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.

Trade rumor: Crisp for Rich Hill?

The Chicago Cubs have had a moderate interest in Coco Crisp as a centerfielder since the off-season, but they weren’t willing to give up enough in order to get him. Some rumors had mentioned Matt Murton, who was traded from Boston as part of the Nomar Garciaparra trade of 2004. Not really in our best interests.

Schilling done; Sox still have enough arms

The trade rumors are spreading: C.C. Sabathia and Erik Bedard are available, as well as a growing number of other veterans. What do you think, should be be trading for these guys? Cleveland would likely want Jed Lowrie and someone like Brandon Moss for their burly lefty rental (there’s no window to negotiate a contract extension), while Seattle would want a bit more. There’s no way 2-3 months of Sabathia is worth that price, but they can ask for a lot because a lot of teams have come calling. We’re still involved, of course, just in case we can land a bargain.

44-28: Sox continue winning ways against O’s, Reds

Two out of three ain’t bad, especially when you’re doing it every series. And doing it without David Ortiz and Daisuke Matsuzaka playing. Midway through June, the Sox have opened up a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL East over the Tampa Bay Rays, who are still around. Also beginning to come up in the rear view mirror are the Yankees, who are getting some phenomenal play out of Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Mike Mussina, Joba Chamberlain and Jason Giambi.