6/15: ALDS Preview… again?

GAME NOTES: The Angels come to town. We'll probably be facing them in the ALDS again -- the Angels could use a strong showing at Fenway Park to give them confidence going into the playoff series. The Angels aren't the pitching club they used to be, but boy, they can rake now. It's important, I think, to show them that their struggles at Fenway Park will continue. Oh, and Dice-K returns.

A-Gon’s Bat

Damn Alex Gonzalez for giving us hope. OK. Maybe that was overdoing it, but A-Gon is not nearly the batter he has shown since being traded to Boston from Cincinnati.

For the type of hitter fans expected to get in the trade, there's no doubt Alex Gonzalez has endeared himself to fans with his recent performance. With all the shortstop troubles the team has had since Nomar and Orlando Cabrera left, a competent stopgap is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Projecting the Playoffs, The Case for Kotchman

With just 20 games left and a 4 1/2 game lead in the Wild Card, what exactly are the chances for our beloved Sox to play in October? Baseball Prospectus seems to think they're pretty high, but Texas has life yet.

And who, exactly, is the Red Sox' most unappreciated player. Surely, it couldn't be Casey Kotchman. Though he doesn't always see the field, he provides stability at a key position on the diamond, while simultaneously solidifying the team's outlook at ... catcher?

Projecting the Playoffs

With just 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Sox' Hunt for Red October is getting stronger by the day. At this juncture, with this team, a 4 ½ game lead in the Wild Card is a considerable advantage. Don't get cozy though, as one hot or cold stretch can completely change the complexion of this race. Still, it's looking pretty good for the Sox, as Baseball Prospectus gives the Red Sox...