BBTF's Sox Therapy Discussion :: What do we watch when we watch Opening Day?

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301. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:51 PM (#4098542)

Damn I wish this was a one-run game right now.

302. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:52 PM (#4098547)

GAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

303. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:52 PM (#4098548)

It doesn't need to be a one run game.

304. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:52 PM (#4098549)

Don't like pinch-running for the tying run with your primary RH pinch-hitter.

305. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:53 PM (#4098550)

I like pinch runner there.

306. dave h Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:53 PM (#4098551)

I'm a Sox fan with Valverde in fantasy, so I expect several hits and walks and exactly one run from the Sox.

307. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:53 PM (#4098552)

I probably would've used Punto to run though.

308. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:53 PM (#4098553)

I was going to ask "If you were Valentine would you pinch-run for Gonzalez?" but I couldn't type it faster than Valentine could actually do it.

309. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:53 PM (#4098556)

I probably would've used Punto to run though.

Good point.

310. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:54 PM (#4098558)

I don't like the pinch runner with no one out. Too easy for a force play to erase him or alternatively for the inning to develop where he is meaningless. Wait until there's one out and you're more likely to be aggressive taking the extra base or steal a base.

311. Dr. Vaux Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:54 PM (#4098559)

The Red Sox have this in the bag, because I get 11 fantasy points if Verlander wins.

312. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:54 PM (#4098560)

Here's where the 13 pitchers hurt. Ciriaco could have come in to steal a base or be more impactful than McDonald.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:55 PM (#4098562)

Here's where the 13 pitchers hurt. Ciriaco could have come in to steal a base or be more impactful than McDonald.

Ciriaco makes this team only if someone dies.

314. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:57 PM (#4098569)

Blargh.

315. TomH Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:58 PM (#4098571)

The Red Sox use of their 23rd best pitcher in a one-run game in the 8th inning may
a) hurt them
b) not bode well for day 1 of Bobby V

316. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:58 PM (#4098572)

Hey Sweeney, here's your chance to make up for your play in RF costing the team the run that's the current deficit...

317. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:58 PM (#4098573)

Padilla is the #3/#4 guy in the pen.

318. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:58 PM (#4098574)

Does Punto steal that?

319. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:58 PM (#4098575)

Well, the PR decision worked.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:59 PM (#4098577)

Nice steal. Sweeney with a chance to make up for his stupid non catch.

321. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:59 PM (#4098578)

Pinch runner with the steal!

322. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:59 PM (#4098579)

Sweeney's bat just isn't quick.

323. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:59 PM (#4098580)

Awesome.

324. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098581)

Yeah I really don't get the Padilla thing. Does anybody have an explanation?

325. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098583)

WOO!

326. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098584)

Splitter-speed bat FTW!

For the tie!

327. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098585)

Ugh. I knew it.

328. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098586)

HOLY FUYCKING ####

329. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098588)

Sweeney's bat just isn't quick.

Hmmm.

330. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098589)

I'll take it!

331. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098590)

Boo-yeah!

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:00 PM (#4098591)

AMAZING!!!!

333. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM (#4098592)

Yeah I really don't get the Padilla thing. Does anybody have an explanation?

He can throw in the mid-90s in relief, and he has pretty good secondary stuff and command. He's better than Mike Bowden or Scott Atchison.

334. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM (#4098593)

Can I go back and quote myself that if I were Leyland I would've kept Verlander in this game?

AS A RED SOX FAN IM GLAD HE DIDNT!!!!

335. TomH Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM (#4098595)

Padilla is the #3/#4 guy in the pen? The man who hasn't had an ERA < 4 (when >40 IP) since 2003? Wow.

336. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM (#4098597)

So, with Melancon warmed I figure he pitches the 9th.

337. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM (#4098600)

So, with Melancon warmed I figure he pitches the 9th.

Correct!

338. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:03 PM (#4098601)

Yeah I really don't get the Padilla thing. Does anybody have an explanation?

Reading between the lines of a lot of the spring coverage they are pretty high on him. I don't think that's the right call but I think that's how they feel.

339. Famous Original Joe C Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:03 PM (#4098603)

So, with Melancon warmed I figure he pitches the 9th.

Yep.

340. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:03 PM (#4098605)

He's just not better than Melancon or Morales or Aceves (who I know is closing). Maybe he'll prove me wrong, but it felt weird in a 1-0 game with the heart of the order, to have him in there.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:05 PM (#4098611)

Here we go. Youks at first! Just like a spring training game!

342. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:06 PM (#4098613)

If Aceves is the #1 reliever, why is Melancon pitching the 9th?

343. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM (#4098615)

344. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM (#4098616)

Because Aceves is the closer. You can't use your closer on the road in the 9th inning of tie game Nate!

345. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM (#4098618)

Ah but of course

346. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM (#4098619)

Snark aside I think MCoA's point that the difference between Melancon and Aceves is probably small enough that the fact that Melancon had already warmed up probably made it the right call.

EDIT: I kind of jumbled what MCoA said, he just noted that Melancon had already warmed up which was the key.

347. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:08 PM (#4098621)

If Aceves is the #1 reliever, why is Melancon pitching the 9th?

Because he'd already warmed up. And is Aceves really much better than Melancon anyway?

EDIT: Jose anticipated my second point. Bizarro-coke.

348. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM (#4098622)

Is there much of a speed difference between LNP and McDonald? Valentine had to know he was going to put Punto in at 3rd, why waste McDonald?

349. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM (#4098623)

Baseball is a weird game. Imagine if you had a strong defensive player in baseketball but you would NOT use him on your opponents' last possession of regulation if the game was tied, but you would use him if up by 1 point!

350. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098624)

Melancon is leaving his sinker up in the zone over and over. This isn't going to end well.

351. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098625)

Another great AB by Avila.

352. Famous Original Joe C Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098627)

Gonzalez scores from first on the triple. Though I guess maybe there's no triple without Valverde pitching a little differently with a man on second. Still, though, that's the one call I'm not down with.

Yeah, that's great if you know a triple is coming. He's not even guaranteed to score on a double, though. I'm fine with that. Rather have it be 2-2 than have Gonzalez to bat in the 11th.

353. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098628)

Was Melancon warming in the 8th?

354. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098629)

That was a godawful 2 strike cutter to Avila there. He's lucky it was only a single and not laced into a gap.

355. Zipperholes Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098630)

If Aceves is the #1 reliever, why is Melancon pitching the 9th?

You're not supposed to use your #1 reliever in non-save situations.

356. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4098631)

That is some tasty aggressive managing. Melancon didn't have his best stuff, so here comes Aceves.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:11 PM (#4098633)

Bringing in Aceves now?

358. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:11 PM (#4098634)

Was Melancon warming in the 8th?

Yes. He was warming with Morales. I think if Morales keeps the runner on third, Melancon faces Young.

359. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM (#4098635)

Well I'll say this, this is what I want from Bobby Valentine. His game tactics are supposed to be his strong suit and if that means recognizing who's got it and who doesn't on a day is part of that I'm A-OK.

360. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM (#4098636)

Yes. He was warming with Morales. I think if Morales keeps the runner on third, Melancon faces Young.

Thanks.

361. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:13 PM (#4098638)

Don't know anything about Danny Worth but with headcase Aceves on the mound I've got money that he steals third.

362. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:13 PM (#4098640)

Bullpen hijinx on opening day are giving me some uncomfortable 2003 flashbacks.

363. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM (#4098642)

HEADHUNTING!

364. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM (#4098643)

Bullpen hijinx on opening day are giving me some uncomfortable 2003 flashbacks.

I have a feeling this is going to be a regular feature of the 2012 Red Sox. If they finish with 98 wins I'm OK with it.

365. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM (#4098644)

I want to see a replay there. Looked like a swing at first...

No, he held up.

366. Nasty Nate Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4098646)

Apparently Yahoo doesn't update their player photos too frequently, because Aceves still has a NY hat on. That means there is hope that the awesome Edinson Volquez afro picture is still being used!

367. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4098647)

Man, this is the last guy I want up in this spot.

368. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4098648)

More importantly, how the hell is Melancon pronounced Melansin?

369. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4098649)

Good lord has Aceves got balls. First pitch get-me-over fastball at 88, counting on Jackson to be taking all the way.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM (#4098650)

That was a stupid pitch.

371. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM (#4098651)

It is actually a Cedilla http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedilla

372. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM (#4098652)

Godammit.

373. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM (#4098654)

Gonzalez scores from first on the triple.

I didn't see the triple, but with Gonzalez on first is there a chance that it wouldn't have been a triple? Sweeney can't go to third if that's as far as Gonzalez could get.

374. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:17 PM (#4098655)

More importantly, how the hell is Melancon pronounced Melansin?

I'm guessing the c is missing a French accent - think garcon.

####.

375. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4098656)

You can't complain too much about most of the club, but this was not an auspicious first outing for the bullpen.

376. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4098657)

Oh well. It was still an exciting game.

377. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4098658)

Well, that was disappointing.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4098659)

I enjoyed that all the way up until the bottom of the ninth.

379. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4098660)

Nice work by the bullpen today.

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:19 PM (#4098665)

Nice work by the bullpen today.

Both bullpens. If Verlander stays in, the Tigers have this one easy.

381. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:19 PM (#4098666)

I didn't see the triple, but with Gonzalez on first is there a chance that it wouldn't have been a triple?

Totally moot right now, but the ball took a weird bounce and rolled along the wall. A seven-year-old child would have had a good chance at scoring from first.

382. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM (#4098670)

Shows what I know.

Great game, thanks for having me Sox fans - maybe we'll get to do this again in October??

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM (#4098672)

Totally moot right now, but the ball took a weird bounce and rolled along the wall. A seven-year-old child would have had a good chance at scoring from first.

There were two outs too so Gonzalez would have been off with contact.

384. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM (#4098674)

A seven-year-old child would have had a good chance at scoring from first.

So...would Gonzalez have scored or not?

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

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:20 PM (#4098675)

Great game, thanks for having me Sox fans - maybe we'll get to do this again in October??

Try Saturday!

386. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:21 PM (#4098678)

Good point!

Man, AJax had a great day today - maybe his new stance really will pay dividends. Hey, it's Opening Day, right?

387. Answer Guy Posted: April 05, 2012 at 04:26 PM (#4098696)

I don't believe in this bullpen, which is a big part of why I don't believe in this team.

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