Afternoon Red Sox Delight – 6/23

Randall Delgado (L), Franklin Morales (R)

After falling 4-1 last night, the Boston Red Sox look to get back on track tonight in the middle game of a three-game interleague set with the Atlanta Braves at historic Fenway Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast on FOX to 15% of the country. For those of you who live in Connecticut like myself, the game will be shown on WCCT-20, the sister station of FOX 61. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

After a successful spot start his last time out, Franklin Morales will take the ball tonight for Bobby Valentine. In his previous 23 appearances (one start), Morales is 0-1 with a 3.14 ERA. He’s made four career appearances against the Braves and is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA (2 ER/3.1 IP)

Rookie Randall Delgado makes his 14th start of the 2012 season. In his previous 13 starts, Delgado is 4-7 with a 4.12 ERA. Tonight’s marks his first career start against the local nine.

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

Here are today’s lineups:

Atlanta Braves38-32 Boston Red Sox36-34
1. Michael Bourn CF 1. Daniel Nava LF
2. Martin Prado LF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Brian McCann DH 3. David Ortiz DH
4. Dan Uggla 2B 4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
5. Freddie Freeman 1B 5. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
6. Chipper Jones 3B 6. Will Middlebrooks 3B
7. Jason Heyward RF 7. Cody Ross RF
8. David Ross C 8. Ryan Kalish CF
9. Andrelton Simmons SS 9. Mike Aviles SS
Randall Delgado SP Franklin Morales SP

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

Atlanta Braves @ Boston Red Sox batter/pitcher matchups

NOTES: Clay Buchholz has been scratched from his start tomorrow due to illness. It appears that Aaron Cook will be activated from the disabled list to make the start for Buchholz.

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

Chipper Jones impressed with Will Middlebrooks [clubhouse insider]

Kevin Youkilis on trade rumors: “I haven’t been told anything” [clubhouse insider]

Clay Buchholz ill, won’t start tomorrow; Aaron Cook may be fill-in option [clubhouse insider]

Buchholz to miss Sunday start [csn new england]

Hinske reflects on time with Red Sox [csn new england]

Tough situation for Youkilis [csn new england]

Youkilis: ‘I haven’t been told anything’ [csn new england]

Youk: ‘I was never told what’s going on’ [espn boston]

Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox unhappy being out of the lineup [espn boston]

Crawford 0-for-3, 2 BB in GCL game [espn boston]

Sox slow Bailey down after setback [espn boston]

Cook to start for ill Buchholz on Sunday [espn boston]

Youkilis trade could come at any time [extra bases]

Crawford gets five plate appearances in GCL [extra bases]

Kevin Youkilis: ‘I’m still here. I’m not dead.’ [extra bases]

Clay Buchholz scratched from Sunday start [extra bases]

Kevin Youkilis on trade possibilities: ‘I’m a paid employee here’ [full count]

David Ortiz, Other Designated Hitters Should Be Allowed to Win American League MVP [nesn.com]

How Would the Red Sox Fare If They Played in the NL East? [nesn.com]

Clay Buchholz to Miss Sunday’s Start With Illness, Aaron Cook Held Out Pawtucket Lineup Saturday [nesn.com]

Scott Atchison Receives All-Star Support in the Clubhouse, With First Base Coach Alex Ochoa As Primary Witness [nesn.com]

Kevin Youkilis Says He’s ‘Not Dead’ Despite Trade Talk, Notes Communication Error with Bobby Valentine [nesn.com]

Bobby V: ‘I’m allowed’ to sit Youk [mike petraglia – weei.com]

Chipper Jones on Will Middlebrooks: “I’m starting to take notice” [projo sox blog]

Youkilis: Valentine never discussed playing-time situation with him [projo sox blog]

Clay Buchholz scratched from Sunday start [projo sox blog]

A setback for Andrew Bailey [projo sox blog]

Crawford plays in first minor-league rehab game [projo sox blog]

Morales looks to even Sox’s series against Braves [redsox.com]

Ortiz, Red Sox will be fine despite outburst [redsox.com]

Youk: ‘No conversation’ on lessening playing time [redsox.com]

Illness forces Buchholz out of Sunday start [redsox.com]

Teams interested in Youk, timetable unclear [alex speier – weei.com]

Buchholz scratched from Sunday start [alex speier – weei.com]

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

photo credits: ap photo, ap photo

Red Sox News & Notes – 6/23

Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox wipes his face in the dugout after giving up two runs to the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning of the interleague game at Fenway Park on June 22, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Well folks, the five-game winning streak is over after the Atlanta Braves came into Fenway Park last night and beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. It also appears that the days of Kevin Youkilis wearing the local nine’s uniform are just about over too.

The Red Sox offense, which had been hot as of late, was shutdown last night by a pitcher in Jair Jurrjens who had come into the game allowing more runs than inning pitched this season. They managed just three hits on the night.

The first one came in the 1st inning when Adrian Gonzalez singled. After that, only Daniel Nava (walk) and Will Middlebrooks (hit by pitch) reached base until Middlebrooks doubled in the 8th inning. Two batters later, the Red Sox got their only run of the night when Nava doubled in WMB. That was it for base runners on the night.

Jon Lester started this one for the Red Sox and while he made his pitches, he got hit around. All told on the night, he allowed 10 hits.

Honestly though, it wasn’t as if Lester was leaving pitches up in zone or out over the meat of the plate. He made some good ones. Unfortunately the Braves bats find the ball and the openings.

Lastly, as I said at the beginning, Youk’s day are numbered in Beantown.

He’s all been all but replaced in the lineup by the hotter hitting Middlebrooks and there’s rumors out there that he’ll be traded shortly. It’s a matter of when, not if it’ll happen.

Sorry for this being short and sweet. I have some personal things to take care that will take up most of the day.

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

Red Sox’ win streak ends [boston globe]

Youkilis sits, Middlebrooks remains in lineup [boston globe]

Close to end, but still chipper [boston globe]

Bard will be back in bullpen when he returns [boston globe]

Streakin’ no more: Jon Lester’s frustrations grow, bats struggle [boston herald]

Michael Bourn backs Carl Crawford [boston herald]

Lester, Pedroia woes worthy of concern [boston herald]

Scott Atchison’s role merits Star status [boston herald]

Daniel Bard, team agree: ‘Pen his place [boston herald]

Hill ready to throw after second opinion [rob bradford – weei.com]

What becoming a full-time first baseman might mean for Adrian Gonzalez [rob bradford – weei.com]

Source: Red Sox will trade Kevin Youkilis ’sooner rather than later’ [clubhouse insider]

Jurrjens silences Sox bats in return to Majors [csn new england]

Lester: ‘I don’t know what else to do’ [csn new england]

Frustrated Lester searching for answers [csn new england]

Rally fizzles; Pedroia scuffles [csn new england]

Report: Sox close to trading Youkilis [csn new england]

Bard’s thoughts on closing, velocity drop [espn boston]

Bobby Valentine on Michael Kay show [espn boston]

White Sox leading Youkilis sweepstakes? [espn boston]

Rapid Reaction: Braves 4, Red Sox 1 [espn boston]

Takeaways from stormy and dark Fenway [espn boston]

Kevin Youkilis on WAAF: Players ‘tired’ of redundant questions [full count]

Daniel Bard’s Return to Bullpen Smart Move, Will Prevent Him From Becoming Next Joba Chamberlain [nesn.com]

Dustin Pedroia Must Get ‘Hotter Than a Firecracker’ for Red Sox to Sustain Success [nesn.com]

Jon Lester Insists He’s Healthy, Can’t Explain Reasoning Behind Subpar String of Starts [nesn.com]

After Cody Ross Planned to Lure Dan Uggla to San Francisco, Uggla Now Hopes to Recruit Ross to Braves [nesn.com]

Chipper Jones on Will Middlebrooks: “I’m starting to take notice” [projo sox blog]

Despite slump, Pedroia staying in two-hole [redsox.com]

Crawford set for Minors action Saturday [redsox.com]

Red-hot Middlebrooks starts over Youkilis [redsox.com]

Bard moving back to bullpen for rest of season [redsox.com]

Atchison pitching his case for All-Star nod [redsox.com]

For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSN New EnglandESPN 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 Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Macon Telegraph websites. Also be sure to check out our Bloguin brother Chop-N-Change for all of your Braves needs.

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

photo credit: Getty Images

Patriots Sign Ihedigbo; Release Scaife

New England Patriots strong safety James Ihedigbo is unable to recover a fourth quarter fumble by New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (L) at the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 5, 2012.

The New England Patriots made a couple roster moves the last few days.  They released recently signed TE Bo Scaife earlier in the week.

Scaife just came to the Patriots two weeks ago after he had spent the last six seasons with the Tennessee Titans after the club drafted him in the sixth round of the 2005 draft out of Texas.

The team also re-signed S James Ihedigbo who played on 67% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2011.  Ihedigbo was born in Africa but grew up a Patriots fan in Northampton, MA and went on to attend UMass.  Prior to coming to the Patriots he had played with the New York Jets.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

photo credit: reuters pictures

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 6/23

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

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

One and done: Wildcats’ Lagow commit to quarterback UConn [starlocalnews.com]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Shabazz Napier Wearing A Walking Boot For Now [dom amore – hartford courant]

NBA Front Office Source, Scout Assess Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb Draft Stock [david borges – new haven register]

Napier in boot for six weeks [kevin duffy – ct post]

Drummond, Robinson work out for Bobcats [norwich bulletin]

Other UConn related links

Baseball. Mazzilli and Oberg Named to ABCA Regional Second Team [uconnhuskies.com]

W. Track. UConn Women’s Track Well Represented At Olympic Trials [uconnhuskies.com]

Title IX at 40: UConn’s football upgrade paid dividends to tennis player Vorvis of Fairfield [ct post]

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

Destination Red Sox Nation – 6/23

Destination Red Sox Nation

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

pawtucket red sox Pawtucket Red Sox

The Louisville Bats got a run in the 13th to beat the PawSox 4-3.

PawSox Lose 4-3 to Bats in Thirteen Innings [pawsox.com]

Pawtucket Red Sox Unveil Ben Mondor Statue [pawsox.com]

Tamburro, Schwechheimer take pride in PawSox’s exceptional first half of season [pawtucket times]

Statue of late owner completes Mondor Gardens [pawtucket times]

Bard says he’s back to being a reliever [providence journal]

Sculpture of Mondor dedicated at McCoy [providence journal]

Louisville Bats @ Pawtucket Red Sox 6.22.12 box score [milb.com]

Pawtucket Red Sox 2012 Roster

Pawtucket Red Sox stats

International League 2012 Standings

Pawtucket Red Sox website

Portland Sea Dogs Portland Sea Dogs:

The game between the Sea Dogs and Trenton Thunder was rained out. They’ll make it up as part of a doubleheader tonight beginning at 5:05 p.m.

Sea Dogs Notebook: Sea Dogs reliever suspended after failed test [portland press herald]

Portland Sea Dogs 2012 Roster

Portland Sea Dogs 2012 stats

Eastern League 2012 Standings

Portland Sea Dogs website

salem red sox Salem Red Sox:

The Lynchburg Hillcats swept a doubleheader from Salem. They won the first game 4-3 in 11 innings while taking the second game 3-0.

Northcraft No-Hits Sox in Hillcats Sweep [salemredsox.com]

Lynchburg Hillcats edge Salem Red Sox in 11th inning [roanoke times]

Salem Red Sox @ Lynchburg Hillcats 6.22.12 game 1 box score [milb.com]

Salem Red Sox @ Lynchburg Hillcats 6.22.12 game 2 box score [milb.com]

Salem Red Sox 2012 Roster

Salem Red Sox 2012 stats

Carolina League 2012 standings

Salem Red Sox official blog

Salem Red Sox website

Greenville drive Greenville Drive:

The Drive rolled over the Charleston RiverDogs 7-3.

Jason Garcia has best outing of year as Greenville Drive beat Charleston RiverDogs [goupstate.com]

Drive Dismantle RiverDogs, 7-3 [oursports central]

Charleston RiverDogs @ Greenville Drive 6.22.12 box score [milb.com]

Greenville Drive 2012 Roster

Greenvillle Drive 2012 stats

South Atlantic League 2012 Standings

Greenville Drive website

Lowell Spinners Lowell Spinners:

The Spinners held off a late Vermont Lake Monsters rally in a 5-3 win.

Spinners Hold off Weather, Lake Monsters in Win, 5-3 [lowellspinners.com]

Iglesias impresses in Spinners victory [lowell sun]

Vermont Lake Monsters @ Lowell Spinners 6.22.12 box score [milb.com]

Lowell Spinners 2012 Roster

Lowell Spinners 2012 stats

NY-Penn League 2012 Standings

Lowell Spinners Blog

Spinners website

Gulf Coast red sox Gulf Coast League Red Sox

The GCL Red Sox beat the GCL Twins 4-3 in game that was completed early due to rain.

GCL Twins @ GCL Red Sox 6.22.12 box score [milb.com]

GCL Red Sox 2012 Roster

GCL Red Sox 2012 stats

Gulf Coast League 2012 Standings

Gulf Coast Red Sox website

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

Afternoon Red Sox Delight – 6/22

Tonight’s Red Sox vs Braves game is in a rain delay. The game is expected to start at 8:20 p.m.

Jair Jurrjens (L), Jon Lester (R)

After sweeping the Miami Marlins, the Boston Red Sox will continue their eight-game home stanza with the final three games of interleague play. Tonight they’ll welcome the Atlanta Braves to historic Fenway Park for the first game of a three-game set.

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 Braves television market, you can catch the game on Peachtree TV/Fox Sports South. And if you don’t live in either market you are in luck as the MLB Network will have coverage of the game as well (not in Red Sox or Braves television markets. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Jon Lester steps on to the bump for the 15th time this season tonight for the Red Sox. In his previous 14 starts, Lester is 4-4 with a 4.53 ERA. His lone career start against the Braves came in 2006 when he picked up the win after allowing one run in six innings work.

Jair Jurrjens makes his fifth start of 2012 and his first since April 23rd. In his previous four starts, Jurrjens is 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA (17 ER/16.1 IP). His only two career starts against the Red Sox came in 2009 when he went 0-1 with a 3.14 ERA (5 ER/14.1 IP). He picked up a no decision in his only Fenway start after allowing five runs (two earned) in 6.1 innings of work.

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

Here are today’s lineups:

Atlanta Braves37-32 Boston Red Sox36-33
1. Michael Bourn CF 1. Daniel Nava LF
2. Martin Prado 3B 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Brian McCann C 3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
4. Dan Uggla 2B 4. David Ortiz DH
5. Freddie Freeman 1B 5. Cody Ross RF
6. Chipper Jones DH 6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
7. Jason Heyward RF 7. Will Middlebrooks 3B
8. Matt Diaz LF 8. Ryan Kalish CF
9. Andrelton Simmons SS 9. Mike Aviles SS
Jair Jurrjens SP Jon Lester SP

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

Atlanta Braves @ Boston Red Sox batter/pitcher matchups

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

Cherington: Bard to bullpen ‘mutual’ decision [rob bradford – weei.com]

Video: Is David Ortiz right about the media, state of the Red Sox [clubhouse insider]

Bard moves back to relief: “It felt like I belonged” [clubhouse insider]

Bobby V met with Youkilis before starting Middlebrooks [clubhouse insider]

Braves’ Michael Bourn: Carl Crawford ‘will bounce back’ for Red Sox [clubhouse insider]

Cherington hopes Bard makes an impact out of bullpen [clubhouse insider]

Youngsters making the difference for Sox [csn new england]

Bard headed back to bullpen [csn new england]

Friday: Middlebrooks at third; Youkilis sits [csn new england]

Crawford to begin rehab assignment Saturday [csn new england]

Valentine pleased with youngsters’ progress [csn new england]

Chipper makes final Fenway appearance [csn new england]

Atchison an All-Star? [csn new england]

SweetSpot: Teams want Youkilis [espn boston]

Daniel Bard says he has officially been moved back to a relief role [espn boston]

Youkilis sits, Middlebrooks at third [espn boston]

Bobby V braces Youkilis for less playing time [espn boston]

Crawford to play Saturday GCL game [espn boston]

Injury updates: Ellsbury, Hill progressing [espn boston]

Atchinson’s case to be an All-Star [espn boston]

Bobby: Nava was ‘completely off the radar’ [espn boston]

Last hurrah for Chipper Jones at Fenway? [espn boston]

Middlebrooks stays at third, calm reigns [extra bases]

Red Sox prospect Duarte suspended [extra bases]

Valentine talks it over with Youkilis [extra bases]

Valentine meets up with Jones again [extra bases]

Bard: Bullpen ‘is where I belong’ [extra bases]

Curt Schilling on D&C: ‘I’m not asking for sympathy’ after losing $50M in business collapse [full count]

Nuggetpalooza: Red Sox hit for ‘home run cycle’ [full count]

Kevin Millar on M&M: Red Sox media problems are ‘little pebble on the road’ [full count]

Led by David Ortiz, Red Sox starting to fight back [tony massarotti – boston globe]

Vote: Is Will Middlebrooks the Early AL Rookie of the Year Favorite? [nesn.com]

Jenny Dell, Tom Caron Show Off What They’re ‘Drinkin’ During Dunkin’ Donuts Shoot at Fenway Park (Photos) [nesn.com]

Report: Daniel Bard Informs Red Sox He Doesn’t Want to Start Anymore, Will Return to Bullpen [nesn.com]

Bobby Valentine Plans to Ride ‘Hot Hand’ At Third Base, Will Bench Kevin Youkilis For Now [nesn.com]

Will Middlebrooks’ Performance Forces Bobby Valentine’s Hand Into Solving Positional Battle [nesn.com]

Donaldson: Boston’s “Whiz Kids” [projo sox blog]

Middlebrooks again playing third base over Youkilis [projo sox blog]

Crawford to start rehabbing, Braves’ Bourn confident he’s still ‘a superstar player’ [projo sox blog]

Bard: Meant to pitch late in games [projo sox blog]

Atchison might not be an All-Star, but he’s been indispensible for Red Sox [projo sox blog]

Lester gets call as Red Sox welcome Braves [redsox.com]

Schilling’s video-game company goes bankrupt [redsox.com]

David Ortiz has another pressing matter [touching all the bases]

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

photo credits: Getty Images, Reuters Pictures

“Sunday MLB on TBS” to Feature Red Sox vs. Braves in Interleague Matchup from Fenway Park

Sunday MLB on TBS

“Sunday MLB on TBS” will feature the Boston Red Sox and second baseman Dustin Pedroia hosting the Atlanta Braves and catcher Brian McCann in interleague action June 24 at 1:30 p.m. ET from historic Fenway Park. Clay Buchholz (7-2) is scheduled to start for the Red Sox against Braves probable starter Mike Minor (3-5).  Calling the action will be Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and analysts John Smoltz and David Wells.

In October, TBS will exclusively televise the American League (AL) and National League (NL) Wild Card games and will once again provide exclusive coverage of all four MLB Division Series (DS) and the American League Championship Series (ALCS).  TBS is also the exclusive home of the 2012 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell airing Sunday, July 1, at 1 p.m.

The network will announce future games on its schedule coinciding with its selection windows. The games included in the TBS MLB package will not be televised in the team’s home television territory.

TBS has broadcast MLB games for more than 30 years, serving as the exclusive home of the MLB Division Series (DS) and one League Championship Series (LCS) since 2007 and home of Atlanta Braves coverage from 1977 to 2007.

UPCOMING “SUNDAY MLB ON TBS” SCHEDULE: 

Sun., July 1

1 p.m.

2012 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell 

2 p.m.

Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees

Announcers: Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and John Smoltz (analyst)

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

Red Sox News & Notes – 6/22

Will Middlebrooks #64 of the Boston Red Sox shouts out while rounding the bases after his two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning of the game at Fenway Park on June 21, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Don’t look now folks but this “toxic” Boston Red Sox team is playing some good baseball right now.

The Red Sox rallied last night behind the “youth” of the organization for a 6-5 win over the Miami Marlins. The win gave the local nine a sweep of the three-game set with the Marlins and it was also their fifth straight win.

They now hold a one-game lead on last place over the Toronto Blue Jays and are just two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for third and three games behind the Baltimore Orioles for second. By the way, those games behind the Rays is how close they are to the second wild card spot (yes, I know. It’s way too early to be talking about the playoffs).

When I say “youth”, I only say it that way because Daniel Nava is almost 30 years old. The other two principals of that “youth” though are 23 (Will Middlebrooks) and 24 (Ryan Kalish).

Middlebrooks did most of the damage last night with four RBIs including a huge two-run homer in the 8th that tied the game and also set the stage for the other stars of the show.

After WMB hit his 449 foot game tying homer, Kalish followed with a single. Instead of bunting, Mike Aviles grounded out to first on a hit and run play. Somehow though because of some aggressive base running by Kalish, he ended up at third base on an infield ground out. Nava came to the plate and the thought of another squeeze play was definitely there. Instead he roped Edward Mujica offering to center for a single that brought in the eventual winning run.

Since taking over for the Kevin Youkilis in the blow out win on Wednesday night, Middlebrooks is 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. Over the course of the three-game series with the Marlins, he went 6-for-8 with two home runs and seven RBIs. On the season now, WMB is hitting .316 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs in 38 games

And to think he’s been raking at the plate with sporadic playing time since Youk has returned.

Now I know that friend of the site and friend in real life FC won’t want to hear this as she is a huge Youk fan but his time is slowly but surely running out in Boston. In 41 games this season, Youk is hitting .225 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

You tell me who you want in the lineup? Youk or WMB?

For me it’s easy and it’s nothing against Youk but I’d want Middlebrooks in my lineup every day. Sure Youk is proven in this league but Middlebrooks battled through a slump after his callup and has been nothing but consistent. The threat is there for him to get a hit every time he steps into the batter’s box. With Youk at the plate, you’re just not sure what you’re going to get anymore.

Daisuke Matsuzaka started this one and it was the same old story. One bad inning followed by four shutdown innings. Maybe someone needs to tell Dice-K that when he takes the mound to start a game, he’s already given up two-three runs.

In all seriousness though, whatever he is doing to prepare for the games probably needs to change. Because if he can get past that one bad early inning, he has the potential to stablize the rotation going forward.

This team is fun to watch again right now. Hopefully their good play continues in the final interleague series of the season when the Chipper Jones farewell tour hits the Fens for the weekend with the Atlanta Braves in town.

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

Sox stay hot with sweep [boston globe]

Marrero eager to get started [boston globe]

A big blast from Ortiz [boston globe]

Energetic Kalish providing dash of excitement [boston globe]

Sox rally propelled by youth [boston herald]

Ryan Kalish gives an energy boost [boston herald]

Mixed roll for Dice [boston herald]

Ryan Kalish turns to Cody Ross for veteran advice [boston herald]

David Ortiz: I’m tired of the drama [boston herald]

John Henry happy with Sox’ response [boston herald]

David Ortiz’s Rant Against Media In Line With Big Papi’s Character, Team’s Changing Climate [nesn.com]

Middlebrooks leads Sox to 6-5 victory over Marlins, series sweep [csn new england]

Valentine: Middlebrooks is ‘developing nicely’ [csn new england]

Saltalamacchia: Matsuzaka ‘battled’ [csn new england]

Video: State of the Nation [espn boston]

Rapid Reaction: Sox 6, Marlins 5 [espn boston]

Video: BBTN on what’s wrong with Sox [espn boston]

Andrew Bailey: ‘I definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel’ [full count]

Closing Time: Will and a way — Middlebrooks leads Red Sox to comeback victory [full count]

Opinion: David Ortiz wrong guy to deliver message [full count]

Daniel Nava and Ryan Kalish just worried about the here and now [full count]

David Ortiz’s Outburst Another Sign of Leadership as He Deflects Attention From Clubhouse to Himself [nesn.com]

Red Sox Youth Movement Starts With Will Middlebrooks, But Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava Key to Success [nesn.com]

Will Middlebrooks Proves to Be Consistent Threat Despite Inconsistent Playing Time [nesn.com]

Cody Ross Impressed With Red Sox Ability to Finish Off Comeback Win (Video) [nesn.com]

Curt Schilling ‘Tapped Out’ Financially, Says Money From Baseball Probably ‘All Gone’ [nesn.com]

Feeling the pain of David Ortiz [mike petraglia – weei.com]

Youkilis sits, Middlebrooks starts at third [redsox.com]

Bailey takes big step, throws bullpen session [redsox.com]

Crawford may play in Minors game Saturday [redsox.com]

Making it work: How Will Middlebrooks is making the most of a complicated situation [alex speier – weei.com]

For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSN New EnglandESPN 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 Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and South Florida Sun-Sentinel websites. Also be sure to check out our Bloguin brother Marlins Big Catch for all of your Marlins needs.

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

photo credit: Getty Images

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 6/22

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

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 question in his mailbag [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Former UConn Player Mike Ryan Still On Critical List [Hartford Courant]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

Business As Usual Today For Auriemma [Rich Elliott – CT Post]

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Jim Calhoun On His Future, The APR and The Draft. [Dom Amore – Hartford Courant]

Boatright Gets Boost From CP3 Camp [UConnHuskies.com]

Former FCIAC stars Austrie, Coombs find ‘Love and Basketball’ [CT Post]

Calhoun Giving No Indication Of Retirement [Hartford Courant]

Suns Draft Candidate: Jeremy Lamb [KTAR.com]

Other UConn related links

Baseball. UConn Baseball Summer Notebook [UConnHuskies.com]

Two Former UConn Baseball Players Named To 2012 All-Star Futures Game [SOX & Dawgs]

M. Soccer. Men’s Soccer Set To Host 10 Games At Morrone Stadium in 2012 [UConnHuskies.com]

W. Ice Hockey. Garcia Leads Pack of 12 Huskies on WHEA All-Academic Team [UConnHuskies.com]

M. Ice Hockey. UConn Men’s Ice Hockey To Join Hockey East [UConnHuskies.com]

Baseball. Bethel High native Barnes to represent Red Sox at Futures Game [CT Post]

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

Destination Red Sox Nation – 6/22

Destination Red Sox Nation

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

Marrero eager to get started [boston globe]

pawtucket red sox Pawtucket Red Sox

The Syracuse Chiefs scored the final three runs of the game in their 3-1 win over the PawSox.

PawSox Get Swept in Syracuse [PawSox.com]

Bullpen falters again, extending skid  [Providence Journal]

Pawtucket Red Sox @ Syracuse Chiefs 6.21.12 box score [MiLB.com]

Pawtucket Red Sox 2012 Roster

Pawtucket Red Sox stats

International League 2012 Standings

Pawtucket Red Sox website

Portland Sea Dogs Portland Sea Dogs:

Peter Hissey went 3-for-3 with two RBIs to help the Sea Dogs to a 6-1 win over the Harrisburg Senators.

Martin, Hissey Lead Sea Dogs to 6-1 Win [PortlandSeaDogs.com]

Sea Dogs: A good night all around [Portland Press Herald]

Their bonds include the Sea Dogs [Portland Press Herald]

Red Sox Prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. Joins Sea Dogs [OurSports Central]

Harrisburg Senators @ Portland Sea Dogs 6.21.12 box score [MiLB.com]

Portland Sea Dogs 2012 Roster

Portland Sea Dogs 2012 stats

Eastern League 2012 Standings

Portland Sea Dogs website

salem red sox Salem Red Sox:

The game between Salem and the Lynchburg Hillcats was rained out on Thursday night. The two teams will play a doubleheader starting tonight at 6 p.m.

Salem Red Sox 2012 Roster

Salem Red Sox 2012 stats

Carolina League 2012 standings

Salem Red Sox official blog

Salem Red Sox website

Greenville drive Greenville Drive:

The Drive opened up the second half with a 12-6 win over the Charleston RiverDogs.

Drive Notch 12-6 Come-From-Behind Win [OurSports Central]

Charleston RiverDogs @ Greenville Drive 6.21.12 box score [MiLB.com]

Greenville Drive 2012 Roster

Greenvillle Drive 2012 stats

South Atlantic League 2012 Standings

Greenville Drive website

Lowell Spinners Lowell Spinners:

The Spinners pounded out 15 hits in a 10-3 win over the Connecticut Tigers.

Spinners Sweep Tigers in 15-hit Drubbing, 10-3 [LowellSpinners.com]

Spinners’ bats stay hot in win over Tigers [Lowell Sun]

Connecticut Tigers @ Lowell Spinners 6.21.12 box score [MiLB.com]

Lowell Spinners 2012 Roster

Lowell Spinners 2012 stats

NY-Penn League 2012 Standings

Lowell Spinners Blog

Spinners website

Gulf Coast red sox Gulf Coast League Red Sox

The GCL Red Sox got five in the 5th to take a 6-1 win over the GCL Orioles.

GCL Orioles @ GCL Red Sox 6.21.12 box score [MiLB.com]

GCL Red Sox 2012 Roster

GCL Red Sox 2012 stats

Gulf Coast League 2012 Standings

Gulf Coast Red Sox website

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