BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: RedSox (21-22) @ Orioles (28-16), Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 12:35pm

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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

RedSox (21-22) @ Orioles (28-16), Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 12:35pm

BOS:Daniel Bard (27, RHP, 3-5, 4.85)
BAL:Jake Arrieta (26, RHP, 2-4, 4.72)

The Primer Chimp Posted: May 23, 2012 at 10:00 AM | 77 comment(s)
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1. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 11:13 AM (#4138485)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of allllllllllllllllll ages, your starting centerfielder, number 26 in your scorebook number 1 in your hearts; Scott "The D Is Silent" Poooooooooooooooooodsednik!!!!!

RED SOX (21-22)
Aviles SS
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Gonzalez RF
Youkilis 1B
Middlebrooks 3B
Nava LF
Podsednik CF
Shoppach C
Pitching: RHP Daniel Bard (3-5, 4.85)

ORIOLES (28-16)
Avery LF
Andino SS
Markakis RF
Jones CF
Davis 1B
Betemit 3B
Johnson DH
Flaherty 2B
Exposito C

Pitching: RHP Jake Arrieta (2-4, 4.72)

2. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 11:15 AM (#4138488)

And unless they play 17 again today we won't see him but happy birthday to our favorite Aussie, I refer of course to former tennis star John Newcombe.

Oh, and Happy Birthday Phil Coorey while I'm at it.

3. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:35 PM (#4138577)

The Rays are batting Drew Sutton cleanup today. Yes, the same guy who was a utility IF for the Sox.

4. Gamingboy Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM (#4138586)

These 12:30 stars always surprise me. I'm like, what? There's baseball on now?

5. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM (#4138603)

That's how the game is going to start for Bard? BABIP really ####### hates him.

6. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:52 PM (#4138614)

And Nava's defense already costs them today. You can't back up while catching that ball in the majors, kid.

7. Gamingboy Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:52 PM (#4138615)

I'm liking this Avery guy...

8. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:57 PM (#4138624)

Just get the GIDP over with, Chris.

We all know it's coming.

9. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 12:59 PM (#4138626)

To be fair, striking out Chris Davis with an 0-2 count is a tough thing to accomplish, so getting a sac fly is pretty good, right?

10. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:01 PM (#4138630)

And he hangs a slider 1-2 to Betemit too, luckily it was hit right at Gonzalez.

I think Bard is hurt. He doesn't look like the same guy from his first starts.

11. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:10 PM (#4138643)

Isn’t it more likely that Bard is just a below average starting pitcher? How many good starts has he had this year?

Joba Chamberlain had some good starts from time to time.

12. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:10 PM (#4138644)

I almost hope he is hurt. Because the alternative is that he is not progressing at all as a starter and that is disappointing. What is amazing is that compared to the starting pitching we got in September Daniel Bard is Walter Freakin' Johnson right now.

13. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:11 PM (#4138647)

Speaking of below average starting pitchers who have good starts from time to time...

14. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:13 PM (#4138650)

You know, you'd think a guy whose primary function is speed would do something other than hit into a double play. What a useless sack of ####.

15. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:14 PM (#4138652)

It's not about the results, it's about the fact that his velocity is down, he's stopped getting swinging strikes (after having very good SWSTR numbers in his first few starts), and his command has gone to ####.

16. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:14 PM (#4138653)

Interesting. I thought “In Play – Runs” was used any time a run was scored, but that showed up as “In Play – Outs”.

17. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:15 PM (#4138656)

Isn’t it more likely that Bard is just a below average starting pitcher? How many good starts has he had this year?

It's a distinct possibility but that would be disappointing. The idea of an in-house developed starter is a pretty exciting one.

He's had three quality starts in seven starts. He also had one (in KC) that should have been a QS but Valentine asked him for an extra inning and two walks to two batters came around to score. His first start in Toronto was not bad either though a poor choice of reliever did him in.

What he has NOT had so far, which is encouraging, is the truly awful start. Lester, Beckett and Buchholz have all had starts worse than Bard's worst start. There is reason for some hope but it's been frustrating so far.

18. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:16 PM (#4138658)

Walk the #7 and #9 hitter.

What could go wrong?

19. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:17 PM (#4138660)

Interesting. I thought “In Play – Runs” was used any time a run was scored, but that showed up as “In Play – Outs”.

I had the same thought. I don't understand why MLB hasn't created an "In Play - Run/Out" designation. It is not that unusual a circumstance.

20. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:18 PM (#4138667)

Walk the #7 and #9 hitter.

What could go wrong?

It's a day game on getaway day, nothing. I don't know if the facts bear this out but I think the Sox have lost about 27 consecutive getaway day/day games. It always feels like these games are the Sox at their sleepy worst.

21. Gamingboy Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:20 PM (#4138671)

Boom. Also, agree with 19.

22. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:20 PM (#4138672)

Note to Daniel Bard: 2-0 is NOT a good pitcher's count, stop getting into it.

23. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:20 PM (#4138674)

91 MPH 2-seamers over the middle of the plate aren't going to get it done, Bard.

24. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:21 PM (#4138677)

Why is this game being played so early? Both teams have tomorrow off and then are at home on Friday.

25. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:22 PM (#4138678)

General question that came to mind last night; did Bobby Valentine hire Bob McClure or did the Sox FO do that? Maybe it's nothing but the frequency with which Valentine goes to the mound in non-pitching change situations is staggeringly high and it seems like he doesn't trust McClure to send the message he wants to send.

Oh for ####'s sake Daniel.

26. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:22 PM (#4138681)

That didn't hit him.

27. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:24 PM (#4138686)

Why is this game being played so early? Both teams have tomorrow off and then are at home on Friday.

May have something to do with interleague and just creating a rain date.

For the Sox this is the end of 20 games in 20 days (scheduled). I don't know if the CBA requires this after such a lengthy stretch (I always thought 18 was the longest allowed without approval).

28. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:26 PM (#4138689)

For the Sox this is the end of 20 games in 20 days (scheduled).

Same for the O’s. Their last day off was May 3rd, except for a rainout that was made up in a double header the next day.

Plus they played I think 5 extra inning games in that stretch.

29. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:29 PM (#4138691)

Nice Dylan Bundy scouting report.

Money quote:

A player like Bundy is about as unique as they come, so comparisons are even less instructive with him. I like to comp specific parts of a player’s game, so what I think Bundy’s stuff will be like is Josh Beckett or Felix Hernandez in their prime: sitting in the mid-90’s with a nasty slider/cutter, downer curve, hard change and good command—a true ace where everything is at least plus and it all comes together.

Now watch Felix Doubront have a better career…

30. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:35 PM (#4138700)

Nice ####### 3-0 swing.

31. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:37 PM (#4138702)

I miss when Adrian Gonzalez used to hit baseballs hard and hit to left field instead of rolling over everything into the shift.

32. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:42 PM (#4138708)

What a ####### ridiculously awful send.

33. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:43 PM (#4138709)

Where would this team be without Middlebrooks?

34. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:45 PM (#4138713)

I didn't see it but I'm a big fan of the two out send. Make the defense make the play (within reason of course).

35. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:46 PM (#4138717)

With a slow ass runner who's in his 2nd game back from the DL? Going to have to disagree there, Jose.

36. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:46 PM (#4138719)

5 of the first 11 hitters have started 2-0 or 3-1. That's not a problem.

37. Chip Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:47 PM (#4138720)

There was nothing wrong with the send. There was something wrong with Youkilis never picking up the third base coach, stopping on his own, then starting again when he noticed that Royster had been windmilling his arm the whole time.

Another empty AB or two and Gonzalez' SLG will slip below .400.

38. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:48 PM (#4138722)

Even without slowing up, Youkilis was dead at home.

39. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:50 PM (#4138723)

My name is Dan Bard. I get to 2 strike counts and have no ability to get a strikeout.

40. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 01:50 PM (#4138724)

Again, I didn't see it but Royster should be able to identify that Youk has slowed down and put up the stop sign if that's the case.

41. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:04 PM (#4138732)

Stop falling behind hitters #######.

42. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:05 PM (#4138734)

I'm sure Bard doesn't WANT to be behind everyone but he's got to figure out a way to get ahead regularly.

43. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:07 PM (#4138736)

####### pull him.

44. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:08 PM (#4138738)

He has no ####### clue where the ball is going. Pull him while the game is still tied.

45. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:12 PM (#4138741)

They've got about 51 hours between the end of this one and the start of their next game. I'd turn this over to the bullpen for the fifth. Bard has nothing today.

46. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM (#4138743)

Bard needs to go on the DL, to AAA, or to the bullpen. I'm not sure which, but the status quo isn't working.

47. Gamingboy Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:15 PM (#4138746)

The fact the Orioles are not winning this game is proof that Bard made some sort of agreement with a demon and/or deity before the game.

48. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:15 PM (#4138747)

Bard needs to go on the DL, to AAA, or to the bullpen. I'm not sure which, but the status quo isn't working.

The problem is that so does Buchholz and there really are not a ton of great options. Ohlendorf is not exactly dazzling at Pawtucket but I woudn't hate making a move to him for one of those guys but I think there is a real chance that he'd be a lot worse. After that...Justin Germano? The options right now just suck.

49. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:21 PM (#4138759)

So does Avery steal third or does Bard simply balk him over. I eagerly anticipate this moment.

50. Chip Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:22 PM (#4138760)

I still don't think Podsednik has picked up that ball Avery hit. He kept looking up like he had no idea where it was.

51. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:24 PM (#4138761)

OK, done. Get him out, please.

52. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:24 PM (#4138762)

That's the 2nd time Avery got doubled off by Aviles, right?

53. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:30 PM (#4138767)

Always count on a guy named Dan.

54. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:31 PM (#4138771)

I'd feel a lot more sympathy for the Red Sox injuries if the replacements weren't playing way over their heads. Talk about lucky unlucky.

55. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:35 PM (#4138773)

Podesednik does know how to play balls way over his head in CF.

56. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:36 PM (#4138774)

I'd feel a lot more sympathy for the Red Sox injuries if the replacements weren't playing way over their heads. Talk about lucky unlucky.

Don't need sympathy but I don't think the Sox are loaded with guys way over their heads. Nava certainly is but Middlebrooks is a legitimate prospect. I don't think he'll stay this good but the idea that Middlebrooks would come up and have an .850-.900 OPS for a few weeks is hardly a shocker. Most of the other outfield replacements have been sucktastic (Byrd, Repko, McDonald and I'm comfortable just saying Podsednik now).

57. Dale Sams Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:37 PM (#4138775)

If I had 9 Daniel 'avoid outs' Navas I'd win every game.

58. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:39 PM (#4138777)

Jeez, I’m glad I resisted the urge to make fun of that imposing 6-9 in the Red Sox lineup today.

59. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:40 PM (#4138778)

Yeah, wasn't really expecting Nava-Podsednik-Shoppach to give me three runs there. I'll take it gladly of course.

Feel free to make fun of that bottom third though, it ain't imposing.

60. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:50 PM (#4138786)

Middlebrooks is a legitimate prospect, but he’s still playing way over his head. Based on his history, he’s basically a Mark Reynolds who doesn’t walk as much.

Ross, Middlebrooks, Nava, Doubront, and Sweeney have combined for almost half of Boston’s WAR to date…

61. Dale Sams Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:50 PM (#4138787)

Nava certainly is

You avoid outs, give professional ABs, good things happen.

But seriously, his pitch recognition seems to be amazing.

62. Chip Posted: May 23, 2012 at 02:51 PM (#4138789)

Walking Betemit was the far bigger crime than giving up a HR to Johnson.

63. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:24 PM (#4138815)

Holy crap Pods, really?

64. Chip Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:25 PM (#4138816)

You can only giggle.

65. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:27 PM (#4138818)

DKDC is definitely permitted to bemoan that as bullshit luck.

66. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:29 PM (#4138820)

I’ve already downgraded this one to checking in every couple innings. Blowing early leads and giving up 2 out runs has been their classic formula for a loss.

67. Mattbert Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:33 PM (#4138823)

Camden is such a ####### ridiculous bandbox.

68. Mattbert Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:33 PM (#4138824)

Seriously, how far is it to left center? Like 310?

69. Fancy Pants Handle struck out swinging Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:37 PM (#4138826)

Why is a guy with a 5+ ERA pitching in a 2 run game in the 8th? With an offday tomorrow?!

70. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4138832)

Padilla is the guy Bobby trusts as the "8th inning guy" right now. In fairness he has been pitching well for about a month now.

71. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4138833)

Nice. A negative WPA run scoring play.

72. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:51 PM (#4138839)

We really have no business winning this game. If we hang on I will be very pleasantly surprised, this would be a theft.

73. DKDC Posted: May 23, 2012 at 03:56 PM (#4138846)

It feels like the Orioles have faced Aceves 100 times this year, and I don’t think a single player has even managed to foul a ball off. Why even watch the 9th?

You can’t win every series, but losing these division series always hurts more. Hopefully both teams are healthier next time they meet so the Os can at least have some dignity when they get beat by Ellsbury and Crawford rather than Podsednik and Nava.

74. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 04:09 PM (#4138858)

As bad as Bard was today that really feels like a fortunate win. Nice to have had such a successful trip.

75. Answer Guy. Posted: May 23, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4138861)

And they're back to .500 for only the second time this season. (Third if you count 0-0, which isn't .500 of course but wins=losses there too.)

76. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 08:23 PM (#4139017)

They were .500 2 days ago too. This is the 4th time.

77. Dan Posted: May 23, 2012 at 08:24 PM (#4139018)

Er, 4th if you include 0-0, 3rd real time.

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RedSox (21-22) @ Orioles (28-16), Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 12:35pm

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