Red Sox @ Blue Jays: Byrd versus the Birds

Paul Byrd will make his third start in a row against the Blue Jays tonight in Toronto. On August 9th, he beat the Jays with a complete game, 4-2 victory in his last start as an Indian... Then, in his first start with the Sox, he went toe-to-toe with Roy Halladay, but took the loss after giving up 4 runs on 2 early homers and an RBI single in the 8th.

Byrd's 4-game winning streak was broken in his first start for Boston, but he has remained effective, posting a 2.70 ERA in Augsut. Let's hope the "effective streak" keeps going, 'cause the Twins (tied for AL wc) and the Rays (4.5 up in East) aren't going away...

The Jays will counter with Shaun Marcum, who has been more than "effective" this month and against the Red Sox... Marcum has won his last three starts, posting a 1.50 during that run. He's also 4-1 in 5 starts against Boston with a 2.84 ERA - and that includes his last start, a 5-inning, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K effort on the 17th.

Bottom Line: It's time to get serious. This is where you sepreate the men from the boys... just ask Big Papi...

Who to Watch: The Sox had an off day, so hopefully everyone is fresh 'cause nobody has hit Marcum very well: Ortiz (2 for 12), Pedroia (0 for 11), Youk (3 for 15) - but with a double and a homer ... Alex Rios has been hot in the 2nd half and took Byrd deep in their last meeting - he's 3 for 15 (.200) overall ... the Jays also beat the crap out of the Yankees yesterday, so they're all feeling good right now.