Boston Red Sox

Following another disappointing loss to a subpar Oakland Athletics team, the Boston Red Sox are seriously shopping for big league help behind the dish, before the Monster, and in the bullpen, according to Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com.

Much as it did in 2006, the injury bug has curtailed a previously promising season in Beantown. Catchers Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek, outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron and Jeremy Hermida, and reliever Manny Delcarmen have all spent time on the disabled list, not to mention Dustin Pedroia and Josh Beckett.

It has been reported, via Foxsports.com, that talks between the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies regarding catcher Chris Iannetta have re-opened. 

Boston's front office has been interested in Chris Iannetta for a while. He's a relatively young catcher who is about to enter his prime. 

Iannetta has been bouncing back and forth from Triple A and Colorado this season and he's batting a .220 with seven homers and 14 RBI. 

According to the Miami Herald's Clark Spencer, the Boston Red Sox are interested in acquiring righty reliever Leo Nunez and outfielder Cody Ross. 

Boston's major issue is health. They have suffered an tremendous amount of injuries this year, but they are still alive in the strong American League East. But, the one part of the team that has struggled and has been relatively healthy is the bullpen.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are currently competing for the services of Toronto Blue Jay Reliever Scott Downs. According to AOL FanHouses’ Ed Price, both teams have demonstrated “big-time” interest in the soon-to-be free agent Southpaw from their division rival.

According to multiple reports channeled through MLBTradeRumors.com, the Boston Red Sox have joined the New York Yankees in trade discussions for Florida Marlin OF Cody Ross and RP Leo Nunez.

Both players represent affordable fixes for the Red Sox’ myriad bullpen and outfield woes. As is well known, beyond closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Daniel Bard, the piecemeal Red Sox bullpen has been horrible, and the outfield has been riddled with injury.

John Lackey has been nothing less than a tremendous disappointment this season. 

After signing for more than $82 million in the offseason, certainly a lot more was expected of him than he has provided.

In 18 starts, Lackey has given the Red Sox 118 innings, which is the good news. 

However, Lackey has a 4.78 ERA and opponents are batting an astounding .298 against him. 

Of equal concern, Lackey has given up far too many walks (46) and hasn't had nearly enough strike outs (68).

After dealing Justin Smoak and his right-handed bat for Cliff Lee, the Texas Rangers may have increased interest in reviving an offseason trade for Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, according to WEEI Sportsradio Network's Rob Bradford.

Both Smoak's departure and corner-infielder Chris Davis' offensive struggles may force the American League West leaders to acquire a player of Lowell's caliber to at least platoon with the likes of Davis.

If you're like me and have been distracted by the World Cup and LeBron-gate over these past few weeks, you were probably shocked to learn that baseball's midway point is already upon us.

So to help you get into the swing of things as we head toward the playoffs, here are 50 Reasons To Be Excited For The Second Half of the season...

This Article was initially featured on New England Sports Online.

Most seasons, grading the Red Sox would involve the starting nine, a couple of bench players, six starting pitchers, and maybe 4-5 bullpen guys. With all the injuries the Sox have been forced to endure, however, grading the team has become a little more complicated.

Nonetheless, I’ve tried to give the players who have seen significant action on the field grades..

Starting with the pitchers:

At the halfway point of the season, the Boston Red Sox are five games behind the American League East-leading New York Yankees. That doesn’t look very satisfying, but considering what they have been through it undoubtedly is.

The injury bug that has hit them borders on ridiculous, with many of their impact-players on the shelf. The performance by the pitching staff hasn’t been anywhere near eye-opening, and their offense has missed its usual bop of years past.