- With a 7-2 win over the Astros last night, the Red Sox are currently 15-7, tied with the Rangers for the best record in the American League. The Orioles are 2 games back, and the Yankees 2.5 games back.
- David Ortiz hit his first home run of the season last night. In 5 games, he is hitting .550 (11 for 20) with 3 doubles and 5 RBIs.
- Clay Buchholz has a 5-0 record with a 1.19 ERA and a 1.009 WHIP. He’s given up 5 earned runs, 1 home run, and 13 walks, while striking out 39.
- Shane Victorino was held out of last night’s game for a tight back, which also plagued him last weekend. The thought is he’s day-to-day, but could this be a problem this season? Victorino is currently hitting .292 with 3 stolen bases. His defense has been just as impressive as his offense.
- Daniel Bard rejoined the Red Sox and appeared in the 9th inning last night. He worked a scoreless inning, gave up a hit, and struck out one.
- Alfredo Aceves was optioned to Triple-A after the game on Wednesday, and catcher, Ryan Lavarnway was called up.
- The thought is Lavarnway will be with the team until Sunday, when Lackey is presumably back. Will the Sox use Lavarnway in a game situation? Currently, Sox catchers are hitting .202 (17 for 84). Lavarnway was hitting .310 in Triple-A with 1 home run, 3 doubles, and 7 RBIs. More impressive, he’s walked and struck out 7 times each.
- Mike Napoli currently leads the Majors with 26 RBIs. Clay Buchholz leads the Majors with 5 wins (his 1.19 ERA is good enough for 3rd). The Red Sox pitching staff leads the Majors with a 10.01 per nine innings strikeout rate.
- My MLB-At-Bat Feed worked during my run (outside!) last night. It was nice to run and listen to the beginning of the game, especially when the Sox scored 4 runs in the first inning.
Showing posts with label Alfredo Aceves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alfredo Aceves. Show all posts
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Thankful My MLB Feed Was Not Working at the Gym Last Night
I did not watch the game last night, but it wasn’t by choice. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve gotten into running again, and I’m currently training for a 7-mile road race in July by following a 15K program. Last night was a scheduled 4-mile run. It was cold (39 degrees at 5:00 last night) and rainy (0.40” yesterday), so that run had to be done at the gym.
About a week and a half ago, I listened to a Red Sox game on WEEI while I did a 4-mile run, and I really enjoyed it. That was the plan last night. Unfortunately, or maybe in hindsight fortunately, the radio feed on MLB-At-Bat wasn’t working at the gym. I also couldn’t get the video feed to load. So, I ended up listening to my running playlist while watching the GameDay action.
I wonder if anyone noticed the faces I was making during the top of the 3rd inning of the game because I know I was making some strange faces and gestures. (Lucky for me, I go to Planet Fitness, where judging is not allowed).
Aceves walked the first batter, gave up a single to Crisp, then walked the third batter. Bases loaded. No outs. Then, he walks the next batter, and the score is 1-0. Lowrie strikes out, and I started to think that the Sox could get out of the inning with minimal damage.
WRONG!
Moss singles, scoring two. 3-0. Runners on first and second, and Aceves balks. Next batter, sac fly. 4-0, 2 outs. Reddick hits and RBI single, then advances to 2nd base on a throwing error by Aceves. 5-0. Aceves balks again, and Reddick is now on 3rd. Middlebrooks has a throwing error on the next play; Reddick scores and runner is on 1st. 6-0. Finally, the third out comes from a ground out by Eric Sogard, who started the inning with a walk.
The fourth inning wasn’t much better.
Crisp grounds out to start the inning. Then, Jaso hits a double and Seth Smith homers. 8-0. Lowrie singles. Finally, Farrell pulls Aceves in favor of Stephen Wright, who forces a double-play ball to end the inning.
The Sox ended up losing 13-0 in 7 innings.
I know the Sox were in a jam when Lackey went on the disabled list so early in the season, and Aceves has seemed like the logical choice the past couple seasons because of his versatility. But, the guy has an attitude problem, and a big one at that. For a team that is focused on “team chemistry,” it’s strange that management hasn’t traded Aceves.
The thing about Aceves is when he’s good, he’s great. He really does have dominant stuff when he’s on. But, when he’s not good, he’s horrendous. But, it never seems to be his fault.
In an article on The Boston Globe website, it stated that Aceves was pretty much blaming everything and everyone besides himself for his issues on the mound last night. To quote, “Aceves blamed the conditions, the mound, the strike zone of umpire Hunter Wendelstedt and, bizarrely, even his teammates for his performance.”
See: Aceves Accepts Little Responsibility for Loss, http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2013/04/aceves_accepts.html
Stephen Wright, who came in for Aceves and gave up 5 runs last night, is being optioned back to Triple-A. Daniel Bard, who had pitched so poorly in Spring Training that he was demoted to Double-A, will be in the Red Sox bullpen tonight; the bullpen needs fresh arms. The thought is John Lackey will be starting for the Red Sox on Sunday.
So, what are the Sox going to do with Aceves? I’m guessing he’s traded at some point this season. The Sox need him at the moment, probably more so with Lackey coming back in the line-up, for long-relief. But, I’m guessing he won’t be around much longer.
The Sox are tired of his attitude, as are the fans. The organizations has young pitchers in Triple-A who can make an impact on the Major League team. I have to end this entry by a tweet Pete Abraham, writer for The Boston Globe, posted last week, after Aceves’ last start:
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
“All you clamoring for Aceves to come out of the game: I’d like to see you go out there and tell him he’s done.” -April 17, 2013
About a week and a half ago, I listened to a Red Sox game on WEEI while I did a 4-mile run, and I really enjoyed it. That was the plan last night. Unfortunately, or maybe in hindsight fortunately, the radio feed on MLB-At-Bat wasn’t working at the gym. I also couldn’t get the video feed to load. So, I ended up listening to my running playlist while watching the GameDay action.
I wonder if anyone noticed the faces I was making during the top of the 3rd inning of the game because I know I was making some strange faces and gestures. (Lucky for me, I go to Planet Fitness, where judging is not allowed).
Aceves walked the first batter, gave up a single to Crisp, then walked the third batter. Bases loaded. No outs. Then, he walks the next batter, and the score is 1-0. Lowrie strikes out, and I started to think that the Sox could get out of the inning with minimal damage.
WRONG!
Moss singles, scoring two. 3-0. Runners on first and second, and Aceves balks. Next batter, sac fly. 4-0, 2 outs. Reddick hits and RBI single, then advances to 2nd base on a throwing error by Aceves. 5-0. Aceves balks again, and Reddick is now on 3rd. Middlebrooks has a throwing error on the next play; Reddick scores and runner is on 1st. 6-0. Finally, the third out comes from a ground out by Eric Sogard, who started the inning with a walk.
The fourth inning wasn’t much better.
Crisp grounds out to start the inning. Then, Jaso hits a double and Seth Smith homers. 8-0. Lowrie singles. Finally, Farrell pulls Aceves in favor of Stephen Wright, who forces a double-play ball to end the inning.
The Sox ended up losing 13-0 in 7 innings.
I know the Sox were in a jam when Lackey went on the disabled list so early in the season, and Aceves has seemed like the logical choice the past couple seasons because of his versatility. But, the guy has an attitude problem, and a big one at that. For a team that is focused on “team chemistry,” it’s strange that management hasn’t traded Aceves.
The thing about Aceves is when he’s good, he’s great. He really does have dominant stuff when he’s on. But, when he’s not good, he’s horrendous. But, it never seems to be his fault.
In an article on The Boston Globe website, it stated that Aceves was pretty much blaming everything and everyone besides himself for his issues on the mound last night. To quote, “Aceves blamed the conditions, the mound, the strike zone of umpire Hunter Wendelstedt and, bizarrely, even his teammates for his performance.”
See: Aceves Accepts Little Responsibility for Loss, http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2013/04/aceves_accepts.html
Stephen Wright, who came in for Aceves and gave up 5 runs last night, is being optioned back to Triple-A. Daniel Bard, who had pitched so poorly in Spring Training that he was demoted to Double-A, will be in the Red Sox bullpen tonight; the bullpen needs fresh arms. The thought is John Lackey will be starting for the Red Sox on Sunday.
So, what are the Sox going to do with Aceves? I’m guessing he’s traded at some point this season. The Sox need him at the moment, probably more so with Lackey coming back in the line-up, for long-relief. But, I’m guessing he won’t be around much longer.
The Sox are tired of his attitude, as are the fans. The organizations has young pitchers in Triple-A who can make an impact on the Major League team. I have to end this entry by a tweet Pete Abraham, writer for The Boston Globe, posted last week, after Aceves’ last start:
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
“All you clamoring for Aceves to come out of the game: I’d like to see you go out there and tell him he’s done.” -April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Red Sox Get First Win of Season, Beat Jays 4-2
Last night’s game may have been the game to switch the Red Sox’s losing ways. It was a come-from-behind win that featured great pitching, some clutch hitting, and a couple plays that made me scratch my head. Plus, the Sox are now 1-3, which means they won’t start the season 0-6, as they did last year.
I don’t know if it’s really fair to ask a 24-year-old Rookie to be the stopper to a pitching staff that has let the water run out over the past couple games, but that’s what the Red Sox essentially did with Doubront. Though Doubront didn’t have the most efficient of games (101 pitches, 62 for strikes, in 5 innings), he did a great job with what he brought with him. He gave up 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and stuck out 6. The Blue Jays starting pitcher, Henderson Alvarez, barely bested Doubront with 6 innings pitched, 4 hits, 1 run (a home run by Pedroia), 1 walk, while striking out 2. It was a pitching duel.
After Doubront was taken out, Valentine put in Scott Atchinson. I admit, I was a little anxious to see how Atchinson would pitch in this game; last year, he seemed to be more of a mop-up guy when he wasn’t in Triple-A. Atchinson blew me, and the Blue Jays, away! In 3 innings, he only gave up 1 hit, a single, while striking out 3 and walking 0. He was also incredibly efficient by only throwing 31 pitches.
Though, both of these pitching performances wouldn’t have meant anything without the spark that is Dustin Pedroia. With the Sox down 2-0 in the top of the 6th, Pedroia took a high, inside pitch out to the bleachers. I need to stop being so amazed with things Pedroia does because he’s constantly doing things that don’t seem possible, but that home run was electric. Even Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, the NESN announcers, were shocked. So shocked, in fact, that they had to re-show the home run for Orsillo to shout “La Luna!” which I guess is what Pedroia wants said when he hits home runs. (I’m guessing this is supposed to be Spanish for “To the Moon!”)
Then, there was David Ortiz. Opposing teams have performed the shift on Ortiz for so long now, it just seems like second nature to see the infield play to the right side of the field. However, Ortiz took balls the opposite way for singles. Then, in the top of the 7th, Ortiz attempted to steal 2nd because the infield was playing so deep and no one was really covering the base. He was called out, but I think he was safe based on the angle I was looking at it.
When asked why he allowed Ortiz to attempt the steal in such a close game (it was 2-1 at this point), Valentine gave a great reason. If no one is going to play like Ortiz will steal, then he should attempt the steal. That way, when teams are in position that Ortiz is a steal-threat, it will open up a hole for the batter. For his part, Ortiz thought he was safe as well.
In the top of the 9th, Pedroia did his part again by hitting a double, taking third on a wild pitch, then scoring to tie the game on a sac fly by Gonzalez. Ortiz then hit another single, and McDonald pitch-ran for him. Ross hit a single, and Sweeney then hit a single to score McDonald and Ross. With a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th, Valentine called on his closer, Aceves.
Until this point, Aceves had two blown saves and had given up three runs without recording an out. He didn’t have an official ERA because of this. I was a bit hesitant as well, wishing that he wouldn’t blow another save. Aceves prevailed, striking out one and getting three outs without allowing a base-runner. The Sox won 4-2.
Last night’s game was really an entertaining game with great pitching and a come-from-behind win. I don’t know if it was the thought of losing another game, but I think I was more anxious watching last night’s game as I had been in a long time. My emotions were high, but it was all worth. Hopefully, this game proves to be the spark to ignite a winning streak for the Sox.
I don’t know if it’s really fair to ask a 24-year-old Rookie to be the stopper to a pitching staff that has let the water run out over the past couple games, but that’s what the Red Sox essentially did with Doubront. Though Doubront didn’t have the most efficient of games (101 pitches, 62 for strikes, in 5 innings), he did a great job with what he brought with him. He gave up 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and stuck out 6. The Blue Jays starting pitcher, Henderson Alvarez, barely bested Doubront with 6 innings pitched, 4 hits, 1 run (a home run by Pedroia), 1 walk, while striking out 2. It was a pitching duel.
After Doubront was taken out, Valentine put in Scott Atchinson. I admit, I was a little anxious to see how Atchinson would pitch in this game; last year, he seemed to be more of a mop-up guy when he wasn’t in Triple-A. Atchinson blew me, and the Blue Jays, away! In 3 innings, he only gave up 1 hit, a single, while striking out 3 and walking 0. He was also incredibly efficient by only throwing 31 pitches.
Though, both of these pitching performances wouldn’t have meant anything without the spark that is Dustin Pedroia. With the Sox down 2-0 in the top of the 6th, Pedroia took a high, inside pitch out to the bleachers. I need to stop being so amazed with things Pedroia does because he’s constantly doing things that don’t seem possible, but that home run was electric. Even Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, the NESN announcers, were shocked. So shocked, in fact, that they had to re-show the home run for Orsillo to shout “La Luna!” which I guess is what Pedroia wants said when he hits home runs. (I’m guessing this is supposed to be Spanish for “To the Moon!”)
Then, there was David Ortiz. Opposing teams have performed the shift on Ortiz for so long now, it just seems like second nature to see the infield play to the right side of the field. However, Ortiz took balls the opposite way for singles. Then, in the top of the 7th, Ortiz attempted to steal 2nd because the infield was playing so deep and no one was really covering the base. He was called out, but I think he was safe based on the angle I was looking at it.
When asked why he allowed Ortiz to attempt the steal in such a close game (it was 2-1 at this point), Valentine gave a great reason. If no one is going to play like Ortiz will steal, then he should attempt the steal. That way, when teams are in position that Ortiz is a steal-threat, it will open up a hole for the batter. For his part, Ortiz thought he was safe as well.
In the top of the 9th, Pedroia did his part again by hitting a double, taking third on a wild pitch, then scoring to tie the game on a sac fly by Gonzalez. Ortiz then hit another single, and McDonald pitch-ran for him. Ross hit a single, and Sweeney then hit a single to score McDonald and Ross. With a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th, Valentine called on his closer, Aceves.
Until this point, Aceves had two blown saves and had given up three runs without recording an out. He didn’t have an official ERA because of this. I was a bit hesitant as well, wishing that he wouldn’t blow another save. Aceves prevailed, striking out one and getting three outs without allowing a base-runner. The Sox won 4-2.
Last night’s game was really an entertaining game with great pitching and a come-from-behind win. I don’t know if it was the thought of losing another game, but I think I was more anxious watching last night’s game as I had been in a long time. My emotions were high, but it was all worth. Hopefully, this game proves to be the spark to ignite a winning streak for the Sox.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
A Few Observations From Opening Day
The Red Sox lost to the Tigers in their first game, 3-2. It would've been 2-0 Tigers if it wasn't for the Red Sox rallying in the 9th. Both Lester and Verlander looked great, but neither factored into a decision. Here's some observations from the first official game of the Red Sox's 2012 season:
* The bullpen may be worse than I thought. Padilla started the bottom of the 8th by giving up a triple to Austin Jackson, and with one out, intentionally walked Fielder. Morales came in gave up a short flyball to Center which Ellsbury botched the throw to home plate. In the bottom of the 9th, Melancon gave up two singles in a row, and Valentine put in Aceves. Aceves hit the next batter to load the bases and gave up a game-winning single to Santiago, costing the game.
* Lester was great. His line: 7 IP 6H 1R 1ER 3BB 4K 0HR 107 pitches, 63 for strikes. That's the way to start the season! I do think Valentine may have kept in a bit too long, but I can't complain with that performance.
* The Sox offense just wasn't firing, but they were also going against Verlander ("Cy Young, MVP!"). Verlander went 8 innings and only gave up 2 hits while striking out 7. Ortiz and Pedroia both had doubles, and Sweeney had a game-tying triple in the 9th. Sweeney was the only player to have more than one hit on the Sox, going 2-4. Youkilis struck out twice.
* Was it just me, or did Francona sound like he wishes he was still on the team? He had a sort of longing in his voice, and I could tell he missed being with the team. He made one comment about Pedroia knowing what's going on at all times. He said, "He (Pedroia) can hold the runner on second and waive to us up here." Francona, we miss you too.
That's all I have for now. I'm hoping the game of Saturday goes better for the Sox. Beckett v. Fister. Let's go Sox!
* The bullpen may be worse than I thought. Padilla started the bottom of the 8th by giving up a triple to Austin Jackson, and with one out, intentionally walked Fielder. Morales came in gave up a short flyball to Center which Ellsbury botched the throw to home plate. In the bottom of the 9th, Melancon gave up two singles in a row, and Valentine put in Aceves. Aceves hit the next batter to load the bases and gave up a game-winning single to Santiago, costing the game.
* Lester was great. His line: 7 IP 6H 1R 1ER 3BB 4K 0HR 107 pitches, 63 for strikes. That's the way to start the season! I do think Valentine may have kept in a bit too long, but I can't complain with that performance.
* The Sox offense just wasn't firing, but they were also going against Verlander ("Cy Young, MVP!"). Verlander went 8 innings and only gave up 2 hits while striking out 7. Ortiz and Pedroia both had doubles, and Sweeney had a game-tying triple in the 9th. Sweeney was the only player to have more than one hit on the Sox, going 2-4. Youkilis struck out twice.
* Was it just me, or did Francona sound like he wishes he was still on the team? He had a sort of longing in his voice, and I could tell he missed being with the team. He made one comment about Pedroia knowing what's going on at all times. He said, "He (Pedroia) can hold the runner on second and waive to us up here." Francona, we miss you too.
That's all I have for now. I'm hoping the game of Saturday goes better for the Sox. Beckett v. Fister. Let's go Sox!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thumb Wars
I’ve been trying to remain optimistic about the upcoming season (two days until the Sox take on the Tigers). Through Bard’s rough Spring Training starts, Crawford’s setbacks, the lack of bullpen help, I’ve tried to think that this Red Sox team will be able to come out on top. However, the news from yesterday and today is just another blow to a Red Sox team with so going against them.
It was reported yesterday that Andrew Bailey had seen a thumb specialist in Boston and was now seeing hand specialist one in Cleveland. ESPN is reporting that Bailey needs surgery on his thumb, and the surgery could be done as early as this afternoon. Nothing official has come from the Red Sox as of yet, but it’s really only a matter of time, right?
Also reported yesterday was that Josh Beckett had a thumb issue as well. Yesterday, Beckett saw a thumb specialist in San Antonio; and now, there are reports that Beckett’s also heading to Cleveland to have his thumb looked at by the specialist. However, Beckett’s visit is supposed to be for “peace of mind,” according to Valentine.
If both pitchers are down for some time, I think the Sox are in trouble. Bailey’s injury seems to be more troublesome since the word “surgery” is being associated with it. If Bailey is out for some time, and the reports are that he’s going on the disabled list, then the Sox will need to figure out who will close the games.
Melancon, who was slated to be the set-up man, seems to be a logical choice; he was the closer for the Astros last year as well. But closing for the Astros is completely different than closing for the Red Sox, in a year when they’re out to prove themselves. Based off what I’ve seen from him during Spring Training, I’m not convinced that Melancon would be the best decision for a closer.
Aceves is also a candidate for the closing position. In my opinion, Aceves is the most versatile pitcher the Sox have, which also seems to be his Achilles tendon when it comes to him being a starter. He may not have lights out stuff, which seems to be what people look for in closers, but he knows how to pitch and pitch well. Personally, I think Aceves is the best choice for closer because he is out to prove something.
There’s also the idea of having Aceves become a starter and Bard fill in as closer, since Bard has been the “closer in waiting” for so long. As angry as Aceves was when he was told he wouldn’t be a starter, I think Daniel Bard would be even more so. I’ve seen the “Bard as closer” idea bounced around since these thumb reports have come out, and I think that’ll be too disruptive. If the Sox are committed to Bard being a starter, they can’t change their minds because of Bailey’s injury.
Beckett’s injury also is a concern, but maybe to a lesser extent. Beckett reportedly had thrown 100 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday and “felt great,” according to Valentine. Valentine is also quoted as saying, “If he needed to talk to me, he was going to talk to me. He didn’t talk to me, so I think he was fine.”
Again, Aceves seems like the logical choice to fill in as a starter if Beckett does have to miss starts or be placed on the disabled list. Besides one start, he’s had a great Spring Training. He wants to be a starter; and according to him, Valentine has already told him if Beckett can’t start, Aceves is the starter.
I’m really hoping that Beckett’s visit to the hand specialist is just precautionary because he’s one of the keys to the Sox’s success this season. He’s out to prove something, and he’s done a great job this Spring Training (19 innings, 7 hits, 2 ER). If the Sox lost Beckett, that’ll be a blow to the rotation.
I’m sure they’ll be more reports and confirmations later today, but I had to write something about this now. It’s frustrating to have so much faith in a team that seems to be crumbling away before the season starts. The season is 162 games (as ESPN so graciously reminded me last night in their documentary). A lot can happen in that time; I just hope it ends up being positive.
UPDATE: Andrew Bailey is scheduled to have surgery to reconstruct ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. When Valentine was asked when Bailey was to return, his reply was he wasn't expecting him back before the All-Star Break. So, the Sox need a closer... fast. The season starts in less than 48 hours....
It was reported yesterday that Andrew Bailey had seen a thumb specialist in Boston and was now seeing hand specialist one in Cleveland. ESPN is reporting that Bailey needs surgery on his thumb, and the surgery could be done as early as this afternoon. Nothing official has come from the Red Sox as of yet, but it’s really only a matter of time, right?
Also reported yesterday was that Josh Beckett had a thumb issue as well. Yesterday, Beckett saw a thumb specialist in San Antonio; and now, there are reports that Beckett’s also heading to Cleveland to have his thumb looked at by the specialist. However, Beckett’s visit is supposed to be for “peace of mind,” according to Valentine.
If both pitchers are down for some time, I think the Sox are in trouble. Bailey’s injury seems to be more troublesome since the word “surgery” is being associated with it. If Bailey is out for some time, and the reports are that he’s going on the disabled list, then the Sox will need to figure out who will close the games.
Melancon, who was slated to be the set-up man, seems to be a logical choice; he was the closer for the Astros last year as well. But closing for the Astros is completely different than closing for the Red Sox, in a year when they’re out to prove themselves. Based off what I’ve seen from him during Spring Training, I’m not convinced that Melancon would be the best decision for a closer.
Aceves is also a candidate for the closing position. In my opinion, Aceves is the most versatile pitcher the Sox have, which also seems to be his Achilles tendon when it comes to him being a starter. He may not have lights out stuff, which seems to be what people look for in closers, but he knows how to pitch and pitch well. Personally, I think Aceves is the best choice for closer because he is out to prove something.
There’s also the idea of having Aceves become a starter and Bard fill in as closer, since Bard has been the “closer in waiting” for so long. As angry as Aceves was when he was told he wouldn’t be a starter, I think Daniel Bard would be even more so. I’ve seen the “Bard as closer” idea bounced around since these thumb reports have come out, and I think that’ll be too disruptive. If the Sox are committed to Bard being a starter, they can’t change their minds because of Bailey’s injury.
Beckett’s injury also is a concern, but maybe to a lesser extent. Beckett reportedly had thrown 100 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday and “felt great,” according to Valentine. Valentine is also quoted as saying, “If he needed to talk to me, he was going to talk to me. He didn’t talk to me, so I think he was fine.”
Again, Aceves seems like the logical choice to fill in as a starter if Beckett does have to miss starts or be placed on the disabled list. Besides one start, he’s had a great Spring Training. He wants to be a starter; and according to him, Valentine has already told him if Beckett can’t start, Aceves is the starter.
I’m really hoping that Beckett’s visit to the hand specialist is just precautionary because he’s one of the keys to the Sox’s success this season. He’s out to prove something, and he’s done a great job this Spring Training (19 innings, 7 hits, 2 ER). If the Sox lost Beckett, that’ll be a blow to the rotation.
I’m sure they’ll be more reports and confirmations later today, but I had to write something about this now. It’s frustrating to have so much faith in a team that seems to be crumbling away before the season starts. The season is 162 games (as ESPN so graciously reminded me last night in their documentary). A lot can happen in that time; I just hope it ends up being positive.
UPDATE: Andrew Bailey is scheduled to have surgery to reconstruct ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. When Valentine was asked when Bailey was to return, his reply was he wasn't expecting him back before the All-Star Break. So, the Sox need a closer... fast. The season starts in less than 48 hours....
Monday, January 30, 2012
Who Starts?
The Red Sox starting rotation consists of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz… and no one after that. Matsuzaka is out until at least the All-Star break after Tommy John surgery (is it strange that I could actually be looking forward to Dice-K returning?) and John Lackey is out all season after Tommy John surgery (sigh of relief from me). After that, there is no one definite for the 4th and 5th starters.
Bard and Aceves have been given the green-light to come to Spring Training as starters. While I’d be perfectly fine with one of these two being a starter (leaning more towards Aceves than Bard, since Bard’s minor league stats as a starter are horrendous compared to his outstanding resume as a reliever), I don’t think you go into Spring Training thinking that both of these pitchers will be starters. Aceves earned the chance to be tried out as a starter; he was great in whatever role Francona put him in as- long-relief, short-relief, spot-starter, mop-up, etc. So, if Aceves becomes the number 4 or 5 starter, than Bard will essentially take over Aceves’ role from last year. However, if Spring Training comes and Bard does better than Aceves, than Bard is the starter and Aceves resumes his role from last year.
Free agent starters are hard to come by this off-season. There was no way the Red Sox could have gone after someone like C.J. Wilson (they still need to pay Lackey and Matsuzaka after all), and I really don’t see Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson signing with the Red Sox as well. Oswalt and Jackson would easily be #3 starters (possibly even #2 starters depending on the organization), and the Sox shouldn’t pay the extra money for these pitchers.
Wakefield is a free-agent, and I personally can’t see him returning. I like Wake; he’s had a great career with the Sox. I would have loved to see him break Roger Clemens’ record for most wins with the Red Sox; but after last year, I think it’s time to say goodbye to Wake. I think Wakefield (and as much as it pangs me, Varitek) will retire, and there will be a goodbye/thank you ceremony during one of the first weeks of the season for him.
Remaining free agent starters are scarce, and after Oswalt and Jackson, kind of scary to ponder about. I’d stay far away from Rich Harden, Brandon Webb, and Scott Kazmir, as injuries have plagued them over the years. Brad Penny’s out there, but after his stint with the Sox a couple years ago, I don’t see him returning. I would love to see the Sox sign Jon Garland and see how he does in Spring Training. I’ve been a fan of his since he was on the White Sox, and I think with the right organization and conditioning (not really sure
if that’s the case with the Sox since they have a new pitching coach), he could be a great #4 or #5 starter.
The Red Sox have already signed “rehab” guys, basically starters who need to prove themselves before landing a spot in the rotation. These non-roster invitees include some interesting names: John Maine, Carlos Silva, Tony Pena. John Maine has a career 4.35 ERA, and the last time he pitched in the Majors in 2010 had a 6.13 ERA. Carlos Silva has a career 4.68 ERA, and the last time he pitched in the Majors in 2010 had a 4.22 ERA. Tony Pena has only pitched 1 inning in the Majors back in 2008. He’s mentioned because 1) he’s the son of former Red Sox catcher, Tony Pena, and 2) he’s a converted shortstop. Who knows, maybe among the “rehab” guys the Sox have signed to minor-league contracts, they’ll find some luck (like the Yankees did last year).
The wild card would be that the Sox land Garza. This seemed highly unlikely a few weeks ago when the Cubs kept going back and forth with their “we’re not opposed to trading anyone” and “we’re going to offer Garza an extension.” The Sox originally asked the Cubs for Garza as compensation for Epstein, but they declined. But, Commissioner Selig is stepping in to handle the negotiations after months (and months) of nothing happening. Supposedly, Selig doesn’t like when personnel break contracts to go to other organizations, and the Sox are said to get someone that would prevent this type of move from happening again. I don’t think a straight-up Garza for Epstein is doable, but throwing in a couple prospects (nothing to substantial), I can see this happening.
Yes, the rotation scares me, but I think Cherington’s doing an okay job with what he had to work with. By the All-Star break, Matsuzaka may be able to return, and going on an optimistic branch here, he might do phenomenal, making every Sox fan forget about the agony he has caused us over the years. The Sox might also be able to mold one of their Triple-A, Spring Training invitees into an adequate pitcher as well, and Bard and Aceves might just surprise a few people (including myself). And if all else fails, there’s always a trade to be made (a name floating around is Gavin Floyd from the White Sox). We’ll just have to wait and see what Cherington decides to do.
Bard and Aceves have been given the green-light to come to Spring Training as starters. While I’d be perfectly fine with one of these two being a starter (leaning more towards Aceves than Bard, since Bard’s minor league stats as a starter are horrendous compared to his outstanding resume as a reliever), I don’t think you go into Spring Training thinking that both of these pitchers will be starters. Aceves earned the chance to be tried out as a starter; he was great in whatever role Francona put him in as- long-relief, short-relief, spot-starter, mop-up, etc. So, if Aceves becomes the number 4 or 5 starter, than Bard will essentially take over Aceves’ role from last year. However, if Spring Training comes and Bard does better than Aceves, than Bard is the starter and Aceves resumes his role from last year.
Free agent starters are hard to come by this off-season. There was no way the Red Sox could have gone after someone like C.J. Wilson (they still need to pay Lackey and Matsuzaka after all), and I really don’t see Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson signing with the Red Sox as well. Oswalt and Jackson would easily be #3 starters (possibly even #2 starters depending on the organization), and the Sox shouldn’t pay the extra money for these pitchers.
Wakefield is a free-agent, and I personally can’t see him returning. I like Wake; he’s had a great career with the Sox. I would have loved to see him break Roger Clemens’ record for most wins with the Red Sox; but after last year, I think it’s time to say goodbye to Wake. I think Wakefield (and as much as it pangs me, Varitek) will retire, and there will be a goodbye/thank you ceremony during one of the first weeks of the season for him.
Remaining free agent starters are scarce, and after Oswalt and Jackson, kind of scary to ponder about. I’d stay far away from Rich Harden, Brandon Webb, and Scott Kazmir, as injuries have plagued them over the years. Brad Penny’s out there, but after his stint with the Sox a couple years ago, I don’t see him returning. I would love to see the Sox sign Jon Garland and see how he does in Spring Training. I’ve been a fan of his since he was on the White Sox, and I think with the right organization and conditioning (not really sure
if that’s the case with the Sox since they have a new pitching coach), he could be a great #4 or #5 starter.
The Red Sox have already signed “rehab” guys, basically starters who need to prove themselves before landing a spot in the rotation. These non-roster invitees include some interesting names: John Maine, Carlos Silva, Tony Pena. John Maine has a career 4.35 ERA, and the last time he pitched in the Majors in 2010 had a 6.13 ERA. Carlos Silva has a career 4.68 ERA, and the last time he pitched in the Majors in 2010 had a 4.22 ERA. Tony Pena has only pitched 1 inning in the Majors back in 2008. He’s mentioned because 1) he’s the son of former Red Sox catcher, Tony Pena, and 2) he’s a converted shortstop. Who knows, maybe among the “rehab” guys the Sox have signed to minor-league contracts, they’ll find some luck (like the Yankees did last year).
The wild card would be that the Sox land Garza. This seemed highly unlikely a few weeks ago when the Cubs kept going back and forth with their “we’re not opposed to trading anyone” and “we’re going to offer Garza an extension.” The Sox originally asked the Cubs for Garza as compensation for Epstein, but they declined. But, Commissioner Selig is stepping in to handle the negotiations after months (and months) of nothing happening. Supposedly, Selig doesn’t like when personnel break contracts to go to other organizations, and the Sox are said to get someone that would prevent this type of move from happening again. I don’t think a straight-up Garza for Epstein is doable, but throwing in a couple prospects (nothing to substantial), I can see this happening.
Yes, the rotation scares me, but I think Cherington’s doing an okay job with what he had to work with. By the All-Star break, Matsuzaka may be able to return, and going on an optimistic branch here, he might do phenomenal, making every Sox fan forget about the agony he has caused us over the years. The Sox might also be able to mold one of their Triple-A, Spring Training invitees into an adequate pitcher as well, and Bard and Aceves might just surprise a few people (including myself). And if all else fails, there’s always a trade to be made (a name floating around is Gavin Floyd from the White Sox). We’ll just have to wait and see what Cherington decides to do.
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