Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-US PRESSWIRE
In an attempt to even out the series after last night's 5-3 loss to the Angels, the Red Sox will send Clay Buchholz out to the mound tonight. Since June 12th, he has a 2.44 ERA and 47/14 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and has easily been on the best run of any Boston starter. As Evan Brunell points out, a big key to Buchholz's turnaround has been the reemergence of his changeup, with a little bit of luck thrown in too. (Evan Brunell; ESPN Sweetspot Blog)
On Monday, the Red Sox announced that Carl Crawford would be shut down for the rest of the season, and he would finally receive his much-anticipated Tommy John surgery on Thursday. Though he was starting to show signs of coming around as of late, injury problems have made this another disappointing year for him. (Jay Jaffe; Sports Illustrated)
With the Red Sox now five games under .500 after last night's defeat, any hope of a postseason run is all but shot. However, that doesn't mean there aren't reasons to keep watching the games. John Leary points out five reasons why the Sox are still an interesting watch for the remainder of the 2012 season. (John Leary; Green Line Outfit)
Since Melky Cabrera's 50 game suspension for testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone was announced on Sunday, there has been outcry from some baseball fans that this proves the current punishments aren't enough of a deterrent to keep players from using performance-enhancing drugs. As Craig Calcaterra points out, this is a crazy train of thought. (Craig Calcaterra; Hardball Talk)
Monday evening, it was announced that pitching coach Bob McClure had been let go. The disconnect between him and Bobby Valentine had been discussed throughout the season, and was one of the reasons behind the decision to part ways. (Brian MacPherson; Providence Journal)
Contrary to Calcaterra's point of view that the current PED system is fine, Brad Johnson takes a look at a few adjustments to the current system that could further prevent players from starting to use enhancements. While I disagree with some of his points, he presents a solid layout of some possible new additions to the punishment system. (Brad Johnson; Hardball Times)
Aaron Cook made the start for the Red Sox last night, and struggled once again. He has a 6.12 ERA and a 9/9 strikeout-walk ratio in his last six starts. Meanwhile, Daisuke Matsuzaka made his fifth rehab start last night, pitching seven scoreless innings. It remains to be seen who will be given their next scheduled start on Sunday. (Maureen Mullen; CSN New England)
While the Red Sox seem to be out of the playoff hunt, there is still an exciting race going on for the American League wild card spots. While Boston is currently reeling, the Seattle Mariners are currently the hottest team in baseball and are a half-game better than the hometown team. If last year taught us anything (sorry for bringing that up), it's that a hot baseball team is never out of the race. (Al Yellon; Baseball Nation)
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