Thursday's News & Notes from the Diamond

STILL ALIVE: The Red Sox -- using the bulk of their roster -- grabbed a one-run victory over Cleveland last night. With Tampa Bay's magic number at 1, Boston still has a chance (albeit a slim one) at grabbing the American League East title. Most eyes are, understandably, already focused on the Angels.

BYRD HUNTING: Paul Byrd didn't do much last night to support his case for being the #4 starter in the postseason. He threw 89 pitches over five shaky innings, giving up five runs on eleven hits. He struck out four and walked one batter. This isn't exactly an awe-inspiring line, especially with his playoff life hanging in the balance. The #4 starter's job might now go to veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

DREW-PERMAN: Apparently back injuries are his Kryptonite. J.D. Drew only played three innings last night, and said he felt "a little stiff" afterward. His playoff status is, obviously, still up in the air. He'll be in the lineup again tonight.

GROWING PAINS: What the hell happened to Fausto Carmona this season? Wasn't he a Cy Young candidate in 2007? He went one -- ONE -- inning last night, giving up four runs on five hits. On the '08 campaign, he's 8-7 with a 5.44 ERA. Talk about a drop-off. Cleveland's rotation might be in trouble next year if he doesn't start making some adjustments.

JOHNNY B. GOODE: Our beloved Johnny Pesky will have his #6 retired by the Red Sox tomorrow night before the series opener against the Yankees. Long deserved, if you ask me. We'll post a piece about this tomorrow.

More news and notes today as they come in!

Posted by Dan Zappulla, VendorBall Columnist