Sox champing at the bit to get started

Boston's goal to repeat won't be easy, but it's not deterred BOSTON -- They started the season with a target on their backs, and they arrived at the All-Star break a little worn from their experiences. Still, despite all the injuries to key players and the ongoing road woes, the Red Sox will spend their mini-vacation leading the Tampa Bay Rays by a half-game in the American League East. For whatever reason, the team that is coming off the World Series championship never seems to have it easy the next season. The combination of teams coming at the Red Sox with playoff intensity every night and injuries seemingly cropping up everywhere have made it a grind for manager Terry Francona's club. But if the Red Sox have established one trait throughout the first half, it has been their ability to grind through adversity. Despite all... [read full story]