9-9-08 Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports

joining us now on the AT&T hotline from fox sports is our baseball insider Ken Rosenthal -- We have ignored the Red Sox today because we're talking about Tom Brady but there's plenty of talk about what the Red Sox. There one half game out of first place we talk this time next week with a Red Sox be in first place.

My guess would be yes but I just want to -- the -- format. --

Well we're trying to -- back up their little bit -- we've taken them -- when it first happened I'm sure there were some to a 143 and thirteen people out there. How you hear a lot of the guy across me today -- not here Michael Felger is saying what eleven and 512 and four.

get well that's threat. Yeah it looked like everything's going there -- right now today. Wound up playing -- he's in a bit -- right. Eight. Great -- last report. To rot there last last night -- apple. In that needs more than anything on -- combined with the injuries they've -- perhaps catching it. -- Fall off. Have a -- should -- make the play. Manager should be reminded him. While the division title is the goal no question about that meeting at which emphasize that they are. In his position here where the should be able to play with them. Degree of relaxation. If that's -- the -- you don't know corporate levels of security. At the world not about and and actually benefit I do expect to win a game in this series but obviously last night it would shut.

And I agree with you I'd I'd they're. What seven games up in the wild card I would. -- With -- pitching they have for -- to blow that lead would would be stunning so they are -- in the playoffs and they should be better than they've -- the last weekend but if you look at their lineup. That is a weak lineup and I think that's -- problem is going to stay with them they should hit better than what they are right now but will they ever hit well enough to compliment that pitching I think that's a legit question.

Is legit question Michael -- Or it back that helped assuming he comes back strong and and the guy is coming off wrist injury in continuing cap problem but. Really don't want -- has been an issue all of -- and they've won on the basis of the kitchen and their D just been outstanding most improved deep and well one of the most. In the history of the sport but now last night. You have opted. Go down with perhaps an injury as well and they just short right there's no question about it -- It is not witty to -- and reported that has to do with the cast of characters they're running out.

I had multiple times this season we have called. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim the best team in baseball and obviously the best team in the American League. The Tampa bay rays the best team in baseball and the best team in the American League. We -- instead -- about the Boston Red Sox for the Red Sox not the best team in baseball.

I wouldn't go that far in fact -- spoke with the -- yesterday might. -- Texas over the weekend. And he made the point they're not a good let these. -- in they didn't look you'd be like eight in a year ago well okay. But they are still very and they still should be eighteen in -- in the post season provided that it is healthy. Kane. Iced it and winning around it they get -- go in the World Series all kinds of.

Not Tampa to win the division the Red Sox can win the division does it matter in other words is their team. That either Tampa or Boston should want to avoid.

What does matter because -- eighteen points with eight. And grant to the Red Sox had been. Angels in the post over the years but. I think we would all greeted the Angels are different team in the in the with -- where there with the rotation. That includes down effective Saunders and pat as well John Lackey. But really good -- still so. Given the choice I'd rather face the White Sox eight a question about that that's why winning decision does happen importance here.

Sure you heard winners like David Ortiz even though it's a home run on Sunday in Texas complains about that clicking in his wrist. How do you look at David Ortiz at this stage of his career can.

Practice that that right now Michael because. Clearly the injury is having some effect in meant to leave nothing else. And the Red Sox say -- Normal that are I don't know that to be the case I don't know not to be. I would be better. Serve the -- to answer -- question at All-Star break next year after he helped the presumably. After he had a rule -- Right now he's not the same guy. Of course -- the respect so much.

The last time we talked can we we we talked about MVPs and Dustin Pedroia is a worthy candidate. I bet you can see where I'm gone with this disaster this questioning you know when I'm gone. According got to vote for for manager of the year the American way.

I didn't know that. After the year.

I'm going out that they ask that question you know a guy I have in my.

Well -- certainly. Is on the front runners Terry Francona should be up there as well.

National talking about Terry Francona especially with the loss of Manning starting the season in Japan all the injuries to have them. Back in this position after what they've gone after this year has definitely.

Isn't out and -- it probably going to happen is the problem that every. Manager I've -- People are going to look at the team. They that what are the payroll under 2030 million dollars to -- He had a lot more room for error and a lot better. And St. -- match. So right now match his they'll probably the front runner but strict orders still should get some votes -- and like -- tickets and vote in Scioscia got.

I had my final question for. Hank and Hal certainly know how to make news in New York don't think the -- I I didn't think it was a question that Joe Girardi was coming back in 2009 was not an issue in New York and what they feel -- they had the bring that up that he's coming back next year.

It's not it was not a change I agree and it was not any doubt about it but hank -- like talks. He does like making headlines and when he owner of the team that -- coming back. Actors had to disappoint these. Even if -- you know there are many people would doubt that it is news at all --

Well I mean do you agree with.

Right we should be and yet I believe he deserves -- chance to have questions about him long. -- Don't necessarily care what Joe Girardi.

Yeah yeah I thought he would have to deal with that in. The fact that he's a former Yankee. I thought that would make the transitional little smoother but you're right questions about a two can't. We know you have some things to work on and let you go thanks for joining us. All right ladies you can. That was like Ken Rosenthal brought to you by AT&T -- more bars in more places. Switched to the wireless network with the best global coverage eighteenth -- is. -- world deliver.