Fireside Chats #46: Where we anxiously await the return of Papi, but we won’t hold our breath

Paul and I took to the airwaves after tonight's win against Toronto in the showdown between the top two teams in the American League East (at least thats what the standings would tell you). We cover topics from the return of the Pap(elbon) to the exact opposite of the Pap(i), Jacoby Ellsbury's recent tear, and interleague play.

And yes...it is time to drop David Ortiz in the lineup...

All that and more on Episode #46 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Poll: Which event is least likely to occur this homestand?

Fireside Chats #45: Where we pull Joe Haggerty away from the Zamboni to talk baseball

Even with a 1/2 hour breaking news special this week on Manny Ramirez and his hormonal imbalance, you didn't really think that we'd be done covering the topic did you? Mix in Lou Merloni and Dan Duquette and add the expert take of Bruins Red Sox reporter Joe Haggerty and we, like Manny on his "drugs" could "go all night".

It's not all steroid talk...we also cover Youkilis and Pedroia's pains and the call up of Daniel Bard.

All that and more on Episode #45 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

How much is a Penny worth?

While they haven't shown the "stuff" that was expected of them this season thus far, the Red Sox do have rotational depth. With Daisuke Matsuzaka on his way back to the big club and Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden in the minor leagues, decisions regarding the starting five and top alternates will soon be made.

As injuries throughout the infield (Pedroia, Youkilis, Lowrie) have started to take their toll on the Red Sox this season, the "surplus" in the starting rotation may soon be required to yield some reinforcements.

5/8: Weekend Showdown

Tonight begins an important series in the budding rivalry between these two organizations. The Rays are threatening to take a serious mental edge over the Red Sox with a series victory. The Red Sox would love nothing more than a sweep to establish that the AL East still goes through Fenway Park. And so it begins.

Should Jacoby Ellsbury be leading off?

Entering last night's game against the Indians, Jacoby is hitting .291/.323/.350 on the season. Now, the season is early but his numbers are eerily similar to last year's, when he hit .280/.323/.350.

He's been torrid on the basepaths and has 15 swiped bags on the season, but the .323 OBP is not worthy of being a leadoff man.

Should he be moved out?

Fireside Chats Breaking Report: Where we react to Manny’s suspension

When news breaks, you'll hear it here...a few hours later.

Paul and I react to the news of Manny Ramirez' positive test and 50 game suspension. What does this mean for the current Red Sox? Are 2004 and 2007 tainted in anyway? Has ESPN's "History Blown Away" headline taken it too far?

All that and more on a special edition of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Interested in voicing your reactions to Manny, his legacy in Boston, or the impact of this news on the organization past or present? Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 641-715-3900 ext. 57843 and we'll play it on next week's show.

And if anyone has a number for Jose Canseco, let him know we are interested in having him on the show.

For Starters

"As a whole, and whole being defined 1-7, there isn't a better or deeper starting rotation in baseball. Even when confined to the five that will take the mound every five days, I would put these guys up against anyone and feel confident."

With Josh Beckett and Jon Lester off to slow and inconsistent starts and with Daisuke Matsuzaka's early trip to the DL with "post World Baseball Classic-itis", the Red Sox rotation hasn't lived up to those lofty expectations.

Fireside Chats #44: Where we are sitting on the dock of the Bay

Paul and I recap an eventful week from being owned in Tampa to rolling in NY while paying tribute to Jason Bay along the way. You can't miss Paul's "Joba rant" where he goes so far as to call Joba a douchebag (tough words Paul). From dropping Ortiz in the lineup to which pitchers are on the bubble as DiceK and Smoltz work their way back to Boston, we traverse more Red Sox topics than Carl Crawford can steal bases. All that and more on Episode #44 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

5/5: Send them to .500

Jon Lester got down to business last night, now it's Josh Beckett's turn to show the Yankees that it sucks to draw the Red Sox #1/#2 punch in a two game series. A Red Sox win pushes the Yankees to .500. I like the sound of that.