April 25th, 2013 at 12:55 AM
By Mitch ColeThe Red Sox announced today that they optioned pitcher Alfredo Aceves to AAA Pawtucket. Sources tell Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald that Ryan Lavarnway will soon be called up to occupy the vacant roster spot until John Lackey is activated from the DL.
I can't say this move is a huge surprise. I, along with many others, have been calling for an Aceves trade since his "test" of manager John Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves in Spring Training. He had many meltdowns last season, as well as poor statistics, and continued his erratic behavior into this season as well. He got involved in the Canada-Mexico brawl in the World Baseball Classic, after which Canadian first base coach Larry Walker pointed out, "When I got a hold of him (Aceves), and I think I saw Satan in his eyes."
Yikes.
The good news is that Aceves is now riding the bus in Pawtucket, which is really where he belongs. The man just has not performed at the level the Red Sox need him to. Additionally, the fact that the Red Sox are not putting up with his poor performance by demoting him is a very good sign that things indeed have taken a turn for the better in the organization after a pair of nightmarish seasons.
Read more... Join the Conversation... September 24th, 2012 at 4:49 PM
By Chris GarmanThe Boston Red Sox have some major decisions to make once their season ends next week. There are a several players that the team must decide whether to bring back for 2013 or part ways with.
The team’s biggest weakness this year has been its pitching staff and some of those arms that have contributed to the struggles will not return next season. Here are some of the players that are on the chopping block and whether they should stay or go. 
Daisuke Matsuzaka: Go
The experiment with Matsuzaka has not turned out the way the Red Sox hoped when signing him in 2006. Though he was a part of the World Series team in 2007, he has struggle significantly. Aside from the 2008 season where he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA, he has not produced for the Red Sox, especially over the past three seasons. In 10 starts this season, Matsuzaka has a record of 1-6 and a dreadful ERA of 7.68. He has no been able to get batters out and it is time to cut ties with the highly paid pitcher from Japan.
Jon Lester: Stay
Read more... Join the Conversation... September 23rd, 2012 at 7:16 PM
By Chris GarmanThe Boston Red Sox were able to salvage the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon, taking home a 2-1 victory.
With the score tied a 1-1 entering the bottom half of the eighth inning, Dustin Pedroia led off with a double and Cody Ross followed with a double of his own that scored Pedroia. Each went 2 for 4 at the plate, picking up almost half of the team’s total nine hits. 
Felix Doubront pitched a gem for the Red Sox, turning in arguably the best outing of his young career. The 24-year old gave up one run on four hits in seven innings, while striking out a career-high 11 batters. The seven innings pitched by Doubront ties a career-high as well, but the effort came in a no decision.
Closer Andrew Bailey allowed the Orioles to load the bases in the ninth, but worked out if the jam to pick up his sixth save of the season.
Read more... Join the Conversation... September 22nd, 2012 at 5:51 PM
By Chris GarmanAfter coming back from a three-run deficit late, the Boston Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles 9-6 in 12 innings on Saturday afternoon.
Alfredo Aceves took the loss for the Red Sox, moving to 2-10 on the season with a 5.31 ERA. Last season, Aceves was arguably the Red Sox most valuable pitcher as he was effective as a starter and out of the bullpen. This season, he has been arguably the team’s worst pitcher out of the bullpen. Manager Bobby Valentine’s decision to move Aceves to the closer role could have something to do with his struggles. The two have had visible issues with one another this season and both will likely no longer be with the team in 2013.
Outside of Aceves, the Red Sox bullpen did its job. They allowed one run on three his over six innings in support of starter Aaron Cook who lasted 5.1 innings and gave up five runs on nine hits.
Scott Podsednik (2 for 4) and Daniel Nava (2 for 3) led the Red Sox at the plate. Danny Valencia tallied his first home run with the Red Sox, hitting a two-run shot in the fourth inning.
Read more... Join the Conversation... September 21st, 2012 at 6:14 PM
By Chris GarmanThe Boston Red Sox will open a three-game series tonight against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. The Orioles are a game behind the New York Yankees in the American League East and the Red Sox again have a chance to impact the playoff race.
The Red Sox are playing what could be their best baseball in weeks, which is not saying much since they are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Orioles played a part in the Red Sox collapse last season and tonight is the first game of six remaining between the two teams. The Red Sox now have a chance for some payback.
The first game of the series will see Jon Lester (9-12, 4.95 ERA) against Miguel Gonzalez (6-4, 3.57 ERA). In two starts against the Orioles this season, Lester has had a no decision in each, giving up a total of five earned runs in 12 innings.
The Orioles will send Chris Tillman (8-2, 3.22 ERA) to the mound in game two against Aaron Cook (4-10, 4.93) for the Red Sox. Tillman has won seven of his last 10 starts, but had a short outing against the Red Sox earlier this season, giving up three runs in 4.2 innings.
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