New York Yankees Sign Hiroki Kuroda To One Year Deal
by Brandon C. on Jan 13, 2012 8:25 PM EST
in New York Yankees News
Email
PrintThe New York Yankees, right after trading Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi to the Seattle Mariners for Michael Pineda and Jose Campos, have signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one year contract.
The one year deal will pay the Japanese right handed pitcher $10 Million over one season. The Yankees hinted at a potential deal when they hired Kuroda's translator with the Dodgers, and the deal became even more likely when Kuroda lowered his demands to a one year contract,
Kuroda, who I consider one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball, was 13-16 last season on a struggling Los Angeles Dodgers team.
Despite the wins/losses, Kuroda managed to have a solid season. Kuroda threw 202 innings in 32 starts, and pitched to: 7.17 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 1.07 HR/9, 3.07 ERA, 3.78 FIP, and was worth 2.4 WAR.
The Yankees rotation in 2012 will likely be CC Sabathia- Michael Pineda- Hiroki Kuroda- ?- ?. The ?'s are between Ivan Nova, A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, Freddy Garcia, Adam Warren, and David Phelps.
Wow, what a night. Thoughts?
161 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
So, is this where I make the concession call?
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
Hughes is as good as gone....probably for a bat.
I think the Yankees need a bat.
I don't know. Something. It certainly won't be an impact bat, if it does happen.
Either him or Burnett will probably not be with the club. I don’t know what the return would be.
A.J. is all but gone since Freddy was guaranteed a rotation spot. Hughes to the pen or traded. Wow.
This rotation is nice.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:29 PM EST reply actions
Didn't Cash also guarantee AJ a rotation spot though?
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
He said if he’s on the team, he’s in the rotation.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well that eliminates the bullpen for him
But because of the contract and the fact that he does have a partial no trade clause, I think he’d be difficult to move. I still believe he could provide more value than anything they’d get for him in return, so I’d be more inclined to keep him and try to get Garcia out of the rotation.
I’m actually trying to use sense rather than let my liking and belief of AJ Burnett talk. I truly think it’s better for this team to keep him than trade him for nothing.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Hughes or Burnett?
Who goes?
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
Burnett makes more money, I’d bank on the Yanks moving him.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
Unless they actually bump Nova and I’d be very surprised if that happened.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Hughes leave given that Burnett at least stays healthy.
Money could be the driving force behind a Burnett trade.
Burnett to the Pirates
or maybe even his old stomping grounds in Florida.
"Just trying to reload my weapon, you know?"-AA42
"I am an All-Pro, wait, that is a good thing right?"-JPP
by Livestrong77nyy on Jan 13, 2012 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
Hughes is easier to trade
AJ has a partial no trade clause and I don’t think any teams are going to be inclined to take any of that salary.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
He may be easy to trade, but for what?
He breaks down as a starter and he doesn’t have the pitch to put away a batter as a closer. His best role is middle relief.
I think RAB crashed
need to hold down the PSA fort.
"Just trying to reload my weapon, you know?"-AA42
"I am an All-Pro, wait, that is a good thing right?"-JPP
by Livestrong77nyy on Jan 13, 2012 8:32 PM EST reply actions
for all those who didn't like the sparsity of the Yankees offseason moves...
tonight is like Christmas
I'd like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee fan.
I’ll be happy with:
CC
Pineda
Kuroda
Nova
Hughes
They gotta try to trade AJ for something offensively useful.
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
What could AJ bring that is possibly useful?
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Nothing!
But now what the hell do we do? lol
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
Cash probably has a deal centered around Nova for a DH in the works!!!!
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Maybe some team will be stupid enough to trade some good prospects for him.
One can hope, don’t think we can get any established star bats for him. Is Fielder still available :)
"I spent 90 percent of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted!"
Gonna miss Montero
But the team is definitely better on paper now than yesterday.
by Now Batting on Jan 13, 2012 8:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions
How am I doing folks, did I miss anything?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
You kept Nova out of your ? marks in the post.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
Brandon...
you’re lacking the jam!
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
you forgot Nova in the likely rotation...
the starting rotatoin looks much better than an hour ago, but losing Montero stings a bit
In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra
AJ in the rotation (because if he’s on the team he’s going nowhere else, and I still think he’ll be on the team), send Hughes to the minors to continue to start, send Garcia to another planet.
I think the Garcia resigning and guarantee bothers me just as much as the Montero deal.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
was it kuroda who was close to signing a deal with the red sox?
or is it another pitcher im thinking of
he was on the fence between the sox and the yanks
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
Just like Russ last year...
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
holy crap
eventful night to say the least
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 13, 2012 8:43 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Warren and Phelps' chance of being in the rotation is less than 0%
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
how does the sarcasm font work again?
"You fucking loser!" - Sean Avery
"Just reload my weapon, you know?" - Artem Anisimov
The future is looking bright boys.
but @ in front and behind what you want to sarcastically say
like this genius
Lance Pendleton's biggest and only fan. And now he plays for the Astros so... BARN'S CHEERLEADER 4EVAR!!
From training camp? Yeah
By the end of the season, they need to pass up the 2 B’s and the other above names (assuming they are all around). This could happen very easily.
AJ goes insane and is committed. Hughes dons a toque again. Freddy realizes he is old. Pineda can’t throw more than 180ish. Ditto for Nova. 2 B’s don’t handle the shift up.
Lance Pendleton's biggest and only fan. And now he plays for the Astros so... BARN'S CHEERLEADER 4EVAR!!
That would suck if all that happened
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Just be happy the Yankees didn’t do Montero for Latos or Danks.
by NJ Champ on Jan 13, 2012 8:46 PM EST via Android app reply actions
This trade blew that Latos trade out of the water
I love Montero but the Reds gave up way more of Latos.
"Just trying to reload my weapon, you know?"-AA42
"I am an All-Pro, wait, that is a good thing right?"-JPP
by Livestrong77nyy on Jan 13, 2012 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
We also gave up 6 years of control of Montero.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
Latos and Danks are better then Pineda
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I'm seeing tha the Yanks are looking at:
Carlos Pena as the DH now…Would be awesome on a platoon basis with Andrew Jones. Money might not make sense though
"Although I really thought that you were 'Anti Internet-Tough-Guy.' But no, you’re a tough guy who’s against the internets? I see." Mouth of the South
He would be a really good fit
A lefty with insane power. But he wouldn’t need to start every game.
This is more rant than sense, but I just want to say this
Fuck Freddy Garcia. That stupid resigning is making all this shit more complicated.
OK, I’m done. It is nice to have depth, but Garcia should not in any way bump Nova from the rotation, and I’m kind of scared that that will happen.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Or, they had the play all along that Hughes was going to the pen and Burnett was gone.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
I agree Robertson makes more sense
but who the hell can tell what Cashman is thinking after tonight?
ESPN MLB section had a picture of Brandon Laird instead of Montero
Quite the mix up.
"Just trying to reload my weapon, you know?"-AA42
"I am an All-Pro, wait, that is a good thing right?"-JPP
by Livestrong77nyy on Jan 13, 2012 8:54 PM EST reply actions
LOL. That’d be amazing.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Jan 13, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe that's Cashman's plan
Slap a 63 jersey on Laird and they’ll never know the difference.
MarShon Brooks has the dreaded.
"I’m anxious to see if they make the same mistake twice." - Shaq talking about the Magic.
Ha ha!
@aren’t they the same player?
Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."
D'oh. Sarcasm fail.
Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."
In my dreams.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Jan 13, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
If only
"Just trying to reload my weapon, you know?"-AA42
"I am an All-Pro, wait, that is a good thing right?"-JPP
by Livestrong77nyy on Jan 13, 2012 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
maybe Cashman is going all in on the Cespedes sweepstakes?
we could use a bat
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 13, 2012 8:57 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Cespeded as the DH?
I’d rather not. He’ll be expensive. I’d rather sign Soler for cheap and try to develop him.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
That would actually be sick for the first couple years
God knows about after that though.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Boras said that Prince would take a 3 year deal to get a Pujols type deal at 31
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 13, 2012 9:02 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Did he really?
I actually would definitely go for Prince if it was a 2-3 year deal. Maybe a 2 year deal with an option for a third.
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
agreed
I am not as concerned about his weight as I am the need for an open DH spot with Arod who is signed until the end of time.
Lance Pendleton's biggest and only fan. And now he plays for the Astros so... BARN'S CHEERLEADER 4EVAR!!
yep he said it during the winter meetings I think
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 13, 2012 9:08 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I wonder if Boras still amendable to a one year deal.
I’ve heard that rumor float around that they’d take a one year deal or some short deal.
Much of his value seems to come from the notion of him being a “five tool player.” Granted this is just based on two videos, and scouting reaction, I can’t picture the Yanks spending the money on him to use him solely for DH purposes. Not to mention, he’s likely not to begin the season in the majors.
This team has a third baseman
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
not really
Not one who has been able to play a full season. Now that we have a DH opening, I think the best idea is to put A-Rod there.
He's a Centaur
Why the hell did you call him a guy?
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
well centaurs are half guy
Lance Pendleton's biggest and only fan. And now he plays for the Astros so... BARN'S CHEERLEADER 4EVAR!!
Kuroda Great... Montero & Noesi for Pinada & Compos(???) Bad Move
Kuroda is all we really needed to round out the starters… Why do overkill and get rid of two of our best major league ready prospects. I hate to see Montero go when he is just ready to break on the scene. What a waste of player development.
I hope they can find a way to dump AJ and keep Hughes. I would give Hughes one more season to make it as a starter.
by YANKEES FOREVER on Jan 13, 2012 9:11 PM EST reply actions
Getting Pineda is not a waste.
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
I like him. Worry about him with short right field
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Grrat to hear
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Are you drunk too?
Oh, it’s just you being you. Okay. Carry on.
sixseasonsandamovie
♬P-p-pocket full of Hawthrones.♪
Hate you
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
They have seven starters
Even if they dump AJ Hughes still needs to beat out Freddy fucking Garcia (sorry).
I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.- Kobe Bryant
A.J. Burnett's only fan!
Joel Sherman tweeted
that an NL exec said that Campos is only 19 and would’ve been a top 10 pick in the draft this year. Not too shabby considering the loss of Noesi.
Yeah i just read a scouting report on him looks promising
"I want to be a catcher. I love to catch. I like to be a catcher. I like to be in the middle of the game. I mean, it's my position. I want to play my position."-Jesus Montero
No
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
Hell no!!!
"I want to be a catcher. I love to catch. I like to be a catcher. I like to be in the middle of the game. I mean, it's my position. I want to play my position."-Jesus Montero
haha i was being sarcastic
but if the Dodgers ever wanted that in a trade i would personally walk Hughes and AJ to LA and walk Kershaw back to NY
I'd like to thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee fan.
What is this referring to?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
900th post! Anyone care?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I care
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
follow me on twitter: @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Jan 14, 2012 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Wonderful!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Fantastic!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Liars?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
That too.
Both works just fine. Lying liars that lie.
sixseasonsandamovie
♬P-p-pocket full of Hawthrones.♪
Pants on fire?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Don’t take this the wrong way, but you remind me a lot of my best friend.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I don’t really know how to explain it. She loves making fun of me, The Office, P&R, Harry Potter, uhhh I really don’t know why you just do.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
See that’s exactly what she would say if I told her this.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Do you like tumblr, hate words with friends, love sitting in coffee shop’s and talking, and love Phoebe from Friends?
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
I spend quite a bit of time on tumblr, I don’t hate words with friends but I’m not in love with it either, I don’t spend a lot in coffee shops, and yes, I do love Phoebe’s quirkiness.
sixseasonsandamovie
♬P-p-pocket full of Hawthrones.♪
Quirkiness! That’s what she says! She uses the tilde a lot
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 14, 2012 2:41 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Odd
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 14, 2012 12:28 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Pinstripe Alley
Related FanShots on Pinstripe Alley
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
