a700hitter

I would think that Youkilis will probably be back for the weekend series against the Phillies. I suspect that Tim Wakefield hit the ball that nailed Doubront. Wakefield is at Fenway today.

It's a 4:05 start this afternoon, just in case you did not know.

^ This is the most likely scenario. He is not going to be in the mix this season for the big club. He hasn't played anywhere in more than a year.

That's why I said 3-5 years ago.

I think Kalish would need at least a month in the minors before they would consider calling him up.

I find back patting to be less offensive than poking. And you are right that things are not black and white. If people responded to the posts instead of the posters, they would be surprised about the amount of overlap and agreement. After all, we are insanely well-informed fans about the Red Sox and we know the game pretty well. Most of the time, we can agree on who is good and who is bad on the field. The disagreements oddly enough come with regard to the FO and there capabilities and motives. I have never been a guy who roots for or likes management. Let me be clear. I don't dislike them either. I am very open about that. I don't believe in cutting them slack. I expect them to do their job and get a good product on the field. I don't want to hear excuses from them. I don't want to hear excuses about building for the future, not sacrificing the future, etc., because 3 to 5 years ago 2012 was the future and we were hearing the same s***. I'll listen about the future and be excited, but it cuts them no slack from me with regard to today's team-- never. Many people disagree with that philosophy and that's okay.

Welcome to TalkSox.

I like to stop in Jerry Remy's on Boylston for a pregame beer. Beerworks is good too, or any of the places around the ballpark. Welcome to TalkSox.

Yes, it is, and everyone is entitled to their opinion without being ridiculed. Crazy opinions are welcome. Nasty bastards who insult people for their opinions are not.

In order to go on a sustained run, the bullpen will have to be consistently good, and despite their recent good performance, I am not convinced that the pen has the arms to be consistently good. I don't have much trust in any of them to pitch the 8th inning. I am still not sold on Miller and Albers is scary. In the end, the pen is the weakest part of this team, but the easiest to fix. With a good pen, this team could get back into the race as long as the big 3 stabilize.

Great game by Lester!!!

I agree. When they are cruising send them out for another inning.

I could see the Blanton move. That would make sense for both teams. Blanton is a serviceable starter most of the time. He's also Daniel Nava's favorite pitcher.

I'm happy for the kid. Another nice memory for him to look back on as he is pumping gas in a couple of years.

I never said he was a slug. He obviously tries very hard. He's a bush leaguer. I should keep bashing him. It's working well. The kid is making the most of his shot. It would be funny if he sticks for the season, but Middlebrooks gets sent down.