Boston Red Sox

I, like many others, watched in awe through the years as Roger Clemens pitched his way to 354 major league wins. The invincible Roger had the "it" factor right from the start as a collegiate star at the University of Texas. 

Clemens also possessed Hall of Fame appeal from the first day he stepped out on the mound for the Boston Red Sox, and would have been a Hall of Famer if he had retired with the Red Sox after the 1996 season.

Throughout the 2010 season, the Boston Red Sox have been on the cusp of making  the playoffs. With Dustin Pedroia hitting the disabled list for the second time this season, it appears that it's finally time to throw in the towel. This team could still make the playoffs and Dustin Pedroia could be back by the end of September, but realistically, this is likely the end of the road.

It's just been a horrible year full of growing pains for the Red Sox. They lack an identity and they're not the team that we thought they were.

The Boston Red Sox agreed to terms on deals with draftees Anthony Ranaudo and Brandon Workman days before the deadline on Monday.  This is very big news, as a deal with Ranaudo was in question for most of Monday.  

The Red Sox selected Ranaudo 39th overall in June's draft, which was considered to be a steal by many.  The six-foot-seven former LSU pitcher was thought of as a top prospect coming into his junior year, but his season was marred by elbow issues, which dropped him to 39th.  

The Boston Red Sox will have quite a few issues to address this off season.  While their offense has been a nice surprise this year, they still need to improve if they want to compete with the Yankees and Rays in the East. 

The strength of this team was supposed to be their pitching staff however, it has been very inconsistent.  This rotation was expected to be the best in baseball, but in reality, it has been average.  Not to mention the bullpen has been a complete disaster.

The second base position just got a whole lot beefier, as today three of the position's top guns have been activated from the disabled list. Proud owners of Dustin Pedroia, Chase Utley, and Martin Prado have been forced to plug holes with stragglers like Adam Kennedy and Blake DeWitt. Now is your time to rejoice.

By Brandon Moor

August 17, 2010

Over the weekend I was laying by the pool, taking in some rays and listening to my iPod shuffle, when, after a steady stream of calming, relaxing music, the Colin Cowherd Podcast popped up out of nowhere. So much for relaxing, huh?

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Cowherd's work, but for those who aren't, Cowherd definitely knows how to get a debate going. He's equal parts stubborn and contrarian, but never ends a rant without making you think about something differently than you might have previously.

As Jacoby Ellsbury left Friday night's game against Texas in the fourth inning with "side pains," speculation indicated another rib injury for Boston's speedy outfielder.

Indications were right.

Confirmed by ESPN Boston's Joe McDonald, Ellsbury has indeed re-injured his ribs and has been sent back to Boston for an MRI and a CT scan.

It is reported that Ellsbury injured himself in the first inning when he collided with Rangers pitcher Tommy Hunter