Bailey Supplants Hanrahan As Red Sox Closer

Hanrahan

Joel Hanrahan has told the media that Red Sox manager John Farrell informed him that he'll be setting up Andrew Bailey going forward. Thus, it appears that Bailey has the job—as Hanrahan did at the start of the season—until he falters. All things considered, this seems like the right move. Bailey has been very effective in Hanrahan's absence and took his initial demotion to set-up man in stride at the start of the year.

Dalton Jones Average Soars 22.2 Points In April

FenwayNation's Dalton Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced a sharp rise in April—jumping 22.2 points to 122.2. The jump in the Index was fueled by solid levels of confidence with all key metrics, but most tellingly in starting pitching (raw score of 78.7). 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 2013 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.

David Ortiz And Wife Filing For Divorce

David Ortiz announced in an interview yesterday that he and his wife Tiffany Ortiz are filing for a divorce. The Red Sox designated hitter spoke with WEEI radio and MLB.com. He asked for privacy surrounding the matter and vowed that his personal life would not interfere with his play on the field. The couple have been married for a decade and have three children together—two daughters and a son.

Kevin Youkilis Likely Headed To Disabled List

The Youk-Meister

Newly-minted Evil One Kevin Youkilis is probably headed to the disabled list after an MRI showed "no changes" in the back condition that's kept him out of the Yankee lineup of late. If the former Red Sox icon does go on the DL, it will probably be backdated, so that he'll end up missing less than 15 days. Also, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Youkilis will also get some sort of pain-killing injection.

Sox Closer Controversy On The Near Horizon?

Herald Photo/Matthew West

Joel Hanrahan comes off the disabled list tonight and he'll be available to pitch in the game at SkyDome (Rogers Centre this). Exactly which inning he pitches is the interesting conundrum being faced by manager John Farrell. Does he stay with the pretty effective Andrew Bailey (1-0, 2.25, five saves as closer) or does he revert to the guy he himself anointed as closer out of Spring Training? Don't look now, Red Sox fans, but a "closer controversy" may be a-brewin' on The Olde Towne Team. Things have been way too hunky-dory anyway, right?

Buchholz Extends Lead In Player Of Month Poll

Clay Buchholz now holds a ten-point advantage over Mike Napoli as our readers' choice for April Player of the Month. As the chart shows, the 5-0 righty now captures 43% of the vote, followed by Napoli at 33%. David Ortiz (13%) and Jon Lester (11%) trail in third and fourth place, respectively. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Red Sox Invite Collins To Throw Out First Pitch

Jason Collins

Jason Collins, who announced yesterday in an SI interview that he is gay, has been invited by the Red Sox to throw out the first pitch at Fenway whenever he wants. Collins, who played briefly for the Boston Celtics earlier this year (before being traded to Washington), is the first male athlete in a major US sport to reveal his homosexuality. The team made the invitation via TWITTER: "We salute you, @jasoncollins34 for your courage and leadership. Any time you want to throw out a first pitch at Fenway Park, let us know."

Celebrity Becomes Official Cruise Line Of Sox

UPDATE: Sox Fan Cruise Now Open!
It might be hard to recall the winter doldrums we all experienced recently (does the name "Nemo" ring a bell?), but once January 2014 rolls around, you'll need a dose of serious sunshine. Thanks to the Red Sox and Celebrity Cruise Lines, you might be able to soak up the rays with the likes of Sox play-by-play man Joe Castiglione or maybe even David Ortiz. Starting next year, the Red Sox Fan Cruise will set out from Fort Lauderdale on the Celebrity Silhouette (see pic) for a seven-night Caribbean adventure. You can stroll a private beach in Haiti with Red Sox players, or discuss hit-and-run strategy over drinks on the ship's Martini Bar. During this season, there will be Fenway giveaways each month for a chance to be on the maiden Red Sox Fan Cruise. And every time the Sox pull off a double play in 2013, some lucky fan will get $200 off a Celebrity Cruise. You can find out more information on the 2014 Red Sox Fan Cruise by calling 855-AAA-7832.

Anthony Ranaudo Is Back On Track In Portland

Mark Bolton/Union Leader

Three years ago, the Red Sox paid Anthony Ranaudo $2.25 million as a supplemental first-round pick from LSU. His "upside" was said to be infinite. A couple of years of poor performance and a raft of injuries had cooled the ardor of the Carmine Hose. This year, however, Ranaudo is experiencing a major resurgence at AA Portland. The 6'-7" 23-year old has posted a sick 0.83 ERA in 21 2/3 innings over four starts. He has a 5.2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 0.74. Opponents are hitting just .159. The 'future' may come soon for Ranaudo.

Nobody's 'Carping' About This Red Sox Move

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

As the Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson points out, Red Sox OF/1B Mike Carp might be the value bargain of 2013. Acquired for nothing but cash after being released by the Mariners, Carp has performed incredibly well in limited playing time. In just 24 plate appearances, Carp is hitting a robust .455—with five doubles and two triples. His 1.364 OPS is jaw-dropping for a guy who barely made the roster out of Spring Training. Not only is Carp a dependable back-up outfielder, he is solid insurance at first base if (heaven forbid) anything happens to Mike Napoli. All in all, this is one of GM Ben Cherington's best off-season moves.

Buchholz Has Early Lead In April Player Poll

Early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll shows that Clay Buchholz (and his five wins) holds the lead as April's Player of the Month. As the chart shows, the right-hander garners 37% of the vote, followed by Mike Napoli at 30%. David Ortiz finishes third with 19%, followed by Jon Lester at 15%. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

'Fenway Fanatics' Profiles Fifty Red Sox Fans

Greg Pearson lives and works in Wisconsin, but his baseball roots are in New England. Before his current position at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he was a journalist at the Manchester (CT) Herald and the Holyoke (MA) Transcript-Telegram. He grew up in Durham, Connecticut. Pearson has written a moving and comprehensive look at the heart and soul of Red Sox Nation. Fenway Fanatics: 50 Boston Red Sox Fans Tell Their Stories weaves it way from Boston (and Pops conductor Keith Lockhart) to Uzbekistan (and FenwayNation International Editor Ric Glaub) to bring readers a deeply personal understanding of "This Red Sox Thing" (with sincere apologies to Kay Corleone). FenwayNation is proud to have been a small part of this great book. In addition to the profile on Ric Glaub, there's a piece on Editor-In-Chief Ernie Paicopolos (who also wrote the Foreword to the book). You can pre-order it on Amazon HERE.

Red Sox Send Daniel Bard Back To AA Portland

Associated Press

The Red Sox sent troubled reliever Daniel Bard back to AA after Sunday's win—paving the way for the activation of Joel Hanrahan from the disabled list. Bard was again ineffective in this big league stint and obviously needs a lot more work at lower levels. The excellent bullpen work of Alex Wilson also made Bard's ticket to Portland more affordable.

POLL: Who Is The April Player O' Month?

April Player Of The Month
Which ONE of the following is the April Player Of The Month?	Napoli Ortiz Lester Buchholz
	Current Results

Lackey, Sox 'Sweep Out The Heart of Texas'

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

John lackey hadn't won a game since August of 2011. His last start ended with him clutching his surgically-repaired arm in pain. Yesterday, he pitched six solid innings for his first win of 2013 and gave the Red Sox hope that he could be a mainstay in a suddenly powerful rotation. The 6-1 win by Boston provided a tie for the most win ever in April—setting the stage for the record-breaker in Toronto. On the offensive side yesterday, Stephen Drew (two-run triple) and David Ortiz (2 for 3, 2 RBIs) provided the spark and the bullpen pitched three innings of two-hit ball. It's beginning to feel like this early-season surge could sustain itself for the entire year.

MVPapi Knocks In Three; Red Sox Win, 8-4

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

David Ortiz continued his torrid start, getting two more hits and three RBIs in Boston's third straight win over the AAA+ Astros. The 8-4 victory moved the Sox to 17-7—the best April record since 2002. Jacoby Ellsbury got things started with a clutch two-run double that tied the score at two. Stephen Drew, Daniel Nava and Dustin Pedroia also had RBIs. Felix Doubront had a bizarrely ineffective first inning—even for him. He gave up just two runs, but walked three, hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch. John Lackey goes for the sweep today.

Sox Propelled By Ty-ROSS-Asauras Rex, 7-3

Middlebrooks At Bat (FenwayNation Photo)

David Ross has been working on his swing the last few days. Keep working the same way, David! Ross garnered the first four-hit game of his career—including two mammoth home runs—leading the Carmine Hose to a relatively easy 7-3 win over the Not-Ready-For-AAA Astros. Old Friend Eric Bedard could not get out of the fourth inning and Boston ended up pounding out a total of four round-trippers—with David Ortiz and Will Middlebrooks joining in the fun. Ryan Dempster finally got a well-deserved win—going six innings and giving up just two earned runs while striking out ten.

Selig: Papi's Choice Of Words 'Outstanding'

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

It turns out that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is pretty much in tune with most FenwayNation readers—and everyone in Greater Boston—with regard to the expletive-laden comments of David Ortiz. When asked to comment on Papi's speech to the Fenway Park crowd last Saturday, Selig stated, "It was really emotional for me. I actually cried through the whole ceremony. I'm not afraid to tell you that. On one hand it was so uplifting, so sad in another way. I agree with the FCC. I thought David Ortiz's choice of words was outstanding, given what he was trying to say. I mean that sincerely."

Boston Magazine Cover Honors Marathon

Boston Magazine's May cover (see pic) displays a moving image of a heart made of dozens of shoes worn by runners in this year's race. This is the first issue since the terrorist bombings on Patriots' Day. The caption states simply, "We Will Finish The Race". There have been many attempts to try and convey the feelings we all feel, but this cover truly captures the spirit of this city. It is perhaps the magazine's finest hour.

Hero Jeff Bauman: 'He's Dead And I'm Still Here'

Arredondao & Bauman (AP Photo)

Marathon bombing hero Jeff Bauman was interviewed today on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show and recounted the harrowing story of his experiences on that fateful Patriots' Day. Bauman, who lost both his legs that day, had the presence of mind to give a description of the older terrorist brother (Tamerian Tsarnaev) to police authorities. Bauman said he saw an odd guy who was not having a good time like everyone else at the Marathon finish line. He saw him putting down the bomb-laden backpack—wearing dark glasses and a black hat. This allowed authorities to dramatically narrow the search of videos and photos and much more quickly identify the assailants. Bauman also talked about his emotional reunion with the man who saved his life— the cowboy-hat wearing hero Carlos Arredondo. Arredondo stayed with Bauman all the way to the hospital—keeping pressure on his severed artery. Asked about his feelings toward the terrorist he identified, Bauman stated, "He's dead and I'm still here".

Papi Leads The Charge As Sox Drub 'Stros, 7-2

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

David Ortiz continued his torrid return to the Red Sox with a 3-for-4 night—including his first 2013 HR—as the Red Sox had their way with the sad Astros, 7-2. Clay Buchholz became the first 5-game winner in baseball with 7 2/3 serviceable innings—after all, his ERA shot up from 0.90 to 1.19! Oritz and Dustin Pedroia knocked in single runs in the first inning off former perfect-gamer Phil Humber of Houston. Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled in another run in the fifth and was brought home by a double by Will Middlebrooks. All in all, it was a rude welcome to the rough and tumble American League East.

FenwayNation Pursuing New Mobile Apps

As of May 1st, the company that developed FenwayNation's iPhone and Android Mobile Apps will no longer be supporting any applications. We know how important this platform has been for thousands of our readers. In the last 60 days alone, 44,689 FenwayNation articles have been viewed via mobile devices. FN is seeking a new mobile app partner, but until then we encourage all of our mobile followers to download the free Red Sox News app—which posts every FenwayNation story in its news feed (see pic). By downloading this app, you will also have access to several other Red Sox-related news sources—like MLB.com, Yahoo! Sports, the Boston Herald and Boston.com. We will keep you posted on the launch of our new FenwayNation Mobile Apps. Until then, you can download the Red Sox News app for iPhone HERE.

Neil Diamond Donates Caroline Sales To Victims

Jim Rogash / Getty Images

Neil Diamond—who appeared at Fenway Park on Saturday to sing 'Sweet Caroline'—is donating this week's dramatically increased sales of the song to marathon bombing victims. Recent sales of the 8th-inning Fenway Park anthem have shot up by 597% since Diamond's appearance. Diamond flew all night to Boston after the second terrorist was captured last Friday, and approached the Red Sox on his own about signing on Saturday. Said Diamond, "I was humbled and honored to be in Boston and to be able to personally thank and express my gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers." A special gesture by a special man.

REPORTS: Sox Trying To Deal Alfredo Aceves

Fostering Understanding At WBC

Multiple reports suggest that the Red Sox are trying hard to deal away troublesome hurler Alfredo Aceves. The right-hander has 72 hours to report to AAA Pawtucket—a period the team may use to try and trade away the quirky hurler. Other speculation has noted that the Angels may be interested in Aceves, and recent roster moves by that team may reinforce that view. What they get for the perceived 'bad seed' is another issue.

Farm-O-Cini Alfredo Sent Down To AAA PawSox

Alfredo In Better Times (FenwayNation Photo)

If you want to understand the stylistic managerial differences between Bobby Valentine and John Farrell, you need look no further that the Alfredo Aceves situation. Valentine engendered confusion, confrontation and indecision. Farrell deals in forthrightness, communication and action. The action? Aceves was sent down to AAA Pawtucket right after his abysmal meltdown in Tuesday's 13-0 loss to Oakland. Simple. Clear-cut. Correct. As Farrell said, "The bottom line is just that, the bottom line. You’ve got to perform to continue to get opportunities." Amen. What a difference a year makes!

Lester Ties The Babe For Wins; Sox Win, 6-5

Lester deals today (FenwayNation Photo)

Jon Lester was pretty shaky this afternoon, but he was good enough to notch his 89th career win—tying Babe Ruth for the fifth-most Red Sox victories by a left-hander. Lester was troubled by a high pitch count, and lasted only 5 2/3 innings—walking six batters. After falling behind 3-0, Boston tied the game in the fourth and surged ahead for good in the fifth, winning 6-5. Key hits by David Ortiz and Stephen Drew paced the offense. The Red Sox took another series and now have 14 victories on the young season—tops in the American League East. Next up are the new league mates Houston—who, by the way, scored 10 runs today.

Bonds Home Run 'Record' Plaque Missing

Apparently, there may be some justice in the world after all. News out of the Bay Area confirms that the plaque 'honoring' Barry Bonds' 756th home run (which 'broke' the real record held by Hank Aaron) has disappeared. How appropriate—Bonds stole the record and someone stole his plaque. Honor among thieves.

Daniel Bard Recalled From Double-A Portland

Kim Klement | USA TODAY

The Red Sox—in need of arms in their vaunted bullpen—recalled reliever Daniel Bard from the Portland Sea Dogs. This is likely to be a short-term detour to the majors for the troubled righty, as either John Lackey or Craig Breslow will displace him soon on the roster. Nevertheless, this is yet another golden opportunity for Bard to re-establish his value at the back-end of the Red Sox bullpen. Let's hope he seizes the opportunity.

A Marathon Column By SI's Steve Rushin

Sports Illustrated's Steve Rushin has long been one of our favorite sports columnists. In the current issue of the magazine, Rushin pens a poignant piece on the events of the last week in the context of a Boston visit he made recently with his seven-year old daughter. It is touching, well-written and a must read. You can read the column HERE.

Shelled-O-Cine Alfredo Sleepwalks To 13-0 Loss

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

It was one of those nightmarish innings that you've almost come to expect from Alfredo Aceves. Walks, balks, a missed assignment covering first—and a few minutes later, it's 6-0 in favor of the opponent. Aceves worked at a glacial pace as the few stalwart fans shivered in their parkas in a chilled rain. It was—in a word—maddening. When the dust settled, the Red Sox mustered only three singles off old buddy Bartolo 'Who, Me Juice?' Colon on their way to a 13-0 defeat. A forgettable night at Fenway Park.

Boston Featured On This Week's SI Cover

The April 29, 2013 regional cover of Sports Illustrated (see pic) shows Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes pumping his fists in the air as the caption reads, "STRONG. TRIUMPH AFTER TRAGEDY". Said SI managing editor Chris Stone, "Boston Strong was the story in New England this weekend, especially on Saturday, the day after the lockdown and the capture of the second of the Marathon bombing suspects. There it is: a Sox player flexing his guns after hitting a double to start a game-winning rally. At that moment, I don’t know if there’s any image that could have better captured the mood." Indeed.

Wacky April Start Times Confuse Some Fans

In the past, the Red Sox instituted earlier night start times in April to help protect against the kind of wintry chill that kept last night's crowd under 29,000. This year, they are starting some weeknight games this month at 6:35 PM instead of the usual 7:10 PM. The problems is, there's no rhyme nor reason to the haphazard schedule. For example, on Wednesday April 10th the game start was at 7 PM sharp. Last night, tonight and Thursday will start at 6:35. And Friday night's game will be back at 7:10 PM. Yikes!  Your intrepid FN reporters were at Monday's game and saw many fans arrive—bewildered—at the normal 7:10 time. They then realized it was the fourth inning already. When asked about this, Red Sox COO Sam Kennedy told the Globe that the earlier times make it easier for people to bring their kids to games. Sure, if they know about it.

Fans Can Bid On 'B-Strong' Game-Worn Jerseys

The Red Sox are offering fans the opportunity to bid on autographed, game-worn jerseys with the "B-Strong" logo. The jerseys were worn by various Red Sox players on April 20th or April 21st. The auction proceeds will go to The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the April 15th terrorist bombings at the Boston Marathon. The fund was set up by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. You can participate in this special auction HERE.

Both Iglesias And Bradley Are Thriving At AAA

The two most interesting guys on the Pawtucket Red Sox—Jose Iglesias and Jackie Bradley, Jr.—are doing just fine, thank you at AAA. Iglesias is hitting .263 (more than acceptable for him), with two HRs and 8 RBIs in 10 games (surprising power and production for him). Bradley, Jr. has been in just three AAA games since being sent down and is hitting .333 with a .429 OBP. Count on both players being back on the big team before 2013 ends.

Former Sox Reddick And Moss Visit Hospital

Photo By Gay Gerlack

Before last night's game at Fenway, former Red Sox players Brandon Moss and Josh Reddick visited 11-year old Aaron Hern at Children's Hospital in Boston. Hern, an Oakland resident, was hit by shrapnel in the left leg during the terrorist bombings on April 15th. Said Reddick, "We drove in by it last night from the airport, past the memorial service, so that was kind of a heart-sinking moment. But I think we've both been in that hospital before, so we know what kind of stuff that hospital has to offer. We had just as much of a blast as that little kid and his family did, so it was good for us, too, to put a big smile on our face." It's good to know that our Red Sox baseball system has produced such quality human beings as Reddick and Moss.

Bailey And Napoli Named Co-Players Of Week

Andrew Bailey and Mike Napoli were named American League Co-Players of the Week. Bailey had three saves over the week, while Napoli hit .345 with five doubles, a triple and a home run. The last time two Red Sox players shared Co-Player of the Week honors was in 2007 when Mike Lowell and David Ortiz were named. The only other time this happened was in 2002 when the honor was bestowed on Pedro Martinez and Trot Nixon.

POLL: Support For Papi's Comment Rising

As more votes are counted in our latest FenwayNation Poll, the proportion of readers who find the comments of David Ortiz "appropriate" has risen to more than four in five. As the table shows, 82% now view the DH's expletive-laden comments on Saturday to be appropriate, while just 18% think the comments were inappropriate. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Mike Napoli 'Slams' Sox Over Oakland, 9-6

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Don't look now, Red Sox fans, but your first baseman leads the majors in RBIs. Mike Napoli clouted a towering grand slam into the frigid Fenway night leading the Carmine Hose to a 9-6 win over the slumping Athletics. Napoli's fourth career grand slam plated four of his five RBIs on the night, giving him 25 on the season. Will Middlebrooks broke out of his doldrums with a laser-like three-run homer into the Monster Seats. Felix Doubront was his "yin-yang" self again, unhittable at times and completely undisciplined at other times. The lefty seems to lose focus in certain innings and is unable to find the plate. Nevertheless, he struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings to get the win. Puzzling.

Red Sox Option Webster Back To Pawtucket

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

After his encouraging spot start on Sunday, Allen Webster was sent back to AAA Pawtucket on Monday morning. Webster threw six impressive innings—giving up just two runs, striking out five and walking only one. In addition to his blazing upper-nineties fastball, he featured a devastating change-up. Look for the 23-year old—who came to Boston in The Great Nick Punto Trade—to be back at Fenway Park before the year is out.

POLL: Nearly 4 In 5 Support Papi Comment

Early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll suggest that almost four in five readers (79%) think the expletive-laden comment made by David Ortiz was appropriate. As the chart shows, a little over one reader in five (21%) takes the opposite view—that the comment before Saturday's game was inappropriate. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN POLL: Was Papi's Expletive Appropriate?

David Ortiz And The Expletive
Was the expletive used by David Ortiz appropriate, or not?	Appropriate Inappropriate
	Current Results

Please Donate To The One Fund Boston, Inc.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the terrorist attack on Boston on April 15th, 2013. The people of the Boston area are determined to persevere and any help you can give to the victims would be greatly appreciated. As Mayor Menino said, "We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it." You can donate to the fund HERE. Thank you.

Red Sox Suffer Double-Dip Loss To Royals

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The Red Sox lost both ends of a day-night double-header to the Royals on Sunday by scores of 4-2 and 5-4—blowing golden opportunities to win both games and seize the best record in baseball. As it is, bad pitching re-surfaced in both tilts—with Ryan Dempster unable to hold a lead in Game One and both Koji Uehara and Andrew Miller pitching poorly in the nightcap. Uehara gave up the game-tying home run in the eighth and Miller lost control and walked in the winning run in the tenth. All in all, a dissatisfying end to a tumultuous weekend in Boston.

Red Sox 'NAVA'-Gate Emotional Win At Fenway

 Jim Rogash/Getty Images

After a solemn opening ceremony marking the terrorist attack on Boston, the Red Sox captured a come-from-behind 4-3 win (their seventh straight) over the Royals at Fenway Park today. After paying tribute to the dead and injured from Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon, Clay Buchholz and James Shields locked in a pitcher's duel for most of the game. Boston stormed back from a 2-1 deficit to take a 4-2 lead on a three-run home run by Daniel Nava in the bottom of the eighth. Andrew Bailey shakily closed out the win in the ninth. David Ortiz made his return to the line-up—going 2 for 4 and driving in a run. Neil Diamond was on the field to lead fans in the eighth-inning rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'. A little bit of normalcy in a difficult time.

Red Sox To Wear 'Home' Boston Jersey Today

In a tribute to our city and all it has gone through in the last five days, the Red Sox will wear a "home" white jersey today emblazoned with the word "Boston". Game time is 1:10 PM. Last night's postponed game will be played on Sunday night at 7:00 PM.

Friday's Red Sox Game At Fenway Park Off

The Red Sox announced that tonight's Red Sox-Royals game at Fenway Park has been post-poned "to support the efforts of law enforcement officers".

Red Sox Take Sixth Straight; Beat Tribe, 6-3

Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Red Sox will return home to Fenway in the midst of the final stages of the manhunt for the terrorists who attacked our city just four days ago. In their final road game in Cleveland, the Red Sox used more good pitching (Jon Lester) and timely hitting (Jarrod Saltalamachhia, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli, Mike Carp). The 6-3 win allows the Carmine Hose to return to Boston at 11-4. It's unclear as of 7:30 AM on Friday, whether the current regional lockdown mode during the continuing manhunt will impact on tonight's game. The more important bottom line is we are very close to getting the people who murdered and maimed our fellow citizens.

Tight-Knit Red Sox Team Wins Again, 6-3

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Just two days removed from the attack on Boston, the Red Sox again broke out to an early lead and held on for a victory in Cleveland. The 6-3 win was propelled by another decent start by Alfredo Aceves, timely hitting and another door-slamming performance by the bullpen. Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava each drove in two runs, while spot-starting first-baseman Mike Carp went 3 for 3 with an RBI. Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia also had multiple-hit performances. The Red Sox have now won five straight and will play one more at Progressive Field before they head back to Boston for a 10-game homestand beginning on Friday.

Solemn Red Sox Team Defeats Tribe, 7-2

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

One day after terrorists attacked our city, our baseball team took the field and brought back a win. Hanging in their dugout was a "617"-numbered uniform, and a touching sign from a young Indians fan (''From our city to your city: Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Boston. Love, Cleveland.'') The Red Sox scored seven times in the second inning and cruised to a 7-2 victory. Mike Napoli knocked in three of the runs on two doubles and Felix Doubront pitched well enough to get his first win of 2013. But the real winners were not at Progressive Field, but everyone 639.8 miles to the east.

Hanrahan To Go On DL; Bailey To Close

The Red Sox will place closer Joel Hanrahan on the disabled list today. Continued hamstring soreness necessitated the move, while elevates Andrew Bailey to closer status. The Red Sox also promoted knuckleballer Steven Wright.