Red Sox Salvage Series, Avoid Sweep (46-34)

Today the Red Sox avoided a sweep at the hands of the Phillies in a 5-2 win. The Red Sox took their first lead of the day in the 5th inning on RBI singles by Drew Sutton and Jacoby Ellsbury to make it 2-0. In the 6th, Jason Varitek knocked a solo home run to give the Sox a 3-0 lead. In the top of the 8th the Red Sox took a 5-0 lead on back-to-back home runs by Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek, Varitek's second home run of the day. In the 9th, the Phillies scored their only runs of the day on a 2-run homer by Ryan Howard to make it 5-2, but that was it.

Jon Lester (top right) pitched very well, allowing just 2 hits in 7 shutout innings. He rightly earned the win and is now 10-4/3.43/105 as he is having a great year. Daniel Bard pitched a scoreless inning before Bobby Jenks allowed Howard's homer, recording 1 out. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 15th save of the year afterwards. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game, going 3-5 with an RBI, as he is now .300/9/40. Dustin Pedroia only went 1-5, but his one hit was a big one as it was his 7th home run of the season. Jason Varitek (left) had a very good game, going 2-4 with 2 solo home runs, as he is now .248/5/17. Josh Reddick went 2-4 and scored a run, as he is on a tear, batting .444. Drew Sutton went 2-4 with a run and an RBI as he is .310/0/6 as he's been good when called upon. Marco Scutaro went 2-4. Tomorrow, the Sox head to Houston and will send Tim Wakefield (4-3/4.54/33) against Bud Norris (4-6/3.36/100) and the Astros.

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 7 shutout innings and the win

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- his 15th save

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-5 with an RBI

Jason Varitek- 2-4 with 2 solo home runs

Josh Reddick- 2-4 with a run

Drew Sutton- 2-4 with a run and an RBI

Marco Scutaro- 2-4

Dull Spots:

Bobby Jenks- 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning

Darnell McDonald- 0-3 with 3 runners left on base

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with 2 strikeouts

This was a good game for the Sox and they played really well.

No More Mike Cameron (Silent Cheer)

Today the Red Sox designated 4th outfielder Mike Cameron for assignment. Before the 2010 season, they signed Cameron for 2 years and $15.5 million, but the deal never worked out. He was injured for most of last season, and wound up going .259/4/15 in 48 games. Despite being healthy this year, he has been even worse, going .149/3/9. I will not attack Theo Epstein because this was a good move at the time, as he had batted .250/24/70 the previous season along with great defense. The Red Sox called Yamaico Navarro up from Pawtucket to take his roster spot in his first MLB stint of the year after going .143/0/5 in 20 games last year. This was a brave move for Theo, but I think he did the right thing, Cameron just wasn't producing.

Once Again, Red Sox Cannot Hit, Fall To Phillies (45-34)

First off, I'm sorry I couldn't post yesterday, I had no connection, but the night before last the Sox lost 5-0. Last night was a tough loss for the Sox as well as they fell 2-1 to the Phillies. In the 2nd inning, the Phillies got a lead on an RBI single by Raul Ibanez, scoring Shane Victorino. However, in the 5th, the Sox tied it up with a long RBI double by none other than John Lackey. In the 7th, however, the Phillies broke the tie with a home run by Raul Ibanez to make it 2-1.

John Lackey pitched very well, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing only 2 runs. He earned the loss because of a lack of run support and is now 5-7/6.81/43 this year. Franklin Morales relieved him with a scoreless third of an inning. Josh Reddick (my man) had a good game, going 2-3 and scoring a run as he has been streaking lately. John Lackey, however, was better than anyone with the bat, hitting an RBI double to the warning track, going 1-3. Tonight will be a great matchup as Jon Lester (9-4/3.66/100) and Cole Hamels (9-4/2.49/108) will square off in the City of Brotherly Love.

Bright Spots:

John Lackey- 2 runs in 7 2/3 innings along with going 1-3 with an RBI double

Josh Reddick- 2-3 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4 with 2 runners left on base

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3

David Ortiz- 0-4 with a strikeout and 2 runners left on base

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

Marco Scutaro- 0-3 with 3 runners left on base

This was a good game, but it did not go our way at all.

Why Josh Reddick Should Be Starting

The Red Sox basically have two weaknesses. One of them is catcher, which is actually improving as Jarrod Saltalamacchia heats up at the plate. The other is right field, which has been a fairly unstable position ever since Trot Nixon left in 2006. J.D. Drew has been fairly consistent over the years, but this year he has just been bad, going .232/4/18 in 62 games this year. He is still a good fielder in the tough right field of Fenway Park but defense is not enough. Unfortunately his immediate replacements have not been much better, with Darnell McDonald getting outmatched at the plate by his cousin James (pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates) and Mike Cameron not doing much better at .154/3/9 in 32 games and 91 at bats. In my opinion, the answer is from the farm system, Josh Reddick. Reddick has been up and down from Boston and Pawtucket since 2009, and has never really found his niche. However, this year, some improved features have him batting at a remarkable .414/1/9 in 12 games. Please vote on my poll on the right sidebar and tell me if you agree with me.

Weekly News

This was not a great week for the Red Sox, they went 2-4, dropping series to the Pirates and Padres. Adrian Gonzalez (right), however, had a great week, going .500/1/7. He batted .500, 13-26! Gonzalez is having a great season, as he is now .361/16/71, leading the AL in just about every offensive category. The pitcher of the week was Andrew Miller, who went 1-0/3.09/10 in 2 starts this week, as the Red Sox' trainers have done wonders with him. The Game of the Week was Tuesday (6/20/11), as the Sox broke a 3-3 deadlock in the 7th inning, to win the game 14-5. The performance of the week was Adrian Gonzalez on the afore-mentioned date, as he went 3-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs in a great game. I really hope that the Sox can turn it around next week. However, on a more serious note, this is my last Weekly News before I go to camp for 2 weeks. So, be expecting the annual Triple Weekly News on July 16, which can put a leading player way ahead in the Player of the Year standings, or give a new player a good shot at it.

Sox Avoid Sweep, End Skid At Four (45-32)

Today, the Red Sox played a good game, beating the Pirates 4-2 to end their losing skid at 4 games. The Red Sox took their first lead in the 4th, when Jarrod Saltalamacchia came home on a throw into the stands by Andrew McCutchen to make it 1-0. However, in the bottom half, the Pirates tied it on a sacrifice fly by Ronny Cedeno (great catch by Ellsbury!). In the 5th, the Pirates took a lead on an RBI single by Andrew McCutchen to make it 2-1. In the 6th, Kevin Youkilis came in to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Josh Reddick. In the 7th, the Red Sox loaded the bases with no outs. An RBI groundout by Dustin Pedroia and a sacrifice fly by Kevin Youkilis were enough to give the Sox a 4-2 lead.

Andrew Miller (top right) was very good in his 2nd start with the Sox, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned in 6 innings. He earned the win, and he is now 1-0/3.09/10. Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-3 with a walk, raising his average to a remarkable .361. Kevin Youkilis also had a good game, going 1-3 with a run and an RBI. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (left) went 1-3 with a runs scored. After an off day Monday, on Tuesday the Sox head to Philly for a marquee matchup with Josh Beckett (6-2/1.86/79) and Cliff Lee (8-5/2.87/114).

Bright Spots:

Andrew Miller- 1 earned run and a win in 6 innings

Alfredo Aceves- a scoreless inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- his 14th save with a scoreless inning

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3 with a walk

Kevin Youkilis- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Darnell McDonald- 0-4 with 8 freaking runners left on base, we need to get rid of this guy!

This was a good game, and I'm glad they avoided the sweep.

Red Sox Unable To Come Back From Pirates' Rallies (44-32)

Well, I wanted to make the title of this post "Timmy Ballgame," I really did. Unfortuantely he was not sharp and last night was a tough game for the Sox, as we lost 6-4 to the Pirates. The Red Sox took another early lead in the 1st inning, as with Dustin Pedroia on third base, Adrian Gonzalez grounded out. Gonzalez struck again in the 3rd, with an opposite field home run to make it 2-0. In the 4th, the Pirates made a splash as Lyle Overbay crushed a 3-run homer to right field, making it 3-2 Pirates. Later in the inning, pitcher Jeff Karstens singled back up the middle to make it 4-2. In the 5th, the Pirates got some insurance as a ball rolled through teh legs of Dustin Pedroia, scoring a run and making it 5-2. In the top of the 7th, home runs by Josh Reddick and Jacoby Ellsbury put the Sox back in the game at 5-4. Unfortunately, the Pirates got right back in the bottom half with a long home run by Garrett Jones to make it 6-4.

Wakefield was not good, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings. He earned the loss, and is now 4-3/4.54/33. Matt Albers allowed a run in 2/3 of an inning in relief and Daniel Bard threw a perfect 1 1/3 innings. Jacoby Ellsbury only went 1-5, but he had a very clutch home run, and is now .304/9/39. Dustin Pedroia went 2-4 with a double and a run scored. Adrian Gonzalez only went 1-5 as well, but he had a home run and an RBI groundout, and is now .358/16/71. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a pretty good game, going 2-4 with a double that was almost a home run. Josh Reddick went 2-3 with a home run, he is now .462/1/8. Today at 1:35, Andrew Miller (0-0/4.76/6) and James McDonald (5-4/4.86/62) will go in the series finale.

Bright Spots:

Daniel Bard- 1 1/3 scoreless innings when we needed it

Jacoby Ellsbury- despite batting 1-5, he had a clutch home run

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with a double and a run scored

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-5 with a homer and an RBI groundout

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 2-4 with a double

Josh Reddick- 2-3 with a solo home run

Dull Spots:

Tim Wakefield- despite starting out well, he collapsed late

Matt Albers- allowed a solo home run in 2/3 of an inning

Kevin Youkilis- 0-3

Marco Scutaro- 0-4 with 5 runners left on base

I am sad that the Sox gave up their early rally, and it is now a 4-game skid.

Red Sox Score Early, But Not Often, In Loss To Pirates (44-31)

Last night the Red Sox lost 3-1 to the Pirates as their offense was just held in check the whole game. They scored early in the 1st inning, as with runners on the corners, Kevin Youkilis bounced a ball to third base, scoring Jacoby Ellsbury to make it 1-0. In the 3rd inning, the Pirates loaded the bases with no out, preparing for a single that literally bounced off third base by Ronny Cedeno and a double play on Chase d'Arnaud to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. In the 6th, Lyle Overbay brought in Neil Walker to give the Pirates a 3-1 lead, but that's all she... or in this case, he, wrote.

Jon Lester (right) was actually pretty sharp, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, in 6 innings. He still lost, however, and is now 9-4/3.66/100. In relief, Matt Albers threw 2/3 of an inning, Tommy Hottovy threw 1/3 and Dan Wheeler threw a scoreless inning. Adrian Gonzalez continued his torrid streak, going 2-4 and raising his average up to a remarkable .360 mark. Jason Varitek actually had a good game, going 2-3. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (4-2/4.26/31) will take his first trip to PIttsburgh since 1993, when he was a member of the team, and will face Jeff Karstens (4-4/2.54/51).

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- 2 earned runs in 6 innings, despite a loss

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4

Jason Varitek- 2-3

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4 despite a walk and run scored

Darnell McDonald- 1-4 with 6 runners left on base

Mike Cameron- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

This was a tough game, and I'm disappointed they lost.

Red Sox Lose Game, Series, To Padres (44-30)

I'm sorry I couldn't post yesterday, but the Red Sox lost 5-4, and today they allowed 5 runs for the 3rd straight game in a 5-1 loss to the Padres. The Padres got rolling immediately on a leadoff homer by Will Venable in the 1st inning. With the bases loaded in the 4th, the Padres struck again with a walk to Will Venable. After that, Lackey hit former Ray Jason Bartlett (success?) to make it 3-0. In the next at-bat, a wild pitch and a single for Chase Headley pushed it to 5-0. In the 5th inning, Jacoby Ellsbury ran home on a single by Adrian Gonzalez to make it 5-1, the final.

John Lackey was not sharp, allowing 5 runs in 3 1/3 innings, earning the loss and becoming 5-6/7.36/34. Michael Bowden threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings, Matt Albers threw 2 scoreless innings, and Dan Wheeler threw a scoreless inning. Dustin Pedroia did a good job of reaching base, going 2-3 with a walk. Adrian Gonzalez had a great game against his old team, going 4-4 with an RBI single, as he is now .359/15/69. Kevin Youkilis went 2-4. After a day off tomorrow, the Sox will head to Pittsburgh, sending Jon Lester (9-3/3.70/95) against Paul Maholm (3-8/3.29/61).

Bright Spots:

Michael Bowden- 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief

Matt Albers- 2 innings of scoreless relief

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Dustin Pedroia- 2-3 with a walk

Adrian Gonzalez- 4-4 with an RBI

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4

Dull Spots:

John Lackey- 5 runs in 3 1/3 innings, ouch!

David Ortiz- 0-3 with 7 runners left on base!

I am unhappy that the Sox dropped a series to the Padres but hopefully they can turn it around.

Adrian Sparks Late Rally Against Old Team (44-28)

Last night, the Red Sox creamed the Padres 14-5, or it would appear that way as the score was actually deadlocked at 3-3 in the 7th inning. The Sox took an early lead in the 1st with a bases loaded single by David Ortiz to make it 1-0. In the 3rd, Kevin Youkilis scored on a double by David Ortiz. With the bases loaded in the 4th, Jacoby Ellsbury grounded into a double play, but the run scored to make it 3-0. In the top of the 6th, Orlando Hudson whacked a 3-run homer over the monster to tie the game at 3-3. In the bottom of the 7th, a clutch double by Adrian Gonzalez, scoring Dustin Pedroia, made it 4-3. The Red Sox proceeded to load the bases in the inning, while 2 hit batters made it 6-3. Josh Reddick hit a 2-run single to make it 8-3. The Red Sox then loaded the bases again, as a walk to Dustin Pedroia made it 9-3. A 2-run single by Adrian Gonzalez made it 11-3, as he had 3 RBIs in the inning. Next, a 2-run double by Kevin Youkilis pushed it to 13-3, a 10-run inning. In the 8th inning, an RBI single by Chris Denorfia made it 13-4. But in the bottom of the 8th, the Red Sox got the run back with a bases loaded walk to Jacoby Ellsbury, making it 14-4. In the 9th, a Jesus Guzman single, scoring Chase Headly made it 14-5, the final.

This was Andrew Miller's first start in a Red Sox uniform and overall, I was very impressed. He wound up allowing 3 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, but all of those were just on the home run as he was very sharp overall. Matt Albers earned the win, allowing no runs in 1 1/3 innings. Michael Bowden and Tommy Hottovy each allowed a run in a scoreless inning. Dustin Pedroia went 1-4 with 3 runs and an RBI in a good day. Adrian Gonzalez (left) had a great game against his old team, going 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs, as he is now .353/15/67. Kevin Youkilis had a good game, going 2-4 with a run scored and 2 RBIs. David Ortiz's stats were literally identical to Youkilis' as they each had a great game. Marco Scutaro went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, as he's been good since coming off the DL. Tonight, Alfredo Aceves (3-1/3.30/24) will go against Mat Latos (4-8/4.06/68).

Bright Spots:

Andrew Miller- Miller was very sharp through most of his outing

Matt Albers- the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Dustin Pedroia= 1-4 with 3 runs and an RBI

Kevin Youkilis/David Ortiz- 2-4 with a run and 2 RBIs each

Marco Scutaro- 2-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI

Dull Spots:

None!

This was a great game and the Sox really exploded late!

Weekly News

I am sorry, but I was unable to blog yesterday's 12-3 slugfest over the Brewers. However, they won 12-3 and won that series 2-1, meaning along with the Rays series (2-1), the Sox went 4-2 this week. Our Player of the Week, for the second time, is Kevin Youkilis who batted only .227 but was able to hit 2 dingers and drive in 8 runs. On the 2011 season, he is now .261/11/50, not bad by any margin. Our Pitcher of the Week is Josh Beckett, who allowed just one hit in a complete game shutout over the Rays on Wednesday (6/15/11). The game of the week goes to Wednesday (6/15/11) as in a pitcher's duel, the Sox were just able to beat the Rays on a 3-run homer by Kevin Youkilis, the only offense in a 3-0 win. The performance of the game goes to Dustin Pedroia yesterday (6/19/11) as he went 3-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs in a 12-3 win. Next week the Sox face the Padres at Fenway then go to PIttsburgh to face the Pirates for 3 more.

Red Sox Eaten By The Wolf (42-28)

After some early offense from both teams, neither the Red Sox nor the Brewers scored after the 3rd inning in an eventual 4-2 loss for the Red Sox. When Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart homered consecutively to lead off the ballgame, it was looking like a rout. However, with runners at first and second in the bottom of the 2nd, a Jarrod Saltalamacchia single and a Mike Cameron single made it 2-2. However, in the top of the 3rd, former Red Sox catcher George Kottaras homered off his old teammate to give the Brew Crew a 3-2 lead. Later in the inning, Ryan Braun came home on a single by Casey McGehee to make it 4-2. The Red Sox hot offense was held in check by Randy Wolf for 7 innings (hence the title).

Much like John Lackey the previous night, after a rough start, Lester went on to allow 4 runs, 3 earned in 8 innings of work. Unlike Lackey, however, he did not have the run support, and lost, becoming 9-3/3.70/95. Dan Wheeler, Tommy Hottovy, and Michael Bowden each threw a scoreless 1/3 of an inning in relief. Kevin Youkilis had a pretty good day, going 2-4 and scoring a run. David Ortiz went 1-3 with a walk and a run scored. Marco Scutaro went 2-4, as he has been very good since coming off the DL. The two RBIs came from Jarrod Saltalamacchia (1-4) and Mike Cameron (1-3). Today, Tim Wakefield (3-2/4.39/25) will face a tough challenge in Yovani Gallardo (8-3/3.76/84).

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- he settled down for 3 earned runs in 8 innings

Kevin Youkilis- 2-4 with a double and a run scored

David Ortiz- 1-3 with a walk and a run scored

Marco Scutaro- 2-4

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-4 with an RBI

Mike Cameron- 1-3 with an RBI

Dull Spots:

Adrian Gonzalez- 0-4 with 2 runners left on base

Darnell McDonald- 0-3 with a strikeout and 4 runners left on base

This was a disappointing loss, but we're still 1 1/2 games ahead of the Yankees and playing .600 baseball.

Lackey Not Lacking As Red Sox Rout Brewers (42-27)

Last night the Red Sox beat the Brewers 10-4 to extend to having won 12 of the last 13 games. The Brewers scored early in the 1st, as Casey McGehee singled up the middle scoring 2. In the bottom of the 1st, the Red Sox came right back with a solo home run by Jacoby Ellsbury and an RBI double by David Ortiz to tie it at 2-2. In the bottom of the 2nd, a 2-run single by Kevin Youkilis made it 4-2 Red Sox. However, the Brewers came back in the 3rd with an RBI single by Prince Fielder and Nyjer Morgan scoring on a double play. In the 5th, the Red Sox took a permanent lead, however, on a home run by Adrian Gonzalez. In the 6th, an RBI double by Jason Varitek and an RBI single for Dustin Pedroia made it 7-4. In the 7th, Drew Sutton scored on an error by Craig Counsell and a 2-run single for J.D. Drew finally made it 10-4.

John Lackey really settled down after a bad start, winding up going 8 innings, allowing 4 runs. He earned the win, and he is now 5-5/7.02/34. Matt Albers relieved him with a scoreless inning. Jacoby Ellsbury only went 1-5, but he did have the solo home run, and is now .312/8/34. Adrian Gonzalez (left) had a great game, going 3-4, and scoring 3 runs along with a solo home run, as he is now .352/15/62. Kevin Youkilis went 1-2 with 2 RBIs before he was taken out in the 5th due to illness. Drew Sutton relieved him and went 2-3, scoring a run. David Ortiz had a very good game, going 3-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Carl Crawford went 1-1 before he was taken out in the 1st for a hamstring strain. Darnell McDonald, his replacement, went 0-3 with an RBI and a run. J.D. Drew had a good game as well, going 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Tonight, Jon Lester (9-2/3.73/87) and Randy Wolf (4-4/3.20/65) will start against one another.

Bright Spots:

John Lackey- he really settled down after a rough first few, going 8 innings

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning of relief

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-4 with 3 runs scored and a solo home run

Kevin Youkilis/Drew Sutton- 3-5 with a run and 2 RBIs between the two of them

David Ortiz- 3-5 with a run and an RBI

J.D. Drew- 1-3 with a run and 2 RBIs

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

The Red Sox really fired on all cylinders today, as they've been doing for most of June, and it really shows.

Red Sox Win A Series Against The Rays! We Deserve a Parade Too! (41-27)

Last night the Red Sox concluded a series win of the Rays with a 4-2 win, as it was a very low scoring series. The Red Sox outscored the Rays 7-6 total in a 3-game series, good pitching! The Red Sox got their first run in the 1st inning when David Ortiz walked with the bases loaded. An RBI single by Darnell McDonald and an RBI double by Dustin Pedroia in the 2nd inning made it 3-0. In the bottom of the 2nd, B.J. Upton came around on a double by Sam Fuld to cut it to 3-1. In the bottom of the 6th, Casey Kotchman crushed a home run to right field to make it 3-2. In the top of the 9th, the Red Sox got an insurance run on a solo home run by Adrian Gonzalez to make it 4-2, the final score.

Clay Buchholz (right) was very good, allowing just a run and 2 hits in 5 innings. He earned the win, and he is now 6-3/3.48/60. In relief, Alfredo Aceves pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing just the home run to Kotchman before Daniel Bard threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Jonathan Papelbon eventually recorded his 13th save of the season. Darnell McDonald didn't have a great day, but he had a run and an RBI, despite only going 1-5. Dustin Pedroia went 1-4 with a run and an RBI double. Adrian Gonzalez (left) had a nice day indeed, going 2-3 with the solo homer, as he is now .347/14/61, as he's been great in a Red Sox uniform. Tonight, the Red Sox will head back to Fenway, to face the Brewers in inter-league play, as they will send John Lackey (4-5/7.41/29) against former Blue Jay, Shaun Marcum (7-2/2.68/83).

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 1 run on 2 hits in 5 innings, earning the win

Daniel Bard- 1 1/3 scoreless innings

Jonathan Papelbon- the save in a scoreless inning of relief

Dustin Pedroia- 1-4 with an RBI double

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3 with a solo home run

Marco Scutaro- 1-3

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-3 with a run scored

Dull Spots:

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with 3 runners left on base

Carl Crawford- 0-4 with 4 runners left on base

Mike Cameron- 0-3 with a strikeout

I am glad the Red Sox won again, because the Yankees just won't lose!

Bruins Win The Stanley Cup!

Well, I may not be a hockey fan, and this may not be a hockey blog. However, when I made this blog, I promised myself that if any other Boston team won its respective championship, I would post about it. The Bruins have reached that goal after coming behind from 2-3 to win in Game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks. They won 4-0 and Captain Zdeno Chara (right) hoists the Stanley Cup as the Bruins parade around the streets of Boston in their first Championship since 1972, for 39 years.

Youk's Homer Backs Beckett's Gem (40-27)

Last night was a pitcher's duel to the epitome as the Red Sox won 3-0. There were 5 total hits in the ball game (4 Red Sox, 1 Rays) and each pitcher lasted to at least the 7th inning. All of the runs came on one hit, a 3-run homer by Kevin Youkilis in the 7th inning, scoring Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez, and that was it.

Josh Beckett was excellent, wonderful, fantastic as he allowed just 1 hit and struck out 6, going the distance and earning the win to become 6-2/1.86/79. Dustin Pedroia had a pretty good game, going 2-4 with a triple and a run scored. Kevin Youkilis only went 1-4. but that home run was worth a 4-4 day, as he is now .259/10/45. Carl Crawford had his first hit back at the Trop, as he went 1-3 with a single to right field. Tonight will likely be another pitcher's duel as Clay Buchholz (5-3/3.59/55) and David Price (7-5/3.51/89) will square off.

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- he was great with just 1 hit allowed in a complete game shutout

Dustin Pedroia- 2-4 with a triple and a run scored

Kevin Youkilis- 1-4 with that huge, clutch, 3-run homer

Carl Crawford- 1-3 with his first hit back in Tampa

Dull Spots:

Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-3

David Ortiz- 0-3

Jed Lowrie- 0-3

J.D. Drew- 0-3

Wow, Beckett was great and Youk's homer was clutch! Also, on a personal note, happy birthday to me.

NIne Game Streak Ends In Shutout (39-27)

Last night, the Red Sox' 9-game win streak ended at 9 games in a 4-0 loss to the Rays, aided by a complete game shutout by James Shields. It started out as a pitcher's duel, but the Rays finally broke through in the 5th inning when Justin Ruggiano crushed a home run down the left field line to make it 1-0. They got another in the 6th when, with runners at the corners, Salty let one slip by him, and a run scored to make it 2-0. In the 8th inning, RBI singles by Casey Kotchman (former Red Sock) and John Jaso made it 4-0.

Tim Wakefield was very sharp for much of the game, allowing 4 hits on 2 runs in 7 strong innings. He earned the loss, unfortunately, and is now 3-2/4.39/25. Tommy Hottovy was very bad, as he allowed 2 runs, both earned, without even recording an out. Alfredo Aceves, meanwhile, was good, throwing a scoreless inning and allowing a hit. The Red Sox only managed 5 hits in the game, 3 of which belonged to Adrian Gonzalez, who had a great day, going 3-4 and raising his average to .347 this year. The other hits belonged to Jacoby Ellsbury (1-3) and J.D. Drew (1-3). Tonight, Josh Beckett (5-2/2.06/73) and Jeremy Hellickson (7-4/3.03/52) will square off in Tampa.

Bright Spots:

Tim Wakefield- despite earning the loss, he was very good, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings

Alfredo Aceves- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 1-3 with a walk

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-4

J.D. Drew- 1-3

Dull Spots:

Tommy Hottovy- 2 runs without recording an out

Dustin Pedroia- 0-4 with a strikeout

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout and 5 runners left on base

Carl Crawford- 0-3 with a strikeout

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts, chasing a lot of bad pitches

This was a good game, but a bit sad from a Red Sox fan's impression.

Why The Red Sox Should Target Mike Minor

With injuries to several pitchers in the Red Sox organization, I think that the Red Sox should make a move. After exploring options, I decided that they should go after Braves pitcher Mike Minor. The Red Sox could put together a little package together, maybe including Lars Anderson and Darnell McDonald to acquire Minor and maybe David Ross. Minor is still a young player, and a former top prospect, as he is still only 24. In the major leagues this season, Minor is 0-2/4.50/15 in 4 starts and 22 innings for the Braves. Last year, he went 3-2/5.98/43 in 40 2/3 innings. His numbers are not too gaudy and the Braves may be losing faith in him, which is why the Red Sox may be able to swoop in and grab him for a low price. The Red Sox coaching staff could turn him around as they have done with so many other pitchers, including Andrew Miller. Minor is a left-handed starter, which would be good because the only lefty in the Red Sox rotation currently is Jon Lester. They could use him as a long reliever as well, but he may be more effective as a starter. I would not be surprised to see Minor's name pop up in trade conversations with the Red Sox later this year.

Weekly News

With today's 14-1 win over the Blue Jays, the Red Sox concluded a 6-0 week with 3-game sweeps of the Yankees and Blue Jays. Our Player of the Week, for his 2nd time, is David Ortiz, who batted a remarkable .320/4/13 in just 6 games! He is now a very impressive .325/17/43 this season, as he's been great all year long. Our Pitcher of the Week, for his 3rd time, is Clay Buchholz, who tossed a gem in Toronto on Friday (6/10/11) allowing a run on 3 hits through 7 innings, earning a win in a 5-1 Red Sox victory. The game of the week goes to Thursday (6/9/11) in an 8-3 win over the Yankees where the Sox rode a 7-run 7th inning to a win and series sweep of their arch-rivals. The performance of the week goes to Kevin Youkilis today (6/12/11) as he went 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs including a 2-run homer. Next week the Sox will take a day off tomorrow before a 3-game series in Tampa Bay, then they will head back home and face the Brewers for 3 games.

The Big Fifth Inning, Red Sox Strike Again (39-26)

Well, the Red Sox have now scored 30 runs in just 2 games as today they went on to beat the Blue Jays 14-1 after winning 16-4 yesterday. In the 1st inning, the Sox got going on a solo home run to right field by Adrian Gonzalez. In the 3rd inning, an Adrian Gonzalez groundout and an RBI single by Kevin Youkilis made it 3-0. In the bottom of the 4th, Jose Bautista homered to make it 3-1. In the 5th inning, a 2-run homer by Dustin Pedroia and a 3-run shot by David Ortiz made it 8-1. Later in the inning, Carl Crawford came home on a single by Marco Scutaro to make it 9-1. In the top of the 6th, an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis and another by David Ortiz made it 11-1. Then later in the inning, Ortiz scored on a double by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. In the 9th, Kevin Youkilis whacked a 2-run homer, making it 14-1, the final score.

Jon Lester (top right) was fantastic, allowing 2 hits and a run over 8 great innings, earning the win, as he is now 9-2/3.73/87, as he's been a big winner this year. Michael Bowden pitched a scoreless inning of relief behind Lester. Jacoby Ellsbury did just what he's supposed out of the leadoff role, going 2-5 and scoring 3 runs. Dustin Pedroia only went 1-4, but he scored 2 runs and drove in 2 on the home run, as he is now .262/5/28. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4, scoring 2 runs, and driving in 2, including a solo home run as he is now .341/13/60. Kevin Youkilis (left) had a great game, going 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs, including a 2-run homer, as he is now .264/9/42. David Ortiz also had a great game, going 2-6 with 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs including a 3-run homer, as he is now .325/17/43. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 3-4 with an RBI in a good day. Marco Scutaro also had a good day, going 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI in a good day. After an off day tomorrow, the Sox will head down to Tampa Bay and will send Tim Wakefield (3-1/4.84/23) against James Shields (5-4/2.85/93) and the Rays.

Bright Spots:

Jon Lester- he was great, allowing a run and 2 hits in 8 innings, earning the win

Michael Bowden- a scoreless inning

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with 3 runs scored

Dustin Pedroia- 1-4 with 2 runs scored and a 2-run homer

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs, including a solo home run

Kevin Youkilis- 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs, including a 2-run homer

David Ortiz- 2-6 with 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs including a 3-run shot

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 3-4 with an RBI double

Marco Scutaro- 2-4 with a run and an RBI

Dull Spots:

J.D. Drew- 0-5 with 4 strikeouts

Wow, another blowout, and it is now a 9 game win streak.

Beat Down In Toronto, Red Sox Slaughter Blue Jays (38-26)

Well, today was a really close game where the Sox just barely edged the Blue Jays by a very close score of 16-4. The scoring started in the 3rd inning for the Red Sox, when they put runners on first and third with no outs. Adrian Gonzalez promptly doubled to put the score at 1-0. After David Ortiz was walked to load the bases, Jed Lowrie was hit, scoring Dustin Pedroia and pushing it to 2-0. Adrian Gonzalez soon came in on a sacrifice fly by Carl Crawford, making it 3-0. David Ortiz then came in on an RBI single by Marco Scutaro to make it 4-0. In the 4th inning, Jason Varitek came home on a single by Dustin Pedroia to make it 5-0. In the bottom of the 4th, the Blue Jays cracked through with a 2-run double by Rajai David to make it 5-2. In the 5th, the Sox put runners at first and second with 1 out. J.D. Drew singled to right field, scoring one of them and making it 6-2. In the next at bat, Jason Varitek launched a line drive to right field that made it over the wall and made it a 9-2 game. Later in the inning, David Ortiz launched a sharp line drive that made it over the wall for another 3-run homer, making it 12-2 Red Sox. In the 6th, the Sox came through again Jason Varitek singled in Marco Scutaro to make it 13-2. In the bottom of the 6th, a 2-run home run by Edwin Encarnacion put the Jays right back into the game at 13-4. In the 8th, an RBI groundout by Jacoby Ellsbury and a 2-run double for Dustin Pedroia made it 16-4.

John Lackey was not great, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings, but it didn't really matter as he still won the game and is now 4-5/7.41/29. Dan Wheeler, Tommy Hottovy, and Michael Bowden each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-6 with a run scored and an RBI in a good game. Dustin Pedroia, however, had a fantastic game, going 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs, as he is now .263/4/26. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-3 with 2 runs and an RBI. David Ortiz went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and that great 3-run homer, as he is now .325/16/39. Marco Scutaro did a very good job of what he's good at, going 4-6 with 3 runs scored and an RBI. J.D. Drew went 2-5 with 2 runs scored and an RBI in a good game for him. Jason Varitek (top left) had a rare great game, going 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs, including that big 3-run homer, as he is now .234/3/13. Tomorrow, in the series finale, the Sox will trot out Jon Lester (8-2/3.98/79) as the Blue Jays will with Kyle Drabek (4-4/4.98/43).

Bright Spots:

Dan Wheeler, Tommy Hottovy, and Michael Bowden- scoreless innings each of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-6 with a run and an RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 3-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-3 with 2 runs and an RBI

David Ortiz- 2-3 with 2 runs scored and that big 3-run homer

Marco Scutaro- 4-6 with 3 runs scored and an RBI

J.D. Drew- 2-5 with 2 runs and an RBI

Jason Varitek- 2-3 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI, including a 3-run shot

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

This was a great win for the Sox, I mean, wow!

Red Sox Continue Streak, Take Down Jays (37-26)

Last night, the Red Sox played a good game in Toronto, winning 5-1 on a gem by Clay Buchholz (right). The Red Sox had their first chance in the third inning, with runners on second and third with no outs. Dustin Pedroia hit a ball to the gap at the shortstop, but he legged it out for an infield RBI single. In the next at bat, Adrian Gonzalez grounded into a 4-6-3 double play, but scoring a run, so it became 2-0. In the bottom of the 4th, Corey Patterson came home on a sacrifice fly by Juan Rivera to make it 2-1. In the 5th, RBI singles by Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis made it 4-1. It stayed at 4-1 until the 9th, when Jacoby Ellsbury scored on a ground rule double by Adrian Gonzalez to make it 5-1.

Clay Buchholz pitched very well, allowing just 3 hits and 1 earned run through 7 strong innings. He earned the win, and is now a very good 5-3/3.59/55 this year. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon each relieved him with a scoreless inning. Jacoby Ellsbury (left) played a very good game, going 3-5 and scoring 3 runs. Dustin Pedroia also had a good game, going 3-4 with a run and an RBI, as he is now .255/4/23. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 with 2 RBIs, his 56th and 57th RBIs of the year. Kevin Youkilis went 1-4 with an RBI, as he singled in the 5th inning. Today at 1:07 EST, the Sox will have John Lackey (3-5/7.60/21) up against Brandon Morrow (2-3/4.50/62).

Bright Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 1 run on 3 hits in 7 innings, wow!

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning of relief

Jonathan Papelbon- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-5 with 3 runs scored and a double

Dustin Pedroia- 3-4 with a run and an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-4 with 2 RBIs

Kevin Youkilis- 1-4 with an RBI

Dull Spots:

David Ortiz- 0-4 with 5 runners left on base

Jed Lowrie- 0-5 with a strikeout and 6 runners left on base

Mike Cameron- 0-4 with a strikeout and 3 runners left on base

Overall the Red Sox played a good game, and the streak now stands at 7 games!

Red Sox Beat The Weather, Extend Division Lead (36-26)

Last night, the Red Sox concluded a 3-game sweep of the Yankees with an 8-3 win over their arch-rivals. The Yankees got off to an early lead after Curtis Granderson homered, scoring Derek Jeter. It stayed as a duel until the 7th inning, when after a David Ortiz single to lead the inning, a Jed Lowrie triple plated him. Mike Cameron proceeded to tie the game, scoring Lowrie with an RBI double. Mike Cameron soon came in on a Jacoby Ellsbury single to make it 3-2. Jason Varitek came in to score on an RBI single by Adrian Gonzalez, making it 4-2 Red Sox. Jacoby Ellsbury then came in on a single by Kevin Youkilis to advance the lead to 5-2. Finally, a David Ortiz 2-run double capped the rally, making it 7-2. In the top of the 9th, Marco Scutaro came in to score on an RBI single by Adrian Gonzalez, making it 8-2. In the bottom of the 9th, Brett Gardner came around on a groundout by Derek Jeter, making it 8-3.

Josh Beckett was very good, allowing just that 2-run homer through 7 strong innings. He earned the win, and is now 5-2/2.06/73, as he has been so good this year. Matt Albers pitching a scoreless inningbehind him and Dan Wheeler allowed a run in an inning after Albers. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 2-4 with a run and an RBI. Adrian Gonzalez went 2-5, scoring a run, and having 2 RBIs. Kevin Youkilis went 1-4 with a run scored and an RBI. David Ortiz capped the rally, going 2-4 with a run scored and 2 RBIs, as he is now .326/15/36. Jed Lowrie went 1-4 with a run scored and an RBI triple. Mike Cameron went 1-4 with a run and an RBI, as everyone had a hit. Tonight, the Sox will head up to Toronto and send Clay Buchholz (4-3/3.82/49) up against Jo-Jo Reyes (2-4/4.16/44).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- only 2 runs on the homer through 7 innings, earning the win

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning of relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-4 with a run and an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 2-5 with a run and 2 RBIs

David Ortiz- 2-4 with a run and 2 RBIs

Jed Lowrie- 1-4 with a run and an RBI triple

Mike Cameron- 1-4 with a run and an RBI double

Dull Spots:

Nobody!

What a game, and a series, it's about time we're living up to expectations!

Red Sox Wake Up, Take First Place From Yankees (35-26)

Last night, the Red Sox put themselves in sole possession of first place with an 11-6 win over the Yankees. With Jacoby Ellsbury on third with 1 out in the 1st inning, Adrian Gonzalez groundout put the Sox up 1-0. However, it dramatically changed once again on a stroke by David Ortiz as his 15th homer was good enough to put the Sox up 3-0. In the 2nd inning, Marco Scutaro came around to score on a sacrifice fly by J.D. Drew. With the bases loaded in the 4th, Jason Varitek grounded out to second, but he just escaped the double play to make it 5-0. Jacoby Ellsbury promptly delivered with a double to make it 6-0 before a Dustin Pedroia single made it 7-0. In the bottom of the 4th, the Yankees got on the board with a solo home run by Alex Rodriguez. In the 5th, a Francisco Cervelli single to score Eduardo Nunez made it 7-2 Red Sox. Then a long double to center field by Derek Jeter made it 7-3. Later in the inning, Jeter came in on a sacrifice fly by Mark Teixeira to cut the score to 7-4 in the 5th. With the bases loaded in the 6th, Adrian Gonzalez walked, and a run came in to make it 8-4. In the bottom of the 6th, Francisco Cervelli singled through the left side, scoring Robinson Cano and making it 8-5. In the 9th, a solo home run by Carl Crawford and a 2-run shot from J.D. Drew made it 11-5 late. The Yankees cut it a little when Mark Teixeira singled in Francisco Cervelli to make it 11-6 but that was it.

Tim Wakefield (top right) was not too sharp, allowing 5 runs in 5 1/3 innings. However, he earned the win, and is now 3-1/4.84/23 this year. Alfredo Aceves earned a save with 3 2/3 innings of relief, allowing just 1 run, as he has been a great acquisition this year. Jacoby Ellsbury had a good game, going 3-5, scoring a run and having an RBI. Dustin Pedroia went 1-3 with an RBI and 2 walks. David Ortiz (left) went 1-4 with 2 runs scored and that 2-run homer, as he is now .323/15/34. Carl Crawford went 2-5 with 2 runs scored and that solo home run, as he is now .247/6/30. Marco Scutaro had a very good game, going 2-5 with 2 runs scored. J.D. Drew went 1-3 with 3 RBIs and that 2-run homer, he is now .229/4/15 this year. The series finale tonight will be good, as Josh Beckett (4-2/2.01/67) and C.C. Sabathia (7-3/2.80/70) will go head to head.

Bright Spots:

Alfredo Aceves- the save with 3 2/3 innings of one-run relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 3-5 with a run and an RBI

Dustin Pedroia- 1-3 with an RBI

David Ortiz- 1-4 with 2 runs scored and a 2-run homer

Carl Crawford- 2-5 with 2 runs and a solo shot

Marco Scutaro- 2-5 with 2 runs scored

J.D. Drew- 1-3 with a run and 3 RBIs on the 2-run homer

Dull Spots:

Tim Wakefield- he earned the win despite 5 runs in 5 1/3 innings

Well, we are in first place now, finally, living up to expectations.

Red Sox Ride Early Rallies To First Place (34-26)

Last night, the Red Sox moved into a tie for first place with the Yankees by beating the Yanks 6-4. It all got started on the 5th pitch of the game, that Jacoby Ellsbury hammered over the short porch in right field. After Dustin Pedroia walked, Adrian Gonzalez almost had another homer, but the ball ricocheted off the base of the wall in right center for an RBI triple to make it 2-0. Gonzalez soon came in on a fly ball to Brett Gardner for a sacrifice fly and making it 3-0. With runners on the corners for the Yankees, Robinson Cano delivered with a single to center, making it 3-1. With runners on first and second in the 2nd inning, Dustin Pedroia knocked a double down the left field line to make it 4-1. With Adrian Gonzalez on first in the 5th inning, David Ortiz hit a shot to right field to make it 6-1. However, later in the 5th, with Jorge Posada and Russell Martin on base, Nick Swisher hit a big 2-run double to make it 6-3. In the 9th, Jorge Posada singled in Brett Gardner to make it 6-4.

Jon Lester (top right) was not terribly sharp in last night's game, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits

through 6 innings. He earned the win, and is now 8-2/3.98/79 this year. Bobby Jenks came in and walked a better before scoreless innings by Matt Albers and Daniel Bard. Jonathan Papelbon then came in and earned a save by allowing 1 run in an inning. The Red Sox wen nuts on Freddy Garcia (left) as Jacoby Ellsbury was 2-5 with a solo home run, and he is now .301/7/30. Dustin Pedroia was 1-3 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI. Adrian Gonzalez went 1-2 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, along with 2 walks. David Ortiz went 1-4 with 2 RBIs on a huge home run, as he is now .324/14/32. Tonight, Tim Wakefield (2-1/4.40/20) and A.J. Burnett (6-3/3.86/57) will square off as the Sox will look to be alone at the top.

Bright Spots:

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-5 with a solo home run

Dustin Pedroia- 1-3 with a run and an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-2 with 2 runs and an RBI

David Ortiz- 1-4 with a huge 2-run shot

Dull Spots:

Carl Crawford- 0-4

Well, one more win and we can get the Yankees fans to stop telling us off.

Red Sox Take A MIxed Draft In 2011

Last night, the MLB amateur draft took place and the Red Sox had 4 picks, #19, #26, #36, and #40. For their 1st round pick, they chose Matt Barnes, a right hander from UConn. Last year with the Huskies, Barnes went 11-4 with a minuscule 1.61 ERA in 16 starts. He has a mid to high 90's fastball, as he has been clocked at 98 mph, but averages around 94-95. Barnes was the Big East Pitcher of the Year,and his UConn teammate George Springer (taken by the Astros) was Player of the Year.

For their #26 pick, the Red Sox took switch-hitting catcher Blake Swihart from V Sue Cleveland High School in New Mexico. However, from an interview, it appears that Swihart may want to go to college instead of sign with the Red Sox. He is a great hitter, probably the best hitting catcher in the draft, and he has a good arm, but he is also very fast, a rarity for a catcher.

For their #36 pick, the Sox took left handed pitcher Henry Owens. He shows good control and movement despite only a low 90's fastball, his ceiling has been around 92 mph. He is also very tall at 6'7" and so the control is a big surprise, as you don't see many high school pitchers who can control their pit

ches well. Like Blake Swihart, he is from high school so I do not have stats on him, just scouting reports. However, he may appear to be a late round steal for the Red Sox if his velocity improves a little bit.

Finally, their #40 pick was Jackie Bradley, an outfielder from the University of South Carolina. Bradley is a very good defensive outfielder

outfielder with solid speed and range. After hitting .368 and .340 in his first two seasons, the Red Sox pulled an Anthony Renuado, taking a player who

had been great in past seasons, but had fallen in the past year, as he batted .259 in 2011. He did deal with injuries, also like Anthony Renaudo, so I feel if he is healthy he could put together seasons like a young Mike Cameron or Jacoby Ellsbury. I am really pleased with this year's draft, and I hope these players turn out really well.

Growing Up With Daisuke Matsuzaka

I remember the day in December 2006. I was only 9 years old, and had payed attention to the Red Sox during the 2004 playoffs because my mom's family was from New England. My mom told me that the Red Sox had signed a really good pitcher from Japan named Daisuke Matsuzaka. I didn't know much about baseball before then, but I started playing in 2007, and I started becoming more and more interested in the Red Sox as the season went along. I remember hearing about Dice-K's debut in a Red Sox uniform on April 4, 2007. He earned the win, allowing 1 run and striking out 10 through 7 innings. However, after 2 more pretty good starts, Daisuke displayed the inconsistency he has become so famous for on April 22, 2007 against the Yankees. He earned the win, but he allowing 6 runs in 7 innings in a 7-6 win for the Red Sox. On May 3, 2007, he was shaky again, allowing 7 runs in 5 innings in an 8-7 win for the Red Sox. Dice-K wound up with a mediocre season in 2007, completely not living up to expectations by going 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA and 201 strikeouts. When it came to Playoff time in 2007, in Cleveland, after losing the 3rd game of the series to put the Sox back 2-1, he won the clinching game 7 in a 11-2 defeat of the Cleveland Indians, I remember that game. In the World Series against the Rockies, Daisuke came through, allowing 2 runs in 5+ innings to earn the win in Game 3. That was 5 years ago. In 2008, with an injury to Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka actually started Opening Day for the Red Sox on March 25, 2008. He allowed 2 runs in 5 innings in an eventual 6-5 win over Oakland. Daisuke lived up to expectations in 2008, playing very well, and making 2007 look like a bad year as he went 18-3/2.90/154 as the Red Sox went 95-67 and made it to the ALCS. As my interest in baseball and the Red Sox increased, Daisuke's stats and attributes declined. Since then, Dice-K's career has been derailed by injuries, injuring himself first in a game against Oakland in April 2009. He came back later in May, only to get injured again, as he would go an icky 4-6/5.76/54. In 2010 he suffered numerous injuries before, arguably the game I remember most about Daisuke, as on May 22, 2010, he threw 7 2/3 no-hit innings against the Phillies before a Juan Castro single broke it up in the 8th. Daisuke was ok that season, going 9-6/4.69/133. This year, Daisuke was the epitome of Daisuke, throwing 2 consecutive 1-hit gems on April 18th and 23rd against the Blue Jays and the Angels. However, those were just sandwiched by multiple bad starts that put his season stats at 3-3/5.30/26. This week, he got the news that he would have to have Tommy John surgery and would likely miss all of this season and most of 2012. Could it be the end of Dice-K's tenure with the Red Sox? Maybe. But he will go down in history as one of the most interesting players in recent years.

Weekly News

After today's 6-3 win over the A's, the Red Sox concluded a 3-3 week, and are now 33-26 after being swept by the White Sox and sweeping the A's. For the second straight week, our Player of the Week is Carl Crawford, who went .364/1/8 this week, to make him .248/5/29 this year. Well, this week wasn't much of a pitching week for the Red Sox, but I suppose our Pitcher of the Week is Josh Beckett, who was at least average, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings yesterday. The performance of the week will go to Carl Crawford in yesterday's game (6/4/11), as he went 4-7 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs in that 14 inning marathon. Which brings us to our game of the week, yesterday, in a roller coaster game that ended up going 14 innings in an eventual 9-8 win for the Red Sox. In the upcoming week, the Sox will have an off day on monday before a 3-game set with the Yankees and a 3-game set with the Blue Jays. I am glad that the Sox bounced back from an 0-3 start to the week to end it at 3-3.

Crawford's Homer the Difference In Win Over A's (33-26)

Today, the Red Sox concluded a 3-game sweep of the A's with a 6-3 win. The Red Sox got going in the 2nd inning, when, after singles by David Ortiz and Jed Lowrie to start the inning, Carl Crawford drove them in with a 3-run homer into the bullpen to give the Sox a 3-0 lead. In the 3rd, the A's cut the lead a little as Kevin Kouzmanoff went yard off John Lackey to make it 3-1. They cut it further in the 4th, as Daric Barton drove in Kurt Suzuki with 2 outs. However, in the 4th, a 2-run homer by Adrian Gonzalez extended the lead to 5-2 for the Red Sox. In the 6th, Conor Jackson came in to score on a double by Daric Barton to make it 5-3. In the 6th, Jacoby Ellsbury raced home on an opposite field single by Dustin Pedroia to make it 6-3, the final score.

John Lackey was pretty good in his first game back from the DL, allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits in 5 2/3 innings, as he is now 3-5/7.60/21, as he has not been sharp this year. Matt Albers pitched a scoreless inning before Tommy Hottovy pitched 1/3 of one, and Dan Wheeler and Daniel Bard each threw a scoreless inning after that. Dustin Pedroia had a good game, going 2-3 with an RBI single, as he is now .244/4/20. Adrian Gonzalez only went 1-4, but he did have that big 2-run homer, and he is now .339/12/50, as he has been great. David Ortiz did a good job of reaching base, as he went 3-4 and scored a run. Carl Crawford (left) went 1-2 with a big 3-run shot, as he is now a much improved .248/5/29. Jarrod Saltalamacchia also had a good game, going 3-4 with a run scored and a triple. After a day off tomorrow, the Red Sox will head to the Bronx and send Jon Lester (7-2/3.94/74) against Freddy Garcia (4-4/3.34/41).

Bright Spots:

John Lackey- I was impressed with his outing, 3 runs in 5 2/3 innings

Matt Albers- a scoreless inning of relief

Dan Wheeler- a scoreless inning of relief

Daniel Bard- the save in a a scoreless inning of relief

Dustin Pedroia- 2-3 with an RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 1-4 with a 2-run homer

David Ortiz- 3-4 with a run scored

Carl Crawford- 1-2 with a 3-run homer

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 3-4 with a run and a triple

Dull Spots:

Kevin Youkilis- 0-4 with a strikeout

Mike Cameron- 0-3 with a strikeout

Well, sweep or get swept, the Sox swept them this time.

Drew Comes Through With Walk-Off Single In 14th (32-26)

Yesterday, the Red Sox played one of the quickest games in history, haha just kidding, they won 9-8 in 14 innings against the A's. They got off to an early lead in the 1st on a solo home run by Adrian Gonzalez. In the 5th inning, with Carl Crawford on third base, J.D. Drew drove him in with an RBI single to make it 2-0. In th tp of the 6th, a Josh Willingham single scored David DeJesus and Ryan Sweeney to tie the game. In the bottom of the 6th, Jacoby Ellsbury reached second base to start the inning, setting up for an RBI single by Dustin Pedroia, an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis, and an RBI single by Carl Crawford that would leave it at 5-2. In the 7th, Daric Barton came in on a sacrifice fly by Cliff Pennington to make it 5-3. In the bottom of the 8th, Carl Crawford gave the Sox some insurance with a 2-run double scoring Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Reddick to make it 7-3. They would need the insurance, as in the top of the 9th, the A's went wild capitalizing on an error by Dustin Pedroia and singles by Cliff Pennington and Conor Jackson to tie the game at 7-7. In the 11th inning, Cliff Pennington came in on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Sweeney to give the A's an 8-7 lead. However, an RBI ground-rule double by Jacoby Ellsbury, scoring Jarrod Saltalamacchia tied it at 8-8. It was the 14th, however, when J.D. Drew came through with an RBI single into the gap, scoring Carl Crawford and winning it 9-8 for the Red Sox.

Josh Beckett (top right) had a pretty good game, allowing 3 earned runs in 6 innings, earning a no-decision and making him 4-2/2.01/67. A bunch of relievers pitched before a 4 inning relief appearance by Alfredo Aceves, who earned the win and is now 3-1/3.38/20. Jacoby Ellsbury had a great game, going 4-7 with a run scored and an RBI, he is now .300/6/29. Dustin Pedroia only went 1-5 but he had an RBI and scored a run. Adrian Gonzalez went 3-5 with 2 runs scored and an RBI on the home run, he is now .340/11/48. Kevin Youkilis went 2-5 with a run and an RBI in a good day. Carl Crawford (left) had a great day, going 4-7 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, as he is now .246/4/26. J.D. Drew went 2-7 with 2 RBIs on two very important hits, he is now .228/3/12. Today at 1:35, John Lackey (2-5/8.01/19) will go for a series sweep against Brett Anderson (3-5/3.68/59).

Bright Spots:

Josh Beckett- 3 runs in 6 innings in a good start

Alfredo Aceves- 1 run in 4 innings to earn the win in relief

Jacoby Ellsbury- 4-7 with 1 run and 1 RBI

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-5 with 2 runs and a solo homer

Kevin Youkilis- 2-5 with a run and an RBI

Carl Crawford- 4-7 with 2 runs and 3 RBI

J.D. Drew- 2-7 with 2 very big RBI singles

Dull Spots:

Jonathan Papelbon- 4 runs, 3 earned in just 1/3 of an inning

Jed Lowrie- 0-6 with 2 strikeouts

Jason Varitek- 0-3 with 2 strikeouts

I am glad they won, somehow.

Red Sox Battle Back From Early Deficit, Beat A's (31-26)

Last night, the Red Sox rallied from behind to beat the A's 8-6 in a hard-fought match that I really enjoyed watching. The A's got off to quite a start, after putting runners at first and third with one out. Josh Willingham singled to left field, scoring David DeJesus and making it 1-0 A's. After another single, Daric Barton singled to right field, making it 2-0. A 2-run single by Mark Ellis capped a 4-run 1st inning, making it 4-0. After a single in the 1st, Jacoby Ellsbury used his speed to get to third with just one out. Adrian Gonzalez delivered with an RBI groundout to Mark Ellis, cutting it to 4-1. After a Kevin Youkilis double, David Ortiz knocked a single just over the shortstop's head for a single, making it 4-2. After Mike Cameron came in on a sacrifice fly by Jacoby Ellsbury, the Sox had cut it to 4-3. In the 3rd, after a Kevin Youkilis walk, David Ortiz hit a high ball off the monster that got away from Josh Willingham, allowing Youkilis to score and tie the game. Jed Lowrie then drove in Ortiz on a single to give the Sox a 5-4 lead. In the 4th, with runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out, Coco Crisp grounded out to Adrian Gonzalez, scoring Kevin Kouzmanoff, to tie the game. In the 5th, Daric Barton gave the A's a 6-5 lead, scoring Josh Willingham with a grounder through the right side. In the 7th, the Red Sox loaded the bases with 2 outs, to prepare for a broken bat, bloop single up the middle by Carl Crawford, scoring 2 and making it 7-6. In the 8th, a Jarrod Saltalamacchia home run pushed it to 8-6.

Clay Buchholz (top right) was not sharp whatsoever, allowing 6 runs, 5 earned in 4 2/3 innings, he earned a no-decision and made himself 4-3/3.82/49. The bullpen was great however, as neither Scott Atchison, Tommy Hottovy, Bobby Jenks, Daniel Bard, or Jonathan Papelbon allowed a run. Adrian Gonzalez had a good game, going 3-5 with a run scored and an RBI, he is now .335/10/47, as he has been great this year. Kevin Youkilis went 2-3 with 3 runs scored. David Ortiz went 2-3 with a run scored and 2 RBIs, as he is now .319/13/30. Carl Crawford (top left) only went 1-4 but he had a huge clutch single, as he is now .233/4/23. Jarrod Saltalamacchia as well, only went 1-4 but with a home run, as he is now .220/5/18. Today will be a marquee matchup, as Josh Beckett (4-2/1.80/63) and Trevor Cahill (6-3/2.31/58) will go head to head.

Bright Spots:

Scott Atchison- a scoreless inning

Bobby Jenks- the win in a scoreless inning

Daniel Bard- a scoreless inning

Jonathan Papelbon- the save in a scoreless inning

Adrian Gonzalez- 3-5 with a run and an RBI

Kevin Youkilis- 2-3 with 3 runs scored

David Ortiz- 2-3 with a run and 2 RBIs

Jed Lowrie- 1-4 with an RBI

Carl Crawford- 1-4 with a huge 2-run single

Jarrod Saltalamacchia- 1-4 with a solo home run

Dull Spots:

Clay Buchholz- 6 runs, 5 earned in 4 2/3 innings

Dustin Pedroia- 0-5

This was a good game, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to watch it.

Prospects For the Red Sox PItching Woes/Injuries

The injuries to under-performing starters John Lackey (2-5/8.01/19) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-3/5.30/26) have really taken a toll on the Red Sox pitching staff. The replacements of Alfredo Aceves and Tim Wakefield seemed to be working very well until the past series against the Chicago White Sox, 8 runs in 5 innings and 4 runs in 6 innings, respectively. I have gone into the Red Sox farm system and looked for starters who have been performing well this year, and I came up with three names.

Andrew Miller (right) was a top prospect, and the Tigers' #1 pick in the draft in 2006. The Red Sox acquired him in a trade with the Marlins in return for Dustin Richardson. He fills the need for a left-handed starter or long reliever, as he has started 9 of 10 games for the Pawtucket Red Sox this year. So far in Pawtucket, he has gone 22/2.47/39 in 47 1/3 innings down with Pawtucket. Despite great success in

the minors, however, he has not been able to translate his success into the major leagues, as in 2010 he went 1-5/8.54/28, with hitters batting .372 off of him. While he does have some control problems (34 walks), the Red Sox organization has done wonders with him and he may be due for a promotion.

Kyle Weiland (left) has been fairly consistent in the minor leagues through his career. Weiland was the Red Sox' 3rd round pick in the 2008 draft, and he has been pretty good since. So far, in 10 starts in 2011, Weiland has gone 4-4/3.46/57 in 52 innings. Last year in AA Portland, he went 5-9/4.42/120, his highest ERA since being drafted. He is only 24, but he may well be mature enough to earn a callup at least by the end of the season, and make his major league debut, due to his consistency and clear skill at the minor league level.

The third and final name is Matt Fox (right), who has acted as a swingman for the PawSox this year, making 7 starts in 13 outings. He has been very successful in those 13 outings, however, going 4-2/2.73/48 in 52 2/3 innings in Pawtucket. Fox came into the league being drafted in 2004 by the Minnesota Twins. Fox stayed with the Twins until September of last year, when he was released, and the Red Sox claimed him off waivers. His major league totals are 0-0/4.91/0 in 7 1/3 innings split between the Twins and Red Sox. I think he may be due for a callup if things keep going like they are. It would please me greatly to see any one of these names on the Red Sox roster before long.