Building Dynasties in Boston, Part II

[BostonRS14]

Gronkiewicz Implodes, Shipped to SF After Sox Lose 5th Straight
Anaheim 8, Boston 3

With a 2-1 lead off John Lackey, the Red Sox were confident that their bullpen could hold onto the lead handed over by Clay Buchholz. One of these days, they were bound to shake off their struggles and secure a win for the team, right?

Well, Lee Gronkiewicz made sure last night wasn't that night and it ultimately cost him his roster spot. Shipped to San Francisco after the game, Gronkiewicz surrendered six runs in the sixth inning to blow open a tight game for the Sox as Boston dropped their fifth straight game.

Gary Matthews, Jr. lead off the inning with a base on balls and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by pinch hitter Torri Hunter. With a 1-2 count, Mike Napoli put the Angels ahead with a two-run home run to deep left-center that landed in the visitor's bullpen for Gronkiewicz's second blown save of the season. Josh Fields followed with a single, and moved to second on a ground out by Chone Figgins. Howie Kendrick reached based on a passed ball on strike three. The wheels really fell off when Vladimir Guerrero loaded the bases with a first pitch HPB. Casey Kotchman hit a two-run single and Garret Anderson and Mattews each added RBI singles to put the Angels ahead 7-2.

After starting the season with a 0.48 ERA in 10 appearances in April, Lee has seen his ERA jump to 2.19 in May, 3.52 in June and 13.5 in July. After the game, Theo Epstein pulled the trigger on a deal to bolster the bullpen, acquiring Brian Wilson from the Giants
for Gronkiewicz and four minor leaguers (SP Jaymie Russ, MR Jaime Farias, 3B Ryan Khoury, and LF Reid Engel).

The Sox added a run in the bottom of the ninth on a RBI-double by Mike Lowell before Scott Shields shut the door for Anaheim.

W: John Lackey (8-5) L: Lee Gronkiewicz (4-2)
Player of the Game: Casey Kotchman (4-5, 2B, 2 Rs, 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...New York RF Bobby Abreu (.297, 4 HRs, 28 RBIs) will miss 7 months with a ruptured MCL...Washington traded 2B Ronnie Belliard to the Colorado Rockies for MR Brian Fuentes...Tampa Bay traded SP JP Howell to the Texas Rangers for minor league SP Matt Harrison...Philadelphia traded RF Geoff Jenkins to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for MR Dan Wheeler and minor league 3B Chase Fontaine...

[BostonRS14]

July 31, 2008

Trade Deadline Winners and Loswers

Winner: St. Louis Cardinals.
Acquired: 2B Dan Uggla
Lost: LF Scott Schumaker (FLA)

- Uggla has struggled since earning the starting spot in Florida in 2006, but a change of scenery might due him wonders. This season he hit .221 in 101 games with the Marlins, but a decent .280 versus left-handers should benefit the Cardinals. Despite being 7 games out in the Wild Card, the Cardinals are a team to watch.

Winner: Tampa Bay Rays
Acquired: C.C. Sabathia, SP Matt Harrison, LF Geoff Jenkins, 2B Chris Coghlan, 2B James Guerrero
Lost: SP J.P. Howell (TEX), CF Desmond Jennings (MIL), C Nevin Ashley (MIL), MR Dan Wheeler (PHI), 3B Chase Fontaine (FLA), SP David Price (FLA)

- A tough choice here, but the additions of C.C. Sabathia and Matt Harrison, outweigh the loss of Price. Despite being 19.5 games out of contention, the Rays are making positive steps to build a winner, and Sabathia's winning example should be a positive addition.

Winner: Boston Red Sox
Acquired: SS Rafael Frucal, CL Brian Wilson
Lost: SP Jaymie Russ, MR Jaime Farias, 3B Ryan Khoury, LF Reid Engel, MR Lee Gronkiewicz, SS Oscar Tejada, LF Brandon Moss, C Jonathan Still, Bill Rowell, 3B Rob Mackowiak

- Gave up a lot of talent, but the Sox were able to fill two important holes with Furcal and Wilson. Long-term solution at shortstop is still a question as Furcal can walk at season's end, but he is an upgrade over Lugo (.239/.280/.343) and, at worst, should net the Sox two draft choices.

Loser: Milwaukee Brewers.
Acquired: CF Desmond Jennings, C Nevin Ashley, 1B Chris Savis, C Pancho Barrojon
Lost: SP Chris Capuano (TEX), SP C.C. Sabathia (TB)

- High hopes dashed lead to the Brewers to trade their top two starters, Sabathia and Capuano, in salary dump moves. Davis has potential to be a solid major leaguer, but with Prince Fielder at first base, where do they plan him?

Loser: Colorado Rockies
Acquired: 2B Ronnie Belliard
Lost: MR Brian Fuentes

- Belliard (.222/.269/.309) is one season removed from back-to-back .290+ avg. seasons, but he isn't going to be an improvement over Ian Stewart (.251/.309/.370) who now goes to the bench. Fuentes was a serviceable MR who has closer potential and goes to a Washington club in great need of stability at the back-end of their rotation. A potential FA at season's end, Fuentes is bound to bolt Washington for greener pastures.

[BostonRS14]

Oakland Athletics v. Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park, Boston, MA

Oakland comes to Boston as the Sox look to rebound from a rough July. Now, with the Yankees just one game behind the Red Sox, Boston appears poised to start the final stretch. In their next 22 games, the sox play just three against a team with a winning record (Texas, 61-48).

The Athletics (52-55, .486), currently sit in second play in the American League West, eight (8) games behind the first place Texas Rangers and fifteen (15) games behind the Yankees in the Wild Card chase.

Oakland has struggled offensively this season, batting just .242 as a team, good for 14th best in the AL. But, keeping with their organizational philosophy, the A's lead the AL in walks (429) and are third in home runs (128), which raises their On-Base Percentage to a decent .325 (9th). SS Bobby Crosby leads the club in batting (.269), while Jack Cust leads in HRs (23) and RBIs (71).

All Star Huston Street, a Red Sox target before the deadline, anchors a strong bullpen for Bob Geren's club. In 39 appearances, street has converted 24 saves with a 2.88 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP. Joe Blanton (9-9, 4.13) leads the starting rotation that includes four rookies: Greg Smith (9-6, 3.65 ERA, 128.1 IP, 43/108 BB/K's), Nick Blackburn (6-11, 5/16 w/ Min&Oak), Jesus Silva (7 GS, 4-2, 3.28), and Sean Gallagher (3-4, 6.71).

So far this season, the Red Sox are 3-4 against the Athletics, having swept the season opener in Japan before dropping three of their next four meetings, all in Oakland. This will be their first series in Boston this season.

Pitching Matchups:
8/1: Jon Lester (9-6, 4.14 ERA) v. Nick Blackburn (6-11, 5.16)
8/2: Tim Wakefield (10-6, 3.89) v. Joe Blanton (9-9, 4.13)
8/3: Clay Buchholz (9-4, 4.65) v. Jose Silva (4-2, 3.28)

[BostonRS14]

August 1, 2008

Sox Rally Late, Take Opener from A's
Boston 4, Oakland 2

Manny Delcarmen couldn't keep the runner he inhereted from Jon Lester from scoring, but the Sox offense rallied back in the seventh to secure a 4-2 victory over the Athletics to take the opener of the three game series.

"I wouldn't go calling these must wins just yet," manager Terry Francona said, "but, with New York right behind us, every game takes on a higher sense of importance. Oakland is no team to overlook."

The Sox fell behind early in the second when Travis Buck lined a double down the left field line that score Rob Bowen from first with the game's first run. Lester was able to strand Buck at second with a pair of strikeouts by Danny Murphy and Rob Robnett. After not striking out a batter against Seattle, Lester has combined to strike out nineteen in his last two outings.

In the fourth, with one out, David Ortiz doubled to right-center for the first Red Sox hit of the game. After advancing to third on a Manny Ramirez ground out, Oritz scored one batter later on a single by J.D. Drew. A walk to Mike Lowell loaded the bases for Boston, but Dustin Pedroia grounded weakly to second to end the Sox threat.

In the fifth, Coco Crisp and Rafael Furcal hit back-to-back doubles to put the Sox ahead 2-1.

Lester, seeking his tenth win of the season for the sixth time, left in the sixth after retiring one batter with a runner on second. Manny Delcarmen relieved Lester and subsequently allowed the A's to tie the ball-game on a ground out and an infield single by pinch hitter Matt Murton.

In the eighth, the Red Sox rallied back to take the lead for good. Jason Varitek led off the inning with a single against Oakland starter Nick Blackburn. Coco Crisp followed with a single, moving Julio Lugo, who pinch ran for Varitek to third, with no outs. Rafael Furcal grounded into a fielder's choice to score Lugo before stealing second himself and scoring the insurance run on a double by David Ortiz. After an intentional walk to Manny Ramirez, Blackburn gave way to Alan Embree, who was able to induce a double play from Kevin Youkilis to end the rally.

Brian Wilson came on in the ninth to record his first save in a Red Sox uniform after being acquired from San Francisco to bolster the Sox bullpen in Jonathan Papelbon's absence.

W: Delcarmen (5-3) L: Blackburn (6-12) SV: Wilson (22)
Player of the Game: Jon Lester (6.1 IP, 4 Hs, 2 Rs, 2 BBs, 9 Ks, 100 PI)

Around the League:
...Mark Grudzielanek hit his 2,000 career hit in Kansas City's 15-14 win over Chicago...Detroit's Magglio Ordonez (.438, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs) was named July's AL Player of the Month. Ryan Howard (.342, 10 HRs, 19 RBIs, 18 Rs) won the award in the NL...Mariano Rivera (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 10 SVs, 12 K's, 13 IP, .143 oavg) of the New York Yankees was named AL Pitcher of the Month for July...The National League named Brad Penny (6 GS, 4-0, 3.44 ERA, 36.2 IP, 28 Ks) was named Pitcher of the Month...

Wizards Drop Shorthanded Revolution
Kansas City 3, New England 1

With four regulars out of action, the Revolution traveled to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for a key matchup of two Eastern Conference powers in the MLS.

The most glaring absence was leading scorer Edson Buddle, who has found a strong rhythm with Taylor Twellman up front for the Revs. Joining Buddle on the sideline were Jack Jewsbury and Wells Thompson due to red card suspensions and Gabriel Ferrari, who was on international duty.

The Revolution fell behind early after a quick score by Wizards' forward Ryan Pore in the fifth minute. Amir Lowery followed with a redirect on a corner kick to put Kansas city ahead 2-0 after 31 minutes.

Khano Smith scored his fourth goal of the season in the 57 minute to pull the Revolution within one, but a qucik strike from Carlos Marinelli put the gaol difference back up to two for the Revs.

The loss dropped the Revoluton (10-3-5) four points behind the Wizards (12-1-5) for first place in the Eastern Conference.

[BostonRS14]

August 2, 2008

Career Day by Robnett Leads A's Past Sox
Oakland 8, Boston 3

After betting .219 through the first 104 games of his major league career, you have to figure that Richie Robnett would not be one to have much success against a veteran like Tim Wakefield and his devastating knuckleball. But, it was Robnett who was leading the Athletics past the Sox with a four-for-four day at the plate as the A's took game two of this three game series, 8-3.

After starting the season 8-1, Wakefield has now lost six of his last ten decisions. Against the A's, Wakefield coughed up an early two run lead in the second with a two-run home run by Dan Johnson in the second erased an early lead.

In the third, Robnett put the A's ahead for good with a solo home run off Wakefield, but it was the fifth inning that put the game away.A pair of lead-off singles by Mark Ellis and Rob Bowen started things off before a controversial balk moved both runners into scoring position. After retiring Travis Buck and Bobby Crosby, Wakefield wasn't able to get out of the inning. Daric Barton singled both runners home to put the A's ahead, but once again it was Robnett who struck Wakefield hard. After a Jack Cust single, Robnett launched a three-run home run into the right field bleachers to end Wakefield's night.

Justin Masterson and Brian Wilson combined to pitch the final four and a third innings, holding Oakland to just two hits.

Joe Blanton managed to hold the Sox in check despite surrendering nine hits and three walks over six and one third innings.

W: Joe Blanton (10-9) L: Tim Wakefield (10-7)

Player of the Game: Richie Robnett (4-4, 2B, 2 HRs, 3 Rs, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Juan Rivera (.307, 3 HRs, 25 RBIs) of the Anaheim Angles will miss two weeks of action after suffering a fractured finger while making a defensive play...

[BostonRS14]

August 3, 2008

Silva Baffles Sox, A's Take Series
Oakland 5, Boston 3

Jesus Silva continued Oakland's hot streak against the Sox. Over seven strong innings, Silva held the Sox to two runs on nine hits, while striking out six.

With one out in the third, Travis Buck got the A's started against Clay Buccholz with a single to right. Bobby Crosby reached base on an error by Julio Lugo before Daric Barton put Oakland ahead with a three run home run.

Boston rallied back to cut the lead to 4-3 in the eighth on a solo home run from Rafael Furcal, his first with the Sox, but it wasn't enough. Oakland added an insurance run in the ninth off Manny Declarmen to take the season series 6 games to 4.

W: Silva (5-2) L: Buchholz (9-5) SV: Foulke (2)
Player of the Game: Daric Barton (3-4, HR, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Melky Cabrera (NYY) extended his hitting streak to 20 games...Los Angeles signed 3B Rob Mackowiak to a three year contract extension worth a total of $2.79m...

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

The Kanas City Royals are one of baseball's surprise stories this season, leading the American League Central with a 59-54 record. They lead the Minnesota Twins (57-54) by one game and the Detroit Tigers (56-56) by two and one half.

The Royals are currently second in the AL in batting (.276) and 6th in runs scored (518). Billy Butler (.324, 14 HRs, 55 RBIs) is having a breakout season, already surpassing last his rookie numbers from 2007. In addition, Kelly Shoppach, finally getting a full-time chance to catch daily, has responded with a .321 average to go along with 14 HRs and a team-leading 64 RBIs. Jose Guillen (.284, 13, 39) and David DeJesus (.318, 8, 51) are both on the disabled list and are not expected back for the series.

Their pitching staff has struggled, posting a 4.73 ERA, 13th best in the AL. Twenty-four year old Luke Hochevar, drafted first overall in the 2006 Entry Draft, has taken over the role of staff ace in Zack Grienke's absence. In his first full season in the majors, Hochevar has posted a 4-11 record with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP in 22 starts after beginning the year in Omaha (3 GS, 1-2, 1.40 ERA, 1.09 WHIP).

Pitching Matchups:
8/4: Josh Beckett (11-4, 3.67 ERA) v. Gil Meche (6-10, 4.76)
8/5: Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-6, 3.04) v. Brett Tomko (3-0, 7.38)
8/6: Jon Lester (9-6, 4.09) v. Brian Bannister (8-3, 5.00)

This season, against the Royals, the Sox have won all four meetings.

[BostonRS14]

August 4, 2008

Meche, Bullpen combine to shutout Sox
Kansas City 2, Boston 0

The Red Sox woes continued in Kansas City last night, as Josh Beckett's strong performance (7 IP, 7 Hs, 2 Rs, 3 K's) was wasted as Gil Meche and the Royals' bullpen combined to hold the Sox scoreless on seven hits.

Kansas City starter Gil Meche delivers a pitch in the first inning against Boston.

Mark Grudzielanek gave Meche all the support he would need in the bottom of the third, when he singled home former Oriole Freddie Bynm from second for the early one run lead. Meche made it hold up, scattering seven hits over seven innings while striking out five and walking just one.

"Our bats are asleep, and it's a bad time for it," DH David Ortiz said afterwards. "Give them credit for playing well, but we lost this game, they didn't win it."

Ron Mahay (1/3 IP), Brad Salmon (2/3 IP) and Joakim Soria (1 IP) combined to throw the final two innings, keeping the Sox off the bases.

The Sox did threaten in the eighth with Meche starting to labor. Dustin Pedroia led off the inning with a double to right and pinch hitter Andruw Jones moved him to third with an infield single to short. With the go ahead runners coming to the plate, Kansas City manager Trey Hillman turned to his bullpen. Coco Crisp and Rafael Furcal both popped out to the second baseman before David Ortiz struck out looking to end the threat.

The loss, the Sox's third straight and seventh in their last ten games, moved New York to just one game behind Boston in the American League East.

W: Meche (7-10) L: Beckett (11-5) SV: Soria (27)
Player of the Game: Gil Meche (7 IP, 6 Hs, BB, 5 K's, 95 PI)

Around the League:
...Detroit RF Magglio Ordonez and Atlanta 1B Mark Teixeira were named Players of the Week....Colorado LF Matt Holliday went 5-5 against the Washington Nationals, with 1 2B, 2 RBIs and 2 Runs Scored.

[BostonRS14]

August 5, 2008

Matsuzaka Stops Bleeding, Sox bats Come Alive
Boston 5, Kansas City 3

After struggling to score runs for much of the last month, the Red Sox rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth to beat the Royals at Kauffman Stadium behind eight solid innings of work by Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Matsuzaka held the Royals in check, allowing just three runs on three hits.

The Sox went ahead in the fifth against starter Brett Tomko on a three-run home run by Coco Crisp. After Jason Varitek lined a one-out single to right field, Mike Lowell popped out to third for the second out. Dustin Pedroia kept the inning alive when he beat out a ground ball to Esterban German, that was ruled an error. Crisp, bouncing back from a .194 batting average in July, lined a 2-2 fastball over the right field wall for his twelve home run of the season.

Freddie Bynum came back in the bottom of the fifth and hit a solo homerun off Matsuzaka to pull the Royals right back into the game.

In the eighth, with Matsuzaka starting to tire, Termel Sledge tied the ball game at three runs a piece with a two-run home run with two outs. After watching Matsuzaka walk Mitch Maier on four pitches, manager Terry Francona decided to stick with his starter, a clear referendum on the faith he has in his bullpen. Even after the home run, Francona stuck with Matsuzaka, letting the right-hander retire German to end the eighth.

In the ninth, with Matt Peterson on the mound, Mike Lowell led off the inning with a double to left-center. With Julio Lugo pinch running, Andruw Jones came off the bench to pinch hit for Dustin Pedroia, but flew out to right field. Coco Crisp followed with his fourth RBI of the game, a double down the left field line that scored Lugo easily from second. A wild pitch by Peterson moved Crisp up to third and a single by Manny Ramirez scored the speedy centerfield from third without a throw. David Ortiz singled, but Brandon Buckworth came out of the bullpen to retire J.D. Drew swinging to end the Sox.

In the ninth, newly acquired Brian Wilson shut the door in place of Jonathan Papelbon, earning his second save in three appearances with the Sox.

W: Matsuzaka (15-6) L: Pterson (4-1) SV: Wilson (23)
Player of the Game: Coco Crisp (2-5, 2B, HR, 2 Rs, 4 RBIs)

Around the League:
...MR Brian Fuentes (41g, 0-3, SV, 4.85 ERA) was put on the trade block by the Washington Nationals...New York Melky Cabrera went 0-4 to end his hitting streak at 21 games...

[BostonRS14]

August 6, 2008

Reshuffled Lineup Wakes Up, Takes Series from Royals
Bosotn 10, Kansas City 2

After falling behind by one early, it appeared the Sox were going to fold up the tent and head home without much of a fight. But, it was Jon Lester's strong performance that kept the Red Sox in the game until the bats woke up and pulled away with a five run sixth inning.

Mark Grudzielanek put Kanas City ahead in the first with a double that escaped a diving Coco Crisp in centerfield, scoring Esteban German from first to put KC ahead 1-0.

With a 1-0 run lead, Royals starter Brian Bannister settled into a pitcher's duel with Lester through the first four innings. In the top of the fifth, though, the Sox batters began to show life. Rafael Furcal led off the inning with a solo home run, the third hit of the game for the Sox. Jason Varitek followed with a single to center and scored the go-ahead run one batter later when Dustin Pedroia slapped a one-out double down the right field line. After a Coco Crisp ground out, Pedroia scored the third run of the game on a RBI-single by Kevin Youkilis. The inning ended, however, when Youkilis was caught trying to stretch the single into a double as Bannister cut off the throw home and easily caught Youkilis between the bases.

In the sixth though, Bannister continued to show struggle. After a lead off walk to Manny Ramirez, Banniester retired David Ortiz on a first pitch popout to the catcher, Kelly Shoppach. A wild pitch moved Ramirez to second and J.D. Drew was intentionally walk, setting up the potential inning-ending double play. Rafael Furcal, batting in the sixth spot in the lineup for the first time in his short tenure with the Red Sox, slapped a grounder to shortstop, but Mike Aviles was slow with the throw to second, and the Royals were unable to turn the double play.

With runners on first and third and two outs, Bannister threw a pickoff throw to first into the stands, advancing Furcal to second and allowing Manny Ramirez to walk home from third. Mike Lowell singled to load the bases after a Varitek walk, and Dustin Pedroia drove home two runs with a single back up the middle.

Brandon Duckworth replaced Bannister on the mound and subsequently walked Coco Crisp on four pitches to reload the bases. Kevin Youkilis hit a blooping single to left that allowed Lowell and Pedroia to score, putting the Sox ahead 8-1. Manny Ramirez struck out swinging to end the inning.

In the seventh, the Royals added another run, on a pair of doubles by Alex Gordon and Kelly Shoppach before Justin Masterson replaced Lester. Masterson went the final three innings, keeping the Royals hitless while striking out two batters to pick up his second save of the season.

Boston added two more runs against Brandon Duckworth to finish out the scoring.

W: Lester (10-6) L: Bannister (8-4) SV: Masterson (2)
Player of the Game: Dustin Pedroia (3-4, 2B, 2 Rs, 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...San Diego signed C Michael Barrett to a 4-year contract extension worth $16.4m... New York signed MR Dauner Sanchez to a 3-year contract extension worth $1.29m...

Revs Bounced from US Cup
FC Dallas 1, New England 0

Entering the match as the defending champions, New England was favored despite being on the road for the Quarterfinal matchup against FC Dallas.

Unfortunately, the Revs were unable to get their offense clicking once again and Dallas escaped a hard fought match with a 1-0 victory to advance.

Stuart Holden scored the loan goal of the match, beating Matt Reis on a deflection from inside the box.

The loss removes the Revolution from the US Cup competition, leaving the defending champions time to focus on the MLS season as they trail the Kansas City Wizards (12-5-1) by four points in the Eastern Conference.

[BostonRS14]

Boston Red Sox v. Chicago White Sox
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL

The battle of the Sox continues this weekend, as the Red Sox travel to Chicago to face the White Sox (52-62) for a four game series. This is the first meeting of the season for the two teams.

This season, the White Sox has slipped back in the AL Central race, trailing the Royals/Twins by seven games. Chicago has struggled offensively, batting just .261 (11th in AL) for the season. Led by Carlos Quentin (19 HRs, 58 RBIs) they are slugging .425 (4th in AL) while hitting 137 HRs (tied-3rd). Javier Vazquez (8-11, 3.56 ERA) and Jose Contreras (11-8, 4.17) lead a decent pitching staff that features All Star closer Bobby Jenks (2-4, 23 SVs, 2.78 ERA)

The Red Sox are coming off a good showing against the Royals that put them 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees (69-47) in the American League East. Boston welcomes back Jonathan Papelbon (0-2, 27 SVs, 2.27 ERA) after missing their star closer over the past two weeks. In his absence, the bullpen struggles as Hideki Okajima and Manny Delcarmen both post 6.75 ERAs in July. Offensively, the Red Sox have struggled as well. The team is batting just .264 this season, 8th best in the AL while scoring 569 runs (3rd) with a .340 OBP (2nd).

Pitching Matchups:
8/8: Jon Lester (10-6, 4.05 ERA) v. Mark Buehrle (5-10, 5.13)
8/9: Clay Buchholz (9-5, 4.62) v. Javier Vazquez (8-11, 3.56)
8/10: Josh Beckett (11-5, 3.61) v. Jose Contreras (11-8, 4.17)
8/11: Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-6, 3.05) v. Joe Saunders (3-3, 5.17)

[BostonRS14]

August 8, 2008

Drew, Buchholz Pace Sox Past Chicago
Boston 4, Chicago 3

J.D. Drew has been marred in a season long slump, if you can call it that. In June and July combined, he hit .211, but remained in manager Terry Francona's lineup due to a lack of depth on the Red Sox bench.

"It says a lot of their depth right now," a rival team executive said. "He's liable to break out at any point, but how long can he drag you down with an easy out when you are in playoff contention. Trading Brandon Moss really hurt them, and Ellsbury hasn't proven ready yet."

Leading 1-0 in the third against the White Sox, it was Drew who came through for Boston. With two outs and Manny Ramirez on first, drew lined a first-pitch fastball over the wall in right field for his 14th home run of the season.

Clay Buchholz did his best to make the score hold up. A solo home run by Jim Thome put Chicago on the board in the third and an error by Mike Lowell in the fourth allowed Chicago to cut the lead to one run, but the young righthander held on long enough to earn his tenth victory of the season.

In the ninth, with closer Jonathan Papelbon warming up, the Red Sox loaded the bases with one out. Kevin Youkilis hit a RBI single, added an insurance run before Scott Linebrink induced an inning-ending double play off the bat of Manny Ramirez.

In the bottom half of the inning, that extra run proved vital as Papelbon surrendered a lead off, first pitch solo home run to Paul Konerko. After a quick visit from pitching coach John Farrell, Papelbon, in his first work in over two weeks, retired the next three batters on just thirteen pitches, striking out all three to secure the win for Boston.

Buchholz's win makes the Red Sox the only team in baseball with five starters with ten-plus victories. The next closest team is the New York Mets, who have four (Santana 11-10, Maine 17-7, Martinez 10-6 and Sosa 13-6).

W: Buchholz (10-5) L: Vazquez (8-12) SV: Papelbon (28)
Player of the Game: J.D. Drew (2-4, 2B, HR (14), R, 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Philadelphia placed RF Jayson Werth (.239, 9 HRs, 42 RBIs) on the 15-day DL...

U.S.A. Squad Annoucned

U.S.A. coach Bob Bradley has named his squad for the World Cup Quals (NAM) game against Jamaica on Monday.

The focus of Bradley's squad is definitely on players playing their club football outside the U.S., with only a few players included in the squad playing for American clubs.

Bradley has also decided to recall a number of more familiar faces, including Cory Gibbs, Pablo Masteroeni, Bobby Convey and Ben Olsen, who had been left out of Bradley's previous squad.

There are otherwise no real surprises to Bradley's squad and the U.S.A. fans are sure to be excited at the prospect of competitive international football.

Patrick Noonan, Michael Parkhurst, and Taylor Twellman have been selected from the New England Revolution for the squad by Bradley.

[BostonRS14]

August 9, 2008

Sox Pound Chicago, Buerhle
Boston 14, Chicago 5

After slumping through the past month, the Red Sox found a good time to get their bats warmed up. As the Yankees dropped their eighth game in their last ten earlier in the afternoon, Boston chased Chicago starter Mark Buerhle after one-plus innings of work.

Manny Ramirez started the Sox off with a solo home run in the top of the first. After a walk to David Ortiz, Rafael Furcal connected on his third home run with Boston to put the Sox ahead 3-0. An A.J. Pierzynski solo shot in the bottom half of the inning off Tim Wakefield cut the lead to two runs, but the Sox were just getting warmed up. In the top of the second, a pair of singles by Dustin Pedroia and Josh Bard set up Andruw Jones to deliver a three-run home run to push the Sox ahead 6-1 and quicky end Buehrle's night.

In addition to showing off is bat, Rafael Furcal showed off his great fielding in Boston's rout of the White Sox

Octavio Dotel, who retired all three batters he faced in the second, led off the third inning by allowing a single to Ortiz. Rafael Furcal followed with a two-run home run that traveled 420 feet. Mike Lowell followed with a double before moving to third on a groundout by Dustin Pedroia. Josh Bard reached on a walk. Dotel managed to strike out Andruw jones for the second out of the inning, but Coco Crisp lined a double to right-cetner, scoring Lowell from second. Crisp's hit marked the end of the night for Dotel. Adam Russell followed out of the 'pen and was greeted with a two-RBI double by Kevin Youkilis. After hitting Manny Ramirez with a pitch, Russell managed to get a groundout by David Ortiz to end the inning.

Carlos Quentin added a three-run home run in the bottom of the third to cut the Red Sox lead to 11-4, but Tim Wakefield was able to rebound and last into the seventh inning.

Bobby Jenks came in early for White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, threw three and a third innings of relief, his longest outing of this career. In the seventh, Jenks surrendered a RBI-single to Rafael Furcal and, in the ninth, after loading the bases, a RBI-single to Julio Lugo before Eric Wasermann retired Dustin Pedroia to end the Sox scoring.

Manny Delcarmen and Javier Lopez pitched the final two and a third innings of relief, allowing just one hit while securing the victory for Boston.

W: Wakefield (11-7) L: Buehrle (5-11)
Player of the Game: Rafael Furcal (3-5, 2 HRs (11), 5 RBIs)

Around the League:
...P Hisashi Aikyo (20 GS, 7-6, 4.95 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) was designated for assingment by the Texas Rangers...

[BostonRS14]

August 10, 2008

Sox Add Power, Acquire Dunn from Reds

Chicago (AP) -- The Red Sox offense has slumped, allowing the Yankees to pull ever so close in the American League East race. At the trade deadline, general manager Theo Epstein made two big moves, acquiring Brian Wilson and Rafael Furcal to fill two large holes for Boston. And now, Epstein has gone back outside the organization to bolster the struggling offense once again.

"What does it say about their depth, that they have to go outside once again," one rival talent evaluator said. "Their bench doesn't scare anyone. Bloomquist, Lugo, Jones, Bard. Average at best."

In acquiring Adam Dunn in a waiver trade, the Red Sox sent C Dustin Brown, 1B Sean Casey, MR Javier Lopez, 3B Andy LaRoche and CL Craig Hansen to the Reds.

"We felt that this i a great addition for our club," Epstein said after announced the trade. "Adam brings a great presence to our club and will be a great addition in the heart of our lineup."

Where he fits in that lineup will be left up to Terry Francona. With Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis locked into the three natural positions for Dunn, Francona will have to juggle his lineup to keep his four sluggers happy.

"It's something we expect Adam to accept," Francona said. "He's coming in here to add to our lineup. We'll find the AB's to keep everyone fresh, but they may not come as frequent as they did in Cincinnati for him."

A free agent at the end of the season, Dunn's acquisition is a smart move by the Red Sox. His bat is an upgrade over Sean Casey (.271/.328/.373) and he cost the Sox only two valuable pieces, Adam LaRoche and Craig Hansen. LaRoche, acquired via waivers from Los Angeles last month, appeared in just ten games with Pawtucket, hitting .205.

With addition, Francona now has the option of batting Dunn third behind Coco Crip and Youkilis and in front of Manny Ramirez (.310, 18 HRs, 65 RBIs), David Ortiz (.294, 24, 77) and Rafael Furcal (.281/.324/.516). Of course, the defense will suffer with Youkilis at third and Dunn at first, but rumors have the Sox interested in signing Craig Counsell as a late inning defensive replacement after the veteran was released by the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Cincinnati, the Reds (59-61, .492) are clearly in cost-cutting mode, having dropped to third in the NL Central, 19 games behind the Chicago Cubs (77-41, .653). with Dunn's spot in the lineup vacant, the Reds are expected to recall prized prospect Joey Votto (.314, 11 HR, 46 RBIs / Lou)

One big major decision Epstein still has to make is what to do with Dunn at the end of the season. Eligible for free agency, the slugger may not fit into the Sox's long-term plans, especially considering his impending Type-A status. Along with Dunn, the Sox have Rafael Furcal, Jason Varitek, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, and Andruw Jones all eligible for free agency, clearing nearly $48 million off the books.

[BostonRS14]

August 10, 2008

Sox Rally Late to Take Third Straight from Chicago
Boston 6, Chicago 3

When Jim Thome and Carlos Quesntin went back-to-back in the bottom of the first inning, manager Terry Francona could quickly see this game getting out of hand for his starter, Josh Beckett. Trailing by three after just five batters, Beckett went to a 3-0 count against Paul Konerko before a long flyball fell short of the wall for the third out of the inning.

A post-inning conference between Francona, Beckett, catcher Jason Varitek and pitching coach John Farrell seemed to pay dividends. While Beckett would surrendered a total of eleven hits over seven innings, he managed to keep the White Sox off the board.

Little-by-little, the Sox chipped away at the Chicago lead.

Mike Lowell led off the third with a double and advanced to third after a Jason Varitek walk and Dustin Pedroia sacrifice hit. Coco Crisp put the Sox on the board with a sacrifice fly, allowing Lowell to scamper home safely without a throw.

In the sixth, Kevin Youkilis hit a solo home run to pull Boston within one. The 15th home run of the season for Youkilis was his first in nearly three weeks, the longest stretch of the season for the first baseman.

With the bases loaded in the seventh and no outs, Jason Varitek added a sacrifice fly to tie the game at three a piece. Following the sacrifice, Jose Contreras struck out Dustin Pedroia and Coco Crisp to end the inning.

In the eighth, Jose Contreras struck out Youkilis to start the inning, but gave way to Octavio Dotel. Manny Ramirez and Adam Dunn immeditately greeted Dotel with a pair of doubles on back-to-back pitches to break the tie. Rafael Furcal dlew out to deep right field, but Dunn was caught out at third trying to advance to end the inning.

In the ninth, with Jonathan Papelbon warming up, J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia launched solo home runs off Dotel to put the Sox up by three and cap Boston's comeback.

In his two appearances against the Red Sox this season, Dotel has allowed eight runs in three and one third innings. The 34 year old from Santo Domingo has surrendered three home runs to go along with a .471 oavg.

Once again for the Red Sox, Brian Wilson and Jonathan Papelbon teamed up the pitch the final two innings for the Sox.

W: Beckett (12-5) L: Dotel (3-2) SV: Papelbon (29)
Player of the Game: Jim Thome (2-4, HR, RBI)

Around the League:
...Boston purchased the contract of Edward Mujica (3-3, 6 SVs, 2.18 ERA w/ Paw) from Pawtuckett...

Minus Key Players, Revs Drop Match to FC Dallas
FC Dallas 2, New England 1

The Revolution went into the second of back-to-back games at FC Dallas minus five regulars as Gabriel Ferrari was away on international duty, Khano Smith and Jack Jewsbury served suspensions and Marshall Leonard (knee) and Rudolph Austin (shoulder) were out with injury.

The inexperience showed early when Christian Jimenez was beat in just the third minute of action by Stuart Holden, creating a scoring chance the veteran was able to convert for the quick 1-0 lead.

Maurice Edu added another score for FC Dallas right before the half as the pressure on keeper Matt Reis proved too much. In all, Reis faced twelve shots, eight on target, stopping six while the Revolution say themselves lose the possession game 61-39.

In the ninetieth minute, New England broke up the shutout bid when Edson Buddle took a header out of the corner and put it past Ray Burse, breaking a 210 minute scoreless streak by the Revolution.

[BostonRS14]

August 11, 2008

Sox Drop Finale to Chicago in 11th
Chicago 5, Boston 4 (11)

In his last fourteen appearances dating back to the beginning of July, Manny Delcarmen has posted an ERA of 6.75. His struggles forced GM Theo Epstein to acquire Brian Wilson from the Giants as insurance for Jonathan Papelbon. And now, with the emergence of Justin Masterson (6 app., 19 IP, 1.89 ERA, 0.84 WHIP), Delcarmen's role looks to be further marginalized.

After retiring Jermaine Dye to lead off the eleventh inning, Delcarmen surrendered the game winning run on a solo home run by Alexis Ramirez, costing the Sox a chance of sweeping the White Sox in the four game series.

After going ahead by three runs, the Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka wasted away the lead. Coco Crisp, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz had RBI singles in the third to put the Sox ahead.

In the fourth, the White Sox started to chip away at the lead. A.J. Pierzynski led off the inning with a base on balls and scored on a Paul Konerko double against Matsuzaka. Dany Richar followed with a single to left to move Konerko to third and Alexis Ramirez single to pull the White Sox within one.

A 1-2-3 fifth inning was marred for the Sox when Dustin Pedroia went down with an apparent shoulder injury after fielding a line drive up the middle.

In the sixth, Matsuzaka coughed up the lead when, with two outs, the White Sox strung together a string of three singles to go ahead by one. Jermaine Dye reached with two outs, and came around on a single by Ramirez. After a passed ball moved Ramirez into scoring position, Joe Crede lined a first pitch fastball back up the middle give the White Sox their first lead of the game. Masterson replaced Matsuzaka and retired Orlando Cabrera to end the inning.

In the seventh, Manny Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game up for the Sox as Masterson held the White Sox in check for four and a third hitless innings before giving way to Delcarmen in the eleventh.

The Sox now head home to Fenway, after a successful 5-2 road trip.

W: Jenks (3-4) L: Delcarmen (5-4)
Player of the Game: Alexis Ramirez (3-5, HR (8), 3 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Mil LF Ryan Braun and TB CF Rocco Baldelli earned Player of the Week honors...Chicago DH Jim Thome hit his 2,000 career hits...

[BostonRS14]

Texas Rangers v. Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park, Boston, Ma.

Led by a strong offense, the Texas Rangers (70-49, .588) have been one of the surprise teams of the season so far, leading the American League West by twelve games over the Oakland Athletics (57-60).

Slugging Josh Hamilton (.314, 33 hRs, 93 RBIs) is putting up Triple Crown numbers in his first season with the Rangers after resurrecting his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. While Ian Kinsler might only be hitting .269 for the seaosn, he is second to Hamilton in both HRs (26) and RBIs (78) and a big reason why the Rangers are leading the AL in Slugging (.445), Home Runs (159) and Extra-Base Hits (359) and are second in Runs Scored (622).

Just as surprising for the Rangers has been the play of their pitching staff. Long an achilles heel in the Texas heat, Kevin Millwood (14-3, 3.39 ERA) is leading a group that has the 7th best Starters' ERA (4.48). Going along with that is the AL's best bullpen with a 3.19 ERA. Midseason pickups Edwin Jackson (7 GS, 4-2, 2.83 w/ Texas) and Chris Capuano (2 GS, 7.36 ERA).

The Rangers are currently in the midst of a 16 game stretch against the American League East. So far, Texas has won nine of ten against Toronto, New York and Baltimore. After three against the Red Sox, Texas travels to Tampa to finish off the AL East for the season, minus a three game series in Arlington in September against Boston.

Pitching Matchups:
8/12: Chris Capuano (5-8, 4.92 ERA) v. Jon Lester (10-6)
8/13: Kevin Millwood (14-3, 3.39) v. Clay Buchholz (10-5, 4.46)
8/14: Scott Feldman (6-3, 3.67) v. Tim Wakefield (11-7, 4.15)

[BostonRS14]

August 12, 2008

Ninth Inning Rally Lessens Pain of Lester Injury
Boston 5, Texas 4

Jon Lester lasted just two pitches before Milton Bradley lined a ball off his throwing arm, sending the young southpaw down to the mound in pain. After a moment that had the Sox coaches holding their breathes, Lester left the field under his own power with a sore arm.

Edward Mujica came out of the bullpen in relief of Lester, making his Red Sox debut after pitching at both Portland (AA, 11 G, 101, SV, 1.93 ERA, .86 WHIP) and Pawtucket (AAA, 31 G, 3-3, 6 SVs., 2.18 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) this season. In four innings of work, Mujica pitched admirably, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits.

After a solo home run with one out in the fifth against Mujica, the Sox bullpen combined to pitch four and two thirds innings of shutout ball, allowing just two hits and a pair of base on balls.

The Sox scored first in the bottom of the fourth, when J.D. Drew doubled home David Ortiz from second against Texas starter Kevin Millwood. Mike Lowell stranded Rafael Furcal on third to end the inning.

In the ninth, the Sox bats came alive as hope seemed lost. After Furcal led off the inning with a single, Texas catcher Kevin Richardson threw the runner out at second trying to steal the base. J.D. Drew followed with his second RBI of the game, a solo home run to left field off Joaquin Benoit. Mike Lowell doubles and Jason Varitek and Julio Lugo walked to put the winning run on base.

Coco Crisp walked with one out to cut the lead to 4-3 before a RBI-single by Kevin Youkilis tied the game and ended Benoit's night. Manny Ramirez drove home the game winner with a single off closer C.J. Wilson to enable the Sox to steal a game that looked lost when their starter went down after one batter.

W: Wilson (2-1) L: Benoit (5-3)
Player of the Game: J.D. Drew (3-4, 2 2B, HR (15), 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Boston placed 2B Dustin Pedroia and SP Jon Lester on the 15-day disabled list. SP Kason Gabbard and 3B Rhyne Hughes were recalled from Pawtucket...Florida activated SP Josh Johnson from the 60-day disabled list...Tampa Bay SS Jason Bartlett went 5-5 in the Rays 5-3 triumph against the Oakland Athletics...Philadelphia SP Jamie Moyer shut out the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-0 on 4 hits...

[BostonRS14]

August 13, 2008

Buchholz, Wilson Struggle as Rangers Out Slug Sox
Texas 10, Boston 8

After burning through six pitchers the previous day, manager Terry Francona had to call on two of his veteran relievers once again with lackluster results after starter Clay Buchholz was unable to work past the fifth inning for the seventh time in twenty-one starts this season.

After leaving the game with a 5-2 deficit, Buchholz watched as the Sox offense rallied back to tie the game at 7 after 7 before Brian Wilson coughed up the lead in the eight as the Rangers escaped with a victory.

Texas started early against Buchholz, scoring four in the second, sending nine batters to the plate. With two outs in the fourth, the Sox cut the lead in half on a two-out bases loaded single by Mike Lowell. Julio Lugo, starting in place of the injured Dustin Pedroia, failed to pulled the Sox any closer when he popped up the first pitch he saw from Texas starter Chris Capuano.

In the sixth, a lead off home run by Manny Ramirez cut the lead to two before David Ortiz cut the lead to one, scoring from second on a single by J.D. Drew.

In the seventh, former Texas Ranger Kason Gabbard, making his second appearance of the season for the Red Sox, ran into trouble. After breezing through the sixth, Gabbard struck out Jarrod Saltalamacchia to start the seventh and then got Daniel murphy to ground out to second. After a four pitch walk to Frank Catalanotto, Ian Kinsler drilled a first pitch fastball over the wall in left to put the Rangers ahead 7-4. Brian Wilson relieved Gabbard and, after walking Michael Aubrey, struck out Chris Woodward to end the inning.

In the bottom half of the seventh, though, the Sox battled back. Coco Crisp led off the inning with a single and scored from first on a RBI-double by Kevin Youkilis. After striking out Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz sent Capuano's first pitch out of the ballpark, tying the ball game at seven runs a piece. A pair of flyouts by Drew and Mike Lowell followed a Rafael Furcal walk left the Sox fans on edge, as the club was unable to pull in front of the Rangers against Eddie Guardado.

In the bottom of the eighth, the taxed Red Sox bullpen reared its ugly head. Brian Wilson, after retiring Milton Bradley to lead off the inning, walked Michael Young on four pitches. Josh Hamilton followed with a single, before Saltalamacchia struck out swinging for the second out of the inning. David Murphy, a former Red Sox prospect, put the game out of reach for the Sox with a three-run home run, his 19th of the season.

Hideki Okajima relieved Wilson, retiring Marlon Byrd on a pop out after putting runners on second and third with a pair of walks and a wild pitch.

The Red Sox added a run in the bottom of the ninth after David Ortiz singled and advanced to third on a pair of errors. Joaquin Benoit bounced a ball in front of the plate, and Ortiz hustled home from third to cut the lead to two, but Mike Lowell struck out looking one pitch later to end the game.

W: Guardado (8-4) L:Wilson (2-2) SV: Benoit (35)
Player of the Game: David Ortiz (4-5, 2B (27), HR (25), 3 Rs, 2 RBIs)

Around the League:
...Boston signed free agents SS Craig Counsell and SP Anthony Reyes to one-year contracts...

[BostonRS14]

August 14, 2008

Masterson Impresses As Sox Rally to Beat Rangers
Boston 5, Texas 3

Justin Masterson has made quite a name for himself this season. Called upon twice to pitch for the Red Sox in a pinch due to injury, Masterson has given manager Terry Francona a versatile option in a bullpen accustom to defined roles.

Against the Rangers, Masterson started on two days rest after pitching on back-to-back nights against the White Sox and Rangers earlier in the week. Over five and two-thirds of work, Masterson held Texas to just two hits while walking four and striking out three.

Scott Feldman matched Masterson pitch for pitch, holding the Sox scoreless through six before faltering in the seventh. With a three run lead after a Michael Young three-run home run off Anthony Reyes, Feldman faltered as he moved over the one-hundred pitch count. After Adam Dunn reached base to lead off the inning thanks to an error by David Murphy, Feldman retired Rafael Furcal for the first out of the inning. J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo followed with a pair of singles to score Dunn to put the Sox on the board. Mike Lowell cut the lead to one run with a sacrifice fly, before Coco Crisp singled Lugo to third, putting the tying run one base from scoring.

Julio Manon relieved Feldman, and was welcomed with a first pitch, RBI double by Kevin Youkilis to tie the game at three runs a piece.

In the eighth, Francona called upon Manny Delcarmen to hold the Rangers in place, and that he did, keeping Texas from capitalizing on a lead off double by Frank Catalanotto. In the bottom of the eighth, Manon continued to struggle. David Ortiz led off with a walk and advanced to second on a single by Adam Dunn. After a fly out by Rafael Furcal, J.D. Drew singled to left to load the bases for the Sox.

With the score tied at three and the go-ahead run on third, Texas manager Ron Washington stuck with his struggling reliever and paid the price. Manon walked pinch hitter Andruw Jones to force in Ortiz and followed that with a four pitch walk to Jason Varitek that scored Dunn with the insurance run. C.J. Wilson relieved Manon and stuck out Coco Crip and Kevin Youkilis to end the inning, but the damage was done.

Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for the Sox, retiring the heart of the Rangers order in three-up, three-down to secure the win for Boston.

W: Delcarmen (6-4) L: Manon (6-1) SV: Papelbon (30)
Player of the Game: Michael Young (1-5, HR (6), 3 RBIs)

Around the League:
...St. Louis SP Chris Carpenter was activated from the 60-day disabled list...Toronto RF Alexis Rios (.252 svg., 11 HRs, 44 RBIs) ripped Detroit pitching for 5 hits in 6 at-bats in a 12-9 loss to the Tigers...Reports indicate that 35-year old first baseman Nomar Garciaparra (.241, 9 HRs, 39 RBIs) of the Los Angeles Dodgers could be on the trading block...