But its great to be back home
Although it has been only a week, the road trip seemed like a lifetime. The Boston Herald writes the Sox are seeking a lift.
The Red Sox have a small break from interleague play, a good thing. They face the Twins tonight, which may prove to be a bad thing.
Minnesota is a very deep team. Now that the team is almost completely healthy, opposing teams should be worried. Another worry for Twins' opposition, defense. Minnesota has only committed four errors in their last 15 games. The Pioneer Press reports the return to health has helped the Twins get back to the kind of defense they're known for. If defense wins games, as I'm sure it does, the Red Sox could be in trouble.
Playing in Fenway must be a thrill, even for the opposition. The amibiance, history and Green Monster are big draws. But does the park, make the team? Star Tribune's Jim Souhan asks "What can we make of Fenway Park?" He uses Fenway's features to analyze the Red Sox, past and present. I find it funny that a Minnesota reporter would use a park to make comparisons about a team when his home club plays on artificial turf with "trash bags" hanging on the walls. However, the Twins are working hard to get a new ballpark. You can see a virtual tour and read a status report at the Twins official site. I like the idea of adding more bathrooms. Can you imagine a place that holds 52,000 baseball fans only having 16 bathrooms?
Tonight the Red Sox have Curt Schilling throwing from the mound. Schilling has been having some ankle troubles and he will be watched closely. He should do well tonight. He faces Kyle Lohse. Lohse has been struggling. He has only two wins this year, with a 5.38 ERA. Combine those numbers with home field advantage and the Red Sox should get themselves a much needed win. Look for David Ortiz to have a big night. The Boston Herald reports that Ortiz is blooming as a member of the Red Sox. I'm sure Minnesota is sorry they let him go. MLB.com offers a game preview.
I've often wondered what it would be like to be a major league player. Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer offers a little insight with his diary posted on MLB.com. Cuddyer is a utility player who has played first, second, third and outfield. He is talented but as the Twin's health improves, Cuddyer's playing time diminishes.
Trade rumors are still be heard throughout New England. As has been said many times before Kansas City's Carlos Beltran is the prime target. Boston.com writes how rookie Kevin Youkilis is dealing with the trade talk. If Carlos Beltran comes to Boston, what happens to Johnny Damon? The Sox would be forced to trade him. The team can only move so many players to make the lineup work. Damon couldn't even be a DH. The team's need for a starting pitcher may warrant another trade. Damon does not have the strongest throwing arm, but he has all the other tools.
Reader comments: If the Red Sox do trade for centerfielder Carlos Beltran, what should they do with Johnny Damon?
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