- With the Red Sox struggling so badly, people are waiting for Bobby Valentine to be fired. For a while it seemed there may be a chance that he'd be retained for the 2013, but with each loss those chances dip lower and lower. Alex Convery explains why this team is in need of a blank slate. (Alex Convery; Fire Brand of the AL)
- In a season that's been marred by almost nothing but negatives, it's nice to read some things about the pleasant surprises this season has brought. Perhaps the most notable of these few surprises has been the season being had by Scott Podsednik. (Brian MacPherson; Providence Journal)
- One good thing about watching a struggling team late in the season is that fans get to see the younger players get some playing time. While Jose Iglesias has struggled with the bat (though he just hit a double for his first hit of the season mere minutes after I typed this!), it's his glove that has intrigued everyone throughout his minor-league career. (John Leary; Green Line Outfit)
- Over at Baseball Prospectus, good Twitter-bud and great writer Hunter Felt had a chance to write a guest piece. He did a phenomenal job, discussing the recent home plate collision controversies and the sexism it has brought with it. (Hunter Felt; Baseball Prospectus)
- With the firing of Bobby Valentine now a topic of discussion across the baseball world, Al Yellon wonders who the team could bring in to manage the team next season. (Al Yellon; Baseball Nation)
- Up above, I talked about how young players can typically see a bump in playing time on a struggling team down the stretch. However, call-ups can also impact a contending team. Jeff Moore looks at a few possible examples who could emerge this month. (Jeff Moore; Hardball Times)
- Almost everything from this point forward for the Red Sox will be about 2013. Alex Speier looks to the past for some guidance, and wonders whether contention is a realistic goal for the season that begins next spring. (Alex Speier; WEEI.com)