Before yesterday’s game against the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles talked with MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger and former Sox first baseman Kevin Millar.
In the interview, the trio talked about Aviles’ calves and his signing bonus amongst other things. The interview is well worth watch just to see Kevin Youkilis imitate Aviles’ batting stance and the Aviles doing the same of Youk’s.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
All that separated Josh Beckett and the Boston Red Sox from possibly winning last night was one wild pitch. But ultimately in the end, it was what cost the Red Sox in a 5-3 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Lately, the first inning has been the cause of concern for Beckett. That certainly wasn’t the case last night as he changed his pregame routine. We don’t know the exact changes but he did warmup underneath the stadium due to the sweltering Texas heat. Whatever he did worked.
Instead, it was the fourth inning that cost him as he gave up three runs that gave the Rangers the lead. Fortunately for him, Dustin Pedroia tied the game up with a solo home in the 6th.
But the one pitch is will what haunt the night for Beckett and the Red Sox.
With one out in the 7th, Beckett hit Elvis Andrus with a pitch that got away from him. He then struck out the struggling Josh Hamilton but old friend Adrian Beltre singled Andrus over to third on a hit and run. He then threw a changeup that was down and away. He attempted it again but overcorrected too much and the pitch went to the back stop allowing Andrus to score and give the Rangers the lead for good.
Nelson Cruz greeted Matt Albers‘ second pitch of the 8th by blasting it out of the park to secure the win for the Rangers.
While it’s disconcerting Beckett gave up a two-run lead, his overall effort on the bump was much better. But the one mistake ultimately cost him.
Look, the Red Sox need Beckett to be, well the old Josh Beckett of old. We all know he’s much better than his 5-9 record. Sure things aren’t going his way right now but he has the mental fortitude to turn things around. It’s up to him to continue to work between starts to correct those mistakes.
While the Red Sox did lose two-of-three in Texas, it was a nice homecoming for Will Middlebrooks.
He added two more hits yesterday, including a solo home run that gave the Red Sox a 2-0 lead at the time. He finished the series in Texas going 6-for-12 and did so in front of hundreds of family and friends. He’s definitely been making the right adjustments as the league continues to adjust to him.
Of course the loss throws back out the same questions that were asked yesterday. Are the Red Sox contenders or pretenders?
With the trade deadline just five days away, it’s still hard to answer that. But after a three-game set with the New York Yankees over the weekend, we should know that answer. Of course there’s also the possibility it’s already been decided.
We’ll just have to sit back and see.
The Red Sox are off today as they travel back east. We’ll be back in a bit with the MLB on FOX breakdown as well as the pitching matchups for the series with the Yanks. 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
Red Sox feel the squeeze [boston globe]
A catch with two pitchers [boston globe]
It’s a big step for Bailey as he faces hitters [boston globe]
Wild pitch by Josh Beckett leads Rangers to win [boston herald]
Swing shift for Jon Lester [boston herald]
Andrew Bailey slowly closes in on return [boston herald]
Josh Beckett shows his class [boston herald]
Ex-cop: Swift justice needed in police case [boston herald]
Beckett self-destructs, Red Sox fall to Rangers, 5-3 [csn new england]
Middlebrooks: ‘Fun to play in front of all my friends and family’ [csn new england]
Beckett not enough in loss to Rangers [csn new england]
When losing is winning [csn new england]
Mullen on the Minors: LHP Hernandez gets call to PawSox [csn new england]
Rapid Reaction: Rangers 5, Red Sox 3 [espn boston]
Middlebrooks performs for hometown fans [espn boston]
Valentine laments another Beckett loss [espn boston]
Boston Red Sox’s Jon Lester has no quick fixes for slump [espn boston]
Closing Time: Wild pitch does in Josh Beckett, Red Sox as Rangers take series [full count]
Nuggetpalooza: Red Sox futility in nugget form [full count]
Josh Beckett One Pitch Away From Successful Outing, Left to Wonder ‘What If’ [nesn.com]
Ichiro Suzuki Excited for Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry, Still Unsure What to Expect [nesn.com]
Bradley learned from first — and only — slump of 2012 [projo sox blog]
Terrific series in front of family and friends for Will Middlebrooks [projo sox blog]
Bailey throws BP, nearing rehab assignment [redsox.com]
Lester, Dice-K have encouraging sessions [redsox.com]
Crawford not likely to DH for Red Sox [redsox.com]
Prospect reaches in 16 straight plate appearances [redsox.com]
Sox in a box: Slipping Red Sox in a bind as trade deadline nears [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 Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram 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 Women’s Basketball links
Team USA Continues Prep for Olympic Opener on Saturday [uconnhuskies.com]
UConn Men’s Basketball links
Recruiting Spotlight: Wes Clark [kevin duffy – ct post]
Incoming UConn Guard R.J. Evans Can’t Wait For Season [hartford courant]
Other UConn related links
Webster Bank Enters Historic Partnership with UConn [uconnhuskies.com]
M. Soccer. Ten Sophomore Men’s Players to Watch [topdrawersoccer.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
Destination Red Sox Nation is our look at how the minor league teams of the Boston Red Sox fare each night. Game story and box score links as well as links to team rosters, team stats and league standings can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
If you would like to listen to any of the Red Sox minor league affiliates’ games, MiLB.com offers them for free.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
Mullen on the Minors: LHP Hernandez gets call to PawSox [csn new england]
Bradley learned from first — and only — slump of 2012 [projo sox blog]
Prospect reaches in 16 straight plate appearances [redsox.com]
Players of the Week, July 16-22: Jeremy Hazelbaker & Jeremy Kehrt [soxprospects.com]
Pawtucket Red Sox
The two new pitchers for the PawSox, Nelson Figueroa and Jose De La Torre, helped them to a 4-2 win over the Indianapolis Indians.
PawSox Score Early and Often and Win [pawsox.com]
Pawtucket gets it done early in 4-2 win over Indianapolis [projo sox blog]
Pawtucket Red Sox @ Indianapolis Indians 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
International League 2012 Standings
Portland Sea Dogs:
The Trenton Thunder got three in the 7th to beat the Sea Dogs 4-2.
Sea Dogs Drop Series Finale 4-2 [portlandseadogs.com]
Sea Dogs pitch well, but not well enough in losing to Thunder [portland press herald]
Trenton Thunder @ Portland Sea Dogs 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
Salem Red Sox:
Keith Couch picked up the complete game win in Salem’s 6-1 win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
Almanzar’s Streak, Couch’s CG Highlight 6-1 Sox Triumph [salemredsox.com]
Almanzar, Couch shine as Salem Sox top Pelicans [roanoke times]
Myrtle Beach Pelicans @ Salem Red Sox 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
Carolina League 2012 standings
The Drive picked up a 9-3 road win over the Asheville Tourists.
Sean Coyle draws major inspiration; Greenville Drive rebound against Asheville Tourists [goupstate.com]
Greenville Drive @ Asheville Tourists 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
South Atlantic League 2012 Standings
Lowell Spinners:
The Spinners returned home to beat the Williamsport Crosscutters 3-1.
Dahlstrand Shines in Spinners Win, 3-1 [lowellspinners.com]
Finally, a ‘W’ for Dahlstrand [lowell sun]
Williamsport Crosscutters @ Lowell Spinners 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
Gulf Coast League Red Sox
It was a big offensive afternoon for the GCL Red Sox as they beat the GCL Orioles 13-4.
GCL Orioles @ GCL Red Sox 7.25.12 box score [milb.com]
Gulf Coast League 2012 Standings
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
On Tuesday, just a day before players are scheduled for their first training camp exercises, the New England Patriots have signed veteran TE Visanthe Shiancoe (vi-sahn-TAY SHANK-oh).
Shiancoe, 32, a 3rd round pick of the New York Giants in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Morgan State was an unrestricted free agent. In addition to the Giants where he played from 2003-2006, he has spent the last five years playing for the Minnesota Vikings where at one time he was a favorite target of former quarterback Brett Favre.
Shiancoe, who was born in England but grew up in Maryland, is expected supply additional depth against injury and is an exceptional blocker and solid pass catcher. He also gives them several options in the no huddle with three tight ends on the field it create huge mismatches for Tom Brady to exploit.
His contract is for one season and is worth $1.2 million with $400,000 guaranteed.
The team also announced that it signed defensive lineman Tim Bulman, a native of Milton MA.
Bulman, 29, has played 7 seasons in the NFL with Arizona (2005) and Houston (2006-11) he was an undrafted free agent out of Boston College in 2005.
In order to make room on the roster, the Patriots released RB Joseph Addai, who they signed as a free agent in May after 6 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Addai was a first round pick by Indianapolis in the 2006 NFL Draft out of LSU.
Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII
photo credit: ap photo
After squeaking out a 2-1 win last night, the Boston Red Sox look to take the series in the rubber game of a three-game set with the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Rangers television market, you can watch the game on Fox Sports Southwest. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.
Josh Beckett looks to avoid the 1st inning blues in his 17 start of 2012. In his previous 16 starts, Beckett is 5-8 with a 4.53 ERA. He’s made one start against the Rangers this season taking the loss after allowing three earned runs in seven innings of work back on April 18th. Beckett has made nine career starts against the Rangers and is 3-3 with a 4.88 ERA. Five of those starts have come at Rangers Ballpark where he is 3-1 with a 3.48 ERA.
Harry Caray impersonator Derek Holland will toe the rubber for his 15th start (16 appearances) this season. In his previous 15 appearances (14 starts), Holland is 6-5 with a 4.84 ERA. He was matched up with Beckett on April 18th where he got the win after allowing two runs in seven innings of work. Holland has made four career starts against the Red Sox and is 3-1 with a 2.84 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:
 49-49 |
 57-39 |
||
| 1. Jacoby Ellsbury | CF | 1. Ian Kinsler | 2B |
| 2. Pedro Ciriaco | DH | 2. Elvis Andrus | SS |
| 3. Dustin Pedroia | 2B | 3. Josh Hamilton | DH |
| 4. Adrian Gonzalez | 1B | 4. Adrian Beltre | 3B |
| 5. Cody Ross | RF | 5. Michael Young | 1B |
| 6. Will Middlebrooks | 3B | 6. Nelson Cruz | RF |
| 7. Carl Crawford | LF | 7. David Murphy | LF |
| 8. Kelly Shoppach | C | 8. Yorvit Torrealba | C |
| 9. Mike Aviles | SS | 9. Craig Gentry | CF |
| Josh Beckett | SP | Derek Holland | 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
Sox explored trading for, flipping Hanley [rob bradford – weei.com]
Pitching coach Bob McClure: Jon Lester’s problems began last season [clubhouse insider]
Should the Red Sox be using Carl Crawford as a designated hitter? [clubhouse insider]
Red Sox playing the waiting game as trade deadline approaches [csn new england]
Bald is better for Pedroia [csn new england]
First Pitch: Sox still don’t know what to do with Crawford [csn new england]
Bailey: ‘Everything felt great’ [csn new england]
Assessing Red Sox’s playoff chances [espn boston]
Beckett pitches tonight [espn boston]
Source — Boston Red Sox won’t trade struggling Jon Lester [espn boston]
Valentine doesn’t plan to use Crawford as DH [espn boston]
Lester pleased with extended session [espn boston]
Unlike the Marlins, Red Sox won’t start over [extra bases]
Pregame notes from Rangers Ballpark [extra bases]
Mitch Williams on D&C: Red Sox ‘good enough’ for playoffs [full count]
Red Sox Have Reached Pivotal Point in Season With Decisions About Future Looming [nesn.com]
Ichiro ready to join Red Sox-Yankees rivalry [projo sox blog]
Bailey throws live batting practice, rehab assignment nears [projo sox blog]
Crawford back in left field again, Ciriaco DH’ing [projo sox blog]
Cook ready to renew acquaintances with Yankee Stadium [projo sox blog]
The correlation between walks and wins [projo sox blog]
Beckett aims to deliver series win over Rangers [redsox.com]
Bobby V: Never discussed skipping Lester [alex speier – weei.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
photo credits: ap photo, reuters pictures
It wasn’t the prettiest of hits but it was a hit nonetheless. It was also a hit that may have saved the season for the Boston Red Sox, albeit temporarily for now.
A RBI single in the 9th by Mike Aviles helped give the Red Sox a 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers last night.
Mired in a slump, Aviles got a chance to be the hero after Daniel Nava and pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia worked two out walks off of Rangers closer Joe Nathan. Aviles took an offering down and away off the end of the bat that just got over Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus that allowed Nava to score.
Alfredo Aceves stayed drama free in the 9th for the most part, sans a two-out walk to Mike Napoli after retiring the first two batters on two pitches, to pick up his 21st save of 2012.
Offensively, the Red Sox weren’t able to do much against a Rangers spot starter.
Martin Perez, filling in for Colby Lewis who was lost for the season, baffled the Red Sox hitters for the most part as he allowed five hits over six innings of work. One of those hits came off the bat of Kelly Shoppach who brought in Cody Ross with a deep double right field. Ross had reached on a leadoff walk to start the 4th and we all know what happens when you walk someone to start the inning. It comes back to haunt you.
Texas native Will Middlebrooks managed two hits while Jacoby Ellsbury and Adrian Gonzalez each had one as well.
Equal to the task was Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz who is turning into a top of the rotation guy. One might say he is the ace of the Red Sox staff.
After a rough start to the season, at least ERA wise, Buchholz has been slowly but surely turning things around as of late. You have to think that if he hadn’t missed two starts due to the esophagitis, his ERA might even be lower than 4.93 (where it stands now).
Despite the Texas heat, Buchholz was able to go seven innings last night. And given how much the bullpen has been used because of the inability of other starters to go deep, he’s been a godsend.
He had good life on his fastball as well as excellent command of all of his pitches. He worked in his changeup as well and seemed to be in complete control. The only run he allowed came on a Josh Hamilton groundout that scored Andrus who had reached on a double and had gone to third on a wild pitch from Buchholz.
Yes, it’s only one win, a win that ended a four-game losing streak. But had they lost, it would have been five straight losses and maybe changed whether the Red Sox were contenders or pretenders. While we aren’t sure what they are still, the fact remains that they still have a chance to make the postseason.
They are still only four games out of the second wild card spot with 64 games left to go in the season. There’s no reason why the Red Sox can’t make it. They just need to be consistent and get better efforts out of their starting pitching staff as a whole. They can’t simply rely on Buchholz and Felix Doubront.
Is a trade the answer? It could be. But IF Jon Lester and Josh Beckett can figure things out, that’s as good as trade in my book.
One question remains. Is that good enough for GM Ben Cherington?
We can only sit back and watch to find out that answer.
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
Aviles lifts Sox in ninth [boston globe]
Wild outing for reliever Padilla [boston globe]
Crawford OK with latest drop in the lineup [boston globe]
Mike Aviles to the rescue [boston herald]
Clay Buchholz shows his ace card [boston herald]
Carl Crawford has perspective about drop in Sox lineup [boston herald]
Roy Oswalt offers details on deal [boston herald]
Ortiz receives clearance to remove boot [rob bradford – weei.com]
Sox win it on Aviles’ ninth-inning single, 2-1 [csn new england]
Aviles comes through in clutch once again [csn new england]
Buchholz rises to the occasion in win over Rangers [csn new england]
Middlebrooks feeling right at home [espn boston]
Ortiz says he’s feeling much better [espn boston]
Rapid Reaction: Red Sox 2, Rangers 1 [espn boston]
Valentine reluctant to test Crawford’s elbow [espn boston]
Video: Buyers or sellers? [espn boston]
Closing Time: Red Sox win on Mike Aviles’ ninth-inning single [full count]
Ryan Sweeney Turns to Laser Eye Surgery to Improve Hitting, Fielding [nesn.com]
Jon Lester, Red Sox Pitchers Struggles Can Be Partially Attributed to Jason Varitek’s Absence [don orsillo – nesn.com]
Lillibridge traded to Indians for pitching prospect [redsox.com]
Red Sox gear up to face Ichiro with Yanks [redsox.com]
Crawford bats seventh, removed for defense late [redsox.com]
The improbable success story of Mike Aviles [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 Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram 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
UConn Football Season Tickets Sold So Far For 2012 [desmond conner – hartford courant]
UConn Women’s Basketball links
Auriemma Chats About The Olympics On WTIC-AM 1080 [rich elliott – ct post]
Chris Dailey back ‘coaching’ her former players [new haven register]
UConn legend Bird outperforms Ichiro in Seattle sports longevity [norwich bulletin]
UConn alum Taurasi reflects on path to Olympics [ap]
Connecticut taking pride in USA basketball team [ap]
UConn Men’s Basketball links
Recruiting Spotlight: Jordan Bell [kevin duffy – ct post]
UConn Plans To Beef Up 6-10, 208-Pound Freshman Phil Nolan [hartford courant]
Wizards add veteran point guard A.J. Price [washington post]
Wizards’ A.J. Price plans “to play like I’ve never played before” [washington post]
Other UConn related links
M. Track. Kevin Smith Named To USTFCCCA All-Academic Team [uconnhuskies.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
Destination Red Sox Nation is our look at how the minor league teams of the Boston Red Sox fare each night. Game story and box score links as well as links to team rosters, team stats and league standings can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
If you would like to listen to any of the Red Sox minor league affiliates’ games, MiLB.com offers them for free.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
Potential Red Sox trade chips [espn boston]
Pimentel and Britton shared misery, now redemption [projo sox blog]
Pawtucket Red Sox
The Indianapolis Indians got out to an early lead and held on to beat the PawSox 3-1.
PawSox off to Slow Start in Indy [pawsox.com]
Pawtucket Red Sox @ Indianapolis Indians 7.24.12 box score [milb.com]
International League 2012 Standings
Portland Sea Dogs:
Reynaldo Rodriguez hit two home runs to help the Sea Dogs beat the Trenton Thunder 5-2.
Pimentel Strong Again in 5-2 Sea Dogs Win [portlandseadogs.com]
Roll continues – every Dog has his day [portland press herald]
Trenton Thunder @ Portland Sea Dogs 7.24.12 box score [milb.com]
Salem Red Sox:
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans got a run in the 9th to beat Salem 6-5.
Pelicans Sneak Past Red Sox 6-5 [salemredsox.com]
Salem Red Sox come up one big hit short in loss to Myrtle Beach [roanoke times]
Myrtle Beach Pelicans @ Salem Red Sox 7.24.12 box score [milb.com]
Carolina League 2012 standings
The Drive got out to an early lead and then got spanked in a 16-3 loss to the Asheville Tourists.
Simon Shines as T’s Blast Season-High 22 Hits in 16-3 Win [oursports central]
Greenville Drive @ Asheville Tourists 7.24.12 box score [milb.com]
South Atlantic League 2012 Standings
Lowell Spinners:
The Spinners split a doubleheader with the Vermont Lake Monsters. They won the first game 5-3 while the Lake Monsters took the second game 5-1.
Spinners Answer the Early Call [lowellspinners.com]
Spinners Drop Game 2 of Double Header, 5-1 [lowellspinners.com]
Spinners split pair [lowell sun]
A few stars may emerge down road [lowell sun]
Lowell Spinners @ Vermont Lake Monsters 7.24.12 game 1 box score [milb.com]
Lowell Spinners @ Vermont Lake Monsters 7.24.12 game 2 box score [milb.com]
Gulf Coast League Red Sox
The GCL Rays held on to beat the GCL Red Sox 2-1.
GCL Rays @ GCL Red Sox 7.24.12 box score [milb.com]
Gulf Coast League 2012 Standings
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
#milb @pawsox @portlandseadogs @salemredsox @greenvilledrive @LowellSpinners #sblog
After being spanked last night 9-1, the Boston Red Sox look to put an end to their four-game losing streak in the middle game of a three-game set with the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, TX.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. and will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Rangers television market, you can watch the game on Fox Sports Southwest. And if you don’t live in either market you’re in luck as well as the MLB Network will have coverage of the game (outside of Red Sox and Rangers television markets). If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.
Clay Buchholz returns to his native Texas to make his 17th start of 2012. In his previous 16 starts, Buchholz is 8-3 with a 5.19 ERA. He took the loss in his only start of 2011 against the Rangers after allowing four runs in 6.1 innings. He’s made four career starts against the Rangers and is 1-3 with a 3.91 ERA. Two of those starts have come in Arlington where he 0-2 with a 6.10 ERA (7 ER/10.1 IP).
Martin Perez will step in for Colby Lewis tonight, who was lost for the season, to make his third start (fifth appearance) for the Rangers. In his previous four apperances (two starts), Perez is 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA. Tonight will mark the first time the 21-year-old has faced the Red Sox.
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:
| 48-49 |
57-38 |
||
| 1. Jacoby Ellsbury | CF | 1. Ian Kinsler | 2B |
| 2. Pedro Ciriaco | DH | 2. Elvis Andrus | SS |
| 3. Dustin Pedroia | 2B | 3. Josh Hamilton | LF |
| 4. Adrian Gonzalez | 1B | 4. Adrian Beltre | 3B |
| 5. Cody Ross | RF | 5. Michael Young | 1B |
| 6. Will Middlebrooks | 3B | 6. Nelson Cruz | DH |
| 7. Carl Crawford | LF | 7. David Murphy | RF |
| 8. Kelly Shoppach | C | 8. Mike Napoli | C |
| 9. Mike Aviles | SS | 9. Craig Gentry | CF |
| Clay Buchholz | SP | Martin Perez | SP |
And here is how the hitters have fared against today’s starting pitchers:
NOTES: After being designated for assignment last week, Brent Lillibridge has been traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitcher Jose De La Torre. The Red Sox have also signed pitcher Nelson Figueroa to a minor league deal. Both De La Torre and Figueroa have been assigned 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
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
1912 Red Sox World Series trophy to be auctioned [boston herald]
To buy or sell becoming a real dilemma for Cherington [brownie points]
Carl Crawford on batting seventh: ‘I’m cool with it’ [clubhouse insider]
Roy Oswalt: Red Sox never made a contract offer [clubhouse insider]
Crawford ‘understands’ move down batting order [csn new england]
Crawford on hitting 7th: ‘I understand now’ [espn boston]
Classifying prospects Sox would part with [espn boston]
Ask Nick: Is it time for Red Sox to sell? [extra bases]
Should the Red Sox bring back Hanley Ramirez? [extra bases]
Crawford offers no gripes about hitting seventh [extra bases]
Red Sox’ Path to Playoffs Takes Wrong Turn Despite Return of Injured Stars to Mix [nesn.com]
Josh Hamilton Cold as Ice as Slugger Can’t Match Red-Hot First Two Months [nesn.com]
Roy Oswalt on the Red Sox: ‘I never got offered anything’ [projo sox blog]
Valentine looking forward to seeing Ichiro with Yankees [projo sox blog]
Buchholz looks to snap Red Sox’s four-game skid [redsox.com]
Tribe acquires Lillibridge from Red Sox [redsox.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
