Over the course of the next four days, we are going to hear a lot of talk and rumors about whether or not the Boston Red Sox will be buyers or sellers. Part of that is the addition of the second wild card, a spot they are just 4.5 games out of.
The other part of that is the fact that they are in New York this weekend for a three-game set with the Yankees. Three losses to the Yankees and we can basically write off the 2012 season as a loss because odds are the Red Sox would become sellers.
There’s also the chance that we see the Red Sox be both buyers and sellers.
You may remember that back in 2010, the Red Sox acquired Jarrod Saltalamacchia at the trade deadline. He wasn’t acquired for that season but the future.
As a fan base here in Red Sox Nation, we don’t tolerate mediocrity. In a sense, the ownership group has spoiled us. But over the past few years, the Red Sox haven’t been to the playoffs.
They were last there in 2009 when they were swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3-0 in the AL Division Series. They haven’t won a playoff game since Game 6 of the 2008 ALCS when they beat the Tampa Bay Rays only to fall in Game 7.
The team has gone out and gotten some big name players in John Lackey, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.
Lackey hasn’t contributed much and was lost for this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Crawford struggled last year and had missed most of this year with injuries to his wrist and elbow. He’s back now but it’s still quite too early to see if he’s been worth the $142 million.
Gonzalez had a monster 2011 season but hasn’t put up the same numbers this year as last year. But he’s still doing well to be deserving of the $154 million contract extension he received.
Given how the 2011 season ended with the scandal and firing of Terry Francona, you would have expected the Red Sox to come out with a chip on their shoulder this season.
Unfortunately, injuries and subpar performances have killed any chance of the Red Sox building up any momentum. If it weren’t for the role players, Daniel Nava, Will Middlebrooks, Pedro Ciriaco, Felix Doubront, Scott Podsednik (when he was here), Rich Hill (before he got hurt), Andrew Miller, Mauro Gomez amongst others, the Red Sox would probably be worse for the wear.
It’s easy to sit here and say Bobby Valentine is to blame. I know I wasn’t the biggest fan of his hiring but folks, it is not his fault. He’s done the best with what he was given this year.
There’s always injuries during a baseball season. You never expect though that there would be as many as the Red Sox have had this season. And like I said above, if it weren’t for those players filling in, we’d be talking about how the Red Sox have already sold off some good players.
If the Red Sox really want to make a statement, they’ll step up their games and do their absolute best to take all three games from the Yankees. While it might confuse the front office into thinking they are contenders, it could end up being a big ego boost to the team.
We’ll be back later with today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. So for now, let’s take a look at the overnight links from the media.
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Time for Sox is now [boston globe]
Cook prepared to get series started [boston globe]
Hey, anything’s possible [boston herald]
Surplus parts could be moving [boston herald]
Miracles can happen [boston herald]
Red Sox search for consistent play [boston herald]
Source: ‘Nothing close’ on Beckett deal [rob bradford – weei.com]
Red Sox better off platooning Crawford? [espn boston]
Cherington talks deadline, Sox odds [espn boston]
Despite standings, Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees still a rivalry [espn boston]
It’s time to blow up Red Sox roster [extra bases]
Podcast: Harold Reynolds talks Red Sox [extra bases]
Red Sox Will Need to Solve Yankees’ Sizzling Pitching Staff to Stay Afloat in Playoff Race [nesn.com]
Pedro Ciriaco Relies on Bunting to Survive in the Majors, Spark Boston’s Offense [nesn.com]
Red Sox’ Trade Deadline Fate On the Line in Weekend Series Against Yankees (Podcast) [nesn.com]
Buy or sell? Red Sox could go either way [redsox.com]
Police officer fired after directing slur at Crawford [redsox.com]
With Yankees waiting, A-Gone enters Fan Cave [redsox.com]
Stacking up the chips: What the Red Sox have to deal (and why their most untradeable prospect might not be the one you expect) [alex speier – weei.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSN New England, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
photo credit: ap photo
Well here’s the breakdown courtesy of 
49-49
57-39