The Advanced Scout – Texas Rangers

After taking two of three against the Yankees (thanks, rain!), the Boston Red Sox (35-23, first place in the AL East, 2.5 games ahead) return to Fenway Park to face the Texas Rangers (35-21, first place in the AL West, 1.5 games ahead) in a three-game series. The Red...

The Advanced Scout – New York Yankees

Having split the home-and-home series in Philly, the Boston Red Sox (33-22, first place in the AL East, 2 games ahead) head north to the Bronx for a weekend series with the New York Yankees (30-23, second place in the AL East, 2 games back). The Red Sox are 6-4 in...

Roster Power Rankings, May Edition

Every month, here on Fire Brand, I take a look at the relative value of the 25 players on the current active roster. If you missed the March or April editions check them out for the criteria of these rankings. As always, tell me if you agree or disagree in the comment...

The Advanced Scout – Philadelphia Phillies

Having been victorious in three out of four games against the Indians, the Boston Red Sox (31-20, tied for first in the AL East) take on the Philadelphia Phillies (24-26, third place in NL East, 6.5 games back) in a four-game home-and-home series starting at Fenway...

The Advanced Scout – Cleveland Indians

After winning just one of three in Chicago, the Boston Red Sox (28-19, second place, 0.5 games behind in the AL East) return home to face Terry Francona‘s Cleveland Indians (26-19, first place in the AL Central, 0.5 games ahead). The Red Sox are 6-4 in their...

The Circle of Trust

There are only two categories of people in this world: People who put people into two categories, and those that don’t. I am in the first category. One of the many groups of people that I put into two categories are relief pitchers. When you see the bullpen door open...

The Anthony Rizzo Extension: What Could Have Been

The Cubs took another big step in their lengthy rebuilding plan yesterday, reportedly signing first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a seven-year, $41 million extension that could keep the 23-year-old in Chicago blue until 2021. While there is of course some risk involved for...

3 Up 3 Down: Let’s Not Push the Panic Button

Note: Written before Friday nights game. Well, since the last installation of 3 Up 3 Down the Boston Red Sox have been less than spectacular. In fact, they have been pretty awful; losing 5 of their last 6 dating back to Saturday’s loss to the Rangers. In short,...

The Advanced Scout – Toronto Blue Jays

Having lost three of four against the Twins, the Boston Red Sox (21-14, tied for 1st in the AL East) finish their homestand by welcoming the Toronto Blue Jays (13-23, last place in the AL East, 8.5 games back) to Fenway Park for a three-game weekend series. The Red...