Boston In August, Transition To Playoff Baseball

When August rolls around tempers flare, rivalries renew and injuries carry greater significance. But most importantly, the countdown to the World Series begins. Most people say August is too early to determine how the final standings will play out.    I beg to differ.    The last two seasons, not only did I predict the division winners in the A.L., but also I predicted the MVP.    I can assure you this year will be no different. The Red Sox have looked a little shaky in 2009, but the acquisition of Victor Martinez changes the approach Boston takes to the hardest part of their schedule. With the Martinez trade, Terry Francona has finally found the right cog to Boston’s run-producing machine. But solving Boston’s recent hitting struggles only fixes part of the problem.  The major problem facing the Red Sox — one no one saw coming at the beginning of the season — is starting pitching. Tim Wakefield’s stint on the disab...