Preview: Red Sox going into war for four in the Bronx

Losing those two in Tampa was my fear come true about that series; our struggles at the Trop continue. Things are not getting easier either.

8/6 7:05PM on NESN Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) vs. Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA)
8/7 7:05PM on NESN Beckett (13-4, 3.27 ERA) vs. Burnett (10-5, 3.89 ERA)
8/8 4:10PM on FOX Buchholz (1-1, 6.05 ERA) vs. Sabathia (11-7, 3.95 ERA)
8/9 8:05PM on ESPN Lester (9-7, 3.79 ERA) vs. Pettitte (9-6, 4.35 ERA)

Game 1

Smoltz needs to start performing and what a better time to do it than now; although no one is counting on it. The fact is he isn't missing very many bats. In his last three starts he's given up 9, 9, and 8 hits. Joba, on the other hand, has been spectacular in his last two starts getting wins in both against OAK and TB. In 15 IP he's given up only 5 hits and struck out 11 only allowing an earned run. Seems one-sided, but that's why you play the game.

Game 2

The match-up of form Florida Marlins. Against Burnett in two starts at Boston earlier this season we LIT him up. The Sox lit him up for 8 ER in 5 IP on April 25th and 3 ER in 2 2/3 IP while giving up 5 walks on June 9th. Not much to say about Mr. Clutch Josh Beckett. He's 5-1 in his last seven starts.

Game 3

This isn't the CC who carried the Brew Crew on his thick back last year into September. This CC has been hittable. In his last 46 IP 55 hits. Buchholz though has looked hesitent and obviously not the same guy who had a 2.36 ERA in 17 games for the AAA club. The game's on FOX, so we get to listen to Tim McCarver. McCarver or Dave Roberts... Hmm.

Game 4

The match up of left-handers on Sunday Night Baseball. They say a great lefty can dominate in Yankee Stadium with the short porch, and Lester is pitching great; hopefully the Sox can get him his tenth win this time out.

NOTES

-The Sox signed old friend Paul Byrd to a minor league contract tonight. How soon can he be ready?! One must wonder what this means about Dice-K's rehab, but it certainly speaks volumes about their concern about Smoltz, Clay, Penny, and even Wake.
-Delcarmen and Oki worked both games of the series, so we probably will not see them tomorrow night (unless Oki comes in to pitch to a lefty in a jam). Papelbon also warmed up tonight, but did not enter the game. They like to baby Paps, so I don't know how this will affect his status throughout the series.
-The New York media will try everything to get something out of Papi this weekend. He really owes it to everyone to talk about this.
-V-Mart is 10-22 since joining the Sox
-Will Casey Kotchman ever get a chance to start? At whose expense?
+The Sox are 2.5 games behind the Yankees