Back From Vacation and the Sox are Back on Track

I am back from my mostly internet-less vacation. I will begin blogging regularly Thursday once again, as I am working tomorrow and will be going to see Beckett dominate the Tigers in the evening. I would like to thank Steve for filling in and writing when he could. Now, back to business.

The Red Sox win their second in a row in an eventful game:

-Youk and Tito get tossed. Youk rightfully charged the mound after getting nailed for the second straight night in a clear retaliation by the Tigers' rook Porcello. Tito, on the other hand, argued emphatically about a call on the basepaths that he was probably wrong about. However, with the way the club's been playing he must have been waiting for a close play to blow some steam on.
-Tazawa put together a solid outing. After a 30+ pitch first inning allowing three runs (one earned), Junichi settled down and blanked the Tigers the next 4 innings. He finished with 6 Ks in 5 innings and definitely earned himself at least one more start. Wake will throw in Pawtucket this weekend and could be ready next week.
-Lowell nailed two HRs coming off of the bench for the ejected Youkilis. He is being the ultimate professional in this shuffle of positions being the odd man out more often than not, and all he can do is show up when called upon. The fact of the matter is, while he can't run he can still hit. He needs to be DHing against all LHP, while being sprinkled in at 3B against righties. Francona's job continues to become more complicated.
-Papelbon gave up a 2-R HR in the 9th after coming into pitch in a four run game.

In other Sox news:

-Dice-K threw a bullpen session today. He's going to throw a couple of more. He'll be back in September if all goes well.
-Lowrie's wrist checked out OK. He could be back soon, but he really could use some good ABs in the minors. The SS position is kind of in shambles at the moment and the Sox don't have the luxury of easing him back.

Just like that we're back on track winning two in a row.

Keep checking the blog. Much more good information to come including Patriots analysis and preseason action. Sorry for the inconsistency the past couple of days.