Papelbon, Delcarmen discuss Wagner

Billy Wagner's agent says his client would waive his no-trade clause to go to the Red Sox. Two key members of the team's current bullpen don't sound too excited about the possible addition, however.

...The Braves defeated the Diamondbacks 6-2. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) BOSTON- OCTOBER 24: Eric Gagne of the Boston Red Sox pitches during game one of the World Series against the Colorado...

Manny fallout: no excuses left

Somebody has always had an excuse, a way to dismiss the latest steroid revelation in baseball. But no longer. Not after Manny Ramirez's suspension.

Rangers trade Gabbard back to Red Sox

The Texas Rangers traded left-handed pitcher Kason Gabbard to Boston Red Sox on Thursday, sending him back to his original team for cash.

Spring Training Blog: March 8

...games there. That's OK. Just don't forget that I am a good shortstop." Indians manager Eric Wedge said he is well aware of Peralta's value at short and that he doesn't...

Closer's record deal avoids arbitration

The Red Sox signed closer Jonathan Papelbon to a one-year contract worth $6.25 million.

The Mitchell report one year later: picking up the pieces

The Mitchell report once threatened to explode baseball into a million fragments. One calendar year later, the game has managed to reduce the decade's most vexing issue into an unpleasant afterthought.

Red Sox doing what the Yankees aren't: sticking to their plan

Unlike the Yankees of late, the Red Sox are willing to make unpopular decisions to serve the long-term interests of the franchise.

Story | Conversation | September 16, 2008

Rays look to continue dominance at home in showdown against Sox

The Rays have the best home record in the majors heading into their showdown series against the Red Sox at the Trop.

Grading the deadline acquisitions

...with impeccable credentials and the kind of experience needed to respond in a pennant race. And Eric Gagne went out and racked up your basic 6.75 ERA in 18 2/3 innings, allowing...

Blog Entry | Conversation | August 20, 2008

Ranking contenders' bullpens

Factoring in depth, health, balance, experience and workload, Starting 9 ranks the bullpens of contending clubs.

Winners and losers at the time that were short-lived

Looking back at nine deadline trades over the past decade that are perceived differently in hindsight than in the immediate aftermath.

State of the Rays … division races … players on the move

With the All-Star Game now in the rearview mirror, Jerry Crasnick looks ahead to the top nine story lines heading into the second half of the season.

Relief Efforts: American League bullpen breakdowns

Eric Karabell looks at each American League bullpen situation to forecast which team will get the most saves and how many it'll rack up.

Relief Efforts: Don't look for patterns in save chances

Eric Karabell says it's fruitless to predict exactly how many saves any closer will get over the course of a season.