Jon Lester is unbeatable; Tampa Bay series preview.

The Red Sox big right hander Jon Lester cannot lose. He's been pitching out of his mind of late. Jon Lester hasn't given up more than 4 ERs since May 26th. With an offense like the Red Sox have knowing you only have to score five runs to win a game is a great feeling.

Lester takes the mound for the first game in the Tampa Bay series and I know since I decided to write this article on Lester that he will undoubtedly give up eight runs over three and third.

Tonight's matchup: LHP JON LESTER BOS vs. RHP ANDY SONNANSTINE

The Red Sox and the Rays appear to be headed in totally different directions. The Rays have decided to send their ace to the Angels for basically nothing, and they're going to try to win the wild card with the likes of prospect Wade Davis, Sonnanstine, Price, Garza, Niemann, and Shields. Other than tomorrow nights Garza vs. Beckett matchup I'm not too worried about Tampa. They're going to be playing some very tough teams down the stretch and the Red Sox are starting to click at the perfect time.

Look for tonights game to be a close game with Jon Lester throwing in another quality start. I expect Lester's line to be something like 7 IP 5 H 3ER 8K's 3BB

J.D. Drew should play a big role in deciding tonight's matchup. A win will put Boston well on their way to securing the Wild Card.

Paul Byrd makes his first start for the 2009 Red Sox today

As if we haven't had enough of convicted steroid users, Paul Byrd will make his first start of 2009 this afternoon for the Boston Red Sox. As we all know this didn't fair too well for our other first time starters of 2009. We had old man Smoltz put on a Red Sox uniform and try to do his best impression of Curt Schilling, FAILED. We had Junichi Tazawa throw on the Red Sox uniform and do his best to put the Red Sox on his back and carry them into October, well he's in the GCL right now, FAILED. We had Michael Bowden come up for a guest appearance in the bullpen, well one inning and six runs later(something like that), FAILED.



So What makes the Red Sox think Paul Byrd is going to go out there and dominate the Jays like his counterpart has been dominating the league for 6 months? I have no idea. I don't believe they even remotely believe Byrd will make it through the third. My prediction is Byrd will give up 6 runs and won't make it through the third.



Here's what to expect from Paul Byrd (other than my 6 ER in 3 innings):



Byrd in his journeyman career is 2-2 against Toronto with a 4.86 Era over 33 innings.

At Fenway Park Byrd has an ERA of 6.29 in 24 innings.

Byrd has been known for a tough first inning so if Byrd gets through the first with no troubles we can probably expect a decent outing. If not... we might be seeing Nick Green tonight.

Yesterday I went 4-1. This brings my record to 30-16 (.652)

My picks for today...
There is no way the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays
There is no way the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Yankees
There is no way the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers
There is no way the Oakland Athletics beat the L.A. Angels

8/29 I refuse to be wrong.

Todays picks:
There is no way the Yankees lose to the White Sox
There is no way the Cubs lose to the Mets
There is no way the Angels lose to the A's
There is no way the Rays lose to the Tigers

After yesterday (3-1) I am now 26-15 (.634)

8/20 Jon Lester defeats Toronto

Sorry that Opposite Day article was wicked lame. I was way off yesterday but did anyone really believe Verlander and the Tigers would lose?
I will still be doing my picks but I’m switching over to a little insight. Sometimes people read blogs for a little insight.

Here’s my take on the Red Sox going into September. David Ortiz is smashing the ball, Mike Lowell is playing well, Youkilis is getting plunked every single night, Dustin has the stress of a new born off his shoulder. Beckett has been dealing despite the performance the other night in Toronto. Lester is literrally UNHITTABLE. Buccholz just defeated Halladay, I’m feeling much better about our chances in the wildcard.

Okay so for the insight…
I was told the other day that the Red Sox should forget the division and focus on winning the wild card. Well to me no team should ever focus on winning the wild card. Who the hell wants to finish in second place. Granted if October rolls around and the Yankees have a 10 game lead on the Sox, I’m saying to myself, “We better take the wild card”. For now why not play like we can catch those Yankees cause believe me all it takes is a few guys to go cold or an injury anything.. and the Sox are right back on the Yankees tails. I have to say I’m very impressed with the way David Ortiz has recovered from his miserable start. 18 dingers? Thats an excellent second half for a slugger who couldn’t hit Ben Coley. How many HR’s does A-Roid have? 19 ? Granted I’d much rather have A-roid hitting for the sox than Big Papi. Wouldn’t you ? (forget about the fielding aspect)

How do you feel about Buccholz outing last night ? Is that a fluke? Do the Jays suck that bad? Or is Buccholz the real deal?

If you ask me, I think Buccholz is simply inconsistent, he’s got the stuff.. I dont think anyone questions that, when Buccholz brings his A game and focuses mentally and physically, he’s got dominating stuff. Just watch the Jays head back to the dugout slamming bats and shit, Bucc was in their heads. One last thing before I blow todays picks… Did anyone see the warning issued by the home plate umpire last night after Youk got drilled. Listen League is a schmuck i’d love to see Youk go out there again and this time no messing around. It doesn’t get much more intentional than League’s pitch into Youks back in the bottom of the ninth, Why does the ump step in here? I’d like to see Bard come in for the 9th zing one off of Overbays dome piece and we’ll see how League pitches to Youk next time.

Anyways what you’ve all been waiting for…

There is NO way… The Blue Jays beat lefty Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox
There is NO way… The Baltimore Orioles beat James Shields and the Tampa Bay Rays
There is NO way… The Cleveland Indians beat Mr. Lackey and the LA Angels of Anaheim.

This years record I am 3-3. (The opposite day thing didn’t work out so well for me)