Torii Hunter Would Consider Boston Next Year

Torii Hunter And Big Papi

Chiefly due to his friendship with David Ortiz, Torii Hunter says he would seriously consider signing with the Red Sox when he becomes a free agent at the end of the year. Hunter was Big Papi's roommate in Minnesota when the two came up together in the Twins organization. Hunter has always hit well at Fenway, and—despite his 37 years—would be an intriguing option at one of the corner outfield spots next year.

Lester Was Claimed On Waivers; Pulled Back

Associated Press

FOX Sports is reporting that an unknown team claimed Jon Lester off waivers last week, but—apparently—the Red Sox pulled back the left-hander. Lester had a mediocre outing last night in Anaheim, giving up five runs in an eight-inning stint. He's signed for next year at over $11 1/2 million—with a team option ($14 million) for 2014. It appears that the Red Sox have decided that Lester is one of the core of players they can build around going forward in the new "disciplined" era of acquisitions.

What To Make Of The Red Sox (Post-Trade)?

by Nick Valeri, FN Youth Board

In my last article, back on July 23^rd, I gave my full-out option on why our favorite ballclub was underperforming and not living up to our expectations of just simply winning games. Most of that was put on the starting pitching and bullpen, giving up too many runs for the offense to catch up to. Well, instead of criticizing every ‘new low’ they seem to achieve this season, BenCher decided to take a different approach; trade Theo’s quarter of a billion dollar experiment.

Red Sox Set Franchise Record With Series Loss

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

It's too bad the fans of Southern California can't appreciate it, but their Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Orange County California United States North America Earth just swept the Boston Red Sox in their season series. After a dismal 5-2 loss to the Halos, Boston is now a full eight games under .500 and the newest member of the Seventy Losses Club. Wo-hoo!

That's not even the best part. Are you ready, Nation? The Red Sox had never before been swept in a season series of at least six games by any opponent in franchise history. Jon Lester at least gave the bullpen a rest, but fell behind 5-1 in the fourth and that was basically it. James Loney had his best game as a member of the Red Sox, going 3 for 4 with his first AL home run. On to the Oakland juggernaut!

Daniel Bard Is Back In 'The Show' On Thursday

Daniel Bard Back In 'The Show'

Daniel Bard has struggled mightily in his long slug through the minor leagues this summer. His ERA is north of seven, and he's walked about as many batters as he's struck out. He's no longer the 100-MPH stud who seemed the heir apparent to Jonathan Papelbon. So, who exactly is Bard now that he's back on the big club's roster? The only way to know is to put him into meaningful situations in the remaining 30 or so games (if any of these contests in September have any meaning). The Red Sox clearly ruined the guy we were so excited about just a year ago. The failed starter experiment was a bust and now we have the results. Let's hope the adrenaline rush of the majors can re-ignite his talent and allow him to be a key piece of the 2013 bullpen.

Dalton Jones Average Plummets 22.2 In August

FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced another major drop in August—shedding 22.2 points down to 70.0. The Index now stands a full 30 points below the normalized benchmark level of 100.0. In August, DJIA Panel members gave the highest confidence ratings to the team's defense, followed by the offense and relief pitching. As we have seen almost every month this year, starting pitching got the most negative rating—at a record low 35.0.

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.

Pedey: 'I want to be a Red Sox my whole career'

Frank Gunn—AP

Dustin Pedroia, in a wide-ranging interview with WEEI 93.7 FM, made it clear that he wants to finish his career right here in Boston. The former MVP and Rookie of the Year talked about "regrets" he has about some of his actions during this lost season. But, he insists, "I look in the mirror every day and at the end of the season I'm going to look back and say I did everything I could to help us win."

The second baseman (who has earned the endearing monikers Laser Show, Muddy Chicken and El Caballito) appears to be setting the framework for a greater leadership role on the post-2012 Red Sox. As WEEI's Rob Bradford points out, Pedroia wanted to directly address four specific issues that have dogged him this year: 1.) the comment about Bobby V. not knowing how 'things were done here' in the wake of the Youk controversy; 2.) the meeting in New York that appeared to be an ambush by players to fire the manager; 3.) the photo of Bobby V. sleeping with Pedroia mocking him; and 4.) the funeral of Johnny Pesky. In order, Pedroia said  1.) 'I was trying to get Youk's back' and it came out wrong; 2.) 'my comments' had nothing to  with Bobby; 3.) 'I was trying to keep a loose atmosphere'; and 4.) I had to take care of 'Dylan, who's 3-years-old' for his pregnant wife. He acknowledged, "When you look back, yeah, it looks bad, but I had no intentions of disrespecting anybody. That's all I can say."

Pedroia obviously cares enough about all of us in This Red Sox Thing (apologies to Diane Keaton/Kay Adams-Corleone). Given his approach to the game, his history and his performance, he has to be given the benefit of the doubt. With 2012 behind him, we can look with confidence to Pedroia being a true team leader.

Mauro Gomez Is 2012 International League MVP

The New IL MVP (AP Photo)

Boston Red Sox first baseman/DH Mauro Gomez has been named the International League MVP. Gomez, 27, hit .310 in 100 games for the AAA PawSox, clouting 34 doubles, 24 homers and 74 RBI. After being called up to the Red Sox, he is hitting .327—including three hits in last night's 10-3 loss to the Angels. Gomez—along with Ryan Lavarnway and Jose Iglesias—was also named to the 2012 postseason International League All-Star Team. Gomez joins Jim Rice, Ted Cox, Gary Allenson, Dave Stapleton, Pat Dodson and Jeff Bailey as IL MVPs from the Pawtucket Red Sox. Congratulations, Mauro!

'Pedroia' (The Chestnut Filly) Wins At Suffolk

"Pedroia" Winning At Gulfstream Park Last Year

Dustin Pedroia has been called a number of different nicknames over his Red Sox career. Laser Show. The Muddy Chicken. And, El Caballito (or, "little horse"). Well, that last moniker is now even more appropriate as Pedroia, a chestnut filly, won at Suffolk Downs on Wednesday. Pedroia finished the one mile and 70 yard course in 1:47.60. There's no way the actual Pedroia could come close to that. For the wagering types in our readership, Pedroia returned $3.40, $2.20 and $2.20.

Remembering Ted On Birthday Number 94

The Newly Available Ted Williams Stamp

On this, the 94th anniversary of the birth of Ted Williams, it's hard not to pause and remember that one of his greatest friends passed away this year—his teammate Johnny Pesky. Just ten years ago this past July we lost Ted, but it seems much longer than that. We were blessed to have his good buddy Johnny with us for that added decade.

It's difficult to encapsulate the career of Ted Williams in just a few hundred words, so let's look at his stats from the perspective of a MoneyBall Wonk. Despite losing three prime years to service in the Second World War (ages 24, 25 and 26) and most of another couple of years to service in Korea, he was first in the AL in runs created nine times in his 19 year career. He was first in the AL in wins above replacement (WAR) six times, and first in the AL in OPS ten times. If you want more traditional measures, he finished in the Top Ten in AL MVP voting twelve times. As many others have said, if he could have played those lost years, there is no telling how many records would have been shattered by The Kid. In the final analysis, the last man to hit over .400 got his wish—he truly was the greatest hitter who ever lived.

Kelly's 'Blue Book' Skyrockets With Debut Win

Kelly With A Young Sox Fan A Few Years Back

With all the kerfuffle over the 'Blockbuster Trade of The Century', it's easy to forget about the previous blockbuster trade—which also involved Adrian Gonzalez. Part of that transaction was sending Casey Kelly—one of Boston's top pitching prospects at the time—to San Diego along with first base phenom Anthony Rizzo. Kelly (pictured with a young Red Sox fan at a charity event) went through a series of arm injuries (elbow inflammation this year) before finally making his debut in The Show on Tuesday night. And what a debut! Kelly hurled six solid innings in the Padres' 3-0 win over Atlanta, giving up just three hits and striking out four. As the cherry on top of the sundae, he added a single up the middle (he's now hitting .500 in the bigs)—while his Dad watched in the stands on his 57th birthday. Not a bad trifecta for a good kid. We wish all the best to Casey in his MLB career.

Zach Attack Buries Sox Early; Lose, 10-3

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

So much for Zach Stewart being the hidden gem in the Youkilis deal. The Angeles unloaded with nine runs against the new Sox starter in just three innings in last night's 10-3 blowout at Anaheim. Mauro Gomez had three hits for the Carmine Hose and Scotty Pods had two, but the Red Sox dropped to a pathetic seven games under .500. Stewart was sent back to AAA after the game, with Daniel Bard ascending back to the big club.

NESN Not Exclusive On Some '13 ESPN games

Would You Watch Terry Over Don And Jerry?

According to a report by the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham, under the new ESPN-MLB deal, NESN will no longer have exclusive broadcast rights to Monday and Wednesday games involving the Red Sox. The new deal—worth $5.6 billion—allows ESPN to have a competing signal on those games to households in the Greater Boston media market. One can foresee scores of Red Sox fans opting for commentary by Terry Francona (see pic) on 'The Worldwide Leader' versus Don and Jerry on NESN. At least ESPN has SuperSloMo.

Zach Stewart Makes First Red Sox Start Tonight

Getty Images

The pitcher the Red Sox acquired from the Pale Hose in the Kevin Youkilis trade will start tonight in Anaheim. RHP Zach Stewart will take to the mound for Boston, after going 3-4 with a 3.94 ERA in Pawtucket. Over his major league career with Toronto and the White Sox, Stewart has shown flashes of brilliance. For example, just last August, he went 6 1/3 innings and gave up eight hits and just one run in a 6-1 win over the Twinkies. And, he was actually the number one Blue Jays prospect in 2010, according to Baseball America.

REPORT: Doubront Claimed By Mystery Team

Felix Fleeing Fenway?

Buried in a speculative story by Ken Rosenthal about the Red Sox being tempted to claim Joe Mauer (which apparently they did not do since the 1PM deadline has passed), is the revelation that Felix Doubront was claimed off waivers by a mystery team. Part of the misplaced speculation was that the Twins made the claim and would ask for Doubront as part of a package to get Mauer. Since that is not happening, the question remains: Who claimed Felix? We should find out sometime today.

REPORT: Sox Do Not Claim Mauer Off Waivers

Sox Lusting After Joe No "Mauer"?

When the Minnesota Twins placed all-world catcher Joe Mauer on waivers this morning, it was expected that the Red Sox—with $260 million to blow—would rush in to claim the backstop they have lusted after for years. Wrong, shin-guard breath! Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that, in fact, Boston will not claim Mauer off waivers. This is probably what BenCher referred to as the new "disciplined" approach to acquisitions.

Near Seven In Ten 'Strongly' Favor Blockbuster

Support Levels For 'Blockbuster' Bos-LAD Trade

Early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll suggests that almost seven in ten readers strongly favor the recent blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. As the chart shows, 68.5% say they "strongly" favor the deal, with another 17.8% "somewhat" favoring it. Thus, a total of 86.3% support the trade to some degree. On the other side, only 4.1% "strongly" oppose the trade, while another 9.6% "somewhat" oppose it. This brings total opposition to the blockbuster to just 13.7%. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

POLL: Evaluating The "Blockbuster" Trade

If Poll Not Visible, Click HERE

Majority Oppose Dumping 'Sweet Caroline'

The final results to our latest FenwayNation Poll indicate that a solid majority of readers (55.6%) oppose dumping 'Sweet Caroline' in favor of 'Shipping Up To Boston' in the eighth inning. On the flip side, a substantial minority (44.4%) like the idea of dumping the Neil Diamond standard and switching to the former entry song of ex-closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Aceves Needs To Be Sent To 'The Old Bailey'

Carmine Scream (Getty Images)

The Red Sox were on the verge of a Left Coast victory over Jared Weaver and the Angeles, but they forgot one thing—Alfredo Aceves was asked to close out the game. Aceves blew his eighth save, giving up two runs in the Angels' ninth, solidifying a 6-5 loss in Anaheim. Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered, and Ryan Lavarway and James Loney knocked in runs for Boston. Clay Buchholz pitched well enough to win—settling down after yielding two runs in the first. Aceves was used—after his three-game team suspension—because Andrew Bailey was "not available" after pitching in four of five games. The problem is Aceves seems "not available" at any time lately. This team has to commit to Bailey as their closer now and going forward. Or Bobby V. will be an Edvard Munch model for the rest of the season. (see pic)

Thanks, Dice-K—You're On Waivers!

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

A day after Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched seven sharp innings for his first win of 2012, we learn that the Red Sox have placed the Japanese right-hander on revocable waivers. If a team claims Dice-K, Boston can simply let him (and the remaining $2 million on his contract) go to the claiming team, negotiate a trade, or pull him back.

'Nice-K' Performance Sends Sox Off With A Win

AP Photo/Steven Senne

So, the Red Sox are 2-1 in the Post-Wicked-Big-Trade Era. Daisuke Matsuzaka turned in a seven-inning gem this afternoon—giving up just one run (unearned) in a 5-1 victory over the Royals. Dice-K got his first win since May of 2011, throwing 101 pitches—71 of which were strikes. He walked two, struck out six and gave up just five hits. The offense came primarily from Cody Ross (2 for 4, double, 3 RBIs) and Jacoby Ellsbury (2 for 4, solo home run, 2 runs scored). The win allows the Sox to leave town with a 3-4 record on the homestand. They head to Anaheim, Oakland and Seattle for the next nine games.

Nation Divided On Dumping 'Sweet Caroline'

Early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll shows that readers are just about evenly divided on whether the Red Sox should replace the eighth-inning singing of 'Sweet Caroline' with 'Shipping Up To Boston'. As the pie chart indicates, a slim majority oppose the change (51.2%), while nearly as many (48.8%) support supplanting Neil Diamond's standard with The Dropkick Murphys' 'Shipping Up To Boston'. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Cherington Does Not Rule Out Josh Hamilton

Josh A Fenway Fixture In 2013?

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington appeared on WEEI (93.7FM) this morning and did not rule out pursuing a big ticket free agent like Josh Hamilton. “We have to look at anything...The fact is we gave up a fair amount of offense in this deal and we have to find a way to replace that offense." Cherington said the team has the flexibility to pursue both the free agent and trade routes—and may not focus on just one position but a few. He also likened the financial windfall from the trade as a "a big tax refund”, but warned that "you can’t just go spend it in one place or you end up in the same place you were." The presumption had been that—given Cherington's warning about "disciplined" spending going forward—a mega-bucks free agent like Hamilton would be out of the question. Of course, the other issue is whether Josh Hamilton—with all of his issues—would be a good fit in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Boston.

POLL: Dump 'Sweet Caroline' For 'Shipping'?

If Poll Not Visible, Click HERE

A Modest Proposal: Dump Sweet Caroline

The Great Quarter Billion Dollar Trade has—so far—gone a long way toward erasing the bad memories of Black September 2011 and the equally black 2012. The popcorn tastes better, the beer is less watered-down, and the obstructed views aren't as "obstructy" as they were on Friday.  But, we need at least one more step to purge the Ghosts Of Dysfunction Past. How about getting rid of the painfully saccharine 'Sweet Caroline', which has soiled our eighth innings for far too long now—especially when the Olde Towne Team is getting shellacked. I understand that the casual, once-a-year fans (and the Pink Hats) like to drunkenly sway to the dulcet tones of Neil Diamond. They need something to look forward to. Our proposal? Replace Caroline with another old fan favorite—'Shipping Up To Boston'. Ever since Jonathan Papelbon skipped town, we've been without this consummate Boston anthem. Let's bring it back in the eighth and ditch Caroline.

Papi Back On The DL; Not Done For Year Yet

Papi Lands Back On The DL

The Red Sox announced that Designated Hitter David Ortiz is back on the disabled list with a sore Achilles tendon in his right foot. A plasma-rich platelet injection will shut him down for 7-10 days. The team, however, made it clear he is not being shut down for the balance of the year. Ryan Kalish was called up from Pawtucket to fill Papi's roster spot.

Gonzo: Green Monster Took My Power Away

Gonzo's Nemesis? (FN Photo)

Adrian Gonzalez did not want to leave Boston. In fact, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times yesterday, he stated, "I never thought about wanting to leave Boston". Having said that, A-Gon did lament what he perceived as the Boston media's dislike for his "calm" demeanor. "I won't throw my helmet, I won't scream, I won't use bad words if I strike out. That's what they want over there", he stated.

But, the most distasteful part of the interview was Gonzalez claiming that the 37-foot high wall in left robbed him of his power:  "What took my power away was the Green Monster. I used to hit line drives that way and they would be doubles. That took away five home runs from me last year. So I would have had 32." Come on, Gonzo. Weren't we told that you had a swing made for Fenway—where "oppo" HRs would fly out of the old ballpark off your bat? Not a good way to repair whatever fences need repairing in the Hub.

Positive Reviews For Red Sox On Big Trade

The reviews are starting to come in from 'baseball people' about the effect of The Quarter Billion Dollar Trade between the Red Sox and Dodgers. According to executives spoken to by ESPN's Buster Olney, there is a clear consensus that the trade was "tremendous" for Boston. In fact, one rival GM said Ben Cherington should be seriously considered for Executive of the Year. Of course, most also feel—as we do—that the jury is still out until the team shows they can spend wisely this off-season to quickly re-materialize into a legitimate World Series contender.

'Back To The Future' For Re-Tooling Red Sox

A year ago today, your Boston Red Sox were riding high—31 games over .500 (82-51 and in first place in the American League East). On this sunny Monday morning a year later, we are 6 games under .500. However, you could make the case that the state of the franchise is better today than 365 days ago. The Quarter-Billion Dollar Trade engineered by Ben Cherington has had a cleansing effect on the culture and finances of the Carmine Hose. Magic Johnson has stepped forward and taken a ton of bad salary obligations off our back—allowing BenCher to re-calibrate the Red Sox as prudent spenders going forward. Make no mistake about it, they will still have to be spenders—big spenders as early as this off-season. But the not-so-subtle message being sent by this deal is that the Late Theo Period knee-jerk spending (for spending's sake) has ended. Plucking a Carl Crawford off the shelf just because you can is no longer the modus operandi at Yawkey Way.

Look for the Red Sox to scan the rosters of small and middle market teams and identify those players who are in-line for big salary jumps. Boston can be the 'White Knight' for these franchises by trading for their younger talented players (who have already proven their worth) and pay them more than their existing teams can. Call it Moneyball 2.0. It will be fun this off-season to guess where the Sox might prowl for this kind of talent—and also which "prudent" free agent signings they can pull off. It will be an off-season unburdened by the heavy weight of $250 million gone west. Bring it on.

Pedro, Pedro & Pedey Lead The Way To 8-6 Win

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Pedro Ciriaco is hitting .800 with the bases loaded this year (4 for 5 with 7 RBIs). He got one of those hits today—going 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and a home run. Pedro Beato has pitched just two innings since coming to Boston from Flushing, but they were big ones today. Dustin "Pedey" Pedroia looked like the kid who led off the 2007 World Series with a home run, clouting a padding round-tripper in the 8th. All three "Pedros" contributed mightily to a "bounce-back", 8-6 win over the Kansas City Royals. On top of all this Pedro stuff, newcomer James Loney rapped a game-tying single in his first start with the Carmine Hose. The team's overall pitching performance was still pretty gnarly—but sometime gnarly gets a win. A needed win.

Royal Straight Flush; Sox Fall To KC, 10-9

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

What does it tell you when a team knocks out 20 hits and loses? Probably crappy pitching, right? Bingo. Boston fell behind 3-0 in the first inning, recovered and took a commanding 9-3 lead, but the bullpen could not hold the mighty Kansas City Royals. Andrew Miller and Mark Melancon coughed up 6 runs in the seventh (helped by a pathetic misplay by Cody Ross), and then Junichi Tazawa gave up the game-winner in the twelfth for a 10-9 Royals win. So, the first official game in the Post-Apocalyptic Trade Era goes into the books as a loss.

A-Gon Clouts 3-Run HR In First Dodger At-Bat

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

You knew it would happen. In his first AB as a Dodger, Adrian Gonzalez smacked a three-run home run off Miami's Josh Johnson in the first inning of their game at Dodger Stadium. After getting a rousing standing ovation from the crowd, Gonzo hit the second pitch he saw into the right-field grandstands. When he returned to the dugout, Josh Beckett 'high-fived' him.

Cherington: 'Disciplined' Spending For 2013

Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington formally announced the blockbuster trade with the Dodgers at a 5PM Eastern press conference today. He was unable to name RHP Rubby De La Rosa due to his having been claimed by Toronto on waivers before he was sent down to AAA. He will be named as the PTBNL after the season. Cherington also assured fans that the Red Sox will spend the money needed—in a disciplined fashion—to get the team back to championship status, starting in 2013. In his words, this deal allows for "creating an opportunity to build a better team." This could be Cherington's finest hour. In this press conference, for the first time in his tenure as GM, he looked in charge and confident. This is a good omen.

Cherington Press Conference At 5PM Today

Ben Cherington will hold a live press conference today on the blockbuster trade with the Dodgers at 5PM on NESN.

Gonzo, Beckett, And Punto Go First Class To LA

Bud Light, Anyone?

Well, we know the Dodgers were sparing no expense to re-build their team by taking on almost a quarter of a billion dollars in new salary. Now we know they're not cheap on the transportation of their new employees, either. Nick Punto was kind enough to TWEET a photo of the Three Ex-Carmine Hose winging their way via private jet to La-La Land. Good to see that they're so happy and cheerful about their new destination. Isn't that special?

Kudos To BenCher And The NOG For Big Deal

The New 'Mr. Bold'

While it will take a while to fully sink in, the blockbuster trade engineered by Ben Cherington on Friday is—without a doubt—a positive move for the Red Sox franchise. In one fell swoop, Boston has:

1.) unburdened itself of around a quarter of a billion dollars in iffy contract obligations;
2.) jettisoned two players (and maybe three) who were problematic to the team's culture;
3.) brought back at least two top quality pitching prospects and a serviceable first baseman.

By any measure, this is a franchise-altering deal—and Ben Cherington and the NOG need to be complemented for the boldness of their actions. They obviously heard the fan base and they acted. Now, to complete the transformation, they need to smartly use their new-found wealth and re-build this team into a championship-worthy entity.

Blockbuster Sox-LAD Trade Officially Completed

Jerry Sands (Getty)

According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the mega-deal between the Red Sox and Dodgers was completed early Saturday morning. The total value of the deal is around $275 million dollars—with the Red Sox responsible for only $12 million of their exiting salary obligations. That's just around 4% of what they would have owed the four players who left town. This is a very good financial deal for Boston. We'll see what the baseball results will be down the road. Again, the Red Sox shipped Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to Los Angeles in exchange for first baseman James Loney, righty pitchers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, infielder Ivan De Jesus and outfielder Jerry Sands. Sox GM Ben Cherington should get a lot of credit for this bold and franchise-transforming deal.

Blockbuster Getting Finishing Touches Today

Allen Webster-New Sox Pitcher

It's all but done. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, both Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford have waived their no-trade clauses and both teams have accepted the respective medicals. Keep posted, as the deal is likely to be formally announced sometime today. The Red Sox don't play the Royals until 7PM tonight, so there's plenty of time to cross the "t's" and dot the "i's". This will be one of the most significant deals ever in baseball,with a huge transfer of cash obligations that will leave Boston in a prime position to make further "bold" moves in free agency —and maybe sign Ellsbury and Papi.

Oh, By The Way, Red Sox Beat Royals, 4-3

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

How typical is it of this year that a Red Sox victory is an afterthought? Dominating the day and night were the swirling rumors of a blockbuster trade sending a quarter of a billion dollars or so in salary out of the Hub. "Payroll Flexibility" is the Player To be Named Later in this baby. Anyway, Jon Lester pitched 7+ strong innings for his third straight win, as Boston beat the Royals, 4-3. Lester left in the eighth with a tweaked hammy. Andrew Bailey got his first save in a Red Sox uniform. David Ortiz singled and doubled in his return from the DL—knocking in the first two runs of the game. Pedro Ciriaco hit a sand wedge to left to knock in the other two. It was a textbook win. No big deal.

REPORT: Blockbuster Deal Is Complete!

According to a report from CBS Los Angeles, the blockbuster deal sending Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Dodgers is final and complete. The Red Sox will get first baseman James Loney and four of LA's top prospects—RHP Rubby De La Rosa, outfielders Jerry Sands and Ivan De Jesus and prized pitcher Allen Webster (who was included over LA's initial objections). The Dodgers will pick up all of the rest of Gonzalez's contract, but there is no word as yet about how much of the other contracts will be assumed by the Dodgers.

Blockbuster Hanging On Monetary Issues

The blockbuster deal between the Dodgers and Red Sox is not being delayed by personnel issues—after the Dodger agreed to include prized pitching prospect Allen Webster. The hang-up—if you can call it that—centers on the exact amount of money the Dodgers will be responsible for in the three three mega-contracts of Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett. Sources indicate that a deal will not be consummated tonight. A deal needs to be finalized by 1:30PM Sunday or it's off.

Sox Getting Bevy Of LAD Prospects And Loney

RHP De La Rosa

As we reported early this afternoon, the Red Sox will receive RHP Ribby de la Rosa, 1b James Loney and OF Sands. New name from earlier is IF DeJesus. Dodgers get Gonzalez, Beckett, Crawford and Punto.

A-Gon And Loney Scratched From Line-Ups

New Sox First Baseman?

With the scratches of both James Loney and Adrian Gonzalez, the rumored blockbuster deal between the Dodgers and Red Sox is likely to be announced shortly. Stay tuned!

A-Gon's Poster Taken Down From Team Store

UPDATE: A-Gon Scratched From Line-up.
The poster of Adrian Gonzalez in the Red Sox Team Store— visible from Yawkey Way—is being taken down (see pic).

Blockbuster Red Sox-Dodger Deal Is Close

According to multiple sources, the blockbuster deal that would send Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and (now) Nick Punto—and their salaries—to the Los Angeles Dodgers is close to happening. Reportedly, the final details involved are: 1.) the quality and number of Dodger players/prospects to come back to Boston and 2.) the amount of salary the Dodgers will assume (the talk is that it's down to only about $11 million in negotiation). This could be one of the most franchise-changing deals in baseball history—certainly in Red Sox history. This could be the signature moment for Red Sox GM Ben Cherington. Stay tuned!

Mystery Team Puts Claim On Josh Beckett

Mystery Team Probably LAD

UPDATE: Dodgers are 'mystery' team.
The flurry of Red Sox drama just never ends! Now, CSNNE's Sean McAdam is reporting that an unknown team has made a claim on Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. Rumors suggest that the team is—as with the claim on Adrian Gonzaelz—the Los Angeles Dodgers. Could this be the pre-cursor to the blockbuster deal that has been bandied about including both Gonalzez and Beckett (along with Carl Crawford)? McAdam suggests that the Red Sox are more likely to give up Beckett to the claiming team than they are to punt on Gonzalez.

Edes: Gonzo Trade May Actually Be Happening

ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes is reporting that "there is a growing possibility" that the Red Sox may trade Adrian Gonzalez to the Dodgers. The Red Sox are going out of their way to make clear they have no "issues" with Gonzo on or off the field, but that the team was exploring all avenues to improve. An anonymous baseball source also told Edes: "I think something is happening, but I'm in a state of disbelief that it is." Stay close to your computers this afternoon!

POLL: Even Division On Blockbuster Trade

Early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll indicates that readers are exactly evenly divided on the rumored blockbuster trade that would send Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett to the Dodgers for James Loney and three of LA's Top Ten prospects. Presumably, the Dodgers would also assume most of the remaining salaries of Gonzalez, Crawford and Beckett. As the chart shows, exactly 50% support the trade and exactly 50% oppose it. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Dodgers Granted Adrian Gonzalez Waiver Claim

Gonzo Gonzo?

The Los Angeles Dodgers were awarded a waiver claim on Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. While it's still highly unlikely that Boston will trade its top 2012 run producer, the claim award means one of three things can happen in the 48-hour window that now kicks in:

1.) Boston pulls back Gonzalez off waivers (by far the most likely scenario);
2.) Boston and LA work out a trade for Gonzalez (and possibly others, SEE HERE);
3.) Boston hands over Gonzalez to the Dodgers—along with his big contract.

Stay tuned!

POLL: Blockbuster Trade With Dodgers?

If Poll Not Visible, Click HERE

Blockbuster Trade Rumor: Gonzo, Josh & Carl

Our New First Baseman?

A somewhat fanciful article in the Los Angeles Times has fueled a wild trade rumor that would send Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to La-La Land in exchange for under-performing first baseman James Loney and top Dodger pitching prospects Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, along with prime outfield prospect Jerry Sands. The added allure is the 'deeper than deep' pockets of the new Dodger owners who would be willing to pick up a huge portion of the collective salaries of Gonzo, Carl and Josh. Crazy? Probably. Gonzalez would have to clear waivers and the deal would have to be done—basically—in the next several hours. Don't hold your breath.

Red Sox Miss Point After, Fall To Halos, 14-13

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

In the long string of frustrating 2012 losses, this has got to be right up there with the Great Nine-Run Yankee Collapse. Staked to a 6-0 lead in the second inning, Franklin Morales could not hold it. His comrades in the bullpen weren't much better as they subsequently lost other leads. The most gut-wrenching of these were 9th and 10th inning leads blown by "closer" Alfredo Aceves. The final was 14-13. The Sox offense kept coming back, the pitching kept letting them down. Essentially, this is the story line of your 2012 Carmine Hose.