John Lackey: Red Sox Ace, Wait What?

(ESPN's 30 for 30 voice) "What if I told you that John Lackey has been Boston's best pitcher for the last month and a half?" This extremely unlikely scenario has become the reality for the Red Sox (51-34 overall, 29-16 home) with Clay Buchholz out indefinitely due to his annual mysterious injury and Jon Lester unexpectedly struggling. Lackey (6-5) pitched his second gem in a row as Boston beat San Diego (40-44 overall, 15-26 away) 4-1 tonight at Fenway Park in the opener of a three-game interleague series.

Lackey won his fourth straight decision as he went eight innings, allowing one earned run on six hits with six strikeouts and one walk. You know the shameless Red Sox honk media will be writing poems about Lackey while this run continues but he is turning into the main individual story (see: redemption) on a team full of overachievers.

The Red Sox improved to a season-high 17 games over .500 and they are 6-1 on this current homestand. Brandon Snyder-who?-had the biggest play of the game, a three-run double in the fourth which gave Boston a 3-0 lead. That came after a great nine-pitch at bat against Padres rookie pitcher Robbie Erlin (1-1). Jose Iglesias (2 hits) added an RBI single in the sixth before Jesus Guzman hit a solo homer in the seventh just over the Monster for San Diego's lone run.

Not counting Iglesias, three other Red Sox had multiple hits in the victory: Jacoby Ellsbury (2 hits, stolen base), David Ortiz (2 hits, double, run) and Jonny Gomes (2 hits, double, run) while Dustin Pedroia walked three times and stole a base. Former Red Sox great Pedro Ciriaco singled and stole two bases in his first game against Boston since getting traded to San Diego last month.

Joining Lackey, Snyder and Iglesias, the night's other star was Boston's closer Koji Uehara. Yes, I can't believe I just typed that sentence either. Uehara had a 1-2-3 ninth inning with two strikeouts for his fifth save of the season (and fourth in a week).

Lester (8-4) faces Edinson Volquez (6-6) tomorrow night (7:10, NESN) as Boston goes for their seventh win in their last eight games.

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John Farrell Must Be Psyched To Be Out Of That Dump Aka Toronto

It is adorable how Toronto is pretending to care about the Blue Jays for a few days while their old manager-John Farrell-is in town with his new team. FYI the Blue Jays haven't made the playoffs in 20 years, since they won the World Series in 1993. Tonight in the series opener at a nearly sold out (which never happens) Rogers Centre, Boston (3-1 overall, 3-1 away) beat Toronto (1-3 overall, 1-3 home) 6-4.

The Red Sox jumped out to a 4-1 lead by the fifth inning but the Blue Jays tied it in the seventh before Boston scored single runs in the eighth and ninth.

Neither Felix Doubront (5 IP, 3 runs, 9 hits, 6 strikeouts, 0 walks) nor Josh Johnson (6 IP, 4 runs, 3 earned runs, 9 hits, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks) were on top of their games but who could blame them since Boston pounded out 12 hits (including 5 extra base hits) and worked six walks while Toronto had 12 hits (8 for extra bases).

The story for the Red Sox was their first two homers of the season along with some more stellar relief. Jacoby Ellsbury plated the first run of the game, in the second inning, with an RBI single. Mark DeRosa tied it with a sacrifice fly in the home half of the inning but Pedro Ciriaco (2 hits, stolen base) had an RBI single in the fourth after Jose Iglesias left the game (he was hit by a pitch on the elbow).

In the fifth inning, Mike Napoli's first homer (a two-run bomb) for Boston was a memorable one for a couple reasons: 1) it went to the opposite field and 2) it was the first Red Sox home run of 2013. Those runs proved to be vital since DeRosa cut it to 4-2 with a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth and Jose Reyes (4 for 5, 2 doubles, 2 runs) made it 4-3 with an RBI double. Reyes tied it with a solo homer in the seventh off Junichi Tazawa (1-0), who still ended up with the win.

Koji Uehara had a 1-2-3 sixth with two strikeouts for the Red Sox, Andrew Bailey had a scoreless eighth and Joel Hanrahan submitted a scoreless ninth for his second save of the season. Boston scored its last two runs with a ground out by Napoli in the eighth and a solo homer by Will Middlebrooks (double) in the ninth.

Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 3 with a double, run and walk while Shane Victorino was 2 for 5 with two runs. Rajai Davis was the only other Blue Jay with multiple hits, he was 2 for 4 with a double and run. The two teams combined to go 2 for 29 (seriously) with runners in scoring position but at least Boston made a few count (2 for 19) whereas Toronto was 0 for 10. Ouch.

Much like I boycotted Josh Beckett's starts last season, I plan to take the same action beginning tomorrow afternoon (1:07, NESN) as John Lackey makes his 2013 debut against J.A. Happ.

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The Only Guys On The Red Sox That Should Show Their Faces In Boston Before April

So after last season's meltdown, I felt the need to review every player that was on the Red Sox' roster when it all ended. After this season's long and slow death, I don't have the patience or desire to recreate that tedious exercise. Instead, I want to identify the small group of players that deserve positive recognition for various reasons. Above all, they mostly overachieved based on whatever small expectations we had for them.

Scott Podsednik-19 runs, 60 hits, 7 doubles, 12 RBIs, 8 stolen bases, .302 batting average, .322 OBP and .352 SLG in 63 games.
When they signed Podsednik off the scrap heap, naturally I laughed thinking that he had nothing left in his washed up body. He proved me wrong and at 36, he can still play in MLB.

Pedro Ciriaco-33 runs, 76 hits, 15 doubles, 19 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, 293 batting average, .315 OBP and .390 SLG, in 76 games.
He was the buzz in Spring Training and amazingly enough, a guy that was released by the Pirates turned out to be a diamond in the rough. It seemed like he always made something happen when he was in the lineup and he'll be a great utility guy off the bench.

Dustin Pedroia-81 runs, 163 runs, 39 doubles, 15 homers, 65 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, .290 batting average, .347 OBP and .449 SLG in 141 games.
Numbers wise, it was about an average season for Pedroia but I mention him since he played the last two games with a broken finger. If there was any doubt, he's still the heart and soul of this team and somebody we can all root for/be proud of.

Will Middlebrooks-34 runs, 77 hits, 14 doubles, 15 homers, 54 RBIs, .288 batting average, .325 OBP and .509 SLG in 75 games.
After tearing it up in Pawtucket, Middlebrooks was called up to Boston in May and promptly took Kevin Youkilis' job. One of the worst moments of this season was when he broke his wrist in Cleveland after getting hit by a pitch. His future seems limitless.

Cody Ross-70 runs, 127 hits, 34 doubles, 22 homers, 81 RBIs, .267 batting average, .326 OBP and .481 SLG in 130 games.
A blueprint of a player that can handle things in Boston. He had a great first season individually with the Red Sox. The rare baseball player that seems to be a good guy while also consistently productive. Any day now, he should get an extension.

Junichi Tazawa-37 appearances, 1 win, 1 loss, 1 save, 5 holds in 44 IP; 0.95 WHIP and 1.43 ERA.
It is hilarious that the player that was a complete afterthought has turned into a better pitcher than the supremely hyped Daisuke Matsuzaka, at this point in their respective careers. He should be a big part of the bullpen moving forward.

Scott Atchison-42 appearances, 2 wins, 1 loss, 5 holds in 51.1 IP; 0.99 WHIP and 1.58 ERA.
Who knows how much longer old man Atchison's bionic arm will stay attached to his body? He was great before his forearm injury but he shocked everyone by returning late in the season. Ride the wave.

Clayton Mortensen-26 appearances, 1 win, 1 loss, 1 hold in 42 IP; 1.21 WHIP and 3.21 ERA.
A mystery man, he was what the Red Sox received from the Rockies for Marco Scutaro. He was the mop-up guy but he proved that he is deserving of a better role than that.

Andrew Miller-53 appearances, 3 wins, 2 losses, 13 holds in 40.1 IP; 1.19 WHIP and 3.35 ERA.
We've all accepted long ago that Miller will never live up to his crazy potential. Still, this season was a step forward for him. He proved to be a capable lefty set-up guy.

Craig Breslow was good after coming over from the Diamondbacks but he only made 23 appearances and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit 25 homers but he batted .222 with a .288 OBP plus 139 strikeouts in 121 games (yikes!).

Hopefully all these guys find themselves back with the Red Sox next spring, they all earned another chance and proved they were winners amid all the drama and losing.

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Goodnight To The Worst Red Sox Team Of My Lifetime

Well the time that we've all been dreaming of since about mid-May is finally upon us: the 2012 Red Sox' tour of pain is over. We won't see them again until April in a meaningful game and not a moment too soon at that.

Fittingly, for Daisuke Matsuzaka's (1-7) last outing as a Red Sox (69-93, 35-46) and Bobby Valentine's final night as an MLB manager, both were thoroughly embarrassed as New York (95-67, 51-30 home) trampled Boston 14-2 at Yankee Stadium. It clinched the third AL East title in four years for the Yankees and 18th overall after the Rays beat the Orioles 4-1.

Now is when the real fun starts, we can only hope that the Red Sox owners and GM Ben Cherington come up with a better choice than Valentine. Then again, who could possibly be a worse pick? It is horrifying that last winter, after months of deliberation, that clown was their hire.

Dice-K didn't stick around long, he probably had a flight back to Japan to catch. In 2.1 innings, he allowed five earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts, a walk and two homers.

Hiroki Kuroda (16-11) went seven innings (2 earned runs, 7 hits, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks) for the Yankees, who will host the winner of Orioles-Rangers starting on Sunday in the ALDS.

It was a monster night for Robinson Cano (4 for 4, 3 runs, 6 RBIs, 2 homers) and Curtis Granderson (2 homers, 4 RBIs). Nick Swisher was 2 for 3 with a run, RBI and two walks while Alex Rodriguez (2 for 3, double, 2 runs, 2 walks) and Ichiro Suzuki (2-run double, 2 runs) contributed to the laugher for the Yanks.

Cody Ross was 2 for 3 with an RBI single, Pedro Ciriaco was 2 for 3 with a double and run while Dustin Pedroia had a double, walk and stolen base. In the near future (possibly tomorrow) after I have some time to breath and wash the stink away from this incomprehensibly bad season, I plan to write a post highlighting the few Red Sox that had good seasons (hint: those three play prominent roles). Jose Iglesias also had an RBI single, hopefully that gives him some confidence heading into the winter.

Until then, let's hope that a Men In Black type mind eraser device exists and that we can all use it to get rid of all our memories having to do with the 2012 Red Sox. They were truly the most hateable Boston sports team that I've ever seen and it would be tough to top them in that particular way.

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1 Last Soul-Crushing Defeat To Throw On The Dumpster Fire As Red Sox Secure Last Place In AL East

If you thought the Red Sox, the worst team in franchise history since 1966 was going to go out quietly, well you are lucky since you haven't been paying attention to this entire shitshow of a season. Or 13 months to be exact.

In the penultimate contest of their 2012, Boston (69-92, 35-45 away) had a 3-1 lead on the Yankees (94-47, 50-30 home) heading into the bottom of the ninth at Yankee Stadium. No sooner had I tweeted "not over yet" but Curtis Granderson (2 runs, 2 hits, walk, stolen base) singled and pinch-hitter Raul Ibanez tied it with a two-run homer (his 19th of the season) off closer Andrew Bailey (3rd blown save).

Ibanez was the hero again in the 12th with an RBI single against Andrew Miller (3-2) that scored Francisco Cervelli with the winning run. If you're looking for something to root for Red Sox-related tomorrow night (7:05 p.m., NESN) in Game 162, you want Boston to lose and Miami to win. If that happens, they'll "earn" the No. 6 draft pick in 2013. By virtue of their loss and Toronto's win, the Red Sox sealed last place in the AL East for the first time in 20 years. Marvelous.

The Yankees all too predictable comeback win was extremely important to them since Baltimore had already beaten Tampa Bay 1-0. This means both teams are tied heading into the final regular season game with the AL East up for grabs.

Playing with a broken finger, Dustin Pedroia (2 for 3, run, walk) was an inspiration with his RBI double in the first inning. Cody Ross knocked him in with a sacrifice fly and the Red Sox led 2-0.

Jon Lester went five innings, allowing one run (0 earned) on eight hits with one strikeout and one walk. David Phelps went 5.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

Eduardo Nunez (2 for 3 with double) got the Yanks a run with an infield single in the second inning. James Loney (2 hits) hit a solo homer (2nd with the Red Sox) off Rafael Soriano in the 9th which gave Boston a temporary 3-1 advantage.

Mark Melancon (1.2 scoreless innings) and Vicente Padilla (1 scoreless inning) were able to clean up Bailey's mess but the final salt in the wound was that our old drinking buddy Derek Lowe (9-11) earned the win for New York with two scoreless innings of his own.

Pedro Ciriaco was 2 for 4 with a walk and stolen base in the loss. Derek Jeter (double), Nick Swisher (double, 2 walks), Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano each had two hits for the Bombers.

If you like car crashes-and who doesn't-make sure to check out the season finale of the Dead Man Walking Red Sox. Witness Bobby Valentine and Daisuke Matsuzaka's (1-6) last game in a Red Sox uniform. Hiroki Kuroda (15-11) gets to send this historically bad team to another tumultuous offseason filled with drama. I can't even predict what wacky thing those two jokers will pull? Perhaps Bobby V gets thrown out during batting practice or Dice-K finally unleashes the gyro ball? Whatever happens, it is destined to be hilarious.

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Orioles Clinch 1st Playoff Spot Since '97; Red Sox Secure Worst Record Since '66

Two franchises in the AL East are heading in completely different directions. The Orioles (92-67, 47-34 home) clinched their first playoff spot since 1997 with a 6-3 win against the Red Sox (69-90, 35-43 away) this afternoon at Camden Yards and a win by the Rangers over the Angels tonight.

The loss means that Boston (losers of 5 straight and 16 of their last 22) has secured a Top-10 pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, they are also one game behind Toronto for last-place in the AL East with three games remaining.

Baltimore swept the three-game series penultimate series of the regular season and they are still tied atop the AL East with the Yankees. On the other side of the spectrum, Boston locked up its first 90-loss season since 1966, you know 44 years ago. Facts like that really reinforce how this truly has been the worst Red Sox season that many of us have ever witnessed.

Joe Saunders (3-3) went 7.1 innings for the win. He allowed three earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts. Darren O'Day got the last two outs in the eighth and closer Jim Johnson had a 1-2-3 ninth on seven pitches (haha) for his MLB-leading 50th save of the season.

Zach Stewart's (1-4) second start for Boston was even more pathetic than the first. The guy that was traded for Kevin Youkilis clearly won't be back next season, or at least I hope not since he obviously blows. In 2.2 innings, he allowed five earned runs on seven hits.

Baltimore scored three runs in the first and two in the second to put it out of reach immediately. Nate McLouth (2 hits, stolen base) had a lead-off homer (his 7th of the season), a run scored on a double play and Jim Thome's RBI single.

J.J. Hardy (2 hits, 2 runs) hit a solo shot (his 22nd of the season) in the third and the ageless Thome added another RBI single.

Cody Ross had a solo homer of his own in the fifth (22nd of the season) and Daniel Nava added a two-run blast in the seventh (his 5th of the season). In between, Chris Davis (31st of the season) hit his third homer in as many days with a solo homer in the sixth.

Our long regional nightmare is almost over, the Red Sox are finally on death row with their execution scheduled for Wednesday night around 10:30 p.m. Before that, they head to the Bronx for three games with the Yankees (92-67, tied 1st place AL East) to close out 2012.

Ryan Lavarnway was 2 for 4 with a double and run while Pedro Ciriaco was 2 for 4 with a double in the loss.

Clay Buchholz (11-7) faces C.C. Sabathia (14-6) tomorrow night (7:05 p.m., NESN), Jon Lester (9-14) takes on Ivan Nova (12-8) on Tuesday night (7:05 p.m., NESN) then Daisuke Matsuzaka puts the finishing touches on Boston's masterpiece as he opposes Hiroki Kuroda (15-11) on Wednesday night (7:05 p.m., NESN).

The two things you can count on if you bother to watch one second of this series: 1) the Red Sox will lie down like the losers they are and 2) the Yankees will get the sweep they desperately want.

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Jon Lester's Perfect Record Against The Orioles Had To End At Some Point

Until I was reminded of it earlier today, I had almost forgotten about Jon Lester's absurd career record against the Orioles: 14-0 in 20 starts.

It only made sense that in this abomination of a season that Baltimore (86-64, 44-32 away) would finally put an end to that with a 4-2 win against Boston (68-84, 33-44 home) at Fenway Park.

With the Yankees win against the A's, the Orioles kept pace at only one game behind New York for first-place in the AL East.

Miguel Gonzalez (7-4) did the honors as he went 6.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Reliever Darren O'Day pitched 1.2 clean innings and closer Jim Johnson set a new team record with a scoreless ninth for his 46th save of the season.

Lester's (9-13) terrible campaign is almost over. He went seven innings but allowed four earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

Matt Wieters (2 for 4, double, 3 RBIs, run), Adam Jones (2 for 3, double, 2 runs), Mark Reynolds (2 for 4, RBI) and Robert Andino (2 for 2, walk) all had multiple hits for the O's.

Pedro Ciriaco (2 for 4, double, run, RBI), Daniel Nava (2 for 4, double, run) and Scott Podsednik (2 for 4) had two hits apiece for the Red Sox.

Ciriaco's RBI double in third gave Boston a 1-0 lead. Wieters temporarily put Baltimore ahead with a two-run single in the fourth. Dustin Pedroia tied it at two with an RBI single in the fifth. Wieters' RBI double and Reynolds' RBI single in the sixth gave the Orioles the 4-2 advantage that would stick.

I'm pretty sure it is still 2012 but tomorrow afternoon's (1:10 p.m., NESN) pitching matchup is straight out of the National League in like 2006: Aaron Cook (4-10) vs. Randy Wolf (5-10). Be sure not to watch a second of that wretched contest. The weather is supposed to be nice and it's a college football Saturday, what more do you want?

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Red Sox Officially Clinch Their First Losing Season Since 1997, Thanks Dice-K

It's been a formality for weeks, hell maybe even months, that this would be the Red Sox' first losing season since 1997 (15 years!); still, it is perfectly fitting that Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-6) was the losing pitcher in the game that put them officially over that super depressing edge.

Tampa Bay (79-70, 40-34 home) snapped its four-game losing streak with a 13-3 laugher tonight at Tropicana Field against Boston (68-82, 35-39 away). The Rays dormant offense exploded for 15 hits (6 extra base hits) and 10 walks. Tampa Bay was up 5-3 until they hung seven runs in the sixth on Red Sox relievers Alfredo Aceves (4 earned runs) and Daniel Bard (3 earned runs).

In what I pray is his final outing in a Red Sox uniform, Dice-K was shelled for five earned runs on nine hits in three innings. Like Josh Beckett earlier this season, all I want is to see Matsuzaka leave this team. He is pitiful and a constant reminder of where dumb spending on free agents gets you.

Rookie Chris Archer (1-3) picked up his first MLB win with five innings of work. He allowed three earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts and four walks.

Jacoby Ellsbury (3 for 3, 2 RBIs) and Pedro Ciriaco (2 for 4, 2 runs) had the only hits for the Red Sox.

Jeff Keppinger (3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, solo homer) led the Rays with Carlos Pena (2-run homer, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, 3 walks), Desmond Jennings (2 for 5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, walk, triple), Luke Scott (2 for 3, run, RBI, walk, double), Matt Joyce (2 for 3, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, run) and Jose Molina (2 for 3, run, RBI, walk, double) also coming through at the plate.

This four-game series ends tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN) with the one juicy matchup of the week: Clay Buchholz (11-6) vs. Cy Young candidate David Price (18-5). With a decent college football game on (Boise State vs. BYU) and even better NFL game (Panthers vs. Giants), odds are that I will only flip to Red Sox-Rays during commercials or halftime.

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Jacoby Ellsbury's Walk-off Hit Pushes The Red Sox To A 4-3 Win Over The Yankees

For the first time in weeks, maybe months, baseball was fun again for one night at Fenway Park. Jacoby Ellsbury (4 hits, double, 2 RBIs, run, stolen base) celebrated his 29th birthday in style by hitting a walk-off RBI single as the Red Sox beat the Yankees 4-3 in a better than expected series opener.

These games mean nothing on the surface to Boston (64-78, 33-41 home) while New York (79-62, 38-34 away) fell back into a first-place tie in the AL East with the surging Orioles (who beat the Rays 9-2).

Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia (3 hits, 2 RBIs) and Yankees killer Pedro Ciriaco (2 hits, 2 runs) did most of the damage with nine of Boston's 12 hits. The reason the Red Sox won a game (seems weird to write that) is because they were 5 for 12 with runners in scoring position. The Yankees were 1 for 12 which will never get it done when you want to make the playoffs.

Jon Lester (3 earned runs, 5 hits, 5 strikeouts) was extremely wild, issuing seven walks in 5.1 innings but the Red Sox bullpen picked him up. Junichi Tazawa (1.2 scoreless innings) struck out three, Craig Breslow had a scoreless eighth and Andrew Bailey (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless ninth.

Hiroki Kuroda (6.1 innings, 3 earned runs, 8 hits, 6 strikeouts) also had a no-decision but David Robertson (1-7) was the scapegoat for New York since he allowed three hits including Ellsbury's walkoff.

Robinson Cano gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the first with a ground out. Ellsbury and Pedroia's RBI singles made it 2-1 Red Sox in the third. Derek Jeter put New York back on top with a two-run double in the sixth. Pedroia (15th of the season, 3rd in 4 games) answered with a solo shot in the home half of the frame, that set the stage for Ellsbury's memorable single to right which scored Ciriaco with the winning run ahead of Ichiro's throw.

Aaron Cook (3-9) faces David Phelps (3-4) tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN) in a game that has no chance to match the excitement of this one. I guarantee it.

UPDATE 9/12: Scott Atchison was activated off the 60-Day DL and Franklin Morales went on it to make room on the 40-man roster.

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Feast Your Eyes On The Worst Team In The AL East

Believe me, for my own sanity I have stopped paying attention to the Red Sox for the rest of the season. Still, when stuff happens like tonight, I can't help but note its absurdity.

After two rain delays and chants of "Fire Bobby!" in the ninth inning, Toronto (63-75, 29-41 away) beat Boston (63-77, 32-40 home) 9-2 this evening at Fenway Park. Its significance lies in the fact that the Red Sox are now in the basement of the AL East and with 22 games left in 2012, I don't think they will come out of it.

The only thing that slightly warms my heart is that the Yankees are crumbling fast, going 6-12 in their last 18 games. They are now tied with Baltimore for first-place in the division.

Boston has lost three straight, 10 of 11 and 15 of 19. They have been outscored by 51 runs in their last 11 games. So yeah, once again we're subjected to a team that has lay down in September. At least this time, we're in on the joke unlike last year.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-5) was his usual lights out self, allowing five earned runs on five hits in 1.1 innings. The Blue Jays scored five runs in the second: Yunel Escobar solo homer (9th of the season), RBI double by Adeiny Hechavarria, two-run single by Anthony Gose and a sacrifice fly by Rajai Davis.

Scott Podsednik and Pedro Ciriaco both had RBI singles in the firth inning for Boston's only runs. Adam Lind had an RBI single in the eighth and Gose cranked his first MLB homer, a three-run shot, in the ninth.

Brad Lincoln (1-0) was the first Toronto reliever following the initial rain delay and he earned the win with 2.1 scoreless innings including three strikeouts.

The Blue Jays go for the three-game sweep tomorrow afternoon (1:35 p.m.) as Carlos Villanueva (7-5) faces Clay Buchholz (11-5) in a game that cannot possibly be a sellout considering its the first Sunday of the 2012 NFL season. Undoubtedly, the clueless Red Sox will deem it a sellout since that is the only thing they care about anymore. Once they admit that's over, what do they have left?

UPDATE 9/9: Outfielder Daniel Nava was activated off the DL today and is on the bench.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Angels Beat Red Sox 14-13 In 10 Innings At Fenway That You Had To See To Believe

For a team that has found a way to fall flat on its face time and again over the past year, you have to admire the Red Sox for still trying out new and different ways of losing. In that sense, it never gets old.

Los Angeles (65-60, 32-31 away) swept three games in Boston (59-66, 29-37 home) thanks to a surreal 14-13 win tonight in 10 innings at Fenway Park.

I'm going to rattle off a bunch of stats I dug up on Twitter after this loss, mostly from Red Sox beat writers. For this memorable game, there were five lead changes, 10 innings, 27 runs, five home runs, 15 pitchers, 410 pitches & three blown saves in four hours and 34 minutes.

This was the second time this season that Boston lost when they scored 12 runs or more. That hadn't happened since 1970 (276-0) before 2012. The frontrunners from Boston are 24-33 in games decided by one or two runs, that includes 2-7 mark in extra innings and 0-5 at home.

The Red Sox have lost nine of their last 11 home games. When you look at their numbers, it's almost impossible to believe that they could possibly lose. They were 9 for 14 with runners in scoring position, they had 18 hits and two guys with four hits apiece yet they still lost.

The Angels had four guys with three hits and three guys with two hits. MVP of the universe Mike Trout was 3 for 6 with two runs, two RBIs, two stolen bases and a walk. Torii Hunter (who is still getting it done at 37) was 3 for 6 with two runs, two RBIs and a walk. Providence native Chris Iannetta continued his tear by going 3 for 6 with two RBIs and a run. Kendry Morales was 2 for 5 with solo homer, three runs, two RBIs and a walk. Vernon Wells doubled and homered for three RBIs and two runs. Howie Kendrick was 2 for 5 with run, RBI and walk.

Fittingly, Boston's catchers Ryan Lavarnway and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were the only players with plate appearances that didn't record a hit. Pedro Ciriaco was 4 for 6 with four runs and a double. Dustin Pedroia was 4 for 6 with five RBIs, 3 runs, a double and home run. Jacoby Ellsbury was 3 for 6 with a double, three RBIs, stolen base and a run. Cody Ross was 2 for 5 with two RBIs and solo home run. Scott Podsednik was 2 for 4 with two runs, an RBI and walk.

Starters Franklin Morales (2.2 innings, 6 runs, 2 earned, 6 hits) and C.J. Wilson (5 innings, 7 runs, 6 earned, 8 hits) were long gone by the time this was decided.

Boston actually built a 6-0 lead by the second inning but it only took Los Angeles one half inning to put eight on the board in response. Adrian Gonzalez had an RBI single in the first before Podsednik and Ellsbury did the same in the second. Pedroia crushed a three-run homer (11th of the season) to put the Red Sox in front by six.

Turns out that Morales and Clayton Mortensen (0 outs, 2 runs, 3 hits) couldn't hold that slim margin. Kendrick had an RBI single, Morales walked with the bases loaded, a run scored on Ciriaco's error, Wells walked with the bases loaded then Iannetta, Trout and Hunter all produced RBI singles.

Ross' RBI single in the fifth trimmed LA's lead to 8-7. Mike Aviles' solo homer (his 12th of the season) and Ellsbury's RBI double in the sixth let the Red Sox grab back the lead at 9-8. Trout tied it in the seventh with an RBI single. Ellsbury added an RBI single in the eighth and Pedroia's infield single plated another run after that.

Handed an 11-9 lead, Alfredo Aceves (2-8, 7th blown save) came through with about the worst ninth inning possible. He allowed three runs and if that wasn't bad enough, he was stuck back out there in the 10th and he gave up two more for good measure.

It all started with Wells' solo homer (8th of the season) that shouldn't have been a homer since it bounced off the line on the Monster and back into play. The problem was that nobody on the Red Sox seemed to notice or care so it wasn't reviewed. Hunter and Mark Trumbo's RBI singles gave Los Angeles a 12-11 advantage.

Cody Ross aka anti-Adrian Gonzalez (more on that later) tied it with a solo homer (his 19th of the season) in the ninth against Angels closer Ernesto Frieri (2-0, 2nd blown save).

Morales greeted Aceves with a solo homer (16th of the season) in the 10th and Wells' RBI double turned out to be a valuable insurance run (aren't they all?).

Pedroia and Ciriaco wouldn't let the Red Sox die as Dustin singled in Pedro. Of course, with a chance to be a hero Gonzalez failed miserably by striking out to end it-he represented the winning run.

I assume you have already stopped paying attention weeks or months ago (I am like a junkie, I can't quit it cold turkey on this car crash season) but by all means, don't watch one second this weekend as the Royals (55-68, 3rd in AL Central) come to Fenway. These two loser teams will play four utterly meaningless contests. The only thing to watch is if the Red Sox will finally give up their charade and admit the sellout streak is over since there is no way you could get a full house for any of these games even if all the tickets were free courtesy of Dr. Creepy.

Jon Lester (7-10) faces Bruce Chen (9-10) tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN), Josh Beckett (5-11) gets former Oriole Jeremy Guthrie (5-12) on Saturday night (7:10 p.m., NESN), Aaron Cook (3-7) opposes the other Will Smith (4-5) on Sunday afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN) and Clay Buchholz (11-4) takes the ball on Monday afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN) against Luke Hochevar (7-11) in a series and homestand finale that potentially could be attended by six people.

Not making any predictions but keep in mind that Kansas City could have a better record than Boston if they sweep this series.

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Lester Starts To Figure It Out, Months Too Late In The 2012 Red Sox Season

For the first time since June 5-22 (when he had four in a row), Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester strung together back-to-back quality starts.

His solid outing this afternoon helped Boston (59-62, 30-28 away) beat New York (71-49, 38-24 home) 4-1 at Yankee Stadium. They have split the first two games of the series so tomorrow night's finale will decade who takes it.

Lester (7-10) lasted seven innings, allowing one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts and two walks. It's amazing what happens when he executes, the Red Sox look like a completely different team. Now if only Josh Beckett wasn't one of the most useless athletes in professional sports, then they'd get somewhere.

Yankees killer Pedro Ciriaco went 4 for 4 with a double, run and stolen base. My favorite part of his great game is that he saw seven total pitches in four at bats. Why wait around? Somewhere Nomar Garciaparra nods his approval. Ciriaco is 14 for 28 lifetime vs. New York, the highest career average ever against the Yankees (minimum 25 plate appearances).

Adrian Gonzalez (2 hits, walk) hit a two-run homer (his 14th of the season) in the first inning against David Phelps (3-4) for an immediate 2-0 lead.

Curtis Granderson (double) homered (32nd of the season) for the second game in a row, this time a solo shot in the fourth which cut it to 2-1.

Nick Punto's RBI double in the fifth scored Ciriaco for a 3-1 Red Sox lead.

Phelps settled down and went 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Boston tacked on an insurance run (which they ended up not needing) in the ninth as Scott Podsednik scored on Cody Eppley's wild pitch.

Andrew Bailey got the first out in the eighth then the Yale batterymates (Craig Breslow to Ryan Lavarnway) induced a double play by Robinson Cano to end the eighth inning.

Alfredo Aceves had a scoreless ninth for his 25th save of the season, he allowed one hit but also struck out a batter.

Nick Swisher was 3 for 4 in the loss.

Beckett (5-10) opposes Hiroki Kuroda (11-8) tomorrow night (8:00 p.m., ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball). Boston is 4-7 against New York so far this season but they can win their second straight series in the Bronx (2 out of 3) by coming away with a victory tomorrow.

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If You Enjoy Car Crashes & Train Wrecks, The 2012 Red Sox Are The MLB Team For You

I didn't even see the game, I followed it on my laptop then caught the last inning on the radio but I would remiss if I didn't mention the latest soul-crushing, mind-numbing, punch to the balls for the Red Sox last night. They have lost nine straight to sub-.500 teams and are five games back in the AL Wild Card.

Boston (53-55, 27-32 home) led Minnesota (47-60, 24-28 away) 4-2 at Fenway Park and were one strike away from ending a three-game losing streak to the second worst team in the American League. Then Joe Mauer hit a three-run bomb (his 7th of the season) just over the Wall in left off Red Sox closer Alfredo Aceves (2-7, 6th blown save).

As always, the Red Sox went down quietly as Jared Burton got a 1-2-3 ninth (on 9 pitches) for his fifth save of the season. Alex Burnett (4-3) got the easy win for recording the last out of the eighth. 2012 circled the drain a long time ago and I currently view this miserable franchise like I did last September: I take some sort of twisted joy from their failure since they are the most unlikable local team I can ever remember.

Clay Buchholz continued to be Boston's best starting pitcher (not much of a contest) and he deserved more than a no decision after seven innings, one run (0 earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Twins rookie Cole DeVries was superb as well against the Red Sox lineup that lacks punch without David Ortiz in it. He went seven innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Of course, when we look at the box score, no team that has half as many hits (12-6) and three errors ever really should win. Let's be honest there.

Ben Revere went 3-for-4 with a run and stolen base, extending his hitting streak to 18 games. Justin Morneau (2 hits, RBI) and Jamey Carroll (2 runs, 2 hits, RBI) continued to kill the Red Sox this weekend.

Boston took a 2-0 lead as Carl Crawford had an RBI double in the first and Mike Aviles slugged a solo homer in the second, his career-high 11th of the season.

Minnesota scored a run in the fifth on Kelly Shoppach's throwing error then Morneau's sacrifice fly in the eighth tied it at two.

Pedro Ciriaco-one of the only guys to cheer for this season-came through with a clutch pinch-hit homer in the eighth, the first of his MLB career over the Monster. Cody Ross added an RBI single.

Carroll's RBI single cut it to 4-3 in the ninth as Aceves stuggled to get the two-inning save. Bobby Valentine should have seen that he was struggling and gone to Craig Breslow to face Mauer, but he didn't since he's a moron.

Franklin Morales (2-2) is the only thing that stands between a sweep by the Twins this afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN) as he returns to the rotation to face Nick Blackburn (4-6). Get your popcorn ready, I'm pretty sure the Red Sox will find a way to do it. This series has been the final death knell to this season that we knew was going nowhere all along.

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The Umpires Gift A 4-1 6-Inning Win To The Red Sox Against The Tigers In A Rainstorm

There is no other way to describe tonight's rain-shortened game at Fenway Park than bizarre. The Red Sox (53-51, 27-28 home) earned a very cheap 4-1 win (their fourth straight) vs. the Tigers (54-50, 26-29 away) in six innings.

Justin Verlander's (11-7) 63-game streak of going 6+ innings ended thanks to Mother Nature and a high pitch count (107). Truth be told, he didn't have it either (5 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned, 6 strikeout, 4 walks).

Detroit said they would file a complaint with the commissioner's office (Bud Selig should get that memo in about four months) since the game was called when they had the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the sixth. I can't say I've ever seen a contest end prematurely with the go-ahead run at the plate, it was very shady.

After not being traded, lazy slug Josh Beckett responded by pitching 2.2 innings then leaving with "back spasms." Shocking that such an incredible, well-conditioned athlete that never breaks down could fall victim to that. I can't hate on a guy for being injured but with his checkered history, who knows what the real story might have been.

Luckily, Clayton Mortensen (1-0) wanted to pitch and he threw 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Franklin Morales recorded one out and appeared to be in trouble after an infield hit and walk loaded the bases. However, he ended up getting credit for his first save of the season which should go down as one of the cheapest in MLB history.

Miguel Cabrera walked with the bases loaded in the third to make it 1-0 Tigers but Mortensen put out Beckett's fire by getting Prince Fielder to fly out to end the inning.

The Red Sox scored all of their runs in the fourth on Pedro Ciriaco's RBI single, a bases loaded walk by Jacoby Ellsbury and two runs scored on Carl Crawford's infield hit/Omar Infante's error.

In their last regular season meeting of 2012, Aaron Cook (2-4) faces Rick Porcello (7-6) tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN) as the Red Sox go for a three-game sweep and their fifth win in a row.

UPDATE 8/1: Daniel Nava was placed on the DL with a left wrist sprain. Catcher Ryan Lavarnway was called up from Pawtucket to take his place in Boston. Also, Craig Breslow arrived and is active which means that Mortensen was optioned back to the PawSox.

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Felix Doubront & Pedro Ciriaco Run New York, Everybody Knows That

With only 60 games (basically two months) left of the 2012 regular season, now is not the time to celebrate simply getting back to .500 (for the 55th time).

However, the Red Sox (51-51, 26-23 away) should be happy after they took two of three games in New York (60-41, 31-19 home) this weekend and went 3-3 on a brutal road trip against the two best teams in the AL (Rangers and Yankees). Felix Doubront pitched well tonight and Pedro Ciriaco had an RBI single in the 10th that scored Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2 runs, 2 walks) as Boston outlasted the Yankees 3-2 in 10 innings at Yankee Stadium.

After losing on Friday, the Red Sox won nail-biters last night (8-6) and tonight to make the season series 6-3 in favor of New York. There are nine remaining so you will have plenty more baseball games that are well over three hours long no matter what.

Trade bait Ryan Sweeney's two-run double in the second gave Boston a 2-0 lead it would carry until the sixth. New York cut it to 2-1 on Red Sox killer Russell Martin's solo homer (his 12th of the season) then he tied it with an RBI single in the seventh.

Jacoby Ellsbury (double) and Adrian Gonzalez (run) both had two hits for Boston while Nick Swisher added two hits for the Yankees. Somehow the Red Sox survived grounding into five double plays-the most they had recorded in over seven years.

Doubront and Ciriaco have been by far Boston's best players against New York this season. In three starts, Doubront has gone 18.2 innings and only allowed five earned runs on 12 hits. Ciriaco is 11-for-22 in five games against the Bronx Bombers with six RBIs. He has provided the winning hits the last two games as well (RBI triple on Saturday night in the 9th). Call it a small sample size, beginner's luck or not having a book on either guy yet but whatever the reason, two of the most unlikely players have carried the Red Sox to wins against their archrivals.

This evening, the young lefty went 6.1 innings and allowed one earned run on four hits with eight strikeouts and five walks. A high pitch count (109) was the only thing to complain about regarding one of the best outings of his career.

Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda went eight innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

Andrew Miller wiggled out of a jam (runners on the corners, 1 out) in the seventh but Alfredo Aceves (2-6) blew the save (5th time he's done that) by giving up Martin's hit in the eighth (charged to Miller). It didn't matter though since he stayed out there and eventually got the win following 2.1 innings. He struck out two and didn't allow a hit besides Martin's, the downside was that he threw 37 pitches.

The only thing I fear from these last two days is that the Red Sox front office will feel like they've figured things out so there is no need to make a big move (trading Josh Beckett). I really hope that is not the case since they should realize that he had less than nothing to do with either win or any positive things to come out of the weekend. They have until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to do the right thing and get him out of here before fans' heads explode with anger and frustration.

Boston returns to Fenway Park for its longest homestand of the season: 10 games (3 vs. Detroit, 4 vs. Minnesota and 3 vs. Texas). Their next road game is Thursday, August 9 in Cleveland which kicks off the longest road trip of the season: also 10 games.

Clay Buchholz (8-3) faces Max Scherzer (10-5) tomorrow night (7:10 p.m., NESN). Beckett (5-9) is scheduled to take the fall against Justin Verlander (11-6) on Tuesday (7:10 p.m., NESN) and Aaron Cook (2-4) gets Rick Porcello (7-6) on Wednesday (7:10 p.m., NESN).

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I've Got A Severe Case Of Red Sox Fatigue, Luckily The Only Cure For That Is The 2012 All-Star Break

Thank God we don't have to see this miserable team for the next four glorious days, because I know I can't take it anymore.

The Red Sox (43-43, 22-24 home) fittingly closed out a wretched first half with another no-show loss to the Yankees (52-33, 27-17 away), 7-3 tonight at Fenway Park. They lost eight of their last 11 games.

New York won three out of four in the series to improve to 5-1 against Boston in 2012. Furthermore, the Yankees are 9.5 (!) games ahead of the Red Sox (tied with Toronto in last place) at the break.

Shitty starting pitching and rough first innings continued to go hand in hand for Red Sox pitchers against the Yankees. Jon Lester (5-6) allowed two runs in the first and eventually was pulled after 4.1 innings. He gave up five runs (four earned) on nine hits with six strikeouts and two walks. His numbers were pathetic: 101 pitches, only nine first pitch strikes to 25 batters and just six swinging strikes.

Unlike Lester, Ivan Nova (10-3) did what good pitchers tend to do: he found a rhythm after allowing some early runs. He went six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Derek Jeter led New York's 14-hit attack as the captain went 3-for-5 with a run. Andruw Jones was 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs including his fourth homer of the weekend, Nick Swisher had two hits including a double, two walks, a run and RBI, Mark Teixeira had two hits including a double with a run and RBI while Curtis Granderson added two hits and a run.

All you need to know about the Red Sox lineup is that Pedro Ciriaco (3 hits, 2 runs, walk, stolen base) and Nick Punto (2 hits, walk) combined for five of the team's seven hits. PS. Adrian Gonzalez left in the second after one at bat (ending his 18-game hit streak). Apparently, that warrior was suffering from the flu aka he wanted to catch an early flight back to San Diego (home). What a fraud, I hope he rightfully gets roasted this week on Toucher and Rich, Felger and Mazz and the Baseball Reporters on the Sports Hub.

New York went ahead 2-0 in their first at bat on Teixeira's RBI double and a run scored on Swisher's fielder's choice.

Jeter gifted a run to Cody Ross and the Red Sox in the first when he dropped a pop up. I'm sure the Cy Young voters weren't paying attention (they all go to bed at 9 p.m.) so no worries Derek, you've still got that useless award locked up this season.

Chris Stewart's sacrifice fly in the third put the Yankees up 3-1 but David Ortiz answered with an RBI double in the third.

Alex Rodriguez had an RBI triple in the fifth and Jones ended Lester's night and miserable first half with an RBI single.

Jones crushed a two-run homer (his 11th of the season) in the seventh off Scott Atchison.

Boston tried to rally in the ninth against Rafael Soriano in a non-save situation but all they could muster was an RBI double from Mike Aviles. Sounds about right. It was over in a quick four hours and two minutes.

I honestly can say that I've never looked forward to an All-Star break more in my lifetime. It doesn't get much better than four days without having to watch this team that is on the fast track to nowhere.

The painful truth is that when they return to action on Friday with three games in Tampa Bay, they won't play another team that is currently under .500 for the rest of July. They host the White Sox (4) and Blue Jays (3) before trips to Texas (3) and New York. The nightmare month ends with two against the Tigers.

So far they are 2-6 in July and with 18 games left, they are really going to struggle to win 10 this month. What that means is that they have to be bold at the July 31 MLB trade deadline: trade Josh Beckett, Gonzalez or Lester, it's the only way this team has any hope to find a spark this season. They need to deal away a big name to shake up the locker room. In 32 starts this season between Beckett and Lester, the Red Sox are 12-20, not exactly what you are looking for from your supposed ace and No. 2 in the rotation.

Otherwise, not doing anything major (what I expect) will result in a third straight year without playoff baseball in October and that's not nearly good enough. At some point, the Red Sox front office, management and players have to be accountable for this extended period (2+ years) of nothingness.

UPDATE 7/12: Some good Red Sox numbers for you on the last day of the All-Star break. Boston has lost six of its last seven games while Lester and Beckett have combined for nine wins in their 32 starts but the team is still only 2.5 games back in the new second Wild Card spot.

It's been 15 years since the Red Sox finished lower than third-place in the AL East. They have their fewest wins at the break since 2000. The good news: the last two times they failed to reach 50 wins at the break (2004 World Series, 2005 Wild Card) they reached the postseason anyway.

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Red Sox & Yankees Split Day-Night Doubleheader At Fenway Park

It was a mixed bag at Fenway Park today as the Red Sox (43-42, 22-23 home) were lifeless in Game 1 and lost 6-1 to the Yankees (51-33, 26-17 away) before winning the nightcap 9-5.

Boston snapped a five-game losing streak with the win while also notching their first victory against New York this season (improving to 1-4) and going above the .500 mark once again.

The patchwork Red Sox lineup that could only manage seven hits in the opener mashed 17 hits (6-for-17 with runners in scoring position with 12 left on base) in the second game. The crazy part was that Pedro Ciriaco (4 for 5, 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, stolen base) and Mauro Gomez (3 for 4, 2 doubles, RBI) aka Triple-A All-Stars this season with Pawtucket were the catalysts. Adrian Gonzalez was also 3-for-5 with two doubles and two runs as his hit streak went up to 18 games.

In the three games so far this series, New York has scored five, four and three runs respectively in the first inning. I'm no Dave Duncan but Boston might want to fix that. Mark Teixeira blasted a three-run bomb (his 15th of the season) tonight in the first.

From there, Felix Doubront (9-4) found a rhythm while conversely Phil Hughes (9-7) slowly crumbled. The Yankees didn't help themselves out either by making four errors. Doubront went 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits with six strikeouts and a walk. Hughes lasted 5.1 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on 10 hits with three strikeouts and a walk.

Boston chipped away at the three-run deficit with single runs in third and fifth on a double play and Nick Punto's (2 hits) sacrifice fly. Ciriaco put the Red Sox up 5-3 with a bases-clearing three-run double in the fifth. Andruw Jones (10th of the season) hit a solo homer in the sixth, his third blast of the day, to draw the Yankees within one run at 5-4.

The Red Sox scored four runs in the seventh as New York's bullpen had a mini-meltdown. Ryan Sweeney (1st game back from the DL) had an RBI triple while Gomez and Ciriaco had RBI doubles. Ciriaco closed it out by scoring on Russell Martin's error.

Matt Albers got the final two outs of the seventh and Vicente Padilla was able to get out of a bases-loaded jam (Clayton Mortenen's fault) with one out to end the eighth for his 19th save of the season. Padilla retired Jones on a pop up to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and pinch-hitter Raul Ibanez did the same exact thing.

Eric Chavez hit a solo shot (his 7th of the season) in the ninth against Alfredo Aceves, in a non-save situation, but it didn't matter.

Game 1 was truly nothing to write home about. Just like in Game 2, New York scored all of its run thanks to homers. Nick Swisher hit a three-run blast (13th of the season) in first followed by Jones. The Yankees went back-to-back again in the fourth with Jones and Jayson Nix (3rd of the season) doing the honors with solo shots. Gomez helped the Red Sox avoid the shutout with an RBI single in the fourth.

Freddy Garcia had a great outing that should come with an asterisk since he was facing a lineup that featured Ciriaco, Gomez, Ryan Kalish (sent down to Pawtucket afterwards to make room for Sweeney), Mike Aviles, Kelly Shoppach and Brent Lillibridge. In 6.2 innings, Garcia (3-2) allowed one earned run on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks.

Franklin Morales (1-2) wasn't nearly so lucky as he faced a good Yankees lineup and as a result, got shelled for the first time in four starts. Bobby Valentine's strange decision to have him pitch 1.1 innings of relief in Oakland on Wednesday probably didn't help anybody (besides New York).

Justin Germano won the Tim Wakefield memorial mop-up duty award as he saved Boston's bullpen (which came in handy) with 5.2 innings of relief following Morales. Not a bad Red Sox debut as he struck out seven and didn't allow a run on five hits and two walks.

More than probably any other Sunday Night Baseball game this season (I bet it does huge ratings), everyone will be tuned in tomorrow night (8:05 p.m., ESPN) for the series finale as Jon Lester (5-5) faces Ivan Nova (9-3).

It is the final game before the All-Star break so please savor it since Home Run Derby and the silly All-Star Game are basically cruel jokes staged by ESPN and Fox. The Red Sox will be looking for a series split while also getting to .500 at Fenway and staying above .500 overall. That doesn't sound like much but to this self-destructive team, it would mean more than they would care to admit.

UPDATE 7/8: Clayton Mortensen was sent down to Pawtucket after the doubleheader. The Red Sox were able to add a 26th player (him) to the roster for the two games on Saturday.

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