Red Sox acquire SS Alex Gonzalez from Cincy

Red Sox fans around "the Nation" will rejoice at the news that the defensive wizard that graced the grounds of Fenway Park's infield in 2006 has been re-acquired today by the Red Sox. Alex Gonzalez is coming back to Boston. After clearing waivers, the Red Sox moved quickly to bring Gonzalez back to Boston ending the Chris Woodward era before it had a chance to blossom.

Details on the package returning to Cincy are unknown at this time, but this move fills a need that they desperately needed to address.

What to do with Big Papi?

What should be done with our struggling DH? A guy that could have ended each and every game, seemingly, had he been given the opportunity just a few years back.

Now, he can't hit himself out of a paper bag. And I mean a bag that is already ripped in half, tearing down the middle.

He still has a pretty good approach--taking pitches, working the count. But more of that seems to due to the fact that he realizes his bat ain't what it used to be. So he compensates by being, or so it seems, just a little more passive.

About that Buchholz kid…

Clay Buchholz dominated Triple-A this year. There's no other way to put it. And yet, when he was recalled to finally take his place in the Red Sox rotation, it looked as if he was right back to being "Suckholz" of 2008.

He's started six games now. His ERA is at a less-than-sparkling 4.45 (but solid) with a 1-3 record. In 32.1 innings, he's struck out 20, walked 19 and given up 39 hits. It's been a tight-rope balancing act. When your K/BB ratio is pretty much 1:1, you tend to not be a good major league player.

Despite consistently having to come out of the game due to his erratic fastball control and always on the precipice of complete and utter disaster, Buchholz has actually shown poise on the mound, minimizing the risks that he finds himself in.

Fireside Chats #56: Where we ride the roller coaster that is the Boston Red Sox 2009 season

I almost titled this episode "where Paul gets tossed around by Rick Porcello, but I resisted. Just when you think we're out, they win three out of four and pull you right back in, with flair no less. Let's face it. This team will be in contention to the wire. They won't pull away nor will they go away. But this week's series in Texas marks another important milestone.

This weeks' "Tweet of the Week" from our Red Sox Twitter Tracker:

from @peteabe

All that and more on Episode #56 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Smoltz’s Future

Now that John Smoltz has played his last game as a member of the Red Sox, it is time to ask the question, does he have anything left in the tank? A few teams think so, but his struggles point to a fading pitcher...

8/13: Buchholz vs. Verlander

Clay Buchholz hopes to build off of his last start as he squares off with Tigers Ace Justin Verlander. Get the sweep, BoSox.

The Weekend Series Preview

With Thursday's game still to be played, the Sox look toward their three-game weekend series in Texas, back 5.5 of the Yankees; up 1.5 on the Rangers in the wildcard. This is a big set - don't take it likely...

View from the game: Youk’s Last Stand

I was lucky enough to get some good seats in prime fight watching position last night. Pics embedded below for your viewing pleasure.

New Sox Josh Reddick: ‘Being here has been a joy’

22 years old, Josh Reddick made his major league debut earlier this season when trades and injuries took out first base and outfield depth. Reddick stuck around and impressed many before being optioned down to Triple-A.

With Rocco Baldelli hitting the disabled list, he came right back up. Reddick is hitting .217/.250/.478 with one home run and three doubles in 23 at-bats. His first home run came off of Orioles starter David Hernandez August 2nd. The next day, he cranked his first home run off of Brian Bass.

After an interview last September, Reddick took some time out of his whirlwind days to answer a couple questions about his major league experience.

Attention Tito: Start Lester in New York ONLY

Jon Lester just became the most important man in the Red Sox rotation. Not by design, of course, but out of necessity.

Five and a half games is a strong lead. Not impenetrable, mind you, but strong enough where the Red Sox need to consider what life may be like in the Wild Card...