Fenway Becomes Ace-Free Zone Once Again

 Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Remember when an ace—a real ace—viewed three runs of support as more than enough to win a game? Seems like a pipe dream, doesn't it?  Josh Beckett got three runs of support tonight, but gave up four, leading to a 7-3 loss to the Tigers. Staked to a 2-0 lead, he allowed it to get to 3-2 in favor of Detroit. When his teammates tied it up at three, oops, 4-3 Detroit. Beckett gave up 10 hits in 7 innings—not a good prescription for victory. Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered and drove in another run, but it wasn't enough to prevent the end of a three-game winning streak. Remember when aces stopped losing streaks, not winning streaks? Dream on.

Theo: 'Everything Must Go! Make Us An Offer!'

Theo's W. Addison St. Flea Market

Chicago has been associated with fire ever since Mrs. O'Leary's cow tipped over the lantern. Now, Theo Epstein is keeping that association alive with a Fire Sale on 1060 W. Addison Street in Chicago. Essentially, his message to the rest of Major League Baseball is:

"Everything Must Go—from the floor to the ceiling, take your pick of Cubbies!"

Now that it's clear that his rag-tag bunch of bears will not contend in the NL Central (10 games out as of today—despite winning three straight), nobody is safe. From dazzling shortstop Starlin Castro to suddenly powerful first baseman Bryan LaHair. Even starters Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster are now Blue Light Specials at Theo's "K"-Mart. Pretty much anybody but starter Jeff Samardzija can be had. It will be interesting to see if Theo's famous trading bravado results in a deal with his old buddies on Yawkey Way.

Dalton Jones Average Soars 25.5 Points In May

FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced a huge increase in May—rising 25.5 points to 99.7. The Index nearly made up all of its April losses (-25.8), and now stands just shy of the normalized benchmark level (100.0). Interestingly, DJIA Panel members gave the highest confidence ratings to the team's defense, followed by relief pitching, offense and starting pitching.

FenwayNation offers its readers this monthly reading of "The Mood Of The Nation" through our exclusive Dalton Jones Industrial Average. Named for the all-time Red Sox pinch-hit leader, the average is a composite index of four key metrics: starting pitching, relief pitching, total offense and total defense. The initial 2012 preseason reading from our panel was normalized and set to 100.0 as the benchmark reading for the remainder of the year. The editors of FenwayNation have selected a panel of readers from throughout the world to weigh in every month on the state of the Carmine Hose. The Index number—and its fluctuation up or down—has proven, over the years,  to be an accurate bellwether of actual performance.

Red Sox Hero Dave Roberts Turns 40 Today

"The Steal"

It's rare that on back-to-back days, two Red Sox legends turn 40. Yesterday, the inscrutable Manny Ramirez hit the big four-oh, and today the very scrutable Dave Roberts does as well. There will never be any controversy over Roberts' place in Red Sox lore. Whether you were there in person (your humble scribe was very lucky to have been), watching on TV or listening on the radio, The Steal may be the single biggest play is the history of the franchise. His great achievement is only surpassed by his graciousness and class. Everyone in The Nation stands as one to salute Dave Roberts on his fortieth birthday!

Custom Pedroia Thumb Brace May Prevent DL

FenwayNation Photo Illustration

We might have to start calling him RoboChicken. An exotic thumb brace—molded perfectly to fit Dustin Pedroia's batting grip—may keep the Red Sox second baseman from going on the disabled list. We still think this is all bluster—we're talking about a torn abductor muscle here! That's a three-week stint on the DL.

But this is a guy you could easily cast as Monty Python's Black Knight. Can't you just picture Pedroia screaming at his tormentors in the training room?:

"Oh, had enough, eh? Just a flesh wound. Chicken!"

Make no mistake, if there is any possible way for Dustin Pedroia to play for the Boston Red Sox in the next two weeks, it will happen.

Sox Outlast Tigers With More Yard Work, 6-4

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The Red Sox clouted three home runs (two 2-run shots, and a solo) to take the third in a row from the Tabbies, 6-4. Jon Lester settled down after three so-so innings, to go 6 2/3 allowing three earned runs and striking out seven. The lefty got a no-decision in the end.

David Ortiz and Will Middlebrooks each launched two-run jacks in the fourth inning—taking the Carmine Hose from a three-run deficit to a one-run lead. After the game was re-tied, Adrian Gonzalez stroked a clutch run-scoring double to put the Sox back up by one. Later, Kevin Youkilis continued his solid come-back, jerking a solo shot to left. Boston is now two games over .500 and just  2 1/2 games out of first place in the AL East.

Tonight's Lineup—5/30/2012

Once again, Bobby Valentine has reverted to the "new look" lineup of Adrian Gonzalez in right, Will Middlebrooks at third and Kevin Youkilis at first. The latest "hot" player, Daniel Nava and his ungodly OBP, leads off. Kelly Shoppach catches Jon Lester—looking for his fourth win —after pitching good enough to win against Detroit back on Opening Day (7IP, 1ER).

Manny Being Manny Being Forty

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Believe it or not, Manuel Aristides Ramirez turns forty years old today. The perpetual ManChild is now officially middle-aged. While he is legally eligible to come off the MLB suspension list today—the A's have decided to let the '2012 Manny Vintage' age a little longer at AAA Sacramento. Good thinking, Billy Beane.

Manny Ramirez is destined to be a vexing conundrum for Red Sox fans for generations to come. There is no doubt that he was a linchpin of two World Championship teams. But it's also clear that his antics often went far beyond "Him Being Him" and morphed into him being a spoiled jerk quitting on his teammates. And we're not even talking about about decking 60-year old travelling secretaries or bailing on trips to Dana Farber.

Nevertheless, there will always be a contingent of The Nation that reveres the man (truth be told, I was often counted among that group). Something tells me that the jury will be out for many years after Manny finally hangs up the dreadlocks. We will need the luxury of time to judge the ultimate contribution of one of the most unique athletes ever to grace the stage in Beantown. So, if you even know it's your birthday: Happy 40th, Manny.

Pedroia Wants To Play Through Torn Muscle

The Muddy Chicken Dives On Memorial Day

Dustin Pedroia being Dustin Pedroia, the feisty second baseman wants to play through what he admitted last night is a torn abductor muscle in his thumb. The Muddy Chicken put it this way:

"It’s a muscle so I’m just waiting to see how I feel the next couple of days. The swelling in my thumb has gone down. The bruising has gone down so we’re just waiting to see if I could play."

He is the Anti-Drew, this amazing dirtball of an All-Star/MVP. No doubt if he could somehow get the crack Red Sox medical staff to fashion some sort of miracle replacement thumb, he would go for it. To paraphrase Apocalypse Now's Colonel Kurtz:

 "If I had ten rosters of those men, then our troubles here would be over very quickly."

Lucchino: Meterparel In Fenway PA Audition

WEEI's Jon Meterparel

Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino, appearing on the WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show, announced that the show's "Flash Boy", Jon Meterparel, has been invited to compete for the vacant Fenway Park PA job.

Meterparel has been with the D&C program since 2000, and has also broadcast BC football. It's unclear what the competitive field looks like, but if Lucchino took to the airwaves to make this announcement, you've gotta think the fix is in for Meterparel.

Sox Top Verlander; First Time Over .500 In 2012

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

In one fell swoop, the Red Sox did two things that—for most of this year—seemed improbable: beat Justin Verlander and win more games than they'd lost. Boston pounded out 10 hits off the winner of the 2011 MVP and Cy Young awards—led by Daniel Nava (three-run double) and David Ortiz (3-4, solo home run). With the 6-3 win, The Carmine Hose are just 3.5 games out of first place. Daniel Bard pitched perhaps his best start of the year—going 5 1/3 and giving up just two earned runs (both solo homers). The AL East is now so tightly packed, sardines are protesting.

Roy Oswalt Signs With Texas Rangers

ESPN reports that Roy Oswalt has signed a one-year, (potentially) $5million deal with the Texas Rangers. The Red Sox had been one of many suitors for the right-hander—including the Phillies and Dodgers.

The Red Sox will either have to wait for Dice-K or troll the trade market if they want to improve on the Bard/Buchholz tandem in place now.

Pedroia Out Of Today's Game With Thumb Issue

The Muddy Chicken Is Out

Dustin Pedroia is not in Tuesday's Red Sox line-up due to the jammed thumb injury he suffered in yesterday's game. Nick Punto will replace the Muddy Chicken and bat ninth. As we expected, this injury is not the minor issue it was implied to be by some associated with the Red Sox. Hold your breath, Nation, the dreaded medical team is on the job!

Bard: Where Has All The 'Cheddar' Gone?

AP Photo

Remember those halcyon days when Daniel Bard would come into an eighth-inning situation and blow away even the best of hitters with triple-digit cheese? Well, that dairy product has been downgraded from Cabot Colby Cheddar to Kraft American Slices. The 100-MPH gas we had been used to is only borderline mid-90's today (94 MPH average). So, what the heck happened in the transition from set-up to starter? The Boston Herald's Scott Lauber suggests it might be the tendency to "pitch-to-contact" to conserve his energy and ramp it up in key spots. But, the problem with this theory is that he hasn't thrown close to triple digits at any point all year. By contrast, his mound opponent tonight—Justin Verlander—routinely hits 100+ MPH in the ninth inning! All the more reason to overpay Oswalt and move Bard back to his comfort zone. Aceves in the eighth, Bard in the ninth? Bailey—we'll see ya when we see ya?

Oswalt Could Sign This Week—Sox Still In Mix

Charlie Riedel / AP

Roy Oswalt wants to make a decision this week on where he will pitch in 2012. According to most reports, the Red Sox are still in the mix to sign the 34-year old right-hander (159-93 lifetime). However, the apparent injury to Roy Halladay's shoulder makes a return to the Phillies the likeliest scenario. The Rangers, Orioles and Dodgers also have interest. Considering the uncertainty surrounding both Buchholz and Bard, the Red Sox could use a stabilizing force like Oswalt to wedge between the Beckett/Lester combo and the amazingly consistent youngster, Felix Doubront. Bard could then be sent back to the bullpen, where he might regain his triple-digit velocity.

Injury Status Unclear On Muddy Chicken

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Everyone is saying that Dustin Pedroia's jammed thumb is just a day-to-day thing—and many teammates think he'll be back in the lineup tonight. But, as Red Sox fans, we've heard this tune before.

The facts are that Pedey had his injured thumb X-rayed yesterday and will have an MRI today. Given the track record of the Red Sox medical team, we would suggest it's prudent to hold your breath until a real "all clear" is sounded by the Laser Show himself.

Aceves And Sox Hang On for 7-4 Win

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Well, it was another cardiac save for Alfredo Aceves, but the Red Sox held on for an umpire-enhanced 7-4 win over the Tabbys of Motown. After an horrific missed third strike call that would have ended the inning, the Red Sox put up three runs—leading to the running of Jim Leyland. Felix Doubront was again his consistent self, going six innings and letting in just two runs. Ortiz, Salty, Nava and Middlebrooks were the offensive stars. The only downside of the game that got the Carmine Hose back to .500 was a thumb injury to Dustin Pedroia that forced him to leave the game.

Aceves Gags Away Sure Victory; Sox Lose, 4-3

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

What should have been a thrilling come-from-behind win, and a two-of-three thrashing of the Rays was set on its ear by Alfredo Aceves in the 9th. A walk and a two-run home-run later, a 3-2 lead had become a 4-3 deficit and ultimate loss.

Adrian Gonzalez had put Boston ahead with a dramatic three-run HR in the 7th (after giving away a run in RF with a missed cut-off), but the chance at an over .500 record slipped back to subpar in the loss. This was bad one, one that might be remembered sometime in late September.

Jarrod Saltala-WALK-OFF-ia

 Gail Oskin/Getty Images

Jarrod Saltalamacchia clouted a pinch-hit, walk-off, two-run home run to beat the Tampa Rays, 3-2. The game was a defensive slugfest between two premier starters—Josh Beckett and David Price. But, it ended with pinch-hit offensive fireworks against one of the best closers in the game this year.

Will Middlebrooks had put the Sox ahead with an RBI single, but the Rays pushed two across against Beckett in the seventh. The win pushed the Carmine Hose back to .500 (23-23) and just 5 1/2 out of first.

Rays Do 'Yard Work' At Lester's Expense

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Tampa launched three home runs against Jon Lester on Friday—one of them Matt Joyce's second grand slam in six days—as the second-place Rays defeated Boston, 7-4. Lester began his meltdown with a lead-off walk in the third (after being squeezed by the home plate umpire), and Joyce's salami wiped out a 1-0 Sox advantage.

Two more round-trippers put the game out of reach—despite a "sort of" Red Sox comeback.The Red Sox mustered just four hits off six Rays hurlers—and the game ended with a 9th-inning mini-brawl after Franklin Morales threw behind Luke 'Don't Hate Me Because I Insult You' Scott. But come on, Joe Madden, "weak" and "cowardly"? Please.

Middlebrooks Out Of Tonight's Line-Up

Is the Will Middlebrooks Era over—or just temporarily interrupted? Kevin Youkilis starts at 3B tonight and bats fifth, and Adrian Gonzalez is back at first base and hits clean-up. Nava, Byrd and Podsednik roam the Fenway outfield. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will catch lefty Jon Lester. After taking two of three from the division-leading O's, Boston can now make up some ground on the second place Rays.

Bryce Brentz: Maturing Sox Star In The Making

Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com

The Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson recounts the tale of a maturing potential super-star in Sea Dog OF Bryce Brentz. Ranked as Boston's eighth best prospect by SoxProspects.com, Brentz is a 23-year old slugger who hit 30 HRs last year at the Single-A level.

After facing mostly fastballs last year, he is now being served up the proverbial "steady diet of breaking balls". At first, he bamboozled his way to a .216 average in April. So far in May, he has adjusted to the junk: hitting .403 with four home runs. What's developing here is a patient, selective power hitter who will be patrolling the outfield at Fenway in the not too distant future. Count on it.

Curt Schilling's Firm Lays Off Entire Staff

Former Red Sox great Curt Schilling's video gaming firm—38 Studios—laid off its entire staff today. In 2010, Schilling moved the company from Massachusetts to Rhode Island in exchange for $75 million in loan guarantees from the Ocean State.

State officials said the company could not meet its payroll. Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee's office said it was investigating whether the company was incorporated out of state—making it ineligible for the tax incentives it applied for.

REPORT: Sox Still In On Oswalt

The Suddenly Popular Oswalt

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that—while Roy Oswalt is now on the radar of the surprising Baltimore Orioles—Boston, Philadelphia and Texas are still involved with the veteran as well. Since Daniel Bard continues to struggle with his command of the strike zone, it seems obvious that the Red Sox should end the "starter experiment" and put the fireballer back in the bullpen. This would allow Boston to more aggressively offer Oswalt the starting slot he seems to be demanding—something Texas, for example, could not give him.

Steinbrenner Siblings May Sell Evil Ones

Hal & Hank, or maybe Hank & Hal

Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee (better known as Hank and Hal Steinbrenner) are rumored to be floating the idea of selling the Pinstriped Poser franchise to the highest bidder. It kind of brings to mind the old joke, "So, if you old man dies, what kind of business are you out of?"

After seeing the embattled Dodgers go for over a billion dollars, "TD Squared" started salivating over the idea of dumping their aging collection of overpaid has-beens for big cash. Not a bad idea!

According to the New York Daily News, multiple banking sources confirm that the Evil Ones are indeed on the block, despite vehement denials from every corner of the Concrete Bunker on 161st Street (AKA The New Yankee Stadium). Frankly, we hope the boys keep there little toy—it's more fun for us.

Three (HRs) Is A Charm In Charm City

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Red Sox escaped up the Chesapeake Bay today with a 6-5 victory—taking two of three from the first-place Orioles in their own backyard. The bottom third of the order (Nava, Podsednik, Shoppach) went 6 for 9, with 4 runs scored, 4 RBIs and three home runs. Not bad production from that end. Will Middlebrooks went 2 for 4, with a key RBI.

Daniel Bard had a decent—but not overpowering—outing, going 5 1/3 and giving up just 2 earned runs. Once again, he ran up his pitch count to 90 in that short a span—walking four. Back home now for three against Tampa and four against Detroit.

Re-Configured Line-Up: DAY 2

Once again, Adrian Gonzalez will be patrolling right field for the Red Sox, with Kevin Youkilis at first and Middlebrooks at the hot corner. Today, however, will be the debut of Scott Podsednik in center field—hitting in the number eight spot. Kelly Shoppach will catch for Daniel Bard.

The Magnificent Seven (On The DL)

The Magnificent (DL'D) Seven

Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney, Darnell McDonald, Ryan Kalish, and Jason Repko all have two things in common: they are outfielders for the Boston Red Sox and they are on the disabled list. Seven outfielders on the DL—it has to be some sort of record. Heck, there were Iowa caucus sites smaller than this.

As the Red Sox pass the one-quarter pole of the season (21-22 after 26.54% of the season played), it's actually remarkable that they're only six and half out with all this carnage. And, we're not even talking about the loss of Youkilis, Bailey, and Dice-K. If all the troops were here and healthy, this team would certainly not be in the cellar of the American League East. They might not be the juggernaut that is the Baltimore Orioles—but then again, who is?

Sox 'Baltimore Chopped' Back Under .500

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Felix Doubront pitched well enough to win. Except for his maddening habit of building up his pitch count early, the young lefty really only made one mistake (a two-run homer) in his six innings, as he struck out nine in an eventual 4-1 loss to the "division leaders". Kevin Youkilis made his triumphant return by clouting his third home run of the year—the same number as Adrian Gonzalez (who has missed no time). Once again, the Carmine Hose occupy last place by themselves.

New Alignment Line-Up Debuts Tonight

More than seven in ten FenwayNation readers like it, and the Red Sox will display it tonight. The fully-articulated "New Alignment" lineup debuts in Baltimore tonight, with Kevin Youkilis at first base, Will Middlebrooks at third and Adrian Gonzalez in right field. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will catch for Felix Doubront and hit seventh. Nava and Byrd hit eight and ninth.

Sox Holding Their Own In Toughest Division

Despite all of the injuries they have sustained, despite the epic collapses (e.g., blowing a 9-0 lead to the Evil Ones), despite inconsistent starting pitching, your Carmine Hose are just five and one-half games from glory. Forget about all the talk of other divisions being "tougher" than the AL East. As we sit today, our division is the only one in Major League Baseball where every team is at or above .500. So, for all the criticism leveled at the team this Spring (including a considerable amount from us), they should be given credit for the turnaround that has them on the cusp of being a credible post-season contender again. Who knew?

POLL: Seven In Ten OK With Re-Alignment

In early voting, about seven readers in ten (70.4%) favor the re-alignment of Adrian Gonzalez in right field, Kevin Youkilis at first base and Will Middlebrooks at third. As the table shows, only about three in ten (29.6%) oppose the idea—which is reportedly being seriously considered in the bowels of Yawkey Way. You can still vote in this poll by clicking HERE.

Sox Recall "The PodFather" From Pawtucket

Photo Credit: Kelly O'Connor

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Red Sox have recalled outfielder Scott Podsednik from AAA Pawtucket.

With both Cody Ross (foot) and Ryan Sweeney (concussion) going on the DL, this is a no-brainer. Podsednik, 36, is raking in the minors, hitting .323 with a home run and two stolen bases.

Podsednik is a .279 lifetime hitter over 10 seasons—last playing in 2010 for the Dodgers. He also has 300 career stolen bases.

Papi Goes On Respect Rant After Big Sox Win

FenwayNation PhotoIllustration

During last night's game, David Ortiz ignited the rally that led to a thrilling 8-6 comeback victory over the (begin chortling here) first-place Orioles of Baltimore. After the game, Big Papi went on an extended rant about not being 'respected' by the media and ownership as a 'leader' on the team. Huh?  Is there anyone more universally respected by fans and the press in this town than Papi? And is anyone else—with the possible exception of Pedroia—viewed as a team leader? When asked about the alleged players-only meeting he called on May 11th, Ortiz bristled and snapped: "Who told you about that meeting?"

Sox Consider Plan To Keep Middlebrooks Up

Stranger In A Strange Land?

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has stated that—with the multiple injuries of late—the team will keep Will Middlebrooks' right-handed bat with the big club when Kevin Youkilis returns. Of course, this begs the question, what do you do with the kid? Let him rot on the end of the bench until Bobby V. decides to pinch-hit him once a week? Another scenario that's floating out there is to keep Middlebrooks anchored at third base, place Kevin Youkilis at first base and semi-permanently move Adrian Gonzalez to right field. This has many pluses and almost as many minuses. The big risk, of course, is that A-Gon hurts himself chasing an elusive ball around the pinball-like right field corner in Fenway. The upside is that you present one of the most potent offensive lineups in baseball—with a healthy Youkilis and streaking Middlebrooks in the middle of it. You can weigh-in on this issue in our latest poll HERE.

FN Poll: Is Radical Re-Alignment OK?

If Poll Not Visible, Click HERE

Online Surveys & Market Research

Good Will's (Not) Bunting; Sox Win, 8-6

Will Middlebrooks (NESN)

Red Sox rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks is making it very tough for BenCher to banish him to the hinterlands of Rhode Island. All the kid did tonight was go 3 for 5, with an RBI in Boston's comeback 8-6 win over the (try to read the next three words without laughing) first place Orioles. David Ortiz began the comeback (necessitated by another awful Buchholz start) with a mammoth moon shot onto Eutaw Street.  Nava, Aviles and Pedroia (2 RBIs) all had two hits each in a balanced Red Sox offense.

Once again, the bullpen came to the rescue as well. Andrew Miller got the win with an inning and two-thirds of scoreless work, but it was really Vicente Padilla ('The Fearless One') who put out a raging fire in the 8th (second and third, one out). Alfredo Aceves pitched a solid ninth for his tenth save. So, except for Buchholz, this was a true team victory. Not only did the Carmine Hose beat the first place team in our division, but they also caught the Evil Ones and reached .500.

Ross Likely Headed To DL With Foot Fracture

Associated Press Photo

UPDATE: Ross to miss 2 months with broken foot

Cody Ross—upon being re-examined by the crack Red Sox medical team—now likely does have a foot fracture. Initial reports by Doctors Howard, Fine & Howard stated that x-rays were negative.

If Ross hits the disabled list, the outfield crew will be limited to Byrd, Sweeney, Lin, & Nava—which sounds more like a crooked law firm in Newark.

McNamee Names Three Other Yankee Dopers

Bronx Gear

Brian McNamee, (the former Yankee bullpen catcher, batting practice pitcher and assistant strength and conditioning coach) named three additional Yankees as drug cheats on Monday. McNamee testified on the stand that Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Mike Stanton took human growth hormone (HGH)—provided by him in the case of Pettitte and Knoblauch, and by drug dealer Kirk Radomski in Stanton's case. Thus, counting Roger Clemens, McNamee is asserting that four players took performance-enhancing drugs during his tenure with the Yankee organization. Nothing like "Pinstripe Pride", huh? Or maybe, "Pin-Prick Pride" is more accurate.

Phillies, Tribe Scouting Kevin Youkilis In Minors

Youk Hitting At Pawtucket

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Philadelphia and Cleveland are actively scouting Kevin Youkilis in his minor league rehab assignment. Both could use the kind of help that a healthy Youkilis can offer—offensively and defensively. The key to any deal—that would free up the path for Will Middlebrooks—is a healthy and productive Youkilis over the next several weeks. The minor dip the rookie has taken in the last several games (with the exception of the last couple) could argue for a little more "seasoning" at Pawtucket. However, after tasting life in "The Show" it might be hard for the 23-year old to accept a demotion—however short. The next few weeks will be an interesting window into the the short- and long-term thinking of the Red Sox brass.

Dice-K Goes Flying On Injured Trapezius

No "Dice" For A While Yet

Forget about that short-term conundrum of who to bounce from the rotation once Daisuke Matsuzaka comes back. Turns out, there is no "comeback" right now, just a "sore back". Bobby Vaneltine announced on Sunday that a sore right trapezius muscle (upper back) was bad enough to require an injection. Dice-K's next re-hab start was scrapped and now there is no realistic timetable for his return.

Papi Pressure May Have Been Sox Turning Point

AP Photo

Everyone just assumes that the Muddy Chicken (Dustin Pedroia) is the new de facto "captain" of the Boston Red Sox. But, a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggests that it was David Ortiz who stepped up and took a leadership role in a volatile players-only team meeting on May 11th. The Big DH reportedly challenged the pitching staff to take personal responsibility for their performance.The result?

Josh Reddick Quietly Having Stellar Season

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The propaganda machine on Yawkey Way spits out something like this:

"Sure, Andrew Bailey's been a bust so far, but how about that Ryan Sweeney (.311 with 14 doubles)? What a smart deal we made with Oakland, huh?"

Of course, there's one small problem with the party line: Josh Reddick is having a fantastic year for Billy Beane. Reddick has been flying under the radar—despite hitting .270 with 11 home runs (fourth most in the American League) and 24 RBIs.

He has more home runs (by a margin of two) than anyone on the Red Sox roster. He is playing sparkling defense in right field. He hits third in the A's order and has been a staple of their offense all year. From afar, we congratulate FenwayNation's 2011 Red Sox Rookie Of The Year, Josh Reddick.

Beckett Re-Affirms Dominance In 5-1 Win

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Josh Beckett showed today that his great start against Seattle was no fluke. Today, facing the Phillies, Beckett went 7 2/3, allowing just one earned run (a sac fly) in beating Philadelphia, 5-1. Beckett used all the pitches in his repertoire (especially his curve ball), striking out five and walking only two. The offense was keyed by Jarrod Saltalamacchia (3-run HR, third longest in MLB this year at 466 feet), and Mike Aviles (8th HR, 2 RBIs). Adrian Gonzalez also went 2 for 4—continuing his career success against Cliff Lee. So, the Red Sox took two of three from the Phillies and have won eight of their last ten. On to Baltimore to face the Oriole juggernaut.

Red Sox Use Homers To Power Past Philly, 7-5

 Getty Images

The Red Sox homered four times off Joe Blanton (the most given up in his career) to survive a mediocre Lester outing and beat the Phillies, 7-5. David Ortiz led the offensive assault with his ninth HR (a two-run shot) and a single. Mike Aviles opened the game with his seventh HR, and he was later joined by Will Middlebrooks (5th) and Jarrod Saltalamacchia (6th) in the home run barrage.

Lester (3-3) was inconsistent in his six innings, giving up eight hits and four earned runs. He walked one and struck out three. Boston has now won seven of nine and will toss Josh Beckett against Cliff Less in the rubber match on Sunday.

FN Trivia: Win A Copy Of Oil Can's Book

WE HAVE A WINNER! NO MORE EMAILS, PLEASE.

Correct Answer: Trot Nixon.

To win a copy of Oil Can Boyd's new book, "They Call Me Oil Can",  be the earliest e-mail with the correct answer to the following trivia question:

"Who was the last Red Sox rookie to hit three home runs in a single game?"

Email your answer to: fenwaynation@comcast.net.

TIEBREAKER: Name the year, opponent and final score of the game.

What's Brotherly Love Got To Do With It?

Getty Images

Daniel Bard set the tone for last night's loss in the very first inning. By allowing four runs (on just two hits), he put the Red Sox in a deep hole they just could not dig their way out of—despite a valiant effort. Home runs by Adrian Gonzalez (one day late), Cody Ross (his 8th) and Mike Aviles (his 6th) kept Boston close to Philly ace Cole Hamels.

But Franklin Morales let in the sixth Philly run in the eighth inning, and that was all she (Jonathan Papelbon, 12th save) wrote. Oh, and to add icing on this Philly CheeseCake, Bobby V. got tossed (see pic). So, the Sox lose the first of the Moronic Interleague Festival (heretofore the MIF), 6-4.

Roy Oswalt Has Thrown For Red Sox

Morry Gash / AP

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that Roy Oswalt has thrown for two teams in the last week or so—the Phillies and the Red Sox. Other reports suggest that Oswalt will sign very soon with an MLB team—perhaps as early as next week.

The 34-year old 'Wizard of Os' holds a 3.21 ERA over 11 seasons. If the Red Sox do add him, he'll likely need some seasoning time in AAA before joining the big club.

FOX: Bobby V. Wanted Youkilis Out In Spring

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine wanted Kevin Youkilis "out" as early as Spring Training—suggesting that the coming return of the third baseman may be more volatile than we all thought. A rival General Manager allegedly told Rosenthal that Bobby V. saw Youk as a "liability" from the get-go—preferring rookie Will Middlebrooks at the hot corner. Sox General Manager Ben Cherigton—caught in between two volcanic personalities—has generally sided with the player (saying, for example, that Youk will not lose his job to injury). It's yet another no-win situation for BenCher. Can't he have an easy decision once in a while? Geesh!

Red Sox Kick-Off Moronic Interleague Play

It screws up American League club rosters, gets pitchers hurt, waters down the value of the World Series, and makes a ton of money for the owners. Guess which aspect of interleague play wins out?

The Red Sox will embark on the long death march of National League contests tonight in Philly. David Oritz will likely play first base and Adrian Gonzalez will patrol right field—and we use the word 'patrol' advisedly. Somebody will get hurt in this idocy—you can take that to the bank. The only positive thing about this year's fiasco is that it's better than next year's. Then, there will be inter-league play somewhere every night—further taxing the resources of American League teams.

Of course, as we have said before, if we had a real Commissioner, he would tell National League owners that if they want interleague, they have to adopt the DH—period. That's the only way that this nuttiness can ever be fair.

Cody Bars The Door Again, Sox Win, 5-3

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It's looks like Cody Ross wanted to make up for his mis-played sac fly on Wednesday. He made up all right. Ross drove in four runs, including his eighth HR (a solo shot) to propel Boston to a 5-3 win over the Rays.

Ross worked a bases loaded walk to account for the first run, and later drove in two critical runs in the eighth. Felix Doubront pitched well again, going 5 2/3 and allowing just two runs. The Red Sox move on to their first interleague game of 2012 against the Phillies.