Daily Flash – July 26

It was 95° couple of days ago, it is in the 60s and raining today, New England, go figure… Flash!

Here is the latest sports news:  The Patriots will release Tully Banta Cain.  Patriots players report to Gillette Stadium. The Patriots sign two undrafted free agents.  Mark Herzlich and Collin Zych find NFL homes. The Red Sox fall to the Royals in 14 innings. Kevin Youkilis may sit out on Tuesday.  The Sox are in the mix for Hiroki Kuroda.

Patriots To Release Banta Cain

(Foxboro, MA)  –  According to a report from ESPN, Patriots have informed linebacker Tully Banta Cain that he will be released on Thursday.  The nine-year veteran was slated to miss at least the first month after having surgery to repair an abdominal tear.  He posted 15 sacks total over the past two seasons.  The Patriots will also release defensive back Tony Carter.

Patriots Report To Gillette

(Foxboro, MA)  –  With a lockout officially over, the Patriots began to report to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday morning. Tom Brady and Wes Welker were among some of the biggest names to check in at the team’s facility.  Training camp is expected to officially begin on Wednesday, with the first official practices on Thursday afternoon.

Herzlich, Zych Sign

(Boston, MA)  –  A pair of former Boston area college stars found professional homes on Tuesday with Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich signing with the Giants and Harvard safety Collin Zych inking a deal with the Cowboys.  Herzlich, who survived Ewing sarcoma and missed an entire season during his time at BC, bounced back to be a starter for the Eagles in 2010.

Sox Fall To Royals

(Boston, MA)  –  The Red Sox lost to the Royals 3-1 on Tuesday night in a game that was delayed two and a half hours due to rain and then lasted nearly four and a half hours as it stretched to 14 innings.  Kansas City pushed across the winning run in the top of the 14th on a squeeze play and added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly later in the inning. Josh Reddick drove in the only Boston run.  Jon Lester allowed one run on seven hits in his first start since July 5. He had been on the disabled list with a lat injury.  The Red Sox bullpen combined for seven and two thirds scoreless innings before Kansas City pushed across the winning runs.

Youkilis May Sit Out Tuesday

(Boston, MA)  –  The Red Sox may not have Kevin Youkilis on Tuesday night as they continue a four-game series with the Royals at Fenway Park.  The infielder tweaked his hamstring while running to first base on Monday night and left the game after the sixth inning. Andrew Miller will get the start on the mound for Boston opposite Danny Duffy for Kansas City. Miller is 4-1 on the season.

Sox In the Mix For Kuroda

(Boston, MA)  –  According to an ESPN report, the Red Sox and Yankees are two teams for which Dodger’s starter Hiroki Kuroda would waive his no trade clause. Both teams are reportedly interested in the pitcher who is a deceiving 6-12 on the season.  He leads the NL in losses, but has been hampered by poor run support and has posted a 3.19 ERA.

Daily Flash – July 21

It’s going to be 95° today, stay inside, keep the air-conditioning cranked!… Flash!

Here is the latest sports news:  The Red Sox shutout the Orioles.  Carlos Beltran reportedly has not waived his no trade clause.  Logan Mankins reportedly looking for a settlement.  Delonte West wants to return to the Celtics but is open to  signing overseas.

Red Sox Blank Orioles

(Baltimore, MD)  –  Andrew Miller worked into the sixth inning and pitched around six walks as the Red Sox shut out the Orioles 4-0 Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards.  Jacoby Ellsbury hit two solo home runs and Dustin Pedroia extended his hit streak to a career-best 18 games.  Adrian Gonzalez broke out of a recent 2 for 24 slump with a four hit performance.  The Sox maintained their game and a half lead in the American League East.  They take Thursday off before beginning a weekend series Friday against the Mariners.

Report: Beltran Has Not Waived No Trade

(New York, NY)  –  According to a report from WEEI radio, Mets’ outfielder Carlos Beltran has not waived his no trade clause, contrary to earlier reports. The Red Sox and Phillies are thought to be the teams most interested in the outfielder as the nonwaiver trade deadline approaches.

Mankins Looking For Settlement

(Atlanta, GA)  –  Logan Mankins is reportedly looking for a 10 million dollar settlement upon  the conclusion of the lockout.  It was reportedly that he and Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson were looking for that dollar figure or the right to become an unrestricted free agent.  Other named plaintiffs in the Brady v.  NFL anti-trust lawsuit have had similar demands.  Peyton Manning and Drew Brees reportedly want the franchise tag taken out of play regarding their contracts, which would make Manning an unrestricted free agent.  A new, 10 year collective bargaining agreement is expected to get done as early as Thursday.

Agent: West Wants To Return To Celtics

(Boston, MA)  –  Delonte West’s agent said his client’s top preference is to return to the Celtics for the 2011-2012 season.  The guard was limited by injuries in 2010-2011, his first year in Boston.  The agent said his client is interested in signing overseas given the current lockout in the NBA.

Daily Flash – July 20

On this day, in 1969, a human being walked on the moon, one of the great achievements in our history and time when we dreamed and then made the dream happen…we can do that again… Flash!

Here is the latest sports news:  The Red Sox fall to the Orioles.  The Red Sox and Orioles finish their three game series Wednesday afternoon.  Myra Kraft, the wife of Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft, passes away after a battle with cancer.  NFL player reps are not recommending any special compensation for Mankins and the other named plaintiffs.

Red Sox Fall To Orioles

(Baltimore, MD)  –  The Red Sox bats slumped in the second game of a three-game series against the Orioles, falling 6-2 Tuesday night in Baltimore.  Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two run homer for the only Boston runs. Baltimore broke open a close game with three runs in the eighth inning, the big blow coming on a two run shot by Derrek Lee.  The Sox kept their game and a half lead on the Yankees in the division after New York lost against Tampa Bay.

Sox, Os Play Rubber Match

(Baltimore, MD)  –  The Red Sox and Orioles finish off a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards. Left-hander Andrew Miller will start for Boston against Baltimore right-hander Jake Arrietta.  David Ortiz will be serving out the third and final game of his suspension, so Adrian Gonzalez will be the designated hitter and Kevin Youkilis will get a start at first base.  Struggling right fielder JD Drew is also being kept out of the lineup, Josh Reddick will start in right.

Myra Kraft Passes Away At 68

(Foxboro, MA)  –  Myra Kraft, the wife of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, died early Wednesday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mrs. Kraft was the president of the franchises charitable organization and a strong supporter and voice for the philanthropic community in Boston and New England. She used her own battle with cancer to help raise awareness and assist in the formation of the NFL’s “Kick Cancer” campaign last fall. She was 68 years old.

Report: No Special Recommendations For Named Plaintiffs

(New York, NY)  –  With most reports indicating the likely end to the NFL lockout coming this week, ESPN is reporting that NFL player reps are not recommending any special compensation be given to the 10 named plaintiffs in the Brady v.  NFL antitrust lawsuit. One report indicated Tuesday that Patriots guard Logan Mankins, one of the named plaintiffs, was looking for either a $10 million settlement for the rights to become an unrestricted free agent.  The antitrust case will have to be settled before the NFL lockout can officially come to an end.

Daily Flash – July 19

Here is the latest sports news:  The Red Sox out slug the Orioles 15-10.  David Ortiz begins his suspension.  The Sox start a rookie against Baltimore Tuesday.  Logan Mankins may delay the end of the lockout.  Avery Bradley looking into playing overseas.

Red Sox Explode Past Orioles

(Baltimore, MD)  –  The Red Sox used an eight run eighth inning to blow past the Orioles 15-10 Monday night at Camden Yards.  Dustin Pedroia sparked the rally with a two-run double, he finished the day with three RBIs.  Kevin Youkilis also had three RBIs, as did Darnell McDonald, who drove in all three with a bases clearing double in the eighth.  Josh Reddick and Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered, and Boston pounded out 16 hits in total. The Sox were playing on short rest, having arrived in Baltimore just after seven o’clock on Monday morning after their 16 inning game Sunday night in Tampa.

Ortiz Begins Suspension

(Baltimore, MD)  –  As expected, David Ortiz began a three-game suspension on Monday night, the results of a pre-All-Star break dustup with the Orioles.  The Red Sox designated hitter will sit out the Baltimore series this time around, as will pitcher Kevin Gregg, who was also suspended for the incident between his team and the Sox.  Both Ortiz and Greg had their suspensions reduced from four games to three.

Sox Start Rookie Tuesday

(Baltimore, MD)  –  The Red Sox and Orioles will continue a three-game series Tuesday night in Baltimore.  The Sox turn to rookie Kyle Weiland, who will be making his second career start.  He was also involved in the benches clearing incident with Baltimore the last time the two teams met. He was ejected from the game after throwing at Vladimir Guerrero following warnings to both benches. Jeremy Guthrie gets the ball for the Os, who start the day 19 and a half games behind the division leading Sox.

Report: Mankins Looking For Settlement

(New York, NY)  –  Patriots guard Logan Mankins, along with Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, are demanding either the right to become unrestricted free agents or a settlement of 10 million dollars upon the resolution of the lockout, according to a report from Yahoo sports.  Both players sat out most of the 2010 season after being hit with their respective teams franchise tags.  Both players are also named plaintiffs in the antitrust lawsuit titled Brady v. NFL, which must be resolved before the lockout can officially end.  Therefore, it is possible this issue could delay an end to the longest work stoppage in NFL history.

Bradley Looking Into Playing Overseas

(Boston, MA)  –  The agent for Celtics guard Avery Bradley said his client is interested in playing overseas until the NBA lockout is resolved.  Bradley, who is headed into his second year in the NBA, would only play for a European team if there was a stipulation allowing him to opt out of his contract and rejoin the Celtics once the work stoppage ends.

Daily Flash – July 18

I wanted to go to bed early last night, then the Red Sox decided to play 16 innings…Flash!
Here is the latest sports news:  The Red Sox beat the Rays in 16 innings.  The Sox open up a series with the Orioles, likely without Ortiz. Terry Francona says Jon Lester will return a week from Tuesday.  Ryan Newman wins the Sprint Cup event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Red Sox Win Epic Game Against Rays

(Tampa, FL)  –  The Red Sox outlasted the Rays 1-0 in a 16 inning game that took five hours and 44 min. to complete Sunday night into Monday morning in Tampa.  Dustin Pedroia drove in the only run of the game with a line drive single in the top of the 16th. Josh Beckett worked eight shutout innings for Boston, allowing just one hit. Six Red Sox pitchers combined for the 16 inning shutout, allowing just three hits in 50 Tampa at bats.

Sox Open Series With Os, May Not Have Ortiz

(Baltimore, MD)  –  The Red Sox begin a three-game series Monday against the Orioles at Camden Yards.  According to multiple reports, the Sox will likely be without David Ortiz. He is expected to start his suspension on Monday. Reports say it will likely be reduced from four games to three, enough to cover the Orioles series and prevent any further dustups. Ortiz was suspended last week after a benches clearing incident in a game against Baltimore. The Red Sox are also expected to welcome back Carl Crawford from the disabled list on Monday. Tim Wakefield starts on the mound opposite Brad Bergerson.

Francona: Lester To Return In A Week

(Tampa, FL)  –  Red Sox manager Terry Francona told reporters on Sunday that left-hander Jon Lester should be ready to return to the rotation a week from Tuesday. Lester has been on the disabled list, but Francona said he is targeting a Fenway Park game against the Royals as the return date for the southpaw.

Newman Wins At Loudon

(Loudon, NH)  –  Ryan Newman edged Tony Sewart to win the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  The event took place at a sold-out speedway in front of roughly 100,000 fans.  New England native Joey Logano finished fourth.

Daily Flash – July 15

Looks like I shouldn’t sign up for that Sunday afternoon ballroom dancing class that runs from September through January…Flash!

Here is the latest sports news:  The Red Sox begin weekend series with the Rays.   Francona says Beckett will make his scheduled start Sunday.  David Ortiz is suspended but will appeal. The Bruins sign Adam McQuaid to a contract extension.

Red Sox Begin Series With Rays

(Tampa, FL)  –  The Red Sox bring a six-game winning streak into Friday night’s series opener in Tampa against the Rays.  Boston will send Andrew Miller to the mound. The young left-hander is unbeaten in three decision so far this year.  He will oppose fellow southpaw David Price for Tampa.  The Sox have one nine of their last 10 games and every taken first place in the American League East, holding a one-game lead on the Yankees. Tampa is in third place, six games off Boston’s pace.

Francona: Beckett Will Make Scheduled Start

(Tampa, FL)  –  Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Josh Beckett will make his scheduled start on Sunday in Tampa despite sitting out the All-Star game with tightness in his left knee. The right-hander’s experienced the tightness while warming up during Tuesday night’s All-Star game.  He indicated that he could have pitched, but wanted to sit out as a precautionary measure.

Ortiz Suspended, Will Appeal

(Tampa, FL)  –  Major League Baseball suspended David Ortiz for four games for his role in a benches clearing altercation with the Orioles last Friday. The Red Sox designated hitter will appeal the suspension and will be eligible to play in the meantime.  He is expected to be available Friday night for the Sox series opener with the Rays.

Bruins Sign McQuaid To Extension

(Boston, MA)  –  The Bruins announced Thursday they have signed Adam McQuaid to a three-year contract extension.  The 24-year-old defenseman had four goals and 12 assists last season.  His plus-30 rating tied for fifth in the NHL.  He was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of this coming season.

Daily Flash – July 13

Is it just me, or was last night’s All-Star game one of the more excruciatingly boring “meaningful” games in recent memory?… Flash!

Here is the latest sports news:  Adrian Gonzalez homers but the American League loses the All-Star game.  Josh Beckett was scratched from the All-Star game with a stiff knee.  The Red Sox begin the second half on Friday.

Gonzalez Homers, American League Loses

(Phoenix, AZ)  –  Adrian Gonzalez gave the American League a 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the fourth inning, but it was all the American League could muster in a 5-1 loss to the National League Tuesday night in the All-Star game.  Prince Fielder delivered the big blow for the senior circuit with a three run homer.  The NL wins the Mid-summer Classic for the second year in a row and gives its league champion home field advantage in the World Series.  Kevin Youkilis singled in his only at-bat.  All-Star game rookie Jacoby Ellsbury went  0 for 2 with two strikeouts.  David Ortiz was also hitless in two at-bats.

Beckett A Late Scratch With Stiff Knee

(Phoenix, AZ)  –  Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett was scheduled to pitch the second inning for the American League in Tuesday night’s All-Star game, but pulled out of the game when his left knee stiffened up during his warm-up.  Beckett said the move was purely precautionary. His bullpen catcher said that he did not notice anything different in the way he was warming up.  Beckett is not expected to miss any time as the second half of the season gets underway.

Red Sox Begin Second Half Friday

(Tampa, FL)  –  The Red Sox will begin the second half of the season on Friday as they kick off the weekend series in Tampa.  The Sox will start the second half 20 games over .500 and with a one-game lead on the Yankees in the American League East.  They are six games clear of the third-place Rays.

Daily Flash – July 12

This is a very bitter daily flash, first day back after a week of vacation and five days in San Diego… Flash!
Gonzalez finishes second in home run Derby, Ortiz out in semis
Six Red Sox make All-Star team
Report: no contract talks for Papelbon

Gonzalez Finishes Second In Home Run Derby, Ortiz Out In Semis

(Phoenix, AZ)  –  Adrian Gonzalez tied a record with 11 home runs in the final round of the Home Run Derby Monday night in Phoenix, but was edged by Robinson Cano of the Yankees, who hit 12.  Gonzalez finished the competition with 31 homers, Cano hit 32.  Defending champion David Ortiz was eliminated in the semifinal round, after nine home runs.

Six Red Sox Make All-Star Team

(Phoenix, AZ)  –  The Red Sox will be represented by six players Tuesday night at the Major League Baseball All-Star game.  Adrian Gonzalez will start at first base, and David Ortiz gets the nod at DH.  Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Kevin Youkilis are also on the American League squad and expected to get into the game.  Jon Lester was named to the team as a replacement, but is injured and will not play.

Report: No Contract Talks For Papelbon

(Boston, MA)  –  Multiple sources told WEEI.com that the Red Sox have not yet approached closer Jonathan Papelbon about a new contract.  He is eligible for free agency this off-season. He has been the Red Sox closer for the past six years, the longest tenured player the team has ever had at that position.  Papelbon has posted a 3.93 ERA so far in 2011 and has converted 20 of 21 save opportunities.

Daily Flash – July 1

This will be the last Daily Flash for a while, I’m headed out on vacation next week and won’t be back until July 12, have a happy and safe Fourth of July and a great week everyone… Flash!

Red Sox salvage third game in Philly
Cameron designated for assignment
Ortiz named captain of homerun derby team
Sox begin weekend series in Houston
Report: Grousbeck willing to lose season

Red Sox Salvage Third Game In Philly

(Philadelphia, PA)  –  The Red Sox managed to win the third game of a three-game series against the Phillies, pulling off a 5-2 victory Thursday.  Jon Lester won for the 10th time this season, throwing seven shutout innings.  Daniel Bard worked a perfect eighth, but Bobby Jenks struggled in the ninth, surrendering a two-run homer to Ryan Howard.  Jonathan Papelbon came in to finish the game.  Jason Varitek sparked the offense with a two homerun performance. Josh Reddick added two hits.

Cameron Designated For Assignment

(Philadelphia, PA)  –  The Red Sox designated struggling outfielder Mike Cameron for assignment on Thursday.  He had hit just .149 on the season and blamed his lack of production on his limited, part-time role with the team.  The 38-year-old said age was not a factor in his performance.  The Sox called up infielder Yamaico Navarro, who will be making his first major-league stint this season.

Ortiz Named Captain Of Home Run Derby Team

(Boston, MA)  –  Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, the defending Home Run Derby champion, was named the captain of the 2011 squad in a new twist added to the event. Major league baseball is attempting something similar to what the NHL did this winter, when it had two captains choose the All-Star teams from a pool of players.  As captain of the AL squad, Ortiz will be tasked with picking the three other American League participants in the event.

Sox Begin Weekend Series In Houston

(Houston, TX)  –  The Red Sox will finish off their nine-game National League trip with a three-game series against the worst team in baseball. The Sox visit the Astros starting Friday night at Minute Maid Park. Houston comes into the game 15 games out of first place in the National League Central and 24 games under .500.Tim Wakefield gets the ball for Boston, he will oppose Houston’s Bud Norris.

Report: Grousbeck Willing To Lose Season

(Boston, MA)  –  Just after midnight on Friday morning, the NBA join the NFL in being an a lockout. NBA players and owners are very far apart on almost every point of contention when it comes to reaching a new collective bargaining agreement. Yahoo sports is reporting a group of owners is willing to forgo the entire season, if necessary, in order to score a victory over the players union. The report mentioned Celtics co-owner and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck as being among this group.

Daily Flash – June 29

three more days until vacation… Flash!
Red Sox shut down by Lee
Sox to start Gonzalez in RF Wednesday
Report: Bruins shopping Kaberle’s rights
Former Celtic Walker pleads guilty to felony

Red Sox Shut Down By Lee

(Philadelphia, PA)  –  Cliff Lee threw his third straight complete-game shutout, dominating the Red Sox in a 50 Phillies victory Tuesday night. The left-hander extended his scoreless innings streak to 32 and has only allowed one run in the month of June. He struck out five and walked two, facing just four batters over the minimum in a two-hit effort. Josh Beckett took the loss for Boston, he allowed five runs, all of them earned. He gave up home runs to Dominic Brown and Shane Victorino.  Philadelphia became the first team in baseball to reach the 50 win mark.

Report Sox To Start Gonzalez In RF Wednesday

(Philadelphia, PA)  –  The Red Sox and Phillies continue their three-game series Wednesday night in Philadelphia and the Sox are reportedly expected to start Adrian Gonzalez in right field. Since Boston is not allowed to use a designated hitter in the National League park, David Ortiz will likely play first base, moving Gonzalez to right. Gonzalez has only played the outfield once in his career. John Lackey will start on the mound for Boston opposite 23-year-old Philadelphia right-hander Vance Worley.  The Sox have lost five of their last six games.

Report: Bruins Shopping Kaberle’s Rights

(Boston, MA)  –  TSN is reporting the Bruins are shopping the rights to defenseman Tomas Kaberle.  The 33-year-old tied for the team lead among blue liners in postseason points with the 11. He is one of only two unrestricted free agents on the Bruins roster.

Former Celtic Walker Pleads Guilty To Felony

(Las Vegas, NV)  –  Former Celtic Antoine Walker is expected to avoid jail time despite pleading guilty to a felony charge of writing bad checks. The checks were written in an attempt to cover gambling debts to three Las Vegas casinos totaling an estimated 750,000 dollars.  The 34-year-old, who was a three-time All-Star with Boston, will face probation and will have to pay off the debt.  He is attempting a comeback in the NBA developmental league but has not played in the NBA since 2008.