Will Manny Be Next Cubs Asst. Hitting Coach?

(Photo By Minda Haas)

Theo Epstein hasn't ruled in or out the possibility of Manny Ramirez becoming the next assistant hitting coach for the Cubs. After proving a positive influence on many of Chicago's young prospects, Manny's stock in the organization has risen dramatically. The Cubs will likely be relying on a slew of young prospects in 2015—in a similar way to how the Red Sox did this past season. So, Manny Being Mentor could be elevated into an even more formal position in the very near future.

Surgery On Buchholz Knee Deemed Successful

The Red Sox announced that this morning's meniscus surgery on the right knee of pitcher Clay Buchholz was successful. The right-handed starter is expected to make a full recovery in time for next February's Spring Training. The 30-year old Texan was 8-11 in 2014 with an ERA of 5.34. He is signed through 2015—with team options for 2016-17.

REPORT: Red Sox Not Pursuing 3rd Cuban OF

(AP Photo)

According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox will not be pursuing a third Cuban outfielder—to join existing players Yoenis Cespedes and Rusney Castillo. Boston had previously expressed interest in 23-year old slugger Yasmani Tomas, but apparently feel they are already over-loaded in the outfield. Reportedly, the team was also concerned about Tomas' excessive strikeout rate while playing in Cuba. Tomas has been compared to yet another Cuban player—Jose Abreu of the White Sox.

Cubs Facing Same Prospect Conundrum As Sox

(Getty Images)

Listen to Theo Esptein on his bevy of young prospects: "Not all of them will work out, but we like these players quite a bit and they have a chance to play together for a long time." Sound familiar? Maybe it's because it's virtually the same mantra we hear from Ben Cherington. Of course, the Red Sox gambled on their prospects a lot more than the Cubs did in 2014. Next, year, however, Theo may be facing the same temptation to hand over full-time jobs to Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Arismendy Alcantara, Kris Bryant and Kyle Hendricks. They are the doppelgangers of Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Mookie Betts, Christian Vazquez and Garin Cecchini. Will Theo have more luck than Ben? Probably not.

AL Wild Card May Feature Two '15 Sox Hurlers

One scenario being bandied about has Jon Lester coming back to Boston (although he's putting his Newton house up for sale) and the Red Sox also adding James Shields. If you're into that possibility, it might behoove you to watch tonight's AL Wild Card game (8PM Eastern, TBS). Both aces will face-off against one another in the stupid "lose one game and go home" format bequeathed to us by outgoing Commissioner Bud Selig. But, hey, it's still baseball—something we Red Sox fans have to wait 143 more days for. So watch, already!

Alex Wilson Is FN's 2014 'Under The Radar' Pick

Alex Wilson: 1-0, 1.19 ERA, 0.88 WHIP

He only appeared in 18 games for the 2014 Carmine Hose, and so relief pitcher Alex Wilson's contributions may have been missed by a lot of fans. For that reason, the editors of FenwayNation have awarded Wilson with the 2014 'Under The Radar' Award. In 28 innings pitched, Wilson gave up just 20 hits and finished with a stellar WHIP of 0.88. He walked just 5 batters and struck out 19—a nearly four-to-one ratio. He was 1-0 with a 1.91 ERA. Wilson will turn 28 in a month or so, and may be coming into his own. Here's hoping Wilson is a big part of the 2015 pitching staff. Congratulations, Alex!

40% Of Red Sox Home Games Have Ticket Hikes

Ever the expert parsers, the Red Sox touted to the world yesterday that they are "holding the line" on ticket prices for the 2015 season. Of course—as in politics—the truth is in the details. In fact, tickets prices will go up over 2014 levels for 32 home games—40% of the schedule at America's Most Cramped Ballpark. While it's true that the "average" ticket price will not increase in 2015—they did increase a whopping 4.8% last year. The sleight-of-hand by the NOG (New Ownership Group) is truly breathtaking. Just look at the comments from Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino: "Given the challenges we experienced on the field this year, and the steadfast support of Red Sox Nation through those challenges, we are holding the line overall. We are adjusting some of the variable pricing categories to better correspond to demand." They even have the gall to resort to the oldest of political canards—the appeal to the 'kids'. Lucchino goes on: "Over the last two years, we will have dropped the prices, for example, of Infield Grandstand seats by $17 for certain games. That helps us improve the affordability and accessibility of Fenway Park for families and children." Affordability? The phony "variable pricing" scheme is also back for 2015—with five different "Tiers" of games categorized by "anticipated" demand. These guys should run for something.

Brock Holt Is 2014 FenwayNation Rookie O' Year

(Getty Images)

Despite making his major league debut back in 2012 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Red Sox Uber-Man Brock Holt finally qualifies for rookie honors in 2014. While he won't win the league-wide prize, he does get FenwayNation 2014 Rookie Of The Year honors. While injuries and fatigue slowed him near the end of the season, Holt was an on-base machine and spark-plug at the top of the Boston order for most of the year. His final numbers are more than adequate—.281 BA, .331 OBP, .581 SLG, .711 OPS. He also had 23 doubles and five triples—and stole 12 bases. In just 106 games, he collected 126 hits and was one of the very few bright lights in the dismal 2014 season. Congratulations, Brock!!!!!

No Decision Yet On Qualifying Offer For Koji

(FenwayNation Photo)

According to The Providence's Journal's Brain MacPherson, the Red Sox have not yet decided whether to make the roughly $15 million qualifying offer to free-agent closer Koji Uehara. The reliever—who was lights-out in 2013—came back to Earth some in late 2014. Boston may have a better chance of negotiating a new (more team-friendly) deal with the soon-to-be 40-year old rather than commit to the hefty qualifying offer. Stay tuned, this could be an early signal of where The Carmine Hose are headed in 2015.

Final Dalton Jones Average Sees 6.8-Point Drop

In September, the Red Sox sealed their fate as the first team in MLB history to go from worst to first to worst. Reflective of that status, FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) saw another drop in confidence. The Index fell 6.8 points in September—to a final 2014 reading of 58.3 (by contrast, 2013's final number was 126.4 and 2012's final reading was 54.8). The decrease was caused mostly by eroding confidence in the team's offense—but every element of the game suffered losses. FenwayNation offers its readers this monthly reading of "The Mood Of The Nation" through our exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average Index. Named for the all-time Red Sox pinch-hit leader, the average is a composite index of four key metrics: starting pitching, relief pitching, total offense and total defense. All of our readers worldwide can now 'weigh in' every month on the state of The Carmine Hose. The Index number—and its fluctuation up or down—has proven, over the years, to be an accurate bellwether of team performance. See you in April for our 2015 Pre-Season Dalton Jones Industrial Average reading!

Will Middlebrooks Will Not Play Any Winter Ball

(Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks probably just made the worst PR decision of his young career. Despite the urging of the team for him to play in Winter Ball, Middlebrooks has decided to spend the off-season healing from his multiple injuries. The 26-year old missed 99 games this year with an assortment of maladies (the most troublesome being his right hand/wrist) and the team was eagerly anticipating how he'd do with an extended number of games under his belt this Winter. GM Ben Cherington reacted thusly, "...ultimately offseasons belong to players, and they need to do what they think is in their best interests, He gave it consideration. He thought about it. I think he understood where we were coming from. I think he just feels like it’s in his best interests to focus on an offseason without playing, to get strong, get ready for spring training." Methinks we detect a note of irritation in Ben's comments. It now seems more likely that Middlebrooks will be sent elsewhere in a trade (unfortunately at less than face value) after this decision.

Good Riddance To The Utterly Forgettable 2014

The lights are out at Fenway for another year. But this off-season will not be filled with trophy tours and duckboats. It will be—once again—time to visit with our old friends: angst and agita. We ask: which prospects will remain in Carmine Hose and which will Ben Cherington package—like  so many Xmas presents—to Miami for Giancarlo "Don't Call Me Mike" Stanton? Which starting pitchers will be acquired to fill the void left by the departures of Jon Lester, John Lackey, Felix Doubront and Jake Peavy? And, who will really take the place of the dear departed Jenny Dell? All of these pressing questions will occupy us through the cold dark nights. But Fort Myers will come soon enough. Remember the sage words of the great Rogers Hornsby, "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Indeed.

Join In On The FINAL '14 Dalton Jones Reading

As the 2014 season ends, all of our readers can "weigh in" on the FINAL State Of The Carmine Hose through our exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average Index. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox all-time pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics each month using a simple "0" to "10" confidence scale on: starting pitching, relief pitching, overall offense and overall defense. Each month, FN readers—through a simple one-page survey tool—can assess the fortunes of the team. FenwayNation will publish the Final 2014 DJIA Index Score in the next few days. We invite all of our readers to complete the quick survey, then simply hit "done", which automatically (and anonymously) sends the form to FenwayNation. Here is the survey link for the FINAL September 2014 reading: DJIA SURVEY LINK (Please complete and send by Tuesday, September 30th).

Sox Limp Out Of '14 With A Loss On Jeter Day

(European Pressphoto Agency)

Who'd have thunk it? The lone post-season survivor out of the once-mighty American League East is the Baltimore Orioles. And so, here it is, our last Red Sox game summary of 2014. Suffice it to say the final 9-5 score was nowhere near what the game felt like. It was more like: Derek Jeter 563-Boston 1. Before the game, Boston tromped out Carl Yastrzemski, Fred Lynn, Bobby Orr, Paul Pierce and Troy Brown—along with the entire 2014 Red Sox team. On the final day of his career, Jeter (of course) got an RBI on a infield hit. The final hit count: 3,465. The sure-fire, first-ballot Hall of Famer was then lifted from the game to an uproarious ovation from the same fans who cursed him for 20 years. It was a fitting goodbye—made even more memorable by the acoustic rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" by Jeter's ex-teammate (and almost Carmine Hoser) Bernie Williams during the seventh-inning stretch. The 2013 World Series Champions put up a fight in the late innings—staged primarily by Mookie Betts and Dan Butler. But this was all JeterPalooza. And rightly so.

Red Sox Are Designated Hitters, Pummel Empire

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Derek Jeter 'respectfully' returned to the Yankee line-up as DH, but the Red Sox did most of the hitting in a 10-4 smoking of The Bronx Embalmers. Rusney Castillo collected three more hits with an RBI and Daniel Nava also had three hits and three RBIs. Garin Cecchini, Yoenis Cepedes and Xander Bogaerts had two hits each in the 16-hit attack. Joe Kelly went seven innings for his fourth win in a Red Sox uniform.

Jeter Sits, Rusney Hits; Red Sox Fall Short, 3-2

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

True to his word, Derek Jeter did not play in Friday's game at Fenway—apparently out of "respect". In any event, Rusney Castillo clouted his second MLB HR in a losing cause, a 3-2 loss to the once-again 'Playoff-Free' Bronx Embalmers. Steven Wright pitched well in the loss—going five innings and giving up no earned runs. He walked none and struck out five. More and more it seems that the knuckle-balling Wright will get a shot at a spot in 2015 rotation. Jeter will DH Saturday and Sunday. Alert the media.

Out Of 'Respect', Jeter Won't Play SS At Fenway

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo)

Derek Jeter will play at Fenway Park—but not at his shortstop position—in the final three games of his career. Jeter said he will DH—and not necessarily in all three games—out of "respect" to Boston fans. Said the Yankee captain, "Yeah I'll play in some capacity. To be quite honest with you, I think this is probably my last game at shortstop. I want to remember that view I had right out there today. Out of respect to the Boston fans and the rivalry I will play in some capacity." Apparently, he will sit out tonight's game, and partake in both the Saturday and Sunday tilts.

Vazquez And Castillo Get First HRs; Sox Cruise

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Since the Red Sox instituted the (nearly) All-Rookie Line-Up, they've scores 22 runs in two games. Tonight both Christian Vazquez and Rusney Castillo logged their first MLB home runs—in an 11-1 romp over Tampa. Vazquez had four hits and three RBIs, while Mookie Betts was 3-5 with an RBI. Bryce Brentz and Yoenis Cespedes also had two hits each in the 16-hit Boston attack. Allen Webster pitched well again—going seven innings and giving up just one earned run. And, with their 70th win, the Red Sox eclipsed the Bobby Valentine Win Threshold (69) achieved back in 2012. Bring on The Evil Empire and maybe Derek Jeter.

Sox Jeter Tribute To Be Low-Key, Respectful

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Today we know a little more about the Derek Jeter tribute on Sunday at Fenway Park. Red Sox President and CEO Larry Luchhino has partly lifted the Dome Of Silence enough to offer these tid-bits, "I would describe it as low-key. It's more respect and admiration for him as a ballplayer. I don't think you'll see too many talking heads. But there will be plenty of gestures of respect for him. In terms of tangible gifts for him, we're not giving him a red convertible or something like that. What he cares most about these days is his Turn 2 Foundation. And we intend to make a sizable contribution to that, and to give a little piece of Fenway Park to take with him. And to have some musical gestures of admiration and respect for him." We're not exactly sure what a "musical gesture" is, but it sounds as if Dr. Charles "The Mad Dentist" Steinberg may have been 'reined in' a little after his embarrassing treatment of Mariano Rivera last year. It will definitely be appointment viewing on Sunday—'cause, well, the Pats are on Monday Night Football.

Sox Shouldn't Pop Any Corks Over Next Win

No Sham-Pag-Knee For You!

When (and if) the Red Sox win one more game it will signify that they have passed the Bobby Valentine Win Barrier of 69—brilliantly achieved in the 2012 season. However, to paraphrase Pulp Fiction's Winston Wolf, "Well, let's not start getting too excited quite yet." Indeed. Getting 70 wins the year after winning a World Series Championship is nothing to pop corks over. In fact, the Red Sox will set a new MLB mark—no team before them has ever gone from worst (2012) to first (2013) to worst (2014). Ever. Also nothing to break out the bubbly for. So, let's hope win #70 (if it does come) is treated with the dignity it deserves—none.

Lucchino: 'Considerable Efforts' To Get Pitching

(Getty Images)

Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino appeared on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show today and stated that the team will make "considerable efforts" over the winter to augment their 2015 starting rotation. Noting that the organization has the "wherewithal" to acquire that pitching talent, Lucchino is clearly sending a signal that Clay Buchholz, Joe Kelly and a bunch of kids is not going to get this team back to championship status. He also candidly stated that the Red Sox would not repeat the mistake of assuming that "many of our young players are ready for prime time." In addition, Lucchino revealed that the Red Sox tribute for Derek Jeter will only be one day (Sunday) and will be "tasteful and respectful".

Sox Find Ray Of Sunshine; Pummel Tampa, 11-3

(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

They sent out seven rookies last night and scored a ton of runs. Is this a portent of things to come in 2015? The Red Sox eviscerated the Rays on Wednesday 11-3—and in the process reduced their Bobby Valentine Magic Number to 1 with four games left. Garin Cecchini (first MLB HR), Xander Bogaerts (2-4, 3 RBIs) and Anthony Ranaudo ( 7 IP, 2 ER) led the way for The Young Carmine Hose. The other RBIs came from Mookie Betts (1), Daniel Nava (2), Rusney Castillo (1), and Christian Vazquez (1). Tonight, expect touching ceremonies to mark the final 2014 appearance at Fenway of Ben Zobrist. Get to the park early.

Yankee Elimination Day Has Finally Arrived!!!!!

It's here! Today, the New York Yankees were eliminated from playoff contention by the first-place Baltimore Orioles in a 9-5 victory at The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street. The Pinstriped Posers have now missed the post-season in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1992-1993. So, no matter how horrific the Red Sox season has been (and heaven knows it has been), we can all take comfort in the fact that The Bronx Embalmers got exactly the same thing out of this season as we did: that would be absolutely nothing. Moreover, the future is a heck of a lot brighter for us than them. After all, A-Fraud will be walking through their Spring Training door next February. We, at least, have a semblance of a youth movement—they have a 2015 roster that could use Geritol for a PED. Of course, today's result also guarantees that Sunday will definitively be Derek Jeter's last game ever. All is right with the world.

Jeter Raises Doubts On Last Game At Fenway

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo)

Just when you thought Derek Jeter was the classiest guy on the planet—and would never bag out on playing his final games in Boston—there's this: "I can't think about Boston. I'm thinking about tonight's game, just like I can't think about tomorrow or Thursday. I just haven't been wired that way, to think that far in advance. I just take it one game at a time. It's a better question for when I get there." Really? Red Sox event master Charles "The Mad Dentist" Steinberg probably had to have smelling salts administered after hearing those words. Not to mention the fools who've laid out thousands for a chance to see #2 whiff a few times on Sunday. The skinny is that Steinberg's extravaganza will rival the Opening Ceremonies at the Rio Olympics in its splendor. Could Jeter really stiff all of his close, personal friends at Fenway Park? Nah! Don't worry, he'll come through. Right?

We Won't Have Jacoby To Kick Around Anymore

(New York Daily News)

A welcome distraction during the quasi-Papal elevation of Derek Jeter this weekend would have been the opportunity to further razz Jacoby Ellsbury. Alas, a troublesome "hamstring" injury is putting the reprobate CF on the shelf for the remainder of the season. So, Red Sox fans will be unable to 'welcome' Jacoby again during his strides to the plate. Of course, this raises the unfair old canard about Ellsbury's durability. After all, he's played in 149 games so far for The Bronx Embalmers—15 more than he played for the 2013 World Champion Red Sox. And, one could argue, Jacoby's absence at the top of the Red Sox order had a lot to do with them struggling to break the Valentine Win Barrier.

Cruising Buchholz Fades In Eighth; Loses, 6-2

 (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Those of us attending last night's 6-2 Red Sox loss were witnessing a truly rare event. First, it was shaping up to be one of the fastest games of the year (well under three hours); second, Clay Buchholz was cruising into the eighth inning with a 1-0 lead. Then, 2014 reality set in. With no one warming in the bullpen, and Buchholz on a low pitch count, disaster struck. Of course, it all started with a lead-off walk. Next, a strikeout. Then a hit batter—still no one warming up for Boston. Then, a pop out to the pitcher by Andover High School's own Ryan Hannigan. Two outs, first and second. Next, a "double" that should have been a routine catch by Yoenis Cespedes allowed two runs to score—and the rest is Bobby Valentine history. Speaking of the Athletic Director of Sacred Heart University, his Magic Number is stuck at 2 with only five games left.

Napoli Out As Red Sox Start Final Homestand

Mike Napoli is out of tonight's line-up as the Red Sox get set to face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game set. Boston will send out the following line-up: Mookie Betts 2B, Xander Bogaerts SS, David Ortiz DH, Yoenis Cespedes LF, Daniel Nava 1B, Rusney Castillo CF, Will Middlebrooks 3B, Christian Vazquez C, and Jackie Bradley Jr. RF. Clay Buchholz will take the mound for The Carmine Hose.

The Final Six—The End Of A Long Nightmare

The End Is Near!

And so, it comes down to this. The dismal 2014 Red Sox season crawls to its final six home games—like Wile E. Coyote limping out of the desert in search of sustenance. If The Carmine Hose (68-88) don't win at least two of those games, there will be quite a celebration by a certain resident of Stamford, Connecticut. The first three tilts will be against the almost as pathetic Tamp Bay Rays (75-81), followed by three more against the 'all-but-eliminated-from-the-playoffs' New York Yankees (81-75). The only potential silver lining this weekend will be that The Bronx Embalmers have a good chance of being officially eliminated at Fenway Park. How sweet will it be if they're done after Saturday's game and Derek Jeter has to play his truly final game right here? In any event, Our Long National Nightmare will finally be over and Ben Cherington can start spending John Henry's billions. It can't come soon enough!

America's Most Cramped Ballpark—Crampier!

Stretch Out And Relax!

You gotta love the NOG (New Ownership Group). Unsatisfied with the tens of millions they reap from ticket sales (one of the highest proportions in baseball), they're now about to cram more bodies in their 103-year old ballpark in 2015. The team will jam in a posh "corner suite" to the right of the Monster Seats and add 160 more "pavilion and bleacher" seats. The Coca-Cola Deck will also be expanded—although it's unclear whether there will be additional seats or just more incredibly expensive standing room areas. In a lovely touch by Boston Globe owner John Henry, there will also be new "ribbon band" ads that feature news updates from The Boring Broadsheet On Morrissey Boulevard. The $4.2 million in "improvements" suggests that the new boss (Mayor Marty Walsh) is just as "accommodating" to the owners as the old boss (former Mayor Tom Menino). You can bet your watered-down $10 Fenway beer that the Boston Landmarks Commission and the Boston Redevelopment Authority will approve every little detail. What a scam!

Sox Have Second Longest Avg. Game Length

(Forbes.com Graph)

When the two Red Sox representatives on MLB's "Pace" Committee show up for the first meeting, they may get a few evil eyes. After all, the Red Sox are ranked #2 in all of baseball on average length of their games. Boston clocked in with a ridiculous average of three hours, nine minutes and forty-four seconds. This is second only to their AL East colleagues in Tampa (3:12:40). Some of the suggested fixes for this are: a pitch clock; limiting the number of mound visits by non-coaches; and forcing batters to stay in the box and eschew their endless VELCRO ® adjustments. Hopefully, they'll impose some of the new rules in time for the 2105 season.

Sox Have 2 Reps On MLB's 'Pace Of Play' Cmte.

Outgoing MLB Commissioner Bud Selig appointed a new committee to produce recommendations that will improve the pace of the game. The Red Sox will have two people on the committee: team Chairman Tom Werner and general partner Michael Gordon. As you might recall, Werner made "pace" the centerpiece of his failed campaign to become Commissioner. Said Selig of the committee, "With the cooperation of all appropriate parties, we can make progress on improving the pace of play, and we will have recommendations in the very near future for the 2015 season. I believe that this group has the experience and the perspective to be mindful of our game's traditions while being creative about our approach in the future." Perhaps the most surprising part of this story is that Selig has already convened a conference call with committee members. Honestly, did you think Bud could work the phone buttons?

FenwayNation Offers Fenway Park WEBCAM

The Editors of FenwayNation are pleased to offer readers a live view of Fenway Park through a link provided by the site, webcams.travel. The Fenway Park WEBCAM can be accessed by clicking on the link on our right-side navigation bar. Now you can get right in on the action—whether you're just a few miles away from Fenway Park or logging on from some distant land. Enjoy!

Memo To NOG: Cut 2015 Ticket Prices By 20%

There's one thing the NOG (New Ownership Group) can do to really demonstrate their "care and concern" for Red Sox fans: cut 2015 ticket prices by 20%. As it is, Boston fans pay the highest ticket prices in all of baseball (average ticket: $52.32; total Fan Cost Index: $350.78). And for what? A team that might pass the 69-win threshold set by Bobby Valentine's 2012 legions? Great! The owners got a big-time 'mulligan' for 2013—and fans have been amazingly positive in this humiliating year. We need payback—real, tangible payback. The state's feeble economic 'recovery' has left most fans still struggling to make ends meet—if they have a job at all. So, multi-billionaire John Henry should be able to find it in his "progressive" heart to give the average fan a break. It's bad enough that they've saddled us with a century-old, obstruction-filled, cramped ballpark—now they've given us players who hit like their 100 years old. Give us a 20% reduction—that's a measly $10.46 cents on the average ticket. Just enough to buy an over-priced Fenway Frank.

Red Sox Play 'Kelly's Heroes', Beat Orioles, 3-2

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Joe Kelly is making a bid to be a key part of the 2105 rotation. Yesterday, the wisecracking righty went seven solid innings, giving up just two earned runs on three hits. 'Kelly's Heroes' were Mookie Betts (who led off the game with a solo blast, and collected another hit to raise his average to .285); Yoenis Cespedes (who had two hits and an RBI), and David Ross (who clouted his seventh HR of the year). The Valentine Magic Number is now set at just 2 with 6 to play.

Cecchini And Brentz Start Today For Red Sox

The Red Sox will send out four rookies today in their final match-up of the year against the AL East Champion Orioles. Boston will send out the following line-up today—Mookie Betts 2B, Xander Bogaerts SS, Daniel Nava 1B, Yoenis Cespedes LF, Will Middlebrooks 3B, Rusney Castillo CF, Garin Cecchini DH, David Ross C, and Bryce Brentz RF. Joe Kelly takes to the hill for The Carmine Hose.

Sox Wear 'Rubby' Slip-Ups, Fall To O's, 7-2

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Pretty soon, the "Rubby" will have to meet the road. Multiple poor starting performances by Rubby De La Rosa raises the the question of whether the young right-hander is better suited to the bullpen. He clearly has the stuff, but he might not have the endurance to be a starter. Again last night, De La Rosa went just four innings—giving up four earned runs (including two two-run HRs) in a 7-2 loss. And this was against a line-up that was resting some Oriole regulars. David Ortiz belted another HR (his 35th), but everyone else in the Boston lineup was pretty much silent. The Valentine Magic Number stays at three with just seven to play.

Oritz Hits #464 And #465; Sox Top Orioles, 5-3

 (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

David Ortiz homered twice—including the game-winner in the 10th-inning—pacing the Red Sox to a 5-3 victory over the first-place Orioles. Big Papi moved into a tie with Dave Winfield for 33rd on the all-time HR list. These games mean nothing to The Carmine Hose, but Ortiz last night chipped in with his eighth 30 HR/ 100 RBI season with Boston—a new team record. He passed some guy named Ted Williams. Only Jim Rice has more 100 RBI seasons for the Red Sox. Elsewhere, Mookie Betts had two more hits (including one on a great 11-pitch at-bat), and Yoenis Cespedes picked up his 22nd HR of the year. Allen Webster pitched well again—going 5.2 innings and giving up just one earned run. Valentine Magic #: 3

Rusney Castillo Hitting Seventh In First AL Start

The Red Sox are in 'Charm City' to take on the AL East Champion Orioles tonight in the start of a three game set. Boston will send out the following line-up: Mookie Betts, 2B; Xander Bogaerts, SS; David Ortiz, DH; Yoenis Cespedes, LF; Daniel Nava, RF; Allen Craig, 1B; Rusney Castillo, CF; Garin Cecchini, 3B; and Christian Vazquez, C. Allen Webster will head to mound for The Carmine Hose.

Giancarlo Stanton Updates Press On Recovery

Giancarlo Stanton met with the media yesterday to update them on his recovery from a brutal beaning he suffered a week prior. Just from a visual point of view, the "before and after" pictures he posted on Instagram are enough to both horrify and inspire. Stanton said he suffered facial fractures that will take 6-8 weeks to heal. Also, five of his teeth were damaged—with one knocked out completely. He also sustained an "orbital fracture" around his eye—but his vision was never impaired. Ominously, when asked about a return, he stated, "I’ve wondered about that. I think I’m in a great mental state for what has gone on. But to be able to be back into the box, and in competition, I’m not quite sure. I think when we decide the protection that will be on, I’ll have more reassurance wearing that." Wow.

Anthony Rizzo Wins 2014 Branch Rickey Award

Former Red Sox farmhand Anthony Rizzo is the winner of the 2014 Branch Rickey Award for his work with pediatric cancer patients. After being drafted by the Red Sox at age 17, Rizzo was diagnosed with with Hodgkin's lymphoma in his first minor league season. After a long period of treatment, the cancer went into remission. Rizzo was initially traded to San Diego in the Adrian Gonzalez deal and was later re-united with former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on the North Side of Chicago. Since his illness, Rizzo has consistently visited pediatric cancer patients at both Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. Congratulations, Anthony!

Is Jon Lester Enough To Save Slumping A's?

Don't look now, but baseball may be witnessing yet another epic September collapse. The Oakland A's lost again last night (with Sonny Gray giving up four runs in the first inning), and are now in danger of dropping completely out of the post-season picture. This, despite the fact that former Red Sox ace Jon Lester has been lights out since joining The Green and Gold. The big lefty is 5-3 with The Children Of Charley Finley, posting a 2.30 ERA. In 62.2 innings, he's struck out 57. Two nights ago, the A's watched their bullpen implode in a six-run ninth. They've actually been swept by the lowly Rangers at home. Since August 28th, Oakland is 5-15—since August 10th, they are 11-25. Before trading Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox, the A's were averaging 5.00 runs a game—since the trade, it's 3.47. So, Lester and the other quality pitchers on the staff may not be enough to keep the A's from choking big time.

Team Of Negative Destiny Loses Again; Fall, 3-2

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Some wise sage once said, "In every baseball game, you see something you've never seen before." It happened again last night as the Red Sox were on the verge of a ninth-inning comeback in their eventual 3-2 loss to the Pirates. With none out and men on first and third, a Will Middlebrooks grounder hit the runner at third in fair territory. That's an out, by the way. We've never seen that exact play ever before. Amazing. Of course, former Red Sox pitcher Mark Melancon got out of the jam. That's all you really need to know about this loss. Except that The Valentine Magic Number is still stuck at 4 with just nine games left.

FN POLL: A's Surge Ahead As Top Playoff Team

The Oakland A's have moved ahead of the Orioles and Royals as the AL team most readers will pull for in the playoffs. As the chart shows, 26% now pick the "Bay Area Red Sox" as their team of choice, followed by the Orioles at 22%, the Royals at 19%, the Angels at 15%, the Mariners at 7%, unidentified National League teams at 7% and the Tigers at 4%. Somewhat surprisingly, no voters chose Terry Francona's Indians. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN POLL: Orioles And Royals Are Fan Faves

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll indicates that our readers will primarily be pulling for the Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs—followed closely by the Kansas City Royals. As the chart shows, fully one-third of voters support the Birds (33%), and almost as many (27%) will be rooting for the Royals. Next in line are the Angels and A's (13% each), followed by the Seattle Mariners at 7%. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN POLL: Which AL Team Will You Root For?

Favorite AL Team In 2014 Playoffs
Which ONE of the following AL teams will you root for?	Angels A's Indians Mariners Orioles Royals Tigers An NL Team
	Current Results

Are The Baltimore Orioles Really That Good?

The American League East representatives from 'The Charm City' have run away with the division—currently setting the pace with 92 wins and a 14.5 game lead on The Bronx Embalmers. They've already clinched their first division title in 17 years. But are they good enough to run the table and capture the franchise's fourth World Series Championship? Let's take a look. First of all, they won't have the services of three of their best players—Matt Wieters, Manny Machado and Chris Davis (suspended until at least the second round). Then again, they've done pretty darn well without the first two for a long time. Manager Buck Showalter has deftly shuffled his line-up to accommodate the "hot hands"—even benching veterans. He's also made some pretty bold decisions—like banishing highly-paid malcontent Ubaldo Jimenez to the bullpen in August. Showalter has mastered the delicate balance between old-school and new-school managing—and it shows on the field. This group of Birds leads the majors in HRs and is near the top in team defense. To get far into October, they will need two guys to consistently deliver—Adam Jones and Nick Markakis (in addition to the consistent Nelson Cruz). And the amazing Steve Pearce looks like he'll just keep on hitting. Their so-called "no-name rotation" will need youngsters Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman to hold up under the pressure of the big city lights. If they get to the ninth with a lead (after being set-up by Andrew Miller and Tommy Hunter), Zach Britton is about as effective as any closer in the game. So, yeah, these O's have a definite chance to hoist another banner over Eutaw Street. Secretly, we're rooting for them.

Red Sox Scarily Close To Not Passing Bobby V.

With 22 games left, the Red Sox only needed 9 wins to eclipse Bobby Valentine's magical 69 win plateau from 2012. Now there are only 10 games left—and they still need four more wins to hit 70. Can they do it? For the cipher-challenged out there, four wins out of ten translates to a .400 winning percentage. To this point in the season, the team is winning at a .434 clip, so, theoretically, they should do it, right? Not so fast, pine-tar breath! Here are the remaining games: one more against the Pirates (who are fighting tooth-and-nail for a playoff berth), three at Camden Yards against the juggernaut O's (who might be in coast mode), three at Fenway against the almost-equally pathetic Rays, and the final three at home against The Evil Ones (during the canonization ceremonies for Derek Jeter). So, can they scoop at least four from this list? Tonight looks like a loss in Pittsburgh, but they should take at least one from Baltimore. Then, just three more wins out of six from the Rays and Yankees should be do-able. But, frankly, as bad as this team is, passing Valentine should not be this close.

Re-Signing Koji Uehara Is A Red Sox Priority

Koji: Worth Re-Upping For 2015

The Red Sox have let it be known that they view the re-signing of soon-to-be free agent closer Koji Uehara as an "offseason priority". As we have written, we think this a good thing—although the team needs to do some medium-range planning for future ninth-innings post-Koji. Said GM Ben Cherington, "The way that he handled the recent period where he struggled a little bit and how he handled getting out of it reflects well on him positively. We haven’t had any other conversations and there will be an appropriate time for that this offseason. But our interest is still there." Since being pulled from the closer's role, Uehara has posted a few good outings, so the major six-game funk he went through earlier might be in the rear-view mirror. He's still worth the gamble in 2015.

Red Sox Walk The Plank In Pittsburgh; Lose, 9-1

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The term "Garbage Time" was invented for games like these. In fact, September should be re-named "Garbage Month" for your Carmine Hose. Last night, Clay Buchholz reverted to his bad earlier form—getting pummeled by the Pirates, 9-1. The tall Texan went just four miserable innings—giving up six hits and four earned runs. Steven Wright looked more like the comedian than the knuckle-baller—giving up another four runs in just one inning of work. The once again pathetic offense mustered just five hits (including Rusney Castillo's first MLB safety)—leaving the bases loaded in the first inning. The Valentine Magic Number is still stuck at 4—with only 10 games left to play. Can they do it?

Red Sox Recall Six Today From AAA Pawtucket

The Red Sox recalled six players today from AAA Pawtucket. The six are: OF Rusney Castillo, OF Bryce Brentz, C Ryan Lavarnway, 3B Garin Cecchini, P Heath Hembree and P Edwin Escobar.