Republican Punk Is Back!

After a refreshing vacation and break from the real world, the blog has returned!

Unfortunately, things didn't stop while we were offline, so here's a quick recap:

The Holder justice department decided looking back instead of forward was a good idea after all, and is investigating a small group of CIA interregators. To quote Peter King: "It's Bulls***! Makes you wonder whos side they're on."

Scott Kazmir was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a pair of high potential, low minors prospects and a player to be named later. Kazmir was having a very bad season and is signed for over $30 million over the next two years (more if his 2012 option was picked up), so while first instinct is advantage Angels, it could turn out to be a win for both teams (if the prospects work out quickly and Kazmir rebounds) or possibly even another coup for the Rays, such as when they got Kazmir and another prospect for Victor Zambrano.

Jim Doyle announced he wasn't running for re-election as Governor of Vermont, likely costing the Republican party a critical seat in a dark blue state.

Matt Skiba has plans to record a solo album. Here's to hoping that the Alkaline Trio frontman can make something as good as his short-lived post-punk side project, Heavens.

And of course: Ted Kennedy, 1932-2009. It's the end of an era.

Red Sox Sign Paul Byrd

The Red Sox have signed 38-year old righty Paul Byrd to a minor league contract with the plan being to bring him back to the bigs when rosters expand on September 1st.

Byrd was a solid fifth starter down the stretch when the Sox acquired him from the Braves around this time last year. It is actually quite shocking that he hadn't found a team needing the depth yet, with his perennial sub-5 ERA and strong ability to force ground balls.

Regardless, it will be nice to have his leadership and consistency back in September, whether out of the back end of the bullpen or the rotation. This is especially true if we're dealing with Daisuke every five days.

Sox Acquire Kotchman, Martinez; May Not Be Done

The Red Sox have traded Justin Masterson and prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price to the Cleveland Indians for C/1B Victor Martinez, and returned recently acquired 1B Adam LaRoche to his original team way back when, Atlanta, for 1B Casey Kotchman.

Both trades seem like good deals for the Sox (though I don't understand the Braves logic), but this creates a logjam for the Sox at 1B, so don't rule out another trade before the deadline closes in 2 minutes.

Trading Deadline!

Today is the Major League Baseball trading deadline. Republican punk will be on it if the Boston Red Sox end up getting Roy Halladay, Victor Martinez, or some other surprise acquisition.

Additionally, any shockers around the league will be reported here.

As always, we highly recommend www.mlbtraderumors.com for up to date new and underground reports on what might happen this afternoon.

Say It Ain't So, Papi...

Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz were among the 104 major league players listed as having tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, lawyers with knowledge of the results told The New York Times.

A sad day for all fans of baseball, not just the Red Sox.

Source: ESPN

How Can The Yankees Do It?

How is it possible that the Yankees are 11-2 since the All-Star break...without an off-day! Meanwhile, of course, the Red Sox are 4-8, including a 5 game losing streak at one point.

No commentary...just wanting Roy Halladay and/or Victor Martinez that much more.

Red Sox Considering Blockbuster?

Sports-related posts have been few and far-between on Republican Punk (much more so than intended), but this is a big one. The Boston Red Sox (and Tampa Bay Rays) are both considering massive trades that would lead to them acquiring both C/1B Victor Martinez AND reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. The Rays currently have the best offer because of their willingness to part with Wade Davis, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, but the Red Sox have more they could potentially offer, with the major hold-up being the Sox' hesitation to deal Clay Buchholz, their top young pitcher. We'll be keeping an eye on this one!

Hat Tip: MLB Trade Rumors