Red Sox - Royals Preview

Monday 8:10PM NESN Wakefield (11-4, 4.22 ERA) vs. Dinardo (0-1, 5.22 ERA)
Tuesday 8:10PM NESN Byrd (1-1, 5.79 ERA) vs. Greinke (14-8, 2.14 ERA)
Wednesday 8:10PM NESN Beckett (15-6, 3.80 ERA) vs. Hochevar (7-10, 5.79 ERA)
Thursday 8:10PM NESN Buchholz (6-3, 3.49 ERA) vs. Hughes (0-1, 4.38 ERA)

GAME 1

Yes, that is the same is the same Lenny Dinardo that was with the Sox years ago (he last pitched here in 2006, after three seasons here). He has spent much of the year in the minors and this will only be his third start. Wake will be making his first start since since September 5th and only his third since July 8th. He pitched well last time out, but his back didn't hold up, and the club's plan is to already give him 10 days off after this appearance. Lets hope his back holds up during this outing, or it may be his last.

GAME 2

Byrd hasn't been spectacular, but has pitched well enough his past two times out to deserve wins. Against a weak Royals lineup, he needs to keep his walks down, and miss enough bats. Zack Greinke is in the midst of a Cy Young season and he is not wearing down as the season is ending. He has allowed three earned runs over his last 37 innings, while posting a 42/6 K/BB ratio.

GAME 3

Beckett has pitched better this month after a terrible stretch of four games in August. However, he has not won in eight starts, and will need to be less susceptible to the home run ball. Like Byrd, this is a good time to figure things out against the Royals. Luke Hochevar is coming off a complete game shutout against the Chi-Sox, but before that he had allowed 18 runs over three starts. Which Hochevar will the Sox see?

GAME 4

Buchholz has been in a groove. The young righty is putting together a nice run right now (over his last three starts he's allowed two runs in 20 innings). He has been facing some weak offenses, and will again here so hopefully this is building his confidence as he prepares to enter the postseason as the club's #3 starter. After a September call-up, Dusty Hughes was used as a reliever four times before being used as a starter last time out. The Sox aren't typically good against pitchers they haven't seen.