8/6: The first game of “The Series.”

John Smoltz and his good FIP take to Yankees Stadium, trying to finally put together a quality start. He will square up with Joba Chamberlain. The Red Sox need a split, but want even more…

Baldelli to the DL, Reddick recalled, Youk to the OF, Ortiz to speak

Talk about cramming info into a Quick Post headline….

Going into Yankee Stadium and as much a “do or die” series as the Red Sox have reached this season, things are off to an interesting start. Rocco Baldelli has been sent to the DL after fouling a ball off his foot in batting practice at the Trop. Josh Reddick has been recalled to take his spot on the roster. With Jason Bay out of the lineup tonight as his hamstring is still sore, Kevin Youkilis will be manning left field at Yankee Stadium.

In other news, David Ortiz will address the media regarding his positive 2003 PED test on Saturday before the game.

Is the rotation an unaddressed fatal flaw?

When the 2009 season began, there was very little doubt in anyone’s mind that the Red Sox had both the depth and talent in the starting rotation for it to be considered, not only the teams’ primary strength, but what made them favorites to advance to the World Series from the American League.

With dueling aces at the top in Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, depth in the middle with Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, and Brad Penny, and a plethora of options at the end ranging from top prospect Clay Buchholz to perennial All-Star and future Hall of Fame pitcher, John Smoltz, the front office had covered the rotation in spades. And that doesn’t even look more deeply into the farm system or bullpen where the likes of Justin Masterson (since dealt away), Michael Bowden, and Junichi Tazawa lurked.