By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/06/2010

Okajima Out, Doubront In Earlier today the Red Sox put reliever Hideki Okajima on the disabled list with a hamstring strain.  The team brought up lefty Felix Doubront to take Okajima's place in the bullpen.  Thus far, Doubront has been solely...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/05/2010

Beltre Slam Lifts Sox Past Indians Adrian Beltre's fourth inning grand slam was more than enough for the Red Sox as they beat the Indians 6-2, salvaging a split in the four game series with the Tribe.  Daisuke Matsuzaka blew through eight stellar...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/03/2010

Lowell Blasts Sox Past Indians Mike Lowell returned from the disabled list with a smash, crushing a two-run homer over the Green Monster in the second inning.  Bill Hall added a solo shot later and the Red Sox beat the Indians 3-1.  Josh Beckett...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/03/2010

Sources have told ESPN's Chris Broussard that Shaquille O'Neal is very close to joining the Boston Celtics, and could have a deal as soon as tomorrow.  The C's have been in the market for a big man, even after inking Jermaine O'Neal to the mid-level...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/02/2010

Adrian Beltre bashed a pair of home runs to help cut into a five-run deficit, but the Red Sox couldn't make it all the way back, falling to the Indians 6-5 in the first of a four game series.  John Lackey navigated ran into serious trouble in the...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 08/01/2010

In a move that went against what they've done in past years, the Red Sox refused to chase a major name at the trade deadline.  Instead, they made some small moves that adressed their major needs, giving them room to make more deals through the waiver...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/28/2010

Scutaro Slams Angels as Sox Sweep Marco Scutaro broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the eighth inning with his second career grand slam.  That was more than enough as the Red Sox finished off a ten game road trip with a three game series sweep of the ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/27/2010

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...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/26/2010

Okajima Unravels in Seattle Clinging to a one run lead, Red Sox manager Terry Francona gave another of his struggling relievers a chance to redeem himself, and again the pitcher failed.  Hideki Okajima let the Mariners score three runs in the bottom...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/25/2010

As the calendar turns to the final week of July, general managers all across baseball install a few extra phone lines as they seek to improve their teams prior to the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline.  The Red Sox have been one of the more ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/16/2010

The Celtics added yet another piece to their bench today by re-signing Nate Robinson to a two-year deal.  Boston will pay the spark plug nearly $4 million per season.  It took some time for Robinson to get adjusted to the Celtics style of play,...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/10/2010

There are so many different angles from which to analyze LeBron James' decision to join the Miami Heat.  You can talk about his ESPN special, his smugness towards leaving his hometown team, the reaction of the Cavs' fans and especially the owner. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/08/2010

The Celtics wrapped up most of their roster building this week.  Boston secured Ray Allen to complete the return of the Big 3, as well as adding Jermaine O'Neal to help soften the burden left by Kendrick Perkins' injury.  Now, the C's ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/05/2010

Days after deciding to opt out of his final contract year, Paul Pierce has decided to extend his career with the only team he's ever known, the Boston Celtics.  Multiple sources have indicated that Pierce and the team agreed on a four year, $61 ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 07/01/2010

Doc Rivers will return for another season with the Boston Celtics, that much is certain.  The question is now, who will he be coaching?  The Celtics have just four players under contract as of now, and need to make a decision on which direction...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/30/2010

The Tampa Bay Rays took a two-run lead and blew it open in the top of the eighth inning, scoring six runs en route to a 9-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.  Manny Delcarmen took the brunt of the damage, failing to record an out while allowing four...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/25/2010

Papelbon Blows It....Again.... For the second straight game Jonathan Papelbon blew a save for the Red Sox against the Rockies.  It was a fitting chapter in what had been a back and forth game from the beginning. ...but Pedroia Bails Him Out Thankfully,...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/21/2010

There's a reason I waited several days to put together a memoriam on the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics.  Even though the series turned out to be something of a disappointment with respect to the hype put into it, the NBA Finals was still a classic seven...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/16/2010

Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis each blasted a two-run home run as the Red Sox cruised past the Diamondbacks 6-2 for the second straight night.  Jon Lester threw seven innings and struck out seven batters in picking up his eighth win of the season. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/16/2010

focus (n.) - a central point, as of attraction, attention or activity Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers may want to rip that out of the dictionary, blow it up, and tape it on the whiteboard in the visitors' locker room prior to tomorrow night's Game 7. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/13/2010

In their final home game of the season, the Boston Celtics did not disappoint the home crowd.  The C's starters rose to the occasion after a subpar Game 4, beating the Lakers 92-86 to take a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven.  Paul...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/13/2010

After giving up 22 runs over the first two games of their three game set in Boston, the Phillies badly needed someone on their pitching staff to step up.  Cole Hamels was ready to answer that call.  The Philadelphia lefty threw seven innings,...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/11/2010

After their starters struggled throughout much of the first half, the Boston Celtics turned to their key bench players for a boost.  Nate Robinson and Glen Davis more than provided it, leading the Celtics to a 94-86 win over the Lakers in Game 4...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/10/2010

The recent trends with the Red Sox and Indians were thrown out the window in Cleveland Thursday night.  Boston took an early lead only to watch their best pitcher give it back.  The Indians bullpen gave it back up late only to watch their struggling...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/09/2010

Almost a year ago, Justin Masterson was thought of as a nice return piece in the trade that brought Victor Martinez to Boston.  He had, to that point, been a surprising, yet reliable piece of both the Red Sox rotation and bullpen.  Wednesday...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/09/2010

Inconsistency.  It's been the story of the Celtics' season.  It explains their regular season, part of their playoff run, and the eye-opening performance of some of their players.  It's also the reason why they failed to take advantage...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/07/2010

Daisuke Matsuzaka finally put two good starts together, pitching eight strong innings in the Red Sox 4-1 win over the Indians.  The righty only allowed one runner as far as second base while giving up just four hits and two walks.  Marco Scutaro...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/07/2010

With all apologies to Shawn Marion.  Rajon Rondo should be called,"the Matrix."  He can do everything and without his ability properly engaged, the Celtics don't stand a chance in most games, let alone the NBA Finals. Rondo lifted his level...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/04/2010

A lot has been made this season about Kevin Garnett's ability to affect a game.  While his physical tools have clearly diminished, his heart and energy have taken the Celtics all the way to the NBA Finals.  Last night, either that same effort...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/03/2010

The Red Sox pounded out 18 hits off A's pitching, but Oakland managed to avoid giving up an early lead for a third straight game, holding off Boston for a 9-8 win.  The Sox went 3-for-19 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/03/2010

It's the story of the NBA wrapped up in three neat, little words:  Celtics versus Lakers.  The two most storied franchises in the history of the league will meet once again to determine who will take home the title.  Better yet, it appears...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/02/2010

Daisuke Matsuzaka survived a rough first inning, eventually pitching into the seventh, earning the "W" in the Red Sox 6-4 win over the A's.  Oakland nabbed three runs in the first off Matsuzaka, but the Boston offense struck back, taking the lead...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 06/02/2010

Victor Martinez hammered out five of Boston's 14 hits and helped key a comeback as the Red Sox beat the A's 9-4 in the first of a three game series.  The Sox catcher bashed four doubles, including two that one-hopped the outfield fence as part of...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/30/2010

David Ortiz and Jason Varitek both homered as the Red Sox earned a four game series split with an 8-1 win over the Royals this afternoon.  Ortiz' blast was his 10th of the month, his best monthly total since August 2006, while Varitek continued ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/27/2010

Daisuke Matsuzaka couldn't match the quality of his last outing and the Kansas City Royals beat the Red Sox 4-3 in the first of a four game series.  Last time against the Phillies, Matsuzaka carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning with maybe ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/27/2010

Celtics Spellbound That face reflects many around Boston today following the Magic's 113-92 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night.  Despite looking as confident as could be after taking the first three games, the Celtics solid...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/26/2010

These two facts about the Celtics are irrefutable. 1.  Rajon Rondo is the most talented player on the Boston Celtics. 2.  Rajon Rondo doesn't always play up to his potential. That was the real problem for the C's in Game 4 against the Magic. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/26/2010

These two facts about the Celtics are irrefutable. 1.  Rajon Rondo is the most talented player on the Boston Celtics. 2.  Rajon Rondo doesn't always play up to his potential. That was the real problem for the C's in Game 4 against the Magic. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/25/2010

Jon Lester took care of business for the first six innings.  Then, on a night when the lefty's control was a bit suspect, the bullpen took him the rest of the way.  The Rays managed just one hit against a Red Sox quartet of arms and Boston ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/23/2010

Roy Halladay came into Sunday's series finale with the Red Sox sporting a sub 2.00 earned run average and a near 6-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.  Those numbers didn't frighten off the Boston hitters though.  They tagged Philly's ace for eight...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/23/2010

Roy Halladay came into Sunday's series finale with the Red Sox sporting a sub 2.00 earned run average and a near 6-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.  Those numbers didn't frighten off the Boston hitters though.  They tagged Philly's ace for eight...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/23/2010

Dice Nearly Comes Up Blanks Only a Juan Castro flair prevented Daisuke Matsuzaka from throwing a no-hitter last night for the Red Sox against the Phillies.  Castro's bloop fell just past the outstretched glove of shortstop Marco Scutaro with two...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/22/2010

John Lackey looked solid through the first few innings, but broke down late.  His counterpart Cole Hamels, had to throw more pitches over the first four innings, but lasted longer in a 5-1 Phillies win. The Red Sox had a chance to comeback in the...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/20/2010

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said after last night's 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins that shortstop Marco Scutaro will miss the next few days.  Francona described Scutaro's injury as "tennis elbow", and said that he was given a cortisone shot...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/20/2010

Not even the pouring rain could stop David Ortiz from breaking through.  Big Papi hit his eighth home run of the season.  The two-run shot helped the Red Sox to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins Wednesday night. Bill Hall added an RBI single...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/19/2010

One night after a horrific blown save and loss to the Yankees, Jonathan Papelbon found himself in a deja vu situation.  He watched the Red Sox come back from a five run deficit to tie the game, then take the lead in the top of the ninth 7-5. ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/19/2010

With home court securely in their back pocket, the Celtics made an emphatic statement to the rest of the NBA Tuesday night with a 95-92 win over the Magic in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  Boston now returns home with a 2-0 lead over ...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/18/2010

My how the times change.  After being lambasted throughout the regular season as a team that plays lazy, that had no chance to win another NBA title, the Celtics find themselves the only team that Boston fans can trust. The C's take on the Magic...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/16/2010

The Boston Celtics held the Orlando Magic to just 32 first half points, holding on for a 92-88 win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  The Magic took what was a 20 point deficit in the second half, coming as close as two points before free...
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By Ben Altsher @ Hub Sports Central 05/14/2010

When LeBron James looked up, all he saw was an arena full of Celtics fans, joyous in their team's victory.  James answered his Game 5 critics with a triple double, but one man's effort was not enough to beat a complete team.  Five different...
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