Josh Beckett: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K

Boston wins 5-3.

It is currently 46 degrees at Fenway (with 20 m.p.h. winds) and it is going to get colder.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said opening day is exciting for the fans.

"I think it kind of signifies that spring is coming and winter is gone - just maybe not in the next couple of days," he said.

Francona spoke on a few subjects before the game:

Boston's lineup is up, and the tarp is off the field (it rained earlier today).

Jason Varitek , as expected is catching. This is Varitek's 10th opening day start. That ties for eighth among all-time Red Sox (with Dom DiMaggio and Wade Boggs).

Carl Yastrzemski has the most (22).

Josh Beckett makes his first opening-day start for the Red Sox (he did it three times with the Marlins).

And now here's the Red Sox lineup:

The only real change caused by today's postponed game was the rotation.

Ace Josh Beckett will still start the opener (now Tuesday), but his next start has been moved from April 11 to the 12th.

No. 5 starter Brad Penny will now make his Red Sox debut on April 11, against the Angels.

At least they called it early. In a break from previous years, the Red Sox did not wait until the last minute to postpone a game. Even though it is not raining now, the forecast is not good. It is going to pour, and it is not going to stop.

The Red Sox are taking a hurry-up batting practice right now.

The opening game, with all the planned pre-game festivities will take place on Tuesday. The game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Gates open at 2:05.

No official announcement has been made at Fenway Park, but today's Red Sox game has apparently been postponed because of the expected rain.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino gave the news on radio station WEEI.

The game will be played Tuesday at 4:05 p.m.

More information to follow.

I still remember the blog I wrote from Florida last March. It concerned comments from Tampa Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir that his team could be a playoff contender.

Without directly laughing at the quote, I questioned it ... okay, I said there was no way it was going to happen.

When the Rays got off to their best start, and there were still doubts ... and the doubts continued until Tampa Bay beat Boston in Game 7 of the ALCS.

In today's column in the Maine Sunday Telegram, we look at the race in the AL East, which is now a THREE-team affair.

The Boston Red Sox sent pitcher Clay Buchholz to Pawtucket today, officially making Brad Penny the No. 5 starter for the start of the season.

Buchholz had a terrific spring, but was headed to the minors if everyone else was healthy.

The Red Sox also officially put five players on the disabled list - pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (the Rule V pick from the Angels who had Tommy John surgery), pitcher John Smoltz, shortstop Julio Lugo, utility player Mark Kotsay and outfielder Jon Van Every (who will eventually end up in Pawtucket).

Clay Buchholz continued his sensational spring with six more innings Wednesday (3 H, 3 K, 1 BB, no earned runs). His ERA is down to 0.46.

He can enjoy the major league life for another week. Then he will be in the minors.

Boston added Brad Penny and John Smoltz to the rotation, which already causes an interesting situation when Smoltz is ready to go and the Red Sox have six starters.

So Buchholz has to wait. Is it fair? Sure. Buchholz had his chance to prove himself last year and struggled. That forced Boston to bring in Penny and Smoltz.

Justin Masterson was originally on today's Red Sox pitching schedule as the first pitcher to relieve Clay Buchholz. But today's Red Sox press notes no longer have Masterson scheduled.

Instead, he will start in a minor league game on Thursday. Boston is still using Masterson as a starter - supposedly to make sure he's ready in an emergency - but he should be headed to the pen soon.

J.D. Drew is back in today's lineup for the first time since behind hit in the hand by a pitch last Friday.

On the day Curt Schilling announced his retirement, one of the players dealt in the Schilling trade to Boston, experienced a day to forget Monday afternoon.

Lyon surrendered four consecutive home runs to the Red Sox in the sixth inning, in Boston's 7-6 win over the Tigers in Fort Myers.

Mike Lowell, Jason Bay, Chris Carter and Ivan Ochoa all went deep on Lyon.

Heard of four straight homers before? Of course you have. Boston hit four in a row off the Yankees' Chase Wright in a game that counted (in April of 2007). Lowell was part of that bashing - along with Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew and Jason Varitek.

Brad Penny made his 2009 major league spring training debut Monday with three hitless innings against the Detroit Tigers. Penny walked one and struck out three.

If Penny's progress continues, he should a shoe-in as the No. 5 starter, which the Red Sox won't need until April 15.

Also in Monday's game, Kevin Youkilis is back in the lineup at first base, after his slight issue with a sprained ankle/strained Achilles tendon ... He has batted twice so far, drawing a walk, and grounding into a double play.

Dustin Pedroia will be in the lineup today and playing second base in Boston's exhibition game with Pittsburgh. The concern over his abdominal muscle strain appears to be cautionary.

Clay Buchholz gets the start today, followed by Jonathan Papelbon.

The latest Baseball America just reached the mailbox. BA predicts that the Red Sox will win the American League East, followed by the Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays and Orioles (in that order).

George Kottaras, handed the No. 2 catching job on Wednesday, responded Thursday with a 3-for-4 effort on Thursday.

Kottaras and pitcher Tim Wakefield played in the Red Sox Triple-A game. Those minor league games can be manipulated, so Kottaras batted second in each of the first four innings. One of his hits was a double.

Wakefield threw five scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit, and striking out 3.

After the game, Wakefield told the Boston Herald he felt bad that catcher Josh Bard was waived, but added. "On the other side, Georgie did a tremendous job today. I have the utmost confidence in him that he'll be able to last all season long ..."

Japan beat Cuba last night. Normally I could care less (no offense to the countries involved, but the World Baseball Classic is just a giant exhibition to me).

This WBC is getting costly to the Red Sox. First, second baseman Dustin Pedroia goes down with an abdominal strain and now first baseman Kevin Youkilis is injured in the WBC.

Here is the Red Sox statement on Youkilis:

"Kevin Youkilis returned to Fort Myers, FL (Wednesday) afternoon to be examined by the Red Sox medical staff. He was diagnosed with a mild left ankle sprain as well as mild Achilles tendinitis in his left foot. Both MRI results were negative. To limit movement and allow his ankle to heal, Youkilis will wear a walking boot for the next several days but is not expected to miss significant time.

"Youkilis originally experienced some pain in his left ankle several days ago and it worsened in last night's game vs. Team Puerto Rico. He will no longer participate in the World Baseball Classic and will return to Red Sox camp (today)."

The Boston Red Sox placed catcher Josh Bard on "unconditional release waivers" today. The move apparently clears the way for George Kottaras to assume the No. 2 catching duties.

Boston has 38 players left on its major league roster, and three catchers in major league camp - Jason Varitek, Kottaras and Dusty Brown.

Kottaras was out of options and could not go back to the minors without clearing waivers. Brown seems destined for Pawucket.

Right-handed reliever Wes Littleton was put on waivers and claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Boston announced the move Tuesday afternoon.

Boston acquired Littleton, 26, from the Texas Rangers in a trade for former Sea Dogs reliever Beau Vaughan. Littleton was insurance for the bullpen. He appeared to be the eighth pitcher in the seven-man pen. Since he was out of options, he would have to clear waivers to go back to the minors.

This spring, Littleton made six appearances. In 5 1/3 innings, he allowed 8 hits, 7 walks and 11 earned runs (18.56 ERA).

Justin Masterson is flexible. Yes, he is easy-going, and he can be relied on to be both a starter and a reliever for the Boston Red Sox.

But hat we're talking about here is his body. The guy is made of rubber. As the Portland Sea Dogs training staff can verify, Masterson's body can be bent and stretched in ways that are just not normal, compared to the average guy. One reason for Masterson's flexibility is his commitment to yoga and stretching.

What made me think of all this was a picture in today's Boston Herald which makes my neck sore just looking at it.

As for today, the Red Sox play their annual St. Patrick's Day game against the Twins. Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon and Jinuchi Tazawa are among those scheduled to pitch. NESN will air the game at 1 p.m.

Clay Buchholz put in another fine spring outing on Sunday. So far he is carrying a 1.03 ERA this spring. But unless Brad Penny is not ready for the regular season, Buchholz likely starts the 2009 season in Pawtucket.

And even if Penny is not ready, the Red Sox could use Justin Masterson as the No. 5 starter.

With Buchholz showing signs of coming back from a terrible 2008, the Red Sox are creating a wonderful problem of too much pitching.

Say Buchholz goes to Pawtucket and absolutely dominates, what can Boston do if all its starters are healthy? And then there is the John Smoltz factor.

That felt so good to type those two words. Think I'll do it again:

Today's lineups.

The snow is getting heavier. The power outage lasted 36 hours this time ... but there is hope.

Baseball.

The Red Sox play two exhibition games today - the annual game with Boston College at 1 p.m., and then a cross-town game with the Twins at 7 p.m.

Sorry about the lack of blogs. Been "on assignment," as we like to say. But, really, what has there been to report ... other than the fiasco in Tampa?

While Alex Rodriguez is saying he was young and stupid (hey kids, there's an excuse for you!), he also said he used a substance that was available over the counter in the Dominican Republic (a claim that appears to be false).

But enough of A-Rod (please).

All is quiet in Fort Myers. No controversies. The Red Sox are quietly putting together a contender (obviously, very early for such talk).

Meanwhile, Manny is being Manny, but not in anyone's uniform, yet.

Just finished speed reading "Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball's Most Enigmatic Slugger."

It is an authorized biography of Manny Ramirez.

It is pathetic.

But I will admit by prejudice right away. I appreciate Manny Ramirez's ability and his much-publicized game preparation. He also seems like a nice guy sometimes. But he is selfish, immature and, by the way he plays baseball, he insults his teammates and disrespects the game.

Josh Beckett and Jon Lester both threw bullpen sessions this morning, according to the early-rising Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe.

While the focus is on the pitchers, especially Beckett, I noted that Dusty Brown did the catching.

Can we read into that? No. But Brown is worth watching this spring.

My profession tends to become an instant icebreaker for people. Instead of commenting about the weather, I hear questions and opinions on the Red Sox.

Instead of "looks like it could snow today," I get, "So what is Francona going do with Varitek in the late innings against right-handed pitching?"

You can guess what the subject was yesterday and what it will be today.

"What do you think about A-Rod."

Who?

With pitchers and catchers ready to report to Fort Myers, the Red Sox announced their 19 non-roster players invited to camp.

Among the 19 is Jeff Bailey who was taken off the 40-man roster to make room for Jason Varitek.

Here are the 59 players coming to Fort Myers:

When the Red Sox signed back-up first baseman/outfielder Brad Wilkerson to a minor league contract, it drew little attention.

But now that Mark Kotsay has undergone arthroscopic back surgery, the Wilkerson deal looks solid.

Just another insurance policy for Theo Epstein.

Wilkerson, 31, has had some good years (.255, 32 HR with the Expos in 2004) but has been on the downslide. But, as a back-up to the back-up, he will do. Kotsay could be back by May.

So Manny Ramirez turned down a $25-million, one-year contract from the LA Dodgers.

Who can blame him?

At $25-million, Manny would average only $15,432 a game. But, wait, that is assuming he plays 162 games. Ho ho. There is likely to be hamstring problems and a mysterious knee injury (pick a knee, any knee).

Even at an optimistic 140 games, Ramirez makes only $17,857 per game.

And a one-year contract is no good to Ramirez.

Now that Boston has its catching situation figured out (well, almost; there is still the question of the No. 2 guy - Bard or Kottaras or TBA), can we talk about shortstop?

Jed Lowrie or Julio Lugo?

The common sense seems to go with Lowrie, who proved he is major league capable last year. But Lowrie did have his struggles, especially batting left-handed.

But, could Lugo have a comeback year? Do you really want to pay a guy $9-million to sit the bench?

Jason Varitek needs a job. The Boston Red Sox could use his skills and have offered him a contract.

So what is the problem here?

Enter the P-word. Pride.

With the economy down and no interest in Varitek from other teams, Varitek has little leverage. We've heard the phrase "50 cents on the dollar" in describing the Red Sox offer of $5-million this year and an option for 2010 (a team option of $5-million and a player option for $3-million).

According to reports out of Boston (the Herald and weei.com), the Boston Red Sox have offered Jason Varitek a contract, at a considerable pay cut.

The deal reportedly is for $5-million, with an option year. (Rob Bradford of weei.com reports that the option is both a club option - for another $5-million - or a player option worth $3-million.

Varitek just completed a four-year contract with the Sox, worth $40-million. It is apparent that his $10-million-a-year days are far from over.

The Red Sox also signed minor league journeyman catcher Carlos Maldonado, 30. Boston is his fifth organization. Maldonado is destined for Pawtucket (possibly paired with Dusty Brown).

Pawtucket's other catcher, George Kottaras, is out of options. To go back to the minors, he would have to clear waivers.

Of course, either Kottaras or Brown could end up in Boston, teamed with Josh Bard.

They had been sitting on the bargain rack, being offered in as-is condition. No refunds.

So the Red Sox took out their fat wallet and pulled out only a few bills. Look what they got:

Brady Penny, John Smoltz, Takashi Saito, and Rocco Baldelli.

Two starters, a veteran reliever and a reliable right-handed bat off the bench.

Jerry Crasnick, formerly of the Press Herald and now with ESPN, called it a "buy-low strategy".

One more note about the Heidi Watney NESN report. She said both the Red Sox and Varitek were in the same position, saying they both had little option but each other.

Not true.

While no other teams seem interested in Varitek (at least at the current price, including a first-round draft pick), the Red Sox do have options.

There are talks of trades for Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Texas) or Miguel Montero (Arizona). But does Boston want to trade top prospects for catchers with promise. And is their game-calling ability up to "Varitek standards."

When Theo Epstein said he would be content going to spring training with the catchers he already has, many assumed he was bluffing (at least that was the conclusion I got from most of the sports writers I talked to at the Red Sox Rookie Camp last week).

But what if Epstein is not bluffing?

If NESN's Heidi Watney's report this morning is true, Jason Varitek needs a new agent.

According to Watney, Varitek did not know another team would have to surrender a first-round draft choice to sign him - after he declined arbitration from the Red Sox.

You got to be kidding.

I thought this Scott Boras was supposed to be the super agent. But doesn't an agent have the responsibility of spelling out EVERYTHING to his client?

When John Smoltz was officially added to the 40-man roster on Tuesday, pitcher David Pauley was taken off.

Pauley was designated for assignment. It will be interesting where Pauley lands; whether another team scoops him up or if he accepts a minor league contract and assignment to Pawtucket.

Pauley, 25, was a likely player to be removed. He clearly has been an emergency pitcher, called up in case of injury. He did not figure as a candidate to break into the Sox starting rotation, and he not seem as suited for the bullpen as others (like Derven Hansack).

Of course, you can never have enough pitching.

With the addition of Takashi Saito, Boston now has 6-8 starters and 10 relievers.

How will the Red Sox be able to hold onto everyone? They can't. But a little depth heading into spring training doesn't hurt.

For starters, Boston appears set.

The Red Sox announced this afternoon that they have signed veteran relief pitcher Takashi Saito to a one-year contract with a club option for 2010.

When speculating Friday on the 40-man roster moves, I did not mention pitchers Virigl Vasquez and Dewon Day. They had been claimed off waivers in October so it figured the Red Sox wanted to get a look at them.

But before they could throw a pitch for the Sox, both were put on waivers. Vasquez was picked up by San Diego, and Day went to Tampa Bay.

That made room for Brad Penny to join the roster, which now numbers 39.

John Smoltz will soon join. And outfielder Mark Kotsay is reportedly close behind.

The roster is finally taking shape.

Outfielder Rocco Baldelli is signed.

Starter Brad Penny is expected to be officially signed soon (probably today).

Start John Smoltz is coming aboard.

And first baseman/outfielder Mark Kotsay is also coming back, according to the Boston Herald.

And the catcher will be ... well, does Jason Varitek have anywhere else to go?

No catcher, no fourth outfielder, no official signing of Brad Penny.

The Boston Red Sox seem in no hurry to shore up its roster with spring training starting next month.

But you can expect something soon. The addition of Brad Penny reportedly is dependent on Penny passing a physical. Once that happens (assuming it does), Penny will have to be added to the 40-man roster, and someone will have to go.

Also, the Red Sox have four catchers on their 40-man roster - newly-signed Josh Bard, Dusty Brown, George Kottaras and Mark Wagner.

Two quick thoughts before heading into 2009.

Why not explore a trade for Hanley Ramirez? The Marlins would be foolish to make such a deal unless Boston was foolish in return and gave away a boatload of prospects.

If Boston traded Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz and who-knows-who-else, the Red Sox would likely have put Hanley in center field (Sea Dogs fans will remember him practicing the position at Hadlock Field, back when it was thought Edgar Renteria was the Red Sox solution at short).

The Boston Red Sox are on the verge of signing pitcher Brad Penny and catcher Josh Bard.

Does that signal the end of Jason Varitek?

Assuming Bard sticks as one of the Red Sox two catchers on their 25-man roster, then someone else will be needed to catch knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield.

Bard can't do it (which led to his trade to San Diego early in the 2006 season) and Varitek has struggled on those rare times he has had to catch Wake.

Mark Teixeira has signed with the New York Yankees and ... if you listen to some media folk, the Red Sox have failed miserably and are in trouble.

Hmm.

Not all are jumping off the Red Sox bandwagon. I heard Steve Phillips of ESPN say he still considered Boston the frontrunners in the AL East.

Of course, New York will be better. Teixeira adds to any lineup.

But Red Sox fans need to remember two things.

tht

Is the recruiting for Mark Teixeira taking on a life of its own?

It takes me back to the days when I wrote about college football recruiting for a newspaper in Florida. The phone calls came in daily with rumors about where Bubba or Speedy or any other blue-chip prospect might be headed.

Bubba' sister wore orange and blue at school. so he must be going to Florida ... Heard Speedy say something nice about Bobby Bowden. FSU's got him ...

The rumors about Teixeira are not that bad, but everything anyone says about the free agent - especially by those anonymous sources - gets magnified

Steve Phillips of ESPN reported early this morning that the Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks are discussing a trade involving shortstop Julio Lugo and outfielder Eric Byrnes.

It would be an exchange of bad contracts.

Lugo has not done much in his two years with Boston (granted, the Red Sox won a World Series with him in 2007) and Jed Lowrie took his job last year. Lugo still has two years and $18-million left on the contract.

According to a New York Post report, C.C. Sabathia has decided to pitch for the Yankees.

The contract will be around six years and $140-million.

The signing of Sabathia could get the free agent ball rolling. Those who lost out on Sabathia may be turning to A.J. Burnett and/or Derek Lowe ... of course, the Yankees may also get one or both of them, too.

The Tigers trade for Rangers catcher Gerald Laird had a couple interesting subplots to it.

For one it meant that Texas might be holding on to its other two catchers, Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamecchia. There was speculation that Boston would seek a trade for one of Texas' catchers.

Such a trade now would not come cheap for Boston (Clay Buchholz's name keeps getting thrown out there, but who knows?).

The other interesting part of the Tigers trade is that they reportedly once had interest in Jason Varitek.

According to the Red Sox, catcher Jason Varitek and pitcher Paul Byrd have both rejected arbritration with the Red Sox.

That means if the players do not sign with Boston, the Red Sox will get extra draft picks (two for Varitek, who was considered a "Type A" free agent; and one for Byrd, who was a Type B).

Of course, if Boston signs a Type A free agent (the name Teixeira comes to mind), then the Red Sox will lose a first-round draft pick.

The winter meetings are about to begin. The deals should begin to take shape, especially after Mr. Sabathia signs with somebody.

ESPN is reporting that the Boston Red Sox have signed second baseman Dustin Pedroia to a six-year contract worth $40.5-million, with an club option for a seventh year (2015).

Pedroia, 25, was the AL MVP this season, after batting .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBI. He also won the Gold Glove award.

As expected, catcher Jason Varitek was offered salary arbitration on Monday.

What was more of a surprise (at least I thought so) was that Boston also offered arbitration to starting pitcher Paul Byrd.

The formality of the Red Sox making an offer to Jason Varitek begins with today's deadline for arbitration.

By offering arbitration, the Red Sox will guarantee themselves compensation (two draft picks) if Varitek signs with another club.

Varitek has until Dec. 7 to accept the arbitration. If he accepts it, he guarantees himself at least a one-year contract with the Sox. More likely, however, is that Varitek does not accept arbitration and then signs with the highest bidder (which could still be the Sox).

Have not heard of many teams rushing to make offers to Jason Varitek, despite Scott Boras' spin on Varitek's leadership and winning percentage.

The speculation is that Varitek will sign a two-year deal with Boston (maybe even at a generous $10-million per, although the Red Sox could offer less), unless someone comes out of nowhere and offers a 3-year deal.

Varitek turns 37 next April 11.

Baseball America is cranking out its top 10 prospects lists for every organization. Those lists will expand to top 30 when BA puts out its wonderful Prospects Handbook.

The Top 10:

Dustin Pedroia appears to be the favorite for the American MVP award, which will be announced this afternoon.

He's the smallish second baseman who plays with grit. It is easy to admire his game. He also is considered the best fielder (Gold Glove) and hitter (Silver Slugger) at his position.

But there are a lot of candidates for this year's prize.

And it should go to a former Sea Dogs infielder now playing for the Red Sox ... but not Pedroia. Give the hardware to Kevin Youkilis.

Would the Red Sox trade one bad contract for another?

And who gets the National League MVP Award that will be announced today?

To answer the first one, I'll submit a bold "maybe."

To the second: Albert Pujols.

First, let's look at the rumored deal proposal between the Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.

The Yankees traded some spare parts to get first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox.

Does that mean the Yankees are out of the bidding for Mark Teixeira?

No. But maybe it tempers the Yankees' all-out approach to get him. The Pinstripes need pitching and CC Sabathia is the prime target. New York will be spending big bucks for him and maybe more arms.

Getting Swisher means the Yankees have an alternative at first and don't HAVE to get Teixeira.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox lurk nearby.

Well, they couldn't keep raising prices every year, could they?

The Boston Red Sox announced today that they will not raise any of their ticket prices for 2009. It is the first time in 14 years the franchise has held ticket prices.

"We have been listening to fans, friends, and family about the challenges they are facing in light of the current adverse economic conditions," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said in a press release.

The first time tickets will go on sale is the annual "Christmas at Fenway" event on Dec. 13. More details will be released later.

Here are the individual game ticket prices:

By dumping Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox freed up salary, but they also lost a very big bat in the middle of the order (and, yes, that would have made a difference against the Rays in the ALCS).

The Red Sox middle of the order declined even more at the end of 2008 because of Mike Lowell's playoff-ending hip injury, and David Ortiz's sore wrist.

Boston can only hope Ortiz will be better after an off-season of rest.

But what of Lowell? Should Boston seek an upgrade and go after Mark Teixeira (moving Kevin Youkilis to third)?

Well, it looks like Kevin Cash is coming back to catch, since he is Tim Wakfield's personal receiver.

The Red Sox announced today that they exercised their 2009 option on Wakefield.

Last year, Wakefield, 42, was 10-11 record with a 4.13 ERA in 30 starts.

Now, who is Cash's partner behind the plate?

The Red Sox claimed right-handed pitcher Virgil Vasquez on a waivers, from the Detroit Tigers.

Vasquez, 26, pitched in Triple-A this past season, going 12-12 with a 4.81 ERA. He won his final five starts. Vasquez pitched for the Tigers for 5 games in 2007 (0-1, 8.64).

Vasquez becomes the 40th player on the 40-man roster.

In other news, infielder Gil Velazquez is a free agent. Last week, Velazquez was taken off the 40-man roster. He could have joined the Pawtucket roster or opted for free agency. He chose for the latter.

Earlier this month, Velazquez was added to the Red Sox Divisional playoff roster briefly when Mike Lowell went down. He was not on the ALCS roster.

Right-handed pitcher Chris Smith will not be returning to the Boston Red Sox.

Smith, who pitched parts of five years with the Sea Dogs, finally made his major league debut this season with Boston.

Last week, Boston removed Smith from the 40-man roster to make room for right-handed pitcher Dewon Day, who was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.

Smith could accept an assignment to Pawtucket or elect free agency. He chose the latter.

In other Red Sox news, the team is not renewing the contract of first-base coach Luis Alicea.

Answer: Dustin Pedroia, Jason Bay and Coco Crisp.

Question: Can you name the three Red Sox who had a hit on Sunday night?

That was it for Boston. Three hits. One of them was a Pedroia home run, in the Rays' 3-1 win over the Red Sox.

A World Series of the Phillies and Rays.

I'll be back after some sleep.

Here are tonight's lineups:

RED SOX
Crisp, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Ortiz, DH
Youkilis, 3B
Drew, RF
Bay, LF
Kotsay, 1B
Varitek, C
Cora, SS
(Lester, P)

RAYS
Iwamura, 2B
Upton, CF
Pena, 1B
Longoria, 3B
Crawford, LF
Aybar, DH
Navarro, C
Baldelli, RF
Bartlett, SS
(Garza, P)

More later

Jonathan Papelbon stood in front of his locker, looking exhausted.

"These are the games you will yourself to win," Papelbon said

"These are the special ones for me."

Papelbon got the save. Josh Beckett the win. And one of the improbable hitting leaders was Jason Varitek (more on him later), as Boston beat Tampa Bay 4-2 Saturday night.

Game 7 is tonight (hopefully TBS will have all its power on).

Beckett remains a mystery man. He obviously is not on his game, but he still managed a four-hitter over five innings (allowing two solo homers).

The lineups are out. Coco Crisp is still the lead-off man, having earned his starting spot with a .417 average in the ALCS so far.

Heres are the lineups:

Greetings from a near-empty Tropicana Field. The players are not here yet and neither is most of the media (which explains why I didn't see anyone else on my 7 a.m. flight).

The Red Sox clubhouse is scheduled to open at 3 p.m. Terry Francona and Josh Beckett will give formal press conferences at 3:45 p.m.

Now for the two-edged headline in the St. Petersburg Times:

HEARTBREAKER
No Worries. Boston's victory will likely just delay the Rays' party.

In the story under the headline, columnist Gary Shelton proclaims optimism:

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Red Sox trailed 7-0. Jed Lowrie stood on second base after his double - only Boston's THIRD hit in the game.

So how did the Red Sox rise from the near-dead?

"I can't say the game was exciting because the first six innings we did nothing," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "They had their way with us every way possible.

"And then this place came unglued, and we've seen that before."

Can we go down the list:

Francona was asked in a separate press conference about the Sports Illustrated report on Josh Beckett and the alleged torn oblique muscle.

"When the media chooses to be not completely professional, we get put in a tough position ... It's not true," Francona said.

On his lineup's approach against Kazmir, Francona said:

"The way we're consitituted, we're a little bit left-handed for a guy that really handles left-handers.

E"llsbury led off last time. He's not playing. So we'll let Coco lead off at the top and we'll keep 2-3-4-5 where they normally hit. Then try to have some balance.

"When we've had success against Kazmir it's by grinding and grinding and get him out of the game. We need to be aware of that. Try to get to the bullpen before they want to.

When told that there was a report on the internet that Josh Beckett has a torn oblique muscle, Red Sox manager Terry Francona shook his head.

"Where did that come from?," he asked

It was reported by the respected Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated. But Francona said it is false.

"No, he doesn't have that," Francona said of Beckett. "He went through a side (session) the day before. I don't know how to answer something that's not true.

"I can guarantee you … I don't think anyone is capable of doing that (throwing with a torn olbique), nor would we let him.

"He strained it. That was the extent."

More soon.

The Red Sox lineup is up:

Coco Crisp, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Jason Bay, OF
J.D. Drew, RF
Jed Lowrie, SS
Jason Varitek, C
Mark Kotsay, 1B
(Daisuke Matsuzaka, P)

More later

So Joe Maddon is going with Scott Kazmir tonight. How do the Red Sox counter? What is their lineup?

Here are the Red Sox batters' career numbers vs. Kazmir:

The Tampa Bay Rays have surprisingly switched starters in the playoffs. Instead of using their ace, James Shields, for Thursday's Game 5, the Rays will start Scott Kazmir. Shields will go in Game 6 in St. Petersburg, if necessary.

Kazmir has been ineffective recently (like Josh Beckett, Kazmir did not get out of the fifth inning in Game 2), but Kazmir has done well at Fenway Park (3.02 career ERA). And Shields pitches well at home (2.59 ERA this year).

Also, if the Rays need to dig deep into their bullpen because of Kazmir, they have Friday off to recover.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston's starter on Thursday, and Kazmir faced each other twice in September.

"We've been in this situation before," Tim Wakefield said after he got shelled in Boston's 13-4 loss in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, Tuesday night at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox trail the Rays 3 games to 1.

Boston has come back from 3-0 and 3-1 deficits in the ALCS.

But how often can you count on that?

And, if you haven't noticed, this Rays team is talented, fearless and hungry.

Below are the lineups for both teams (and the players' averages against the opposing pitcher)

But, first , more from Terry Francona.

He said he considered making the Crisp-for-Ellsbury switch on Monday, but the matchups favored Ellsbury against Matt Garza.

Drew is batting lead-off instead of Crisp for several reasons. One is that Boston does not plan to be stealing bases tonight vs. Andy Sonnanstine.

"Today, there's a guy pitching who has given up one stolen base all year … This guy is so good, that (stolen base) probably doesn't come into play.

"Coco is at his best when he can be a free swinger. Instead of putting him at top and say 'you better be patient,' we'll put him in an area where hopefully his bat will do some damage.

"We're looking for a spark. He's got some hits off this guy. We try to put guys in a position so what they do naturally is a strength."

The news was not unexpected. But now it is official. Mike Lowell will not be on the World Series roster if Boston makes it that far.

Manager Terry Francona announced a few minutes ago that Lowell will undergo surgery on Monday for the torn labrum in his hip.

Francona said that, while Lowell wanted to stay with the team during the post-season, he wanted to get the procedure done as soon as possible to make sure he is ready for spring training.

More soon on Francona's pre-game comments.

The Red Sox lineup is out. Jacoby Ellsbury, 0 for his last 20, is not only out of the lead-off spot, he is out of the lineup.

J.D. Drew is batting lead-off.

More later after we chat with Francona.

Here's the lineup:

So much relies on the shoulders (and knuckleball grip) of Tim Wakefield tonight.

Sanford Mainers/Boston Red Sox fans may be hoping for a low-scoring game, and a Boston win after former Mainers pitcher Andy Sonnanstine is out of the game.

For more on the pitching match-up see today's notebook in the Press Herald.

Concerning Sonnanstine, he apparently is double-jointed and uses that to his advantage when playing Ping Pong.

Tampa Bay Rays: 9 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors, 5 left on base

Boston Red Sox: 1 run, 7 hits, 0 errors (1 passed ball), 8 left on base.

Matt Garza: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 0 HR

"I told myself, let them keep knocking on that door, but they ain't coming home ... I had to make big pitches," Garza said.

Jon Lester: 5 2/3 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR

"It certainly wasn't his sharpest outing," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said.

Alex Cora is starting in place of shortstop Jed Lowrie; the only real change in the Red Sox lineup for Game 3 today.

The Rays are starting hard-throwing right-hander Matt Garza.

Lowrie, a switch-hitter, bats better right-handed.

Cora, who bats left, handles fastballs well (i.e. better than a left-handed hitting Lowrie), according the Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

While David Ortiz is not showing much power this post-season, compared to previous years, Francona is not worried.

"Some of his pasts have been unbelievable," Francona said. "With a big bat, those kind of numbers can change in a one game. He's always a threat in the middle that they have to respect."

Now for the Red Sox lineup:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - All they needed was a reason to believe.

And the Tampa Bay Rays have that, thanks to a deeper bullpen and a flawed night from Josh Beckett.

The Rays beat Boston 9-8 in 11 innings and evened the American League Championship Series 1-1.

Saturday night could have been close to a knockout punch for the Boston Red Sox. Just think if they took a 2-0 lead, heading to Fenway Park, where Jon Lester waits to pitch Game 3 on Monday.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox without a hit in the 11th inning, taking 9-8 victory Saturday night (actually Sunday morning).

Reliever Mike Timlin entered in the 11th and gave up two walks. With runners on second and third, with one out, B.J. Upton hit a fly ball to right field, scoring pinch-runner Fernando Perez, who beat J.D. Drew's throw.

More later.

The Tampa Bay Rays featured the best home record (57-24) in the major leagues, including 7-1 vs. Boston this year.

That is why Dustin Pedroia was smiling after Game 1.
.
"It's obviously a good feeling, especially here," Pedroia said. "This is a tough place to play. With their record at home and what they did to us during the season, winning Game 1 is huge for us."

Justin Masterson got a big double-play ground ball in th eighth. But Masterson was at his most articulate in describing Daisuke Matsuzaka and his effective wildness:

RBI by Jed Lowrie and Kevin Youkilis. Shutout ball from the foursome of Matsuzaka, Okajima, Masterson and Papelbon.

Sox 2, Rays 0. Series: Sox 1, Rays 0.

Too much emphasis can be put on winning the first game of a best-of-7 series, but the Tampa Bay Rays have dug themselves a hole if Jack Beckett is on in Game 2, and Jon Lester continues his domination.

As soon as I transcribe notes, I'll be back with clubhouse reactions.

Stay tuned.

No surprises in the Sox lineup.

One thing that Boston will likely do differently in the ALCS, as opposed to the divisional series, is use reliever Manny Delcarmen more.

Against the Angels, with its overload of right-handed batters, Boston often brought in reliever Justin Masterson, because he is so tough on righties.

The Rays have five left-handers and one switch-hitter in their lineup. Delcarmen is more likley to come into the middle of an inning.

Here are the lineups:

The support for the Tampa Bay Rays is marginal (there is talk of some season ticket holders scalping their expensive playoff tickets to Boston fans).

But there are efforts in the Bay area to get behind the home team, as noted in this original music video

A lot of the pre-game talk (mostly by the media) has centered around the "bad blood" between the teams. There have been fights, the latest coming on June 5 when Coco Crisp charged the mound after being beaned by James Shields (tonight's starting pitcher).

Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced his ALCS roster, adding an 11th pitcher (Mike Timlin) and dropping infielder Gil Velazquez.

Velazquez, 28, was a late addition to the playoff roster when the Mike Lowell's nagging hip injury finally forced him to stop playing in the divisional series.

Francona said another pitcher was needed for the best-of-7 ALCS series, as opposed to the best-of-5 divisional series.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said he would announce his roster Friday, but the St. Petersburg Times' blog announced that the Rays are dropping utility player Eric Hinske from the roster and adding No. 5 starter Edwin Jackson (who will go in the bullpen).

Dropping Hinske was not a surprise - he did not play in the divisional series - but adding Jackson over closer Troy Percival was. Percival has been hurting and missed the divisional series. But Percival threw 25 pitches Thursday. Maddon said he "threw really well."

The choice of Jackson is more for emergency situations if the Rays need a long reliever - the same reason why Boston has Paul Byrd in the bullpen.

The headline in today's St. Petersburg Times sports section:

"Knowing the enemy
"Even a flawed Red Sox team is a very threatening Red Sox team."

The story mentions the absence of Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell, and then offers insights 5 key players: Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Daisuke Matsuzaka (the Game 1 starter).

This Rays franchise has been through a lot (see today's column for a little history).

The Red Sox and Rays both workout today at Tropicana Field, a.ka. The Trop. I will be back with more reports.

Greetings from St. Petersburg. Word recently came of the starting rotations for both Tampa Bay and Boston in the American League Championship Series.

In a surprise move, the Red Sox will go with Daisuke Matsuzaka in Game 1. While Dice-K had 18 wins, he is still considered Boston's No. 3 pitcher.

Here are the pitching match-ups for the first four games:

GAME 1 (Friday in St. Pete): RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. RHP James Shields, 8:37 p.m.

GAME 2 (Saturday, St. Pete) RHP Josh Beckett vs. LHP Scott Kazmir , 8:07 p.m.

GAME 3 (Monday, Boston) RHP Matt Garza vs. LHP Jon Lester, 4:37 p.m.

GAME 4 (Tuesday, Boston): RHP Andy Sonnanstine vs. RHP Tim Wakefield, 8:07 p.m.

After a scare on Sunday, the Red Sox are in with walk-off Monday.

In case you mjissed it, here is the game story in the Press Herald, as well as the column by Steve Solloway.

Now for some links to other stories:

As I type this at Fenway Park, a strange scene is developing on the field. Red Sox principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and two friends are running the bases down below. Werner ran ahead and began acting like the third base coach, waving them in.

Hey, it's their playground.

And now for some news:

Major League baseball released its telecast schedule for both league championship series.

Oct. 9 (Thursday): Dodgers at Phillies, 8:22 p.m., FOX

Oct. 10: Dodgers-Phillies, 4:35 p.m., FOX; Red Sox at Rays, 8:37 p.m., TBS

Oct. 11: Red Sox at Rays, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Oct. 12: Phillies at Dodgers, 8:22 p.m., FOX

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona did not sound optimistic when talking about third baseman Mike Lowell earlier today ... and for good reason.

After being examined by doctors, Lowell was removed from the Red Sox roster because of the torn labrum in his right hip.

Lowell was replaced on the roster with infielder Gil Velazquez, who will be available tonight. Velazquez played in Triple-A Pawtucket this season, batting .260 with 10 home runs.

Because Lowell is being replaced in the middle of the divisional series, Major League Baseball rules make him ineligible for the America League Championship Series, if Boston gets in. Lowell would be eligible to play in the World Series.

Mike Lowell is out of the Red Sox lineup, and maybe out of the rest of the playoffs.

Lowell's right hip "is really sore. He needs to be seen by the doctors ... He can't move," manager Terry Francona said.

I'll have more later. Here are the lineups:

Before Sunday night's game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia was asked a question, indirectly comparing the Angels with the Cubs, the NL's team with the best record which got swept in the divisional series.

Scioscia got animated:

"First of all, we're not getting eliminated tonight, so I'm not going to answer that question."

The reporter tried to frame the question differently but Scioscia would have none of it.

"We're not getting eliminated tonight and we'll talk about it at some (later) point."

How did Mike know?

Seems Scioscia wanted to establish a mindset. His Angels were still battling ... and they did.

Forgive me as I once again repeat the mantra: In baseball, momentum goes as far as the next day's starting pitcher.

For the Angels and Red Sox, both bullpens were used extensively in Sunday night's game ... If a starter does not go far tonight, his team is in trouble.

(Speaking of the bullpen, the relief group of Delcarmen, Okajima, Masterson and Papelbon pitched SIX scoreless innings on Sunday; your humble sports writer incorrectly had it as five scoreless innings in his story today).

On Sunday, if Josh Beckett pitched better, Boston would have won ... In the Angels' case, if they fielded better, they would have won earlier.

Tonight, the game will rest in the hands of Jon Lester and John Lackey, in a rematch of Game 1.

Eight quick thoughts (too tired to do a top 10):

1. Should have used Byrd

2. Pedroia 0-for-13

3. Doomed teams get dangerous after extra-inning wins (see '04 Red Sox)

4. Masterson keeps getting better

5. Beckett is the ace, but Lester is the stopper

6. Varitek pinch-hit for?

Coco Crisp gets a start today in place of J.D. Drew.

Crisp will play center field, with Jacoby Ellsbury moving over to right.

Boston manager Terry Francona said a combination of factors went into the decision - a chance to be cautious with Drew's back (although he will be available to pinch hit) against a left-handed starter ... and Crisp's numbers against Joe Saunders - .294 (5-for-17) with a home run.

Dustin Pedroia, who is 0-for-8 in this series, is hitting .389 (7-for-18) against Saunders.

Now for the lineups:

Milwaukee wins and the Brewers are right back in it.

The Cubs lose and are gone.

When down 2-0 in a best-of-5 game series, Game 3 is obviously crucial.

The White Sox and Angels face elimination today. As far as the Angels are concerned, they say they are confident (see today's story in the Sunday Telegram.

But, of course, the Angels are going to say that. If they are going to get back in this tonight at Fenway, they need clutch hits. And they have to do it against Josh Beckett, a.k.a. the latest "Mr. October." See today's column on Beckett.

While the Fenway crowd loves to chant "MVP, MVP" for Dustin Pedroia, his teammate and fellow former Portland Sea Dogs infielder, Kevin Youkilis, is not doing too bad, either.

Youkilis has slid into the clean-up role smoothly. Sure, Manny What's-His-Name is tearing it up for the Dodgers, but Youkilis is giving the Red Sox some surprising power.

See the story in the Press Herald.

I will be out until late Thursday. I hope to check back then.

In 10 post-season appearances, Josh Beckett is 6-2 with a 1.73 ERA.

He can carry a team in the playoffs, like he did for the Red Sox in 2007.

Now he is hurt. Strained oblique muscle.

Beckett, it is hoped, will be able to pitch Game 3 of the AL Divisional Series with the Angels, next Sunday.

How important is Beckett?

Rain kept the Red Sox indoors Saturday (and it does not look good today). It was a good time to catch up on some former Sea Dogs.

See today's column on Jacoby Ellsbury getting hot at the right time.

Favorite statistic: When Ellsbury scores a run, Boston is 51-17.

Today's Yankees-Red Sox will not start at the scheduled time (3:50 p.m.) because of rain.

And the rain should last for "a few hours," meaning this afternoon game could become a night game, if it is played at all.

MLB and the players will want to get this game in. No one wants a day/night doubleheader on Sunday.

The Red Sox lineup has a Pawtucket feel to it, in the outfield and at shortstop:

Major League Baseball said there was a window to play Friday night's Yankees-Red Sox game and, sure enough, the game has begun.

At 8:36, David Pauley threw the first pitch for the Red Sox (a ball).

The forecast is still iffy. But it will have to be an absolute downpour to stop this now (at least until 5 innings have been played).

Enjoy the game. I'll check back on Saturday.

Yes, they still think they are going to play a baseball game here at Fenway Park.

They actually removed the tarp 40 minutes ago, worked on the field and, when the rain started again, put the tarp back on).

Boston has tweaked its lineup. David Ortiz, who was scheduled to play first base (with Mike Lowell as the DH) is out, and Sean Casey is in.

And starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has been scratched, with David Pauley set to go ...

... if they play

If this was not the last series of the regular season, tonight's Yankees-Red Sox game would probably have been called off hours ago.

But Major League Baseball, not the Red Sox, calls the shots for this one, and so we wait.

But, really, how can they possibly play?

The Red Sox put out a press release saying the forecast "calls for the possibility of a break in today's rain showers."

The break (or window as they like to call it), is not likely to last long. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said, "there actually seems to be a window up to game time."

Francona did say if tonight's game is rained out then Daisuke Matsuzaka would be pushed back a day and pitch Saturday.

But what of Josh Beckett, who was scheduled to pitch on Saturday?

The Red Sox got into the playoffs in fine fashion, with a win over a very good pitcher (Cliff Lee), with the bullpen giving up no runs.

Two concerns going into the post-season: The Sox hitting against good pitching, and their bullpen. They looked good on Tuesday.

Now what?

Get healthy (Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew).

Get the rotation rested and in line to go. In Game 2 in Anaheim, do you go with Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-0, 2.37 on the road) or Jon Lester (5-5, 4.09 on the road)?

One more win and the Red Sox are in (the playoffs).

Josh Beckett is pitching his last "full" start tonight. He is scheduled to start again Saturday but, with the playoffs possibly beginning next Wednesday, Saturday's start is likely going to be an abbreviated outing at best.

Tonight, Beckett faces the Indians and left-handed starter Zach Jackson (0-3, 6.35), so the odds are great that the Red Sox will be popping corks tonight. Jackson, obtained from the Brewers in the Sabathia trade, was called up from the minors when the Indians traded (gave away) Paul Byrd to the Red Sox.

With the Indians throwing three left-handers over the next four days, look for Mike Lowell to get a DH assignment.

Here is a look at the AL contenders

The Tampa Bay Rays are going to the playoffs.

Amazing.

Tampa Bay clinched its berth with a 7-2 win over the Twins on Saturday.

Boston's magic number for a playoff berth remained at two even though the Twins lost, because the New York Yankees have passed Minnesota in the wild card standings. The Yankees are 6 1/2 games behind the Red Sox, and need a complete Boston collapse to catch the Red Sox..

The Red Sox could clinch a berth today with a win in Toronto, and a Yankees loss against the Orioles.

Here is how the AL race looks:

So the thinking is that the Rays will suffer a letdown after winning a crucial series with Boston, get swept by a desperate Twins team and then go on the road and stumble, allowing Boston to pass them by.

Possible, but unlikely.

First, a look at the standings:

Two walk-off games Tuesday night meant good news and bad news for the Boston Red Sox.

Victor Martinez's 3-run homer run in the bottom of the 11th inning gave Cleveland a 12-9 win over Minnesota, pushing the Twins one more game to elimination.

The Red Sox lead Minnesota by 7 games in the wild card standings, making Boston's magic number 5 to clinch a playoff berth.

But that is not what Red Sox fans are likely talking about today. Boston would have been leading the AL East Division, instead of the wild card standings, but the Rays beat Boston 2-1 on Dioner Navarro's RBI single in the 9th.

Red Sox win (so the Rays obviously lost). White Sox and Twins lost.

A good scoreboard night for Boston. The only thing better would be if the Angels lost (they did not play).

Here's the overall standings:

Bartolo Colon may be done as a starter for the Red Sox, depending on Boston's plan in this stretch run for the playoffs.

Colon pitched Saturday, getting a no-decision (6 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 1 K). He remains Boston's sixth starter in a five-man rotation.

When asked when Colon would go again, Boston manager Terry Francona said, "We don't have an answer to that right now. We have an off-day coming up in Toronto (Thursday). We don't have the need to skip anybody. Everybody seems healthy.

"We'll probably sit down (Monday) to see how we feel about it. Some of it may have to do with circumstances - what our record is, which way we're going. So we may not know (Monday)."

Give Mike Timlin credit for not hiding. He just gave up two singles, and then the winning home run by Carlos Pena in the 14th inning. Many pitchers would take a lot of time before leaving the showers or the training room.

Mike Timlin was the first one to appear in the clubhouse for interviews.

Obviously disappointed, Timlin remains confident, despite giving up 12 runs in his last 10 outings.

Here is what he said after Wednesday's game:

As I type this, Arnie Beyeler is throwing batting practice to the Red Sox (even minor league managers get September call-ups).

Jacoby Ellsbury is back in the lineup and Coco Crisp is out, despite an 11-game hitting streak. Francona said he's just trying to keep everyone fresh.

J.D. Drew is available tonight but won't start a game until after Thursday off day.

Reliever David Aardsma has been activated, giving the Red Sox a 34-man roster (can you name the six players on the 40-man roster who are not here? Hint: 5 are former Sea Dogs. See the answer below the lineups.

With tough left-hander Scott Kazmir on the mound, Boston manager Terry Francona figured it was a good time to give DH David Ortiz a day off. Jeff Bailey will step in, though batting ninth.

Also, because of Kazmir, Francona is going with a right-handed bat to lead off - and it's actually a very hot bat, belonging to switch-hitter Coco Crisp.

One Portland note about the lineup. All but two of the players have Sea Dogs connections (direct and indirect): Jed Lowrie, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Mark Kotsay and Bailey are all former Sea Dogs, and both Jason Bay and Mike Lowell came to Boston in trades involving former Sea Dogs - Lowell in the Marlins deal that involved SS Hanley Ramirez and P Anibal Sanchez; Bay in the Pirates deal, with Pittsburgh getting former Dogs Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen.

Here's tonight's lineup:

As promised, we're back. Here is more from Terry Francona's pre-game press conference:

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced that Michael Bowden is done pitching for the year. Bowden began the year with the Portland Sea Dogs, reached Pawtucket in mid-July and made a spot start for Boston Aug. 30 (a win, 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K) before returning to Pawtucket.

Francona indicated it had to do with Bowden's amount of innings pitched (149). Bowden turns 22 on Tuesday.

Two call-ups today from Pawtucket: catcher George Kottaras (but not catcher Dusty Brown) and first-baseman Chris Carter.

I'll have more soon on the Bowden decision, as well as other news (Francona said Clay Buccholz's status is "a little more up in the air" but it sounds like he is done this year).

For now, here's the Red Sox lineup tonight:

The Red Sox designated Pawtucket relief pitcher Lincoln Holdzkom, taking him off the 40-man roster.

The move makes room for right-handed reliever Marcus McBeth, who the Red Sox picked up off waivers, from the Reds.

The Red Sox officially announced other moves they already made - placing Mike Lowell on the DL, sending Charlie Zink back to Pawtucket, calling up pitcher David Pauley from Pawtucket, and adding pitcher Paul Byrd to the roster.

Holdzkom, 26, was 5-5 with a 5.24 in Pawtucket. He appeared in 30 games for Portland last year, before being promoted to Triple-A. He was claimed by the Phillies in the Rule V draft, but then returned in spring training. Boston put him on the 40-man roster.

Now that he has been designated, Holdzkom can be claimed by any team willing to put him on their 40-man. If not claimed, Holdzkom could go back to Pawtucket.

McBeth, 28, pitched for Cincinnati last year (3-2, 5.95), but was in Triple-A this season (1-1, 6.20).

Charlie Zink is going back to Pawtucket after his major league debut tonight.

Zink is leaving to make room for Paul Byrd.

Zink gave up 8 runs tonight, but you would not know it by his smile in the clubhouse. He was excited, of course. He soaked in the experience. And Red Sox winning - 19-17 - certainly helped.

He said the Red Sox gave him hope that he would be back.

Jacoby Ellsbury was scratched from the lineup and replaced by Coco Crisp. Ellsbury is still hurting from being hit on the tailbone with a pitch on Monday night.

Meanwhile, Charlie Zink pitched through a perfect first inning. Ian Kinsler flew out to the warning track in left field. Michael Young popped up to Kevin Youkilis in foul territory. Josh Hamilton grounded out to sdecond. 12 pitches/ 7 strikes.

Mentioned in the last blog that Rangers outfielder David Murphy was not in the lineup. He will miss this series because Murphy was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 7 with a right knee sprain.

Another former Sea Dogs player, pitcher Kason Gabbard, has been on the DL since July 8 with left elbow inflammation. On Aug. 1, Gabbard was moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL.

Both Gabbard and Murphy came to Texas in the Eric Gagne trade.

Mentioned in the last blog that Rangers outfielder David Murphy was not in the lineup. He will miss this series because Murphy was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 7 with a right knee sprain.

Another former Sea Dogs player, pitcher Kason Gabbard, has been on the DL since July 8 with left elbow inflammation. On Aug. 1, Gabbard was moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL.

Both Gabbard and Murphy came to Texas in the Eric Gagne trade.

Charlie Zink won't be facing his old Sea Dogs teammate David Murphy, who is not in the Rangers lineup tonight.

Here are the lineups for the two teams tonight (and yes, I'm at Fenway instead of Hadlock tonight, because of Zink's start. For more on Zink, as well as info on Paul Byrd, see previous blogs)

RANGERS
Ian Kinsler, 2b
Michael Young, ss
Josh Hamilton, cf
Milton Bradley, dh
Marlon Byrd, rf
Frank Catalanotto, lf
Gerald Laird, c
Chris Davis, 1b
Ramon Vazquez, 3b
(Scott Feldman, P)

RED SOX
J.D. Drew, rf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
David Ortiz, dh
Kevin Youkilis, 1b
Mike Lowell, 3b
Jason Bay, lf
Jed Lowrie, ss
Jacoby ellsbury, cf
Kevin Cash, c
(Charlie Zink, P)

I'll be updating soon.

Arrived at Fenway Park to write about a pitcher, and now we're talking about a pair of arms.

Before former Portland Sea Dogs knuckleball pitcher Charlie Zink takes the mound tonight for the Boston Red Sox, in his major league debut, the Red Sox moved to add another pitcher to the roster.

Boston acquired Cleveland Indians right-handed pitcher Paul Byrd for either a player to be named later or money (as for the player, Boston general manager said it would be "an organizational-type player, not a prospect").

Byrd will officially join the roster on Wednesday or Thursday. By then, the Red Sox will know who he is replacing - either Zink or Clay Buchholz.

Byrd is taking Buchholz's spot in the rotation this week - Friday, vs. Toronto. But that does not mean Buchholz is going back to Triple-A. He could hang around if Zink does not measure up.

Zink is here to replace the injured Tim Wakefield, but his future beyond tonight is up in the air.

"We'll see how he throws tonight and go from there," Epstein said.

Epstein did talk highly of Zink, saying, "We were kind of looking for a way to get him up here."

As for Byrd, the 37-year-old veteran, Epstein said "it was a good opportunity to add depth." He cited Wakefield's injury, the continued presence of Bartolo Colon on the disabled list and the struggles of Buchholz as reasons to obtain Byrd.

"We think we're getting him at the right time," Epstein said. Since the All-Star break, Byrd has won all four of his starts (1.24 ERA).

Byrd knows he is not a power pitcher, but someone who keeps batters off balance.

"It may not be pretty," Byrd said. "But I have been someone who usually gets the job done."

Arrived at Fenway Park to write about a pitcher, and now we're talking about a pair of arms.

Before former Portland Sea Dogs knuckleball pitcher Charlie Zink takes the mound tonight for the Boston Red Sox, in his major league debut, the Red Sox moved to add another pitcher to the roster.

Boston acquired Cleveland Indians right-handed pitcher Paul Byrd for either a player to be named later or money (as for the player, Boston general manager said it would be "an organizational-type player, not a prospect").

Arrived at Fenway Park to write about a pitcher, and now we're talking about a pair of arms.

Before former Portland Sea Dogs knuckleball pitcher Charlie Zink takes the mound tonight for the Boston Red Sox, in his major league debut, the Red Sox moved to add another pitcher to the roster.

Boston acquired Cleveland Indians right-handed pitcher Paul Byrd for either a player to be named later or money (as for the player, Boston general manager said it would be "an organizational-type player, not a prospect").

Through 82 games and 261 at-bats, Julio Lugo is batting .268 with 13 doubles, 0 triples, 1 home run and 22 RBI. With runners in scoring position, he is batting .139. In the field, Lugo has made 16 errors.

The Red Sox lineup has been posted and none of the media outlets out of Boston have announced any roster changes.

With a spent bullpen, the Red Sox are counting on a quality start from Josh Beckett.

Of course, the game may not go on, depending on the weather.

The Red Sox sent the following email about 45 minutes ago:

Manny Ramirez is back in the Red Sox lineup today, as the designated hitter. Tim Wakefield is starting (negating one theory on why Charlie Zink was held out of the Pawtucket lineup Friday).

Here is the RED SOX lineup. I'll check back later from Hadlock Field.

Coco Crisp, CF
Julio Lugo, SS
J.D. Drew, RF
Manny Ramirez, DH
Sean Casey, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Brandon Moss, LF
Kevin Cash, C
Alex Cora, 2B
(Tim Wakefield, P)

Knuckleball pitcher Charlie Zink was scratched from his scheduled start with Pawtucket Friday night. Could he be the next former Sea Dogs pitcher promoted to Boston?

Tim Wakefield is scheduled to start Saturday for the Red Sox. Will he?

The Sea Dogs also made a pitching move. Veteran Dave Gassner, 29, recently signed by the Red Sox from the independent leagues, is going to start for Portland Saturday. That frees up a pitcher (Daniel Haigwood?) to go to Pawtucket to help out, if needed.

Eight players from Thursday's Red Sox-Rays brawl have been suspended and fined:

Coco Crisp, Jon Lester and Sean Casey of Boston; and James Shields, Jonny Gomes, Edwin Jackson, Carl Crawford and Akinori Iwamura of Tampa Bay.

See the brief story on espn.com

The Boston Red Sox drafted Casey Kelly, a high school shortstop out of Sarasota (High), Fla. in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. Boston had the 30th overall pick in the draft.

In the supplemental round, Boston had the 45th overall pick and drafted Rice reliever Bryan Price.

Also in the supplemental round, the Cubs drafted Ryan Flaherty of Portland with their 41st pick overall. Flaherty, a former Deering High standout, has played his college ball at Vanderbilt.

Kelly is a true athlete. He not only could be a pitching prospect, but he is also stellar quarterback and has accepted a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee.

Baseball America ranked him as the 19th best prospect in the draft. He likely dropped down to the Red Sox because of the difficulty in signing him.

It will take a big signing bonus (something the Red Sox can handle) for Boston to get him.

Kelly comes from an excellent baseball school. Sarasota High is usually one of the nation's best programs, and the Sailors play a competitive schedule.

According to the Pawtucket Red Sox website, Justin Masterson will start for the PawSox Thursday ... that puts Masterson on schedule to pitch again June 3, which is when the Red Sox would need a starter if Daisuke Matsuzaka cannot go.

Matsuzaka left Tuesday's game with "shoulder fatigue." It is anticipated that Dice-K would at least miss his next start, if not go on the disabled list.

Masterson was originally scheduled to pitch again Saturday. He was given extra rest since he returned from Boston, after collecting a win May 20 for the Red Sox. Moving up his start is obviously in reaction to Matsuzaka's shoulder issue.

Justin Masterson just left the mound to a standing ovation in the seventh inning.

With left-hander Ross Gload coming to bat, manager Terry Francona summoned lefty Javier Lopez.

Masterson pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing only three hits (all three by Alex Gordon). He walked three and hit a batter. Masterson struck out five and got 10 ground outs with his sinker.

Masterson walked Mark Teahen to begin the seventh, and then got Billy Butler to ground out, with a bouncer back to the mound. Teahen advanced to second

There will not be back-to-back no-hitters at Fenway Park. Kansas City third baseman Alex Gordon hit an opposite field double down the left field line off Justin Masterson, with two outs in the first inning.

Gordon was stranded. Masterson threw 13 pitches in the first inning, 9 for strikes.

In other Red Sox news, Julian Tavarez cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Expect it to be a short stay. Tavarez should be traded shortly.

If you missed it, check out the ESPN highlights, or the NESN highlights in the morning. Jon Lester threw a no-hitter Monday night against the Kansas City Royals.

Lester, who was the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2005 with the Portland Sea Dogs, allowed two walks and got some solid defense, including a diving catch by Jacoby Ellsbury in the fourth inning.

Unless the Red Sox have a surprise plan, pencil Bartolo Colon into the Boston starting rotation - say, this Tuesday against the Royals.

Here in Pawtucket, Jed Lowrie walked through the clubhouse doors, returning from his impressive stint with the Boston Red Sox.

Craig Hansen won't be joining Lowrie, however.

It was figured that Hansen would be sent back down to Pawtucket once the Red Sox activated Sean Casey from the DL today.

Instead, the Red Sox designated veteran reliever Julian Tavarez for assignment.

Red Sox 1, Toronto 0

Jon Lester (Sea Dogs Class of '05) pitched a one-hitter over eight innings.

Jonathan Papelon (also '05) got the win with a one-hit ninth. He almost gave up a run, but second baseman Dustin Pedroia (another '05) made a sensational diving catch and throw.

In the bottom of the ninth, Kevin Youkilis ('04) singled in the winning run.

Lyle Overbay broke up Jon Lester's no-hit bid with a line drive single to right (just over second baseman Dustin Pedroia's reach) in the fifth inning.

Lester has a one-hitter through seven innings (along with four walks).

Roy Halladay has allowed two hits (Kevin Youkilis, and Brandon Moss' 'swinging bunt' in the fifth inning) and no walks.

Moss came in for Drew because Drew felt tighness in his left quadriceps muscle when running out a ground out in the second inning.

Mike Lowell is back in the Red Sox lineup, batting sixth. David Ortiz is also back after missing two games.

To make room on the Boston roster for Lowell, the Red Sox again designated relief pitcher Bryan Corey for assignment.

That means former Sea Dogs outfielder Brandon Moss is still with the big club. Moss is not only the back-up first baseman, he's also the fourth outfielder tonight, with Jacoby Ellsbury nursing a sore groin muscle.

Here's tonight's lineup

Masterson walked Guerrero to start the sixth, but got Anderson to ground into a 4-6-3 double play

He struck out Hunter on three pitches and left to a standing ovation, receiving a flurry of high fives in the dugout.

Masterson threw 95 pitches, 58 for strikes. Of the 18 outs, 11 were on the ground, 3 in the air, and 4 strikeouts.

Sox up 3-1.

I'll check in with you after the game.

Justin Masterson is in line for the win, so far, with Boston leading 3-1 (RBI doubles by Coco Crisp and Kevin Cash padded the lead in the bottom of the fourth.

In the top of the fifth, Mike Napoli led off with a home run to center, on a 1-1 sinker.

Erick Aybar grounded out. Chone Figgins struck out, swinging at a slider. Gary Matthews grounded out.

Masterson threw 13 pitches/8 strikes. He's at 80 pitches. No one is warming up in the bullpen, so maybe Masterson has one more frame left in him.

So far, Justin Masterson has retired the first two Angels in the inning, and then allowed the next one on. This time, he walked Casey Kotchman. No harm again.

Both Garrett Anderson and Torii Hunter grounded out to third.

With Kotchman on first, Maicer Izturis grounded back to Masterson, who underhanded it to Youkilis.

15 pitches, 8 strikes. Total: 67/40, meaning Masterson is good for at least one more inning.

Sox still up 1-0.

Masterson is pounding the strike zone, as they say (15 pitches in the third inning, 11 for strikes). He yielded his first hit, a two-out single by Gary Matthews

Erick Aybar started the inning by flying out to shallow right.

Chad Figgins tried to bunt. Masterson raced in, on the third-base side, picked it up and threw him out.

Matthews fell behind 0-2, took two balls, and grounded a single to center.

Vlad Guerrero flied out to right with Jacoby Ellsbury charging in and making a sliding catch.

Red Sox lead 1-0 after they loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the second. Manny Ramirez scored on Coco Crisp's ground out.

Masterson's second inning was almost identical. Torii Hunter flied out to center. Casey Kotchman grounded out. Maicer Izturis walked and Mike Napoli struck out on three pitches, swinging at an outside slider.

He threw 21 pitches, 13 for strikes. Total so far: 37/21.

Kotchman crushed a change-up foul of the Pesky Pole. What did Masterson do? he came back with another change-up, which Kotchman whiffed at.

Except for a two-out walk to Vladimir Guerrero, Justin Masterson got through the first inning of his Major League debut just fine.

Masterson's sinker is working. He got Chone Figgins to ground out. He struck out Gary Matthews and, after the walk to Vlad, he got Garret Anderson to ground out.

Masterson threw 16 pitches, 8 for strikes. And, surprisingly, he has not been afraid to throw his change-up. He threw three in the first inning, and got Figging to ground out on one.

So far, so good.

Greetings from Fenway. Running a little late because I forgot the parking situation for day games (I usually take the T). Drove around and found a "deal" - only $40 (sorry boss).

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Justin Masterson will be held to about 80 to 90 pitches today, which means about 5 or 6 innings, depending on how well he throws.

The lineup will feature right-handed bats (Crisp, Lowrie in; Drew, Casey out) against Angels lefty Joe Saunders.

Jed Lowrie is taking grounders at short as I write this. he will be starting tonight's game in place of Julio Lugo (normal day off, according to manager Terry Francona)

David Murphy, by the way is batting sixth for the Rangers (Murphy is out on the field talking to Dustin Pedroia right now, before Boston's BP).

Murphy and fellow ex-Boston player, Kason Gabbard, are expected to receive their World Series rings tonight.

On the injury front, Mike Lowell said the pain in his sprained right thumb is lessening, but Lowell has no idea when he might be ready. "As soon as I can hit, I'll have an idea. It's all based off that."

Introducing the new relief pitching prospect for the Boston Red Sox:

Jay Johnson.

Johnson, who is actually an outfielder for the Portland Sea Dogs, threw two innings of scoreless relief to get the win Wednesday night, in the Sea Dogs' 8-7 win over Connecticut - a game that lasted 17 innings.

Forgot to mention that Jonathan Papelbon will not be available tonight (no big surprise there).

Hideki Okajima, who has relieved in three straight games, is doubtful.

Matsuzaka's command had not been terrific (45 pitches, with one out in the third), so the bullpen will have to come through.

In a move that Terry Francona hinted to Saturday night, David Ortiz is not in the lineup tonight against the Yankees.

The move seemed to lighten the load on Ortiz' shoulders. He arrived in the clubhouse, laughing, joking with teammate. However, he did not want to talk to the media, referring to "my full day off."

Here are the lineups for tonight:

Teh adjectives are pouring in to describe Jonathan's Papelbon's performance Saturday night.

Terry Francona: "Phenomenal"
Jason Varitek: "Pretty amazing"
Josh Beckett: "That's what great players do"

After a two-hour delay, Papelbon retired all four batters he faced, three by strikeout.

Jonathan papelbon just finished warming up again in the bullpen. The Red Sox are taking the field.

In case you're still hoping to catch the end of the Red Sox-Yankees game, word at Fenway Park is that the latest batch of rain is expected end soon (in fact the grounds crew is preparing to lift the tarp off as I write).

The Red Sox situation is interesting. They lead 4-3 in the top of the 8th. Two out and two Yankees on base with A-Rod up. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has warmed up twice - at 6:22, and an hour later when everyone thought the game would resume.

No word yet on if he is still scheduled to pitch.

I'll check in later.

Jed Lowrie took grounders at third and short before BP, but he's not in today's lineup. "He's going to play sometime," manager Terry Francona said. "Got to figure out where and when, and when is the best time.

Here's the lineups:

Back in Norwich where the Sea Dogs-Defenders game is underway (Bubba Bell grounded out to lead off), we bring you a few words from Portland native, former Red Sox reliever and Defenders pitcher coach Bob Stanley:

When Bill Buckner took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, the Boston Red Sox players were among the loudest to cheer. Kevin Youkilis made a point of meeting Buckner and shaking his hand.

Here is what manager Terry Francona and Youkilis said of the moment:

Bill Buckner made an emotional return to Fenway Park today to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Bill Buckner is going to throw out the first pitch in today's game.

Terry Francona chatted with the media before today's game, like he always does. Here's a sampling:

Got a few complaints that my last blog "Red Sox Trade" got people thinking it was a big trade (as in a Coco Crisp deal).

Just a minor one. Sorry if you got excited.

Here's the lineups for today's game:

BOSTON - Shortstop Christian Lara used to be considered a hot prospect. As a 19-year-old, Lara batted .433 in the Gulf Coast League. He did little after that, including a .238 average last year in hitter-friendly Lancaster.

On Tuesday morning, the Red Sox finally gave up on Lara, trading him to the LA Dodgers for right-handed reliever Eric Hull

As some of you know, I'm a native of the Tampa Bay area, so I naturally keep an eye on the Tampa Bay (no more Devil) Rays.

And the Rays are doing what a lot of struggling teams do - they look at success in the exhibition season with too much hope in their eyes.

You can't blame them.

As expected, the Boston Red Sox sent outfielder Brandon Moss to Triple-A Pawtucket after today's game.

Moss, who hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Tuesday's season-opener, struck out three times Wednesday. Regardless of his performance, he was set to go back to Triple-A.

Jon Lester's first pitch of Wednesday's game hit the dirt. Not a good sign of things to come for the young left-hander.

Lester lasted only four innings - throwing 83 pitches (only 47 for strikes) in the Red Sox 5-1 loss to the A's.

Brandon Moss' go-ahead RBI in the sixth, and game-tying homer in the ninth inning of Tuesday's season-opener shows what the Red Sox farm system is about.

Every farm system has talent. The key is getting that talent to perform.

The Boston Red Sox reportedly have set their roster for Tuesday's 6 a.m. (EST) season-opener.

But the roster is far from settled.

Yankees Shine (what did you think those hyphens stood for?)

From Yankee Hater caps to foolish chants at Fenway Park, the Yankees are a favorite target of scorn.

So maybe their ownshership says some foolish things (Larry Lucchino does not always hold his tongue, either), and they spend a lot of money (something the Red Sox cannot gripe about, too much)

But put your baseball bigotry aside today and applaud the Yankees.

The Red Sox have 39 players still in big league camp (more cuts could come as early as Sunday).

Boston will bring 30 players to Japan and, eventually, will have to get down to 25 players.

When Doug Mirabelli was released Thursday, pitcher Tim Wakefield did not want to comment. Same thing on Friday.

On Saturday, Wakefield finally spoke about the release of his personal catcher.

The eagerly-awaited buundle has arrived.

Daisuke Matsuzaka's wife delivered a baby boy this morning (6 pounds, 10 ounces) at 7:30 p.m.

The boy, whose name was not released, is the couple's second child.

The birth clears the way for Matsuzaka to join the Red Sox in their trip to Japan.

Shortstop Julio Lugo will play in his first game in two weeks, today at sun-splashed City of Palms Park.

Terry Francona said that Lugo will DH in Sunday's game as the Red Sox rush to get him ready.

Bostgon beat Baltimore 7-4 Friday in a game stopped in the top of the seventh inning because of rain.

Reliever Manny Delcarmen slipped on the muddy mound in the seventh, prompting a visit from Terry Francona. Delcarmen was lifted but before Craig Breslow could throw a pitch, the umpires called for the tarp

Daisuke Matsuzaka has left after four innings work, with the Red Sox ahead 5-2 in Friday's exhibition game.

Matsuzaka showed good command (53 pitches, 37 strikes, no walks). He gave up four hits and two earned runs, while striking out two. Melvin Mora clocked a solo home run off him in the third.

Both Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew hit their first homers this spring, in the early innings.

Jonathan Papelbon relieved Matsuzaka and pitched a 1-2-3 fifth (two strikeouts).

Following up on the last blog ... Terry Francona said he hopes Julio Lugo will be ready to play tomorrow.

"He really wanted to play today," Francona said. "We're going to keep him out one more day. Let him go through the whole day (of pregame drills and BP), except for playing and then we'll play him tomorrow, if everything is okay and he's doing well."

The lineup for today's exhibition game with the Orioles has been posted and shortstop Julio Lugo is once again out of the lineup.

Checked in with Jed Lowrie today. He said he's been told to be ready to go to Japan, until further notice.

Kevin Cash evolved as a better defensive catcher than Doug Mirabelli, which is why the Red Sox released Mirabelli, general manager Theo Epstein said.

Epstein said "this was a debate early in camp." And the argument kept leaning toward Cash.

Cash showed he can catch knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, when Cash filled in for the injured Mirabelli late last season.

Brandon Moss led off the bottom of the ninth with a home run, sending the Red Sox game with Tampa Bay into an extra inning.

Moss's blast tied the game 2-2. It ended 3-3. Exhibition game rarely goa past the 10th inning.

The Rays took a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly in the 10th, off of Sea Dogs reliever Beau Vaughan - who was summoned to the game in case of an emergency (or an extra inning).

Boston tied it again, on Chris Carter's RBI double in the 10th. Sea Dogs outfielder Bubba Bell pinch-ran for Bell, with one out. Moss came up again and struck out. Minor league infielder Keith Ginter struck out to end the game.

More later. General manager Theo Epstein is scheduled to talk to the media about Doug Mirabelli's release.

Bartolo Colon finished his second inning today and should be done. He gave up two hits, one being a solo home run by Jon Weber.

In all, Colon threw 26 pitches, 18 for strikes. He was wild at first and then settled down.

The Red Sox made it official, announcing that they placed Doug Mirabelli on unconditional release waivers.

There's a reason why Dusty Brown is replacing Doug Mirabelli in the lineup today. The Boston Herald just reported that Mirabelli has been released and was seen leaving the park.

Now there is a competition for the No. 2 catching spot between Brown, Kevin Cash and George Kottaras.

As promised, the blogs will keep coming from Fla.

Today's lineup already has a change. Doug Mirabelli was scheduled to catch, but Dusty Brown said he just found out he's behind the plate.

Today's top story is the Red Sox debut of Bartolo Colon.

Saw 2007 Sea Dogs pitchers Beau Vaughan and Jose Vaquedano in the Red Sox locker room. They are "just in case" pitchers for today.

Greetings from the Fort. The Red Sox made a few moves this morning, while still waiting for Coco Crisp to recover from his groin injury.

I landed in the Tampa Bay area today (off to Fort Myers in the morning), but I did not attend the Yankees-Rays game. Too bad. It got exciting quickly.

Remember when the Red Sox and Rays went at it with beanballs, punches and thrown bats?

Seems the Yankees have a problem with Tampa Bay, too.

A few thoughts as I fight off the flu (sorry for the lack of recent blogs).

Now that Jonathan Papelbon got his mony ($775,000), would he be quiet about his cause to set a standard for future relievers. As I try to figure out payment for the heating bill, I don't want to hear about his noble efforts.

Everyone loves the goofball. Jonathan Papelbon is a sensational closer on the mound, and a Disney character off it.

But when he talks about his contract, Jon (as we knew him in Portland, back in 2005) needs to show restraint.

When Jon Lester or Clay Buchholz have a bad day, you shrug and say it's too early in spring training to be concerned.

But reliever Craig Hansen is another issue.

What does Hank Steinbrenner think of Boston fandom?

"Red Sox Nation? What a bunch of (expletive) ..."

The Red Sox already released their opening day lineups for spring training games. Actually, these are not even major league exhibition games, since the Sox are taking on the college kids, from Boston College and Northeastern.

Looks like everyone is playing one game or the other. The only name I had to double-check was third baseman Keith Ginter, a utility-type player signed to a minor league contract. Ginter, 31, last played in the majors in 2005 (51 games with Oakland).

Here's the Sox press release on the pitching schedules and lineups:

Sorry for the lack of blogs. Call it techincal difficulty (although many technical items are difficult for me).

Seems the Sox have signed pitcher Bartolo Colon. To that, I give a rousing "why not?" What do the Sox have to lose in signing a non-guaranteed, low-money contract with a once-great pitcher?

Is Theo Epstein the best general manager in baseball?

With the Congressional hearing over, can Roger Clemens just say goodbye now?

No more comebacks at mid-season with the attention-grabbing drama of 'will he pitch again or won't he?' (The answer is always yes, especially when some fool club offers him the money).

Don't know if I will watch the hearings today with Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee. There's shoveling to do and games to play (it being a snow day and all).

Which member of Congress will first express his/her devotion publicly to Clemens, and that they've always been a "fan."

With the news that Curt Schilling is not ready to pitch (and may not be in 2008) because of shoulder problems, where does that leave the Red Sox?

Just fine ... if Clay Buchholz comes through.

The Red Sox announced that 15 non-roster players will join the 40-man roster in spring training this year. They include a few players who will likely begin the season in Portland - pitchers Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden and Hunter Jones, and infielder Tony Granadillo.

Barring injury, the only one of the 15 with a solid chance of making the Major League team out of camp is outfielder Bobby Kielty.

Just finished my Sunday story, previewing the start of spring training. In it, I mention the lack of a back-up right fielder. To cover myself, I mentioned that the Sox could still re-sign Bobby Kielty.

Now a little re-write is in order since reports are coming in that Kielty has agreed to a minor league deal with Boston.

Kielty's signing can be viewed in a few ways.

The Red Sox announced that there will be random drawings (and limited phone sales) for tickets to Opening Day, Yankees games, Green Monster seats, and right field roof deck seats

You must register for the drawing. Deadline for Opening Day and Yankees games is Monday at noon.

Here's the Red Sox press release:

The Boston Red Sox have signed first-baseman Sean Casey, according to ESPN's Peter Gammons.

The report said that Casey, 33, signed a one-year contract for $700,000,

Casey batted .296 last year with the Tigers, with 4 home runs and 54 RBI, in 143 games (453 at-bats).

There is talk that the Mets were the most desperate of the three teams that showed interest in Johan Santana. True. But, assuming the Mets sign Santana, where does that leave the New York Yankees?

When I first heard the New York Mets became the frontrunners among the candidates wanting to trade for Johan Santana, I assumed they had included their No. 1 prospect, outfielder Fernando Martinez, in the deal.

But, no. After Tuesday's reports that the Mets have a deal with Minnesota, it appears the Twins caved in ... and Minnesota officials likely wished they had taken an original offer from the Yankees or Red Sox (unless the Twins really did not want Santana in the AL).

According to a the USA Today, the Minnesota Twins have agreed to trade Johan Santana to the New York Mets in exchange for four prospects.

The Mets still have to reach a contract extension with Santana.

According to the New York Post, the potential trade of Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana is getting closer to reality, and that the Mets and Red Sox are the top candidates to get him.

The Boston Red Sox traded two minor league right-handed pitchers for Chicago White Sox right-handed relief pitcher David Aardsma.

Aardsma, 26, was a first-round draft pick, out of Rice in 2003, by the San Francisco Giants. He has also pitched for the Cubs and White Sox organizations. He has never pitched a full major league season.

Last year, Aardsma got off to a great start with the White Sox (2-0, 1.31, 26 strikeouts in 20 and two-thirds innings).

Clay Buchholz met the media briefly today at Boston College and declared himself stronger, emphasizing that his shoulder is fine.

Buchholz, who pitched a no-hitter for the Red Sox in early September, tired at the end of the month and was left off post-season roster because of shoulder fatigue.

The Red Sox said they hoped Buchholz will take off-season conditioning more seriously, and Buchholz said he got the message.

With Doug Mirabelli reportedly re-signing with the Red Sox, the organization now has five catchers at the major league and Triple-A level.

Who plays where?

Talked to an insightful Yankees fan the other day and posed the question:

What worries you about the Yankees?

In other words, do the Yankees have any obvious weaknesses that are a concern? I could ask the same of Red Sox fans ... so I will.

As spring training looms, what are the concerns of the Yankees and Red Sox?

The Red Sox are beginning their annual stockpiling of free agent minor league pitchers, signing two lefties, Jon Switzer and for Sea Dog Michael Tejera.

They will be invited to major league spring training camp and will likely end up in Pawtucket.

Questions:

Will the New Year bring Johan Santana?

And if Jon Lester is included in the deal for Santana, then the Red Sox still have six starters, including Clay Buchholz. But you can't go with a six-man rotation, because you want Beckett and Santana every fifth day, right?

Now what?

The anticipated Mitchell Report dug up a lot of dirt. But the probe, as George Mithcell made clear, was not complete, and a lot of it is old news on players who have retired, or are in a decade-long approach to retiring (Roger Clemens).

Commisioner Bud Selig has vowed to act. But do you depend on a man who goes to his own press conference without full knowledge of the report?

Now that Eric Gagne has finished his short and ineffective tour of duty with the Boston Red Sox - signing with Milwaukee - I keep hearing what a disasterous trade it was last summer.

Aw, how easy it is to be an expert in hindsight.

Pitching depth can come and go, depending on health, and prospects being able to fulfill potential.

As we wait for word on the Johan Santana trade, here is how the Red Sox organization looks from the mound, in Boston and on the farm:

The Boston Red Sox are apparently still in the running - some say frontrunner - in the race to trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.

Are the Red Sox really interested, or just making sure the price is high?

Either way, somebody is going to over-pay for Santana (both in the trade and in a salary extension). It is another result of the chess match between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Tickets for selected Red Sox games in April and May are going on sale on Saturday, Dec. 8. There will also be four-game packages available.

Because it is the Red Sox, it is complicated. Tickets will be sold over the internet and phone, except for a few selected, regsitered fans who will be invited to a special event on Dec. 8 at Fenway. Registration for that takes place today and next Monday.

The blog is back. It has been nearly a month since the Red Sox danced about Coors Field. Seems like a good time to get back into the blogging routine.

Today's topic is another look at the Red Sox contracts. We touched on the subject right after the World Series. Now, with Curt Schilling and Mike Lowell re-signed, the Red Sox roster seems nearly set for next year, and in good shape for 2009.

The Boston Red Sox have announced their 2008 schedule, which will begin in Tokyo. Below is the Red Sox press release and the schedule (I cut and paste the schedule from a Red Sox email. It was sent in two columns. It's a little rough, but it gives you an idea.

Curt Schilling has re-signed (a surprise, but a pleasant one) and Mike Lowell appears close to re-signing (which is big because the Red Sox need him, and the Yankees likely wanted him).

A nice first couple of steps for Theo Epstein after the World Series.

The Red Sox released the following press release about re-signing Curt Schilling. (While terms were not announced, the one-year contract is believed to be worth $8-million, with another $5 or $6-million in incentives):

Curt Schilling is close to signing a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, espn.com's Buster Olney has reported.

According to the report, Schilling would get a base salary of $8-million, with incentives that total $5-million based on innings pitched and his weight (interesting).

If true, Schilling could make the same ($13-million) as last season.

The Boston Red Sox retained control of catcher Dusty Brown by placing him on the 40-man roster (Brown was going to become a minor league free agent).

That leaves Boston with five catchers on its 40-man roster.

At least one has to go.

In my story for Tuesday's Press Herald, I touch on the topic that the Boston Red Sox are now considered in the same light as the Yankees, both because they are a power, and because they far out-spend everyone else.

John Henry trying to light his victory cigar. The thing was huge. He needed a blowtorch.

Theo Epstein posing with his famiy, and the World Series trophy. Haven't seen Epstein smile like that all year.

Manny Delcarmen shivering in the Denver air – in his champagne-soaked T-Shirt, but relenting for interview afer interview.

Bobby Kielty wondering what he did right to go from being released by Oakland to ending up on a World Series team, and hitting the game-winning home run.

The Rockies finally got their offense going, and the Red Sox scored 10 runs. Only one change in tonight's lineup. Colorado is going with Ryan Spilborghs in center field.

Clint Hurdle cannot go by matchups. None of his Rockies have faced Jon Lester before.

Here are the lineups:

Jacoby Ellsbury going 4-for-5. Dustin Pedroia 3-for-5. How did that 1-2 punch look Saturday? How about today? How about for years to come?

Both teams are going with new lead-off hitters, as the Red Sox deal with no DH, and the Rockies try to get something going with their offense.

Colorado has benched Center fielder Willy Taveras (0-7 in the first two games) and moved Kazuo Matsui to the top spot. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has moved to the No. 2 spot. Cory Sullivan gets his first start in center and bats eighth.

Boston, as already announced, put Jacoby Ellsbury lead-off.

Here are the lineups:

Good morning from Denver (actually, I'm in Glendale - more on that later).

During the workout yesterday, you get the sense that this Series is not going back to Boston. The Rockies don't seem to have the pitching to hold off the Red Sox.

But there is confidence among the Rockies and their media.

Here are some of the headlines from today's Rocky Mountain News"

DENVER - Just got back from Terry Francona's press conference, where he announced the expected:

Kevin Youkilis is the odd man out in Denver. Since the Red Sox do not have a DH in the National League city, they will move David Ortiz to first base. Mike Lowell will remain at third base.

If Boston has a lead, look for Youkilis to come in later.

Looks (and feels) like it is going to be colder tonight. I hope the fleece will be enough.

For the big games at Fenway, an auxillary press box is set up in right field (where your Press Herald crew is located tonight). Rarely have to worry about wind chill in a press box (I know, no one is feeling any sympathy ... and, yes, it beats real work).

The Rockies are sticking with the same lineup. The Red Sox did some re-shuffling, with Colorado using a right-hander (Ubaldo Jimenez)

Think the Red Sox will roll over the Colorado Rockies in this World Series?

Maybe.

But expect the Colorado hitters to do better, now that Josh Beckett is off until Game 5 (if necessary).

Greetings from Fenway. There's a chill in the air. Last I heard about the rain, there might be some, but not enough to stop the game.

Terry Francona juggled the positions of his lineup slightly, to separate the left-handed bats.

Here's the lineups:

Here's another surprise from the Red Sox, who just announced their 25-man World Series roster.

With Tim Wakefield out (see previous blog), pitcher Kyle Snyder is replacing him.

Terry Francona and Tim Wakefield just announced that Wakefield would not be available for the World Series because of the continued pain in his right shoulder.

Francona said the starter for Game 4 is TBA, although Jon Lester is being considered. He pitched four innings today to stretch out.

Francona did not announce the roster for the World Series. He did say J.D. Drew would start in right field Wednesday, against lefty Jeff Francis, and that Jacoby Ellsbury will start in center.

Listening to sports radio in Boston on the way to Fenway (alternate between WEEI for the sports and WBZ for the traffic reports). Curt Schilling was going his weekly radio gig for WEEI.

He was asked indirectly about being ready to pitch Thursday, and Schilling said yes.

Not exaclty an official announcement, but it's close.

I'll report back later

The Red Sox are on a Rocky Mountain High (okay, so I had to get that line out of my system, with the Rockies coming) ... Crazy night last night, going from a close game to a rout.

Did you see all the ex Sea Dogs contributing?

Greetings from Fenway where they are wrapping up rehearsals for the pre-game show (Looks like we're in for some Irish step dancing, along with the music of the Dropkick Murphys).

Tonight's Boston batting lineup is the same as yesterday, so I'll add their post-season stats (just to give something new):

BOSTON - Can it get stranger at Fenway Park?

Cheers for J.D. Drew, and then a Curtain call.

Even cheers for Eric Gagne at the end.

The Boston Red Sox are one win away from a World Series berth and they are bringing all their positive mojo in for Game 7, starting with Kevin Millar.

Jacoby Ellsbury has replaced Coco Crisp in the lineup tonight. Trot Nixon is back in the Indians order.

Here are the lineups:

When Josh Beckettt and Kenny Lofton had words in the fifth inning Thursday night, Beckett said the incident "goes back before today."

In fact, when Lofton was with the Phillies in 2005, he drew a walk from Beckett, who was pitching for the Marlins. Lofton flipped his bat after ball four. Beckett said something to Lofton then and, like Thursday night, the benches emptied.

As expected, the only change from the normal Red Sox lineup is Bobby Kielty in right field, with J.D. Drew out (As soon as a righthander comes in for Cleveland, look for Drew to enter).

Here are the lineups:

For an off day, it sure has been busy (i.e. no time to blog, until now).

Here are a few things to expect for Game 5:

In the pre-game interview with Red Sox manager Terry Francona, the topic of starting Tim Wakefield over Josh Beckett came up.

"I can't believe somebody asked me that question," he said in mock disbelief.

Francona knows the decision to start Wakefield is causing debate. But he said the rotation was set beforfe the series and he would not change it because the Sox are down 2-1.

So Cleveland is up 2-1 on the Red Sox.

Time for Game 4, a battle of the soft-throwers: Boston knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield and the crafty Paul Byrd.

"This may be the slowest throwing right-handed match-up of all time in the post-season," Byrd said.

Trot Nixon is in the starting lineup tonight for the Indians. The Red Sox are using the same lineup as normal:

Here in Cleveland, where everyone seems to be wearing something connected to the Indians ... the nice man at the rental car counter wore an Indians tie as he informed two visitors that he was sorry they were wasting a trip to Cleveland to watch the Red Sox.

Ouch. Trash talking from the Enterprise guy.

As I sit here at the Manchester Airport, waiting for the cattle call known as Southwest Airlines, I am wondering about the Red Sox.

Do they have enough pitching?

The team, that has been built on strong arms all season, is looking suspect.

Here is the Boston lineup for tonight's game:

Mike Lowell called it "special," watching David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez reach base a combined 10 times in Friday's playoff game with Cleveland.

So far in the playoffs, Ortiz has a ridiculous .889 on-base percentage (16 for 18).

Here are Ortiz's comments from the post-game press conference:

The Indians are just about to wrap up batting practice. Here are tonight's lineups:

As expected, the Boston Red Sox set their roster for the American League Championship Series by adding pitcher Tim Wakefield and removing No. 3 catcher Kevin Cash.

Also, manager Terry Francona confirmed that Bobby Kielty will start in right field Friday night in place of J.D. Drew. Kielty, a switch-hitter who hits left-handers well, has a career .310 average vs. C.C. Sabathia. Drew is 0-for-3 with three strikeouts against Sabathia.

Who is going to the catalyst for the Red Sox against the Indians?

Against the Angels, Manny Ramirez emerged from his self-proclaimed struggling season to become the "bad man." ... And Curt Schilling dispelled doubts that he can still do his thing in the playoffs ... And some of the usual suspects (Josh Beckett and David Ortiz) were huge.

With the announcement of Curt Schilling as the No. 2 starter, the Red Sox have some interesting pitching scenarios, especially with an extra day off imposed by Fox TV (between Game 4 & 5).

It is possible that the Red Sox could go with a three man rotation - Beckett, Schilling and Matsuzaka - assuming that Beckett goes on three days' rest in Game 4. The pitchers would go on four days' rest in every other game, including Beckett in a possible Game 7.

Just back in from Anaheim. Landed in the Manchester airport and got the news about the Indians.

Hey gang. Got about five minutes until my shuttle takes me to John Wayne Airport. On my way home!

Just got off the phone with my sports editor. He thinks the Indians will win tonight. I countered that sometimes a sinker ball pitcher, like Wang, is more effective on short rest.

And the Yankees should tee off on Paul Byrd.

No changes in the Red Sox lineup. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said first baseman Casey Kotchman is out with "a non-baseball-related medical condition."

One note from Tery Francona's meeting with reporters: Tim Wakefield threw a bullpen session, giving rise to the hope that he will be ready for the American League Championship Series, if the Red Sox make it.

Here are the lineups:

As I write this in the Angels Stadium press box, to my right is a framed copy of a Baseball Weekly from 1999. On the cover is Mo Vaughn, the Angels' new slugger, a free agent from Boston.

Mo did not work out. And the Angels continue to look for power. Vlad Guerrero is not enough.

Manny Ramirez normally does not talk after Red Sox games. But in the playoffs, after hitting a 3-run walk-off homer, he made an exception.

He was worth the wait.

"I haven't been right all year long," Ramirez said about his production being down. "But, I guess, you know, when you don't feel good and you still get hits, that's when you know you are a bad man.

"Sometimes I can miss three weeks and I can still come and get hits because I am one of the best players in the game."

A little late, but here is tonight's lineup. No change with Boston. The Angels did some tinkering, including the addition of switch-hitter Kendry Morales at DH.

Here's the lineup:

Portland Sea Dogs fans will remember how dominant pitcher Justin Masterson was when he first came to Hadlock Field this season. No one could touch his sinker.

Then his sinker stopped sinking so much, and batters teed off.

Which brings us to Chien-Ming Wang. His ball stayed up and the Indians feasted Thursday night.

So you Red Sox fans, it's time to celebrate, right? Um, hold onto that thought.

Thoughts and quotes after Game 1.

The Red Sox could have kept shortstop Hanley Ramirez, the National League Rookie of the Year in 2006 who just had a super sophomore year (.332, 29 homers, 81 RBI, 51 stolen bases).

But then the Red Sox would not have had Josh Beckett.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona announced his lineup for tonight, saying it's the "kind of lineup we've been shooting for, for a while, and haven't been able to.

The Red Sox roster for the series with the Angels will not include Tim Wakefield.

Wakefield would have been a reliever for this series. But manager Terry Francona said Wakefield's back is bothering him and that it would be asking too much for him to come out of the bullpen.

"In his role with us now, if something unfortunate ever happened to a starter, Wake would be asked to come in and fill something like that in the game. And he's not ready to do that," Francona said.

The games times and tentative starting pitchers for the Angels-Red Sox series have been announced by the Red Sox.

As expected, Josh Beckett will start Game 1 for the Sox on Wednesday night, vs. John Lackey.

Game 2 will feature Diasuke Matsuzaka vs. Kelvin Escobar

Here's the schedule (all games will be on the cable station TBS)

Jon Lester threw two 1-2-3- innings (two strikeouts) in relief Sunday.

Very interesting.

Were the Red Sox just using Lester to eat some innings in a meaningless game, or were they seeing if Lester can come out of the pen and be effective?

If Lester makes the post-season roster, then Julian Tavarez is definitely off it.

Before we get into today's lineup, the Red Sox have annnounced a change for Sunday. Julian Tavarez will start in place of Curt Schilling. The Red Sox made a point of saying that Schilling is not hurt. Sounds like he is resting for the playoffs.

Concerning tonight's game: David Ortiz, Julio Lugo and Dustin Pedroia have the night off. Coco Crisp is back from a virus.

Here is the lineup:

The champagne flowed. It was actually sprayed, with healthy doses poured over heads. There was also beer and cigar smoke. The party celebrated a title (note the small t).

The Red Sox are the champions (note the small c).

Red Sox manager Terry Francona annnounced that pitcher Clay Buchholz "is not going to pitch out of the bullpen or start the rest of the year."

Francona said Buchholz was not injured and he did not throw too many innings, but routine strength and mobility testing caused concern.

"There is fatigue," Francona said. "With fatigue, there is some lacking in strength.

"Innings-wise, he's fine. But we have to do the right thing. We don't send people out when we have concerns."

I'll try to have more on Buchholz later.

And now for the Red Sox lineup:

Heading into the final homestand, here are the September numbers for Boston's top starters:

Josh Beckett 4-0, 2.25 ERA
Curt Schilling 0-2, 3.66
Daisuke Matsuzaka 1-1, 9.74
Tim Wakefield 0-2, 10.70
Jon Lester 2-0, 2.70
Clay Buchholz, 2-1, 0.54

AJ Burnett was a late scratch for the Toronto Blue Jays because of personal reasons, but Jesse Litch filled in nicely, in Toronto's 4-1 win over the Yankees Monday afternoon in the Bronx.

The loss drops New York two games behind Boston. Both teams have six games remaining. The Red Sox magic number is FIVE.

The Red Sox have today off (although some of the fellas will reportedly be taking batting practice at Fenway; namely the sore Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis).

While they wait for those two to get healthy, Boston also will wait to see if its lead in the AL East is cut to one game, or expanded to two. The New York Yankees take on the Blue Jays this afternoon.

Expected starter Roger Clemens has again been pushed back because of a sore hamstring.

The race is on. I've listed below the standings and the remaining games for the Red Sox, Yankees, Indians and Angels.

But this week is all about gravy, pride and home-field advantage for the Red Sox. They are already in the playoffs.

Boston can win the division (gravy and pride). It leads New York by 2 1/2 games. The magic number is six.

And the Red Sox can have home field advantage for the playoffs.

After one long night, Red Sox fans can exhale a bit, thanks to Josh Beckett and Gregg Zaun.

With Beckett picking up his 20th win Friday night, and Zaun, the Blue Jays catcher, hitting a home run in the 14th inning at Yankee Stadium, Boston is back up by 2 1/2 games in the American League East.

The magic number, stuck at 9 for four days, is now 7. The Red Sox have 8 games to go, the Yankees 9 (the extra one is Monday vs. Toronto).

Angst. It has always been a favorite word to describe the Boston Red Sox baseball fan.

There is also the term "long-suffering." (Of course, we always have to remind ourselves that the sufferig is experienced is in the sports world, not the real one, than Goodness).

But, dear Red Sox fans, why not enjoy the next 10 days?

There are plenty of reasons not to panic if you are a Boston Red Sox fans. But there is one reason to become upset, and it has little to do with the loss Wednesday night.

Regarding the loss, there is concern.

Regarding Julio Lugo's lack of hustle until it was too late, there is ... what shall we call it, disappointment, frustration, anger?

Clay Buchholz is going to start Wednesday's Red Sox game at Toronto, his first start since throwing his no-hitter Spet. 1.

Some comments after the Red Sox-Yankees game Sunday:

As promised, here is an abbreviated transcript from Terry Francona's pre-game session with the media, plus the Yankees lineup (Podada DH, Giambi on bench)

Francona:
(On rotation the next three days). "Wake, Lester and TBA. At some point, we need to maneuver our staff as we go forward. We may want to do that Wednesday."

The Red Sox lineup is in and Jacoby Ellsbury is leading off.

Kevin Youkilis is out, his wrist still sore from being hit by a pitch Saturday.

Terry Francona spoke about a lot of things in his pre-game press conference, incuding some possible tinkering with the rotation next week, setting up for the playoffs (Wednesday's starter should be Daisuke Matsuzaka, but is currently listed as TBA).

Will blog soon on all that. Here's the Sox lineup:

Are you ready with the TV clicker tonight?

From Patroits to Red Sox. Back & Forth

The pregame shows will be predictable. Before the Patriots, we will again hear all about Bill Belichick's videotaping ability. Before the Red Sox, it will be Roger Clemens vs. Curt Schilling. A duel of veterans.

Wonder what kind of reception Clemens will get at Fenway Park?

The lineups have been posted for today's game.

The Red Sox used to have more success against Chien-Ming Wang, but he has matured as a pitcher, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. Wang used to rely soley on his sinker. "At one time, he threw 21 straight two-seamers," Francona said of a game in a previous season.

Now Wang mixes in breaking balls and change-ups. "He's won 18 games. It's not a fluke," Francona said.

Here are the lineups:

Exhausting. The game lasted nearly 5 hours, and featured such a turnaround, from a 7-2 Boston lead, to an 8-7 Yankees win.

The lead in the AL East is 5 1/2 games. The magic number remains at 11.

Here are some of Joe Torre's post-game comments:

They just announced that Jacoby Ellsbury is replacing Coco Crisp in the lineup because Crisp has "soreness" in his left hip.

See the prevoius blog for the lineup.

The Red Sox lineup is posted for tonight, and Manny Ramirez is still not in it.

Boston manager Terry Francona said that is not a surprise: "He came out (Thursday) and hit the ball well. But he's not ready to play ... He hits the ball off the wall and everyone thinks he should be playing."

Francona said even though Ramirez can hit them out in batting practice, his strained oblique muscle is still tender. "Maybe by the beginning of the week," he said of a return.

Here's the lineup:

How many times have we heard it. In baseball, your momentum is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher.

So what is Daisuke Matsuzaka to do against the Yankees tonight?

With his buddy, Manny Ramirez, still out of the lineup (and with another meat-of-the-order batter, Mike Lowell, sick on Wednesday), David Ortiz did what the Red Sox so dearly need him to do: come through in the clutch.

While mentioning Lowell and Ellsbury were out, I did not bother bringing up the name of Manny Ramirez, out since Aug. 28 with a strained oblique

Ramirez may not be out for much longer. He is taking batting practice right now. After two rounds of hitting, he appeared to be swinging easy, although he did hit one to the track in center field.

In his third round of hitting, Manny started hitting them out ... maybe in time for the Yankees?

Greetings from Fenway. Tonight's Red Sox lineup will be without Mike Lowell (sick) and Jacoby Ellsbury (sore wrist).

Terry Francona thinks it is something Lowell ate. "Let him get it out of his system and be ready Friday (Hmm, who are the Red Sox playing on Friday?). Eric Hinkse gets the start, instead.

Ellsbury slightly hurt his wrist when he banged against the Monster Monday night. He is out today just a precaution Brandon Moss will start in his place.

Jon Lester and the Sox face Edwin Jackson and the Devil Rays and there is the potential for 10 walks between them before the sixth inning.

Both pitchers have command issues, although Lester looked good the last time out (7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 0 R).

I am from the Tampa Bay area and, therefore, used to covering bad teams. I remember those early days of the Tampa Bay Bucs. They would go through horrible seasons and, sometimes, finish strong, creating optimism for next year.

With that said, the Red Sox need to be aware of the carefree Tampa Bay Devil Rays today through Wednesday. Since Boston won 2-of-3 in St. Petersburg Aug. 20-22, the Devil Rays have won the five series they have played, including 2-of-3 in New York, and have gone 12-5.

Below is the official Red Sox press release, adding 6 players from Pawtucket: Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Breslow, Brandon Moss, Royce Clayton and Bryan Corey.

With Tim Wakefield being scratched from tonight's start, and Julian Tavarez moving up a day to take his place, the Red Sox need a starter for Saturday.

The Sox could push up Jon Lester a day, but the more likely scenario is that Clay Buchholz will be called up. Buchholz was scheduled to start Saturday for Pawtrucket, so he is right on schedule.

Buchholz was going to be called up later anyway. Might as well use him on Saturday.

The name brings out more emotion from Red Sox fans than any other (even more than J.D. Drew):

Yankees!

Now that the Yankees have closed to four games in back of Boston, it is time for the Red Sox to retreat to the friendly, air-conditioned confines of Tropicana Park (a.k.a. home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays).

Theo Epstein mused that the Red Sox broke the record for most roster moves in a day. Meanwhile, another move - a change in the pitching rotation - could be made with the Yankees in mind.

As Clay Buchholz continued with his interviews in the Red Sox clubhouse (Sports Illustrated was on deck), Jacoby Ellsbury sat across the room, hurrying to put on his red socks.

Busy day for recent Sea Dogs.

Buchholz finished his Major League debut after six innings, with the Red Sox leading 7-4. Boston won 8-4 (birthday boy Dustin Pedroia added a homer). Buchholz's line: 8 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 5 strikeouts and 3 walks.

Wily Mo Pena has just been traded to the Washington Nationals, along with cash for a player to be named later.

The Red Sox just made the announcement as Dustin Pedroia led off the bottom of the first inning with a double, in Game 1 of a doubleheader with the Angels.

Pena batted only .218 with five home runs and 17 RBI. The Red Sox hoped to give him more playing time, but he got only 156 at-bats this year.

Clay Buchholz is starting and has allow one unearned run in the first (J.D. Drew error).. Check previous blogs for details, including Terry Francona's take on Buchholz.

Before we get to Terry Francona's comments on Clay Buchholz, it's interesting to point out that Buchholz is not on the roster yet. The Red Sox have not completed the move that opens up the vacancy for Buchholz. "I promise we will," Francona said.

The move presumably is to trade Wily Mo Pena (who was not found in the clubhouse) or designate him for assignment.

The hype over Clay Buchholz has been building all season, from his gaudy Double-A stats at Portland, to his showdown against Roger Clemens (during Clemens' rehab with Trenton), to his promotion to Pawtucket.

Today, Boston fans gets a look.

The Boston Red Sox just lost to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-5, and everything is okay. Really.

Just because Tampa Bay is so bad, people tend to think in terms of football - that the bad team beating the good team is such an upset. This is baseball. It happens.

And, like Wednesday, sometimes a team can ride a zoned-in pitcher. That is what Tampa Bay did with Andy Sonnanstine (the former Sanford Mainer).

As for who is pitching on Friday. The surprise will be if it is not Clay Buchholz. starting one of the two games (along with Josh Beckett).

You wonder if a night like Tuesday's will be one of those turn-around games for the Red Sox. They win with a rally in the bottom of the ninth. Get great starting pitching from Jon Lester and solid relief, including a socreless inning from Eric Gagne.

Welcome to the boos-to-cheers way of Fenway Park, Mr. Gagne.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said that Curt Schilling will not be pitching in the Friday doubleheader with the Angels but will, instead, pitch on an extra day's rest, on Saturday.

It figures that Clay Buchholz will get the call. Buchholz started for Pawtucket on Sunday and was limited to 80 pitches. Hmmm.

Buchholz gave up two earned runs (both solo homers) and struck out nine.

Julio Lugo is hot. Coco Crisp is getting key hits. J.D. Drew discovered that big green wall in left field. Maybe these Boston Red Sox are going to make it after all.

Give J.D. Drew and his on-again, off-again aching hamstring a rest. The Red Sox could use a healthy and energized Drew for the closing months of the season. Why play this game of Now He Plays. Now He Can't?

Talked to Jon Lester a couple of hours ago in the Pawtucket locker room. Either he is the only one in Red Sox Nation who does not know the current state of concern (see previous blog on Julian Tavares' struggles and the advancing New York Yankees), or he is playing a good soldier.

Ask him about going up to Boston and Lester shrugs.

"There is really no need," Lester said. "What are they 8-9 games up? They are doing fine. It's not like they are losing a bunch of games."

Just a quick blog as I head to Pawtucket today ... There are certainly some nervous folks in Red Sox Nation today, as the Yankees close to seven games.

Maybe if the Pinstripers get closer, Theo Epstein will have to look harder at a deadline deal. But I don't see him making a panic deal.

A change is obviously needed with the No. 5 starter. After all the fuss I made yesterday about the non-importance of the No. 5 starter, Julian Tavares did not pitch far into the game for the fifth straight start.

Neither pitcher stood out last night. After Julian Tavares and Jon Lester pitched in their respective starts, neither made you say, "that's the guy."

Julian Tavares has kept the Red Sox in games, And it must be pointed out that he left Friday's game with the Red Sox in the lead. But he left after FOUR innings (9 hits, 3 walks, 4 earned runs).

In Pawtucket, Lester lasted five innings, but with no better results (6 hits, 4 walks, 4 earned runs).

There is still time to figure out this fifth starter business (and when the playoffs begin, a fifth starter won't be needed). But, for now, Tavares keeps the job as the incumbant. Lester could still take it. Or Kason Gabbard (when Schilling comes back) ... or Mr. Buchholz.

And it was a good sign to see Mike Timlin throw 2 1/3 innings (no runs, no hits, no walks).

Speaking of pitching, Justin Masterson goes tonight for the Sea Dogs.

Missed a couple of blogging days because of my son's college summer orientation in Baltimore (Loyola). My son received his schedule for the fall and I got a nifty cap with a Greyhound on it. All it cost was $45,000.

Exciting All Star Game last night and none of the fans in my family saw it. My 6-year-old, Aidan, loves the game, but MLB and Fox TV have decided they don't want young fans by starting the game so late (yeah, I'll be griping about the World Series, too).

Reading the accounts of Curt Schilling's latest outing makes you wonder if he is not headed to the disabled list.

Schilling gave up 6 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings last night. He reportedly threw in the mid-80's range. When asked about his health. Schilling said, "It's not one thing."

With that statement comes plenty of warning bells.

Maybe J.D. Drew is the ideal leadoff man.

Them thar Yankees have won nine straight and are now 7 1/2 games behind the Red Sox.

Boston and manager Terry Francona have never been a team to panic (re: 2004 ALCS), although fans are likely to be feeling the strain and suggesting every trade under the sun for an instant fix.

Red Sox management is also rarely content to sit on its hands (no one is smiling and thinking it's wonderful to have a 7 1/2-game lead; though that's not a bad thing).

Between panic and cruise control is a steady course for improvement. That brings me to my mantra of the last few weeks: Look at promoting Jacoby Ellsbury.

What would you do to strengthen the Boston Red Sox lineup?

Yes, the Red Sox are in first place. But can the Red Sox sit on their success over the first two months? I doubt if Theo and company are sitting in cruise control.

Moves will likely be made. Here is my humble suggestion for a move.

The Red Sox drafted left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone from the University of Washington with their first selection (55th overall) in the Major League Baseball draft Thursday. With their second choice (62nd overall), Boston took high school middle infielder Ryan Dent from Long Beach, Calif.

The Major League Baseball draft starts in about 10 minutes. Who will the Sox go after? All indications point to a high school talent. Sometimes those are gambles. But then along comes a Jon Lester.

Brandon Moss was drafted out of Loganville High School in Monroe. Ga, in the eighth round, in 2002. Moss, 23, continues to impress in Pawtucket. He hit his 10th homer last night, going 3-for-4, upping his average to .296.

I'll check in later

A three-game losing streak and a shutout loss (to Lenny DiNardo) are not reasons to make drastic changes. But using the adage that most general managers use the first two months of the season to evaluate their team, and the next two months tweaking/fixing it, what would you do if you were Theo Epstein?

The last time the Yankees took 2 of 3 against the Red Sox, they were then swept by the Angels and dropped four more games behind the Red Sox.

Now the Yankees leave Boston for Chicago. To face the White Sox, the Yankees will roll out Matt DeSalvo (1-2, 5.40), Tyler Clippard (2-1, 4.20), Chien-Ming Wang (4-4, 4.19) and Mike Mussina (2-3, 6.25).

Wang and, maybe, Clippard should give New York a quality start. But Yankees pitching remains in trouble and Roger Clemen is not coming to the rescue soon enough.

We hope to take a look at how New York and Boston built their respective starting rotations in Tuesday's Press Herald.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and amateur scouting director Jason McLeod met with the media Wednesday to talk about the upcoming draft, which starts June 7(with the first round being televised for the first time).

Naturally, as soon as I sing the praises of reliever Travis Hughes, he gives up back-to-back home runs Tuesday night, blowing a save and taking the loss, in Pawtucket's 5-4 defeat to Columbus.

The real story of the night was the start of Jon Lester (5 innings, 4 hits, no runs, 6 strikeouts).

Give Roger Clemens credit for hurrying his process of joining the majors. He could have left Wednesday's game against the Portland Sea Dogs after five innings and 85 pitches. But Clemens felt good so he came out for the sixth, which is when he got in trouble.

Clemens line: 5 1/3-innings, six hits, three runs (all earned), four walks, a hit-batter and five strikeouts.

Clemens allowed base runners in scoring position in every inning.

Julian Tavarez and his 5.59 ERA goes against Mike Mussina (5.64) tonight in Yankee Stadium. Although that Yankees lineup is heating up, the Red Sox may have the advantage tonight, based on the bullpen. Neither starter has been consistent and neither is likely to last past six innings.

It is the life of a pitcher needing to keep proving himself. Kason Gabbard pitched a fine game Sunday for the Red Sox, beating the Atlanta Braves. He got a pat on the back and a bus ticket back to the minor leaugue.

We are officially in a rain delay at Fenway and heavy showers are expected over the next hour. While you wait for the first pitch from Kason Gabbard, here's a tidbit from Terry Francona's pre-game press conference. Francona was asked if he feels sympathy for Yankees manager Joe Torre, what with all of New York's injuries.

The Red Sox-Yankees rotations are set for their series which begins Monday.

Devern Hansack was scratched from his Pawtucket start tonight, so it looks like he will get the start Friday against the Atlanta Braves. Since Hansack was just up in Boston, for him to return so soon, someone has to go on the DL (Beckett and his finger, or Drew and his back?)

Here are Jason Varitek's comments about Matsuzaka's performance Monday night:

In case you haven't noticed, everyone has an opinion on Roger Clemens going to the Yankees. My humble take is that the Yankees spent a lot of money for a 5/6-inning pitcher, but what was their choice? Respected writer Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram offers his take.

You have heard of Brandon Moss, and are probably aware of pitching prospect Micahel Bowden. But who is Bubba Bell?

Julian Tavarez is a relief pitcher. That fact is becoming obvious. And if positive signs come from Jon Lester's two starts for Pawtucket (first one tonight), then it appears he will join the Red Sox rotation. But assuming Tavarez goes back to bullpen, who leaves? I don't think anyone has options for Triple-A.

Was supposed to be at Fenway this weekend, but the contractions got in the way (and I am not referring to the elimination of the Twins and Marlins) ... Things have quieted for now, but I won't be in Boston. I will try to check in after the game.

Julian Tavarez gets the ball tonight for Boston, but his role as a starter is certainly not a permanent one. Jon Lester is nearing the end of his rehab time in Greenville, S.C., and will likely head to Triple-A Pawtucket from there, according to media reports. He can't be far from the majors. Tavarez, because of the rain, has had only one previous start, a loss (4 innings, 6 hits, 5 walks, 4 earned runs).

While Tuesday's 14-3 rout made for an enjoyable Tuesday for Boston fans, Red Sox Nation - both in New England and in Japan - will be tuned in Wednesday night for the Fenway Park debut of Daisuke Matsuzaka. The first batter he will face will be Ichiro Suzuki.

As expected, reliever Mike Timlin was activated today from the disabled list. To make room for Timlin, lefty Javier Lopez was sent to Pawtucket. Meanwhile, the lineup is set for today's game.

It was not only a loss, but a stinker. Boston certainly did not shine on Monday, in a 7-1 loss to Kansas City. Then again, don't the Red Sox normally lose on opening day? They lost 7-2 at Baltimore in 2004, and that season turned out okay. After checking stories from writers in Kansas City, I decided to offer

Have a story on reliever Bryce Cox going in tomorrow's Press Herald (got to keep the plugs coming). In it is a reference to Craig Hansen.

With a series of roster moves, the Red Sox now have a 25-man roster. Plus, Jon Lester is being sent to Class A Greenville.

According to the Boston Herald Javier Lopez has made the big league club.

As expected, relief pitcher Craig Hansen was sent to Triple-A Pawtucket. Reliever Bryan Corey was also sent down.

Daisuke Matsuzaka did not want to meet with the media after his performance Monday. Who can blame him. All he did was give up zero hits over 5 innings.

The lineup for today's ESPN game is set, and the roster is taking shape.

Despite a strong spring, right-handed pitcher Devern Hansack was sent down to Triple-A Pawtcuket today. Terry Francona hinted at this on Saturday. Hansack recorded a 2.08 ERA in spring training game. Francona did say that Hansack will likely help the Red Sox some time this season.

Not much blogging going on today, my day off. Enjoy your Sunday.

As I mentioned, Devern Hansack looked sharp today. But so did relievers Hideki Okajim, Javier Lopez and Bryan Corey. Who stays with Boston, and who goes to Pawtucket?

Coco Crisp went 1-for-2 with a walk, single and run scored today, his first game since having to rest a sore shoulder. Crisp is coming off a so-so year (.264 batting average), in part because of a broken finger. There may be pressure for him to do much better. But he says he is not concerned with others' opinions.

Former Sea Dogs ace Devern Hansack just finished an impressive outing against the Devil Rays. He pitched a perfect three innings, with three strikeouts .... And in the shameless plug dept., you can read more about Hansack in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Boston took a 3-2 win over Baltimore with Kevin Cash's RBI single in the ninth.
Schilling pitched well (seven innings, 6 hits, six runs, six strikeouts), but the Orioles' Eric Bedard was, as they say, nasty (five innings, one hit, one run, 8 strikeouts).

The one hit off Bedard was a welcomed home run by Jason Varitek. Coming into the game, Varitek was batting .080 (2-for-25). "I took some good swings today," Varitek said. "I've spent a lot of time (working on his swing) and have made some changes. I just need more at-bats. It's time to lock in.

Varitek said he will serve as the DH Saturday when the Red Sox visit the Devil Rays. Devern Hansack, he of the 2006 Portland Sea Dogs, gets the start.

Greetings from the Red Sox batting practice at City of Palms Park. J.D. Drew is hitting ropes into right field, while Kevin Millar (of the visiting Orioles) is embracing Jason Varitek and David Ortiz behind the cage.

If you're keeping score at home, here is today's Red Sox lineup:

On Tuesday, Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon approached Red Sox manager Terry Francona and said he has not been able to sleep at nights. He did not want to be a starter. "I want the ball in the ninth inning," Papelbon said. The manager smiled.

"We were on the same page," Francona said this afternoon when he announced that Papelbon would return to his role as closer for the Red Sox. Francona said he has been thinking about the move all spring and received clearance from the front office and medical staff.

Papelbon: I want to be for the Red Sox what Rivera has been for the Yankees.

Julian Tavarez will become Boston's fifth starter.

Terry Francona will meet with media after the game and the topic will likely be the Red Sox closer. Is Jonathan Papelbon going back to the pen? That is the rumor. Stay tuned.

As for Julian Tavarez, he is being stretched out (i.e. he won't be the closer). Tavarez threw 3 2/3 innings in a minor league game today (allowing four hits and no runs).

Greetings from the Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, Fla., awaiting the arrival of the visiting Red Sox.

Interesting note in Baseball America: about prized pitching prospect and 2006 first-round draft pick Daniel Bard scheduled to start this season with the Red Sox advanced Class A team in Lancaster, Calif. It shows the Red Sox confidence in Bard, who has yet to pitch an inning of pro ball. Depending on his progress, a late season call-up to Portland remains a possibiity.

Sean McAdam reports today in the Providence Journal: that the Red Sox are leaning toward starting the 2007 season with Julian Tavarez as the closer. Hmm.

Former Sea Dogs reliever Ryan Cameron ('03 and '04), who was invited to the Phillies major league camp, was reassigned Monday to the minors.

Tidbits: Spent Wednesday in the Orlando area. Driving through Winter Park, passed by the Harold Alfond Stadium, home of the Rollins College baseball team ... Topic of discussion this morning on one Orlando rock station was Manny Ramirez selling a grill on E-bay ... As I drove down Interstate-4, I wondered when Disney will open its MannyWorld exhibit

Grouper sandwiches ... sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico ... watching baseball played outdoors.

Traffic ... humidity ... roaches ... more traffic.

Florida is not all fun under the sun. But, for nine days in late March, it is not a bad place to be.

You can have the beach. I'll take the baseball. I leave Wednesday morning, flying into Tampa. This will be my fifth spring training spent on the Portland Press Herald's dime (yes, yes, I'm saving the receipts) and the first time I will be blogging my way through it.

Today's entry is sort of a test as I fool around with the doo-dads.

Like, I am supposed to be able to offer you links to other web sites. Say I want to tell you to check out The Red Sox: web site, then you should be able click and go to it.

Be patient. I am still more comfortable with a Smith Corona (kids, ask your parents) than a Mac.

Speaking of the Red Sox site, it will be busy on Saturday, when tickets go on sale for the Futures at Fenway doubleheader, featuring the Portland Sea Dogs, on Aug. 11. The day will feature two minor league games, starting with the Lowell Spinners vs. Hudson Valley Renegades at 12:05 p.m., followed by the Sea Dogs vs. Harrisburg Senators. Tickets range from $5 to $30. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, via the internet or by touch-tone telephone (617-482-4769).

There, I snuck some news in. I'll check back from Fla.