Three Game Weekend Set with the Jays

8/28 7:10 on NESN Beckett (14-5, 3.65 ERA) vs. Richmond (6-7, 4.09 ERA)
8/29 7:10 on NESN Buchholz (2-3, 5.08 ERA) vs. Romero (11-5, 3.91 ERA)
8/30 1:35 on NESN Lester (10-7, 3.60 ERA) vs. Halladay (13-7, 3.03 ERA)

GAME 1

Josh Beckett has been slacking his last two starts (15 ER over 13 1/3 IP), including one of the those starts against these Blue Jays. Beckett's career ERA in August is 4.34 which is his highest in any month, so hopefully he can finish this start strong as we turn the calender to September. Scott Richmond has not allowed four earned in his last eight starts, and has been more than solid this season. In fact, he has 18 K's in his last two starts, so this appears to be an intriguing match up tonight.

GAME 2

Clay gave up seven earned runs in his last start against the ChiSox. Before that, he had strung together three great starts (he had given up seven earned runs before those starts too). Buchholz needs to become a more consistent pitcher at this point, and the Sox will be looking for innings from the youngster in this start. The Sox faced Ricky Romero on the 18th and battled him for five runs in 3 2/2 innings. Hopefully we can figure him out again because he has been more than solid in his other recent starts.

GAME 3

The match up of aces on Sunday afternoon. Just two starts ago, Lester limited Toronto to an earned run in eight innings and picked up the victory. Lester has been spectacular lately allowing nine earned runs in his last 33 2/3 IP over five starts. Halladay has been off lately (11 ER in 11 IP with 2 losses); one of those starts against the Sox. Two aces appearing to be going in different directions, and lets hope the trend continues Sunday.

THE COMPETITION:

-Texas heads to Minnesota this weekend. The Twins are desperate and reported added to their bullpen today.
-Tampa Bay heads to Detroit. The Rays may be giving up, as they traded Kazmir to the Angles today.
-The Yankees host the White Sox.