Josh Beckett is headed to the 2009 Major League All-Star Game. On Sunday, he made sure to leave a good taste in his mouth prior to the break. His complete game shutout led the Boston Red Sox to a 6-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
In his nine innings of work, Josh Beckett gave up only three hits while striking out seven and walking none. Beckett is now 11-3 on the season with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP.
Aaron Bates was the hottest bat in the Red Sox lineup. The first baseman had three hits in four at-bats, scored …read more

At 42, many thought Tim Wakefield’s days of being a capable starting pitcher were over at the beginning of the season. Think again. Not only is Wakefield pitching well, he’s pitching well enough to be named to the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
On Wednesday, Wakefield showed exactly why he’s an All-Star. In six innings of work, Wakefield struck out eight batters and gave up three earned runs to win for the 11th time this season. The knuckleballer has an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.38.
Wakefield has a chance to set a career-high in wins. In 1998 and …read more

Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox has been around forever. On Wednesday, the 42-year-old knuckleballer almost had his first career no-hitter. Wakefield had a no-hitter going until it was broken up in the eighth inning.
With five outs remaining before becoming the second oldest player in baseball history to throw a no-hitter, Kurt Suzuki of the Oakland Athletics got a single with one out left in the eighth inning. The Red Sox still easily went on to win by a final score of 8-2.
Wakefield ended up pitching a complete game while giving up four hits and two earned runs. He …read more

The Boston Red Sox have released backup catcher Doug Mirabelli. The 37-year-old backstop has amassed 89 hits against 148 strikeouts over the past three seasons and possesses exactly one usable baseball skill — the ability to catch Tim Wakefield’s knuckleball.
That may not sound like much, but it was enough to give Mirabelli a career. Hey, the ride had to end at some point…