Series Preview #39: Red Sox (62-73) @ Mariners (65-70)

After back-to-back sweeps at the hands of the Angels and A's, the mutilated Red Sox will roll into Seattle for a three-game series. Today's game will feature Clay Buchholz (11-4, 4.50) and Jason Vargas (13-9, 3.90). I expect a pitching game in this one as both Buchholz and Vargas have good numbers against the opposition, but based on how the Red Sox are swinging the bats-- I'll give the win to the Mariners. Tomorrow night's game will have a matchup of Jon Lester (8-11, 5.01) and Blake Beavan (9-8, 4.95). In the past, the Red Sox have rocked Beavan to the tune of a 6.35 ERA and 0-3 record, and I expect a win tomorrow night (is that too much to ask, baseball gods?). The series finale Wednesday will show Aaron Cook (3-8, 5.35), who pitched a shutout his last time in Seattle, against Kevin Millwood (4-12, 4.38). I don't expect more of the same from Cook as he's been miserable lately. Bold Prediction: Mariners win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #38: Red Sox (62-70) @ A's (73-57)

The Red Sox will continue their west coast swing this weekend, stumbling into Oakland after being swept in Los Angeles and falling to eight games below .500. The misery will look to continue tonight as Aaron Cook (3-7, 4.76) will battle against A's ace Brandon McCarthy (7-5, 3.12). McCarthy hasn't had a ton of success against the Red Sox in his career (a 5.03 ERA) but I don't have much faith that Aaron Cook can beat him. The second game of this series looks similarly bleak as an ailing Felix Doubront (10-6, 4.79) will face off against Brett Anderson (2-0, 0.64). Anderson, on the other hand, has had a bunch of success against the Red Sox (a 2.86 ERA) and with the current state in Boston, I don't have high hopes for this one. The series finale will feature Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-3, 5.10) and impressive rookie Tommy Milone (11-9, 3.73). Matsuzaka was dominant in his last start against the Royals, but I still don't like the looks of the inconsistent righty. Bold Prediction: A's sweep series 3-0. 

Series Preview #37: Red Sox (62-67) @ Angels (66-62)

After being swept by the Angels just last week, the Red Sox will head into Los Angeles tonight and for the next three days to take on the Halos. In the opening game tonight, we'll see Clay Buchholz (11-4, 4.47) square off against Jered Weaver (16-3, 2.74). Weaver defeated Buchholz in their last face-off last week and I expect a similar result here tonight. The second game of the series will feature Franklin Morales (3-4, 3.77) and C.J. Wilson (9-9, 3.83). The Red Sox rocked Wilson his last time out, but in the past he's been very good against the Red Sox and I predict a good outing here. The series finale will pit Jon Lester (8-10, 4.98) against huge deadline acquisition Zack Greinke (2-2, 5.22 since joining Los Angeles). Due to the way each of these starters has fared his last few times out, I predict a Red Sox win in the finale. Bold Prediction: Angels win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #36: Royals (55-68) @ Red Sox (59-66)

Traditionally a terrible team, the Royals will be coming to town for the weekend against the Red Sox (traditionally a good team) that stands only three games above them this season. The opener tonight will feature Jon Lester (7-10, 5.03) and Bruce Chen (9-10, 5.45). The Red Sox have knocked Chen around to the tune of a 5.76 ERA in his career, and I predict a win. Game two will be former Red Sox ace Josh Beckett (5-11, 5.23) and former Orioles' ace Jeremy Guthrie (2-3, 3.23 since joining Kansas City). Guthrie hasn't been great against the Red Sox in his career, posting a 4.50 ERA, but I'm down on Beckett right now so I predict a loss. Sunday's game will have a pair of rookies in Felix Doubront (10-6, 4.70) and Will Smith (4-5, 5.40). I feel like the Red Sox can win this game and defeat the Royals enough to make them men in black (I had to do it, I apologize). The final game of this series will be Monday and have presumably Aaron Cook (3-7, 4.79) and Luke Hochevar (7-11, 4.95). The Red Sox have roughed Hochevar around to a 6.56 ERA and I expect the same. Red Sox win series 3-1. 

Series Preview #35: Angels (62-60) @ Red Sox (59-63)

The Red Sox are in one of their tougher stretches of the season right now and are showing the signs after going 2-4 last week. Tonight, the Red Sox will be welcoming another struggling team to Fenway in the Angels, who are 3-7 in their last 10 ballgames. Doing in the welcoming in the opening game of the series will be Aaron Cook (3-6, 4.58), who will be going against Ervin Santana (6-10, 5.59). I think that this could be a very close game, but the Red Sox should pull it out as Cook has put together a 2.86 ERA against the Angels compared to Santana's 4.27 mark against Boston. Tomorrow night's game should be another close one with AL Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver (15-3, 2.74) going against a rejuvenated Clay Buchholz (11-3, 4.19). It would be tough to bet against Weaver this year, and I'm not going. The series finale will have Franklin Morales (3-4, 3.67) taking on C.J. Wilson (9-9, 3.62). Wilson has pitched admirably against the Red Sox in his career-- pitching to a 1.43 ERA and I don't expect the Red Sox to win this one. Bold Prediction: Angels win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #34: Red Sox (58-61) @ Yankees (70-48)

The Red Sox are really going into a downward spiral here, and just as we've basically given up all hope, we head to New York to face the Yankees. The first game of the series tonight will feature Franklin Morales (3-3, 3.29) and Phil Hughes (11-10, 4.44). In the past, the Red Sox have rocked Hughes to the tune of a 3-6 record and 6.17 ERA, so I expect a win here tonight. Game two on Saturday will pit Jon Lester (6-10, 5.20) against an impressive rookie in David Phelps (3-3, 2.53). Despite being an ace in years past, Lester's pitching hasn't been up to caliber in 2012 and I think the Yankees could take him. The series finale and potential rubber match will have Josh Beckett (5-9, 5.19) against Hiroki Kuroda (11-8, 3.06) on Sunday Night Baseball. Kuroda dominated against the Red Sox in his last start and Beckett has had little success against the Yanks in years past so I expect a loss. Bold Prediction: Yankes win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #33: Red Sox (57-59) @ Orioles (62-53)

The Red Sox were fortunately able to split a four game series against the Indians, but they still remain two games under .500 as they head into Baltimore for a three game set. Tonight's game, which I'll be at, will feature Josh Beckett (5-9, 4.97) toeing the rubber against Wei-Yin Chen (10-7, 3.79). The stats there speak for themselves as I'd be quite surprised if the Red Sox pulled off a win here. Wednesday night's matchup will be Aaron Cook (3-5, 4.70) and rookie Miguel Gonzalez (4-2, 3.42). Hopefully Aaron Cook will be able to induce more ground balls than home runs, but it seems unlikely based on his recent performances and I'd predict another loss here. Finally, the series finale will have a potentially close matchup with the revitalized Clay Buchholz (10-3, 4.24) and former bust who appears to have figured things out in Chris Tillman (5-2, 3.40). This is a matchup that I expect the Red Sox to win based on how Buchholz has pitched lately. Bold Prediction: Orioles win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #32: Red Sox (55-57) @ Indians (51-60)

After a predictably disappointing series against the Rangers kept the Red Sox below .500, they'll be looking to pass that mark against the 51-60 Cleveland Indians. Game one tonight will feature Felix Doubront (10-5, 4.56) and Ubaldo Jimenez (8-11, 5.29). Doubront's success against the AL Central coupled with the fact that the Red Sox have rocked Jimenez in the past makes me think tonight will be a win. In Friday night's game, we'll see Clay Buchholz (9-3, 4.48) and Chris Seddon (0-0, 7.71) go head to head. Buchholz has been great lately and this should be a relatively easy win for the Red Sox. Game three's starter is unannounced but as the rotation has gone, it should be Aaron Cook (3-5, 4.70) and Zach McAllister (4-4, 3.60). I think that the way Cook has been pitching lately, the Indians can handle him in this game. The series finale will have Jon Lester (5-10, 5.36) and rookie Corey Kluber (0-0, 6.10). Even though Lester is in a down year, the Red Sox should take this game. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 3-1. 

Series Preview #31: Rangers (63-44) @ Red Sox (54-55)

The Red Sox are just coming off a humiliating 1-3 series loss against the Minnesota Twins and things don't get any easier as the Red Sox welcome the Texas Rangers into Fenway Park. In tonight's opener, we'll see Aaron Cook (2-5/5.24/4) taking on Japanese import Yu Darvish (11-7/4.38/145). Darvish has impressed in his rookie season, and I think that he'll be able to handle the Red Sox in this game. Tuesday's game will feature Jon Lester (5-9/5.36/113) and recently acquired Ryan Dempster (5-5/2.82/89). Dempster struggled in his first start with the Rangers, but earlier this year, he shut down the Red Sox and I expect that the Rangers will win a close one here against the struggling Lester. In the series finale, the Red Sox will bid goodbye to the Rangers with Josh Beckett (5-9/4.54/84) going against Matt Harrison (13-6/3.17/84). Harrison has shut down the Red Sox in the past and I expect him to help the Rangers close out a sweep in this series finale. Bold Prediction: Rangers sweep series 3-0. 

Series Preview #30: Twins (44-60) @ Red Sox (53-52)

Coming off back-to-back series wins, the Red Sox will stay in Fenway to take on one of the worst teams in the American League in the Minnesota Twins. Tonight's starting matchup with be Jon Lester (5-8/5.49/106) and Sam Deduno (2-0/3.13/18). This should be a close matchup but the rookie Deduno has struggled against the league's best offenses so I predict a win. On Friday night, we'll get to see Felix Doubront (10-5/4.37/113) take Brian Duensing (2-6/4.53/33) and the Twins. This could be another close game, but again I expect the Red Sox to win it. Game three will feature the rejuvenated Clay Buchholz (9-3/4.75/73) and control artist Cole DeVries (2-2/3.98/36). I think that the Red Sox will handle the Aaron Cook-like ways of DeVries and will win this game. The series finale will show Nick Blackburn (4-6/7.43/35) going against an unnamed Red Sox starter-- if healthy, probably Josh Beckett (5-9/4.54/84). It may be close, but I think the Red Sox can pull off a sweep here. Bold Prediction: Red Sox sweep series 4-0. 

Series Preview #29: Tigers (54-48) @ Red Sox (51-51)

The biggest test of the season is over, as the Red Sox went 3-3 against the Rangers and Yankees on the road. However, it doesn't get too much easier as the 54-48 Tigers will come to Fenway Park for a three game set. The first game of this series will be a rematch of the third game of this season as Clay Buchholz (8-3/4.93/73) and Max Scherzer (10-5/4.49/142). Despite Scherzer's stats looking better, Buchholz has been great ever since April and I have him taking this game. Tuesday's post-trading deadline game will feature a former ace in Josh Beckett (5-9/4.47/82) and a current one in Justin Verlander (11-6/2.60/146). Even though the Red Sox give Verlander a tougher task than most teams, this should be a relatively easy win for the Tigers. The final game of this series will have Aaron Cook (2-4/4.50/4) going up against once promising prospect Rick Porcello (7-6/4.56/67). This all depends on whether Cook can get his sinker down, but the Red Sox have hammered Porcello to the likes of a 10.80 ERA so I'd predict a close win. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #28: Red Sox (49-50) @ Yankees (59-39)

The Red Sox are limping right now as they've fallen a game below .500 and are 1-5 in their last six games. It doesn't look like things will be turning around anytime soon either, as they head into New York to take on the best team in baseball. In the first game tonight, we'll get a chance to see Aaron Cook (2-3/3.50/3) toe the rubber against Phil Hughes (9-8/4.09/102). Both of these pitches have done well lately and I'd say this should be a very close one, but I'll give the edge to the Red Sox. The next game will be a matchup of an "ace" and an ace as Jon Lester (5-8/5.46/100) and C.C. Sabathia (10-3/3.30/117) will be starting. A few years ago this would've been a close matchup, but right now, it's a Yankees win. Finally, we'll get to see rookie Felix Doubront (10-5/4.54/105) take on the big offseason signing in Hiroki Kuroda (10-7/3.34/103) on Sunday Night Baseball. This should be another win for the Yankees. Bold Prediction: Yankees win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #27: Red Sox (48-48) @ Rangers (56-38)

After being swept at the hands of the formerly last place Toronto Blue Jays, things do not get any easier for the Red Sox as they head to Texas for a three game set. The series will start tonight as the Red Sox' best pitcher in Felix Doubront (10-4/4.24/99) will take the hill against swingman Scott Feldman (3-6/5.89/39). The Red Sox have hit Feldman well in the past and with Doubront going, this is a game the Red Sox should win. Game 2 will feature a rejuvenated Clay Buchholz (8-3/5.19/72) against Rangers' ace Colby Lewis (6-6/3.43/93). Buchholz has pitched much better this year than his ERA suggests (3.31 ERA in his last 10 starts) so I feel that this should be a very close game, but the Rangers should win. The series finale will be a matchup of 2012 disappointments in Josh Beckett (5-8/4.53/79) and Derek Holland (6-5/4.84/67). Holland has pitched well against the Red Sox in his career though, so I'd predict a loss. Bold Prediction: Rangers win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #26: Blue Jays (45-47) @ Red Sox (48-45)

The Red Sox currently stand at 5-2 in the second half of the season and have won the past two series. They'll try and continue that success against the Blue Jays as they stay at home in this potentially pivotal AL East series. In Game 1 tonight, the Red Sox will send Josh Beckett (5-7/4.44/72) to the mound against Aaron Laffey (1-1/3.38/18). This could be a very close opener, but I feel that Beckett can pull out a win here tonight. Tomorrow night will be another close one as the Red Sox send Aaron Cook (2-2/3.34/2) out to face the Blue Jays' Carlos Villanueva (4-0/2.68/57). Villanueva has been great since entering the Jays' rotation so I predict another close game here-- but a loss in this one. Sunday's finale will feature Jon Lester (5-7/4.80/98) and Jays' youngster Henderson Alvarez (5-7/4.29/42). Alvarez has pitched to the tune of a 3.09 ERA against the Red Sox and Lester is in a rough year, so I predict a close loss in this one. Bold Prediction: Blue Jays win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #25: White Sox (49-39) @ Red Sox (45-44)

The Red Sox got the second half of the season off to a good start, and they hope it will continue as they welcome Kevin Youkilis and the White Sox into Fenway Park for a three game series. In Kevin Youkilis' first game back in Fenway, we'll get to see Aaron Cook (2-2/4.37/2) face off against Dylan Axelrod (1-2/6.16/22). Axelrod hasn't been one of the more impressive stories in Chicago this year, so I'd predict a solid win for the Red Sox here. In Game 2, we'll see a pair of pitchers who have tossed no-hitters in Jon Lester (5-6/4.49/94) and Philip Humber (3-4/6.01/63). Lester hasn't been too good this year, but since his perfect game-- Humber has been nothing short of miserable so I'd predict another win here. The Red Sox hopefully will be going for a sweep with Felix Doubront (9-4/4.41/97) going. The White Sox haven't announced their starting pitcher for Wednesday yet, but based on their rotation it would be Jose Quintana (4-1/2.60/41). Quintana and Doubront have both impressed as rookies but our offense hasn't been great so I'd predict a close loss. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #25: Red Sox (40-35) @ Mariners (32-45)

The Red Sox haven't lost a series in a while-- dating back to being swept by the Nationals from June 8-10-- and they'll look to keep that going in Seattle. In tonight's series opener, the Red Sox will send Franklin Morales (1-1/3.12/37) against Mariners ace and perennial Cy Young contender Felix Hernandez (5-5/3.36/101. With Hernandez going for the Mariners, I think it would be foolish to predict a win. In Friday night's game, the Red Sox will get to see Aaron Cook (1-1/9.39/0) square off against Hector Noesi (2-9/5.50/56)-- who is winless in his last nine outings. I trust that the Red Sox can keep that streak going with Cook on the mound who impressed in his first start back from injury. In the third game of this series, the Red Sox will start Josh Beckett (4-7/4.14/56) against Mariners' rookie Erasmo Ramirez (0-2/4.18/23). Coming off his injury to face one of the worst teams in baseball, I trust Beckett to win this one. The final game of this series should be a close one with Felix Doubront (8-4/4.54/87), who has not pitched well lately, against Jason Vargas (7-7/4.54/74). This should be a very close game but I trust the Red Sox' bats more than anything else so I'll predict a win here. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 3-1. 

Series Preview #24: Blue Jays (37-35) @ Red Sox (38-34)

This should be both a good series and an important series in the current standings. The Red Sox currently stand one game out of last at 38-34 while the Blue Jays are in last with a 37-35 record as the spot has bounced around all year long. Looking to put the Red Sox out of last by two games tonight will be Felix Doubront (8-3/4.31/85) against Henderson Alvarez (3-6/4.30/27). This should be a close game but I have to go with Doubront because of his strikeout numbers and the Red Sox' offense. Tomorrow night's game will feature Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-2/6.06/15) and Aaron Laffey (0-0/3.00/4)-- each having been recently called up. Laffey will be making his first start of the year and has a career 9.28 ERA against the Red Sox (compared to Dice-K's 3.46 mark against the Jays) so I have to go with the Dice. The final match up of this series should be a good one as each team gives the nod to their ace with Jon Lester (4-5/4.48/75) and Ricky Romero (8-1/4.34/69) going for their respective teams. This should be a very close game but Lester's 3.08 mark against the Jays compared to Romero's 6.45 mark against the Sox makes me say Jon. Bold Prediction: Red Sox sweep series 3-0. 

Series Preview #23: Braves (37-32) @ Red Sox (36-33)

Fresh off a three game sweep of the Miami Marlins which put the Red Sox three games above .500 and into fourth place, the Red Sox will stay at Fenway Park to face the Atlanta Braves. In the series opener tonight, we'll get to see Jon Lester (right)(4-4/4.53/70), coming off one of his better starts this season, face off against Jair Jurrjens (0-2/9.37/8), who was recently recalled from the minors after a dreadful start to the year. Based on their recent trends plus the Red Sox' offense, I predict the Red Sox to win tonight. Saturday's game will feature Franklin Morales (0-1/3.14/29) making his second start of the season against top prospect Randall Delgado (4-7/4.12/60). This is a game that will probably be decided by the offense and seeing as the Red Sox' offense is superior and the Red Sox are at home, I'll predict a very close win. The series finale will show Clay Buchholz (8-2/5.53/58) against another top prospect in Mike Minor (3-5/6.04/66). Buchholz wasn't great in his last start but he has been turning things around so I predict a win and a sweep here. Bold Prediction: Red Sox sweep series 3-0. 

Series Preview #22: Marlins (33-33) @ Red Sox (33-33)

A week ago today, the Red Sox were in the midst of a series with the Miami Marlins. Today, the Red Sox are about to begin a series against the Marlins-- the only difference being that now it's at Fenway. There's no silver lining that the Marlins are struggling as they've lost eight of their last ten and sit at .500-- no higher than the Red Sox. In tonight's series opener, it'll be a pitching matchup we saw last week with Clay Buchholz (7-2/5.38/55) going against Mark Buehrle (5-7/3.41/43). Last week, I predicted a loss but the way Buchholz is pitching right now, nothing can stop him and I think the Red Sox will win a close one. The second game of this series is another previous matchup with Felix Doubront (7-3/4.17/81) going against Ricky Nolasco (6-5/4.37/49). I predicted a win in this one last week, I was right, so I see no reason to change that. The final game of this series is one that has not yet been seen with Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-2/5.73/11) against Carlos Zambrano (4-5/3.92/60). Facing Dice-K, Zambrano probably won't have to be hurling any water coolers the way the Red Sox are hitting as I'd predict a loss. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 2-1. 

Series Preview #21: Red Sox (31-32) @ Cubs (21-42)

With the Red Sox limping right now, despite just winning a series against Miami, they'll be facing the perfect team in the league worst Cubs-- who stand at a miserable 21-42. The first game of the series today will feature Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-1/7.20/8) and Ryan Dempster (2-3/2.31/63). Dempster has been a pleasant surprise for the Cubs this year (and thus, won't be a Cub for long) so I think he may edge out the inconsistent Dice-K in this start. In the next game of the series, Jon Lester (3-4/4.57/62) will square off against another surprise for the Cubs in Jeff Samardzija (5-4/3.96/72)-- the reliever turned starter. Lester hasn't exactly pitched up to par but in a close matchup like this, it should be up to the bats and the Red Sox certainly have the advantage there. The final game of this series will show Josh Beckett (4-7/4.14/56) going head to head with offseason signee Paul Maholm (4-5/4.91/43). Beckett's stats don't look terribly impressive but he's pitched well his last few times out and I'd predict a win. Bold Prediction: Red Sox win series 2-1.