Pedro! Pedro! Pedro! Certainly if the Boston Red Sox were playing at home last night instead of Yankee Stadium that would have been the chant going on. And if you’re the New York Yankees you probably don’t want to see Pedro Ciriaco anytime soon.

For the second straight night, Ciriaco delivered the big hit as his bloop single in the 10th gave the Red Sox a 3-2 lead and the win.

David Robertson started the 10th for the Yanks by walking Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Will Middlebrooks attempted to bunt him over but was hit with the pitch as he tried the bunt. Despite Middlebrooks showing the ump where he was hit, it was ruled a foul ball. Bobby Valentine came out to argue and was promptly ejected. Moments later, Josh Beckett was ejected as well for arguing from the dugout. WMB ended up with a single a few pitches later.

Ryan Sweeney followed that with a fielder’s choice that saw WMB retired at second but with Salty getting to third. With the Yankees infield draw in, Ciriaco was able to get one just over the infield to bring in Salty with the eventual winning run.

Russell Martin proved to be the killer to the Red Sox pitching staff last night.

He provided both of the runs for the Yankees. He hit a solo home run in the 7th off of Felix Doubront and then gave Alfredo Aceves the blown save in the 8th when he singled in Andruw Jones who had doubled off of Andrew Miller.

Despite five walks, Doubront continued to dominate the Yankees, the same team he basically earned the starting nod against during spring training. Of the four hits he allowed, three of them were infield singles. He picked up a whopping 15 swings-and-misses on his fastball, curveball and changeup.

While he did struggle with his location at times, it was nice to see him battle through when he did get in trouble. Every start he makes, he’s entering uncharted territory for himself as this is the most innings he’s thrown in the big leagues.

But he’s also one of the big reasons the Red Sox are where they are today as his 10 wins lead the staff.

Offensively, Sweeney provided the first two runs of the game with a two-run double off of Hiroki Kuroda in the 2nd inning. Adrian Gonzalez continues to swing a hot stick as he added two more hits as did Jacoby Ellsbury.

Obviously this weekend didn’t provide an answer to whether the Red Sox are contenders or pretenders, buyers or sellers. But what it did show is that this team can battle back when in a hole. And if they can continue to do that over two plus months of the season, there’s no reason why we can’t see them playing in the wild card play-in game at the very least.

Of course we’ll be watching the rumor mill just like you over the next two days to see what/if the Red Sox are going to do.

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.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Flare for the dramatic [boston globe]

Doubront, Aceves get job done [boston globe]

Matsuzaka makes Olympics pitch [boston globe]

Valentine shows that he is feeling connected to the cause [boston globe]

Hunting for signs of hope [boston globe]

Francona apologizes to Valentine [boston globe]

Conducting Boston pops: Pedro Ciriaco’s bloop hit boosts Sox [boston herald]

Alfredo Aceves gets last laugh in 10th [boston herald]

Bobby Valentine in center ring of Big Apple circus [boston herald]

Sox show Yanks, GM what they can do [boston herald]

Bobby V gets fired up [boston herald]

Carl Crawford desperately trying to live up to his end of the bargain [rob bradford – weei.com]

Andrew Miller finds Orel Hershiser’s criticism ‘kind of odd’ [clubhouse insider]

Assessing the Josh Beckett market as trade deadline nears [clubhouse insider]

Ciriaco, Sox escape Bronx with 3-2 win in extras [csn new england]

First pitch: Wins in New York something to build on [csn new england]

Experts: Beckett trade is unlikely [csn new england]

Valentine, Beckett ejected after umpire misses Middlebrooks HBP [csn new england]

Ciriaco, Doubront proving to be New York giants [csn new england]

Quiet on trade front for Sox — for now [espn boston]

Aviles sits as toe is still bothersome [espn boston]

Valentine not bothered by Tito’s visit [espn boston]

Salty has company among top whiffers [espn boston]

Rapid Reaction: Red Sox 3, Yankees 2 [espn boston]

Francona: Win a ‘big swing game’ for Sox [espn boston]

Bobby Valentine’s ejection could pull Boston Red Sox together [espn boston]

Source says Boston Red Sox ‘trying to dump’ Josh Beckett [espn boston]

Bobby Valentine: ‘I’ve never been told that [Carl Crawford] needs an operation’ [full count]

Closing Time: Pedro Ciriaco plays hero role again as Sox win in extras over Yankees [full count]

Source: Red Sox discussing Josh Beckett with Rangers, among others [full count]

Bobby Valentine Has No Plans to Make Pedro Ciriaco a Full-Time Starter, but Hints That Roster Spot is Safe [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford Reiterates Need For Tommy John Surgery While Bobby Valentine Contradicts Him [nesn.com]

Bobby Valentine’s Ejection Gets Red Sox Fired Up Before Rallying to Take Series From Yankees [nesn.com]

Pedro Ciriaco Quickly Evolving Into Yankee Killer With Heroic Performances in Clutch [nesn.com]

Report: Red Sox Among Teams Inquiring About Rafael Betancourt [nesn.com]

How Felix Doubront attacked the Yankees on Sunday night [projo sox blog]

Miller miffed by ESPN criticism [projo sox blog]

Valentine, Beckett tossed on disputed strike call [redsox.com]

Red Sox may have turned it around in Bronx [redsox.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.

And if you must check out the enemy news, head over to the ESPN New York, New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Times and The Journal News websites. You can also check out our Bloguin brother, NYY Stadium Insider.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

Looking forward to a new challenge, assignment [jim fuller – new haven register]

Reshuffled Big East ready to convene in Newport, R.I. for media day [new haven register]

Big East Football Media Day: UConn Huskies Preview [SB Nation NY]

Wins scarce early in Terps’ Edsall era [Roanoke Times]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Phil Nolan Looking Good at GHPA [david borges – new haven register]

Kahlil Dukes commits to USC, adds to growing number of CT hoops stars [kevin duffy – ct post]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

After winning last night 8-6, the Boston Red Sox look to get back to .500 and take the weekend series tonight in the finale of a three-game set with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. You can also watch the game online at ESPN3.com or on your mobile device with the WatchESPN app. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Felix Doubront toes the rubber for the 20th time this season tonight. In his previous 19 starts, Doubront is 10-5 with a 4.54 ERA. He’s made two starts against the Yankees this season and is 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA (4 ER/12.1 IP). He’s made six career appearances (two starts) against the Evil Empire and is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA (6 ER/17 IP). Two of those appearances have come in the Bronx where he has no record with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/2 IP).

Hiroki Kuroda will make his 21st start of 2012 for Joe Girardi. In his previous 20 starts, Kuroda is 10-7 with a 3.34 ERA. He picked up a no decision in his only start of 2012 against the Red Sox after allowing seven runs (six earned) in 5.2 innings back on July 6th. Overall in his career, Kuroda has made two starts against the Red Sox and is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA (8 ER/12.2 IP).

Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day if you’re on the home page.

Here are today’s lineups:

50-51		60-40
1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF	1. Derek Jeter	SS
2. Carl Crawford	LF	2. Curtis Granderson	CF
3. Dustin Pedroia	2B	3. Mark Teixeira	1B
4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B	4. Robinson Cano	2B
5. Cody Ross	DH	5. Nick Swisher	DH
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia	C	6. Andruw Jones	LF
7. Will Middlebrooks	3B	7. Russell Martin	C
8. Ryan Sweeney	RF	8. Ichiro Suzuki	RF
9. Pedro Ciriaco	SS	9. Jayson Nix	3B
Felix Doubront	SP	Hiroki Kuroda	SP

And here is how the hitters have fared against today’s starting pitchers:

NOTES:

REFRESH OR CHECK BACK OFTEN AS MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFORE GAMETIME IF/WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND WILL BE BOLDED

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Vicente Padilla-Mark Teixeira feud spices up rivalry [boston herald]

Bobby V on Francona chatting with players: ‘I didn’t think it was any big deal’ [clubhouse insider]

Francona apologizes to Valentine via text [csn new england]

Doubront hopes to stay ahead of curve [espn boston]

Doubront faces Yanks in finale [espn boston]

Ortiz, Middlebrooks in PLAY clinic on Monday [extra bases]

Gonzalez heating up, but walks remain a mystery [extra bases]

What Impact Could Daniel Bard Have on the Red Sox if Called Back Up? [nesn.com]

Xander Bogaerts Enjoying Success Down on the Farm, Has a ‘Very High Ceiling’ (Video) [nesn.com]

Dustin Pedroia, Pedro Ciriaco Both Scorching as Red Sox Attempt to Take Series Against Archrival Yankees [nesn.com]

Bobby Valentine Not Bothered by Terry Francona’s Behavior in the Red Sox Clubhouse [nesn.com]

Mike Aviles Sitting Against Yankees Due to Turf Toe That’s ‘Affecting His Batting’ [nesn.com]

What if Cherington sells? A trade-deadline projection [projo sox blog]

Valentine doesn’t see Crawford surgery as inevitable [projo sox blog]

Bothersome toe keeps Aviles out of lineup [projo sox blog]

Valentine expects Red Sox to be ‘in it to win it’ at trade deadline [projo sox blog]

Valentine not put off by Francona session in clubhouse [projo sox blog]

Doubront looking to build momentum for Sox [redsox.com]

Francona apologizes to Valentine via text [redsox.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits: ap photo, ap photo

There have been moments where we are ready to give up on the 2012 version of the Boston Red Sox. Then there have been moments where they show us just a glimmer of hope.

Last night’s game was a mixture of both of them.

After watching the New York Yankees overcome a 6-1 deficit in the 8th when Mark Teixeira homered off of his nemesis Vicente Padilla to tie the game up, we were ready to give up on them and the season. But thanks to Curtis Granderson misplaying a Pedro Ciriaco flyball into a triple, the 2012 season was saved again, albeit temporarily.

The misplay allowed Jacoby Ellsbury to score from first and put the Red Sox out front. Dustin Pedroia brought in Ciriaco with a sac fly to give Alfredo Aceves an insurance run. Aceves wouldn’t need it though as he set the Yanks down in order to pick up his 22nd save of 2012 and give the Red Sox life for another day.

Ciriaco had a nice day at the plate with three hits but it was Adrian Gonzalez who powered the Red Sox offense to the lead. He had three hits including a RBI double in the first off of CC Sabathia. He also hit a three-run homer in the 5th to push the Sox lead to 6-1. Will Middlebrooks also had two hits including a big two-run double in the 1st inning.

It’s really tough to get a good read on the outing for Jon Lester just one start after being embarrassed on the bump.

While he looked dominant at times, he also allowed the Yankees to get within striking distance. He did only allow four hits but the Yanks made the most of them as two of them were longballs.

He left a fastball out over the plate that Chris Stewart crushed for his first home run of the season. In the 5th after Gonzo’s home run had given Lester a five-run lead, he gave three of them back. Two of them came on a Jayson Nix two-run blast and a Derek Jeter groundout.

Overall though, you have to be proud of the way he bounced back. He really had no where to go but up after that last stop. And while he didn’t completely get there last night, he made some steps in the right direction. Hopefully he uses the time between starts to figure out what worked and what went wrong.

If the Red Sox are going to make that push, they’ll need Lester and of course Josh Beckett to figure things out. If that happens, there’s no telling what can happen.

With the trade deadline coming up in two days, the result of tonight’s game will probably go a long way in determining where the Red Sox stand. Hopefully it’s a Red Sox win and we don’t have to watch the band break up.

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.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

No ‘W’, but a winning effort for Lester [boston globe]

Designated hero [boston globe]

Latest controversy came out of left field [boston globe]

Crawford’s schedule requires managing [boston globe]

Keeping the rivalry heated [boston globe]

Red Sox resilient in NY [boston herald]

Jon Lester shows flashes [boston herald]

Carl Crawford told to rest [boston herald]

Felix Doubront still feels strong [boston herald]

Typical crazy day for Bobby V’s bipolar boys [boston herald]

Amidst the chaos, Jon Lester delivers the Red Sox’ most important story [rob bradford – weei.com]

Sox regain fighting spirit, 8-6 [csn new england]

Lester, Gonzalez walk the walk [csn new england]

Red Sox notes: Ciriaco continues mastery of Yankees [csn new england]

Bailey, Dice-K on rehab; Atchison setback [espn boston]

Rapid Reaction: Red Sox 8, Yankees 6 [espn boston]

Bobby Valentine’s leadership of the Boston Red Sox isn’t working [espn boston]

Closing Time: Adrian Gonzalez, Pedro Ciriaco lead Red Sox to late win over Yankees [full count]

Andrew Bailey Willing to Let Alfredo Aceves Finish the Season as the Red Sox Closer If Needed [nesn.com]

Scott Atchison Hits Setback in Pawtucket, And Will Have More Tests On His Forearm [nesn.com]

Daisuke Matsuzaka Slated to Start Minor League Rehab Assignment in Pawtucket on Monday [nesn.com]

Terry Francona Gathers Red Sox Players in Visiting Clubhouse for Jokes, Chatter [nesn.com]

Adrian Gonzalez Catches Fire, Regains Power Punch at Right Time for Red Sox [nesn.com]

Jon Lester Records 1,000th Career Strikeout in Bottom of Sixth Inning Against Robinson Cano [nesn.com]

Red Sox Could Yet Make a Deal, Says Ken Rosenthal, In Midst of Hectic Trade Deadline Season [nesn.com]

Red Sox Get a Little Luck on Their Side in Series-Tying Defeat of Yankees [nesn.com]

Lester caps rough July with strong performance [redsox.com]

Crawford usage latest ‘drama’ for Bobby V [redsox.com]

Sox get positive news on Bailey, Dice-K [redsox.com]

Crawford gets medically mandated day off [redsox.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.

And if you must check out the enemy news, head over to the ESPN New York, New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Times and The Journal News websites. You can also check out our Bloguin brother, NYY Stadium Insider.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

UConn’s Trevardo Williams sets his goal: 16 sacks this season [ct post]

Bears add CB Ware, waive PK Teggart [espn chicago]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Team USA Downs Croatia, 81-56, in Olympic Opener [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

UConn 2013 recruiting targets by position [kevin duffy – ct post]

Other UConn related links

Ten huskies compete in Olympic games [the daily campus]

An Olympic Debt Repaid: Dee Rowe [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

It’s Football Time: Media Guide, Public Practices, Ticket Info [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Team USA Will Open Olympic Play Saturday vs. Croatia [uconnhuskies.com]

Auriemma: US Women need to win gold, look good doing it [ct post]

Ex-Tennessee Lady Vols team up with former rival Geno Auriemma to chase gold [the tennessean]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

What’s Hilton Armstrong up to these days? [the uconn blog]

Gay To Be Honored By Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce [uconnhuskies.com]

Other UConn related links

Over 200 UConn Student-Athletes Honored By BIG EAST [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Soccer. Len Tsantiris Inducted Into AHEPA Athletic Hall Of Fame [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

After being Granderslammed last night 10-3, the Boston Red Sox really need to get back on track in the middle game of a three-game set with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. and will be broadcast to 77% of the country on FOX. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

After being embarrassed his last time out, Jon Lester looks to turn his fortunes back around in his 21st of 2012. In his previous 20 starts, Lester is 5-8 with a 5.46 ERA. He took the loss in his only start of the season against the Yankees after allowing four runs in 4.1 innings back on July 8th. Lester has made 18 career starts against the Bronx Bombers and is 8-4 with a 4.33 ERA. 10 of those starts have come in the Bronx where he is 6-2 with a 3.75 ERA.

CC Sabathia will make his third start since returning from the DL and it will be his 18th start of the season. In his previous 17 starts, Sabathia is 10-3 with a 3.30 ERA. He has not faced the Red Sox this season and was 1-4 with a 6.39 ERA in five starts last year. Sabathia has made 20 career starts against the Red Sox and is 7-9 with a 4.14 ERA.

Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day if you’re on the home page.

Here are today’s lineups:

49-51		60-39
1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF	1. Derek Jeter	SS
2. Pedro Ciriaco	DH	2. Curtis Granderson	CF
3. Dustin Pedroia	2B	3. Mark Teixeira	1B
4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B	4. Robinson Cano	2B
5. Cody Ross	RF	5. Andruw Jones	LF
6. Will Middlebrooks	3B	6. Jayson Nix	3B
7. Kelly Shoppach	C	7. Russell Martin	DH
8. Mike Aviles	SS	8. Ichiro Suzuki	RF
9. Daniel Nava	LF	9. Chris Stewart	C
Jon Lester	SP	CC Sabathia	SP

And here is how the hitters have fared against today’s starting pitchers:

NOTES:

REFRESH OR CHECK BACK OFTEN AS MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFORE GAMETIME IF/WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND WILL BE BOLDED

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Nothing new for Red Sox [boston globe]

Lester’s uphill climb [boston globe]

Cherington keeping options open at deadline [boston globe]

Turning point was early [boston globe]

One wild thought: They’re done [boston globe]

Yanks Cook up a storm [boston herald]

Pedroia’s tired of excuses for losing [boston herald]

Ben: It’s all up to Sox [boston herald]

Pay attention Red Sox [boston herald]

Lester in the here and now [boston herald]

Reality hits hard [boston herald]

Carl Crawford medical drama takes another twist [boston herald]

Source: Sox keeping Ross despite interest [rob bradford – weei.com]

Cherington: Beckett not Sox’ problem [rob bradford – weei.com]

Crawford: Andrews said surgery inevitable [rob bradford – weei.com]

Elbowed out? Carl Crawford medical drama takes another twist [clubhouse insider]

Atchison suffers setback; Bailey, Matsuzaka set for rehab assignments [clubhouse insider]

Yankees blast Sox, 10-3 [csn new england]

Pedroia sounds the alarm [csn new england]

Merloni: I wouldnt’ do anything at deadline [csn new england]

Defensive miscues open door for Yankees [csn new england]

Tomase: Cherington should ‘exploit’ seller’s market [csn new england]

Cherington, Epstein take similar approach [csn new england]

Red Sox notes: Ortiz takes BP [csn new england]

Crawford ’embarrassed’ by four-day program [csn new england]

Ross: ‘I’d rather be of value to this team’ [espn boston]

Pedroia doesn’t spare the stars [espn boston]

Sox won’t stop believing after Yanks’ rout [espn boston]

Sox turn to Lester vs. Yanks’ Sabathia [espn boston]

Ross doesn’t want to be traded [espn boston]

Bobby’s roles: skipper, cyclist … movie mogul? [espn boston]

‘Embarrassed’ Crawford sits; Tito visits [espn boston]

Carl Crawford sits on ‘four-day timetable,’ future surgery still likely [extra bases]

Francona holds court in Red Sox clubhouse [extra bases]

Closing Time: Yankees help dig an even deeper hole for Red Sox [full count]

As he nears return, Andrew Bailey ‘[doesn’t] really care’ about role [full count]

Red Sox Pregame Notes: Bobby Valentine on his ‘manager no-no’ and Carl Crawford’s schedule [full count]

Jackie Bradley, Michael Almanzar leave impression during Billy McMillon’s 1st season in Salem [goupstate.com]

Jon Lester Alters Routine Between Starts, Has Batters Stand in During Bullpen Session [nesn.com]

Dustin Pedroia Blasts Team for Subpar Play, Challenges Them to Stop Using Injuries as Excuses [nesn.com]

Jon Lester’s Importance Now Greater Than Ever as Red Sox on Verge of Implosion [nesn.com]

Aaron Cook Takes Responsibility for New York’s Home Run Barrage, Says He Could’ve Minimized Damage [nesn.com]

Mark Melancon Has No Regrets About Career With Yankees and Failure to Become Mariano Rivera’s Successor [nesn.com]

Which Former Red Sox Player Who Joined the Yankees Do You Hate the Most? [nesn.com]

Josh Beckett Needs to Take Advantage of Support, Show Red Sox He Can Help Team Beyond Trade Deadline [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford Says Not Playing Is ‘Embarrassing’ as Bobby Valentine Reveals ‘Four-Day Plan’ for Outfielder [nesn.com]

Yankees on reeling Red Sox: ‘You can’t take them lightly’ [projo sox blog]

Atchison suffers setback in rehab appearance [projo sox blog]

Crawford out of lineup because of rest program [projo sox blog]

Bailey to start rehab, but still “weeks” away [projo sox blog]

Matsuzaka to rehab with PawSox [projo sox blog]

Francona holds court in Red Sox clubhouse [projo sox blog]

Doubront hasn’t backed down against Yankees [projo sox blog]

Lester looks to rebound, help Sox gain on Yanks [redsox.com]

Aviles’ miscue opens door to three-run inning [redsox.com]

Cherington will be prudent on evaluating trades [redsox.com]

Papi sheds walking boot, itching to return to lineup [redsox.com]

Bard making strides, could be back soon [redsox.com]

Valentine confident Red Sox will turn it around [redsox.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.

And if you must check out the enemy news, head over to the ESPN New York, New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Times and The Journal News websites. You can also check out our Bloguin brother, NYY Stadium Insider.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits: ap photo, ap photo

After losing two-of-three in Texas and a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox continue their six-game road trip with their first trip to the Bronx this season. Tonight, they’ll take on the New York Yankees in the first game of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Yankees television market, you can watch the game on YES. If you don’t live in either market you’re in luck as the MLB Network will have coverage of the game (not in Red Sox or Yankees television markets). If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Aaron Cook looks to exercise his New York demons in his seventh start of 2012. In his previous six starts, Cook is 2-3 with a 3.50 ERA. His lone career start against the Yankees came last year at Yankee Stadium when he took the loss as a member of the Colorado Rockies after allowing five runs in 5.2 innings of work. 

Phil Hughes will make his 20th start for the AL East-leading Yankees. In his previous 19 starts, Hughes is 9-8 with a 4.09 ERA. He took the loss in his only start of the season against the Red Sox after allowing five runs (three earned) in 5.1 innings back on July 7th. Hughes has made 17 career appearances (nine starts) against the visiting nine and is 2-6 with a 6.49 ERA.

Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day if you’re on the home page.

Here are today’s lineups:

49-50		59-39
1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF	1. Derek Jeter	SS
2. Carl Crawford	LF	2. Curtis Granderson	CF
3. Dustin Pedroia	2B	3. Robinson Cano	2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B	4. Mark Teixeira	1B
5. Cody Ross	RF	5. Raul Ibanez	LF
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia	C	6. Andruw Jones	DH
7. Will Middlebrooks	3B	7. Eric Chavez	3B
8. Daniel Nava	DH	8. Ichiro Suzuki	RF
9. Mike Aviles	SS	9. Russell Martin	C
Aaron Cook	SP	Phil Hughes	SP

And here is how the hitters have fared against today’s starting pitchers:

NOTES:

REFRESH OR CHECK BACK OFTEN AS MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFORE GAMETIME IF/WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND WILL BE BOLDED

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

Pregame notes: Ortiz starts hitting [rob bradford – weei.com]

Red Sox Must Do Something, Anything Before Trade Deadline to Provide Much-Needed Shakeup [tom caron – nesn.com]

Ben Cherington to WEEI: Red Sox not ready to sell [clubhouse insider]

David Ortiz takes batting practice, hopeful of returning next week [clubhouse insider]

Ben Cherington: ‘Best way to improve is with the guys that are here’ [clubhouse insider]

Valentine: ‘We’re headed in the right direction’ [csn new england]

Ichiro a Red Sox killer? [espn boston]

Ortiz on pace to return Aug. 1 [espn boston]

Bobby: ‘Time to put the pedal to the metal’ [espn boston]

Bobby: Sox ‘heading in the right direction’ [espn boston]

Video: Cafardo previews Red Sox-Yankees [extra bases]

Schedule does not bode well for the Red Sox [extra bases]

Cherington: Red Sox are still buyers at deadline [extra bases]

David Ortiz out of walking boot, hitting today [extra bases]

The Ichiro Show comes to New York [extra bases]

Cherington says Red Sox will be cautious buyers [extra bases]

Jerry Remy on D&C: Carl Crawford situation ‘a total mess right now’ [full count]

Kevin Millar on M&M: Red Sox should ‘make a splash,’ chase Matt Garza [full count]

Aaron Cook’s unique path to history (and the rumor mill) [full count]

Josh Beckett ‘absolutely’ wants to stay with Red Sox unless he’s ‘not wanted’ [full count]

So many questions, but time running out for Red Sox [tony massarotti – boston globe]

Police find missing Wally [necn.com]

Ben Cherington Admits Red Sox Are in ‘Unusual Position,’ But Will Look to Improve Team at Trade Deadline [nesn.com]

Are the Red Sox or Phillies More Likely to Get Hot and Make the Playoffs? [nesn.com]

Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Ichiro Suzuki Coming Into Yankees-Red Sox Series on Fire [nesn.com]

Wally the Green Monster Stolen From Fenway Park [nesn.com]

Bobby Valentine Believes Ichiro Will Thrive With the Yankees, Improve His National Exposure [nesn.com]

David Ortiz Sheds Walking Boot, Says He’s ‘Going to the Moon’ In Batting Practice [nesn.com]

Daniel Bard Gaining Steam in the Minors, ‘Getting Closer’ to Promotion Back to the Majors [nesn.com]

A Series Matter: Red Sox-Yankees and Hope [projo sox blog]

Cherington: ‘Right now, we’re looking to improve’ [projo sox blog]

Yankees hope Suzuki provides spark [projo sox blog]

Market forces as much of a factor for Cherington as standings [projo sox blog]

Red Sox sticking in rotation rather than bumping up Buchholz [projo sox blog]

Ortiz takes BP for first time [projo sox blog]

Valentine sees reasons for optimism [projo sox blog]

Roster flux gives Red Sox-Yanks a new feel [redsox.com]

Red Sox stopper Morales spends day in Fan Cave [redsox.com]

Wally’s costume returned after misunderstanding [redsox.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits: reuters pictures, getty images

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.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

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

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Football links

Javon Hadley, Cornerback, Commits To UConn [desmond conner – hartford courant]

Malik Golden staying at Penn State [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn dips into Miami for Javon Hadley [espn.com]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Geno Auriemma looking for wins and style of play [ap]

US women’s hoops rookies are experienced veterans [ap]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Kemba Walker, Ray Allen Highlight This Year’s Jim Calhoun Charity Game Rosters [david borges – new haven register]

Ray Allen Camp in Storrs [kevin duffy – ct post]

Player Profile: Ryan Boatright [uconn huskies basketball]

Other UConn related links

W. Ice Hockey. Women’s Ice Hockey Releases 2012-13 Schedule [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Bobby Rhine Invitational Created To Honor Late UConn Star [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Track. Five Huskies Earn USTFCCCA Division I All-Academic Accolades [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Track. Heather Wilson Named Nominee For NCAA Woman of the Year [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.