After Almost Two Seasons Of Buffoonery, The Red Sox Finally Got A Real First Baseman-Eric Hosmer

 

    Today the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline came and went with the Red Sox (53-52 overall) thankfully making one final important move: they acquired first baseman Eric Hosmer (a four-time Gold Glover!), two minor leaguers and cash considerations from the Padres (60-46 overall) for minor league LHP Jay Groome. The back story is that Hosmer was supposed to be involved with the blockbuster Juan Soto trade from the Nationals (36-69 overall) but he used his no-trade clause to reject a move to DC. This allowed Boston's chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom to swoop in and obtain the 32-year-old Hosmer with San Diego footing the rest of his contract. It was a move that would make Patriots head coach Bill Belichick proud in the way that Bloom was able to get a quality player and still make someone else pay for him.

    Boston's lack of a true first baseman had become a complete embarrassment these last few years. No more being forced to watch Franchy Cordero or Bobby Dalbec stumbling around trying to play a position that neither could handle at all. Hosmer was an All-Star in 2016 and he helped win the 2015 World Series with the Royals. The Padres had also picked up first baseman Josh Bell (who reportedly had been a Red Sox trade target) in the Soto deal so this left Hosmer as the odd man out for what is now one of the best teams in baseball. You cannot blame him for rejecting a move to Washington since the Nationals are going to be rebuilding for years to come. It's not like the Red Sox are exactly World Series contenders at the moment but at least he goes to a market and team that matters so if he plays well, he can set himself up for one last nice contract in MLB before he retires.

    Going back to his days with Kansas City, Hosmer (the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft) had long been rumored to be coveted by Boston. On a personal note, he is married to former NESN sideline reporter and host Kacie McDonnell who is currently pregnant with their first child. In 90 games this season with the Padres, Hosmer was hitting .272/.336/.391 with eight HRs and 40 RBIs. He has a reputation as a leader and a good clubhouse guy which Boston certainly needs more of both of those things these days. He won't be a Hall of Famer but he has put together a notable career in MLB, hitting a career-high 25 homers in both 2015 and 2016 with a career-best 104 RBIs in his All-Star season (when he was also the All-Star Game MVP). He even won the Silver Slugger for the American League first basemen in 2017 and for his career, his batting splits are .277/.336/.429. The Christian Vazquez trade to Houston (67-38 overall) doesn't make a ton of sense although the former Red Sox catcher admitted that he'd be open to returning here this winter in free agency but at least Boston drastically improved its biggest weakness-first base-with the addition of a fine pro like Hosmer.

Sox Start July By Completing Perfect (7-0) Homestand & Clinching Four-Game Sweep Vs. KC

 

    Today will go down as one of the most predictable games of the 2021 season for the Red Sox (51-31 overall, 27-17 home). In the finale of their seven-game homestand, they flat out embarrassed the Royals (33-47 overall, 15-28 away) 15-1 this afternoon at Fenway Park. Kansas City has been on the road for the past 10 games (which must feel like forever) so it was no surprise that they laid down and got swept in the four-game series by the Red Sox who have won seven straight games. Boston racked up 17 hits as every batter with a plate appearance had at least one hit which sent the Royals to their ninth loss in a row. Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi (7 IP, 5 hits, 0 ERs, 6 Ks, 0 BBs) pitched seven scoreless innings that only took 84 pitches as KC clearly couldn't get out of town fast enough. 

    Boston hit four home runs, starting with second baseman Kike Hernandez who had a leadoff homer (his 9th HR of the season) over the Green Monster for the third time in the past five contests. Left fielder (not a misprint) J.D. Martinez followed with a solo home run of his own (his 17th of the season) in the fourth inning to straightaway center field and first baseman Danny Santana added a three-run bomb to right center (his 3rd of the season) later in the frame for a 5-0 lead. Boston scored four more runs in the fifth inning on a two-run single by first-time All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers that scored Martinez and center fielder Alex Verdugo; Devers scored on an infield single by Santana and right fielder Hunter Renfroe came home on a balk by Kansas City reliever Ervin Santana. 

    Devers crushed a three-run home run (his 20th of the season) in the sixth inning that scored Martinez and DH (for the day)/All-Star Xander Bogaerts. Pinch hitter Michael Chavis' sacrifice fly scored shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (3-for-4) in the seventh inning. The final two runs for the Sox came in the eighth inning as Gonzalez's RBI single plated Devers and Santana's fantastic day at the plate concluded with an RBI double that scored Renfroe. Boston was this close to a recording an elusive shutout but sadly Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson had other plans as he drove in left fielder Ryan O'Hearn in the ninth inning.

    Everything came up Red Sox today as they beat the rain and flew out to California tonight at a reasonable hour. They will be celebrating July 4th this weekend in Oakland (48-35 overall, 26-20 home). It's a three-game set between two of the best teams in the American League so it should be very entertaining. Tomorrow night (9:40, NESN), Eduardo Rodriguez (6-4) takes on Frankie Montas (7-7); on Saturday night (7:15, FOX) in front of a national TV audience, Garrett Richards (4-5) faces lefty Cole Irvin (6-7), what could possibly go wrong there?; finally, on the afternoon (4:07, NESN) of July 4th, Nick Pivetta (6-3) opposes James Kaprielian (4-2). The heatwave is over in New England but the forecast for the next few days looks sketchy with plenty of rain so settle in for a possible playoff preview type of series against a quality opponent in a place where Boston typically struggles.

Sox Rallied Three Different Times To Get Their Fifth Straight Win & They Own The AL's Top Mark

 

    Why is it that we spend so much time focusing on the Red Sox' (49-31 overall, 25-17 home) weaknesses rather than the fact they continue to find ways to overcome them? I'm guilty of it myself but at the moment, it all seems a bit silly since thanks to Boston's 7-6 victory against hapless Kansas City (33-45 overall, 15-26 away) tonight at steaming hot Fenway Park, the Sox currently own the best record in the American League. That's right, Houston (48-32) has dropped its last three games in a row while Boston has won five straight games and gone 7-3 in their last 10 to suddenly be tied with the Dodgers for the second best record in baseball, trailing only the Giants (50-29). It is time to stop doubting them and get aboard the growing bandwagon for one of the most exciting teams in MLB this season.

    We can debate whether this is sustainable in the long run but the last time that I checked it isn't October yet and since the Sox haven't made the playoffs in a few years, let's relax and enjoy a quality regular season shall we? If I didn't know any better, I would say that Boston is toying with Kansas City because for the second night in a row, they fell behind (instead of four runs, it was three different instances) only to rally each time and eventually hang on for another one-run win. The Red Sox' starting pitchers are a major issue but they are able to mostly survive their mediocrity by the fact that the offense is so relentless and the bullpen is becoming a major strength of this club (who knew?). The Royals are one of the worst hitting teams in the AL but you wouldn't know it by the way that they crushed Nick Pivetta (4.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 hits, 5 Ks, 2 BBs, 3 HRs allowed). Luckily for the home team, they were up against the immortal Brad Keller (5 IP, 6 ER, 10 hits, 0 Ks, 5 BBs) who is a glorified pitching machine come to life. 

    You might not know the name but Kansas City's second baseman Whit Merrifield is one of the best hitters in MLB. He led off tonight's game with a home run that wrapped around Pesky's Pole for his eighth blast of the season. Boston responded immediately in their first at bats as designated hitter J.D. Martinez drove in second baseman Kike Hernandez (2-for-4) with an RBI single. The Sox took the lead as the next hitter-shortstop Xander Bogaerts-beat out an infield single which allowed left fielder Alex Verdugo (2 runs scored, 2 walks) to score and make it 2-1. KC's center fielder Michael Taylor (3-for-3, walk, stolen base) knocked in left fielder Hunter Dozier with an RBI single in the second inning which knotted things at two. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe helped Boston regain the lead at 3-2 in the third inning with a sacrifice fly that plated Martinez. Taylor answered with a two-run shot to right field in the fourth inning that scored Dozier and gave the Royals a 4-3 advantage. Boston added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth as Hernandez drove in center fielder Danny Santana with an RBI single and Martinez's sacrifice fly allowed first baseman Bobby Dalbec (2-for-3) to come home with a 5-4 lead.  

    KC DH Ryan O'Hearn ended Pivetta's subpar outing with a two-run blast to center field in the fifth inning which handed the Royals their final lead (6-5) of the contest. Martinez put the capper on his four RBI performance with a two-run double in the sixth inning that scored Verdugo and Michael Chavis who pinch ran for Dalbec. As bad as Pivetta was, the Red Sox' bullpen was superb: four guys followed Pivetta and they all went at least one inning but none of them allowed a single run. Yacksel Rios (2-0) started the procession with 1.2 scoreless innings, Darwinzon Hernandez pitched a scoreless seventh inning and Northeastern's Adam Ottavino threw a scoreless eighth inning before ace closer UConn's Matt Barnes struck out the side in a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his 18th save (2nd of the series). 

    Mercifully, this latest heatwave in New England is supposed to end tomorrow but it promises to remain a sauna at Fenway as Martin Perez (5-4) goes up against Mike Minor (6-5) beginning at 7:10 pm on NESN. The Royals have lost seven straight games to drop into last-place in the AL Central so they no doubt are losing any hope by the day that they can make anything of this season. Obviously a win is all that matters but it would be nice to see the Red Sox not have only nailbiters against Kansas City this week. Tampa Bay (47-33) lost 4-3 to Washington (39-38) tonight as well so Boston is now two games ahead of them for first-place in the AL East. Tomorrow's game is the 81st of the regular season (aka the halfway point) for the Sox meaning another victory would put them right on pace for 100 wins. Coming into this campaign, who could have believed they would be this good right away in manager Alex Cora's return from purgatory? 

Sox Slugged (4 HRs) Their Way To Fourth Straight Win & They Are Tied With Astros For Best AL Mark

 

    I am already growing weary of bashing Red Sox pitcher Garrett Richards (5.2 IP, 5 ER, 11 hits, 3 Ks, 3 HRs) in his first season with Boston. Don't get me wrong, he deserves all the criticism that he's getting from every angle but how many ways can you say the same thing over and over again? The guy is a human puddle without his now illegal sticky substances. Despite his general ineptitude at his job, the Sox (48-31 overall, 24-17 home) won in spite of him. This evening they rallied from an early 5-1 deficit to beat the spiraling Royals (33-44 overall, 15-25 away) 6-5 at scorching Fenway Park in the series opener. I guess that he should be saluted for going that long after allowing all five runs in the first two innings but I'm not a Little League coach or his parent so I'm not here to pat him on his goofy head. He should not be in Boston's starting rotation anymore, they are playing with fire thinking that he'll turn it around anytime soon at the MLB level. 

    Anywho, the Red Sox hit four home runs led by right fielder Hunter Renfroe who had a pair of mammoth blasts. Unlike Richards, Renfroe was a great free agent signing by Boston's GM Chiam Bloom. Their fourth straight victory combined with Houston's (48-31) shocking 9-7 loss to lowly Baltimore (25-54) meant that Boston settles into a tie with the Astros for the best record in the AL. Furthermore, the Giants (50-27) are the only team in baseball with a better record than them. The Royals won two out of three against Boston a few weeks back in Kansas City but the Sox are catching them at a good time since they have now dropped five games in a row. First baseman Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer in the first inning (his 13th of the season) to right field for an early 3-0 KC lead. For the second game in a row, center fielder Kike Hernandez (2-for-3, BB) led off with a home run (his 8th of the season) in the bottom of the first that went over the Green Monster. Center fielder Michael Taylor (his 6th, to right center) and second baseman Whit Merrifield (his 7th, to center; 3-for-5, 2 runs) each hit solo shots in the second for that 5-1 advantage. 

    It was basically Home Run Derby a few weeks early as the Royals starter/opener (since he was working his way back from an injury) Danny Duffy also allowed three bombs in only 3.1 innings of work. First baseman Bobby Dalbec (2-for-4, 2 runs) started the comeback with a solo blast (his 10th of the season) of his own, over the Monster in the bottom of the second inning. Renfroe cut it to 5-4 Royals with a two-run laser (his 10th of the season) to center field that scored shortstop Xander Bogaerts as well. Michael Chavis tied it at five later in that frame with an RBI single that plated Dalbec. The last run of the contest obviously came from one last roundtripper as Renfroe smoked a solo homer over the Monster in the sixth inning. 

    Kansas City's offense-like the rest of their sorry club-is not good but regardless, Boston's bullpen was still excellent: they went 3.1 innings and only allowed one total hit. Hirokazu Sawamura (4-0)-another gem from Bloom-got four outs including a strikeout to kick things off. Josh Taylor pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning for his tenth hold of the season followed by closer Matt Barnes who recorded a 1-2-3 ninth inning on 13 pitches for his 17th save of the season. Tomorrow night (7:10, NESN) promises to be just as gross in terms of weather at the ballpark but Nick Pivetta (6-3) vs. Brad Keller (6-8) is a very winnable matchup for the Red Sox. These won't be the sexiest games of the season but it's a great time for Boston to pile up the wins while they take advantage of a bad team that is going nowhere fast.

Andrew Benintendi Goes To Kansas City In A 3-Way Trade But Does Anybody Notice Or Care?

 

        Not that we needed further proof of baseball's complete irrelevance both locally and nationally these days but tonight, one of Boston's best players was traded a week before Spring Training begins in Fort Myers and barely anyone seemed to realize it. There were rumors for months that the Red Sox were shopping outfielder Andrew Benintendi and they finally came to fruition as chief baseball officer (that will never sound less ridiculous) Chaim Bloom flipped him and an unspecified amount of cash to the Royals for outfielder Franchy Cordero and two players to be named later. Additionally, Boston gets a minor league right-handed pitcher (Josh Winckowski) and a player to be named later from the Mets. 

    I'm not heartbroken to see Benny go but I just wish that the Red Sox started acting like a big market team again instead of Tampa Bay North. They have the money and the resources to attract whomever they want, so it's frustrating when they sell off their assets both big and small for a bunch of lottery tickets (which is what minor leaguers might as well be). Plus, this was a guy that is still only 26 years old and due for a bounce back after a down year in 2019 followed by basically a non-existent 2020-he was awful in 14 games before the Sox shut him down to save face in their pointless Covid-19 campaign.

    He was also one of their biggest prospects in years as Benintendi was chosen No. 7 overall in the 2015 draft, he reached the majors in two years (finishing as the runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year in 2017) and was a key part (.290 batting average, 16 HRs and 87 RBIs) of their World Series champion squad in 2018. With a resume like that, coupled with a sweet swing and natural ability in the outfield, you can see why he probably got overrated a little too soon. It'll be interesting to see if his career gets back untracked in Kansas City where there is no pressure and once again, the team is in the gutter. 

    I couldn't care less about these guys that the Red Sox received since I've never heard of either of them before. There are so many levels in professional baseball and therefore it's so hard to make it to MLB that it is a complete waste of time to talk about any of them before they are on the verge of getting called up to the highest level. Baseball already has way too many problems with the game itself and I worry that it'll be another lost season for the Red Sox in 2021. I used to love the sport and this team but they have each made it very hard in recent years to have anything besides a passing interest in it anymore. Please change my mind Red Sox but I'm not holding my breath for robot Bloom and his legion of dorks to make this dead product more exciting. 

So It Looks Like This Red Sox Season Will Be Much More Interesting Than We Thought

Listen, we all figured that the Red Sox were toast a long time ago so there's no need to lie and say any sane person that we know felt otherwise. Still, I'm happy to report that Boston (46-52 overall, 26-26 at home) is finally playing some good baseball in 2014 (it only took them nearly 100 games!) as they blanked Kansas City (48-49 overall, 26-24 away) 6-0 this afternoon at Fenway Park for the three-game sweep.

The Red Sox have won seven of their last eight games to climb within six games in the Wild Card and 7.5 in the AL East. Jon Lester (10-7) continued to consistently perform like one of the top pitchers in MLB: eight innings, four hits, eight strikeouts and two walks as he lowered his ERA to 2.50. The only reason he didn't stay in for the shutout was that he threw 115 pitches. At this point, he is a serious Cy Young contender and with each outstanding start, his already hefty price tag continues to go up. If only he had accepted Boston's joke offer (4 years, $70 in spring training)!

There aren't many things you can count on in life anymore or at least you realize that when you grow up, however Kansas City never ceases to fall apart in the middle/dog days of the season. Seriously, will they ever truly be relevant again on a national level? Young fireballer Yordano Ventura (7-8) was no match for Lester's brilliance as he allowed six earned runs on nine hits in only 4.1 innings.

The Red Sox took the lead in the first inning as Dustin Pedroia's fielder's choice scored Brock Holt (2 for 5). Daniel Nava's (2 for 3, walk) ground-rule double knocked in David Ross (2 runs, walk) and Jackie Bradley Jr. (2 for 3, 2 runs, walk) in the third inning. David Ross' two-run homer in the fourth went over the Monster, his sixth of the season, and it also drove in Shane Victorino (2 for 4, double). Boston added the final insurance run a few batters later as Nava plated Bradley Jr. with a sacrifice fly.

The next two weeks represent Boston's best chance to really get back into those respective races that I mentioned. You see, they have 13 games in a row against AL East opponents: they go to Toronto for four games then Tampa Bay for three. The Red Sox return home to face the Blue Jays three more times then they host the Yankees in three games right after the Trade Deadline (July 31).

Toronto (51-48 overall, 3rd in AL East) is only 4-6 in their last 10 games but they've won their last two (vs. hapless Texas) heading into this critical series vs. Boston. Other than no Lester, the Red Sox' pitching lines up pretty well against the Blue Jays who still don't have an ace or No. 2 if we're being honest. John Lackey (10-6) faces Drew Hutchison (6-8) on Monday night (7:07, NESN) followed by Jake Peavy (1-8) vs. J.A. Happ (7-5) on Tuesday (7:07, NESN). Clay Buchholz (5-5) takes on knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (7-10) on Wednesday (7:07, NESN) then they wrap up on Thursday afternoon (12:37, NESN) with Rubby De La Rosa (3-2) facing fellow rookie Marcus Stroman (5-2).

I'm certainly not predicting it will happen but I'd like to note before the series begins that if Boston could sweep Toronto, they would be tied in the loss column. Something to keep in mind as the series progresses if the Red Sox win the first two or three games.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

It's Safe To Say The Red Sox Did Not Enjoy Their Time in Kansas City

The Pittsburgh Pirates are rightfully earning most of the praise and attention across MLB this season as the team that has totally turned it around after years of losing. However in the American League, Kansas City is starting to become a great story as well. With the Royals' (61-54 overall, 32-26 home) 5-4 win this afternoon over the Red Sox (71-49 overall, 32-28 home) at Kauffman Stadium, they took this weekend's series (3-1) and the season series (5-2).

The good news for Boston is that Tampa Bay has finally slumped a bit, losing their last five games including a sweep from the Dodgers this weekend. Strictly because of that, the Red Sox remain three games up on them for first place in the AL East.

James Shields (7-8) is still a good pitcher and he is certainly familiar with some of the Red Sox hitters from his time with the Rays. Shields went seven innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits with five strikeouts and three walks. John Lackey (7-10) did not have his best stuff by any means but he gutted it out for seven innings: four earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Boston got on the board first as Shane Victorino (double, stolen base) came around on Salvador Perez's throwing error in the first inning. Alex Gordon (3 hits) tied it with an RBI single in the home half of the first. Then Jarrod Dyson and David Lough (who?) added RBI singles in the second and Gordon smacked his 13th homer of the season-a solo shot in the third for a 4-1 Royals lead.

For whatever reason, it felt like the Red Sox were down by way more than three runs which is why Ryan Lavarnway's (2 hits) two-run single in the sixth woke everybody up. Kansas City's bullpen was equal to the task though with a scoreless eighth by Tim Collins and Aaron Crow while All-Star closer Greg Holland had a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts for his 32nd save of the season (2nd of the series).

Red hot Stephen Drew (seriously) was 2 for 4 with a double and run for Boston in the loss. This has been a bumpy road trip so far for the Red Sox (3-4) but they have a chance to go home on a positive note after three games in Toronto (54-63, 5th in AL East) starting on Tuesday (7:07, NESN) with Ryan Dempster (6-8) vs. rookie Todd Redmond (1-1). The other two pitching matchups favor Boston at the Rogers Centre: Jon Lester (10-7) vs. Josh Johnson (2-8) on Wednesday (7:07, NESN) and Jake Peavy (9-4) takes on Mark Buehrle (8-7) on Thursday (7:07, NESN).

They haven't been off since July 25 (rainout vs. Rays) so tomorrow will give Boston a chance to relax for the first time in a while.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Middlebrooks Returns To The Red Sox & They Finally Beat the Royals Again

It only took five tries but the Red Sox (71-48 overall, 32-27 away) managed to beat the Royals (60-54 overall, 31-26 home) again, 5-3 this evening at Kauffman Stadium to snap a four-game losing streak (two games in this series). The three easy to use storylines coming out of this win for Boston was Will Middlebrooks' (2 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) triumphant return from purgatory I mean Pawtucket RI, Jacoby Ellsbury's (4 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, stolen base) great night at the plate and five scoreless innings by the Red Sox bullpen (4 pitchers).

Compared to last night, this was a pitcher's duel except for the fact that Felix Doubront only lasted 4+ innings (not long enough for the win) while Jeremy Guthrie went six innings but allowed five earned runs on 10 hits. Brandon Workman (3-1) got four outs in relief (including three strikeouts), Craig Breslow retired the two men he faced to end the sixth, Junichi Tazawa (19th hold) struck out two in two scoreless innings and Koji Uehara had a 1-2-3 ninth (on 12 pitches!) for his 12th save of the season.

After no runs in the first three innings, the Red Sox looked like they were about to pull away when they scored four times in the fourth (it was meant to be!). Stephen Drew had an RBI double, two runs scored on Middlebrooks' bloop single down the right field line and Ellsbury notched his first of two RBI doubles.

Kudos to the Royals for fighting back right away and nearly tying it in the fifth. Eric Hosmer (2 hits) started the pseudo-rally with an RBI double, Billy Butler (3 hits, 2 doubles) continued to own the Red Sox (he's 7 for 12 in the series) with an RBI double and old man Miguel Tejada greeted Workman with an RBI single.

With Boston's bullpen on lockdown mode after that one inherited run scored in the fifth, Ellsbury added another RBI double in the sixth which scored Middlebrooks. Mike Carp was 2 for 3 with a run and walk in the victory.

Thanks to Tampa Bay and Baltimore's losses today, the Red Sox improved to three games and five games respectively ahead of their biggest competition this season in the AL. Haha with their loss the Yankees fell 11 games behind the Red Sox which is fantastic if you think about it. Tomorrow's game (2:10, NESN) is so important to both teams psychologically because the Royals have been on fire and they could win the series (3-1) while the Red Sox are looking to get out of town with a hard-earned split. John Lackey (7-9) faces former Rays star James Shields (6-8) in what should be a close contest.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Red Sox Blow 3 Different Leads, Lose 9-6 To Royals

After witnessing the very good side of Jake Peavy last Saturday in his Red Sox debut, tonight we were treated to the mediocre version of the former 2009 NL Cy Young winner that has been kicking around MLB the last few years (except for last year's contract drive). Already in two nights, the Royals (60-53 overall, 31-25 home) have proven that they can win with pitching (5-1 last night) or hitting-the example being tonight's 9-6 win over the Red Sox (70-48 overall, 31-27 away) at Kauffman Stadium.

There is a reason that Kansas City is 4-1 against Boston this season including four straight victories, they are a good ballclub. What they lack in great pitching, they seem to make up for in clutch hitting and timely plays. In a way they are a poor man's version of the Orioles from last season. With this win, the Royals pulled within 4.5 games of the Wild Card and only a half game behind the Indians.

Peavy was never right in this contest, he went only 5+ innings, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits with one walk and no strikeouts. Royals starter Ervin Santana was actually worse since he lasted 3.2 innings and also gave up six earned runs. Boston's bullpen completely melted down in the sixth inning as Peavy, Drizzy Drake Britton and Pedro "Not Martinez" Beato combined to allow six runs.

Boston had been up 6-3 after Mike Napoli's (2 hits, walk, run) three-run double in the fourth. Kansas City responded with an RBI single by Alcides Escobar (2 hits, 2 runs), a sacrifice fly by David Lough, two-run single by Eric Hosmer (3 hits, run), RBI double by Billy Butler (3 hits, run) and RBI single by Justin Maxwell.

Fireballer Kelvin Herrera pitched a scoreless seventh, Worcester's Tim Collins walked the first two batters he faced in the eighth but managed to get out of the frame unscathed and closer Greg Holland recorded his 31st save with a 1-2-3 ninth on 11 pitches (2 strikeouts).

In the early going, both teams traded runs. Daniel Nava opened the scoring with an RBI single in the first and the Red Sox had been 46-9 coming into tonight when they scored first. Maxwell homered in the second to tie it and Lough's RBI single put Kansas City up 2-1. David Ortiz (2 hits, 2 runs) tied it in the third with a solo homer to right, his 22nd of the season. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2 hits) put Boston back in front with an RBI double that made it 3-2. Alex Gordon tied it with a solo homer in the home half of the third.

More than anything tomorrow night (7:10, NESN) besides a win (duh!), the Red Sox desperately need a good start from Felix Doubront (8-5) against Jeremy Guthrie (12-7). Boston caught a huge break after this humbling loss as the Rays choked away a 6-0 lead and 6-3 advantage in the ninth for a 7-6 loss to the Dodgers. Tampa Bay has lost three in a row so they are stuck two games behind the Red Sox for first place in the AL East. Baltimore won its third game in a row(5-2 over the Giants in 10 innings), trimming their deficit to 4.5 games back of Boston.

UPDATE 8/10: Brandon Snyder went on the DL with a fake elbow injury and Will Middlebrooks makes his triumphant (we hope) return from Pawtucket. Middlebrooks is in the lineup tonight, batting ninth and playing third base. Also, Franklin Morales was recalled with Pedro Beato being sent down to Pawtucket.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

It's Never A Good Sign When A Scrub Like Bruce Chen Shuts You Down

The Red Sox have made it a habit this season of coming from behind to win games. That has been thrilling for sure but it's not exactly how you want to play every night: finding yourself down by multiple runs and being forced to battle back. Tonight in the series opener at Kaufmann Stadium-home of the multi-colored water fountains-the Royals (59-53 overall, 30-25 home) topped the Red Sox (70-47 overall, 31-26 away) 5-1.

Kansas City only scored in two innings: the first and eighth but that was more than enough to beat Boston when the Red Sox chose to sit red-hot David Ortiz. Perhaps the most telling sign of their struggle at the plate was the fact that Bruce Chen (5-0), one of the only MLB pitchers that I think I could honestly get a hit off of, was dealing like you read about: 7.2 scoreless innings, five hits, two strikeouts and a walk.

This was not vintage Jon Lester (10-7) either, like when he no-hit the Royals back in 2008. Nope, this was the guy that throws way too many pitches (121) and gave up three runs right off the bat. Alex Gordon hit a sacrifice fly and Mike Moustakas (2 hits) drove in two with an RBI single. I'll give him credit for lasting seven innings (3 runs, 1 earned, 4 hits, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks) but last time I checked this isn't Little League so he won't be receiving a trophy of any kind.

Chen made that hold up as Boston only managed seven hits, two each for Jacoby Ellsbury and Stephen Drew. Rubby De La Rosa looked great on Tuesday in Houston but predictably against a real MLB team, he struggled big time. Any chances of a Red Sox rally were put to bed as he served up solo homers to Billy Butler and Justin Maxwell.

The only embarrassment that Boston saved themselves from was avoiding a shutout. Jonny Gomes (who batted fourth) doubled with one out in the ninth and Drew (who batted fifth) knocked him in with an RBI single. No worries though as Mike Napoli (dropped down to 6th) proceeded to ground into a double play to end it. He continues to be mired in a soul-crushing slump.

Jake Peavy (9-4) will try to get his new team back on the right track tomorrow night (8:10, NESN) as he takes on Ervin Santana (8-6). Expect Ortiz to be back in the lineup and he'll probably produce too.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

As Big Papi So Eloquently Said, "This Is Our Fucking City!"

This dream start for the Red Sox in 2013 continued this afternoon as they returned to Fenway Park for the first time since the Marathon Bombings on Monday. Fittingly, they won it in memorable fashion. Daniel Nava hit a go-ahead three run homer in the eighth and Andrew Bailey hung on for the save as Boston beat Kansas City 5-4 for its seventh straight win.

Boston's (12-4 overall, 5-2 home) starting pitchers extended their streak to 16 games (all of this season) of three earned runs or less. Clay Buchholz (4-0) went eight innings, allowing two earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and a walk. Bailey gave up a solo homer to Lorenzo Cain (4 for 4, 2 doubles, 3 runs) but he worked around a walk and single to record his third save of the season.

Former Rays great James Shields finds himself in another MLB blackhole but unlike Tampa Bay, Kansas City (8-7 overall, 4-5 away) hasn't been good for at least a decade. He went six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits with eight strikeouts and three walks.

Jeff Francoeur got the Royals on the board with an RBI single in the fifth. David Ortiz tied it with an RBI single of his own in the sixth. Salvador Perez's RBI triple in the seventh gave Kansas City a 2-1 lead but Nava crushed a three-run shot (his fourth of the season) to right center in the eighth.

Last night's postponed game will be made up tomorrow as part of a day-night doubleheader. Ryan Dempster (1-1) faces Ervin Santana (0-1) in the afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN) then Allen Webster (obtained from the Dodgers in that blockbuster trade last summer) makes his MLB debut vs. Jeremy Guthrie (2-0) at night (7:05 p.m., NESN) in the series finale.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

MLB Really Needs Relegation: The Royals Would Be First On The List To Go

It only makes sense that in a series complete with a monster salary dump/trade and brand new outlook for the Red Sox, Daisuke Matsuzaka closes it out with a gem in what has to be one of his last starts for Boston.

Boston (62-67, 32-38 home) beat Kansas City (56-71, 30-38 away) 5-1 this afternoon at Fenway Park to complete a 3-4 homestand. The Red Sox actually took three of four from the Royals, it would have been a sweep if they could have held a six-run lead in the seventh but I digress.

Dice-K (1-3) looked like a decent pitcher for a fleeting moment as he went seven innings, allowing one run (0 earned) on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks. It marked his first victory since May 8, 2011 (vs. Minnesota) and believe it or not, it was over in 2 hours and 34 minutes. I love how MLB games go by so much faster when teams are facing long road trips afterwards, I wish they always played with that pace and urgency.

Alex Gordon (2 hits, double) provided Kansas City's only run with a sacrifice fly in the first that scored Jarrod Dyson. Johnny Giavotella also had two hits including a double but the Royals only managed seven hits against Matsuzaka, Clayton Mortensen, Vicente Padilla and Andrew Bailey.

Haha Boston went 3 for 4 with runners in scoring position while Kansas City was 0 for 7. Remind me again when the Royals are supposed to be good? I feel like I've read the same story for the last five years, oh this is the team that's going to be a winner. They have so much young talent! Yeah ok.

Hitting out of the third spot in the lineup, Jacoby Ellsbury cranked a solo homer (2nd of the season) in the first against Luke Hochevar (7-12). Cody Ross, who has done more than enough to earn an extension, had a two-run single in the third and a wall ball RBI double in the sixth. James Loney notched his second RBI single in as many days, also in the sixth to make it 5-1.

Boston hopped on a plane to visit the West Coast. They play three in Anaheim, three in Oakland and three in Seattle. The Angels and A's are in contention for a playoff spot while the Mariners have the exact same record as the Red Sox. Boston won't play at Fenway again until Friday, September 7 vs. Toronto (ie. 2 days before the Patriots-Titans season-opener).

There are going to be some late nights coming up for insomniac Red Sox fans like myself. Six of the nine games begin at 10:05 p.m. ET, one 9:05 p.m., one 4:05 p.m. and one 4:10 p.m.

The Angels (66-62, AL West) swept a three-game series in Boston last week. Let's see if the Red Sox can return the favor (haha doubtful). Tomorrow night in the series opener (10:05 p.m., NESN), Clay Buchholz (11-4) has a rematch with Jered Weaver (16-3), who soundly outperformed him the first time. Jon Lester (8-10) faces C.J. Wilson (9-9) on Wednesday night (10:05 p.m., NESN) in a battle of underachieving quality lefties. Then Aaron Cook (3-7) meets Zach Greinke (11-5) on Thursday night (10:05 p.m., NESN) in the finale.

UPDATE 8/28: Alfredo Aceves was activated tonight after his suspension, he took Franklin Morales' place on the roster. Morales went on the DL with a tired shoulder. Who knew that would happen to a guy when they've changed his role multiple times in the same season?

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

The More Pedros The Better, The Red Sox Seem To Have Good Luck With Them

If only the Red Sox could play the Royals like 40 times a season, then they might be a playoff time once again.

Boston (61-67, 31-38 home) beat Kansas City (56-70, 30-37 away) 8-6 this afternoon at Fenway Park. The Red Sox bounced back from their latest extra innings disaster (10-9 loss in 12 innings on Saturday Night) thanks to its two newest players: reliever Pedro Beato (1-0) who earned the cheap win in his first outing for Boston and James Loney who had an RBI single in his Red Sox debut.

With Alfredo Aceves serving his second game of a three-game suspension and Andrew Bailey getting the day off (after working three of four games), it was up to Mark Melancon to nail down the save. He allowed a single but struck out one in the ninth for his first save as a Red Sox.

It looks like David Ortiz could be shut down for the season tomorrow (and who could blame them/him?) but we still have Pedro Ciriaco (3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, solo HR) who has shown no signs of slowing down. Like all teams, the Red Sox are enjoying Royals pitching. They had 14 more hits today including two each from Jacoby Ellsbury (run, RBI, stolen base), Dustin Pedroia (solo homer), Cody Ross (run, RBI, walk) and Mike Aviles (double, RBI).

Felix Doubront came off the DL and continued to pitch like a guy that doesn't have much left in the tank. His bad habit of high pitch counts keep happening. He went five innings (98 pitches), allowing four earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.

The Fresh Prince of Kansas City Will Smith (4-6) didn't have it for the Royals. He went five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits with a strikeout and two walks.

The Royals had 11 hits, led by Alex Gordon (2 hits, stolen base), Salvador Perez (2 hits, run) and Tony Abreu (Bobby's little boy; 2 hits, 2 RBIs, run).

Ross had an RBI single in the first and Aviles added an RBI double in the second for a 2-0 Boston lead. Kansas City hung four on the board in the fourth thanks to Abreu's RBI single and a three-run homer by Lorenzo Cain (5th of the season).

Ciriaco homered over the Monster in the fifth (his second of the season) and Loney notched his RBI single. A run scored on Ellsbury's infield single in the sixth and Kansas City shot themselves in the foot in the seventh: a run scored on an error and another infield single-this time from Ciriaco.

Beato threw a scoreless sixth and seventh but he labored in the eighth since Boston's bullpen was almost all unavailable. He was responsible for the two runs that scored against Craig Breslow (he entered with bases loaded, 0 outs) on Eric Hosmer's sacrifice fly and Abreu's RBI single.

After what was shaping up to be a lost season for him individually, Pedroia has turned it on in August even while Boston's season has circled the drain. His solo homer (12th of the season) in the eighth gave Melancon some more breathing room which was a smart idea.

There is actually another game between these teams tomorrow afternoon (a makeup date) because really now, who doesn't want more Red Sox vs. Royals? Haha to top it off, it features the glorious return of Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-3). He faces Luke Hochevar (7-11) starting at 1:35 p.m. as the Red Sox try to take three of four against the Royals.

The traffic should be a nightmare and I'll bet you can buy a front row seat for like $5 since most people will be at work while this terrible game occurs. After that, Boston hits the West Coast for nine games (three in Anaheim, Oakland and Seattle), they won't be back again at Fenway until Friday, September 7 vs. Toronto.

UPDATE 8/27: Ortiz was placed on the DL and Ryan Kalish was recalled from Pawtucket to take his place on the roster. With Dice-K activated, Beato was sent down to the PawSox.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Everyone Knows That A 6-Run Lead Is The Most Dangerous In MLB, Especially In The 7th Inning

I don't know what it is but the Red Sox really despise extra innings in 2012. They fell to 2-8 overall and 0-6 at home when it goes past nine innings with a 10-9 loss to the Royals tonight at Fenway Park in 12 innings.

Tony Abreu's RBI single off Junichi Tazawa (0-1) in the 12th was the game-winning hit. Francisley Bueno (1-0) got five outs for the win and Greg Holland had a 1-2-3 12th for his seventh save of the season.

Making this one extra rough was the fact that Boston (60-67, 30-38 home) led 9-3 in the seventh inning yet gave it all back to Kansas City (56-69, 30-36 away) in that frame. Did I mention that the Red Sox had 20 hits? Haha it was the first time since 1960 that they had at least nine runs and 20 or more hits but lost. That takes some serious skill.

Eight Red Sox had multiple hits, only pinch hitters Che-Hsuan Lin and Jose Iglesias failed to get a hit. Mauro Gomez led Boston, going 4 for 6 with his first MLB home run and three RBIs. Cody Ross was 3 for 5 with a run and RBI but he left after tweaking his knee trying to make a diving catch. Word is that him and David Ortiz (who sat out tonight) could be going on the DL tomorrow.

Scott Podsednik, Jacoby Ellsbury (2 runs, double, stolen base), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (run, RBI), Ryan Lavarnway (run, walk), Mike Aviles (3 RBIs) and Pedro Ciriaco (run, walk) all had two hits for Boston.

The Royals won because they were an absurd 8 for 13 with runners in scoring position. The Red Sox were a pedestrian (by comparison) 5 for 11 and they left 10 on base.

Kansas City has no power (one of the million reasons they always blow) but they still got it done this evening. Billy Butler was 3 for 6 with two RBIs, a double and run and Alex Gordon was 2 for 4 with four RBIs, two runs, a double and walk. Alcides Escobar (2 runs, walk), Eric Hosmer (run, double, walk) and Tony Abreu (RBI) each produced two hits for the Royals.

Aaron Cook allowed three runs in the first inning (on four straight hits to begin the game) but he settled down and went six innings. He allowed those three earned runs on seven hits with no strikeouts and one walk.

Former Orioles bum Jeremy Guthrie was lit up for seven runs (6 earned) on seven hits in 2.2 innings. Unfortunately, Boston's bullpen falling apart let him off the hook.

Gordon had a two-run double (he leads the AL in doubles with 41) and Butler added an RBI single for an extremely early 3-0 Royals advantage. Gomez hit a solo homer in the second inning then former Royals great Mike Aviles put Boston ahead with a three-run blast (his 13th of the season) in the second.

A run scored on Gomez's infield single in the third and Guthrie's error opened the door for a gift run on top of that. Salty had a sacrifice fly in the third then Ross and Gomez had RBI singles in the fourth. At 9-3, who knew that the Red Sox would A) blow the lead and B) not score in the next eight innings. Baseball is a funny game as every 100-year-old writer will wax poetic and tell you.

Andrew Miller (4 earned runs) and Mark Melancon (2 earned runs) teamed up to shit the bed in the seventh when Boston choked just like they did two nights earlier against the Angels. Haha remember that? Seems like ages ago. Gordon started it with a two-run single, Butler had an RBI double, Salvador Perez had an RBI single then Ross totally misplayed Mike Moustakas' fly ball into a two-run triple (sweet ruling there Fenway scorekeeper). That must have been when he got hurt as well, adding insult to injury as they say.

Felix Doubront (10-6) makes his first start since August 9 tomorrow afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN), it should be memorable too since he faces Big Willie Style himself Will Smith (4-5). I think it is sad that the actor/rapper has been forced to take on a third job as an anonymous pitcher for Kansas City but maybe he's studying for a new role? I promise to bring some quality Will Smith jokes tomorrow if I get caught in the trap of wasting time watching that terrible matchup.

UPDATE 8/26: Lin was sent down, James Loney was activated and reliever Pedro Beato (obtained in the Kelly Shoppach trade with the Mets) was called up.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Red Sox & Dodgers On Verge Of A Huge Trade; Boston Beats Kansas City 4-3

I know this sounds crazy but something actually overshadowed the excitement of a Red Sox-Royals game in late August when both can't even dream of the playoffs. Boston (60-66, 30-37 home) snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 win in the series opener at Fenway Park this evening against Kansas City (55-69, 29-36 away).

The big news of the night (and the season for that matter) was that the Dodgers and Red Sox were about to make a huge trade. Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Nick Punto (haha) would be sent to Los Angeles in exchange for first baseman James Loney, pitcher Rubby De La Rosa and prospects Allen Webster (RHP), Ivan DeJesus Jr. (INF) and Jerry Sands (OF). The whole purpose of the move for Boston would be to not only get out from under some awful contracts but also to become younger and most importantly, change the toxic culture in that clubhouse. The deadline for the deal to be completed is Sunday (1:30 p.m. ET) so stay tuned since it looks almost certain to happen because Crawford and Beckett have supposedly said OK (they had no-trade clauses).

Jon Lester (8-10) went seven innings before leaving with a leg cramp. I bet he wanted to share one last beer (or ten) and some Popeye's with the Texas Toughguy before he left for good. Maybe they were able to catch a few songs by Tim McGraw at Gillette Stadium (hate myself for knowing he was there). He allowed three earned runs on six hits with six strikeouts and four walks.

Former Red Sox great Bruce Chen continued to amaze the world simply by the fact that he's still in MLB. He went six innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk.

My only takeaway from this win was that Andrew Bailey recorded his first career save for Boston after 1.1 scoreless innings. Alfredo Aceves is upset from losing his closer's job but he had to know it was only temporary until Bailey returned. This is why they traded for him last winter.

David Ortiz returned from the DL and immediately showed the Red Sox what they had been missing: he stroked a two-run single on the first pitch he saw in the first inning. He would later double.

Kansas City tied it in the third on an RBI double by Alex Gordon and solo homer by Eric Hosmer (12th of the season). A run scored on Johnny Giovatella's infield single in the fourth as the Royals went ahead 3-2.

No worries, we've got Pedro Ciriaco (2 hits, stolen base, run) who delivered a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh. Shoutout to Worcester's Tim Collins, a sneaky great lefty reliever for the Royals. He's tiny (5-foot-6) but he throws nearly 100 mph and he struck out Jacoby Ellsbury (2 hits, run) and Ortiz to end the seventh.

Beckett (5-11) is scheduled to face Jeremy Guthrie (2-3) tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN), but if he actually shows up on the mound I will definitely cry and throw things at whatever TV or radio I'm listening to. Please let this trade go through!

UPDATE 8/25: Daniel Nava went back to the DL with a sprained wrist. To take his spot and the three guys that went to the Dodgers, the Red Sox called up shortstop Jose Iglesias, outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin and pitcher Junichi Tazawa. Felix Doubront was activated off the DL and he'll start on Sunday.

Oh and Alfredo Aceves was suspended three games (starting tonight) for spazzing out last night after being passed over for the save opportunity. Haha the circus is still in town on Yawkey Way.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Red Sox Suffer First Series Loss In Kansas City Since 2006

I think I speak for most Boston Red Sox fans when I say that we've become numb to all the poor results and terrible baseball that we have been forced to witness since last September. It's hard to keep track of new lows or rock bottom with this team since they seem to set those standards every series or every week.

Tonight, the Red Sox (12-18, 8-8 away) lost 4-3 to the Royals (11-19, 4-13) in the series finale at Kauffman Stadium. With the win, Kansas City took two out of three in the series, a big accomplishment for a squad that had two wins at home before Boston arrived.

For the Red Sox, a miserable 2012 season continues to get more bleak: they have lost seven of their last eight, they're 2-8 in their last 10 and they finished up a very winnable nine-game stretch against Oakland, Baltimore and Kansas City with a record of 2-7.

Save for a few guys (Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz & Alfredo Aceves), this is a team that still is severely lacking in heart or pride. It feels like they're already mailing it in and the month of May only began last week! Pair that with an aging roster, an overrated and underachieving pitching staff, over-the-hill manager, leaky bullpen, key injuries and here we are: last place in the AL East.

The whole game was basically summed up by the first inning: Kansas City had two outs when Marlon Byrd dropped a routine fly ball that would have been an out. That scored a run then two runs came home on Brayan Pena's double that went into Cody Ross's glove but popped out before he could secure it.

Other than that rocky first, Jon Lester (1-3) was fine but his pitch count (108) killed him. He could only last five innings, allowing the four runs (one earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Clayton Mortensen was great once again, throwing three scoreless frames in relief of Lester. He helped Boston stay in it.

The most unforgivable aspect of this whole rotten series is that Bruce Chen (1-4) picked up a win against Boston. He went 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and no walks. This is the same guy that they scored 10 runs against last July.

All of the Red Sox runs came courtesy of Adrian Gonzalez's three-run double in the third. Other than that, they were blanked by Chen, Aaron Crow (hold, 1.1 innings, 1 strikeout) and Jonathan Broxton (seventh save of the season).

Alcides Escobar's RBI double in the fourth was the difference for the Royals.

The Red Sox put runners on first and second with no outs in the ninth but no surprise, they couldn't push across the tying run let alone the go-ahead run. Byrd appeared to get hit on the elbow on a bunt attempt but the umpire didn't call it; with another chance, Bobby V chose to give away an out with a sacrifice, moving the runners to second and third. From there, Ryan Sweeney had a nice at bat but lined out to Alex Gordon in left who made a great diving catch. Former Royal Mike Aviles (2 hits) couldn't be the hero as he grounded out to the shortstop to wrap it up.

The AL Central leading Cleveland Indians (17-13) come to Boston starting tomorrow night for a four-game series. After skipping a start and getting spotted golfing last week (I wish I was lying), expect Josh Beckett (2-3) to receive plenty of well-deserved boos when he faces former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe (4-1) tomorrow (7:10 p.m. NESN). Clay Buchholz (3-1) opposes Ubaldo Jimenez (3-2) on Friday (7:10 p.m., NESN), Felix Doubront (2-1) gets Josh Tomlin (1-2) on Saturday night (7:10 p.m., NESN) and Daniel Bard (2-4) faces another ex-Boston pitcher Justin Masterson (1-2) on Sunday afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN).

Starting a six-game homestand (Cleveland, Seattle (2)) would normally be a good thing but considering the Red Sox are 1-10 in their last 11 games at Fenway, I guess it doesn't really matter where Boston plays right now: they will lose anywhere against anyone.

On a serious note, Red Sox PA announcer Carl Beane tragically passed away this afternoon in a car accident so the team is planning to honor him before tomorrow's game. In addition, former outfielder Tom Brunansky is also scheduled to appear (celebrating his AL East clinching catch in 1990).

UPDATE 5/10: Outfielder Daniel Nava was called up from Pawtucket today, he'll bat sixth and play left field. Reliever Justin Thomas was designated for assignment while reliever Clayton Mortensen was optioned to Pawtucket. The Red Sox also released pitcher John Maine who was toiling in the minors, trying to make a comeback to MLB.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Red Sox Can't Protect 2-Run Lead In 8th, Fall To Hapless Royals

You have to hand it to the Red Sox: their ill-fated sense of timing these days is impeccable.

Right after millions of viewers had no doubt turned over from the Celtics' 1-point loss to the Hawks, Matt Albers served up a three-run homer to left field by Billy Butler (6th of the season) in the eighth inning only minutes later. Suddenly, Boston's (12-17, 8-7 away) 4-2 lead was erased and it was no surprise when they went down in order in the ninth as Kansas City (10-19, 3-13 home) emerged victorious 6-4 at Kauffman Stadium.

Boston has lost six of its last seven games, including two in extra innings.

Butler's swing was easily the most important play of the game. Red Sox starter Daniel Bard (2-4) went seven innings but he was charged with five earned runs on six hits with a strikeout and four walks.

Albers' gaffe meant that Royals starter Danny Duffy was off the hook. Duffy was terrible, lasting only 4.1 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits with a strikeout and five walks.

Boston scored twice in the second inning but it should have been a scary omen that Will Middlebrooks left in that frame with tightness in his left hamstring (the same thing that caused him to be scratched from Saturday's lineup). He had doubled, joining Hall of Famer Enos Slaughter as the only players since 1920 to have extra base hits in their first five MLB games. Kelly Shoppach had scored him with an RBI single while Dustin Pedroia (2 runs) walked with the bases loaded.

Bard had trouble with his command in the second as he was called for two balks. Eric Hosmer scored on one of them then Chris Getz and Humberto Quintero added RBI singles.

Pedroia tied it with an RBI single in the fourth and Adrian Gonzalez (2 for 3 with a double on his 30th birthday) temporarily put the Red Sox ahead 4-3 in the fifth on a throwing error by Getz.

Kelvin Herrera (who throws 100 mph) got five clean outs including two strikeouts, Jose Mijares (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth with three strikeouts and Broxton (the former Dodgers closer) picked up his sixth save of the season on eight pitches.

Jon Lester (1-2) faces the legend Bruce Chen (0-4) in tomorrow night's series finale (8:10 p.m., NESN). I'm not going to make any bold statements about what it means if the Red Sox lose because it will probably happen anyway. What a worthless squad.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

It Is Will Middlebrooks's World, We're All Just Living In It

Since I was at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert earlier tonight at the Garden, I missed most of the Red Sox-Royals game. However, I caught the first inning on TV at a bar and the last few innings on the radio in the car while we drove home.

I figured it was worth a quick blog post since Boston (12-16, 8-6 away) managed to snap its five-game losing streak with an 11-5 win over Kansas City (9-19, 2-13 home) in the series opener at Kauffman Stadium. The Red Sox have won seven of their last eight road games (all against the dredge of the AL Central so take that stat for what you will).

After hitting a grand slam on Sunday for his first MLB home run, rookie Will Middlebrooks (5 RBIs) added a three-run homer in the first and a two-run homer in the eighth as bookends to the much needed victory. In total, the Red Sox hit four home runs as David Ortiz (7th of the season) had a solo homer in the third and Dustin Pedroia (4th of the season) had a two-run shot in the fourth.

The most impressive part about Middlebrooks's power is that his three-run homer was down the line in right, his two-run homer hit the foul pole in left and he also added a double to deep center. Haha damn, relax Will.

Felix Doubront (2-1) was able to get into the seventh, lasting 6.1 innings on a night where Boston desperately needed innings from him. I read many headlines with him getting props but he gave up five runs (four earned), seven hits, two strikeouts and three walks to a putrid team. He got the job done but I'm not going overboard on the praise.

If anything, Vicente Padilla deserves more positive attention than Doubront since he pitched for the second straight game and third time in four days. He handled the last 2.2 innings, not allowing a run while saving the rest of the Red Sox bullpen which they'll surely need in the series.

Pedroia (3 runs, 3 walks, 2 hits, 2 RBIs) and Ortiz (3 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, RBI) both finished with excellent games at the plate as Boston pounded Kansas City to the tune of 16 hits. Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI single in the first while Cody Ross had a two-run double in the eighth.

The Red Sox will look to continue its mastery of the AL Central bottom-feeders as Daniel Bard (2-3) faces Danny Duffy (2-2) tomorrow night (8:10 p.m., NESN). I'll be paying close attention to the Celtics-Hawks Game 5 but I will flip back and forth to that as well.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Every Thing Goes Boston's Way As They Leave Kansas City With A Series Win

I'm going to venture a prediction that all these things never happen again in the same Major League baseball contest: Darnell McDonald collected three hits (including a homer), Jason Varitek hit a triple, Ryan Lavarnway had two hits and Carl Crawford hit a homer.

The reason that we watch a Red Sox-Royals game in late August is that crazy stuff like that can all transpire in the span of nine innings.

Boston (77-49) beat Kansas City (52-76) 6-1 this afternoon at Kaufmann Stadium, taking the series 3-1 thanks to Jon Lester's brilliance and all the aforementioned unlikely events.

Lester (13-6) posted his second straight excellent outing. He went six innings, allowing one earned run on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts. A pitch count of 113 with runners on first and second and no outs forced Terry Francona's hand but Daniel Bard (2 scoreless innings, 3 strikeouts) responded like the best set-up man in baseball (him) usually does.

A subplot worth filing away is the fact that Dan Wheeler is suddenly more effective than Matt Albers. That means that Wheeler should be used in more important situations than he has been all season. The former Rays reliever and Warwick, RI native pitched a scoreless ninth today with two strikeouts. Albers seems to have remembered who he was lately (a middling reliever that had only played on bad teams) so it's nice insurance to have a battle-tested veteran like Wheeler.

Royals starter Danny Duffy (3-8) actually had a very nice outing but like a true Royal, he didn't come out on top. In six innings, he allowed two earned runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts.

No Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis for the second straight game wasn't as big a deal. Varitek gave Boston a 1-0 lead with his RBI triple in the fifth, scoring Jed Lowrie. McDonald added a solo shot (his fifth of the season) in the sixth and Crawford (eighth of the season) showed signs of life with a solo shot of his own in the eighth.

Mike Moustakas hit an RBI single for Kansas City in the seventh-one of only three hits for the home team-but the Red Sox piled on three more in the eighth. Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI single, Lowrie hit a sacrifice fly and Lavarnway just missed his first career homer (it hit off the top of the wall) but settled for an RBI double.

From here, things start to get real for Boston (still a half game behind New York in the AL East) as they face the Texas Rangers four times in hot as hell Arlington. Erik Bedard goes up against C.J. Wilson tomorrow night in the series opener. The only times these teams met in 2011 was to start the season and that did not go so well from my slanted opinion (three-game sweep for the Rangers). A lock in the AL West, Texas will visit Fenway three times Labor Day weekend.

It could be a playoff preview if the Red Sox don't take care of the AL East division crown. Texas is way better than Detroit or Cleveland and even a slight notch over the Yankees since they have a solid rotation, great bullpen and good lineup. I'll take the AL Central shitbums please.

Follow @RichSlate


Tweet

At This Point, You Have To Wonder If 200 Wins Will Ever Happen For Tim Wakefield

Honestly, since he's the oldest player in MLB (45), you have to wonder at this point if Tim Wakefield will ever get his 200th career win.

It looked like it might finally happen last night as the Red Sox (76-49) led the Royals (52-75) 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth at Kaufmann Stadium but that's when Kansas City became only the second team this season (the Cubs being the other) that put up eight runs in one frame against Boston.

The Royals won 9-4 as Matt Albers (0.1 innings, 5 earned runs, 3 hits, 2 walks) ensured that Wakefield (5.1 innings, 4 earned runs, 9 hits, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts) would spend another empty night sitting in the Red Sox dugout looking like a depressed puppy.

Albers has coming back to Earth lately which means that Dan Wheeler is waiting in the wings to handle his late-inning duties for a while.

It's been five chances now that Wake has come into a game stuck on 199 wins and either by his own average performance, the bullpen blowing up behind him or just plain shit luck, it hasn't materialized. You couldn't ask for much more favorable matchups either since the last three outings have come against the Twins, Mariners and Royals, not exactly world-beaters.

Without three All-Stars (Jacoby Ellsbury, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis), Boston managed to get 10 hits but Kansas City trumped that with 14 of its own.

Alex Gordon led the Royals with three hits, two RBIs and a run while Eric Hosmer had two hits, two RBIs and a run with Billy Butler, Jeff Francoeur and Mike Moustakas all put up two hits, an RBI and a run.

Boston was led by rookie Ryan Lavarnway (2 hits, RBI, run, walk), Carl Crawford (2 hits, RBI) and Dustin Pedroia (2 hits, run).

Felipe Paulino (2-5) went six innings for the win, improving his career win-loss record to 8-30. Ugh. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits with three walks and three strikeouts.

Two lefties go at it in the series finale this afternoon as Jon Lester (12-6) faces Danny Duffy (3-7). The Red Sox need this game, particularly since they won't get to use Lester in their next extremely tough stop: four in Texas.

Follow @RichSlate


Tweet