Again, it’s a little telling that the remaining Sox players are not as into Twitter these days. When the team wins, the players seem to tweet more. When they lose, they are silent. So, there’s not too many tweets for this week. Enjoy the ones we have:
8/24
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Was good to see @davidortiz back out there… Keepin it gangster like always. lol
8/25
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Wife screams thought she saw a mouse and bam instead Mr. Scorpion was in our fruit dish #notfun #heeeegon pic.twitter.com/ZZmgw9X9
Colin Hanks @ColinHanks
On the day the #SFGiants are FINALLY the Saturday afternoon game here in SoCal, the Dodgers scream “pay attention to MEEEEEEE!”
8/26
Daniel Nava @dnavs33
Wish @adriangon28 @Shredderpunto JB and CC all the best in LA! It was a pleasure being teammates with y’all!!!
David Ortiz @davidortiz
It was great to hang out with one of my favorite Olympian… Aly AZGUkHdd
8/27
Andrew Bailey @AndrewBailey40
Great win today, let’s keep it going on the west coast! #RedSoxNation
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
A tweet from 30000 feet #baffledahockedawesome
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
My spelling is a bit terrible sometimes #baffledahockedawesome
Mike Aviles @Themikeaviles
@middlebrooks stop fishing for compliments
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
“@Themikeaviles: @middlebrooks stop fishing for compliments pic.twitter.com/
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Hah aim not! Thought it was funny tho lol RT @Themikeaviles: @middlebrooks stop fishing for compliments
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Not @Themikeaviles RT @kkemp_17: @middlebrooks who’s your best friend on the team??
8/28
Chris Carpenter @CCarp66
Gotta luv the random guy walkin n ur hotel room at 1:30am looks shocked n says “am I n the wrong room?” thnx 4 that awkward moment marriot..
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
The only negative to being a man is as you get older hair starts growing where u don’t want it! #earsnoseandback I just pulled out 2 ear hairs
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
“@alannarizzo: @KMillar15- TMI way too early 1-5. “I’m sorry but so damn true! Also cheer up I know ur Rockies won 10-0…”
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Good to be back home in CA for the Angels series. Let’s keep the wins coming.
8/29
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Taking trash out and can’t stop humming “Baseball apple pie Chevrolet”
8/30
Cody Ross @IamCodyRoss
WTF is this?? @JacobyEllsbury @Themikeaviles Whoever can come up with the best caption gets a RT. Pic.twitter.com/TOVs7oyN
And my favorite quote of the week:
8/27
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
I need to get back out on the field…. I’m not pretty enough to be a cheerleader.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
0 %
The Red Sox have a 0% chance of making the playoffs, according to Baseball Prospectus. With the big trade this weekend, it's pretty easy to say that the Sox won't be playing with the same drive as some of the contenders. Instead, we'll be seeing players that we may not have seen or considered in the past.
Jose Iglesias, the "shortstop of the future," who never seems to be hitting well enough to make it to the Majors, played last night; he went 0-for-4. RHP Zach Stewart, who the Red Sox acquired in the Kevin Youkilis trade, will make his starting debut today. The Red Sox's roster now consist of so many players that started the season in the minors, it hardly feels like the Red Sox we've known in the past.
Instead, we are watching the Red Sox of the future today. These are players who should still be in Triple-A for one reason or another (not enough experience, needs to work on something, etc.). But, on the other hand, we are seeing players with potential and not just players who are here today or all-stars in the past. There is hope... just not for this season.
Jose Iglesias, the "shortstop of the future," who never seems to be hitting well enough to make it to the Majors, played last night; he went 0-for-4. RHP Zach Stewart, who the Red Sox acquired in the Kevin Youkilis trade, will make his starting debut today. The Red Sox's roster now consist of so many players that started the season in the minors, it hardly feels like the Red Sox we've known in the past.
Instead, we are watching the Red Sox of the future today. These are players who should still be in Triple-A for one reason or another (not enough experience, needs to work on something, etc.). But, on the other hand, we are seeing players with potential and not just players who are here today or all-stars in the past. There is hope... just not for this season.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Gonzalez, Crawford, Beckett, and Punto Gone
If you’re interested in sports, particularly baseball, I’m sure you’ve heard about the major trade the Red Sox and Dodgers pulled off this weekend. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, and Nick Punto (along with $11-12 million, depending on which source you use) were sent to the Dodgers for first baseman James Loney and four prospects. The Sox shredded around $250 million from their payroll over the next 6 years by doing this.
I would be lying if I said I was happy about the trade. While Gonzalez wasn’t hitting the home runs like people thought he would’ve in Boston, he was a plus-300 average hitter, lead the American League in doubles, was probably the most solid defensive first baseman in the league, and generally had a good attitude (well, there was some debate about that over the last few weeks). But, I feel like the Red Sox gave up too much when they traded the Padres for Gonzalez. Remember, they sent Anthony Rizzo (now seen as a savior-like player for the Cubs), and Casey Kelly (who will be starting for the Padres today).
Crawford got a bad rap in Boston. Last year was difficult for him, and it seemed a lot of his uneasiness came from playing for Francona; the two just never seemed to click. In the limited games Crawford played this year, while injured, he was impressive.
Punto… well, I was happy to see him and his .200 batting average leave.
Beckett’s probably the player that needed to go the most but who I really did not want to leave. I understand his issues with his attitude, his inability to pitch well this year (though, he never seems to pitch well on even-numbered years, if you check the stats), his inability to lead an already dysfunctional pitching staff, etc. But, Beckett’s been there the longest. It’s hard to see him go while someone like John Lackey is still sitting on the Red Sox bench.
I’m not sure what the Red Sox are going to do in the coming months with so much payroll to work with now. Essentially, they’ll the following players for next season: first baseman, shortstop, right-fielder, left-fielder, and at least two starting pitchers (to replace Beckett and Matsuzaka, whose contract is up after this season). Ellsbury status with the team is also in question, as his contract ends after next season and his agent is Scott Boras. Might also be seeing Ellsbury traded in the offseason… and there have been some rumors about Lester being moved as well.
Two things that I think the Red Sox will do this offseason are sign David Ortiz and Cody Ross. Ortiz, I believe, will get a one-year contract. He’s already said that he is planning on retiring after next season, and this year has been an injury-year for Ortiz (rumor is he will return to the disabled list today and could be out the rest of the season). I think Ross should be signed to a 2-3 year deal. He’s proven that he can play in Boston, and he has the type of attitude this team needs.
I was very agitated when I heard about this trade Friday because I felt like the ownership and Cherington were basically saying that they have given up for this year (as they should) and the next 2-3 years. The more I think about it, the more I feel like it was something the team had to do. They had to clean up Epstein’s mistakes (the high-priced contracts of Beckett, Crawford, and Gonzalez). I’m hoping this move turns out well in the end, but it’s still hard to comprehend exactly what the future holds for this Red Sox team.
Below are tweets the traded Red Sox players sent out on Saturday, once the trade was final. I find it a little interesting that Josh Beckett joined Twitter on Saturday as well.
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Thanks to Red Sox nation for everything. You guys are great!
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Excited to get back to Cali and be part of the Dodgertown!
Josh Beckett @beck19bb
Hey this is josh beckett Just set this up to say thanks to the great fans of #redsox nation I enjoyed the good times we had
Josh Beckett @beck19bb
Even in the tough times I ran into so many wonderful people that were so awesome I’m Greatly appreciative to all of you #redsox nation fans
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Thanks to all the fans of #Red Sox nation, also thank you to all my teammates, coach’s and staff.
I would be lying if I said I was happy about the trade. While Gonzalez wasn’t hitting the home runs like people thought he would’ve in Boston, he was a plus-300 average hitter, lead the American League in doubles, was probably the most solid defensive first baseman in the league, and generally had a good attitude (well, there was some debate about that over the last few weeks). But, I feel like the Red Sox gave up too much when they traded the Padres for Gonzalez. Remember, they sent Anthony Rizzo (now seen as a savior-like player for the Cubs), and Casey Kelly (who will be starting for the Padres today).
Crawford got a bad rap in Boston. Last year was difficult for him, and it seemed a lot of his uneasiness came from playing for Francona; the two just never seemed to click. In the limited games Crawford played this year, while injured, he was impressive.
Punto… well, I was happy to see him and his .200 batting average leave.
Beckett’s probably the player that needed to go the most but who I really did not want to leave. I understand his issues with his attitude, his inability to pitch well this year (though, he never seems to pitch well on even-numbered years, if you check the stats), his inability to lead an already dysfunctional pitching staff, etc. But, Beckett’s been there the longest. It’s hard to see him go while someone like John Lackey is still sitting on the Red Sox bench.
I’m not sure what the Red Sox are going to do in the coming months with so much payroll to work with now. Essentially, they’ll the following players for next season: first baseman, shortstop, right-fielder, left-fielder, and at least two starting pitchers (to replace Beckett and Matsuzaka, whose contract is up after this season). Ellsbury status with the team is also in question, as his contract ends after next season and his agent is Scott Boras. Might also be seeing Ellsbury traded in the offseason… and there have been some rumors about Lester being moved as well.
Two things that I think the Red Sox will do this offseason are sign David Ortiz and Cody Ross. Ortiz, I believe, will get a one-year contract. He’s already said that he is planning on retiring after next season, and this year has been an injury-year for Ortiz (rumor is he will return to the disabled list today and could be out the rest of the season). I think Ross should be signed to a 2-3 year deal. He’s proven that he can play in Boston, and he has the type of attitude this team needs.
I was very agitated when I heard about this trade Friday because I felt like the ownership and Cherington were basically saying that they have given up for this year (as they should) and the next 2-3 years. The more I think about it, the more I feel like it was something the team had to do. They had to clean up Epstein’s mistakes (the high-priced contracts of Beckett, Crawford, and Gonzalez). I’m hoping this move turns out well in the end, but it’s still hard to comprehend exactly what the future holds for this Red Sox team.
Below are tweets the traded Red Sox players sent out on Saturday, once the trade was final. I find it a little interesting that Josh Beckett joined Twitter on Saturday as well.
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Thanks to Red Sox nation for everything. You guys are great!
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Excited to get back to Cali and be part of the Dodgertown!
Josh Beckett @beck19bb
Hey this is josh beckett Just set this up to say thanks to the great fans of #redsox nation I enjoyed the good times we had
Josh Beckett @beck19bb
Even in the tough times I ran into so many wonderful people that were so awesome I’m Greatly appreciative to all of you #redsox nation fans
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Thanks to all the fans of #Red Sox nation, also thank you to all my teammates, coach’s and staff.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Twitter-Mania Friday!!!
It’s been a pretty depressing week regarding the Red Sox. I’ve noticed that the players don’t really tweet when bad things are happening (team losing, controversy, etc.). The only player who is on the active-Major League roster to tweet something worthwhile was Andrew Bailey. So, basically here are some tweets more about the Red Sox than from the Red Sox themselves…
8/18
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
The Angels 2002 W.S. team was introduced pre-game really cool ceremony can’t believe it was 10yrs ago. Wasn’t the best looking team!!! #Heeeeem
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Big win today. Always love beating the Yankees. #RedSoxNation
8/19
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
If any of my tweets upset you tonight, those were the ones Kelly Shoppach told me to write. Just so you know.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
This confuses me. Fan throws back Gonzo’s HR ball. Ichiro throws it to another fan and that guy can keep it? How come?
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I am devastated… Sat on my glasses doing some serious damage to them… @CCarp66 says he can fix them tomorrow… Until then I mourn
8/20
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Ready to go see what the #Patriots and @Ryan_Mallet_15 are all about tonight!
MLB @MLB
Joba Chamberlain has a hard time finding the plate against Kevin Youkilis: atmlb.com/NCIgIV
8/21
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
All the #redsox will wear No. 6 tonight in memory of Johnny Pesky.
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Stress can wear you down… Quickkk. Need to catch some z’s… zzz zzz zzz
8/22
Andrew Bailey @AndrewBailey40
Thanks to the @bosoxclub for having me at the luncheon today!! It was great to meet with all the fans that attended.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
The Red Sox now trail Seattle in the wild card standings.
And my favorite tweet of the week:
8/22
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
I think the substance Cabrera and Colon have tested positive for are stupid pills. Are these guys for real?
8/18
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
The Angels 2002 W.S. team was introduced pre-game really cool ceremony can’t believe it was 10yrs ago. Wasn’t the best looking team!!! #Heeeeem
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Big win today. Always love beating the Yankees. #RedSoxNation
8/19
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
If any of my tweets upset you tonight, those were the ones Kelly Shoppach told me to write. Just so you know.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
This confuses me. Fan throws back Gonzo’s HR ball. Ichiro throws it to another fan and that guy can keep it? How come?
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I am devastated… Sat on my glasses doing some serious damage to them… @CCarp66 says he can fix them tomorrow… Until then I mourn
8/20
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Ready to go see what the #Patriots and @Ryan_Mallet_15 are all about tonight!
MLB @MLB
Joba Chamberlain has a hard time finding the plate against Kevin Youkilis: atmlb.com/NCIgIV
8/21
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
All the #redsox will wear No. 6 tonight in memory of Johnny Pesky.
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Stress can wear you down… Quickkk. Need to catch some z’s… zzz zzz zzz
8/22
Andrew Bailey @AndrewBailey40
Thanks to the @bosoxclub for having me at the luncheon today!! It was great to meet with all the fans that attended.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
The Red Sox now trail Seattle in the wild card standings.
And my favorite tweet of the week:
8/22
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
I think the substance Cabrera and Colon have tested positive for are stupid pills. Are these guys for real?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Boston Globe Baseball Quiz
So, I was content with having just the one, two-sentence post for today, until I saw that The Boston Globe had a short quiz on their Extra Bases page. So, here are the questions with my answers:
Question 1: If you could meet any one player in baseball history, who would it be?
My great-grandfather, Al Van Camp. He passed away four years before I was born. I would ask him what it was like to play in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s and what it was like to meet and play with legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gherig (barnstormers’ teams).
Question 2: Who is your favorite non-Red Sox player in the Majors now?
Well, if I didn’t say Bronson Arroyo, I would be lying; still enjoy watching him pitch and having his leg fly higher than I would ever imagine my own going. For a non-Red Sox-ever-affiliated-player… Josh Hamilton. It’s more because I read his book and was impressed by how far he’s come to achieve what he’s achieved now.
Question 3: If you could pick any active pitcher to start Game 1 of the World Series, who would it be?
Roy Halladay. I had to make sure he was active, since he’s been on the disabled list for most of this season. Halladay’s always been one of those pitchers who I never wanted the Red Sox to face; he’s experienced and dominant.
Question 4: If you could attend one game in baseball history, which would it be?
The barnstormer game on October 17, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa between the Bustin Babes and Larrupin Lous. My great-grandfather was on the Bustin Babes; and in the picture, he is standing just to the left (viewer’s left) of Babe Ruth.
Question 5: If you could take any player in the Majors to add to the Red Sox roster, who would it be? Take age, salary, and health into account.
Stephen Strasburg. The team needs pitching, and they need young pitching. Strasburg is a Cy Young contender, young (24), and his salary is VERY affordable (signed a 4 yr/ $15.4 million contract in 2009), won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2014, and won’t be a free agent until 2017.
Question 1: If you could meet any one player in baseball history, who would it be?
My great-grandfather, Al Van Camp. He passed away four years before I was born. I would ask him what it was like to play in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s and what it was like to meet and play with legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gherig (barnstormers’ teams).
Question 2: Who is your favorite non-Red Sox player in the Majors now?
Well, if I didn’t say Bronson Arroyo, I would be lying; still enjoy watching him pitch and having his leg fly higher than I would ever imagine my own going. For a non-Red Sox-ever-affiliated-player… Josh Hamilton. It’s more because I read his book and was impressed by how far he’s come to achieve what he’s achieved now.
Question 3: If you could pick any active pitcher to start Game 1 of the World Series, who would it be?
Roy Halladay. I had to make sure he was active, since he’s been on the disabled list for most of this season. Halladay’s always been one of those pitchers who I never wanted the Red Sox to face; he’s experienced and dominant.
Question 4: If you could attend one game in baseball history, which would it be?
The barnstormer game on October 17, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa between the Bustin Babes and Larrupin Lous. My great-grandfather was on the Bustin Babes; and in the picture, he is standing just to the left (viewer’s left) of Babe Ruth.
Question 5: If you could take any player in the Majors to add to the Red Sox roster, who would it be? Take age, salary, and health into account.
Stephen Strasburg. The team needs pitching, and they need young pitching. Strasburg is a Cy Young contender, young (24), and his salary is VERY affordable (signed a 4 yr/ $15.4 million contract in 2009), won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2014, and won’t be a free agent until 2017.
2.3%
Just a quick update: the Red Sox now have a 2.3% chance of making the playoffs. At least there is still a chance!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Random Thoughts
* MLB blocked the Pesky tribute prior to the game last night, so I missed all of that. What I did see: all the Red Sox players wearing #6, the #6 in the outfield, and the Angels players wearing the patch in tribute to Pesky. I thought the whole thing was very thoughtful and respectful. I know the Red Sox had to get permission from MLB to all wear #6, and I’m glad MLB allowed it.
* I think the Matsuzaka pitching in Pawtucket last night was an imposter. Matsuzaka pitched 7+ innings, threw 102 pitches, only gave up 1 run, walked 4, and struck out 7? I might have to check those stats again.
* Wasn’t it last season the term “bridge year” was thrown about. I think the Sox should call this year the “bridge year.”
* Clayton Mortensen has done a really good job this year in relief, despite being bounced between Triple-A and the Majors. Do the Sox hold on to him in the off-season or trade him?
* I would really like to find the stat of how many times Joba Chamberlain has thrown at KevinYoukilis, and how many times he has actually hit Youk. I read the box-score for the White Sox-Yankees game yesterday and saw that Chamberlain had hit Youkilis. I did a quick Google search for the stats and didn’t find any results. You’d think after all these years, MLB would step in and start fining Chamberlain since it appears to be EVERY at-bat these two meet.
* Youkils got his revenge on the Yankees last night; he hit a grand slam.
* It’s been cooler here in Iowa this past week (short-lived), and the trees are starting to turn colors in my neighborhood. As much as I love baseball and will always be a baseball girl at heart, I’m excited for football season to start. New England Patriots and Iowa Hawkeyes are my teams (and I will root for the Iowa Stat Cyclones when they are not playing the Hawkeyes, since that’s where I graduated from).
* I think the Matsuzaka pitching in Pawtucket last night was an imposter. Matsuzaka pitched 7+ innings, threw 102 pitches, only gave up 1 run, walked 4, and struck out 7? I might have to check those stats again.
* Wasn’t it last season the term “bridge year” was thrown about. I think the Sox should call this year the “bridge year.”
* Clayton Mortensen has done a really good job this year in relief, despite being bounced between Triple-A and the Majors. Do the Sox hold on to him in the off-season or trade him?
* I would really like to find the stat of how many times Joba Chamberlain has thrown at KevinYoukilis, and how many times he has actually hit Youk. I read the box-score for the White Sox-Yankees game yesterday and saw that Chamberlain had hit Youkilis. I did a quick Google search for the stats and didn’t find any results. You’d think after all these years, MLB would step in and start fining Chamberlain since it appears to be EVERY at-bat these two meet.
* Youkils got his revenge on the Yankees last night; he hit a grand slam.
* It’s been cooler here in Iowa this past week (short-lived), and the trees are starting to turn colors in my neighborhood. As much as I love baseball and will always be a baseball girl at heart, I’m excited for football season to start. New England Patriots and Iowa Hawkeyes are my teams (and I will root for the Iowa Stat Cyclones when they are not playing the Hawkeyes, since that’s where I graduated from).
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Bob McClure Out, Randy Niemann In
I guess we’ll have to take this as the Red Sox executives having faith in Valentine. The Red Sox fired pitching coach Bob McClure yesterday and made Randy Niemann, the assistant pitching coach, the pitching coach for the rest of the season. Sox starting pitchers have a combined 4.82 ERA.
Yes, the pitching has been horrendous this season, and it’s really no wonder why the Red Sox are not winning more games. The Sox are 17-29 in games started by Lester and Beckett; that record should be at least reversed. Even if the Sox had won 50% of the games started by their two “aces,” they would be in 2 games above .500 and only 1 game out of the Wild Card race.
However, I believe this change is more of a boost of confidence for Valentine than showing the team and fans that changes are inevitable. McClure and Valentine really hadn’t gotten along well all season. In fact, I noticed many, MANY times when the cameras would pan to the dugout and McClure and Valentine weren’t even in the vicinity of one another. With a pitching staff having one of the worst seasons in recent memory, you would think the manger and pitching coach would be seen talking.
I had a lot of faith in McClure, and I’m not really sure why. It seems that whenever the Red Sox pick up the best pitching coach available (Curt Young last year, who had been the pitching coach for the A’s previously and is the A’s pitching coach again this year), the pitchers just can’t cut it. With McClure, I thought the Sox had a chance. After all, he had been the pitching coach in the Royals organization previously, and a lot of Zach Grienke’s success happened because of his work with McClure. The Sox really haven’t had a pitching coach who has stuck since John Farrell.
With Randy Niemann being promoted to pitching coach for the rest of the season, the Red Sox are essentially saying that Valentine is in for at least one more season. Niemann came to the Red Sox because of Valentine; they had worked together for 5 years with the Mets.
Will the Sox pitchers do better under Niemann than they did with McClure? I’m guessing no. What might be better is the pitching coach and manager talking about what needs to be done and how it needs to happen. At this point in the season, I think everyone is looking on how to improve for next season. Case in point: Carl Crawford is having Tommy John surgery Thursday and will hopefully be ready for Opening Day 2013.
Yes, the pitching has been horrendous this season, and it’s really no wonder why the Red Sox are not winning more games. The Sox are 17-29 in games started by Lester and Beckett; that record should be at least reversed. Even if the Sox had won 50% of the games started by their two “aces,” they would be in 2 games above .500 and only 1 game out of the Wild Card race.
However, I believe this change is more of a boost of confidence for Valentine than showing the team and fans that changes are inevitable. McClure and Valentine really hadn’t gotten along well all season. In fact, I noticed many, MANY times when the cameras would pan to the dugout and McClure and Valentine weren’t even in the vicinity of one another. With a pitching staff having one of the worst seasons in recent memory, you would think the manger and pitching coach would be seen talking.
I had a lot of faith in McClure, and I’m not really sure why. It seems that whenever the Red Sox pick up the best pitching coach available (Curt Young last year, who had been the pitching coach for the A’s previously and is the A’s pitching coach again this year), the pitchers just can’t cut it. With McClure, I thought the Sox had a chance. After all, he had been the pitching coach in the Royals organization previously, and a lot of Zach Grienke’s success happened because of his work with McClure. The Sox really haven’t had a pitching coach who has stuck since John Farrell.
With Randy Niemann being promoted to pitching coach for the rest of the season, the Red Sox are essentially saying that Valentine is in for at least one more season. Niemann came to the Red Sox because of Valentine; they had worked together for 5 years with the Mets.
Will the Sox pitchers do better under Niemann than they did with McClure? I’m guessing no. What might be better is the pitching coach and manager talking about what needs to be done and how it needs to happen. At this point in the season, I think everyone is looking on how to improve for next season. Case in point: Carl Crawford is having Tommy John surgery Thursday and will hopefully be ready for Opening Day 2013.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Red Sox in Turmoil
Let’s call it what it is- the Sox’s season is pretty much over. Yes, there are about 7 weeks left of the season. But, the chances for the Red Sox making the playoffs is 2.5%. I think it’s time for the Red Sox to stop pretending and start preparing for next year.
There’s been so much drama for a team that is below .500. I didn’t want to discuss the supposed article about the “Players Against Valentine” meeting that broke last week since the Red Sox hadn’t said too much about it. But, I feel like I need to give my opinion.
Yes, I have been critically of Valentine. There are some things I just don’t agree with (having a reliever pinch-hit in a non-interleague game, his lack of enthusiasm at times, being publically critical of his own players, etc.), but he is not the person playing the games. The players are. The players are the ones who go out every night and try or not to win. That’s that.
When I read that Pedroia and Gonzalez were the supposed “ring leaders” of the “Players Against Valentine” meeting, I was a little confused. First, I could see Pedroia possibly being critical of Valentine, but certainly not in this way. The two really seem to be getting along a lot better than I expected. Second, Gonzalez in the middle of controversy? I couldn’t see that at all. So, I had my suspicions of something else….
My first thought was Shoppach. Why? He was traded to the Mets the same day the article came out. Shoppach always seemed to have a good attitude on the field, and he was always pretty pleasant through his Twitter account. However, there was something off. I had known he had made comments about his playing time and how he thought he deserved to play more. Shoppach should have known he was signed as a platoon with Salty. I made my suspicions known to the Sox fans around me, and while some agreed, others did not.
Then, this weekend, the New York Daily, according to ESPN, reported that it was actually Shoppach who had leaked the story and was the ring leader behind the “Players Against Valentine.” Honestly, I don’t know how to react to this news. The whole things makes me a little sick in the stomach to know that there is/was that much animosity going on in the clubhouse.
Another thing is the story about John Lackey carrying around two beers in the clubhouse while in Cleveland. On the one hand, a player who is injured travelling with the team can be seen as a good thing, since it shows he is still wanting to be a part of the team, work, and is not seeing his injury as a vacation. On the other hand, this is John Lackey. Let’s face it- the fans can’t stand the guy. If he’s wanting to earn brownie points with the fans and have them stop booing him, he really shouldn’t be carrying around beer in the clubhouse, especially after last year. John Lackey needs some good PR, and I don’t know how many babies he’ll need to kiss or how much money he’ll need to donate to get
that sort of PR.
Lastly, the Sox are said to announce today whether or not Crawford will be ending his season and having Tommy John surgery. I think they should just have Crawford get the surgery now. It’ll take about 7-9 months to fully recover. Seven months will be March, which will mean Spring Training. Crawford has done a really great job since coming off the disabled list (.282 BA, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs, and a .785 OPS, all while playing inured).
The team needs to let Crawford have the surgery now; the team is not making the playoffs this season. Next year is a new chapter, and a fully-healthy Crawford is needed. If Crawford can put up the numbers he has in limited playing this season while injured, just imagine what he can do in a full season (and Spring Training to warm-up) while healthy.
I could go on and on with this team and the turmoil it’s going through, but I think you get the picture. Sox need to chalk up this year as a learning experience; a learning experience about adjustments, attitudes, passion, and respect. Next season, the Sox hopefully will try and forget 2012 and focus on being the team we, the fans, know they can and should be.
There’s been so much drama for a team that is below .500. I didn’t want to discuss the supposed article about the “Players Against Valentine” meeting that broke last week since the Red Sox hadn’t said too much about it. But, I feel like I need to give my opinion.
Yes, I have been critically of Valentine. There are some things I just don’t agree with (having a reliever pinch-hit in a non-interleague game, his lack of enthusiasm at times, being publically critical of his own players, etc.), but he is not the person playing the games. The players are. The players are the ones who go out every night and try or not to win. That’s that.
When I read that Pedroia and Gonzalez were the supposed “ring leaders” of the “Players Against Valentine” meeting, I was a little confused. First, I could see Pedroia possibly being critical of Valentine, but certainly not in this way. The two really seem to be getting along a lot better than I expected. Second, Gonzalez in the middle of controversy? I couldn’t see that at all. So, I had my suspicions of something else….
My first thought was Shoppach. Why? He was traded to the Mets the same day the article came out. Shoppach always seemed to have a good attitude on the field, and he was always pretty pleasant through his Twitter account. However, there was something off. I had known he had made comments about his playing time and how he thought he deserved to play more. Shoppach should have known he was signed as a platoon with Salty. I made my suspicions known to the Sox fans around me, and while some agreed, others did not.
Then, this weekend, the New York Daily, according to ESPN, reported that it was actually Shoppach who had leaked the story and was the ring leader behind the “Players Against Valentine.” Honestly, I don’t know how to react to this news. The whole things makes me a little sick in the stomach to know that there is/was that much animosity going on in the clubhouse.
Another thing is the story about John Lackey carrying around two beers in the clubhouse while in Cleveland. On the one hand, a player who is injured travelling with the team can be seen as a good thing, since it shows he is still wanting to be a part of the team, work, and is not seeing his injury as a vacation. On the other hand, this is John Lackey. Let’s face it- the fans can’t stand the guy. If he’s wanting to earn brownie points with the fans and have them stop booing him, he really shouldn’t be carrying around beer in the clubhouse, especially after last year. John Lackey needs some good PR, and I don’t know how many babies he’ll need to kiss or how much money he’ll need to donate to get
that sort of PR.
Lastly, the Sox are said to announce today whether or not Crawford will be ending his season and having Tommy John surgery. I think they should just have Crawford get the surgery now. It’ll take about 7-9 months to fully recover. Seven months will be March, which will mean Spring Training. Crawford has done a really great job since coming off the disabled list (.282 BA, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs, and a .785 OPS, all while playing inured).
The team needs to let Crawford have the surgery now; the team is not making the playoffs this season. Next year is a new chapter, and a fully-healthy Crawford is needed. If Crawford can put up the numbers he has in limited playing this season while injured, just imagine what he can do in a full season (and Spring Training to warm-up) while healthy.
I could go on and on with this team and the turmoil it’s going through, but I think you get the picture. Sox need to chalk up this year as a learning experience; a learning experience about adjustments, attitudes, passion, and respect. Next season, the Sox hopefully will try and forget 2012 and focus on being the team we, the fans, know they can and should be.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Twitter-Mania Friday!!!
Here are the tweets from this week:
8/10
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
New day… New opportunities. Make the most of them.
8/11
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Thank you guys for your prayers and thoughts… It doesn’t go unnoticed. #RedSoxNation
8/12
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Wife and kids fast asleep…. Off day tomorrow will be tough with zero sleep. Thanks #SharkWeek #cantwaittoseeairjaws
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
“I can’t tonight… It’s shark week…”
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Thanks everyone in Cleveland I love coming back here. Y’all still treat me like one of your own.
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
For the rest of 2012, the team is taking over #WakeAndRake #FelizVeuelo
8/13
Nomar Garciaparra @Nomar5
What a beautiful day here in Boston.
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
____^__\o/___ Shark week…yep
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
#Cowboys starters out. Back to #SharkWeek
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
I see everyone loves shark week but I want to know if anyone watches storage wars?
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
In what’s sure to drive #RedSox fans crazy, Derek Lowe pitched 4 scoreless innings for the #Yankees tonight. 2 hits, 4 strikeouts.
8/14
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I can’t get enough of @TheGodLight #keepinmeinspiredslashgoing!!!
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Follow my fiancée during the season “@CookingInRedSox: My next food quest: The Baseball Bucket List! #baseballfoodie wp.me/p29RUh-rl”
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
This is what makes a grown man happy! My boy Mike Ray from @luccese boots Handmade Gators! #cowboyup #therealonefive pic.twitter.com/mE2zSdKi
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Busy time for me and my family. Thank you to #RedSoxNation and my teammates will be missed. Great guys!
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
Dustin Pedroia very upset about being named in Yahoo story about a July meeting with owners. Said he never ripped Bobby Valentine to owners.
8/15
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Ironic that Boston.com is running an ad called “$#*! Pedroia says.” Apparently one of those things is “Fire the manager.”
MLB @MLB
KING OF THE HILL: @RealKingFelix tosses 23rd perfect game in @MLB history, silencing #Rays, 1-0. It’s first perfecto in @Mariners history.
8/16
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
If I were a frog I would have the coolest ribbit @coolyetoddthoughts
And the tweet of the week:
8/15
Chris Rose @ChrisRose
Buzz light year suspended 50 days as well but I had a feeling. Looked bigger than ‘11 @IntentionalTalk @KMillar15 pic.twitter.com/1OxJ5Ttr
8/10
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
New day… New opportunities. Make the most of them.
8/11
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Thank you guys for your prayers and thoughts… It doesn’t go unnoticed. #RedSoxNation
8/12
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Wife and kids fast asleep…. Off day tomorrow will be tough with zero sleep. Thanks #SharkWeek #cantwaittoseeairjaws
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
“I can’t tonight… It’s shark week…”
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Thanks everyone in Cleveland I love coming back here. Y’all still treat me like one of your own.
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
For the rest of 2012, the team is taking over #WakeAndRake #FelizVeuelo
8/13
Nomar Garciaparra @Nomar5
What a beautiful day here in Boston.
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
____^__\o/___ Shark week…yep
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
#Cowboys starters out. Back to #SharkWeek
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
I see everyone loves shark week but I want to know if anyone watches storage wars?
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
In what’s sure to drive #RedSox fans crazy, Derek Lowe pitched 4 scoreless innings for the #Yankees tonight. 2 hits, 4 strikeouts.
8/14
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I can’t get enough of @TheGodLight #keepinmeinspiredslashgoing!!!
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Follow my fiancée during the season “@CookingInRedSox: My next food quest: The Baseball Bucket List! #baseballfoodie wp.me/p29RUh-rl”
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
This is what makes a grown man happy! My boy Mike Ray from @luccese boots Handmade Gators! #cowboyup #therealonefive pic.twitter.com/mE2zSdKi
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Busy time for me and my family. Thank you to #RedSoxNation and my teammates will be missed. Great guys!
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
Dustin Pedroia very upset about being named in Yahoo story about a July meeting with owners. Said he never ripped Bobby Valentine to owners.
8/15
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Ironic that Boston.com is running an ad called “$#*! Pedroia says.” Apparently one of those things is “Fire the manager.”
MLB @MLB
KING OF THE HILL: @RealKingFelix tosses 23rd perfect game in @MLB history, silencing #Rays, 1-0. It’s first perfecto in @Mariners history.
8/16
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
If I were a frog I would have the coolest ribbit @coolyetoddthoughts
And the tweet of the week:
8/15
Chris Rose @ChrisRose
Buzz light year suspended 50 days as well but I had a feeling. Looked bigger than ‘11 @IntentionalTalk @KMillar15 pic.twitter.com/1OxJ5Ttr
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Crashing
It seems that the season is crashing around the Red Sox, much like September of last year. The team keeps saying they have a push in them, a streak is coming. I’m starting to think it’s all talk.
The Sox are currently 4 games below .500 and have a 3.1% chance of making the playoffs. They can’t seem to string together a winning streak more than 3, and even when they do that, they lose the next 3 or 4 games. This is a sub-500 team.
Part of me thinks the Sox could still make a push for it; and at the very least, make it interesting for the end of the season. After all, we all know how important game 162 can be. However, the Sox haven’t shown a real spark all season.
At the beginning of the season, I never though I would say I was more confident when Buchholz, Morales, or Doubront pitched than when Lester and Beckett pitched. Lester and Beckett were two of my favorite players for years (by contrast, Buchholz was always towards the bottom of my list). It’s frustrating to watch the “top two” pitchers in our rotation continue to flounder (minus Lester’s masterful performance on Sunday).
This team needs to get united and get a spark going. I think that’s what Gonzalez and Valentine tried doing last night when they were ejected. Gonzalez and Valentine were two of the key figures in all the “player’s only meeting” controversy this past week (if you haven’t read the YahooSports story, read at your own risk). My guess is Gonzalez and Valentine wanted to get ejected together; to show the haters that they are a united front despite what the media has been saying.
I still love my Sox. I still follow the games daily. I still have confidence in this team. But, there comes a time when reality sinks in. I would be happy if the Sox made push to finish at least 5 games over 500 and came in 3rd place in the AL East this season. Even this would be an accomplishment.
The Sox are currently 4 games below .500 and have a 3.1% chance of making the playoffs. They can’t seem to string together a winning streak more than 3, and even when they do that, they lose the next 3 or 4 games. This is a sub-500 team.
Part of me thinks the Sox could still make a push for it; and at the very least, make it interesting for the end of the season. After all, we all know how important game 162 can be. However, the Sox haven’t shown a real spark all season.
At the beginning of the season, I never though I would say I was more confident when Buchholz, Morales, or Doubront pitched than when Lester and Beckett pitched. Lester and Beckett were two of my favorite players for years (by contrast, Buchholz was always towards the bottom of my list). It’s frustrating to watch the “top two” pitchers in our rotation continue to flounder (minus Lester’s masterful performance on Sunday).
This team needs to get united and get a spark going. I think that’s what Gonzalez and Valentine tried doing last night when they were ejected. Gonzalez and Valentine were two of the key figures in all the “player’s only meeting” controversy this past week (if you haven’t read the YahooSports story, read at your own risk). My guess is Gonzalez and Valentine wanted to get ejected together; to show the haters that they are a united front despite what the media has been saying.
I still love my Sox. I still follow the games daily. I still have confidence in this team. But, there comes a time when reality sinks in. I would be happy if the Sox made push to finish at least 5 games over 500 and came in 3rd place in the AL East this season. Even this would be an accomplishment.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
5.9 %
5.9%. That's the Red Sox's chances of making the playoffs this year, according to Baseball Prospectus. It's not 0%, but it's close.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rest In Peace, Johnny Pesky
Yesterday, the Red Sox lost one of its legends, Johnny Pesky. It seems that almost every Red Sox fan, no matter the age or how long they’ve been a fan, knew who Johnny Pesky was. They knew him as the legend who hooked home runs around the right-field foul pole, which was eventually dubbed “Pesky’s Pole” in honor of him. They knew him as the constant figure with the Red Sox, the one person who remained with the team through all the changes throughout the years (he was associated in some capacity with the Red Sox for 61 of his 73 years in baseball). They knew him as a member of “The Teammates,” along with Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio. In a way, Pesky was the Red Sox.
Johnny Pesky began his Major-league Red Sox career in 1942. From 1943-1946, Pesky was in the military and fighting in World Ward II. He returned to the Red Sox from 1946-1952 as a player, and he was manager from 1963-1964 and 1980. He remained a staple with the Red Sox until his death yesterday.
I’m not going to pretend that I have some personal story involving Johnny Pesky because I don’t. Instead, I thought I would post the Twitter message from yesterday into this morning about Pesky from people who actually knew Johnny Pesky. Also, there are more messages about Johnny Pesky on The Boston Globe: Extra Bases section from players like Fred Lynn, Luis Tiant, Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek, and Tim Wakefield, here’s the link:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/08/ red_sox_players.html.
Rest in Peace, Johnny Pesky (September 27, 1919- August 14, 2012).
Jerry Remy (RemDawg) @Jerry_Remy
Rest in peace Johnny Pesky- he can’t be replaced- my condolences to his family- Jerry
Jenny Dell @JennyDellNESN
Sad day for #RedSox Nation RT @SI_PeterKing: RIP Johnny Pesky. One of the great baseball players and personalities of our time.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
RIP, Johnny Pesky. One of the all-time greats.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
##RedSox legend Johnny Pesky has passed away at age 92.
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
Johnny Pesky’s favorite saying- “I have 2 things to say to the youth of America- grow up.”
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Johnny Pesky was Mr. Red Sox in every way. Until ill health kept him away, he had a locker in the clubhouse. Rest in peace, No. 6
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
This must be awful news for Bobby Doerr, the last of the “Teammates”
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
There are, quite literally, dozens of #RedSox players who Pesky hit grounders to, counseled and befriended over the years.
MLB @MLB
We mourn the passing of @RedSox icon Johnny Pesky, who died today at the age of 92.
Chad Finn @GlobeChadFinn
Johnny Pesky the embodiment of everything good and admirable about the Red Sox and their history.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Can remember my Dad saying, “Go get that man’s autography, that’s Johnny Pesky.” He couldn’t have been nicer, either.
Chad Finn @GlobeChadFinn
Will always remember the mutual admiration between Pesky and Nomar.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Yankees will having a moment of silence for Johnny Pesky, @YankeesWFAN says. Nice touch.
David Ortiz @davidortiz
A very dark today for red sox nation a good friend of mine past away Johnny pesky it was an honor meeting you… R.I.P…34
MLB Network PR @MLBNetworkPR
Gammons on why @RedSox fans loved Pesky: “He was so good to everybody, ever fan. Every fan related to him.”
Michael Silverman @MikeSilvermanBB
Dozens of roses piling up at feet of Pesky statue. RIP, Johnny #RedSox pic.twitter.com/dXpaaPG5
MLB Network PR @MLBNetworkPR
More Millar on Pesky: “He was a tremendous, tremendous human being… Johnny Pesky touched a million people’s lives.”
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Sad as the Johnny Pesky news is, the man served his country, was a heck of a player, made so many friend + lived to 92. What a life.
Jon Lester @JLester31
Just heard we lost one of the good ones today. A great player and an even better man, rest in peace Johnny, thank you for the memories.
Curt Schilling @gehrig38
One of my career memories was hugging and kissing Johnny pesky after we won it all in 04, God Rest and God Bless his gentle soul, I miss you
Mark Feinsand @BloggingBombers (retweeted by Pete Abraham)
Jeter on Pesky: “Every time I’d see him, he would say, ‘I hope you get 4 hits today- and the guy behind you hits into 4 double plays.”
Mark Feinsand @BloggingBombers (retweeted by Pete Abraham)
Derek Jeter was saddened to hear of the passing of Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky: “He was always so nice to me throughout the years.”
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
Honored to have had an opportunity to meet one of the biggest ambassadors of the Redsox Mr. Johnny Pesky #pesskkkkyy
Tony Massarotti @GlobeMazz
Johnny Pesky? A true gentleman. Dignified in every way. He will be missed.
Jacoby Ellsbury @JacobyEllsbury
RIP Johnny Pesky. You will be missed in the clubhouse and by #RedSoxNation.
Peter Gammons @pgammo
Pesky used to tell my brother Ned, an Episcopal minister, “you Episcopalians are Catholics who flunked Latin.”
Nomar Garciaparra @Nomar5
Today with a heavy heart I lost a friend. And Red Sox Nation lost an icon. R.I.P. my friend. I will miss you.
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Red Sox nation mourns the loss Johnny Pesky, of one of its greatest ambassadars.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Random Thoughts
* It pretty much goes without saying that the Red Sox are out of contention for the year. Yes, there is still a slight possibility. According to Baseball Prospectus Playoff Odds Report, the Sox have a 6.7% chance to make the playoffs. The Yankees have a 99.2 % chance; the Rangers 99.9%.
* Will Middlebrooks is likely out for the rest of the season with a broken wrist. I watched the video of the pitch hitting his wrist, and it’s painful to even watch. It’s a shame that a rookie having such a great season has to go out this way, but as mentioned before, there’s only a slight chance the Sox will make the playoffs. Might as well let Middlebrooks fully heal from the injury and come back stronger next year.
* Speaking of injured wrists, Crawford came out of yesterday’s game in the bottom of the 5th inning due to his surgically repaired wrist being sore though he’s expected to possibly getting a cortisone shot and staying off the DL. He went 3-for-5 yesterday with 3 doubles, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. He is currently hitting .280 for the season (25 games). Even in the limited sample sizes, the fans have to be happy with the way he’s playing.
* Valentine thought it was a good idea to have one of the relievers, Mortensen, bat yesterday. Mortensen struck out. I know the 14-1 win was a blow out, but with all the injuries this team has endured, is it really smart to have a pitcher bat in a non-need situation?
* On a related note, Saltalamacchia played first base yesterday. Okay…
* There’s a chance Bailey might be joining the Sox sometime this week. Would he be a reliever or closer? My guess is he’ll start in a set-up role and possibly get to closing out games sooner (if Aceves completely melts down) or later (last couple weeks of the season to get his feel back).
* Will Middlebrooks is likely out for the rest of the season with a broken wrist. I watched the video of the pitch hitting his wrist, and it’s painful to even watch. It’s a shame that a rookie having such a great season has to go out this way, but as mentioned before, there’s only a slight chance the Sox will make the playoffs. Might as well let Middlebrooks fully heal from the injury and come back stronger next year.
* Speaking of injured wrists, Crawford came out of yesterday’s game in the bottom of the 5th inning due to his surgically repaired wrist being sore though he’s expected to possibly getting a cortisone shot and staying off the DL. He went 3-for-5 yesterday with 3 doubles, 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. He is currently hitting .280 for the season (25 games). Even in the limited sample sizes, the fans have to be happy with the way he’s playing.
* Valentine thought it was a good idea to have one of the relievers, Mortensen, bat yesterday. Mortensen struck out. I know the 14-1 win was a blow out, but with all the injuries this team has endured, is it really smart to have a pitcher bat in a non-need situation?
* On a related note, Saltalamacchia played first base yesterday. Okay…
* There’s a chance Bailey might be joining the Sox sometime this week. Would he be a reliever or closer? My guess is he’ll start in a set-up role and possibly get to closing out games sooner (if Aceves completely melts down) or later (last couple weeks of the season to get his feel back).
Friday, August 10, 2012
Twitter-Mania Friday!!!
Here are this week's tweets:
8/3
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Don’t sleep on my pocket square! If you look close once again it’s a paper towel #pro
8/4
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
Baseball is like life… It’s a game of adjustments #itsnevertoolate #realtalk
8/5
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Crawford 3 for 4 with an RBI. He is 13 of 34 on his birthday the last 7 years. #RedSox
Jacoby Ellsbury @Jacoby Ellsbury
Catching up on my #Olympics
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
@JacobyEllsbury I want to see chief lightning foot vs. bolt! 100m
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
Would you rather be a giraffe or an elephant ??
8/6
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Going to see ‘Total Recall.’ I let u know if Ferrell can live up to Schwarzenegger.
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
‘Total Recall’ was good and not just b/c I got to watch 2 amazingly beautiful women for 2hrs. Beckinsale & Biel whoa, Ferrell is no Arnold.
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
3 years ago I met my best friend, my rock, and the love of my life. Happy 3 years Charlene! Pic.twitter.com/iYoKoyoxO
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Had a great time at the @CitiPrivatePass clinic today. Thanks to everyone who came out! 34 #RedSox #procamps
8/7
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
(Retweeted from Spiritual Truths @TheGodLight) You will not find peace until you follow your heart, it will bang like a drum until you listen to its call.
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Thanks for all the bday wishes. Looking for a big win to celebrate with #RedSoxNation
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Congrats to U.S. women’s soccer team for advancing to final game! Wish you the best, go for Gold!
Jenny Dell @JennyDellNESN
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto At-Bat music: “Who Let The Dogs Out.” That is all.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Pedroia now yelling from the dugout at the 1B umpire, Paul Nauert, who rung him up. Plenty of umps would have tossed him by now.
Pedroia at the far end of the dugout still yelling. Asking for it at this point.
Pedroia just said his favorite cartoon character was Buck Rogers. I might be wrong.
Calm rules as Pedroia goes out to play second. Not even a glance at the ump. Stay tuned for Expletive Deleted Theater afterward.
Pedroia is going to get run now. Nose to nose with Nauert.
Or at least Bobby will get run.
Pedroia got tossed. Valentine tried but didn’t.
Second ejection for Pedroia. First since 2008.
Back in high school this would have been worth a “Kick your dog, ump. He’s lying.”
8/8
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
#WakeAndRake
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Middlebrooks was asked how hard it is to win when the #RedSox pitchers allow 10 runs. “If you score 11 you can,” he said.
Daniel Nava @dnavs33
Watching a classic, “Waterboy”… slap hands, slap hands.
And my favorite tweet of the week:
Jenny Dell @JennyDellNESN
Bobby Valentine on meeting with John Henry: “It’s not polite to say it’s none of your business, so I’ll try to be polite and not say that”
8/3
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Don’t sleep on my pocket square! If you look close once again it’s a paper towel #pro
8/4
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
Baseball is like life… It’s a game of adjustments #itsnevertoolate #realtalk
8/5
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Crawford 3 for 4 with an RBI. He is 13 of 34 on his birthday the last 7 years. #RedSox
Jacoby Ellsbury @Jacoby Ellsbury
Catching up on my #Olympics
Darnell McDonald @MacDime54
@JacobyEllsbury I want to see chief lightning foot vs. bolt! 100m
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
Would you rather be a giraffe or an elephant ??
8/6
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Going to see ‘Total Recall.’ I let u know if Ferrell can live up to Schwarzenegger.
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
‘Total Recall’ was good and not just b/c I got to watch 2 amazingly beautiful women for 2hrs. Beckinsale & Biel whoa, Ferrell is no Arnold.
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
3 years ago I met my best friend, my rock, and the love of my life. Happy 3 years Charlene! Pic.twitter.com/iYoKoyoxO
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Had a great time at the @CitiPrivatePass clinic today. Thanks to everyone who came out! 34 #RedSox #procamps
8/7
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
(Retweeted from Spiritual Truths @TheGodLight) You will not find peace until you follow your heart, it will bang like a drum until you listen to its call.
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Thanks for all the bday wishes. Looking for a big win to celebrate with #RedSoxNation
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Congrats to U.S. women’s soccer team for advancing to final game! Wish you the best, go for Gold!
Jenny Dell @JennyDellNESN
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto At-Bat music: “Who Let The Dogs Out.” That is all.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Pedroia now yelling from the dugout at the 1B umpire, Paul Nauert, who rung him up. Plenty of umps would have tossed him by now.
Pedroia at the far end of the dugout still yelling. Asking for it at this point.
Pedroia just said his favorite cartoon character was Buck Rogers. I might be wrong.
Calm rules as Pedroia goes out to play second. Not even a glance at the ump. Stay tuned for Expletive Deleted Theater afterward.
Pedroia is going to get run now. Nose to nose with Nauert.
Or at least Bobby will get run.
Pedroia got tossed. Valentine tried but didn’t.
Second ejection for Pedroia. First since 2008.
Back in high school this would have been worth a “Kick your dog, ump. He’s lying.”
8/8
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
#WakeAndRake
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Middlebrooks was asked how hard it is to win when the #RedSox pitchers allow 10 runs. “If you score 11 you can,” he said.
Daniel Nava @dnavs33
Watching a classic, “Waterboy”… slap hands, slap hands.
And my favorite tweet of the week:
Jenny Dell @JennyDellNESN
Bobby Valentine on meeting with John Henry: “It’s not polite to say it’s none of your business, so I’ll try to be polite and not say that”
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Pitchers v. Hitters
In yesterday’s game, it seemed as if the Red Sox pitchers were against the Red Sox hitters. Beckett started the game by giving up 3 runs in the 1st, but the Sox hit back and scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st. The Sox scored another run in the bottom of the 3rd. Then, Beckett gave up 3 runs in the 5th, but the hitters scored 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. Beckett then gave up 2 runs in the 6th (he was out of the game after this), and Mortensen gave up another run in the 7th. But, the Sox offense came to life, scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the 7th.
The game was tied 9-9 heading into the top of the 9th inning. At this point, Mortensen had thrown almost 50 pitches in relief, but Valentine kept him in. The first batter walked, followed by a single, so runners were on first and third with no outs when Valentine lifted him. Aceves came in and allowed the runner on third to score on a sac fly by Beltre before getting the final two outs. 10-9 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning.
The bottom of the 9th inning started with Gonzalez popping out, and Ross hitting a double. Kalish went in to run for Ross. Middlebrooks and Lavarnway both struck out to end the game.
Throughout the game, it really seemed as if the Sox hitters were trying their best to win the game; they kept scoring runs. The Sox pitchers, on the other hand, kept giving up runs. Yes, Texas has the best offense in the American League, and they’re a tough team. However, the Sox are almost as productively offensively. The season is really turning into pitchers v. hitters.
The Sox had 12 hits in the game, including 3 doubles by Gonzalez, doubles by Ciriaco and Ross, a triple by Crawford, and home runs by Ross and Middlebrooks. Pedroia, Gonzalez, and Ross all had multiple hits. The offense is there, just not the pitching.
However, I think some of the blame has to be put on Valentine for this game. I’m sorry to the Valentine supporters, but there were two big decisions in the 9th inning that should have been done differently. One, Mortensen should have come out after having thrown so many pitches and it being a tied game. Valentine said the only available relievers for the game were Mortensen, Miller, and Aceves. Fine, then Miller or Aceves should have started the 9th. Mortensen is a young player who, while doing great when called up, should have been taken out in the tied game. I would’ve put in Aceves. He’s also able to go more than one inning, if it continued to be a tie game.
Secondly, with a runner on second and two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, Lavarnway came to the plate. Lavarnway, if memory serves me correctly, only has 1 hit in the Majors and is batting below .100. He was the DH yesterday. Saltalamacchia, who has had a few walk-off hits this season, was on the bench. Don’t you pinch-hit for Lavarnway in this situation? I know I would have.
The game was tied 9-9 heading into the top of the 9th inning. At this point, Mortensen had thrown almost 50 pitches in relief, but Valentine kept him in. The first batter walked, followed by a single, so runners were on first and third with no outs when Valentine lifted him. Aceves came in and allowed the runner on third to score on a sac fly by Beltre before getting the final two outs. 10-9 heading into the bottom of the 9th inning.
The bottom of the 9th inning started with Gonzalez popping out, and Ross hitting a double. Kalish went in to run for Ross. Middlebrooks and Lavarnway both struck out to end the game.
Throughout the game, it really seemed as if the Sox hitters were trying their best to win the game; they kept scoring runs. The Sox pitchers, on the other hand, kept giving up runs. Yes, Texas has the best offense in the American League, and they’re a tough team. However, the Sox are almost as productively offensively. The season is really turning into pitchers v. hitters.
The Sox had 12 hits in the game, including 3 doubles by Gonzalez, doubles by Ciriaco and Ross, a triple by Crawford, and home runs by Ross and Middlebrooks. Pedroia, Gonzalez, and Ross all had multiple hits. The offense is there, just not the pitching.
However, I think some of the blame has to be put on Valentine for this game. I’m sorry to the Valentine supporters, but there were two big decisions in the 9th inning that should have been done differently. One, Mortensen should have come out after having thrown so many pitches and it being a tied game. Valentine said the only available relievers for the game were Mortensen, Miller, and Aceves. Fine, then Miller or Aceves should have started the 9th. Mortensen is a young player who, while doing great when called up, should have been taken out in the tied game. I would’ve put in Aceves. He’s also able to go more than one inning, if it continued to be a tie game.
Secondly, with a runner on second and two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, Lavarnway came to the plate. Lavarnway, if memory serves me correctly, only has 1 hit in the Majors and is batting below .100. He was the DH yesterday. Saltalamacchia, who has had a few walk-off hits this season, was on the bench. Don’t you pinch-hit for Lavarnway in this situation? I know I would have.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Ejected and Dejected
Disclaimer: I was not able to watch the last half of the game live, which means I only saw the yelling and ejection on replays.
Dustin Pedroia, the unofficial captain of this Red Sox team, was ejected last night. In the bottom of the 8th inning, Pedroia checked his swing, but first base umpire Paul Nauert called it a third strike. As much as Pedroia ranted and raved, he was not ejected until after he made comments in the top of the 9th inning. Pedroia was done, but his mouth wasn’t. Here’s the Twitter feed from Boston Globe writer Pete Abraham during the incident:
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Pedroia now yelling from the dugout at the 1B umpire, Paul Nauert, who rung him up.
Plenty of umps would have tossed him by now.
Pedroia at the far end of the dugout still yelling. Asking for it at this point.
Pedroia just said his favorite cartoon character was Buck Rogers. I might be wrong.
Calm rules as Pedroia goes out to play second. Not even a glance at the ump. Stay tuned for Expletive Deleted Theater afterward.
Pedroia is going to get run now. Nose to nose with Nauert.
Or at least Bobby will get run.
Pedroia got tossed. Valentine tried but didn’t.
Second ejection for Pedroia. First since 2008.
Back in high school this would have been worth a “Kick your dog, ump. He’s lying.”
As stated, this is only the second time in his career in which Pedroia was ejected, which is pretty impressive considering how passionate the second baseman is. Bobby Valentine tried his best to get ejected as well, but he was unsuccessful. Here are the comments Valentine made to the media after the game:
“It looked like he checked his swing from our vantage point. Can’t get it back…I was pretty angry and supporting my guy. Probably said more to him than I said other times and gotten thrown out. He wasn’t going to throw me out unless I made a complete fool of myself or punched him or something.”
(I could make a comment about how Valentine can’t even get ejected when he’s trying, but I won’t.) I think the important thing to point out is this team is angry, and they’re fighting. It was obvious the Red Sox were trying to win last night. Lester was great the first 6 innings of the game, but the 7th inning dragged him down and he gave up 4 runs. In my opinion, Lester should’ve been taken out after 6 innings. He was close to the magic “100 pitch” mark, and with the way he has been pitching as of late, it would’ve made more sense to bring in a reliever (not Melancon, like Valentine did though).
The Sox needed to win this game; they need to win every game really. Tonight is the return of Josh Beckett (5-9 4.54 ERA) versus Matt Harrison (13-6, 3.17 ERA). A series win and an winning homestead would be nice… and much needed.
Dustin Pedroia, the unofficial captain of this Red Sox team, was ejected last night. In the bottom of the 8th inning, Pedroia checked his swing, but first base umpire Paul Nauert called it a third strike. As much as Pedroia ranted and raved, he was not ejected until after he made comments in the top of the 9th inning. Pedroia was done, but his mouth wasn’t. Here’s the Twitter feed from Boston Globe writer Pete Abraham during the incident:
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Pedroia now yelling from the dugout at the 1B umpire, Paul Nauert, who rung him up.
Plenty of umps would have tossed him by now.
Pedroia at the far end of the dugout still yelling. Asking for it at this point.
Pedroia just said his favorite cartoon character was Buck Rogers. I might be wrong.
Calm rules as Pedroia goes out to play second. Not even a glance at the ump. Stay tuned for Expletive Deleted Theater afterward.
Pedroia is going to get run now. Nose to nose with Nauert.
Or at least Bobby will get run.
Pedroia got tossed. Valentine tried but didn’t.
Second ejection for Pedroia. First since 2008.
Back in high school this would have been worth a “Kick your dog, ump. He’s lying.”
As stated, this is only the second time in his career in which Pedroia was ejected, which is pretty impressive considering how passionate the second baseman is. Bobby Valentine tried his best to get ejected as well, but he was unsuccessful. Here are the comments Valentine made to the media after the game:
“It looked like he checked his swing from our vantage point. Can’t get it back…I was pretty angry and supporting my guy. Probably said more to him than I said other times and gotten thrown out. He wasn’t going to throw me out unless I made a complete fool of myself or punched him or something.”
(I could make a comment about how Valentine can’t even get ejected when he’s trying, but I won’t.) I think the important thing to point out is this team is angry, and they’re fighting. It was obvious the Red Sox were trying to win last night. Lester was great the first 6 innings of the game, but the 7th inning dragged him down and he gave up 4 runs. In my opinion, Lester should’ve been taken out after 6 innings. He was close to the magic “100 pitch” mark, and with the way he has been pitching as of late, it would’ve made more sense to bring in a reliever (not Melancon, like Valentine did though).
The Sox needed to win this game; they need to win every game really. Tonight is the return of Josh Beckett (5-9 4.54 ERA) versus Matt Harrison (13-6, 3.17 ERA). A series win and an winning homestead would be nice… and much needed.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Who's To Blame?
Yesterday, it seemed like everyone had an opinion on whether or not Valentine would be fired. He had a meeting with ownership, and some people speculated that that was it. There were rumors going around that a change in coaching was going to happen soon. Instead, the ownership made it public that they were behind Valentine.
Valentine made a comment that he “played for his job every game,” or something to that extent (sorry, saw the comment on television and didn’t write it down). John Henry emailed Red Sox beat writers to explain that he and the rest of the ownership group were behind Valentine, and Cherington as well. He said the blame should not be on the management, as they sometimes get too much credit and too much blame.
If the management isn’t to blame, then who is?
The players?
Yes, some players are under performing. Pedroia hasn’t gotten on a roll all season. Saltalamacchia has been sliding as of late. Aceves is a heart-attack-waiting-to-happen when he closes half the time. The entire starting rotation has been bad at points to most of the season.
Some may say Gonzalez is under performing because he only has 11 home runs, but he has 30 doubles, a .307 batting average, and has only grounded into 8 double plays (he grounded into 28 last year). I’m sure there are others who say that Crawford is under performing, but realize that he’s been hurt most of the season. In 19 games, he has a .292 batting average, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 3 stolen bases, and 13 RBIs. Not too shabby.
But, there have been players that have seemed to blossom this year: Middlebrooks, Aviles to an extent, Morales, and a case can be made for Shoppach even. We’ve seen Podsednik flourish before he was hurt, Sweeney lead the league in doubles before he was hurt the first time, and Nava crawling back into the Majors.
Is the pitching coach, Bob McClure, to blame? In terms of ERA, Boston is below the League Average of 4.08; they have an ERA of 4.29. Boston’s WHIP is 1.306, while the League Average is 1.310. So, to say that the pitching coach is to blame, I’d say no. While the rotation has been lacking; overall, the bullpen has done a good job.
Is it the hitting coach, Dave Magadan? The Sox are in 4th place in the league for batting average, with .268. They are above the league average of 120 home runs with 126. They are second in the league with 512 RBIs, only to Texas’s 532 RBIs. They lead the league in doubles with 243.
Is it General Manager Ben Cherington’s fault? Cherington didn’t make too many moves at the All-Star Break. The “big” moves he made during the offseason are questionable. Josh Reddick to the A’s for Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney? Who would’ve thought Reddick would’ve flourished in Oakland? Bailey should be returning soon, and Sweeney is probably done the rest of the season after breaking a knuckle. Jed Lowrie to the Diamondbacks for Mark Melancon? Let’s call this a wash. Trading away Marco Scutaro and making Mike Aviles the everyday shortstop? I think this might have been the best thing Cherington did in the offseason, even if I was critical of his choice when it
happened.
Are the injuries to blame? Well, of course they are. When you have players like Pedroia, Ross, Ortiz, Bailey, Crawford, and Ellsbury all spending significant time on the disabled list, of course injuries are to blame. However, the Yankees have significant players always going on the disabled list, and they are still in first place… by a large margin. I don’t want to compare the Sox to the Yankees, but
obviously the Yankees are doing something right.
Personally, I think there is plenty of blame to go around. The players seem to be playing in neutral these days, Valentine doesn’t seem as animated on the bench as he did in the booth, the ownership doesn’t seem as visual as they claim they are, and Cherington, I feel, could have done more. Yes, these people needed to “fix” the mistake that Epstein, and in some cases Francona, created, but they have to tools to do it. Maybe they all just need to do some big PR stuff to get the fans to have some faith in them? Remember, faith is rewarded.
Valentine made a comment that he “played for his job every game,” or something to that extent (sorry, saw the comment on television and didn’t write it down). John Henry emailed Red Sox beat writers to explain that he and the rest of the ownership group were behind Valentine, and Cherington as well. He said the blame should not be on the management, as they sometimes get too much credit and too much blame.
If the management isn’t to blame, then who is?
The players?
Yes, some players are under performing. Pedroia hasn’t gotten on a roll all season. Saltalamacchia has been sliding as of late. Aceves is a heart-attack-waiting-to-happen when he closes half the time. The entire starting rotation has been bad at points to most of the season.
Some may say Gonzalez is under performing because he only has 11 home runs, but he has 30 doubles, a .307 batting average, and has only grounded into 8 double plays (he grounded into 28 last year). I’m sure there are others who say that Crawford is under performing, but realize that he’s been hurt most of the season. In 19 games, he has a .292 batting average, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 3 stolen bases, and 13 RBIs. Not too shabby.
But, there have been players that have seemed to blossom this year: Middlebrooks, Aviles to an extent, Morales, and a case can be made for Shoppach even. We’ve seen Podsednik flourish before he was hurt, Sweeney lead the league in doubles before he was hurt the first time, and Nava crawling back into the Majors.
Is the pitching coach, Bob McClure, to blame? In terms of ERA, Boston is below the League Average of 4.08; they have an ERA of 4.29. Boston’s WHIP is 1.306, while the League Average is 1.310. So, to say that the pitching coach is to blame, I’d say no. While the rotation has been lacking; overall, the bullpen has done a good job.
Is it the hitting coach, Dave Magadan? The Sox are in 4th place in the league for batting average, with .268. They are above the league average of 120 home runs with 126. They are second in the league with 512 RBIs, only to Texas’s 532 RBIs. They lead the league in doubles with 243.
Is it General Manager Ben Cherington’s fault? Cherington didn’t make too many moves at the All-Star Break. The “big” moves he made during the offseason are questionable. Josh Reddick to the A’s for Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney? Who would’ve thought Reddick would’ve flourished in Oakland? Bailey should be returning soon, and Sweeney is probably done the rest of the season after breaking a knuckle. Jed Lowrie to the Diamondbacks for Mark Melancon? Let’s call this a wash. Trading away Marco Scutaro and making Mike Aviles the everyday shortstop? I think this might have been the best thing Cherington did in the offseason, even if I was critical of his choice when it
happened.
Are the injuries to blame? Well, of course they are. When you have players like Pedroia, Ross, Ortiz, Bailey, Crawford, and Ellsbury all spending significant time on the disabled list, of course injuries are to blame. However, the Yankees have significant players always going on the disabled list, and they are still in first place… by a large margin. I don’t want to compare the Sox to the Yankees, but
obviously the Yankees are doing something right.
Personally, I think there is plenty of blame to go around. The players seem to be playing in neutral these days, Valentine doesn’t seem as animated on the bench as he did in the booth, the ownership doesn’t seem as visual as they claim they are, and Cherington, I feel, could have done more. Yes, these people needed to “fix” the mistake that Epstein, and in some cases Francona, created, but they have to tools to do it. Maybe they all just need to do some big PR stuff to get the fans to have some faith in them? Remember, faith is rewarded.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Random Thoughts
* The Red Sox lost 3 of 4 to the Twins this weekend. Friday and Saturday’s losses were the toughest, as the Sox had a chance to win and blew it. Friday, Lavarnway hit a double in the bottom of the 9th with two outs, but Middlebrooks grounded out. On Saturday, the Sox were up 4-2 heading into the 9th inning when Aceves blew the save, and the Sox loss 6-4.
* Crawford and Gonzalez were the stars of the weekend. Crawford went 7/18 with 2 doubles, a home run, a stolen base, and 5 RBIs. Gonzalez went 6/14 with a double, a home run, and 5 RBIs. Fans- lay off them.
* Saltalamacchia now reminds me of Adam Dunn from last year. It seems he either hits a home run or strikes out (I know that is not literally the case, but it appears to be that way).
* Both Ciriaco and Aviles had home runs this weekend. Who would’ve thought?
* I really don’t understand why Twins, Royals, Brewers, and Cardinals games are blacked out on MLB.TV. I understand Chicago, since that’s the closest team. I didn’t get to watch a single game this weekend.
* Can we call this team cooked yet? I’m beginning to think that the season is over for them. Yes, they are not in last place, but they are close. Unless the Sox go on some dramatic run the next two months, I think it’s safe to say the Red Sox will not be making the playoffs this year. I’m still a tiny bit optimistic that the Sox can pull something off, but the team is not consistent and hasn’t been all year.
* Crawford and Gonzalez were the stars of the weekend. Crawford went 7/18 with 2 doubles, a home run, a stolen base, and 5 RBIs. Gonzalez went 6/14 with a double, a home run, and 5 RBIs. Fans- lay off them.
* Saltalamacchia now reminds me of Adam Dunn from last year. It seems he either hits a home run or strikes out (I know that is not literally the case, but it appears to be that way).
* Both Ciriaco and Aviles had home runs this weekend. Who would’ve thought?
* I really don’t understand why Twins, Royals, Brewers, and Cardinals games are blacked out on MLB.TV. I understand Chicago, since that’s the closest team. I didn’t get to watch a single game this weekend.
* Can we call this team cooked yet? I’m beginning to think that the season is over for them. Yes, they are not in last place, but they are close. Unless the Sox go on some dramatic run the next two months, I think it’s safe to say the Red Sox will not be making the playoffs this year. I’m still a tiny bit optimistic that the Sox can pull something off, but the team is not consistent and hasn’t been all year.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Twitter-Mania Friday!!!
The Twitter-verse was a buzzing this week with trade talks, inspirational quotes, encouragement, and information. Here are this week's tweets:
7/28
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Finally out of the fetal position! Wow pneumonia ain’t no joke
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
And by sleep @CCarp66 means this in them idle of the airport #ThingsNotToWearInPublic pic.twitter.com/foI2xui7
7/29
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
First stolen base of the year today. Going to break my season high and try for another one soon. #speeddemon
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Is this bad that my 2 yr old is already shop lifting? #gotherrrr pic.twitter.com/GevzzGUz
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Still going! Try to get her dad arrested! Help me! pic.twitter.com/YkqCyK13
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe (Series of tweets)
Middlebrooks obviously got hit. Umpires may not think so.
Nope. Umpires saying he didn’t get hit. BV could get run here
If you’re Bobby V here, you gotta get the thumb
And there it is
This could cause Bobby to talk to one of his coaches.
The ball hit him right in the forearm. Couldn’t be more obvious
Somebody else got tossed. Might be beckett
Justice is served as middlebrooks gets a single
Yes, Beckett was tossed. Second time in his career
Can’t blame the plate umpire, he got drilled, too. But one of the base umps needs to see that
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Needed tonights win, big one. Heading home to keep it rolling!
7/30
David Ortiz @davidortiz
At fenway for the @cocacola PLAY campaign promoting healthy living… can’t wait to get back to action…34 say.ly/MbM3S360
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
This Carl Crawford fellow playing for the Red Sox tonight is very good. When did they get him?
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Shoppach has two triples this season. That’s two more than he had in his previous seven years in the majors
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Mark Teixeira left the Yankees game with an injury. Vicente Padilla, in bullpen at Fenway, seems to have an airtight alibi
7/31
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Breaking news @MLBNetwork has just traded the back hair of @TheMayorsOffice in exchange for the hamburger meat chest hair of @ChrisRose
Billd1530 @Billd1530
@KMillar15 @MLBNetwork @TheMayorsOffice @ChrisRose Just in… Millar’s frosted hair for Trump’s rug and caterpillar eyebrows, and a PTBNL.
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Well played @Billd1530
Chris Rose @ChrisRose
@KMillar15 @MLBNetwork @TheMayorsOffice hey, I just woke up, where did my chest hair go? And why is my back so itchy?
Ryan Sweeney @RyanSweeney12
I just want to apologize to my teammates, #RedSox, and fans. II don’t normally loose my cool and this was not an intentional action.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Just spoke to new #RedSox pitcher Steven Wright. “I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met,” he said.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Wright also said, “I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn’t park anywhere near the place.”
Craig Breslow @CraigBreslow
Excited to head to the @RedSox, but first thank you to the @Dbacks fans, my teammates, and coaches who made my stay in #AZ so enjoyable.
8/1
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Headed to the hospital to put some smiles on some faces!!! This is what it’s all about!!!
@SFXBaseball @RedSox
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Wow. Had a blast with everyone at the childrens hospital! You guys are the real hero’s!!
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Lmoa “@Adam Russell36: Heard @ShopHouse10 has 2 triples this year. Pretty sure this is what the Mayans were talking about. #shoppacalypse2012”
8/2
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Anyone have a good bedtime story? I can’t sleep… Again. #zzzzzzzz
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Haha you guys are awesome. You keep me laughing. Goodnight everyone!
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
Starbucks coffee or dunkin donuts???
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I am not gonna say either way way what kind of coffee I have right now but I just spilt it all over my shirt #blackshirtshidestains!!!
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Great to be back in Boston. Ready to get to work.
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
David Ortiz is running like David Ortiz. Achilles seems better.
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Tough loss tonight. @JLester31 threw great. Appreciate all the love from #RedSoxNation
Craig Breslow @CraigBreslow
Getting traded for one’s number-sake sure does make things convenient. Thanks for the socks Matt Albers. #redsox #32
And my favorite tweets of the week is an update on Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland. If you recall, Westmoreland went through his second brain surgery this summer... and he's only 22
8/2
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
Thank you for your support. I’m back and not giving up!!!!! #beyondblessed pic.twitter.com/zjQKXtne
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
He pulled me through again. #2for2inlife & batting 1.000 in brain surgeries pic.twitter.com/ns2YqbUv
7/28
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Finally out of the fetal position! Wow pneumonia ain’t no joke
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
And by sleep @CCarp66 means this in them idle of the airport #ThingsNotToWearInPublic pic.twitter.com/foI2xui7
7/29
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
First stolen base of the year today. Going to break my season high and try for another one soon. #speeddemon
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Is this bad that my 2 yr old is already shop lifting? #gotherrrr pic.twitter.com/GevzzGUz
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Still going! Try to get her dad arrested! Help me! pic.twitter.com/YkqCyK13
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe (Series of tweets)
Middlebrooks obviously got hit. Umpires may not think so.
Nope. Umpires saying he didn’t get hit. BV could get run here
If you’re Bobby V here, you gotta get the thumb
And there it is
This could cause Bobby to talk to one of his coaches.
The ball hit him right in the forearm. Couldn’t be more obvious
Somebody else got tossed. Might be beckett
Justice is served as middlebrooks gets a single
Yes, Beckett was tossed. Second time in his career
Can’t blame the plate umpire, he got drilled, too. But one of the base umps needs to see that
Adrian Gonzalez @adriangon28
Needed tonights win, big one. Heading home to keep it rolling!
7/30
David Ortiz @davidortiz
At fenway for the @cocacola PLAY campaign promoting healthy living… can’t wait to get back to action…34 say.ly/MbM3S360
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
This Carl Crawford fellow playing for the Red Sox tonight is very good. When did they get him?
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Shoppach has two triples this season. That’s two more than he had in his previous seven years in the majors
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Mark Teixeira left the Yankees game with an injury. Vicente Padilla, in bullpen at Fenway, seems to have an airtight alibi
7/31
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Breaking news @MLBNetwork has just traded the back hair of @TheMayorsOffice in exchange for the hamburger meat chest hair of @ChrisRose
Billd1530 @Billd1530
@KMillar15 @MLBNetwork @TheMayorsOffice @ChrisRose Just in… Millar’s frosted hair for Trump’s rug and caterpillar eyebrows, and a PTBNL.
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Well played @Billd1530
Chris Rose @ChrisRose
@KMillar15 @MLBNetwork @TheMayorsOffice hey, I just woke up, where did my chest hair go? And why is my back so itchy?
Ryan Sweeney @RyanSweeney12
I just want to apologize to my teammates, #RedSox, and fans. II don’t normally loose my cool and this was not an intentional action.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Just spoke to new #RedSox pitcher Steven Wright. “I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met,” he said.
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Wright also said, “I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn’t park anywhere near the place.”
Craig Breslow @CraigBreslow
Excited to head to the @RedSox, but first thank you to the @Dbacks fans, my teammates, and coaches who made my stay in #AZ so enjoyable.
8/1
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Headed to the hospital to put some smiles on some faces!!! This is what it’s all about!!!
@SFXBaseball @RedSox
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Wow. Had a blast with everyone at the childrens hospital! You guys are the real hero’s!!
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Lmoa “@Adam Russell36: Heard @ShopHouse10 has 2 triples this year. Pretty sure this is what the Mayans were talking about. #shoppacalypse2012”
8/2
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Anyone have a good bedtime story? I can’t sleep… Again. #zzzzzzzz
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Haha you guys are awesome. You keep me laughing. Goodnight everyone!
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
Starbucks coffee or dunkin donuts???
Ryan Kalish @Ryan_Kalish
I am not gonna say either way way what kind of coffee I have right now but I just spilt it all over my shirt #blackshirtshidestains!!!
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Great to be back in Boston. Ready to get to work.
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
David Ortiz is running like David Ortiz. Achilles seems better.
Ryan Lavarnway @RyanLavarnway
Tough loss tonight. @JLester31 threw great. Appreciate all the love from #RedSoxNation
Craig Breslow @CraigBreslow
Getting traded for one’s number-sake sure does make things convenient. Thanks for the socks Matt Albers. #redsox #32
And my favorite tweets of the week is an update on Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland. If you recall, Westmoreland went through his second brain surgery this summer... and he's only 22
8/2
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
Thank you for your support. I’m back and not giving up!!!!! #beyondblessed pic.twitter.com/zjQKXtne
Ryan Westmoreland @RWesty25
He pulled me through again. #2for2inlife & batting 1.000 in brain surgeries pic.twitter.com/ns2YqbUv
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Could Derek Lowe Be An Option?
The Cleveland Indians designated Derek Lowe for assignment last night. Which means, he is done with the Indians unless he clears waivers and is reassigned to Triple-A, which I’m guessing won’t happen. I’m not saying that Lowe won’t clear waivers; I’m guessing that a 39 year-old won’t want to be assigned to Triple-A.
As most of you know, Derek Lowe was already a member of the Red Sox, from 1997- 2004. In one of the most lopsided trades in the history of the game, the Red Sox acquired Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek from the Mariners for Heathcliff Slocumb in 1997. Yeah, that deal worked out pretty well for the Red Sox, I’d say.
Since departing in 2004, Derek Lowe was with the Dodgers from 2005-2008, the Braves from 2009-2011, and he signed with the Indians this past offseason. He was very good in Los Angeles, never having an ERA over 3.88. In Atlanta, he had never had an ERA below 4.00. This season, Lowe has a 5.52 ERA, an 8-10 record, and a 1.689 WHIP.
So the question remains; could Derek Lowe be an option for the Red Sox? As a starter, I’m going to have to say no. Yes, the rotation needs help, especially if these team is serious about making a playoff run. But, I think the Sox would benefit from looking internally (Franklin Morales) more than externally.
However, Derek Lowe was once a reliever for the Red Sox, a closer in fact. While I don’t think Lowe has closer material anymore, he could possibly be an option for a reliever, a long reliever or mop-up guy even. If the Sox want/need to move Morales into a starting role (which I see them doing… soon even), then the Sox would need another reliever.
Scott Atchison, who is arguably the Sox’s best reliever this season, is likely done for the remainder of the season and is on his way to Tommy John surgery. While the Sox still have Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa, Clayton Mortensen, Vicente Padilla, Alfredo Aceves, etc., they could use another arm in the bullpen. (Personally, I’d rather see Mark Prior come up from Triple-A. Yes, I am talking about THE Mark Prior of Cubs-lore. He’s pitched 20.1 innings this season, has a 2.66 ERA, and is holding opposing hitters to a .121 average.)
If the Sox think they can attain Derek Lowe for cheap, I think they should give it a try. I’d love for them to release a guy like Melancon and his 8.34 ERA or Vicente Padilla and his scary demeanor and even scarier pitching performance. If things don’t work out with Lowe, they could release him and bring up a guy like Prior or Mortensen.
My guess is the Sox balk at the idea of signing Derek Lowe. It’s an interesting thing to think about though, bringing in a guy who had helped the franchise win a World Series, their first World Series in 86 years. But, the Sox need to think strategically. They didn’t do much at the trade deadline, and they’re supposedly comfortable with the players they have. We’ll see what happens this month, when most players are put on waivers and then retracted.
As most of you know, Derek Lowe was already a member of the Red Sox, from 1997- 2004. In one of the most lopsided trades in the history of the game, the Red Sox acquired Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek from the Mariners for Heathcliff Slocumb in 1997. Yeah, that deal worked out pretty well for the Red Sox, I’d say.
Since departing in 2004, Derek Lowe was with the Dodgers from 2005-2008, the Braves from 2009-2011, and he signed with the Indians this past offseason. He was very good in Los Angeles, never having an ERA over 3.88. In Atlanta, he had never had an ERA below 4.00. This season, Lowe has a 5.52 ERA, an 8-10 record, and a 1.689 WHIP.
So the question remains; could Derek Lowe be an option for the Red Sox? As a starter, I’m going to have to say no. Yes, the rotation needs help, especially if these team is serious about making a playoff run. But, I think the Sox would benefit from looking internally (Franklin Morales) more than externally.
However, Derek Lowe was once a reliever for the Red Sox, a closer in fact. While I don’t think Lowe has closer material anymore, he could possibly be an option for a reliever, a long reliever or mop-up guy even. If the Sox want/need to move Morales into a starting role (which I see them doing… soon even), then the Sox would need another reliever.
Scott Atchison, who is arguably the Sox’s best reliever this season, is likely done for the remainder of the season and is on his way to Tommy John surgery. While the Sox still have Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa, Clayton Mortensen, Vicente Padilla, Alfredo Aceves, etc., they could use another arm in the bullpen. (Personally, I’d rather see Mark Prior come up from Triple-A. Yes, I am talking about THE Mark Prior of Cubs-lore. He’s pitched 20.1 innings this season, has a 2.66 ERA, and is holding opposing hitters to a .121 average.)
If the Sox think they can attain Derek Lowe for cheap, I think they should give it a try. I’d love for them to release a guy like Melancon and his 8.34 ERA or Vicente Padilla and his scary demeanor and even scarier pitching performance. If things don’t work out with Lowe, they could release him and bring up a guy like Prior or Mortensen.
My guess is the Sox balk at the idea of signing Derek Lowe. It’s an interesting thing to think about though, bringing in a guy who had helped the franchise win a World Series, their first World Series in 86 years. But, the Sox need to think strategically. They didn’t do much at the trade deadline, and they’re supposedly comfortable with the players they have. We’ll see what happens this month, when most players are put on waivers and then retracted.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Booing of Beckett
Be fair-warned, this is going to be a rant.
Last night, Josh Beckett was taken out of the in the 3rd inning with a back injury. Beckett had been breezing through the Tigers line-up until there were two outs in the 3rd. He then gave up a single to Omar Infante, hit Austin Jackson, and walked Quentin Berry. Next, Beckett walked Miguel Cabrera on five pitches, and a run scored. That’s when Bob McClure, an athletic trainer, and finally Valentine. Beckett was done for the night because of back spasms.
And then the boos came.
The “Fenway Faithful” booed Beckett, loudly. Beckett had been performing very well last night, despite the rain, and tried fighting through back spasms when he was finally taken out. You could tell he was trying, and the fans booed.
Beckett’s reaction was, “It is what it is.” Valentine commented, “I don’t think he deserved a boo at all… Those who were booing will probably take it back today when they figure out what the situation was.” I hope so.
I don’t care who the player is, fans should not boo a player when they are injured. I don’t care if it’s Joba Chamberlain, Alex Rodriguez, Luke Scott, Johnny Damon, Barry Bonds, etc. The fact that it was Red Sox fans booing their own player is despicable to me.
Yes, I am aware I may be in the minority with my support for Beckett. I do think he has what it takes to be a great No. 2, possibly No. 1, pitcher again. The way he was pitching the first two innings last night, in the rain and wind, proves my point that Beckett still has it.
But, seriously, why would the fans boo him? He had one bad inning last night, which was the inning he was taken out. He’s definitely not the worst pitcher the Red Sox have had in recent memory (John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka anyone?). Can’t the fans give the guy the benefit of a doubt?
I get that fans are frustrated with Beckett this season. He hasn’t had a great year, the revelations of chicken-and-beer-gate are still fresh in everyone’s memories, he doesn’t like talking to the media, etc. But, come on? The fans seem to have forgiven Lester and Buchholz (I don’t think Lachey though, but that’s for other reason).
Even the next day, I still feel a little sick in my stomach that the fans at the game booed Beckett. Just watch, Beckett will land on the disabled list, Morales will be in the rotation and won’t be as effective. Then, the fans will be wishing for the day when Beckett gets off the DL.
Last night, Josh Beckett was taken out of the in the 3rd inning with a back injury. Beckett had been breezing through the Tigers line-up until there were two outs in the 3rd. He then gave up a single to Omar Infante, hit Austin Jackson, and walked Quentin Berry. Next, Beckett walked Miguel Cabrera on five pitches, and a run scored. That’s when Bob McClure, an athletic trainer, and finally Valentine. Beckett was done for the night because of back spasms.
And then the boos came.
The “Fenway Faithful” booed Beckett, loudly. Beckett had been performing very well last night, despite the rain, and tried fighting through back spasms when he was finally taken out. You could tell he was trying, and the fans booed.
Beckett’s reaction was, “It is what it is.” Valentine commented, “I don’t think he deserved a boo at all… Those who were booing will probably take it back today when they figure out what the situation was.” I hope so.
I don’t care who the player is, fans should not boo a player when they are injured. I don’t care if it’s Joba Chamberlain, Alex Rodriguez, Luke Scott, Johnny Damon, Barry Bonds, etc. The fact that it was Red Sox fans booing their own player is despicable to me.
Yes, I am aware I may be in the minority with my support for Beckett. I do think he has what it takes to be a great No. 2, possibly No. 1, pitcher again. The way he was pitching the first two innings last night, in the rain and wind, proves my point that Beckett still has it.
But, seriously, why would the fans boo him? He had one bad inning last night, which was the inning he was taken out. He’s definitely not the worst pitcher the Red Sox have had in recent memory (John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka anyone?). Can’t the fans give the guy the benefit of a doubt?
I get that fans are frustrated with Beckett this season. He hasn’t had a great year, the revelations of chicken-and-beer-gate are still fresh in everyone’s memories, he doesn’t like talking to the media, etc. But, come on? The fans seem to have forgiven Lester and Buchholz (I don’t think Lachey though, but that’s for other reason).
Even the next day, I still feel a little sick in my stomach that the fans at the game booed Beckett. Just watch, Beckett will land on the disabled list, Morales will be in the rotation and won’t be as effective. Then, the fans will be wishing for the day when Beckett gets off the DL.
Trades
The Red Sox made two trades yesterday. They sent Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik to the Diamondbacks for Craig Breslow. They also sent Lars Anderson to the Indians for Steven Wright.
Craig Breslow is a left-handed reliever who has had a good season thus far. He has a 2.70 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 rates. He’s also pitched 43 1/3 innings thus far this season. Plus, he also won’t be a free agent until after next season. The thought is that by acquiring Breslow, the Red Sox are now able to move Franklin Morales back into the rotation.
Breslow has already had a stint with the Red Sox, back in 2006. He pitched 12.0 innings then, with a 3.75 ERA, a 9.0 K/9 rate, and a 4.5 BB/9 rate. He didn’t give up a home run while with the Sox then, but he has given up 5 this season.
Steven Wright is a 27-year-old knuckleballer who has been in Double-A this season. He has a 2.49 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 4.8 BB/9. He’s also pitched 115 2/3 innings this season. The addition of Wright gives the Red Sox more starting pitching depth. Plus, since Wakefield has retired, the Sox need a knuckleballer that will be with them for the next 20 years.
Craig Breslow is a left-handed reliever who has had a good season thus far. He has a 2.70 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 rates. He’s also pitched 43 1/3 innings thus far this season. Plus, he also won’t be a free agent until after next season. The thought is that by acquiring Breslow, the Red Sox are now able to move Franklin Morales back into the rotation.
Breslow has already had a stint with the Red Sox, back in 2006. He pitched 12.0 innings then, with a 3.75 ERA, a 9.0 K/9 rate, and a 4.5 BB/9 rate. He didn’t give up a home run while with the Sox then, but he has given up 5 this season.
Steven Wright is a 27-year-old knuckleballer who has been in Double-A this season. He has a 2.49 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 4.8 BB/9. He’s also pitched 115 2/3 innings this season. The addition of Wright gives the Red Sox more starting pitching depth. Plus, since Wakefield has retired, the Sox need a knuckleballer that will be with them for the next 20 years.
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