Wakefield, Hoyer, and Squinting at Free Agents

Wake Undergoes Surgery Tim Wakefield underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a herniated disk and loose bone fragment in his back. Wakefield is expected to pitch next year and should be ready for Spring Training. The 43 year-old vet was visually hampered last year, turning in a 4.58 ERA and 4.58 FIP despite his woeful last three starts (14 IP, 14 ER, 8 K, 12 BB). Squinting at Free Agents While we have gone at length discussing the top free agents and mapping out blueprints for the Sox’ offseason, there are a number of intriguing names on the market that are flying under the radar. Not all of them are the safest bets, with varying levels of performance or injury history, but they do have some sex appeal. Here are a few names to mull over. Special thanks to Eddie Bajek of MLB Trade Rumors. OF Rick Ankiel: Ankiel came off a sub-par season in 2009, as his power was down, his walks were down, and his K’s were up en route to a .231/.285/.387 line.

Red Sox Offseason BluePrint v.2 : Holliday, Harden, Scutaro

Like most teams, the Boston Red Sox offseason will be defined by the willingness of their owner to open his wallet. Fortunately for Sox fans nationwide, Uncle John certainly has some deep pockets. However, the amount he is willing to spend will have a lot to say about the direction that this team will be headed. The prudent move by the Red Sox will be to look for incremental gains in what is partly a transitional year, while also being a year of opportunity. The club has nearly its entire 2009 starting lineup under contract, including its entire starting staff and at least seven of nine position players. For a team that won 95 games last season, that’s a recipe for success. Still, the American League gets more competitive every year, as the AL West, the Yankees, and our little brother Rays make it harder and harder to buy the Wild Card.

Injuries Among the Contenders

There is nothing that can derail a team quicker than a slew of injuries in October. The Sox have seen their fair share of injuries lately, though the M.A.S.H. unit has had some success returning the boys to action.

But they are not the only team in the hunt, as the Yankees, Twins, Angels, and Tigers all have their own bumps, bruises, and breaks to deal with. And no, we are not including Texas anymore, as their playoff odds have now dropped below half of one percent. The only race left is between Detroit and Minnesota for the AL Central.

Here's a rundown of the significant injuries on each team:

Injuries, Blessings, and Manny Not Being Manny

A Pair of Injuries

On Monday, Junichi Tazawa was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to what has been described as a mild groin strain.

While the groin gives the Sox a formal reason to DL Tazawa, the pitcher had reportedly reached his innings limit, according to the Red Sox official web site. The move also helps make room for Chris Woodward.

The infielder will fill in for Nick Green, who is dealing with a back issue that has manifested as dead leg.

Wakefield Set to Return, But For How Long?

After a successful side-session on Friday and strenth test on Saturday, Tim Wakefield prepares to return to the hill on Monday. The return should put him in line for the playoff push, though the reports coming out of Boston are not the most encouraging:

He will pitch once every ten days through the end of the season.

He has a "loose bone fragment" in his lower back which will need offseason surgery and the resultant rehab.

And... that's a lot for a pitcher to endure, especially one with a family, two rings, and nothing left to prove on the mound...

The Turning Point, The Injury Front, and Sleep Tremors

The Turning Point

There's no better way to enter the playoffs than on a hot streak, unless, of course, your opponent is reeling in defeat.

The ninth inning of last night's game must have put a real damper on the spirit in the Los Angeles clubhouse. After reclaiming their lead in the ninth against the unhittable, untouchable Daniel Bard, the Sox were able to steal the victory away when closer Brian Fuentes unraveled with one out to go.

As David Ortiz walked to the plate in the ninth against a left-handed Fuentes, hearts were simultaneously dropping all over New England. Two outs, down one, no one on, and Ortiz hasn't been able to touch lefties since 1945. The game was all but over...

Reddick Recalled, Wakefield Possible for Saturday, Daisuke Rehabs

-Josh Reddick was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket yesterday. He should provide added depth to an already deep outfield, as well as another option off the bench for pinch hitting duties. Hopefully the outfielder can build off his lackluster start with the big club.

-Tim Wakefield may return to the mound for a Saturday start against the White Sox. Following a cortisone shot on Monday, Wake seems to be feeling better. As ESPN reports, the Sox will wait to see how Wakefield feels on Friday before giving him the go ahead...

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...

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...