Brad Penny Goes West...Timmy Has His Shot...Tropicana, Here We Come

First up, this news from Buster Olnay of ESPN dot com. Here's part of the release...
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"Right-hander Brad Penny cleared waivers Monday and agreed to a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Penny, 31, was 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA with the Red Sox this season and is 101-83 in his career. He will make a prorated minimum salary with the Giants and is expected to replace Joe Martinez in the Giants rotation."
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Good luck to you, Brad. What the Red Sox did NOT need was a .500 pitcher and unfotunately, you fit that bill. Thanks for trying, though. I wish you success in the National League, a league "friendlier" to pitchers (or so they say).

In another piece of Sox news, pitcher Tim Wakefield received his cortisone shot for his ailing back on Monday and will be re-elvaluated in a couple of days. The hope is that he will be able to pitch next week. Good luck, Timmah. We sure need you on that mound every fifth day.

Last but certainly not least, Boston will start a three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays tonight. Here are the pitching matchups...

7:08 PM ET NESN Lester (10-7) vs. Sonnanstine (6-7)
7:08 PM ET ESPN Beckett (14-5) vs. Garza (7-9)
7:08 PM ET NESN Buchholz (3-3) vs. Price (7-6)

The Red Sox now have a full four game lead over the Rangers in the race for the AL wild card. Look for the "Good Guys" to be playing baseball in October. I feel it in my bones, and my bones rarely lie. Call me Bones, if you wish, not Dr. McCoy.

That's a wrap for this pre-dawn Tuesday morning. I hope the Sox can break out of their Tropicana troubles and take at least two of three from the pesky Rays. We have the pitchers slated who certainly can do it. So LET'S DO IT! GO SOX. You can click on this post's title for more on the Boston Red Sox and as always and forever, BE WELL.