The next few days are the last chance to vote in the MetsSox first ever Most Hated Yankee poll.  Before the blogharbor version of MetsSox perishes forever, please take part in the vote.  I will post the first results within the next week.  Thanks!

In the first Power Rankings of the 2nd half, ESPN ranks the Red Sox at #2, behind the Detroit Tigers and the Mets at #7.  The Yankees move up to # 12.

For the complete list through July 13, click HERE

It makes sense that the Sox are behind the Tigers after a disappointing series this past weekend.  Right now the Tigers are the better team.  The Mets are the 2nd best team in the NL in this list to San Diego.  I still believe the Mets are better BUT they haven't proven it yet.  The rest of the list makes sense and the Yanks have finally moved into the top-half of the majors.  Yay, 500!  27 games against under .500 teams could move the Yanks up the list some more over the next few weeks.  Hopefully, the Sox can maintain a double-digit lead.

Red Sox star DH/1B David Ortiz told reporters last night that he has been playing with a torn meniscus in his right knee since the middle of last season.  He has never needed surgery because it has not become inflamed.  Although Ortiz said "it's no big deal," he has been bothered by it a little more this year than expected.  Ortiz's power numbers are down but his AVG is not and he is still producing for the first-place Sox.

For more info read the AP @ ESPN.

Scary to know that Ortiz has been injured for this long.  It may be a reason why his HRs are down.  Ortiz is on pace to hit about as half as many HR as he did last year.  But the Sox still need his bat in the lineup, especially when he's still hitting over .300.  Hopefully it never gets to the point where he cant play during the season.  Maybe he can correct it with surgery in the off-season.  Just get through the season Papi.  We need ya, especially in the clutch!