This weekend could classified as a great weekend for the Boston Red Sox who took 3-of-4 from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays had come into the series having won 10-of-11 games and had gotten themselves into wild card contention. Now after the 3 losses this weekend, they will most likely be joining 22 other teams on the golf courses and vacation spots around the world.
Jon Lester continues to shine in front of our eyes. The 24-year old lefty once again dominated another team from start to finish. Other than the blip in the 1st inning, Lester’s stuff was phenomenal. He had good action on his cutter and great command and location of his fastball. And to think the Red Sox were considering trading him for Johan Santana last offseason. He truly is becoming the ace of the Red Sox staff.
“We are very, very proud of the way he is pitching. He’s turning into an elite guy,” Mike Lowell said. “You combine that with going into the postseason with Josh (Beckett) and Daisuke (Matsuzaka), that’s a pretty good group.”
It’s been fun watching him this season and he will get these same Blue Jays again this weekend.
Jonathan Papelbon isn’t too concerned about his recent troubles on the mound.
Blue Jays reliever Scott Downs could be out for the season after reinjuring his ankle on Saturday night.
The Red Sox and Rays are both ready for the big series that starts tonight.
Around the Bases takes a look at the players the Red Sox have under their control for 2009.
Julio Lugo will join the Red Sox on their 6-game road trip.
The Red Sox could be interested in acquiring Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the offseason.
Olympic silver medalist Alicia Sacramone will be the guest of Jed Lowrie at an upcoming Red Sox game.
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant and Providence Journal websites.
And if you must see what the enemy papers are saying, head over to the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star and Globe and Mail websites.
GREAT weekend! I even found myself rooting for the Yankees this weekend, and somehow, they helped us out. Can’t wait for this series in St. Pete, this is the week where we finally take first place back!
One more thing, if Julio Lugo is close to coming back, someone should trip him as he’s going down the steps and hurt him again. There is no way that screw-up should be allowed anywhere near this team as they have shown he’s no longer needed or wanted in Boston. Jed Lowrie has earned the SS position, and Francona would be crazy and wrong to insert Lugo if and when he becomes healthy.
I definitely don’t think you’ll see Lugo get his starting position back. If anything, he might spell Lowrie for a game but I really can’t see him getting too much playing time. Plus it’s highly doubtful they may even use him because since he’s on the DL, they can use a roster exemption for him in the playoffs.
If Lugo steps on the field in a meaningful role for the Sox again, I may jump off my roof. But I understand what you’re saying. And if we take first place back this week, I would make us a real contender for the AL’s berth in the World Series. I know the Angels are good, but we are still the champs, and we have proven that we can beat LAA in the playoffs…
Look at the numbers here http://tinyurl.com/5f6lld
who would you want in the lineup everyday?
You’re right. The Angels need to prove they can beat the Red Sox in the playoffs. Being the home team would be most beneficial for the Red Sox in the 1st round.