Sean Casey Retires

Sean Casey retired today, ending his 12 year career. Even though Casey did not play much with the Red Sox (under 160 at bats), he was fan favorite, and one of the most beloved players in the clubhouse. Casey will be remembered by most as a great clubhouse guy, that players affectionately called "The Mayor". To be honest, he kind of got a raw deal in Boston. Francona and Co. seemed to lose faith in him as the season went on, even though he was hitting above .350. He never hit for much power, but the guy knew how to get on base. These are the type of players I really enjoy, because Casey always seemed like a "normal" guy. A guy you could have a beer with, and not feel like you are having drink with a celebrity. Dueling Couches salutes you Mr. Sean Casey...but now the question is....Does he come back as coach? Or become an MLB analyst?

**UPDATE** Casey will be joining the MLB Network...Wow that was fast.

Sox Beat Jays 4-3

Boston got the win tonight with timely hitting, and solid pitching. The Sox were down 2-0 going in to the top of the 5th, when they were able to score 3 runs, one came off a Youk RBI single to score Varitek, and then Sean Casey hit a deep double off the right field wall to add two more runs. Toronto didn't waste much time coming back as they tied it up in the bottom of the 5th, but the Red Sox were able to put the game away on a fielder's choice, hit by Jason Varitek.

The real story in this game was the pitching for both teams. A.J. Burnett has been one of the most underrated pitchers in the MLB this year, and is finally looking like the pitcher he was supposed to be when he got that big contract (a lot of that has to do with him staying healthy). Tonight, Burnett went 7 innings allowing 3 runs with 6 Ks. Byrd had a very solid outing for the Sox, as he went 6 innings allowing 3 runs (only walking 1). This is why I like Byrd, you know exactly what you are going to get from him.

The Sox bullpen was outstanding in this game, as Lopez, Delcarmen, Okajima, and Papelbon combined to go 3 scoreless innings allowing only 1 hit. That is exactly what the Sox are going to need while guys like J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell are out. The Sox now have 90 wins, which 6 is 6th time in 7 years that the Red Sox have had at least 90 wins.

The loss ended Toronto's chances of winning the AL East. Another loss, or a Boston win and the Blue Jays would be eliminated from playoff contention.

-BMack

Sox Welcome Back Beckett, Casey, And Lowell

The Sox got three very important players back today as they make their push for the playoffs. Josh Beckett is starting tonight's game and he is obviously the most important, because if he is not 100% the Sox will not go anywhere in the playoffs. As I predicted Mike Lowell made it back before J.D. Drew, and that is because this guy has heart, and is really just a work horse for this team. Sean Casey isg reat coming off the bench, and has had a great batting average all season (even though he has no power). You got to love the timing of these guys coming back, as they have cut the lead in the AL East to 3 1/2 games, and lead Minnesota by 5 1/2 in the Wild Card race.

-BMack

Why Not?

Watch Papi and Sean Casey.

Good-Bye Julian Tavarez

Today Julian Tavarez got cut from the Red Sox to make room for Sean Casey and ultimately have Bartolo Colon come up and be the long reliever/ 15 game winner I predicted. Julian really hasn't done anything for the Sox and has basically been around to make Manny happy. Either way you will be missed. He was 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA this season.