Lester embodies "LIVESTRONG" campaign

Who better to further the cause than 2 survivors. I know that there are alot of "everyday" (no slight intended) people who have survived the beast, that is cancer, but with Armstrong and Jon Lester as the face of this project, that should help bring in donations to further research for the cure.

been alot of rumors lately about scouts and whos goin where and so on....we probabaly will pick up a little known or thought about bat from somewhere....but....it would be nice to dangle bucholz,saito,delcarmen and let bard,masterful,ramirez take the bull by the nutz so to speak....this year more than others that i can remember im really hoping for a big bat....who knows maybe mikey will come back and be healthy....if he played with just his heart he would be in there everyday for 30 more yrs....the guy is a real grinder....but be honest with yourselves....hes been grindin for a few yrs now and it takes it toll....papi still is a threat ...but not THE THREAT......yuke and pedey are grinders too....but also human it seems....how would u like to see dye or gonzo or vmart or holliday added....personally i would rather see nancy earn her pay and be that other threat...but u all know drew is the only sox uni wearer that irks me more than tito....pitt has a firesale goin on....maybe doumit is avail after his dl stint....im sure laroche is but hes not our type plr.....one thing that absolutely terrifies me.....if the stankees drop the bank in toronto.....well....lets just say that theo had better find someone to counter that trade made by the evil empire....sabs and burnett dont scare me...but addin halladay would.....alot.......sigh.....but we are in 1st....albeit barely......well theo....u willin to bet on your cards or take some from the deck.....judge

God Bless Jon Lester and Mike Lowell for all the work they do to help find the cure. Too many families have been effected by this terrible disease. Thank you to Lester for going so public with his battle.

For the sake of discussion, if it only takes Buchholz and 2 prospects (other than D Bard and Tazawa) to acquire Doc Halladay, I will do it. Buchholz is not exactly lights out in Pawtucket. In his last few outings, Bucky averaged 3 runs in 6/7 innings pitched. Billy Traber’s ERA is lower than Bucky’s in Pawtucket. Dream the rotation for the remaining 2009, Halladay, Beckett (not necessarily in that order), Lester, Wake, Penny/Smoltz. And if Dice-K recovers, wow…

Judge... sinice I got "vmart" from you, he hasnt done a whole helluvalot... no I really dont think I'd like him and not Jermaine Dye either..
and I thin that Toronto will think twice before trading/selling him to another AL Easter... Phillie seems to be the "big" contender for his services.. jmho

i dont think the sox will make a push for halladay....they think the minor league will supply what we need and maybe a mid tier pitcher here and there for yrs to come...i was afraid the empire might go for that extra piece....personally i like our staff...i was hoping for a bat...as for vmart and dye...well vmart has been off last couple weeks....remember he plays nearly everyday and he didnt play at all last yr after may....he might be tiring...he also gets pitched around ccause there is nothing on that roster...dye...well i watch him play alot here in chicago and this guy is very very underated...hes a gamer...never says anything...just plays day after day and produces...i dont think the w sox will let em go tho...i do think we need some help tho.....judge

Jonny Lester is just an inspiration...so much so, I'll forgive him for reading out that dire script for the advert! He's an inspiration every day he steps out on to the mound because he's been through the worst of things, and come back...& he's an inspiration because, having been through the worst of things, he's achieving the best of things. Also - all of youse guys who don't get what Tito is about - just check out his relation with Lester.

My son went through the worst of things less than a year ago - & I know how much the inspiration of his 'heroes' meant to him. He's now my hero - because he's home, & back in his family.

But I'm sorry - I just can't endorse Armstrong - the stench of drugs/PEDs is just too powerful. I think it has been obscene the way Ramirez has been welcomed back at LA like some kind of returning hero.

The guy is a drug cheat. That is all.

When we're reflecting on the heroes who have fought, and won, against a brutal disease, and when we celebrate these heroes for the example they set for our young kids...then, as far as I'm concerned, the cheats who abuse the system, &, more importantly, their own bodies, just to gain an advantage over their peers, are not worth mentioning in the same breath.

Sorry to be a grump-bag - this is just something I care very passionately about.

Oh - & by the way...I just worked out why I can't be doing with those pesky [Devil] Rays (while I was watching their game with the Blue Jays earlier this evening)...it's those @%$*^£# ridiculous cow-bells.

For goodness sake!!!!

* still grumpy here :-) *

Lineups for tonight's game:

1.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Mark Kotsay, 1B
9. Nick Green, SS
SP -- Brad Penny, RHP

Royals
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Willie Bloomquist, SS
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Jose Guillen, LF
5. Mark Teahen, 3B
6. Mike Jacobs, DH
7. Miguel Olivo, C
8. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
9. Ryan Freel, RF
SP -- Luke Hochevar, RHP

Jambo - glad to hear that your son is doing well!

See you all later!

Hey all... Roofus is home from the kitty hospital, from the cost, I asked if her paws were now gold plated!!! They tried to perform a procedure today that may/may not have worked (she didnt do well under the anesthesia, they had to bring her out of it). I have to keep an eye on her and if not better they HAVE to operate on her on Monday... Crossed fingers!!!!
Looking forward (I think) to seeing Brad Penny pitch tonight. Really hoping he has a solid 6 plus innings. As long as Lugo doesnt pencil his own name in on the line up card Brad should do well.. Lugo seems to be the thorn in Pennys (and everyone elses) side!!!!

Hey! All!

Let me add my voice to those praising Jon L. for his work against cancer. Way to go, Jonnie!!! I still regret being out of town when you made your first start (after licking the C Devil) in Cleveburg.

Now let me add my 2 cents to the Halladay pile. I think its interesting that the Jays are looking for **** in this transaction, as Casey Kelly becomes an intriguing piece. I would consider sending Kelly, Lars Anderson and Mike Bowden for Halladay, and one or two others, depending on the demands. As for Buchholz, if the Sox are going to resign Beckett, and maintain Lester, Dice-K and Wake for another year or two, of what value is Buchholz? He will not be happy pitching in the minors much longer, and perhaps that has affected his recent performances. I'd be more inclined to send Buchholz than I would be to send Daniel Bard. I'd also be more inclined to send Manny D than Bard. From where I sit, I think Bard is a more likely closer than Manny D if Pap ever departs for the big $$$.

I recognize its not a deal that Theo is likely to make, and I accept his judgment either way. I just think with Halladay you're going to get 200 innings of quality stuff for the next 3-4 years. I'm also not so sure the Sox are that needy for an additional bat. They have been making their way through a period during which Pedey, Youk, Green, and JBay have cooled off. They will heat up at some point. I also am not willing to write off Mikey L. I think there is more performance in him and that the Sox will see it during the second half. Maybe, Saito for Garrett Atkins, but where do the Sox stash Atkins if Lowell is healthy...the minors? I don't think Atkins would accept that!

Ellen - we will keep sending happy wishes for Roofus!

I can NOT confirm this - but the rumor going around Twitter is that the Phillies are in discussions with Pedro Martinez's agent to sign him! Hmmmm...that is interesting! I'll let you know if I hear anything.

I think if youtrace that tweet, it will have come from somebody in Martinez' camp that put that out there. He is stiill reportedly asking 5 million for the season!!! NOT!! sorry Pedro, love ya, but 5 million??? dont thinkso!!!

Game time y'all!!!
Until it doesnt work:
WOOOOOOOOOOOO-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
LET'SGOREDSOXLET'SGO!!!!CLAPCLAPCLAP!!!!!
IDOBELIEVEIDOBELIEVEIDOIDOIDOIDOBELIEVE!!!!!
WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE, TITO!! LOL

The teams will be taking the field soon! GO RED SOX! It is a BEAUTIFUL night for baseball in Boston - actually a little cool tonight but there shouldn't be any rain!

Ellen - SI is now reporting that Pedro will decide by Monday and the salary would be prorated.

WHOOOHOOOO!!! GO RED SOX!!!

wow!! thats still a TON o Dollars...

Well - at least Green didn't let the ball go into the out field!

COME ON GUYS!!! WE NEED A WIN!!! The Yankees won today! UGH!!! The Twins could NOT help us out.....sigh

That's right - if he wasn't hurt we would have seen Coco! Bummer! I would have like to have seen him.

Oh joy - another runner we could NOT throw out!

The number I have heard is between 3-4 million. It makes no sense - why Pedro and not Halladay? Save the money for him if they feel they need another pitcher.

Good inning for Penny! NOW LET"S GET SOME RUNS!!!

YOUK!!! The bat is thawing in!! WHOOO HOOOO!!! Pedey getting to second was BIG!!!

WHOOOOHOOOOO!!! BIG PAPI!!! 2 RUN HR!!

#300 for Ortiz!!!! YES!!!!

WELCOME BACK PAPI!!!!

Nice inning BOYS!!! WHOO HOOO!!

HOLD THEM PENNY!!!!

#300 for Big papi!!!!

Do you think the Jays would trade him to an AL East team? Makes no sense.

IAN - I link to your blog today on mine so people will be able to find the Jon Lester video tomorrow. AND to give Brownie Points another plug!

Penny looks good so far. MORE RUNS BOY!!!!

halladay probably wouldnt go to the Mets (FULL no trade clause), he'll (probably) want to go somewhere that he's got a chance at p.s. play...

Red wine, dark chocolate, Red Sox winning - LIFE IS GOOD!! loL!!

Jeez!!!! Do you think that Mike Jacobs can get any more chaw in his mouth??? DISGUSTING!!!!

Nice to see we're on the board early...now we need to add often...

Yes we do Mike! But I sure like scoring first for a change.

Okay - that was just a BAD play by KC - they really should have gotten Green out! NOT that i'm complaining! lol!

J.P. Riccardi ( Jays G.M. and also a Worcester native ) is dumb but he isn't dumb enough to deal Halladay to the Red Sox or Yankees. The Twins didn't deal Santana to the Red Sox or Yankees did they???? Only way he would deal Halladay to the Red Sox or Yankees is if he was BLOWN AWAY and that will not happen. The Jays will be asking for the farm! I love Halladay ( in my opinion he is the best pitcher in baseball ) but I wouldn't give up the farm. Last time I checked these kids that get called up perform.

Boston should be looking into adding another bat. Huff???? Mora??? Teahan???? Atkins??? Johnson??? Boston has to tweak it a bit come late July.

Grienke pitched last night so they'll miss him this weekend. SWEEP K.C.!! The Yankees are sizzling right now. Perhaps the All Star break will cool down the Yankees. Thank heaven Boston has won all 8 meetings against N.Y. if they had split the games Boston would be in 2nd place at the moment.

I know Brian - a four game series and we actually MISS Grienke - go figure! And we should not be trading away TOO much for a single player. We have a great farm system to help us!

And the Yankees? ugh - boy have they changed since the start of the season. It will be interesting when we play them again in August.

I don't think Theo is going to trade the farm (or empty the coffers) for one guy. I think we would do well to shore up the pen and add a middle infielder with a good bat.

I agree Mike.

I've been happy with Penny so far!

YOUK!!!!! That bat HAS thawed! YES!!!

KEEP IT UP BOYS!!!!!

This is the offensive club we all remember...

YES!!!!!! WHOOOOHOOOO!!!

BAY!! NICE HIT!!! I like it!!!

Another run - that is good! LET"S HOLD THEN AGAIN PENNY!!!

LET"S GO RED SOX!!

Okay - maybe less Red Wine! ;-)

Did I say anything about giving up singles?? I did not send out that memo!

Kid holding a sign at Fenway - "My Grandmother thinks Don Orsillo is Cute" lol!

Not good - Penny is up to 70 pitches already! And poor Tek has been HIT so many times!!!

HI Carlos! Did you and your wife have a good anniversary??

I do not like how this inning is starting!

THANK YOU YOUK!!!

2 more boys!!! WE NEED OUTS!!!!

Buenas noches amigos! I miss Remy.

Only reason I'd like to get Halladay is to keep him away from NY! But honestly, our pitching is top notch right now, and we shouldn't even be thinking about giving a lot for an area we have covered so well... What we could use is a big bat, and I'd say we need a difference maker, not just a fill in. Jermaine Dye and Matt Holliday are aging, so I'm not so interested. Ryan Doumit, Aubrey Huff and Victor Martinez are solid players, but here's the way I see it: pretty soon we're going to lose both Lowell and Papi to either a steep decline in their production or to retirement. We need difference makers. That's why I wanted Tex. We need a Miguel Cabrera, Evan Longoria, or Mark Reynolds type of guy. Somebody who can play corner infield, hit for power, and who is YOUNG. And I mean no disrespect for Papi nor Mikey, it's just a fact that they're getting old and their production is declining and will only keep declining.

Carlos - we do need to look to the future and think about the time our guys will be retiring. Some spots we will be able to fill from our farm system - my only concern for trades right now is how much do we have to give up. I don't want to trade the future away for maybe one year help. No doubt we need a bat - but I don't want the cost to be too high.

Please have someone warming up! PLEASE!!!!

Penny has run into problems here. His pitch count is getting up there also. A stolen base is a given against Varitek!

For the love of god - DO NOT BLOW THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or we could just throw the ball away on a stolen base!!

&^$P{_ A ONE RUN GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Penny is self-destructing. Varitek's throw didn't help matters.

Bay could have caught that ball!!

Yes - Penny has hit the wall without a doubt. I don't understand what happens to him! It is painful to watch!

Well....that was not a good inning. And here we thought we might have an easy nice.....

more wine - that's what I need! ;-)

Smoltz could be at the end of this year - Wake? He is like an iron man! Who knows - but not long. And yes - Buchholz would be ready to step in.

I totally agree, Julia. And you've got to figure Smoltz and Wake will retire soon (at the end of this year or next year tops), so Buchholz will get his turn soon.

Come on guys, let's get out of this inning with the lead!

Have I ever mentioned how much I HATE DPs when we are at bat??? :-(

You might be on to something there! Maybe we could throw in some clam chowder and some tickets to the Bruins & Celtics and Patriots. What do you think?

I think we have some sort of genteic defect that says all leads must be no greater than 1...

pangelotti, I'd throw in Loopy Lopez too!

How about a trade offer for Halliday to include DiceK and Lugnuts, with the Sox picking up a portion of their salaries??

Wow.. sorry I was kitty tending.. This is getting ridiculous... just go in there now and drive in TONS O RUNS!!!!! COME ON REDSOX.LETSGO!!!!

I think the Jays might see through that one...

No question, Lester is a courageous kid. It's good that he can turn his experience into something positive.

I don't see Halladay in the Red Sox future because I really think Theo will be reluctant to give up too many prospects. He can't deal away all the young pitching because the future of the rotation is really uncertain. Smoltz and Penny will almost certainly be gone next year and I think Dice-K is an iffy proposition at best. As good a year as he's having, who knows how much Wake has left in the tank. The only certainties I see right now for next year are Beckett and Lester. I think Dice-K is very tradable and if the Jays would accept him, Bowden and a position prospect, or maybe Masterson, a trade could happen. Hell, we could throw in Lugo and pay his salary for good measure.

Penny throws too many pitches. Watching him is like watching Dice-K. Games just drag on and on.

(just kidding here) Keep Kelli in the hospital.. he's hitting great!!!
GO PEDEY GO!!!

Do we still have Loopy Lopez--I thought we already unloaded him??

I like that Pedroia Destroia!

Okay - the comments are out of order again!!! I can not figure out why that is happening!

Better inning boys!!

DUSTY!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!

We are going to need more runs if we are to win this game. C'mon Sox!!!

Wel,, 1-2-3 helps...hopefully he' settled down and he can give us a few more quality innings...

PEDROIA DESTROIA!!

Go job Pedey-- let's keep it going!!

Yes, Loopy is still in the Red Sox organization. I believe he's currently playing for Double-A Portland... let me check real quick.

Maybe it's just my wishful thinking.

I guess Manny D can't stand prosperity. Let's try and keep the lead and get some runs. We are going to need them!!

Carlos night be right on Lopez - I don't think anyone picked him up.

That didn't work...back to square one!

More drama...fantastic...is there anyone in the stands that can pitch???

Come on Masterson!!! Let's get the last out without letting any more runs in!

(#(&%$% Oh great!

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww mannnnnnnnnnnn!!!

BP is beginning to fall apart again. We can't hold on to a lead.We can't afford to lose this one with both the Evil Empire and the Devil Rays winning today.

WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED IN THIS GAME?????

This team isn't supposed to represent a challenge...what is with our BP lately?!?

Julia, you should know it's not the wine playing tricks on your eyes. The BP did actually give up 4 runs this inning.

Maybe we should send Eck down to pitch - he can' t be any worse!

You're kidding! Maybe I need more wine to make the numbers change - yeah that's it! OR may the BP should have the wine! Can't hurt!

You know - Millar might have had the right idea - they should all have a shot of whiskey before the game - loosen them up or SOMETHING!!! UGH!!!

Maybe the memo neglected to mention which teams lead we were trying to hold...

Ellsbury is hitting too many fly balls.

Bee Gees and Ice Cream? Okay - we are ready for Remy to come back.........

Thank you Eck - we needed to know that you wore tight jeans back in the day....maybe he has been drinking?

Well......this is not going well ;-)

Did I miss a memo that says we are not suppose to hold a lead?

Did Ramon use to play for KC?

Crap... nice try Drew.....

Julia...

Crisp for Ramon Ramirez. That was the trade.

This is getting crazy Mike! I have NO idea what is happening to our pen! ANd tonight we put runs on the board! And the *&&% Yankees won today! WE NEED THIS WIN!!!

Thanks Brian - to bad Coco is hurt - I would have liked to have seen him.

Carlos - I had a thought - if I stop drinking wine will the numbers on the scoreboard look better?

An out! We remembered how to get them!

Can we get some runs! PLEASE!!!!!

Losing this one will hurt. We got out of that inning. Ramirez is on pace to put up better numbers this year than last...

No...maybe we can't get runs......

We have rallied in late innings before..they can do it again!!

RALLY CAP TIME!!!!

Rant and Grant time!!!

WE NEED RUNS!!! LET"S DO IT BOYS!!!!

GO RED SOX!!!!

Yes Pedey!!!

Pedey has 14 - 3 hit games. Leads the league in that category!

NICE!! Great running Pedey! You can do that again KC!!!

It's just unacceptable that we squander leads and opprotunities like this game after game...

Damn it YOUK!!! That did NOT help us!!!!!!!

Sox have to do better than this at home. You gotta win 7 of 10 on a homestand like this against bad teams.

PLEASE!! Don't give up any runs this inning!

Yes we need to Garry! I have no idea what is happening to our BP!

Bard is warming up.

If we can't beat teams like KC now then how the heck are we going to beat the Rays, Jays & the Yankees???

Oh yay - a walk.....don't any of our pitchers want to win?????

It's just unacceptable that we squander leads and opprotunities like this game after game...

this sucks huge!!!

Mike - could you get some planes to buzz Fenway? Maybe that would shake our BP up!

So - show of hands - did we leave Ramon in too long??

Great I dea, I'll call in some CAS (Close Air Support)

Shouldda pulled him when he issued the walk!

Thanks Mike - the CAS might help!

Okay - that was a good way to start!

BAY!!! We need you to break out of this slump NOW!!!

What happened? I went to have supper and I come back to find this mess! I don't believe it!

Nite Ellen!!
Thanks for takiing up my slack Paul!

Everybody's safe....single should score TWO!

... am watching from the comfort of the comforter... i;m skeeeered!! really skeered.. GOOD NIGHT NATIONERS.. WE SHALL PREVAIL!!
IDOBELIEVE!!!! GOSOX

NICE!!!! 2 walks!! LET'S GO BOYS!!! KEEP THE RALLY GOING!!!!!!!!

I gotta say that Eck thinks exactly like I do when it comes to pitching. How can you walk the first two guys with a three run lead?

Nite Ellen!

Paul - we can blame you tonight and not Mike! You're off the hook tonight Mike! ;-)

LET'S GO ELLSBURY!!!!

UGH!!! COME ON BOYS!!!!!

GO TEK!!!!

YES!!!!! BASES ARE LOADED!!!!!

COME ON KOTSAY!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

PLEASE!!! WE NEED RUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That would be great Mike - WE NEED A HIT!!!!

Ok Julia. I'll take the blame! Bases loaded with only one out. We have to take advantage here. Where did our 4-0 lead go? GO SOX.

Thank you for going foul!

Mike - if we aren't blaming you for us losing - I hope that means you will help us win!!!

Okay - one run is better then none - BUT would it have heard Kotsay to get a hit????????????????

Lead got sabotaged by the pen...they HAVE to score here....

A productive out, but, we need hits!

Still have a chance to get at least one more run here. GO SOX.

And their closer is in.....come on guys - we need more runs out of this!!!!!

*&^%&()

sigh...................................

Green-- sickening!! At least get the bat off your shoulder!!. Let's hold them and try to get some runs next inning!!!

Paul - our pen imploded AGAIN!!!! I have no idea what is happening to them!

Green has been scuffling lately. We really needed that run in from third.

PLEASE BARD!!! HOLD THEM!!!!!

NICE!!!! COME ON BARD!!!!

NICE!!!!

COME ON BOYS!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

RANT AND GRANT!!!!!

Well, Bard did indeed hold them. At least we have the top of the order coming up. Hopefully they can produce! GO SOX.

I guess we are the only ones left Julia. I am really bummed out with this turn of events. I am going to get a drink!

I hope they can!

LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!

Last chance!! Get it done!!

DAMN!!!!!

Please Youk.....

That's horrible!!!

Well.....that was not fun.......

What is wrong with our BP???? At the start of the season they could not lose??? And now??? They can't win!

Awful. I may need to get a drink. Tomorrow gang.

Ugly, very ugly.

Night Paul.

That's an understatement Garry.

Well at least we have Lester on the mound tomorrow! Let's hope he can stop the slide! and we all need to root for the Angels to pound the Yankees!

Hey all. It appears I picked a good game to miss! That box score (for the BP esp.!) SUCKED! I sure miss blogging during the game, though--I hope to fix that quickly! :/ We need to fix that "sharing" the AL East lead--I don't like sharing that much! HMMM!...Here's to hoping that Lester gives us a great outing tomorrow, and that the BP might actually HOLD A LEAD! SIGH! Take care, all!
Carlos, I hope your anniversary was a great one!
GO SOX!

CONGRATS, PAPI! GREAT JOB! (Now, if the rest of the team can follow suit...)

we need a bat.....we need a bat.....we need a bat......go sox....judge

Since the Yanks were swept by the Sox, the Yanks picked up 5 games in the standing and now tied for first place. On paper the Sox should pick up a game or 2 on the Yanks over the weekend. But where is the offense and bullpen?
The turning points were Tek's throwing error, a good throw would have tagged out the runner and Delcarmen's outing. Delcarmen kept surrendring 2 strikes and 2 outs hits.
Last night's loss hopefully will serve as a wake up call to the FO about doing something, anything.
Yes we need a bat ecpecially Lowell is out and Youk's in slump. Kotsay is more than adequate defensively but offensively nada zilch.

I read all the comments, 3 words.
Halladay, Beckett, Lester.
Case close give up the farm.
Masterson, DelCarmen, Bowden, Anderson, Riddick too.
Notice I want to keep Bucholz, that would be the secret.

i never understood the no trade in division theory....but im thinkin the jays want to send halladay to philly...now...if we added halladay....i mean O M G ......BECKETT AND HALLADAY....good lord.....sabathia hasnt done anything in the play offs...and burnett who i would rather have than pudgy just isnt durable....i still think the sox need a bat...it would be nice to get a colorful upbeat guy.....someone with fire and grit....someone who will dive headfirst into homeplate and come up with a bloody nose gushing and only be worried if he was safe.....then go out the next game and play again....hmmmm....who would that be.....a guy who im thinkin is starving to play for a winner.....there are some plrs out there that are mired on bs teams who i think would over achieve in boston.....i wish friggin nancy would play like his butt was on fire.....papi seems to be comin around....but i still feel there is 1 piece missin.....maybe millah commin back to ease the dugout some?.....hed play for free to come home....anyhoo....something needs to be done....scour the bottom theo and find a gritty b ball plr for us.....judge

I can't believe we lost!!! This All Star break better come soon. Pictures from last night's game to be posted soon. Hopefully by tonight. Now off to work!!
-Holly
http://irishsoxkid19.mlblogs.com

Hi Greg! Yes - you picked a good game to miss....it was painful! What can we do with our BP? Yes - if Penny could have pitched later into the game, it would have helped.

Rooster - I'm not sure I'm willing to give up Masterson. That seems to be too much to give up for a guy how might only be here a season or two.

Lester on the mound tonight - let's hope the ship will be righted.

Lineup for tonight's game:

1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Mark Kotsay, 1B
9. Nick Green, SS
SP -- Jon Lester, LHP

On my way out to bowl.. see y'all later.
JULIA: SOMEWHERE AROUND THE 4TH (OR LATER IF NEEDED) DO A CHEER FROM ME!!

Go Jon Lester... Go RedSox..
no pregame....
just want to say: KICK THE ROYAL SNOT OUT OF KANSAS CITY!!!!

I will Ellen! Have fun bowling! Hope you kitten is okay!

GO RED SOX!!!

Alright boys - forget last night and let's make this one COUNT!!! LET"S GO RED SOX!!!

Lester - we have faith in you!!!!!!

GET IT DONE!!!!

Lester doesn't seem to have a yellow glove. Maybe it is only the stitching that is yellow?

a four pitch walk to start the night.....sigh.....

The Nike Swish is yellow on Lester's glove

Oh my - Fenway just looks such a picture tonight...just beautiful!

I envy you guys who can be there!

The Sox have been pretty beaten up for a while. It would be good to stumble - or stride - into the All Star break, more or less atop of the toughest Division in the Big Leagues...with the prospect of re-trenching, & pushing on in August & September.

We're good enough - & we believe!!!!

Lester is soooooo good - it's hard to bear in mind he's still a kid, really...

Plus - like we've been saying...he is just an inspiration!

Lester is having a shaky start.

Amen to that jambon! The weather is perfect here in Boston tonight. And I agree - if we need a stumble do it now and not in September.

Good throw Youk! 2 outs!

NICE K!!!!! First K ends the first. Great way to settle in!

SOME RUNS NOW BOYS!!! Hit KC early and often!!

Not a good start for our hitters!

COME ON YOUK!!!!

Nice walk Youk!

GO BIG PAPI!!!!

Not the best of start boys!

Lester - let's hold them!!!

Red Sox are going to honor Dom DiMaggio before the game on Sunday - http://vyous.com/sports/mlb/bostonredsox/2009/07/10/red-sox-to-honor-dimaggio

He is an inspiration jambon. And imagine him is a few years when he fully matures as a player.

Oh lord - please can we not talk about the Bee Gees in the booth...is that asking too much? When we are up by 17 you can talk Bee Gees.

Good inning boys! Lester up to 2 Ks.

Now - how about some runs???

opps - make that 3 Ks for Lester.

1. Those goofy hats and those red shirts have got to go. They are really ugly and very "bush league". Plus, I can't remember the last time the Sox won a game wearing those ugly things.

2. Do you think there will ever come a time when the Sox recognize there is some importance to holding runners on base. Poor Tek has zero chance to throw out runners. Next time you want to praise John Flaherty on his coaching prowess, think about the fact that the Sox will never beat the Running Rays. How can Carl Crawford steal six bases in a game. It's embarassing.

If things don't change Garry - more and more players will be stealing against us as the season moves on.

NOT A GOOD INNING!! Remember how to use your bats - right guys???!!!

The Sox should kill Bannister second time through. He looks like he has nothing. But then again, the Sox struggle with mediocre pitchers.

We have Garry. I don't know what to make of that.

Lester is also wearing yellow cleats tonight.

NICE!!!! Get the runner stealing!

RUNS BOYS!!! WE NEED RUNS!!!!!

Bill Cosby is in the booth in all his Red Sox attire! GO RED SOX!!!!!!

Ellen - I'll give your cheer at the bottom of this inning - yes it is the 4th already! to cheer our hitters on!!!!

YES!!!! Nice recovery Nick!!!

Okay - for Ellen:

WHOOOHOOOOOIDOBELIEVEIDOBELIEVECLAPCLAPCLAPGOREDSOXWHOOOOHOOOOO
IDOBELIEVEWHOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope I did it right Ellen!

DAMN!!!! I thought Youk's ball was going out!

RUNS!!! WE NEED RUNS!!!

Let's go BIG PAPI!!!!!

I still hate 1-2-3 innings when we are at bat.....sigh.....

Top of the 5th - can we please hold them boys until we can find our bats? PLEASE!!!!!

Sox are hapless with the bats tonight. It's those damn red shirts.

You might be on to something. I'll have to look up Friday night games while wearing those shirts.

LET"S GO BOYS!!!! TIMES FOR SOME RUNS!!!!

Rant & Grant time!!!!!

Let's go JACOBY!!!! WHOOO HOOOO!!! first Red Sox hit of the night - might this be the start of a rally?????

hate foul balls when we are hitting!

GO TEK!!!

Nice steal Jacoby!!! WHOO HOOO!!!

The rally has begun!!!

2 on - no outs - TIME TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN!!!!

Well..okay - 1st & 3rd one out.

GREEN!!!! BRING ELLSBURY HOME!!!!!

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ellsbury out at home and ejected!!!! NOT GOOD!!!!!

BAD CALL!!! ELLSBURY WAS SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ejected for throwing helmet - NO RUNS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SO sick of all these bad calls!

Baldelli is in at center for Ellsbury.

Eck & Donny-O says replays show Ellsbury was safe!

That was absolute crap. Ellsbury was clearly safe. The ump was too close to the play and could not see Ellsbury's foot and the tag at the same time. Very bad call caused by bad umpiring. Then he ejects Ellsbury. Total BS.

From what I can tell, Sox are 3-4 wearing those ugly red uniforms.

third strike out for Ortiz.....sign.....

okay - time to start drinking! Be back!!

Not a great throw by Youk on the final out of the inning either. Nice scoop by Kotsay. Tough call at second base on the tag, but it appeared as though he beat the throw then came off the bag for just a second.

Yes it was Garry - I think the ump knew it - that's why he didn't throw out Tito for arguing. The umps have made WAY to many bad calls.

How about if we were the Green uniforms on Fridays??

This is truly pathetic.

I think that's the reason Tito wasn't ejected - the ump knew he was wrong!

I don't even know what to think of the team tonight. It's like they are phoning it in at bat

That was a really bad walk by Lester. You usually pay for those ....... we'll see.

YES!!!! FINALLY!!! 8Ks for Lester!! One out in the 8th - GET IT DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREAT JOB GREEN!!! Nice sac! LET"S GET SOME RUNS!!!!

This just in - http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/sp_bb_halladay_11_07-11-09_DQF10A2_v2.3384190.html

Red Sox are reported to have official contacted the Jays about Hallady

PEDEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY!!!!! Red Sox are up 1-0! Pedey on 2nd - YOUK!!!! BRING HIM HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There was a time when I wouldn't give a second thought to this game with a one run lead and Papelbon on his way in. Such is not the case any more. Would love to see him be his old dominating self.

Zen state time - top of the 9th - Red Sox up 1-0

Three outs! We only need 3 outs!

Please!!!!!!

YES!!! 2 outs!!

I am a little nervous also! The drink didn't work last night to start - so I thought I would wait! lol!!

DAMN!!!

And NOW I'm having trouble posting ugh!!!

WEWON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

PAP - YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Garry - Pap was ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Julia. I got my drink in advance at Happy Hour! Now I am really apprehensive with Paps coming on. Lester pitched great but so did Bannister. GO SOX.

You'd think the Royals were the best team in baseball. Damn! Good outings by Lester and Papelbon + clutch hit by Pedroia = WIN. It counts in the standings.

YES!! I take a win however - NOW- GO ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posting was terrible. The boys came through.

Posting effort is terrible. Great job by Paps. Not many 1-0 games these days. Both pitchers were great. Big Papi was guessing again tonight. Beautiful evening out here on the West Coast so I am out of here. Night all. Paul

Night Paul - YES posting is terrible!

Okay - Smoltz tomorrow - little nervous but GO RED SOX!!!!

See you all tomorrow!!

Hey, all! Posting is terrible, eh? Well, some things never change here, I guess! :/
Great to see Lester had a fantastic outing, and that he got the win for his efforts! I love a great pitcher's duel, so this would have been a great game to see (if not to post on!) --good to see Lester win it! And what is this I hear about? Pap actually had a stress-free outing?? Whodathunk it?! (Can we have a few more of those, Pap? PLEASE?!) GO SOX! I'm hoping I'll be back to posting during games next week--but I can hope!

Julia and Garry, the replay of Jacoby's play at home looked like Jacoby should indeed have been called safe. It did look like the ump blew that call (but I've said that before...) :/
I like the red jerseys well enough, but I do still wish we'd ditch those crappy cappies! I'm all for a return to the standard home jerseys on Fridays! GO SOX!

THE YANKEES LOST!!!! The lead is BACK TO ONE!!!! Thank you Angels!!!

Greg - How are you! I like the Red shirts also and I agree - I do not like the "hanging Sox" logo hats!

See you all later - and here's to building on our lead! I believe the Yankees & Angels play an afternoon game - west coast time - so we will know before our game is over today where we stand.

Let's get Smoltz some run support today! WHOOO HOOOO!!!

moanin all...sorry was tryin to post yesterday but kept gettin booted....this blog is never gonna be the best if we only get a new thread if we beg for it....i mean it takes minutes to start a thread.....sigh,,,,,anyhoo....great friggin game last night....i still wish we would get another bat tho....offense is gettin anemic....maybe the break will help....2 more games....go sox......judge

This is interesting news:

http://news.soxprospects.com/2009/07/report-sox-sign-cuban-defector-iglesias.html

It is being reported that the Red Sox have signed Jose Iglesias - the 19 year-old who defected from Cuba during a July 2008 trip during the World Junior Triple A Baseball Championship in Edmonton - he was just declared eligible to sign as of July 1 of this year.

wow....now thats some exciting news...nice job theo and FO...i cant believe they beat out the evil empire and the mets ....judge

Hey! Guys and Girls!

Another solid outing by Jon L. It looked like the Sox had the best rotation in the majors coming out of Spring Training, and, after a few bumps in the road, that is proving itself out. Victories-wise, the Sox Big Three, with 29 victories appear to be leading the majors. My figuring suggests SF is next with 28 and the Yanks, with their burgeoning payroll, are next in the AL with 24. Throw Brad Penney into that calculation, and the number becomes 35! Not bad, with Josh B. going for No. 11 on Sunday. Now if they can only get some production out of the "Dice-K rotation spot." Here's hoping Smoltzie throws his first "bust-out" game for the Sox tonight. If not, I'm betting we'll see Buch after the All-Star break, unless FO is holding him in the minors to maximize his trade value. Sure would like to know what they're thinking. Adding Doc Halladay to that rotation is almost unthinkable, as is the idea of picking up an additional outfielder in Vernon Wells on a "salary dump" a la Mike Lowell.

Just would like to see them "finish off" this home stand the right way, by taking the last 2 from KC. Never expected them to struggle on this home stand vs. the teams they've faced. Perhaps that's why the ball is round?!?!?!?

Back to Jon L., I wish the "Yellow movement" had some golf shirts to buy. I looked on the website and all I saw were tee shirts. I'm playing in a memorial golf outing in a couple of weeks for one of my closest friends who succumbed in his battle with pancreatic cancer last year, and would wear that sort of golf shirt in a heart beat (unfortunately, Firestone CC won't allow "tee shirts" -- they have to have a collar).

Hey! BosoxBrian!...how are you??? Its been a while since we've talked...or rather jabbed (lol)!!!!

Nice pick up by the f.o Now what they should do is......MAKE HIM BECOME A CITIZEN OF THE USA!!!

DBENJ!!!!! Nice to "see" you... Glad you're still around... its all good here on the blog, but different with out you!! How're all your briefs??? If you need me to check them just let me know!! lol

why is there always a thread problem....this is the official redsox blog rt?....or is there a bigger one?....judge....go sox

I was in contact recently with Mark Newman who is in charge of MLB Blogs... unfortunately many of the MLB blogs are like this... I just emailed Ian regarding a new thread...
I havent had any problems posting yesterday or today, but then again, you havent had the Yahoo problems I had so I guess we're even!! lol My computer isnt posting the lineup ( x or >) in/out of the game... but Dans is... I assume yours is too,, I have to go to ESPN or FOX to get the lineup...
Anyway, Ian will more than likely post a new thread here shortly...

The Sox offense is really struggling at this point Youk and Bay in particular right now, but Drew is also having his problems. Papi is coming back, but is still very inconsistent. I think Lowell's return after the AS break will help some. I don't think the Sox ought to be looking for another bat simply because they don't have any where to play him. Youk and Bay should find their groove again, and if Papi continues to improve, the offense should be fine. Fortunately, with their pitching, they can still win with slowed production.

Forgotten players Julio Lugo and Dice-K. We're not hearing much about Dice-K which tells me he either is not progressing well, or the Sox simply don't care at this point. His return would create issues with the rotation, so I don't think the Sox are in any hurry to bring him back. A decision will have to be made after the AS break when Lowrey returns. Lugo could be a throw in for the Halladay sweepstakes.

Angels have now scored 7 runs in the 5th inning and are leading the Yankees 8-4 after trainling 4-1.

I think tonight is a big night for Smoltz. I think this will be his fourth start. It's time for him to get his act together.

I think umpiring continues to be a problem in MLB. Most games have at least a couple of controversial calls and there is never any consistency in the strike zone.

I just heard from Ian.. He's boarding a flight to St Louis in a couple of minutes and will post as soon as he gets to his hotel... He apologized for no new thread until later. This isnt his only job, I appreciate the fact that we can come here and chat albiet slowly sometimes...

Garry, Matsuzaka's rehab stinit is, from what I've read, "indefinite" as to how long it will be ...

Lineups for tonight -

Red Sox
1. J.D. Drew, RF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Mark Kotsay, 1B
9. Nick Green, SS
SP -- John Smoltz, RHP

Royals
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Ryan Freel, RF
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Mark Teahen, 3B
5. Jose Guillen, LF
6. Mike Jacobs, DH
7. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
8. Miguel Olivo, C
9. Tony Pena - SS
SP -- Gil Meche, RHP

I'll be here - but not until after the game starts!

GO RED SOX!!!!

Smoltzie pitches a no-hitter tonight. Trust me!!

julia-
Isn't Jose Iglesias a singer??? Or does he play ball too???

Fast comment , Mike Lowell, is awesome he means a lot to this team, when he is on the field. Get well, Mr. Mike we miss you.

Some say that $8+M is a lot of $$$$. They don't realize that he has a cuban cigar connection!!

NO PREGAME CHEER : JUST
go sox...............

No pre game cheer dont you want no-hitter

Hi Everyone, hows everybody tonight??

Eck says that Smoltz has gotten all of his "1st's" out ot the way.. 1st start for the Sox, 1st start at Fenway, well, he forgot 1 very important 1st...
HIS 1ST WIN AS A REDSOX... Let's hope (and Smoltz better hope too) that it comes tonight!!!!

Way to go PEDEY!!! EXCELLENT JOB LI'L BUBBA!!!

1-0... Keep going its early yet!!! Go SOx!!

Angels have scored two in the bottom of the 8th and lead 12-8 over Yankees.

Make it 14-8 over Yankess, still bottom of the 8th.

This kid Meche is a good pitcher better get him quick. If you watch baseball you will know.

Wow... awful offensive by kansas City,, (thank God) and the left fielder thought that it was the 3rd out!!!
Go SOx

If we dont win this one,,,, WE SUCK!! lol Smoltz should be able to settle down (unlike prior appearances) and have a good game....

Meche looks totally disappointed and disgusted.. I owuld too! Smoltz is getting run support tonight... FROM THE ROYALS!!!

Yankees lose: 14-8

Good shout, garry - it's a very big night for Smoltz...& now he's got the 3-0 lead to defend, he's got every chance. Good 1-2-3 in the 2nd...but how ugly were those plays by the Royals in the 1st? yeuch! Almost as ugly as what the Yankees are enduring right now!!

Great play by Nick Green. I really like the way he's grown into the team as the season has gone on - & his work at SS has just got better & better.

Nice stab by Nick Green!!!

Meche had a good start but hasnt been much his last 5 starts....
Nice inning by Smoltz!!!!

meche is 4-8 with a 4 plus era....

Good job Pedey!!! and youk!!!!!! GONE!!

Now let's give Smolz some good defense and then let's get some more runs!!!

I love the PESKY POLE!!! You go TEK-ER

Okay - the Yankees lost, the Red Sox are winning - do I have to leave again! LOL!

WHOOOHOOOOO!!!

Jose - ball

Julio - sing!

LOL!

RESIGN BAY!!!!

Great Catch!!!

Way to go Smolz!!! Let's get some more runs!!!

Come on Pedey!!!

Let's get some more runs boys!!!!

They are still talking Bee Gees on NESN!! sigh....

What happened to Meche?

They are taking him off the mound.

New pitcher

Julia... Enrique hang around with Ana Kornikova!!!

I think Gil has something crushed... his ego and self esteem....

LOL!! Ellen!

Looks like I missed a lot of excitement!

GREAT GAME!!!!

The YANKEEEEEEES LOSE, THE YANKEEEEEEEES LOSE (I hate that when says that...) 14-8 FINAL!!!
GO-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSOX-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!

PAI PAPI PAPI!!!!!! YOU GO BIG GUY.. SORRY I EVER DOUBTED YOU... FORGIVE ME???

Julia, at least they are not talking Michael Jackson as every other media outlet of ANY kind is!!! I'll take Bee Gees anytime rather than the plastic pedophile....

So true Ellen - and hey - I can still sing their song!! LOL!!

Big Papi's HR was his 1000th career hit with the Red Sox!

So - the ump messing up on the 3rd strike caused the 2 men to be on BASE!!! UGH!!!

Papi is really driving the ball. He seems to have gotten more power in his swing-- like the old days!!! Keep the pressure on them Smolz--Sox ,give him good defense!!

YES!!!! Only one but we got out!

Let's go RED SOX!!!

Masterson is warming up.

THAT WAS NOT THE THIRD STRIKE!!!!

Ugh! I agree! We can never have enough runs!!!!!

Devil Rays down 5 to 2. C'mon Sox- get some more runs-- We could never have enough..

Ugh! I agree! We can never have enough runs!!!!!

Hi gang. I guess this another 5th inning and out for a starting pitcher. There seems to be alot of this around the league. Nice to see Papi swinging the bat with more authority. I was willing to wait until the All-Star break before forming an opinion on him. This game seems to be under control though. GO SOX.

Masterson in! Let's keep it up boys! Let's win this one!!!

Make that 7 to 2.

Another horrible call on Ellsbury. Umpiring is horrible. They really squeezed Smoltz last inning too!

Another horrible call on Ellsbury. Umpiring is horrible. They really squeezed Smoltz last inning too!

C;'mon BP- let's not have another repeat catastrophe!!!!

Pull him Tito- let's not let it get out of hand again. Start managing!!

Wake up Tito. Pull him now beforte it gets out of hand. He has nothing on the ball. Start managing!!!

Oh please tell me that didn't just happen......

I just re-read the lead-in for this thread. Jon Lester is really a courageous young man. A real role model for up and coming Major Leaguers. GO JON. GO SOX.

7th HR that Masterson has given up this season.

And a 4 pitch walk........great.......

PLEASE Take Masterson out NOWWWWWW

What is happening to Masterson lately? He gave up a 2 run homer the other night just after he came in. I am really happy that we have 9 runs up on the board! GO SOX.

I realize that he is bringing in DelCarmen. He makes me nervous.I would bring in Ramon, followed by Oki and then close it with Paps!! Why Tito waited so long to do something is beyond me.

Paul - I hope that is enough.....I am getting really nervous!

I realize that he is bringing in DelCarmen. He makes me nervous.I would bring in Ramon, followed by Oki and then close it with Paps!! Why Tito waited so long to do something is beyond me.

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE!!! Get us OUT of this inning!!!!

Delcarmen is warming up! Need I say more!

The game is bad enough. The posting is miserable.

PULL HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU TITO!!!!

But you know what - Delcarmen scares me ALSO!!!!

What a freaking unbelievable play by Drew. I have been watching baseball for over 50 years and I have never seen that. Really heads up by Drew ..... most outfielders wouldn't have even throught about that.

Yes, Tito! It was Masterson and Delcarmen that coughed up 4 runs the other night! Masterson didn't fool anyone.

Any criticism Tito gets for this game he deserves.

oh....no.....please.....strikes.........

NOW!! *&*&%%(*)*(&*%^$(&^

NOT GOOD!

The game is aggravating enough but the posting makes it miserable. Can't someone do something???

This game shows me how bad a catcher Varitek is. Smoltlz shook him off al night. Masterson comes in and nothinging is right . He calls a very bad game. Watch the game closely.

On the road this weekend, why did Tito pull Smoltz? was his pitch count up?

I can't believe he is putting in the same two guys who haven't been able to record a out lately? How can these guys vary so drastically in performance? (although Delcarmen has never been Mr. Consistency). If we cough up this game, Smoltz is really going to think he is snake-bit or that the Braves baseball gods are seeking vengeance upon him and RSN!!

DREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A THROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is awful! Posting here is awful also. Atta boy JD! Great throw.

If the history repeats itself, the Sox don't deserve to be in the playoffs. Thanks DC a walk bases loaded.

Yes - dg - Smotz count was low 90s I think.

I can not believe this is happening AGAIN!!!!

*&&^%$P(*^

Masterson is warming up.

OKIE!!! PLEASE!!!!

Is not that two games in a row (for them) that the Manny/Masterson combo has given up 5 runs in one inning? What has gotten in these two guys? So much for our highly vaunted bullpen!!

YES!!!! OKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE MORE RUNS!!!!!!!!!!

How long do we have to put up with Delcarman? Package him with Lugo for a bag of peanuts.

Sox bullpen is coming back to Earth. Masterson looks like a lost child out there. Delcarmen's velocity is down about 5 mph. I think the reason they did so well early in the year was because the starting pitching reall sucked. They were getting plenty of work. Now that the starting pitchers are going 7/8 innings, the bullpen isn't getting as much work. Pitchers have to pitch, or they get stale. I think that's what we're seeing here.

I'm with you on that one 007! I didn't like Delcarmen last season!

Green should be fined for not running out that popup. It was a fair ball.

I hope the Sox are not as disheartened as we are and try to pull it together and get some more runs. At the rate we are going we are going to need them!

Imagine the bullpen without Oki.

Whatever criticism Tito gets for this game - he deserves.

Once again the UMP BLEW THE CALL!!!

Whatever criticism Tito gets for this game - he deserves.

Speak too soon about Oki! Sigh.....

Whatever criticism Tito gets for this game - he deserves.

I thought the same thing Garry. The first baseman looked like he could have dropped it.

Delcarment has been very good this year until the last couple of appearances. Ditto for most of the rest of the bullpen. Can't package them all up!

How bad would this be if the bull pen was pissed that Smoltz has taken Buchholz place in the rotation?? I know, not plausible on the major league level, but, when this stuff happens to Smoltz more than once you start thinking....

Whatever criticism Tito gets for this game - he deserves.

Whatever criticism Tito gets for this game - he deserves.

Rays have lost to Oakland 7-2.

Masterson and Delcarmen, the deadly duo!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
LET'SGOREDSOXLET'SGO!!!!!CLAPCLAPCLAP!!!!!!!!!!
IDOBELIEVEIDOBELIEVEIDOIDOIDOIDOBELIEVE...
I FREAKING BEEEEEEE-LIEVE!!!!!!!
HOW'BOUT YOU????????????????????

Maybe Masterson and Delcarmen are related to the Joba and Pettitte - they are all pitching about the same right now.

There will be a MIGHTY A*S*S chewing on the bull pen and John Farrell tonight if this falls apart anymore than it already has!!!!!

Can we bring Wakefield in? Or how about Eck??

I don't think this is Tito's fault. How could he have known we would have another EPIC FAIL out of our bullpen again???/

OKI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another one off Oki-- it looks like the handwriting is on the wall. C'mon Sox-- dig in and hold them.

Eck would just have BAD GAS Julia!!! Moss has grown on his cheese... and his paint has dried up!!

How can you criticize Tito for this game? He puts pitchers out there that have been lights out all year long and they don't perform! How can Tito be responsible for that?

You gotta blame that one on Pedroia. He's got the best angle on that and it's his ball. No excuse for that.

I agree about the 5 inning start thing!!!

I agree about the 5 inning start thing!!!

I can't believe it!! A pop up and we screw it up!!!

While I would love to blame Masterson and Del for their horrible pitching. the reality is our starters need to pitch beyond the 5th inning more.

COME ON DBARD!!!!

Five or six is all you're ever going to get out of Smoltz or Penny at this point. That's the price you pay for going with pitchers recovering from surgery.

Well Smoltz needs to be more economical than he has before tonight... I'm sorry I'm not sold on his being on the roster.... We've got too much at the farm than to be picking up guys like Smoltz... yes, I know his stats... but can anyone realistically tell me that he is 1/4 of the pitcher he was up until last year????

So Tito is now down to a young Rookie. Three weeks ago it would have been Ramirez or Saito and it would have been money in the bank.

Way to go Bard!!! Let's get some runs!!!!

Good Job by DBard!!!! He'll have to go back out in the 8th, right???

come on YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

Bard really showed me something tonight. Memories of Dick Radatz right there. Well done.

These umpires are really bad! They are totally inconsistent on balls and strikes

Maybe we should have brought Bard in earlier! :-)

Now is the time to start thinking about making some creative trades. Say Lugo and Penny for a starter who will go more than 6.

I would suspect he would Ellen. Who are we going to send if not him?

Hindsight is always 20/20 Julia!

C'mon Jason, do something today!!!

So true Garry! lol!

Okay - when did the KC catcher get hit? I didn't see it even in the replay.

Yes....... COME ON NOW JBAY.. I PUT YOUR BAT ON DEFROST AN HOUR AGO!!!
IT'S MORE THAN READY TO GO!!!!
WOOOOOOO-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Yes....... COME ON NOW JBAY.. I PUT YOUR BAT ON DEFROST AN HOUR AGO!!!
IT'S MORE THAN READY TO GO!!!!
WOOOOOOO-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

JBAY!!!! COME ON BOYS -RUNS!!!!

COME ON JACOBY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walking him!

Okay Tek is pissed now... Walked Ellsbury to get to him..........
MAKE EM PAY TEK-ER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBODY DIS'ES OUR CAPTAIN!!!

Well - at least one run!!!!!

Make them pay for walking Kotsay!!!!!!

Now they walk Kotsay tio get to Nick Green.. go ahead Nicky
MAKE EM PAY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Green! COME ON!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

I called it TWICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

WHOOOO HOOOOO!!

WE LOVE YOU NICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOO-WOOOOOOOOOO JDDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bases loaded again!!!!!!

KEEP IT ROLLING BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PEDEY GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOPEDEYGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grand slam for Kelli????

And he wanted that grand slam too.

Okay - feeling alittle better now!

credit where its due... that was one nasty pitch that Pedey struck out on!!!

We have a little bit of breathing room. I think we got a break when the umpire did not call Tek out when he was running to first base. But bad calls were made both ways. Let's go Sox. Hold them down!!!

Go sit down KC Manager!!!- you will not get the call for Tek!!!!

KC Manager thrown out.

Hope the wait doesn't effect Bard.

UGH!!! NOT A GOOD START!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NONONONONONONONO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN"T HAPPENING AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to be like the guy in the movie"what about Sal" SPRINKLE ME ON FENWAY.. alittle in right where Trot was, alittle more on 2nd for Pedroia, some in left where Yaz worked his magic ... some on 3rd for Mikey/Billy Mueller and some on 1st for Youk and Millahhhhhhh!!! I;m SICK!!!!!

Nothing is easy. C'mon Bard- Tek settle him down.

It has started raining where I am - it will be headed towards Fenway

C;, on Bard- put it past him.

BARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay - a few more runs!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is not enough alcohol in the world to get through these games!!!!

What happened? I went and had supper with the score 9-6! We were fortunate to come up with 3 more runs! We may need some more. GO SOX.

Over on Twitter - Bard threw 29 pitches - 25 were strikes!

YOUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Youk leaves the yard ..... AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SLUMP OVAH!!!!!!

go soxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Youk heard you Paul!!!!

Smoltz is still in line for the win, right??? we never lost the lead, so that makes him THEE guy right??? I hope so.. if he's going to be in the rotation... he needs to get the wins...

It's just slowing down a little at work so I thought I would check on the score. Looks like we got ourselves another wild one! Hang on to this win, Sox!!! Cmon boys!! 2 game lead soon.

Looks like the Sox want Smoltz for his October experience. He can re-invent himself during the season and then deliver in the playoffs----ala Shilling. Otherwise he's not much better than Dice-K. A billion pitches in 5 innings.

GO SOX!!!! Gotta run!!!!

And Jacoby is SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we walk Tek - have they not learned that walking Red Sox is NOT good!!!

Again with the intentional walks... MAKE EM PAY BABY'S!!!!

Hopefully this will backfire! GO SOX.

Come on Arron, get your 1st BIG big league hit!!!!

I called it AGAIN@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES,,, ELLEN'S ON FIRE TOOOOONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Aaron. What a moment for him!

First major league hit for Bates!!! And it's a RBI!!!!!

nick nick nick nick NICKY!!!!! COME ON MR GREEN GO FOR IT!!!

Ellen - do you pick lottery numbers??? LOL!!!

Finally a new thread.

Hey y'all here comes PEDEY!!!!!!!!!!! COME ON FUTURE DAD!!!! GIVE YOUR SON SOMETHING TO LOOK AT FOR THE TIME HE'S GOT MOM IN THE HOSPITAL!!!!!

So - the KC bullpen is doing an imitation of the Red Sox bullpen???? LOL!!!

HELL, I FORGOT ABOUT DREW!!!! WOOOOOOO-WOOOOOO
JDDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thunder storm coming through - I'm going off line for a bit! Hope to be back before the game is over!!!!! GO RED SOX!!!!!

Okay - I'm going to try and make it to the end of the game - it is raining hard in Fenway!

ONE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saito is in! IT IS POURING!!!

ONE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SMOLTZ GOT A WIN!!!!

Thank God we won that one! Okay - one more until the back!!

See you all tomorrow! Beckett goes for #11!!!!

Thank God we won indeed, Julia! SHEESH! At least we saw one good defensive play--I noticed the Drew force-out at home! (But that meant that the bases were loaded! SIGH!...)
Phil, I noticed your post must have delayed since it posted multiple times. I'd amend it though--not what Tito deserves, but what the BULLPEN deserves!
What is with Smoltz' outings? Does the BP not like him or something? That's two meltdowns in a row when he's pitched! NOT GOOD GUYS! Granted, we'd sure like Smoltz to go more than 5 IP, but the BP should not be THAT bad!
Ellen and Arnie, I'm thinking the Smoltz acquisition was not the best move, either, as hopeful as I was otherwise. Perhaps it will start to turn around for him with this win. I think we could have spent that money better, though! I still think he should have been closing, if he were to pitch, at all! (And theoretically, with Pap, we were not supposed to need a closer!) I also would have preferred that Buch (and/or Bowden!) were up here pitching right now, also!
What the HELLO is going on with the BP? I have not been able to see the games, due to my lack of computer at gametime, but the BP sure appears to be AWOL, even though the starters are, for the most part, going deeper into games. I don't think it is an issue of the BP being rusty--it is almost to the point, though, where I wonder if they are tipping their pitches!--Because they have not been fooling ANYONE!! Thank God for the All-Star Break--Tito and Farrell have their work cut out for them! GO SOX!