Papi Goes Clutch For the 18th Time (59-45)

This was a tough game for the Sox, in the 7th inning we were losing 0-4. In the 8th inning, we were losing 2-4, in the 9th inning... we won 5-4! David Ortiz (right) hit a walk-off 3-run double to win the game for the 18th time in his career, he is now 257/22/71 as he has been really good this year. In his major league debut, Ryan Kalish went 2-4 with an RBI, not a bad debut! Darnell McDonald also went 2-4 with an RBI, he is now .257/6/25 as he has been a very pleasant surprise. Tomorrow, Clay Buchholz (11-5/2.71/73) and Justin Verlander (12-6/3.74/130) as the Sox will go for the series win. The Rays and Yanks are currently tied at 4-4 in the 7th inning, that game is a win-win situation, but let's go Rays since it goes against Red Sox principles to root for the Yankees.

Saltalamacchia In, Ramirez Out

Today is the trading deadline, and that's right, I'm back from camp! So far the Red Sox have acquired catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (right) from the Texas Rangers and traded away reliever Ramon Ramirez. So far, Saltalamacchia is only .200/0/1, but he has only played 2 games. Back in 2007, he was .266/11/33 but he has gotten consistently worse since then. Ramon Ramirez is 0-3/4.57/30 and he is being trade to the Giants. Jeremy Hermida was designated for assignment after going .203/5/27. The Sox are currently losing 0-4 to the Tigers. I'm afraid to tell all you loyal fans that... the Sox aren't going to make the playoffs this year, I'd try to keep the faith but I just can't.

Youkilis's Late Game Heroics Win Game in 11 (52-39)

Last night the Red Sox beat the Rangers 3-2 in 11 innings thanks to some clutch hits by Kevin Youkilis (right left). Youkilis hit a game-tying double with 2 outs in the 9th inning and a walk-off sac fly in a 2-4 day, he is now .297/18/59. David Ortiz (right right) had the other RBI that the Sox had, as he went 1-4 and is now .260/18/58 as he is doing so much better than in 2009 and 2008. John Lackey hpitched a good game, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings, he is now 9-5/4.65/71. Today, Jon Lester (11-3/2.78/124) and C.J. Wilson (7-5/3.35/82) as the Sox will be looking to tie up the series. This is my last post before I go to camp, you will see a triple-weekly news as my next post, bye fans!

Tough 5th Inning Leads to Loss (51-39)

The Red Sox lost 4-8 to the Rangers last night. I cannot stand this, they are 6.5 games back its so annoying that they can't win against good teams! They were ahead 3-2 and then the Rangers hit a grand slam! Do you know how crushing that is to one's hopes! Felix Doubront (right) did not have a bad start, allowing 2 runs in 4.2 innings, he is now 1-2/4.11/10. J.D. Drew continued his good series with a 1-3 night along with 2 RBIs, he is now .279/11/45 as he has been the definition of solid. Adrian Beltre hit a solo home run, he is now .332/14/56 as he has been great. John Lackey (9-5/4.78/68) and Cliff Lee (8-4/2.64/91) start tonight. I am going to camp for two weeks starting tomorrow so this is probably going to be the last post in a while, I might have time to make one tomorrow.

Not the Intended Way to Open the Second Half (51-38)

Last night the Red Sox lost 2-7 to the Rangers to open the second half of the season. Tim Wakefield go roughed up, allowing 7 runs in 2 innings, he is now 3-8/5.65/56 as this has not exactly been his best year. The Red Sox hit two solo home runs. One by J.D. Drew (right) who became .278/11/43, and the other by Bill Hall who became .246/8/25 as he has been a consistent utility man this year. The bullpen for the Sox was great, allowing no runs, Robert Manuel (2.2 innings), Dustin Richardson (0.1 innings), Scott Atchison (3 innings), and Ramon Ramirez (1 inning) as they really got the job done. Tonight, Felix Doubront (1-1/4.22/5) and Colby Lewis (8-5/3.33/109) will take the mound. I hope the Sox can rebound from this tough loss.

Papi's Reign Was Over, They Said

Last night was the State Farm Home Run Derby and guess who won it? Our own, David Ortiz (right)! He hit 8 home runs in the first round, 13 in the second, and 11 in the third round. That makes 34 total, which is amazing especially considering that Papi hit 27 home runs last year. Finishing in second place was former Red Sox prodegy, Hanley Ramirez. This is just amazing and let's hope we see Ortiz, Lester, and Beltre in the All-Star Game tonight!

Weekly News

The Red Sox won 3-2 today vs the Blue Jays to finish at 2-4 on the week. Our Player of the Week is Mike Cameron (right) who won his second award with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs to make him .283/3/14 on the season. I could have given the award to Bill Hall, however, who had 1 home run and 5 RBIs, he is now .239/7/24 on the season. Today, I discovered that team home run leader, David Ortiz is going to the Home Run Derby! He is having a very strong season at .263/18/57 as he and Darnell McDonald hit back-to-back home runs today. I am sorry I didn't make a post yesterday, I just wasn't in the mood,

Red Sox Take Losing Streak Out on Romero! (50-36)

Last night the Red Sox crushed the Blue Jays, 14-3 taking revenge on that 4-game losing streak. Bill Hall (right right) had a great game, going 3-4 with a homer and 4 RBIs, he is now .239/7/24. Mike Cameron (right left) also had a good game, going 3-4 with a homer and 3 RBIs, he is now .291/3/14. Marco Scutaro and Kevin Youkilis each had 2 RBIs as well. Also, Jon Lester pitched a gem, allowing 2 runs over 6 innings, he is now 11-3/2.77/124 as those are great numbers. I wonder who is starting the All-Star game because I wouldn't be surprised if it's Jon Lester! Today at 1:07 ET, John Lackey (9-4/4.40/66) and Brandon Morrow (5-6/4.69/107) pitch. The Rays lost and the Yankees won. We are 5 behind the Yanks and 2 behind the Rays.

Red Sox Unable To Avoid Sweep (49-36)

Last night the Red Sox lost 4-6 to the Rays. This 4-game losing skid is, well, pretty bad, I am not enjoying it, but every team has tough times. Mike Cameron (right) had a good game, going 3-3 with 2 RBIs and a home run, he is now .274/2/11. Darnell McDonald went 3-5 with an RBI double in the ninth, leaving Kevin Youkilis with a chance to be a hero. Which reminds me, vote for Youk in the "Final Vote" for the All-Star game. He is narrowly trailing Nick Swisher of the evil empire! On Friday, Jon Lester (10-3/2.76/118) and Ricky Romero (6-5/3.39/106). I hope the Sox can salvage this week against the Jays.

Red Sox Unable to Play Catchup; Lose (49-35)

Last night the Red Sox lost 2-3 to the Rays as they couldn't fully come back despite a man on 3rd with two outs in the 9th. Felix Doubront (right) did well in his second career start, allowing 2 runs in 5.2 innings but he didn't get much run support, he is now 1-1/4.22/5 after 2 starts. Daniel Nava went 2-4 with an RBI, he is now .313/1/14 as he has been really good after 20 MLB games. Eric Patterson hit an RBI triple in the 9th inning in a 1-5 day, he is now .220/6/12. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (3-6/4.96/51) and David Price (11-4/2.42/90) will pitch. The Red Sox cannot afford a sweep to the Rays.

Red Sox Sink To 3rd Place With Loss (49-34)

Last night, the Red Sox lost 5-6 to the Rays. The annoying part is that they were ahead 5-1 in the 5th inning. Is it just me or are the Red Sox terrible at the fine art of holding a lead. Eric Patterson (right) had a great game, hitting two solo home runs, he is now .220/6/11. Since Patterson has become a Red Sock, he has gone .333/2/2. Kevin Youkilis, Bill Hall, and Adrian Beltre each had 1 RBI. The Red Sox dropped to 3rd place in the AL East, despite having the 3rd best record in baseball with last night's loss. They are 2.5 games behind the Yankees, the Rays are 2. Tonight, Felix Doubront (1-0/5.40/2) and Jeff Niemann (6-2/2.80/75) will take the hill. Let's get the Sox back into second place!

Weekly News

Today, the Red Sox lost 1-6 to the Orioles, giving them a 3-2 week and leaving them at 49-33 and 1.5 games behind the Yankees. David Ortiz (right) won his 5th Player of the Week with 1 homer and 7 RBIs, he is now .259/17/54 as he was one of the 6 Red Sox named to the All-Star Team. The others were Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez, Adrian Beltre, and possibly Kevin Youkilis, he could make it in on the Final Vote. None of the Sox are starters, however. Ironically, 2 of those Sox will not be able to play and I suppose there's a possibility that Clay Buchholz won't either so that is not so good. Next week, the Red Sox play the Rays from Monday to Wednesday, then the Blue Jays from Friday to Sunday. I hope the Sox can catch the Yankees in first place!

Lester's Dominance Leads to Win (49-32)

Last night, the Red Sox beat the Orioles 9-3 thanks to a great start by Jon Lester. Lester allowed 1 run in 7 innings and is now 10-3/2.76/118 as he has been magnificent this year after a tough April. Kevin Youkilis had a very good game, going 2-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, he is now .299/16/53 as he absolutely deserves to make the All-Star team and I hope he does. J.D. Drew continued his good series and went 3-3 with 2 RBIs after a two-homer day on Friday. The Red Sox are half-way through the season, 81 games, if they continue this pace, they will finish the season 98-64! Keep up the good work, Sox! Today at 1:35, John Lackey (9-3/4.46/59) and Brian Matusz (2-9/4.90/70) will start. I hope the Sox can sweep the O's!

Francona's Decision Goes Quite Well (48-32)

Yesterday, the Red Sox beat the Orioles 3-2, led by two home runs by J.D. Drew (right). Drew is now .277/10/39 as he has been solid, not having the best year, but he has been very solid, which has largely been the rule in the tenure with the Red Sox. However, the Red Sox won the game on a game-winning single by Daniel Nava in the 8th inning. With two outs in the 8th, Marco Scutaro whacked a double off the green monster, then Terry Francona called upon Daniel Nava to pinch-hit for Eric Patterson. Nava delivered a perfectly placed bloop single along the right field line, he is now .304/1/12 as he has been great. Tim Wakefield had a great game, allowing 2 runs over 8 innings, he is now 3-6/4.96/51 this year. Tonight, Jon Lester (9-3/2.86/111) and Jeremy Guthrie (3-9/4.30/55). The Red Sox are only a half-game back of the Yankees!

Cash Headed For Second Stint With Red Sox

It appears the Astros have traded catcher Kevin Cash (right) to the Red Sox. Cash played for the Red Sox in 2007 and 2008, going .111/0/4 in '07 and .225/3/15 in '08. This year, Cash is .204/2/4. He was traded for shortstop Angel Sanchez, who played one game for the Red Sox this year. Cash was designated for assignment by the Astros on June 20th, to make room on the roster for Jason Castro. Cash probably won't see too much playing time, even with the injury to Victor Martinez as the Red Sox still have Jason Varitek, who is a very able starting catcher, at .263/7/16.

Yankees Lose, But Red Sox Can't Hold Up Their Side of the Bargain (47-32)

Yesterday, the Red Sox lost 4-9 to the Rays, ending their 3-game winning streak. The Yankees lost which is both good and bad, it is good in that the Red Sox are only 1 game back still, but it is bad because if we had won we would've been tied for first place. Daisuke Matsuzaka (right) did not make a bad start, earning the loss with 3 runs in 6 innings, he is now 5-3/4.50/50. David Ortiz had a great game, going 2-3 with 3 RBI, he is now .259/17/53. Last night was Eric Patterson's Red Sox debut and he did a pretty good job, going 1-3, and scoring 2 runs, he increased his average to .208. On Thursday night, against the Orioles, Tim Wakefield (2-6/5.21/47) and Brad Bergeson (3-4/6.83/14). If the Yankees lose tonight, the Sox will be 0.5 games back of 1st place.