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Your Morning Dump...where Lackey continues down the comeback trail

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Lackey earned the win, his first since April 28, improving to 2-4, lowering his ERA from 4.05 to 3.31. 

“The record doesn’t indicate or reflect how well he’s pitched,” manager John Farrell said. “Now, some of that was self-induced two starts ago. But I think he’s shown better power, better quality of repertoire, than maybe the win-loss and ERA might otherwise indicate. I think most importantly, though, he continues to come out of every start feeling great, physically. His work in between has been consistent, and there’s no reason that type of performance today or in recent starts shouldn’t continue.”

Lackey went six innings, giving up one unearned run on one hit with no walks and five strikeouts, as he threw 50 of his 84 pitches for strikes. When rain delayed the game for three hours in the middle of the seventh inning, Lackey’s day was done. 

CSNNE | Lackey gives up one hit in win vs. Twins

Many have been surprised by Lackey's strong 2013, but faithful Ted's Army readers know most of our staff was bullish on him headed into the year. The more good starts Lackey strings together, the more it looks like his Red Sox career has progressed thusly:

In 2010 he was pressing at the beginning of the season, whether due to pressure from his contract, being out of shape, acclimating to a new team for the first time in eight years, bad luck, or some combination thereof. He settled down and had a really solid second half -- a 3.97 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 102 innings, but only a 5-6 record over those games, allowing those of us who were disgusted by his first half to cling to our hatred of him.

In 2011, years of being a workhorse caught up with him, and he pitched hurt without admitting it (or without the Red Sox medical staff properly diagnosing it). He was awful all year, somehow pitching 160 innings of 6.41 ERA. The arm injury was finally discovered and treated, leading to the lost 2012.

Now it's 2013, he's had a year of rest and rehab, he's in good shape, and he's looking like the old Lackey.

It's fun to hate on guys -- especially big-money busts, and even more especially guys who appear to be unlikeable off the field -- but it really looks like we might have jumped the gun on Lackey. It might not be him not caring at all, it may just be years of workload combined with pressure and maybe a dusting of bad clubhouse created the monster we saw in 2011. 

But hey, what do I know. Maybe he's a jerk and is terrible, and this batch of starts is the anomaly. I hope not, cause this team is really benefiting from this John Lackey, a half game out of first and on an MLB-best five-game winning streak.

On page 2, another good sign for the Sox.

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox are slumping

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Red Sox have now lost six of their last seven games on the heels of last night's defensive blunders versus the Twins.

The Red Sox have proven they can win as frontrunners. But now that we know they won’t be going wire-to-wire atop the American League East, it’s time to see if they’re mentally tough.

They’re currently experiencing their first bout with adversity, though it’s by no means paralyzing.

They’ve placed two closers on the disabled list, endured scrutiny of Clay Buchholz’ skincare choices, and defended David Ortiz against a columnist’s suggestion that he’s using steroids.

They’ve also concurrently lost 6-of-7, including a 5-3 setback to the Twins last night that swung on John Lackey’s throwing error.

The Red Sox are being tested, but if they think this is real adversity, they may as well just forfeit the rest of the season, because this barely registers as a blip on the EKG, particularly when compared to the trials of their division rivals.

The Yankees opened with over half a billion dollars worth of talent on the disabled list. They then watched a number of their replacements succumb to injury. But even without Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson — not to mention Kevin Youkilis, Francisco Cervelli and Joba Chamberlain — the New Yorkers have found a way to claim a percentage-point lead in the division.

Typical of their early efforts: they won a one-run game this week at Colorado with their pitcher batting eighth and Gold Glove outfielder Vernon Wells playing third base for the first time in his life and recording a key out in the ninth inning.

That’s adversity and a half, and the Yankees haven’t wilted. Can the Red Sox do the same?

Herald: Can Sox take the heat?

We all know of the hot start the Red Sox got off to this season. Fans were beyond impressed and many eyes were opened as to the miraculous turnaround of this team.

However, most of us knew that the winning ways couldn't continue at the pace they were playing in April. Many thought a slump may be coming and had Texas circled on the schedule as a possibility, which came to fruition. But the Twins? At home? Come on guys!

The fact that fifteen runs were allowed the other night to this offense is atrocious. The errors and boneheaded plays (cough, cough Lackey) was the icing on the cake to this slump.

But that's what every team in baseball does. They slump; it's only normal. It will be interesting to see if this club can overcome such adversity. Let's hope they do so before June comes around, where they have their hardest stretch of the year. Otherwise, they could be in trouble.

Rest of the links - Globe: Defense springs a leak | Globe: Hanrahan place on 60-day disabled list; season in doubt | Herald: John Lackey error opens floodgates; Sox end up all wet | Herald: Will Middlebrooks, David Ross back off close encounter | Herald: Papi’s bat still painful to Twins | Herald: Sox tagged with bad momentum | CSNNE.com: Red Sox undone by Lackey's error | Projo: Finding a good closer can be a mental exercise

Recap: Lackey error undermines a solid start in Sox loss to Minnesota

The Sox lost their third in a row and sixth out of seven, dropping Thursday night's contest 5-3 to the Twins in a soggy Fenway.

Starter John Lackey turned in yet another impressive start, although his final line doesn't look special: He gave up five runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. The key number I left out of that list: just one of the five runs was earned.

However, it is ultimately Lackey's fault: In the 6th inning up 2-1 with one out and two on, Lackey induced a comebacker that should have been an easy double play. Lackey didn't set his feet properly and in turning to fire the ball to Dustin Pedroia at 2nd, let the ball fly into the outfield, scoring a run. If anyone would like to send Lackey a Tom Emanski video on fundamentals, he could probably use it.

A sacrifice fly by Ryan Doumit followed, and you could see Lackey unravel as his next pitch was right in Oswaldo Arcia's wheelhouse (did you know Oswaldo Arcia had a wheelhouse?). Arcia crushed it into the pen, and four runs were in on the inning.

With the Twins up 5-2, the Sox got a run back off a Daniel Nava single, but that's all they could pull together. The bats weren't altogether quiet -- they did generate nine hits on the game -- but the lineup couldn't put together sustained success for an inning. They looked poised to come back in the 9th with Jacoby Ellsbury on 1st and nobody out, but Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia struck out looking on very similar pitches (both of which they objected to), and David Ortiz grounded out to 1st.

With all the handwringing about the bullpen, it's worth pointing out that Lackey spared the team much use of the 'pen, was strong throughout the game, and that Koji Uehara and Craig Breslow were both sharp in their innings. But it's hard to feel too positive giving the tailspin the team is currently in.

Box score

Your Morning Dump...Where Lackey gets beat down in Texas...again

(AP Photo/LM Otero)
Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“I’ve pretty much done everything in this place,” he said. “I’ve pitched good here, I’ve been terrible here and pretty much everything in between.”

He’s had a start where he struck out 12 Rangers in six innings.

He had a start where he gave up nine runs and didn’t last five innings.

Then, there was 2009, when his entire start consisted of two pitches.

The first went behind Rangers’ leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler, and the second hit him in the left side.

“I got knocked out for a different reason,” Lackey joked. “I got asked to leave.”

Globe: John Lackey's struggles in Texas continue

Ok, so, John Lackey didn't necessarily get "beat down" by the Rangers, but it was a loss. Lackey certainly wasn't his surprising self as he was in his last outing. Also, in his defense, he didn't get any run support, as the Rangers silenced the Sox bats again.

There should be no concern regarding Lackey's outing, or the Sox lack of offense. Giving up 3 runs, on 6 hits and walking 3 over a 5 inning span isn't the worst we have seen from John Lackey. Two games combining for 1 run of offense is not unheard of.

Texas is a very good team with a very good pitching staff, and have done a very good job containing the Sox' bats. The Rangers have the upper hand in today's pitching match-up, so don't be surprised if the Sox get swept.

On Page 2, Andrew Bailey will be examined on Monday

Your Morning Dump...Where it's part 2 of Lackey's return

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Three weeks after he walked off the mound with what appeared to be a serious injury, John Lackey is ready to give it another shot.

The righthander will start against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on Sunday afternoon having recovered from the biceps strain that ended his first start of the season on April 6.

[...]

“I’ll go until they tell me to stop,” Lackey said Saturday.

Farrell said the Red Sox have an idea of what Lackey can give him. The stress of the outing will factor into that.

Lackey said his biceps feels fine and that he’s eager to get going again.

“We’ll see what happens. I’m hoping for five [innings],” he said.

Globe: John Lackey ready to go again for Sox

I am not sure about any of you, but the return of John Lackey, scares the shit out of me.

If Lackey does go 5 and gives up 4 or less runs, I think we could call that a positive outing. I fear the outcome this afternoon.

On Page 2, Doubront "flipped the switch"

John Lackey celebrates strong rehab start with lobster

John Lackey threw 67 pitches yesterday in a rehab stint with the Portland Sea Dogs, going 3 2/3 innings and giving up three hits against five strikeouts. Nice job, Lack. I continue to be optimistic about what he can bring to the Red Sox this year.

Even better, Lackey followed baseball protocol and treated the team to dinner, appropriately choosing lobster, pictured above via Kolbrin Vitek's Instagram account. Yes, I follow Kolbrin Vitek on Instagram. Technology.

The Dogs are 10-7 on the year with a pretty talented roster including top prospect Xander Bogaerts, a hopefully not drunk Drake Britton, and old friend Daniel Bard.

Lackey heads to the DL, P Alex Wilson gets the call

John Lackey, who the left Saturday's game in Toronto with a bicep injury, has been placed on the 15-Day DL. This injury is a really odd situation since no tear had shown up in his MRI. There doesn't seem to be a timetable on his return. Hopefully Lack isn't out too long, considering his impressive performance against the Blue Jays.

The Red Sox called up P Alex Wilson to take Lackey's roster spot. The 26-year-old pitcher, who has been with the organization since 2009, has been serving out of the bullpen in Pawtucket. In 2012, the former second round pick had 72.2 IP, 3.72 ERA, 33 BB, and 78 K's. The righty will likely be used in the 6th and 7th innings throughout his first stint in the majors.

Your Morning Dump...Where Aceves could to step in for Lackey

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

If John Lackey is going to be sidelined for any period of time -- or even for just one start -- it seems likely that the club will use Alfredo Aceves as his replacement in the starting rotation.    

"I think it's probably best to get through [Sunday, when an MRI will be performed in Boston],'' said manager John Farrell, "and factor everything in that we do get on the information front.''    

The Sox' options, frankly are limited. Franklin Morales would ordinarily be a candidate, but he's been battling lower back issues since the start of spring training and is on the disabled list, having yet to appear in a game of any sort.    

The timetable calls for him to work up to throwing in some extended spring training games in Florida before beginning a rehab assignment with a minor-league affiliate. That will take weeks at a minimum.   

CSNNE: Game Day Notes: Who replaces Lackey?

I would take anyone in the rotation over Lackey, injury or no injury.

Alfredo Aceves is pretty much the only option right now, and I am fine with that. It is early in the season and we can commence round three of the Alfredo Aceves experiment. Is he more valuable as a starter, or in the pen?

I don't wish injury on anyone, but having John Lackey out of the rotation makes me feel that much better about the progress of the team. The talk and feeling about John Lackey going into the season was full of optimism and he laid an egg and left with an injury, bringing most of us back to a pessimistic mindset.

Let's sit back and wait for the MRI results to see how long the Sox will be without Lackey.

Related: Globe: Are the Red Sox equipped for injury to John lackey? | Herald: All signs point to Alfredo Aceves to start

The rest of the links:

WEEI: John Lackey on injured arm: 'It's sore, but hopefully not too serious' | Herald: Notebook: Southpaw again silences lineup | John Lackey gets big scare | Globe: John Lackey 'A little scary when it happened' | Lackey hurt, Red Sox fall to Blue Jays | CSNNE: Marquee pitching matchup in Sox-Jays finale |

Recap: Sox roll over for Jays

Disclosure: I didn't get to watch this afternoon's game.  I was taking in Opening Day at Frontier Field.  That's why this recap is so late, and un-insightful.  Apologies.

Final score: 5-0 (and it doesn't seem like it was even that close).

Scrolling through today's box score reveals one of two things:  Either Happ, Delebar, Loup, and Santos (the pitchers for the Jays) and an unstoppable force as they blanked Boston, or the Sox batters just didn't show up today.  Whatever the reason, Boston managed just two hits and three walks over nine innings.  Ellsbury and Pedroia got the hits, if it matters.

The good news is that Lackey's stats make it seem as if he was pretty productive on the mound.  He only pitched 4 1/3, but surrendered just 2 runs, 5 hits and struck out 8 Jays.  That's a fantastic first step for the new Lackey era.  The bad news is that he got pulled early after injuring his right arm.  It appears to be a biceps injury, not elbow, but I think it's a little too early to give a sigh of relief.  Stay tuned on that.

Aceves relieved Lackey, gave up 3 runs and struck out 5 batters of his own.  Not that it matters since the Sox batters had no interest in winning this one. 

BOX SCORE

Your Morning Dump... Where Lackey's back

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Last, but certainly not least, John Lackey will take the mound for the Red Sox here today.

It’s a start that has been 18 months in the making.

Lackey hasn’t pitched a major league game since Sept. 25, 2011, when he gritted his teeth and ignored the pain in his right elbow for six innings at Yankee Stadium. One month later, he underwent Tommy John elbow surgery, then missed all of last season.

Suffice to say, today won’t be just another start for the veteran right-hander.

“I would hope, and I’m sure he will, take a moment to reflect back on what the last 18 months have been,” Sox manager John Farrell said. “We all feel John has the ability to impact our team in a positive way as much as anyone in our clubhouse.”

Herald - Notebook: John Lackey starts anew

As I stated in our season preview, I'm giving Lackey a clean slate this season.  This is a really big deal for me because I looooaaaathe John Lackey.  He is everything that's wrong with everything. 

But that's all in the past.  Maybe I'm a better human.  Maybe having a year away from each other did us some good.  Maybe all of those anger management classes are finally kicking in.  Whatever the case, I'm prepared to enjoy John Lackey instead of looking for reasons to cut him down. 

Of course, the wheels could easily fly right off of my new perspective with a three inning crap-fest today.  But I don't see that happening.  If this spring is any indication, and it can be, Lackey is looking like a solid pitcher again.  I have no doubt it will take him time to get comfortable again, coming back from Tommy John, and I'm willing to give him that slack. 

In fact, he could even be bad this year, and as long as he doesn't whip out his usual angry-face antics and spin around the mound pointing his finger at everyone but himself for his failures, I could deal with that.  I've laid out the olive branch, John -- is that how olive branches work?  Do you lay them out?  Do you hand them to people?  Do you just hang them above your door? -- it's up to you to not be a complete ass. 

If you can reign that in, we should be just fine this year.

On Page 2, We check in on Iglesias