Mariners Look To Move David Aardsma

"The Mariners are trying to trade David Aardsma, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. As Rosenthal points out, the reliever will earn a raise from his 2010 salary of $2.75MM when he and the Mariners determine his upcoming salary through the arbitration process (MLBTradeRumors)."

The reason I bring this up is because the Red Sox have lost out on a number of relievers, and Aardsma could be a nice pickup. Word is Seattle doesn't want to pay that $2.75 million contract for next year, so Boston may be able to pick him up cheap. Then again, with the size of the contracts a lot of their relievers are getting (Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier) Seattle may raise the price.

Aardsma has been on the Sox before, and he wasn't anything special then, but he is coming 2 very solid year. In 2009 he had 38 saves, 80 K's in 71.1 innings pitched with a 2.52 ERA, and then last year he had 31 saves, 49 Ks in 49.1 innings with a 3.44 ERA. He isn't the greatest, but he could be a nice addition to the bullpen.

Other guys the Red Sox are looking at are Kevin Gregg, Brian Fuentes, and Dan Wheeler (really want him on the Sox).

Sox Trade Aardsma For Prospect

"The Red Sox today traded reliever David Aardsma to the Mariners for lefthanded pitcher Fabian Williamson (Boston Globe)."

I do not know much about this kid, but I like his strikeout numbers, 144 strikeouts in 124.1 innings (in minor leagues). He will probably not make it up to the Majors for a couple of years, since he is only 20 years old, but I really like the deal since I didn't see how Aardsma was going to fit into this bullpen anyways. Plus Fabian Williamson is a way better name, which is always a plus here at Dueling Couches.

Yankees End Sox AL East Hopes With 19-8 Win

From worst to first, that is what the Rays have done this season, and it was finally written in stone as the Yankees spanked the Sox 19-8. It was an odd night at Fenway. The fans were ready to retire Pesky's number, and make a run for the AL East, but instead it was a game that cancelled the Pesky celebration, and heavy rain made the game extended till 1am. People should read too much into this, because the Red Sox really didn't try to win this game. We know that since any game that Pauley is starting is a joke, and he proved it again last night letting up 6 runs in 2 2/3 innings. The Sox also didn't play Ortiz, Pedroia, or even Varitek. Smart choice by Francona, as the chances of winning the division were very slim. The game got uglier as Aardsma got lit up, and he is looking like he is just completely useless, just like Timlin (who also played in this game). In the end, the only positive note out of this game is that Mike Lowell was able to DH for an at-bat, so hopefully that means he is going to be ready for the playoffs.

-BMack

Sox Lose To Jays In First Game Of Double Header 8-1

Paul Byrd looked terrible, and this game got out of hand fast, as the Sox dropped their first game of a double header with the Jays 8-1. Travis Snider was the key to Toronto's success as he drove in 5 runs. Snider was just called up by the Jays, and he made an immediate impact going 2-4 with a HR and 5 RBIs. That would be all they would need as A.J. Burnett was dominant once again 6 innings letting up only 1 run (which was unearned) while striking out 6. Burnett has gone under the radar, but he has had a fantastic season, and now sits with a record of 18-10. The Red Sox offense looked horrible, collecting only 5 hits. To make matters worse Aardsma looked terrible in his first appearance since coming off the DL (3 ER in 1 inning). With the Rays beating the Yankees today the Sox are now 3 games back in the AL East. Sox will try to right the ship tonight, in the 2nd game of the double header vs. the Jays. First pitch is at 7:05.

-BMack