After a lackluster opening night performance, Josh Beckett looks to make it right by leading the Boston Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals, after dropping the first game of the series last night.
The Red Sox today acquired Tug Hulett from the Royals for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Hulett, who will enter his age 27 season, has two years' experience in the major leagues. In 67 at-bats, his slash line is .194/.270/.254. He can play second, third and short and has spent most of the last three seasons in Triple-A. His career minor league line is .284/.394/.418. The left-hander is considered a possible Rule 5 draft pick, but Boston will likely stash him on their 40-man roster instead. While he won't be handed the backup infield job, he will absolutely compete for it. I'm not entirely positive, but I believe he will have to clear waivers if the club intends to have him open the season at Triple-A. I fully expect him to start the season as Pawtucket's second baseman.
Red Sox 10 - Kansas City 3
Apparently, playing spoiler isn't as fun as the media makes it out to be. You get burned more often than you succeed.
With little more than a week left in the season, the Royals look to put the finishing touches on another disappointing campaign.
KC has played admirably in the last few days, though tonight they were clearly overmatched by a young fireballer at the top of his game. In the end, the Royals got their scheduled paychecks, while the Sox got additional restitution for Tuesday's loss and draw one step closer to the Wild Card.
