You can bank on the best closers to put away games, but they can't bank on blockbuster deals, Tracy Ringolsby says. 

Defending champion Japan advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals Wednesday night, leaving mighty Cuba in the fog of another international failure. 

Team USA might find a capable replacement for injured Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, after all. 

--1B Kevin Youkilis left Team USA on March 18 due to a sore ankle. 

The Red Sox brought in some complementary pieces in the low risk/high reward category -- RHP John Smoltz, OF Rocco Baldelli, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Takashi Saito -- but did very little to change the basic structure of last year's 95-win ballclub. 

Every big-league bullpen could use a pitcher like Justin Masterson. 

Ready to give their backup catchers a shot, the Boston Red Sox released Josh Bard on Wednesday, 2 1/2 months after signing the backup catcher. 

David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox showed off their power Tuesday. 

Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo has undergone arthroscopic surgery in Boston on his right knee. 

Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo has undergone arthroscopic surgery in Boston on his right knee. 

TorontoBlueJays' manager Cito Gaston is so used to watching Roy (Doc) Halladay pitch well that yesterday's rocky start by the right-hander surprised him. 

Every big-league bullpen could use a pitcher like Justin Masterson. 

--2B Dustin Pedroia had to leave the U. 

The Red Sox brought in some complementary pieces in the low risk/high reward category -- RHP John Smoltz, OF Rocco Baldelli, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Takashi Saito -- but did very little to change the basic structure of last year's 95-win ballclub. 

Every big-league bullpen could use a pitcher like Justin Masterson.