Zack Greinke Shuts Down Red Sox

All season we’ve been hearing about the Royals’ Zack Greinke. Last night, the Red Sox and their fans got an up close look at the young Kansas City ace, and he didn’t disappoint, pitching six shutout innings as the Royals beat the Red Sox 5-1. Boston managed just two hits the entire night.

Amalie Benjamin has the Royals’ five runs off Paul Byrd in the first inning plenty enough to get them the win. Michael Silverman notes that neither Byrd nor the Red Sox bats were any match for Greinke. Daniel Barbarisi says that this one was over early for the Sox.

Sean McAdam says that the Sox aren’t in a hurry to face Zach Greinke again. Adam Kilgore has Greinke impressing the Red Sox with his poise and stuff. Amy Nelson has the Red Sox tipping their caps to Greinke after the game. Rob Bradford says that the Red Sox getting their ace, Josh Beckett, a little rest down the stretch could be a key to the postseason.

Alex Speier says that Michael Bowden is emerging as a darkhorse candidate for a postseason roster spot. Barbarisi has a look at Paul Byrd’s struggles last night. He also has a look at Josh Reddick, who isn’t quite ready to be in the majors full-time, but isn’t far away.

Kilgore has Ramon Ramirez and the Red Sox happy with the trade that brought him to Boston for Coco Crisp. McAdam has the Sox a little worried about their infield depth at the moment. Joe Haggerty has J.D. Drew putting together the exact type of season the Red Sox hoped for when they signed him. Barbarisi looks at what the Red Sox are going to do with Tim Wakefield.

Benjamin’s notebook has the Sox not ready to give up on Manny Delcarmen. Silverman’s notebook says that Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman figures to be the hottest pitching commodity available this offseason. Barbarisi’s Red Sox journal has more on the Sox work with Delcarmen.

Patriots

Scott Benson says that based on Dean Pees’ comments yesterday, we shouldn’t be holding out any hope for an increased pass rush anytime soon.

Christopher L. Gasper notes that the Patriots are going to have their hands full with Tony Gonzalez this Sunday. Glen Farley says that Gonzalez has already proved to be a good pickup for the Falcons. Karen Guregian’s notebook has more on the huge problem that Gonzalez will present to the Patriots. Mike Reiss offers up ten thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons.

Shalise Manza Young examines the Patriots struggles on offense thus far. Farley says that the Patriots are simply passing on the running game right now. Kerry Byrne says that the Patriots need to get back to a balanced offense. Benson urges the Patriots to Take the air out and run for it.

Jim Donaldson says that there isn’t a lot to feel good about around these Patriots right now. Mark Farinella says that all is not lost for the Patriots…yet.

Karen Guregian has Matt Ryan’s coach at Boston College, Tom O’Brien gushing over his former QB. Guregian says that the Falcons are more likely to have Ryan let it fly this season. Mike McDermott says that the Patriots defensive stats are not impressive. Christopher Price tries his hand at the mailbag.

Benson answers the burning question: Who in the hell is Prescott Burgess?

Paul Doyle looks at how far the Patriots have come in 50 years.

Gasper’s notebook has the Patriots picking up linebacker Prescott Burgess from Baltimore. Young’s Patriots journal has Terrence Wheatley caught in a numbers game at cornerback.

Misc

Rich Thompson says that Zdeno Chara needs a new defense partner with Aaron Ward traded to Carolina. Matt Kalman says that Vladimir Sobotka needs to step up his game or he will find himself in Providence. Fluto Shinzawa has Andrew Ferrence talking about his role in the firing of NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly.

Thompson’s notebook has Blake Wheeler making his case to replace Phil Kessel’s spot in the offense.  Kalman’s notebook has David Krejci still hoping for an October 1 return.

Frank Dell’Apa has Rasheed Wallace already making an impact in the community.