By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Red Sox fans, but I think you already know what I’m about to say.
The Boston Red Sox are not going to make the playoffs.
This is usually the time to start pointing fingers at reasons why the Sox fell short this year.
Obviously, injuries were the key reason. When the team loses its two best players, Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, it doesn’t have much of a shot to compete with the two best teams in baseball.
One could also point out Boston’s shaky starting pitching, which was supposed to be the team’s strong suit in 2010. John Lackey (12-9, 4.48 ERA) has been inconsistent all year, Josh Beckett (4-4, 6.21 ERA) has been ridden with injuries and Jon Lester (15-8, 3.27 ERA), who was arguably the AL’s best pitcher halfway through the season, is just 4-5 with a 4.34 ERA since the All-Star break.
But that’s enough whining. There are still four weeks left in the regular season, and even though the Red Sox have no chance — I repeat, no chance — of playing postseason ball, there are still some important players to watch in the final month.
So [...]

This is amazing. Who’s going to opening day?