Big Papi issues warning to Joba; Carter demoted

Big Papi, David Ortiz, issued a stark warning to Joba Chamberlain to watch his step, reported the New York Post.

Chamberlain seems to have an issue with Kevin Youkilis, having thrown the ball at or near his head four times in the last two years -- which is a rather striking number. The 2007 incidents earned him a suspension while one of the 2008 pitches almost sparked a brawl.

"None of that, man -- just play the game the way it's supposed to be, and that's about it. This is a guy, as good as he is, the next step for him will be to earn respect from everybody in the league. He's not a bad guy, but when things like that happen, people get the wrong idea."

BOS 10-7, MIN 1-3: Sox complete doubleheader sweep

What else could Terry Francona possibly want on his 50th birthday? The Red Sox completed a day-night doubleheader sweep of the Minnesota Twins slugging out 17 runs, 19 hits and 4 homers. Boston also improved their winning streak to seven games.

It’s early, but the stats still exist.

Dustin Pedroia: OPS+ 86: Speaking of picking it up...I guess that is what the Orioles pitching staff allows a hitter to do. Although, I do not want to dismiss the offensive explosion of the last few days completely.

After all, they did "rock" Orioles "Ace" Jeremy Guthrie, and last time I checked, he is a pretty good pitcher. But anyway, Pedroia has reached base 10 times in the past four games. His OBP is now roughly league-average, and his slugging has broken the .400 mark. And both of those categories should only improve from here on out.

BOS 12, BAL 1: Sox rout O’s for series sweep

Slowly but surely, everything is coming together for the Boston Red Sox.

BOS 2, BAL 1: In command

As Jon Lester's frustrations lifted,striking out nine Orioles over seven innings pitched to earn his first victory of the season, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz' frustrations continue to mount.

BOS 6, BAL 4: Three and counting

Kevin Youkilis launched a three-run homer over the Green Monster giving Boston a 4-0 lead in the third inning. Then, Mike Lowell singled to center making it a five run gap. And for the first time this season the Red Sox finally held onto an early lead.

The Red Sox know how to manage “injuries.”

If Lowell goes down, Youk can shift to third and David Ortiz and Chris Carter can share the 1B/DH spots. Or even Rocco could DH at times. If Daisuke suffers from "arm fatigue." Which could also be labeled as "we are being careful with him because of the the WBC." Then Justin Masterson can shift from the pen to the rotation.

But Theo has built a team that can handle suspensions, injuries, performance issues, more than just about any team in the game of baseball. And the organization as a whole has built a farm system that has the players to either be quality Major Leaguers, fill temporary holes, or be traded to address any of these "holes."

Poll: What early season situation most concerns you?

Don’t Panic: The Red Sox will improve.

Sample size, sample size, sample size! Remember the thing that increases the accuracy of whatever the available data happens to…

OAK 8, BOS 2: Lester roughed up

Jon Lester would certainly trade his start to the 2009 season with Kevin Youkilis. Reason being, they have been polar opposites of what was expected of them coming into this season.