Red Sox v Blue Jays: Byrd is the word...

The Sox have been on a roll this month, winning their last 4 contests and 10 of 13 in August.

Kevin Youkilis is batting .417 with 7 doubles, 4 homers, 13 RBI and 11 runs scored so far this month. Dustin Pedroia is right behind him with a .393 BA, 7 doubles, 1 homer, 8 RBI, 16 runs and just 3 strikeouts. Jed Lowrie has become and unstoppable force at the bottom of the order, batting .375 with 8 doubles, 2 triples and a team best 18 RBI in August. And new-comer Jason Bay has been all that Red Sox Nation could hope for batting .327 with 12 RBI and 15 runs scored since the trade.

David Ortiz had three homers in the Texas series and his wrist appears to just fine... and despite a sub-par .262 BA in August, JD Drew been effective in the leadoff spot earning 15 walks and scoring 11 runs.

So the question is: Did the Red Sox simply beat up on the league's worst pitching staff, or can we expect more crooked numbers as we head into September?

We'll find out tonight when the Sox host "Mr. Complete Game" Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays. Halladay has been nasty this year, posting a 13-9 record and a 2.72 ERA... but he should probably be more like 17-3...

Doc is 4-7 with a 4.66 ERA at Fenway and 10-11 with a the same ERA in his career against Boston... he also gave up 10 hits and 4 runs (1 earned) in has most recent start against Cleveland, proving that like Drago from Rocky IV - "He's not a machine!"

With the Sox offense running full speed, it could be a rare stinker for Halladay - but the veteran righty does love a challenge, so look for him to dig in and go for the kill tonight.





The Sox will counter with Paul Byrd, as he makes his Red Sox debut. Byrd is 7-10 with a lac-luster 4.53 ERA, but he's made some adjustments that have resulted in 4 straight wins and a 1.24 ERA during the run.

Coincidentally, Byrd pitched a complete game against the Jays in his last outing, holding them to 2 runs on 6 hits and beating - you guessed it! Roy Halladay. Good news for the Sox, but you have to wonder if the Jays will have a good feel for the crafty veteran after seeing him for 9 inning just 6 days ago...

Bottom Line: Toronto is very beatable team, but Halladay is as good as they get. This will be an uphill battle for the Sox, but if they can get to Doc early and Byrd can keep the Jays miserable offense in check, they should make it 5 in row...

Who to Watch: See above for red hot Sox players... as for the Jays, they kinda stink and none of them hit Byrd well - click here for the sad details.