CLE 9, BOS 2: Joking aside

There was absolutely nothing to laugh about.
Aaron Laffey was stellar out of the bullpen for the Cleveland Indians and any jokes made about Carl Pavano entering the contest were squashed, quickly.

Fireside Chats #44: Where we are sitting on the dock of the Bay

Paul and I recap an eventful week from being owned in Tampa to rolling in NY while paying tribute to Jason Bay along the way. You can’t miss Paul’s “Joba rant” where he goes so far as to call Joba a douchebag (tough words Paul).
From dropping Ortiz in the lineup to which pitchers are on the bubble as DiceK and Smoltz work their way back to Boston, we traverse more Red Sox topics than Carl Crawford can steal bases.
All that and more on Episode #44 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

5/6: Mastering Pavano

Justin Masterson has pitched impressively since joining the rotation. He has a 4.32 ERA starting which would be much lower had he not grooved a grand slam pitch to Evan Longoria. Pavano threw a gem against the Tigers, so may be coming around. Until he gets hurt.

TRIVIA: Unbeaten at home

Justin Masterson takes a 7-0 career home record to the hill tonight. Who was the previous Red Sox pitcher who began his major league career with a 7-0 or better record?

Dice-K’s rehab start: ‘No problems at all’

Daisuke Matsuzaka took his first step back toward a possible return to the Boston Red Sox’ rotation by pitching a commendable 2 2/3 innings Tuesday night in a rehab start for the Pawtucket Red Sox against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Matsuzaka, who’s been on Boston’s disabled list since April 15 with a right shoulder strain, allowed no runs on two hits (one didn’t leave the infield). He walked two, struck out five and threw 29 of 47 pitches for strikes as Pawtucket won, 4-0.

Behind Jason Bay’s fast start

Jason Bay is currently experiencing the best year of his career so far.

It’s only been 26 games with well over 100 to go, but Bay’s hot start has been invaluable as David Ortiz works out of his devastating slump. On the year so far, Bay’s hitting .321/.482/.619 with six home runs in 112 at-bats through Monday’s game against the Yankees.

Is this sustainable? What is happening with Bay that is allowing him to get off to such a hot start? Should we take what we can get now, or can Bay keep this production up all year? Let’s try to find out.