Red Sox and minors

With the Red Sox apparently set at catcher with Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek, Boston released catcher George Kotttaras, soxprospects.com reported.

Among the hot stove topics for the Red Sox are whether they will re-sign shortstop Alex Gonzalez (after turning down his $6-million option), and will they trade for San Diego first baseman Adrian G

The Boston Red Sox spent almost $2-million on a shortstop last July. But Jose Vinicio is only 16-years-old. Let's go out on a limb and say he won't be major league ready for 2010.

For all the big money that the Yankees and Red Sox throw around, neither team could come up with a fourth starter in the playoffs.

Baseball America's latest issue publishes a top prospect list for every minor league. A handful of players from the Red Sox organization made it, including one double-dipper:

The Red Sox are done, but it's not over for all the players in the Red Sox organization.

The term "must-win" game is usually not accurate, and used too often.

Ten is the magical number for both the Yankees and Red Sox.

New York (94-54) clinches the AL East if/when the combination of Yankees wins and Red Sox losses equals 10.

Oh, how the Red Sox love their Fenway Park. Despite Thursday night's loss, Boston is 52-22 at home (just a shade better than the Yankees' 52-23 home mark).

So much to cover from Boston’s 9-8 win over the Angels on Wednesday night.

The Red Sox (86-58) now lead Texas (80-65) by 6.5 games in the wildcard race.