Red Sox End Month Of May With Walk-Off Loss

(AP Photo)

The month of May could end up being the cruelest one for the Red Sox. They've finished up the month seven games under .500 with a brutal 4-3 walk-off loss that is tinged with some controversy. Up by one run in the ninth, John Farrell decided to walk Prince Fielder (the best hitter in the AL) to get to a pinch-hitting Josh Hamilton (the returning Prodigal Son). Of course, Hamilton doubled into the gap scoring two runs and handing Koji Uehara a blown save and a loss. This, after Joe Kelly had pitched barely well enough to get a stay of execution—albeit with a shaky five innings. On top of everything else, Boston's defense has begun to unravel—as they committed three errors today. Good riddance, May.

Red Sox Hero Dave Roberts Turns 43 Today

'The Steal'

It's the 43rd birthday of Dave Roberts—and yet, he will forever be 32. That's the age he was on October 17, 2004 during Game Four of that year's ALCS. As one of the privileged 34,826 who attended the 5 hour and 2 minute contest, I can personally attest to the fact that Roberts provided the biggest thrill in this Red Sox fan's life. His epic steal off Mariano Rivera will live as a shining beacon of Red Sox persistence. If he's called out, we are likely a different franchise today—and a different fanbase. That's how transformational that steal was. Thanks, Dave. And happy birthday!

Ranger Rookie Stymies Red Sox Offense, 8-0

(AP Photo)

It was 'dinner at Chi Chi's'—and the chips weren't free. Young Ranger right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez shut down the Red Sox offense last night—on the way to an 8-0 victory in his Major League debut. For Boston, it was just another crushing loss on the road—with the starting pitcher (Wade Miley this time) giving up five earned runs in just four innings of work. David Ortiz broke up the kid's no-hitter in the sixth. Said Gonzalez, "He gave me a little clap, head nod, which was awesome. Just giving me respect, which I didn't think -- I'm a new guy, a rookie. It was awesome." All in all, this procession of mediocrity is getting old—fast.

No 'Josh'-Ing—Sox Are Powered Over By Texas

(AP Photo)

Talk about your bad timing. Josh Hamilton and the Rangers decided to make his homecoming coincide with a visit by the Red Sox. Last night, Hamilton hit two bombs off knuckle-baller Steven Wright—propelling Texas to a 7-4 win. The first broke a 2-2 tie, the second came on a 66 MPH offering from Wright. Having said that, Wright only gave up three runs—it was the bullpen that handed Texas this win. Hanley Ramirez continued his 'Reinvention Tour', with a 2-4 night—including his 12th HR. But it just wasn't enough to overcome the Ranger Prodigal Son and his ability to use lightening bat speed to crush baseballs.

Saltalamacchia Back In 'The Show' With Snakes

After being cut by the Miami Marlins, former Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is back in the major leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Salty had been languishing at AAA Reno (where he batted a dismal .188) before today's call-up. Even more oddly-spelled Arizona catcher Tuffy Gosewisch went on the DL—opening up a spot for Salty. This, after The Fish decided that their oddly-named young backstop ( J.T. Realmuto) was a better bargain than the high-priced and under-performing Saltalamacchia. We wish Salty the best in his return to "The Show".

Mock Draft Has Red Sox Taking Vandy RHP #7

Carson Fulmer

The respected Baseball America Mock Draft projects that—at pick #7—the Red Sox will take right-handed pitcher Carson Fulmer out of Vanderbilt University. The Red Sox tried gabbing the kid in the 15th round of the 2012 draft, but lost out to Vandy. As a freshman, Fulmer closed for the Commodores, but, after switching to starter the next year, he posted a 1.98 ERA. He can reach the high 90s on his fastball, and also features a nasty curve and a devastating change-up. The Twinkies have also shown interest in Fulmer—and they pick one spot ahead of Boston in the draft. But, if things fall right, look for the 5'11", 195-pound Fulmer to be somewhere in the Sox system at this time next year.

Scout: Boston Is Likely Cole Hamels Destination

Coming To A Park Near You?

A report on CSNPhilly.com quotes a "rival" scout as suggesting that a deal involving Cole Hamels makes sense for both teams. Says the scout, "There’s a deal to be made there, absolutely. The AL East is there for the taking....I think the team with the most resources to get him is Boston. They have the talent and can take the financial hit...The Red Sox have enough minor-league talent that they can move some of it if they want to make a deal." The scout went on to detail the bevy of Sox prospects (other than the 'untouchable' Blake Swihart and Mookie Betts) who could improve the competitiveness of the Phillies. Chief among these was 3B Rafael Devers (who we profiled yesterday on FenwayNation). Hamels makes another start tonight for Philadelphia. Stay tuned!

'Super Sub' John Kennedy Turns 74 Today

You can image the level of expectation that accompanied one John Kennedy when he donned a Boston uniform. Amazingly, this John Kennedy was born 24 years to the day (May 29th) after his more famous presidential namesake. In June of 1970, Kennedy was purchased from the Milwaukee Brewers and joined the Red Sox. What followed was a five-year stint that bestowed upon him the title of "Super Sub". In 265 games over that span, Kennedy hit a respectable .243, with 13 HRs and 78 RBIs. He played 2B, 3B, SS and DH for The Carmine Hose and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time—sort of a 1970s version of Brock Holt. Today, Kennedy turns 74 years old. Happy birthday, "Super Sub"!

Eduardo Rodriguez: Best Lefty Speed In MLB

(Getty Images)

After his MLB debut, Eduardo Rodriguez has more than just a win under his belt and the admiration of millions of Red Sox fans. He's also been sprinkled with the 'holy water' of the influential FanGraphs.com website. According to that site's Eno Sarris, E-Rod has "the best lefty velocity among starters in the game". Averaging 95.0 MPH, Rodriguez (at the tender age of 22) tops other fire-balling port-siders like Chris Sale, David Price, and some guy named Clayton Kershaw. Pretty high praise from a well-respected source. Congrats to E-Rod!

E-Rod Claims The Role Of New Red Sox Ace

(AP Photo)

Hey, Clay, any extra "I'm The Ace" t-shirts? One is needed after last night's dominant performance by rookie lefty Eduardo Rodriguez in a 5-1 win. If he's sent back to AAA, there will be mobs with pitchforks and torches on Yawkey Way to contend with. The 22-year old Rodriguez twirled 7.2 brilliant innings—giving up just three hits and striking out seven. He was in command all the way, mixing in secondary pitches with a fastball that topped out often at 96 MPH. The kid looks for real. Fortunately, despite hitting into five double-plays, the Red Sox offense supported Rodriguez with five runs (normally a week's worth of production for The Raiders Of The Lost Offense). Dustin Pedroia and Mookie Betts led the way—each with 3-5 nights. Hanley Ramirez doubled and homered (his 11th of the year, but only his first in May) to also pace the offense. All in all, a very satisfying win.

David Ortiz 'Working Things Out'—Not In Lineup

An ominous comment by Red Sox manager John Farrell has some wags wondering what's going on behind the scenes with The Carmine Hose. Appearing on WEEI's Dale And Holley Show, Farrell stated that David Ortiz would not be in the Red Sox lineup for "a couple of days". The explanation was that the DH needed "to try to work some things out". Hello!

Daniel Nava Placed On 15-Day 'Disabled' List

Call if the Fenway Flu—or, since they're on the road, Texas Trichinosis. Anyway, slumping Daniel Nava has been placed on the 15-day "disabled" list. No particular injury. No particular reason—other than a dramatic drop-off in performance. So far this year, the 32-year old Nava is hitting just .159 in 27 games. Partly a victim of the crowded outfield, Nava has had fewer chances to prove his worth this year than in the past. Neverthless, the acquisition of the immortal Carlos Peguero from Texas may have signalled the end for Nava. Stay tuned.

Cast Your May 2015 Dalton Jones Average Vote!

It's that time again—another month's end and another chance to vote in FenwayNation's exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average. The DJIA (honoring the Red Sox all-time pinch-hit leader) gathers four key metrics from FN readers scattered around the world. Through the DJIA, readers assess the fortunes of the team on: starting pitching, relief pitching, overall offense and overall defense. FenwayNation will publish the DJIA Index Score each month during the season—and the fluctuation up or down from the previous month's reading. You can now cast your May DJIA vote HERE.

Worcester Says 'No': Are PawSox Homeless?

Larry Lucchino's grand scheme for a AAA waterfront ballpark in Providence didn't exactly send a thrill up the legs of Rhode Island lawmakers. Somehow, they didn't see the value of spending $120 million of taxpayer money to make the Red Sox even richer than they already are. So, the "homeless" PawSox next turned to New Bedford. But now their Mayor says a stadium deal is a "non-starter". How about Worcester? After a brief dalliance with that central Massachusetts community, their City Manager is saying he has "no intention" of using public money to finance Lucchino's minor league empire. Hey, here's an idea: stay in Pawtucket!

Red Sox Under The Radar: 3B Rafael Devers

He's only 18 and he's still at Single A Greenville, but Rafael Devers is getting a lot of attention. So far this season, Devers is hitting .331 with 2 HRs and 20 RBIs in 37 games. Obviously, the kid has a lot of maturing to do, but he is a natural hitter—with plus power potential (30+ HRs) at a corner infield spot. His progress is particularly important given the drop-off of another third base prospect—Garin Cecchini. The 24-year old Cecchini is hitting just .191 this year at AAA Pawtucket, with a HR and two RBIs in 35 games. Devers is adequate at third—although he is not a pure athlete. So, he might profile better at first base—allowing Xander Bogaerts to (down the road) move to third, with Deven Marrero at SS. We'll keep the radar on.

The Aberration That Was The 2013 Red Sox Title

Rock Bottom: 2012

Talk about your outliers! It's becoming increasingly clear that the magical 2013 season was just that—something a wizard would pull out of his hat. If you look back over the last eight years of NOG (New Ownership Group) stewardship, you find a shockingly sub-par organization—that somehow cobbled together one ring. Starting in 2008, your Carmine Hose: lost the ALCS ('08); lost the LDS ('09); finished third in the AL East ('10); finished third again in the AL East ('11); finished fifth in AL East ('12); won it all ('13); finished fifth again in the AL East ('14) and currently sits in last place in their division ('15). That's three playoff appearances in eight years—only once making it to the World Series. Is this an acceptable record of achievement? Over their last 209 regular season games (all of the 2014 season through today), they have a .440 winning percentage. Even factoring in the 2013 championship year, over their last 533 regular season games, their wining percentage is a dismal .484. The hard truth is that—since 2007—this ownership and management have (for the most part) under-performed. And, if they hadn't won in 2013, their normally cranky fanbase would be far less accepting of this mediocre product.

POLL: Plurality Want to 'Wait And See' On Sox

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll shows that most readers (45%) prefer to take a "wait and see" attitude before making any drastic moves among upper-level Red Sox management. However, as the chart shows, one-quarter each want to: fire John Farrell (25%) and fire both Farrell and Ben Cherington (25%). Moreover, about one reader in twenty (5%) wants to just sack the GM. So, while a plurality want to wait until August, fully 55% want some type of drastic action taken now. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Red Sox Are 'Eyeing' Potential Trade Targets

All those 'untouchable' prospects may not be as safe as they once were. Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington told MLB Network Radio that Boston is "keeping an eye" on the trade market to try to improve what has been a dismal start to 2015. Of course, the most often mentioned target is LHP Cole Hamels of the Phillies. Nevertheless, according to Cherington, the team's first option is to look within to upgrade—the most recent case in point being the elevation of LHP Eduardo Rodriguez to start today's game in Texas. Cherington said the Red Sox will try to "get things better internally before...we can consider moves to supplement the team." Mired in last place and five games under .500, it's unclear who at AAA or AA (aside from a couple of pitchers and Jackie Bradley, Jr.) is going to provide a big enough jolt to make a real difference.

POLL: How To Deal With Red Sox Free-Fall?

How To Deal With Red Sox Free-Fall?
Which ONE of the following actions should be taken?	Fire John Farrell Fire Ben Cherington Fire both Wait it out until Aug.
	Current Results

Porcello 'Pitches In' For Today's 6-4 Sox Loss

(AP Photo)

Another day, another dismal starting pitching performance. Today, we were treated to a "matinee" defeat (6-4) thanks to Rick Porcello—who went seven innings and gave up six earned runs. Three of the runs came on two HRs—the 10th and 11th Porcello has given up this year. The loss came despite the best efforts of Dustin Pedroia—who clouted two two-run HRs to account for all of Boston's scoring. Not surprisingly, Brock Holt (filling in for the Rusney Castillo in RF) had two hits as well—including a double. The advent of 22-year old lefty starter Eduardo Rodriguez cannot come soon enough (Thursday), as The Carmine Hose sink to five games under .500 through their first forty-seven contests. Bobby Valentine—all is forgiven.

Eduardo Rodriguez To Start For Sox Thursday

(NESN)

We've been lobbying for this since at least March 18th—bring up phenom left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez! While the Red Sox are not committing to anything beyond this Thursday's start against the Rangers, don't be surprised if Rodriguez sticks and someone else (Joe Kelly?) heads to the bullpen. So far this year, the 22-year old Venezuelan is 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA at AAA. He's walked just seven and struck out forty-four in 48.1 innings for the PawSox. Rodriguez could turn out to be a major steal—after being picked up in the deal last year with Baltimore for Andrew Miller. Stay tuned!

'Unoffensive' Red Sox Drop Another To Twinkies

(AP Photo)

Apparently, the Red Sox need longer rain delays—or maybe just flat-out cancellations. After a one hour and twenty-minute delay (hey, why should Minnesota have a retractable roof?), Boston eked out a 2-1 loss to the Twinkies. On this night, it was not the pitching that failed them—although Clay Buchholz did give up two maddening early runs. No, it was once again, "Raiders Of The Lost Offense"—with Mike Napoli's broken bat bloop single the only RBI The Carmine Hose could muster. When Sandy León is your offensive stud (2 hits), you've got issues.

The Kelly File Not-So-Prime Time; Sox Lose, 7-2

(AP Photo)

Joe Kelly had made two good starts before yesterday. But, in the typically inconsistent manner of this team, he was horrific on Sunday. Kelly didn't make it out of the second inning—giving up seven earned runs in an eventual 7-2 loss. Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts and Mike Napoli each had two hits for Boston, but the team couldn't overcome the huge hole created early by Kelly. Clay Buchholz goes to the hill at 8PM Eastern to try to right the good ship Carmine Hose.

Wade, Nap And Bogie Pace Red Sox To 6-1 Win

(Associated Press)

Good thing Mike Napoli's back is broad—because he's carrying the Red Sox offense right now. The burly first-sacker knocked in four runs today—including another 2-run HR as the Red Sox took the series from the Angles, 6-1. Quick-working Wade Miley was highly efficient—retiring the first 14 Angels he faced. He ended up going eight solid innings, giving up just one run on four hits. Red-hot Xander Bogaerts had his second career 4-hit game—and is now hitting .290. This is the type of team we were told we had for 2015. Could it finally be materializing two months into the six-month campaign? Your Carmine Hose—despite being two games under .500—are just 2.5 games out of first place. Boston heads to Minnesota to—amazingly—face the Twins for the first time in the regular season. This after seemingly meeting the Twinkies every other day in Spring Training. Go figure.

Nap And Wright Lead The Way In 8-3 Sox Win

(AP Photo)

Mike Napoli may be the guy that puts this under-achieving team on his back. The first-baseman clouted two homeruns and drove in three to pace the Red Sox to an 8-3 win over Napoli's first team, the Anaheim Angels. Steven 'World's Largest Seashell Collection' Wright hurled six impressive innings, after coughing up two in the first frame. He "knuckled-down" and retired 18 of 19 batters at one point. Xander Bogaerts delivered a clutch two-out, two-run double to help the cause, and Mookie Betts (subbing for an injured Shane Victorino) also knocked in two runs. Blake Swihart executed a perfect hit-and-run play that scored Brock Holt from first base. A rare confluence of good pitching and timely hitting.

Red Sox Succumb To A Heavenly Pounding

(AP Photo)

Rick Porcello was getting along just swimmingly. Through three innings, he was "dealing" with good stuff and his team up, 1-0. Then, he went to the deep end of the pool—or should we say the deep end of the Pujols (Albert Pujols, that is). The veteran slugger led off the fourth by lining a hanging slider into the Monster Seats and the Red Sox lead was gone. Another run in the fourth put Boston behind. The Red Sox gave the lead back to Porcello (3-2) on a two-run Brock Holt double—but the die had been cast. In the dreaded fifth inning, nine runs scored—and by its end, Porcello was showered and out of the ballpark. The Red Sox made a limp attempt at a "comeback", but this game was over after that Pujoils at-bat. Final—12-5 Halos. Are the Revolution still playing?

Rusney In Red Sox Lineup For First Time In '15

Rusney Castillo is in tonight's Red Sox lineup—for the first time in 2015. After spending some time on the disabled list and playing in 18 games for the PawSox, Castillo will play right field tonight and bat eighth. Here is tonight's full lineup: Betts CF,  Pedroia 2B, Ortiz DH, Ramirez LF, Bogaerts SS, Napoli 1B, Holt 3B, Castillo RF, Swihart C. Rick Porcello gets the start for Boston.

Texas Waves It's Magic Wandy, Sox Lose, 3-1

(AP Photo)

After dropping another low-scoring game at home to the pathetic Texas Rangers, the Red Sox are now proud owners of the worst run differential in the American League (-35). Managing just one run in last night's 3-1 loss to the immortal Wandy Rodriguez, Boston now sits just one game out of last place in the AL East. David Ortiz knocked in the only Red Sox run, but, again, huge "squander opportunities" littered this game. If they can somehow align the resurgent good starting pitching (even Clay Buchholz wasn't horrible last night), and timely hitting, they might start winning.

Sox Edge Texas 4-3 On HRs By Papi And Nap

(AP Photo)

The Red Sox began their homestand on a positive note by getting long-ball offense and solid starting pitching to grab game one 4-3 over the Rangers. David Ortiz and Mike Napoli each homered, and Wade Miley turned in seven impressive innings in the win. Pablo Sandoval injured his knee, but appears to be fine—as tests came back negative.

Local Sox Ratings Crush NBA and NHL Playoffs

It's probably not surprising that Red Sox telecasts on NESN outpaced NBA and NHL playoff games this year—since the Bruins and Celtics are playing golf. Nonetheless, local baseball broadcasts across the country are smashing round ball and puck playoff action—even in cities where you'd expect the opposite. Take hockey-mad Pittsburgh (please!). A Pirates-Phillies game out-rated a Rangers-Caps Game 7—unheard of! In fact, in 14 of the 24 major media markets, regular season baseball games destroyed the NBA and NHL playoffs—not to mention nationally televised MLB games on ESPN. Local baseball is thriving—reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.

Clueless Seattle Mariner Fans Do "Brady Chant"

Live With It, Seattle!

Clearly, Seattle fans are over-caffeinated. On Saturday night, the denizens of SafeCo Field began chanting, "Bra-dy cheat-ed" during a Brock Holt at-bat in the 6th inning. Really? Do they really believe their ignominious Super Bowl defeat had anything to do with so-called "Deflate-Gate"? Didn't they get the memo that the NFL had the Super Bowl balls under tight scrutiny? The ball that Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler swiped from Russell Wilson was inflated to exact PSI requirements. So were the balls thrown during Tom Brady's epic fourth quarter comeback drive (13 of 15 for 124 yards and two touchdowns). All fully inflated. So, Seattle fans, try some Starbucks decaf—and maybe you'll win next year. Maybe.

19-Year Old Moncada Becomes A Pro Tonight

(Brynn Anderson / AP)

The Red Sox laid out $63 million for Yoan Moncada. Tonight, we will begin to see if that investment was worthwhile. The 19-year old Cuban phenom starts his pro career tonight for Boston's Single-A Affiliate Greenville Drive. The infielder—rated as the team's #1 prospect—is likely to start at second base. Boston eased the youngster into game play to make the cultural transition less disruptive. If he lives up to the hype (both internal and independent) the switcher-hitter may move through the Boston system with alacrity.

New PawSox Owner Skeffington Dies At Age 73

(Credit John Bender / RIPR)

One of the members of the new PawSox ownership group has passed away of a heart attack at the age of 73. Team President Jim Skeffington had partnered with—among others—Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino to buy the AAA franchise. While their plans to move the team to a waterfront site in Providence had met with severe criticism, it was still viewed as likely to happen—given Skeffington's influence in Rhode Island. It's unclear how his death will alter the ballpark plans of the ownership group.

Punchless Offense Delivers 5-0 Loss At Seattle

(AP Photo)

Fittingly, the 10-game road-trip ends at 5-5. Let's face it, sports fans, this is a .500 ballclub—at best. Today, the offense managed just five hits—two by Brock Holt—leaving six runners on the basepaths in a 5-0 loss. The pitching was back to its mediocre self—although Steven "No, I'm Not That Steven" Wright gave up just two earned runs in five innings. Nothing much more can be said about this game, except that it's demonstrative of the lack of consistency on this team.

Sox Gain 'Throwback' Victory Against King, 4-2

(AP Photo)

Displaying their coolest-looking alternate uniforms ever (in honor of the Negro Leagues' Boston Royal Giants), the Red Sox beat Felix Hernandez and the Mariners, 4-2. Starter Rick Porcello turned in another solid performance—getting into the seventh inning and giving up just two earned runs. Solo HRs were hit by David Ortiz and Pablo Sandoval to pace The Carmine Hose offense—while rookie catcher Blake Swihart went 2-4 with an RBI double. Dustin Pedroia also had two hits. Koji Uehara got his ninth save.

Seattle Mariners 2, John Farrell 1

(AP Photo)

If there were such things as "good losses", this could be one of them. Despite a crushing 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Mariners, Clay Buchholz turned in his best performance of 2015—eight innings, one earned run, eleven strikeouts and no walks. But, it was his manager John Farrell who handed this game to Seattle. With two outs and a man on second in the ninth inning, Farrell let Junichi Tazawa pitch to the leading hitter in the American League, Nelson Cruz. A few pitches later, the game was over. Said Farrell, "That's a terrible decision on my part. I own that one. We had a base open. We saw Cruz's first three at-bats he was chasing some off-speeds below the zone. He was 1 for 8 against Taz previously. It didn't work out. That's a horrible decision on my part." Bad managing, No biscuit.

Sox Moving In On Minors Deal For Cuban 2B

According to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, the Red Sox are close to inking a minor league deal with Cuban second-baseman Yolian Cerse. The 28-year old Cerse has played in Cuba for nine seasons—compiling a .325 average, with 65 HRs and 342 RBIs. He has a .395 OBP and an .863 OPS. Of course, the Red Sox seem set in the middle infield with Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts. They also just recently signed another Cuban infielder—Yoan Moncada to a record $31.5 million bonus.

Marathon Bomber Tsarnaev Sentenced To Death

A federal jury of seven women and five men, sitting in Boston, has sentenced Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death in the penalty phase of the Boston Marathon bombing trial. Tsarnaev was earlier found guilty on all 30 counts against him—including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and bombing of a public place. The April 15, 2013 bombings took the lives of three people—Krystle Marie Campbell, Lu Lingzi, Martin William Richard—and injured hundreds more. In addition, MIT police officer Sean Collier was ambushed and murdered by Tsarnaev and his bother Tamerlan.

REPORT: M's Turned Down Bradley For Furbush

Bradley, Jr. (L); Furbush (R)

UPDATE: Sox say no such deal
According to ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes, the Seattle Mariners turned down a trade that would have sent Jackie Bradley, Jr. to The Great Northwest. The prospective trade—which was proffered earlier in the Spring—would have brought lefty reliever (and South Portland, Maine native) Charlie Furbush to Fenway. The 29-year old Furbush holds a 4.05 career ERA over five big league seasons. So far this season, however, he boasts a 1.80 ERA in seventeen appearances for Seattle. No word why the Mariners turned down the trade.

Shane Victorino's Amazing Double-Play

To The Victor(ino) Goes Spoils, Sox Win, 2-1

(AP Photo)

The Red Sox won another close game on the road, beating the Mariners last night, 2-1. Shane Victorino was both the offensive and defensive star—clouting a solo HR and making a spectacular running catch/double play. Joe Kelly pitched well—going 6.1, giving up just one run on five hits and walking three. Boston rallied for the win in the 9th inning—with (who else?) Brock Holt starting the inning with a double. He scored from third on a fly ball error—that probably would have scored him anyway on a sac fly. Hanley Ramirez went 4 for 5 and raised his average to .284.

Rusney Castillo Suffers New Injury To Ankle

Rusney Castillo

UPDATE: Rusney in lineup today
Rusney Castillo—the man the Red Sox signed for $72.5 million—is injured again. After just recently returning from a shoulder injury, the outfielder hurt his ankle on an awkward slide in yesterday's AAA game. Apparently, the injury is not serious—although Castillo has missed most of this year to maladies. Pawtucket manager Kevin Boles stated, "After the history here and seeing that slide, it was pretty scary. We just want to make sure we err on the side of caution. He came in afterward and said he’s ready to go. We’ll see how he checks out." Let's hope for the best.

Posada: Clemens & A-Rod Don't Belong In Hall

(Photo: Jeff Zelevansky)

Former Yankee catcher Jorge Posada has made his position pretty clear. He does not think that former teammates Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez should be enshrined in the Baseball Hall Of Fame. When asked about it on CBS This Morning, Posada said, "No. I don’t think it’s fair for the guys that have been in the Hall of Fame that played the game clean . . . I don’t think it’s fair. I really don’t. I think the guys that need to be in the Hall of Fame need to be a player that played with no controversy." Good for you, Jorge!

Wade Miley Sparkles In 2-0 Red Sox Series Win

(AP Photo)

OK, remember all that talk (earlier this afternoon) about demoting Wade Miley? Well, you can deep-six that. Miley pitched 6.2 solid—albeit 'high-wire act'—innings in a 2-0 Red Sox victory this afternoon. The lefty gave up just five hits to the pathetic A's, walked four and didn't strike out anyone. Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara finished off the win. Daniel Nava knocked in the eventual game-winner with an RBI single in the second inning. The slumping Nava collected two of Boston's six hits—with Dustin Pedroia (who is now hitting .292) getting two hits as well. Hanley Ramirez had the other two Red Sox hits. Boston took the rubber match of the three-game series in a stunning 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Masterson "Not Happy" About Skipped Start

After his disastrous outing last night in Oakland, the Red Sox medical staff examined Justin Masterson. Essentially, they determined that he had the West Coast version of the "Fenway Flu"—suffering from "fatigue". An "extended rest" period was recommended. Masterson will miss his next scheduled start on Sunday—and this could be extended to a formal DL stint. Reportedly, he was not happy with the team's decision. Knuckle-baller Steven Wright will be the short-term replacement for Masterson.

The Time Is Now For Brian Johnson In Rotation

Johnson Throwing To Swihart In 2013 (SoxProspects.Com)

Enough is enough. A staff ERA over 5.00 is not acceptable. The Red Sox need to make a decision on either Justin Masterson or Wade Miley and insert 24-year old left-hander Brian Johnson into the rotation. Back in April, we advocated for this move. No more keeping talent too long in the minors—hey, this guy is already two years older than Bryce Harper, for crying out loud! At AAA this year, the 6'4" southpaw is 3-2 with a 3.03 ERA. In 29.2 innings pitched, he's given up just 21 hits and sports a WHIP of 1.247. He strikes out 9.4 batters per nine innings. The kid is ready. What, he's going to be worse than what we have now? Not bloody likely. Bring him up if you want to have any hope of salvaging the 2015 season.

Red Sox 2015 Engine Has Faulty "Differential"

Vito: Expert On Differentials

Thank goodness for the Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, Millwaukee Brewers, and Chicago White Sox. Those are the only teams in baseball with a worse run differential than your 2015 Carmine Hose. At a differential of minus 32, Boston's 'vaunted' offense has not been able to overcome the team's horrific pitching (5.05 ERA—second worst in MLB). Increasingly, the question is, "Will getting Cole Hamels be enough?" Many pundits believe that the Red Sox are more than one major move away from contention—despite the general parity in the AL East. With each new loss, the chances of this team making the post-season slip—almost imperceptibly—further and further away. Sure it's still "early", but as 90-year-old sage Yogi Berra once said, "It gets late early out there." Mona Lisa Vito could not be reached for comment.

Jacks All By A's, Master(Son) Of None, Sox Lose

(AP Photo)

This was a game game worthy of the pit that is the O.co Coliseum. Justin Masterson went just 2 1/3 innings last night—coughing up six earned runs in the 9-2 blowout loss. He now carries a 7.26 career ERA at Oakland. Said Masterson, "Part of me wants to put it on the voodoo of the Coliseum. I never got close to getting comfortable." Dustin Pedroia got half of Boston's four hits, while Mike Napoli and Blake Swihart drove in the only runs for the Red Sox. Boston needs to win today's daytime tilt to avoid losing a series to one of the worst teams in baseball.

'Dog Day' At Fenway Park: Insert Your Joke Here

The Red Sox will hold another "Dog Day At Fenway" on June 29th. Oddly enough, the team itself will be on the road in Toronto (see what we did there?). Fans are invited (read: can pay for the privilege) of trotting their Canine-Americans around the historic Fenway warning track. Counter-intuitively, none of the Red Sox starting rotation will be present for "Dog Day" (get it?).  We decided to read the Doggie Waiver, and found that much of the language in it could apply to a general fan of the Red Sox in 2015. To wit, "I fully understand that the Activities could be dangerous and that there are risks relating to my participation." Indeed.

Cincinnati Bearcats To Retire Youk's Number 36

Next Saturday, the University of Cincinnati baseball team will retire uniform #36—worn by Bearcat alum Kevin Youkilis. Youk played for Cincinnati between 1998-2001—before starting his big league career with the Red Sox. All money raised by the number retirement event will go toward a scholarship in Kevin's name. Youkilis became one of the most popular Sox players of the 2000s—with Fenway crowds issuing the signature "Yoooooouuuuuk" chant during each of his quirky at-bats. In nine seasons with Boston, Youkilis hit .287—with a .388 on-base percentage. He walked nearly five-hundred times (494) while wearing Carmine Hose—a fitting legacy for the player once dubbed 'The Greek God Of Walks'. Congratulations, Youk!