Jed Lowrie

It was not critical that the Red Sox conducted a four-game sweep of the Indians to end the regular season, but it sure feels better knowing that this team is heading into the playoffs on a high. Though Clay Buchholz was knocked around on Sunday - allowing six runs and five hits in three innings - the Sox offense pounded Cleveland pitching again in a 12-7 victory. The season-ending series at Fenway Park was inconsequential in the standings since the Sox have known for awhile that they will face the Angels in the ALDS. Yet the set versus Cleveland served as an important tune-up ... Read Full Story

One of the multiple benefits of having two aces in the same rotation is that one can step up when the other is down. Jon Lester did just that today in Chicago. Josh Beckett, Boston's No. 1 starter who takes the mound tomorrow afternoon against the White Sox, has been roughed up in his last four starts. In the first two games of this weekend series, Paul Byrd was smashed for seven runs in 2.1 innings on Friday in a 12-2 loss, and Gavin Floyd blanked the Red Sox yesterday. So Lester's seven shutout innings in a 6-1 Boston win this afternoon were crucial. ... Read Full Story

Victor Martinez was Theo Epstein's most prominent acquisition at the July 31 trade deadline, but a less heralded yet equally impactful newcomer has also helped fuel Boston's playoff run. Alex Gonzalez has given the Red Sox the expected solid defense at shortstop, but he has also provided offensive production that has bolstered the bottom of the lineup. Last night was a prime example. Trailing 8-7 in the bottom of the ninth, Boston saw Angels closer Brian Fuentes retire the first two batters before staging a comeback that was finished when Gonzalez blooped a walk-off single into left field for a 9-8 Red Sox win. ... Read Full Story

I remember when the Red Sox signed Julio Lugo after the 2006 season. It was a move I heartily endorsed. Though he struggled in a brief stint with the Dodgers, Lugo was a decent defensive shortstop with a strong bat and speed on the basepaths for the then Devil Rays. Then, like Edgar Renteria, Lugo seemingly forgot how to be a productive major leaguer once he debuted with the Sox. Today, after two and a half seasons in Boston, Lugo was designated for assignment. With Mike Lowell returning from the disabled list and a roster opening needed for tonight's starter, Clay Buchholz, the Sox ... Read Full Story

There was no shortage of news in the Red Sox farm system last week. On Sunday alone, Casey Kelly tossed a scoreless inning for the U.S.A. in the Futures Game and the Red Sox announced that Clay Buchholz will start for Boston on Friday in Toronto. Junichi Tazawa was slated to start the Futures Game for the World team, but a lengthy rain delay wiped out his appearance. Eastern League All-Star and Portland Sea Dogs closer T.J. Large was promoted to Pawtucket while 2006 first-round draft pick Jason Place was summoned to Portland. Stephen Fife, a third round selection in 2008, and left-handed reliever ... Read Full Story