Big Papi Powers Sox Past Angels
David Ortiz clocked two home runs and the Red Sox beat the Angels and new acquisition Dan Haren last night 6-3. Just a day after coming to Los Angeles from the Diamondbacks, Haren was forced out with two outs in the fifth inning after taking a Kevin Youkilis line drive off the arm. Prior to his exit he gave up one of two big blasts from Ortiz, but had surrendered just two runs and struck out eight.
Clay Buchholz was every bit Haren's equal on the other side and picked up his 11th win, throwing seven innings and allowing just one run. Scott Atchison allowed a Hideki Matsui two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth to bring the Angels back within in a run. However, the Sox boosted their lead back up to three with a J.D Drew two-run double in the top of the ninth that landed inches shy of making it over the fence.
The victory improves Boston to 4-4 on their 10 game west coast road trip. They wrap up with two more games against the Angels before returning home as the trade deadline nears. Their lineup got an internal boost yesterday with the return of Victor Martinez. The catcher went 1-for-4 with a single and an RBI.
Patriots Being Cautious with Welker
The Patriots placed Wes Welker on the physically unable to perform list as they start training camp today. The wideout was reportedly close to being a full participant during practices, but this move shows that the team doctors are not ready to fully clear Welker. He tore his ACL just seven months ago, but has made tremendous progress to this point. He is eligible to come off the PUP list at any time.
Pats Sign Spikes
The Patriots agreed to a four year, $3.21 million dollar deal with second round draft pick Brandon Spikes yesterday. The linebacker is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Jerod Mayo. New England's lone first round pick Devin McCourty is the only drafted rookie left unsigned.
Bruins and Wheeler Go to Arbitration
Contract talks between the Bruins and forward Blake Wheeler have not progressed well enough and the two sides are expected to go to arbitration tomorrow. The Bruins are already close to the salary cap limit and could buyout Wheeler once the arbitration decision is handed down or just walk away and let the 23 year old become an unrestricted free agent. The team could also trade Wheeler, but his agent doesn't believe that's likely.
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