08/28/2008

Yankees get Byrd-brained
NEW YORK — The newcomers are coming through for the Red Sox.

Kotsay deal reaffirms team’s goal
NEW YORK — When the pitching got thin — Tim Wakefield went to the disabled list and Clay Buchholz suffered a crisis of confidence — the Red Sox’ front office made a post-waiver deadline deal to land veteran Paul Byrd, last night’s starter.

With arrival of Kotsay, Crisp’s time may shrink
NEW YORK — When Mark Kotsay arrived in the visitors clubhouse at Yankee Stadium last night to join his new teammates, Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp said he didn’t feel like the odd-man out.

With arrival of Kotsay, Crisp’s time may shrink
NEW YORK — When Mark Kotsay arrived in the visitors clubhouse at Yankee Stadium last night to join his new teammates, Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp said he didn’t feel like the odd-man out.

Kotsay deal reaffirms team’s goal
NEW YORK — When the pitching got thin — Tim Wakefield went to the disabled list and Clay Buchholz suffered a crisis of confidence — the Red Sox’ front office made a post-waiver deadline deal to land veteran Paul Byrd, last night’s starter.

Byrd in hand worth two for Sox
NEW YORK — The New York Yankees could have had Paul Byrd earlier this month when he cleared waivers. Last night, they may have had second thoughts about passing on the opportunity.

Yankees get Byrd-brained
NEW YORK — The newcomers are coming through for the Red Sox.

Red Sox move closer to new Sarasota base
NEW YORK — A potential move of spring training sites is gaining momentum, and before the end of October the Red Sox could have a deal in place to switch their Florida spring base from Fort Myers to Sarasota, starting in 2011.

Kotsay deal reaffirms team’s goal
NEW YORK — When the pitching got thin — Tim Wakefield went to the disabled list and Clay Buchholz suffered a crisis of confidence — the Red Sox’ front office made a post-waiver deadline deal to land veteran Paul Byrd, last night’s starter.

08/27/2008

Red Sox 7, Yankees 3 -- Masterson helps keep A-Rod down
NEW YORK — Justin Masterson experienced the biggest moment of his young major-league career last night in Boston’s 7-3 victory.

Sean McAdam: In final years, Sox rewrote history in Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK — Tomorrow afternoon, the Red Sox will play their final regular-season game at Yankee Stadium, though it’s doubtful that Sox players will find much significance in the occasion.

Drew trades places with Wakefield on disabled list
NEW YORK - Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Aug. 18) yesterday with a herniated disk in his back.

Victory a happy ending to Wakefield's up-and-down Stadium career
NEW YORK — Tim Wakefield has already suffered a career low point in Yankee Stadium. So if last night was, as he fervently hopes, his last start at the historic ballpark, it constitutes a high.

Braves’ Kotsay interests Sox
NEW YORK — The Red Sox and Atlanta Braves were getting closer late last night to a deal that would send outfielder Mark Kotsay to Boston.

Red Sox will help open the Mets’ new Citi Field
NEW YORK — Last night the Red Sox began their final series in an historic soon-to-close New York ballpark. Next spring, they’ll help open a new New York ballpark one borough over.

Lowell rejoins team at Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK -- Mike Lowell arrived at Yankee Stadium yesterday and declared himself "pain-free."

Beckett on track to start Friday
NEW YORK -- Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett threw a 50-pitch side session yesterday at Yankee Stadium and it went well, according manager Terry Francona.

Bailey, Zink win most valuable awards for their Triple-A seasons
NEW YORK -- Jeff Bailey started at first base last night for the Red Sox.

PawSox 11, IronPigs 4 -- Colon has a rough time in latest outing
Chris Carter and Jeff Natale each had four hits and drove in two runs to key an 18-hit attack.

08/26/2008

Bringing down the house -- Red Sox open their last regular-season series at Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK — When the Red Sox begin their three-game series against the Yankees tonight, it very well could be the last time Boston plays at Yankee Stadium.

Buchholz pleased with first outing in return to Portland
PORTLAND, Maine — The resurrection of Clay Buchholz began in earnest last night, in a spot no one ever expected to see him in again.

Injured Sox to continue rehab
NEW YORK — Red Sox pitcher David Aardsma (groin) and shortstop Julio Lugo (quad tear) were examined by Dr. Peter Asnis yesterday in Boston.

Ken Ryan starting AAU program for baseball in Pawtucket
NEW YORK -- Former Red Sox pitcher and Seekonk native Ken Ryan is starting an AAU baseball program for ages 13 and 14 this fall.

PawSox 4, IronPigs 2 -- Hull does the job in spot start
Eric Hull, making a spot start on short notice for Pawtucket, more than doubled his longest appearance of the year while striking out seven and not walking a batter in five innings.

08/25/2008

Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 5 -- Lowrie blast in 11th wins it
After Dustin Pedroia’s three-run homer and some solid bullpen work, Jed Lowrie blasts a solo shot that gives Boston the victory and a 4-2 record on this road trip.

Lowrie continues to make impact
TORONTO –– As Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo was on a plane heading back to Boston yesterday to continue his rehab from a torn quadriceps, Jed Lowrie was taking flight in a different manner.

Francona's message to Ellsbury -- No pain, no gain
TORONTO -- Earlier this season, Red Sox manager Terry Francona challenged a sore Jacoby Ellsbury and explained to the rookie that some times you have to play through the pain for the good of the club.

J.D. Drew may end up on disabled list
TORONTO -- Right fielder J.D. Drew has missed the last six games with a herniated disk.

PawSox 8, IronPigs 5 -- Stopped by Carrasco, PawSox pile on the bullpen
Carlos Carrasco, considered by most the pitching jewel in the Philadelphia Phillies’ system, dominated the PawSox over the first six innings as his club staked him to a 4-0 lead.

08/24/2008

Lester comes up flat for Red Sox as Blue Jays win going away
The Boston lefty lasts only 2 1/3 innings — his shortest outing of his career.

08/23/2008

Red Sox 8, Blue Jays 4 -- Varitek, Byrd lead Sox to revenge against Jays
Starter Paul Byrd records his first win with Boston, while Jason Varitek goes 2-for-3, including a homer.

Drew’s back injury is a big pain for Red Sox
TORONTO — The Red Sox received an unpleasant surprise yesterday afternoon when they learned that outfielder J.D. Drew is suffering from a herniated disk in his back.

Beckett and Wakefield get in some throwing
TORONTO -- Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett played catch yesterday afternoon with pitching coach John Farrell for about 10 minutes. Trainer Mike Reinold watched.

Woes continue for Lugo
TORONTO -- Red Sox injured shortstop Julio Lugo was limping around the clubhouse yesterday at the Rogers Centre.

Chris Smith, aspiring photographer
TORONTO -- Reliever Chris Smith was was called up from Pawtucket prior to last night’s game. This is his fourth stint with the Red Sox this season.

Buchholz to start for Portland on Monday
TORONTO -- Pitching prospect Clay Buchholz, who was optioned to Double-A Portland after his last Red Sox start in Baltimore on Wednesday, is slated to pitch Monday for the Sea Dogs against New Britain at Portland.

Colon to make two more starts for PawSox
TORONTO -- Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon, who threw four hitless innings during a rehab start for the PawSox on Thursday at McCoy Stadium, will start again for Pawtucket on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley and again on the 31 at McCoy against the IronPigs.

Red Wings 5, PawSox 1 -- Ross homers, but PawSox fail to clinch playoff spot
David Ross hit a home run in his PawSox debut, and reliever Beau Vaughan allowed only one run (a Garrett Jones homer) in 3 2/3 innings.

08/22/2008

Update: Drew has herniated disc in back
Outfielder hopes he won't have to go on disabled list

Red Sox' rotation has become major concern going into the stretch
TORONTO — Whoever coined the phrase, “You can never have too much pitching,” obviously didn’t have much.

Colon's on track to fill gaping hole in Boston rotation
PAWTUCKET - About an hour before last night's game, Bartolo Colon was standing by himself in front of a McCoy Stadium entrance looking all the world like some Little League kid who couldn't wait for the game to start.

Catcher David Ross added to PawSox
TORONTO — The Red Sox have signed catcher David Ross to a minor-league deal, and he is expected to join the Pawtucket Red Sox in Rochester either today or tomorrow.

Red Sox recall Chris Smith from Pawtucket

PawSox 8, Chiefs 3 -- Madera, Colon lead Pawtucket to victory
Pawtucket's Sandy Madera had three RBI on a two-run opposite-field double to right in the first and a sizzling run-scoring single to right in the third.

08/21/2008

Orioles 11, Red Sox 6 -- Buchholz stumbles again, is demoted to Portland
The rookie starting pitcher yields five runs in 2 1/3 innings — his shortest outing of the season — and is then sent to Double-A Portland to try to regain his form.

Jim Donaldson: Yaz’s splendid ’67 fueled fervor for baseball in Boston
When I think of Carl Yastrzemski, two things come to mind.

Beckett could be back on hill in New York
BALTIMORE — Pitcher Josh Beckett, who had his next start pushed back three days because of numbness and tingling in the pinky and ring fingers on his throwing hand, is expected to throw tomorrow in preparation for his start Tuesday night in New York.

Ellsbury closes in on franchise stolen-base record
BALTIMORE -- Speedster Jacoby Ellsbury stole two bases on Tuesday night to reach 40 for the season, and added another one last night.

Lugo suffers setback in rehab
BALTIMORE -- Shortstop Julio Lugo suffered a setback in his rehab yesterday when he aggravated his torn quadriceps while running in the outfield at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Drew misses another game as back problems persist
BALTIMORE -- Right fielder J.D. Drew was not in the starting lineup last night for the third consecutive day because of back stiffness.

Wakefield could fill gap if Beckett' can't go
BALTIMORE -- Tim Wakefield threw a 44-pitch side session yesterday and reportedly felt fine. The veteran knuckleballer will throw another side on Saturday in Toronto, and it’s possible he’ll be ready to pitch in a game after that.

PawSox 8, Chiefs 5 -- Struggling Corsaletti breaks out with 5 RBI
Jeff Corsaletti, batting a mere .193 with one homer and five RBI in his first 32 games and 109 at-bats for the PawSox, had a homer and four RBI last night.

PawSox’ Van Every, Carter miss thrill of chase
PAWTUCKET — When a baseball player can step on the field, life is good.

08/20/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/19/2008

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

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

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

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

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

08/18/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/17/2008

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

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

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

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

08/16/2008

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

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

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

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

08/15/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/14/2008

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

08/13/2008

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

08/14/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/13/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/12/2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

08/11/2008

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

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

08/10/2008

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