Fenway Goes Wild

The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays last night, and had to wait for the results of the Texas-Anaheim game to see if they can clinch the American League Wild Card playoff berth. When Texas lost on the west coast, the players celebrated in the locker room. The media was not allowed into the clubhouse, so as players came out of the door to talk, a mob scene ensued.
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

... Not So Much.

A Bunch of Tired, Hungry Media Guys Waiting to Talk to Jason Bay
at 1:00 in the Morning Isn't Exactly Jonathan Papelbon Dancing Around the Infield
With a Bud Light Box on His Head
Rally Falls Short, Sox Lose 5th Straight | Wild Card Warriors 7, Toronto Stayed Tough 8
Tip of the Cap to Youk, Ortiz, and Drew for Coming Through for the Rally
A Fan-tastic Comeback Ruined on a Called Third Strike
Hey J.P., Can We Borrow Adam Lind for the Playoffs?
And Thanks for Ruining the Party Kevin Millar

"I like our chances. It doesn't matter how you do it, as long as you're in." -- Dustin Pedroia... firing up the troops... sort of...


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

And If They Get That Clay Buchholz in the Postseason
They're Done


SoxNation.net

Texas Fold 'Em Lands Sox in the Postseason


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

The Most Embarrassing Hat in the World

BDD_WC_champs_mlb.jpg
(ShopMLB.com Image)

Because the Only 'Champions' Are World Series Champions


BDD Photo Illustration / Steve Garberg
(BDD Photo Illustration / Steve Garberg)

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep... Beep...Beep...

BDD Photo Illustration / Will from Nashville
(BDD Photo Illustration / Will from Nashville)

That's Just the Sound of the Sox Backing Into the Playoffs

Monday Night, Pink Hat Champagne on Ice
Sox Swamped by Jays | Toronto 11, Boston 5
Can't Trade Michael Bowden for Roy Halladay Anymore


The Sox Get Back to Business Tonight

Tom Werner's New Fall Comedy About Being Downsized Debuts on ABC Tonight

Ghost of
Playoff Future?

Yankees celebrate in the clubhouse after they clinched the American League East Division with a 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in New York. Players include second baseman Robinson Cano, second from right, outfielder Melky Cabrera, front center, and reliever Edwar Ramirez, etc.
(AP)

Sox Get Spanked at the Stadium, Division Dreams Dead
And It's Not the Patriots Offense We Have to Worry About

Bronx Bummer | How the East Was Bought 4, Thank God for the Wild Card 2
'Tek Aside, That Was Pretty Much the A-Team That Got Beat on Sunday
Victor Martinez... Putting the Team Before Any Personal Hitting Streak Goals
Good to Know You Can't Pitch Bard in the Bronx

"Tastes good!" -- Mr. Leigh Teixeira Champagne King


The Lone Bright Spot in the Bronx

Daisuke Matsuzaka #18 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during the game on September 26, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Getty Images / Jared Wickerham)

But Will It Even Matter That Matsuzaka
Remembered How to Pitch?

Aced Out | New York 3, Two-Hit Wonders 0
Could Someone Patch the Hole in Chris Woodward's Glove?
Just Pretending We Didn't Notice the 5 Walks by Dice
Cano Gets a Cheapie, Damon Hits a Softie, Yankees Win
The Sun Comes Up, the Sun Goes Down, Youkilis Gets Hit Twice
Scary Billy Wagner Is a Wild Man on the Mound

"I don't think it matters. Both of us are probably going to the playoffs unless we don't do something right." -- Youkilis giving his 'win one for the Gipper' speech, sort of...


Yanks Get a Leg Up

Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester rolls on the mound after he was hit by a ball off the bat of New York Yankees batter Melky Cabrera in the third inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York
(Reuters)

That's What Happens When You Wear Clown Hats
and Beer-League Shirts in the Bronx

Lester Escapes Injury, Not Loss | New York 9, Boston 5
Lester Gets Whacked Before He Gets Nailed, Game Ove
7 Stolen Bags Just Another Kick in the Teeth for Wild Card Warriors

"It hit off my knee going about mach seven. It hit me in a good spot, where it didn't do too much damage that, hopefully, I won't miss any time... I had good stuff tonight. It was one of those nights they made it seem like I didn't." -- No. 1 starter, who allowed five runs and eight hits in 2 1-3 innings

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Buch The Trend

Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo.
(AP)

If You're Going to Make the Best Pitcher Right Now
Your No. 1 Postseason Starter to Face Anaheim
Then All Signs Point to Clay Buchholz

Buchholz Is Coldly Efficient | Feats of Clay | Big Payroll 10, Pocket Money 3
Let's Hope David Ortiz Remains En Fuego When It Counts
V-Mart Inches Closer to Joe DiMaggio's AL Hitting-Streak Record
Ellsbury's the Perfect Player... If He Could Just Draw a Walk Now and Then
Pedroia Finishes Strong... But He's Gonna Be Left Off Everyone's MVP Ballot
Ramon Ramirez Promptly Blows the Shutout

"I was expecting to have to battle through, especially after the first inning. I threw some good pitches that got hit, left some pitches up and was able to bounce back the next inning and got on a pretty good roll." -- Clay Buchholz, after his second scoreless outing this season.

Welcome to Garbage Time
David Ortiz, right, celebrates with Dustin Pedroia (15) after Ortiz hit a three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo.
(AP)

Sox Win, Yanks Win, Forget the Rangers...
The Rest of the Season Is Essentially Meaningless

Sox Steer Out of Skid | Goin' to the Playoffs 9, Can'tsas 1
Done Deal: V-Mart The Hitting Machine Will Be Catching Calls-His-Own-Shots
Starter Josh Beckett in the Playoffs... Right Tito?
Big Red Flag: 12 Hits Off Our No. 1 Postseason Starter With Anaheim 2 Weeks Away
HR No. 25, 88 RBI Recovery: Ortiz's Memorable Finish to a Forgettable Season
Drew, Gonzo, Pedroia Finding Their September Stroke
Sox Co-MVPs J-Bay, Ells Pick Up 2 RBIs

"We're still feeling each other out. Obviously, we're not going to go out there and be like Jason and I have for three years, but it was good." -- Beckett on Victor and Jason formerly known as the catcher

And Congrats to Never Gets Enough Props Around Here Tito for Tying Mike Higgins for Second on the Red Sox Managers All-Time Wins List with No. 560


Tonight's Top 10 List

John Henry's blog...
(NESN screen image)

Top 10 Things to Do Next Week
While The Sox Play Out the String

With apologies to David Letterman...

10. Keep an ear pinned to the radio and hope to catch new pitchman Larry Lucchino carnival barking on the airwaves about AAA, Giant Glass, or anyone else who asks him to shill something for a little extra pocket money
9. Hang outside of Fenway all week and pick up $10 box seats for the Indians and Jays exhibitions from the slimy scalpers who roam the streets around Kenmore Square
8. Keep our eye on old friend Manny-Was-on-The-List out in LA, and dream of the Dodgers coming to Fenway for a, umm, Manny reunion, next month
7. Cougar Town
6. Pretend to be excited about the start to another Bruins season that will ultimately end in bitter disappointment
5. Keep up with the ongoing antics of the new Bobby and Whitney of Boston, the supermodel-momma and former star QB Tom and Gisele Bundchen
4. Try to unload all the 'Schilling for Senate' bumper stickers and 'Why Not Me in '09?' T-shirts on eBay
3. Check your statements to make sure the Red Sox didn't sneak any mysterious charges on your credit card that was required just to REGISTER for the postseason lottery. Then, if you are fortunate enough to get selected to buy one of the 62 remaining public seats to this season's playoff games at Fenway, send the Sox your children's Social Security Numbers to complete the transaction
2. Pray to be at the right place at the right time and run into that gut-bustin' Fitzy in town, nail those brain-burner questions, and tell the world you just took Tom Werner for $35
1. Go back and read all the musings of Red Sox owner John Henry on NESN.com... from the fascinating 'Week in the Life of Sam Kennedy' to the Sox owner's bizarre desire to revisit and spew nonsensical rantings about David Ortiz's failing of a drug test and the embarrassing vitamins and supplements, too little, too late excuse that followed the team around afterwards

Zack Attack Kills Sox

Fans hold up signs praising Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke after the Royals beat the Boston Red Sox 5-1 in a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
(AP)

Cy of Relief for Tito, He Doesn't Have to Pretend to
Care About the Division Anymore

Greinke Handcuffs Sox | KCy 5, Wild Card Champions 1
In the Big Inning, the Game Was Over When KC Scored Five Runs
Good Thing The Sox Won't Face Any Tough Pitching in the Playoffs...
2 Hits: Guess Congratulations Are in Order for V-Mart (21 streak) and Dustin (14)
The Wild Swings of Jason Bay: From HR/RBI King to Whiffmaster Supreme
Bright Side: Game Over in 2:31... Or After the 1st Inning

"I�m frustrated, I�m not going to get any sleep. I thought I had great stuff tonight. I just overthrew a little bit in the first inning, just couldn�t get the outs. Against Greinke, you don�t want to be down, 5-0. It just deflates the team. Real frustrated with myself. I�m glad I came back and threw some innings and helped the bullpen out, but I�m not really here to eat innings. That�s not my job." -- Former Royal Paul Byrd, embarrassing any leftover members from The Byrd's Nest with his start

We're Not in Camden Anymore, Tito

Mike Jacobs (17) and Billy Butler (16) celebrate after scoring on a double by Alberto Callaspo during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday
(AP)

Sox Go Down in Downpour in Kansas City
It's a Full Blown Bullpen Collapse

Sox Are Road Kill in KC | Kansas City 12, Boston 9
Royal Lead Flushed: Sox Blow Six Run Lead, Twice In One Night
That's Just Manny Being Manny: 2/3 Inn., 3 Hits, 1 BB, 4 Earned Runs
Bard Blows Up, Too: 1/3 Inn., 2 Hits, 1 BB, 2 Earned Runs
Tim Terrible: Wake All Wet with 7 Walks, 5 Runs in 5 Innings
This Just In: Francona Has No Interest in Winning the Division Apparently
Bad Timing: Red Hot Royals 11-3 Since Sept. 7

"The weather was a challenge, I was amazed we got it in." -- Royals manager Trey Hillman, also wondering how that game wasn't called with the Sox ahead


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Road Warriors
Jason Bay, right, is congratulated by third base coach DeMarlo Hale (35) after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 18, 2009,
(AP)

The Sweep Is On in Baltimore

Dice Keeps Sox Rolling Over O's | Boston 9, Punching Bags 3
Bay, Ells Lead Sox to Another Ho-Hum Win Over Hapless Birds
Bats Break It Open Late on Saturday | Boston 11, Awful O's 5
Lots of Hits Against Lester, But a Win Is a Win
Remember J.D. Drew? He Came Through, Reddick, Anderson Homer, Too
Sox Handle Bad Birds | Wild Card Winners 3, Baltimore 1
Sick Bay Bashes One, Clay Battles Through
for a Win Against Triple-A O's
Bottom Line: Clay Is 5-0, 2.80 ERA Since Aug. 13
Manny All But Forgotten: That's 34 Legit Home Runs for J-Bay
Guitar Redux: Buchholz Is Bronson Arroyo Part II... Just Watch That Carpel Tunnel
Big RBI: Ells Hits Game Winner in 6th
Secret Weapon Kotchman Chippin' In
Pap Nails Another One Down, No. 37

"In the beginning of the game I didn't have the best stuff I've thrown in the past couple of weeks, but I somehow got through it and we got a win out of it."
-- Buchholz now 6-3, looking like No. 4 for playoffs


Hole in Won

Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek  stands at home plate as Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's Terry Evans scores the game-winning run in the ninth inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston
(Reuters)

Is This the End of the Glove Affair for Jason?
Another One Gets By the Captain, This One Costly

Angels Hold On | Anaheim 4, Boston 3
Angles Avoid Sweep... And Surprising, Take Season Series
Surprise Again, Santana Steps Up, Beckett Can't Win at Home
Bay, Ells Show Some Power in Otherwise Lackluster Offense
The Win Was Nice For Scioscia, But We All Know the Deal Come October
Wagner Tagged with a Loss

"I guess it's frustrating, but there isn't (anyone) alive I'd rather have back there. Over the last four years I can't remember one time where that's happened. It was just a freak deal." -- Beckett's not gonna throw 'Tek under the bus

Gon With the Win

Alex Gonzalez broke an 8-8 bottom of the ninth inning tie with a bases loaded two out single that won the game 9-8. Here he gets a hug at left from teammate George Kottaras, while in the backround right Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz celebrate together.
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

It's the Comeback, Tie It Up, Come Back Again After Two
Quick Outs in the Bottom of the 9th Win of the Year

Prayers Answered | Boston 9, Anaheim 8
7th Straight Win for Wild Card Warriors, 10th Straight at Umpire Friendly Fenway
HP Ump Rick Reed Is Certainly a Member of Red Sox Nation
We Need to See More of the Alex Gonzalez Looper and Blooper Reel
Fuentes Just Doesn't Get That Nick Green's a Lucky Guy, Sincerely Heidi Watney
Ramon Ramirez Dodged a Boston Dirt Dogs Bullet Today
Another Game Changer: The J.D. Jammed Fister Up the Middle
Fuentes Thinks The Umps Were Afraid of Fenway Pink Hats and Sales Reps
Is Daniel Bard Going to Be Able to Handle the Heat of October?
And That's Why Jed Lowrie Will Get a World Series Ring
Forgotten Story: Byrd Flew Straight into the Sixth
That's Just Juan Rivera Being Vintage Manny

"Especially here and some other places, they seem timid to make calls. I've heard it from other guys that come in here and say that. That's either because it's a mistake, or they're scared." -- Brian Fuentes, after twice failing to get a third strike called on pinch-hitter Nick Green

BDD / David Nickerson
(BDD Photo Illustration / David Nickerson)

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Dice and Easy Does It

Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka made his return to the mound tonight after a nearly two month absence. Here he fires a first inning pitch to Angels leadoff batter Chone Figgins. The Boston Red Sox play the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park.
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

A Big Bounce Back for the WBC MVP
Sox Rolling at Home Sweet Home

Dice-OK, Sox Win Again | Boston 4, Anaheim 1
It Was a Pleasure to Watch Dice Pitch Tonight... Imagine That
Feels Like Postseason If the Sox Are Having Their Way with the Angels
Mr. Clean Crushes No. 270 as a DH, But You Can't Trust Today's HR Records
Four Serious Starters... How You Like Me Now New York Yankees?
RamRam, B-Wag, D-Bard Hold the Shutout, Pap Not So Much
No V-Mart, No Youk, No Problem
Inside Track: We're Green with Envy Over Nick's Night Out

"The fastball had a little extra on it... command more than anything else. Compact delivery. Ball jumping out of his hand. The hitters let you know." -- Eck on Dice on NESN postgame


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Obama Calls Kanye a Jackass, Will He Comment on Brady/Kolber Next?

All About the Benjamin
Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson (84) is congratulated by teammate Stephen Neal after scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, in Foxborough
(AP)

You've Got to Hand This One to Mr. Benjamin Watson
And Brady Wasn't Bad Either

Tom Terrific in the Clutch, Patriots Rally Past Bills | Boston 25, Buffalo 24
For a While There, They Really Did Look Like Dick MacPherson's Patriots
Dissing Suzy Kolber: Brady's Goin' In, And He Has No Use for ESPN's Pesky Reporter
This Just In: Kanye West Had Serena Williams Apologize for Brady's Brush-off
I Want to Talk to Suzy... Give Her My Number, Sincerely, Broadway Joe
And the Game Ball Goes to... Leodis McKelvin

"That's not how we drew it up, but I'll take it. We did a lot of things poorly but we got the win." -- Tom Brady, slowing down just long enough to toss poor Suzy Kolber a quote


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Rest in Peace Patrick Swayze, We'll Never Forget That Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
Sun/2.: Boston 4, Tampa 0: How Sweep It Is, Lester Steps It Up
Sun/1: Boston 3, Tampa 1: Buchholz Is a Big Time, Big League Pitcher
Sat: Boston 9, Tampa 1: Beckett's Back, and Pours It On Hapless Rays

Make Way for Jay... and Curt

Curt Schilling makes an appearance on Jay Leno�s new show to make a very big announcement!

That's Just Meteorlogix
Being Meteorlogix

Eighty-year-old Dick Emerson of Haverhill, Mass. closes his eyes during a rain delay in the top of the first inning of a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park in Boston Friday, Sept. 11, 2009.
(AP)

The Red Sox Private Weather Service Gets It Wrong Again
And The Fenway Faithful Get $oaked on a Friday Night

Globe: Starts and Stops, Lester Washed Out
A Little Rain Ain't Gonna Slow Down the Red Sox Money Making Machine
Too Bad There Aren't Any Good Public Weather Services Out There... Hey, Wait...
Now Everyone's Inconvenienced by a Reverse Doubleheader on Sunday
And That's Just Smoltz Being Sidelined By Shoulder Tendinitis in St. Louis

Red Sox release throws Meteorlogix under the bus: "Based on the forecast information that was available at the time from the Red Sox private weather service, Meteorlogix, the gates were opened and the game started as scheduled. The forecast indicated that play was possible and every effort was made to get the game in."

Never Forget
The
(Mario Tama / Getty Images)

On the 8th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
We Remember Our Brothers and Sisters That Flew Out of Boston
and All Those Who Died During the Terrorist Attacks



American Airlines Flight 11

Flight 11, flying from Boston to Los Angeles, crashed into the World Trade Center.

Confirmed dead

Name

Age

Home

Job

Employer

Crew

Barbara Jean Ares Tegui

38

Marstons Mills, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Jeffrey Dwayne Collman

41

Novato, Calif.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Sara Elizabeth Low

28

Boston, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Karen A. Martin

40

Danvers, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Thomas F. McGuinness Jr.

42

Portsmouth, N.H.

first officer

American Airlines

Kathleen Ann Nicosia

54

Winthrop, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

John Ogonowski

52

Dracut, Mass.

captain

American Airlines

Betty Ann Ong

45

Andover, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Jean Destrehan Roger

24

Longmeadow, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Dianne Bulls Snyder

42

Westport Point, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Madeline Amy Sweeney

35

Acton, Mass.

flight attendant

American Airlines

Passengers

Anna Williams Allison

49

Stoneham, Mass.

founder

A2 Software Solutions

David Lawrence Angell

54

Pasadena, Calif.

executive producer

NBC

Lynn Edwards Angell

52

Los Angeles, Calif.

librarian

Seima Aoyama

48

Culver City, Calif.

accountant

Japanese

Myra Joy Aronson

50

Charlestown, Mass.

press and analyst relations manager

Compuware Corp.

Christine Barbuto

32

Brookline, Mass.

buyer

TJX Co.

Carolyn Mayer Beug

48

Santa Monica, Calif.

filmmaker and video producer

Kelly Ann Booms

24

Brookline, Mass.

accountant

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Carol Marie Bouchard

43

Warwick, R.I.

emergency room secretary

Kent County Hospital

Neilie Anne Heffernan Casey

32

Wellesley, Mass.

planning manager

TJX Co.

Jeffrey W. Coombs

42

Abington, Mass.

security analyst

Compaq

Tara Kathleen Creamer

30

Worcester, Mass.

planning manager

TJX Co.

Thelma Cuccinello

71

Wilmot Flat, N.H.

homemaker

Patrick Currivan

52

Winchester, Mass.

vice president

AtosEuronext

Brian P. Dale

43

Warren, N.J.

partner

Blue Capital Management

David DiMeglio

22

Wakefield, Mass.

computer service

Donald Americo DiTullio

49

Peabody, Mass.

endoscopy division

Smith & Nephew Inc.

Alberto Dominguez

66

Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia

baggage handler

Qantas Airways

Peter el-Hachem

40

Tewksbury, Mass.

senior software engineering manager

Teradyne

Paige Farley-Hackel

46

Newton, Mass.

spiritual counselor

Alexander Milan Filipov

70

Concord, Mass.

electrical engineer and church deacon

Carol Flyzik

40

Plaistow, N.H.

marketing supervisor

Meditech

Paul Friedman

45

Belmont, Mass.

management consultant

Emergence Consulting

Karleton D.B. Fyfe

31

Brookline, Mass.

senior analyst

John Hancock

Peter Alan Gay

54

Tewksbury, Mass.

plant manager

Raytheon Co.

Linda M. George

27

Westboro, Mass.

buyer

TJX Co.

Edmund Glazer

41

Wellesley, Mass.

chief financial officer

MRV Communications

Lisa Reinhart Fenn Gordenstein

41

Needham, Mass.

assistant vice president and merchandise manager

TJX Co.

Andrew Peter Charles Curry Green

34

Santa Monica, Calif.

director of business development

eLogic

Robert Jay Hayes

38

Amesbury, Mass.

sales engineer

Netstal

Edward (Ted) R. Hennessy Jr.

35

Belmont, Mass.

partner

Emergence Consulting

John A. Hofer

45

Los Angeles, Calif.

owner

John's Sharpening Center

Cora Hidalgo Holland

52

Sudbury, Mass.

Sudbury Food Pantry at Our Lady of Fatima Church

John Nicholas Humber Jr.

60

Newton, Mass.

owner

Brae Burn Management

Waleed Iskandar

34

London, England

chief of digital strategy for Europe

Monitor Group

John Charles Jenkins

45

Cambridge, Mass.

corporate office services manager

Charles River Associates

Charles Edward Jones

48

Bedford, Mass.

retired astronautical engineer and manager of space programs

BAE Systems

Robin Kaplan

33

Westboro, Mass.

senior store equipment specialist

TJX Co.

Barbara Keating

72

Palm Springs, Calif.

receptionist

parish office, St. Theresa Catholic Church

David Kovalcin

42

Hudson, N.H.

senior mechanical engineer

Raytheon Co.

Judy Larocque

50

Framingham, Mass.

founder and CEO

Market Perspectives

Natalie Janis Lasden

46

Peabody, Mass.

product testing team leader

General Electric

Daniel John Lee

34

Van Nuys, Calif.

road crew

Backstreet Boys

Daniel C. Lewin

31

Charlestown, Mass.

co-founder and chief technology officer

Akamai Technologies

Susan A. MacKay

44

Westford, Mass.

assistant vice president of merchandise planning and allocation

TJX Co.

Christopher D. Mello

25

Boston, Mass.

analyst

Alta Communications

Jeffrey Peter Mladenik

43

Hinsdale, Ill.

interim CEO

eLogic

Carlos Alberto Montoya

36

Belmont, Mass.

Colombian

Antonio Jesus Montoya Valdes

46

East Boston, Mass.

housekeeping worker

Boston Harbor Hotel

Laura Lee Morabito

34

Framingham, Mass.

national sales manager

Qantas Airways

Mildred Naiman

81

Andover, Mass.

retired tester

Western Electric Co.

Laurie Ann Neira

48

Los Angeles, Calif.

transcriber

Your Office Genie

Renee Lucille Newell

37

Cranston, R.I.

customer service agent

American Airlines

Jacqueline J. Norton

61

Lubec, Maine

retiree

Robert Grant Norton

85

Lubec, Maine

retiree

Jane M. Orth

49

Haverhill, Mass.

retiree

Lucent Technologies

Thomas Nicholas Pecorelli

30

Topanga, Calif.

cameraman

Fox Sports and E! Entertainment Television

Berinthia Berenson Perkins

53

Los Angeles, Calif.

actress and photographer

Sonia Morales Puopolo

61

Dover, Mass.

former ballet dancer

David E. Retik

33

Needham, Mass.

general partner

Alta Communications

Philip M. Rosenzweig

47

Acton, Mass.

vice president

Sun Microsystems

Richard Barry Ross

58

Newton, Mass.

president and chief executive

The Ross Group

Jessica Leigh Sachs

23

Billerica, Mass.

accountant

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Rahma Salie

28

Boston, Mass.

chief operating officer

Cinoni

Heather Lee Smith

30

Boston, Mass.

financial analyst

Beacon Capital Partners

Douglas J. Stone

54

Dover, N.H.

co-owner

Odyssey Press

Xavier Suarez

41

Chino Hills, Calif.

civil engineer

Michael Theodoridis

32

Boston, Mass.

technology consultant

James Anthony Trentini

65

Everett, Mass.

retired teacher and assistant principal

Mary Barbara Trentini

67

Everett, Mass.

retired secretary

Pendyala Vamsikrishna

30

Los Angeles, Calif.

project manager for consulting firm

DTI

Mary Alice Wahlstrom

78

Kaysville, Utah

retired loan officer

Kenneth E. Waldie

46

Methuen, Mass.

senior quality control engineer

Raytheon Co.

John Wenckus

46

Torrance, Calif.

tax consultant

Candace Lee Williams

20

Danbury, Conn.

student

Northeastern University

Christopher Rudolph Zarba Jr.

47

Hopkinton, Mass.

software engineer

Concord Communications

Crown Vic
Jason Bay, left, celebrates with teammates Brian Anderson, right, and Kevin Youkilis after all three scored on a three-run double by Red Sox's Victor Martinez in the seventh inning
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff | AP)

Victor Martinez Is the King of All Midseason Acquisitions
Red Sox Rule the Roost Over Birds at Home

V-Mart Comes Off the Bench, Bangs Game Winner | Boston 7, Baltimore 5
Paul Byrd Is No Brad Penny But He, You Know, Competes...
That's 100 RBIs and Counting for J-Bay... Meanwhile LA Ram Has Just 54
Pinch Me: Was Theo Really Able to Steal V for Masterson and Change?
Hey Send 'Em In DeMarlo Hale, Easy on the Windmill
Youk and Pedro Keep Swinging Hot Bats in 15 Hit Attack
More Good News: Dice-K Set to Face Peabody West Next Weekend
K's All the Way: Welcome Back Ramon Ramirez, Bard Is a Bad Man
V as in Victory for Billy Wagner

"Every time I come to the plate, my goal is to be a tough out. When you're in a race, it's always interesting. When you get to the ballpark, you know you're playing for something." -- Victor Martinez... who someday may replace Carl Yastrzemski as the greatest clutch hitter in Red Sox history

From Buster Olney's blog on ESPN.com: "A rival talent evaluator on Manny Ramirez: 'He still is a good technical hitter, and he's still a dangerous hitter. But he's not driving the ball anywhere close to what he was doing in the second half of last year. I know the Dodgers would never bench him, but right now, I think they're a better team with Juan Pierre in the lineup than him, because Pierre at least energizes the team. Manny is a bad outfielder, and if he's not hitting, you notice that a lot more.'"

Sox Deep Six O's

Pedroia hits two, Gonzalez, Drew, Youkilis, and Ortiz also go deep
(Jim Davis / Globe Staff and Getty Images Photos)

Beating Up on Bad Baltimore Teams Is What Boston Does Best

It's a Perfect 10 at Fenway | Boston 10, Baltimore Zip
Sox Bang Out Season-High 6 Home Runs in Fenway Return
It's Another Big Night for No. 2 Starter Clay Buchholz,
Not Sure If It's Apples to Apples But Ortiz Ties Frank Thomas for Most HRs By a DH
Pedroia Wants to Make Sure You Know 2 of The Homers Were His
J.D. Drew Hits Home Run No. 20, But With a Swing Like That Should Have 40
Youkilis Homers and Loves Every Minute of It (Until the Player Parking Gates Open)
Alex Gravy Gonzalez Gets In On the Long Ball Action, Too

"He probably looked like a combination of Don Drysdale, Warren Spahn, and Sandy Koufax when he got an 8-0 lead. He kept pitching." -- Orioles manager Dave Trembley putting Clay Buchholz in some pretty good company


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Where's the Chicago Fire?
A Chicago White Sox fan holds up a sign during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Chicago.
(AP)

The They-Must-Think-They've-Clinched Red Sox Have Apparently Been Given the Weekend Off By Terry Francona
While the White Sox Act Like They Have Something to Play For

Chicago 5, Boston 1: The Immortal Gavin Pink Floyd Has His Way with Boston
This Wakefield Situation Is Going to Be Painful Going Forward
Chicago 12, Boston 2: Byrd Don't Fly in Windy City Blowout
Kotsay Can You See How This Is Becoming a Trend?
Boston 6, Tampa 3: At Least the Rays Quit on Maddon Early This Year
Is Buchholz the No. 2 Starter?


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Penny's Bark Adds Bite to Giants' Rotation
Mon.: Chicago 5, Boston 1: Beckett Better But Not Great
Sun.: Boston 6, Chicago 1: Lester's the Ace for Now
Herald: Did Pizzuti Shove Janet Marie Smith Out the Fenway Door?
Your Next Senator? What Curt Schilling Believes ...

Dead Armed Ace?

Josh Beckett wipes his face as he struggles against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday Sept. 2, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Beckett gave up three runs in the inning.(
(AP)

It's Bombs Away in Tampa Bay

"Everything was a little bit off from what he normally is when he�s really dominant. He had a better curveball later, but not the great curveball. There�s something a little bit off. We can certainly speculate on an injury, but a lot of guys pitch through things, and maybe he�s trying to pitch through something." -- American League scout (Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe)

That's 14 Home Runs in Last 5 Starts for the Ace of the Staff
And It's a Little Trop of Horrors Late in St. Pete

Beckett's a Bust and Roof Caves in on Sox Relievers | Tampa Bay 8, Boston 5
That's 27 Runs in the Last 31 1/3 Innings? Is This Still Victor Martinez's Fault?
That's Just Manny Being Mediocre: Delcarmen Implodes in a Big Game Again
Top of the Order Bottoms Out: 0-for-9 for Ellsbury-Pedroia
Just Six Hits on the Night for the Vaunted Red Sox Offense
RamRam Hasn't Been Holding His Own Lately Either
And Mike Lowell and Daniel Bard Watched It All Come Undone
Tying Run Was Something for Joey

"We got it tied and it got away." -- Manager Terry Francona who certainly did his part last night

Death, Taxes, and a Newly Released Red Sox Player
Having a Big Night Elsewhere ...

Not a Cheap Start in Philly: Penny on the Money for Giants

Ells Buries Rays

Jacoby Ellsbury makes a sliding catch robbing Tampa Bay Rays' Jason Bartlett of a hit during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday
(AP)

Did You See That Catch, Throw, Hit, Run, Score, Jacoby Made?

Rays Can't Catch Sox | Wildcarders 8, Alsorans 4
En Fuego: Boston Victorious in 11 of Last 14 Games
Drew No. 19, Bay No. 30, Youk No. 23 Have Deep Thoughts in the Trop
Big Props to Papelbon, Hopefully He Won't Need Surgery After Pitching 2 Innings
Not the First Time... Will There Be a Dust-Up After Dustin's Brush Back?
Holy Chokajima ... Hideki Has Another Horrible Outing
Theo Epstein, Genius: Billy Wagner Isn't Kidding Around
The Decision Is In: Lester Gets Long Overdue Win No. 11
196 K's for Jon Passes Bruce Hurst for Most Strikeouts By Sox Lefty
Joe Maddon Changes Pitchers More Often Than Hair Color
How 'Bout That Phony Fraud Frontrunning Rays Wave of Empty Blue Seats Nation?
Just 17,692 Bother to Show Up for the Home Team's Playoff Battle

"Those are pressure situations. The guy that's the coolest will come out on top. You get into situations like that, it boils down to focus. It's a focus thing." -- Papelbon, talking about his focus, not Jacoby's

Texas? Fold 'Em

Rangers' Jarrod Saltalamacchia watches from the dugout as the Toronto Blue Jays score a run in the ninth inning of their MLB American League baseball game in Arlington, Texas August 31, 2009.
(Reuters)

Wild Card Here We Come

Toronto 18, Texas 10 | Rangers Rally Gets Shut Down
Rangers Now a Whopping 4 Games Back in the WC Race


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)
BDD is a feature of Boston.com. All posts are by Steve Silva unless otherwise indicated.

Boston Globe:

Rodriguez looks like the steal deal > Despite effort by Rodriguez, Red So fall > Tazawa has come a long way, on and off field

Boston Herald:

Lauber: Eduardo Rodriguez showing Red Sox he's special > PawSox start looms large for Masterson

ProJo:

Rodriguez gem wasted > Chili Davis doesn't want to turn Red Sox into free-swingers > Red Sox draft catcher in third round

NY Post:

How Mariano Rivera has influenced Yankees' top pick > Why starting rotation could be a big Yankees' strength

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