Sox Knocked Back To Second

The Red Sox stay in first place lasted for just one night, as the Rays scored a walk-off win last night to beat Boston 2-1.

Amalie Benjamin has the Rays booting the Sox back to second. Michael Silverman observes that this one seemed to hurt a little more than the other losses to the Rays this season. Sean McAdam has the Sox losing out on an opportunity to gain first place all to themselves. Jeff Goldberg has the Rays holding onto first place, just as they have for most of the season. Paul Jarvey examines a textbook example of how the Rays have been winning all season long.

Dan Shaughnessy follows up on his scoop from yesterday that the Red Sox and Theo Epstein are close to getting a new contract done. Anyone else find it strange/ironic that Shaughnessy would be the one getting this scoop, given his role in Theo’s prior contract negotiations? Joe Haggerty also reports on the new deal for Theo. Benjamin says that obviously secrecy is priority for the Red Sox in these talks. Silverman also throws in his two cents on the Epstein extension agreement, which seems close to being finalized.

Even with the loss, Nick Cafardo says that the Sox might’ve gotten the biggest victory last night with the performance of Josh Beckett. Steve Buckley agrees that Beckett’s performance was the bright spot in the tough loss for the Sox. Will Leitch has a piece on Jason Bay for WEEI.com. Buckley has Jed Lowrie moving all around the infield for the Red Sox. Adam Kilgore looks at the excitement in Tampa after the Rays walk-off win.

Jon Couture has a New Bedford native now living in Sarasota leading the charge to bring Red Sox spring training to that town by leading a “Citizens For Sox” community group.

The Globe notebook has Mike Lowell aggravating his hip injury, while J.D. Drew is hopeful to get into a game this weekend. Silverman’s notebook says that Lowell was unable to hide the pain that he was in last night. McAdam’s notebook has the Sox apparently learning their lesson from the last Epstein negotiations. Goldberg’s notebook has more on the Epstein talks. Jarvey’s notebook has still more on the impending extension for the Sox GM.

Patriots

On Patriots Daily, Dan Snapp says that Matt Cassel needs to begin the transition from mere “game manager” to full fledged passer.

Mike Reiss looks at the Patriots’ short passing game, which was on full display against the Jets. Rich Thompson looks at how the screen pass with Wes Welker was one of the biggest parts of the Patriots offense on Sunday. John Tomase has Richard Seymour taking big steps towards once again becoming the dominant defensive force he was in the past.

Jim Donaldson has a look at the Hall at Patriot Place. Mark Farinella says there isn’t anywhere affordable to eat at in Patriot Place. He also has to deal with a reader complaining about too much Patriots coverage – since the team “isn’t going anywhere” this season.

Tomase has Tom Brady taking an active role in helping Matt Cassel prepare for his role as the starting quarterback. Christopher Price also says that Brady will continue to have a hand in tutoring Cassel.

Shalise Manza Young’s notebook has more on Brady’s role with the team this season. Reiss’ notebook has more on Brady’s mentoring role to Cassel going forward.

Bruins/Misc

Stephen Harris says that the Bruins are going to need big contributions from their young players if they want to make the leap to the next level this season. Fluto Shinzawa says that there was plenty of optimism in the air as the rookies took the ice for the first time yesterday.  Mike Loftus has Patrice Bergeron eager to get some game action under his belt. Rich Thompson has Marc Savard ready to get the new season going. Thompson also has Manny Fernandez hoping to complete his comeback and be able to challenge for the starting goalie job. Harris’ notebook has more from Bergeron, and also Zdeno Chara, as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

Lenny Megliola has Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca talking about Doc Rivers and his new contract extension.

Jim McCabe looks at the US Ryder Cup team moving ahead without the injured Tiger Woods. He’s got Curtis Strange even comparing it to the Patriots losing Tom Brady – though he says their “backup QB” is much better than the Patriots’.

The Eagles/Cowboys Monday Night Football game on ESPN pulled in the largest audience in cable TV history, beating the Patriots/Ravens game from last season.