Little Papi: Why David Ortiz Needs To Come Clean About Steroid Use

by Scotty Kimberly

A few months ago, I wrote an article naming ten players I believe could be in the remaining 103 names affiliated with the A-Rod steroids controversy.

Much to the chagrin of Red Sox fans, one of the names listed was Red Sox DH David Ortiz.

The article was written February 10, and since then Ortiz has done nothing but confirm any suspicions that his better years are in the past.

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What has happened to Red Sox Three-Headed Monster?

by Nick Poust

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester has done this a lot this season, which is not a good sign for a pitching staff that is usually dominant. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

The Boston Red Sox, on paper, have one of the most decorated starting rotations in the major leagues. This staff is headlined by Josh Beckett, who won 20 games in 2007, Jon Lester, who boasted 16 victories last season, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, who had 18 wins and a team-leading 2.90 Earned Run Average in his 2008 campaign.

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Red Sox Prospects Have Earned Call-Up

by Andy Lindberg

Clay Buchholz took a perfect game into the ninth inning of a AAA game on Monday, May 25th. He is 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He also had 49 strikeouts in 48.1 innings pitched.

Michael Bowden is 2-2 with a 1.64 ERA for Pawtucket. He has already seen some major league action this season with a relief appearance against the New York Yankees. He pitched two perfect innings and struck out two.

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Morneau’s Big Blast Helps Twins Beat Red Sox

The Minnesota Twins have been celebrating their final season in the Metrodome the easy way.

Jogging around the bases has become routine for these suddenly powerful Twins, whose home run streak reached nine straight games - their longest in seven years.

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Top 10 goosebump moments in Boston sports history

by John Beattie

Honorable mention

Team USA’s “Miracle on Ice” 4-3 win over the Soviets at the 1980 Olympics: The Americans defeated the Russians thanks to the decisive goal by Winthrop’s Mike Eruzione and 36 saves by North Easton’s Jim Craig.

Manny Ramirez’s walk-off home run in the 2007 ALDS against the Angels: Down 3-1 in the ninth inning of Game 2, Manny Ramirez launched a three-run, walk-off home run to give the Red Sox a 2-0 series lead. Ramirez stood in the batter’s box, hands raised, heroically watching his bomb soar over the Monster seats.

Boston University’s win over Miami (Ohio) to take home the 2009 hockey national championship: The Terriers popped two goals in the final minute of play to force overtime before scoring the game-winner with 8:13 left in the extra period to win 4-3, claim their fifth title and deny the RedHawks their first NCAA crown in any sport.

Celtics’ triple overtime win over Suns in the 1976 NBA Finals: The Suns erased a 22-point deficit in regulation and eventually forced three overtimes, but John Havlicek and the Celtics finished them off 128-126 in one of the greatest NBA games ever played.

Pedro vs. Indians in Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS: Pedro Martinez came out of the bullpen to pitch six hitless innings while striking out eight en route to Boston’s 12-8 comeback win over Cleveland to advance to the ALCS.

10. Ted Williams’ last weekend of his .400 season
Heading into the last day of the 1941 season, Williams was hitting .39955, which would round up to .400. Williams was offered a seat on the bench to protect the first .400 season since 1930, but Williams declined. He then went on to torch Philadelphia A’s pitchers for six hits in eight at-bats to finish the season at .406. No hitter has had a .400 batting average since.

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Clay Buchholz just misses throwing perfect game for Triple A Red Sox

by Dan Lamothe

So, what's a brother have to do to get another chance, anyway?

That question has to cross Clay Buchholz's mind every day lately, as he continues to put together an eye-popping season for the Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox instead of pitching for the "big boys" in Boston.

Buchholz's latest -- and greatest -- performance this season came yesterday, as he took a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Lousville Bats, eventually finishing with one hit allowed and seven strikeouts. But he was even more dominating than that: he went to a three-ball count on only one batter and threw only 96 pitches, 70 of which were strikes.

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In the first place …

Red Sox salvage series finale

By Bill Ballou

These days happen at Fenway over the course of the long baseball season, but for some reason, they seem to happen on Sunday afternoons more than at any other times.

Home runs that were, home runs that were not. Thunder, lightning, rain, hail, doomsday clouds. Rundowns, knuckleballs, clutch hits by backup catchers, no hits by designated hitters and a pitch that went 15 feet.

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Sox must pay for Bay to stay

by Bill Burt

The David Ortiz question is finally going to be answered tonight. Ortiz is going to be jettisoned from the all-important third spot in the lineup.

That brings us to another question:

What is Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein waiting for with Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay?

There is risk, like with JD Drew and Julio Lugo, both of whom were vastly overpaid for the services and both of whom are probably more suited to play elsewhere.

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Red Sox journal: Ortiz sits out, may be dropped in batting order

By DANIEL BARBARISI

David Ortiz was out of the lineup again Monday, getting another "break" as the team tries to pull him out of his deep slump. His place in the lineup, meanwhile, may not necessarily be set in its usual stone when he comes back Tuesday.

Speculation is rampant that Ortiz will be dropped from his usual third spot in the order, but Francona would not say.

"My talk with David is kind of me and David," Francona said, adding that a scheduled day off for Mike Lowell could result in multiple lineup changes Tuesday.

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Streaking C Mauer hits pinch-homer on day off

Red Sox hold off Twins

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Kevin Youkilis had a pair of doubles and two runs batted in and Jeff Bailey hit a solo homer, as the Boston Red Sox got by the Minnesota Twins, 6-5, in the opener of a four-game set at the Metrodome.

Jason Bay finished 2-for-5 with a two-run double, while Dustin Pedroia added three hits and two runs for the Red Sox, who came into the contest after losing two of three in an interleague matchup against the New York Mets. Boston has won five of seven overall.

Jacoby Ellsbury recorded two hits and extended his hitting streak to 20 games in the win.

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Queasy Penny pitches Sox past Twins

By Thor Nystrom

The starting pitcher was vomiting between innings, the backup first baseman hit a crucial home run, the infallible closer gave up a mammoth two-run homer and the designated hitter was an offensive force.

It wasn't a typical Red Sox win, but Boston used a gutty performance by starter Brad Penny and four hits from Mike Lowell in his first start of the season at designated hitter to hold off the Twins for a 6-5 victory in a Memorial Day matinee at the Metrodome.

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Baseball Betting - Blue Jays at Red Sox Baseball Betting Odds

by John Bower

The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox conclude their three-game series on Thursday at 7:10pm EST as Robert Ray faces Jon Lester.

The Blue Jays have been leading the American League East in baseball betting for most of the season but they are now on a tough road trip with Fenway Park their first stop.

Ray has pitched well for Toronto this season going 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA. He got his first Major League win on Saturday as he beat the White Sox 2-1, going 8 innings and allowing only three hits.

The young pitchers for Toronto have done very well this season but pitching at Fenway is never easy.

"In all honesty, when you're out there playing, whether you're pitching or you're hitting, if you really concentrate you don't hear anything," Toronto manager Cito Gaston said.

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Sox were not in on Peavy

by Nick Cafardo

While Jake Peavy had expressed an interest in the Red Sox a few weeks ago, the Red Sox, already deep in pitching, were not involved in the recent round of talks for the coveted Padres righthander according to a team source.

Peavy, according to reports by SI.Com and CBSsports.com and first reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, is on the verge of being traded to the Chicago White Sox, but is pending Peavy's approval since he has a full no trade clause in his contract. Peavy would have approved a deal to the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves this past offseason, but it never materialized.

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Tim Wakefield sharp again as Boston Red Sox defeat Toronto Blue Jays 2-1

By RON CHIMELIS

BOSTON - The cheers for David Ortiz were those of a pleading nature, but the roaring for Tim Wakefield was well-earned.

On another hitless night for Ortiz, Boston's slump-ridden designated hitter, Wakefield delivered eight stellar innings of five-hit ball Tuesday night, and the Red Sox handed Toronto a 2-1 setback at Fenway Park.

The Blue Jays came to Boston with a .289 average, best in the American League, and 3½-game lead in the American League East. That meant nothing against Wakefield (5-2), who induced eight infield popups, three of which were caught by catcher George Kottaras.

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Kevin Youkilis returning to Boston Red Sox after injury stint

By RON CHIMELIS

BOSTON - The Red Sox are getting healthier.

First baseman Kevin Youkilis is expected to be activated Wednesday after spending time on the disabled list for an oblique strain.

Youkilis went 0 for 6 on a rehab stint in Pawtucket, but said he's ready to go.
"I asked him if he wanted to go to Double A (Portland) to get some hits. He said no," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He said he felt fine."

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Ortiz back in Red Sox's starting lineup

Slugger returns to No. 3 spot in order after weekend break

By Ian Browne

BOSTON -- Not only did Red Sox slugger David Ortiz return to the starting lineup on Tuesday night against the Blue Jays following his three-day break in Seattle, but he was right back in the No. 3 spot in the batting order.

Big Papi, Boston's slumping designated hitter, hasn't batted anywhere other than third since early in the 2005 season.

Manager Terry Francona doesn't feel this is the time to move Ortiz, who was batting .208 with no homers and 15 RBIs entering Tuesday.

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Boston's Youkilis to rejoin team on Wednesday

Blue Jays complete four-game sweep of Sox

by Jeremy Sandler

TORONTO -- Bring on the Red Sox.

Not to oversimplify things or hand the Boston Red Sox bulletin board material, but after the Toronto Blue Jays capped a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 3-2 win Monday, Jays manager Cito Gaston admitted he was excited about starting a three-game series in Boston Tuesday against the second-place Red Sox.

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Fake Fan Attempts Suicide After Celtics, Red Sox Lose

by Alex Akita

A local man was found lying in a ditch on the side of the road late Sunday evening after an apparent suicide attempt.

The man, unidentified at the time, was discovered unconscious covered in dirt and tears, wearing a Paul Pierce Boston Celtics jersey, a kelly green Boston Red Sox baseball cap, cargo shorts with deliberately placed holes in the fabric, and brown leather flip-flops.

After further inspection, a barbed wire tattoo was uncovered on the man’s right bicep. He also had his left ear pierced, which for the record is not considered the gay ear.

After taking the man to the hospital and discovering that he was in no way harmed by his brush with death, authorities began to question the details in front of them.

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Report: Red Sox inquired about Victor Martinez

According to FoxSports.com, the Red Sox have inquired about the availability of Cleveland catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez. Martinez, 30, is earning $5.7 million this season and is under a team option for $7 million for 2010. Martinez is hitting .401 with seven homers and 26 RBI and 31 runs.

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Red Sox Interested In Nick Johnson?

The Red Sox have been watching Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, according to a number of team scouts.

Boston could be looking at Johnson as insurance in the event Kevin Youkilis struggles to return from his oblique injury.


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Beantown Beatdown: The Worst Week in The History of Boston Sports

by Kevin H. MacLean

It is Thursday night.

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, for professional hockey. I can't say with certainty that I've ever watched a NHL game with any real emotional investment since the lockout and yet there I was, sitting and rooting for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Now normally, I would never support the Hurricanes. Growing up only 20 minutes from Hartford I am probably the last generation old enough to remember the Hartford Whalers and normally, I would never support evil that they have now become. But they just happened to be playing the Bruins. The Boston Bruins.

And then, Scott Walker! Fist pumps abound in my bedroom as the the Hurricanes made sure that Zdeno Chara would be watching the Stanley Cup finals from his couch.

The Celtics had already gone down earlier that night to ensure a Game Seven against the Magic and the Bosox had been beaten for the second game in a row as the Yankees won their third straight.

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Lugo leaves game with groin soreness

Shortstop's condition will be reevaluated Sunday

By Doug Miller

SEATTLE -- Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo left Saturday night's game in the seventh inning because of what he described as soreness in his left groin.

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Red Sox expect Big Papi to rebound

By John Hickey

SEATTLE -- For three days in May, David Ortiz was a non-factor for the Boston Red Sox.

Come Tuesday and for the final four-plus months of the season, Ortiz will have to be a major factor if the Sox are to have their lofty expectations realized.

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Mariners keen on Red Sox

By Sean McAdam

SEATTLE - There’s something about the Red Sox [team stats] that intrigues the Seattle Mariners.

As the two teams prepared to play the middle game of their series last night, the Sox had three people in their dugout who had interviewed for the position of Mariners manager - and a fourth who politely declined an invitation.

Meanwhile, back in Boston, a member of the Sox baseball operations staff was sought last winter when the Mariners were looking for a new general manager.

“I can’t get anyone to leave there,” joked Seattle president and chief operating officer Chuck Armstrong.

While Terry Francona was named manager of the Red Sox after the 2003 season, he interviewed with Seattle a year earlier. It was, in fact, during his stay in Seattle that Francona suffered complications from an earlier knee surgery that resulted in a hospitalization and nearly led to an amputation.

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Even in Iraq, Red Sox-Yanks a hot topic

By Mike Sullivan

It's sad the way our servicemen and women have become below-the-fold and inside news. The war rages on, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, but much of our country's focus is elsewhere. I can't speak for everybody, but anytime I hear something, bad or good, about the people fighting for our freedom, I tend to tune in. They demand, and should command, our attention.

I heard about a man with local ties recently who is serving in Iraq. Fortunately, it's a fun story about how he's trying to find enjoyment in a situation that most of us can't fathom being in. So without further ado...;

If you've inhabited the Seacoast region for a while, especially the Hampton area, you may have run into James Scott at some point. Hopefully it was for a good reason — he was a part-time officer with the Hampton Police Department for eight years from 1985 to 1993.

Scott is one of those guys people just liked, unless of course he cuffed you, stuffed you and escorted you to a bad guy suite at the police station. Among Scott's fans is New Hampshire Commissioner of Corrections William "Bill" Wrenn.

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Same old story for Red Sox offense

By Sean McAdam

SEATTLE - Last night’s 5-4 loss at Safeco Field produced an eerie sense of deja vu for the Red Sox [team stats].

Just like Wednesday night, the Red Sox were facing a 30-year-old rookie starting pitcher. Just like Wednesday night, they enjoyed some early success and grabbed a 4-0 lead. And just like Wednesday night, the offense was shut down after the third inning and the Sox were handed a dispiriting loss.

On Wednesday, it was Matt Palmer of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; last night, it was Chris Jakubauskas of the Seattle Mariners.

Different pitchers, different cities, same result.

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You Might Not Be a Real Boston Red Sox Fan If...

When I was a boy, my father told me it took real character to be a die-hard Red Sox fan. Since 2004, it seems Red Sox Nation has taken on all who are weary and looking for a new team.

If these slides leave you confused about the Red Sox, than you have work to do before you can call youself a real Boston Red Sox fan.

You might not be a real Boston Red Sox fan if...

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Many Boston Red Sox Used Steroids

by Colin Linneweber

Former Boston Red Sox player and current analyst and reporter for Comcast SportsNet New England, Lou Merloni, claimed last week that Sox management taught players how to use steroids during his tenure with the team.

"I'm in spring training, and I got an 8:30-9:00 meeting in the morning," said Merloni, 38, a native of Framingham, Massachusetts and graduate of Providence College who played five seasons on Yawkey Way as an infielder from 1998-2003.

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Boston Red Sox Team: One of the Top choices of Fans when it comes to Baseball Merchandise

Boston Red Sox fans no doubt still have some kind of euphoric hangover from their recent World Series win, even though it was almost two year ago. The Boston Red Sox Team won the 2007 World Series, the 103rd World Series played in Major League Baseball. A talented Boston Red Sox Team beat out the National League champion’s, the Colorado Rockies, who were making their first World Series appearance winning the championship in four games.

Fans of the team were ecstatic, as the Red Sox took their second World Series in only four seasons - the seventh overall for a team that has been at a top level for such a long time. That is probably why, according to diehardfans.com, one of the leading online retailers of sports related merchandise, Boston Red Sox Merchandise are some of the fastest moving items in their store, that and a strong tradition of winning and playing hard that has endeared them to their legion of fans.

Boston Red Sox Team History

The Boston Red Sox team history is quite a long and colorful one. The Red Sox have been with the league since 1901, probably longer than any living fan today. For the majority of that time, from 1912 actually, they called Fenway Park their home stadium. The Bosox, as their fans call them, were one of the American League's eight charter franchises.

While with the American league, they were THE team to beat, taking the first World Series in 1903 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They again took four more World Series wins by 1918, raising their total to five. But then came the longest championship drought in league history – no championships for the Bosox from then on until they finally won another one in 2004, and then again in 2007.

Part of the reason they were unable to secure a championship during those times was the move of the Red Sox owner to move who could be the most famous baseball player of them all – Babe Ruth. On December 26, 1919, the Boston Red Sox team sent Babe Ruth (a six season veteran then) to the New York Yankees. As we all know, the Yankees soared while the Red Sox languished during those years. Thankfully for the fans, the Red Sox recaptured their mojo to be one of the best teams of the current decade.

Boston Red Sox Memorabilia

Aside from the history of winning and the fanatical fans, what makes Boston Red Sox Memorabilia so compelling to the fans. A quick peek at what types of memorabilia the site has to offer quickly gives an answer.

The page that holds the Boston Red Sox Gifts is a veritable treasure trove of valuable minted coins and photo mints of your favorite Red Sox milestones and players – the type fans will be inclined to display and be proud of. Here you will find things such as a Red Sox 24kt Gold & Infield Dirt 3 Coin Set that has three minted coins honouring the team and the field they’ve played in for decades. Beside it you may find something like a Manny Ramirez 24kt Gold Coin Photo Mint that has commemorative team coins, sometimes in gold, and sometimes in silver, all or most are quite valuable, and will surely be more valuable as time passes.

Boston Red Sox memorabilia on this site is not just all about cards, or little doohickeys like other stores, these items are premium items that serious collectors seek. Serious collectors know that toys and trinkets lose their value quickly, but a good piece of memorabilia can last several lifetimes, and may even be a good family heirloom one day.

Boston Red Sox Jerseys

Another one of the bestsellers on the site are Boston Red Sox Jerseys. Little wonder they’re so popular as the Boston Red Sox command a pretty large fan base. And with fan friendly players such as Manny Ramirez, Jason Varitek, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and David Ortiz, there’s no wonder Boston Red Sox jerseys rocketed to the top of their list.

The site offers a fine selection of replica jerseys that fit adults, teens, and even infants – presumably for the Boston Red Sox-crazy family – and jerseys for men and women. The jerseys come in the home whites and alternate reds. There is also one thing that is sure to attract every Boston Red Sox fan, not to mention any other baseball fan out there – a replica throwback jersey of the great babe Ruth.

Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz: The Fear of Selling Low

by Kathy Willens

David Ortiz's power slump to begin the 2009 season has caused much of the baseball world to try and explain why is has occurred. Baseball Prospectus sends its Three-Headed Knight to battle while Crooked Pitch focuses on pop-ups by Big Papi.

My focus is more about the fear of dealing David Ortiz at his low and seeing him rebound to have an acceptably good power season. (After last season, visions of 2006 no long dance in my head.) But how can one even conceptualize this all-too-common monkey wrench that prevents many fantasy baseball trades?

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Red Sox fireballers through the years

By Chad Finn

When phenom Daniel Bard -- he of the reported 100 miles-per-hour fastball -- was recalled by the Red Sox on Sunday, it got us thinking about some of the other true fireballers in franchise history.

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Red Sox Nation finds itself in a Bay state of mind

By Lesley Visser

BOSTON -- Maybe they should start calling him Thunder Bay. In the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday night, Jason Bay gave Boston Red Sox fans more reason to forget Manny Ramirez when he blasted a double off the wall with his pink bat for the winning run in a 4-3 victory.

"He's always in the middle of everything," manager Terry Francona said of Bay's latest performance, this one on Breast Cancer Awareness Day (thus, the pink bat). "It's always when we need it."

The unassuming left fielder from the small British Columbia town of Trail, best known for hockey (NHL veteran Ray Ferraro used to babysit him), has become the image of class and clutch at the plate. Bay is batting .378 with runners in scoring position. Eight of his nine home runs have come with runners on base.

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Ailing Sox winning with grit, determination

Boston making no excuses despite missing key players

By Ian Browne

BOSTON -- After 17 games in 17 days, the Red Sox finally got a chance to exhale amid the calm of Southern California. Manager Terry Francona's team spent Monday in full chill-mode, as they gear up for a six-game road trip that starts in Anaheim and ends in Seattle.

If the Red Sox take any time out of their day for reflection, they are likely to feel pretty satisfied with what they've accomplished.

Particularly over the last week -- and in a sense, since the season started -- very little has come easy for Boston's 2009 edition. Yet the Sox have built a 20-12 record, which is tied with the Cardinals for third-best in the Major Leagues.

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Blog Offers Gear and Accessories to Enhance Your Experience When Watching MLB Games

MLB fans all over the country love their MLB teams so much that they virtually fund a whole sub-industry over and above supporting the game of MLB – that is of course the retail of MLB Shop, related merchandise. MLB memorabilia, gear, and accessories is a billion dollar a year industry – that’s a lot of money for a game to generate.

When fans watch MLB games, it’s obvious that people enjoy the experience quite a lot. What’s there not to like? There are hotdogs, soda, peanuts, candy, beer, pretzels, and a whole lot more treats to be had. Then of course there’s the MLB game itself, the players, the action, the adrenaline rush of watching your favourite team and cheering yourself hoarse to try and will them to victory. All those things are enough reason to love going to MLB games, but of course, there’s more out there that can enhance the experience for you as a fan. That is where MLB merchandise comes in.

MLB merchandise’s sole purpose is to enhance the fan’s feeling of connection with the game, most especially their favourite team. Good thing there’s a place online, like diehardfans.com that can provide you with accessories, gift items, and even jewelry, that is dedicated to MLB.

MLB Accessories

What makes MLB accessories fun for people? For one, it makes fans feel like part of a group, a community. It gives them a sense of camaraderie when they are together with fellow fans. And nothing makes a fan happier than displaying their team allegiances for everyone to see. Fortunately, you can get a whole range of MLB accessories from the site.

Here are a few samples:

You can add a dash of team spirit when you come to the office wearing a tie that features your favourite club. Why not drive down to the office wearing officially licensed team sunglasses with matching soft carry case? If you’re more on the techie side, there are even team color-coordinated iPod and mobile phone protectors available. And for the ladies, there are nice little velvet pouches with team logos where you can organize and carry all your girly stuff, and then safely tuck it into your bag.

To complete your ensemble, there are all sorts of cool MLB accessories such as belt buckles, key chains, lighters, and even stationery such as pads and penholders. Not only will you be getting quality accessories, you’ll be showing everyone just how much you love the game and your team.

MLB gifts

MLB related items are great as gifts too. For a Die Hard Fan, nothing beats getting MLB gifts, no matter what the occasion is. Imagine this, a team themed holiday tree, with MLB game related presents!

For the kids, there is back-to-school gifts such as lunch boxes with their favourite ball club or favourite player displayed up front. For the MLB fan with a flair for interior decorating, there are some nice decorative items available such as 3D tabletop ornaments of team logos, bobble-head dolls of your favourite players, and even some nice and sparkling fiber-optic laser ornaments. And of course, for the MLB fan who loves collecting memorabilia and collectibles, there are a host of choices that will make you salivate with glee. You can have everything you can possibly think of, from mini replica helmets to trinket boxes with logos. For more serious collectors who would like to invest in high value memorabilia, there’s a fine collection of minted items such as commemorative coins, championship coins, and photo mints of your favourite players. These last items come in limited editions that will surely be more valuable after a few years.

MLB jewelry

If all that is not enough, then maybe you’d like to take a gander at the available jewelry – yes there is a jewelry section on the site and it offers a rich assortment of items that can be used to accent most anything you can find in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised to find our MLB jewelry encompasses toe rings, bracelets, necklaces, and even classy leather and silver watches for both men and women.

If you want to impress your girl, who you know is also an avid MLB fan, a pair of earrings that bears her favorite team’s logo is sure to impress. You can even tell her that in fact, the pair you gave is made from authentic jewelry grade silver (in some cases at least). Or better yet, get a complete set - everything from toe ring, bracelet, necklace, and watch to complete her team look when you go to that next game you have planned for the weekend. There’s also a great selection of watches for the guys, in almost all styles imaginable.

Tampa Bay Rays VS. Boston Red Sox

Here at Trop Talk we want to wish all the mothers out there a happy Mother’s Day. You all deserve it and we hope you enjoy the day. Today’s game will feautre two premier right handers with Matt Garza going up against Josh Beckett.

What To Watch For:
The one thing we all would like to see is Garza continue his dominance against the Red Sox.

The Evan Longoria campaign to be MVP continues again today. Longo is on a straight tear and has not cooled off one bit.

X-Factor:
Today’s X-Factor is your Mother. If she wasn’t here you would not be watching the game today.

Red Sox gear up for tough Garza

By John Barone

BOSTON -- For a decade, they were the punching bag of the American League. Every team -- the Red Sox included -- wanted a crack at the Rays, who wallowed in the cellar of the American League East from their inception in 1998 until, of course, last season.

But Tampa Bay's sudden transformation into a contender was spurred by much more than a simple name change. Last year, for the first time in franchise history, the Rays were beneficiaries of consistent quality starting pitching. Games that would have been a lost cause in past seasons were suddenly within reach, and no pitcher sparked the turnaround more than Matt Garza.

The 25-year-old hurler, who will take the hill in Sunday night's series finale at Fenway Park, has emerged as a personal nemesis of the Red Sox. Including last year's AL Championship Series, during which he limited the Sox to two runs in 13 innings over two starts, Garza is 7-1 lifetime against Boston with a 2.60 ERA.

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