The M & M Guys Carry The Boston Red Sox

Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched 8 scoreless innings in Cleveland last night, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 4-1 thumping of the Indians. Victor Martinez, in his first return to his former team's stadium, collected 2 hits and drove in 1 run. He continued his torrid hitting. Since May 19 he has batted an even .500 (!!), the best in the league. That's totally amazing. He loves playing for the Red Sox. Here he is taking about his former home and his love for his new team...

“I left this place (Cleveland) that I always am going to have in my heart. I left the place that saw me growing up as a player, as a person. I really can’t say thanks enough. They sent me to one of the greatest teams in baseball, to the Red Sox, to a contender team that is always in the race, always has a chance to win a World Series. I’m really, really happy to be here.’’

Hey VMart, we're overjoyed to have you. You've solidified the middle of the batting order and you're doing great behind the plate. Last night was a great example. During warmups in the bullpen, Victor noticed that Daisuke's cutter looked especially effective and called for it again and again. This time, Matsuzaka listened and shook off far fewer pitches. It sure worked, didn't it? Red Sox manager Terry Francona had this to say about his starter's performance...

“His cutter was real effective, especially to Travis Hafner, Russell Branyan,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “He got a couple broken bats, a couple that fell in for hits, but it was a real good weapon for him. With that cutter — it was about 89 — he can frontdoor, backdoor jam a lefty. He threw a couple of fastballs tonight, he got swings and misses, and he actually misfired. But his stuff’s good enough where that can happen."

Jacoby Ellsbury will be re-evaluated by a team of doctors at the Kerlin-Jobe Clinic in Anaheim, Calif. We all wish him well and a speedy recovery. I, for one, hope he'll be back by the All Star break. We miss his speed, defense and hitting ability sorely. Sure, the Sox are playing great baseball but having Ells back would only make them better, much better. Here's Tito on the new medical examination to come...

“I think we all know it hurts, but if we can eliminate everything, then he can maybe progress quicker knowing he’s not hurting himself.”

In one other piece of Boston baseball news, Jonathon Papelbon is currently on the bereavement/family medical emergency list because of an undisclosed family medical issue. He is not eligible to return to the team for at least 3 days. Francona said that when a player is on that emergency list, it's a very serious matter. Every one of us wishes Jonathon and his family the very best. Daniel Bard will take over the closer's role until Paps returns. Godspeed, Paps.

Tonight, game 2 will feature Wakefield (1-4) vs. Huff (2-6). Let's hope Timmy can step it up, unlike his past start. We won't see Josh Beckett for a while so it's vital that Timmy carry the team every 5 days. I have faith in him.

Have a great Tuesday, enjoy the game tonight, click on this post's title for more Red Sox news and as always, BE WELL. Thanks for popping in. I couldn't do it without you.