Sox Make Minor Trade

The Sox sent David Pauley to the Orioles today for pitcher Randor Bierd. This deal might not be something you're going to read about, but I think it is note worthy. Boston has been building up their bullpen, and since they have a silly amount of pitching (even in Pawtucket). Bierd (0-2 4.53 ERA) is only 24 years old, and he will add another right handed reliever to this already deep (?) bullpen. With Materson staying in their, the bullpen seems to be shaping up very nicely. I don't know about anyone else, but I am already excited for baseball season, and the best part of this deal is I never have to watch Pauley pitch for the Sox again.

-BMack

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

Rays Blowout Sox 10-3

The night started well as the Sox took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, as David Ortiz hit a 2 run HR. The good times didn't last long as Tampa came back with a 3 run bottom of the first. It didn't get any better for the Wake tonight as he up only lasting 2 1/3 innings while surrendering 6 runs. The bullpen did an OK job the rest of the way (except Pauley), but the Sox still lost 10-3. Ortiz was the only source of runs, as he added another HR in the fourth. Boston is in need of some other players stepping up, as there is still no word on when J.D. Drew will be back, and Mike Lowell was held out of today's game with pain in his hip. It will be interesting to see how long Lowell is going to be able to handle the pain, or if he is going to have to shut it down for the season. The Sox are going to make the playoffs, but I am not sure who is going to be left to play. The Sox may want to start resting guys, and get ready for the post-season instead of running wildly after the Rays.

-BMack

Possible Replacements for Wakefield

The Sox are going to place Tim Wakefield on the 15 day DL with shoulder stiffness. With Justin Masterson pitching 2.2 innings of relief in Sunday's game, Bartolo Colon still weeks away, and Wakefield's spot coming up on Tuesday... Who should fill it?

Charlie Zink



A 29 year old undrafted career minor leaguer, Zink is 13-4, with a 2.89 ERA at AAA Pawtucket this year. He's a knuckle baller, which is probably why the Sox haven't brought him to the Majors yet. But if Wakefield really is out for 2 or 3 starts, why not give this guy a shot?

Another possibility is David Pauley, who is also 13-4 but with a slightly higher ERA of 3.32. Pauley last pitched in the Majors in 2006, making 3 starts and struggling big time. But he's doing well in Pawtucket, and could get the nod on Tuesday.

-The Commodore