LAA 4, BOS 3: Halos enjoy resurrection over Red Sox

The Los Angeles Angels didn't want to leave Fenway without at least one win for the trip home, as the AL West leaders beat the Red Sox, 4-3.

A wild pitch in the seventh tarnished an otherwise solid start for Josh Beckett. Jacoby Ellsbury and Jason Bay brought the lumber, but to no avail, as the Sox fall to the AL West leading Angels.

Jays turned down Sox’s 6-for-1 offer on Halladay

I'm on the Rotoworld.com beat, and this just came across my desk:

Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun reports that the Red Sox offered the Blue Jays six pitchers for Roy Halladay at the trading deadline. The names: Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, Nick Hagadone and Justin Masterson. That's quite an impressive array of names, and it's shocking Toronto didn't snap it up. The scout that revealed this deal said the Jays had difficulty projecting Masterson's future, and -- probably most important --- "the Jays were worried about Halladay beating them next year." Obviously, Masterson and Hagadone are no longer with the Sox club so it's unlikely a deal could be reached in the offseason. If it's going to take more than that package to land Halladay, GM J.P. Ricciardi won't find any takers.

What do you think? Are we lucky the Jays turned the deal down?

6/13 G1: Afternoon delight

GAME NOTES: A special shoutout to Alex Gonzalez, who has been unbelievable since joining the Sox. He's solidified the lineup, hitting .295/.295/.511 with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 24 games. Walks? Who needs walks? Gonzo also stole his first base since 2006 -- when he was with Boston.

9/8: Buchholz meets his old friend/foe

Clay Buchholz tangles with the Baltimore Orioles, who he handcuffed two years ago for a no-hitter... and whom handcuffed him the last time the two dueled on Aug. 2 when Clay gave up seven runs over four innings.

9/3: Two young hurlers go at it

GAME NOTES: Buchholz has suddenly fashioned himself into a very solid No. 3. The key here is if Buchholz can keep it up amidst increasing pressure as October nears. Price has been a disaster on the road but kills it at home. It'll be up to Buchholz to match zeros.

The Buchholz-Masterson Sisters and the Battle for Chicago Ahead

Because we never want them to feel good about each other, we have a duty to never stop comparing Justin Masterson and Clay Buchholz. So, it's time to put the question to rest: Which one is the prettier sister?

And...On Friday, the Sox get set to take on a diminished White Sox team. Fresh off trading designated hitter Jim Thome and starter Jose Contreras, Chicago seems to have mailed in the 2009 season.

But they won't make it so easy on the Sox, as Boston will go up against the heart of the White Sox rotation with matches against John Danks, Mark Buehrle, and Gavin Floyd. Are the boys in red up to the challenge?

Byrds, Laundry Lists, and the Sox’ Week Ahead

With a familiar face back in the fifth starter's spot, everyone is asking, what does Paul Byrd have left in the tank? Is the 38 year old up to the task, or will his middling stuff finally catch up with him?

Wakefield gets a shot...

Penny lands on the West Coast...

Boston prepares for Tampa...

The Byrd, news, analysis, and more inside...

News, Notes, Series Preview

The Sox host Toronto for a three game set beginning Friday. Boston will send Beckett and Buchholz to the mound for the first two matches, with the Sunday headliner featuring Lester versus Halladay.

Buckle your seat belts. It's going to be a wild ride. Series preview, news, and notes inside...

Remy Returns, Clay Stumbles, Sox Win – All is Forgiven

The Sox take the first game of the series against the White Sox, 12-8, on the strength of a 6 run third inning. Clay Buchholz struggled with his command, being chased in the fifth inning.

And Firebrand would like to welcome Jerry Remy back to the booth. It's a little belated, but hey, someone had to do it...

Yankees Coming to Town

The Sox face off against their bitter rivals the New York Yankees in a pivotal three game series in Fenway. An important juncture for the AL East race, this series will determine whether the Sox can climb back in it or if the Yanks wrap it up early.

Game previews, matchups, and Sox news inside...