Red Sox Road Ahead: Week 22
Last week I talked about the possibility of a former Red Sox starter returning to the team. Now this week a waiver deal between The Dodgers and White Sox will bring another former Sox star back to Fenway this week.
So Manny will be coming back to Fenway yet again, not as big of a deal since he’s already faced the Sox earlier this season but it will be nice to hear the boos when he steps up to the plate.
Now on to the preview:
Schedule
Red Sox games are available over the radio on the WEEI Red Sox Radio Network and on NESN in the New England TV market (unless noted.)
Tuesday, August 31 @ Orioles 7:05 PM
Wednesday, September 1 @ Orioles 7:05 PM
Thursday, September 2 @ Orioles 7:05 PM
Friday, September 3 vs White Sox 7:10 PM
Saturday, September 4 vs White Sox 7:10 PM (also on MLBN)
Sunday, September 5 vs White Sox 1:35 PM (also on TBS)
Baltimore TV: MASN
Chicago White Sox TV: CSN
Opponents In-Depth
Baltimore Orioles
48-83
5th in AL East (32.5 GB)
Probable Line-Up
Julio Lugo, 2B
Felix Pie, LF
Nick Markakis, RF
Luke Scott, DH
Ty Wigginton, 2B
Corey Patterson, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Cesar Izturis, SS
Josh Bell, 3B
Injuries
Jason Berken, SP (Shoulder) 60-day DL. Out for the season
David Hernandez, SP (Ankle) 15-day DL. Out until at least early September
Adam Jones, CF (Shoulder) Questionable for Aug. 31 vs. Boston
Julio Lugo, 2B (Head) Questionable for Aug. 31 vs. Boston
Brian Roberts, 2B (Hip) Questionable for Aug. 31-Sept. 2 series vs. Boston
Pitching Match-Ups
8/31: Beckett vs. Matusz
Matusz’s numbers in August? 3-1, 2.32 ERA. Beckett? 2-2, 6.82 ERA. Oy.
9/1: Lester vs. Arrieta
The rookie Arrieta has been struggling in his last few starts- going against Lester means his troubles will continue.
9/2: Buchholz vs. Bergesen
Bergensen is coming off back-to-back wins against the Rangers an Angels. I suspect that streak will end this week.
Who’s Hot
Felix Pie: .289 BA past 14 days
Who’s Not
Cesar Izturis: .171 BA past 14 days
Chicago White Sox
70-60
2nd in AL Central (4.5 GB)
Probable Line-Up
Juan Pierre, LF
Omar Vizquel, 3B
Alex Rios, CF
Manny Ramirez, DH
Paul Konerko, 1B
Carlos Quentin, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Alexi Ramirez, SS
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Injuries
Erick Threets, RP (Elbow) 15-day DL. Out for the season
J.J. Putz, RP (Knee) 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-September
Matt Thornton, RP (Forearm) 15-day DL. Out until at least early September
Jake Peavy, SP (Shoulder) 15-day DL. Out for the season
Pitching Match-Ups
9/3: Lackey vs. Danks
Allow me to quote Bill Simmons: “I’m going to be 45 years old by the time Jon Lackey’s contract ends. Just shoot me in the forehead.”
9/4: Matsuzaka vs. Floyd
Dice-K is hurt. No surprise. However he should be able to blow his start this week against the Orioles.
9/5: Beckett vs. Buehrle
Battle of the Bs. However Chicago’s arm has the edge in this match-up.
Who’s Hot
Paul Konerko: .469 BA/4 HR past 14 days
Who’s Not
Gordon Beckham: .250 BA past 14 days
My Outlook
We’ll take care of the Orioles but the White Sox will be a struggle. 3-3.
How do you think the Sox are going to fare this week? Leave them in the comments or let Patrick know on Twitter: @dmbosstone
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