Base hits have been elusive for Red Sox leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury in the last few games. After his first day off all season on Sunday in Minnesota, Ellsbury was back in the Sox lineup on Monday in his usual leadoff spot.

The center fielder grounded out to second base in all four of his appearances at the plate Monday, continuing a road trip that has seen his batting average drop from .257 to .241. On the Sox’ current road trip, Ellsbury’s average is a paltry .125.

Check out the video above to hear Jim Rice break down Ellsbury’s batting struggles, or check it out on NESN’s YouTube channel.

The Red Sox have seen Daniel Bard struggle since coming up from Double-A Portland, and a Red Sox legend thinks the reliever just needs to bring some cockiness to his pitches.

Jim Rice said Bard needs to be more like Dennis Eckersley and stop thinking so much on the mound. Rice said that will allow Bard to fire the ball like he used to and get his velocity back up in the 97- or 98-mph range.

Watch the video above to hear Rice and The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo discuss Bard with NESN’s Adam Pellerin.

Mike Napoli‘s swing has fit right in so far at Fenway Park.

Entering Saturday’s game, the first baseman has driven in a league-high 27 runs so far this season, and he is on par to break his career record of 75 runs batted in. Napoli’s big bat turned heads in the beginning of the season, especially in David Ortiz‘s absence, but his big numbers are the product of a full team effort.

Jim Rice joined Tom Caron on Red Sox GameDay LIVE to talk about Napoli’s successful start.

Hear what Rice had to say in the video above.

"I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer. As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not so sure he's a Hall of Famer."

Friday night, on NESN's First Pitch, Rice — a Hall of Famer — responded. 

"Yeah Reggie called me last night and someone had told me about it earlier," said Rice. "I got a call last night and Reggie said 'I didn't say it,' he said 'the guy at SI just got it and just ran with it' … I said Reggie, I said you know you called me, I can only believe what you told me and if you said that you didn't say that, I believe you.

"But, you know it's … it's not good. But I'm in the Hall of Fame so he can't take it away, so I'm not worried about it."

Rice chose to take the high road and not get in a war of words with a fellow member of Cooperstown.

Jackson also had critical comments about current Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte.  "Al's a very good friend," said Jackson of A-Rod, "but I think there are real questions about his numbers. As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records."

Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons said those comments were not going over well with Yankee management.

"They don't put up with it and that's that," said Gammons. "For a city that supposedly has a lot of drama, there's a lot more drama around the Red Sox than there is around the Yankees. The Yankees are a very stable team and they don't go for that kind of thing."

Red Sox pitcher Felix Doubront and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia share a special relationship as  battery mates. But on Thursday they shared an even more special moment.

The two Red Sox players shared one of the most awkward "man hugs" of all time after the pitcher came out of the game.

Hall of Famer Jim Rice and former Red Sox player Matt Stairs spent some time breaking down the hug and even provided some in-depth analysis on the art of the "man hug" during Friday's Red Sox Gameday Live, presented by UNO.

Check out the video above to see Jim, Matt and Tom Caron hug it out.

Dennis Eckersley is a Hall of Fame pitcher who is never afraid to give his opinion when working as an analyst for NESN. But did you know that he can also bake a mean pumpkin pie?

Or how about the fact that Jim Rice can rock out on the drums? You probably had no clue that Don Orsillo knows his way around a saxophone. And when it comes to Christmas trees, is there anyone better than the duo of Jerry Remy and Tom Caron?

Well, none of this may actually be true, but in the JibJab video featured on Red Sox Hot Stove Live, it all comes to be as the group of NESN analysts wish you a happy holiday.

Check it out in the video above.

Carl Crawford has had a rough first season with the Red Sox. But general manager Theo Epstein thinks that Crawford taking accountability for his his struggles could be the first step toward him turning things around.

Epstein told NESN's Peter Gammons prior to Tuesday's game against the Orioles that Crawford knows what he's doing when it comes to his work ethic and that his tale with the Sox is not yet written. Epstein expressed confidence that Crawford will help the team win a lot of games going forward.

Epstein also discussed Daniel Bard and the struggles that he recently went through. He said that he was pleased with Bard's desire to take the ball night in and night out during his slump in an attempt to right the ship. The Sox GM isn't surprised that Bard wanted the ball, though, as he's come to expect confidence from the young right-hander.

To hear what else Epstein had to say in his conversation with Gammons, check out the video above from Red Sox Gameday Live Presented by UNO.

Ted Williams' 1941 season, during which he compiled a legendary .406 batting average, remains one of the most impressive seasons in major league history.

What's stunning is that Williams didn't even earn MVP honors despite his wild statistics that season, as Joe DiMaggio took home the honor after hitting in 56 straight games.

Prior to Tuesday's Red Sox-Orioles matchup, NESN's Tom Caron, Peter Gammons and Jim Rice discussed Williams' magnificent career. Rice remembers Williams showing up at Red Sox spring training after he retired to share his knowledge of hitting, which was unmatched.

Gammons said that Williams was obsessed with hitting, studying it as if it was a school subject. Gammons recalls the great No. 9 comparing Paul Molitor to DiMaggio, and even telling him during the early 90s that Barry Bonds had one of the greatest swings in the history of baseball.

To hear more from Gammons and Rice on Ted Williams, check out the video above.

The Red Sox, at one point, looked poised to gain complete control of the American League East. Now, they not only trail the Yankees, but they're fighting to stave off the surging Rays.

The Sox' lead in the AL wild card is now down to 3 1/2 games after a sweep at the hands of Tampa over the weekend. If there's one positive for the Sox right now, aside from the fact that they still do hold the lead, it's that they play their next 10 games at Fenway Park.

The Sox kick off a quick two-game series with the Blue Jays on Tuesday before squaring off with the Rays for another four games. The Sox then host the Orioles for a four-game series, which includes a doubleheader next Monday.

In order for the Red Sox, who have lost nine of their last 11 games, to get back on track, NESN's Tom Caron and Jim Rice think the pitching will have to improve. However, that's not the only issue plaguing Boston.

To hear more from TC and Rice, check out the video above from NESN Daily.

6. Ray Bourque gives No. 7 to Phil EspositoCall this moment the ultimate sign of respect. The Boston Bruins planned to retire two-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall of Famer Phil Esposito’s number on Dec. 3, 1987. The only problem? His No. 7 was being worn by the B’s captain at the time, Ray Bourque. Bourque, already a six-time All-Star himself, came up with a solution. During the pregame ceremony for Esposito at the Boston Garden, Bourque removed his own No. 7 jersey for the last time, proudly displaying his new No. 77 as the Garden crowd erupted into a long, loud ovation. Esposito thanked the young Bruins captain before watching his No. 7 jersey rise to the rafters. Bourque, meanwhile, held on to No. 77 for the final 12 years of his career in both Boston and Colorado.

14. Jim Rice saves 4-year-old's lifeJim Rice’s Hall of Fame numbers will forever live on. So, too, will the image of him carrying a young, injured child to medics in the Red Sox dugout. On Aug. 7, 1982, the Keane family went to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game against the White Sox. Through a friend, they received seats just a few rows behind Boston’s dugout. The fun day took a scary turn when a Dave Stapleton foul ball connected with Jonathan Keane’s face. Rice, standing at the top of the dugout, heard the impact and the fans’ collective gasp. Rice, thinking of his own children, instinctively rushed up the steps, scooped up the 4-year-old and brought him through the Red Sox dugout, where he was evaluated by Red Sox doctor Arthur Pappas and taken to Boston’s Children Hospital. Jonathan suffered a fractured skull and underwent surgery. Pappas later said Rice’s quick actions saved the young boy’s life. Eight months later, a healthy Jonathan threw out the first pitch on opening day of the 1983 season and was reunited with Rice.

Which is a greater Boston sports moment?

« 4. Marciano goes 49-0 vs. 5. Law's Super pick | 2. Flutie's Hail Mary vs. 10. Ryder's glove save »

Share your thoughts about Boston's Greatest Sports Moment on Twitter at @NESN. Include #BGSM in your tweet.

Is Rocky Marciano‘s undefeated record bigger than Ty Law‘s pick-six in Super Bowl XXXVI? That may depend on whether you were alive to see the Brockton Blockbuster at his best.

Doug Flutie‘s Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan didn’t lead to a Stanley Cup title as Michael Ryder‘s save did, but if you can remember watching Flutie jump for joy, that may sway your vote. And though Jason Varitek may have sparked the Red Sox’ run to the 2004 World Series when he put his mitt in Alex Rodriguez‘s face, Celtics fans rejoiced in 1965 when Johnny Most yelled “Havlicek stole the ball!”

No matter what year you were born, cast your votes for who you think should move on to the third round in the Boston’s Greatest Sports Moment bracket.

View the matchups below.

Southie
1. Red Sox snap curse in 2004 vs. 8. Russell’s 40 rebounds in Game 7 of 1962 NBA Finals

2. Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary vs. 10. Michael Ryder’s save in 2011 playoffs

4. Rocky Marciano goes 49-0 vs. Ty Law’s pick-six in Super Bowl XXXVI

6. Ray Bourque gives No. 7 to Espo vs. 14. Jim Rice saves 4-year-old’s life

Beacon Hill
1. Bobby Orr’s Goal vs. 9. Nathan Horton’s Game 7 winner against Lightning

2. Carlton Fisk waves home run fair vs. 7. Johnny Damon’s 2004 ALCS grand slam

4. Bill Russell leads Celtics to 1969 title vs. 5. Curt Schilling’s bloody sock performance

6. Ted Williams honored at 1999 All-Star Game vs. 14. Cam Neely’s 50 goals in 44 games

Back Bay
1. Patriots final drive in Super Bowl XXXVI vs. Bobby Orr’s No. 4 jersey retired

2. Bruins win 2011 Stanley Cup vs. 7. Larry Bird’s steal against Pistons

3. Tuck rule play vs. 6. Impossible Dream

4. David Ortiz’s Game 4 walk-off vs. 12. ‘The Save’

North End
2. Dave Roberts’ steal vs. 10 J.D. Drew’s 2007 grand slam

3. Havlicek steals the ball vs. 6. Varitek and A-Rod brawl

4. Pedro pitches in relief in 1999 ALDS vs. 12. Patriots’ Super Bowl introduction as team

9. Adam Vinatieri’s game-tying ‘Snow Bowl’ kick vs. 16. Mike Milbury beats fan with shoe

Cast your votes before second-round polls close Monday, Aug. 29, at 12 p.m. ET.

Share your thoughts about Boston’s Greatest Sports Moment on Twitter at @NESN. Include #BGSM in your tweet.

Having spent time in the big leagues since 2007, it's often difficult to lose sight of the fact that Jarrod Saltalamacchia is still only 26 years old. For that reason, he's often overlooked when it comes to sorting through the game's bright young catchers.

Instead, Baltimore's Matt Wieters, who was the Orioles' lone All-Star this season, receives much of the acclaim. At 25 years old, Wieters is a great young catcher who should continue to improve.

But if you dig a bit deeper, Salty and Wieters are very comparable when it comes to their performance this season — despite a lot less games for Salty.

In fact, Jim Rice said that he'd take Saltalamacchia over Wieters right now.

To hear Rice's breakdown of the two young catchers, check out the video above from Red Sox Gameday Live Presented by UNO.

Fenway Park is a very special place, and NESN is happy to be a part of it.

An hour before every game, visit NESN's Yawkey Way stage to see the crew in action during Red Sox First Pitch and Red Sox GameDay Live. Tom Caron anchors the desk alongside Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley, Jim Rice and Peter Gammons. On any given night, they'll be joined by the likes of John Henry, Larry Lucchino, Theo Epstein, current and former Red Sox players, celebrities and other special guests.

Watch the NESN crew build the Yawkey Way stage in the video above. You can also click here to watch the crew take down the stage after the pregame shows are over.

When the pregame show is over and the Red Sox game begins, the hard-working NESN crew gets to work to take down the stage on Yawkey Way.

An hour before every game, visit NESN's Yawkey Way stage to see the crew in action during Red Sox First Pitch and Red Sox GameDay Live. Tom Caron anchors the desk alongside Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley, Jim Rice and Peter Gammons. On any given night, they'll be joined by the likes of John Henry, Larry Lucchino, Theo Epstein, current and former Red Sox players, celebrities and other special guests.

Watch the crew take down the stage in the video above, and click here to watch the stage being built.

It's no secret that the Red Sox are going for it all this season. They have the best record in the American League and are clearly one of the most talented teams in the majors.

With that said, it didn't stop general manager Theo Epstein from working hard to improve his team prior to Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline. Epstein, who is no stranger to pulling a major deadline deal, was able to net infielder Mike Aviles and starter Erik Bedard over the weekend.

While neither move might be quite as big as some of Epstein's other deals in years past, they are still an indication that the Sox have a "win now" attitude. However, Epstein and Co. were still able to keep their top prospects despite improving the major league club.

To hear what Epstein had to say about the Aviles trade, as well as Tom Caron's and Jim Rice's take on the Sox' deadline deals, check out the video above from Red Sox Gameday Live Presented by UNO.

Clay Buchholz hasn't pitched since June 16 because of a lingering back injury, which has forced him to see multiple specialists, including one on Monday. While general manager Theo Epstein said there's no official word yet on the right-hander's future, he did say that the uncertainty factored into his decision to trade for starting pitching.

Epstein said that he will talk with Buchholz in order to come up with a plan of action regarding the injury going forward. He's pleased that the team was able to add a starter prior to Sunday's trade deadline, though, because it will give them added depth.

In fact, Epstein said that the trade deadline would have been considered a failure if the Sox had been unable to obtain starting pitching help.

To hear what else Epstein had to say about Buchholz's injury and the Erik Bedard trade, check out the video above.

While the Red Sox were taking care of the White Sox en route to their 20th win of July, general manager Theo Epstein was busy pulling the trigger on a deal for starting pitcher Erik Bedard.

Manager Terry Francona spoke with NESN's Heidi Watney after the game and expressed excitement over the Sox' acquisition. Francona said that the Sox are getting a solid major league pitcher, who has pitched well in the AL East in the past and is a left-hander to boot.

The move should help improve the team's rotation, although the Sox enter August on the heels of the best July in franchise history.

The Sox went 20-6 in the month. During the successful stretch, they racked up a .298 team batting average, scored 6.7 runs per game and blasted 40 home runs. The pitching staff, even before the arrival of Bedard, compiled a solid 3.70 ERA.

To hear more about the Red Sox' historic month, as well as Francona's reaction to the Bedard trade and Andrew Miller's start on Sunday, check out the video above.

The Red Sox added some starting pitching help prior to Sunday's MLB trade deadline, as they acquired left-hander Erik Bedard from the Seattle Mariners as part of a three-team trade.

Bedard arrives in Boston with a 4-7 record and a 3.45 ERA through 16 starts this season. He'll immediately join the rotation, which has been in flux a bit this season as multiple pitchers, including Clay Buchholz, have battled injuries.

Buchholz is scheduled to see another specialist on Monday as he continues to recover from a back injury. If he's able to return at some point, Bedard will help round out the rotation along with Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and John Lackey.

NESN's Jim Rice sees that as the best-case scenario for the Sox since the team would then be able to use Tim Wakefield, Alfredo Aceves and Andrew Miller out of the bullpen and in spot-start situations.

To hear the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo's analysis of the Bedard deal, as well as hear Tom Caron and Jim Rice react, check out the video above.

The Red Sox added some starting pitching help on Saturday by acquiring right-hander Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Lars Anderson and a player to be named later.

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo said that Harden could be a good fit for the Sox. Not only does he present a low-risk, high-reward gamble who could provide a boost in the event that Clay Buchholz isn't able to return soon, but he already has connections within the organization.

Sox pitching coach Curt Young worked with Harden when he was Oakland's pitching coach and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia played with him in Texas.

To hear more analysis of the trade from Cafardo, as well as NESN's Tom Caron and Jim Rice, check out the video above.

The Red Sox completed a trade on Saturday. And although it might not be considered a huge transaction, manager Terry Francona is pleased that the Sox were able to acquire an experienced utility player in Mike Aviles.

The Sox sent Yamaico Navarro and minor league pitcher Kendal Volz to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Aviles. The 30-year-old infielder has struggled a bit in 2011, but he comes to the Red Sox as an established veteran who can play multiple positions while providing some pop and decent speed.

While Aviles is an infielder, Francona expects the Sox to at least talk about potentially using him in the outfield on occasion.

Francona said that Navarro was a bit surprised by the trade, but that he could ultimately benefit from it due to the increased playing time he should receive in Kansas City.

The Sox skipper also said that he expects Theo Epstein to be busy leading up to Sunday's trade deadline, although he doesn't think there will be any major changes made to the current roster.

To hear what else Francona had to say about the trade, as well as Tom Caron's and Jim Rice's expectations for the Red Sox leading up to the deadline, check out the video above.