Good Question

If the Red Sox had one 2 year 25 million dollar contract to give out, who would you give it to, Papelbon or Ortiz.

I'm really torn up by this because these are 2 positions I think you can get someone off the street and they can do. Ortiz obviously has had a huge resurgence this year after having some OK years the passed couple of them, and Papelbon has the numbers, but if you watch the Sox nothing really instills confidence.

I'm not really ready to say that Daniel Bard is the future closer, because I don't think he can handle it. Last year he was a disaster when it came to closing situations and Papelbon has converted 20 of 21 saves this year. If it's not broke, why fix it.

With Ortiz he is obviously older, he could bat .230 next year and no one would really be surprised, but he does have hero status here in Boston. I really do think he is a great influence on this team in the locker room. However, he is a hell of a hitter, has worked on hitting leftys and is no longer a HR or bust guy.

At the end of the day I will stick with a strong bullpen and lock up Papelbon because it's pretty much a game over once you get to the 8th when it goes Bard/ Papelbon. I hate to see Ortiz go, but I think he can be easily replaced if need be.

Papelbon Suspended 3 Games... Eventually

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount in the aftermath of Saturday's ejection by plate umpire Tony Randazzo. Not really all that shocking, since he did kind of bump the umpire. The league has to suspended him for that, so I am fine with it. Saying that, this umpire was asking for it. Papelbon was frustrated by his strike zone, and was showing it on the mound, but this umpire made the situation worse when he walked out from behind the plate and called him out. There is no reason for that, and he should know better then to antagonize the situation.

Papelbon is appealing the suspension, but he won't win. He'll just wait till they are playing some shitty team before dropping it.

Rangers 26, Red Sox 11

All the anticipation for Opening Day and then the Rangers outscore the Sox 26-11 in three games. Don't panic yet, though. The Sox can still win those magical 100 games, if that's what you care about. They'd just have to go 100-59 in the remaining 159 games. And that's certainly possible.

Had the Sox done well this weekend, I would have been my wet blanket self, and pleaded for everyone to settle down, as it's only April. Well it is only April, and so therefore I'm not too worried about what we saw in Texas.

Jon Lester is a perennial slow starter. From 2008 to 2010, he went 3-5 in April, with a 4.58 ERA. So we shouldn't worry about his struggles on Friday.

Carl Crawford is going to improve. He broke out a bit on Sunday, after going hitless in the first two games, and being demoted in the lineup.

Clay Buchholz allowed 4 runs off 4 homers. Apart from those occasional mistakes he was spot on. It's not as if he was allowing 4 or 5 hits in an inning, and being ripped apart by the Rangers' batters. He made some big mistakes, but not many, and give Texas some credit for capitalizing.

And there were some positives this weekend. Adrian Gonzalez has settled right in. 5 for 9 over the weekend with a double and 3 RBI. I feel a burst of homeruns coming from him.

And there doesn't seem to be the annual Ortiz slump in April. Two homeruns already. And when he pulled the ball, he hit it hard enough to get it through the shifted infield. That's a very good sign.

Now to the bad news. John Lackey looked awful the second time through the lineup. Everyone's hoping he improves on his 2010 performance, but none of us (my pessimistic self included) considered that he might get worse.

And the bullpen needs to be "sorted out," to put it mildly. I don't put much stock in Papelbon's struggles on Sunday, as it was a non-save situation after he'd been sitting all weekend. I don't think he even warmed up once. The other pieces to the bullpen puzzle will take some time and some headaches to fall in place.

One thing I hope you all learned this weekend is how important pitching is. The starting pitcher is literally the ONLY player who can singlehandedly lose a game for his team. They're also capable of doing the most to help his team win. Lackey lost Saturday's game, pretty much on his own. And on Sunday, Matt Harrison's 7 innings did more to help Texas win than any of their homerun hitters.

So buck up, there are 159 games left. I mean, Baltimore's in first place. It's not yet time to take things so seriously.

Red Sox at Cleveland for three, starting on Tuesday.

-The Commodore

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox (Pitching)

100 wins. All I keep hearing about is 100 wins. It's something the Red Sox haven't done since 1946. But is that really the achievement to long for? The Sox lost the 1946 World Series. And there are some parallels to that 1946 team, which led the Majors in offense, scoring half a run per game more than anyone else, but were 9th of 16 teams in runs allowed. They lost the World Series to St. Louis, the team that allowed the fewest runs in baseball.

Then, as now, pitching wins. And that's where I'll start this preview. Because even though a great offense can win 100 regular season games, it's pitching that wins 11 postseason games.

The Sox rotation looks the same as last year. And it has just as many question marks. We can pretty much bank on Jon Lester to have an ERA below 3.50, and 16 to 20 wins. He's been the rock of the rotation, and one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball the last 3 seasons.

Then there's Buchholz. Call me negative, but him repeating his 2010 feats is not guaranteed. We've all sort of assumed he will once again register an ERA around 2.50 and win close to 20 games. Maybe he will. Even 17 wins and a 3.00 ERA would be excellent. But he's 26. He has one great season under his belt. He's still a question mark. Even though he's overshadowed by much larger question marks in the rotation.

15-10 record. 3.96 ERA. 23 homeruns. That's what Josh Beckett averages every 162 games in his career. Even I was a little stunned to see that. It's so below average. With the Red Sox, he's been 71-40 with a 4.29 ERA. And since 2008, he's been atrocious. It's gotten to the point that Beckett isn't much of a question mark anymore. He's a bad pitcher until proven otherwise.

Among qualifying pitchers, John Lackey had the 73rd lowest ERA in baseball last year. He did eat innings, but that's pretty much it. You can live with him as a #4 starter, but if Beckett doesn't have a good year, he's your #3. And if Buchholz falters, he's your #2. And that's an alarming thought.

Then there's Daisuke. If any other pitcher won 18 games their sophomore season, then was repeatedly injured, struggled when healthy, and averaged 96 walks per full season, we'd be talking about sending him to Pawtucket. So what makes Daisuke so special? I just don't have a good feeling about Daisuke in 2011. Even when healthy, even when at his best, he doesn't go deep into games. His 18 win season was coupled with 167.2 innings pitched. 90 pitchers managed to surpass that mark in 2010.

Sorry folks, but the rotation is too vulnerable, and too dependent on all the stars aligning. Actually, it's dependant on time travel. If Buchholz is the same as he was in 2010, if Beckett is the same as he was in 2007, if Daisuke is the same as 2008, if Lackey is the same as he was in 2007 and in another city....

But it's 2011.

Thankfully, the bullpen looks quite a bit better than last year. The Sox blew the 4th most saves in baseball last year. And with shaky starting pitching, the bullpen will be worked hard in 2011.

Papelbon is still the closer. And even though he's not as elite as he used to be, he's still good enough. It'd be tough to find an improvement over him, but it won't be hard to find a replacement.

Daniel Bard has impressed as a set-up man, with a 1.11 WHIP in 124 career relief innings. Bard and Papelbon represent a quality 8th and 9th inning tandem. But they can't be overworked. They need help.

Bobby Jenks is a possible option. That's what the Sox did to this bullpen: added options. They signed a number of guys, hoping that one or two would work out as reliable set-up men. In the dice game that is relief pitching, this is a viable strategy to build a quality bullpen.

But Jenks is coming off a bad year. And he's gotten progressively worse since 2007. You never know with relievers, but it's hard to imagine that trend changing.

I'm much more optimistic about Dan Wheeler, who's pitched with success in the AL East. He's 33, but has 530 appearances under his belt. He'll wind up as the secondary set-up guy alongside Bard.

Wakefield will be a mop up man and spot starter. Doubront will be used against lefties.

The rest of the bullpen will be a revolving door of arms. Maybe one will be reliable enough to be a 6th inning man, or the type of guy that's brought in when the Sox are down 2 runs in the 7th.

Overrall, the bullpen isn't great, but it's no longer a liability. The rotation, however, is very suspect. So much needs to happen for it to work. And so much can go wrong for it to fail. I don't see Beckett winning more than 15 games. I don't see Daisuke throwing more than 180 innings. I see Buchholz having a good-not-great year. I don't see Lackey doing much better than he did in 2010.

But the offense should be able to make up for these shortcomings. At least in the regular season.

-The Commodore

Happy Truck Day!!

Holy shit I can't wait for baseball to be back!

As for the players Papelbon and Jon Lester are already down there. Papelbon talked to the media, and basically said that he is cool with the changes that they made in the bullpen and that Francona and Epstien were very good about calling him right when it happened and let him know everyone's roles. That's good to hear, because I kind of thought that he was going to be a problem in Spring Training. Not that there is much he can do about it.

The Red Sox' Pitchers

The Sox' owners heard the outcry from the masses, and acquired some serious, marquee talent last week. The finally went out and got guys you've heard of, guys that will appear on fantasy teams, true stars. They added a slugging first baseman, and a fleet-footed outfielder. These are likely the biggest off-season acquisitions since the Sox traded for Josh Beckett in November of '05.

Speaking of Beckett, I want to talk about pitching. The Red Sox offense has improved tremendously, and should be more consistent, more exciting, and will contend to lead the Majors in runs scored. And while I love the acquisitions, I can't quite jump on the bandwagon that's been fully loaded the last week.

What about pitching?

Well at the top, the Sox have Buchholz and Lester. Our most reliable pitchers are 25 and 26, respectively. Our rocks are 25 and 26. The hopes of the rotation rest on guys who are 25 and 26.

Buchholz was 2nd in the AL in ERA. He won 17 games, and emerged as an All-Star talent. But he also goes into 2011 with only one good year on his track record. I'm not predicting doom and gloom for Buchholz, but I don't think we can just assume he'll have a similarly outstanding year. We've all sort of taken for granted that he will.

Lester also esteemed himself, with 19 wins and a 3.25 ERA. His numbers don't pop as much as Buchholz's, but he's got a fuller history of success. In each of the last 3 seasons, his ERA has been below 3.50, he's won at least 15 games, and pitched at least 200 innings. He's as solid a #2 starter as you'll find.



Then there's John Lackey, whose numbers are more than respectable for a #5 guy. He led the Sox in innings. I'm fine with him in the #5 spot. So long as he's the ONLY #5 pitcher on this team. And that's the problem. We really have no idea what to expect from Beckett and Daisuke. They too might perform like #5 pitchers.

Apart from 2007, when he vied for the Cy Young, Beckett has been disastrous for the Sox. He outright sucked in 2006 and 2008. He was off-and-on in 2009, spinning gems one day, then dropping turds 4 days later. And in 2010, one could argue that he was the worst regular starting pitcher in baseball.

"He can't possibly be that bad again." That's the argument I keep hearing about Beckett. And that may be true. But his track record suggests that he won't be very good, either. And frankly, he CAN be that bad again.

Then there's Matsuzaka. Who is this guy? Is there anything about him that's predictable or regular? Will he be healthy? Does the team know if he'll be healthy? Does he even keep in touch with the team about his off-season training?



Since 2008, when he was brilliant, he's been a mess. When he is healthy, he walks the world, and needs 120 pitches to survive 6 innings of work. Perhaps he'll redeem himself in 2011. But I'm afraid the best I see him being is a middle of the road #3 guy. Even when he is on his game, his short outings tax the bullpen far too much.

Speaking of the bullpen, the Sox have one of the leakiest in the game. They blew 22 Saves last year, the 4th most in baseball. Think about that. 22 times, the Sox had a lead late in a game, and then lost it. And that starts with Papelbon, who set a career high in Blown Saves last year, with 8. He also set a career high in ERA (3.90) and WHIP (1.27). He's not a bad closer, but he's not Mariano Jr. And there are a number of closers that are on his level.



At least he and Bard are good. After that, there's nothing but torture.

Building a bullpen is hard to do. It can also be very easy. Most of it seems to be dumb luck. There are very few "premium" middle-relievers in this world. Those that excel become closers. Most have 2 or 3 very good years, then get figured out. In other words, Mike Timlin is not walking through that door.



The best thing to do is what the Sox used to try with their rotation: sign 3 to 5 has-beens/never-was-its, and hope that 1 or 2 don't suck.

In a rare bit of optimism, I think the offense will help the bullpen by putting it in fewer crucial situations. So there will be less opportunities for it to cost the Sox games.

I also don't want to come off as too negative. With the lineup the Sox have, and the few good pitchers they have, there's no reason for them to not make the playoffs. They should win 93 to 98 games, which is very good. And certainly an improvement over last year. They should whip teams like Baltimore, which they failed to do in 2010.

Unfortunately, pitching wins in the playoffs. The Giants and Rangers showed that. The Sox showed it in '07 and '04. And I don't think the Sox have the arms to get the job done in October and November. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Beckett and Daisuke will return to '07 and '08 form, respectively. Maybe someone unexpected will emerge as a hero in the postseason, much like Derek Lowe did in 2004. But I've never been one to be hopeful for hope's sake. I'm Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh.



-The Commodore

Sox Have To Bring Papelbon Back

There have been a lot of rumors this year about the Sox getting rid of Papelbon and putting Bard in as the closer. I am totally against this, and I think Theo agrees with me...

“Having two really good pitchers is better than one,” Epstein said. “Sometimes you don’t want to overcomplicate things.”

That statement basically says everything I wanted to say. I know Papelbon is having the worst year of his career, and I don't think he will be much better next season, but he is still better then 95% of relievers in the MLB. On top of that Papelbon is going into his last year of arbitration, so the Sox should keep him for 1 more year. In my opinion the Sox should start the year with Papelbon as the closer, and then if they lose any confidence they should put Bard in with Papelbon in the setup role. There is no chance he will tank the season, since it will be the first time he is in line for a large contract, so the Sox are basically in the win-win situation.

I think of this situation like I see the whole Ortiz option for next year. Get what you can out of them for next year, because they are better then most of the free agents, and then move on after 2011. I can tell you now you are going to see a lot fo changes to this roster before the 2012 season begins.

Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 6

This might have been the most painful loss of the year. The Red Sox played so well through the first 8 innings only to blow it in the 9th.

Lackey did everything we wanted him to do. He went deep into the game (8 innings), and limited the Jays dangerous offense to only 3 runs. He almost pitched a complete game, but Francona took him out after he let up a bomb (which I agreed with). Papelbon came in the game and promptly blew the game. Vernon Wells greeted Papelbon with a double and scored when Adam Lind lined a single up the middle. Pinch-runner Dewayne Wise stole second and moved to third when Hill singled off Papelbon's left foot. Papelbon stayed in the game and struck out Travis Snider, but Encarnacion tied it with a double down the line in left. Pinch-hitter Lyle Overbay was walked intentionally to load the bases for Lewis, who hit a fly ball to shallow center off Daniel Bard. Hill tagged up and slid home well ahead of the throw from Jacoby Ellsbury.

Tough way for the Red Sox to lose a game. Papelbon I think is fine he has just been way overworked lately, but that is going to happen since there are only 2 reliable arms in their bullpen (Papelbon/Bard).

With the loss the Sox are now 6 games behind the Yankees and 4 games behind the Rays.

Papelbon Claimed Off Waivers

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was placed on waivers by the team and was claimed by an AL team, the identity of which is currently unknown. There are a lot of people that are making a big deal out of this, but it is really nothing. It was just a formality by the Red Sox, and there is no way Papelbon will be traded, especially with an important series against the Yankees coming up.

I believe Papelbon will be the Red Sox closer next season and then walk. There is really no reason not to ride out his contract with the team, and by then I think he will be basically done anyways. I love Bard as much as anyone, but the fact is I still trust Papelbon, and there is no reason to throw a kid into the closer situation unless Papelbon really falters, or gets hurt.

Rockies 8, Red Sox 6

The Sox had come from behind against the best pitcher in baseball, given themselves a 6-5 lead. Even John Lackey contributed to the offense, going 2 for 3 with a double, and scoring the go ahead run. All they needed was a scoreless 9th from Papelbon, and they would have been only the 2nd team to give Ubaldo Jimenez a loss.

Look, Papelbon is still quite clearly this team's Closer. And this was only his 2nd blown save of the season. Then again, it was also his 4th loss. The fact of the matter is, he's not invulnerable anymore. It happens with closers. He has an ERA of 3.64, and a WHIP of 1.21. Not horrible, but not magnificent. So we should expect games like this.

And we should brace for an entire season like this. These guys can find ways to win, like they did against the Dodgers. They can also find ways to lose, like they've done against the Rockies. They are an inconsistent bunch of variables. So try not to get so high when they win 6 in a row, and try not to get so low when they blow a game like this one.

Daisuke returns tonight against Jason Hammel.

-The Commodore

Red Sox 3 Angels 1

I was off about the score, but right on about the players of the game, as Lackey dominated his former team going 7 innings allowing 1 runs on 2 hits with 4 K's. The other guy I picked for player of the game had a night for himself too going 3-4 with 2 RBI (including his 2nd HR of the season). Ortiz also added a solo HR. Between those three guys, and the bullpen (Papelbon, Bard) doing their job it was smooth sailing (Papelbon got his 8th save of the young season).

Pineiro had a better game then I predicted going 6 innings allowing 2 runs, but I still think he sucks, and is lucky he didn't get slaughtered letting up 8 hits. The Angles seem to be falling apart. They have gone 0-5 so far in May, which is the first time in team history that has happened.

I probably sounds like a broken record, but this is the way the Sox are going to have to win. Solid pitching that gets you deep into game, and clutch hitting when you need it. I don't see the Sox blowing the doors off teams, but their pitching really is this good, and at least that is something to build on.

With the win the Sox are still 6 1/2 behind the Rays, and 5 1/2 behind the Yankees in the AL East.

Oh and there is no way I am going to discuss the fact that Nomar was there, or the fact they brought back Daubach (who looked like he is weighing about 3 bills) and Trot Nixon to welcome him, because when I saw that I almost hung myself.

Red Sox 2 Blue Jays 0

Finally the Red Sox are getting the pitching they thought they'd be getting when they put this team together. Lester threw a gem last night throwing 7 scoreless innings letting up only 1 hit with 11 K's. Lester seems to need 1 big start to get him going every year, this could very well be the start that puts him back on the track of being the best lefty in the AL.

The Sox bat were once again basically silent the whole game. It was McDonald, who ended up being the savior in this game. He scored on a sac fly by Pedroia in the 6th then hit an RBI single in the 7th to put the Sox up 2-0.

It is really nice to see that the Sox bullpen does come together when they aren't overworked. Bard and Papelbon combined to throw 2 scoreless innings, and Papelbon locked down his 7th save of the season.

Red Sox 9 Yankees 7

Wow, what an amazing start to the season.

ESPN/NESN must be pumped that this game turned out the way it did. Even casual baseball fans would've been glued to this game. Tough, the game didn't start well for the Sox. Beckett let up 5 runs in under 5 innings, which put the Sox in an ugly 5-1 hole. I have to admit with CC on the mound I really thought the game was already over. Yet, this is a pesky lineup the Sox have, and the newcomers made themselves at home at Fenway.

Scutaro started the comeback in the 5th with an RBI, but you still couldn't feel real confident as the Sox left the bases loaded. It was in the 6th that the Sox really started to wear down CC (who seems to look BIGGER every year). CC walked Pedroia and then let up a double to V-Mart, then Youk hit an improbable triple, because Swisher forgot that you can't just recklessly run at a fly ball. Beltre enjoyed his first game as he knocked in Youk tying the game at 5.

I always this Ramon Ramirez is eventually going to be good, but he loves to prove me wrong. He had a very shaky inning walking Tex, and then letting up a double to A-Rod. Okajima came in as he let those 2 runs score, and the Sox were back in a 2 run whole. The good news is the Yankees bullpen isn't all that great, and Pedroia blasted a 2 run HR off Chan Ho Park to once again tie up the game. Boston took the lead on a pass ball by Marte.

Pedroia was the hero in this game, and once again he put another run on the board in the 8th hitting an RBI single to left. Papelbon came in for the 9th allowed 1 single and the game was over.

This is the first game of a 162 game season, so you can't read too much into anything. What I did see if the Sox have a very solid lineup top to bottom, but like I said a lot will change come October.

Papelbon To Break Theo's Arbitration Streak (UPDATED)

Today is the last day for the Sox to avoid arbitration with 4 players (Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez, Jeremy Hermida, and Jonathan Papelbon). Boston writers seem to agree that the only one who will go to arbitration is Papelbon (which will be the first one since Theo took over the Sox).

Why?

Well it is very simple. Papelbon wants to cash in as much as possible, so he is giving up years of security to cash in now. For years now Papelbon has let it known that he is going to test free agency when he is eligible (which I think is after this year). He also wants to be the highest paid closer of all-time. Meanwhile, Boston doesn't seem to really care. It is fairly simple why they don't want to keep the best closer they have ever had....They know he is breaking down.

Bard is going to be the closer after this year (you can write that down). Papelbon will ride out his deal, hit free agency, sign a big deal, and then his arm is going to fall off (much like Pedro a couple years back. For all you Papelbon people out there, I am just getting to ready, because he doesn't care about staying in Boston, just his next pay check.


***UPDATE***

Theo streaks looks like it will stand as Papelbon has agreed to a 1 year deal worth $9 million (according to WEEI). I really don't care as long as they don't commit long term.

Red Sox Mad At Fans

Well here is a story that irritated me today...

"He had been perfect in the postseason, or as perfect as one can be, with an 0.00 ERA over 26 innings. Jonathan Papelbon -- one of the game's best closers and the Red Sox's franchise leader with 151 career saves -- walked off the Fenway Park mound Sunday to a chorus of boos.

"Why would you boo one of the best closers in the game?" the Angels' Hunter asked. "Booing Papelbon was not the right thing to do. I've got so much respect for him and I think he's one of the best closers in the game. That's terrible, actually."

"Look at what he's done in the playoffs, look at what he's done during the season," Lester said. "[It wasn't] even a bad outing, a team just beat him. I don't really appreciate that for what he's done for this city and what he's brought to this team. If you're [booing] based off one bad performance here, it's just not right."
Added Manny Delcarmen: "A little more respect for a guy like that, what he's done here. I don't think that was the right thing to do at the time."

Papelbon has been outstanding in his career with the Red Sox, but I am sorry no matter what if you get swept and lose the way the Sox did yesterday you are going to get booed. This was one of the most aggravating seasons I can remember as a Sox fan. There were so many highs and lows, but in the end Papelbon blew it, the Sox played like shit, and the fans let them know how they felt. I have 0 problem with that...

Angels 1 Red Sox 4

Red Sox fans got everything they were looking for and more from Dice-K last night. The former 18 game winner held the Angles scoreless over 6 innings letting up 3 hits with 3 walks and 5 Ks. His location was the best it has been all season. He didn't leave too many balls up, and there was just this feeling last night that he could get himself out of any situation he was in. Overall I was very impressed, and this could mean big things for the Sox down the stretch.

Meanwhile the Sox offense, that was playing without Youk (back spasms) and V-Mart (personal matter), were not great, but they finally got to Lackey in the 6th. Gonzalez scored on a Lackey throwing error, and then Ortiz had an RBI single scoring Ellsbury. Boston kept the pressure on in the 8th when Bay hit an RBI single, followed by a solo shot from Big Papi. The Angles were able to get a run off Papelbon, but that didn't change anything and Dice-K got the win.

For Sox fans they have to be happy with the way things turned out. If Dice-K can be the 3rd pitcher behind Lester and Beckett, then the Sox will have a sick rotation for the playoffs of Lester, Beckett, Dice-K, Buchholz.

My one concern was with Dice-K's velocity. I keep hearing it is in his range, but it just didn't seem like it had the same "pop". I don't have a lot to back that up, but that is the only caution I would throw out there.

Boston has now won 6 games in a row, and are 5 1/2 games up in the race for the Wild Card.

Orioles 5 Red Sox 7

This was a very odd game. I thought Berken and Byrd were going to get lit up, but that didn't happen. Both pitchers pitched at least 5 innings and neither let up more then 3 runs. The game was tied going into the bottom of the 7th. Then Francona brought in V-Mart to pinch hit. He responded with a double scoring 3 runs, on the first pitch! The crowd went wild (yes I was at the game).

Papelbon had to pitched an 1 1/3 to get the save, and even though he let up a run you can't argue with the results which was a another win for the Red Sox, and his 35th save of the season. The Sox are still just 2 games up in the race for the Wild Card, which looks like it will go down to the wire with the Rangers playing very good baseball right now.

Papelbon Fined Again

Jonathan Papelbon’s slow play once again drew the ire of Major League Baseball, which fined the Red Sox closer today for taking too long to deliver a pitch for at least the fifth time this season, an infraction incurred Tuesday night. The league fined Papelbon $5,000 for a failure to comply with a new rule designed to increase the pace of games. Papelbon vowed he would finally adjust to the rules while not allowing them to change his mound approach.

“What am I supposed to do it about, you know?” Papelbon said. “Ain’t nothing I can do about it. I’ll make an adjustment and move on. That’s it. It’s not going to affect my pitching. That’s for sure.” Papelbon has been fined for similar infractions multiple times this season. “I think it’s the fifth or seventh,” he said. “One of the two (Boston.com).”

I know it means nothing, but this bothers me. The MLB has these silly little rules, and it is starting to turn into the NFL where guys are just getting fined all over the place. They were after Francona a couple years back about wearing a jersey under his jacket. Now they are going after Papelbon because he isn't pitching fast enough. I know the game can drag, and they want to make it faster, but baseball is baseball....Like it or don't watch...

Red Sox 6 Rays 3

Finally the Sox had some success at Tropicana. Last night Buchholz pitched very well letting up 3 runs over 6 innings with 3 Ks. Boston is really going to need him to step up over the final month or so if they want to nail down the Wild Card.

Jason Bay continued his tear as he hit a 2 run double that put the Red Sox ahead 2-0 in the 1st inning. Tampa quickly responded with 2 runs of their own in the same inning, when Longoria (who just kills the Sox) and Zobrist got RBIs. Baldelli hit a HR in the 2nd, but an RBI by Zaun (another Red Sox killer) tied the game. Lowell put the Sox up for good in the 6th with a soc fly, and Boston was able to put the game out of reach in the 7th with 2 runs.

The key to this game was the fact that the Sox were able to get to the Tampa bullpen early in the game. Price was only able to go 5 1/3 innings, and the Rays bullpen is so bad that you just knew the Sox were going to win.

Boston's bullpen on the other hand was fantastic. Wagner pitched another scoreless inning striking out 2. Then Bard and Papelbon closed it out with 2 scoreless innings of their own.

With the win Boston is still just 2 1/2 games up on Texas for the Wild Card spot.

Red Sox 8 Rays 4

It looked like the Red Sox were going to blow a big lead in the 8th inning, but Francona turned to Papelbon and he lead the Red Sox to their 77th win of the season.

Boston got solid pitching from Jon Lester who went 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits with 9 Ks. When Lester left the game it was 6-2. After the Sox got a great inning out of Wagner the Sox turned to Okajima. he recorded 0 outs letting up 2 runs on 4 hits. With some great fielding by Jacoby Ellsbury and great pitching from Papelbon the Sox were able to get out of the 8th.

Ellsbury continued to roll as he added the Sox 8th run of the game in the 9th inning on an RBI triple. Papelbon then came in to end the game in the 9th and the Sox finally were able to end this game.

With the win the Sox are now 3 1/2 games ahead of Texas for the Wild Card.