Red Sox Were "Dunn" After First Inning

AP Photo

Josh Beckett had a rough first inning, and that was all Gavin Floyd and the White Sox needed, as Boston fell to Chicago, 4-1. Beckett gave up three runs in the first, effectively putting the game out of reach as Floyd carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

The Red Sox broke through on an RBI hit by Cody Ross—but that was all the offense the Carmine Hose could muster on this day. Boston falls back under .500 with the loss, going 6-1 on the road trip.

Red Sox Win Battle Of Offensive Indifference

 Getty Images

It was an epiphany for two beleaguered elements of Red Sox pitching. Jon Lester salvaged the honor of the starters with a brilliant seven-inning performance, yielding no runs, just five hits and striking out seven. For the bullpen, the trio of Franklin Morales, Vicente Padilla and Alfredo Aceves combined for two shutout innings—giving up just one hit.

The result? A stunning 1-0 win over the White Sox and a great nine-inning outing by Jake Peavey. Only Adrian Gonzalez was able to pierce the scoring veil, singling in the only run of the contest. The Red Sox are now dead even, at .500 (10-10), have won six straight, and are just 3 games out of the AL East lead.

Sox Ponder Putting Aaron Cook In Bullpen

AP Photo

Inexplicably, the Red Sox are now considering using starter Aaron Cook out of the bullpen. Cook, who has been lights out as a starter in AAA, has to be on the major league roster by Tuesday or he can opt out of his contract with Boston. Of course, the more logical move (favored by the rest of Planet Earth residing outside the Red Sox brain trust) is to insert Cook into the rotation and move Bard to the 'pen. Not in Bizzaro Red Sox World.

Double-Digit Boys Do It Again In Chicago

David Banks/Getty Images

The Red Sox have scored in double-digits six times in nineteen games after pummelling the White Sox 10-3 Friday night. Darnell McDonald smoked a two-out, bases-loaded double knocking in three tie-breaking runs, and later homered to lead the offense.

David Ortiz also stayed hot with a two-run home run. Daniel Bard hung in and delivered seven solid innings, giving up just three runs (two earned), while striking out six. The Sox are now just one win away from evening their record at 10.

Boston Dust Mites: Papelbon Coming Back?

Boston Dust Mites, the most unreliable baseball site on the Internet, is reporting that the Red Sox are exploring a contract loophole that could bring Jonathan Papelbon back! They haven't been right on anything yet, but give it a read anyway HERE.

EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS IS A PARODY! SORRY FOR THE 'WAR OF THE WORLDS' REACTION.

Rich Hill Activated; Will Help Beleaguered 'Pen

(Photo by Louriann Mardo-Zayat)

Red Sox left-handed reliever Rich Hill was activated today from the 15-day disabled list, and, in a related move, Justin Thomas (7.71 ERA) was optioned to AAA Pawtucket. Hill has been through about every rehab scenario there is recently (2.00 ERA in 16 innings of work), and appears ready to lend some immediate aid to the rag-tag Red Sox bullpen. Hill performed well when he was healthy over the last two years—thowing a combined 12 shutout innings. Hill will be available sometime this weekend in Chicago.

Carl Crawford Has Sprained UCL In Elbow

Crawford Has Sprained UCL In Elbow

The earlier reports of Carl Crawford missing three months of the 2012 season now seem realistic, since we know he has a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Why it's taken this long to diagnose is yet another brick in the 'wall of shame' for this Red Sox medical staff. Not only did they incorrectly prescribe rest and rehabilitation for last year's sore wrist (which ultimately needed surgery), but they allowed this elbow issue to fester until it's now become a major blow to the team's playoff chances. Here is the team's official word on the situation:

Sox Are 'Perfectly' Offensive In Chicago

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Philip who? The Red Sox, apparently unimpressed by Pale Hose hurler Philip Humber's Perfect Game exploits, thundered out 10 runs (9 against the perfect one) in a 10-3 rout of Chicago. Clinching their fourth win a row, Boston saw Salty go yard twice and Youk clout a Salami, as the Sox put up a crooked number five in the third inning. Felix Doubront was more than adequate, going six innings and yielding three earned runs for his first win. The 'bullpen' (that would be one Junichi Tazawa) was perfect in his own right, going three strong shutout innings on just three hits. Two wins away from .500!

REPORT: Crawford Might Be Out Three Months

Couldn't you see this one coming? According to the Globe's Nick Cafardo, Carl Crawford's elbow injury (not the original wrist injury, mind you) could keep the center fielder out for three months. This is a devastating blow to the team, as they have been piecing together an outfield missing two of its critical pieces in Crawford and Ellsbury. Now, they have to realistically pursue another body (other than Marlon Byrd) to insure they stay competitive until their real players get back. This is yet more evidence of the woefully inadequate medical and conditioning operation on Yawkey Way. Do these guys do anything right? Oh yeah, soccer.

Poll Results: Ross Is Most Pleasant Surprise

The early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll are in and a plurality of readers (30%) say outfielder Cody Ross is the most pleasant surprise of the young 2012 season.

As the table shows, shortstop Mike Aviles comes in a close second at 26.9%, followed by David Ortiz at 15%, outfielder Ryan Sweeney at 14.4%, starting pitcher Felix Doubront at 11.9%, relief pitcher Scott Atchison at 1.3% and catcher Kelly Shoppach at 0.6%. Interestingly, most of the overseas vote was cast for Doubront.

You can still vote in this poll by clicking HERE.

Sox 'Inherit The Win' In Spite Of 'Pen

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

This one was ugly. Clay Buchholz left last night's game up by several runs—giving way to a bullpen that pretty much flamed out all year. He did leave them with a bunch of inherited runners, but the 'pen obligingly allowed those Twinkies to touch home—saddling Clay with five earned runs. Eventually, Aceves stemmed the tide in a nasty 7-6 win over Minnesota. Mike Aviles again was the hitting star, clouting a key three-run homer. Dustin Pedroia fell a home run shy of the cycle. Boston is now just three games out of first in the all-important loss column.

Bobby V.: Bard Still Starting On Friday

"Of course, some people go both ways."

Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine said today that Daniel Bard is still slated to start Friday's game as scheduled—although he could still hurl an inning tonight in relief. Why is a team with the third highest payroll in baseball managing one of its prized pitching assets like it was a Little League team?

Maybe if Bard's pitch count is low enough and his arm is feeling OK, they can put him at short for a couple of innings. It's Amateur Hour on Yawkey Way.

FN Poll: Who's Been The Happiest Surprise?

If POLL Not Visible, Click Here

Online Surveys & Market Research

Hope And 'Change' Is Clay's Campaign Theme

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal examines the root cause of The Great Clay Buchholz Mystery. Basically, it's the lack of confidence he has in his previously game-changing change-up. After missing the second half of 2011, Clay has been searching for the elusive pitch in vain.

For him to be the dominant hurler we saw in 2010, he needs to re-establish the change as his go-to pitch—which makes all of his other stuff all the more effective. Until then, he's just another guy on 6-plus ERA meat wagon. Buchholz starts tonight in Minnesota in his latest attempt to corral his best pitch.

Evil Empire 'Whiffs' On Fragrance Scam

You, Too, Can Smell Like Yankee Jocks

Ever wanted to enter a room wafting the essence of Joba Chamberlain? Or sweep a woman off her feet with the pheromony fumes of Eau De A-Fraud? It's all yours, sports fans, with the new New York Yankees™ fragranced products that "epitomize the winning style of one of baseball's greatest teams". You can get the mens or ladies version of the Yankee Eau de Toilette, or have an intimate dinner in your Bronx efficiency with the New York Yankees™ Warm Vanilla Scented Candle. But our favorite has got to be the New York Yankees™ Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer—which, let's face it, you'll need if you're going touch anything in New York.

May Day Return For Crawford A Pipe Dream

What You Won't See On May Day

As April quickly winds down, it's painfully obvious (no pun intended) that Carl Crawford will not return to the Red Sox line-up by the previously estimated May 1st date.  Next Tuesday, May Day, Kim Jong-un will roll out his cute little tank toys and parade around Pyongyang in his medal-festooned uniform, and Fidel Castro will put on his best beret, but Carl Crawford will not be walking through that clubhouse door.

Target Practice: Sox Unload On Twinkies, 11-2

Getty Images

Hitting and pitching coinciding in the same nine inning span? Who are these guys? The Red Sox unloaded on the pitcher-free Twins for eighteen hits in a lop-sided 11-2 win in the politeness capital of the Midwest. Home runs by David Ortiz and Mike Aviles (who went 4 for 5) powered the Carmine Hose, while Josh Beckett was spiffy in six solid innings.

The big righty gave up just two runs on five hits—ending his night with a flurry by fanning the side in his final frame. If Boston can pair this kind of start with this kind of firepower, they may yet regain the swagger we saw for four months last year.

Sox Play 'Cody Bar The Door', Beat Twins, 6-5

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

These days, a win is a win is a win. So, forget that Jon Lester blew another lead (3-0), and just focus on Cody Ross going yard twice in a thrilling 6-5 win over the hapless Twinkies in Minneapolis.

Add to this, a brilliant 8th inning shutdown appearance by Daniel Bard (man on third, one out) for his first win of the year, Aceves with a 9th inning save, and you have the makings of a relieved Nation—literally.

Valentine's Way Is Not Our Way

Mark At Fenway

by Mark Lawrence, FN Down-Under Editor

Sydney, Australia. Lately, there’s been quite a strident reaction to the parlous state of your 2012 Boston Red Sox and understandably so.  To most fans, this is a team without pitching, hastily cobbled together around those few remaining elements of past successes, and yet still expected to perform as a World Series contender.  This is a team handcuffed by an apparent lack of confidence and a crisis of leadership.  This is Bobby Valentine’s team.

Sniping at one’s own players is a strategy whose benefits have continued to elude me- what in the world was to be gained from publicly embarrassing Youkilis like that?  If Valentine believes that he in some way motivated Youkilis by those remarks, then his suitability as Manager, not to mention his credibility as a man, must be called into question.

Sox Still Reluctant To Put Cook In Rotation

For some unknown reason, the Red Sox have not made the logical move to place Aaron Cook in the starting rotation and keep Daniel Bard in the bullpen. Cook has been impressive at Triple A Pawtucket—going 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts. He goes again tonight in the second game of a PawSox double-header. If the Sox don't pull the trigger on Cook by May 1st, he is free to pursue major league deals with other clubs—and there are already interested parties. Cook is a 10-year MLB veteran, and while he has slipped in the last two years (9-18), he is certainly a better option than anything else in sight. Isn't this a no-brainer?

Bard Pushed Back; Could Work From 'Pen

AP Photo/David Goldman

The Red Sox are doing half the right thing—pushing Daniel Bard out of his next rotation start and making him available for use from the bullpen on Monday and Tuesday. However, in the hap-hazard pattern of this year, they will put him back in the rotation on Friday. The rational move would be to put Bard in the 'pen permanently and bring up Aaron Cook to take his spot in the rotation. Instead, this half-hearted, uncertain move speaks volumes of how dysfunctional the Red Sox have become. We are again a joke to the rest of baseball—literally.

Red Sox-Evil Empire Tilt Postponed By Rain

Rain has mercifully cancelled Sunday night's nationally telecast game between the Red Sox and Yankees.

The combination of C.C. Sabathia and "Tito" chants would have added to the NOG's weekend fiasco. Thank you, Mother Nature.

REVIEW: 'SI Kids—Pro-Files: Baseball'

Let's face it, we all need some distraction from Saturday's Valentine's Day Massacre. OK, we've got an idea for you. FenwayNation was recently given the privilege of reviewing a new book from Sports Illustrated Kids. The book, Pro Files: Baseball is aimed at kids aged 8-12, but it's actually chock full of usable information for anyone playing baseball from 5-18. Not only does the book display fun facts about 15 of the most popular players in MLB (including our own beloved Dustin Pedroia), it does it with the graphic pizazz that only Sports Illustrated can deliver. Want to know who Pedey's favorite athlete was growing up? We won't spoil it for you, but we will tell you it wasn't a baseball player.

BenCher: I'm "Very Satisfied" With Bobby

He's Just Wild About Bobby

You have to feel a little bit for Ben Cherington. If he had his way, Dale Sveum would be penciling in the line-up cards in Boston and Bobby Valentine would still be pontificating on ESPN. But, he was over-ridden by the NOG, and he has to play nice to keep his job. Not the most dignified position in the world. Occasionally, he must think to himself, "Hey, I was here before these carpetbaggers". But, then reality sets back in and he is forced to say things like:

"I'm very satisfied with Bobby Valentine, he's doing the best he can with the roster he has."

The Boston Embarrassment

 by Nick Valeri, FN Youth Board

As my school vacation comes to a close, I have experienced a lot this week as a Boston baseball fan. For the first half of my vacation, I was lucky enough to enjoy the Universal Orlando resort and rest my mind from a hard push at school,  focused only on being relaxing by the pool, going on rides, and see Shamu for a day at SeaWorld. For the first half of the vacation, (Opening Day weekend), things were looking very bright. The hometown team’s bats were alive and had smiley faces on them as they scored in bunches. Even the Orlando fans were saying “Wow, Boston is coming back” (I enjoyed talking sports smack to the Floridians while I was down there.) But then, when teams from Texas and New York spent a visit, that’s when the hopes of actually seeing a true baseball team that we know and love got burnt into ashes in a span of five days.

Marlon Byrd Is Walking Through That Door

Image: Zuma Press

A Byrd is coming to Boston. The question is: Could any bird make a difference on this woeful team? Larry? Admiral? Burt Lancaster? Not bloody likely. Anyway, The Red Sox acquired center-fielder Marlon Byrd and cash from the Cubs for Michael "Mr. Potential" Bowden and a player to be named. All for a guy hitting under .100 this year—who hasn't been the same since new teammate Alfredo Aceves shattered his face last year.

Apocalypse, WOW!

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Take all the ineptitude we saw in BlackSeptember 2011, multiply it by ten, and you begin to approach the disaster that occurred at Fenway Park today. The Red Sox blew a 9-run lead, falling to the Evil Ones on national television, 15-9. This was a stinker to end all stinkers. Felix Doubront pitched 6 excellent innings, giving up just one run on four hits—while striking out seven. Then, the bullpen hurled 3 innings, giving up 14 runs on 12 hits—including a grand-slam and a three-run home run in one inning.

In addition to Doubront's fine outing, also lost in the fray was a 4-4 performance by Big Papi (now hitting .436) and a 4-5 showing by Salty. The intensity of the booing for Bobby Valentine escalated with each pathetic trip to the mound. He has to be considered in serious trouble.

Daniel Bard needs to return to the bullpen, Aaron Cook needs to be inserted into the rotation and some kind of major personnel shake-up has to take place soon—be it players or management. This team—with the third highest payroll in the majors—is an utter disgrace.

Red Sox Pursuing Cubs' Marlon Byrd

Cubs CF Marlon Byrd

UPDATE: Bowden likely headed to Cubs for Byrd.

After their Quadruple A outfield was further depleted by an injury on Friday to Jason Repko, the Red Sox are actively looking to trade for alternatives—with the top choice being Chicago Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd.

The 34-year old Byrd,  a lifetime .278 hitter, is off to a horrific start in 2012 (.070)

A Splendid Day, A Dreadful Game

The Fenway Crowd Gathers—FenwayNation Photo

If you were just there for the glitter and glory of Fenway's 100th Birthday, the day couldn't have been better. The NOG and the Mad Dentist were at their best with emotional, classy demonstrations of Red Sox history. From Pedro to Pesky, over 200 former Red Sox players emerged from center field to a real 'Field of Dreams' on this day. The loudest roars were for Terry Francona (along with chants of 'Tito!, Tito!') and Pedro Martinez—with Nomar not far behind. It was a first class show.

The game, one the other hand, was a one-sided slam-fest that went the way of the Evil Ones, 6-2. Clay Buchholz coughed up five solo home runs, and the Quadruple A Red Sox line-up was no match for the Yankee staff. Good pomp, bad circumstance.

VIEW A FENWAYNATION VIDEO OF THE CELEBRATION HERE

Welcome To The Fen-Tenial!

One hundred years ago today, Fenway Park opened with a defeat of the Highlanders (Evil Ones). So it was, so let it be. Details on today's festivities HERE.

Beltre 'Shocked, Shocked' To Hear Of Sox Leaks

Adrian "Captain Renault" Beltre

Former Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre was—Captain Renault-like—"shocked" that clubhouse shenanigans were leaked to the press after 2011's BlackSeptember collapse. He's got to be kidding, right? Even though he only spent one season with the Carmine Hose (2010), he had to know that the Great Beer And Chicken Fiasco would eventually come to light. Somebody must be rubbing the affable slugger's scalp a little too much in the Rangers clubhouse—it's clouding his judgement.

Are The Red Sox On A 'Treadmill To Oblivion'?

The great old-time radio personality, Fred Allen, coined the term "Treadmill To Oblivion" for the title of his autobiography. Could it also be the catch-phrase for the lumbering decline of the Boston Red Sox franchise? Let's face it, did you know your starting center-fielder (Jason Repko) even existed before February 1st? The haughty days of two World Championships in four years seem a distant memory now. With the third-highest payroll in baseball, there sure seem to be a lot of Quadruple A ballplayers on this roster. But, is this the inevitable fall from grace brought on by great success—as suggested by ESPN's Howard Bryant? We think not.

Mark Melancon Sent To AAA Pawtucket

Elsa/Getty Images

After his epic meltdown on Tuesday night, reliever Mark Melancon was sent to AAA Pawtucket on Wednesday. Having surrendered five home runs to eighteen batters, it was determined that he needed more regular work than he was getting in the bigs. Uh-huh.

Melancon came to Boston in exchange for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland—both of whom look pretty attractive by comparison.  Melancon faced just six batters on Tuesday—yielding three home runs and not recording an out. Believe it or not, he saved 20 games as the Astros closer last year—with a 2.78 ERA in 71 appearances.

The Prodigal Tito Will Return To Fenway

Former Sox Skipper Terry Francona

Things are now right with the world. At least as far as tomorrow's 100th birthday celebration for Fenway Park is concerned. It just wouldn't have been the same without one Terry Jon Francona at the big scmooze-fest on Friday. The former skipper announced yesterday that he had a change of heart and would attend the ceremonies.

Holland-Days At Fenway Park

AP Photo

The Red Sox had another ace out pitched on Wednesday, as they fell again to the AL Champ Rangers, 6-3. Beckett, as Lester the night before, could not pitch successfully with a two-run lead, as the Rangers brought out their prodigious lumber once again. Beckett ended up with a decent line (7 innings, 3 earned runs), but it was not enough to counter the Texas attack. Kevin Youkilis got his first HR of the year to create the brief 2-0 lead for Boston.

Mark Melancon Sets Major League Record

Don't get too excited. The relief pitcher who came in the "Curse Of The Jed-Bino" Trade with Hosuton faced six batters in the eighth inning last night, retired none of them and coughed up three home runs. That had never been done before in MLB history. Fitting for a 100-year old ballpark, wouldn't you say?

Sox Lose Catching Prospect Exposito To O's

Associated Press Photo

The Baltimore Orioles (they of the GM named Dan Duquette) snapped up DFA'd Sox catching prospect Luis Exposito today. Boston had released the backstop along with Michael Bowden to make room the immortal Jason Repko and Nate Spears. Exposito was the 38th best prospect in the organization, according to the authoritative soxprospects.com. Exposito has historically thrown out about one-third of runners—among the best rates in the Sox system.

YoukGate: What Does It Mean For The Team?

Winslow Towson — AP Photo

None of us in 'The Nation' should have been surprised that Bobby Valentine would say something controversial sooner or later. That's been his M.O. everywhere he's been—the man has no governor on his thoughts. Nevertheless, Boston is Boston, so any little blip on the baseball radar screen is a huge deal. That's just the way it is. In that regard, Dustin Pedroia was right—Bobby V. is going to have to learn that lesson. Valentine may have managed in New York, but baseball is not the obsession there that it is here. New York may have more rings, but baseball rings truer in Boston.

Early Word On Jacoby Avoids Surgery

By Elise Amendola, AP

Early, but not definitive, indications suggest that Sox star Jacoby Ellsbury will avoid season-ending surgery, and can return in 6-8 weeks with just rehabilitation on his subluxed right shoulder. If these reports are accurate, it will likely mean that Boston will not pursue an outfield alternative like 2007 World Champion Coco Crisp. Of course, we have to remember that the intelligence we're getting is still from the highly questionable Red Sox medical team—although renowned Dr. Lewis Yocum is now involved in the process of evaluation. Stay tuned.

Pitcher's 'Duel In The Sun' Ends In Sox Loss

AP Photo/Winslow Townson

Like two gunslingers from the Old West, Daniel Bard and James Shields battled in the unseasonable heat at Fenway today—but the good guy ran out of bullets first. Shields went 8 1/3 dominant innings, giving up just four hits en route to a 1-0 shutout win over the Carmine Hose. Bard was nearly as good—although he walked seven to go with his seven strikeouts in his 6 2/3 innings. The wining run was walked in by the big right-hander. Nevertheless, a very encouraging outing by Bard. The game ended on a five-pitch strikeout to Cody Ross—despite the fact that none of the pitches was in the strike zone. The Sox now fall to 4-6 in their first ten and slip back into last place in the AL East.

Bobby V. Sends A Strange Signal On Youkilis

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Maybe now we know which pair of eyes have been rolling in the Red Sox clubhouse. Amazingly, manager Bobby Valentine publicly called out the physical and emotional readiness of Kevin Youkilis yesterday. On WHDH-TV's Sports Xtra program, Valentine stated:

"I don't think he's as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason. But it seemed, you know, he's seeing the ball well, got those two walks, got his on-base percentage up higher than his batting average, which is always a good thing, and he'll move on from there."

Papification Program Stops Rays Again

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

At one point, David Ortiz had rifled seven straight hits over the last two days. He is now 16 for 36 in the young season—an astounding .444. When we say "rifled" we mean it. One of his doubles today was a line shot to right center that flew over the fielder's head in a nano-second. In addition to the Papi-works, the Red Sox also used the home run again today (Aviles, Ross) to beat the Rays for the third straight day, 6-4.

Sox Bats Explode Again; Bury Rays, 13-5

AP Photo

Home cooking, apparently, is a good thing. The Red Sox scored in double-digits for the second straight day, clouting five home runs in a rout of Tampa (13-5). Salty, Pedey, Papi, Aviles, and Ross were today's Murderers' Row—each going yard. But, as impressive as the offensive onslaught was, it was Clay Buchholz and the bullpen that settled down after a bad first inning (down 4-0), that essentially shut down the Rays from that point on. Back to the "O"—David Ortiz was 4-5 with 5 RBIs; Aviles 3-4 with an RBI and two doubles; and Cody Ross mastered his Fenway Swing by knocking in four.

FN Poll: Sox Have Jacoby Replacements Now

In early voting, a plurality of FenwayNation readers think the Red Sox have replacements for Jacoby Ellsbury currently on the team (48.9%) and therefore do not need a trade. Almost one-quarter (22.8%) would trade for former Sox player Coco Crisp, while 15.2% would swap for Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano. Just 8.7% want a deal for Scott Podsednik—the veteran who is currently at AAA. A scant 4.3% suggest other trade targets. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN Poll: Who Replaces Jacoby Ellsbury?

If Poll Not Visible, Click HERE

Jacoby Ellsbury Out At Least Two Months

Herald Photo By Christopher Evans

It's time to start planning your next eight weeks around the Bruins playoff run and gauging when Patriots camp starts. Jacoby Ellsbury will be out at least eight eight weeks with a subluxation of his right shoulder. This team was already a mess—as the NOG turtled into a small-market mentality—but now the grand Centennial Season is likely to be a total bust. Fourth place in the AL East might be a battle with the Cartoon Birds now. Can you imagine a Summer of Darnell, Cody & Ryan as your outfield? Who? Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot about Che-Hsuan Lin! And this with the third largest payroll in baseball. Pass the souvenir 100th Anniversary gear, folks, 'cause their ain't nothing else.

Ellsbury Felt "Something Move" In His Shoulder

Jacoby Ellsbury reportedly told teammates that he felt "something move" in his shoulder when Reid Brignac fell awkwardly on the center fielder as he tried to break up a double play. Ellsbury was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for further evaluation, but no additional details are yet available. Obviously, any extended absence by the All-Star would be a devastating blow to the Red Sox chances to make the post-season for the first time since 2009. Che-Hsuan Lin will be called up to replace Ellsbury on Saturday.

Red Sox Enjoy "Opening Slay" Win Over Rays

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

This morning we opined that Beckett and the offense needed to perform big time in the Fenway opener —well, they both were about as effective as they could be in a 12-2 shellacking of the Devil Dogs from Tampa. Beckett essentially re-invented himself on the fly by becoming a "pitch-to-contact" efficiency expert—going eight solid innings and yielding just one run. The offense, invoking the patience that used to be its hallmark, coaxed 83 pitches out of fire-balling David Price in just three innings. The result was a 4-1 advantage. Then, in the eighth, the Sox batted around for eight runs to put it out of reach—even for Mark Melancon (who coughed up a solo shot in the 9th). This is exactly the start Boston needed at home to take the bloom off the Black September Rose. The only potential massive downside is the condition of Jacoby Ellsbury, who left the game after injuring his right shoulder breaking up a double play.

Need Fenway Park Parking Today?

Click HERE For Fenway Parking Options

Opening Day at Fenway is one of the most congested of the entire year. If you need to find parking, click on our Park Whiz link to find the best spaces at the best prices.

Will Sox Get Ready To Rumble Or Stumble?

Chicken Optional Today At Fenway

The Fenway Park Home Opener is finally here, and the Carmine Hose have more questions now than they did on February 1st in Fort Myers. Will they break out of their 1-5 start and recover a three-month dominance as they did in 2011? Or will this "Bridge Year" see no such resurgence and just be six months' worth of Black Septembers? It all starts today at 2PM—after the Boston Pops, after the flyover, after the introductions—when the harsh reality sets in. The Pink Hats and Fan Boys will be waving their Pom-Poms and guzzling their watered down beer two-at-a-time, but it's really up to Josh Beckett and the dormant offense to kick things into gear.

Damon Renews Chance At Fenway Booing

Celebrating 2011 Wild Card

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Indians will sign 38-year old ex-Red Sox star Johnny Damon to a contract.

Damon, who is vying to reach 3,000 hits, would have another opportunity—in yet another uniform—to be booed at Fenway for donning the sackcloth and ashes of the Bronx Embalmers.

Red Sox Attain 'Least Favored Nation' Status

The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn

Now sitting at 1-5, the Red Sox return to nearly 100-year old Fenway Park firmly ensconced in last place. The Carmine Hose wasted a decent eight-inning performance by Jon Lester, scoring only one time off Ricky "Caesar" Romero in a 3-1 loss at SkyDome (which we refuse to call the Rogers Centre). Lester gave up only three hits, struck out six, but could not keep the Jays from capitalizing in key situations. Jacoby Ellsbury knocked in the lone Red Sox run—which amazingly gave Boston an early lead.