BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: RedSox (21-21) @ Orioles (27-16), Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 7:05pm

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

RedSox (21-21) @ Orioles (27-16), Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 7:05pm

BOS:Felix Doubront (24, LHP, 4-1, 4.09)
BAL:Brian Matusz (25, LHP, 3-4, 5.36)

The Primer Chimp Posted: May 22, 2012 at 10:00 AM | 108 comment(s)
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1. Textbook Editor Posted: May 22, 2012 at 04:11 PM (#4137931)

Well, here we go with the defensive hijinks:

Aviles SS
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Gonzalez RF
Youkilis 1B
Middlebrooks 3B
Saltalamacchia C
Nava LF
Byrd CF
Pitching: LHP Felix Doubront (4-1, 4.09)

I realize I'm nuts, but I'm really excited to see how this works out, and hope that it does.

2. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 05:33 PM (#4138028)

I'm excited as well.

Camden Yards RF is a relatively short porch, but there’s still a lot of ground to cover, and the scoreboard and corner angles can be tricky.

3. Jay Seaver Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:16 PM (#4138101)

Not terrified about any fly balls to right.

Nope, not afraid at all.

4. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:20 PM (#4138104)

Squeezed earlier - and yep I'm petrified

5. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:28 PM (#4138111)

Bad result but good at bat and good swing by Wieters. He's ready to bust out.

6. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:36 PM (#4138113)

Matusz has a nasty curve tonight

7. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:39 PM (#4138117)

I'm not petrified but I'm not convinced its the right call.

8. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:41 PM (#4138118)

Petrified is a strong word - i just hope nothing goes AG's way - it seems that one nice catch has convinced us he can play out there - in saying that - there was no other choice was there?!?!

9. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:41 PM (#4138119)

George Brett in the booth with the YES guys right now, lot of fun to listen too.

10. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:42 PM (#4138122)

Another booth tour coming up?!!?

11. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:43 PM (#4138123)

When you've got seven outfielders on the DL you ain't loaded with options.

12. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:44 PM (#4138124)

Do the Sox get any of their OF back soon?

It know they've had a ton of injuries, but there has to be someone other than Gonzalez if we're talking about more than a few games.

13. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:44 PM (#4138125)

Steve Tolleson?? Jesus

14. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:45 PM (#4138126)

Can't blame the OF defense for that one

15. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:46 PM (#4138128)

McDonald should be a week away or so ad Sweeney is only on the 7 day list so hopefully he is not too far. Like I said though, 7 guys, when you are 8-9-10 on the depth chart you've either exhausted all options or you have one hell of a farm system.

16. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:47 PM (#4138129)

I'd like to defend Tolleson and say that he's underrated blah blah blah, but the truth is I hadn't heard of him until he was called up a few weeks back.

Good for him, though.

17. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:47 PM (#4138130)

Any chance of Kalish on the horizon?

18. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:47 PM (#4138131)

Realistically the best option right now is a 27 year old at AA, Juan Carlos Linares if the Sox want to go that route.

19. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:49 PM (#4138134)

Yeah, I didn't realize it was 7 guys. I imagine there are plenty of AAAA guys floating around the minors on luckier teams who could be had cheap though.

20. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:49 PM (#4138135)

I think Kalish is end of June. Sox could have an awfully good outfield after the ASB.

21. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:51 PM (#4138137)

The Sox called up Scott Podsednik today. There's our AAAA guy du jour. Part of the problem is space on the 40 man. Pretty sure the Sox are full there so they are a bit limited in terms of pulling someone off the waiver wire.

22. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:51 PM (#4138138)

Man I wanted Hardy so bad a couple of years ago.

23. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:53 PM (#4138141)

Wayne Tollesons kid?

24. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:55 PM (#4138146)

We're missing our #3 and #4 OF. I literally have no idea who they'd run out there if Markakis, Jones, and Avery went down.

25. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:57 PM (#4138147)

It really looked like the bottom half of the Sox' order was just taking pitches against Matusz in the second inning. Already at 53 through three. I wonder if they would do something like that to run up the pitch count.

26. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 07:58 PM (#4138149)

Hardy was a total steal. They got him for two unremarkable relief prospects (one of whom was 28).

It helps to have a shitty roster to be able to scoop up those opportunities when they arise.

27. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:01 PM (#4138151)

I'm not sure why you'd want to run up Matiusz's pitch count. If this stays close, he'll probably be the worst pitcher they face today.

28. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:05 PM (#4138155)

Fair point, but he appears to have pretty good stuff today. I wonder if they knew he'd still try to be too fine even if they just stood up there with the bat on their shoulders. I wouldn't put it past them, Sox are smart like that.

29. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:07 PM (#4138160)

As long as they go after stuff when he leaves it up I have no issues with a patient approach. I don't care who the pitcher is though, if you let a hittable pitch go by in an effort to raise pitch count that's a bad idea.

30. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:08 PM (#4138161)

Man I wanted Hardy so bad a couple of years ago.

I was hoping they would get him as well - seems a good fit at Fenway - has his defence improved? I remember he had a horrible game at Fenway last year (too lazy to look up his UZR with DKDC here!)

31. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:09 PM (#4138164)

I don't care who the pitcher is though, if you let a hittable pitch go by in an effort to raise pitch count that's a bad idea.

For the most part I agree. It just looked like they were awfully patient for that one inning, to the point that it looked very intentional.

32. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:09 PM (#4138165)

I'm not sure why you'd want to run up Matiusz's pitch count. If this stays close, he'll probably be the worst pitcher they face today.

Sox might be hoping for a Gregg appearance again!

33. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:10 PM (#4138166)

Hardy has slightly above average glove defense. Solid range but very good arm. I think uzr agrees.

34. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:11 PM (#4138167)

Hardy is a very good defensive player. Doesn't seem to have great range but good range and a very strong arm that allows him to finish plays on balls tht other guys might get to but not be able to throw the runner out.

35. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:12 PM (#4138168)

Sox might be hoping for a Gregg appearance again!

Don't even. The whole point or forfeiting last nights game was to save the good arms for tonight. I hope.

36. Jay Seaver Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:12 PM (#4138170)

Yikes. I'd forgotten just how well Youk was not doing to start the year.

37. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:13 PM (#4138171)

Send down Middlebrooks!

38. Jay Seaver Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:13 PM (#4138172)

EDIT:

Oh Baby Yooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuk!!!!!!!!

39. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:13 PM (#4138173)

Welcome back Youks!!

40. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:14 PM (#4138176)

Youk!

41. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:16 PM (#4138180)

Don't even. The whole point or forfeiting last nights game was to save the good arms for tonight. I hope.

Probably seeing his name have you the shits !!

42. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:17 PM (#4138181)

Gotta run - day off with the girls today - take care and see you all tomorrow

43. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:18 PM (#4138184)

Tomorrow is a day game - see you saturday morning

44. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:18 PM (#4138186)

Later Phil.

45. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:20 PM (#4138189)

I'm sure every fan feels this way, but the Os seem to have a knack for blowing early leads and giving up runs with 2 outs.

46. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:21 PM (#4138190)

If you didn't know about Ross' injury this would be n awfully misleading headline;

Valentine: Ross Not as Bad as We Thought

47. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:29 PM (#4138199)

DKDC, I think it's more accurate to say (at least so far this season) that they have a knack for not burying teams when they have a chance. Last night's third inning being a prime example.

48. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:33 PM (#4138201)

Dominated by Brian Matusz. Embarrassing.

49. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:35 PM (#4138203)

Yeah, they're really only had a couple of runaway laughers this year. Too many times they've been on the verge of knocking out the starter and getting to the Gregg or Eveland in the other team's pen and then they let up and the starter goes another 3 or 4 innings.

50. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:44 PM (#4138208)

Ahh, does it get any better than a NESN booth tour?

51. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:44 PM (#4138209)

Dominated by Brian Matusz. Embarrassing.

I'd say the same about Doubrant, but I've never heard of the guy so I guess I can't be embarrassed.

52. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:45 PM (#4138210)

Well, at least it distracted us from another couple of horrible ABs by Aviles and Pedroia.

53. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:47 PM (#4138214)

Matusz has impressed me tonight, that's a top notch curveball he's throwing.

54. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:48 PM (#4138215)

And there shall be no dissing of my boy Doubront!

55. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:48 PM (#4138216)

Dominated by Brian Matusz. Embarrassing.

Yeah, but not 2011 Brian Matusz, 2010/2012 Brian Matusz. He's good some of the time.

Doubront has looked good too, or the O's hitters have made him look good. It's often hard to tell which it is.

56. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:53 PM (#4138221)

Matusz has impressed me tonight, that's a top notch curveball he's throwing.

I'm still scarred from last year, but he was a top 5 propect in all of baseball barely 2 years ago, so I'll watch any progress with interest.

57. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 08:57 PM (#4138224)

Can't believe the umpst didn't say Jones swung there.

58. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:03 PM (#4138229)

Pretty good finish for Doubront.

59. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:05 PM (#4138230)

Ug-ly.

Maybe they turned on the lights extra bright tonight?

60. Textbook Editor Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:06 PM (#4138231)

Dubront's an absolutely solid #5 starter, and there's upside there (potentially). I'm very happy this seems to be working out, as it might mean down the line they try internal options before, you know, blowing buckets of cash on LAIMs.

61. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:09 PM (#4138233)

Good riddance to Matusz, he was excellent.

62. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:10 PM (#4138234)

I'm sure he has his reasons, but I don't like Buck pulling Matusz there. For too long our managers have been overly concerned with babying our starters, making sure they "end on a high note." They're not faberge eggs, let's keep running them out there until their effectiveness drops or their pitch count gets too high. 100 is fine and he showed no signs of tiring to me.

63. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:14 PM (#4138238)

Good for doubrant. Still, its beyond frustrating when marginal prospects like Nova and Doubrant turn into decent major league starters while I watch can't-miss Oriole prospects turn to #### on a yearly basis.

64. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:16 PM (#4138241)

And I use the term marginal, not to be a dick, but based on some quick googling that show him as their #14 preseason prospect.

65. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:18 PM (#4138243)

Sure - I don't think many people really expected Doubront to be a decent starter. I didn't think he'd even make the rotation.

66. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:19 PM (#4138244)

This is about what has been predicted for Doubront. I'm higher than most on him but he's a guy who for a few years now was considered "low upside/good chance of reaching that" type. If you look at recent Sox prospect lists you'll see a lot of guys ahead of him basedon greater upside but didn't reach it.

67. Textbook Editor Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:22 PM (#4138247)

Still, its beyond frustrating when marginal prospects like Nova and Doubrant turn into decent major league starters while I watch can't-miss Oriole prospects turn to #### on a yearly basis.

I sympathize, but Dubront's the first marginal Red Sox prospect to succeed like this since... Hmmm... Would Lowe count? Or would his success as a closer prior to the conversion get him out of the "marginal" category? Tomo Ohka? Brian Rose's 1999? Aaron Sele?

The point is, it doesn't happen very often for the Red Sox, either...

68. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:22 PM (#4138248)

Let the parade of balks continue!

69. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:23 PM (#4138249)

Morales doesn't want this to be a one-run game.

70. Textbook Editor Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:23 PM (#4138250)

How many balks is that this year, now? It's out of control.

71. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:23 PM (#4138251)

Has Gonzalez touched the ball in the field yet?

72. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:25 PM (#4138254)

Only one Oriole flyout all game, to Byrd I think.

73. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:26 PM (#4138255)

7th balk.

I don't mind the balls, they aren't THAT frequent. What bothers me is that I think the Sox pitchers are so worried about holding runners that they are not focused on the hitter. I looked about a week ago and the Sox were at that time doing much worse relative to their overall performance with runners on base this year compared to last. Let them steal but get the hitter out.

74. Darren

Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:26 PM (#4138257)

I thought Doubront looked promising before 2011, then he really wasn't good and fell off the prospect radar. I think he was quite a bit more highly regarded than Nova, but I can relate to your feeling. The Rays call up player after player who are simply excellent from the get-go.

75. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:31 PM (#4138261)

Albers with inherited runners is guaranteed disaster.

76. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:35 PM (#4138263)

Shocking.

77. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:35 PM (#4138264)

Nice bit of late movement on a few of Alber's pitches there

78. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:36 PM (#4138265)

Wow, real nice to see Matt Albers having some success in a Sox uniform.

79. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:37 PM (#4138267)

The Rays call up player after player who are simply excellent from the get-go.

It's becoming insane - I expect a 4th round pick of theirs this year to be an All Star in three years

80. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:37 PM (#4138268)

Its never fun when your castoffs beat you, but with Albers and Hill I know the kaboom will come eventuallly and it will be legendary.

81. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:38 PM (#4138269)

The Rays call up player after player who are simply excellent from the get-go.

It's becoming insane - I expect a 4th round pick of theirs this year to be an All Star in three years

82. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:38 PM (#4138270)

Double post - sorry

83. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:39 PM (#4138271)

The Pedro Strop formula for success - get behind, get outs. Talk about the kaboom coming...

84. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:41 PM (#4138273)

Albers will fade but I can see Hill being good for a few years. The work he's done to become a LOOGY looks like its gonna stick.

85. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:43 PM (#4138276)

Strop has great stuff but he will get wild and he will elevate. Hes not this good.

86. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:43 PM (#4138277)

Scott Podsednik...sigh.

87. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:43 PM (#4138278)

Least eagerly anticipated Red Sox debut ever.

88. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:43 PM (#4138279)

My god - is this a joke? Pods?

89. Jay Seaver Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:44 PM (#4138280)

Is Pods really a better option than Byrd? Really?

90. Phil Coorey. Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:45 PM (#4138281)

Way to kill the rally with two impatient and shitty at bats

91. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:45 PM (#4138282)

Strop sure has the mannerisms of the ####### reliever down pat.

92. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:46 PM (#4138283)

Agreed, DKDC. I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Feeling fortunate it didn't tonight.

93. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:46 PM (#4138284)

Struggles to throw strikes to Nava, so let's HACK!

94. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:48 PM (#4138285)

Agreed. Unforunately, JJ's pitching over his head too and he has to face major league hitters.

Some insurance runs would be nice.

95. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:51 PM (#4138288)

He's pitching over his head (like the whole bullpen is), but I really think he's legit. Getting through this 9th with a 1-run lead will be a challenge, though, for sure.

96. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:53 PM (#4138289)

Nothing I want to see less than Albers posing after a K.

97. Chip Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:56 PM (#4138291)

Inevitable.

98. Jay Seaver Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:56 PM (#4138292)

As much as I didn't want balls to find Gonzalez...

99. DKDC Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:57 PM (#4138294)

There's the Albers I remember!

Lets shut this down now.

100. Joltin' Joe Orsulak Posted: May 22, 2012 at 09:58 PM (#4138295)

Would have been nice to see. Either MLB.tv or my connection, or both, suck(s).

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