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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Spring Training Game Thread

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Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:37 PM | 221 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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1. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:40 PM (#4374681)

John Lackey still looks like ####.

2. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:41 PM (#4374683)

Is it me or do Lackey's mechanics look wrong? His tempo is really slow to the plate. I'm not surprised the velocity isn't there.

His body does have a completely different shape. How terrible must his fitness have been in the last several years?

3. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:46 PM (#4374689)

Is it me, or does Saltalamacchia look a lot quieter receiving pitches?

4. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:46 PM (#4374690)

Wow, didn't mean to ape the construction of post #2. That's what I get for posting while only half paying attention.

5. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:48 PM (#4374694)

Sleeveless gray mullet man is like the state of Florida in human form.

6. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:51 PM (#4374697)

So, who else just pencilled in a .400 OBP with 90 walks for Ellsbury this year?

7. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:54 PM (#4374700)

I thinknLackey looked like a guy coming back from injury would be expected to look. After the HBP he seemed to make an adjustment and was getting the ball down much better.

8. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:55 PM (#4374702)

It's so weird that the dugouts are reversed from Fenway. You'd think that designing a park from scratch that replicating that would be one of the things they'd put in the design.

9. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:56 PM (#4374703)

Umpires are already in midseason form, I see.

10. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:56 PM (#4374704)

I told you Victorino sucked!

11. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:58 PM (#4374707)

8 - that and the right field line are the two biggest oddities to me. The RF line looks more like Yankee Stadium than Fenway.

I saw an interview last year where they said the fans sitting in the Monster was actually something they tried to make happen at Fenway.

12. Joe Bivens, Minor Genius Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:58 PM (#4374710)

One inning and done?

13. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 02:59 PM (#4374711)

They're starting earlier than usual because of thenWBC so they have some time to ease into it. According to the globe he's scheduled for two innings on Thursday.

14. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:00 PM (#4374713)

Britton hitting 95?

15. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:02 PM (#4374715)

He can hit 97. He's a legitimately live arm but doesn't seem to have a lot with it.

16. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:03 PM (#4374716)

Britton pitching like exactly what his scouting reports suggest. That is a major league ace's fastball, but he doesn't have any idea where it's going.

17. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:04 PM (#4374717)

Well even if he doesn't develop good secondary pitches, you'd think with that kind of fastball he could be a power lefty reliever like a Matt Thornton type.

18. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:06 PM (#4374719)

Yeah, seeing him pitch, even though I'd hear it was good, Britton's fastball is even better than I imagined. With just a little bit of command, he should be a useful major leaguer in some role.

He's Baby Embree.

The breaking ball has really good movement - better than Embree's from pure stuff perspective. I figure command is an even bigger problem with that than with the fastball.

19. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:06 PM (#4374720)

I like that he bounced back from a dreadful 2011 last year. I just like that a guy can learn to overcome struggles in the minors.

20. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:06 PM (#4374721)

Britton absolutely overpowered Hak-Ju Lee there.

21. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:08 PM (#4374725)

That curveball actually looks pretty decent too.

22. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:09 PM (#4374726)

That was a pretty impressive inning. He threw a bunch of pitches, but he got the job done.

23. tfbg9 Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:09 PM (#4374727)

How did Lackey look? Radar gun readings?

24. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:09 PM (#4374728)

Blew a 3-1 right by Zobrist, then put a 3-2 in the absolute heart of the plate and induced mediocre contact. That's a fastball.

25. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:10 PM (#4374729)

88-89. Everything high to the first few batters then seemed to self correct and got the ball down pretty well.

26. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:11 PM (#4374730)

Exciting Gomes versus Gomes matchup this inning!

27. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:11 PM (#4374731)

How did Lackey look? Radar gun readings?

1) Practically unrecognizable - he's in shape.
2) Pitching was eh. I thought his mechanics were weird, a little slow, Jose thought he looked ok. Did throw some well-commanded fastballs to the corners.
3) Velocity just 88-89. Could be a problem, could be working himself into shape.

28. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:13 PM (#4374734)

Lackey isn't just "in shape", he's nearly Buchholz thin.

29. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:13 PM (#4374735)

Wonder if the weight loss is playing havoc with his mechanics. I'm down 45 pounds (#bragging) and when I move around I'm definitely finding my body feels a little foreign to me.

30. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:18 PM (#4374740)

Shoulda found a way to #humblebrag that ####, Jose. Start with a story about being uncoordinated, that'll get you there.

31. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:20 PM (#4374741)

"When you lose nearly 50 pounds, you can feel a bit uncoordinated at times, even feeling like you're in a different body. I can sympathize with Lackey on that, having lost 45 pounds myself #humblebrag"

Something like that would've been ideal IMO

32. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:20 PM (#4374742)

Spring training for me too.

33. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:22 PM (#4374743)

Joyce is like Trot Nixon level helpless against LHP.

34. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:22 PM (#4374744)

That's gotta be Middlebrooks' ball.

35. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:23 PM (#4374746)

Too bad the Rays didn't send Myers along with this split squad. He's playing RF in the game at home against Pittsburgh instead. I would've really liked seeing him in live game action.

Jesus, Salty.

36. villageidiom Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:24 PM (#4374749)

I forgot how fortunate we were last year that Salty had his throwing problems under control.

37. tfbg9 Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:24 PM (#4374750)

Thanks. He's your 2013 ALCBPOTY!

38. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:25 PM (#4374752)

Nice recovery by Britton, kept his composure, and made a nice throw to start the DP.

39. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:27 PM (#4374753)

That inning reminded me why I was not unhappy when I assumed Salty would be traded this offseason.

Britton's got two more option years remaining. So basically this season is his last chance to be a starting pitcher - if he can't get it together, he'll be headed to the pen next year. I think he's probably going to be a reliever, but from watching these two innings, I think he's likely to be really good at it.

40. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:29 PM (#4374757)

I love when a guy comes to the plate in spring with a specific plan for something to work on. Middlebrooks obviously wanted to try to hit to the opposite field. Got the right pitch, good execution.

(Ellsbury working the walk while barely getting the bat off his shoulder also fits this category.)

41. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:32 PM (#4374760)

God, if this twitter stuff keeps up all season, I will commit crimes which involve violence.

42. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:36 PM (#4374769)

Who is pitching now? I missed it

43. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:37 PM (#4374770)

Wilson has a funky body. Is it me or his legs really really short?

44. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:37 PM (#4374772)

Alex Wilson.

45. Mirabelli Dictu (Chris McClinch) Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:37 PM (#4374774)

Alex Wilson. Saw he touched 100 this at-bat.

46. Mirabelli Dictu (Chris McClinch) Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:38 PM (#4374775)

Carbonated beverage of your choice, Jose.

47. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:39 PM (#4374779)

You're right Jose. He's like 75% torso.

48. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:41 PM (#4374782)

Did Wilson really hit 100 on the gun?

49. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:41 PM (#4374784)

Whatever he is he has definitely been the sharpest of the pitchers so far.

50. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:42 PM (#4374786)

They must be expecting Wilson to make it to the bigs this year if he's been issued #63. Seems like pitchers 61,62,63 are usually guys like Buchholz in 2007, Masterson in 2008, etc.

51. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:43 PM (#4374789)

BOOOOO!!!!

52. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:43 PM (#4374790)

Rapist on the mound.

53. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:45 PM (#4374792)

Reliever, high draft pick, spent last year in AAA, on the 40 man. At the very least he should be on the list. Lot of relievers though.

54. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:46 PM (#4374794)

Victorino doing the Carl Crawford Memorial bounce everything to the right side.

55. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:46 PM (#4374795)

Hanrahan definitely the early leader for the worst facial hair.

56. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:50 PM (#4374799)

Hanrahan definitely the early leader for the worst facial hair.

Gomes. Looks like an Amish mountain man.

57. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:50 PM (#4374800)

I like Gomes' beard. Mountain man is fun, and he looks like that kind of guy anyway. It works on him.

Hanrahan's is irredeemable. He's already got a backpfeifengesicht as it is, the chin thing just takes it to another level.

58. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:57 PM (#4374806)

De La Torre looks like he's following he Sergio Romo plan of throwing 90% sliders out there.

59. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 03:59 PM (#4374809)

Turrible, turrible throw by Victorino.

I'm really rooting for him, because I liked him in Philly, because he's a Red Sox, but mostly because I ended up defending his signing on the Internet too much.

60. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:04 PM (#4374814)

Isn't his throwing arm supposed to be one of Victorino's strengths?

61. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:07 PM (#4374817)

Yes. That wasn't a bad throw because he can't throw, it was a bad throw because he rushed it awfully. Of course, his arm's value is supposed to be particularly release and accuracy.

62. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:07 PM (#4374818)

So Remy basically gothis changes by looking at the names on the jerseys. My guess is he doesn't know 7 of the 9 players on the field for Tampa right now.

63. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:07 PM (#4374819)

Iglesias should be on second base.

64. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:08 PM (#4374820)

Nice base running. I'd ##### out my little leaguers for doing that.

65. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:08 PM (#4374821)

Ugh. Pathetic base running.

66. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:12 PM (#4374824)

Who is Anthony Carter?

67. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:20 PM (#4374832)

Assume an NRI of some sort. He seemed not too bad.

68. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:22 PM (#4374835)

anthony carter:

Scouting Report: Plus fastball sits in the mid-90s. Needs to refine secondary offerings. Ceiling of an up-and-down middle reliever.

[From SoxProspects.com]

MCOA is right. NRI. Drafted 26th round in 2005 by ChiSox.

69. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:23 PM (#4374837)

Jackie Bradley and Xander Bogaerts now both in the game!

70. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:25 PM (#4374838)

2 hours into spring training and i'm already sick of Don & Jerry. They really do think this is the Don & jerry show.

71. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:25 PM (#4374839)

Victorino not exactly starting his Red Sox career with a bang here.

72. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:26 PM (#4374840)

Pedroia is bald enough now that he just needs to go with the fully shaved head look I think.

73. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:26 PM (#4374841)

2 hours into spring training and i'm already sick of Don & Jerry. They really do think this is the Don & jerry show.

It's definitely looking like another year of 90% away broadcasts on MLBtv for me.

74. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:27 PM (#4374842)

Pedroia is bald enough now that he just needs to go with the fully shaved head look I think.

I think he should grow it out and go for a high school gym teacher look.

75. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:28 PM (#4374843)

Thats Victorino's second GIDP today, right?

76. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:28 PM (#4374844)

Yep.

77. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:29 PM (#4374845)

Just a note, again, I am too emotionally invested in Shane Victorino, for mostly dumb reasons. If he becomes an object of derision in chatter, it is going to seriously bother me. Please give the guy a month or two, at least.

78. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:29 PM (#4374846)

I hate to admit it but for the most part I enjoy the Don and Jerry show. I just wish they knew when to shut it off.

79. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:31 PM (#4374848)

Nava at 1B. I like it. He did well there on the bad throw.

80. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:32 PM (#4374849)

That was nice of the Rays to let the bat boy hit.

81. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:32 PM (#4374850)

I fully expect lefty Victorino to remind us of Crawford. Righty Victorino should hit amazingly in Fenway though. By July, we'll all be wondering why he insists on switch-hitting.

82. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:32 PM (#4374851)

We're all pulling for him. Doesn't mean we won't tweak you on the subject from time to time. He strikes me as a guy who is pretty like able even when he's not going well.

Nice play by Nava on the grounder.

83. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:32 PM (#4374852)

Pickin' Machine!

84. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:34 PM (#4374853)

Nava at 1B. I like it. He did well there on the bad throw.

Honestly that throw is probably completely routine for a 6' 4" or so first baseman. Nava's short stature turned that into the adventure that it was. He did well to catch it though, being as short as he is.

85. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:35 PM (#4374856)

Nice awareness by Bogaerts there for a guy playing an unusual position.

86. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:36 PM (#4374857)

Bogaerts up 4th this inning.

87. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:38 PM (#4374859)

Ross has a lot of gray in that beard.

88. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:38 PM (#4374860)

Thank god, I got home in time to see Bogaerts.

89. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:40 PM (#4374863)

Love Hazelbaker. Really hope he makes it at some point. Probably a fourth outfielder at best but ill take it.

90. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:42 PM (#4374864)

Not sure why we're bothering with Nava at this point. He's probably terrible at any position you might play him.

91. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:43 PM (#4374866)

Carp is below average in the field. If Nava can be below average, which is hardly impossible, he can certainly give Carp a run for his money. Carp was ridiculously awful last year - it's no given that he'll play up to his projections.

92. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:43 PM (#4374867)

He was pretty good defensively in the outfield last yer and he can get on base. Not like there are a ton of options.

93. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:44 PM (#4374868)

WHAT JUST HAPPENED??

94. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:44 PM (#4374869)

Iggy!

95. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:44 PM (#4374870)

HA!

96. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:44 PM (#4374871)

He's got pop, his problem is that he chases too much crap.

97. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:45 PM (#4374872)

Nava is a solid bench guy, although he's really a better fit for an NL team. In the NL he'd have a lot of value as a guy who could get on base a little bit, DH occasionally in interleague, and backup the corner OF spots and maybe first base.

Iglesias homer? Nice.

98. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:45 PM (#4374873)

Bogaerts on deck!

99. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:46 PM (#4374874)

Sorry, miscalculated. Disappointing.

100. Dan Posted: February 23, 2013 at 04:46 PM (#4374876)

He was pretty good defensively in the outfield last yer and he can get on base. Not like there are a ton of options.

I don't know that I'd say he was good defensively. His range is still pretty awful, though his arm isn't bad.

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