RED SOX: Lowell Injures Oblique

Boston Red Sox third basemen Mike Lowell left Tuesday’s game after seven innings with a strained right oblique. No word yet on the severity.

BOTTOM LINE: He’s probably day-to-day but this will be something that is worthy of being watched closely. Expect him to sit out two or three games and Sean Casey will get some at-bats in his absense.

RED SOX: Ellsbury Comes Out of Rut

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits and stole two bases Tuesday night in Boston’s victory over Kansas City.

BOTTOM LINE: Ellsbury hasn’t been doing well at all, and the Red Sox are much more successful when he is producing. If he continues to have good games like this, it is only a matter of time before the Red Sox and the Rays are neck and neck in the division.

DODGERS: Acquire Manny Ramirez

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Dodgers, and the players in the trade have been finalized. Jason Bay goes to the Red Sox, and the Pirates get Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen from the Red Sox, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

BOTTOM LINE: The Red Sox got hosed on this deal. If you are going to trade Manny, you need to cash in on a good return. They must have thought that Jason Bay was a good enough bounty to get Manny and his negative attitude out of town. Ramirez is a free agent at season’s end.

RED SOX: Ortiz On a Roll

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has hit safely in all four games since being activated from the disabled list (.438, 7-for-16).

BOTTOM LINE: There is no question that the Red Sox missed his bat when he was shelved with a wrist injury, and now that he is back, the offense will hopefully be able to get going again. Look for Ortiz to be a huge factor in whether or not the Red Sox make the playoffs.

Manny Being Manny

If Manny Ramirez doesn’t be careful, he could be on the “Barry Bonds list.” By that I mean teams will look to avoid him due to the negative distraction that follows him wherever he goes.

The latest saga in the world of Manny involves a potential trade away from the Red Sox. Manny came out on Sunday and said that he would waive his no-trade clause if the Red Sox wanted to move him. Is it me? Or does this same exact thing happen every time the trade deadline rolls around?

It hasn’t exactly been a vintage Manny year to this point. He is currently batting .302 with 19 homers and 65 RBI on the season. Many teams would love to have his bat in the middle of their lineup, but they wouldn’t like the baggage that comes with him.

Earlier this season, Manny pushed the traveling secretary on the ground because she didn’t have enough seats for his family and friends. This woman was over 60-years-old. Manny has also brought a cell phone into the outfield with him, and he has made calls in between innings. What the heck is wrong with this guy?

Does he not take the game seriously? His career numbers would indicate that he does take it seriously. He’s a lock for the hall of fame, and he has one of the sweetest home run swings anyone has ever seen. People can not hold this guy to different standards than everyone else. Whether it is Manny being Manny, or Manny being stupid, someone needs to send this guy a message, and that is exactly what Theo Epstein is trying to do by talking trade. I expect him to remain in Boston, because his bat is not so easy to replace.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

RED SOX: Lester is On Fire

Boston Red Sox starter Jon Lester earned his ninth win of the season, allowing two runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out eight in seven innings Sunday night in Boston’s victory over New York.

BOTTOM LINE: Lester has been absolutely phenomenal over his last nine starts, earning a 6-0 record over that span. Control has been his nemesis when he pitches poorly, but lately, that hasn’t been a problem. In those nine starts, he has only average one walk per game. He should be active in all formats.

RED SOX: Ortiz Set To Return

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz completed his minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday night and is ready to rejoin the Red Sox’ lineup Friday against the Yankees, according to the Boston Herald.

BOTTOM LINE: The Red Sox have missed Ortiz, and he may be what they need to get them back in first place. Ortiz did well in his rehab games, and has declared himself 95% healthy. When is is activated, start him.

RED SOX: Lowrie is New Shortstop

Boston Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie has become the regular shortstop with Julio Lugo out of the lineup for 4-to-6 weeks.

BOTTOM LINE: Lowrie has held his own since Lugo went down, going 5-for-13 while drawing two walks. He also had three RBI and has made some nice plays in the field. Add him if you need depth.

RED SOX: Okajima Falls Flat

Boston Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima allowed the game winning run to score in a loss on Sunday versus the Astros.

BOTTOM LINE: Okajima has not been good of late, allowing 10 runs on 19 hits and five walks in his last 11 appearances.

RED SOX: Pedroia On Fire

Boston Red Sox second basemen Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-5 with a homer and a stolen base Sunday in Boston’s loss to Houston.

BOTTOM LINE: PEdroia has been on fire during his seven-game hitting streak, going 19-32 over that span. He has watched his batting average jump from .260 to .304 in two weeks.

RED SOX: Lester on Fire

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester has been on fire recently, including 7.1 innings of two-run ball on Sunday in a victory.

BOTTOM LINE: 17 earned runs in his last 64 innings gives him a 2.39 ERA in that span. Lester is heading in the right direction and Red Sox fans have the right to get excited, as do fantasy owners.

RED SOX: Cubs Want Crisp

Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp is currently being scouted by the Chicago Cubs. With the Red Sox slew of injuries, we wouldn’t be surprised if they aren’t as eager to deal him as they once were.

BOTTOM LINE: The only way the Red Sox will budge is if they get a multiple-player offer that includes Rich Hill. Although Hill has struggled this season, he still has major upside.