I first apologize for the title. I’ve been listening to a lot of Godsmack lately, including their cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times, Bad Times.” For those who don’t know, at the beginning of Godsmack’s music video for “Good Times, Bad Times” is a shot of Fenway Park and fans wearing Red Sox apparel. There, I made a Red Sox connection.
Anyway, the title of this post is appropriate. Last night, the Red Sox definitely had some “good times” and “bad times.” Since I want to end on a positive note, I’ll start with the negative aspects. They would include Lester’s performance and Ortiz.
Lester was horrible! No, I did not get to watch the game (had to see “Spiderman,” since I’ve heard so much about it lately. It was good… not sure if it was better than the Tobey Maguire version). When I went into the movie, the score was 2-2 in the first inning. When the movie was finished (as the credits were rolling), the score was 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th with no outs. I held out the slightest bit of hope when I saw that the Sox scored 3 runs in the 8th inning. Yeah, that did a whole lot of good.
Lester’s line for last night’s game was 4.0 innings, 7 hits, 6 runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 1 homerun. His season ERA is now 4.80. Now, I could spin this positively and say that it was his first start back after the break, but that’s not an excuse. Lester’s supposed to be the ace of the club, and he hasn’t proven that.
I like Lester; he’s one of my favorites. I find him an inspiration for his battle with cancer (as I have had my own skin-related issues in the past and know how scary it is). I even considered naming my dog “Lester.” However, Lester needs to step it up. It seems like he takes a step forward one start and then a step back the next. Hopefully, he can get this figured out… quickly.
Next up, Ortiz. Ortiz is out for at least a few games (more likely anywhere from a week to a trip on the 15-day DL) with an Achilles injury. An MRI yesterday revealed no tear or rupture, which is a good thing. Papi’s in a walking boot. But, he’s getting a second opinion today. Does this mean the Sox don’t trust their own doctors, or is there something else?
I’m hoping Ortiz is okay and will be back soon; it was such a fluke injury. Plus, as much as I like Nava and want him to succeed, he’s not a designated hitter. Sorry. It’s obvious the Sox are showcasing him for a trade. However, his stock might have fallen last night after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout and leaving 3 on. Hopefully, today goes better for him.
And now, the “good times.” Ellsbury and Crawford, the two outfielders that us fans have been waiting pretty much all season to return, produced last night. Ellsbury went 2-for-5 with a run scored, and Crawford went 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored. All four hits were singles, but they were hits.
The most impressive thing about their outing last night were the steals. Ellsbury had one steal, and Crawford had 3. With them running around the bases like mad men, it’ll make the opposing pitchers and catchers more nervous. Plus, these two will be in scoring position more often than most hitters, purely because they can steal 2nd in a snap.
Morales was moved back into the bullpen yesterday, and I’m torn about this. He’s been a reliable starter this past month, only really having one bad outing. But, he’s really flourished this year, and that’s mainly because of his relief help. Last night, he pitched 1 inning, struck out one, and allowed 0 hits or runs.
Tazawa also was impressive last night. He pitched 4 innings, gave up 4 hits, 1 run, walked none, and had 4 strikeouts. (Why couldn’t Lester do this?). Whether or not the Sox are showcasing Tazawa for a trade or see him as a legitimate piece of their own puzzle, it’s nice to see him doing well. His season ERA is at 0.84.
I also must point out that Youkilis had a 3-run home run off Lester last night in the 4th inning. Again, I’m glad Youkilis is doing well on his new team. I just wish he didn’t do well against the Red Sox. Oh well, round 3 is tonight!
One last thing, I’m going to be heading for vacation this weekend. “Twitter-Mania Friday” will be posted tomorrow, and I’m not sure if I’ll have an additional post tomorrow. I’ll be out of town without my computer until late Monday, so I probably won’t post additional articles until Tuesday.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Random Thoughts
* The 45-second standing ovation Kevin Youkilis received in his return to Fenway last night was great. It shows Youk that the fans did appreciate him, and he’ll always be regarded with respect despite playing for the “wrong” Sox. Sometimes, a change of scenery is good. In Youk’s case, I think that’s what he needed.
* Ortiz pulled his Achilles rounding the bases on Gonzalez’s game-winning homerun last night. Ortiz said it was pulled and nothing popped, and Valentine said Ortiz will be out for a few games. An MRI is scheduled for today. Yes, losing Ortiz is tough, especially since he’s been the team’s most consistent bat all season. However, Pedroia will be back on Thursday, and this will allow some other players to get a bit of a rest. The Sox will work with a “fluid” designated hitter for a few days. I’m guessing Shoppach and Saltalamacchia will share duties of catching and DH-ing for at least one game.
* Crawford was 1-for-3 with 2 runs in his return for the season. HE’S HITTING .333! Break out the champagne! In all seriousness, I’m happy for Crawford. I think he needed to come back and produce from the get-go. Hopefully, he’ll continue hitting like he was in the minors (I believe he had a .306 BA), and the mess from last year will be quickly forgotten.
* Aaron Cook continues to impress. Last night, he pitched 7.0 innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 run, 0 earned runs. He walked and struck out 0. His season ERA is down to a very respectable 3.34, even in the limited time he’s pitched. Does this mean the Sox keep him and trade away someone like Morales?
* The Sox are said to be actively pursuing Ryan Dempster of the Cubs. I’m all for this. One, Depmster has a ridiculous 1.86 ERA. Two, he’s Kevin Millar’s best friend. I’ve seen Dempster a few times on Intentional Talk, and he’s hilarious. I think the Sox need someone who can come in and loosen the team up a bit. There’s no one who is said to be the “fun” one on this team, and I think the Sox need that. They need someone to keep the clubhouse light, to have fun with the media. The fact that he’s Millar’s best friend, well that’s just a bonus.
* Ortiz pulled his Achilles rounding the bases on Gonzalez’s game-winning homerun last night. Ortiz said it was pulled and nothing popped, and Valentine said Ortiz will be out for a few games. An MRI is scheduled for today. Yes, losing Ortiz is tough, especially since he’s been the team’s most consistent bat all season. However, Pedroia will be back on Thursday, and this will allow some other players to get a bit of a rest. The Sox will work with a “fluid” designated hitter for a few days. I’m guessing Shoppach and Saltalamacchia will share duties of catching and DH-ing for at least one game.
* Crawford was 1-for-3 with 2 runs in his return for the season. HE’S HITTING .333! Break out the champagne! In all seriousness, I’m happy for Crawford. I think he needed to come back and produce from the get-go. Hopefully, he’ll continue hitting like he was in the minors (I believe he had a .306 BA), and the mess from last year will be quickly forgotten.
* Aaron Cook continues to impress. Last night, he pitched 7.0 innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 run, 0 earned runs. He walked and struck out 0. His season ERA is down to a very respectable 3.34, even in the limited time he’s pitched. Does this mean the Sox keep him and trade away someone like Morales?
* The Sox are said to be actively pursuing Ryan Dempster of the Cubs. I’m all for this. One, Depmster has a ridiculous 1.86 ERA. Two, he’s Kevin Millar’s best friend. I’ve seen Dempster a few times on Intentional Talk, and he’s hilarious. I think the Sox need someone who can come in and loosen the team up a bit. There’s no one who is said to be the “fun” one on this team, and I think the Sox need that. They need someone to keep the clubhouse light, to have fun with the media. The fact that he’s Millar’s best friend, well that’s just a bonus.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Welcome Back Youkilis... and Crawford
The White Sox are set to play a four-game series against the Red Sox starting tonight, which means the return of Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis is flourishing with the White Sox, something I’m happy about, even if it is against one of my least favorite teams. It’s now become clear that Youkilis needed out of Boston and things were not good between him and Valentine. I’m excited to see him back at Fenway, to see the crowds reaction, and to see which Red Sox players reach out to him.
Youkilis wrote a letter thanking various people, like the Red Sox organization, Terry Francona, his family, and the fans. Click on this link: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/20866/kevin-youkilis-letter-to-red-sox-nation to view a copy of the letter. It was a classy gesture. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Youkilis in Boston many times in the future, probably at Patriots games.
Carl Crawford is set to make his return to the Red Sox today after spending all season on the disabled list. There’s been a lot of talk about whether or not his elbow will hold up the rest of the year. I hope he’s back and silences the critics. Seriously, this guy was amazing with the Rays for so many years, comes to Boston and has a below average year and is injured for half the second year. He’s bound to bounce back, and I’m excited to see him do it.
Jacoby Ellsbury returned on Friday, and was 6 for 14 with 2 doubles. His average was raised to .275 for the season (I think he has a total of 10 games at the moment). He didn’t have a steal or even an attempt, but that will come. He needed to come and be comfortable at the plate, and he looks like he is just that. I can’t wait until Ellsbury and Crawford are both threats for stolen bases.
Clay Buchholz returned to the Red Sox on Saturday and made a respectable start for a loss. He went 6.1 innings, gave up 4 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 8. He also hit a batter. That’s a pretty solid start by for any starter (despite the runs), but especially from coming off the disabled list because he was hospitalized for esophagitis.
But, the important thing was that for the first time all season, I thought Buchholz looked healthy. He looked like he had gained about twenty pounds, which is significant since Buchholz always looks so thin. Buchholz is listed as 6’3” and 190 lbs, but I don’t think he’s every looked like he weighs that much. I have a brother who is 6’3” and is very thin, and he doesn’t weigh anywhere near 190 lbs.
The important thing is the injured Red Sox players are returning; and so far, they are producing. Today brings a whole new batch of Sox players returning, Crawford from the DL and Youk back to Boston as a “rival.” Baseball seems to be fun again for these players, and I think that’s exactly what this team needs.
* I had to note that I knew someone at every game of the Rays-Red Sox series, which is pretty remarkable for living in Iowa and the game being played in Tampa Bay.
Youkilis wrote a letter thanking various people, like the Red Sox organization, Terry Francona, his family, and the fans. Click on this link: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/20866/kevin-youkilis-letter-to-red-sox-nation to view a copy of the letter. It was a classy gesture. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Youkilis in Boston many times in the future, probably at Patriots games.
Carl Crawford is set to make his return to the Red Sox today after spending all season on the disabled list. There’s been a lot of talk about whether or not his elbow will hold up the rest of the year. I hope he’s back and silences the critics. Seriously, this guy was amazing with the Rays for so many years, comes to Boston and has a below average year and is injured for half the second year. He’s bound to bounce back, and I’m excited to see him do it.
Jacoby Ellsbury returned on Friday, and was 6 for 14 with 2 doubles. His average was raised to .275 for the season (I think he has a total of 10 games at the moment). He didn’t have a steal or even an attempt, but that will come. He needed to come and be comfortable at the plate, and he looks like he is just that. I can’t wait until Ellsbury and Crawford are both threats for stolen bases.
Clay Buchholz returned to the Red Sox on Saturday and made a respectable start for a loss. He went 6.1 innings, gave up 4 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 8. He also hit a batter. That’s a pretty solid start by for any starter (despite the runs), but especially from coming off the disabled list because he was hospitalized for esophagitis.
But, the important thing was that for the first time all season, I thought Buchholz looked healthy. He looked like he had gained about twenty pounds, which is significant since Buchholz always looks so thin. Buchholz is listed as 6’3” and 190 lbs, but I don’t think he’s every looked like he weighs that much. I have a brother who is 6’3” and is very thin, and he doesn’t weigh anywhere near 190 lbs.
The important thing is the injured Red Sox players are returning; and so far, they are producing. Today brings a whole new batch of Sox players returning, Crawford from the DL and Youk back to Boston as a “rival.” Baseball seems to be fun again for these players, and I think that’s exactly what this team needs.
* I had to note that I knew someone at every game of the Rays-Red Sox series, which is pretty remarkable for living in Iowa and the game being played in Tampa Bay.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Twitter-Mania Friday!!!
And so the second half begins today, with the Red Sox taking on the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. I don’t know if it’s the thought of Ellsbury returning today, Buchholz tomorrow, and Crawford possibly Monday, but I am starting to feel a little more optimistic about the rest of the season. Here’s hoping! With that said, please enjoy this weeks tweets of the week:
7/6
David Ortiz @davidortiz
I want to thanks all u fans for the love and blessing after I hit my HR #400 thank you….34
Jon Lester @JLester1
Proud to call you a teammate! #NVRQT RT @davidortiz I want to thanks all u fans for the love and blessing after I hit my HR #400 thank you….34
David Ortiz @davidortiz
@JLester1 I love u bro best teammate ever
7/7
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Wake up #RedSoxNation we got two! Pic.twitter.com/Mh8gvfD9
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Yankees infield meeting behind mound. Jeter looks worried of losing Hollywood starlets to Ciriaco
7/8
Jacoby Ellsbury @JacobyEllsbury
Playing with the @PawSox tonight.
Brent Lillibridge @BSLillibridge
Last game before the break. Excited for a few days off with the wife and kid and then back at it! #gonnawannagetathroatripin #mcgruber
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Thanks for everyones concern and support! I’ll be back out there very soon!
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Can’t make it up. Landed in K.C bags lost again!!!!!
7/9
David Ortiz @davidortiz
On my way to the ASG my friend see u there!!!!34 Pic.twitter.com/Oph5JoEY
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Did you miss the wave? It’s awesome! //RT @jgill21: @PeteAbe the lack of energy at Fenway right now is borderline depressing
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Good times last night hanging with @dfreese23 yes ladies that’s John Ham and my boy Barnes! #Boysclub pic.twitter.com/mLSiziiM
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Jon Hamm damn I’m bad with names and spellingon
Mike Aviles @Themikeaviles
A few days of family time with my 3 beautiful daughters and my gorgeous wife!!!! #trulyblessed #lovinglife
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Happy All-Star break!!!!
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Haha! Everyone have a great day!
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
David Ortiz: joked “I should be hitting leadoff (for the All-Star team) because I’ve been walking so much lately.”
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
The kids running around the outfield chasing balls look like a deleted scene from the Hunger Games
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Congrats to Prince. Another great year for the American League #GoAL #Trumbombs #splash
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Best part of #hrderby is $400k+ donated to @StateFarm Charity!!!! Congrats to the HR King (Prince)
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
So the plan is for the Red Sox to activate Jacoby Ellsbury on Friday and Clay Buchholz on Sat. Trying to deal an OF, preferably Sweeney.
7/11
Jon Lester @JLester31
A lot of u have some harsh things to say. No one is more disappointed w/ how the 1st half of the season went than us. That’s why we #NVRQT
Jon Lester @JLester31
Get it all out now. And for those of you who remain positive and supportive, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it! #NVRQT
Jon Lester @JLester31
Wanted to also thank my boy @davidortiz for making us proud and representing the @RedSox at the #ASG. #NVRQT
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Keep the hate coming… We fuel off it. We know who the real fans are. We play hard every day for you guy.
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Back home after the ASG. Hanging out with fresee and Gonzales on the way out….34 pic.twitter.com/JrI4Bpu
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Bag update true story lay over in Dallas so I took an earlier flight they had room on landed in Austin bag not here. 3 for my last 3 no bag
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Rain ruined my fishing trip today so I’m finally going to see ‘Ted.’ I hope it’s better than ‘Magic Mike’
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Good All-Star break for the #RedSox. Ortiz got a hit, Crawford starting rehab and John Henry didn’t help his wife learn any movie lines.
Jon Lester @JLester31
Guys, I love Boston, very happy here. Nothing better than playing for the @RedSox, hope to be here for my entire career! #dontbelievethehype
7/12
Jon Lester @JLester31
Wanted to send a big thank u to all the fans for their support. This is exactly why I love Boston and want to stay here! Love y’all! #NVRQT
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Middlebrooks hit me in the leg with a bat tonight and asked how it felt. “You’re always asking me,” he said. Pretty funny for a rookie.
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Excited and ready to take on the challenges of the second half! #RedSoxNation Two year old son got me right! Yfrog.us/elypoqz
Favorite Tweets of the Week:
7/8
Sean Casey @TheMayorsOffice
Heading to KC tomorrow for All-Star game!! Can’t wait to see derby n crush some KC BBQ!! No doubt @kmillar15 will be crushing a pork sand!
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
No @TheMayorsOffice my body is a temple salads with lemon wedges! U on the other hand ur breath will smell like Hot Dog water! #crusher
7/6
David Ortiz @davidortiz
I want to thanks all u fans for the love and blessing after I hit my HR #400 thank you….34
Jon Lester @JLester1
Proud to call you a teammate! #NVRQT RT @davidortiz I want to thanks all u fans for the love and blessing after I hit my HR #400 thank you….34
David Ortiz @davidortiz
@JLester1 I love u bro best teammate ever
7/7
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Wake up #RedSoxNation we got two! Pic.twitter.com/Mh8gvfD9
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Yankees infield meeting behind mound. Jeter looks worried of losing Hollywood starlets to Ciriaco
7/8
Jacoby Ellsbury @JacobyEllsbury
Playing with the @PawSox tonight.
Brent Lillibridge @BSLillibridge
Last game before the break. Excited for a few days off with the wife and kid and then back at it! #gonnawannagetathroatripin #mcgruber
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Thanks for everyones concern and support! I’ll be back out there very soon!
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Can’t make it up. Landed in K.C bags lost again!!!!!
7/9
David Ortiz @davidortiz
On my way to the ASG my friend see u there!!!!34 Pic.twitter.com/Oph5JoEY
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Did you miss the wave? It’s awesome! //RT @jgill21: @PeteAbe the lack of energy at Fenway right now is borderline depressing
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Good times last night hanging with @dfreese23 yes ladies that’s John Ham and my boy Barnes! #Boysclub pic.twitter.com/mLSiziiM
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Jon Hamm damn I’m bad with names and spellingon
Mike Aviles @Themikeaviles
A few days of family time with my 3 beautiful daughters and my gorgeous wife!!!! #trulyblessed #lovinglife
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Happy All-Star break!!!!
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Haha! Everyone have a great day!
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
David Ortiz: joked “I should be hitting leadoff (for the All-Star team) because I’ve been walking so much lately.”
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
The kids running around the outfield chasing balls look like a deleted scene from the Hunger Games
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Congrats to Prince. Another great year for the American League #GoAL #Trumbombs #splash
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Best part of #hrderby is $400k+ donated to @StateFarm Charity!!!! Congrats to the HR King (Prince)
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo
So the plan is for the Red Sox to activate Jacoby Ellsbury on Friday and Clay Buchholz on Sat. Trying to deal an OF, preferably Sweeney.
7/11
Jon Lester @JLester31
A lot of u have some harsh things to say. No one is more disappointed w/ how the 1st half of the season went than us. That’s why we #NVRQT
Jon Lester @JLester31
Get it all out now. And for those of you who remain positive and supportive, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it! #NVRQT
Jon Lester @JLester31
Wanted to also thank my boy @davidortiz for making us proud and representing the @RedSox at the #ASG. #NVRQT
Will Middlebrooks @middlebrooks
Keep the hate coming… We fuel off it. We know who the real fans are. We play hard every day for you guy.
David Ortiz @davidortiz
Back home after the ASG. Hanging out with fresee and Gonzales on the way out….34 pic.twitter.com/JrI4Bpu
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
Bag update true story lay over in Dallas so I took an earlier flight they had room on landed in Austin bag not here. 3 for my last 3 no bag
Kelly Shoppach @ShopHouse10
Rain ruined my fishing trip today so I’m finally going to see ‘Ted.’ I hope it’s better than ‘Magic Mike’
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Good All-Star break for the #RedSox. Ortiz got a hit, Crawford starting rehab and John Henry didn’t help his wife learn any movie lines.
Jon Lester @JLester31
Guys, I love Boston, very happy here. Nothing better than playing for the @RedSox, hope to be here for my entire career! #dontbelievethehype
7/12
Jon Lester @JLester31
Wanted to send a big thank u to all the fans for their support. This is exactly why I love Boston and want to stay here! Love y’all! #NVRQT
Pete Abraham @PeteAbe
Middlebrooks hit me in the leg with a bat tonight and asked how it felt. “You’re always asking me,” he said. Pretty funny for a rookie.
Nick Punto @Shredderpunto
Excited and ready to take on the challenges of the second half! #RedSoxNation Two year old son got me right! Yfrog.us/elypoqz
Favorite Tweets of the Week:
7/8
Sean Casey @TheMayorsOffice
Heading to KC tomorrow for All-Star game!! Can’t wait to see derby n crush some KC BBQ!! No doubt @kmillar15 will be crushing a pork sand!
Kevin Millar @KMillar15
No @TheMayorsOffice my body is a temple salads with lemon wedges! U on the other hand ur breath will smell like Hot Dog water! #crusher
Thursday, July 12, 2012
In A Perfect World
In a perfect world, Red Sox-wise, the team would be in first place. The players would have minimal injuries. Beckett and Lester would be battling each other for Cy Young contention. Ellsbury would be leading the league with stolen bases with 40-45 already. Crawford would be hitting .300+ with 20+ steals and 15+ home runs. Gonzalez would be hitting .350 with 25 home runs. Pedroia would have just made the All-Star team as a starter.
But alas, the world is not perfect, and neither are these Red Sox. I think everyone can agree that Ortiz is really the only player that the fans are satisfied with, as much as a Red Sox fan can be satisfied. Yes, there have been some surprises like Saltalamacchia, Middlebrooks, Morales and Cook (for the most part), and Atchison.
I know I haven’t concentrated on the positives much lately. It’s so much easier when you see the team in front of you playing to their potential. It’s a lot harder to sit back, try to relax, as you watch a team you know like the back of your hand not playing the way you know they can.
The unofficial second half of the season starts tomorrow for the Red Sox (and I say that because the team has played over half their games). The Red Sox take on the Rays, who have become a rival to them. The pitching match-ups are as follows:
Friday: Morales (1-2, 3.50 ERA) v. Hellickson (4-5, 3.41 ERA)
Saturday: Buchholz (8-2, 5.33 ERA) v. Price (11-4, 2.82 ERA)
Sunday: Beckett (4-7, 4.43 ERA) v. Shields (8-5, 4.17 ERA)
Let’s face it, the Sox need to get off to a good start with this second half. Their 4-10 start to the season really hurt them, much like their 2-10 start to the season hurt them the year before. But maybe, things will start to look up for them.
Ellsbury is supposed to be activated from the disabled list tomorrow. Buchholz follows on Saturday. Crawford will be shortly behind them, as he’s supposed to start in Triple-A today. Pedroia is still about 2 weeks away, but he shouldn’t need much time to rehab. With those core “All-Stars”(they have all made the All Star team at one point) in place, it might just be what the Red Sox need. Yes, trades will be made. The team will change, but it could all be for the better.
In 2004, the Red Sox traded away Nomar Garciaparra, the face of the franchise at the time. All the Red Sox fans I knew were upset. How could they trade away a player who meant so much the team, the fan base, and vendors (seriously, his apparel was the best selling). Maybe the Red Sox of 2012 need something like that to happen now.
With 76 games left to play, the Red Sox are only 2.5 games back from the second wild card spot. Making the post season is very doable, and the Sox could have the pieces to do it. They just need to stay healthy and win persistently. They can’t lose close games. Gonzalez needs to get his swing back (something he seemed to be doing better before the break). Ellsbury and Crawford will need to keep the other teams’ offenses on their toes and constantly get into scoring position. Papi needs to keep doing what he’s doing.
There’s the saying “It’s a marathon, not a race.” That’s true for a baseball season. Yes, in a perfect world, the Sox would be securely in first place without so many question marks. But, we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a world where there is heartache and miracles.
But alas, the world is not perfect, and neither are these Red Sox. I think everyone can agree that Ortiz is really the only player that the fans are satisfied with, as much as a Red Sox fan can be satisfied. Yes, there have been some surprises like Saltalamacchia, Middlebrooks, Morales and Cook (for the most part), and Atchison.
I know I haven’t concentrated on the positives much lately. It’s so much easier when you see the team in front of you playing to their potential. It’s a lot harder to sit back, try to relax, as you watch a team you know like the back of your hand not playing the way you know they can.
The unofficial second half of the season starts tomorrow for the Red Sox (and I say that because the team has played over half their games). The Red Sox take on the Rays, who have become a rival to them. The pitching match-ups are as follows:
Friday: Morales (1-2, 3.50 ERA) v. Hellickson (4-5, 3.41 ERA)
Saturday: Buchholz (8-2, 5.33 ERA) v. Price (11-4, 2.82 ERA)
Sunday: Beckett (4-7, 4.43 ERA) v. Shields (8-5, 4.17 ERA)
Let’s face it, the Sox need to get off to a good start with this second half. Their 4-10 start to the season really hurt them, much like their 2-10 start to the season hurt them the year before. But maybe, things will start to look up for them.
Ellsbury is supposed to be activated from the disabled list tomorrow. Buchholz follows on Saturday. Crawford will be shortly behind them, as he’s supposed to start in Triple-A today. Pedroia is still about 2 weeks away, but he shouldn’t need much time to rehab. With those core “All-Stars”(they have all made the All Star team at one point) in place, it might just be what the Red Sox need. Yes, trades will be made. The team will change, but it could all be for the better.
In 2004, the Red Sox traded away Nomar Garciaparra, the face of the franchise at the time. All the Red Sox fans I knew were upset. How could they trade away a player who meant so much the team, the fan base, and vendors (seriously, his apparel was the best selling). Maybe the Red Sox of 2012 need something like that to happen now.
With 76 games left to play, the Red Sox are only 2.5 games back from the second wild card spot. Making the post season is very doable, and the Sox could have the pieces to do it. They just need to stay healthy and win persistently. They can’t lose close games. Gonzalez needs to get his swing back (something he seemed to be doing better before the break). Ellsbury and Crawford will need to keep the other teams’ offenses on their toes and constantly get into scoring position. Papi needs to keep doing what he’s doing.
There’s the saying “It’s a marathon, not a race.” That’s true for a baseball season. Yes, in a perfect world, the Sox would be securely in first place without so many question marks. But, we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a world where there is heartache and miracles.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Trades In The Making
Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe tweeted last night that Jacoby Ellsbury is supposed to be activated on Friday and Clay Buchholz on Saturday, and that the Sox are looking to trade an outfielder, preferably Sweeney. We all knew this would be happening, even with the rash of injuries that the Sox have accumulated. Darnell McDonald is now a Yankee, and Youkilis is with the White Sox. Change was going to happen, but how much change will happen is the question.
No doubt that Sweeney makes the most sense for a trade. He’s young, shown a lot of patience at the plate, though he doesn’t have much power. He’s a go-getter with fielding, having crashed into walls more than my liking. Though he’s been on the disabled list twice this year (once on the 7-day DL for a concussion and once on the 15-day DL for his broken toe), he’s remained durable for Sox standards, always returning and ready to play at full-force.
I like Sweeney; he’s an Iowa-boy, afterall. But, with the Sox on the borderline of mediocre and playoff-bound, things need to change. Would it make much sense to send Nava (who’s come back from oblivion) back to Triple-A? No. When Podsednik comes back, it wouldn’t make anymore sense to have him in Triple-A either. My guess is Sweeney and Podsednik will be traded, and possibly Nava too depending on how much faith the Sox have in Kalish.
I was on the MLB Trade Rumors earlier this week, and they were discussing teams in need of outfielders. The Reds were listed as one of these teams, with the Sox lining up nicely with them. (Maybe my uncle is a psychic and predicted a Sox trade with the Reds for Arroyo?) Matt Garza’s name has been floated around a lot to, in terms of potential trade targets for the Sox. The Sox need pitching, so they need to go with who’s available.
I fully admit that I don’t like change; I don’t like the unknown. However, I do know when change is needed, and these Red Sox need a change. The Red Sox bigwigs held a meeting on Monday to discuss the season thus far, and they’re supposed to be making some decisions (are they buyers or sellers?). There’s a team workout scheduled for Thursday, and roster moves could come down then.
There’s also been some chatter about the Sox trying to trade Lester and/or Beckett. I think the theme here is that these two, plus Lackey and Buchholz, seem to have formed an alliance and are still regarded as “card carrying members of the chicken and beer brigade.” Yes, I brought it up. Lester and Beckett are supposed to be the top of the rotation, but their pitching performance seems to be regarded more as mid-to-lower order of the rotation. Lester, without a doubt, is pitching way below his normal caliber; and while Beckett has also struggled, his pitching performance is better than his 4-7 record.
(On a side note, another thing to consider with Beckett is that this is an “even” year, as in 2012. If you look at Beckett’s stats, he seems to do better in “odd” years. Seriously, I don’t know why this is, but it’s true. Next year, he should be back to “normal” Beckett. So, do the Sox trade him? I think not, plus he’d have to approve any trade thanks to 10/5 rights.)
I’m sure there will be much more discussion about trades as the end of the month quickly approaches. My guess is the Sox trade 1-3 outfielders for a starting pitcher, relievers will be traded and traded for, Mark Prior will emerge from Triple-A for the first time since 2006, and the Sox will end the year with a winning record, though still a disappointing season.
No doubt that Sweeney makes the most sense for a trade. He’s young, shown a lot of patience at the plate, though he doesn’t have much power. He’s a go-getter with fielding, having crashed into walls more than my liking. Though he’s been on the disabled list twice this year (once on the 7-day DL for a concussion and once on the 15-day DL for his broken toe), he’s remained durable for Sox standards, always returning and ready to play at full-force.
I like Sweeney; he’s an Iowa-boy, afterall. But, with the Sox on the borderline of mediocre and playoff-bound, things need to change. Would it make much sense to send Nava (who’s come back from oblivion) back to Triple-A? No. When Podsednik comes back, it wouldn’t make anymore sense to have him in Triple-A either. My guess is Sweeney and Podsednik will be traded, and possibly Nava too depending on how much faith the Sox have in Kalish.
I was on the MLB Trade Rumors earlier this week, and they were discussing teams in need of outfielders. The Reds were listed as one of these teams, with the Sox lining up nicely with them. (Maybe my uncle is a psychic and predicted a Sox trade with the Reds for Arroyo?) Matt Garza’s name has been floated around a lot to, in terms of potential trade targets for the Sox. The Sox need pitching, so they need to go with who’s available.
I fully admit that I don’t like change; I don’t like the unknown. However, I do know when change is needed, and these Red Sox need a change. The Red Sox bigwigs held a meeting on Monday to discuss the season thus far, and they’re supposed to be making some decisions (are they buyers or sellers?). There’s a team workout scheduled for Thursday, and roster moves could come down then.
There’s also been some chatter about the Sox trying to trade Lester and/or Beckett. I think the theme here is that these two, plus Lackey and Buchholz, seem to have formed an alliance and are still regarded as “card carrying members of the chicken and beer brigade.” Yes, I brought it up. Lester and Beckett are supposed to be the top of the rotation, but their pitching performance seems to be regarded more as mid-to-lower order of the rotation. Lester, without a doubt, is pitching way below his normal caliber; and while Beckett has also struggled, his pitching performance is better than his 4-7 record.
(On a side note, another thing to consider with Beckett is that this is an “even” year, as in 2012. If you look at Beckett’s stats, he seems to do better in “odd” years. Seriously, I don’t know why this is, but it’s true. Next year, he should be back to “normal” Beckett. So, do the Sox trade him? I think not, plus he’d have to approve any trade thanks to 10/5 rights.)
I’m sure there will be much more discussion about trades as the end of the month quickly approaches. My guess is the Sox trade 1-3 outfielders for a starting pitcher, relievers will be traded and traded for, Mark Prior will emerge from Triple-A for the first time since 2006, and the Sox will end the year with a winning record, though still a disappointing season.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Injury Updates
I thought since the All-Star Break is the “official” halfway point of the MLB season, I would do an injury update. The Red Sox have had the most players of any team on the disabled list, which is probably why I’ve done way more injury reports that I had wanted to do this season. However, things are starting to look up for these injured players… the team, I’m not so sure.
Andrew Bailey (right thumb)- Played catch from 150 feet on July 1st, possibly returning late July or early August.
Clay Buchholz (esophagitis)- Threw 43 pitches in 2 1/3 innings during Triple-A rehab start July 9th, possibly returning July 14th.
Chris Carpenter (bone spur in right elbow)- Pitched 1 inning in GCL games on July 2nd and 5th, possibly returning in July.
Carl Crawford (partially torn UCL in left elbow, left groin strain)- Tweaked groin in July 5th rehab game, may resume rehab stint July 11th, possibly returning late July.
Jacoby Ellsbury (subluxed right shoulder)- Went 1-for-4 in Triple-A rehab game on July 8th, possibly returning mid-July.
Adrian Gonzalez (undisclosed illness)- Exited game prior to 3rd inning July 8th, more than likely returning July 13th.
Rich Hill (left elbow strain)- Transferred to 60-day DL on July 7th, possibly returning in August.
John Lackey (recovering from November 11 Tommy John surgery)- expected to pitch prior to the end of the calendar year.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (right upper trapezius strain)- placed on 15-day DL July 3rd, return date to be determined.
Will Middlebrooks (sore left hamstring)- ran on July 8th, still listed as day-to-day.
Dustin Pedroia (strained right thumb)- placed on 15-day DL on July 6th, retrospective to July 4th.
* Just a side note, but it concerns the Disabled List. I watched the first-round of the Home Run Derby last night; and by watch, I mean watch without volume because of the commentating. Matt Kemp is currently on the disabled list, yet he participated in the Home Run Derby. That doesn’t seem right. If the Kansas City fans wanted to boo someone, that’s who they needed to boo, not Robinson Cano.
Andrew Bailey (right thumb)- Played catch from 150 feet on July 1st, possibly returning late July or early August.
Clay Buchholz (esophagitis)- Threw 43 pitches in 2 1/3 innings during Triple-A rehab start July 9th, possibly returning July 14th.
Chris Carpenter (bone spur in right elbow)- Pitched 1 inning in GCL games on July 2nd and 5th, possibly returning in July.
Carl Crawford (partially torn UCL in left elbow, left groin strain)- Tweaked groin in July 5th rehab game, may resume rehab stint July 11th, possibly returning late July.
Jacoby Ellsbury (subluxed right shoulder)- Went 1-for-4 in Triple-A rehab game on July 8th, possibly returning mid-July.
Adrian Gonzalez (undisclosed illness)- Exited game prior to 3rd inning July 8th, more than likely returning July 13th.
Rich Hill (left elbow strain)- Transferred to 60-day DL on July 7th, possibly returning in August.
John Lackey (recovering from November 11 Tommy John surgery)- expected to pitch prior to the end of the calendar year.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (right upper trapezius strain)- placed on 15-day DL July 3rd, return date to be determined.
Will Middlebrooks (sore left hamstring)- ran on July 8th, still listed as day-to-day.
Dustin Pedroia (strained right thumb)- placed on 15-day DL on July 6th, retrospective to July 4th.
* Just a side note, but it concerns the Disabled List. I watched the first-round of the Home Run Derby last night; and by watch, I mean watch without volume because of the commentating. Matt Kemp is currently on the disabled list, yet he participated in the Home Run Derby. That doesn’t seem right. If the Kansas City fans wanted to boo someone, that’s who they needed to boo, not Robinson Cano.
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