Amalie Benjamin has Jacoby Ellsbury boosting the offensive attack with a three run homer in the Red Sox 8-2 win over the Royals last night. Michael Silverman has Ellsbury and Tim Wakefield leading the charge. Sean McAdam has the offense finally giving Wakefield some support. Jeff Goldberg has more on the offense finally getting things together. Paul Jarvey has Wakefield getting a much deserved night on cruise control.
Nick Cafardo looks at how Dustin Pedroia’s preparation for each game has made him into a great player. McAdam has Pedroia getting the night off last night – his first in quite a while. Tony Massarotti says that Jed Lowrie might be the long-term solution at shortstop for the Red Sox. Cafardo has Tim Wakefield giving the Red Sox yet another quality start.
Buddy Thomas says that Manny is just what the Dodgers needed.
Benjamin’s notebook has Kevin Youkilis OK after being hit by yet another pitch last night. Silverman’s notebook says that Youkilis was lucky he didn’t have his hand broken by the pitch. McAdam’s notebook has X-rays of Youkilis’ wrist coming back negative. Goldberg’s notebook has Ellsbury still leading the league in stolen bases despite going a month between steals. Jarvey’s notebook has more on Youkilis.
Patriots
With Brett Favre joining the New York Jets late last night, the AFC East at least got more interesting this morning.
Scott Benson has a look at tonight’s preseason opener for the Patriots, noting who he’ll be watching, and also introduces us to three new Patriots Daily staff members.
Mark Farinella has the Ravens providing the first test of 2008 for the Patriots. Eric McHugh has a cheat sheet of 11 players you should keep an eye on tonight. Rich Garven has five players or positions you should be watching. Douglas Flynn gives us another four things to be watching for. Karen Guregian also provides us with plenty of things to be watching out for in the preseason opener. Christopher Price has five things to watch for in tonight’s game. Ian Clark says that the positional battles will really start to heat up tonight.
Christopher L. Gasper has Adalius Thomas feeling much more comfortable heading into his second season with the Patriots. John Tomase has Randy Moss locked and loaded for an encore performance in his second year in New England. Guregian adds that Moss is a more than willing teacher to the younger players on the team. Shalise Manza Young has C.J. Jones as one of those young receivers looking to make an impact.
Lenny Megliola has had enough of Brett Favre.
Gasper’s notebook has Randy Moss serving as a mentor and teacher to some of the younger receivers on the roster. Guregian’s notebook has Chad Jackson looking to embrace his fresh start tonight. Young’s notebook says that the Patriots will not use a defensive headset tonight.
Misc
Frank Dell’Apa has a look at the new schedule for the Celtics, which has them opening on Oct 28th against the Cavs.
Bill Reynolds says that the US mens basketball team has a lot to lose if they don’t come home with the Gold. Michael Muldoon says that LeBron James’ legacy isn’t going anywhere until he can win a title.
Bob Ryan takes a deep breath and gets ready for the Olympics.
Boston Sports Media Watch 