Sorry for the late post today and missed recap. With my bags getting back a day late, I missed a day of some medication and slept like crazy. So better late than never.

The Boston Red Sox finally broke the winless streak in Seattle with another strong outing by Daisuke Matsuzaka. Surprisingly, the Red Sox scored more runs (4) than they had in 10 of his last 12 starts (2). Some timely hitting and strong bullpen work finished it off for the Sox as they now look to get out of Seattle today with another win. But before they do, let’s take a look at the headlines and happenings from the Boston area and Seattle media on another warm day in RSN.

Matsuzaka ends streak. [Boston Globe]

No gain: M’s can’t produce in clutch. [Seattle Times]

For once, bats lift Dice-K. [Boston Herald]

Strong outing by Matsuzaka helps Boston snap losing streak with 4-3 win in Seattle. [AP via Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Dice Man Is Dealing. [Hartford Courant]

Schilling ready to return. [Pro Jo]

M’s seem to be living a tale of two infielders. [Seattle Times]

Mariners Bullpen Making Impact. [Hartford Courant]

Kielty remains under consideration. [Boston Globe]

Personal trainer part of package for Gagne. [Boston Herald]

Options put Lopez on track to minors. [Pro Jo]

For more headlines and stories, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Hartford Courant, Seattle Times, and Seattle Post-Intelligencer websites.

The Sox finished the fourth month of the season 15-12 for an overall record of 64-42 through July. The month started off at home against Texas (1-1) and Tampa Bay (3-0). The Sox then headed out onto the road where they faced Detroit (0-3) prior to the All-Star break. Upon completion of the break the Sox opened the second half at home against division foe Toronto (2-2), Kansas City (1-2) and Chicago (3-1) for an 11 game homestand. The Sox then had their last road trip of the month against Cleveland (3-1) and Tampa (2-1) and had one game at home on the month’s final day against Baltimore (0-1). The Sox were 10-7 at home and 5-5 on the road in July.

Manager Terry Francona: The Sox seem to be treading some water in the last month or so but they still have a significant lead. So Tito keeps the same grade Grade: B (June Grade: B)

Starting Nine:

Julio Lugo: A significant improvement over June. Hit .313 for the month after snapping that dreadful 0 for 41 slump in the beginning of July. He hit 2 HRs and had 15 RBI was 6/8 in stolen base attempts. Grade: C+ (June Grade: F)

First Baseman Kevin Youkilis: Dropped off significantly in July hitting just .219 with a .348 OBP. He saw his overall BA drop 25 points. Hit 2 HRs with 12 RBI. His strikeouts continue to go up each month in July he whiffed 18 times. Grade: C- (June Grade: B)

Designated Hitter David Ortiz: Saw his BA go up to 7 points to .321 also had his best power numbers since April with 5 HRs and 15 RBI. Had 6 doubles and 17 walks as well. Grade: B (June Grade: B-)

Left Fielder Manny Ramirez: Hit 7 HRs and dove in 25 runs in July while hitting .340 for the month. Had a .660 slugging percentage for July Grade: B+ (June Grade: C-)

Right Fielder J.D. Drew: Hit a whopping .213 with 0 HRs and 8 RBI in July while striking out 19 times for the month. He also sat out 6 games for various reasons either his hammy or his family. Right now he is a $70 million bust. Thanks Uncle Theo. Grade: F (June Grade: C)

Third Baseman Mike Lowell: Came back to respectability in July driving his average from .292 to .306 by hitting .330 with 3 HRs and 18 RBI. He still leads the team in RBI and is currently in the top ten in the AL in the category. Grade: B+ (June Grade: B-)

Catcher/team captain Jason Varitek: Stayed steady in July by hitting .294 for the month. Had only 3 extra base hits all month in 68 ABs. Grade: C+ (June Grade: C+)

Center Fielder Coco Crisp: Took his average from .263 to .279 by hitting .323 in July. Had an OBP of .391 and .505 slugging percentage as he started to come around. Drove in 20 runs and had 5 doubles and 5 triples plus 1 HR. Grade: B+ (June Grade: B+)

Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia: Serious rookie of the year candidate along with team mates Okajima and Matsuzaka as well as Akinori Iwamura of Tampa Bay. Hit .299 in July as he finished the month at .313. Drove in 7 runs and had 8 walks and struck out only 10 times in 97 ABs. Grade: B (June Grade: A-)

Continue reading →

It was a homecoming for Jon Lester last night as he pitched in front of family and friends at Safeco Field last night. Unfortunately, the homecoming didn’t go as well as the Red Sox would have hoped as they lost their 9th straight game in Seattle. Some costly mistakes by Mike Timlin led to the downfall. Moving on, let’s take a look at the headlines from the Boston area and Seattle morning on this hot morning here in New England.

A Seattle slew of Sox miscues. [Boston Globe]

A delightful debut for Jones in M’s win over Boston. [Seattle Times]

Winless in Seattle. [Boston Herald]

Narrowing the gap. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Same old story in Seattle. [Pro Jo]

Same Old Story In Seattle. [Hartford Courant]

In pennant races, you need a spark like Jones. [Seattle Times]

Pedroia hitting his stride. [Boston Globe]

All about the timing. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Nice homecoming for healthy lefty. [Boston Herald]

Lester’s grit a show of pride. [Pro Jo]

For more headlines and stories, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Providence Journal, Hartford Courant, Seattle Times, and Seattle Post-Intelligencer websites.

A special thanks goes out to Steve, Jason and Sooze for keeping things going here and doing an awesome job while I was away.