Remy "interview"

[roary]

http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/remy/05_10_04/

When is the on-field management of the Red Sox going to wake up and understand that stealing bases, bunting and hitting sacrifice flies have there place in baseball? Don't you find this Billy Beane approach a little troubling when you are down a run in the ninth with a runner on third and less than two outs? What is your take on this stats approach? Teams have peaks and valleys and there are times when the stats don't apply? Like in Texas and the first game in Cleveland.

 

 

Tim Baker, Ogdensburg, New York

 

A: I agree. I enjoy the type of baseball that you are describing. However, I don’t think that Francona is locked in to the Billy Beane philosophy, at least not completely.

 

For example he has done quite a bit of stealing with guys Damon, Bellhorn, Reese, and even Varitek. You are correct that he has not used the hit and run this year and has sacrificed only a few times. He is on record stating that he doesn’t like to give away outs and with his lineup he doesn’t have to play small ball.

 

My feeling is when you are having trouble scoring runs you should try anything you can to generate them. Only time will tell if this style is successful.

 

One reason the Red Sox have been such an enjoyable team to follow is their team chemistry. Over the last couple years, 2003 in particular, they displayed a team unity that we really don't see much in pro sports these days.

 

The 2003 Sox reminded me of the old Sox teams that I rooted for when I was a kid with guys like Denny Doyle, Rick Burleson, Yaz, Fisk, Dewey, Boomer, Freddy Lynn, Torrez, etc. (oh ya, and a guy named Remy too!)

 

My question is...do you think the Sox have chemistry like the teams used to have back in "the day"? Also, I was wondering if the members of the late 70's Sox teams still keep in touch at all, if any of the guys are still friends after all these years.

 

 

David, Chicago, IL

 

A: I agree that the team chemistry the last few years has been very good. A major reason for that is that Red Sox management acquired some players who enjoy playing in Boston. That always hasn’t been the case. In the past there have been many players who have come to Boston and did not understand the passion of Red Sox Nation.

 

This current group of players does and Red Sox ownership should be credited for bringing them here.

 

Thank you for the compliments regarding the players of my time. Like everything, as players get older and move on with their lives you lose contact and don’t see as much of some people as you would like.

 

First of all, let me just inform you that Red Sox Nation has extended overseas to Italy as my fellow Bostonian friends and I are studying abroad for a semester. Because of our influence, the locals are jumping on the bandwagon and hopefully riding it all the way to the series.

 

My question is this, what are your thoughts on Andy Dominique? As much as I'd love to keep both him and Tek, do you think the Red Sox are hesitant with negotiations to see how this kid plays out and whether or not he could be ready by next year?

 

It has been brought to my attention that he has something like a 1.200 OBP and 27 RBIs in the first month. But still, Varitek’s chemistry with the pitching staff would be near impossible to replace. What are you thoughts on Andy's future with the Red Sox?

 

 

Brian, Rome, Italy/Boston, MA

 

A: I wish I could give you a better answer on Andy Dominique. The only time that I have really seen him play is during spring training and it’s impossible for me to make a judgment seeing him that little.

 

I do know he is a good hitter but I can honestly say I have not seen him catch often. With that said Varitek is the backbone of this team and I can’t imagine the Red Sox not signing him. No disrespect to any other catcher in the organization but Varitek is special

 

My Little League coaches always frowned on us for sliding into first base because 1) it actually slows down your speed and 2) it can cause serious injury. If those are true facts, why does it seem to me more and more major leaguers are sliding into first on close plays?

 

 

Bob, Berwick, Maine

 

A: What your coach is telling you is correct. And yes, you do see a lot of major leaguers getting in to the habit of sliding into first base. I don’t think they intentionally want to do it but sometimes they think on a close play it gets them there faster.

 

I have always been told that running through the base is faster, but I have no way of proving it. I do know that it can cause injuries to the hands, fingers, shoulders and legs. In summary: stay in the habit of running through the bag.

 

Will the Red Sox retire No. 21 on the right field facade once Roger retires, which considering the way he is pitching now, may not be until 2010.

 

 

Rob Dwane

 

A: Roger Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers in Red Sox history. Right now I think the rules for retiring a number is that he would have to have played 10 years with the Red Sox, make the Hall of Fame, and be part of the Red Sox organization.

 

That’s what happened with Fisk when they hired him as an assistant to the general manager. Now those rules are always subject to change with new ownership. I can’t foresee Clemens being part of our organization again, but I’m sure they will find a way to put his number on the facade.

 

This addresses a lot of the things that I've been thinking about. A very interesting read if you ask me. Good to know that Remy doesnt completely buy into moneyball either.

[yeszir]

A: I agree. I enjoy the type of baseball that you are describing. However, I don?t think that Francona is locked in to the Billy Beane philosophy, at least not completely.

 

For example he has done quite a bit of stealing with guys Damon, Bellhorn, Reese, and even Varitek. You are correct that he has not used the hit and run this year and has sacrificed only a few times. He is on record stating that he doesn?t like to give away outs and with his lineup he doesn?t have to play small ball.

 

My feeling is when you are having trouble scoring runs you should try anything you can to generate them. Only time will tell if this style is successful.

Amen! Remy's smart, an old time guy. He likes seeing the type of baseball that I like to see. Stealing and sacrificing!

[roary]

I never really liked this Q and A type of thing, but this was alright. But I don't see a way for the sox to manipulate their own rules and find a way for clemens' number to be retired. If he isnt in the HOF as a Red Sock, he can't be retired. Period.