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The pros and cons of Boston acquiring Roy Halladay

Care to see the Red Sox surrender a package like Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard and Lars Anderson for Roy Halladay? These are the type of prospects it will take to land one of the top starting pitchers in baseball. Boston might even have to add another big name, like outfielder Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish, or a shortstop like Yamaico Navarro, to entice Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi.

Let's weigh the pros and cons of Boston dealing for Halladay.

Pros

• Adding Halladay to a rotation that includes Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Brad Penny and Tim Wakefield would give the Red Sox an obvious advantage in 2009. The rotation is already strong, but with Halladay the Sox would be especially difficult to beat in a seven-game series. With Halladay, runs scored would be less critical. The offense is formidable enough to win since it is among the league leaders in runs, on-base percentage, OPS, walks and home runs. Halladay's presence would give Boston three shutdown starters (including Beckett and Lester), meaning that it would require fewer runs to win games.
• Halladay would also make the Sox even more formidable in 2010. He is signed through 2010, so if the team that acquires him does not lock him up long term, it would risk dealing away top prospects for just two years of the ace. Of course, if Halladay walks after 2010, the team that would acquire him this year would at least receive two draft picks when he signs elsewhere.

• The Sox are loaded with high-ceiling prospects, and the team has a proven track record in the draft. I think the Sox are Major League Baseball's equivalent to the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers in understanding how to draft and develop players that contribute. That said, the Sox could afford to let go of Buchholz because of top starting pitching prospects like Michael Bowden, Junichi Tazawa, Casey Kelly and Stolmy Pimentel are on the horizon. Though Anderson looks like he will be a productive major league first baseman, the Sox have a similar left-handed hitting first baseman at advanced Single-A Salem in Anthony Rizzo. If Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish would be part of the deal, Boston is loaded with other outfield prospects like Ryan Westmoreland and the recently drafted Reymond Fuentes, who is off to a fast start for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

Cons

• Halladay is 32, and he has thrown a lot of innings in his career. It would be a risk to surrender an array of high-ceiling prospects for a guy whose right arm can break down at any moment.
• There is no doubt that Halladay is an ace, but he does not have post-season experience. How will he perform in a big game?

• Sure, the acquisition of Halladay would likely give Boston a World Series title in 2009, but would the long-term implications hurt the competitiveness of the team? Take, for example, the speculative package of prospects I mentioned earlier. Buchholz has shown that he can retire major league hitters. His confidence is back, and he has the chance to become a top of the rotation starter for several years. Anderson is a Justin Morneau-type hitter and flashes a nifty glove at first base. His left-handed swing would fit in nicely at Fenway Park. Or he could eventually replace David Ortiz as the DH. Bard has shown that he belongs in the majors, and he has given the Sox a glimpse of their future closer if Jonathan Papelbon's salary demands are outrageous when he reaches free agency. Navarro might be major league ready by 2010, and he is a gifted shortstop who can hit. Reddick and Kalish are talented defensive outfielders who can swing the bat.

This debate is a case a deja vu. We had it on Sox and Pinstripes in December 2007 when it was reported that the Sox had offered Minnesota two packages of prospects, including names like Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie. All four of these players have significantly contributed to Boston's success in 2007 and 2008. Just say the Sox dealt Ellsbury, Lester and Masterson for Santana. It is doubtful that they would have reached the ALCS last season because depth is what guided them through an injury-filled year.

I respect Halladay. Though Beckett is a proven post-season starter, Halladay is probably a step above him as an ace, at least in the regular season, because the veteran is a throwback who usually gives his team eight or nine strong innings every game. Still, I would rather see the Sox keep their stockpile of prospects. The rotation is formidable as it is. Beckett, Lester, Wakefield and Penny are pitching well. I believe that Smoltz will rebound from his shaky debut and give the Sox another quality arm. Don't forget Daisuke Matsuzaka. He is in Ft. Myers getting the spring training he did not get this spring because of the World Baseball Classic. Nothing is structurally wrong with his shoulder. He just needs to build strength and stamina, and he should return sometime in August.

Since the rotation and bullpen are deep, the Sox would be better off trading for a bat. Victor Martinez is worth giving up Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden. A less costly acquisition would be Colorado's Garrett Atkins, a right-handed hitter who can play first and third. According to the Denver Post, the Red Sox have called the Rockies about Atkins, who perhaps can be had for Takashi Saito, a reliever in which the Rockies have expressed interest. The power hitter is batting just .225, but he posted a .327 average in June.

It would be surprising to see the Jays trade Halladay to the Red Sox or Yankees. The Angels are a possible destination. So is Philadelphia. Or maybe Halladay will remain in Toronto and he will be traded in the off-season. Perhaps the Jays will even keep him through 2010 since they have Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum and Jesse Litsch returning from injuries, and young arms like Ricky Romero, Scott Richmond and Brett Cecil are promising. If the Jays have a healthy rotation anchored by Halladay, they can contend in 2010.

The idea of Halladay, Beckett and Lester composing three-fifths of Boston's rotation is interesting to say the least; however, the cost in prospects will be too prohibitive. Thus the reason Epstein will likely pass. 

Beckett now 6-0 after a Red Sox loss with solid start against A's

There is no pitcher in baseball who is better suited to start a critical post-season game than Josh Beckett. For the Red Sox, it helps to have him take the mound when they need a regular season victory, too. Tonight, Beckett limited Oakland to two runs and five hits over 6.2 innings, Jason Bay belted his 20th home run of the single and Jason Varitek added a key two-out single to fuel the Red Sox to a 5-2 win over the A's. Boston's ace is now 6-0 this season following a Red Sox loss.

Oakland actually held an early lead. With two outs in the first, Scott Hairston (who was just acquired from San Diego), clubbed a drive over the Green Monster. The Sox chased A's left-hander Dana Eveland with Bay's home run and David Ortiz's run on Nick Green's double play grounder in the second, and Varitek's two-run single in the third. Eveland, who started in place of talented rookie Dallas Braden (who is on the bereavement list), lasted just 2.2 innings, throwing 71 pitches and serving up four runs and six hits.

Beckett allowed his second run on Adam Kennedy's two-out double in the fifth. Then he encountered a jam in the seventh when Mark Ellis beat out a high bouncer to give the A's runners on first and second. Terry Francona summoned Hideki Okajima, who retired Kennedy on an inning-ending ground out.

Boston plated an insurance run in the seventh on Dustin Pedroia's RBI single off reliever Russ Springer. Justin Masterson tossed a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Papelbon struck out the side in the ninth (along with allowing a single to Kurt Suzuki) to secure his 21st save.

Now 50-33, the Sox maintained their one-game American League East lead over the Yankees, which routed the Twins. Boston will try to win the series on Wednesday when All-Star Tim Wakefield (10-3, 4.30 ERA) faces right-hander Trevor Cahill (5-7, 4.55 ERA).

Notes and observations

• Aaron Bates pounded the ball at Double-A Portland, and he was still trying to figure out Triple-A pitching when the Sox called him up a few days ago. So far, the 25-year-old Bates looks overwhelmed by major league pitching. He was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk on Tuesday and is 0-for-6 in two games. It was surprising that the Sox did not recall Chris Carter to replace Jeff Bailey. Instead, they opted for Bates, who is a defensively sound first baseman. Carter is average with the glove.
• It was nice to see Jason Bay rip a home run and a double. His average has plummeted in recent weeks. It now stands at .265. Dustin Pedroia (.290) and Kevin Youkilis (.291) have also seen their batting average take a nosedive. Pedroia did have an RBI single on Tuesday, but Youkilis was 0-for-4. Jacoby Ellsbury (.303) is the only Red Sox regular hitting above .300. Chances are, this team will go on a tear when Bay, Pedroia and Youkilis start consistently hitting again.
• From now until the July 31 trade deadline, Clay Buchholz will probably see his name arise in rumors. Toronto would demand him in a Roy Halladay deal and Cleveland would likely want him in a trade for Victor Martinez. On Tuesday, Buchholz allowed two runs and four hits in six innings against Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia) and improved to 7-1 with a 2.11 ERA. Regarding Halladay, chances are he will be traded out of the division (if he is traded at all), but if the Red Sox or Yankees offer an enticing package of prospects, he could end up with either team.

Sluggish start to homestand raises the question, "Do the Red Sox need to add a bat?"

This is not how the Boston Red Sox envisioned their 10-game homestand leading to the All-Star break opening. After dropping two out of three to a Seattle Mariners team that features solid pitching but a lackluster offense, the Sox were blanked by an Oakland A's team that has subpar pitching, offense and defense.

Last night, left-hander Brett Anderson looked like the seasoned veteran and John Smoltz morphed into an inexperienced rookie. While Anderson overmatched Boston hitters with well-located heaters and breaking balls, Smoltz showed little command of his pitches. The result was a 6-0 win for the A's. Oakland cuffed around Smoltz for five runs and 10 hits over six innings. Anderson limited the Sox to two harmless singles, one by Jason Bay and the other from Nick Green. He struck out nine and walked two.

Fortunately, Toronto salvaged the finale of its four-game series with the Yankees with a win. Now 49-33, the Red Sox still hold a one-game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.

Though last night was the first time Boston did not score a run this season - and though the Red Sox are third in runs in the American League - this team needs to acquire a bat. Too many times this season the Sox have been held to no more than three runs in a game. Remember the three-game stretch last month against the Marlins and Braves when the Sox scored one run, two runs and three runs? How about the recent three-game series in Atlanta that saw Boston score a total of six runs, including four in one game.

Boston will get a boost when Mike Lowell returns from the disabled list after the All-Star break. Yet he will need periodic days off to rest his hip. Mark Kotsay has been hitting well, but right now he is hampered by a sore calf. Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay have not been on fire for awhile. Chances are, they will start to hit again, which will strengthen the Sox lineup. Jed Lowrie's return could help, but his rehab from wrist surgery continues at Double-A Portland. He also suffered a setback late last month when he was hit on the knee during a game at Pawtucket.

Rumors about a Boston trading for Cleveland's Victor Martinez are swirling again. Martinez would definitely cost the Sox Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden. If Bowden is in the deal instead of Buchholz, another prospect would need to be included. With the emergence of Junichi Tazawa as a prospect on the level of Buchholz and Bowden, and the performance of 19-year-old phenom Casey Kelly (a first-round pick last year), the Sox can more easily part with Buchholz or Bowden. Daisuke Matsuzaka is in Ft. Myers for his summer version of spring training to build shoulder strength. Justin Masterson has proven himself as a starter. The Sox will still have talented depth if Bowden and Buchholz is dealt.

As Sox and Pinstripes readers know, I am a strong advocate of building a deep farm system and promoting players from within, but as I have also written, it is worth trading a top prospect when the Sox can get a difference-making veteran in return. Martinez is undoubtedly a difference maker. He hits for power and average, catches and plays first base. If Boston acquired him, chances are he would either replace George Kottaras or Rocco Baldelli on the roster. If he replaces Kottaras, he would have to catch Tim Wakefield, and I am not sure if he has ever been behind the plate with a knuckleballer on the mound. If he replaces Rocco Baldelli, that would leave Boston without a right-handed hitting outfielder off the bench since Mark Kotsay would be the fourth outfielder. Of course, with Kotsay's calf injury, releasing Baldelli would be a risk.

Theo Epstein faces a decision. Does he wait for Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie to return, and see if the offense is productive enough? Does he deal a top prospect for a difference-making veteran like Martinez, who is 30 and could take over at DH when David Ortiz leaves? Or does he make a trade for someone like Colorado's Garrett Atkins, who would cost the Sox Takashi Saito or a prospect less heralded than Buchholz or Bowden?

How will the Fenway Park crowd greet Nomar?

Once the face of the Boston Red Sox - even moreso than teammates Mo Vaughn, Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez - Nomar Garciaparra had to go in 2004. He had rejected a four-year, $60 million deal after the 2003 season, which was a red flag that he really didn't want to remain with the Red Sox. Then he became a distraction during the season, sulking in the dugout in the same game that Derek Jeter dove into the stands catching a foul ball. It all led to Theo Epstein trading Garciaparra in a deal that brought Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz to Boston and sparked the team on a historic run. Tonight, Garciaparra returns to Fenway Park, hitting sixth as the DH for the Oakland A's. Will he receive embracing applause as guys like Trot Nixon, Kevin Millar, Derek Lowe and Cabrera have in their first time back in another team's uniform? Or will he be serenaded with catcalls a la Johnny Damon?

Garciaparra accomplished a lot in a Red Sox uniform. Rookie of the Year in 1997. American League MVP runner-up in 1998. Two batting titles. Five All-Star appearances. Before his decline which was caused by injuries, Garciaparra was one of the best shortstops in baseball. He hit for power and average, and flashed a solid glove. His demeanor changed, though, after the 2003 season. He was clearly affected when he learned that the Sox were set to deal him to the White Sox for Magglio Ordonez once the Manny Ramirez (and Jon Lester) to Texas for Alex Rodriguez trade was completed. Of course, the A-Rod deal was not allowed by the MLBPA, and the damage was done in Garciaparra's mind.

Garciaparra will have a special place in Red Sox history for what he did during his tenure with the team, yet his Boston legacy is stained because of his actions in his final season. Sounds familiar, huh? Manny Ramirez is in the same category. Without him, the Sox would not have won the 2004 and 2007 World Series, but it is hard to fondly remember his days with the organization because of how he behaved in his final days. It's hard to forget him quitting on the team just as it is difficult to erase Garciaparra's decision to turn down a fair contract offer and pout in the dugout on multiple occasions, most notably in the Jeter game referenced earlier in this post.

Does Garciaparra deserve a reaction from the Fenway Park crowd? Maybe a round of polite applause. I don't think he should be booed. It is hard to look at him in the same light as Millar, Lowe, Cabrera and Nixon, though.

One player who is worthy of applause is Aaron Bates, who was recalled today to replace Jeff Bailey, who was placed on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. Bates, who is 25, was a third round draft pick out of North Carolina State in 2006 and was once considered Boston's first baseman of the future. Then Lars Anderson was drafted, and Bates' career stalled in the minors. He made a few hitting tweaks last off-season and pounded the ball at Double-A Portland this year, batting .340 with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 206 at-bats. He had seen only 88 at-bats at Triple-A Pawtucket, where he was hitting .188 and was mired in an 0-for-27 slump when he was summoned to Boston for his major league debut.

Bates - who hits from the right side and is an imposing figure at 6-foot-4 and 230 - is above average on defense at first base. He can also play left field. Tonight, he is hitting ninth and starting at first base. Mark Kotsay's availability is uncertain since he is struggling with a calf injury. Here is tonight's starting lineup for the Red Sox:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkils, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Rocco Baldelli, RF
8. Nick Green, SS
9. Aaron Bates, 1B

Starting Pitcher - John Smoltz

Red Sox rally for win over Mariners, avoid sweep at Fenway

That the Red Sox rallied for a win this afternoon to salvage the finale in a three-game series against the Mariners offers some consolation. After all, you never want to see your team get swept, especially at home. Today's comeback erased the frustration of Friday and Saturday, when the Sox had a chance to win both games but lost when the normally reliable bullpen faltered.

On Friday, Boston plated two runs in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 5-5. Nick Green's two-run double caromed off the top of the Green Monster, less than a foot from being a go-ahead home run. The Sox saw Ramon Ramirez serve up two runs in the top of the 11th and then, after George Kottaras ripped his first career home run with two outs in the bottom of the 11th, J.D. Drew singled but Dustin Pedroia grounded into a game-ending force out.

Yesterday, the Red Sox offense was hapless against Garrett Olson and two Seattle relievers, but Boston remained in the game because of another quality start by Brad Penny, who limited the Mariners to two runs and six hits over six innings. Takashi Saito provided the bullpen letdown on this day, walking the bases loaded in the ninth before allowing an RBI single to Chris Woodward. Former Boston reliever David Aardsma retired the side in order in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 3-2 Seattle victory, marking the fourth time in five games that the Mariners defeated the Sox in 2009. Each win was of the one-run variety.

This afternoon, it appeared that the Red Sox offense would continue its listless habits. Seattle carried a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the sixth, when Jacoby Ellsbury belted his sixth home run of the season. Dustin Pedroia (3) and David Ortiz (9) launched solo dingers in the first inning off power right-hander Brandon Morrow, who surrendered three runs and six hits in six innings.

Boston broke out of its funk in the seventh inning, and as has been the case for much of this season, the runs were scored with two outs. With two on and two outs, Ortiz lined a two-run single off Miguel Batista to tie the game at 4-4. Hard-throwing righty Mark Lowe was summoned, and he struggled to throw strikes. Jason Bay walked to load the bases. Then Ellsbury walked to give the Sox a 5-4 lead. Mark Kotsay followed with a two-run single, chasing Lowe in favor of Sean White. A passed ball permitted Ellsbury to score, giving Boston an 8-4 cushion.

Jon Lester was not spotless. He allowed four runs (one earned) and eight hits over 6.2 innings, but he did retire seven in a row before walking Ken Griffey Jr. with two outs in the seventh, when Terry Francona called upon Justin Masterson. Unlike Friday and Saturday, the bullpen was unblemished today. Masterson (1.1 innings) and Hideki Okajima (one inning) did not permit a base runner.

Boston's win allowed it to remain atop the American League East by one game over the Yankees, which won their third consecutive game over the fading Toronto Blue Jays. Now 49-32, the Sox prepare for a three-game series against Oakland. Here are the pitching matchups:

• Monday - John Smoltz (0-1, 6.00 ERA) versus LHP Brett Anderson (4-7, 5.45 ERA)
• Tuesday - Josh Beckett (9-3, 3.67 ERA) versus LHP Dallas Braden (6-7, 3.13 ERA)
• Wednesday - Tim Wakefield (10-3, 4.30 ERA) versus RHP Trevor Cahill (5-7, 4.55 ERA)

Notes and observations

• The batting averages of Jason Bay (.260), Kevin Youkilis (.301) and Nick Green (.267) continue to swoon. At least Dustin Pedroia (who was 3-for-5 today with a home run and a double and is hitting .290), David Ortiz (who had a home run and a two-run single today and has a .225 average) and Jacoby Ellsbury (who belted a solo home run and worked a key bases loaded walk in the seventh and is hitting .303) are producing. Bay has been striking out quite a bit lately. Ortiz looks comfortable at the plate. He clubbed the home run off Brandon Morrow's 96 miles per hour fast ball and lined the two-run single off Miguel Batista's 94 miles per hour heater.
• Not only is Jacoby Ellsbury hitting north of .300, but he continues to swipe bases. Ellsbury's stolen base yesterday gave him 35 in 2009 and made him the first Red Sox player to record 35 stolen bases in back-to-back seasons since Tris Speaker accomplished the feat from 1912-1914. Ellsbury is also the first American Leaguer to reach 35 or more stolen bases before the All-Star break in consecutive seasons since Rickey Henderson did so from 1988-1990. Tommy Harper owns Boston's single-season stolen base record with 54. Ellsbury swiped 50 bags last year and is poised to break Harper's mark in 2009.
• It's no surprise the the Red Sox are sending an array of player to next week's All-Star Game in St. Louis. Six Boston players were selected. Jason Bay and Dustin Pedroia were voted in as starters. Kevin Youkilis was chosen as a reserve. Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon were selected. When watching the All-Star selection show, the most gratifying feeling for many Red Sox fans surfaced when Tim Wakefield's name was announced. It will be the 42-year-old knuckleballer's first career All-Star Game. Wakefield, who is 10-3 with a 4.30 ERA, surpassed Roger Clemens for the most career starts in Red Sox history with his no-decision on Friday. No doubt that Wakefield deserves this honor, which was bestowed upon him by Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon, who is the American League skipper. Though Beckett and Jon Lester are pitching well now, and Brad Penny is delivering quality starts, Wakefield was the lone member of Boston's rotation to provide consistently good outings earlier this season. He has been consistent all year, giving the Sox quality starts in most appearances.
• Former Boston Globe baseball writer Gordon Edes, who is now with Yahoo! Sports, reports that the Red Sox are one of four teams that have contacted the Kansas City Royals about Mark Teahen. On paper, the 27-year-old Teahen appears to be a good fit for the Sox. He plays the corner infield and outfield spots, and he would give Boston another option since Mike Lowell will need periodic off days in the second half. Teahen also has some pop. He has nine home runs in 280 at-bats this year. However, Teahen hits from the left side, and if Boston brings him in, Rocco Baldelli is likely the odd man out. Mark Kotsay, who is a left-handed hitter, would serve as the fourth outfielder. With the switch-hitting Jed Lowrie likely to return after the All-Star break, (including Teahen) Boston's bench would feature the left-handed hitters Teahen, Kotsay and George Kottaras and one righty - Lowrie or Nick Green (Lowrie is likely to reclaim the starting shortstop job). Chances are, the Sox will acquire a right-handed bat (like Colorado's Garrett Atkins) if they want insurance in case Lowell's hip does not cooperate. Lowrie can play third, but that would leave the Sox without a backup shortstop, and there is no guarantee that Lowrie will be at full strength this season since he is recovering from wrist surgery. Of course, since Kotsay plays a solid first base, Kevin Youkilis is proficient at third and the right-handed hitting Rocco Baldelli is producing when called upon, the Sox do not have to make a trade.

A plethora of Red Sox major league and minor league thoughts and observations on a much-needed off day

Jason Bay is in the midst of a monster slump that has seen his average plummet from .286 on June 2 to .262. Yesterday, while the Red Sox staged a four-run rally to tie the game in the ninth and then take the lead in the 11th en route to a remarkable win, the right-handed slugger was 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. In the Baltimore series, he was 0-for-15, and he has just two home runs in his last 15 games.

That said, Bay definitely needed today's off day. He put baseball aside today and was one of 360 people to be sworn in as an American citizen at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Bay is a proud native Canadian, but his wife and daughters are Americans, and he has looked forward to this day. His debut as an American citizen at Fenway Park will take place Friday night against Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners.

Sox sign first round draft pick Reymond Fuentes

Reymond Fuentes has been compared to a young Johnny Damon and Jacoby Ellsbury. According to Baseball America, the 18-year-old was the third fastest player among high schoolers available in this year's draft. Boston selected Fuentes in the first round and announced yesterday they had reached terms with the outfielder out of Puerto Rico for a reported signing bonus of $1.13 million. The cousin of Carlos Beltran will report to the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in Ft. Myers. In the next month, I will be in Ft. Myers interviewing some of the newest Red Sox minor leaguers for Sox and Pinstripes and the column I write for Comcast SportsNet New England's Wicked Good Sports web site.

The Red Sox are collecting speedy outfield prospects. Ryan Westmoreland and Pete Hissey were high-profile picks in last year's draft. Che-Hsuan Lin and Ryan Kalish, one of my favorite prospects, are two others.

Sox represented well at Double-A and Triple-A All-Star Games

Clay Buchholz, who is 5-1 with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP at Pawtucket, and Fernando Cabrera, who has a 1.03 ERA and 16 saves for the Paw Sox, were named to the International League All-Star Team. The IL All-Stars will play the Pacific Coast League All-Stars on July 15 in Portland, Oregon.

Most Red Sox fans are familiar with Buchholz, who will likely open the 2010 season in the Red Sox starting rotation. As for Cabrera, he is a pleasant surprise. The 27-year-old right-hander has major league experience, but injuries have hampered his career. Now he is healthy, and chances are he will join the Red Sox bullpen when roster expand on September 1, or possibly before if an injury arises to a current Red Sox reliever.

Earlier this week, I wrote that Junichi Tazawa (World Team) and Casey Kelly (USA Team) will play in the Futures Game, which will be held in St. Louis as part of the All-Star Game week. Tazawa is also one of four Portland Sea Dogs named to Northern Division Team in the Eastern League All-Star Game. The 23-year-old right-hander, who was signed as a free agent out of Japan last off-season, is 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA and has showcased the poise of a veteran. First baseman Lars Anderson, third baseman Jorge Jimenez and right-handed reliever T.J. Large (3-0, 0.893 ERA, six saves) are the other Portland players selected to participate.

Sox set to sign several high profile international free agents

The Red Sox are perennial World Series contenders and boast one of the game's deepest and most talented farm systems because of their superb player development personnel and their commitment to spending money on high schoolers and college players in the major league draft, and international free agents. Better to open your wallet for prospects you can develop and keep under cost-effective team control than take a risk at spending $80-plus million and committing long-term contracts for established major leaguers.

The major league draft is an exciting time for the Red Sox because of all the shiny new presents that are placed under the tree. The international free agent signing period, which opens today, is reason for more exhilaration among Red Sox die-hards who closely follow the farm system. According to multiple media outlets, the Sox will sign Dominican shortstop Jose Gregorio Vinicio to a $2 million bonus and Dominican left-handed pitcher Victor Payano to a $900,000 bonus. Jorge Arangure of ESPN The Magazine reported that Boston has reached an agreement with Dominican right-hander Raul Alcantara.

According to SoxProspects.com, "Boston also appears to be the front runner to sign Max Kepler, a German centerfielder considered to be the best player to come out of Europe in years. Kepler is a potential five-tool player that has displayed a lot of maturity for a sixteen year old, both physically and mentally. He's fluid athletically, has a nice looking swing, and a potentially plus arm. While he has above average speed now, it may teeter down to average should he really fill out. He speaks fluent English."

The Red Sox have a plethora of highly regarded pitchers from Latin America who are ascending the minor league system. Left-hander Felix Doubront, right-hander Stolmy Pimentel, right-hander Roman Mendez and left-hander Manny Rivera (who was Boston's Minor League Latin Program Pitcher of the Year in 2008) are players to watch.

Trade rumors start to escalate

Now that July has arrived, the volume of trade rumors will gradually increase as the July 31 trade deadline draws nearer. Like it is during the Hot Stove League, some rumors will be credible while others will make no sense at all. Many are based on speculation. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Arizona Diamondbacks are scouting the Red Sox. He writes that the Sox could be interested in corner infielder Chad Tracy (who just returned from an oblique strain) if Mike Lowell's tight hip takes longer to heal than expected.

Seems to me that, if the Red Sox bring in another left-handed hitter, Kansas City's Mark Teahen would be a better fit because he plays the corner infield and outfield positions. Garrett Atkins, who hits from the right side, would be ideal, too. The Rockies are reportedly interested in Takashi Saito.

The odd man out on any deal would be Rocco Baldelli, who had a game-tying two-run single in the ninth inning yesterday. Baldelli, who cannot play full games on consecutive days because of his channelopathy condition, has posted decent numbers in a reserve role for the Red Sox. He is hitting .289 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 76 at-bats, and he provides proficient defense in the outfield. Though Baldelli hits from the right side, he is more vulnerable to being replaced than Mark Kotsay because Kotsay is more versatile and can spot start, if needed, at first base and all three outfield positions.

Red Sox deliver a miracle of their own in dramatic comeback over Orioles

Can you recall a more bizarre turn of events over the course of back-to-back games in modern Red Sox history? I can't. A day after the Sox coughed up a 10-1 lead and Baltimore walked away with a stunning 11-10 win, they shocked the Orioles by plating four runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. Julio Lugo delivered a seeing-eye single in the top of the 11th inning that scored Jacoby Ellsbury, who led off the frame with a double, and Jonathan Papelbon retired the O's in order in the bottom of the inning to secure an eventful victory and pass Bob Stanley for the top spot on Boston's all-time saves list with 133.

Today's comeback was not quite as dramatic as the Mother's Day Miracle of 2007, but it was similar. For eight innings, the Sox were shut down by Baltimore's starting pitcher over eight innings. In 2007, it was Jeremy Guthrie. Today, it was rookie right-hander Brad Bergesen, who allowed a run and four hits. In 2007, Boston scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to earn a walk-off win at Fenway. Today, it rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning, two of those runs coming with two outs. Then the bullpen did its job, the Sox scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th and Papelbon did his job in the bottom of the inning at Camden Yards.

Today's stunning come-from-behind victory eases the sting of last night's shocker that saw the Orioles score 10 runs and 13 hits in the final two innings off Red Sox relievers. This afternoon, Josh Beckett was reached for five runs and six hits through the first three-plus innings. After Beckett served up a solo home run by Ty Wigginton to lead off the fourth, he retired the final 12 batters he faced. Then Daniel Bard (two innings), Ramon Ramirez (one inning) and Papelbon (one inning) combined to dismiss all 12 batters they encountered.

Baseball is an intriguing game, indeed. After Beckett allowed Wigginton's dinger, Red Sox pitching had allowed 15 runs to Baltimore in six innings, and the O's scored at least one run in six consecutive frames. Then Beckett settled down, looking like his usual dominant self, the bullpen looked strong, and the Sox retired 24 hitters in a row.

Entering the top of the ninth, it appeared that the Sox would go down without a fight. Bergesen's lone belmish over eight innings was a two-out RBI double by Dustin Pedroia in third, and Pedroia ended a potential rally by getting thrown out at third base. Boston offered a glimmer of hope against Baltimore when Pedroia walked and Youkilis clubbed his 14th home run of the season off Jim Johnson, trimming the deficit to 5-3. George Sherrill entered and fanned Jason Bay, who struck out five times today, and David Ortiz, who was fooled by a nasty curve ball. Ellsbury extended the inning with a base hit, and then Sherrill had trouble throwing strikes. He walked Jeff Bailey and Jason Varitek to load the bases. Pinch-hitter Rocco Baldelli tied the game by grounding a single past the diving shortstop Robert Andino. The Sox loaded the bases again when J.D. Drew walked, but Danys Baez relieved Sherrill and got Pedroia on a pop out.

While Bard retired the side in the bottom of the ninth and Ramirez did the same in the 10th, the Sox finally reached Baez in the top of the 11th. Ellsbury ripped a double down the left field line that barely caught chalk. He advanced to third on Bailey's fly out. That's when Lugo grounded a perfectly placed ball through the drawn-in infield for the go-ahead run.

Papelbon has been drama prone in 2009, but today he recorded a routine save. Felix Pie led off the bottom of the 11th and was dismissed on a pop out. Nick Markakis, who belted what would be the game-winning two-run double last night in the bottom of the eighth off Papelbon, was retired on a harmless fly out. Aubrey Huff ended the game on a pop out to Lugo.

Especially after last night's debacle, 48-30 and no worse than a 2.5-game lead over the Yankees is much better than 47-31 and the chance that Boston would see its' American League East lead shaved to 1.5 games. The Sox won their seventh consecutive series, and now they have a much-needed off day on Thursday before opening a 10-game homestand (Seattle, Oakland and Kansas City) leading up to the All-Star break.

Can you remember a more unusual two-game span in your lifetime as a Red Sox fan? If so, I would like to know.

Red Sox implosion against Orioles is a stunner

Sometimes, I wonder if I'm too immersed in Red Sox baseball. My emotions tend to flow with the team's fortunes during the season. I sleep well during a winning streak and I toss and turn in the midst of losing stretches. The Sox aren't on a losing skid by any means, but after last night's debacle that saw them cough up a 10-1 lead and fall to the Orioles, 11-10, I am sick to my stomach.

For a six-week period, I am taking rowing lessons on the Halifax River in Daytona Beach. I wake up at 5 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and hit the water for a vigorous early morning workout. Usually, I am solely focused on technique and form, but today all I could think about was how such a reliable bullpen could allow 10 runs in two innings.

John Smoltz pitched four solid innings - allowing a run and three hits - though his start was interrupted by a 71-minute rain delay. Justin Masterson took the mound when the game was resumed. The Sox held a 9-1 lead and stretched it to 10-1. Masterson retired the first six batters he faced, striking out four, then the pen imploded.

It was appropriate that Jonathan Papelbon served up a two-run double to Nick Markakis that gave Baltimore an 11-10 advantage with two outs in the eighth. Every other Red Sox reliever who stepped to the mound was knocked around, so why not the closer? Masterson allowed hits to five straight batters in the seventh, including a three-run dinger by pinch-hitter Oscar Salazar. Masterson was charged with five runs. The Orioles sent 10 batters to the plate and plated five in the seventh, and they did the same in the eighth. Hideki Okajima was charged with four runs and five hits in one-third of an inning. Takashi Saito surrendered a run and though Papelbon was not charged with the runs that scored on Markakis' double, he did not get the job done.

This loss is monumental. It is Baltimore's biggest comeback since 1956. Yet it is only one game. If the Sox win this afternoon, when Josh Beckett faces Brad Bergesen, they will take their seventh series in a row, and they will have a better feeling as they open a 10-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break. If they lose today, the sting from last night's collapse will linger.

There were some bright spots last night. Smoltz looked strong. Without the rain delay, he likely would have given the Sox six or seven innings. Instead, he went four and pitched well. Jeff Bailey, who was recalled yesterday to fill Mike Lowell's roster spot, was 3-for-4 with a triple and a walk. The Sox actually had a chance to tie the game in the ninth. Bailey led off with a single and was lifted for pinch-runner Nick Green. Baltimore closer George Sherrill struck out Julio Lugo and got Dustin Pedroia on a fly out, but Kevin Youkili reached base when he was hit on the forearm. Jason Bay had a chance to tie the score or give Boston the lead, but he struck out to end the game.

Lowell placed on the DL, Bailey summoned from Pawtucket

Better to give Mike Lowell's tight hip rest during a soft schedule leading up to the All-Star break than try to squeeze a few more games out of him before the second half. Apparently, that is what the Red Sox thought when they placed the third baseman on the 15-day disabled list today. The move is retroactive to June 28, so Lowell can rejoin the team when it travels to Toronto for a three-game set to open the second half of the season on June 17.

Lowell was replaced on the roster by Jeff Bailey, who is in tonight's starting lineup at first base. The 30-year-old first baseman/outfielder hit .188 in 23 games for Boston earlier in the season. After a prolonged slump at Triple-A Pawtucket, Bailey recently started to produce at the plate. Leading up to today's return to Boston, he was in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak (12-for-34, .353) that increased his average to .259. He has seven home runs and 13 RBI in 36 games. Bailey, who was the International League MVP last season, will see time at first base and right field for the Red Sox.

Lowell's absence should not hurt the Sox lineup short term. They can start Kevin Youkilis at third and Mark Kotsay at first. If Jed Lowrie returns before the All-Star break, he can play third and Nick Green can play shortstop. Green can even play third. Doctors told Lowell that the tightness is to be expected, so he should be healthy for the second half, especially if Terry Francona gives him the occasional day off. If the condition of Lowell's hip worsens; however, the Sox will undoubtedly need to make a trade.

Even if Lowell's hip is fine, I will be surprised if they don't acquire someone who can play third. Hank Blalock of Texas is a possibility. So is Kansas City's Mark Teahen. Colorado's Garrett Atkins is another option. If Baltimore is open to trading within the division, Melvin Mora would be a good fit with the Red Sox. I've read where Aubrey Huff could also be traded, but he is not defensively sound. I like the idea of Teahen in a Red Sox uniform, but Mora is appealing, especially since he hits from the right side.

As for tonight, Francona has loaded the lineup with right-handed hitters since the Sox are facing Baltimore left-hander Rich Hill. Here is the starting lineup:

1. Julio Lugo, SS
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Rocco Baldelli, RF
8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
9. Jeff Bailey, 1B

Starting Pitcher - John Smoltz

Drew's bat, Lester's pitching fuel Red Sox to 4-0 win over Orioles

J.D. Drew is the type of player that Terry Francona can put anywhere in the lineup. He has enough pop to hit No. 3 or No. 5, and he has the plate discipline to bat in the tablesetting spots (No. 1 and No. 2). Since the veteran right fielder is more of an on-base percentage guy than a run producer, I think he is best suited for the top of the order. Tonight, Francona moved Drew to the leadoff spot with positive results. He opened the game with a triple and scored moments later on Dustin Pedroia's RBI single. In the fourth, he ripped a two-run home run off Baltimore starter Jason Berken. Drew's bat, and Jon Lester's arm, guided the Red Sox to a 4-0 victory in the first of a three-game series at Camden Yards.

Lester tossed seven shutout innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight with no walks. He improved to 7-6 and lowered his ERA to 4.35. Boston starting pitchers have surrendered just two runs in the last four games, which is good news since the Sox' bats have mustered 10 runs in those four games. Because of the exceptional starting pitching, Boston is 3-1 in that span.

The bullpen continues to be a position of strength for the Sox. In the last three games, Boston relievers have tossed eight scoreless innings. Tonight, Manny Delcarmen (two-thirds of an inning), Hideki Okajima (one-third of an inning), Ramon Ramirez (two-thirds of an inning) and Jonathan Papelbon (one-third of an inning) held the Orioles scoreless. Papelbon's 19th save of the season tied him with Bob Stanley for the team's all-time saves mark at 132.

After retiring the first two batters in the ninth, Ramirez encountered trouble when Ty Wigginton grounded a single and Melvin Mora walked. Since the game-tying run was on deck, it was a save situation for Papelbon, who threw three pitches and got Matt Wieters on a game-ending fly out made possible by a diving catch in shallow left field from Jason Bay. If not for Papelbon allowing a solo home run to David Ross in the ninth inning of Boston's 4-1 win at Atlanta on Friday night, the Sox would have three shutouts in four games. Two shutouts in four games, and three runs allowed in the span, is an acceptable consolation.

In his first game back in the No. 2 spot, Pedroia was 1-for-3 with an RBI, two walks and stolen base. He is clearly more comfortable at No. 2 than in the leadoff spot. Since Drew is a high on-base percentage guy, the Sox are better with him batting leadoff if Francona keeps Jacoby Ellsbury at No. 7. Ellsbury, by the way, was 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases (he now has 33 on the season).

On Tuesday, John Smoltz will make his second start in a Red Sox uniform, opposing Baltimore right-hander Rich Hill (3-2, 6.03 ERA). Smoltz's pitching line (five runs and seven hits over five innings) last Thursday against the Nationals was not as bad as the numbers indicate. He was fueled with adrenaline and couged up four runs in the first inning. He looked impressive in the final four frames. Expect a more polished outing from Smoltz Tuesday night.

Notes and observations

• Mike Lowell received an injection of the lubricant Synvisc and had fluid drained from his hip today. He will miss the series in Baltimore. Terry Francona mentioned the Lowell could go on the 15-day disabled list, which I think would be an excellent idea. Mark Kotsay is filling in admirably for Lowell. Kotsay was 2-for-4 tonight and is batting .310 and providing strong defense at first base. Kevin Youkilis, of course, is a solid defensive third baseman. The Sox need a healthy Lowell for the second half, so it makes sense to give him a rest through the All-Star break. That Lowell is experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired hip is no surprise. Doctors told him this would happen. He will likely not return to full strength until next season, but he has proven he can be productive this year, thus the reason that he should get a breather for the 10-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break against Seattle, Oakland and Kansas City.
• That Boston defeated Baltimore is nothing special. The Sox are 5-0 against the Orioles this season and have won eight in a row over the Birds. A shutout of the Orioles; however, is impressive. Since June 9, Baltimore leads the majors with a .309 team batting average, and the lineup can score runs. Pitching is the Orioles' Achilles heel.
• A recent Twitter post from Peter Gammons indicates that Boston is one of the team interested in Kansas City's versatile Mark Teahen, who plays the infield and the outfield. Since Lowell could use off days in the second half, Teahen would be useful for the Sox since he plays the corner infield spots. If the Sox acquired him, he would replace Rocco Baldelli on the roster. Mark Kotsay would serve as the backup center fielder, and J.D. Drew can play center, too. Teahen is proficient in right field. Nick Green can play right field as well. Teahen, who is hitting .281 with nine home runs and 28 RBI is 27 and hits from the left side. Adding Teahen would make the Sox bench loaded with left-handed hitters since Kotsay and George Kottaras also bat from the left side. When Nick Green moves to a utility role upon Jed Lowrie's return, he would be the lone right-handed hitting bat off the bench.