REPORT: Sox Get Bedard

According to ESPN, the Red Sox have acquired left-handed starter Erik Bedard from the Mariners. The deal involved the Dodgers as well. The Red Sox parted with catching prospect Tim Federowicz, Juan Rodriguez and Stephen Fife (headed to the Dodgers); Chih Hsien Chiang is headed going to Seattle.

Harden Deal Off

The Boston Globe is reporting that the deal to bring Rich Harden to Boston is off, after the Red Sox examined his medical records.

Pale Hosing

The Red Sox finally aligned their potent offense with their finest starting pitching in a 10-2 blowout of the Chicago White Sox. Jon Lester, in just his second start off the DL, went eight impressive frames—yielding just four hits and two earned runs.

The Sox opened up a fairly close 5-2 game in the ninth inning, when they put up five runs—including back-to-back jacks by Adrian Gonzalez (#18) and Kevin Youkilis (#15).

The Sox keep a two-game lead on the Empire. Boston acquired right-handed starter Rich Harden from the A's and got SS Mike Aviles in a trade with the Royals.

REPORT: Sox Acquire Rich Harden

ESPN's Jayson Stark is reporting that the Red Sox have acquired RHP Rich Harden from Oakland for 1B Lars Anderson and a player to be named later.

Bad News On Buchholz

The Globe's Nick Cafardo is tweeting that Clay Buchholz may be seeing another back specialist next week.

Felix Mantilla: Forgotten Star

As a kid growing up in Boston, the early sixties were dismal days to be a Red Sox fan. Ted Williams was gone, and the team muddled through second division finishes in '63, '64 and '65—losing 100 games in the last year of that run.

The sometime 2B/SS/utility infielder on those teams was Felix Mantilla. He was not a star, but, on his 77th birthday, it might be a good time to look back on his Boston career. It actually started with different Boston laundry—that of the cross-town Braves. Drafted out of Puerto Rico by the Braves in 1952, he roomed in the minors with a guy you might have heard of—Hank Aaron. By then, they were both Milwaukee Braves and came up together in 1956. They won a ring together in 1957—beating the Yankees in seven games. He was also the batter that spoiled Harvey Haddix's perfect game in 1959—reaching base on a fielding error in the 13th inning.

Mantilla came to the Red Sox from the Mets in 1963—in exchange for Boston's first African-American player, Pumpsie Green. It's safe to say that Felix liked the change of scenery.

In '63 he hit .315 in just 66 games, then .289 with 30 home runs in 1964. But in 1965, he hit his stride. Playing in 150 games that year (mostly at 2B), he made his first All-Star team. He hit .275, with 18 home runs and a career-best 92 RBI. He actually knocked in ten more runs than Tony Conigliaro and twenty more than Yaz. But when your team finishes in last place, losing 100 games, no one remembers.

On his 77th birthday today, let's remember Felix Mantilla and what he did for the Red Sox.

FN Poll: Trade for Ubaldo?

Numerous reports suggest that to get Rockies right-handed starter Ubaldo Jimenez, the Red Sox need to part with SP Kyle Weiland and AA 3B Will Middlebrooks. Please vote in our latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks: Should the Red Sox make that trade? VOTE HERE.

FN Poll: Realistic SP Trade Targets

With the latest news that Clay Buchholz's back injury may be more serious than previously thought, the Red Sox may be more intent on getting another starter. Please vote in our latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks: Which one of six realistic SP trade targets (Bedard, Guthrie, Harang, Harden, Jimenez, Kuroda) should the Sox pursue? VOTE HERE.

Red Flag On Buchholz

The previously targeted mid-August return of Clay Buchholz after his "aggressive" rehab is now in serious doubt. WEEI's Alex Speier reports that the Red Sox are sending the right-hander to a back specialist to determine whether he has "structural" bone issues and not a simple muscle strain in his back. Uh-oh.

If Theo hadn't already been tracking down a starter in the trade market, he'd better be now. Even though their respective teams have "poo-pooed" trades for Ubaldo Jiminez and James Shields, they are likely still in play. The Red Sox would do well to nab either one of these to bolster the Great Disappearing Starting Rotation.

Remember Opening Day? The featured starters were Beckett, Lester, Buchholz, Dice-K and Lackey. Now, the only sure things are Beckett and Lester (and both golfing buddies have been on the DL recently).

If Boston is going to maintain its supremacy in the AL East, it will need to get a legitimate extra starter—and not just the dregs of a Kevin Slowey.

Royale With Cheese

At the risk of (once again) offending the legion of John Lackey supporters out there, the Red Sox offense covered up another "just OK" performance by the right-hander last night. Hey, the facts are the facts. After falling behind 3-0 in the first, Lackey was immediately rescued by back-to-back jacks by Ellsbury and Pedroia.

The inevitable double-digit run total was achieved later on Papi's ninth career grand slam—which also resulted in his 1,000th Red Sox RBI. The Sox ended up winning, 12-5.

Lackey ended up going 5 2/3 innings, giving up 11 hits and 3 earned runs—including two home runs. I don't know, are we way out of line for suggesting that this is probably not 5 year/$82.5M territory?

To the anonymous reader who gets upset with our Lackey criticisms: please send in your defense and we will gladly publish it under your name.

REPORT: Beltran Traded To Giants

The New York Times is reporting that the Mets have traded Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants for top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler.

Sox Wednesday Lineup (7/27/11)

Via Peter Abraham of the Globe.

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup

FN Poll: Which Starter To Boston?

Please vote in our latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks: Which of three rumored starting pitchers is most likely to be traded to the Red Sox? VOTE HERE.

Lackey Shuts Us Up

As one irate commenter to FN stated before tonight's game:

'And when lack gets a W don't write some tired post about how well he pitched.'

OK, I won't. Except he did.

I was there and was proven dead wrong about his performance tonight. After giving up a run in the first, he found his location and scattered eight hits. He gave up just one run and actually out-pitched Felix Hernandez. I'll admit it. I didn't think there was a chance he'd come out with a win tonight. I was wrong. The Sox came away with their 60th win, 7-4.

Hopefully this is the John Lackey we see for the rest of the year.

OK, "anonymous poster"? Are you happy? Did I eat enough crow? By the way, if you want, I'll be happy to let you post openly whenever you want.

Where's the fan's CBA?

As I write this, it has reached 99 degrees Fahrenheit at Fenway Park. And, it's barely past noon. Later on, for some ungodly reason, I and a friend will be trekking to 'America's Most Cramped Ballpark' to watch John Lackey take on King Felix Hernandez. How do think that will turn out?

My rough meteorological estimate is that, come game time, the Heat Index at Fenway will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 110. In the munchkin-sized grandstand seats we occupy at the largess of the NOG (well up under the 1912 roof structure), the stifling Heat Index will probably be over 200.

John Lackey (in his likely loss) will make $508,333.33 for his troubles ($15.25 million divided by 30 starts-a goal he probably won't reach, so it's even more money). My friend and I will spend around $150 each—if we're lucky! I ask you: Is this fair? Lackey even gets to retreat to the air-conditioned clubhouse between innings. My friend and I get to rise and let pass some Pink Hat to get her 35th beer around the 6th inning.

In the wake of football players whining about their 48% share of NFL revenues, I propose a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for fans. I can't speak for its content just yet, but 'for sure' one provision would be a refund for sweating through performances by the John Lackeys of the world. Solidarity, my brothers!

The Bard Of Awesome

Even if you're just a casual Red Sox fan, you've probably gotten the sense that Daniel Bard is having a pretty good year. Well, in fact, it's been an historic one.

As the Globe's Peter Abraham points out, Bard has cobbled together the longest scoreless appearance streak in Red Sox history—21 outings. The availability of what is—functionally—closer #1 and closer # 2 is a huge bonus for Terry Francona. And he has used that bonus with great frequency and success this year. Opposing batters are hitting only .108 during the 21-game run and he has now added a 'change-up slider' to his repertoire. So, after you weather his 100-mph fastball, you just might see an 81-mph slurve. Good luck.

With Papelbon's possible Boras-induced departure next year, at least we know we have a legitimate closer-in-waiting in Daniel Bard.

Sox Scout Slowey

The Red Sox are scouting the rehab assignment of the second-worst named pitcher in baseball—Kevin Slowey. The Twins right-hander finished second to Grant Balfour for the most inappropriate pitcher name. The best pitcher name went to the A's Josh Outman.

By the way, Slowey was creamed in his start. Case closed.

FN Poll: Pence Trade?

Please vote in our latest FenwayNation POLL, which asks: Should the Red Sox trade multiple prospects for Houston outfielder Hunter Pence? VOTE HERE.

'Hunting' For Pence?

The Globe's Peter Abraham passes on word from ESPN's Buster Olney that Houston is making it known that star outfielder Hunter Pence is available. Pence, only 28, would seem to be the perfect transitional fit for the Red Sox—who need to move on from ineffective, 35-year old J.D. Drew.

Pence will cost Boston multiple prospects—from an already depleted minor league talent pool. It may be that equally needy teams like Atlanta will offer up a more attractive package of players to land the outfielder—who is hitting .316 with 11 homers so far this year.

Moreover, Theo may be honing in on starting pitching as his primary need—with Beckett as the only currently healthy 'sure thing' in the rotation. Also, with the Rays falling further off the pace, it's increasingly likely that both New York and Boston will reach the postseason—one as the division champ and one as the Wild Card. This probably lessens the urgency for both teams to break the bank for either a bat or an arm (or both).

Going (Camden) Yard Twice

At first, it appeared that Andrew Miller would not make it out of the early innings. And even though he ended up going 5 2/3, he did walked six batters—including three straight in one inning. Then again, he only gave up two hits, and got the victory and the shutout win over the increasingly woeful O's. The 4-0 win gives the Sox their 59th win in their 96th game. They are playing at a blistering .679 clip since their 2-10 start.

Jacoby Ellsbury went yard twice and Adrian Gonzalez dispelled all the All-Star voodoo notions with four hits. The Sox now have an off-day on Thursday and begin a series at Fenway against the Mariners on Friday night.

Empire Sullies Fenway's 100th

Granted it's a network executive's dream: the Yankees invading Fenway on the exact date of its 100th birthday (April 20, 2012). But, is that how we want to celebrate the centennial of 'America's Most Cramped Ballpark?' Hell, no!

Any of the other twelve AL teams would be fine, but not the Evil Ones! They should not be allowed to defile the creaking, yet Grand Olde Lady with their vile presence.

So, Bud Selig and his coven of schedule-making geeks have already made two blunders for the 2012 season. First, they put the All-Star Game in Kansas City instead of the obvious choice of the 100-year old Fenway; and now they allow the desecration of that same sacred ground by denizens of the Bronx. Shame.

Drew Out, Reddick In Wed.

Fascination With J.D. Drew

Before the $70 million acquisition of our current right-fielder, the great Bob Ryan famously asked GM Theo Epstein:

"What's the fascination, if it is true, with J.D. Drew?"

Indeed. While he delivered a salami in the 2007 ALCS, maintained a high on-base percentage during his Boston tenure, and has been an above-average defender, he has not been worth $14 million a year.

As his offensive numbers diminish across the board in 2011, it's painfully obvious that Josh Reddick is a better option—at least while he maintains his torrid pace. Even if Reddick is traded, whomever comes over in the deal (Beltran/Francouer/Cuddyer/Ludwick) has to start over Drew.

Effectively, his Sox career is over—two and one-half months early. If the Sox are to contend to the end, they have to either sit him or release him.

FN Book Review: Cardboard Gods

Don't judge Josh Wilker's book, 'Cardboard Gods', by its cover. This is much more than a lyrical romp through the collective memory of iconic baseball cards. It's a fascinating look at how those same cards can be a metaphor for the various stages of a person's life.

Wilker traces the significance of each card (59 of them beautifully displayed throughout the book) on a particular moment in his childhood and/or adult development. These include his coming to grips with his "hippie" household lifestyle (his Mom's "main squeeze" was a roving blacksmith in Vermont) or his rivalry/love for his brother. All is explained through the lens of a Yaz card or a Buckner card or (hilariously) a Rowland Office card.

This is a gem of a book—far from your typical tome on baseball. We recommend it highly.

FN Poll: New Pedey Nickname?

Please vote in the latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks which nickname better fits Dustin Pedroia: 'Laser Show' or 'Muddy Chicken'? VOTE HERE.

FN In Eagle-Tribune

FenwayNation was featured in a Sunday sports article in the Eagle-Tribune Newspaper (Massachusetts). You can read the entire article HERE.

The Legend Of 'Muddy Chicken'

In the wee hours of Monday morning, a new Boston baseball legend was born. Thanks to the intrepid reporting of WEEI's Rob Bradford, we now know the name of this new legend: The Muddy Chicken.

Forget 'Laser Show', or 'Captain In Waiting', the new (and probably permanent) nickname for the incomparable Dustin Pedroia is, you guessed it: The Muddy Chicken. Josh Beckett made reference to the new moniker several times in his post-game interview. And why not?

Not only did Dustin Pedroia knock in the game-winning run in the 16th inning (going 3 for 7 overall on the night), but he made two spectacular diving plays in the field, getting up (mud covered) to nail runners at first by an eyelash. He was—you'll pardon the expression—like a free-ranging Muddy Chicken.

So, while a lot of the Nation went to bed before this marathon ended, they were awoken by the shrill cries of the invincible Muddy Chicken.

'Starting' To Get Worried

While John Lackey won today, it was another shaky victory—aided by nine runs for the good guys. Andrew Miller has been reverting to his wildness lately and Clay Buchholz won't return until mid-August. Add to all of this Jon Lester's balky lat and Wakefield's adventuresome starts and you have one dysfunctional starting pitching situation for the Red Sox. Beckett can't do it alone.

What this suggests is that Boston's priority at the trade deadline might just be a starter rather than a right-handed outfield bat. It could be Matt Garza, or Hiroki Kuroda, or even old friend Derek Lowe, but the team needs some stability in the rotation if it plans on maintaining a lead in the AL East.

In Theo We Trust.

Canadian Fakin'

The MLB Extra Innings package was made for days like yesterday. With the Sox enjoying an All-Star Break bonus day off, your humble scribe was forced to watch the Evil Ones battle the Jays at Rogers Centre (always and forever the SkyDome to me—and, by the way, why do Canadians have to tack an extra "e" onto everything?).

Anyway, there are few moments more joyful than watching the Yankees go down 8-0 after one inning—particularly with the bloated juicer Bartolo Colon on the hill. By contrast, there is nothing more angst-inducing that watching the Yankees crawl back into the game at 9-7 against the putrid Jo-Jo Reyes.

But all is well in the baseball firmament. Toronto finally got to the Empire's bullpen and cruised to a 16-7 win, pushing the Pinstripe Posers 1.5 games in back of the Sox. Even more laughable than the loss was Russel Martin's contention that the Jays were "stealing signs" during their many trips around the bases. Have the Yankees come to this level of excuse-mongering?

Ah, the splendor. Or is that splendore?

Papi Suspended Four Games

Major League Baseball has suspended David Ortiz for four games for his charging of the mound against the Baltimore Orioles.

FN Poll: Remaining Fenway Fixes

Please vote in our latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks: After the 10-year renovation project at Fenway Park, what still needs fixing? VOTE HERE.

Sox Only 31st Valued Team

Back in 2002, when the NOG (New Ownership Group) paid $700 million for the Red Sox, they probably thought they'd at least double their investment by now. You know, two rings and the passion of 'Red Sox Nation' and all. Wrong, derivative breath!

Almost a decade after they underbid groups headed by Miles Prentice ($755 million) and Charles Dolan ($750 million), the NOG's Olde Towne Team is, according to Forbes, valued at a paltry $912 million—31st on the list! That's only $212 million more than they paid—and you know how many hundreds of millions they've poured into 'America's Most Cramped Ballpark'. Hardly a windfall.

Look closely and you can see the steam coming out of John Henry's ears. After all, not only is his toy worth almost half of what the Steinbrenner's toy is worth ($1.7 billion), he even trails his in-state rival Robert Kraft! His Patriots click in at $1.37 billion.

Being wired with the Commissioner just doesn't pay like it used to.

The Worst That Could Happen?

There are those in the blogosphere who now confidently predict that—based on their .611 winning percentage—the Sox will amass 99 wins. Don't you hate that kind of projection? It means absolutely nothing.

Having said that, it is kind of fun to play the percentages as we approach the start of the unofficial second half of the season (actually, only 72 games remain).

So, if the red flags on the Red Sox horizon continue to wave and/or more fully flutter (starting pitching injuries, lousy RF production, weak SS defense, Carl Crawford funk), they might play .500 ball the rest of the year, right? Even that scenario gives them 91 wins—probably enough to seriously contend for the Wild Card.

The Carmine Hose would have to collapse like—well, like they did in the first 12 games of the year—to finish out of the post-season. It could happen, but with one of the few offenses in baseball that is clicking on most cylinders, it seems much more likely that we will be enjoying Games 1 and 2 of the World Series in Philly come October.

FN's Mark Lawrence on Papi

Two More years! Two More Years!
by Mark Lawrence, FN Down Under Editor

Sydney, Australia—July 13, 2011. The Editor must have had an inkling that the latest FenwayNation poll question would elicit from me a resounding “Hell, yes!” and cause the rest of the Nation to fetch up a sigh, shake its collective head and wonder yet again if Lawrence works PR in the employ of Ortiz, Inc.

But let’s think for a moment about what the Nation stands to gain if a two year deal for Big Papi is inked.

A two year contract would mean that Ortiz would see the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park – a place that he loves – as well as winding up his career after ten years with Boston – the team that he loves. And after all that time, I think he deserves that distinctive fillip to his career.

Since joining the Club in 2003, David Ortiz has become pretty much of a mainstay for the Red Sox – of the entire 2004 roster, he is one of only four still with Boston. The others? Tek, Wake and Youk. That’s the kind of company Ortiz is in. And a look at his career numbers proves that he’s earned his place in the Boston Pantheon. They don’t call him Senor Octubre for nothing.

A lively debate will inevitably ensue over whether or not a two-year investment in a player who’s edging 40 is a smart move or not – but I worry that the focus will be on those times early in the season when Ortiz struggled to find his footing. And the fact that he managed to recover – each time - and put up some fairly decent numbers is likely to be forgotten by the Media Pack. They’ll instead wail and moan about Ortiz’s advancing age and make dire predictions that Papi will help the 2012 team like an anvil helps a drowning man. And I’ll bet cash money that articles calling for an Ortiz signing will be harder to find in the Boston broadsheets than good character references for ole Whitey.

The fact is that David Ortiz is a vital part of the Red Sox – the numbers prove that – and the intangibles he brings to the Club cannot be underestimated. Give him the respect he deserves for the work he’s done – and give him the two years.

FN Poll: New Deal For Papi?

Please vote in the latest FenwayNation Poll, which asks whether the Red Sox should offer David Ortiz a two-year contract. VOTE HERE.

Waiting For Phone To Ring

There's still time. Based on the guys who are being named late to the All-Star teams, I think I have a shot. Don't laugh, here's my case:

1.) I once got an RBI off Luis Tiant (see photo). At the 1992 Red Sox fantasy camp in Winter Haven, I hit a scorching ground ball to deep short. I was thrown out at first, but a run scored.

2.) Twenty years of extremely competitive softball. I'm talking an OPS of like 2.000.

3.) I'm old enough to have seen Ted Williams play—a perennial All-Star.

4.) Kansas City's Aaron Crow is an All-Star.

So, I'll be by the phone through today hoping for a call from Ron Washington. Wish me luck!

The Sox-O's Tumult

Uh-Os!
by Mark Lawrence, Down-Under Editor

Sydney, Australia—July 9, 2011. At the moment that the Nobody Orioles reliever chucked a fast one a little too close to David Ortiz in yesterday’s blowout, I set my coffee down, leaned a little closer to the monitor and said: “Uh oh.”

What happened next has been broadcast and rebroadcast hundreds of times – it’s been written to death by scribes far more talented than I and been discussed in countless New England watering holes and I’m sure that everyone in the Nation is saying the same thing: Way to go, Papi.

When I read what the Nobody who started the whole mess had to say about it, I just rolled my eyes, shook my head and spat out some pretty nasty pejoratives – you know the routine: I called this prissy l’il pitcher a naughty word that compared him in a roundabout way to a fluffy little feline.

“I think you show them that we’re not backing down. We’re not scared of them — them and their $180 million payroll,” said Gregg. “We don’t care. We’re here to play the game. We have just as much right to play the game here and we’re going to do everything we can to win.”

Oh really? You’re here to play the game??

Looking at the sequence, I didn’t see any behavior from the Boston Nine that might’ve excused Gregg’s lousy sportsmanship. You buzz a fastball under a guy’s nose - not once, but twice - and then you decide to ignore what is likely the most menacing glare from the dish in all the Game. And what do you do next? Well, hell, you’re a smart guy; you bark a few sharp words of rebuke at the guy you’ve just thrown at, berating him for a slow trot towards first. What – exactly - did Gregg think was going to happen? Maybe he thought Ortiz would tip him a rueful nod – yeah, man, you’re right, I really should run out this pop-up – and buy him a soda after the game?

Of course, Baltimore has been enduring a seemingly endless losing streak lately and the frustration must have been very close to the tipping point early in yesterday’s game. But – and remember I’m nowhere near as knowledgeable about the game as most of you – isn’t this one of the most bush league displays from a visiting tam we’ve seen in a very long time? The only failure of sportsmanship I can compare this too is the behavior of that ageing pretty boy from New York City – old Tek cleaned his clock pretty well, as I recall, but that was years ago and in those intervening years, the Red Sox have consistently played the game like gentlemen should.

Of course, there’ll be the usual round of fines and suspensions, as there should be, but in all of it the Commissioner should focus his attention on the epicenter of this little earthquake – the Nobody Reliever from Fenway South – and forcefully remind him that petulance, frustration and bad sportsmanship have never formed part of the Great American Pastime.

Theo's Hits And Misses

Great job Theo! Now about those free agents…
by Larry Shiman, FN Board Member

July 11, 2011—When it comes to player acquisition, all GM’s make mistakes, and pretty much all of them get a few things right as well. Overall, I think Theo Epstein has done a very good job, and I don’t think we can expect much more than the results we have seen over the past seven or eight years. Of course, he’s not perfect, and some of his decisions have been, well, unfortunate.

What’s so interesting about Epstein’s record is that his successes and failures have been so consistent. The free agents signed by the Red Sox since 2004 have ranged from disappointing to awful. Yet the team remains successful, largely because they are so good at getting productive players in other ways.

Let’s say you place new player acquisitions into one of four categories:

1.Players brought up from the farm system
2.Players acquired by trade
3.Players signed as free agents to one year deals, or for such little money that they are no real risk to the organization if they don’t work out
4.Players signed as free agents for two or more years, and for a reasonably significant amount of money

This sets aside any players who were already on the team when the current regime arrived. Players in the last category are clearly the greatest risk. If they bomb in their first year, it’s not only embarrassing, but you’re on the hook for several years of a bad contract. It also doesn’t endear them to fans when they underperform despite the salary and expectations.
Let’s first start with the categories of acquisitions that have worked out for the Red Sox: Players brought up from the farm system.

In my view, the Red Sox record of turning top prospects into solid or star players is phenomenal. Among the players brought up in the system are Youkilis, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, Bucholz, Papelbon, Lowrie, and Bard. It can be argued that this group makes up the core of the team, and has for several years. In fact, it’s hard to think of any highly touted prospects who haven’t worked out.

Compare this with the record of other teams. For example, everyone was raving about the Diamondback's prospects a few years ago – they had something like a dozen players who were supposed to turn into stars. Yet only a couple of these players ended up being anything like productive players. Even Tampa, who has had a run of success based in good part on home grown players have had some misses as well.

Trades: Many of the deals involving the Red Sox are based on more than talent. These players are often about to get expensive, or are in a situation where the old teams are building for the future, and are therefore in greater need of future rather than current talent.

Players acquired by the Red Sox through trade include Beckett, Lowell, Gonzalez, Saltamachhia, V. Martinez, Hall, Bay, Crisp, Schilling, Loretta, and Bellhorn. Clearly not all of these players worked out (Coco), but the Red Sox have gotten some real production here. Once in a while, the guy they give up will turn into something special (Hanley Ramirez), but I’m certainly glad these guys have been on the team over the past several years. Terrific record overall, made even better as of late with the out-of-this world performance of Adrian Gonzalez.

Low-risk free agents: Usually, these guys are nothing special – that’s why the Red Sox are able to get them either cheap, or at low risk. All you hope for is the occasional diamond in the rough. And of course, the Red Sox landed the biggest fish of all in this pool – Big Papi. They also had some success with guys like Okajima and Beltre (who was signed to a one-year deal). Theo has also been good at finding useful spare parts, productive middle relievers or utility guys who don’t kill the club. Still no negatives for the current regime.

High-risk free agents: Here is where the other shoe drops. You want to see a list of disappointments? How about the following: Crawford, Lackey, Matsuzaka, Scutaro, Drew ,Cameron, Jenks, Lugo, Clement, Renteria. Am I missing anyone? Drew has been okay, although I don’t think he’s produced what they wanted. Scutaro’s okay. But the rest…Wow.

And yet the team has generally been successful. Can you imagine what their record would have been if these guys did work out?

In the end, it doesn’t matter that much whether your stars are the guys you brought up through your system, acquired by trade, or spent a gazillion dollars to acquire. It sure is interesting, though.

A Modest All-Star Game Proposal

In the time before SportsCenter and MLB satellite packages, the Midsummer Classic used to be a unique fan showcase of the game's greats. Today, it is a shadow of its former self and needs some fixing.

While Bud Selig's intentions were good when he made the All-Star Game the determinant of home field advantage in the World Series, it was, in fact, one his worst moves as Commissioner. What makes baseball so much better than other sports is the 162-game grind to find out who is best. To render the ultimate series of that marathon subject to the outcome of one exhibition game is absurd. To make matters worse, the silly All-Star selection process waters down the rosters, so the managers don't even have the luxury of putting the best players on the field to win a key game.

Here's a proposed solution. Since the abomination of inter-league play appears here to stay, let's make that the yardstick for who gets home field advantage in the Fall Classic. It's simple, at the end of inter-league play, tally up the wins and losses for each league, and the winner gets home field. This is at least a bigger sample size of the comparative talent in each league—in fact, it's a much bigger sample size.

Bud, this is an easy one. You do the right thing, you make inter-league play more meaningful in the process, and you re-set the All-Star game to what it should be: a fun exhibition.

At The Break—2011

It's a tradition here at FenwayNation to pause at the All-Star Break and take account of the Olde Towne Team. We're not much for letter grades here, but this year, you have to give Tito and the boys a big A+ for effort. After digging 0-6 and 2-10 holes, the Carmine Hose now sit atop the American League and their division with 72 games left. The have the second-best record in baseball—just two wins behind the 'mighty' Phillies.

There have been many pleasant surprises in the first half: Jacoby Ellsbury's revival; the more than adequate performances of the catching corps; the resourceful bullpen; Papi's consistency from the get-go; the health of Youk and Pedroia; the sweet swing of A-Gon; and the masterful renaissance of Josh Beckett. There have been disappointments as well: injuries to key starters; John Lackey's overall sub-par year; J.D. Drew's abysmal final year in Boston; and Carl Crawford's shaky start to his Boston career.

All in all, however, this is a team that always believed in it's excellence—even when the rest of us questioned it. They deserve our admiration at the break.

The Best At The Break

So, after an 0-6 start, the Red Sox finish the unofficial first half of the season with the best record in the American League. Impressive.

On Sunday, rookie Kyle Weiland was driven up Interstate 95 from Pawtucket to face the mighty O's. They actually seemed mighty for a while, scratching out 6 runs in the second inning to take a 6-2 advantage. But, in the bottom of the second, Boston used 3 HRs (Scutaro, Pedroia, Youkilis) to tie the game at 6. A bases loaded walk to Big Papi pushed the Sox ahead to stay, as Alfredo Aceves rescued Weiland with three innings of hitless ball. The Sox ended up on top, 8-6.

A fluky Empire win in Baghdad-on-the-Hudson leaves the Sox one full game up on the Evil Ones at the break. Only the Phillies have won more games than the Red Sox (57 versus 55). Considering all that's gone on this year with the starting pitching, we are in a very good spot.

No Surprise On Gregg

On Thursday, before Kevin Gregg's Orioles laid down yet another time, the 6'6" reliever was along the third base side chatting with someone he obviously knew. The conversation lasted at least 15 minutes. All the while a gaggle of kids (most in Oriole gear) waited patiently with their Sharpies for an autograph from a big league player.

Gregg, the brave pitcher who taunted Papi to run out a pop up, completely ignored the kids. He finished up his conversation and did not even look toward the adoring kids as he walked to the Baltimore dugout. Not even the courtesy to lie and say he had to get ready to play. Nothing.

That's all you need to know about Kevin Gregg—a loser. Something he proved again on Friday.

Andre Ethier To Red Sox?

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that sources close to Andre Ethier suggest he wants to come to the Red Sox. READ MORE HERE.

Remembering First Fenway Game

Fifty-five years ago today, I attended my first game at Fenway Park. It was Sunday, July 8, 1956. My Dad brought me up the ramp and showed me the green splendor for the very first time. Yes, the world actually was in color in the 1950s.

Our seat was in Section 19, in Row 4 and my particular seat was 18. The ticket set my Dad back $1.90—$3.80 for both of us. I still have the ticket framed in my office (see photo above). Tom Yawkey's signature still dominates the ducat in two spots—with all his flaws, he was a larger than life owner.

The Red Sox swept the Orioles in a double-header that day—another lost feature of a lost era. I remember thinking that the Baltimore players forgot to wash their uniforms—they were a dismal grey compared with the brilliant Red Sox whites. I know Ted Williams was in the lineup, but I can't honestly say I remember what he did. I was only 4.

But on that July day so long ago, a chain reaction started that lives on to this day. A total, heart-and-soul commitment to the Olde Towne Team. I have my Dad and Fenway to thank for that.

A-Rod May Face New Trouble

On Wednesday, the notorious Canadian doctor, Anthony Galea, plead guilty to importing illegal drugs into the U.S.—specifically pushing HGH to athletes. What makes this more than an ordinary bust of another slimeball is the good doctor's connections to three New York players—Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes.

If Galea agrees to "out" the players he supplied, Rodriguez may be in serious trouble. According to the New York Times, MLB has suspected hanky-panky between the two for some time and this may be the way they connect the dots. After skating on his previous positive drug test (a lame apology apparently rehabilitating his "reputation"), a connection to Galea's HGH supply could be fatal to his career. We can only hope.

Babe Ruth's Major League Debut

Next Monday, July 11th, will mark the 97th anniversary of Babe Ruth's debut in the Major Leagues with the Boston Red Sox. That's right, the Red Sox—not that other franchise a few hours to the south. He was primarily a starting pitcher with Boston and, of course, he picked up the victory in that first game. Hey, he was Babe Ruth! By October, he had married a Boston waitress and was to become an important cog in three World Series championships (1915, 1916, 1918). You know the rest of the story.

July 11th continued to be a big day for the Babe in Boston. On that date in 1916, he started both games of a doubleheader —although only one-third of an inning in the opener for the insufficiently warmed-up intended starter. But then the Babe pitched a complete-game win in the nightcap. He went on to pitch nine shutouts in '16—a record for lefties that stood until some guy named Guidry replicated it in 1978. His 29 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in the Fall Classic stood until another guy from that other franchise (Whitey Ford) shattered it in 1961.

His amazing contributions to the Red Sox justify a place of honor for the Babe on Fenway's right-field facade. He wore no number here, but a simple "BABE" would suffice. Arguably the greatest baseball player of all time started it all here. We should take note of that.

(PHOTO CREDIT: SDN-059778, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society)

Nation Wants A Starter!

A 53% majority of those responding to a FenwayNation online poll want the NOG to get a starter at the trading deadline. A right-handed outfield bat finished a distant second on the fan wish list (21.5%), while 16.6% want the team to "stand pat" and fill any holes from the farm system.

Voting continues up until the All-Star break. You can still vote HERE.

Order Restored

The Red Sox bashed their way back into first place in the AL East—launching 6 HRs to wax the woeful O's 10-4. In the seventh, Papi, Reddick and Salty went back-to-back-to-back against a rookie lefty. Pedroia (a key three-run blast), Ellsbury (his 11th of the year) and Gonzo (a laser to CF) had the other round-trippers.

Andrew Miller struggled with his control (the big issue throughout his career) but got his third win of the year by wriggling out of jams with a slew of sinker-induced ground outs.

The Sox win, coupled with the Empire's 5-1 loss to Tampa, gives Boston a one-half game lead.

FN Poll: Trade Deadline Focus

Please vote in the latest FN Poll, which asks what the Red Sox should focus on at the trade deadline. VOTE HERE.