BBTF's Sox Therapy Discussion :: I love that dirty water: 1-0 First place, half a game up.

Sox Therapy
— Where Thinking Red Sox Fans Obsess about the Sox

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

I love that dirty water: 1-0 First place, half a game up.

Woke up at 5:15. went for a run, showered up and watched the Sox. The only thing that took away from the morning, was that they couldn’t get it done in under 3 hours as I had to head to work.

Game Chat

Number 3 Star:Dice - K: Gutty but ugly performance. We saw the Dice we saw a little too much of last year, a little adversity and he starts to fold. Instead of completely folding he battled, despite not having command or mph’er on his heater. His off-speed stuff really settled in during the 3rd, 4th and 5th. Could have gone to a number of players, but considering the locale of the game I had to give him the edge.

Number 2 Star Brandon Moss: Late injury replacement for J.D. “Nancy” Drew whose back went out, prior to the game. Brandon, trying to carve out a roll for himself showed good plate coverage and took his licks including a the game tying closer off Street in the top of the 9th.

Number 1 Star: Manny - 2 for 4, with four base knocks including the go ahead in the 10th. This is the Manny being Manny we all want to see for the next 3 years. Onward toward 6 Hundo.

News
Papi - not clutch. Manny, really bailed out the Greatest Hero in American History who left 5 on base reminding me of Johnny “Pop-up” (Valentin). The shift did take a way a hit from Papi. So the shift counter is -1.
J.D. Drew, out a stiff back. Apparently he was a VERY late scratch as Moss was announced with the reserved then a couple minutes again with the starters. Hopefully this won’t be a long term situation as the RedSox really need 20 dingers from Drew, as the middle of the lineup is very dependent on Ortiz/Manny and Lowell for power, another source of power would go along way towards keeping the Sox near the top of the league in runs scored.
Lugo - Lives. Nice leaping catch on a screaming liner a couple hits, it’s good to see him starting on the right foot.
Lil Dust - Starting strong. At one point Phillips mentioned to Thorne, that he talked to Dave Magadan, who mentioned that the wanted Dustin to be more aggressive, as he can be passive at times and go up watching pitches. Magadan said, Pedroia should pick one out he likes and try to put a charge into it. Primates everywhere cringed. I cheered.
Dice-K - made a gold glove level play coming off the mound with the bases drunk as Bobby Crosby hit a worm killer towards third. Great play.
Mike Timlin is really important. Not having him available for the 6th pushed Snyder into action, who proceeded to cough up the lead. The 6th inning is going to be a key inning for the Sox in close games, as I have a lot of faith in Oki, Delcarmen and Paps for the 7th, 8th and 9th. When the starters can’t get through 6 to get the ball to Oki it will be challenging to shut other teams down ith Lopez and Snyder and Corey (who might be ok).
Good win.

Mister High Standards Posted: March 25, 2008 at 10:14 AM | 111 comment(s)
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1. Reed's Johnson Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM (#2719739)

Nancy, nice.

And to be honest I've never really felt nervous with Corey on the mound. I think he's a better pitcher than Snyder and definitely better than Lopez. He's done a good job as far as I can remember. And IIRC, there's been a piece or two about how Francona's a fan of his so hopefully he can throw those 'in limbo' innings and keep the ball as far away from Lopez as possible.

Dice-K continues to make me nervous.

2. chris p Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM (#2719741)

r mph’er on his heater.

i think the gun was low. it had blanton in the low to mid 80s. embree was able to get into the 90s, and papelbon was in the low-mid 90s.

Magadan said, Pedroia should pick one out he likes and try to put a charge into it. Primates everywhere cringed.

eh?

The 6th inning is going to be a key inning for the Sox in close games, as I have a lot of faith in Oki, Delcarmen and Paps for the 7th, 8th and 9th. When the starters can’t get through 6 to get the ball to Oki it will be challenging to shut other teams down ith Lopez and Snyder and Corey (who might be ok).

is there any team in baseball that has a reliable 4th option in the bullpen?

3. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:17 AM (#2719743)

* They were pitching Ortiz carefully. He needs to be patient, let Manny drive in the runs for a while. Eventually pitchers will be forced to come in to him.

* The Red Sox aren't going to get 20 HR from Drew, so either find a way to do without or write off the season now.

* Lugo was pulled for Cora in the 10th. Is he okay? Could be a break for Lowrie, but he really isn't ready yet.

* Snyder is at best the #6 pitcher in the pen. No idea why he was in there for the sixth inning. Lopez and Corey are both better pitchers, not to mention Aardsma.

4. Dan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:17 AM (#2719745)

I'm not so sure the gun wasn't accurate, chris. Papelbon's fastball didn't seem to have its normal life, and the A's hitters weren't swinging and missing much. It wouldn't surprise me if he was a few MPH down.

5. chris p Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM (#2719746)

It wouldn't surprise me if he was a few MPH down.

embree and blanton, though. embree was just hitting 90 and looked really good. when he's on his game he's in teh mid 90s.

6. Dan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:22 AM (#2719749)

Also, I have no idea what the #### Kyle Snyder was doing pitching in the 6th inning with a 1 run lead. Either Okajima or Delcarmen needs to be pitching that inning. You can get two innings from one of them, or 4 outs from one and 5 from the other with a 1 run lead.

7. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:25 AM (#2719755)

Is anybody still on the Kyle Snyder bandwagon? Our depth chart at this point:

Paps, Oki, MDC, Timlin, Aardsma, Lopez, Corey, Tavarez, Snyder

Hard to see Snyder making the front seven.

8. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:28 AM (#2719760)

Either Okajima or Delcarmen needs to be pitching that inning. You can get two innings from one of them, or 4 outs from one and 5 from the other with a 1 run lead.

Aw, I predicted in chatter that it would be Darren making this argument...

It's a cogent argument. There should have been time to get one of Manny D or Okajima warmed. My guess is that Tito had a plan not to push those guys to get more than three outs, and I'd guess that he's still holding tryouts for the #5 slot in the bullpen. Corey edged ahead of Snyder today.

9. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:30 AM (#2719765)

Paps, Oki, MDC, Timlin, Aardsma, Lopez, Corey, Tavarez, Snyder

I was unimpressed with Aardsma. He didn't look like he had anything to get lefties out with, and his fastball was merely ok. He'll be traded for an organizational player in the next week, I think.

Snyder's value goes down quite a bit with Tavarez on the roster. Does Corey have options? Because I'd probably rather risk losing Snyder than Corey at this point.

10. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM (#2719775)

Aardsma, Lopez, Corey, and Snyder are all out of options. Tavarez, as a veteran, also cannot be sent down. I, too, am looking for some trades in the next week. Hope the right guys are moved.

11. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM (#2719780)

you have played in ZERO real games so far, glass-body...
suck it up and play
taking days off because youre banged-up, but not injured, should happen in July and August, not opening frickin day, you ####### ##### (forgetting feline)

12. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM (#2719782)

Of course we coudln't score any runs off the bullpen. We weren't hitting against people, but ghosts from 2004.

I haven't actually seen Aardvark. Is he any good?

13. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM (#2719783)

was this the first game in which both Keith Foulke and Papelbon pitched?

14. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:51 AM (#2719785)

you have played in ZERO real games so far, glass-body... suck it up and play

Nate, if it is all the same I'd rather have a GOOD player in there for the Red Sox.

ZiPS projections:
Drew .362/.412
Moss .334/.424 (and perhaps superior defense?)
Crisp .333/.410 (and stellar CF defense)

Let JD Drew take all the time off he likes. Preferably on the 60-day DL, so he doesn't waste a roster space.

15. Dan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:54 AM (#2719787)

I think that ZiPS is overly pessimistic about Drew's power being gone.

16. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:54 AM (#2719788)

Nate, I think this is the first game in which both pitched.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS200509080.shtml

17. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:56 AM (#2719790)

thanks. totally forgot that they were teammates for a while

how did Keith's pitching look? i went back to sleep for some of the game

18. Judges 20:16 (the Lord's bullpen) Posted: March 25, 2008 at 11:57 AM (#2719791)

"Paps" needs to be retired as a nickname. It means "nipples".

19. too fat and ugly to play third Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:02 PM (#2719794)

I just hope Manny's "look at me" BS doesn't cost us a game this year. Just Manny Being An #######.

20. chris p Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM (#2719799)

how did Keith's pitching look? i went back to sleep for some of the game

looked good.

21. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:06 PM (#2719800)

Who knew Tim McCarver posted here? Welcome. Any good Bob Gibson anecdotes? I hear he was quite the pitcher.

22. kevin Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:19 PM (#2719811)

23. kevin Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:20 PM (#2719814)

Seriously, I wish foulke the best. He was awesome in the '04 post-season.

24. PJ Martinez Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:25 PM (#2719819)

kevin is already in mid-season form.

As for Drew vs. Moss vs. Crisp, I'm pretty sure the 30-point edge in OBP would outweigh the slight slugging edge attributed to Moss (I don't know enough about Moss's defense to compare the two, but Drew has been good in the past). Coco can't play right with his Johnny Damon arm.

I, too, want Keith Foulke to kick ass, even though I kind of hate the A's.

25. Templeusox has reached his genetic threshold Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:26 PM (#2719820)

Moss' defense isn't better than Drew's. His arm might be slightly stronger (might be), but he doesn't have near the range.

26. Dan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM (#2719821)

Is there any word yet on why Lugo left the game in the 10th inning?

27. Dizzypaco Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM (#2719827)

That .362/.412 line is just a line that one computer program came up with. Its not evidence of anything. Drew's career numbers are .390/.500, and even though he had an off year last year, it was still better than what ZIPS is projecting.

28. kevin Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:39 PM (#2719828)

kevin is already in mid-season form.

I worked hard during the off-season, pj.

29. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:40 PM (#2719830)

he's in the best shape of his life

30. Joe Bivens, Ditch Digger Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:44 PM (#2719832)

Stop whining about Drew. Jesus.

31. Mattbert Posted: March 25, 2008 at 12:44 PM (#2719834)

"Paps" needs to be retired as a nickname. It means "nipples".

My offering of Your Finest Chateauneuf d'Papelbon didn't get much of a response in the Chatter. I'm chalking that up to the lot of you being knuckle-dragging plebians.

32. The Clarence Thomas of BTF (scott) Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:12 PM (#2719858)

i want to hug manny.

33. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:24 PM (#2719869)

i will not stop whining about Drew, and don't call me Jesus.

34. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:25 PM (#2719872)

Let's not forget the awesome catch Ellsbury made.

35. plink Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:36 PM (#2719879)

I absolutely think Snyder is a better pitcher than Aardsma, Lopez, or Corey. Doesn't mean he should have been pitching the 6th.

However, I don't think Snyder is a better pitcher than Gronkiewicz.

36. Mattbert Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:38 PM (#2719880)

Oh, come on. Had the timing been different, had Drew tweaked his back and been out for one game sometime in mid-June, there wouldn't be a peep about it.

37. 44magnum Posted: March 25, 2008 at 01:52 PM (#2719895)

Matsuzaka's great play(what an athlete and what a ballplayers 1st step!) in the 1st was huge. Under exact same circumstances, how many pitchers execute that one? I always assume pitchers are awful fielders and cringe when they don't hold onto the ball in that situation. Usually a bases clearing E1 would follow that HR, BB, HBP, WP, BB mess perfectly.

38. CrosbyBird Posted: March 25, 2008 at 02:20 PM (#2719920)

The Red Sox will win 120 regular season games this year.

Why are you selling the Sox short? If they don't do any better than match the pace they're on so far for the rest of the season they will win 162 games.

39. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 02:21 PM (#2719922)

Mattbert, you are of course correct. It's the symbolism rather than the lost time at this point. Still, it felt like he was "day-to-day" for half the season last year without ever going on the DL. I'd rather have him commit one way or the other.

40. Answer Guy Posted: March 25, 2008 at 02:24 PM (#2719924)

Matsuzaka's great play(what an athlete and what a ballplayers 1st step!) in the 1st was huge. Under exact same circumstances, how many pitchers execute that one?

Maybe I'm stereotyping, but it seems like the Japanese ballplayers I've seen in MLB as a group are pretty solid on the fielding skills and overall baseball sense.

41. Srul Itza Posted: March 25, 2008 at 02:38 PM (#2719935)

I woke up at 3 a.m. this morning, just in time to watch Manny hit his second 2-run double, and almost get thrown at second because he took too long admiring what he thought was 3-run shot.

2 Doubles, 4 RBI, and 1 paradigm Manny-being-Manny moment. I think he is going to have a big year.

42. kevin Posted: March 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM (#2719951)

As a rule, Japanese players tend to compensate in fundamentals what they lack in tools.

43. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 25, 2008 at 03:05 PM (#2719975)

As a rule, Japanese players tend to compensate in fundamentals what they lack in tools.

That's definitely not the case with Matsuzaka, though. His defensive tools are among the best I've seen in a pitcher. He's a great athlete.

44. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 04:14 PM (#2720092)

Oh, come on. Had the timing been different, had Drew tweaked his back and been out for one game sometime in mid-June, there wouldn't be a peep about it.

or if it hadn't happened 20 times last year, but happened today, there also wouldn't be a peep.

45. The Piehole of David Wells Posted: March 25, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#2720093)

That .362/.412 line is just a line that one computer program came up with. Its not evidence of anything. Drew's career numbers are .390/.500, and even though he had an off year last year, it was still better than what ZIPS is projecting.

i've said it before but people ignored it at the time: drew is exactly the wrong type of hitter for fenway. go over to MLB.com, look at his hit chart for homers. he is a dead pull hitter. if he's trying to use the wall at fenway, he will fail again. somehow he needs to pull the ball more. but i think the park is just deep enough in right and center to contain him.

that's probably why zips sees his power falling off and staying off.

http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_hitting_chart.jsp?playerID=136770&statType=1

check out 2007 doubles and homers at fenway, then check out his dodger stadium numbers.

46. bunyon Posted: March 25, 2008 at 04:24 PM (#2720102)

It wouldn't surprise me if he was a few MPH down.

embree and blanton, though. embree was just hitting 90 and looked really good. when he's on his game he's in teh mid 90s.

It's still spring training. Seriously, did the Red Sox and A's pitchers report earlier than other teams pitchers? I'd guess none of them are really at full speed yet.

47. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 04:40 PM (#2720123)

drew is exactly the wrong type of hitter for fenway

Thats true. Fenway is hell for batters who hit slow bouncers to 2nd on the four days a week they decide that they can play. ...alright just kidding.

48. Mattbert Posted: March 25, 2008 at 06:19 PM (#2720202)

Maybe I'm stereotyping, but it seems like the Japanese ballplayers I've seen in MLB as a group are pretty solid on the fielding skills and overall baseball sense.

My high school's baseball team had the opportunity to travel to Japan and play a couple exhibition games against two of their teams. This was back in the mid-90s, but my assessment at the time was their defense was on a par with collegiate D1, if not better. Any baseball skill that can be improved simply by tireless drilling and repetition, the teams we played against were exceptional at that skill.

For example, in 18 innings of play the Japanese teams made zero errors. And that was reflected in their practice sessions: I never saw errant throws, never saw incorrect footwork, never saw poor routes to the ball, and so on. That doesn't mean they were better defenders, just that they appeared very successful at eliminating simple mistakes from their play. I wonder if this is borne out at the professional level in Japan. What is the average fielding percentage for a NBP team versus a MLB team?

49. John DiFool2 Posted: March 25, 2008 at 06:23 PM (#2720207)

I don't get the dead pull thing at all for Drew. According to the link in post #45, he had only 7 flyouts to the right fielder at Boston all year. Instead I see a lot of medium flies to left and center; if he gets a little more oomph on some of those he'll be fine at home. You could argue that he has more power to right tho.

Anyone know if Moss will stick as the 4th corner outfielder/2nd first baseman? I think he is old enough that the old "keep him in the minors to develop" is outweighed by the needs of the big club for this season.

50. Reed's Johnson Posted: March 25, 2008 at 06:50 PM (#2720233)

I think he is old enough that the old "keep him in the minors to develop" is outweighed by the needs of the big club for this season.

I agree that he doesn't need to be in the minors and should be given a chance at the big league level (like Murphy a year ago). But if he sticks on the team he'd actually be a FIFTH corner OF/THIRD first baseman, and that's not terribly necessary, even though he's a useful player. I'd like to see more from Moss, but with Crisp, Kielty and Casey hanging around and Moss still with options I don't expect him to stick in April unless trades occur or people go down.

51. Dan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 06:56 PM (#2720235)

I'd like to see Moss take the roster spot that Casey is occupying. He's probably not as good at getting on base, but he has more power and can play the outfield. He's a much more versatile and useful bench player, I think. And basically backing up all the OF and IF corners (with Youkilis shifting to third when Lowell is rested), he ought to get a sufficient number of at bats to not rot on the bench.

52. Valentine Posted: March 25, 2008 at 07:00 PM (#2720243)

I can't see Moss getting substantial PT until after Crisp is traded. After that, why not? Between Drew and Manny's days off, there could be 60 starts in the outfield available to Moss. I might prefer Kielty against LHP but definitely not against RHP.

53. Rough Carrigan Posted: March 25, 2008 at 07:07 PM (#2720246)

Yeah, Drew's such a complete dead pull hitter that his two homers against Hanshin and Yomiuri were both to left center. Dead pull hitter. Uh huh.

54. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: March 25, 2008 at 07:36 PM (#2720270)

Kielty is a reserve and not on the team am I correct?

55. Joe Bivens, Ditch Digger Posted: March 25, 2008 at 07:36 PM (#2720272)

Drew's HR against the Indians was to dead center. One HR that was ruled off the wall was to left/left center.

you have played in ZERO real games so far, glass-body...
suck it up and play

9 innings of pre season baseball is just as taxing as regular season baseball. IOW, they are real games.

56. Nasty Nate Posted: March 25, 2008 at 08:11 PM (#2720293)

how many times this spring did Drew play 9 innings?

57. Moscow Hiding In The Shadows Posted: March 25, 2008 at 08:15 PM (#2720296)

Surefire observations:

1) Pedroia will win the MVP award in 2008.

2) Moss is another Dwight Evans.

3) Lugo has turned into a combination of Rick Burleson and Rico Petrocelli.

4) The Red Sox will win 120 regular season games this year.

Bookmarked for future reference.

And no, I don't mean to hand over to the peyote police, though I have to admit that the thought crossed my mind....

Oh well, Kev, you're still on the money about Carolina, the Celtics, and steroids. Three out of four ain't bad. Perfection's not for mere mortals.

58. Tuque Snider singed balls for you Posted: March 25, 2008 at 08:50 PM (#2720313)

Also: Jack Cust will shatter the record with 648 strikeouts.

edit: I'll be conservative and say 500+ instead.

59. Tuque Snider singed balls for you Posted: March 25, 2008 at 08:53 PM (#2720314)

and: Perfection's not for mere mortals.

Are you claiming that Jacoby Ellsbury isn't perfect? Heresy! Kevin, back me up here!

60. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: March 25, 2008 at 08:54 PM (#2720315)

The girls are 8-0 everyone....

61. villageidiom Posted: March 25, 2008 at 09:25 PM (#2720339)

2) Moss is another Dwight Evans.

Almost two years ago I'd observed that Moss is another Trot Nixon. I stand by my statement.

Either Okajima or Delcarmen needs to be pitching that inning. You can get two innings from one of them, or 4 outs from one and 5 from the other with a 1 run lead.

I wouldn't give any of them substantially more IP than they'd have had in a late spring training outing. I know it's a real game and all, but it's also a real season, and I'd like them to last.

62. Textbook Editor Posted: March 25, 2008 at 10:20 PM (#2720372)

I had totally forgotten about the girls' winning streak, Phil. Their winning streak was the highlight of the post-season Chatters; glad to see their mojo has carried over to 2008.

63. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: March 26, 2008 at 02:20 AM (#2720464)

I had totally forgotten about the girls' winning streak, Phil. Their winning streak was the highlight of the post-season Chatters; glad to see their mojo has carried over to 2008.

I was reading the old chatters the other day, it was defiantly a highlight.

They are coming to the hotel to watch the first hour of the game tonight. We'll see how they go...

64. Mattbert Posted: March 26, 2008 at 01:37 PM (#2720897)

Okay, sure. But 8-1 is nothing to sneeze at.

65. Templeusox has reached his genetic threshold Posted: March 26, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#2721100)

Can a brother get a minor league thread? My goodness.

66. Darren Posted: March 26, 2008 at 08:17 PM (#2721301)

Nice post MHS.

I agree MCOA's assessment of what I would have said if I got around to posting. Been a bit too busy lately. Dumb bullpen management but nothing unexpected.

Almost two years ago I'd observed that Moss is another Trot Nixon. I stand by my statement.

And I stand by my statement that that is kooky talk.

Temple, sorry for the lack of posts, but I don't see it increasing much soon. Maybe in a month or two.

67. Templeusox has reached his genetic threshold Posted: March 26, 2008 at 08:35 PM (#2721313)

I was just joking Darren. But can you just make a catch-all minor league thread? I'll fill it up.

68. Darren Posted: March 26, 2008 at 08:37 PM (#2721315)

No. Okay, yes.

69. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: March 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM (#2721325)

The loss had to come...

damn!

70. Mike Webber Posted: March 27, 2008 at 10:51 AM (#2721621)

Hi, I am just now watching game 2, apparently ESPN had no radar gun readings, and I was wondering what Lester's velocity was like.

I seems like Lester's main problem is he was working too high in the strike zone, which caused him to fall behind, is that what other's saw?

Thanks!

71. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM (#2721715)

I thought Lester's problem was that he had zero command of his cutter, so he couldn't do anything against RHB. He had a pretty good curve, so got the lefties.

Lester's fastball command looked pretty ok - he's not going to turn into a control guy overnight, but if he can mix cutters and fastballs against righties, they won't be able to sit on the bad ones that miss in the zone.

Lefties were 1-6 with a walk and two Ks, righties were 4-11 with two walks, two Ks and a homer.

72. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: March 28, 2008 at 08:19 AM (#2722272)

Almost two years ago I'd observed that Moss is another Trot Nixon. I stand by my statement.

I made that assertion about 6 months ago. I think everybody just ignored me.

73. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:28 PM (#2722935)

Anyone watching the Dodgers game?

Colon going along okay. Just gave up his first hit in the bottom of the third to Furcal.

74. Dan Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:41 PM (#2722940)

Yeah I'm watching, for some reason MLB.tv is working for me, don't know if this game is free or if it's because I bought it last year, but I just put it on in the 4th inning. Colon seems to be pitching great though the Dodgers broadcast doesn't have any radar gun readings.

75. Dan Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:44 PM (#2722944)

Hmm, in Gameday he appears to be throwing between 91 and 94 MPH.

76. Dan Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:44 PM (#2722945)

Wow, Pierre really is useless. He can't even drag bunt on a fastball?

77. villageidiom Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:48 PM (#2722947)

It's not on TV in CT, Phil.

78. villageidiom Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:52 PM (#2722951)

And MLB.TV isn't free for me.

79. villageidiom Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:53 PM (#2722952)

But I am starting to like this Lugo guy.

80. villageidiom Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:57 PM (#2722956)

Two outs, Tek up, 0-for-2 with 2 K's. Gee, I wonder...

EDIT: Yep.

81. Dan Posted: March 28, 2008 at 11:59 PM (#2722958)

So now between the two Oakland games and this game, Varitek is is 0-11 with 9 strikeouts and a GIDP. That is rough.

82. Dan Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM (#2722959)

I wonder if this means that it automatically started my 5 day free trial for MLB.tv for the year, or what.

83. villageidiom Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:08 AM (#2722960)

So now between the two Oakland games and this game, Varitek is is 0-11 with 9 strikeouts and a GIDP. That is rough.

Makes you wonder if this is next.

84. villageidiom Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:10 AM (#2722963)

Oh, well, off to bed.

85. kevin Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:37 AM (#2722978)

Place is up.

86. kevin Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:38 AM (#2722980)

...and he hits into a DP.

87. kevin Posted: March 29, 2008 at 12:44 AM (#2722982)

He looks pretty good in the outfield though. He just made a nice running catch going straight back.

88. villageidiom Posted: March 29, 2008 at 09:52 PM (#2723306)

Anyone watching the game tonight? I might watch the first few innings, just for the novelty of seeing Manny play "the other wall" in left at the Coliseum.

EDIT: The Globe reports that "Manny Ramirez would not play tonight, his spot in left field taken by Bobby Kielty, and most regulars would get just an at-bat or two." It's a novelty nonetheless.

89. The Josecruz Blues (GGC) Posted: March 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM (#2723327)

I am, VI. I see Drew is still out. Interesting camera angles at the Masoleum.

Why did Crisp play Wednesday? I never heard an explanation. They trying to get him some PT?

90. villageidiom Posted: March 29, 2008 at 10:37 PM (#2723331)

Neither did I, GGC. I think your guess is good. They're both playing tonight.

I'm effectively chattering in the Woodstock thread.

91. The Josecruz Blues (GGC) Posted: March 29, 2008 at 10:42 PM (#2723332)

I'm sure Dodger Thoughts at Baseball Toaster has a chatter. I'm going out for a drink.

92. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: March 30, 2008 at 11:10 AM (#2723482)

Roster news: Per redsox.com, Timlin has been DL'd with that cut on his finger, and so all of Corey, Lopez, and Aardsma will make the opening day roster. One of them will have to be cut when Beckett returns, and then another when Timlin returns (if there are no other injuries in between).

C Varitek, Cash
1B Youkilis, Casey
2B Pedroia
SS Lugo, Cora
3B Lowell
OF Manny, Ellsbury, Drew, Crisp
DH Papi

SP Matsuzaka, Lester, Wakefield, Buchholz
RP Papelbon, Okajima, Delcarmen, Corey, Aardsma, Lopez, Snyder, Tavarez

There's an open question of what to do with Kielty. If he accepts assignment to Pawtucket, then it's all good. But if he doesn't want the assignment, that's a bit of a problem because the Red Sox should have Kielty lined up as their 4th OF once they trade Coco. I'd rather risk losing Corey or Aardsma than Kielty - especially since they're probably going to have to cut one of those guys this week - but hopefully the Red Sox can work it out.

93. villageidiom Posted: April 01, 2008 at 08:00 AM (#2726121)

It appears that Kielty has accepted the Pawtucket assignment.

94. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 02, 2008 at 10:37 AM (#2727666)

So, Dice-K's pretty awesome when he can command four different pitches in the zone, huh?

95. tfbg9 Posted: April 02, 2008 at 01:38 PM (#2727850)

And the opposition's the Swingin' A's?

96. villageidiom Posted: April 02, 2008 at 07:41 PM (#2728537)

You're both right. DM had decent command last night, but his success was partly due to the team he was facing.

So far, they're 3 of 4 on the road to start the season, with Beckett and Schilling on the DL. That's not the way I'd imagined it, but I'll take it.

97. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 04, 2008 at 08:27 AM (#2730202)

I thought Matsuzaka's command was more than decent. He's a Cy Young contender with that command, whomever he's facing.

In other news, Colon had a dominant start in minor league camp, allowing a single and a walk in five innings, with five Ks. He hit 96 on the gun, and his last pitch (his 74th) was clocked at 95. I hate to do this, but it sounds like Colon might be... healthy. (Globe report)

98. kevin Posted: April 04, 2008 at 08:46 AM (#2730212)

That's awesome news, Matt.

I notice Moss is back down. Who replaced him on the roster?

99. kevin Posted: April 04, 2008 at 08:50 AM (#2730214)

Great start by masterson last night to start the year off. 4 shutout innings, no walks, 3 K's.

100. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 04, 2008 at 08:52 AM (#2730216)

I notice Moss is back down. Who replaced him on the roster?

See my post 92 for the current roster. There are only 4 OF on the team. Reports are that Moss is going to play a bunch of 1B at Pawtucket, presumably in order to step into the Eric Hinske memorial bench slot sometime midseason. Wok was apparently on the money with that projection last summer.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

I love that dirty water: 1-0 First place, half a game up.

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