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Recent Deadline Deals
2007-07-26 02:02:00
One week after Jerry Crasnick gave his Starting 9 for Potential Impact Players in the 2nd half, Crasnick gives his Starting 9 for several recent trades in July, that have had a strong impact come October.  One Sox and Mets trade are included in the list. #4- Boston's acquisition of SS Orlando Cabrera and 1B Doug Mientkiewicz in a four-team deal, that included trading SS Nomar Garciappara to the Cubs. #9- Mets acquisition of SS Mike Bordick from Baltimore, in exchange for Melvin Mora and others. To read about all 9 trades, view the whole ESPN list HERE The Boston's trade was one of the boldest moves ever made by a GM and turned out to be extremely successful.  Theo Epstein traded away long-time fan favorite and seemingly always injured Nomar Garciappara away for better defense.  Theo realized that his team had good enough offense and pitching to win, but they needed help in defense.  Cabrera was a great acquisition and he should've never been let go.&n...
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Lester Wins in Return!
2007-07-25 00:51:00
Red Sox SP Jon Lester made his first start on Monday Night against Cleveland, since being diagnosed with cancer about a year ago.  Lester made a remarkable and fast recovery just to pitch again.  Last night, he was once again given the shot at the major league level.  With his parents on hand, Lester pitched a very good game.  Lester gave up just 2 ER in 6 solid innings of work to help the Sox win 6-2. Lester is now 8-2 in his career with the Sox. To hear from Lester, click this BOSTON.COM video. For more information visit ESPN RECAP And for more on Lester's Inspirational Story, click HERE, for an article at ESPN by Sean McAdam. It was great to watch Lester's emotional return last night.  You have to believe everyone was rooting for him to do well last night and he was very good.  The greatest moment had to be when he got out of a bases loaded jam in the 4th, by striking out Sizemore.  As he pumped his fist on the mound, his parents pumpe...
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Sorry For Any Potential Inconvenience
2007-07-24 04:00:00
Having a little problem lately with the Website and it may shut down at some point for as much as a week.  I am hopeful this will not occur, but I am warning you first.  Thanks all for your patients and again I'm sorry for any inconvenience
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Jon Lester to Return to Rotation Monday
2007-07-23 04:02:00
Red Sox 23-year old SP Jon Lester will return to the Major League squad and start on Monday when the Sox begin a 4-game set on the road at Cleveland.  It will be Lester's first start since 2006, when he left when he became ill with cancer.  In 2006, Lester was 7-2 with a 4.60 ERA.  He will replace Tavarez in the rotation. To read more about Lester's return visit SOX & Dawgs and/or ESPN This is great news. I'm thrilled to see Lester back.   His numbers don't show it, but in 2006 he was really good for a while.  He was the only starter who was consistently succeeding for a while.  Maybe the cancer played a role in his later struggles.  I'm glad to see he has beaten the cancer; it's a great, emotional story.  It should be interesting to see how he pitches, as he returns to the mound.  Tavarez's time is finally up.  You had to know it would happen eventually.  He did have some solid starts and held his ...
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Mets Successful Road Trip
2007-07-23 03:25:00
The Mets closed out their 7-game west coast swing by defeating the Dodgers 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday afternoon.  After losing 2 out of 3 to the Padres, the Mets took 3 out of 4 from a talented Dodgers club to finish 4-3 on their road trip.  The Padres and Dodgers are two of the best teams in the National League, but the Mets were able to survive a difficult task and come home winners.  The Mets will face the Pirates and Nationals in their next 7 game stretch.  Hopefully, the momentum will continue. Great trip, but mostly a great series against LA.  The Mets fought hard and their bats came alive in every game, which is great to see.  And a great win today, as Chip Ambres was the hero with a clutch 2-out RBI.  The Mets winning record on this road trip definately gives me confidence and they should be able to at least go 5-2 against the Pirates and Nationals next week.  Hopefully, this is the time we start seeing the real mets.  Alou will...
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First Half MVP'S: Maine, Beckett
2007-07-23 03:05:00
Thanks to all who voted in the First Have MVP Polls and here are the results: METS: SP John Maine won the vote, receiving 53% of the votes.  Reyes came in 2nd with 28%, and Wright came in 3rd with 14%.  Billy Wagner received the other 3%.  Beltran received 0 votes. RED SOX: SP Josh Beckett won the vote, receiving 66% of the votes.  Ortiz and Papelbon finished tied for 2nd with 13% of the votes.  Youkilis received the other 6%.  Surprisingly, no votes went to Mike Lowell, who led the team in RBI thfirst half or rookie sensation Dice-K. I guess Maine deserves it, because he had a brilliant first half to help an inconsistent starting rotation.  Reyes deserves it too, but the offense was not good enough in the first half.  Thus, the best pitcher deserves more credit than the best hitter. Beckett definately deserves it for the Sox, as he was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball through the first half.  Where would the Sox be wit...
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Schilling's Rehab Start & Remembering Mark Bellhorn
2007-07-22 05:16:00
Curt Schilling had a rehab start with AAA Pawtcuket on Saturday and was very effective.  He did not surrender a run and struck out 6 in 3 innings of work.  Schilling's velocity was good and he only allowed 2 hits. Random Note:  One of Schilling's strikeout victims was former teammate Mark Bellhorn, who was a key member of the 2004 World Championship team.  He went down on just three pitches. For more on the rehab start and to see quotes from Schilling himself, click HERE to read the AP report on ESPN. This is very good news as the Sox can use Schilling back in the rotation over Tavarez.  Schilling's presence alone will help the Sox in their journey towards October.  The Sox do need him to be effective, however, as he will make a scary 3-some with Matsuzaka and Beckett.  As far as Bellhorn is concerned, I'll always love him for 2 huge HR in 2004 that are usually overlooked: ALCS GAME 6: He hit the 3-run HR which led to controversy ...
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Power Rankings: Sox Still #2, Mets Drop to #10
2007-07-20 21:16:00
In ESPN's Weekly Power Rankings, the Tigers keep the #1 spot, while  the Sox remain #2, despite an awful week.  The Mets fell 3 spots to #10, only 1 spot ahead of the #11 Yankees.  The Cubs, Brewers, Padres, and Dodgers are all listed ahead of the Mets. For the complete rankings through July 20, click HERE I'm not sure how the Sox remained @ #2, after the way they have played.  They still, however, have the 2nd best record in baseball.  It is ridiculous that the Mets are considered the 5th best NL team.  I dont care how badly they've played, but there is no way you can put the CUBS ahead of them!!!???  Naming the Mets behind the other 3 is a stretch, but the CUBS?  That makes no sense at all.  And after beating a stretch of terrible teams, the Yanks should not be all the way up @ #11.  They are clearly not as good as the Twins, and may not be better than the Rockies or the Braves.
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Stat: Mets Offensive Struggles
2007-07-20 03:32:00
The Mets are 9-38 this season when their opponents score 4+ runs. Last season the Mets were a threat to score 10 runs every game.  This year once they give up 1-2 runs, there is already a fear of a loss.  The biggest difference is the Mets hitting with RISP and 2 out and their clutch hitting late in the game.  At METSBLOG, Anthony De Rosa compares 2007 numbers and career numbers for both of these situations for many of the Mets players.  It is very disappointing to see the downfall from 06-07.  Last year, the Mets were extremely clutch and everyone seemed to hit over 300 in these situations.  Now, the Mets are lucky if their all hitting 200 in those situations.  You keep hoping things will turn around, but before long it's just too late.  The Mets are just no where near as good as last year and their ganna need some timely hitting come October (if they get there) to finally get back to the World Series.
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Pedro & Schilling: Potential Impact Pitchers
2007-07-18 23:25:00
In an article for ESPN.COM, Jerry Crasnick names his 9 guys to keep an eye on in the second half-the most likely candidates to make a huge impact.  Among the 9 are former Red Sox teammates, Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez.  Both helped the 2004 Red Sox win the title, having huge impacts in the regular season and the postseason.  Pedro is listed as the #1 candidate, and Schilling is listed as #3.  Former teammate of Schilling on his 2001 championship Diamondbacks squad, Randy Johnson also makes the list.  Crasnick elaborates on the potential  for both pitchers, who could both return soon and help their respective teams. Great article.  Both had a huge impact on the Sox in 04, and with both the Mets and Sox contending this year, they could have a major impact again.  Pedro can help an inconsistent pitching staff and secure them with a veteran ace heading into the postseason.  Schilling can join Matsuzaka and Beckett, and form one of the ...
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Most Hated Yankee: Roger Clemens
2007-07-17 04:15:00
You voted and you have decided that your most hated Yankee is the one and only Roger Clemens .  Clemens received 51% of the votes in the first ever poll.  Jeter was second with 20% of the votes and A-Rod received 17% of the poll.  Damon and Giambi combined for the other 8%.  Thanks to all those who voted. I have a feeling most votes came from Met fans, but the results still make sense to me.  Clemens will always be hated, even a little more than Jeter and A-rod.  This is mostly because of the picture above.  Roger will never be forgiven for that, no matter what excuse he or Torre can come up with.  I may put the poll up again later in the year.  Anyways, once again thanks all for voting!
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Frustration Boiling Over: Sox Lose Another 1-Run Game
2007-07-16 03:11:00
The Red Sox failed to win the 4-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays, by losing the series finale 2-1. Since June, the Sox have lost 9 1-run games including today's game.  Their total record since then in 1-run games is 6-9.  The Sox have a 9 game lead in the AL East, but it would be bigger if the sox were lets say, 8-7 in those 15 games. It has gotten extremely frustrating that the Sox continue to lose tough 1-run games to below-par teams.  They never seem to put that extra run across, and today was a perfect example.  Ortiz was thrown out at the plate at their shot at the game-tying run.  Once the Sox fell behind 2-0 early, it seemed like they were dead.  The Sox are successful when they score early.  If they dont score early, their unforutantely out of it of late and that really angers me.  Losing 2-1 is not acceptable and the Sox wasted a great pitching performance by their ace.  The Sox cannot play this poorly in 1-run s...
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Red Sox Interested in A-Rod?
2007-07-15 03:47:00
According to FOXsports.com, the Red Sox still may have interest in making a big push for A-Rod.  Since prior to the 2004 season, team President Larry Lucchino has always been extremely interested in acquiring the all-star.  If A-Rod were to become available, the Sox may just throw some money at him and try to sign him. I flat out hate A-Rod.  That's the bottomline.  I hate the way he plays, I hate his demeanor and his attitude, I hate his ego, I hate everything about him except his regular season talent.   In the 2003 offseason, I was devistated when the Sox didn't land him and he went to the Yanks.  However, I do not today regret the move.  With A-Rod, he Sox would have NOT won the title in 04.  World Series MVP Manny would have been gone and A-Rod flat out stinks in the playoffs.  Thus, I am glad he wasn't a sox back in '04. I hope A-Rod leaves the Yanks, because I can't stand him here in New York.  However, because ...
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Last Chance to Vote!!!
2007-07-14 04:34:00
The next few days are the last chance to vote in the MetsSox first ever Most Hated Yankee poll.  Before the blogharbor version of MetsSox perishes forever, please take part in the vote.  I will post the first results within the next week.  Thanks!  
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Power Rankings: Sox drop to #2, Mets #7
2007-07-13 20:33:00
In the first Power Rankings of the 2nd half, ESPN ranks the Red Sox at #2, behind the Detroit Tigers and the Mets at #7.  The Yankees move up to # 12. For the complete list through July 13, click HERE It makes sense that the Sox are behind the Tigers after a disappointing series this past weekend.  Right now the Tigers are the better team.  The Mets are the 2nd best team in the NL in this list to San Diego.  I still believe the Mets are better BUT they haven't proven it yet.  The rest of the list makes sense and the Yanks have finally moved into the top-half of the majors.  Yay, 500!  27 games against under .500 teams could move the Yanks up the list some more over the next few weeks.  Hopefully, the Sox can maintain a double-digit lead.
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Papi's Torn Meniscus
2007-07-13 20:28:00
Red Sox star DH/1B David Ortiz told reporters last night that he has been playing with a torn meniscus in his right knee since the middle of last season.  He has never needed surgery because it has not become inflamed.  Although Ortiz said "it's no big deal," he has been bothered by it a little more this year than expected.  Ortiz's power numbers are down but his AVG is not and he is still producing for the first-place Sox. For more info read the AP @ ESPN. Scary to know that Ortiz has been injured for this long.  It may be a reason why his HRs are down.  Ortiz is on pace to hit about as half as many HR as he did last year.  But the Sox still need his bat in the lineup, especially when he's still hitting over .300.  Hopefully it never gets to the point where he cant play during the season.  Maybe he can correct it with surgery in the off-season.  Just get through the season Papi.  We need ya, especially in the clutch!
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Note: MLB Extra Innings Free Trial
2007-07-13 04:28:00
For all of those interested in out-of market games and don't currently own MLB.TV or MLB Extra Innings, the cable version of MLB Extra Innings, ran by On Demand, is in the midst of a 1-week free trial from July 12-July 18.  Enjoy it! Although the DirecTV product of MLB Extra Innings is a little better, the cablevision version is just as good.  I need to get my Sox games living here in NY, and Extra Innings has 'em all.  Any baseball fan should have this package.  It's a ton of fun to watch all the games every night.  For those who don't get it every day, enjoy the free preview!
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Mets: A Busy 24 Hours
2007-07-13 04:24:00
From late Wednesday Night throughout Thursday the Mets were very busy making some changes before the 2nd half got underway.  First they fired Rick Down and replaced him with coach Rickey Henderson.  Then it was speculated that Howard Johnson, the Mets 1st-base coach would resume Down's responsibilities as hitting coach, while Henderson helped the staff in some other way.  The full-time hitting coach is still unknown.  The Mets then decided to release Julio Franco and called up Lastings Milledge.  The oldest member of the team was released for his lack of ability so far this season and apparent complaints about playing time. I'm glad they finally released Down.  He needed to be released, looking at the terrible offensive struggles that the Mets have had all season.  They need a new perspective and a new start.  An interesting but exciting choice to bring Rickey in.  He's smart, had over 3,000 hits, stole a ton of bases, and...
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All-Star Postgame: Mets & Sox Players
2007-07-12 04:40:00
Here is a recap of all the players who were selected as 2007 all-stars from the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. NEW YORK METS SS JOSE REYES 3-4 R, SB CF CARLOS BELTRAN 1-3, R, 2 LOB, K 3B DAVID WRIGHT 1-3, 1 LOB RP BILLY WAGNER 1 IP, 2 ER, 2 HIT, K BOSTON RED SOX 3B MIKE LOWELL 1-1, R 1B DAVID ORTIZ 0-2, 2 LOB PH MANNY RAMIREZ 0-1 RP JOSH BECKETT (W) 2 IP, 0 ER, HIT, 2K RP JONATHAN PAPELBON (H) IP, HIT, 2K RP HIDEKI OKAJIMA DNP Reyes was clearly the most valuable of the bunch in this game, while Lowell, Wright, and Beltran contriubuted for their respective offense.  Beckett got the win with a solid 2 inning performance for the Sox and Papelbon got an earned hold.  There were 2 disappointments:  Billy Wagner struggled and Okajima didn't play.  I guess everyone can't play and it's not that shocking that Okajima didn't get a shot.  He did warm up at one point in the game.  Wagner may have helped cost the Mets home-field advantage, but the bottomli...
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All-Star Game Postgame: AL 5 NL 4
2007-07-12 04:19:00
The American League defeated the National League for the 10th straight time by defeating them 5-4 Tuesday Night in San Francisco.  Ichiro won the games MVP, with his 3 hits, including a 2-run inside the park home run, the first inside the park hr in all-star game history. WP: Josh Beckett LP: Chris Young SV: Francisco Rodriguez The NL had a spark from Jose Reyes, who had 3 hits and scored a run on a 2-out clutch RBI single by Ken Griffey Jr.  However, the AL finally striked back with the Ichiro HR in the 5th and the Crawford solo shot in the 6th.  A Victor Martinez 2-run shot off Billy Wagner gave the AL a 5-2 lead.  The NL looked like they had a comeback in the making with a 2-out rally in the 9th, but they fell just short.  Alfonso Soriano's 2 run shot made it a 1-run game off J.J. Putz.  The NL proceeded to load the bases but K-Rod finished it off by getting Aaron Rowand to pop up. My Thoughts on Everything All-Star Game : -Great pre-game ceremony...
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Watch: David Ortiz In San Francisco
2007-07-10 22:18:00
David Ortiz was seen hitting baseballs into McCovey Cove in San Francisco right outside of AT&T Park.  He was promoting his new sneaker and showing many children his all-star skills.  To watch the video visit YOUTUBE Thanks a lot Chris for the link. It's always great to watch Big Papi, no matter what he is doing.  He's a very likeable guy, as shown in yesterday's Home Run Derby when he helped out Guerrero by giving him his magic bat.  It'll be fun to watch him and other Sox at the All Star Game.  Enjoy the game and the video!  Thanks Chris!    
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Red Sox Mid-Season Report Card
2007-07-10 19:32:00
At the Boston Herald, Tony Massarotti gives his mid-season report card for all the Red Sox players.  Here you can check them out in an online slide show.  Many of the Red Sox receive high grades, while others like the disappointing J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo received lower ones. Great job by a great writer.  The Sox have had a brilliant season so far and their rankings thus are very high.  Keep it up in the second half guys!
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Mets Mid-Season Report Card
2007-07-10 19:28:00
At Newsday, David Lennon gives his mid-season report card for the New York Mets .  The average was a "B" for the Mets, but some did receive the honor of an "A".  Wagner, Maine, Feliciano, and Reyes (A-) all got the highest rating.  Schoenweis, Mota, and Pelfrey all received the lowest rating of a "D". To view the entire ratings, click HERE Good ratings by Lennon and the average of a "B" seems to make sense for the team.  It was intersting that he gave Reyes an A-, only for his lack of hustle right before the all-star break.  Hopefully, Reyes has learned his lesson and the Mets can improve in the 2nd half.
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2007 All-Star Game Preview
2007-07-10 03:45:00
The 2007 Star ting Pitchers and Starting Lineups were announced on Monday.  Here are the all those selections for both the NL and AL with the Sox and Mets in bold. NL LINEUP SS JOSE REYES LF BARRY BONDS, SF CF CARLOS BELTRAN RF KEN GRIFFEY JR., CIN 3B DAVID WRIGHT 1B PRINCE FIELDER, MIL C RUSSEL MARTIN, LA 2B CHASE UTLEY, PHI STARTING PITCHER: JAKE PEAVY, SD AL LINEUP CF ICHIRO SUZUKI, SEA SS DEREK JETER, NYY 1B DAVID ORTIZ 3B ALEX RODRIGUEZ, NYY RF VLADIMIR GUERRERO, LAA LF MAGGLIO ORDONEZ, DET C IVAN RODRIGUEZ, DET 2B PLACIDO POLANCO, DET STARTING PITCHER: DAN HAREN, OAK For more information on all the starters visit ESPN No idea why Bonds is 2nd...he should be 3rd and beltran should be 2nd but other than that both lineups are very good.  The NL has a ton of power, especially from the left side of the plate.  The AL has a better overall 3-4-5.  Both starting pitchers are well deserving and were good selections.      
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Watch: Beltran's Amazin' Catch
2007-07-09 02:56:00
On Saturday Night's epic 17 inning win for the Mets, Carlos Beltran made an amazing catch running up the hill in Houston to save the game in the 14th inning.  It was one of the greatest catches this year in all of MLB. To watch the catch visit YOUTUBE Unbelievable catch by Beltran and the best since Endy's phenominal catch.  He ran a long way, then up a hill and made an unbelievale catch over his shoulder to rob Luke Scott of a game winner. For a guy who struggles in the clutch hitting, he sure never fails in the outfield.  He saved the game and then delivered the go-ahead RBI single.  Great job by Beltran showing off against his former team. 
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Sox Swept Into Break
2007-07-09 02:49:00
The Detroit Tigers swept the Red Sox in the last series of the first half.  The Tigers won Saturday's and Sunday's game by 1 run.  The Sox have lost 6 straight on the road.  The Tigers won 4 of 7 against the Sox this year and may now be considered the best team in baseball through one half. It is concerning that the Sox have been extremely inconsistent since June, especially on the road.  They continue to lose 1-run games and their offense is up one day and down the next.  It is ridiculous to go 12 innings without a run yesterday and frustrating that 5 was not enough today.  It always seems that they always need that 1 more run.  If they were better in 1-run games they could have at least a 15 game lead-not like a 10 game lead @ the all star break is disappointing.  However, the Sox have lost 2 games on their lead in 3 days and go into the break on a sour note.  Tough game for Matsuzaka who had been brilliant the last few m...
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Mid Season Awards-Lugo LVP, Okajima ROY
2007-07-08 05:34:00
At ESPN.COM, Jayson Stark gives his AL and NL awards for the first half.  Red Sox SS Julio Lugo got the Lease Valuable Player Award and Hideki Okajima received Rookie of the Year.  To see all the AL and NL awards click Here I agree that Lugo has had a terrible season and thus he should be AL LVP.  Lugo was a terrible signing and an extreme disappointment for the Sox.  Okajima deserves the ROY with his .83 ERA so far this season and all-star nod.  The rest of the awards can be debatable, but all seem like respectable picks.  Notice that Ordonez gets the nod over AROD for MVP.  I hope that stays true and happens.
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YOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUK!
2007-07-06 23:09:00
In an article at ESPN.COM, Buster Olney writes a brilliant piece about what makes Red Sox 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis so unique. Great job by Buster.  YOOK is one of my favorite players because of his heart and his effort.  He always gives 100% and really cares about how he plays the game.  Those are qualities you dont see today any more.  Keep it up YOOK! By the way, Youkilis also writes a very interesting blog.  I suggest you all check it out HERE  
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Red Sox Most Valuable First-Half Team
2007-07-06 23:02:00
In ESPN.COM's weekly power rankings the Red Sox remained #1 and were also named the Most Valuable Team of the first half.  The Red Sox, who hold the best record in baseball, has been #1 in 8 out of 14 weeks.  The Mets dropped 2 spots to #7 and the Yankees join the middle of the pack at #15. To view the complete power rankings through July 6, click HERE I'm very happy that the Sox have clearly been the best team through the first half.  Hopefully, the Sox keep it up and win 97-100 games. I disagree a little with the current power rankings and heres my top 10: 1. Red Sox 2. Tigers 3. Indians 4. Angels 5. Mets 6. Padres 7. Mariners 8. Brewers 9. Athletics 10. Cubs  
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Okajima Joins All-Star Party
2007-07-06 05:12:00
Hideki Okajima was voted in by the fans to take the last spot in the all-star game.  Okajima will become the 6th Red Sox to represent the AL this year, along with his bullpen mate Jonathan Papelbon.  Okajima received a nice ovation from the Fenway Faithful when it was announced there on Thursday Night.  Chris Young was picked in the NL. This is excellent for Okajima.  He deserves to be in San Francisco, as he has been by far the best set-up man in all of baseball this season.  It will be fun to see him there with Papelbon, despite whether or not he gets in the game.  Congratulations buddy!
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