When I look through the Sox starting rotation, I know that I should feel pretty good about the guys they have. Look at the names: Beckett, Lackey, Lester, Buchholz, Matsuzaka. Throw into the equation that spring training starts literally mean nothing, and what are you left with? Gut feeling and that is all.
Having Matsuzaka as your number 5 guy is impressive. Was he good last year? For a number 5, he was fine. You'd like to see more innings from him, but 9-6 with a mid-4's ERA is not terrible. Again...for a number 5. And does last year's performance mean anything this year? Not really. The Sox have made some tweaks in his regimen. Now it is wait and see.
Lester has developed into one of the premiere left-handers in the game. He's the one guy the Sox can hang their hat on.
Buchholz emerged last year as the clear number two in the Sox rotation. But, like Dice-K, he is still an unknown.
The clearest part of this puzzle is that the Sox need more from Beckett. Lackey, despite local criticism, had a typical Lackey year. I think, with his associated price tag and previous playoff hype, Sox fans expected a number 1 when he arrived. But, Beckett's season last year was abysmal by Beckett standards. He hasn't had a great spring training, either. But, as stated above, spring training means nothing. The Sox can't have another year of 6-6 with an ERA near 6 if they expect to make a series run. The need a healthy Beckett.
This rotation could go either way. It has the potential to be the deepest in the majors. It also has the potential to be middle of the pack.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Down the Line - Sox Dcoumentary
I had read some good stuff about this documentary (now airing in mlb network) about the behind the scenes work of the Fenway Park workers. I was pretty happy to sit down and watch given that baseball season can't come soon enough.
Some pretty good stuff, mostly about how the clubhouse kids work silly hours to basically clean the spikes of the players and unpack their bags when returning from a road trip.
My real problem with the show was the complete fictional timeline the producers create. Granted, I am nitpicking here. The real story is about the dedicated employees who are probably underpaid, overworked,etc. But if the producers are going to pretend that this is a "real" timeline, then make it a real timeline.
The documentary starts with rain coming down and the tagline "2:32:Red Sox due home from West Coast trip any minute."
Then they proceed to tell how the guys work all night to get ready for the game the next day. Cut to Fenway park "the next day." And they show pregame coverage of the game. Batting practice, fans mulling about the Stadium. In the footage, the CF scoreboard clearly shows the date as July 15, 2010 (more on that later). The "game" proceeds. Wake takes his warm ups, their is a rain delay, and the Sox win in the 11th.
All good, except
Returning from a West Coast trip? July 15 was the first game after the All Star break.
July 15 was started by Wake. But the Sox lost.
The Sox did win a game vs TEX on the play they showed (a Youk walk off Sac Fly), but that was July 17. There was even a fan in the pregame coverage carrying a Cliff Lee sign, which makes since as Lee was the pitcher in the Saturday the 17th game.
So why did the producers have to take liberties with the facts? Did they not think people could check this stuff? Silly.
Other than that? Decent stuff.
Oh and why is mlb2K11 showing Longoria as this big time HR hitter? I mean, you had, what 22 HR. Same as JD Drew.
Some pretty good stuff, mostly about how the clubhouse kids work silly hours to basically clean the spikes of the players and unpack their bags when returning from a road trip.
My real problem with the show was the complete fictional timeline the producers create. Granted, I am nitpicking here. The real story is about the dedicated employees who are probably underpaid, overworked,etc. But if the producers are going to pretend that this is a "real" timeline, then make it a real timeline.
The documentary starts with rain coming down and the tagline "2:32:Red Sox due home from West Coast trip any minute."
Then they proceed to tell how the guys work all night to get ready for the game the next day. Cut to Fenway park "the next day." And they show pregame coverage of the game. Batting practice, fans mulling about the Stadium. In the footage, the CF scoreboard clearly shows the date as July 15, 2010 (more on that later). The "game" proceeds. Wake takes his warm ups, their is a rain delay, and the Sox win in the 11th.
All good, except
Returning from a West Coast trip? July 15 was the first game after the All Star break.
July 15 was started by Wake. But the Sox lost.
The Sox did win a game vs TEX on the play they showed (a Youk walk off Sac Fly), but that was July 17. There was even a fan in the pregame coverage carrying a Cliff Lee sign, which makes since as Lee was the pitcher in the Saturday the 17th game.
So why did the producers have to take liberties with the facts? Did they not think people could check this stuff? Silly.
Other than that? Decent stuff.
Oh and why is mlb2K11 showing Longoria as this big time HR hitter? I mean, you had, what 22 HR. Same as JD Drew.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Excited?
Wow...despite the new additions to the Sox, I just can't seem to muster any excitement, yet, for the upcoming season. I guess one might attribute it to the excitement around the Bruins, or maybe just the success of the Sox in general.
Could it be that rooting for a team like the Bruins reminds one of the 86-year struggle Sox fans went through? Is there more excitement in a team struggling to win rather than one that's recently won?
Or...
Is it the professional demeanor of the Sox?
Or...
Is it the band wagoners that are just enjoying the winning and buying all the tickets making it next to impossible for others to go?
I'll tell you what a big portion of it is for me (and LISTEN up Sox Front Office and NESN). It's the incessant advertising. In between almost every pitch the camera pans Fenway (or other ball park) and a burn appears on the screen. Orsillo or Remy's voice reads the copy. Or...Friday night games...Not only do you get the countless commercials, but you get the booth guests.
It is NOT the speed of the game. If allowed, Remy and Orsillo could lay out strategies and options for the next pitch. The director would not cut 10-12 times in between each pitch (except to maybe show player positioning and pitch calling).
Nope...the Sox have commercialized the game to death. I understand that they need revenue to compete. I guess. I do make the trips to the New York area (family down there), and I'll watch the Yankees or Mets games. Aside from the fact that their announcers aren't very good, you at least don't get killed with non-stop product placement. One can't enjoy the game when one feels they are watching 3 hours of commercials. It isn't cohesive. The game has a flow that NESN and the Sox don't want to get across on television. They are too busy trying to suck pennies from their viewers.
The Bruins games have very little of this. The games keep moving. The announcers provide great play-by-play and thorough analysis. The Sox brass have made big moves to bring back TV viewers by acquiring players. They should look, however, at their over-advertising as the next move. Maybe then, we can start to enjoy the televised games.
Could it be that rooting for a team like the Bruins reminds one of the 86-year struggle Sox fans went through? Is there more excitement in a team struggling to win rather than one that's recently won?
Or...
Is it the professional demeanor of the Sox?
Or...
Is it the band wagoners that are just enjoying the winning and buying all the tickets making it next to impossible for others to go?
I'll tell you what a big portion of it is for me (and LISTEN up Sox Front Office and NESN). It's the incessant advertising. In between almost every pitch the camera pans Fenway (or other ball park) and a burn appears on the screen. Orsillo or Remy's voice reads the copy. Or...Friday night games...Not only do you get the countless commercials, but you get the booth guests.
It is NOT the speed of the game. If allowed, Remy and Orsillo could lay out strategies and options for the next pitch. The director would not cut 10-12 times in between each pitch (except to maybe show player positioning and pitch calling).
Nope...the Sox have commercialized the game to death. I understand that they need revenue to compete. I guess. I do make the trips to the New York area (family down there), and I'll watch the Yankees or Mets games. Aside from the fact that their announcers aren't very good, you at least don't get killed with non-stop product placement. One can't enjoy the game when one feels they are watching 3 hours of commercials. It isn't cohesive. The game has a flow that NESN and the Sox don't want to get across on television. They are too busy trying to suck pennies from their viewers.
The Bruins games have very little of this. The games keep moving. The announcers provide great play-by-play and thorough analysis. The Sox brass have made big moves to bring back TV viewers by acquiring players. They should look, however, at their over-advertising as the next move. Maybe then, we can start to enjoy the televised games.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Question Marks
There are a lot of people picking the Sox to do great things this year. Articles spray the net...Do they have the best pitching staff? Is their lineup better than the Yankees? Let's slow it down, boys. Spring training has just started.
Not to sound jaded, but...
Ellsbury is coming of a full year of injuries.
Pedroia's foot is NOT 100 percent, and he will likely miss time this year.
Drew is already hurt and the Boston Globe had an article about him speaking of retirement DURING SPRING TRAINING!
Gonzalez, one of the big studs in the lineup, is coming off shoulder surgery.
Those are four big question marks for the lineup.
For the pitching...
Lackey is basically what we saw last year. Do not expect major improvements. He won't be the top guy in the rotation, AND he might be your number four starter.
Beckett is coming off a terrible year.
Daisuke is Daisuke.
That leaves the non-question marks as Lester and Buchholz.
Don't get me wrong. This team is stacked IF healthy. To me, though, it is too early to be crowning them the AL East champs.
Not to sound jaded, but...
Ellsbury is coming of a full year of injuries.
Pedroia's foot is NOT 100 percent, and he will likely miss time this year.
Drew is already hurt and the Boston Globe had an article about him speaking of retirement DURING SPRING TRAINING!
Gonzalez, one of the big studs in the lineup, is coming off shoulder surgery.
Those are four big question marks for the lineup.
For the pitching...
Lackey is basically what we saw last year. Do not expect major improvements. He won't be the top guy in the rotation, AND he might be your number four starter.
Beckett is coming off a terrible year.
Daisuke is Daisuke.
That leaves the non-question marks as Lester and Buchholz.
Don't get me wrong. This team is stacked IF healthy. To me, though, it is too early to be crowning them the AL East champs.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Is Boston Ready To Go?
Wow...as soon as the money is off the books, the Sox spent it. Good for them. Let's face it, the Yankees (despite losing to Texas in the playoffs) still have a hell of a team. Add to it the fact that the Rays are stacked, and the Sox had to do something to remain relevant in the AL East.
The offensive side of the ball is pretty much set for the Sox. Projected lineup:
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Crawford LF
Youk 3B
Gonzalez 1B
Ortiz DH
Drew RF
Scutaro SS
Saltalamacchia C
Despite being HEAVILY left-handed, this is a very potent and YOUNG lineup. You have two guys with 50+ stolen base capability, and three legit sluggers.
Now to the pitching. The starting rotation was supposed to be a strength for this team last year, but basically failed on most accounts. I am still wary of this rotation despite the names.
Beckett
Lackey
Lester
Buchholz
Matsuzaka
Beckett and Lackey last year were not dependable. Beckett started 21 games going 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA and gave up 151 hits in 127 and 2/3 innings. Lackey was durable throwing the most innings by any starter. He was 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA. Maybe the expectations were too high for him going into last season. But he was considered the 1 or 2 in the rotation originally. He was number 3 at best. At $17MM, is it not fair to expect more?
Lester and Buchholz were brilliant. Lester threw 208 innings, posted a 19-9 record with 225Ks, and a 3.25 ERA. Buchholz was 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA in just over 175 innings. Similar years are expected from both.
Matsuzaka was not great, but he is a number 5 starter that would be a 3 or 4 on most other teams, so it is difficult to complain about him in the larger picture.
Your rotation should lineup:
Lester
Buchholz
Lackey
Beckett
Matsuzaka
However, there is no way that Francona makes Beckett the number 4. Not that it matters much once you get past that first part of the season.
There is no bullpen to speak of at the moment. Bard should only improve over his very good year as a setup man. Papelbon better come in prepared this year or he'll lose that coveted closer spot to Bard. He blew 8 saves last year, and the clean innings were few if any. Maybe the competition will be good for him. Maybe not. Another proven setup man would be the way to go for the Sox making Wakefield and a Michael Bowden type the long men in the pen.
The lineup? Great
Starting Pitching? Good
Bullpen? Problematic
The offensive side of the ball is pretty much set for the Sox. Projected lineup:
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Crawford LF
Youk 3B
Gonzalez 1B
Ortiz DH
Drew RF
Scutaro SS
Saltalamacchia C
Despite being HEAVILY left-handed, this is a very potent and YOUNG lineup. You have two guys with 50+ stolen base capability, and three legit sluggers.
Now to the pitching. The starting rotation was supposed to be a strength for this team last year, but basically failed on most accounts. I am still wary of this rotation despite the names.
Beckett
Lackey
Lester
Buchholz
Matsuzaka
Beckett and Lackey last year were not dependable. Beckett started 21 games going 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA and gave up 151 hits in 127 and 2/3 innings. Lackey was durable throwing the most innings by any starter. He was 14-11 with a 4.40 ERA. Maybe the expectations were too high for him going into last season. But he was considered the 1 or 2 in the rotation originally. He was number 3 at best. At $17MM, is it not fair to expect more?
Lester and Buchholz were brilliant. Lester threw 208 innings, posted a 19-9 record with 225Ks, and a 3.25 ERA. Buchholz was 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA in just over 175 innings. Similar years are expected from both.
Matsuzaka was not great, but he is a number 5 starter that would be a 3 or 4 on most other teams, so it is difficult to complain about him in the larger picture.
Your rotation should lineup:
Lester
Buchholz
Lackey
Beckett
Matsuzaka
However, there is no way that Francona makes Beckett the number 4. Not that it matters much once you get past that first part of the season.
There is no bullpen to speak of at the moment. Bard should only improve over his very good year as a setup man. Papelbon better come in prepared this year or he'll lose that coveted closer spot to Bard. He blew 8 saves last year, and the clean innings were few if any. Maybe the competition will be good for him. Maybe not. Another proven setup man would be the way to go for the Sox making Wakefield and a Michael Bowden type the long men in the pen.
The lineup? Great
Starting Pitching? Good
Bullpen? Problematic
Monday, August 30, 2010
It Ain't Over Til...wait, it is over
Last night's loss to the Rays pretty much ended the run for the 2010 Boston Red Sox. What is left to say except that they fared better than I initially thought?
This is a team that truly was not built for the playoffs. Unfortunately, many got caught up in chasing an expensive, yet underbuilt team. I know I'll take some criticism for this, but it is true. Don't think so?
How many thought Beltre would have this year? Not many. If you thought the front office did, you're crazy. They were looking for a one year guy to get them through.
How many thought Bill Hall would have the numbers? Not many.
Granted injuries have played a major role, but I still contend that this team was not a contender. Here's the early lineup:
Ellsbury
Pedroia
V-Mart
Youk
Ortiz
Beltre
Drew
Scutaro
Cameron
Bounce the last two all over the lineup if you like. The fact of the matter is that Beltre was predicted to be this good. Ortiz has far exceeded expectations. They got LUCKY.
The bullpen has been a mess since day one.
The strength was to be starting pitching.
Beckett
Lester
Lackey
Daisuke
Buchholz
That IS a hell of a rotation. But let's consider that NO ONE was sure about Daisuke and Buchholz and the strength was in the top three. Lester is the only one worthy out of three of any praise.
Still, no one will argue (even when the Sox team is fully healthy) that the Yankees lineup is not far superior. Then go through the rotations. Then go through the bullpens.
Then take the Rays. Go through their lineup. Go through their rotation. Go through their pen.
This Sox team just isn't good enough. Even healthy, I would put forth that they would be in a similar position. Take the paper and pen away for a second and LOOK at the games against the "upper crust". The Sox look outclassed.
So what is the plan going forward....Let's discuss.
This is a team that truly was not built for the playoffs. Unfortunately, many got caught up in chasing an expensive, yet underbuilt team. I know I'll take some criticism for this, but it is true. Don't think so?
How many thought Beltre would have this year? Not many. If you thought the front office did, you're crazy. They were looking for a one year guy to get them through.
How many thought Bill Hall would have the numbers? Not many.
Granted injuries have played a major role, but I still contend that this team was not a contender. Here's the early lineup:
Ellsbury
Pedroia
V-Mart
Youk
Ortiz
Beltre
Drew
Scutaro
Cameron
Bounce the last two all over the lineup if you like. The fact of the matter is that Beltre was predicted to be this good. Ortiz has far exceeded expectations. They got LUCKY.
The bullpen has been a mess since day one.
The strength was to be starting pitching.
Beckett
Lester
Lackey
Daisuke
Buchholz
That IS a hell of a rotation. But let's consider that NO ONE was sure about Daisuke and Buchholz and the strength was in the top three. Lester is the only one worthy out of three of any praise.
Still, no one will argue (even when the Sox team is fully healthy) that the Yankees lineup is not far superior. Then go through the rotations. Then go through the bullpens.
Then take the Rays. Go through their lineup. Go through their rotation. Go through their pen.
This Sox team just isn't good enough. Even healthy, I would put forth that they would be in a similar position. Take the paper and pen away for a second and LOOK at the games against the "upper crust". The Sox look outclassed.
So what is the plan going forward....Let's discuss.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Happy New Year
Happy New Year GYS! I couldn't help but share this AWESOME painting by Veron Wells Jr. Yes, he is related to Veron Wells III who plays CF for the Toronto BJs. Thanks to Jeff Passan's informative summary of Toronto's off-season moves, I am a much happier man.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Not Just a Lackey, but no Halladay
Maybe Roy wasn't available to the Sox. Maybe Bay said privately to Theo that there was no way he would come back to Boston. Maybe we'll never know exactly the reasoning behind all these things. But what we should know as Sox fans is that with these types of moves, you are getting less than you are led to believe.
I've heard the Boston spin that Lackey has post-season experience and that he has 500-less innings on his arm than Halladay. Let's face it, though. He ain't Halladay. I don't even think he's Sabathia or Beckett.
The Sox will reportedly be paying $17MM/year for a guy who will fit into the top 3 in your rotation, but isn't an ace. Will the Sox be formidable with Beckett, Lester, and Lackey? Absolutely. There will probably not be many extended losing streaks. And the Sox might be banking on the "just get to the playoffs" where pitching wins scenario. Would those three in the playoffs be difficult? Again, absolutely.
However, (and I am not falling back into the pre-2004 mind frame here, just reality), there is a team in the Bronx through which other teams must go. I hate to say it but Sabathia is better than any of the Sox top pitchers (Lackey included). Burnett proved he is a strong post-season guy. And Pettitte is ridiculous (and mostly untouchable) in the post-season. Add to this the Yankees lineup, and the Sox are up against it before they start.
This is compounded by their current roster. They've agreed to a contract with Cameron, which pretty much rules out Bay. In Cameron, they've acquired a veteran who is on the wrong side of 35. So here's the projected lineup:
Ellsbury
Pedroia
Papi
Youk
Martinez
Drew
Cameron
Lowell
Scutaro
While on paper it isn't bad, there are lots of questions marks and an astounding lack of run producers (especially for the last 4 names in the lineup). It is clear the Sox are focusing on strong pitching and defense, a philosophy that did not work out well for them in the past. In the AL you need pitching, defense, AND offense.
They, of course, might be moving Lowell (if he passes his physical). They aren't getting a guy that will help this year. My overall feeling is that they signed Lackey for beyond this year, not necessarily to make the big splash. By losing Bay and signing Lackey, I feel like the Sox will be as competitive as last year. They will be competitive against good pitching as they'll be able to matchup well up and down the rotation. However, they won't score (much like last year) against good pitching.
Most writers are saying "maybe this isn't a bridge year after all". I disagree.
I've heard the Boston spin that Lackey has post-season experience and that he has 500-less innings on his arm than Halladay. Let's face it, though. He ain't Halladay. I don't even think he's Sabathia or Beckett.
The Sox will reportedly be paying $17MM/year for a guy who will fit into the top 3 in your rotation, but isn't an ace. Will the Sox be formidable with Beckett, Lester, and Lackey? Absolutely. There will probably not be many extended losing streaks. And the Sox might be banking on the "just get to the playoffs" where pitching wins scenario. Would those three in the playoffs be difficult? Again, absolutely.
However, (and I am not falling back into the pre-2004 mind frame here, just reality), there is a team in the Bronx through which other teams must go. I hate to say it but Sabathia is better than any of the Sox top pitchers (Lackey included). Burnett proved he is a strong post-season guy. And Pettitte is ridiculous (and mostly untouchable) in the post-season. Add to this the Yankees lineup, and the Sox are up against it before they start.
This is compounded by their current roster. They've agreed to a contract with Cameron, which pretty much rules out Bay. In Cameron, they've acquired a veteran who is on the wrong side of 35. So here's the projected lineup:
Ellsbury
Pedroia
Papi
Youk
Martinez
Drew
Cameron
Lowell
Scutaro
While on paper it isn't bad, there are lots of questions marks and an astounding lack of run producers (especially for the last 4 names in the lineup). It is clear the Sox are focusing on strong pitching and defense, a philosophy that did not work out well for them in the past. In the AL you need pitching, defense, AND offense.
They, of course, might be moving Lowell (if he passes his physical). They aren't getting a guy that will help this year. My overall feeling is that they signed Lackey for beyond this year, not necessarily to make the big splash. By losing Bay and signing Lackey, I feel like the Sox will be as competitive as last year. They will be competitive against good pitching as they'll be able to matchup well up and down the rotation. However, they won't score (much like last year) against good pitching.
Most writers are saying "maybe this isn't a bridge year after all". I disagree.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Granderson to Yanks
It might be just me, but this one just makes me yawn? If Granderson takes Damon's place, frankly, that is a downgrade. Not to mention that Granderson can't hit lefties and has been in a steep two year decline. Okay, so he *might* bounce back playing in that tiny ball park. But he might not. We know what Damon could/did do. so for now, they have downgraded.
That being said, my gut tells me they aren't done. Melky, well, he kind of sucks. So they probably will sign Bay or Holliday and dump Melky for some middle reliever. And they will do it after one of Bay or Holliday has signed somewhere else, leaving the Sox no option and fueling the end of the world discussions in Boston, WEEI, etc.
Put another log on the hot stove Theo. Its about to get real chilly in Boston.
That being said, my gut tells me they aren't done. Melky, well, he kind of sucks. So they probably will sign Bay or Holliday and dump Melky for some middle reliever. And they will do it after one of Bay or Holliday has signed somewhere else, leaving the Sox no option and fueling the end of the world discussions in Boston, WEEI, etc.
Put another log on the hot stove Theo. Its about to get real chilly in Boston.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Scutaro. Done deal.
So it looks like I was dead wrong on this one. MLB.com is reporting its official. A two year deal, no financial terms reported yet. It will probably be out there by the time you East Coast guys are up, but nothing now. Two years is better than three. And they supposedly are really high on this 19 year old Dominican kid they signed (Iglesias) and think he could be ready in two years. So I guess it fits. Plus, he can play some other positions in case of injury or the emergence of Lowrie as a stud, Scutaro could then be a super sub. I'm surprised that this one happened so quickly.
I don't love signing a guy off a career year. That said, I don't think the difference between the Sox being good and the Sox being great next year, will come down to who is playing SS and batting 8th or 9th. They need offensive consistency. And need better production in the 3-4 spot in the rotation, whether its Dice-K, Bucholz or getting Halladay or maybe even a guy like Randy Wolf (if they move Clay to get a bat.)
I don't love signing a guy off a career year. That said, I don't think the difference between the Sox being good and the Sox being great next year, will come down to who is playing SS and batting 8th or 9th. They need offensive consistency. And need better production in the 3-4 spot in the rotation, whether its Dice-K, Bucholz or getting Halladay or maybe even a guy like Randy Wolf (if they move Clay to get a bat.)
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