Buchholz Impressive in Season Debut

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Boston Red Sox opened up the 2nd half of the 09' season with one of the more interesting wins of the season. Why was this game so interesting? Well, it showcased the season debut of Clay Buchholz. The young righthander was just a third of an inning away from getting an official "Quality Start". He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits. He did walk 3 while striking out 3 batters. By no means was he dominant, but there's no doubt he did pitch well, and deserves additional starts in the bigs. Unfortunately for him, it looks like he's headed directly back to Pawtucket.

The question I keep asking myself is, why did the Red Sox pitch Clay Buchholz tonight? In my mind, there are only two questions:

1. The Sox are showcasing Buchholz, especially to the Toronto Blue Jays, in the hopes of increasing his trade value.

2. The Sox want to see how he pitches at the big league level after spending the first half of the season dominating AAA batters.

If the Red Sox are looking to use Buchholz as trade bait, then they better get a top notch player in return. I'm talking either Roy Halladay or Victor Martinez. Of course it would take more, possibly much more, than Clay to get either player. I've said it all along that Buchholz would be the guy I use as trade bait. Not Michael Bowden, Not Justin Masterson and certainly not the closer of the future Daniel Bard. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not naive enough to think a MLB organization is going to decide to trade, or not trade, for Buchholz based on one start.

If the Red Sox wanted to see him at the big league level to determine if they could trade Brad Penny, than I think the answer is yes. He pitched well, and certainly could slot into the rotation for the remainder of the season if need be. The problem with trading Brad Penny is that the rate of return is so much less than for Buchholz. I guess we'll have to wait and see what the Sox are going to do.

Clay Buchholz's start was not the only story of the game, or day. Mike Lowell returned to the lineup and went 2 for 4 in his first game since June 27th. That is a positive sign for a team that needs depth at the corner infield positions. With the return of Lowell, and now Jed Lowrie, it looks like that depth has been shored up. Lowrie will see action at both shortstop and third base as he eases back into form. The final news of the day, was Sox designating Julio Lugo for assignment. This one must have hurt Theo Epstein. He fell in love years ago with the perpetually underachieving Lugo and now stands to lose the $13 million remaining on his contract. If lucky, Theo will be able to trade Lugo for a fringe prospect while assuming most, if not all, of the contract. If there's one knock on Theo Epstein, it's his penchant for falling in love with players and then signing them as a free agent for more money than they're worth. I see you there JD Drew.

Brace, Patriots get deal done

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Looks like Ron Brace doesn't have to worry about a contract anymore.

Brace, a 2nd-round draft pick (No. 40 overall) by the New England Patriots, signed a four-year deal, according to Christopher L. Gasper of the Boston Globe. 

Brace, a nose tackle out of Boston College, definitely adds more beef up front on the defensive line with his 6-foot-3, 330-pound frame.

In college, Brace was known for his physical play and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. He's a guy that can't be moved by one player; he's a guy that commands a constant double team. 

Imagine the difficulties offenses will have if they have to try to block both Brace and starter Vince Wilfork?

With those two big bodies in front, good luck running into the teeth of the defense if they are paired side by side in goal-line or short-yardage situations.

Brace has the skill, desire and smarts to have a long and productive career in the NFL, not to mention a chance to win on a consistent basis with mastermind Bill Belichick leading the charge.

Fan Fanatic Sports would like to congratulate Brace on his new contact with the best franchise in professional football.

Tough Titan: Training Camp getting closer

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Nothing has really changed for Ryan Durand since last week.

He's still training, going to the gym and then heading home to relax.

Right now, there's no football on his plate.

But his mindset is going to change real soon and then it'll be football all the time, in hopes of making the Tennessee Titans as a 7th-round rookie draft pick.

"The last week before (he flies back to Tennessee for Training Camp which officially starts on July 31) I'll start thinking about it," said Durand, who played his college football at Syracuse University.

But Durand knows the time to turn on the football switch is right around the corner.

"I'm definitely trying to be in the best shape I can be in," he said. "I'm preparing for the worst and hoping for the best ... that's the way I always do it."

At his house, Durand has his football bible -- a notebook filled with information that he took down during team meetings. 

"I haven't looked at it too much," Durand said.

Inside that notebook are tips and the fine details of the plays he'll need to know about for his offensive line assignments.

"Those are the little details you have to know," Durand said.

The feeling of being drafted into the National Football League has obviously worn off the offensive guard, however.

"I'm very realistic with people and say, 'Yes, it's exciting but I haven't made the team yet,'" Durand said.

But Durand is already visualizing what will help him make the Titans.

"I'm going to go out every day and try to get better, try to show the coaches that I've got something to offer to keep me around," Durand said.

Regardless of where he goes, Durand always stays motivated because of that giant chip on his shoulder.

"Why change what got me here?," he said. "I guess that's the way I take on adversity. I take it on with a chip on my shoulder. That's the way I've always approached things."