Indians @ Red Sox Preview

The Red Sox lead over the Yankees is down to just 1 game. Last night, the game was tied in the 8th inning until Bard came in and blew it. He has been so good all season that I really don't read too much into it. Eventually everyone get it.

Tonight we will see David Huff vs. Josh Beckett. Huff lost two starts against Boston last year, but gave up just 3 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings. Since being called back up from the minors Huff has been actually pitching pretty well going 1-1 with a 0.71 ERA over 12 2/3 innings with nine Ks. Still with Jiminez being aquired this is probably Huff's last night.

Beckett wasn't as sharp in his last outing giving up 4 runs in 7 innings to the Royals. It wasn't a bad start,he just had one bad inning. I think he will come out strong tonight, even though he has struggled against the Indians in his career (4-5 5.04 ERA). Other then that last start Beckett has been amazing at home with a 1.88 ERA. Look for Boston to win big tonight.

Red Sox win 7-2
Player of the Game: Pedroia/Beckett
Game starts at 7:10pm

9 Indians, 6 Sox

Even though Daniel Bard gave up the dagger runs, I'm still going to blame the loss on John Lackey. Through the 1st three innings he pitched real well. Lackey gave up a run in the 4th to make it 3-2, and was fine until the 6th. Lackey got hit for 3 more runs in the 6th, including back to back homers by Cabrera and Hafner. Lackey ended up with 6 2/3 innings, giving up 8 hits, 5 runs, and struck out 5.

Speaking of Asdrubal Cabrera, he absolutely killed the Sox and went 3-5 with 2 homeruns.

Crawford and Salty chipped in with solo shots each. And everyone except Ortiz had a hit. We tried, just bad luck yesterday.

Indians @ Red Sox Preview

The Red Sox and Indians both made trades to improve their rotation, but that isn't something we will see tonight. Tonight we get Lackey vs. Josh Tomlin... very thrilling.

Tomlin has been the surprise of the Indians season going 11-4 with a 4.01 ERA, and is 4-1 with a 3.81 ERA over his last eight starts. Tomlin isn't an overpowering pitcher, but I guess on some level you have to give him respect with how well he has pitched this year.

The Indians as a team though have been struggling. They are just 2-8 over their last 10 games and have fallen 2 1/2 games behind the Tigers for first place in the AL Central. Even with their trades you have to wonder if this overachieving team may have finally leveled out.

Red Sox lead the majors with 586 total runs and have scored 15 over their last two games. As DP and I have stated several times this is the best offense we have ever seen. It is really hard for me to pick again them on any night, even with they have that shit head Lackey on the hill.

Lackey won his last four starts with a 2.52 ERA, so hopefully he has turned the corner. I still think he is letting up way too many hits and eventually that will come back to haunt him once again. Still, think the Red Sox win tonight though...

Red Sox win 8-6
Player of the Game: Ellsbury
Game starts at 7:10pm

Ryan Westmoreland Update

"The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox OF prospect Ryan Westmoreland could begin facing live pitching soon. “They know I’m ready, and I know I’m ready,” he said. “I’m physically and mentally ready — whether I hit the ball or not — to get in the batter’s box again. To see a pitcher throw a ball at me from 60 feet away is going to be pretty special.” As soon as the Red Sox staff gives him the go-ahead, based on his health and the way he’s handling batting practice, he’ll hit real pitches from a real pitcher for the first time since his surgery (CBS Sports)."

It will be shocking if Westmoreland every plays in a minor league game, let alone an MLB game, but these steps are impressive. He has basically had to learn how to walk, talk, and so on since the surgery. Now he is swinging a bat well enough that he will be able to go against live pitching. I really hope somehow this kid does pull off a miracle and makes it all the way back. What an incredible story it would be. You do have to remember he was the Sox #1 prospect not too long again, and although it is unlikely he will ever make it, it's great to hear these kinds of updates.

Red Sox Need To Fire Their Medical Staff

I have had just about enough of this Red Sox medical staff. With word coming out today that Buchholz will most likely miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his back, one has to wonder why the Red Sox staff didn't catch this almost 2 months ago.

When Wright had this same kind of injury it took two months for him to recover, that means if the Red Sox caught this in the beginning Buchholz would've easily been ready for the playoffs. I wish I could say this is the first Red Sox mistake, but they have been God awful these past few years.

They messed up Ellsbury last year. They have had problems with Pedroia. Only God knows what the hell goes on with Lowrie, but he has complained about them, and even Beckett had back problems last year that they never seemed to be able to get their hands around.

I am sick of this medical staff and I hope they fire all of them. They have had a ton of chances and it's time to get some much better doctors or whatever in here.

MLB Trades That Happened Over The Weekend

Texas Rangers add Mike Adams and Koji Uehara.
The Rangers have a lot of problems when it comes to their bullpen, so adding to of the best set up men certainly helps. Their combined stats are: 95 innings, 51 hits, 111 strikeouts, 17 walks. Also they control them for next year too.

Hunter Pence to Philadelphia Phillies
How do the Phllies constantly make awesome moves. They gave up some pretty good prospects but Pence fills a huge void in a what is a surprisingly bad Phillies line up. Pence will most likely take Raul Ibanez's spot out there, Ibanez is terrible in the field and is batting around .260. I like the deal.

Doug Fister and David Pauley to Detroit Tigers
Another move I'm in favor for, with Brad Penny being awful and the Tigers constantly having to call up some prospect to get rocked every 5th day, this should put a stop to the bleeding. Fister is 3-12, but remember he's on Seattle who is allergic to runs, he also has a 3.33 era and about 90 Ks. David Pauley should fit some of the bullpen void as well.

Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland Indians
I like this move for the Indians, a lot of people are saying that they gave up too much by involving top prospect Drew Pomeranz and Alex White, however, Ubaldo is 27, is coming off a 19 win season and flirts with 200 Ks a year. He could be an Ace for Cleveland who need a top of the line rotation guy. They have him for the next 3 years at a relatively cheap price. Like the aggressiveness by Cleveland.

Michael Bourn to Atlanta Braves
Good fit for the Braves who need an OF and need speed. They got both and didn't give up that much.

5 Red Sox, 3 White Sox

Hopefully with Bedard coming in this will be one of the last times we see Andrew Miller on the bump with Wake keeping his rotation spot.

It's not that Wake is even a better option than Miller, it's just Wake has the potential to go over 5.2 innings. Last night Miller went 5.2 innings, struck out 8 and gave up 10 hits.

Aceves pitched one inning, giving up a walk, to register the win with now a record of 1000-1. Daniel Bard went an 1.1, and Jonathan Papelbon closed her out for his 24th save of the year.

The offense came threw again in the 6th havng us get the 4-3 lead off of reliever Jesse Crain. Adrian, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Marco Scutaro all had multi hit games.

Tonight the Sox are going to welcome Ubaldo Jiminez in his debut.

Breaking News: Clay Buchholz Out With Stress Fracture In Back

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz has a stress fracture in his lower back and will most likely miss the rest of the season, according to a report in Comcast Sports New England.

I knew it, so this also spotlights the Bedard trade. So this means come playoff time we are going to need to go Beckett, Lester, then Bedard/ Lackey... I guess I'm comfortable enough with that. Bedard is pretty good and Lackey could (probably not) turn it around.

There is always a chance that the Sox make an August waiver move too, but I don't see that really happening, especially if our offense keeps carrying us the way it has.

Red Sox @ White Sox Preview

The old knuckleballer is on the hill again tonight, but as good as his 2-0 record seems over his last 3 starts, he hasn't been pitching all that well. he has a 6.50 ERA in that span while allowing 28 hits and receiving 23 runs of support in 18 innings. To make things even tougher on the Wake Chicago won 13 of the last 15 meetings with Boston.

Floyd is 5-0 with a 3.26 ERA in six career starts versus the Red Sox, and he's also been stellar in winning his last two outings. Yet, even with as well as he has been pitching one would have to think the he just hasn't run into an offense like the Red Sox.

Boston has been crushing the ball, and I don't think that will stop tonight. Pedroia homered Thursday to extend his hitting streak to 25 games, and is hitting .404 with nine homers during his streak (has been on base in 37 straight game). Add that to what Ellsbury/Ortiz/Gonzalez have been doing on a nightly basis and I just can't pick against the Sox.

Red Sox win 8-6
Player of the Game: Gonzalez
Game starts at 8:10pm

Oh, So That's What Happened to Hideki Irabu

Hideki Irabu was found dead, an apparent suicide in a home in Rancho Palos Verdes, a wealthy Los Angeles suburb. It is being reported that he hung himself.

If you can remember Hideki Irabu was basically the Yankees Dice-K (even called the Japanese Nolan Ryan). It was a huge deal when he came over, and he ended up being the worst pitcher ever (34-35 with a 5.15 ERA). Then it took a hysterical turn as not only was he bad, but George Steinbrenner used to refer to him as a fat toad.

He was a member of two Yankees teams that won the World Series, but his only postseason action was a single relief appearance in the 1999 AL Championship Series when Boston tagged him for 13 hits.

After he fell out of the majors Irabu's life feel apart. In August 2008, he was arrested in Japan for allegedly assaulting a bartender after drinking 20 mugs of beer. Police said he became angered after his credit card was rejected. In May 2010, Irabu was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in Gardena, another Los Angeles suburb. Police said he was stopped after his car drifted outside of traffic lanes and he nearly collided with a parked car.

So, it's pretty obvious he had some kind of drinking problem, and it finally came to an end. I wish I could say there are some good memories of him, but the only good thing I can say is it was always entertaining to watch him as a Red Sox fan.

4 Royals, 3 Sox

Sometimes you split series with Kansas City.

The Sox jumped out to a 2-0 lead on shitty pitcher Luke Hochever, and it seemed as if we were going to cruise to another win. Then Josh Beckett hit a little rough patch a half inning later and gave up the 4 Royals runs.

The Sox just were shut down after that. Adrian Gonzalez and Drew Sutton had multi hit games and Pedroia was able to extend his streak in the 8th with a home run, but other than that.

It happens.

Red Sox Looking To Deal For Erik Bedard

"The Red Sox, reports FOXSports.com, are "all over" M's lefty Erik Bedard and will scout his first start off the disabled list Friday. Boston is not alone, however, as the rival Yankees have interest, too (ESPN)."

Bedard would really help this team right now if he can stay healthy, but that always is a question with Bedard. If the Red Sox could eventually get Buchholz back to 100% and bring in Bedard they would have one filthy rotation heading into the playoffs.

Lester
Beckett
Buchholz
Bedard
Lackey

And since you don't need a 5th starter in the playoffs I would feel fantastic about their chances of winning it all. I agree with what DP said earlier, this might be the best Red Sox team I have ever seen, and they can get this rotation right they will be unstoppable.

More Worry For Buchholz

Clay Buchholz will visit another specialist for his injured back and will not throw off a mound until at least after that meeting. The Red Sox are saying visiting the specialist is just precautionary and not a setback. I said in a post earlier in the week that while the Red Sox seemed to be excited he was able to throw a 30 pitch bullpen session, his comments made me nervous. He said he was still feeling pain in his back, but it was manageable. My question is how much pain would he feel when he was pitching at 100%?

Maybe it is precautionary, but this makes me very nervous. The Red Sox could be having him go see a specialist, so they can get a feel if they need to make a serious move before the trade deadline. Bottom line is that when the playoffs roll around the Red Sox are going to need more then just Lester and Beckett if they are going to win it all, and if they have to rely on the Wake, Lackey, or Miller/Aceves for the #3 spot I will be no where near as confident.

Indians Trade For Kosuke Fukudome

The Indians acquired right fielder Kosuke Fukudome and about $3.9MM from the Cubs today for minor leaguer outfielder Abner Abreu and reliever Carlton Smith. This is actually a really good fit for the Indians. They have been having to play without Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore since they are on the DL and Fukudome can slid in and pick up some of the slack.

Fukudome isn't anything special, but he is a patient hitter that can at least be a nice stopgap option for awhile. Plus the Cubs are picking up most of the tab on him, so I think it's worth the risk.

The two minors the Indians gave up are nothing that they'll miss. Abreu is only in Class A ball, and is ranked 23rd among Indians prospects. Smith is just a AAA middle reliever.

Royals @ Red Sox Preview

When we look back on this season we might sit back and say that the Red Sox have 4 of the top 10 offensive players in the AL. Ellsbury, Gonzalez, and Pedroia are all and the MVP hunt, and it is hard ignore what Ortiz has been doing.

If that wasn't enough for Red Sox to drool over Beckett takes the hill today and he could easily be in the Cy Young race. Beckett is 9-3 with an outstanding 2.07. One our biggest question marks heading into the season is now one of the Red Sox biggest assets.

Going against Beckeet is Luke Hochevar. I feel like we have been waiting for year for this kid to break out. He has the stuff to do it, but is very much an underachiever, which is shown by his pedestrian 6-8 record and 5.29 ERA. The thing that has been real disappointing about him is that most scouts thought he could be a real strikeout pitcher and year only has 66 Ks in 131 innings. To make matters worse for Royals' fans Hockevar has been lit up by the Sox in his career (1-3 7.94 ERA). Plus, the Sox seem to win every day game.

Red Sox win 11-2
Player of the Game: Beckett/Pedroia
Game starts at 1:35pm

12 Sox, 5 Royals

Chicks dig the longball, and that's what the Sox provided last night. Homeruns all around Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Ortiz. Ellsbury and Pedroia lead off the game with back-to-back home runs. Ellsbury is now batting .325 with 17 homers (8th this month) on the season, next Ricky Henderson I tell ya. Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 24 games with the 1st inning homer and had a 3-4 performance. But the biggest home run of the night comes off Papi's bat as he demolished a grand slam for his 20th of the year and 10th of his career. It was also his 1000th of his Red Sox career.

Lackey was Lackey, going 5.2 innings, giving up 11 hits, 4 runs (3 earned) and striking out 3. With our offense hitting the way it is we can make up for the fact John Lackey is on the team.

This is the best Red Sox team I have ever witnessed, hands down.

Rangers/Giants In Lead For Beltran (2 UPDATES)

The New York Mets are making progress with both the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants in trade talks involving outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Indians actually offered to take on Beltran's entire salary, but Beltran refused to go there using his no-trade clause.

As I stated earlier this week I think the Rangers make a lot of sense, and I would think Beltran would want to go there since they are most likely going to be in the playoffs. That being said, Beltran has stated his desire to play in the NL, unless it is the Red Sox so it will be interesting to see if he uses his no-trade clause again here.

I would still have the Rangers as the favorites, but we will have to wait and see. No matter what Beltran will be wearing a different jersey after the trade deadline.


***UPDATE***

Or not...

Beltran is not going to the Rangers, tweets Rosenthal. The Giants are his presumed frontrunner.

It is also being said that Boris wants Beltran to go to SF, because they have the money to resign him in the offseason.


***UPDATE 2***

The Mets have agreed to send Beltran to the Giants for Zach Wheeler. The Mets are said to be sending back a lot of money. Beltran has 24 hours to agree to the trade, which isn't expected to be an issue.

Royals @ Red Sox Preview

The Royals piled on some runs last night, but the Red Sox offense is just better and Aceves was able to shut them down. The question is who will shut down the Royals tonight if Lackey gets in trouble. That could be the difference in this game.

I hate what I'm about to say, because every time I say it Lackey gets lit up, but... He is pitching better of late. Over his last 3 starts he is 3-0 letting up a total of only 4 runs. Still, if you look close you would notice they were against shit teams (not that the Royals are good), and he let up 21 hits as well over those starts.

Going against him is the surprising Bruce Chen. Chen is 5-3 with a 3.30 ERA, which is impressive on such a bad team, but the wheels are starting to come off as he is 0-3 with a 5.21 ERA over his last 8 appearances.

Even though I have a terrible feeling about Lackey (who has an ERA ranks as the highest in all of baseball among pitchers with at least 90 innings... 6.28) I still can't pick against the Sox with this offense.

Red Sox win 11-6
Player of the Game: Pedroia
Game starts at 7:10pm

Breaking News: Blue Jays Trade For Edwin Jackson Then Trade Him To Cardinals (3 UPDATES)

"The Blue Jays acquired starter Edwin Jackson and third baseman Mark Teahen from the White Sox for reliever Jason Frasor and starter Zach Stewart, tweets Mark Gonzalez of the Chicago Tribune. The deal also includes a cash exchange of more than $1MM (MLBTradeRumors)."

Man, it seems like Jackson gets traded every year (5th time in his career). Unless the Blue Jays can resign Jackson this deal makes no sense to me. The Blue Jays are 11 games out of the playoffs right now and basically have no shot at making it. Although they didn't give up very much it seems odd, unless like I said they resign him. If they do (and I think they will) then I think this is a very nice trade for the Blue Jays that have a young nucleus to build around.

I also like this deal for the White Sox. They have been riding a 6 man rotation and there is really no need for that. Most likely they weren't going to resign Jackson in the offseason, so getting something for him is huge. Plus, Frasor is a very good reliever and that is something the White Sox have been needing all season. I know the White Sox's bullpen is ranked 3rd in the AL in ERA, but anyone who watches them know they have been needing some help out there.


***UPDATE***

"Jackson could ultimately end up in St. Louis for Rasmus, according to a Cardinals official familiar with the deal. He could take the rotation spot of Kyle McClellan in St. Louis as a result, though the details are still being ironed out (Sportsline)."

Ahh, that makes a little more sense. We'll let you know if this becomes official.

***UPDATE 2***

A trade of Rasmus to the Blue Jays for Jackson, Dotel, and Rzepczynski is imminent, reports Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

***UPDATE 3***

The Cardinals will send Rasmus, Trever Miller, Brian Tallet, and P.J. Walters to the Blue Jays for Jackson, Rzepczynski, Dotel, and Corey Patterson, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.

13 Red Sox, 9 Royals

Even though Andrew Miller has been John Lackey esk the passed few starts, we won, no harm, no foul. At least we didn't have to put OF Mitch Maier to pitch for us. Let me rant for a second about Andrew Miller. Miller kind of sucks, sure he is 4-1 with a 4.65 era but I would rather have Aceves start than him. Miller constantly is in trouble, and constantly has short outings making us use our bullpen. I believed that Miller could be the next big thing for us, but at the end of the day he's just a waste of a roster spot. Should have let the Yankees grab him, but we should also thank the Yankees for giving us a disaster specialist in Alfredo Aceves. I don't know where the Sox would be without him. Other than Beckett he's been our 2nd most impressive pitcher all year.

Our 3-4-5 hitters were on point as they went 10-13 and drove in eight runs. Pedroia flirted with a cycle in the eighth. He hit a line drive but it was caught in front of the monster. Pedey is hitting .429 in the cleanup spot this season.