AL East Sleepers: Boston Red Sox

As the hometown team boasts one of the strongest starting nine in the American League, it can be difficult to detect sleepers among the pack. Don’t be fooled, however. They are there and prepped to support an elite cast looking to avenge last season’s early playoff exit. Though few of the positional starters offer much potential as true "sleepers", considering the number of All-Stars and MVP candidates among them, the pitching staff contributes much of the excitement on this front. With youngsters and rebound contenders among the lot, an already superb rotation and bullpen could receive a few significant boosts from numerous sources. SP Clay Buchholz After the light came on last season, it never seemed to go out. Finally hitting his stride at the Major League level, he was able to lay fears about his potential to rest. Though not a groundbreaking season by any means, Buchholz’ performance went a long way toward stabilizing the ailing rotation during August and September. Looking forward to 2010, Buchholz should comfortably take the place of the 5th starter – possibly 4th, depending upon the performance of Daisuke Matsuzaka – expectations he should have no problem fulfilling...

The Boston Red Sox and What It Means to Spend Wisely

There is a difference between the Red Sox and nearly every other team in baseball - and it’s pretty obvious. How lucky are our home town fans, that our very own Boston squad has significantly more money to spend on players most other teams. Actually, all but one - but who's counting. Too bad they’re in our division. But that’s alright, so long as we use our resources wisely. So, what is using our resources wisely? From the Red Sox’ perspective, it’s much different from most teams. Over the past five seasons, the team’s highest budget was $143 million, registered in 2007. We’ll save spectulating on this year’s budget, which will be quite high, as there could still be some maneuvering left to go, and the value of free agents and draft picks in this economy is yet to be determined. Therefore, we’ll treat 2007 as the team’s theoretical budget through which to speculate on how the team can formulate its spending practices. Citing the research of analyst Keith Woolner, a theoretical replacement level team would win approximately 44 games. Putting this in perspective, this standard of futility is comparable to the some worst teams of all time, including the 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119), the 1962 Mets (40-120), and 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112). After seeing this, two thoughts come to mind. One, wow, how far have the Mets come since that disturbingly dreadful inaugural season 47 years ago. The other, what in the hell happened to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who found a way to produce a 20-134 record (.130 win percentage) and be doomed to the annals of worst team in MLB history. Ouch. According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, only 3,179 fans attended the team's first 16 home games...

BOS 12, CLE 7: The Long and Winding Win

It may not have been the way that Clay Buchholz wanted to head into the post season, but a win is a win in professional sports, as the Red Sox took their 95th win of the season off of the Cleveland Indians, 12-7, on Sunday. Buchholz only lasted three innings, but the run support was there in droves, as J.D. Drew clocked two, Jed Lowrie belted a grand slam, and Alex Gonzalez made sure that everyone knew he was doing just fine with another home run, just to name a few.

BOS 10, KC 3 – Clay Delivers, KC Flops… Again

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.

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...

Tazawa Slated for Tuesday Start

Evan: Please welcome Mike Silver to the Fire Brand writing crew! Tim Daloisio is going to be stepping down from writing articles for Fire Brand. He will still be contributing one podcast a week plus the weekly poll -- and will add in another podcast every week.

Junichi Tazawa heads to the rotation Tuesday against Detroit: Boston's management has decided it's time for Junichi Tazawa to throw his hat into the ring as savior of the Red Sox starting rotation. Is he up to the challenge?

Buchholz tired of “wasting bullets”

With an off night tonight for the big club, Clay Buchholz and the Pawtucket Red Sox will get top billing on NESN this evening. For those of us who have been itching to see Buchholz pitch this season having heard of his dominance in AAA, this may be the only opportunity that we get. While Buchholz might be in control in Pawtucket, his future is frustratingly out of his control.

That frustration of "wasting bullets" in Pawtucket may be eating at the talented young right hander more than we've been lead to believe in the public eye.

It's no secret that (a) Clay Buchholz is dominating in the minors right now and like Daniel Bard before him, has nothing to prove in Pawtucket that he hasn't already and (b) with John Smoltz impending return, there is no room for that talent in Boston right now.

In a recent interview with NECN's Mike Giardi, Clay candidly admits to just how frustrating this has become for him.