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

DC answered a few questions in his mailbag [desmond conner – hartford courant]

Could a Husky ever win the Heisman Trophy? [the uconn blog]

McCombs Named a Candidate for Doak Walker Award [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Months In The Making, Alysa Auriemma’s Tribute To Summitt A Hit [rich elliott – ct post]

Jamelle Elliott signs extension at Cincinnati [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Kuran Iverson Out To Regain Status As Elite Recruit [hartford courant]

Player Profile: Shabazz Napier [uconn huskies basketball]

Other UConn related links

Baseball. UConn Baseball Summer Notebook [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Swimming. Diver Cecco Honored For Academic Achievement [uconnhuskies.com]

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

After whipping the Youk’s 10-1 last night, the Boston Red Sox look to avoid a spilt of the series tonight in the finale of a four-game set with the Chicago White Sox at historic Fenway Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the White Sox television market, you can watch the game on CSN Chicago. And if you don’t live in either market you’re in lucky as the MLB Network will have coverage of the game (outside of White Sox and Red Sox TV markets). If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Clay Buchholz makes his second start since returning from the disabled list and his 16th start of 2012. In his previous 15 starts, Buchholz is 8-3 with a 5.54 ERA. He last faced the White Sox in 2010 when he went 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA (3 ER/13 IP). Overall in his career, Buchholz has made four starts against them and is 1-2 with a 6.53 ERA (15 ER/20.2 IP). Two of those starts have come at the Fens where he is 0-1 with a 8.38 ERA (9 ER/9.2 IP).

Rookie Jose Quintana makes his 10th start (12th appearance) for rookie manager Robin Ventura. In his previous 11 appearances (nine starts), Quintana is 4-1 with a 2.60 ERA. Tonight marks his first career start and Fenway appearance.

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:

50-41		47-45
1. Alejandro De Aza	CF	1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF
2. Alexei Ramirez	SS	2. Carl Crawford	LF
3. Adam Dunn	DH	3. Dustin Pedroia	2B
4. Paul Konerko	1B	4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B
5. Alex Rios	RF	5. Cody Ross	RF
6. A.J. Pierzynski	C	6. Will Middlebrooks	DH
7. Dayan Viciedo	LF	7. Kelly Shoppach	C
8. Gordon Beckham	2B	8. Mike Aviles	SS
9. Eduardo Escobar	3B	9. Pedro Ciriaco	DH
Jose Quintana	SP	Clay Buchholz	SP

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

NOTES: As you can see from the lineup, Pedroia has been activated from the 15-day disabled list. To make room on the 25-man roster for him, Mauro Gomez has been optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket.

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

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No regrets: Carl Crawford doesn’t lament decision to sign with Red Sox [clubhouse insider]

Bobby V: ‘I don’t see any gaping holes on our team’ [clubhouse insider]

Red Sox trade right-hander Justin Germano to Cubs for cash [clubhouse insider]

Marrero enjoying his transition to pro ball [csn new england]

Life Without Ortiz [csn new england]

Pedroia ‘excited’ to return to lineup [csn new england]

Lucchino: Ben looking at ‘bold’ options [espn boston]

Red Sox in on Garza, out on Dempster [espn boston]

Carl Crawford says he has no regrets about signing with Boston Red Sox [espn boston]

Ortiz frustrated, but ‘going to be fine’ [espn boston]

Larry Lucchino: Ben Cherington ’empowered’ to make a big deal [extra bases]

David Ortiz ‘a little frustrated’ at having to go on DL [extra bases]

Bobby Valentine happy to have Dustin Pedroia back [extra bases]

Do the Red Sox really get screwed by the umpires more than other teams? [full count]

Report: Red Sox interested in Stephen Drew [full count]

Report: Red Sox No Longer Pursuing Ryan Dempster, Believed to Still Have Interest in Matt Garza [nesn.com]

Franklin Morales Glad He ‘Opened Everyone’s Eyes’ About Being a Starter, Believes He Owes Bobby Valentine [nesn.com]

Cody Ross’ Right-Handed Pop Will Be Hugely Important for Red Sox to Keep in Middle of Lineup [nesn.com]

Red Sox Enjoying Energy Infusion of Midseason Trades Without Needing to Make Any As Familiar Faces Return [nesn.com]

Andrew Bailey Restarts Rehab, ‘Not Far’ From Pitching Against Real Competition [nesn.com]

Adam Dunn Enjoying Resurgent Year After Previous Struggles, Is Confident Carl Crawford Can Too [nesn.com]

Red Sox MLB Trade Deadline Moves Since 2000 Include Role Players, Blockbusters, Everything in Between (Photos) [nesn.com]

David Ortiz ‘Frustrated’ With Missing Action After Visiting Miami Heat Team Doctor For Second Opinion [nesn.com]

McClure impressed by Beckett’s evolution [projo sox blog]

With the trade deadline approaching, Valentine sees no “gaping holes” on his roster [projo sox blog]

Ciriaco stays up, installed as designated hitter [projo sox blog]

Pedroia back, ready to go [projo sox blog]

Justin Germano sent to Cubs [projo sox blog]

Buchholz makes second start back from DL [redsox.com]

The return of ‘the real Adrian Gonzalez’ [alex speier – weei.com]

Bobby V: No ‘gaping holes on our team’ [alex speier – weei.com]

Sox send Germano to Cubs for cash [alex speier – weei.com]

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

photo credits: getty images, 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

Wrist injury sidelines UConn’s Cochran [ct post]

UConn QB Casey Cochran Breaks Wrist [hartford courant]

Casey Cochran injures wrist, surgery scheduled [new haven register]

Cochran will have wrist surgery on Friday [the day]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Geno And Jim (Boeheim) [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Auriemma, Moore, Taurasi Comment After Win Over Great Britain [rich elliott – ct post]

Here’s a link to obit for Sue Bird’s stepdad [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn’s recruiting focus on next year [jim fuller – new haven register]

Team USA Meets President Obama After Monday’s Game in Washington, D.C. [uconnhuskies.com]

Body Shot: Swin Cash [espn.com]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Jake Voskuhl: Jim Calhoun Still Hasn’t Decided [dom amore – hartford courant]

UConn’s Niels Giffey Playing In Greater Hartford Pro-Am This Summer [hartford courant]

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

After falling to Youk’s 7-5 last night, the Boston Red Sox look to secure at least a split tonight in the third game of a four-game set with the Chicago White Sox at historic Fenway Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the White Sox television market, you can watch the game on CSN Chicago. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Felix Doubront steps to the hill for the 18th time in 2012. In his previous 17 starts, Doubront is 9-4 with a 4.41 ERA. He picked up the win in his only start of 2012 and career against the South Siders when allowed three runs in six innings of work back on April 26th. This will mark his first start against them at the Fens.

Pedro Hernandez will make his MLB debut tonight for the White Sox. In 14 appearances (13 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A, Hernandez was 7-2 with a 2.90 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:

50-40		46-45
1. Alejandro De Aza	CF	1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF
2. Kevin Youkilis	3B	2. Carl Crawford	LF
3. Adam Dunn	DH	3. Cody Ross	RF
4. Paul Konerko	1B	4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B
5. Alex Rios	RF	5. Will Middlebrooks	3B
6. A.J. Pierzynski	C	6. Mauro Gomez	DH
7. Dayan Viciedo	LF	7. Kelly Shoppach	C
8. Alexei Ramirez	SS	8. Mike Aviles	SS
9. Gordon Beckham	2B	9. Pedro Ciriaco	2B
Pedro Hernandez	SP	Felix Doubront	SP

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

NOTES: David Ortiz was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a heel injury. Mauro Gomez has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take his place on the 25-man roster.

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

Lester’s numbers decidedly un-ace-like [boston herald]

Not forgiving or forgetting has led Carl Crawford to a familiar place [rob bradford – weei.com]

Source: Sox not looking to move Crawford [rob bradford – weei.com]

Red Sox place David Ortiz on disabled list, call up Mauro Gomez [clubhouse insider]

David Ortiz placed on 15-day disabled list after second opinion on Achilles [clubhouse insider]

Carl Crawford on trade rumors to Marlins: ‘Nothing surprises me anymore’ [clubhouse insider]

Valentine: Ortiz headed to DL [csn new england]

Crawford on trade rumors: ‘Nothing really surprises me anymore’ [csn new england]

Crawford ‘surprised’ Leominster officer suspended for racial slur [csn new england]

Crawford: Ortiz to DL ‘big disappointment’ for Red Sox [csn new england]

Crawford to Marlins? Get serious [espn boston]

Ortiz headed to disabled list [espn boston]

Valentine, Crawford brush off trade talk [espn boston]

After second opinion, David Ortiz to the 15-day DL [extra bases]

Podcast: Returns and replacements [extra bases]

Crawford shrugs off distractions of trade rumors, racial remark [extra bases]

David Ortiz goes on 15-day DL with right strained Achilles [extra bases]

Batting Stance Guy give us nine things we will miss about Kevin Youkilis [full count]

Bobby Valentine on Big Show: David Ortiz to DL, Carl Crawford fits batting second [full count]

Carl Crawford: ‘I don’t really know how I feel’ about trade rumors [full count]

New rules altering teams’ trade strategy [tony massarotti – boston globe]

Red Sox Determining Trade Interest In Crawford [mlb trade rumors]

Red Sox, Marlins Discussed Crawford, Hanley, Bell [mlb trade rumors]

Mass. officer suspended for racial slur at Crawford [necn.com]

Will Carl Crawford or Jacoby Ellsbury Finish the Season With More Steals? [nesn.com]

Ben Cherington Denies Carl Crawford Trade Rumor, Says ‘He’s Our Left Fielder and We’re Glad to Have Him Back’ [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford Rips Terry Francona’s Managing Choices, Says He Felt Pressure to Perform Immediately [nesn.com]

Red Sox Need to Stick With Starting Pitchers, Avoid Trade Temptations at Deadline [nesn.com]

Dustin Pedroia May Return to New Place in Red Sox Order, Given Emergence of Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford ‘Surprised’ After Being Linked to Marlins, Plans to Block Out Trade Talk [nesn.com]

Franklin Morales Glad He ‘Opened Everyone’s Eyes’ About Being a Starter, Believes He Owes Bobby Valentine [nesn.com]

Red Sox Unlikely to Trade for Mariners’ Felix Hernandez Despite Need for Pitching [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford Upset That Police Officer Who Made Racist Comments at Him Still Getting Paid During Suspension [nesn.com]

Mauro Gomez Gets Promotion Over Ryan Lavarnway, Is Relieved He Won’t Be Playing Third Base [nesn.com]

As rumors of discussions with Marlins swirl, the Red Sox should be asking about Josh Johnson [projo sox blog]

New locker but no new number for Middlebrooks [projo sox blog]

Bailey comes through bullpen session strong [projo sox blog]

Pedroia set to return Thursday [projo sox blog]

No restrictions on Buchholz [projo sox blog]

Doubront takes aim at win No. 10 against Chicago [redsox.com]

Cherington: Crawford trade rumors baseless [redsox.com]

Monday’s injury sends Ortiz to disabled list [redsox.com]

Lester lost game and statistical distinction [touching all the bases]

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

photo credits: photoshelter, getty images

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

Q&A: UConn linebacker Sio Moore [andrea adelson – espn.com]

Three Huskies Pegged for Lombardi Watch List [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Reflections From My Washington Week [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Alysa Auriemma Delivers Tremendous Tribute To Summitt [rich elliott – ct post]

Stokes Set To Be Cleared Aug. 1; Focused On Making An Impact In 2012-13 [rich elliott – ct post]

Report: Kelley Hardwick working security at Olympics [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn’s 2012-13 roster is up; Bird to rejoin U.S. team Saturday [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn’s Stokes, recovering from torn tendon, eager to improve [ct post]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Jeremy Lamb Leading Rockets In Scoring In NBA Summer League [dom amore – hartford courant]

UConn’s Olander preparing with plans to run with opportunity [ct post]

Walter Harrison Cites Fairness In Defending NCAA’s APR Reporting Process [hartford courant]

Other UConn related links

Baseball. Three Huskies Earn Summer League All-Star Selection [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Men’s Soccer vs. Washington To Air Live On Fox Soccer [uconnhuskies.com]

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

After beating the Youks 5-1 last night, the Boston Red Sox look to take another win tonight in the second game of a three-game set with the Chicago White Sox at historic Fenway Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the White Sox television market, you can watch the game on WCIU. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Jon Lester toes the rubber for the 19th time in 2012. In his previous 18 starts, Lester is 5-6 with a 4.49 ERA. He picked up the win in his only start of 2012 against the South Siders when he threw seven shutout innings back on April 28th. Lester has made eight career starts against the White Sox and is 4-3 with a 4.56 ERA. Two of those starts have come at the Fens where he is 0-1 with a 7.30 ERA (10 ER/12.1 IP).

Philip Humber takes the ball for just the 13th time this season. In his previous 12 starts, Humber is 3-4 with a 6.01 ERA. He was shelled in his only start of the season against the Red Sox as he took the loss after allowing nine runs in five innings of work back on April 26th. Overall in his career, Humber has made just three starts against the local nine and is 1-2 with an 8.83 ERA. He was victorious in his only career Fenway start after he gave up four runs in 7.2 innings of work.

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:

49-40		46-44
1. Alejandro De Aza	CF	1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF
2. Kevin Youkilis	3B	2. Carl Crawford	LF
3. Adam Dunn	DH	3. Daniel Nava	DH
4. Paul Konerko	1B	4. Adrian Gonzalez	1B
5. Alex Rios	RF	5. Will Middlebrooks	3B
6. A.J. Pierzynski	C	6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia	C
7. Dayan Viciedo	LF	7. Ryan Sweeney	RF
8. Alexei Ramirez	SS	8. Mike Aviles	SS
9. Gordon Beckham	2B	9. Pedro Ciriaco	2B
Philip Humber	SP	Jon Lester	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

Source: Ortiz’ Achilles not ruptured or torn [rob bradford – weei.com]

Source: MRI reveals no tear in David Ortiz’ right Achilles [clubhouse insider]

Ortiz: I think I’ll be OK [csn new england]

It’s not about curses [csn new england]

State of the Red Sox Notebook: July 17, 2012 [csn new england]

Video: What’s expected of Crawford? [espn boston]

David Ortiz of Boston Red Sox still in ‘a lot of pain,’ says heel is swollen [espn boston]

Sox seek another win vs. Youk & Co. [espn boston]

Bernie Williams, Jason Varitek squaring off in cupcake competition [extra bases]

David Ortiz’s Achilles’ tendon isn’t torn or ruptured [extra bases]

Epstein stalker arrested in Chicago [hardball talk]

Report: Red Sox Showing Interest in Matt Garza [nesn.com]

Red Sox Must Keep Day-to-Day Approach, Focus on Short Term May Be Pivotal in Second Half [nesn.com]

Jenny Dell, Red Sox Hosting Tweet Up Event August 1 at NESN Stage on Yawkey Way [nesn.com]

Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s Slump Has Been Ugly, But Catcher Should Have Reason for Optimism [nesn.com]

Will Middlebrooks Among Red Sox Players Who Used All-Star Break to Relax, Unwind, Travel [nesn.com]

Red Sox MLB Trade Deadline Moves Since 2000 Include Role Players, Blockbusters, Everything in Between (Photos) [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford’s Return to Starting Role Expected, But Spot in Batting Order Still Unclear [don orsillo – nesn.com]

Just trying to hit singles? Gonzalez goes deep [projo sox blog]

Lester looks to start second-half turnaround [redsox.com]

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

photo credits: reuters pictures, getty images

In what started out as an emotional night with Kevin Youkilis returning to the only place he’s called home, it ended on the better side of things for the Boston Red Sox.

Aaron Cook was strong for seven innings but didn’t factor in the decision as Adrian Gonzalez‘s three-run homer helped the Red Sox to a 5-1 over the Chicago White Sox in front of 38,334 at Fenway Park. It was the largest crowd this season at the Fens. And that wasn’t probably a coincidence with Youk returning.

Youk definitely did his best to come out a winner for the first time in an opposing uniform. He was single handedly responsible for the only White Sox run of the game.

After his rousing ovation, Youk laced a single to center. With the shift on, Adam Dunn grounded out to second but Youk continued running to third with Will Middlebrooks not covering the bag because of the shift. Adrian Gonzalez tried to lead WMB with the throw but it was incomplete and went to left field allowing Youk to score.

Cook held the White Sox to five hits on the night. Youk was responsible for three of them. He added doubles in the 3rd and 6th innings but was left stranded there both times.

Even with the hot and humid weather, Cook worked quickly on the mound. He pounded the strike zone all night long with his sinker as he threw 67 of his 99 pitches for strikes. Vicente Padilla followed Cook with a 1-2-3 inning while Alfredo Aceves worked the 9th with just a walk.

Gonzalez actually knocked in four runs on the night. His RBI single in the 1st inning scored Carl Crawford, who was making his 2012 debut. His home run in the 8th inning came after White Sox reliever Leyson Septimo had walked Crawford and David Ortiz. Mike Aviles knocked in Cody Ross for the final run of the night.

It was a nice return for Crawford as he went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Given Youk’s return to the Fens, it probably made his debut a little bit easier as I’m sure some might not have even noticed.

With the exceptions of Youk (trade) and Dustin Pedroia (disabled list), this was seven of the nine guys we expected to see when the Red Sox opened up the season. And with Pedroia returning on Thursday, as long as the team can stay healthy, it could go places.

I said stay healthy because Big Papi injured himself while running hard on Gonzo’s blast in the 8th. He was only running hard because there’s always that chance it hits the Green Monster. But it didn’t and when he realized that he slowed up. But as he hit the second base bag, he slowed up.

Skipper Bobby Valentine said after the game that Papi had injured his heel and should only miss a few games. He is scheduled for an MRI today and hopefully it shows nothing major.

The Red Sox are just finishing putting the band together finally. We want it to stay that way.

We’ll be back later with today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. So for now, let’s take at look at the overnight links from the media by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

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

Powerful stuff [boston globe]

Cook finds quick recipe for success [boston globe]

Youkilis comfortable in new Sox [boston globe]

Crawford happy to be back [boston globe]

Ortiz injures Achilles’ tendon [boston globe]

Youkilis returns with only fond Red Sox memories [boston globe]

Adrian Gonzalez hits clutch home run as Red Sox win [boston herald]

David Oritz pulls up lame [boston herald]

Aaron Cook gets job done again with keen efficiency [boston herald]

Kevin Youkilis in no mood to feud [boston herald]

Carl Crawford helps out in return [boston herald]

Gonzalez power returns, too [csn new england]

Another solid outing from Aaron Cook [csn new england]

Crawford gets off to a good start [csn new england]

Ortiz the latest to go down with injury [csn new england]

Youkilis gets everything but a win [csn new england]

Youkilis doesn’t look back in anger [csn new england]

Notebook: Lillibridge designated for assignment [csn new england]

Crawford ‘nervous’ but happy to be back [csn new england]

Gonzo’s HR drought ends at the right time [csn new england]

Nava sticks; Lillibridge designated [espn boston]

Rapid Reaction: Red Sox 5, White Sox 1 [espn boston]

Cook finds way to sink White Sox [espn boston]

Bard yields two-run homer for PawSox [espn boston]

David Ortiz of Boston Red Sox injures heel in bizarre fashion, needs MRI [espn boston]

Kevin Youkilis doesn’t understand talk of ‘this big rift’ with Bobby Valentine [full count]

Closing Time: Adrian Gonzalez blasts Red Sox past White Sox [full count]

Short-order Cook: Aaron Cook makes his place in Red Sox history [full count]

Adrian Gonzalez: Red Sox prove (for one night) lefty bats vs. lefty pitching ‘doesn’t matter’ [full count]

Kevin Youkilis shown the love but Aaron Cook and Red Sox win the game [full count]

Will Middlebrooks Used ‘Mom’s Cooking’ to Overcome Injury, Credits Kevin Youkilis With Development (Video) [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Recognizes Support From Boston Fans in Return to Fenway Park (Video) [nesn.com]

Robin Ventura Happy to Have Kevin Youkilis on Board, Recognizes His Immediate Impact on White Sox (Video) [nesn.com]

David Ortiz’s Potential Injury Comes at Worst Possible Time for Red Sox Lineup So Close to Reaching Full Strength [nesn.com]

Aaron Cook Masters Veteran Art of Pitching to Contact [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Reminds Red Sox of Old Contributions in Return to Fenway, Despite New Uniform [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Reflects on Return to Fenway, Grateful For Support He’s Received (Video) [nesn.com]

David Ortiz Injury Not Too Serious, Could Cause Lineup Problems For Red Sox (Video) [nesn.com]

Daniel Nava, Ryan Sweeney Prepare to Adjust to New Roles as Outfield Picture Gets Crowded [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford Uplifted by Hitting Higher in Batting Order, Capitalizes on Chance to Contribute [nesn.com]

Ross, Ortiz admit extra motivation facing former squads [projo sox blog]

What do the Sox have in Aaron Cook? [projo sox blog]

Ortiz hurt running bases, to have MRI [redsox.com]

Adrian’s three-run HR defeats Youkilis, White Sox [redsox.com]

Source: Sox not actively pursuing Dempster [alex speier – weei.com]

Why a Ryan Dempster deal doesn’t make sense for the Red Sox [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.

And if you must check out the enemy news, be sure to head over to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and ESPN Chicago websites.

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

photo credit: Getty Images

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

Moore Honored With a Spot on the Butkus Award Watch List [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

No factions dividing U.S. team [jim fuller – new haven register]

Chris Dailey eager to do her part in U.S. Olympic preparations [jim fuller – new haven register]

Geno talks about death of Sue Bird’s step father [jim fuller – new haven register]

Jen Rizzotti Selected For Induction Into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Enosch Wolf: ‘(UConn’s) Had My Back, It’s Time for Me to Give Back’ [david borges – new haven register]

Recruiting Spotlight: Josh Hart [kevin duffy – ct post]

Recruiting Spotlight: Kuran Iverson [kevin duffy – ct post]

Jim Boeheim will miss the classic games against UConn [jim fuller – new haven register]

Enosch trying to become big bad Wolf [new haven register]

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

After taking two-of-three against the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend, the Boston Red Sox return to historic Fenway Park for a seven game homestand. Tonight they’ll kick it off with the first of a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the White Sox television market, you can watch the game on CSN Chicago. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Aaron Cook makes his fifth start of 2012 for the Red Sox. In his previous four starts, Cook is 2-2 with a 4.37 ERA. He faced the White Sox once in 2011 as member of the Colorado Rockies and picked up a no decision after allowing one run in six innings of work. He’s made two career starts against the Chisox and is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA (4 ER/12 IP).

Dylan Axelrod steps in for an injured Gavin Floyd to make his sixth start (ninth appearance) of the season. In his previous eight appearances (five starts), Axelrod is 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA. His only career appearance against the Red Sox came back on April 27th when he allowed a run in 2.1 innings of work. Tonight marks his first Fenway start and appearance.

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:

49-39		45-44
1. Alejandro De Aza	CF	1. Jacoby Ellsbury	CF
2. Kevin Youkilis	3B	2. Carl Crawford	LF
3. Adam Dunn	DH	3. David Ortiz	DH
4. Paul Konerko	1B	4. Adrian Gonzalez	3B
5. Alex Rios	RF	5. Cody Ross	RF
6. A.J. Pierzynski	C	6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia	C
7. Dayan Viciedo	LF	7. Will Middlebrooks	3B
8. Alexei Ramirez	SS	8. Mike Aviles	SS
9. Gordon Beckham	2B	9. Pedro Ciriaco	2B
Dylan Axelrod	SP	Aaron Cook	SP

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

NOTES: As you can see from the lineup, Crawford has been activated from the 60-day disabled list. Brent Lillibridge will be designated for assignment to make room on both the 40-man and 25-man rosters for Crawford.

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

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Best Of Kevin Youkilis and Dan Roche [cbs boston]

Aftershocks from Kevin Youkilis-Bobby V feud still being felt by Red Sox [clubhouse insider]

VIDEO: Big night at Fenway with Youkilis, Crawford [clubhouse insider]

Feeling better physically and mentally, Carl Crawford makes his return [clubhouse insider]

Kevin Youkilis on life after Red Sox: ‘There’s less drama’ [clubhouse insider]

First pitch: Crawford has plenty to overcome in return [csn new england]

Bobby vs. Youk: Does it matter? [csn new england]

Sox pursuing Liriano, blocked from going after Justin Upton [csn new england]

Sox tell Bill James to stop commenting on Paterno [csn new england]

Report: Sox interested in Cubs’ Dempster [csn new england]

Video: Big night at Fenway [espn boston]

Pedroia on track for Thursday return [espn boston]

Lester, Sox to celebrate cancer research fundraising campaign [extra bases]

Youkilis has ‘no regrets’ about time with the Red Sox [extra bases]

Bobby V: ‘Pedroia on track’ to return Thursday [extra bases]

In return, Carl Crawford has much to prove [extra bases]

A look back at Kevin Youkilis’ time with the Red Sox [full count]

What’s Wrong With Daniel Bard? [grantland]

Bad situation only got worse for Bobby Valentine, Kevin Youkilis [tony massarotti – boston globe]

Kevin Youkilis’ Return to Boston Full of Storylines and Other Thoughts From the Week in Baseball [nesn.com]

Report: Red Sox Believed to Be Among Teams Interested in Francisco Liriano [nesn.com]

Justin Upton Can Block Trade to Red Sox, Yankees, Indians if Diamondbacks Look to Move Outfielder [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Ignores Bobby Valentine’s Recent Comments, Praises New Skipper Robin Ventura’s Communication [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Happy to Be Playing for First-Place White Sox, Expresses ‘No Regrets’ About Time in Boston [nesn.com]

Youk: ‘I’ll never look back’ [mike petraglia – weei.com]

A Series Matter: Red Sox-White Sox and Returns [projo sox blog]

A relaxed Youkilis enjoying “less drama all around” with the White Sox [projo sox blog]

Pedroia scheduled to make return Thursday [projo sox blog]

Crawford finally makes 2012 debut [projo sox blog]

Cook takes the ball for opener against White Sox [redsox.com]

Crawford scheduled to rejoin Red Sox [redsox.com]

Returning to Fenway, Youkilis exudes positivity [redsox.com]

Gonzalez not hindered by back spasms [redsox.com]

Pedroia on track for Thursday return [redsox.com]

Crawford: ‘I’m a big part of the puzzle’ [alex speier – weei.com]

Sox to designate Lillibridge for assignment [alex speier – weei.com]

Valentine: Pedroia ‘truly feels great’ [alex speier – weei.com]

Youkilis and Valentine: A Heartfelt Reunion Under the Fenway Stars [surviving grady]

Good to see Jacoby Ellsbury in leading role [touching all the bases]

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photo credits: getty images, getty images

When you look at the grand scheme of things, taking two-of-three from the Tampa Bay Rays was a good thing for the Boston Red Sox. It almost didn’t happen though.

Josh Beckett, who it turns out was battling flu-like symptons, gave up three runs in a 1st inning that seemed like it took an hour. Fortunately, he was able to fight through the illness and the offense picked him up in a 7-3 win.

Beckett apparently had been sick during the week and said after the game made him dizzy. That would explain the time it took to throw a pitch in the 1st inning. He had trouble with the command of just about of all his pitches. But as the game went on, Beckett began to find his curveball along with the command of his fastball.

His turnaround in the game was huge. As the offense battled back, he was busy striking guys out. He ended up going six innings, allowing the three runs on eight hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. In the end though it was a quality start and his fifth win of the season.

Sickness aside, if Beckett can get past his first inning woes as of late, he could be a difference maker for the Red Sox going forward.

Jacoby Ellsbury has been nothing short of a fresh breath of sunshine since returning from the disabled list. He went 3-for-5 with a double and went 6-for-15 over the three game series.

Will Middlebrooks had himself a nice game as well. He also had three hits including a big two-run single in the 5th. The nice part about his three hits were that two of them came on offspeed pitches. He’s been seeing a lot more of those lately as the league adjusts to him. But as evidenced yesterday, he’s made some adjustments of his own.

As he gains experience, he’ll continue to do this as pitchers look for other ways to get him out.

Adrian Gonzalez returned to the lineup after missing two games with back spasms with two hits and an RBI. David Ortiz and Mike Aviles also both had two hits with Aviles hitting a two-run homer in the 2nd that tied the game at three in the 2nd inning off of Rays starter James Shields. Daniel Nava also added a solo blast in the 5th that gave the Red Sox the lead for good.

It was a nice weekend as the visiting nine from Boston was able to pick up one game on the Rays and the second place Baltimore Orioles. They sit one game behind the Rays and 1.5 games behind the Orioles for second place in the AL East as well as the second wild card spot.

Tonight will be a very emotional one for all parties involved as Kevin Youkilis makes his return to Fenway Park just a few weeks after being traded to Chicago White Sox. I’d expect there to be some waterworks as well as one heck of a huge ovation for Youk. We’ll be sure to have video of that moment up on the site tonight.

We’ll be back later today with today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the day. So for now, let’s take at look at the overnight links from the media by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

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Beckett and Sox rally past Rays [boston globe]

Team executed a nice pick at third [boston globe]

Crawford set to make return [boston globe]

Red Sox down Rays [boston herald]

Kevin Youkilis braces for first trip to Boston since being traded [boston herald]

Carl Crawford ‘ready to go’ for tonight [boston herald]

Josh Beckett fights off flu [boston herald]

Red Sox on right road [boston herald]

Firing up Youk [boston herald]

Youk anticipates an emotional return [csn chicago]

Red Sox take rubber game from Tampa Bay, 7-3 [csn new england]

Beckett settles down after shaky first [csn new england]

With Ellsbury, Middlebrooks, lineup nearly whole [csn new england]

Youkilis passes on reacting to Bobby V [espn boston]

Rapid reaction: Red Sox 7, Rays 3 [espn boston]

No last-minute signings for Sox [espn boston]

Bailey’s return drawing closer [espn boston]

Nuggetpalooza: Weekend Red Sox nuggets [full count]

Mike Aviles’ Track Record Shows He’s On the Verge of Starting Offensive Streak [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis, Ray Allen Should Both Be Cheered in Returns to Boston [nesn..com]

Josh Beckett Felt Strong With Extended Rest Between Starts, Helped Red Sox Take Down Rays (Video) [nesn.com]

Carl Crawford’s Former Coach Believes Pride, Change in Market Affected Slugger’s Composure [nesn.com]

Josh Beckett Shows Glimpses of ‘Pitcher We Need Him to Be’ Says Bobby Valentine [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis’ Return to Fenway Park Should Bring Cheers, Unlike Visits From Other Former Players (Photos) [nesn.com]

Will You Root for Kevin Youkilis Against the Red Sox? [nesn.com]

Crawford set to be activated by Red Sox [redsox.com]

Red Sox place Atchison on DL, recall Tazawa [redsox.com]

Bobby V talks Youk returning to Fenway [redsox.com]

Adrian makes unexpected return to lineup [redsox.com]

What’s the deal? A ‘blow it up’-free primer to the Red Sox and this year’s trade deadline [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.

And if you must check out the enemy news, head over to the Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Tribune websites.

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

photo credit: ap photo