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... Read Full Story
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... 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... 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... 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... Read Full Story
The Red Sox are still without their shortstop of the future, but they acquired a familiar veteran who will upgrade the position as they try to hang onto their wild card lead and fight their way back into the American League East race against the New York Yankees. This afternoon, Boston brought back Alex Gonzalez, sending 23-year-old Single-A shortstop Kris Negron to Cincinnati.
Gonzalez, who was one of the best defensive shortstops ever to wear a Red Sox uniform when he played with the... Read Full Story
Regardless of whether the Sox reach the playoffs and make some noise in October, or fail to claim the wild card, Theo Epstein will have some important decisions to make in the off-season.
I think the Sox will part ways with David Ortiz, even if it means eating his salary (on top of paying Julio Lugo $9 million next year). I also believe that Jed Lowrie will be used in a super utility role in 2010, and that there will be yet another starting shortstop (Alex Gonzalez?). Epstein might also... Read Full Story
Jed Lowrie started his rehab assignment at Pawtucket yesterday. His return will bolster the Red Sox roster, but the team can afford if the versatile infielder takes his time. Nick Green's emergence as a quality everyday player has solidified what had been an unstable shortstop situation. Green has flashed a decent glove, showcased a cannon arm and delivered several multiple clutch hits this season. The journeyman major leaguer belted a walk-off home run that wrapped around the Pesky Pole... Read Full Story
It wasn't a work of art. Not even close. The offense managed just three runs and left nine men on base. It wasn't easy either. In fact, the outcome was in doubt until Jonathan Papelbon struck out Melvin Mora on a full count heater with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. When you are mired in a five-game losing streak and heading south in the standings, though, a win is a win. Tonight, a win is exactly what the Red Sox needed and recorded.
Brad Penny limited Baltimore to one... Read Full Story
Add Atlanta to the list of potential destinations for Red Sox right-hander Brad Penny. ESPN's Buster Olney writes:
Atlanta is one of the teams in conversation with the Boston Red Sox a bout veteran right-hander Brad Penny , according to sources, at a time when the Red Sox have been doing their own research on Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur .
As the Braves do their background work on Penny, this is part of what they have ascertained: The 31-year-old right-hander started horribly for... Read Full Story
