2:44 p.m.: There will be a doubleheader Saturday while Hurricane Earl heads off to sea, according to word in the press box. Still awaiting official announcement. Not a big surprise. The southern coast of New England is beginning to get licked with hard rain and it will be a wet night in Boston.
As we sit here Josh Beckett and John Lackey are playing catch in right field and Clay Buchholz is throwing in the bullpen. He will likely go in the opener of the twinbill with Lackey scheduled for the nightcap.
Once we know for sure we will let you know.
12:40 p.m.: If you are looking for a visual of what is on its way, check out this latest radar image. Still no word from team officials. The rain is supposed to begin within the hour, according to some forecasts.
I'll be heading in to the park in a bit and will update you with what I hear once I arrive. Doesn't look good, but you never know if things will shift.
11:40 a.m.: The latest from the National Weather Service says that Friday night features a 90 percent chance of rain and that rainfall could total up to two inches. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. The heavy stuff is supposed to start falling just around 6 p.m. Does not sound ideal for baseball.
There has been no weather update from the team. When we get one we will pass it along to you. Check back periodically and if you are going to the game, prepare for the worst.
8 a.m.: The Red Sox begin a crucial homestand Friday night by welcoming in Manny Ramirez and the Chicago White Sox. They may be dodging the rain drops, too.
While Ramirez will draw plenty of attention the effects of Hurricane Earl off the Atlantic coast could make for a pretty wet night.
If and when they play baseball, the Sox will be going for their third straight win and they will have Clay Buchholz on the mound, a pretty good formula to keep a mild amount of pressure on the Tampa Bay Rays, who lead the wild card over Boston by six-and-a-half games.
John Danks will be starting for Chicago. The White Sox have won three in a row of their own and remain within striking distance in the American League Central.
Provided the rain is not too significant, first pitch will be at 7:10 p.m.
