I admit, I stopped watching the game last night intently in the third inning. I stopped watching it all together after 7:30. I stopped keeping track of the score after 8:30. That was probably one of the worst games I have witnessed. The Red Sox lost 18-3 to the Texas Rangers.
It started off well for the Red Sox. Lester did pretty well in the first inning, not giving up any runs, and then Pedroia’s two-run home run in the bottom of the inning was a nice start. It was the first time in the season that the Sox had scored in the first inning. I was thinking this was a good start, and Lester was finally going to get the run support he deserved. I was wrong. I was very wrong.
Lester gave up four runs in the second inning and three runs in the third. Lester pitched a total of 80 pitches, 43 pitches in the second inning alone. He left in the third inning without getting an out. It was Lester’s second worst outing in his career, and I’m hoping it was a fluke.
For the past three seasons, Lester has been one of the predicted pitchers to win the AL Cy Young Award. Lester’s a great pitcher, make no mistake about that. While watching him last night, I couldn’t help but think that he had something physically wrong with him. I’m not sure what it was, but something seemed off with the way he was throwing the ball. Hopefully, he doesn’t land on the DL.
The Red Sox bullpen wasn’t any better, except Atchison (4 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts, 1 home run) and Albers (1 inning pitched and 0s down the board). Atchison has pitched surprisingly efficient throughout the young season, and I’m hoping he continues this way.
Atchison’s story of how he became on the Red Sox is a great one. If you don’t already know about Atchison’s daughter, please read this article: http://articles.boston.com/2010-03-07/sports/29326373_1_callie-rare-genetic-disorder-red-sox. In short, Atchison’s daughter has a rare genetic disorder known as thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR), in which the bone from the elbow to the thumb is missing in both of his daughter’s arms.
It’s heart-breaking to hear about the struggles of a three-year-old, but it’s great to see Atchison performing well and his daughter being able to see that. But back to the game, the rest of the bullpen pitched about as horrendously as Lester…
Melancon probably more horrendously. Melancon didn’t record an out in the eighth inning, but still managed to give up 6 runs on 4 hits, including 3 home runs. For the record, Melancon’s ERA for the season is 49.50.
Melancon has to go, whether it’s to Triple-A, released, by waivers, or traded. He’s doing far more harm than good for this team. To think, this was supposed to be the pitcher to replace Bard as our set-up man. I’m just thankful Valentine didn’t award him the closer’s position when Bailey went down. I’m praying Bailey returns ahead of schedule.
The two pitchers who came in after Melancon did slightly better: Thomas and Padilla both pitched an inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. On Twitter, there were messages about Thomas going into the role he was supposed to pitch in: mop-up. I think both Thomas and Padilla have done a pretty good job pitching thus far, but the bad luck was going all around the Red Sox pitching staff last night.
Rich Hill can not come back soon enough. I guess you can say the same thing about Matsuzaka and Andrew Miller at this point too. If Aaron Cook could make a difference in the bullpen, he’d be welcomed as well. Every little bit would help.
UPDATE: Melancon has been sent to Triple-A, and Junichi Tazawa was recalled.
Showing posts with label Mark Melancon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Melancon. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
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....
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What Would Happen if Bard Became the Closer?
I’m not saying this is a possibility at all, since it’s been pretty well documented that Bard wants to start and the Red Sox are willing to give him that chance. While Valentine has said he’s not ready to commit to who will be the 4th and 5th starters (is this a sign that something is in the works by the Front Office?), it’s pretty obvious that Bard will be the number four starter. I also think he will do well with this role- more on that later.
However, the Red Sox bullpen is still full of question marks. Does Bailey have what it takes to be effective in the AL East? Will he remain healthy throughout the season? Will Melancon crumble or flourish? Who will fill in Aceves’ role if he becomes the 5th starter? Will Rich Hill make it back soon enough to have a dramatic (hopefully positive) impact on the team as a lefty specialist?
I could continue, but I will get to the point. There are more questions than answers with the bullpen right now. There are essentially three candidates to take over the fourth and fifth starter roles at this point- Bard, Aceves, and Doubront. You can argue that Padilla is there as well, but he just strained his right hamstring in the weight room two days ago. Aaron Cook could also be in the mix, but he still seems to be behind the other starters.
My thought was what if Bard became the closer, Bailey was the set-up man, and Melancon fill in for that vital relief spot? This would be much like Bobby Jenks was supposed to last year for Bard and Papelbon. Aceves and Doubront would become the starters then, and the bullpen would look much better, cleaner, and crisper.
Feelings aside, since Bard, Bailey, and Melancon have made their choice of roles on the team very apparent, this may be what’s best for the Red Sox. Bard was the “closer-in- waiting,” if you will, for years, being groomed by the Red Sox, and apprenticing behind Papelbon. Bard has been pretty much the most reliable reliever for the last two years for the Sox, minus his September troubles last year. There’s been questions raised about Bailey’s mentality and health, and Melancon has been a bit scary to watch in Spring Training. If all three took a step back from their desired roles, wouldn’t the Red Sox bullpen look more put together?
I’m not saying that these five pitchers can’t succeed in the roles I’m sure they’ll take over this year. Bard really has only had one bad outing this Spring Training, last Friday, when he gave up seven earned runs. I’m not holding that against him either because in a regular season game, there’s no way he would’ve gone out there after a rain delay. I’m trying to have confidence in Meloncon and Bailey in their roles; the truth is, I don’t really know too much about them other than what’s been said about them. I haven’t seen them play in a regular season game… maybe Bailey once or twice. Aceves and Doubront are essentially battling each other for the 5th starter spot as well.
I just wanted to throw out this “crazy” proposal about what I was thinking about while watching Bard pitch last night. Bard had one bad inning where he gave up three runs and worked very well in the other innings he pitched. I do think he will make a good starter, but I also think he would’ve been a great closer.
However, the Red Sox bullpen is still full of question marks. Does Bailey have what it takes to be effective in the AL East? Will he remain healthy throughout the season? Will Melancon crumble or flourish? Who will fill in Aceves’ role if he becomes the 5th starter? Will Rich Hill make it back soon enough to have a dramatic (hopefully positive) impact on the team as a lefty specialist?
I could continue, but I will get to the point. There are more questions than answers with the bullpen right now. There are essentially three candidates to take over the fourth and fifth starter roles at this point- Bard, Aceves, and Doubront. You can argue that Padilla is there as well, but he just strained his right hamstring in the weight room two days ago. Aaron Cook could also be in the mix, but he still seems to be behind the other starters.
My thought was what if Bard became the closer, Bailey was the set-up man, and Melancon fill in for that vital relief spot? This would be much like Bobby Jenks was supposed to last year for Bard and Papelbon. Aceves and Doubront would become the starters then, and the bullpen would look much better, cleaner, and crisper.
Feelings aside, since Bard, Bailey, and Melancon have made their choice of roles on the team very apparent, this may be what’s best for the Red Sox. Bard was the “closer-in- waiting,” if you will, for years, being groomed by the Red Sox, and apprenticing behind Papelbon. Bard has been pretty much the most reliable reliever for the last two years for the Sox, minus his September troubles last year. There’s been questions raised about Bailey’s mentality and health, and Melancon has been a bit scary to watch in Spring Training. If all three took a step back from their desired roles, wouldn’t the Red Sox bullpen look more put together?
I’m not saying that these five pitchers can’t succeed in the roles I’m sure they’ll take over this year. Bard really has only had one bad outing this Spring Training, last Friday, when he gave up seven earned runs. I’m not holding that against him either because in a regular season game, there’s no way he would’ve gone out there after a rain delay. I’m trying to have confidence in Meloncon and Bailey in their roles; the truth is, I don’t really know too much about them other than what’s been said about them. I haven’t seen them play in a regular season game… maybe Bailey once or twice. Aceves and Doubront are essentially battling each other for the 5th starter spot as well.
I just wanted to throw out this “crazy” proposal about what I was thinking about while watching Bard pitch last night. Bard had one bad inning where he gave up three runs and worked very well in the other innings he pitched. I do think he will make a good starter, but I also think he would’ve been a great closer.
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