For most of this season the Red Sox table has been set by a patchwork of dishes found in yard sales from across MLB. Names like Aviles, Sweeny, Podsednik and Nava have been at the top of the batting order. And whether setting the table for the Big Bats behind them, driving in the bottom of the order or playing at times stellar defense these guys have done more than anyone could expect. Some say saving Bobby V and the Front office from being burned in effigy on Boylston Street in the process. All while the good china: Crawford and Ellsbury have been in the DL closet healing up and banging on the door to get back into the game.

Carl Crawford could still be weeks away from being activated but has been cleared to start throwing. His off season wrist surgery is a distant memory and building up arm strength in his elbow seems to be the last hurdle in taking back left field, showing the Nation he is worth the 110 million he is still owed.  If Carl is healthy and can play up to his abilities this is nothing but good news.. For everyone save Daniel Nava.

Jacoby Ellsbury’s situation is still cloudy but becoming more clear as the days passes. The Boston brain trust still won’t give a timetable for Jacobys return but he has seen hitting off a Tee. This is news I didn’t expect to hear before the all star break. Ellsbury and his Agent have never seemed to hard pressed to get him back on the field before he was 100 % fearing it would lower his arbitration numbers and keeping his salary down. But now it seems equally important to show the league he isn’t as fragile as some might think. When the talented centerfielder does get back lets hope he can hit the ground running and put up numbers close to last years breakout season.

Andrew Bailey (Remember him?) is also on the mend from thumb surgery and has been cleared to start throwing. This news can only serve to widen Bobby Valentines’ ever growing grin as it gives him more options to work with in an already strong bullpen.  I am honestly not sure where bobby will use him but I’m hoping it’s as the closer. Aceves is the more versatile of the two and even though he has been almost lights out since the second month of the season it would seem to make more sense to let him set up for Bailey.

Does all this good news create problems? Sure if your name is Darnell McDonald, Marlon Byrd or even Daniel Nava. But not if you're paying to sit in the bleachers behind home plate or the Monster seats

 Monstah