Roster Update: Timlin, Crisp back

Mike Timlin was activated today, and says he’s healthy and ready to go. With his return, Chris Smith was shipped back to Pawtucket.

50-37: Swept away in Tampa Bay (again)

Yeah, I know finishing out a five-game losing streak by getting swept by 1st place Tampa Bay isn’t exactly encouraging. But my purpose here is to give the Nation some perspective.

Losing is losing, of course, but we’ve lost the last 5 games by a grand total of 7 runs. That’s almost a ridiculous string of bad luck. I know it’s not fun watching Julio Lugo ground out AGAIN to kill a rally, or Craig Hansen get roughed up again, but it’s not like we’re getting blown out here. And we’re still 16-13 since June 1. Without David Ortiz. Something tells me that once he returns, we won’t be losing quite as many one-run affairs.

Trade rumor: Teixeira revisited

First baseman Mark Teixeira is set to hit the free agent market this winter and earn his big payday, which makes him potentially available at this year’s trading deadline. Evan Brunell over at Fire Brand of the American League would love for us to bring over Teixeira in return for Kevin Youkilis and, say, Michael Bowden. In response, Alex Remington at Braves blog Chop-n-Change says, take my first baseman - please. Some Braves fans it might be worth the Braves while to trade for Youkilis straight up. Wow, are they ever down on Big Tex, eh?

Crisp handed 5-game suspension

Coco Crisp was able to get his suspension cut from 7 games to 5 yesterday for his role in the brawl between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays this month. He will begin serving the suspension on Saturday, and will be eligible to play July 3 for the Yankee series in New York.

The presence of Jacoby Ellsbury on this team, of course, allows the Sox to take this in stride without batting an eye. Feel free to charge the mound again, Coco.

2008 Mid-season report

At 49-32, the Boston Red Sox hold a 1-game lead over Tampa Bay in the AL East. Their .605 winning percentage is second in the AL only to the Los Angeles Angels (.608), but we have a much better run differential of +70, suggesting that they are (once again) playing over their heads a little bit and are an overrated team. That being said, the running Angels do seem pretty consistently to outperform their Pythagorean projections. So 81 games in, your Boston Red Sox are one of, if not the best, the top teams in the AL and a clear favorite to make the playoffs once again.

Papelbon’s blown saves? Overblown

Jonathan Papelbon just blew his 4th save of the year two nights ago; he only blew three all of last season. Is he losing his domiance? Is this bullpen going to pieces? Fear not, I think we still have the best closer in the game today.

Youkilis’ eye costs the Sox

It was a classic pitcher’s duel between Josh Beckett and Dan Haren. Then before the 5th inning, during the infield warmup, a Mike Lowell throw shorthopped Kevin Youkilis and struck his right eye, which promptly swelled to huge proportions.

On the Farm: Michael Bowden continuing to impress

With all the excitement this season about Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Justin Masterson, it’s easy to forget that Michael Bowden is also an elite pitching prospect.

The ongoing problem at shortstop: Julio Lugo

You know, I try not to overreact to a particular game or string of games, because baseball is one of those marathon sports. But I need to get some things off my chest about Julio Lugo:

Timlin to the DL for Dice-K, Papi progressing

Mike Timlin has been placed on the 15-day DL with left knee tendinitis. According to Francona, he’s been playing through it for some time now. Boston will retain the services of 27-year old reliever Chris Smith for the time being. If Timlin can’t get fully healthy, they will most likely turn to Craig Hansen or Justin Masterson to fill Timlin’s role in the bullpen.