Do or die

Trent was on the changing table tonight with a particularly ripe diaper. He looked at me and froze. We both knew what had to be done. There was no sense stalling, thinking or worrying. I ripped off the tape and took care of business.

I mention this because the Red Sox, who entered today trailing the Yankees and Rays by 5.5 games, started a three-game set in Tampa that many consider to be their last chance to stay relevant in 2010.

After a season of surviving a spate of injuries, it's amazing they're still alive. But this isn't a time to think about that. It's do or die.

Tonight, they did. Jon Lester held his own in a marquee matchup against David Price, just an unearned run on two hits and five walks with 10 strikeouts over seven innings. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon shut the door in the 3-1 win. With the White Sox winning big over the Yankees, perhaps there's still a chance for the Red Sox to win this whole thing.

Of course, there is a big difference between changing a diaper and performing a big comeback: Trent's diaper didn't just learn that it would be without Dustin Pedroia for the rest of the year.

Phillies: They're playing late in San Diego. In the 5th, it's 1-1.

The more valuable SoxandPhils second baseman

Dustin Pedroia and Chase Utley returned to second base for the SoxandPhils tonight. I'll admit Chase is the better player, but Dustin has won an MVP award, and if you judge how their teams fared without them, it's clear the Red Sox dynamo is more valuable.

Since Pedoria last played on June 25, the Red Sox have been a middling 23-21 and have fallen 4.5 games further behind the Wild Card. The Phillies, however, went a torrid 26-17 since Utley last played on June 28, gaining possession of the Wild Card lead.

Granted, this is hardly a fair way to compare two players, but what I'm about to do is even worse: Since Trent came home, the Phillies have gone a baseball-best 23-11 while the Red Sox have gone 18-16.

Either he's been concentrating on the Phillies, is already obsessed with the Phanatic, or just loves his Mommy more than his Daddy.

Tonight, the second basemen took oh-fers, but that didn't affect their teams. The Red Sox beat the Angels 6-0, and the Phillies beat the Giants 9-3.

Tuesday two-fer

Dustin Pedroia and Chase Utley are two MVP-caliber dirt-dog type players who can't stand being off the field. So, of course, it makes sense that they will both return from lengthy spells on the DL on Tuesday after using some unorthodox rehab methods.

Hopefully, Pedey can be the kick in the pants the Red Sox need to mount the run we've been waiting for:

"I haven't really been 100 percent all year," said Pedroia. "We're in a pennant race. There are a lot of games left. We're going to make a run at it.

And, maybe, Utley can return to be a stabilizer for the Phillies offense.

Today, the Red Sox dropped another one to the Rangers to fall 4.5 games behind the Wild Card race, while the Phillies battle the Mets on Sunday Night Baseball. No score yet in the top of the 3rd.

Monkey see, monkey do

So Dustin Pedroia is back at it, not only taking grounders from his knees, but having a catch while sitting on a stool. Again, I love the spirit and the fact that he's at least following doctor's orders to stay off his feet, but I'm not going to be happy when he injuries himself again because of his unconventional rehab.

Chase Utley, meanwhile, is not going to be outdone by his SoxandPhils keystone counterpart. He announced today that he won't miss the full eight weeks originally estimated. He sounds like he's pushing the envelope, but hasn't been seen doing anything weird like Pedroia:

"Yeah, I might be back before eight weeks," he said. "Obviously, knowing that I've come back from an injury before and I've been successful, yeah, that's good to know. I'm going to do everything that I'm allowed to do, up until the point that I play, in being ready. Once this (cast) comes off, I'll be able to take ground balls. Obviously, keep this (hand) out of the way. The only thing I won't be able to do is throw or hit. I'm going to try to stay in shape as best I can."

Huh? Geoff Jenkins, who had a huge leadoff double in the second half of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, signed with the Brewers to retire. I would have no problem with this, except that he hasn't done anything in baseball over the past year. I think a one-year statute of limitations for a sign-and-retire is appropriate.

Tonight's games: Christine and I are almost caught up after a very long week, so we actually saw a few pitches as Roy Halladay pitched a complete game 3-1 win over the Braves. It was Gary Matthews and Tom McCarthy's birthday. Happy birthday Sarge! The Red Sox and Rays are tied at 5 in the 6th.

Fun-filled 4th

Here are the happenings, in brief.

The AL All-Star team will have six Red Sox, including Clay Buchholz, who is heading to the DL. He'll be joined by injured Victor Martinez and Dustin Pedroia and healthy David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre and Jon Lester. Kevin Youkilis was snubbed, but he's headed to the ballot for the final roster spot.

Charlie Manuel selected only one Phillie for the NL team: Ryan Howard. He'll be joined by fan-selected but injured Chase Utley and player-selected Roy Halladay.

The Sox and Phils each lost today to crappy teams, the Orioles and Pirates.

Joey Chestnut won another hot dog eating competition, but they had to arrest Takeru Kobayashi to keep him from reclaiming his spot as the world's top eater.

Christine and I had a nice dinner.

More hurtin' SoxandPhils

The SoxandPhils injury bug is reaching epidemic proportions. Off the top of my head: Dustin Pedroia, Chase Utley, Ryan Madson, J.A. Happ, Clay Buchholz, Victor Martinez, Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury, Placido Polanco and Carlos Ruiz are all injured.

Now, Manny Delcarmen has hit the DL. And, Utley's injury is worse than expected: He's gone for eight weeks. And, Ruiz is still showing concussion symptoms. And now, Brian Schneider left tonight's game with a hand injury. At least Dustin Pedroia is not taking his injury sitting down, or standing up.

Not content to sit on his duff, he took grounders on his knees:

"I'm just keeping my [expletive] ready," Pedroia said. "That's all I've got for you. I've just got to keep my arm in shape."

Pedroia — amused that he was at the center of media attention yesterday — clearly cannot stand to be on the disabled list. So, while being driven around in carts, the second baseman is doing all he can to remain sharp, even though he is unlikely to be back for six weeks.

"I'm pretty bored," Pedroia said. "There's not really a lot to do for me right now. I really don't do much. I just sit down, lift weights sitting down. That's about it."

I love the spirit, but won't be happy when we learn about how someone can cause serious injury by taking grounders on their knees.

Tonight's games: The Red Sox are off. The Phillies lost to the Pirates 3-2. Christine is fearing a four-game sweep.

Sore SoxandPhils

We like it when the SoxandPhils emulate each other in good ways - they draft well, they have rivals in New York and, most importantly, the 2008 Phillies followed the 2007 Red Sox as World Champions.

But there's a disturbing trend we'd like to see end. Both teams are getting hammered with injuries this year. The Phillies have had their starting lineup together just seven times, and the Red Sox have probably lost more players. And, they seem to be matching each other player for player. Dustin Pedroia for Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz for Victor Martinez, for example. There's no direct match for Placido Polanco and Clay Buchholz, so Adrian Beltre and Roy Halladay better be careful.

SoxandPhils limbo: Fabio Castro was sent down. That's the second time he's been a Red Sox without getting into a game.

Tonight's games: The Phillies lead the Reds in the 10th; the Red Sox lead the Rays in the 8th.

Whining

There's been a lot of whining lately:

*The Red Sox, mostly Dustin Pedroia, whined about the umpires yesterday, even though they had a point about Dale Scott's strike zone.

*The Mets Jeff Francoeur whined about the Phillies getting three extra home games. They're not home games. They will bat first and use a DH. Sounds like an American League game to us. Seriously, we know it's not the best situation, but what else could be done? It's a safety issue. If the Mets have a problem with it, they can simply win more games than the Phillies.

*Phillies bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer was reprimanded by baseball for using binoculars in the bullpen after the Rockies whined that the Phillies are cheating. The Mets and Dodgers have similarly whined in the past. And Charlie Manuel whined that the Dodgers are poor losers and that the Mets must be cheating or else their home and road records wouldn't be so different.

*Rays manager Joe Maddon didn't whine, but he had the best defense of Billmeyer, his former colleague:

"Are you sure he was looking at the other catcher's signs?" Maddon asked the St. Petersburg Times. "I hate to throw [Billmeyer] under the bus, but I would check something else first and then I would accuse him of stealing signs maybe third or fourth or fifth. Knowing him, I don't believe it was anything to do with stealing signs. I would actually bet on that. And I can say that because he's still a single guy."

OK, I get that he's a horn dog. But what else could be on the list before sign stealing?

Today's games: Both teams are off. Tomorrow they start series against the Central: Phillies at Brewers, Red Sox at Tigers. I hope there's less whining and more winning.

Closing the federal deficit

In our state, the transportation commissioner made a little stir when he mentioned the possibility of selling naming rights for rest stops on the Turnpike to help with the state's budget gap.

It even got a satirical segment on the Rachel Maddow Show.

So we were quite surprised on Opening Day to see that Congress has sold naming rights to the Capitol building to close the federal deficit. Our federal reps even slapped the name of a Philadelphia bar on the white dome, yet no one seemed to complain or object.

If a rest stop's name could be worth $1 million per year, how much did Chickie's & Pete's pay for this ad? I hope they didn't pay in cash, because after the 5th inning, Congress apparently reneged on the deal and the name was removed.

Other SoxandPhilsandJersey naming issues: Rapper and part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, Jay-Z, is suing David Ortiz, claiming infringement because Papi named his Dominican Republican night club Forty-Forty, similar to Jay-Z's 40/40 club. Poor Papi, he just can't catch a break this year.

Afternoon games: The Phillies bullpen decided to honor Brad Lidge, who was in town because the 2009 NL Champs got their rings today, by blowing a lead to the Nationals.

Danys Baez lost it in the 8th, coughing up the lead on a two-run pinch-hit home run by Ryan Zimmerman, making his first appearance of the series. Ryan Madson didn't help things by allowing two more runs in the 9th in the 7-5 loss.

The Red Sox just got whupped 8-0 by the Twins. Tim Wakefield got shelled, and Dustin Pedroia had three of the team's six hits. But it's only April 15.

I'm not talking to Christine

I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox. I will not jinx injury on the Red Sox.

Explanation for Christine's chalkboard punishment? Last night when writing again about our teams' quiet spring trainings except for flu bugs, Christine pointed out that neither team had an injury. Less than an hour later, she was wondering why Dustin Pedroia wasn't in the Red Sox game that was on MLB Network:

The injury bug had been biding its time with the Red Sox this spring.

Last night, it struck pretty hard.

Dustin Pedroia left the game against the Twins at Hammond Stadium because of a mild sprain to his left wrist. He was listed as day-to-day but the Sox no doubt will take a conservative tack in the days ahead to ensure their All-Star second baseman and team sparkplug does not carry the injury into the regular season.

Fortunately - for the Red Sox and Christine - the X-rays were negative and he seems to be OK:

"He's already lobbying to play tomorrow," Francona said after learning that the wrist was not broken. "That probably won't happen." Francona said Pedroia likely will take batting practice tomorrow to see how he feels and play Friday.

That kind of manager-bratty player exchange reminded me of Brett Myers, who will pitch against the Phillies tomorrow. He is already missed by Charlie Manuel:

"I miss Myers," Manuel said. "I miss getting on him. I miss his mouth. I miss everything. I think in our camp this year, it’s been a little quieter without Myers."

Back to work

Rob Neyer opened his morning blog post with the observation: "When I have to work every day, I want a day off. When I have days off, I want to work. Go figure ..."

I interpret that as saying that he updates his blog even if he is off. Andy Martino, however, does not. I know it's the holiday season and Phillies news has been slow, but he's gone nearly two weeks since posting. That's ridiculous. Even if he has a good excuse like a personal reason for being unable to work, you'd think a colleague would post something every couple of days to stave off the blog's stagnation.

Christine and I returned to work today after a nice holiday break. I did have time to peek at a couple of pages of The Bill James Handbook that Christine got me for Christmas.

Among the early SoxandPhils highlights is the closest vote ever for a Fielding Bible Award. At second base, Aaron Hill and Dustin Pedroia were tied at 76 points with Chase Utley in third with 73 points. Hill won the tiebreaker with more first place votes than Pedroia.

And the best two catchers at blocking bad pitches? Jason Varitek (95.9 percent) and Carlos Ruiz (95.8 percent). See, Chris Coste, maybe you getting yanked in the 9th inning was more about Chooch and less about you. (That sentiment isn't as bitter toward Coste as it sounds. I was just a little defensive about Christine's favorite Phillie.)

Red Sox still working: But Mike Lowell won't be working as much in 2010. Welcome aboard Adrian Beltre. I like that this is a one-year deal; I'm just perplexed what it means for Lowell's role with the team.

J-Roll may no longer be top SoxandPhils shortstop

It's no secret that the Red Sox have struggled to find a permanent shortstop since trading Nomar Garciappara for an elusive World Series Championship in 2004.

They've been through Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie and Alex Gonzalez twice. But now, a new name has surfaced: Dustin Pedroia.

While he's clearly the best second baseman in the league (American, I know Chase Utley is better), he is gung-ho about the possibility of shifting to short and intent on mastering the position.

In the true spirit of SoxandPhils, he isn't focused on Jimmy Rollins, but the overrated Derek Jeter:

"When the idea of moving back to shortstop was floated to me, I welcomed it," Pedroia says. "I'm excited. Tell Derek [Jeter] to enjoy the gold glove and silver slugger awards while he can. Obviously, I'm not serious about the fun I have with Derek, but I'm never stopping believing in the goal. I believe I can play shortstop and help get the Red Sox back where they belong."

I'm psyched. To quote one of our favorite movie titles: Bring it on. {Favorite movie title, not movie. Promise.}

Although, a Red Sox source told Nick Cafardo that this move would be a last resort:

While there has been internal discussions about Dustin Pedroia moving to shortstop it would not happen unless the Red Sox exhausted every avenue to acquire a shortstop through free-agency or trade, a team source said this afternoon.

The team is hesitant to give up draft picks for Type-A or Type-B free-agents like Marco Scutaro. And they do have Jed Lowrie to go to to if his wrist stays healthy. While Pedroia to short is an option, there's always great pause in moving such a tremendous second baseman to a different position. Suffice to say, a final decision on this subject is still in the distance.

Other news: A Philly sports icon is coming home. No, not yet Allen Iverson, but former Northampton High star Brian Schneider. I don't understand spending $1.5 million a year on a backup catcher when $5 million was considered too much for a starting third baseman.

Chris Wheeler should be happy. He's always had an admiration of Schneider that borders on creepy obsession. I hate Wheels. I miss being able to say I hate Wheels - well, not really because I really hate Wheels.

And it sounds like he won't be the only veteran coming to the Phillies. Ruben Amaro won't discuss specific players, but said John Smoltz fits the description of a player he would sign. Wink, wink.

Phinally: At last we know why the Phanatic doesn't do road games. It's not out of fear of entering enemy territory, nor respecting another team's house. He just doesn't want to pay the extra taxes.

Gold Gloves for Christmas

Only two SoxandPhils won Gold Gloves this year, meaning Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis got hosed.

To be fair, Rob Neyer, whose assessments I trust on these things, said Jimmy Rollins didn't deserve his third straight gold glove and that Shane Victorino may not have earned his second trophy.

But being a partisan blog, we'll focus on the praise, such as these plaudits heaped on Utley followed by some backhanded love for Shane-O on the end:

This year, the voters returned to Hudson, once again spurning Utley, who still doesn't have a Gold Glove despite being arguably the league's top defensive second baseman for five seasons running. And not over the last five seasons; I mean in each of the last five seasons.

Who cares, right? Well, someday Utley's going to be on a Hall of Fame ballot, and at least a few voters will say, "Gosh, I love the guy's hitting stats, but why didn't he win any Gold Gloves?"

The answer isn't that Utley wasn't a great fielder; the answer is that the Gold Glove voters just weren't paying attention.

Speaking of which, I'm not sure what to say about Matt Kemp and Shane Victorino. Kemp gets bonus points because he's a good hitter and he's fast and he's got a good arm, with the only problem being that Kemp doesn't make a particularly large number of plays, which is sort of the point of the thing.

Victorino didn't make a great number of plays this season, either. But one can almost forgive the voters, because Victorino was solid last season (when he won his first Gold Glove) and even better in 2007 as a right fielder. Players typically peak early as fielders, but Victorino's (apparent) decline has been precipitous, and I have a hard time holding the voters responsible for tracking Victorino.

In the American League, the Red Sox were shut out, much to Neyer's consternation:

Shockingly, the voters selected MVP candidates Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira, and Derek Jeter, all of whom were probably solid defensively but might not have been the best fielders in the league (my choices at those positions were Gerald Laird, Kevin Youkilis, and Elvis Andrus). At second base, the voters chose Placido Polanco because he made only two errors all season. Polanco is a pretty good second baseman, but nowhere near as good as Dustin Pedroia, who won the award last year (and, coincidentally enough, was also the American League's MVP).

Stupid Yankees. Speaking of which, I went Christmas shopping today. It was very sad and disturbing to see all the Yankees championship gear. Unlike the last two Christmases, there will be no championship garb under our tree this year, but we'll probably see some disgusting trinkets when we visit the family.

I'm pleased with my shopping. I have a feeling Santa will remember which team Christine roots for.

Today's news: Jason Varitek will be back to back up Victor Martinez. ... Some delusional Japanese media think the Red Sox offered Hideki Matsui a contract. I don't believe it for a moment. ... And, while Pedro Martinez remains on the back burner, the Phillies may target Fernando Rodney for the beleaguered bullpen.

Weekend wrap-up

Yesterday ended really ugly for the Phillies, but if they can polish off the Mets tonight - which would officially eliminate the Mets from playoff contention about three weeks earlier than usual - then it would be a pretty good weekend capped off with a pair of SoxandPhils doubleheader sweeps.

Saturday: We ventured into Yankees and Mets territory to visit the family. We saw the Mets take a 4-0 lead on Jamie Moyer, yet Christine remained calm, even as my 9-year-old niece needled her. We were out to dinner for most of the game, but heard on the car ride back from the restaurant that the Phillies were threatening to score more in the 8th. We got inside to see Ryan Howard strike out with the bases load.

Then, Ryan Madson came in to close it out after Brett Myers had given up three runs in 1/3 of an inning. Mad Dog was no better, doing his best Brad Lidge impression by giving up a two-run home run to David Wright. Game over, after we endured Francisco Rodriguez strutting around after getting the save. Mets 10, Phillies 9.

Christine kept grumbling the whole ride down the Turnpike.

The Red Sox won a five-inning rain-shortened game 9-1 against the Rays. Josh Beckett had a 78-pitch complete game.

Today (Red Sox): In the afternoon game, Clay Buchholz pitched well again - one run in seven innings - but did not get the win because the Red Sox couldn't score the go-ahead run in the 3-1 game until the 8th when Dustin Pedroia hit a two-run home run.

In the nightcap, Jon Lester, who game up three hits in 1/3 of an inning in Friday's start that was washed out, gave up just two hits and three walks in eight innings, pitching on short rest. I love this guy.

Today (Phillies): They won the opener 5-4 behind a pair of pitchers looking to redeem themselves. Kyle Kendrick was quite a surprise: two runs on seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. Even more of a surprise was Brad Lidge getting the ball in the 9th. It was nerve-wracking as he pitched as poorly as he could without blowing another one. He let the Mets chip away and score two runs on three hits before freezing Angel Pagan with his second strikeout of the inning.

Question: Has a reigning World Champion with a decent chance to repeat ever gone to the season's last three weeks looking for its closer?

Tonight: Pedro Martinez is trying for the fourth SoxandPhils win today. He's up 1-0 in the 5th against his former team.

Catching up with SoxandPhils keystone combos

I've read a few interesting tidbits about our teams' midfielders in the past couple days.

Everyone knows Chase Utley is real good and has been the best second baseman in baseball the past few years. This FanGraphs blogger, however, suggests he has been nearly Albert Pujols good, but has largely been ignored by MVP voters. Ironically, this Chase Utley admirer, Erik Manning, covers not the Phillies, but the Cardinals. He notes that Chase hasn't yet cinched a spot in the Hall of Fame, but he's got a good shot at being an all-time upper pantheon type of player.

While checking Utley's Baseball-Reference page to see how close he is to being a Hall of Famer, I noticed some interesting friends and foes in his player comps: David Wright, Victor Martinez, Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, Marcus Giles and Carlton Fisk.

It's hard to believe Utley hasn't finished higher than seventh in MVP voting. Maybe he should try to raise his profile by garnering attention by doing something - say, cursing on a national broadcast.

Or, he could ask the SoxandPhils middle infield MVPs - Jimmy Rollins and Dustin Pedroia - for advice.

Speaking of J-Roll, everyone knows he's having a down year at the plate, but he may be having a historically good season in the field. Jayson Stark reports he could become the first NL shortstop to handle more than 600 chances with three errors or fewer:

When a player is in the midst of a historic offensive season, the world catches on to it by now. But how come, when a guy is chasing a historic defensive season, it's a bigger secret than Dick Cheney's cholesterol count?

The Red Sox MVP second baseman is starting to power up for the stretch run. He weathered a 183 at-bat homerless stretch in the middle of the season and had his first multi-homer game last night:

And as far as the numbers taking care of themselves, he's three homers shy of the 15 he hit a year ago.

"You get more at-bats throughout the year, and it all evens out," Pedroia said. "It's not like I'm going to hit 30 home runs in a year or anything like that. But I'm definitely going to hit some."

And his new double-play mate has a strange season going. I swear I noticed this days ago, but Alex Gonzalez is hitting .289 - that's good. But he's only getting on-base at a .289 clip - that's not good. How does someone go 84 at bats without a walk?

Today's games: Both of our teams are in tight ones against less than top-notch competition. The Red Sox have blown a lead in a game started by Paul Byrd (Manny Delcarman's the culprit of the blown lead) and trail the Orioles 4-3 in the 6th.

When I started updating the scores, the Phillies were starting the 8th tied at four after Cliff Lee gave up a run in the 7th, but the red-hot (Christine swears he's not juiced) Jayson Werth hit another home run, followed by Pedro Feliz. In the 8th, Phillies 6, Nationals 4.

I wonder who gets the ball if it stays close in the 9th.

Breaking point

All weekend, I've had to talk Christine off the figurative ledge - as if her team was the one in a scrape for the Wild Card, not the one with a six-game lead in a division with marginal competition.

But this morning I learned that her frustration is nothing compared with Charlie Manuel's, who let loose what reporters have depicted as his biggest can of whoop-ass the players have ever seen from him. The Daily News had the best headline, Snarly Manuel (I would have gone with Snarly Charlie). Scott Lauber had the complete transcript, with some censorship:

[Expletive] the last couple years. That don't mean [crap]. We're playing today. Last year is dead and gone. Having to win? No, I don't get that. I think when you have a lead, you're sitting better than you are when you absolutely have to win a game that day. I think having a lead's got to be better than that. I'll take the lead. That's what I'm trying to say. Last year, what happened in the past, that's gone. We played tremendous baseball last year the last five, six weeks. Best baseball we've ever played. I'm not going to give our lead up and say, 'We'll start here.' No, I'm not going to do that because I don't know if we can come through or not. I like our chances better where we're at, but at the same time, we have to win some games. That's what I'm trying to say.

I wonder if being on the receiving end of a Cholly riff is like when your grandmother expresses disappointment in you. It's just got to feel bad.

How'd it work? So far, so good (except for Brad Lidge - who was pulled and could be done as the Phillies closer this year). The Phillies had five solo home runs - two by Raul Ibanez and one each by Chase Utley, Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz - to beat the Nationals 5-3.

With their blasts, Ibanez and Utley joined Ryan Howard and Werth with 30 home runs this season. Three home runs came in the 7th. For the formerly ancient Mariner, that's three home runs in his last two games after he had gone nearly 80 plate appearances without one. Is RAAAUUULLL!!!! BAAACCCKKK????

Definitely not back is Lidge. He was removed mid-inning after loading the bases. Closer-in-waiting Brett Myers had already pitched 1 1/3 innings, so it was Ryan Madson who got the call and pitched out of Lidge's jam without allowing a run.

This is the night that Cholly officially acknowledged what the fans have known: Brad Lidge is broken.

Fortunately, he did not spoil another strong start by Pedro Martinez. When he signed with the Phillies, he had 99 career losses. Christine anticipated that the round number would come in his first appearance. He's managed to avoid it through six starts. He pitched well again: three earned runs in six innings. Despite throwing 105 pitches through six, they sent him out for the 7th. I thought it was a mistake. He got two outs before giving up a solo home run.

Why can't the Red Sox play the Orioles every week? They're now 12-2 against the AL East cellar dwellers with tonight's 10-0 win. Clay Buchholz went seven innings, giving up three hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Big night for Dustin Pedroia: 2-3 with two runs, three RBIs, two home runs and a walk.

Hitting season

The heat of summer has been delayed this year, and we wondered whether the unseasonably cooler weather has also delayed Charlie Manuel's favorite time of the year - hittin' season.

Last night might have been the beginning of the season. Trailing 7-3 in the 9th, Matt Stairs led off with a pinch-hit home run. I withheld a sarcastic comment for Tom McCarthy who said Cholly had the opportunity to use the big guy.

But the Phillies kept coming. Jimmy Rollins and Chase Ultey got on board, setting up a three-run home run for Ryan Howard. Then, they loaded up the bases for Paul Bako (I think he resembles Chris Coste), who singled to end the game.

Ironically, when I was contrasting John Smoltz's solid start with Cole Hamels' subpar outing last night, I was tempted to write, "But these games appear headed in different directions." I refrained, however, because the Pirates tacked on a couple of insurance runs before the 9th.

Following that dramatic ending, I thought the Phillies would romp or come out dead today - no middle ground. They bookended last night's five-run 9th inning with a five-run 1st inning, highlighted by a Pedro Feliz grand slam. They chased Pirates starter Virgil Vasquez after 48 pitches in the middle of the 2nd. But the Phillies suspended hittin' season for the All-Star Break. They didn't score again behind another good J.A. (Halladay who?) Happ outing - one run in seven innings. Christine predicted the Phillies wouldn't score again when the Pirates pulled their started in the 2nd. In the 9th, J.C. Romero gave up a home run but held on for the 5-2 win, capping an 9-1 homestand to end the first half.

Red Sox: Another fine outing for Josh Beckett, who could make a case for starting the All-Star game if he didn't pitch today. He pitched his second shutout of the year, needing just 94 pitches to blank the Royals on three hits with seven strikeouts in the 6-0 win.

All-Star change: Dustin Pedroia is out of the game to tend to his pregnant wife who has had complications.

"This was certainly not an easy decision," Pedroia said in the statement. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for the game of baseball and for the All-Star Game and am incredibly honored that the fans voted me this year’s starting second baseman for the American League. I am disappointed that I will not be able to enjoy the amazing experience with the other All-Stars, especially with my Red Sox teammates, but it is important that I put my family first at this time."

Guess which slick-fielding second baseman Joe Maddon replaced him with? How about another Ray, Carlos Pena, who didn't deserve to be on the final spot ballot, let alone on the team. Currently there is not another backup second baseman on the team. Maddon is becoming just as bad as Joe Torre.

At least Cholly's outfielders are justifiable.

42-year-old virgin & hometown star going to St. Louis

I thought we were going to be disappointed today - mainly because no Phillie, besides the two who were certain to be voted on, is having a stand-out season. And, I thought nostalgia wouldn't be enough to put Tim Wakefield on the team.

I was wrong. Tim Wakefield, a Red Sox hero and two-time World Champion, is now an All-Star:

Wakefield got a standing ovation this afternoon when the Sox' All-Stars were announced at Fenway Park, and acknowledged the cheering crowd with a wave.

"That was pretty cool," said Wakefield. "It was phenomenal, it just shows how much the fans really care, not just about me but our players here. For them to give me the kind of ovation they gave me, it makes me feel very welcomed here and I've felt that way for a long time because the fans have been behind me since I've been here. Like I've always said, they’'e our 26th man on the roster -- I owe a lot of my success to them.

"I have a lot of emotions running through right now. It's a pretty proud moment for me and my family."

He'll be joined by starters Jason Bay and Dustin Pedroia, reserve Kevin Youkilis, and pitchers Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon.

On the other side of the diamond, the Phillies will be able to match the Red Sox at 2B, LF and 1B: Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez were voted starters, and Charlie Manuel made just one indulgence pick: selecting St. Louis native Ryan Howard as one of four first basemen on the team.

"There's not many opportunities where you get to play in an All-Star Game in your hometown," said Howard, who grew up outside St. Louis. "I think everybody is definitely excited and can't wait for it."

Oh, and Shane Victorino could also make the team as an injury replacement for Ibanez or Carlos Beltran, or as the final fan selection. Don't let him get Pat Burrell'd. {When we started watching the selection show, I told Greg that I thought Victorino would be on the ballot for the 33rd man. Time for some voting this week.}

Managerial strategy: While Cholly chose just one Phillie, Joe Maddon is taking three Rays as reserves. When I noted that he didn't take any pitchers, Christine observed that he selected three Red Sox pitchers. On the NL pitching staff, there are no Phillies, but two Mets. We wonder whether Maddon and Manuel plan to blow out their oppositions' arms. The Rays weren't happy with the way Terry Francona used Scott Kazmir last year. {And let's not forget that Brad Lidge lost the All-Star game last year after he warmed up for about five innings. Cholly was similarly displeased with that move.}

Today's games: The Phillies completed a sweep of the All-Star-laden Mets 2-0, behind Joe Blanton's 7 1/3 shutout innings. Brad Lidge pretended it was 2008 and struck out the Mets in the top of the 9th on only 14 pitches. The Red Sox scored five in the 7th to beat the Mariners 8-4 and avoid an embarrassing sweep.

Personal: This is our first post on our new laptop. {Just a warning: I think Greg plans on live-blogging the All-Star game next week. Great. This is going to be just like a real game - when he needs a bathroom break or concession stand run at the ballpark, I have to keep score. I foresee something similar happening next Tuesday with the blog.}

Extra double disappointment

Both teams had early games; both lost in extra innings.

If I told you the Phillies would play into the 10th inning after being down 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, you'd be happy. Until, I told you:

• The two runs they scored in the bottom of the 9th wouldn't have been needed if Brad Lidge hadn't given the Dodgers an insurance run in the top of the inning. That's five consecutive appearances without a scoreless inning for the formerly perfect closer.
• Cole Hamels had a dominant outing - giving up two runs (only one earned) over seven with nine strikeouts.
• The offense, although facing a quality starter in Chad Billingsley, could only muster five hits in the 5-3 loss.

Christine was disappointed earlier this week when she saw this was an afternoon game. I'm not too disappointed I didn't have to sit through it with her. She wouldn't have taken it too well.

Red Sox: No going to sleep wondering what will happen tonight. In fact, thanks to MLB Network's constant updates, I got to see most of the game-ending high, err, lowlights.

In the 11th, Jonathan Papelbon put two runners in scoring position with two outs, but pitched out of it. In the top of the 12th, the Red Sox loaded them up with one out for Dustin MVPedroia and the ultra-clutch David Ortiz. This was a surefire lead until Pedroia meekly struck out and Papi looked even meeker checking his swing and hitting a little dribbler to end the inning. The Sox were put out of their misery in the bottom of the inning. Angels 5, Red Sox 4.

It's eerie how our teams' fates sometimes seem intertwined. It's kind of neat when they're winning, not so much on days like this.

Nickname for blown game?

As we watched Jack Taschner turn Brett Myers' 2-1 lead into a 3-2 deficit in the 7th inning, Christine decided he needs a nickname.

J.T. is too obvious, and we know already know a J.T.

I suggested Traschman.

She said he's not cleaning up other people's messes, but creating his own.

I said it's more that he's pitching like garbage.

My next suggestion, Tasch-hole, just drew a glare.

Any suggestions?

The Phillies wound up losing 4-2 - Brad Lidge gave up the final run - spoiling a solid outing from Myers. With hope, the Red Sox will fare better in their nationally televised game against the Rays tonight. Matt Garza vs. Josh Beckett.

It's got to be an error, but the Globe has Dustin Pedroia playing short tonight.

We'll be watching and hoping to report on a win tomorrow.

Oh, heard on ESPN radio this morning: "The Mets, like a drunk on a bar stool, woke up in first place this morning. The only question is how long before they fall off."

And, Javier Lopez is no more. Welcome up, Daniel Bard. Funny, I was playing Baseball Mogul the other day, and they had a picture of the old Braves catcher Javy Lopez instead of our now former reliever. Christine always gets the two J-Lo's confused too, along with every other Javier or Lopez who ever played Major League Baseball. {Sorry, some weird mental block from watching Javy for all those years on TBS and playing against the Phils.}