9/21: Timmeh returns

GAME NOTES: Tim Wakefield returns after having to skip a start due to his constant back pain. He will start only once every 10 days from hereon out. Mike Silver wondered earlier today if this is Wake's final season. Opposing Wake is Lenny DiNardo, a former Red Sox lefty.

Wholesale Keychain TRIVIA: Batting champion

Who was the first ever batting average champion to play for Boston?

Top 3 troublesome spots for Red Sox in playoffs

Two Sundays from now, we'll be readying for our tilt with the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Division Series.

Boston just finished up a three-game tilt with the Mike Scioscia-led Angels, winning two out of three games. (The Red Sox lost the last game on a passed third strike at the hands of Varitek, who had a similar foul up in Wednesday's comeback win.)

Tthe Sox are clearly firing on all cylinders for the first time all season.

But if things are going to go horribly, horribly wrong in a quest for the World Series title, here's where it will...

9/20: The Diceman goes up against B-more

GAME NOTES: Daisuke Matsuzaka takes the hill for the second time since his much-anticipated return. While his first start was impressive, it will be all for naught if he morphs back into his former self. Dice-K needs to continue attacking the strike zone if he hopes to contribute to the Sox in October. Berken has a 6.08 ERA. That is all.

9/19: Lester looks to clip some wings

GAME NOTES: Lester starts on one extra day of rest. Lester is inching up on 200 innings pitched on the year, so I see no reason why they shouldn't be a little cautious this late in the season. David Hernandez? Fah! Lester eats David Hernandez for lunch.

9/18: A test for Buchholz

GAME NOTES: Clay Buchholz locks horns with the Orioles and Jeremy Guthrie. It seems like Buchholz keeps facing the Orioles. Of course, he has that no-hitter... but the Orioles have also bombed him unrelentingly. Although Buck looks like he can be our No. 3 in the playoffs, every start is still a test.

9/17: It’s Beckett Time

GAME NOTES: Josh Beckett looks like he's coming out of that funk he was mired in for a couple weeks. He'll do it against Ervin Santana, who has had a bad year after busting through last year. I'll be at the game, so let's hope we see a good one!

9/16: The Byrd flies with the Angels

GAME NOTES: Paul Byrd makes what could be his final start for the Red Sox, as Tim Wakefield is due back shortly. Byrd has been a nice arm for the Sox so far. Can he shut down that offense?

POLL: Playoffs No. 4 starter?

If the playoffs started now, who should be the Sox's No. 4 starter?

Q+A with prospect catcher Ryan Lavarnway

Ryan Lavarnway was previously interviewed on Fire Brand July 17, 2008. At that point, Lavarnway was rehabbing from a broken scaphoid bone in his left wrist after being drafted in the sixth round of 2008.

Lavarnway has gone on to be a major contributor to Greenville's playoff push, as the Drive are currently in the championship series. With 21 home runs, Lavarnway has had an extremely impressive season for a 22-year old catcher: .285/.367/.540. There is some thought that Lavarnway could be the Red Sox's first homegrown full-time catcher since... forever. Ryan was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule and answer some questions...