08/20/2008

Red Sox 7, Orioles 2 -- Youkilis and Pedroia lead the way to another win in Baltimore
BALTIMORE — Red Sox manager Terry Francona doesn’t like to talk about possible team MVPs.

Beckett’s numbness is a real cause for concern
BALTIMORE — Josh Beckett, complaining of “tingling and numbness” in the fingers on his throwing arm, will have his next scheduled start pushed back to next Tuesday.

Buchholz is looking for ‘command’ performance
BALTIMORE — Pitcher Clay Buchholz says he doesn’t want to say he’s trying to “perfect” his pitches. He would rather say he’s “refining” his style.

Yaz undergoes triple bypass surgery
Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski is in Massachusetts General Hospital after suffering chest pains.

J.D. Drew sits again with back injury
BALTIMORE -- For the second straight game, right fielder J.D. Drew was out of the lineup last night with back stiffness.

Little League World Series holds fond memories for Cash
BALTIMORE -- The Little League World Series is taking place in Williamsport, Pa., and Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash always pays close attention to the tournament.

PawSox’ Snyder and Lane hope to get called to Boston
PAWTUCKET — One is a hitter and an outfielder/first baseman. The other is a pitcher. One joined the team yesterday. The other returned from a rehabilitation assignment a week ago. They each have considerable big-league experience.

Chiefs 4, PawSox 2 -- Zink takes tough loss in first game back
Pawtucket’s Josh Wilson led off the game with a line-drive homer to left.

08/19/2008

Update: Josh Beckett's next start pushed back three days because of 'numbness in fingers'
Sox say the right-hander slept awkwardly on his right arm prior to his last start, but Beckett called it 'something I've been dealing with'

Red Sox 6, Orioles 3 -- Long balls, Lester carry Boston to a win
Jason Bay’s two home runs and one by Jason Varitek support Jon Lester’s outstanding pitching performance.

Lester fills the stopper role
BALTIMORE –– The Red Sox are quickly learning Jon Lester is the guy to have on the mound to halt a losing skid.

Sore back sidelines J.D. Drew
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew was out of the lineup last night because of back stiffness.

Injury update -- Lowell in Florida for rehab; Wakefield and Lugo progressing
BALTIMORE -- Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell (strained oblique) has returned home to Miami to continue his rehab.

08/18/2008

Blue Jays 15, Red Sox 4 -- All’s far from well for Beckett
So many things went wrong that it was easy to feel the team simply is not as good as it was last season.

Buchholz gets in a quick tuneup for Orioles start
BOSTON –– It was only one inning in a blowout game. And he gave up a run.

Inside the Game -- Beckett hurt by pitches with no snap
BOSTON — The record has been OK, and the earned-run average not bad.

Red Sox honor Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams
BOSTON -- There was an unusual sight before yesterday's Red Sox game. Manager Terry Francona was on the field, taking the ceremonial first pitch.

With Wakefield out, Cash's role changes
BOSTON -- Tim Wakefield played catch for the second day in a row, but there is no decision yet as to a target date for the knuckleballer to return to active duty.

PawSox 8, Bisons 3 -- Hansack gets back on winning track
Dusty Brown (2-for-5) had a two-run homer while George Kottaras (3-for-5) Sean Danielson (2-for-3), Joe Thurston (2-for-4) and Josh Wilson (2-for-5) also had multiple-hit games for Pawtucket.

08/17/2008

Halladay eclipses Byrd debut
The Blue Jays’ ace throws a seven-hit complete game, out-dueling the Red Sox’ newest starting pitcher.

Steven Krasner: Inside the Game: Byrd’s pace keeps Red Sox’ infielders in sync
BOSTON — Paul Byrd is not going to blow any pitches past any hitters.

Sox are getting man of character in Westmoreland
The Portsmouth native, who will report to Boston’s rookie-league team in Florida, is a winner on and off the baseball diamond.

Buchholz gets more time to get his act together
BOSTON — The plan for struggling rookie right-hander Clay Buchholz was to give him a few extra days to work on some things with pitching coach John Farrell.

08/16/2008

Red Sox’ offense needs more zest
The Red Sox feast against teams with subpar pitchers, such as the Rangers, but struggle against first-rate hurlers.

Red Sox, Portsmouth’s Westmoreland near deal
BOSTON — It appears that outfielder Ryan Westmoreland has become a member of the Boston Red Sox organization.

Red Sox’ Ellsbury’s pain subsides as rainout provides respite
BOSTON — Last night’s game was postponed because of rain, so center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury had an extra day to rest his bruised tailbone.

Lugo, Lowrie present Sox with difficult situation
BOSTON — Julio Lugo’s rehab is progressing better than the Red Sox originally thought.

08/15/2008

Red Sox 10, Rangers 0 -- Sox complete a Texas roundup
Boston sweeps the Rangers as Daisuke Matsuzaka and Mike Timlin combine to pitch a shutout.

Dice-K is Red Sox’ pitching Houdini
BOSTON –– Much has been made about how Daisuke Matsuzaka has been difficult to watch at times this season because of his propensity to throw so many pitches and allow so many baserunners, even as he has continued to win games.

Inside the Game -- Rangers’ pitchers continue to misfire
BOSTON — If one pitch isn’t working for you, try another. If the others aren’t effective, either, warm up the showers.

Ellsbury again held out of starting lineup
BOSTON -- Jacoby Ellsbury has been forced to sit out another game, though just sitting around is an uncomfortable proposition for the rookie center fielder, in more ways than one.

Francona says Bay is just as advertised
BOSTON -- Jason Bay, acquired as part of the non-waiver deadline deal that shipped disgruntled Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles, has been everything he was advertised to be, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.

Chiefs 7, PawSox 6 -- Syracuse rallies against Chris Smith
Syracuse left fielder Travis Snider capped a two-run ninth-inning rally with a two-out RBI single that drove in Hector Luna with the winning run.

08/14/2008

Red Sox 8, Rangers 4 -- Lester, Youkilis cook up another Texas barbecue
Jon Lester pitches seven strong innings and Kevin Youkilis has another big night at the plate as the Sox beat the Rangers for the sixth time in as many tries.

08/13/2008

Sox put Lowell on DL with strained oblique
BOSTON -- Third baseman Mike Lowell, who had to leave Tuesday night's game because of a strained oblique, was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Red Sox this afternoon.

08/14/2008

Pauley sent back to Pawtucket; Bailey called up
BOSTON — No one had to ask Mike Lowell how he was feeling yesterday. His body language said more than enough. The third baseman was moving gingerly in the Red Sox clubhouse, a bit bent over from the waist.

Paul Byrd says he's happy to be here
BOSTON -- Right-hander Paul Byrd, obtained in a trade with Cleveland on Tuesday, made his first appearance in the Red Sox clubhouse.

Inside the Game -- Youkilis continues to clean up at the plate
BOSTON — When Manny Ramirez was traded, there was much talk about how Ramirez’s absence would affect David Ortiz at the plate.

What Buchholz can learn from Lester
BOSTON -- Hopefully, Clay Buchholz was watching ace left-hander Jon Lester last night and saw himself in the future, maybe a year or so from now.

PawSox 5, Yankees 1 -- Martinez, Jones pitch PawSox to victory
The PawSox trail the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees by 1½ games after splitting their two-game series.

Zink relishes game he pitched for Red Sox
PAWTUCKET — Charlie Zink savored his first grand latte in the big leagues Tuesday night with the Boston Red Sox and can’t wait to return for another.

08/13/2008

Red Sox 19, Rangers 17 -- Youkilis, Ortiz each homer twice in wild slugfest
BOSTON — It’s safe to say Charlie Zink will always remember his major-league debut.

Injured list next stop for Lowell?
BOSTON — Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell suffered a right-oblique strain during an at-bat in the seventh inning last night and was removed from the game.

Red Sox acquire Byrd to bolster rotation
Veteran right-hander Paul Byrd, who won his last four starts with Cleveland, replaces struggling rookie Clay Buchholz in Boston’s starting-pitching lineup.

Francona, Epstein stand behind Buchholz
BOSTON -- With the addition of Paul Byrd to the Red Sox’ starting rotation, rookie Clay Buchholz (2-8, 6.32 ERA) will probably be sent back to Pawtucket to continue his development.

Shoulder stiffness lands Wakefield on DL
BOSTON — The Red Sox yesterday placed Tim Wakefield on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Thursday) with stiffness in his right shoulder.

Olympic spirit not lost on PawSox' Kottaras
PAWTUCKET — Baseball has taken George Kottaras to places he never thought he would visit. Warner, Okla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Hungary; The Netherlands; Greece.

Yankees 8, PawSox 6 -- PawSox face rehabbing Phil Hughes
Eric Duncan’s two-run double to right in the bottom of the 11th broke a 6-6 tie. Shelley Duncan had walked and Ben Broussard had singled before Eric Duncan got his first hit in his sixth trip to the plate.

08/12/2008

Red Sox 5, White Sox 1 -- It’s better late than never
The Red Sox offense, after being no-hit for six-plus innings, awakens to make a winner of Josh Beckett and earn a split of the series with the White Sox.

Win streaks are what really count to Pedroia
CHICAGO — Dustin Pedroia’s road hitting streak came to an end at 29 games last night, but the Red Sox second baseman hardly seemed broken up by it.

Francona insists Buchholz’s woes will come to end
CHICAGO — In an effort to boost his confidence and reaffirm their own support, manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell met with struggling starter Clay Buchholz yesterday, a day after Buchholz had failed to get an out in the fourth inning and lost for the fifth time in his last six outings.

Knuckleballer Zink gets the call he's been waiting for
The PawSox’ Charlie Zink will pitch for the Red Sox tonight in place of the ailing Tim Wakefield.

Red Sox get encouraging news on Wakefield's shoulder
CHICAGO -- Tim Wakefield was examined by Thomas Gill, the Red Sox medical director yesterday.

Ortiz gets a night off as wrist remains an issue
CHICAGO -- David Ortiz was given last night off by manager Terry Francona, who said the slugger’s wrist was “tender and stiff.”

Knights 5, PawSox 4 -- Bowden shines, but late defensive miscues cost PawSox
Despite the no-decision, rookie pitcher Michael Bowden worked six innings and allowed only two runs (one earned) on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

08/11/2008

Buchholz’s doldrums continue in Chicago
CHICAGO — If the Red Sox had any alternatives, Clay Buchholz might find his spot in the rotation in serious jeopardy.

Shoulder woes land Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield on disabled list
CHICAGO — Even before yesterday’s sloppy 6-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox, the news was bad for the Red Sox.

08/10/2008

Ortiz uncorks bases-clearing double to put Red Sox on top
After hitting only .143 in the last nine games, Boston’s David Ortiz finds his swing, and Daisuke Matsuzaka limits the White Sox to only one run over eight innings.

Red Sox’ Jacoby Ellsbury relaxes and finds his stroke at plate
CHICAGO — Jacoby Ellsbury sat out Friday night’s game as Coco Crisp got the start in center. But back in the lineup last night, he picked up right where he left off in Kansas City.

Red Sox’ Dustin Pedroia already owns spot in history
CHICAGO — With slightly more than seven weeks still remaining, it’s already been a special season for Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

08/09/2008

Boston Red Sox can’t catch Chicago
Dustin Pedroia’s three-run homer in the eighth puts the Red Sox back in the game, but that was the end of the Red Sox comeback attempt.

Giles vetoes trade to Red Sox
CHICAGO — The Red Sox’ attempt to beef up their bench for the final seven weeks was short-circuited yesterday afternoon when San Diego Padres outfielder Brian Giles refused to approve a trade to the Sox.

08/08/2008

Lefty-hitting Giles is the next target
CHICAGO — The non-waiver trading deadline may have passed last week, but it seems clear that the Red Sox aren’t done dealing.

Sox have another winner in Lowrie
A few random thoughts about the Boston Red Sox after a week of good-riddance-to-Manny games that produced a 5-1 record:

08/07/2008

Red Sox 8, Royals 2 -- Bats have Wakefield’s back at last
Boston finally comes through with some run support for hard-luck starter Tim Wakefield, who subdues the Royals in the series finale.

X-rays of Youkilis’ hand are negative
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It could have been worse for Kevin Youkilis. Just don’t try suggesting that to him.

Pedroia gets a rest, Cora a start
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dustin Pedroia had been in the Red Sox’ starting lineup every night for almost two months, but Terry Francona decided the series finale against the Kansas City Royals was a good time to change that.

As players clear waivers, Sox look for bullpen help
KANSAS CITY, Mo -- A number of players across baseball have cleared waivers in the first week of August, making them available to trade.

PawSox 11, Yankees 5 -- Velazquez and Kottaras lead offensive outburst
The PawSox broke out of an offensive slump and ended a three-game losing streak to the first-place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees when they produced 14 hits while taking advantage of eight walks and two hit batters.

08/06/2008

Red Sox 8, Royals 2 -- Beckett brings his 'A' game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A common phrase around the Red Sox clubhouse involves players or manager Terry Francona noting that something or another has to happen “if we’re going to be who we want to be.”

Ortiz says he can play despite his sore wrist
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Despite feeling a “clicking” in his left wrist Monday night, David Ortiz served as the Red Sox’ DH last night and maintained that he can play through the soreness he’s feeling.

Red Sox still have interest in relief pitcher Eyre
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chicago Cubs designated reliever Scott Eyre for assignment yesterday, meaning they have 10 days to release him or make a deal for him.

Lowell back in lineup; Drew still leading off
KANSAS CITY, Mo -- Mike Lowell was back in the lineup, a day after receiving an injection to help him with some discomfort in his right hip.

Yankees 4, PawSox 0 -- Colon struggles in return to mound
Matt Carson hit a two-run homer off the top of the scoreboard in left field as the Yankees did all of their scoring in the first three innings.

Epstein is content with Ramirez trade
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, a guest on WEEI Radio’s Dale and Holley Show, said yesterday he feels the Red Sox made a good trade last week when they traded Manny Ramirez and two other players for Jason Bay.

08/05/2008

Royals 4, Red Sox 3 -- Buchholz blows lead, hitters miss opportunities
Clay Buchholz squanders a two-run lead, and the Red Sox strand 12 runners in losing their opener against the Royals.

Reynolds -- There is plenty of ‘quit’ in Manny
So Manny is gone, baby, gone, and everyone seems to have an opinion on whether that’s good or bad.

Lowell gets cortisone shot for hip; Youkilis shifted to third base
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Third baseman Mike Lowell didn’t travel with the Red Sox as they began a seven-game road trip. Instead, Lowell stayed behind and received a cortisone shot for his ailing right hip.

Lester named July's pitcher of the month
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Third baseman Mike Lowell didn’t travel with the Red Sox as they began a seven-game road trip. Instead, Lowell stayed behind and received a cortisone shot for his ailing right hip.

Yankees 3, PawSox 2 -- First place lost; Colon starts tonight
The Yankees ended a 48-day PawSox stay in first place, including 46 in sole possession of that spot, in the meeting between the International League’s top two teams.

08/04/2008

Red Sox 5, Athletics 2 -- Lowrie's two-run triple propels Sox to sweep
BOSTON — Three games may not necessarily make a season, but the last few for the Boston Red Sox have been crucial.

Youkilis' hit streak 10 and counting
BOSTON — It’s obvious that Kevin Youkilis is locked in at the plate.

Inside the Game -- Matsuzaka continues to dodge bullets
BOSTON — To adapt a sporting world cliché, he is what he is.

Red Sox celebrate Rhode Island Day at Fenway
BOSTON -- The State of Rhode Island was well represented yesterday at Fenway Park. Each of the six New England states is given its own day here, and yesterday was Rhode Island Day.

Yankees 5, PawSox 2 -- Ian Kennedy slows PawSox offense
Things just got a bit more interesting atop the International League North standings.

PawSox chasing first postseason spot in five years
PAWTUCKET — It has been five years since the Pawtucket Red Sox made the playoffs.

08/03/2008

Red Sox 12, Athletics 2 -- Sox soar as offense, Lester click
Kevin Youkilis hits two home runs and Jon Lester allows two runs in seven innings as Boston gains its second straight victory over Oakland.

Inside the Game -- Bay smacks a three-run homer and proves he’s no Manny
BOSTON — The best thing about Jason Bay’s first home run for the Red Sox, a mammoth three-run first-inning blast to left-center?

Slowed by hip injury, Lowell back on the field at third
BOSTON — Mike Lowell, who had to leave Friday night’s game in the 10th inning because he aggravated a right hip flexor injury, was in the starting lineup last night, batting fourth and playing third base.

Lugo jogs for first time since injury
BOSTON -- Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo, who suffered a quadriceps injury July 12, ran for the first time yesterday.

Colon, Aardsma to rehab with PawSox
BOSTON -- Bartolo Colon threw a side session yesterday afternoon, his second in the last three days, and is set to rejoin the Pawtucket Red Sox for a rehabilitation stint.

Shortstop Wilson goes to PawSox as part of Manny-for-Bay deal
PAWTUCKET — Jason Bay made his Red Sox debut Friday night to a standing ovation.

PawSox 7, Yankees 3 -- Velazquez, Bailey key another big rally
The PawSox did it again.

PawSox, Yankees set to battle it out for division supremacy
The two leaders of the International League North Division will play eight games over 12 days.

08/02/2008

Red Sox 2, Athletics 1 -- Bay’s triple keys Red Sox’ win in 12 innings
Rookie Jed Lowrie drives in Jason Bay, who had tripled, for the winning run in the 12th inning as Boston ends a three-game losing streak.

Red Sox fans give Bay a hero’s welcome
Jason Bay, Boston’s new left fielder, gets a standing ovation in his first at-bat and repays the fans with a clutch triple in the 12th inning.

Manny charms ’em in Dodgers’ debut
The former Boston slugger says he harbors no bitterness toward the Red Sox.

Red Sox players turning the page on Manny Ramirez
BOSTON — There was a different aura around the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday.

Smith called up from Pawtucket to replace Hansen
BOSTON -- Since reliever Craig Hansen was part of the Ramirez three-team deal on Thursday, the Red Sox need bullpen help.

Lowell OK with move to cleanup spot
BOSTON -- With Manny Ramirez off to the West Coast, the Red Sox need a new cleanup hitter.

Pittsburgh seen as good fit for Hansen
PAWTUCKET — Craig Hansen was supposed to be the Boston Red Sox’ next great closer.

08/01/2008

Bill Reynolds -- Gone, Manny, gone
The circus has left town.

Sean McAdam -- Sox pay a heavy price to trade Manny, get Bay
In order to trade a future Hall of Famer and acquire a player in return, the Red Sox had to agree to pay his remaining salary and include two young players.

Steven Krasner -- Don't expect Sox offense to pack as much punch
Jason Bay is a two-time National League All-Star but he doesn’t hit for as much power as Manny Ramirez.

Jim Donaldson -- Trades leave Red Sox the underdogs
The questions you have to ask yourself if you’re a Red Sox fan are these: Is the team better now, after the trading deadline, than it was two weeks ago?

Evaluating Jason Bay
For a former Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, Jason Bay is something of an unknown for many fans in New England.

Trade to Pirates surprises Moss
PAWTUCKET — Brandon Moss was one of the last players on the Pawtucket Red Sox to find out that he had been traded yesterday. Even his wife knew about it before he did.

PawSox 7, Red Wings 6 -- Bowden struggles, but Kottaras comes through
Catcher George Kottaras was Mr. Clutch once more as the PawSox rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat Rochester, 7-6.

07/31/2008

Here today, gone tomorrow? Manny could be dealt to Marlins
BOSTON — As if dealing away Manny Ramirez wasn’t complicated enough, the Red Sox last night were working feverishly to move the controversial outfielder in a three-team deal involving the Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates that, if completed, would give the Sox a power bat to replace Ramirez in left field and some bullpen help.

Angels 9, Red Sox 2 -- Error of their ways results in a sweep
Los Angeles cruises against Josh Beckett and Boston in a sloppy affair at Fenway Park.

Ace Beckett comes up a joker against Angels
BOSTON — Red Sox starter Josh Beckett suffered his third straight loss last night, dropping the erstwhile ace’s record to a mediocre 9-8.