Red Sox acquire Victor Martinez and Casey Kotchman; greatly adds depth

It's official.

The Boston Red Sox acquired Cleveland Indians catcher/first baseman Friday afternoon in exchange for pitchers RHP Justin Masterson, LHP Nick Hagadone, and RHP Bryan Price.

Before that was officially announced the Red Sox traded newly acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman.

This had everyone baffled. Comparing the numbers, both players are pretty similar.

LaRoche 29 years old: .248 BA, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 83 SO, 27 2B, 41 BB

Kotchman 26 years old: .282 BA, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 28 SO, 20 2B, 32 BB

There was some speculation that this was setting up a bigger trade for Boston, but it's clearly not the case as the trade deadline has come and gone.

What do the moves do for the Sox? 

It greatly adds much needed offensive depth to the lineup and  also gives lots of versatility.

Kotchman can serve as a bench guy while Youkilis can remain playing at first base. If Mike Lowell needs a day off, Youkilis can move over to third and Kotchman can take over at first.

The acquisition of Martinez is huge in one of two ways. Not only will he be bringing another power bat, but Jason Varitek will able to take a few days off from behind the plate. Martinez can play first, catch, and DH.

If it all goes according to plan, the Red Sox will be fresh through the end of September and continue in October.

One move that wasn't made was for another starting pitcher. Roy Halladay wasn't moved at all and will be staying in Toronto. It looks like the Blue Jays might have gotten too greedy according to Bill Simmons Twitter page.

Worst college newspapers: University Chronicle

Welcome to a brand new sparked idea column that will be posted at complete random when it occurs.

No this has nothing to do with the Boston Red Sox, but this relates to another great, however "dying field" known as the newspaper industry that I also cover here on the blog.

This caught my attention.

I am a big fan of college newspapers as I was the Editor-in-Chief of my own, The Currier Times at Curry College my senior year.

Our newspaper was run on a strict regiment and never during my time reporting, investigating, writing, editing, and conducting layout, did we ever produce any "crap journalism" to say the least.

Well a certain "sports editor" of the St. Cloud State University, University Chronicle wrote an editorial piece about ESPN's Erin Andrews saying how it was a "huge publicity stunt."

Those three words pretty much sum up the article and this post. For common purposes I will not be linking to the article because they don't deserve it.

I do feel bad for the sports staff to even have to associate with this kid who clearly has no future in journalism.

Add the University Chronicle to my list of worst college newspapers online.

There is no such thing as an "anonymous" steroids test, period

In 2003, Major League Baseball players voluntarily submitted to a steroids test. They were told that this was strictly anonymous testing, it will remain confidential, and it was pure research to find out how bad the problem really was in the league.

In 2007, one by one names started to trickle out as to who tested positive on those "anonymous" tests. In total there are a suspected 104 players who have violated the drug testing policies.

First it was Barry Bonds, then Roger Clemens.

Speculation hit towards Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa for their record breaking home run season in 1998, both surpassing Roger Maris' 61 mark set in 1961. McGwire hit 70 and Sosa launched 66.

The next name to pop up was Alex Rodriguez after he clearly denied using any performance enhancing drugs on a 60 Minutes interview with Katie Couric in December of 2007.

That denial ended abruptly when the Mitchell Report came out and A-Rod was mentioned.

February Miguel Tejada pleaded guilty to lying to congressional investigators about the use of performance enhancing drugs in 2005.

In April it was Manny Ramirez who actually served a 50-game suspension, three months later it's David Ortiz.

Michael S. Schmidt is the New York Times reporter who broke the story on Thursday and covers the steroids beat in professional sports.

According to Schmidt, the documents were all suppose to be destroyed as he noted on NBC's Nightly News with Brian Williams.

Players thought it was safe, it would remain confidential and no one would ever find out. 

Well guess what, there is always someone out there that wants to destroy you and your reputation. There is always that reporter who wants to boost their career for being the person to break the "Barry Bonds scandal," the "A-Rod scandal," etc.

Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts broke the A-Rod story and conveniently has a new book entitled, "A-Rod," that has proof the New York Yankees third baseman took performance enhancing drugs.

Now it's Schmidt from the New York Times, a newspaper that doesn't isn't known for its glorifying sports reporting and coverage.

So is there someone to blame for this whole mess? The lawyers who let these names leak? The players for being naive enough to take the test in the first place? I bet every single of these 104 names wishes they never volunteered and they are probably praying every night that they aren't the next "big name" to be leaked out.

All in all it's just sad. I can unfortunately say I grew up watching the steroid area as an innocent child who was only excited and amazed about the 1998 home run chase between McGwire and Sosa. I was oblivious to what steroids were and never thought that's why they hit so many home runs, but now looking back it all makes sense.

I totally called it; David Ortiz linked to steroids

All I have to say is, I called it.

Back in May after the Manny Ramirez bombshell, there was a lot of speculation towards his best friend, David Ortiz while they were both teammates on the Boston Red Sox from 2003-2008.

Ortiz was in amidst of his worst slump of his major league career and did not hit a home run until May 20. 

It was safe to start thinking, "what if Ortiz was taking roids too?" which brought me to write, "What if Papi's juicing...?" back on May 8 (before he hit the home run). 

The post got 111 reads on Yardbarker, but there wasn't much discussion about it. This was also way before I joined, The Bleacher Report.

Today, July 30, 2009 Red Sox fans worst fears came true as it wasn't speculation anymore, but a true fact.

So what is everyone feeling?

Shocked? Surprised? Mortified? Upset? Disappointed? Saddened? Hurt? 

All of the above?

Unfortunately this is not a surprise and the beloved Big Papi will never be looked at as the same player again in Boston or anywhere else.

Amy Nelson of ESPN spoke to former Minnesota Twins teammate Torii Hunter and posted on her Twitter page, "Just got off the phone with Torii Hunter...he said he was "shocked" about Ortiz, and that "this hurts, this really hurts...". There are more quotes from Hunter in the full story.

Red Sox fans may have to start getting used to Ortiz being known as "Big Sloppy" and "Big Poppy."

The most disappointing aspect? Ortiz's commented back in spring training.

Via Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe: 

Ortiz in Feb: "I know that if I test positive for using any substance, I know that I'm going to disrespect my family the game, the fans."

Here's some more commentary from Boston Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy.

If Red Sox acquire Martinez is this good-bye to LaRoche?

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reported on Wednesday that the Boston Red Sox were the front runners of the Victor Martinez sweepstakes.

According to Heyman, the Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays are both interested, but it appears Boston can offer the better package.

There has been no word of what kind or who would be involved in the package. Unlike the Roy Halladay rumors when the names of Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, and Lars Anderson and others have popped up this have been kept awfully quiet, which could either mean one of two things.

1. The Red Sox will acquire Martinez involving some "surprise" players that no one has thought about (Brad Penny? Adam LaRoche?). 

2. The Red Sox will not acquire Martinez and get Halladay instead.

3. The Red Sox will get both Martinez and Halladay, however this seems unlikely unless Epstein gives up the farm.

4. The Red SOx won't get either of them.

There have been mini rumors speculating, getting LaRoche was a "quick fix" to the Sox offensive problems and become a key piece in a bigger trade.

Well think about it. Martinez and LaRoche, plus Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell? Mike Lowell was the designated hitter last night and David Ortiz came off of the bench to pinch hit. That sums it up right there.

Unless Boston switches off with Martinez and Jason Varitek?

So many possibilities and so many question marks.

Halladay or bust for Boston

Now with Cliff Lee off the trade market, there's more pressure deriving towards the Boston Red Sox in acquiring Toronto Blue Jays' ace Roy Halladay.

Jayson Stark from ESPN reported that Cleveland is sending Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies (pending a physical) in exchange for Triple A right-hander Carlos Carrasco, Class A RHP Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson, and shortstop Jason Donald.

With the Phillies out of the mix, the Red Sox clearly appear to be the front runners in making a deal happen after saying they'd part with Clay Buchholz.

But what will happen if nothing gets done? Pose no one gets Halladay and he stays with the Jays?

Boston needs to make a big trade happen before the deadline, however they should not empty out its farm system. It's either Halladay or bust at this point.

The Phillies are one step closer to being the National League Champions and also have a great shot in defending their World Series crown.

There are too many question marks in the Sox starting rotation (John Smoltz, Time Wakefield, Brad Penny, Daisuke Matsuzaka), but with the acquisition of Halladay the Red Sox will be one step closer becoming the American League Champions.

Color coded plaques for Baseball Hall of Fame steroid users?

What?

On today's episode of Globe 10.0 hosted by Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan, one of the questions of the day was "should the players who used steroids have an asterisk besides their numbers?" in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

That's a fair question. In the segment him along with guest, Charlie Pierce, talked about that it's not a bad idea, but without any test results and hard proof that you can't just label anyone just out of speculation. 

There are many complications to this however as Ryan explained, "Who did it why? Who did it when? Was he a hall of famer before? Was he a hall of famer after?" He ended it saying,  "This is hopeless," and he's got a point.

Pierce wants a sentence long asterisk explaining what years the players hit so many home runs and how it was the 'steroid' area.

That's almost more ridiculous, but the funniest part of the entire three minute discussion?

Ryan wants the Baseball Hall of Fame to have color coded plaques.

"I think some disclaimer has got to be done and I'm in favor of something that I kiddingly say, but I kind of mean, color coded plaques," said Ryan as Pierce erupts in laughter. "So you got one color for the known dead guys another for the guys who we think they did it, and then the guys we know are clean."

Who's in favor of color coded plaques? How about white for the clean guys, black for the dead known guys, and pink for the guys who we think they did it?

Masterson and Bard are untouchables in trade market

With three days until the July 31 MLB trade deadline, there's been a lot of rumors afloat involving the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, and recently the San Diego Padres.

First the buzz was all about 2003 Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay (he finished second in voting in 2008), but general manager J.P. Ricciardi has said he didn't want to trade him within the American League East.

Next there's been talk about Boston unleashing a blockbuster trade to acquire both left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee and catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez from the Indians.

Now the rumor mill has headed all of the way out to California involving first baseman Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres.

Trading away Gonzalez would not make Padres fans too happy, since he is the face of the franchise, but at this point, management probably doesn't care. San Diego is sitting in dead last, 24.5 games behind the Dodgers in the National League West.

This is probably the most far fetched and more likely will not happen.

The blockbuster trade for Lee and Martinez? Say good-bye to the entire Red Sox farm system/emerging stars of Lars Anderson, Michael Bowden, Daniel Bard, Justin Masterson, and Clay Buchholz.

But what about Halladay besides not trading with the East? It's been reported on The Boston Globe's Extra Bases Blog that Boston has offered Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, and Ryan Westmoreland (that's quite a last name) for the 32-year-old.

Sounds like Boston is still in it.

Bottom line, whatever happens Sox general manager Theo Epstein should not part with Masterson or Bard.

Masterson has also proven himself clutch worthy in the post-season at a very young age and that is hard to find these days. In the American League Division and Championship Series against the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays, Masterson allowed one earned run per series, had nine strikeouts total, and picked up a win. His playoff ERA is 1.86 and he is only 24-years-old.

Bard is a rising star that may be the future closer is Jonathan Papelbon decided to sign somewhere else. The kid can throw heat, clocking triple digits. Can anyone name another Boston pitcher who threw 100 mph?

If Buchholz must be traded, Boston must get Halladay or the Lee/Martinez package in return or it will be a mistake.

Let the buzz continue.

Editor's note: This is also featured on SOX & Dawgs.

Fang's Bites links Batter-up with Bruno twice in one day

For the first time ever, Ken Fang of Fang's Bites found us on The Bleacher Report, and right away linked us as part of his Monday Linkage. 

Excited how we got coverage from his very popular blog part of Bruce Allen's Boston Sports Media Watch, he didn't just link us once, but twice.

The first linkage was for "Gordon Edes gives Globe copy editor shutout on NESN telecast," which was originally found on The Bleacher Report.

Then later in the day we were linked again for our "Dustin Pedroia's true height revealed" post.

Could this be a new growing trend that we've been searching for?

Stay tuned.

Editor's Note: We were technically linked four times. Twice on Boston Sports Media Watch (which added Fang's Bites after Scott's Shots retired) and twice on the original Fang's Bites.

Dustin Pedroia's true height revealed

There's been a lot of speculation about Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia's height.

Pedroia is officially listed by Major League Baseball as 5 foot 9, 180 pounds.

When he stands next to David Ortiz (6'4, 280 lbs) he looks more like a little guy.

Well check out the supplied article photo.

Peter Schiller of Baseball Reflections was able to meet the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player last Saturday at the Salem 5 in North Andover and got his picture taken along with five of his six kids.

Schiller informed me that he stands at 5'5 and 3/4 of an inch. And as you can see from the photo, Pedroia is not much taller.

It looks like he can't be taller than 5'7, but looks as if he's only 5'6-5'6 1/2.

As for weight, well, we'll never exactly know about that one.

Thanks to Peter for supplying the photo!

Editor's Notes: This was also linked on Fang's Bites.

Gordon Edes gives Globe copy editor shout out on NESN telecast

If you haven't been paying attention this weekend, Yahoo! sports national baseball writer Gordon Edes has been filling in with Don Orsillo in the NESN broadcast booth.

Edes is the former Red Sox beat writer for the Boston Globe before Amalie Benjamin was promoted when he left for Yahoo! Sports around this time last summer.

Known as "Gordo" he's done pretty well giving a different insight of coloring the game. During Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Affleck trivia question came up with the question being, "Who is the only player in MLB history to lead the league in triples, home runs, and RBI in a single season?".

Orsillo gave a hint about "timing" so Gordo thought it was someone on the Orioles. Well it turned out to be Jim Rice, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday afternoon. Rice had 15 triples, 46 home runs, and 139 RBI in 1978 where he was named the American League MVP.

Edes admitted he should have known since he was a Globie for 12 years, but also admitted that he didn't a lot of stuff. When he didn't know something he said he'd call up the desk and ask Globe copy editors "Champ" Hoban, "Beansie" McBride, and John Carney to look up information for him.

It was the funniest thing I've ever heard on a NESN telecast and erupted into laughter and clapping.

Here's to the amazing Boston Globe copy editors who got a respectable and well deserved shout out for all of New England to hear. There'd be no newspaper/articles without them.

Editor's Note: This was also linked on Fang's Bites.

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 16)

The week started off horrible, but ended on a high note. After a five-game skid dating back to last week, the Boston Red Sox are looking to sweep the Baltimore Orioles Sunday after being swept by the Texas Rangers.

The Red Sox snapped their losing streak, which put them back to second place in the American League East, on Friday and are relieved to be back home at Fenway.

With the trade deadline creeping up, Theo Epstein made a couple of moves to improve the team. He traded for left-handed first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for two minor leaguers and then grabbed shortstop Chris Duncan from the St. Louis Cardinals sending Julio Lugo away for good.

LaRoche made his debut in a Red Sox uniform in unforgettable fashion by blasting a two-run home run in his fourth at-bat in a 7-2 win on Saturday. The outing improved Jon Lester's record to 9-7 this season and is now 21-5 lifetime at Fenway Park and 9-0 against the Orioles. Boston also extended its 11-game home win streak against Baltimore.

Sunday July 19 - Saturday July 25

Week record: 2-4

Overall record: 57-39

AL East standing: 2nd, 1.5 games behind New York

Runs scored: 18

Opponents' runs scored: 19

Home runs: 3; Nick Green (1), David Ortiz (1), Adam LaRoche (1)

Games left: 66

Weeks left: 12

American League East Roundtable

I was recently asked to participate in a Division Roundtable discussion for the American League East where author Daniel Abbas picked a representative from each team in the division and asked five questions.

Here's the full article featured on The Bleacher Report.

Here were the five questions asked:

1. Who is the best player in the AL East?

2. And the most disappointing?

3. Which team will win this division?

4. Will Roy Halladay go and where?

5. What's the most important series remaining?

Here are my answers:

1. Kevin Youkilis. His overall leadership and character cannot be beat by anyone on any other team. He has a solid offensive stat line (.299 BA, 17 HR, 57 RBI, 49 BB, 24 2B) and superb defense at both corners of the diamond, which shows he's a very versatile player. Don't forget he finished third in AL MVP voting last year.

2. Daisuke Matsuzaka. By far the biggest disappointment. After being the hero for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, Dice-K hasn't come close to being one with the Red Sox this year. He is on the 15-day Disabled List for the second time this season, did not win an outing until June 2 (5-1 win over Detroit) had an earned run average of 12.79 at one point (April 14 at Oakland), and is currently settling with a 1-5 record and 8.23 ERA. Not exactly the $103 million man that they signed in December of 2006.

3. Boston Red Sox. Despite what's currently going on in the divisional race, Boston overall will be stronger towards the end with its bench and pitching, but it will be ridiculously close. Count on Boston and New York to go back and forth during the stretch. The Red Sox offense is bound to heat up again.

4. Roy Halladay will not be traded. It's just one of those fantasy trades that you'd wish would come true. Why would Toronto give up its best pitcher and face of the franchise? If they were to trade him, it'll be out of the AL East and perhaps to the National League, maybe the Phillies? 

5. The final Red Sox-Yankees series at Yankees Stadium September 25-27. Arguably the entire month of September is the most important month with the Sox playing two series against Tampa Bay while the Yankees only host them once. The Rays will be a crucial factor in who wins the division. 

What are your thoughts on the discussion?

Just remember your karma Red Sox Nation

Red Sox Nation screamed hallelujah Thursday morning.

Why?

Because the Boston Red Sox aren't playing today.

Wow? Actually happy there's an off-day? What is going on here?

For the first time in a long time, Boston has lost five games straight.

How bad is it?

The New York Yankees just stole first place rankings in the American League East, now two games up.

How did this happen?

Boston's offense decided to take an extended vacation after Clay Buchholz start in Toronto last Friday. Collectively as a team they are batting .192 and have scored nine runs in five games. One and two runs twice, highest was three.

Did someone spike their Powerade? 

Who knows, anything is possible at this point.

OK Red Sox Nation, though we may be at the brink of trying every trick of the trade to get rid of the bad karma, remember this: Have you kept quiet towards Yankees Universe?

When the Red Sox were five games ahead in the AL East, did you rub it in New York's face?

When the Red Sox swept the Yankees April 24-26, did you do the Papelbon dance in front of fans? 

When the Red Sox swept the Yankees in the Bronx, did you say afterwards, "the Yankees suck!"? 

When the Red Sox made it 8-0 against New York, did you think that they would NEVER beat Boston?

Now is the time to keep quiet and let Yankees fans ruin their karma. Don't start pointless arguments. Don't start shouting matches with friends, family, co-workers, or random people on the street. Let them dig their own hole and look like the fools because this Red Sox fan has kept her quiet and cool and hasn't said peep to rub it in any Yankees fans faces.

The Sox have friendly Fenway to look forward to on Friday and the trading has only begun.

What can LaRoche do for Boston?

General Manager Theo Epstein got cracking Wednesday as the Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon in exchange for Portland shortstop Argenis Diaz and Greenville pitcher Hunter Strickland.

LaRoche, 29, is a left-handed hitter that the Red Sox desperately need right in their lineup right now.

Here's a quick background on his progress this season with the Pirates:

This season LaRoche is hitting .247 with 12 home runs, and 40 runs-batted-in with 41 walks, and an on-base percentage of .770. In his last 10 games he is 5-for-38 with one RBI and 11 strikeouts while his average dropped from .259 to .247. He has also played in 87 of Pittsburgh's 93 games.

Defensively, in 836 chances at first base, LaRoche has committed one error for a .999 fielding percentage.

With all of this said, it almost doesn't even sound promising. It almost makes fans what to yell out, "and why did Theo trade for this guy?"

Career wise, LaRoche has put up solid and consistent numbers. Not including his rookie season in 2004, he averages around a .270 BA, 25 HR, and 85 RBI.

What can LaRoche do for the Red Sox? Despite his current slumpage, which is fitting in perfectly with the current starting lineup, he is the perfect piece if Mike Lowell needs rest and if Mark Kotsay is not the answer. 

Like all good hitters, they all eventually breakout again.

LaRoche has outstanding defense that wouldn't downgrade if Youkilis had to play at third and overall adding the lefty makes Boston more versatile with more options on the field and in the batting order.

Tony Massarotti of The Boston Globe has his own take on the trade acquisition.

The trading is not over in Boston. Next will be Brad Penny. Tonight is another true test for Clay Buchholz. His performance is riding on Penny's future with the team. The John Smoltz factor, he can easily be pushed into the bullpen if necessary. 

Red Sox bats need to wake the bleep up

The Boston Red Sox are sending the right guy to the mound tonight, looking to end a demanding three-game skid, which has cost them sole first place in the American League East.

Josh Beckett is 6-0 after a loss and is shooting for lucky number seven.

Boston has suffered an offense implosion as they were dealt losses scoring a game-high three runs on Monday night in a 6-3 setback.

Scoring three runs at best is not exactly going to win games and the bats need to wake up now before it's too late.

There are several guys in slumps who include Jason Bay (2-for-15 since the All-Star Break), Jason Varitek (2-for-19), and J.D. Drew who has managed one hit in his last 26 at-bats. Dustin Pedroia is the only player in the lineup hitting above .300 (.302).

The New York Yankees are hot winning its last four games and are 7-3 in its last 10 while the Red Sox are 6-4. One game can make all of the difference. New York has won its last three with the score of 2-1 and is the first time since 1991.

The Yankees are hosting Baltimore in the Bronx followed by Oakland for a long four-game series.

Globe union votes 366-179 for new cuts

After being dragged out over the last three months, The Boston Newspaper Guild approved a $10 million package in wage and benefit cuts.

Once again there was an 80 percent turnout, but this time it was a landslide result (366-179) to approve the package. The new package consists of a 5.9% pay cut, furloughs, unpaid vacation, reductions in health and retirement benefits, including a pension freeze, and the elimination of 170 lifetime job guarantees.

This is an override of the previous vote two months ago, which called for an overwhelming a 23% straight across the board pay cut for all Boston Globe employees.

Employees have lived with the 23% cut since June 14. The new cut will go into effect on Sunday and all workers will be reimbursed for "most of the difference between the lower and higher pay cuts."

Boston Red Sox notes and observations vs. Blue Jays

The Boston Red Sox dropped the final game of a three-game series to the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-1 as Roy Halladay (11-3) retired the last 11 batters for his fourth complete game of the season. It was his 44th of his 12 year career. Halladay's season high is nine, which he's done twice in 2003 and 2008.

Notes, stats and observations:

This was the Red Sox first road series loss since May.

Jason Varitek played in his 1,400th game for the Red Sox, which ranked him ninth in club history.

Everyone knows of the David Ortiz shift, but the J.D. Drew shift?

It worked out for the Toronto Blue Jays as the leadoff man went 0-for-4 with three groundouts into the shift and a pop out to the catcher in foul ground.

Speaking of Ortiz, he drove in the Sox only run of the game, which was his 50th. That ranks him third on the team behind Jason Bay (72) and Kevin Youkilis (55). And to think he was in a horrific slump just a few months ago.

Jon Lester (8-7) had major control issues issuing four walks, but gave up only two hits until the sixth inning. The southpaw was up to 72 pitches in the fourth inning with two outs and hit 88 pitches at the beginning of the sixth.

Are you kidding me?

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Alex Rios stole second base, but was sent back to first because of an interference call. Apparently the home plate umpire got in the way of Varitek's throw making it impossible to throw Rios out. It lasted for a batter and he stole second base anyways.

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 15)

The MLB All-Star Game is behind us and the American League triumphed to secure home field advantage in the World Series. Jason Bay went 1-for-2 with a single, Kevin Youkilis was 1-for-1 also with a base hit, and Jonathan Papelbon earned the victory. 

Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield didn't get a shot to pitch while Dustin Pedroia opted out to be with his pregnant wife who going through early labor complications.

Jed Lowrie returned after going through a long rehab because of wrist surgery. It was his first major league game in 98 days. Lowrie went 1-for-4 with solo home run.

Today, Boston looks to take two out of three from the Toronto Blue Jays with Jon Lester on the hill pitching against ace Roy Halladay who's been swirling around in trade rumors.

Sunday July 12 - Saturday July 18

Week record: 2-1 (All-Star Break)

Overall record: 55-35

AL East standing: 1st, 2.0 games ahead of New York

Runs scored: 12

Opponents runs scored: 7

Home runs: 2; Kevin Youkilis (1), Jed Lowrie (1)

Games left: 72

Weeks left: 13

Lowrie returns, Penny can't pitch past 5th, Jays power by Red Sox

It was a tough afternoon for Brad Penny and the Boston Red Sox as the Toronto Blue Jays took game two of a three game series, 6-2 at the Rogers Centre before 36,926 fans.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie returned after undergoing wrist surgery that kept him sidelined for almost four months. According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, it was Lowrie's first start for the Red Sox in 98 days.

Boston (55-35) had a good chance to open up the game in the top half of the second as Rocco Baldelli knocked a double to right-field to score Jason Bay from first and Mike Lowell took third with no outs.

However the fire was quickly extinguished as Lowrie struck out, George Kottras popped to third, and J.D. Drew grounded out to second base to end the offensive attack.

Toronto (45-47) wasted no time in tying up the score in the bottom half of the inning then surged in the fourth and fifth innings knocking in five more runs. Adam Lind crushed his 20th home run of the season, a two-run jack in the fifth off Penny (6-4) who lasted five innings and gave up all six runs and eight hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.

Lowrie later on redeemed himself as he went deep in the seventh inning off Marc Rzepczynski (1-1) who gave up just the one run, four hits, four walks, and four strikeouts. It was his first major league win. Lowrie's home run was the best offense of the afternoon as the Red Sox were 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

The Boston bullpen was flawless with Justin Masterson and Ramon Ramirez not allowing a hit in the last three innings.

Penny has only pitched past the fifth inning four times this season and no deeper than the six.

Later Lugo; Red Sox designate shortstop for assignment

For once, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com got it right.

Today it was declared official that Julio Lugo was designated for assignment meaning the Boston Red Sox have 10 days to either trade the ridiculously overpaid shortstop and flat out release him. 

The Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin reported that multiple teams are interested, but isn't specific on what clubs. Also Theo Epstein is agreeing to come up with the costs of what's left of his four-year $36 million contract that he signed in December of 2006. 

Red Sox Nation was and is currently in celebration mode. Good thing it was conveniently announced on a Friday.

Lugo hit .284 in 37 games with four doubles, a triple, home run, eight runs-batted-in, and three stolen bases. That's not bad for a guy who had inconsistent at bats. However defense wise, he had seven errors in 97 chances for a .928 fielding percentage. Not horrific, but not the greatest. 

Looks like it'll be Nick Green and soon to be Jed Lowrie forever taking the shortstop role and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's a win-win deal for everyone. Lugo leaves, gets offered as trade collateral, Sox get a better position player, and life goes on.

Red Sox second half must and must nots

Red Sox Nation is going through some major withdrawal, but once Friday kicks in, it'll be a 74-game marathon to the American League East finish line.

Clay Buchholz has something to prove once and for all at the major league level Friday. Who knows, this start may just be his first and last year in a Boston uniform in 2009. However it won't be against Roy Halladay, instead it'll be Ricky Romero.

Boston is holding a three game lead over the New York Yankees who were swept by the Los Angeles Angels just before the All-Star Break. It'll be interesting if that effects the Bronx Bombers at all.

The rest of the July schedule isn't one of the easiest. The Sox begin with a six-game, two-series road trip visiting Toronto and then Texas who is battle the Angels for first place in the West. Then they return back to Fenway for a seven-game, two-series home stand with the Baltimore Orioles and Oakland Athletics. 

On the trade deadline, July 31, Boston begins a nine-game, three-series road trip into August with the Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Yankees. This series could easily make or break the outcome of the season.

There's rumors galore about what Sox general manager Theo Epstein needs to do.

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com is reporting that the Red Sox are "desperately" trying to deal Julio Lugo. A lot of people won't buy this unless ESPN or The Boston Globe says otherwise.

Here's the quick breakdown:

Boston needs...

another solid bat

bench guy

Boston doesn't necessarily need...

Roy Halladay

starting pitcher

reliever

Honestly, they don't need to do too much, but they need to do something. Thoughts?

Ranked 9th Red Sox writer on Bleacher Report

The new rankings for top Boston Red Sox writers came out on the Bleacher Report and I'm proud to announce that since joining the network 23 days ago, I'm ranked ninth out of 50 writers.

I've jumped from 20th, to 23rd, and officially moved up 14 spots.

Lets see if I can reach my goal of reaching the top five.

Keeping you posted.

That crazy Taco Bell commercial during the MLB All-Star Game

I did some digging and found that ridiculous Taco Bell commercial that aired last night during the 2009 MLB All-Star Game.

There is no way it was only a minute, that was definitely a two-minute long commercial. Some parts look sped up on here, but seriously...what is up with this Taco Bell commericial?

I mean, I love Taco Bell, but this is kind of over the top don't you think?

Random thoughts and reflections of 2009 MLB All-Star Game

Here are some random thoughts, questions, and reflections of the 2009 MLB All-Star Game...

FOX had the worse camera angle in the history of the All-Star Game being televised for the ceremonial first pitch thrown by President Barack Obama

It was then rumored that Obama's pitch bounced its way to the plate

The National League committed two errors in the first inning as the AL led 2-0

Derek Jeter was drilled in the wrist by San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum sending Red Sox Nation to a cheering frenzy

FOX paid more attention to President Obama than the actual game itself when he was up in the booth with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver

Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin came in the top of the third inning to secure the NL's lead

Jeter cried when Michigan called a timeout against North Carolina in the 1993 NCAA football championship, but didn't have anymore timeouts left

Why did FOX even mention that to begin with?

Taco Bell has the most whacked out commercials "It's all about the rollabouts (???) baby" that had to be an almost two minute spot

I wonder how much money Gatorade poured out to be the official sports drink?

Joe Buck and Tim McCarver's popularity officially hit into negative approval ratings

Jeter is an official spokesperson for Ford?

UPDATE

If Carl Crawford didn't make that catch, Jonathan Papelbon would have not only been outcasted from the American League, but Red Sox fans would never hear the end of it from Yankees fans.

How ESPN and the MLB ruined the original Home Run Derby

After all of the hype, the 2009 Home Run Derby is over with and Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers was crowned the champion over the Texas Rangers' Nelson Cruz Monday night at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Fielder edged Cruz 6-5 in the final round.

Ok so this is old news, everyone knows this by now. So where are we getting at here? Simple. ESPN's coverage and the transformation of the event over the last 50 years.

Year after year with Chris Berman screaming, "BACK BACK BAAAAAACK WAAAAAY BAAAAACK" you'd think viewers would just get accustomed to it, but this year oh no, ESPN had to add two more fellas; Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips. 

Now Phillips isn't nauseating to hear, but the combination of Berman and Morgan was just dreadful. This caused many people to not only complain on every social network (a.k.a. Twitter) on the internet, but also either continue watching it on mute or shutting off it entirely.

And every year it never seems to not end at a decent hour. 

Believe it or not the origination of the Home Run Derby was back in 1960 as a television series hosted by Mark Scott who was an actor and Hollywood Stars broadcaster. It was filmed at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles during the offseason and it was only two players participating. The rules consisted of hitting as many home runs in nine innings and getting three outs per inning.

There were no screaming announcers, no crazy crowds, no advertising billboards, and no Gatorade as the official sponsor as well as MasterCard.

They used to show re-runs of the series on ESPN Classic.

Very interesting having it in the offseason, which makes way more sense than having it mid-season, however if that were to be changed people would argue the same for the All-Star Game. 

It's an interest take.

Buchholz vs. Halladay on Friday; what does this really mean?

The Boston Red Sox made an interesting move on Sunday when they officially promoted Clay Buchholz from Triple A Pawtucket.

His name has been swirling around amongst trade talks recently especially with the Toronto Blue Jays who are saying that there's a possibility they'd trade their ace Roy Halladay.

Toronto is sitting in fourth place out of five teams in the American League East. They were hanging around for a while in the beginning of the season, but as of late have been dying off. Tampa Bay has taken sole control of third place as they are seven games above .500.

It might be safe to say the Jays are done competing with the initial AL East powers, but if so, why trade away their ace to a division rival? Halladay's contract ends in 2010 so if he were traded, his new club would have him for a guaranteed year and a half and longer if they sign him to a deal.

So why would Toronto risk having to face Halladay almost 19 times a year? That just sounds crazy.

Buchholz is scheduled to start on Friday against Halladay and the Jays and it was reported that two Jays scouts were watching Buchholz pitch the other day.

Is this a test to see if Toronto is interested in striking a deal with the Red Sox? There's a lot of speculation of that's exactly what's going on however Boston would have to give up way more than Buchholz to land Halladay.

Because of the roster move, Boston will have a six-man rotation after the All-Star Break of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield, Brad Penny, John Smoltz, and Buchholz and there's no way that's going to stay permanent.

But besides pitching, what about another bat? That's what the Red Sox really need, is another secure power hitter to insert in the lineup if Mike Lowell won't be up to par in the second half. Why is no one talking about this?

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 14)

Believe it or not, there's one more game until the All-Star Break and the Boston Red Sox are looking to take three out of four over the Kansas City Royals. The Sox are also hoping that the Los Angeles Angels can sweep the visiting New York Yankees so they can have a nice three game lead heading into the break.

It was a better week despite being shutout against the Oakland Athletics (6-0) and blowing a 4-0 lead to the Royals in the first game of the series. 

Nomar Garciparra returned to Fenway Park for the first time in five years as an A's member on Monday and was welcomed warmly with a minute long standing ovation during his first at-bat.

David Ortiz's bat is hot right now as he blasted four home runs this week alone to bring his season total to 12 and 300 in his career. He is now ranked 19th on the active home run list.

The Red Sox bullpen has been uneasy ever since June 30 in Baltimore. Justin Masterson has not been masterful at all and has given up 12 runs in his last six innings pitched. 

On a good note, John Smoltz (1-2) finally gained his first win in a Red Sox uniform and in the American League as the Sox won the Saturday night slug fest over the Royals 15-9.

Sunday July 5 - Saturday July 11

Week record: 5-2

Overall record: 53-34

AL East standing: 1st, 2.0 games ahead of New York

Runs scored: 40

Opponents' runs scored: 33

Home runs: 12; David Ortiz (4), Dustin Pedroia (2), Kevin Youkilis (2), Jacoby Ellsbury (1), Jason Bay (1), Jason Varitek (1)

Games left: 75

Weeks left: 14

Dude, we've been marked as "lame"

It appears we have a comedian visiting our site.

Last night I discovered that all of my recent posts with the exception the Tim Wakefield  All-Star one were checked as "lame" in my reaction column, which appears at the bottom of each post.

This morning I discovered that the check marks moved around so now Tim Wakefield is apparently lame and my Red Sox weekly recap isn't anymore.

The culprit is obviously following me on Twitter because I specifically mentioned it and magically this morning the check marks got switched around...unless we got some kind of bug on the loose?

I hardly doubt it.

I guess the "person" has nothing better else to do, but to say we're lame. If they are really following me on Twitter, do us a favor and unfollow me. Your opinions are meaningless here.

So congratulations, I guess Batter-up with Bruno has been officially dubbed as a "lame" site. Darn, and I thought we were one of the "cool people" too.

Pitching duel goes the Red Sox way

No one thought it was going to be this epic of a pitcher's duel between Jon Lester and Brian Bannister, but we'll take it.

In the end it was the Boston Red Sox that triumphed.

Jonathan Papelbon was his 2007 self and got a rare one, two, three inning to earn his 23rd save of the season as the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 1-0 at Fenway Park before another sold out crowd.

Jon Lester who sported a LIVESTRONG glove and cleats upped his record to 8-6 as his earned run average dropped to 3.87. Lester pitched eight strong innings allowing only four hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts. 

Everyone did their part in the bottom half of the eighth inning, even the opposing pitcher. 

Mark Kotsay led off the inning with a seeing eye single right up the middle, Nick Green successfully planted a sacrifice bunt to move Kotsay to second base. Bannister threw a wild pitch to allow Kotsay to advance to third, and Dustin Pedroia was the hero as he launched a wall ball double to score Kotsay.

The win gives security to Boston's first place status in the American League East. Now the Red Sox need to focus on their next two games before the All-Star Break. 

It's make it or break it time.

Final home stretch crucial for Boston

This is it. The final home stretch. This will either make or break the Boston Red Sox who are barely hanging on to the lead in the American League East over the New York Yankees.

The Yankees already beat the Minnesota Twins this afternoon at the Metrodome and for the next four days (including tonight) Boston is playing host to the Kansas City Royals.

This series is crucial and the Red Sox need to win it in order to feel comfortable amidst the four-day break.

And by crucial, here's a flashback that Sox fans care not to recall: 

It's 2006 and Boston reached the halfway point in very devastating fashion at Chicago in a 6-5 19 inning loss to the White Sox. 

Jonathan Papelbon came in the bottom of the ninth to seal the deal, but Jermaine Dye had other plans and blasted a solo shot to left field and thus sent the game into extra innings tied at three.

The Red Sox struck first in the top of the 11th when Mark Loretta hit a two-run RBI single to score Willie Harris and Kevin Youkilis as they went ahead 5-3. However the White Sox retaliated in the bottom half and tied up the score again. 

The frustration continued until the bottom of the 19th when Tadahito Iguchi drove in the winning run off of Rudy Seanez as Chicago literally came all of the way back to win it. Boston led 3-0 at one point, but the White Sox chipped away to score single runs in the 4th, 6th, and 9th.

The game took six hours and 19 minutes, one of the longest ever in '06. 

And what happened after the break? The Red Sox had a massive meltdown in August going 9-21. Yes 9-21. Meltdown highlights include being swept by the Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and last, but not least, the Yankees in a five-game series at Fenway Park. The season ended after that.

Boston finished third for the first time since 1997 in the division under the Toronto Blue Jays with a 86-76 record (11 games behind New York).

So again, how crucial is this series for the Red Sox? Things are about to get a little bit more interesting.

Garry Brown final salute in digits

Masslive.com finally posted up a tribute to the one and only legendary sports columnist Garry Brown Tuesday afternoon.

Almost two weeks ago I wrote an article here saluting Brown on his tremendous career and happy retirement.

We almost got mentioned at the bottom of Greg Saulmon's post, but since I wrote my piece for both here and SOX and Dawgs, it looks like Google found SOX and Dawgs first. You lucked out Ian!

So close, ugh.

Here are some key tidbits from Saulmon's post:

4,886-4,369: Win-Loss record of the Boston Red Sox, 1950 through June 30, 2009.

6: Former Red Sox players who've had their numbers retired.

5: Number of those players who were active members of the Red Sox roster during Brown's career.

5:27: Time (p.m.) at which, at a recent Sox game, a sign at Fenway park displayed the message: "The Red Sox Thank Garry Brown For His Decades Of Coverage For The Springfield Republican. Enjoy Your Retirement. You Will Be Missed."

.......................................................................................................

UPDATE: We are now officially linked on masslive.com thanks to Ian over at SOX and Dawgs who cleared it up! Much appreciated!

Breaking News: Globe beat; Marc J. Spears leaves for Yahoo! Sports

Reported by Boston Sports Media Watch via Twitter:

"Marc J. Spears leaving the NBA beat at the Boston Globe for the NBA beat at Yahoo! Sports"

Bruce Allen, author of BSMW, got the word from the Yahoo! Sports NBA Twitter feed, which he reported on his site earlier tonight.

Yahoo! reported it around 7:00 p.m on its Twitter page.

Spears joined the Globe staff in 2007 and reported the 2007-08 Boston Celtics championship run. He was only a two-year member of the staff.

With Spears leaving onto better job security, like old friend former Boston Red Sox beat writer Gordon Edes, there is now a massive hole to fill on the Celtic beat.

Keeping you posted with this developing story.

(Gotta love Twitter)

Welcome back to Boston Nomah

This is also featured on SOX and Dawgs.

Believe it or not, it's been five years since Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein shocked the baseball world by trading away fan favorite and five-time All-Star Nomar Garciaparra on the July 31 deadline in 2004.

I specifically remember that dreadful day (at the time). I was at work all day with no access to a computer or blackberry and by the time I had gotten home my friend left me a voice message on my cell phone. At the same time I turned on the television, but ended up hearing the horrific news first on my phone then glanced at the TV screen stunned, shocked, and broke out into tears. 

Garciaparra was traded as part of a blockbuster four-team deal involving the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and Minnesota Twins.

Boston sent him along with Single A outfield prospect Matt Murton to the Cubs and received Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins. 

My friend thought I already knew about it because I'm always on top of breaking Sox news, but for some reason I wasn't that day. July 31, 2004 was easily one of the worst days being a Red Sox fan in my young life. Nomar was and still is my favorite Red Sox of all time (keep in mind I'm 23 years-old so I'm too young to have seen Carl Yastrzemski or Ted Williams play).

I did not understand it. I eventually excepted it. And even till this day if it had to be done all over again, I would have agreed with Epstein's decision. Let's face it Red Sox Nation, if Epstein didn't make the trade, the Sox would not have won the World Series in 2004.

Since then, Garciaparra has not come back to face the Red Sox because he's been on two National League clubs, the Cubs and then the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier this season, Boston made the trip up to Oakland, Garciaparra's new home team.

Tonight Nomar (as Sox fans always tended to use his first name rather than his last) returns to the Fenway Faithful as a member of the Athletics for the first time in five years.

I expect to see countless Garciaparra jerseys in the stands and I also expect him to receive a massive standing ovation, in which he rightfully deserves. Despite being on the Sox for just about nine seasons, he very well goes down on the list as one of the best team players of all-time. And to back up my statement I give you his resume.

Nomar Garciaparra's Red Sox Resume

Five-time All-Star

1997 American League Rookie-of-the-Year

1997 Silver Slugger Award

Hit three home runs on his birthday (2002)

Had two grand slams and a home run on May 10, 1999 vs. Seattle Mariners

1999 Batting Title (.357)

2000 Batting Title (.372)

Major League Records

Most RBIs by leadoff hitter: 98 (1997)

Most home runs by a rookie: 30

Most doubles in a season by a shortstop: 56

American League Records

Longest hitting streak by a rookie: 30 games

Red Sox Records

Most totals bases by a rookie: 365

Most hits by a rookie: 209

Most stolen bases by a rookie shortstop: 22

Most RBIs in one game (tie): 10 May 10, 1999 vs. Seattle Mariners

But ever since his wrist injury in 2001 Garciaparra hasn't been the same player. He was always injury prone in his wrist and his right archilles tendon and that pretty much killed his "amazingness" at the plate and on the diamond. Despite that he'll always be remembered as a Red Sox great.

Welcome back Nomar. You'll always be our number one shortstop in our hearts.

Tim Wakefield is officially an All-Star

A dream has finally come true for Boston Red Sox veteran pitcher Tim Wakefield. After posting arguments about why Wakefield should and shouldn't be selected as an All-Star, the managers have spoken and selected him for the American League roster in St. Louis.

Here 's the Red Sox breakdown:

Fans' vote

Jason Bay LF

Dustin Pedroia 2B

Players' vote

Jonathan Papelbon Closer

Josh Beckett SP

Managers' vote

Tim Wakefield SP

Kevin Youkilis 1B (Mark Teixeira will start at first base)

This is Wakefield's first All-Star game in his 17-year career (15 with the Red Sox). He received a tremendous standing ovation at Fenway this afternoon when his name was called along with his five other teammates. 

Congrats to Tim Wakefield for being named to the American League All-Star team!

Red Sox weekly recap (Week 13)

The Boston Red Sox are almost officially at the midway point of the 2009 season and so far they have achieved expectations. However the Seattle Mariners are trying to do something that has never been done in its 32-year history.

Seattle has never swept a three-game series at Fenway Park and Jon Lester and the Red Sox are making sure that this is avoided. Bad enough the Mariners ended the Sox seven-game consecutive winning series. 

Also this week the New York Yankees have crept up in the standings and now Boston doesn't have that much breathing room anymore. This week is huge with the home game stretch then the All-Star Break.

Another note: This is the first week since week one that the Sox have had a losing week.

Sunday June 28 - Saturday July 4

Week record: 2-4

Overall record: 48-32

AL East standing: 1st, 1.0 game ahead of New York

Runs scored: 29

Opponents' runs scored: 28

Home runs: 7; Kevin Youkilis (2), J.D. Drew (2), Jacoby Ellsbury (1), George Kottaras (1), Jason Varitek (1)

Games left: 82 

Weeks left: 15

Saito snaps Sox series streak

Red Sox Nation to bullpen...come in bullpen. Are you there? Hello? Bullpen? Hello? Anybody there??? 

All good things eventually have to come to a close and Saturday afternoon that's what happened to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Sox relief pitcher Takashi Saito pitched one of his worst outings of the year and let a 2-2 tie turn into a 3-2 Seattle Mariners win as Boston couldn't capitalize in the bottom of the ninth inning.

This is the first series that the Red Sox have lost since playing Texas at Fenway from June 5-7.

Saito gave up three walks, a hit, run, and strikeout, and that's what cost him. He rightfully picked up the loss and is now 2-2 on the season with a 3.45 earned run average. This is his second consecutive poor outing as he was dealt the loss in extra innings to Baltimore just four days ago.

Boston had a beat in the second inning as Jason Varitek launched a two-run home run for the quick 2-0 lead. Seattle cut the lead in half in the top half of the third when Ichiro Suzuki scored all the way from first base off Russell Branyan's double, which he tried to turn into a triple, but was thrown out to end the inning.

Penny had another decent outing going six innings deep and allowing two runs off six hits, six strikeouts, and a walk. He left when the game was tied at 2.

The bullpen was solid before Saito came in as Justin Masterson and Hideki Okajima pitched flawlessly allowing no hits, no runs, a walk, and a strikeout combined.

Lead off hitter J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia combined going 0-for-8 with three strikeouts and a walk.

Terry Francona is going to have to figure out another way to shake up that lineup again. 

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from Batter-up with Bruno

Boston Sports Media Watch Twitters Batter-up with Bruno

Twitter Updates for BSMW on 2009-07-03

Posted by Bruce in Hot Links Digest | 9:00 pm

Jul032009

• Batter-up with Bruno – Sean Casey takes a whack at color commentating http://tr.im/qPTS #
• Sox send it to extras, but can't top Mariners, fall 7-6 in 11.http://tr.im/qPQT & http://tr.im/qPRa #redsox #
• Rasheed expected to make a decision in "a week" or so on Celtics offer. http://tr.im/qPQo Hope the Ainge won't be idly waiting by till then. #
• 'Halfway' home, Boston could scarcely be in better spot – Red Sox midseason report from Jon Couture: http://tr.im/qMnk #

This might be one of the best surprises I've ever woken up to. I subscribe to Boston Sports Media Watch and every morning at 11:00 a.m. I get the latest news updates in my inbox.

Well this morning I had to do a double take. Bruce Allen, the author of BSMW Twittered my "Sean Casey takes a whack at color commentating" last night and it was posted under his "Twitter Updates for BSMW on 2009-07-03." 

Special thanks to Bruce for deeming my Sean Casey post worthy enough to be mentioned on the big stage!