Bob Lobel: The Red Sox and Republicans are Giving us Plenty to Talk About

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

In a lifetime of hanging around sports venues and being fortunate enough to be there for some of the most exciting moments, it all pales by comparison to the debates on TV staged by the Republicans. 

Send the kids to bed for the 9 pm start. 

They rate it R, and it doesn’t stand for Republican. 

For people to get in and watch in person, be prepared to be carded. The most frequently asked question has been, “have you ever seen anything like this?” The answer, from just about everybody in the know, is a resounding "no!" 

Of course not, you couldn’t make this stuff up! It is a little difficult to see how America will be great again after watching the arguing of these three children and their adult chaperone from Ohio. 

The only bad thing is, we are running out of debates!

Bob Lobel: Red Sox Fans and the Expanding Waistband of Pabload

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

So which is it, Tom Werner? 

You tell assembled media that you're not disappointed in Pabload, then, on the radio right after that, you tell Glenn Ordway and cast that you are disappointed in Pabload.

Which is it, owner in charge of baseball operations?  

Weekly Red Sox Hitter Notes: July 8th

Utility man Brock Holt is Boston's only All-Star (so far), and Boston's chances of winning jump dramatically from to 36% with him on the bench, to 51% when he's in the lineup.

 By Adam Lowenstein (@StatsAdam)

Just before Red Sox fans witnessed the lackluster fireworks display at Fenway Park on Friday night, the Houston Astros moved to 48-34, tying their season-best number of games above .500 on the year.

Friday’s 12-8 extra-inning loss was only the 12th time this season that Boston was defeated when scoring first. However, the Red Sox bounced back to score first in their wins on Saturday and Sunday.

Entering Tuesday’s series against the visiting Miami Marlins, John Farrell’s squad was 29-12 in games it scored the first run in.

Bob Lobel: Pandas in Boston

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

Hanley, LeGarrette, Jonas, or Kung Foo Panda?  

Which one is not like the others?

It may not be the one you think, but clearly these are four pretty unique names that lit up the telephone lines and grabbed the ink for headlines in the toy store of the sports world. 

Try this: Which one has had a bad start to his Thanksgiving week?  

Hint, go with Jonas!