All Star Break Review

[sarasoxfan]

Okay guys lets review. Take a breathe.....My fist still hurts from when Pokey got picked. So I apologize if my normally s***** typing is even worsde.

 

Nice finish to the first half in spite of today. I felt an old sense of Mannyitis today, but at least he stayed around to play. God, he hit two home runs with those hamstrings.

 

Foulke worries me.

Damon is a God.

Nomar has shut me up.

 

Bellhorn makes Crespo look like Ty Cobb.

 

Pokey all Leather.

 

I still think Dougie should play more Tek looks pathetic at the pate lately.

 

Good to fatso playing better.

 

I love Trot.

 

Bronson was awesome, and Lowe well, hopefully he'll turn it around.

 

This past streak has give me hope. The despair of over a week ago is gone and we can do it.

 

I really think Francona is a s***** manager though. For example, Foulke has never done well with this two inning crap, yet he keeps doing it. He leaves pitchers at least one inning too long. His constant line-up juggling makes no sense.

Leskanic has been a pleasnt surprise.I still get the occasional suppan saurbeck flash abcks and the awful tood jones, but the healing process takes time.

 

Onward andf upward

[schillingouttheks]

i agree with u in every aspect of what u wrote. as i was watching the game, i posted soemthing about mirabelli and how underrated he is in the july 11th game discussion. anyway, i was looking at his numbers and his performance while watching the game, and i have to say im surprised by his nice performances when he plays. even though its only 1 every 5 games, when he does play, he makes big impacts and gets it done. hes proven to me he should get more playing time. and goin on the leaving pitchers in an inning too late. dont get me wrong, foulke is a great closer, but when u put him in in the eighth he wont get the save for u in the ninth. hes not a mariano rivera. and francona is definitely no joe torry (who by the way, is in my eye a graet manager). but however, remember that horrifying yankeee game that they came from behind in extra innings? who could forget it? thats simply some stupid managing, leaving leskanic in one too many innings. hes not a long reliever, hes more of a setup man, after all he replaced scott williamson. and this goes with every damn thing people say about curses. THERES NO FRIGGIN CURSE!!! every bad thing that happens to us is purely bad managing. bill buckner, we should have put someone in at first base who can play defense, who has knees, and can get three outs to insure a world series win. also in that fateful game, the pitcher was struggling...get him out of there!!!!! last year? pedro should have come out of the game and embree shoulda outgone in. this is what im talking about...ITS JUST BAD GODDAMN MANAGING. or, the other team is purely better, like the reds beating us back in the carlton fisk era...but, hopefully francona will come around and learn that this is boston, and we want to win more than any other team out there, and we yearn for it more than any other team out there. and yes...damon is jesus--> :damon:

[Ortiz34]

Pray that Damon can keep his streak alive after the break, and we should be in good shape.

[elsrbueno]

I agree. Foulke has ALWAYS concerned me since he seems so hittable. Is he the only closer in baseball who's best pitch is the changup (besides Trevor Hoffman, who has other pitches too)

[schillingouttheks]

well, looking back at foulkes past, he hasnt had a very pleasant one since he went to the a's. remember him at the white sox? he was TERRIBLE!!! i hope it isnt catching onto him, as players tend usually not to play their best as a red sock, i mean look at tony clark. he couldnt hit water if he fell out of a boat...(thanks to the movie dodgeball)

[elsrbueno]

Should the Sox be seriously concerned with Foulke's recent troubles? Could this be a sign of the American League figuring him out?

 

I certainly hope not, because Francona will be putting him out there every close game in the second half.

[trot4mvp]

Here's my 2 cents on the first half:

 

Without Ortiz, Manny, Schilling, and, lately, Johnny Damon being on their A games, this team would not have 48 wins and be 1 game out on the Wild Card...PERIOD.

 

Given the fact that the Red Sox are yet to put their projected 2004 lineup on the field for 5 consecutive games due to injuries, this team has fared extremely well.

 

Schilling has and will continue to dominate. I'm beginning to feel that Petey is starting to heat up. Wakefield is Wakefield is Wakefield. If Bronson Arroyo can give the Sox the kinds of starts he's given against the Rangers, Giants, and Yankees, we'll be in o.k. shape. I can't even begin to comment on Derek Lowe (I believe there is another thread for rants against him).

 

Defense is this team's Achilles Heel....unless they're going to start putting up last year's astronomical offensive numbers, this team needs to learn how to turn a double play....makes me sick! 3 errors in 1 inning the other night? Despicable!

 

I'd like to see Theo go out and nab another arm for the bullpen. I can't see this team making too many moves before the deadline, unless they tank in the first 2 weeks after the break. The only weakness that I see, assuming we're 100% healthy, is 1B, and if we can get Bellhorn in there, more power to us! I'm thinking RJ ends up on the Yankees, but he can only pitch every 5 days.

 

We MUST come out on the winning end of our 3 series' against Anaheim, Seattle, and Baltimore. After that, we have the BIGGEST series of the season to date, with the MFY in Boston for the DNC Convention. I believe this series will have a big effect on who wins the AL East (despite what the talk show hosts/doomsday journalists will say, the Red Sox are still very much in this race).

 

That said, I'm about 80% confident that we'll make it to the playoffs this season and, say, 40% confident that we'll win the AL East title. Any thoughts???

[Ortiz34]

Im 90% confident we will win the Wild card. I know the sox will make the playoffs, but it will be tough to win the division. The yankees just dont stop winning. Hopefully the sox can put together a few sweeps and make a run.

[noonanberg]

I'll add my little bit too. The Sox seem to finally have found their '03 form, and with better pitching than last year, this can be an unreal team. The deadline is fast approaching, and so far Epstein hasn't disappointed me much (except for Sauerbeck). Heck, look at Leskanic, when we acquired him I was puzzled, but he has been a very pleasant surprise. As far as Foulke goes, if he continues to choke I have just one name for you: Scott Williamson. If he can stay healthy, he could easily assume the closing role should Foulke continue to Foulke up. Meanwhile here are some other little notes.

 

Damon: On fire. He will fizzle at some point, but he was hot in the postseason last year.

 

Bellhorn: Decent hitter. Decent fielder. Decent speed. Better than Pokey (and Offerman).

 

Nomar: Hopefully we keep him because he looks like he's trying to prove something.

 

Manny: The hamstring bit bugged me, but he does have a shot at the triple crown if I- Rod suddenly tanks the second half.

 

Ortiz: Well worth keeping.

 

Nixon: I've always loved the dirt dog.

 

Varitek & Belli: Could be the best catching duo around. Either one can get the job done. (And let's lay off Tek, he'll come around).

 

Mueller: I've seen worse #9 hitters. Actually I don't think I've seen a better one.

 

McCarty: I still hope his bat comes around, but he is a great bench guy.

 

Pokey: Always good for pinch running and fielding. He was safe on that pick- off.

 

Youk: He's done well so far, and is a great guy to have when Mueller needs a rest.

 

Kapler: Similar to Pokey, with a better hitting upside.

 

Embree: If he can return to early season form, look- out.

 

Williamson: We need him healthy because he is just nasty.

 

Timlin: Still reliable. Still throws gas. Only Sock reliever with a ring.

 

Foulke: He can't get much worse.

 

Leskanic: Sick curveball. Great surprise.

 

Schilling: His attitude seems a bit rough at times, but his pitching has been great.

 

Pedro: You say he lost his fastball? He's throwing 94. A reasonable drop- off from 97-98 considering his age. Still almost a lock.

 

Lowe: Inconsistent, but the Rangers game gave me hope he may be becoming less of a mental case.

 

Arroyo: Don't let his record fool you, he's solid. If we add a new man to the rotation, he is great from the 'pen.

 

Wakefield: Similar to Lowe without the head problems.

 

Francona: Please bunt sometimes. Maybe a hit and run or two. Use your 'pen more wisely. PLEASE.

 

Epstein: I have a feeling he'll get something that will help at the deadline. I only hope it doesn't come at the expense of Nomar or a great prospect (i.e. Shoppach and/or Youk)

[Old Hoss]

Originally posted by noonanberg@Jul 12 2004, 10:11 PM

Foulke: He can't get much worse.

 

Yeah, that 1.53 ERA is just atrocious. Foulke himself has said that he generally has problems right around the All-Star break. Look at most of the games in the last three weeks or so; they've either been blowouts or extra inning games. Foulke doesn't need to be pitching two innings at a time but Francona should have definitely had him throw one inning in at least a couple of those games.

 

When do we get to do a report card on Red Sox fans? When that happens, I give you an F.

[elsrbueno]

Foulke has been troublesome lately, that's true. BUT, we've got to have faith that it's just a "slump," because he's our closer, like it or not.

 

Can't wait for Willy to come back!

 

I agree with most of the other stuff you said, trot4mvp...but I don't think that Foulke "can't get much worse"

[trot4mvp]

Foulke does need to pick up the pace. He was lights out early on and, granted, he hasn't had many save opportunities, but he needs to continue putting games away when he's in there. 4 blown saves could make a difference down the stretch, though I'm sure he's just in a funk that won't take too long for him to get out of.

 

Isn't it nice to hear what Randy Johnson had to say yesterday? I don't know about everyone else, but I'm sick of hearing all of these far-flung rumors that turn out to be false more often than not. The Red Sox are very much in the race for Randy Johnson and I would love to see him in a Red Sox uniform for 1 1/2 seasons at the expense of Youk, Shoppach, et al. Use the money we'll be saving by not resigning Nomar and DLowe and give it to RJ!

[elsrbueno]

Isn't it nice to hear what Randy Johnson had to say yesterday? I don't know about everyone else, but I'm sick of hearing all of these far-flung rumors that turn out to be false more often than not. The Red Sox are very much in the race for Randy Johnson and I would love to see him in a Red Sox uniform for 1 1/2 seasons at the expense of Youk, Shoppach, et al. Use the money we'll be saving by not resigning Nomar and DLowe and give it to RJ!

 

I think the RJ situation is gunna come down to what Arizona can get for Randy.

 

They know they can get Robinson Cano and Dioneer Navarro from the Yankees (they were prepared to give them up for Garcia, why not Randy?), but I don't know if the Red Sox are prepared to give up Youk/Shoppach (a superior duo to that of the Yankees).

 

Like Randy said, if Arizona can free up the $16 mill then spend it on someone who can help the team (Sexson?), he'd be happy to approve the deal.

 

I'll be satisfied if he lands anywhere but New York, and thrilled if he ends up in Boston.

[trot4mvp]

elsr, I absolutely agree. Here's my reasoning:

 

1) Trade Shoppach/Youkilis to D'Backs for RJ (perhaps work a 3-way with a 3rd party to help the D'Backs move Hillenbrand?).

 

2) Don't resign Nomar and DLowe, saving at least $15M and $8.5M per year. This will make RJ easily affordable and leave another $7M for other FA signings.

 

3) Extend RJ's contract 1 or 2 years, or perhaps not at all.

 

4) RJ retires...reload using the $16M in freed up cash.

 

Frankly, I'd take a proven commodity (and, indeed, a future HOF'er) for a couple of prospects. Since when was this team been one to build from "the ground up" anyway? Nomar, Trot...anyone else from the Sox system?

[elsrbueno]

It would hurt to give up Shoppach and Youk....But if the Sox actually won a world series in my lifetime...it would be worth it.

[trot4mvp]

Well, the way I see it, we wouldn't NEED either one, if we resigned 'Tek and held on to Mueller/Bellhorn for a few years. Like I said, I'll take a sure thing over a prospect any day, especially in this type of situation. Its not like RJ would be a summer rental like Beltran. We'd get AT LEAST 1 1/2 seasons out of him.

[noonanberg]

true

[Pedro]

Originally posted by noonanberg@Jul 12 2004, 08:11 PM

 

Damon:  On fire.  He will fizzle at some point, but he was hot in the postseason last year.

 

Bellhorn:  Decent hitter.  Decent fielder.  Decent speed.  Better than Pokey (and Offerman).

 

Nomar:  Hopefully we keep him because he looks like he's trying to prove something.

 

Manny:  The hamstring bit bugged me, but he does have a shot at the triple crown if I- Rod suddenly tanks the second half.

 

Ortiz:  Well worth keeping. 

 

Nixon:  I've always loved the dirt dog.

 

Varitek & Belli:  Could be the best catching duo around.  Either one can get the job done.  (And let's lay off Tek, he'll come around).

 

Mueller:  I've seen worse #9 hitters.  Actually I don't think I've seen a better one.

 

McCarty:  I still hope his bat comes around, but he is a great bench guy.

 

Pokey:  Always good for pinch running and fielding.  He was safe on that pick- off.

 

Youk:  He's done well so far, and is a great guy to have when Mueller needs a rest.

 

Kapler:  Similar to Pokey, with a better hitting upside.

 

Embree:  If he can return to early season form, look- out.

 

Williamson:  We need him healthy because he is just nasty.

 

Timlin:  Still reliable.  Still throws gas.  Only Sock reliever with a ring.

 

Foulke:  He can't get much worse.

 

Leskanic:  Sick curveball.  Great surprise.

 

Schilling:  His attitude seems a bit rough at times, but his pitching has been great.

 

Pedro:  You say he lost his fastball?  He's throwing 94.  A reasonable drop- off from 97-98 considering his age.  Still almost a lock.

 

Lowe:  Inconsistent, but the Rangers game gave me hope he may be becoming less of a mental case.

 

Arroyo:  Don't let his record fool you, he's solid.  If we add a new man to the rotation, he is great from the 'pen.

 

Wakefield:  Similar to Lowe without the head problems.

 

Francona:  Please bunt sometimes.  Maybe a hit and run or two.  Use your 'pen more wisely.  PLEASE.

 

Epstein:  I have a feeling he'll get something that will help at the deadline.  I only hope it doesn't come at the expense of Nomar or a great prospect (i.e. Shoppach and/or Youk)

That is a pretty good analysis noon, however... Manny had only missed one game before Sunday and is leading the American League in HR, SLG, OBP, OPS and 2nd in RBI and 4th in BA. He can have a day off all he wants.

 

As for Pedro... 97-98? He hasn't thrown that in this century. Pedro hasn't thrown a 98 mph fastball since the All-Star Game '99. I just watched an old tape of Pedro throwing a shutout from 2000 and he didn't throw harder than 95 mph, and worked at 89-93 for most of the game. The velocity issue is so huge that most people forget he's always been a PITCHER... they say "he's more of a pitcher now"... ********, I say. He's just simply losing his stuff and control as he's getting older. Especiallly his change-up. That's why his K per 9 has been dropping.

[elsrbueno]

I think Manny taking the day off got way overplayed in the media. So the guy takes a day off....who cares? Manny has played WAY harder this year than in years past and he can flat out HIT.

 

If he takes a day off ones in a while, fine by me. He's still the best hitter in the lineup.

 

Pedro's velocity is down, but he's still winning ballgames. The days of Pedro blowing his 98MPH heater past everyone are over... BUT, I'm glad he's playing in Boston because he's going to be a huge factor in the second half of the season.

[trot4mvp]

Agreed...I'm sick of the Boston media over-analyzing every intricacy of the team...I really give the team credit for dealing with all of their BS. I never thought there'd be such an uproar over a day off. Who cares what the excuse is? You don't treat a Triple Crown contender like this.

[Old Hoss]

Then Francona should have kept his mouth shut. According to Remy on WEEI Wednesday morning, Francona was ******** that Manny wasn't playing and didn't hide his feelings.

[trot4mvp]

Francona didn't seem to upset about letting his ace skip town a few days before the break, and Petey isn't even a Cy Young candidate this season. As far as I'm concerned, it's water under the bridge now. They need to take care of business tonight.

[elsrbueno]

Yessir, Trot.

 

As usual, I agree with you. The first half is over, and the second half of 2004 starts tonight. The Sox have 76 (I think) games left on the schedule, and need to play 8 games BETTER than the Yankees.

 

C'mon Lowe......turn things around buddy!

[Old Hoss]

It was just a matter of time before Lowe gave way to the big inning Thursday night. He was escaping way too many jams.....you knew it couldn't last........and it didn't.