Red Sox play spoiler in Tampa, more Patriots reaction

The Red Sox played spoiler in Tampa last night as they defeated the Rays 5-2, knocking the Rays even further back in the AL Wild Card race. Aaron Cook pitched very well to earn the win as he went six innings, allowing just one run on five hits. The Red Sox were actually getting no-hit in the sixth inning, but Jacoby Ellsbury’s tw0-run home run put an end to that. The team will look to continue to play spoiler as they have three more games against the same Rays.

Daniel Bard not up to speed– Scott Lauber looks at Daniel Bard and says the key to his success is him regaining his velocity.

The Maddon way works– John Tomase says although the way Rays manager Joe Maddon manages isn’t normal by other major league standards, the Red Sox should still take note because it works.

Bobby V grasping at straws– Gordon Edes looks at Bobby Valentines comments over the past week and how his moves on the field haven’t been much better.

Cook, Ellsbury enjoy rare night of production– Sean McAdam looks at the two players who contributed the most Monday night.

Even a day after the Patriots’ unexpected loss to the Cardinals in their home-opener there was still plenty of criticism and second guessing from the game, and the continued debate as to why Julian Edelman has taken over as the teams’ No. 2 receiver over Wes Welker (in terms of number of snaps). The radio airwaves were filled with conspiracy theories for the situation, most of them being totally ridiculous. Unfortunately, this will be a topic for the foreseeable future because everyone knows how the Patriots are in terms of revealing these types of things.

Prepared statements– Shalise Manza Young notes the Patriots players said they did not have a good week of practice leading up to the game.

Aaron Hernandez’s loss in crucial– Christopher Gasper looks at what the Patriots will be faced with without Hernandez for some time.

Sour day of play-calling by Patriots’ McDaniels– Tom E. Curran says Josh McDaniels’ play-calling was a bit suspect on Sunday.

Patriots report card– Ron Borges hands out his Week 2 grades — they are not good.

Wes Welker’s limited use remains a mystery– Gerry Callahan explores the different possibilities as to why Welker’s playing time has been limited thus far this season.

Wes Welker no conspiracy victim– Mike Reiss says the reason for Welker’s limited playing time is because of a new evolving Patriots offense.

Why Julien Edelman has played so much this season– Christopher Price looks at Edelman’s changed role this season.

Patriots much achieve consistency– Matt Chatham, the former Patriots player now writing for the Herald says being consistent is the key to the teams’ success.