Despite getting into some trouble last night, Tim Wakefield showed the Oakland A’s why he was chosen to be an All-Star this year as he helped lead the Boston Red Sox to a 5-4 win last night.
At times last night, Wakefield’s knuckleball was just downright nasty. The best part of the night for me though was when he broke out the 60 MPH curveball on a full count to strikeout Matt Holliday. He left Holliday quite confused with that pitch.
In the process last night, Wake took over the AL lead for wins with 11 and is now also tied with Jason Marquis from the Colorado Rockies for the most in MLB. Let the debate begin now whether or not Wake should get the start next Tuesday in St. Louis. Personally, I think he should be the starter.
David Ortiz continues to see his average climb and has regained his power stroke. His 3-run homer played a big part in last night’s game especially after the local nine was shutdown early on by A’s starter Trevor Cahill. He’s now up to 10 home runs and 42 RBIs on the season and needs one more HR to reach 300 in his career.
Even with Big Papi’s resurgence, there are rumors the Red Sox will look to the trade market for a bat. With Mike Lowell’s hip an uncertainty, although he claims he’s fine, the Red Sox want to make sure they aren’t left behind in case he ends up with more problems. And of course there’s going to be the Roy Halladay rumors.
Cracking the code [Boston Globe]
Red Sox Hang On To Defeat A’s [Hartford Courant]
With a bang, Ortiz makes all the difference [Providence Journal]
Big Papi takes charge [Boston Herald]
Putting the pieces together [Boston Globe]
Papelbon Not His Usual Self [Hartford Courant]
Another white-knuckle save for Papelbon [Providence Journal]
Absent Julio Lugo attends to family matter [Boston Herald]
Thus far, no pitch for Halladay [Boston Globe]
Green can’t put his foot on it, and it costs him [Providence Journal]
Dustin Pedroia has an MVP night [Boston Herald]
Strength in numbers for slugger recently [Boston Globe]
Wakefield’s All-Star season continues [Providence Journal]
Costly Roy Halladay [Boston Herald]
Boston During Wakefield’s Debut [Wicked Good Sports]
Ellsbury’s not running on empty [Providence Journal]
After 11th win, Tim Wakefield deserves nod in AL [Boston Herald]
Beckett likes Halladay, but loves his guys, too [Full Count]
No way the Red Sox take a Halladay [Tony Massarotti – Boston Globe]
For more slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Providence Journal websites.
And if you want to see what the enemy papers are saying, head over to the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News and Contra Costa Times websites.
