John Lackey for Joe Kelly/Allen Craig Trade has had Nightmarish Results for Red Sox

            The trade that sent John Lackey to the St. Louis Cardinals for Joe Kelly and Allen Craig looks shoddier by the day. The Boston Red Sox dealt Lackey—the No. 2 starter in its World Series championship team in 2013—at the trade deadline in last year’s turbulent season with the aim of building for the future. However, neither Kelly nor Craig has yielded any positive results for Boston.

             Kelly (2-5) boldly proclaimed he would win the American League Cy Young this season. Kelly's prediction has burnt into flames. The right-hander was optioned to Pawtucket following another dismal performance in Tuesday night’s loss—surrendering five runs on eight hits in just 3.2 innings of work in the 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles.

Safe to say Joe Kelly won't be winning the AL Cy Young this season. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

            Now holding the third-worst ERA (5.67) in the American League, Kelly has been demoted to the minors—an embarrassing moment for the 27-year-old who grabbed a headset from WEEI’s broadcast setup during the Red Sox’s Winter Weekend at Foxwoods and spontaneously announced, “I want your listeners to know, I’m going to win the Cy Young this year. Just letting everyone know so when I win it you heard it here first.”

            Instead of competing for the Cy Young race, Kelly has been shipped down to Triple-A, where his biggest enjoyment could be sharing a dugout with his longest-standing teammate and fellow disappointment, Allen Craig. The first baseman/outfielder, Craig hasn’t seen action in the big leagues since May 9. He played woefully for the Red Sox in his short stay in the majors this season, batting .135 with one home run and a pair of runs batted in.

            Craig has seen a steep decline since being a major factor of the St. Louis Cardinals’ championship season in 2011. That regular season he hit 315/.362/.555 with a .917 OPS. He hit four home runs in the postseason—three coming in the World Series against the Texas Rangers, including one in the title-clinching Game 7 victory for St. Louis.

            The following season Craig hit 22 home runs and recorded 92 RBIs. He earned a five year, $31 million contract in the offseason. Craig made his first All-Star appearance in 2013. He batted .375 in the World Series against Boston.

            Nagging foot problems, though, have crippled his once-promising career. Craig hit a combined .237 for the Cardinals before being traded to the Red Sox last season. As a member of the Red Sox, he started just eight games and batted .135 in 59 plate appearances.

            Since his demotion to Triple-A this May, Craig has hit .290 with a .429 on-base percentage, .403 slugging percentage and .832 OPS. But the right-handed hitter—once known for his power at the plate—has registered only eight extra-base hits (five doubles and three homers). Manager John Farrell still believes Craig isn’t ready to return to the majors, a concerning sign for a player that is under contract in Boston through 2017, and making $25 million in that time span.

            It’s anyone’s guess as to which player has the ability to turn his career around. Skepticism has begun to arise among league executives and scouts with regards to Kelly's and Craig's ability to ever contribute on a regular basis for a MLB team. The Red Sox, though, maintain their hope that both Kelly and Craig can produce for the team in the near future. Lackey certainly has been productive since Boston washed their hands of him. The 36-year-old right-hander posted a 3.46 ERA in two starts for the Cardinals in the 2014 playoffs and currently owns a 3.35 ERA.

            Some believe Kelly has a better chance to right his career ship. He is better off as a power pitcher that relies on his velocity, rather than operating as a finesse hurler. His inconsistencies, however, have led many to believe he won’t amount to anything more than a mediocre No. 4 starter at best. There are others who surmise Craig has a better chance of turning his two-year slump around because of his past success. The detractors of Craig, however, will point to his career demise since his foot issues arose.

           The optimistic Red Sox fans—if any still exist—hope both Kelly and Craig become effective MLB players. As of now, the Lackey for Kelly and Craig swap has been an utter failure for the Red Sox, who traded for two players currently in the minors in exchange for a veteran who has pitched in two decisive World Series contests. 

David Ortiz, Mike Napoli Belt Back-to-Back HRs as Sox Sweep Twins

David Ortiz and Mike Napoli launched back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 10th to give the Boston Red Sox a dramatic, come-from-behind 2-1 win and a three-game sweep over the visiting Minnesota Twins.

The Red Sox mustered one hit through the first nine innings—a fifth-inning double by Daniel Nava—before the extra innings heroics from their two sluggers. Ortiz wrapped his solo shot just inside the Pesky Pole in right. Napoli belted his homer to the center-field bleachers to give the Red Sox a walk-off win.

The Twins’ Kyle Gibson and the Red Sox’s John Lackey each had impeccable outings. Gibson, who retired the first 14 batters he faced, struck out eight in seven innings of scoreless work. Lackey tossed nine innings of no-run baseball, striking out nine and surrendering just three hits. Lackey has allowed three or fewer runs in six straight starts.

Entering the 10th of a no-score contest, the Red Sox sent closer Koji Uehara to the hill. Uehara, who entered the day with a 0.57 ERA, gave up a two-out solo home run to Chris Parmelee. The homer snapped Uehara's scoreless streak at 21 2/3 innings.

Parmelee, who hit a walk-off home run off Andrew Miller in Minnesota on May 13, appeared to be the hero again for the Twins. But, Casey Fien was not able to seal the deal, allowing solo homers against Ortiz and Napoli as the reeling Twins lost their fifth consecutive game

The Red Sox managed to sweep the Twins, despite scoring just five runs all series. The Twins mustered just two runs in the three-game set, losing each contest by one run. 

Red Sox defeat Rangers behind Lackey, climb above .500 for first time since April 3

John Lackey earned his fifth victory of 2014 by beating the Texas Rangers on Sunday. (Jim Cowsert/USA Today Sports)

Right-hander John Lackey, a native of Abilene, Texas, felt right at home at Globe Life Park, leading the Boston Red Sox to a series win over the Rangers. Lackey went seven innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out nine in the Red Sox’s 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Pitching in Arlington, the city where he played his college ball at the University of Texas, Lackey gave the Red Sox a quality start in the rubber match of the series. His command was extraordinary, tossing 75 of his 105 pitches for strikes with no walks allowed.

The win moved the Red Sox above the .500 mark for the first time since April 3, the fourth day of the regular season. It was Lackey’s 20^th start at Globe Life Park, breaking a tie with Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez for the most as a visiting player. In earning the victory, Lackey improved his record at the Rangers’ ballpark to 8-7, though the 35-year-old has had his share of its struggles pitching in his home city.

“I like coming here. But it’s a terrible place to pitch,” Lackey said, via Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. “I’d rather be pitching back at Fenway, trust me.”

Lackey entered Sunday’s contest with a 6.61 career ERA at Globe Life Park. His earned run average at the Rangers’ ballpark is the second-highest of any visiting pitcher with at least 15 starts and 75 innings.

The Red Sox offense provided Lackey with early run support, making the right-hander's outing a lot less stressful. Mike Napoli hit a two-run double in the top of the first and two batters later A.J. Pierzynski followed with a RBI single to give the Sox a 3-0 before Lackey had stepped on the mound.

''It's nice to go out there when you already have a 3-0 lead,'' Lackey said, via foxsports.com. ''It kind of lets you relax a little bit and pound the strike zone.''

Over .500 for the first time since their opening-series victory in Baltimore, the Red Sox trail the Orioles by just two games for first-place in the ultra-competitive AL East.

John Lackey Shuts Down Rangers as Red Sox Halt Three-Game Skid

Suffering a sweep in the home opening-series at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers was not a reason to panic for the Boston Red Sox. Nor was their 2-4 start to a 162-game season. Yet, the Red Sox needed a pick-me-up to avoid their first four-game losing streak since closing the infamous 2012 season with eight consecutive losses.

John Lackey provided the necessary boost in a dominating outing last night versus the Texas Rangers.

Lackey tossed seven solid innings in Monday’s victory, allowing just one unearned run and five hits as the Red Sox snapped their three-game losing streak. The right-hander has two wins in two starts in the 2014 season after silencing the Rangers’ hitters in the same manner in which he stymied the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, which helped the Red Sox attain the series victory at Camden Yards.

  Accuracy was at a premium for Lackey, who threw 17 first-pitch strikes to the 27 batters he faced. He threw 95 pitches, 65 for strikes, commanding his fastball (69 percent for strikes) and his off-speed pitches, consisting of curveballs and sliders (67 percent for strikes), with precision.

“I definitely want to pound the strike zone,” Lackey said, via WEEI.com. “I want them to know that I’m going to throw strikes. If you’re going to get me, you better get me quick [in the count] because I’m coming after you for sure.”

Pitching on the same mound that he stood on for the World Series clincher versus the St. Louis Cardinals, Lackey was able to use his aggressive approach on the hill to throttle the opposing batters.

With a 3.41 and 2.77 ERA in the 2013 regular season and playoffs, respectively, Lackey was arguably the most reliable No. 3 starter in the league. Lackey resurgence came a season after leading the MLB with a dreadful 6.41 ERA.

“He's reshaped himself, he's reshaped his approach to the game,” manager John Farrell said, per CSNNE.com. “He set out to change a perception that was formed over the first couple of years here and he had to do it first by his performance on the field. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, putting himself in great physical condition, he's the one who was at the root of that turnaround.”

After two prolific starts out of the gate, Lackey is on to pace to reestablish his status as an ace in the MLB in 2014.

Clay Buchholz unperturbed by designation as No. 5 starter; All-Star aims to stay healthy throughout season

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell divulged his plans for the order of the starting rotation on Monday. Jon Lester is slated to be the ace of the pitching staff, followed by John Lackey, Felix Doubront, Jake Peavy and (finally) Clay Buchholz.

            Lester was the most consistent pitcher for the Red Sox during the regular season and the playoffs in 2013. Therefore, the southpaw deserves to spearhead the rotation and make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start.

            Farrell’s decision to tab Buchholz as the fifth starter was the most noteworthy, given the right-hander’s incredulous 1.74 ERA last season. The challenge for Buchholz was staying healthy as the 29-year-old started just 16 games last season.

Clay Buchholz looks to avoid the injury bug in 2014: Michael Ivins/ Getty Images

            Buchholz was not bothered by his placement in the rotation.

            "My first or second year in the big leagues my job was to be the fourth or fifth starter," Buchholz told MassLive.com reporter Jason Mastrodonato. “And there was a span during the season when four or five games in a row I faced (CC Sabathia, Max Scherzer and Zack Greinke), so it doesn't matter where you start."

            Staying healthy is the focus for Buchholz, who could care less about his positioning in the pitching rotation. His inability to stay on the field has led to criticism towards the 2013 All-Star by the media, including Boston.com’s Eric Wilbur. In his most recent column regarding Buchholz, he wrote:

            "In 2014, he’s already been tabbed Boston’s fifth starter, a status not indicative of his talent, but his penchant to either break down or refuse to pitch at anything less than 100 percent."

            Wilbur goes on to characterize Buchholz as a fragile player that has only shown flickers of his true skill.

            "But having to slot Buchholz there not only speaks to his brittle nature, but his dependability. Other than his 17-7 campaign of 2010, expectations for Buchholz have annually been disappointing despite flashes of brilliance."

            The injury that hampered Buchholz for over two months last season was certainly mysterious. He stayed on the disabled list from the end of May until the beginning of September with a sore neck, apparently caused from holding his sleeping child in his arms in a very uncomfortable position.

            Buchholz did not endear as much as scrutiny as one would expect a pitcher to have to deal with in a media and sports crazed city like Boston, mainly because of how well the Sox played throughout the entire year. Buchholz returned to the rotation for the playoffs, and while he was not the dominant pitcher he was in the regular season, he helped the franchise earn its eighth World Series championship. Now, Buchholz is ready for 2014 and is concentrating on remaining healthy all season.

            "I would've loved to pitch all the through (2013) but it didn't happen," Buchholz said via MassLive.com. "So I have to try to find a way to do it this year."

25 Boston Sports Moments of 2013 to be Thankful for

There has been plenty to be thankful for as a Boston sports fan in the past year. From Tom Brady's late-game heroics for the Patriots, to Jeff Green's buzzer-beaters for the Celtics, to the Bruins historic comeback in Game 7 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, culminating with the Red Sox winning the World Series, 2013 has been another year for Boston fans to rejoice. Let's look back at the 25 best sports moments of 2013 for the "City of Champions." (Note: To watch a video of any of the moments, just click on the hyperlink.)

25. Red Sox defeat Kansas City Royals 4-2 on the day the victims of the Boston Marathon were honored at Fenway Park. Daniel Nava hit the go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory.

24. Jeff Green hits a game-winning layup as time expires in 93-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

23. Jacoby Ellsbury's 2-run double caps 9th-inning rally versus Cleveland Indians as Red Sox score four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 6-5.

22. Stephen Drew knocks a game-winning single in the bottom of the 15th as Red Sox outlast Seattle Mariners in a game that lasts over five hours.

21. Mike Napoli crushes game-ending solo shot as Sox walk-off in the 11th inning versus New York Yankees.

20. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett reach scoring milestones in blowout victory over Toronto Raptors. Garnett passed Jerry West for 15th all-time, while Pierce passed Charles Barkley for the No. 20 spot.

19. Jonny Gomes blasts walk-off HR versus Tampa Bay Rays.

18. Jonny Gomes hits walk-off homer versus San Diego Padres.

17. Celtics extend winning streak to seven games in thrilling triple overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets. Paul Pierce turned back the clock, recording a triple-double. He posted 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the win.

16. David Ortiz: "This is our Bleeping City"

15. Tom Brady fires a 17-yard, game-winning TD pass to Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds left in regulation to beat the New Orleans Saints.

14. Red Sox rally versus Seattle Mariners in a comeback for the ages. Trailing 7-2, the Sox score six runs in the final frame for an improbable walk-off win. Daniel Nava hits the walk-off single to cap off the rally.

13. Jeff Green drains buzzer-beater over LeBron James as Celtics shock Miami Heat.

12. Patriots pull off their greatest comeback in franchise history to stun the Broncos 34-31 in overtime, after trailing 24-0 at halftime.

11. Red Sox complete worst-to-first regular season to capture AL East Title.

10. Tom Brady becomes all-time leader in playoff wins for a QB as Patriots throttle Houston Texans 41-28 in AFC Divisional Round.

9. Red Sox advance to ALCS after eliminating Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of ALDS.

8. John Lackey outduels Justin Verlander in Game 3 of ALCS.

7. Bruins eliminate New York Rangers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5.

6. Big Papi belts clutch grand slam in Game 2 of ALCS versus Detroit Tigers.

5. Boston Bruins erase 4-1 deficit in Game 7 of Eastern Conference Quarterfinals versus Toronto Maple Leafs to complete one of the greatest comebacks in NHL postseason history.

4. Tukka Rask's near-flawless goal-tending in four-game sweep of Pittsburgh Penguins (2 goals allowed in 4 games) in Eastern Conference Finals propels Bruins to second Stanley Cup Final appearance in three years.

3. Shane Victorino's grand slam in Game 6 of ALCS sends Fenway Park into a frenzy; Red Sox clinch American League Championship.

2. Jon Lester's gem versus St. Louis Cardinals (7.1 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER) in Game 5 of World Series pulls Red Sox within a win of their eighth title in franchise history.

1. Koji Uehera closes out the 2013 World Series as Red Sox secure third title in 10 years. The Sox clinched the championship at Fenway Park for the first time since 1918.