Hirsute Heroes May Shave Beards For Charity

They were so much a part of the identity of the 2013 Red Sox, it's hard to think of them without their beards. But now that the Holy Grail has been captured, there is talk that sometime soon their facial hair will be shorn for charity. Some, like Jarrod Saltalamacchia, have hinted that they want to keep their whiskers, but it will be hard to resist the opportunity to help others the way this team has all year. Word is that, sometime next week, Dr. Charles Steinberg (AKA The Mad Dentist) will put together an event that will be a capstone to this great year of civic responsibility on the part of The Carmine Hose. Stay tuned.

Rolling Duckboat Rally Is Saturday At 10AM

The Red Sox and the City of Boston announced that their World Series victory parade will take place on Saturday, November 2nd at 10AM. The route will be the same as in 2004: beginning near Fenway Park, before heading onto Boylston Street, turning left on Tremont Street, then another left onto Cambridge Street and a right on Blossom Street before floating down the Charles River. The duck-boats will "lap" around the Charles and return to the Museum area. Parking will be virtually non-existent—big surprise, huh?—but the weather is looking great.

Red Sox Now Rank Fourth On World Series List

The First World Series Champions (1903)

With their eighth World Series title in tow, the Boston Red Sox now rank fourth on the all-time list of Fall Classic wins. Boston trails only the New York Yankees (27), the St. Louis Cardinals (11) and the Oakland Athletics (9). The Boston franchise (founded in 1901) today holds the distinction of being the very first World Series Champion (1903) and the most recent (2013). The Red Sox have also won the third most American League pennants (13), trailing the Yankees (41) and the A's (15).

David Ortiz Was Runaway MVP Of World Series

FN's Editor-In-Chief With David Ortiz

Rarely has there been such a clear-cut choice for World Series MVP as this year. Red Sox DH/1B David Ortiz went on an historic hitting mission—with numbers that will dazzle fans for years to come. Big Papi hit a ridiculous .688 in the six games—.438 points higher than the next best Red Sox hitter. He went 11 for 16 with 8 walks—which works out to an on-base percentage of .760. Ortiz also slugged 1.188 in the Fall Classic—including two HRs and two doubles, while pushing across 6 RBIs. Of course, he would have had three HRs and three more RBIs had Carlos Beltran not made a spectacular catch at the bullpen wall in Game One. He also scored seven runs and struck out just once—that in the final game. His OPS for the series is a filthy 1.948. Were it not for these other-worldly numbers, Jon Lester and Koji Uehara might have gotten some MVP consideration. But not this year—not when Papi was on a mission.

Red Sox 'Call To Arms' Was World Series Key

Sometimes cliches are right. For example, the one that says "a team will only go as far in the postseason as its pitching will take it " was once again proven true in the 109th Fall Classic. Neither the  Red Sox nor the Cardinals hit much (Boston .211; St. Louis .224), but the pitching stats told the real story. Red Sox hurlers posted a 1.84 ERA over the six games, while Cardinal pitchers limped home with a 4.15 mark. And despite his fine performance in Game Two, Michael Wacha actually ended up with the worst ERA on the Redbird staff (7.45). Outside of Craig Breslow, Boston's arms were stellar—with Jon Lester leading the way among starters with a 0.59 ERA. Moreover, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Felix Doubront and Brandon Workman combined to throw 15 innings giving up one earned run and only 8 hits. The offense found just enough "moments" to deliver big hits to put The Carmine Hose over the top—but the 8th World Series title was clearly a 'Call To Arms'.

Boston Never Stronger; Sox Are World Champs!

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Hey, we had it all the way! What Bobby Valentine? What Chicken and Beer? The most resilient team in Red Sox history has pulled off another World Championship for Boston—the third ring in ten years. From 69 wins last year to 108 this year, this hirsute group of Idiots II were as tight as any baseball team can be. Tonight's heroes were: John Lackey (6 2/3 innings, 1 run) and Shane Victorino (three-run wall double, 4 RBIs), but in truth, all 25 brought it home in the 6-1 triumph. This one truly was redemption for this group of players, this franchise, and most importantly the City of Boston. Boston Strong. And, now, stronger than ever.

Victorino, Ross & Gomes To Start In Game Six

Game Six will feature a few new wrinkles in the Red Sox line-up. First of all, after Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia will again be hitting second, with David Ortiz in the third spot. Mike Napoli will be back at first and will hit clean-up. Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino will hit fifth and sixth, respectively. Xander Bogaerts plays third base and hits seventh, Stephen Drew hits eighth at SS and David Ross will catch John Lackey and hit ninth. The Cardinal line-up is: Matt Carpenter, Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Alan Craig, Yadier Molina, Matt Adams, David Freese, Jon Jay, Daniel Descalso—with Michael Wacha pitching.

Carlton Fisk & Luis Tiant Throw Out First Pitch

Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk and should-be Hall of Famer Luis Tiant—both heroes of the 1975 Red Sox—will throw out the first pitches tonight before Game Six of the World Series. Of course, Fisk ended '75's Game Six with a body-language induced HR off the left-field foul pole. The National Anthem will be performed by The Dropkick Murphys (following up on their Game 6 ALCS pertformance). It's still unclear whether President Obama will appear at Fenway Park. Win it tonight!

Baseball Interest In Italy Is Alive And Well

After our article on the fine Italian baseball website GrandeSlam, we were contacted by the head of the Italian Baseball Federation Press Office—Riccardo Schiroli. Mr. Schiroli has been a Red Sox fan since 1986, and attended a Red Sox-Yankee game this past July at Fenway. The Federation's website details the rich history of baseball and softball in Italy and also has a section on Italians currently playing abroad (including MLB organizational players like Alex Liddi). There's also an interesting feature on Italian major leaguers from the past. The Italian National Team got wide visibility last March by finishing in 8th place in the World Baseball Classic. The site also has extensive information on the 10-team professional Italian Baseball League. It's good to know that baseball is thriving outside the USA.

Big Chill Will Envelop Fenway Park For Game 6

Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams will not be at Fenway Park tonight. But a potentially historic Game Six of the World Series will feature partly cloudy skies and chilly temperatures at Fenway Park tonight. The 'first pitch' mercury will sit at around 49 degrees, and, as the game goes on, temperatures will drop into the low 40s. An accompanying westerly wind will make it seem even chillier. Parka time!

Presidential Visit Adds To Game 6 Congestion

Editor's Note: The following has been sanitized for political correctness. President Barack Obama will visit Boston today—the day of a potentially historic World Series clincher. He will make a 4 PM speech at Faneuil Hall that will address, "the importance of providing all Americans with quality, affordable health insurance." That's an exact quote from the White House press release. There are rumors that he will then go to Fenway Park for Game 6 of the World Series. On top of all this, a Drake concert will be going on at the Garden. For those of you over the age of 20, Drake is a very popular Canadian rapper. We will leave it up to our readers to rank order the importance of these events. Good luck navigating the security, parking bans and general chaos that will ensue tonight! Try ParkWhiz HERE.

Cardinal Plane Delayed Seven Hours On Ground

Adam Wainwright Retrieves Luggage With Child

As we reported yesterday, the Cardinals' plane from St. Louis to Boston was delayed on the ground for seven hours due to mechanical issues. The Delta charter was supposed to leave ArchVille at 1PM Central time. After the seven-hour delay, the flight—packed with players and their families—landed at Logan Airport after 11PM Eastern time. Incredibly, tonight's starter Michael Wacha claimed (on a TWEET later deleted) that everything was hunky-dory on the plane. Ya, right. As much as we criticize the NOG, we're sure John Henry would have commissioned another plane instantaneously had the Red Sox been in the same predicament.

Pedroia And Victorino Win Gold Glove Awards

Dustin Pedroia won his third Gold Glove award and Shane Victorino won his fourth as Boston took two-ninths of the American League hardware given out by the Rawlings folks tonight. Jacoby Ellsbury lost out to Adam Jones for the centerfield award.

Cardinal Airplane Delayed By Mechanical Issues

If you're looking for Game 6 omens, how about this one? The Cardinals' flight (Delta 8893) to Boston has been delayed in St. Louis because of mechanical problems. The trip is now 'significantly delayed', with unclear prospects for when they will take off. Folks, you can't make this stuff up.

Redemption Is Close For Boston And The Sox

They have two shots to redeem the city and the franchise. Your humble scribe holds prized ducats for a possible Game Seven on Thursday night, but I would gladly forfeit that event in exchange for a Game Six win Wednesday night. The city needs it, the region needs it and this wonderful franchise needs it. A World Series victory can expunge an awful lot of what has happened over the last two years. The Black September collapse of 2011, The Bobby Valentine Magical Misery Tour of 2012, and most of all, the criminal terrorist bombing on April 15th of this year. The Carmine Hose have had mixed success in World Series Game Sixes. An 8-4 win in 1967 before falling in Game Seven. The 7-6 Carlton Fisk 'Wave Win' in 1975, before falling again in Game Seven. A 4-1 loss in 1946—can you guess the rest of this sentence? And, of course, a soul-crushing loss in Game Six in 1986. Taking care of business in this Game Six would be the ultimate redemption.

World Series Game 6 Tickets Hit Record High

If you want to get into Fenway Park on Wednesday night to potentially witness the first home World Series victory since 1918, visit your banker first for a home equity credit line. According to multiple sources, the average ticket price for Game Six is $1,860.  Two seats in the first row between home and the on-deck circles are a mere $12,000 each. OK, too rich for your blood? Then how about a bleacher seat for a paltry $1,100? For comparative purposes, the face value of a bleacher seat at Fenway for Game 6 of the 1967 World Series was—wait for it—$2.00. Want Game Seven tickets? Fuggedaboutit! Check it out on SeatGeek HERE.

Middlebrooks And 'Cask' Team Up For Charity

If you grew up around Boston (or just infested the area from New York to attend college), chances are you were a frequent patron of the legendary Cask 'n Flagon near Fenway. Now, Will Middlebrooks is giving you a reason to go back—a new sandwich with slow-cooked BBQ brisket, Gouda cheese, and mac and cheese on country white bread. The culinary treat (dubbed the 'Middlebrooks BBQ Mac n Cheese Sandwich') will also allow you to contribute to a good cause. For each sandwich sold, the Cask will donate $1 to Good Sports to help provide sports and fitness equipment to disadvantaged youth. So, if you're attending Game 6 or (Heaven forbid) Game 7, drop by the Cask for a Middlebrooks Sammie.

David Ortiz Is Even Charming Sox Fans In Italy

(LorenzoBellocchio/Grandeslam.net)

When you run a Red Sox fansite like FenwayNation, you're continually reminded of just how global 'The Nation' really is. One of the sites we link to is an Italian baseball webpage called 'GrandeSlam' that has incredibly in-depth coverage of our National Pastime (and some specific coverage of the Red Sox). They've even sent staff to cover the World Series in both St. Louis and Boston. While at Fenway, they copped an interview with David Ortiz, and thanks to GOOGLE Translate, we can report the following gem from Big Papi, "It is a pleasure to know you have fans even in a country as beautiful as Italy." What a charmer!

FN To Offer DVDs of 'Road To The Big Leagues'

FenwayNation is pleased to announce that we'll be offering our readers a chance to win DVD copies of the exciting documentary, 'Road To The Big Leagues'. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at the Dominican Republic's obsession with baseball. Thanks to IndiePix Films, we will have available a number of DVD copies of the documentary to give away in FN Trivia Contests after the World Series. The film includes interviews with Dominican big leaguers like our own David Ortiz and the Angels' Vladimir Guererro. There's also an up-close look at the Dominican Winter League and footage of Big Papi in training. Stay tuned for your first chance to win one of these exciting DVDs!

David Ortiz Is Making History Before Our Eyes

Papi Getting Hitting Advice From FN's Editor-In-Chief (FN Photo)

We all know that David Ortiz is having a ridiculous World Series. But to appreciate just how historic his performance has been so far in the Fall Classic, you have to drill down a bit more deeply. First of all, if we take a little longer view, Ortiz is now the all-time leader in World Series OPS (1.370) among players with at least 40 at-bats. And who are the 'slugs' below him on the list? How about Lou Gehrig (1.214), Babe Ruth (1.214) and Reggie Jackson (1.212)?  In this year's World Series, Papi's OPS is an almost not to be believed 2.017. He is the first Red Sox player ever with consecutive 3-hit World Series games. Big Papi explains his post-season dominance thusly, "I was born for this". Indeed he was.

Lackey Can Add 2nd Series Clincher Wednesday

John Lackey This Post-Season

Eleven years ago, rookie John Lackey pitched his heart out in Game Seven of the 2002 World Series and won. Tomorrow night, he has a chance to add a second World Series clincher to his resume. In that 2002 Game Seven, Lackey hurled five innings—giving up just one earned run on four hits while striking out four. He became only the second rookie in World Series history to start and win a seventh and deciding game. Lackey made perfectly clear that his relief stint in Game Four was no impediment to a Game Six start, "Oh, I'll be there." This post-season he is is 2-1 with a 3.26 ERA—and has arguably undergone the most dramatic image reversal in Red Sox history. Recall that fans jokingly asked if Lackey could be thrown in the Great Punto Deal—free of charge. No one is saying that any longer.

Lester Catapults Red Sox To Verge Of Title, 3-1

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Jon Lester defined the word 'ace' on Monday night—going 7 2/3 innings, yielding one earned run, striking out seven and walking none in a 3-1 win in Game Five. He becomes only the second Red Sox lefty to have three World Series wins—the other guy was somebody named Babe Ruth. The victory moved The Carmine Hose to within one win of their eighth World Series Championship. The tone was set early with back-to-back doubles by Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz in the first inning. With the game tied at one in the seventh, Boston went in for the kill on Cardinal ace Adam Wainwright. A one-out single up the middle by wunderkind Xander Bogaerts started the rally, followed by a clutch walk by the slumping Stephen Drew. Then, David Ross roped a double down the left field line to put Boston in the lead. Jacoby Ellsbury then singled in an insurance third run. Big Papi was again other-worldly—going 3-4 with an RBI (Ortiz is now hitting .733 in the 2013 Fall Classic). And, of course, Koji Uehara got four outs for the save. The Red Sox are up three games to two and will return to the friendly confines of Fenway Park for Game 6 on Wednesday night.

Shane Victorino Out Again For WS Game Five

Shane Victorino's back issues are keeping him out of a second straight World Series game tonight. The Red Sox lineup is as follows: 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF, 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B, 3. David Ortiz 1B, 4. Jonny Gomes LF, 5. Daniel Nava RF, 6. Xander Bogaerts 3B, 7. Stephen Drew SS, 8. David Ross C, 9. Jon Lester LHP. 

Buchholz Thinks He Can 'Pitch In' In A Game 7

(Boston Herald Photo By Christopher Evans)

According to the Globe's Nick Cafardo, Clay Buchholz believes he can contribute a couple of innings if needed in a possible Game Seven of the World Series. After throwing just 66 pitches in Game Four, it's possible that he'd be rested enough by Thursday to do that in an "all hands on deck" scenario. With reduced velocity on his fastball due to a "dead arm", Buchholz was able to locate all his pitches with astonishing effectiveness last night. There's no reason to believe he couldn't repeat that in Game Seven. It's still unclear who will start a possible final game—with Jake Peavy the scheduled hurler. One possibility is left-hander Felix Doubront—although that would leave the bullpen bereft of any reliable lefty (given the struggles of both Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales).

Walk-Off Pick-Off Was A Surprise To Everybody

Remember when Jonathan Papelbon whirled and gunned down Matt Holliday (ever heard of him?) at first base in the 2007 World Series? That was the result of a detailed scouting report on the lack of base-running savvy by Holliday. Last night, no one was expecting a pick-off of Kolten Wong—not even Koji Uehara. Said Koji, "I was trying to change the rhythm [for batter Carlos Beltran], and it just happened. I was aware that if there was a home run, it would tie the game. Obviously a big relief." So, how about catcher David Ross?: "I did nothing. Just make sure to quote me on that: I had no idea what was going on." Manager John Farrell was busy talking to his coaches about infield placement. Wong's explanation?: "My foot just slipped out."

David Ortiz Starts Again At First Base In Game 5

Papi Holds Court

File this one under: DUH! David Ortiz is hitting a "Boeing" in the World Series (.727), so it's no surprise that he will again be manning first base in Game Five of the World Series. David Ross will also get another start—since he is virtually Jon Lester's personal catcher these days. Ortiz is now ranked as the leading hitter in World Series history (with a minimum of 10 games played). Ortiz is also now ranked fifth all time in slugging percentage in the Fall Classic (.795), behind only Barry Bonds, Willie Aikens, Amos Otis and Troy Glaus. And, he delivers a helluva speech. As Ross stated, "That's why we call him 'Cooperstown.'"

FenwayNation Video: Red Sox Clinch AL Flag

Red Sox Are Ranked #1 In Farm System Strength

Not only is the present bright for the Boston Red Sox organization, but the near future is as well. According to the influential Baseball America website, the Red Sox have the strongest farm system in baseball. The site decided to "compile a rough guide to the most bountiful farm systems—or at least those most likely to pay dividends in the near future—using the 2013 league prospect rankings as a guide." Using this rubric, Boston is ranked #1—with MLB-ready or near-ready stars like Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Allen Webster, Henry Owens, Blake Swihart, Antony Ranaudo, Garin Cecchini, Brandon Workman, Mookie Betts and Deven Marrero. A distant second is the Houston Astros organization, followed by the Padres, Rangers, Cubs and Royals. The first AL East rival to show up is the Toronto Blue Jays—tied for 11th spot.

World Series Game 4 Beats Football In Ratings

UPDATE: 16M saw Game 4
There is hope for America. According to overnight ratings, Game Four of the World Series got a nationwide 10.5 rating—beating out Sunday Night Football's 10.3 score. This 109th edition of the Fall Classic is turning into a great series and is obviously catching the attention of the sporting masses. Overall, ratings for this World Series are up 7% over last year.

'Seven Samurai' Free Agents Define Sox Run

They were Ben Cherington's big gamble of 2013—signing seven free agents who were not superstars, but winners. Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Koji Uehara, David Ross, Stephen Drew, Jonny Gomes, and Ryan Dempster were all signed in the offseason as 'vaccinations' against the virus that was the dismal 2012 season. To a large extent, their 'presence' in the clubhouse and winning attitude have shaped the character of this team. Of course, winning baseball games is more about physics (ball hitting bat, ball missing bat), than chemistry. But who can deny that this team is more likable than either the 2012 or 2011 editions? All of the 'Samurai' were signed to shorter-term deals—although the money for some seemed excessive at the time. We at FenwayNation were critical of some, and picked this edition of The Carmine Hose to finish no better than fourth in the AL East. We were dead wrong and now Cherington looks like a genius. No matter what happens in the rest of the Fall Classic, this has been a revelation of a year and clear redemption for the Red Sox management team.

Game Six Not A Guaranteed Parking Hassle

Last night's 4-2 Red Sox victory in Game Four of the World Series guaranteed at least a Game Six back at Fenway Park. If you thought parking was a nightmare for Games One And Two, you ain't seen nothing yet! And let's not even talk about a potential Game Seven. But you can remove that one worry from your mind by logging onto ParkWhiz to secure your spot well in advance of Wednesday's 8:07 PM start of Game Six. Get your reasonably-priced, convenient parking spot by clicking HERE.

Improbable Moments Are Staple Of This Series

Game Four-Ender

This 109th edition of the Fall Classic is shaping up to be just that—a classic. On successive nights, games ended for the first time in World Series history on: 1.) an obstruction call and 2.) a pick-off at first base. This is crazy stuff. Add to this the fact that the Red Sox are 2-2 in the series despite hitting a measly .189 as a team through the first four games. They are—as they have done throughout this post-season—picking their spots for the big moments that turn games around. Last night, the big spots were the David Ortiz's 'PapiTalk', the three-run jack by Jonny Games and the pick-off of Kolten Wong by Koji Uehara. All improbable moments that inextricably led to victory. Start saving up for the DVD set of this baby!

Red Sox Are 'Hit To Be Tied', Take Game 4, 4-2

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

There were so many questions before Game Four—could Clay Buchholz give the team anything?; could the moribund offense come alive?; could the Red Sox wrest home-field advantage back by winning one game in St. Louis? And then, it all came down to Shane Victorino's aching back. Because of that, Jonny Gomes was the surprise starter in left and all he did was break an 0 for 9 skid with a three-run HR in the sixth to put Boston on top for good (after a dugout pep talk by Big Papi). Buchholz gave the team 12 precious outs—with stuff that rarely got over 90 MPH. Felix Doubront delivered 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in relief of Buchholz and then John Lackey pitched a warrior-like seventh. David Ortiz had three more hits and is hitting a "Boeing" in the World Series (.727). In his twelve games in the Fall Classic he now has the highest average of all time. And don't forget Dustin Pedroia's two-out single in the 6th that was followed by a Papi walk and the big Gomes three-run jack. The 4-2 win gets the Series back to Fenway for at least a Game Six.

Jim Joyce Gift-Wraps Cards Win In Game 3, 5-4

(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The World Series is not supposed to be about the umpires. Someone forgot to tell that to Jim Joyce—the man who has previously inserted himself in the way of baseball history. Joyce called an "obstruction" on Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (laying prone on the ground)—awarding the runner the plate and the Cardinals the win in Game Three, 5-4. Ending a World Series game on an arcane judgement call is beyond the pale. Boston had come back from two two-run deficits to tie the game at four. Then, Joyce had to take center stage. In what would have been one of the all-time World Series classics, Joyce single-handily turned it into a debacle that will be talked about for generations. Nice going, blue!

Buchholz 'Not 100%' Coming Off Field At Busch

(FenwayNation Photo)

After throwing on the field at Busch Stadium, Clay Buchholz told MLB Network that he "wasn't 100%", although he could not specify any "discomfort" and stated that he was ready to start Game Four of The World Series. Like we've said: "Clay Buchholz has become a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." Nothing's changed.

Top 10 Reasons Why Farrell Kept Using Gomes

by Larry Shiman, FN Board

Now that Farrell has decided to use Nava in St. Louis (due to the "spacious outfield"), I thought I'd provide the top ten reasons Farrell's been using Gomes until now:
1. Nava is not the fastest runner in the league, and might clog up the basepaths. There is no chance of that with Gomes - you need to get on base first.
2. Farrell is concerned about grounding into double plays. By striking out or popping up every at bat, Gomes is unlikely to hit into a double play.
3. Starting Gomes against a right handed pitcher gives the Sox an advantage in case the other team brings in a left handed reliever in the first inning.
4. Following the lead set by the Nationals last year when they shut down Strasburg to protect his arm after coming off Tommy John surgery, Farrell decided to shut down Nava for most of the postseason to keep him healthy for the future.
5. Gomes, due to his size, would probably be better than Nava in an on-field brawl.
6. When other Red Sox struggle in the lineup, like Salty, they feel better knowing that the left fielder isn't hitting either.
7. Farrell would prefer not to play a young kid like Nava during the World Series, forgetting that Nava is actually 30 years old.
8, Gomes has been slipping Farrell a five dollar bill every time Farrell "forgets" to write Nava's name in the lineup.
9. Nava came down with a two week case of the Fenway Flu.
10. Two words: Better Beard.

Will Old Angst Return If Red Sox Fail Epically?

Kenmore After '75 WS Loss (Bob Dean Photo)

Last night's sloppy loss in Game Two of the World Series brought back ugly memories of a ball that was held onto too long (1946) and another that trickled through a pair of legs (1986). This time it was a ball not held onto and the same white spheroid sailing over the head of a Boston player into the cold Fenway night. The 4-2 loss broke a nine-game World Series winning streak—and pierced the seemingly invincible armor we expect our heroes to be clad with. So, what if epic failure is once again our World Series fate? Will we regress into the depressing womb of angst that shrouded us for 86 years? Or will we just shrug it off and look to next year's parade of Xanders and Wills and Jackies? Don't ask—let's just win and not have to worry about confronting old demons.

A Modest Line-Up Proposal For Game Three

Now that the World Series has come down to a best three-of-five (with St. Louis holding home-field advantage), the Red Sox need to consider some serious lineup changes for Game Three. The paucity of offense has returned (after a Game One hiatus), and something needs to be done to 'jump-start' the bats. First and foremost, Stephen Drew needs to sit for at least one game—Xander Bogaerts should play short and hit sixth and Will Middlebrooks should play third and hit eighth. Any defensive downgrade at shortstop is acceptable for one game in exchange for a chance at more offense. Daniel Nava should be in left field on Saturday night and hit fifth. David Ross should be given another crack behind the plate and hit seventh. The revamped line-up would be: 1.) Ellsbury, CF; 2.) Victorino, RF; 3.) Pedroia, 2B; 4.) Ortiz, 1B; 5.) Nava, LF; 6.) Bogaerts, SS; 7.) Ross, C; 8.) Middlebrooks, 3B; 9.) Peavy, P.

Pedroia, Ellsbury, Victorino Gold Glove Finalists

Rawlings announced their Gold Glove finalists this morning and three Red Sox players are in the mix. Dustin Pedroia will compete with Robinson Cano and Ben Zobrist for second base honors. Jacoby Ellsbury will face off against Lorenzo Cain and Adam Jones for centerfield bragging rights. Shane Victorino will go toe-to-toe with Nick Markakis and Josh Reddick for right-field kudos. Winners will be announced during "Baseball Tonight - The 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Announcement Show" on ESPN2 Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at 8pm ET/7pm CT.

John Henry Adds Publishing To Soccer Empire

After a Worcester judge removed a temporary restraining order, the sale of The Boston Globe to Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry was finalized yesterday. At last, the staff of the Liverpool Daily Post can rest easy—Henry will not be prowling around Merseyside for his newspaper toy. Henry paid $70 million in cash for the moribund rag on Morrissey Boulevard. About the only valuable asset in the deal is the real estate upon which the Globe's headquarters sit (maybe that could be the site of a New Fenway Park?) The actual paper is a shell of its former self—when the elitist "bow-tied bum-kissers" (as the inimitable Howie Carr used to call them) ruled the Boston newspaper market. We're sure that Henry's vibrant personality will liven things up at the Globule. And their Sox coverage should be Pulitzer Prize-winning rump-swab.

Beltran Used Controversial Toradol Drug To Play

Carlos Beltran was able to play in Game Two of the World Series (and go 2-4 with an RBI) after being injected with the pain-killer Toradol—a controversial non-steroid drug that has come under intense scrutiny by Major League Baseball. Most of the controversy about the drug surrounds the side-effects that can accompany its use—like potentially fatal cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. After the 2012 season, the Red Sox fired their former trainer Mike Reinold—some reports said for improperly administering Toradol to players. Only physicians are allowed to dispense the drug in Massachusetts. After the firing, the team instituted a new policy toward Toradol in Spring Training of this year. Former Red Sox players Curt Schilling and Jonathan Papelbon have admitted using the drug, while Clay Buchholz was treated with Toradol in 2012 during a period when he missed 20 games with esophagitis (Buchholz told reporters at the time that the bleeding he experienced in his esophagus might be due to Toradol usage). While the drug is legal in baseball, the controversy continues over the wisdom of its use.

Sloppy Sox Yield Late Lead, Lose Game Two 4-2

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Sloppy defense and uncharacteristically poor bullpen relief combined to rob Red Sox fans of what would have been another stirring David Ortiz-inspired comeback win (a two-run opposite field blast off Michael Wacha to give Boston a 2-1, 7th inning lead). But two stupid errors on one play—preceded by an unchallenged double steal and walk—pushed St. Louis to a 4-2 Game Two victory. Craig Breslow came on in relief of John Lackey in the seventh inning and was completely ineffective. He compounded this with a boneheaded wild throw to third base backing up a Jarrod Saltalamacchia error on Jonny Gomes' throw home on a sacrifice fly. Another run off Breslow sealed the deal. It is now a best 3-out-of-5 series headed to St. Louis, with Game Six back at Fenway (you know it will be) next Wednesday night.

What Exactly Is Going On With Clay Buchholz?

(FenwayNation Photo)

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "Clay Buchholz has become a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." After being on an early-season trajectory for the Cy Young Award, he missed three months with a poorly-defined neck/shoulder injury. His return from that injury has been uneven, and now we learn that he still has some "issues" with the shoulder that will push him back to a Game Four start at best. To be precise, here is what Buchhloz himself has said, "I couldn’t really get loose. It was a constant tightness that I felt. That’s all there is. I’m going to go. That’s my only goal, to be prepared to start on Sunday. I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen and be well enough to go out there and give the team a chance to win. If that’s me going out there at 90 percent, I’ll go out there at 90 percent. But if it does come down to the wire and I’m going to run out there and not help the team win, there’s no reason for me to run out there. The last couple of days have been the rehab and working with the trainers. I’ve got maybe one start left. This is where you want to throw it all on the line. That’s sort of how I’m looking at it right now. I haven’t been 100 percent in a long time now." Great.

Boston Hosted The First World Series In 1903

Huntington Avenue Grounds

Before there was a Fenway Park and before there was a team called the Red Sox, Boston hosted the very first World Series 110 years ago. The 'Americans'—who later became the Pilgrims and then the Red Sox—played Games 1-3 at the Huntington Avenue Grounds (now the campus of Northeastern University). They beat the Pirates 5 games to 3 in the best-of-nine series—winning the final four games. Game One turned out a little differently than it did this year—some guy named Cy Young took the loss for Boston (although he did pitch a complete game). Not that it means anything, but Boston won Game Two, 3-0. Just sayin'.

'Game Time Decision' On Beltran For Game Two

Jay And Beltran

Don't hold your breath about Carlos Beltran starting Game Two—because Carlos sure can't. According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch Columnist Joe Strauss, Beltran's status is unchanged from last night and playing him will be a "game time decision". Beltran's likely replacement would again be Jon Jay—although we're not sure about the wisdom of playing a former Supreme Court Chief Justice who's been dead for 218 years. By the way, can't St. Louis decide whether its paper is a "Post" or a "Dispatch"? Pick one and go with it. Typical Midwestern indecisiveness. We're starting to like this 'gloves-off' attitude toward all things St. Louis.

MLB Clears Lester Of Lame 'Loading Up' Charge

The Silly So-Called 'Evidence'

OK, the gloves are now off—literally. Frankly, we've had it up to here with the polite, "goody-two-shoes" image of Cardinal fans. Now, a minor league Cardinal pitcher is lamely charging that Jon Lester's Game One performance was due to him loading up the ball with Vaseline. Are you kidding me? How Busch League is that? The pitcher in question—the immortal Tyler Melling—TWEETED out his baseless charge last night during the game. Major League Baseball immediately responded today that no conclusions can be drawn from the so-called evidence. The MLB statement from Pat Courtney, senior vice president of public relations, reads: "We cannot draw any conclusions from this video. There were no complaints from the Cardinals and the umpires never detected anything indicating a foreign substance throughout the game." Maybe now the Cardinals can stop whining and start playing baseball at a reasonable facsimile of major league competence.

Tonight May Be Napoli's Last Chance To Shine

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

As MLB.com's Ian Browne points out, tonight might be the last time in the 2013 World Series that Mike Napoli has a chance to do more offensive damage. With Games 3, 4 & 5 in St. Louis, Napoli will likely 'ride the pine' in at least two of those contests in favor of David Ortiz. So, tonight Napoli might have extra urgency to add to his already impressive Fall Classic stats. Napoli drove in 10 runs when his Texas Rangers lost to these same Cardinals in 2011. After last night, Napoli is about one-third of the way to that impressive RBI total in this World Series. So, while Michael Wacha may be an impressive 22-year old with a wicked change-up, he's never faced a bearded, soon-to-be-benched 230-pound basher who wants to have fun while he can.

SeatGeek Is Best Bet For Last Minute WS Tix

If you absolutely have to have a ticket to tonight's Game Two of the World Series, your best bet is to browse the ticket marketplace on SeatGeek—which surveys all available tickets from all sellers on the secondary market. With SeatGeek, you can compare prices on a 'level playing field'—so to speak. So, if you absolutely must see Matt Damon in-person wearing his cute little mittens or Kevin Millar wearing his ridiculous pink frilly shirt—log on to SeatGeek HERE.

Avoid Game Two Parking Snafus With ParkWhiz

Boston Mayor Tom Menino recently announced new parking restrictions around Fenway Park for all Fall Classic games—along with his fervent hope that the Red Sox bring home "the World Series Cup". So, to avoid his legion of Parking Prohibitionists just log onto ParkWhiz and secure your spot well in advance of Thursday's 8:07 PM start of Game Two. Get your reasonably-priced, convenient parking spot by clicking HERE.

Cardinal Gaffes Are Completely Out Of Character

For whatever reason, the St. Louis Cardinals looked like some other team on Wednesday night. Noted for their precise defensive prowess, they committed three actual errors and a couple more of omission, handing Boston enough momentum to capture Game One of the World Series. Pete Kozma committed two of the errors—and he's out there only for his glove. But perhaps the most embarrassing miscue was the Alphonse and Gaston act put on by Cardinal battery-mates Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina—Gold Glove winners at their positions. Like a scene out of The Bad News Bears, both stared at each other as Stephen Drew's pop-up fell between them just shy of the pitcher's mound. Even Wainwright and Molina had to offer up sheepish smiles. Was it nervousness? Was it the pressure of 40,000 ravenous fans roaring at every pitch? Or, hell, maybe it is the damn beards! Chances are, however, that the Cardinal defense will revert to form for the balance of the series.

Opportunistic Sox Pounce On Miscues, Win, 8-1

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Maybe it was the crowd. Maybe it was the big stage. Maybe it was the rainbow. But the normally solid Redbird defense fell apart in World Series Game One—resulting in three errors that each led to Red Sox runs in an 8-1 Boston victory. After a gaggle of umpires convened and reversed a horrendous call in the first inning, Mike Napoli made St. Louis pay for their first error with a three-run double. A miraculous catch by Carlos Beltran robbed David Ortiz of yet another grand slam in the second inning—but Boston still added two more runs. With a 5-0 lead, Jon Lester delivered a workmanlike 7 2/3 inning performance—getting stronger as the game went on and yielding no runs while striking out eight. Papi added some padding with a two-run HR and a pinch-hitting Daniel Nava doubled and scored another run on a Xander Bogaerts sacrifice fly. Dustin Pedroia had two hits and scored twice. All in all, it was a typically opportunistic Red Sox team—but also one whose bats finally woke up in the postseason. With their ninth straight World Series win, Boston leads the series 1-0, and needs but three more wins for championship number eight.