9/23: Beckett + KC lineup = Bloodbath

GAME NOTES: Josh Beckett looks to grab his 16th win and continue his exit from the doldrums. Boston will face Luke Hochevar, who recently learned that he was tipping his pitches and thinks it’s part of his struggles since entering the majors. He shut out the White Sox his last turn out, so maybe there’s something to his claims. We’ll see. All I know is that it took outsiders to let Hochevar know he’s been doing it for years. Ah, the Royals…

POLL: 3rd catcher in playoffs?

New Poll Question: Should the Sox carry a third catcher in the postseason?

• Yes, at the expense of a 11th pitcher
• Yes, at the expense of a 5th OF
• Yes, at the expense of Kotchman
• No

Should Manny Delcarmen make the playoff roster?

Delcarmen looked to be an amazing relief pitcher prior to the All-Star game. He’s been a completely different player since, and it’s gotten to the point where there is a serious question towards if he should be pitching in October.

KC 5, BOS 1: Byrd Gets His Wings Clipped In First

A five run first inning by the Kansas City Royals did the Red Sox in last night, as the boys from Boston drop the second game of a four game series, 5-1.

Paul Byrd shook off the missteps of the first inning and went on to throw 6.2 innings, but the damage was already done, as Zack Greinke held off the Boston bats with another dominating performance.