Needing only a four-pitch first inning Monday, LHP Jon Lester looked like he would mow down the Rays like he did in his three previous starts against them this year. ...more

October 14, 2008

Matt Garza made his point Monday. All he heard about heading into Game 3 was his opposite number, Jon Lester, and how everyone expected the lefty to dominate the Rays. Hardly a word was said about Garza, the only Rays pitcher to lose a game in the first round, and it admittedly got under his skin. ...more

October 14, 2008

The Rays managed only four hits in Game 1 against Daisuke Matsuzaka and his late-inning help. How much tougher can Boston's pitching get? ...more

October 13, 2008

Daisuke Matsuzaka has a dazzling array off off-speed pitches, including a two-seamer called a shuuto that sinks. ...more

October 11, 2008

CHICAGO This night was what the Rays had in mind more than six years ago when B.J. Upton was drafted second overall in the land. "The sky is the limit," the former general manager said that day, but it seemed like the sky was falling on him most of the time. ...more

October 7, 2008

Andy Sonnanstine was mildly irritated about losing his cell phone earlier in the day. Nothing else bothered him Monday night at hostile U.S. Cellular Field. ...more

October 7, 2008

Justin Masterson could be a valuable member of Boston's starting rotation in the future. He could be a strong option in the Red Sox bullpen. ...more

October 7, 2008

Everyone said playoff baseball was different. The Rays listened, sure, but how different was it going to be? After all, they mowed down the Chicago White Sox with customary flair in the first two games of the American League Division Series. ...more

October 5, 2008

Before Matt Garza could begin to realize his potential as a dominant pitcher, he had to conquer his demons. ...more

October 5, 2008

Cole Hamels was so dominant that the Brewers were glad to see Brad Lidge come in. The switch to their perfect closer nearly cost the Phillies. ...more

October 2, 2008