BRUINS RETAIN BITZ & RECCHI, ACQUIRE BEGIN

The Bruins signed Byron Bitz to a 2 year deal worth $1.4 million. Bitz emerged late in the season as a strong slot presence, and one of the most physical players on the team. 2009-10 should see him shuffle between the 3rd and 4th lines.

Mark Recchi brings valuable experience and scoring potential to the middle lines. He was signed to a 1 year deal for $1 million. Although he's 41 years, he's still a potent scorer, notching 23 goals with the Bruins and Lightning. 10 of those goals came in 18 games in Boston.

We all know Steve Begin from his time with the Habs. Frankly, I think he's useless. He can be an antagonist, but as far as a hockey player goes, he's not good enough to make the Bruins.

The Sabres signed Steve Montador, and that's no big loss. Montador occasionally struggled, and was exposed in the Carolina series. Then again, without him, the Bruins would have been even more shallow at that position. So in a way, he helped.

No word on Phil Kessel.

SOX GET ONE BACK

A 6-5 come-from-behind win in July against the O's usually isn't a big deal. But when it comes on the heels of an 11-10 come-from-behind LOSS, it is a big deal. The Sox bullpen, which blew that 10-1 lead the night before combined for 4 PERFECT innings. Added to the final 12 in a row that Beckett retired, 24 straight Oriole batters failed to reach base. That's 8 perfect innings of work.

There's been a great deal of heat in Julio Lugo's direction. But he is hitting .301. We all know he can't field, but as a bench player, he's finally hitting. Funny how it takes inconsistent playing time to get consistent production.

Jonathan Papelbon got his 20th save of the season with a perfect 9th inning. He passes Bob Stanley on the all-time Red Sox save list with 133.

The Sox have Thursday off before starting a 3 game series against the Mariners in Fenway. 8-3 Felix Hernandez faces Tim Wakefield Friday night.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Nick Wass