomplishments. Being in the 500-club was once a big deal. Guys like Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Eddie Matthews, Mel Ott, Ernie Banks accomplished their numbers by talent and longevity.

Williams would have made the 600-club had it not been for his serving in two wars and losing several seasons.

For A-Rod and others, 600 just doesn't add up - The Tony Massarotti Sports Blog, featuring Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics analysis

Can you imagine where Junior Griffey could have ended up were it not for all the injuries? Talk about a great swing!

A-Rod the A-Fraud as to HRs.....the sad thing is that he is talented in so many facets of the game.

Drew has 'mild' hamstring strain - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Has this guy ever stayed healthy for an entire season? Though the news sounds encouraging that a DL stint is not in the offing, how long before his recurring back problems return?

Drew has 'mild' hamstring strain - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

OK, I'll admit to not being a big JD Drew fan except in the 2007 WS. But, heck, with the dough he is making, 'Sox should get more out of him.

4 HRs and a good outing for Beckett nets both "W" and Sweep

Nice way to conclude a West Coast road trip.  In perusing the boxscores, I saw that Patterson and Hermida are edging close to the "Mendoza line".  Bill Hall is batting .230 but contributes with power and versatility.   Hall has hit 11 dingers this year despite not playing full time.

Just think how solid the lineup will be when Ells and Petey return from the DL.  Of course, Hermida fell victim to one of Beltre's forays into OF.   I suspect that the injury slowed him a bit this year.  At this point, I would keep McDonald over Hermida when Petey and Ells return.  McDonald, though struggling at the plate of late, is out of minor league options and would have to clear waivers before returning to Pawtucket.

It was great to see Tito declare both Pap and Bard as unavailable for today's game -- way to go, Tito!

Beckett seems to be pitching better.  Not sure as to his velocity these days.  Hopefully, it is in the 90's.  How did he look to you, Southpaw?

Sweeping the Angels makes the trip back home easier.  Mike Sciosa is a good manager who has a way to keep his team in a game and keeps the opposition off balance.  It seems that they miss Guerrero who has regained his stroke in Texas.     

62 games left....

At the century mark of games played, some very encouraging signs from last night's game:  Lackey pitched well again; Lowrie had 2 hits; bullpen performed well; Mikey Lowell had a 3-HR game in Pawtucket; Ells and Petey are getting closer to a return.  Though we did not make up any ground against the division leaders, this was a nice boost.  Bard and Pap threw only 20 pitches in the hold-save situation.

Based upon trade rumors, I am wondering if 'Sox are trying to showcase Lowrie to be included in a trade.  He has a history of injuries but he is versatile and, when healty, has a solid bat. 

All's quiet on the trade front....

I will go out on the proverbial limb and predict that Theo will make only a minor trade to bolster the bullpen.  I do not believe he will give up any top prospects for this deal.  I believe he will bring Bowden back up soon.  Wake will be in the pen for long relief. 

He may throw us his screwball and make a minor trade for a positional player, perhaps an outfielder.  I say that only because some of his trades over the years have caused me to scratch my head in disbelief and staring at the computer screen.

Uncle Buch is back...

Nice outing from our up and coming starter.  Two dingers from Big Papi really helped.  Former 'Sox 1B George Scott used to call HRs "long taters".  Atchison was a bit shaky but I attribute that to lack of regular work.  Nice to see Bard not used last night.  Pap had a 25-pitch save.

VMart had a hit which was an encouraging sign. 

Will be nice to get Petey and Ells back and soon. 

Don't give up too much, Theo....

Theo, in some years you have resisted the tempation to trade highly touted prospects for a missing ingredient to a championship team; in other years, you have made trades that, in retrospect, you probably wish you could take back (e.g, David Murphy, Freddie Sanchez, Cla Meredith).

If you really think that this team, once healthy, has a legitimate shot to go far into the post-season so that its starting rotation can outpitch the rest, then take a shot.  But, please do not make the mistake of the ghosts of GMs past and give up talent only to see our beloved team fail to make the postseason.  Make sure that any move you make balances the present, the future, and probability of this team winning it all. There are many skeptics out there.  There are some who may have written off the season but we still have a lot of baseball to play.  And, you if you do make a move, please get some help for our bullpen.  Our young closer-in-waiting, Daniel Bard, has been overworked. Many are concerned about his long-term health. 

In short, get the right help but do not pay an arm and leg for it. 

July 31st trading deadline looms

If Theo wants to give the 'Sox a legitimate shot at postseason, they need help in the bullpen.  We do not need a marquee pitcher, like an Eric Gagne, but rather a solid set-up/mid-relief guy who can come in, throw strikes, and get out.  A groundball pitcher would be ideal but not essential if the guy can get people out. 

I like the sound of this bullpen:

CL Pap
SU/CL (set-up)Bard
SU Atchison
SU Bowden
SU ???? (via trade)

DFA - Okajima and Ramirez.  These guys cannot be counted on.

If Tito would ask me...

Bring up Bowden to take Delcarmen's position.  Insert Atchison into the Ram-Ram role.  Relegate Delcarmen and Okey to mop up duty. DelCar, Okey, and Ram-Ram are not reliable.  To clear roster spots, designate one of the 3 for assignment:  1) Ram-Ram 2) Okey 3) Delcarmen.  Time to be bold Tito and Theo.  No time to be soft with feelings.  These 3 have been ineffective and have cost us games.  Time to make some tough moves.

I do not believe that others in the 'Sox system are ready for ML level of bullpen service.  We may need to trade for a quality set up man.

2nd guessing....

Tito brought Bard in too early.  He should not have brought in Okey in such a crucial situation.  All this was set up by Dice-K not being able to give them at least 7 IP.  Very frustrating.

Dice-K: 107 pitches in 5 innings

I will have to ask my mother to send John Farrell a note as to how to say "throw strikes, damn it!" in Japanese for Dice-K.  Bullpen will get a workout today.

Missed opportunities

'Sox have to convert these runners in scoring position into runs.  Otherwise, these LOB's can come back to haunt them.

Big bat on the way...

The Globe reports that VMart may be ready to play in Anaheim.  'Sox could sure use him back.  Hopefully, Petey will be back soon, too.

August-September is the period when we need folks healthy and playing well.

Despite everything, 'Sox are still 4 GB the Devil Rays.  They are within striking distance but cannot afford to lose too much more ground.

Despite 13Ks, No W for Lester

A game like this shows how the 'Sox miss the bats of VMart and Petey.  Was surprised to see Cameron out of the lineup given his recent hitting.  Maybe Tito does not want to risk another injury to Cam but, come on Tito, now is not the time to be resting hot bats!  We're now 4 GB in the Wildcard. 

Yankees hitting a tough patch

The KC Royals have been helping Sox by beating the dreaded Yankees. The Globe reports that the Yankees are looking to acquire RHP Dan Haren.

If our starting 5 can get healthy for the stretch, we will be in good shape. It is our bullpen that some help.

Bowden should return in the future from Pawtucket.

Sent from my iPod

You can never have enough pitching....

Back in 2005-6, Theo thought he had a surplus of pitching.  So, he sent Bronson Arroyo to the C-Reds for Willy Po Pena.  Sure could have used Arroyo since then.  This year, we were supposed to have a surplus of pitching, too.  Well, we have seen that a team can never have enough.  Injuries and ineffectiveness and a 162-game marathon can take a pitching staff that looks good on paper and render it a paper tiger.  Such has been the case this year for our 'Sox.

I hope the minor league development team continues to focus on developing pitching talent.  With Wake getting long of tooth and uncertainty associated with Pap, Okey, R-Ram, and Delcarmen, we are going to need more talent, preferrably home-grown, not high-priced free agents and washed-up retreads. 

It used to kill me to see GM Duquette bring in the likes of Pat Rapp, Mark Portugal, Steve Avery, and others to help Pedro.  They never did.  Duquette spent far too much time in the bargain basement and trying to rehab once great pitchers like Saberhagen who did have some good years with the 'Sox.

Bullpen Woes

Blowing a 6-1 lead in the 9th inning is hard to believe and unacceptable.  Staked to that kind of lead, the pen should not have allowed the game to go to 13 innings. 

We have blogged before as to concerns over Pap.  He is just not consistent.  He is used to be practically automatic.  Delcarmen is not the lights out set-up guy he used to be.  Okey has not been okay this year. 

Nevertheless, a win is a win and this one was badly needed.  It sure beat a loss having blown a 6-1 ninth inning lead.  Those types of losses can be deflating. 

Remember Darren Bragg?

Duquette traded LHP Jamie Moyer in 1996 to the Mariners for CF Darren Bragg.  A true salary dump.  That same year, he unloaded LHP Mike Stanton to the Rangers for a couple of young pitchers who never panned out.  Another salary dump. 

I hope that the WS titles in 2004 and 2007 have taken the feeling of desperation away from Theo.

2004 was probably his best year of moves in getting Dave Roberts, Orlando Carbrera, and Doug Mientkiewicz.  Of course, he unloaded Nomar Garciappara in getting Carbrera.  But, these 3 complemented a well stocked lineup of Varitek, Millar, Mueller, Manny, Nixon, Damon, Papi, Bellhorn, and Manny. 

    

To trade or not to trade?

The Globe has devoted considerable media to whether 'Sox should make a trade or sit on the sidelines when the July 31st deadline comes.  All things considered, they will probably stand pat this year and pass on making a major trade.  Unless a solid bullpen addition is out there, I would agree that they should go with what they have now and allow the injured to return. 

The Globe had a nice pictorial presenation as to mid-season trades and the results have been quite mixed.  I have seen far too many deadline trades that have been total disasters.  How about Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson in 1990?  The latter pitched for the 'Sox for 4 weeks and was almost 40 at the time.  We know what kind of numbers Bagwell put up in Houston.  GM Lou Gorman defended that trade years later.  This was the same guy who traded up both LHP John Tudor (for Mike Easler) and Bobby Ojeda (for Wes Gardiner and Calvin Schiradi) back in 1986.  Gorman spent a ton of money on aging and marginal free agents, too (Jack Clark, Andre Dawson, Matt Young, Danny Darwin).
 
During his turbulent reign as GM, Dan Duquette traded away prospect after prospect for aging veterans.  He did make a good trade in sending the Mariners Heathcliff Slocumb for RHP Derek Lowe and C Jason Varitek.  But, that was a salary dump on his part that far exceeded his expectations. 

In short, Theo, save your powder for another day.  Just review the Globe's presentation and have a slice of humble pie.  Don't tinker.  You'll have plenty of time for that in the offseason. 

 

Need to start winning

These West Coast trips seem longer when they are struggling to win games. Too early to panic but I have "worry beads" close by.

Sent from my iPod

Bucholz back but rusty....

At least he is back.  Hopefully, it will be back to his pre-injury form on his next start.  I would imagine that he might have been a bit tentative out there yesterday. 

Good to see Lowrie back.  He could help out around the infield until Petey gets back.

I am concerned about Beckett's first start.  I have to believe that he will really be rusty.  Bob Ryan and Chad Finn were discussing Becket the other day.  They believe that other than 2003 and 2007, he has been a "tease" and not living up to his potential. 

We could sure use VMart back soon.  Hopefully Petey will return soon, too. 

Can't give up these W's

Losing is no fun, particularly on the West Coast.  These types of losses really hurt when one is trying to make up ground.  Wake had a good performance.

Very important road trip.  Cannot lose any more ground to the Rays and Yanks. 

Need to bounce back tonight. 

True Diehards

Last week, I went to a Double-A game here in Richmond with some friends.  The Richmond Flying Squirrels were playing.  They are the farm club of the SF Giants.

One of my friends, from MA, comes a long line of 'Sox fans.  The lore in this fan's household is that the night he was born, his mother was ready to go the hospital.  His father was listening to the 'Sox on the radio.  When told that "it was time", the father's response was "Wait just a few minutes.  Pesky is up and we have runners in scoring position".  The mother-to-be was not pleased.  I suspect that Pesky's at bat had to wait that night.  BTW, my friend was not named after Johnny Pesky.

My grandfather, from Haverhill, MA, and was a true Diehard.  He used to keep score of the game and kept previous game scores on a clipboard.  I could not understand the codes he used but they made sense to him.  He tried to teach me but I found the code to difficult to comprehend (plus, I was only 5 at the time).  he used to listen to the game on an old radio.  My father bought him a new one the last time he saw his father alive.  My grandfather passed away in 1969.  He passed quietly in his sleep.  Before going to lay down that night, he checked in with my uncle as to the score.  'Sox were ahead.  'Yaz had just hit an HR.  That made him happy.  So, he went to bed that night knowing that the 'Sox were ahead.

He worked in FDR's WPA and enjoyed the simple things in life: the Redsox, smoking his pipe, Cod fish cakes, and playing solitaire (he tried to teach me that, too, but I never liked cards).  

These were some of the stories we shared with each other at the Flying Squirrels' game last week.  Baseball is so rich with such stories.   

How many teams....

without major hitters like Pedroia, Lowell, and VMart coupled with 2 starters like Beckett and Bucholz and with important role players like Hermida, Varitek, and Ells would still be in contention?  Add to the mix a real shaky bullpen aside from the closer and set up man. 

I like the reference to filling in with Quadruple-A players (Nava, McDonald, Bowden, Reddick).



 

Almost forgot....

Jed Lowrie could be close to a return.  I do not view his return as huge given the fine work of Bill Hall though Jed is a natural infielder.

Also, I see that LHP Pettite is on the DL for 4.5 weeks -- groin injury.  The Yankees are getting a bit long of tooth in their core (Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Pettite). 

Nice update on injuries...courtesy of The Globe

Click here

2 B's and a D....

Hopefully, Bowden's arrival will provide Bard some relief and potential injury from overuse. 

Bard was originally developed as a starter.  He struggled and re-invented himself as a reliever.  Good to see Delcarmen back, too.   

'Sox weekend

Had a nice 11th inning winner on Saturday night.  Lackey put in a pretty good performance.  Fell short, even with Lester, on the mound today.  With Lester on the mound this year since May, there has been a high likelihood of victory.  Would loved to have salvaged a split against the Rangers.

There are some bright clouds on the horizon. 

1.  Bowden pitched 1 inning today, 2K's and no hits, no BB - he could help fill the bullpen void

2.  Hermida is close to returning

3.  Beckett may be close to return

4.  Bucholz should be back this week

Wake-up call...

Not a good outing from Wake last night.  Really taxed the bullpen.   Atchison pitched well. 

Rangers are a good team this year.  'Sox need to rebound tonight and get back into a good grove.  Now is not the time for a slump.

Let the 2nd half begin....!

To have played through the injuries the 'Sox have had coupled with a bad April, the Red Sox Nation has to be pleased to be still in the hunt.  As the injured return, those who held down the fort will have gained invaluable experience and confidence (Nava and McDonald in particular).

Overall, I would hope that the team's psyche and spirit are good. 

As to immediate needs, beyond getting the injured healthy, I think we need another arm in the bullpen.  I do not believe that we need to trade for a veteran but Theo may do so.  Teams that have or are about to throw in the towell may start scrutinizing the contenders' farm systems looking for a prospect with a high side potential.  

My advice to Theo is to stand pat.  Remember trading away Freddie Sanchez for Jeff Suppan; Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne.  Avoid the big splash trades.  The Yankees did not get Cliff Lee and they are not invincible. 

Rather boring All-Star game

I did not watch the whole game.  Maybe it's me, but the game just does not have the excitement it once had.  Admittedly, many of my memories involve Red Sox players: how 'Yaz robbed Orlando Cepeda of extra bases in the '67 All-Star in Anaheim.  Tony Perez hit the game-winning HR off of Jim "Catfish" Hunter.  I used to enjoy seeing the A's in their white shoes and flashy uniforms.  In '69, Yaz robbed Johnny Bench of his 3rd HR in that game played in DC.  I remember Yaz going 4 for 6 in the '70 All-Star, the one which Pete Rose scored the winning run by barreling into Cleveland catcher Ray Fosse.  I remember the All-Star game, early 70's, when Reggie Jackson hit the RF transformer above the roof at Tiger Stadium.  I remember how LHP Vida Blue mesmerized the fans with his fastball in that game.  Of course, in '99 Pedro struck out 5 of the 6 batters he faced when the game was played at Fenway.  Ted Williams made a memorable appearance at that game.

The '68 All-Star game in Houston was really neat as they featured that electrifying scoreboard and played on Astroturf.  Willie Mays scored the winning run in that one. 

I wish I had watched long enough to see Jon Lester pitch.

Maybe it's me, but a 45-minute pre-game show seems a bit much for me.     

Wonder if Big Papi will get in...

after all, he is the reigning HR derby champ.....half serious

I recall watching "Junior" Griffey in a HR derby.  He had such a smooth swing.  He could beat out Bonds had he stayed healthy for all-time HR lead.  Junior played hard in CF and often got hurt going after balls and crashing into the wall (much like Fred Lynn and Pete Reiser). 

All Star introductions

Like any diehard 'Sox fan, I do not care for the Yankees.  However, I do like Derek Jeter for his classiness.  I once saw a game in which Earl Snyder, who had just been called up from AAA Pawtucket, recorded his first MLB hit.  As he was settling in on 1B, I saw Jeter run out to the OF to get the ball.  He wanted to be sure that Snyder got the ball -- what a class act!

So, as much as I dislike the Yankees, I do not think that the fans booing the Yankee players upon their introduction was very classy at all.  Though I do not necessarily agree with how some players were selected and there is "stuffing the ballot box", they are All-Stars.  Booing All-Stars, even Yankee ones, is not one of baseball's finer moments. 

Update on injuries...via the Globe

Please see link, below:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/07/more_health_upd.html

That Petey is sure one gamer!  You gotta love the guy. 

Not sure I like the idea of Beltre playing in the All-Star game.  Hopefully, he can play without hurting himself (or anyone else given his track record this year).

VMart does not seem has sure about things. 

I am glad that they did not rush Buchholz back though I would have loved to have seen him in the All-Star game. 

Nice way to ease into break....

Dice-K comes through.  HRs from Big Papi and McDonald.  Boxscore indicates that Bard pitched 2 innings.  When Ells is ready, that means that either McDonald or Nava will have to return to the minors.  McDonald is out of options and would have to clear waivers first.  That means that Nava will probably return to AAA. 

Hopefully, 'Sox can rest up and we can start getting some guys back soon. 

Another Lack-luster performance....

Over 100 pitches and did not even get 5 IP's...lots of BB. 

So, we have this guy for 3 more years after this?

Nava continues to hit well. 

Medical controversy over Ells

See link from the Globe, below:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/07/ellsbury_addres.html

If his first injury was mis-diagnosed due to insufficient tests in April, then shame on the 'Sox medical staff for not adminstering the proper tests. 

If the move to AZ was blessed by the 'Sox front office and Tito, then why are team mates having problems?  Do they feel Ells is getting preferential treatment?  They need to nip this issue in bud to prevent unnecessary rifts in the club house.

Having Boras as his agent does not help the situation.

Cliff Lee to Rangers

It baffles me why teams have traded this guy.  Okay, Cleveland was looking to save money.  Philly would have had a dynamic combo in Doc Halladay and Lee. 

Lee is a free agent after this season and probably looking for big bucks which probably scares teams away. 

Good thing the Yankees did not get him.

Good way to break a losing streak

4 HR's and a good performance from Lester.  Where would we be without Bill Hall who seems to play everwhere?

LHP Dustin Richardson is someone who could step in to fill the role that Okie has been filling.

Interesting piece in the Globe about Youk's response to Ells not being with the team.  His absence has not played well with his teammates.  Not sure what that means as to the club house atmosphere when Ells returns.

Last post tonight....

I hope our Southpaw is enjoying her stay in Boston.  How was Jerry Remy's place?

I loved hearing from Mrs. Tom Brady, who was resting on The Cape, and watching 'Sox players on Dunkin' Donut commercials.

I recall back years ago when I visited my grandparents in Haverhill, MA and thought it was such a treat to see the 'Sox on TV during a week night.  It was '69, two years removed from the "Impossible Dream" year and rumor was that Tony Conigliaro would be back soon.  'Sox had moved Yaz from LF to 1B -- why?  He was a Gold Glover outfielder. 

I may have to take a long weekend escape to Boston soon to take in the Red Sox Nation (and, of course, visit relatives).   

Silver Lining

Southpaw makes a good point.  If 'Sox were struggling with a completely healthy roster, despondency would really set it.   I just cannot recall seeing so many key players on the DL.

I am really glad to see how they have been very cautious with Beckett and Bucholz. 

We have gotten a glimpse of solid role players for the imnediate future: McDonald and Nava.  Wonder if Nava would fetch a good middle reliever in a trade?  Felix D. has pitched well in 2 outings.  He definitely has promise.  Theo, don't trade Felix D. 

I recall years when the starting rotation lacked a LHP.  Can you imagine having two LHP's in the starting rotation?  We have not had anything like that since the days of Bruce Hurst, John Tudor, and Bobby Ojeda -- all starting LHP's before Tudor was traded to the Pirates for Mike Easler (who was traded for Don Baylor); Ojeda was traded to the Mets for Wes Gardiner and Calvin Schiraldi.  Hurst left via free agency.  In short, Theo, don't trade Felix D.  LHP's are too valuable. 

Does anyone know how Kason Gabbard is doing at AAA?  He had been traded to the Rangers for Eric Gagne but returned to the organization.  He was developing nicely until Theo made that trade. 

I would really prefer to see the 'Sox use Bard more sparingly in the 2nd half.  Would like to see Bowden given a chance to pitch out of the bullpen.  Bard made the conversion from starter to the bullpen.

When the injured get healthy and return, hopefully they will be fresh for the 2nd half and get into a groove quickly. 

Hopefully, the Yankees will fade and lose steam. 

New Member of Red Sox Nation

An H&W lawyer in the Richmond office, another long-time 'Sox fan, told me yesterday that his brother just got a new dog.  The dog's name is "Fenway".  The puppy's backyard house breaking/training station is now know as "Fenway's Park".  Quite cute.

Not sure if the dog is male or female.  Suggested that if it is male, perhaps "Fenway's Park" needs a "Pesky's Pole" to conduct business. 

All Star Break Can't Get Here Soon Enough....

'Sox need some rest.  Globe reported last night they look tired. 

Can it get much worse??!!

Bottom 6th: Rays 2, Red Sox 1 -- post from the Globe reads:

Youkilis left the game with right ankle pain, the Sox announced. That's the extent of our information.

Tough Loss!!!

Squandered opportunity. Painful.

Sent from my iPod

"Roll the" Dice-K

If the guy could ever get his pitch count under control, perhaps he can pitch more than 5-6 innings.  I do not understand why he does not just go after hitters rather than nibbling around the plate and wasting his pitches.  He taxes the bullpen. 

Does anyone know how much longer the 'Sox have him under contract?  I am thinking at least one more year.   

Kudos to 'Sox scouting...

I never heard of Eric Patterson.  He has contributed with two HR's tonight.  Nice pick-up. 

Recently, the Globe had an article about the 'Sox scouting director, former GM at KC (I believe). 

These timely pick-ups and well-stocked farm system have kept the 'Sox afloat during this injury-filled season.

I just saw where Andy Pettite was named to the All-Star team to replace our Buchholz. 

Garza knocked out of game after 3 innings

He has been the 'Sox nemesis.  Nice to see 'Sox hitters give him a good pounding. 

Hope Dice-K continues to give 'Sox a good outing.

Felix "the cat" called up from AAA to start Tuesday night. 

DL analysis....

Positional players:
3B/1B - Lowell
2B - Pedroia
CF/LF - Ellsbury
C/1B - Martinez
C - Varitek
OF - Hermida

Pitchers:
RHP Beckett
RHP Delcarmen
RHP Buchholz

Hopefully, that is is; but, I may have overlooked a pitcher.

Lester now 10-3

He was the pitcher who had a horrendous April and the Globe was casting doubt all about him.  Now, he continues to carry the team with Buchholz.  I do not doubt this guy's heart.  He overcame cancer and is a proven winner.  Hard to believe that he and Manny were packaged in a deal to the Rangers for A-Rod.  That is one of those deals you're glad to have seen fall through. 

Wouldn't it be nice to see both Lester Buchholz win 20 games each this season??!!!

Beckett and Buchholz

are making positive steps reports today's Globe.  It will be nice to get them both back in the rotation. 

I just hope they do not rush Buchholz back too soon.  He is too valuable to lose due to arm problems resulting from a change in mechanics to compensate for his leg.  Personally, I would hold him out.

Nava and Wake come thru....

Wake was supposed to be relegated to the bullpen due to the deep starting rotation.  The other game hero was not even heard of by most people in baseball but entered the history books with one swing on his MLB pitch.  Despite a DL that continues to grow, 'Sox are 1/2 behind the "Evil Empire". 

I love seeing guys like Wake and Nava come through like this.  I know it's the O's but the schedule gods have helped us literally limp into the All Star break. 

'Tek to DL

Maybe I should stop visiting the Globe's website.  Each time I do lately, there is news of another playing landing on the DL.  The Globe reports that 424 games have been lost by players this year due to injury.

Once the injured start returning, this should provide an infusion of confidence and reinforcements provided that the current healthy bodies stay healthy and can hold down the fort.