Day: April 17, 2009

 Billy Traber

PawSox lose battle Friday, may have won war

Maybe the Pawtucket Red Sox lost the battle Friday night in their home opener against the Leigh Valley Iron Pigs.

But because knuckleballer Charlie Zink and reliever Billy Traber gave them nine innings, the PawSox may win the war - the war being the remainder of a six-game homestand.

April 17, 2009 shawn medeiros
Baltimore Orioles

4/17: Back home

After what amounts to an exhausting West Coast swing, the Red Sox are finally home with Brad Penny on the mound.

April 17, 2009 evan brunell
Daisuke Matsuzaka

Poll: What early season situation most concerns you?

New Poll Question:
What early season situation most concerns you?

We all know that the season hasn't started off firing on all cylinders. It's also fair to assume that Dustin Pedroia won't bat under .200 over the course of the season, so over-analysis at this point is slightly futile. That said, there are a few things that are or could be concerning moving forward. Which of the following early season outcomes could be most detrimental to the team over the long haul?

- Jon Lester's 9.00 ERA
- David Ortiz' slow start (.173/.293/.206)
- Jacoby Ellsbury's OBP struggles from the leadoff spot (.254)
- Jed Lowrie's injured wrist
- Daisuke Matsuzaka's arm fatigue

April 17, 2009 tim daloisio