Trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Yankees looked to be in trouble once again. Then the bats woke up. In the bottom of the fourth, New York got a pair of three-run homers from Melky Cabrera and Jorge Posada to help put eight runs in the frame. The Yankees were then able to hold on for a 13-6 victory.

John Smoltz once again struggled for the Red Sox. In 3.1 innings, he gave up eight earned runs to raise his ERA on the season to 8.32. Smoltz gave up nine hits and four walks on 92 pitches.

Joba Chamberlain wasn’t much better for the Yankees. He walked seven batters, gave up six hits and allowed four earned runs. But thanks to the bats, the performance was good enough to prove his record on the season to 8-2.

The Yankees now hold a 3.5 game lead in the AL East over the Red Sox.

Joba Chamberlain got the win for the Yankees (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Yankees Finally Beat the Red Sox

Jorge Posada (Image: Flickr)

This injury comes at a bad time for both Posada and the Yankees. The catcher was hitting the ball very well. He has five homers and 20 RBIs on the season with a batting average of .312. With the Yankees sporting a 13-13 record and sitting 4.5 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL West, New York can’t afford to be without Posada for too long.

The bad news for the Yankees is that it appears as if Posada’s body might be breaking down. He’s been catching for the Yankees for more than a decade and last season he missed more than 100 games due to a shoulder injury. At 37, Posada could be reaching the end of his rope.

With Posada out, Jose Molina will start at catcher for the Yankees.

Post from: EveryJoe

Jorge Posada Placed on the Disabled List

On Monday, the Boston Red Sox offered Varitek a 1-year contract worth less than Posada gets annually. With that move, the Red Sox were basically waving goodbye to their longtime catcher. With the two sides so far apart, it’s almost certain that Varitek will now sign elsewhere.

Although Varitek has two rings with the Red Sox and has caught more no-hitters than any catcher in history, Boston does have a few reasons to let him walk. First of all, his bat just isn’t what it used to be. In 2008, he hit just .220 and only had 43 RBIs in 131 runs. Additionally, at 36 years of age, Varitek’s career is coming to an end.

Red Sox fans should say their thanks to Jason Varitek and start preparing for a new catcher to be behind the plate in 2009.

Post from: EveryJoe

Red Sox Say Goodbye to Jason Varitek