Playoff Roster

[elsrbueno]

Now that it's safe to talk about this, I'll start the thread. You've got 25 guys.... Who do you bring with you to the opening playoff series? Here's my list

 

1. Jason Varitek

2. Doug Mirabelli

3. Doug Mientkiewicz

4. David Ortiz

5. Pokey Reese

6. Mark Bellhorn

7. Orlando Cabrera

8. Bill Mueller

9. Kevin Youkilis

10. Kevin Millar

11. Dave Roberts

12. Manny Ramirez

13. Johnny Damon

14. Trot Nixon

 

Guys who got left off: Ricky Gutierrez, Dave McCarty, Gabe Kapler

 

No real controversial decisions here, except leaving Kapler off the roster. This is strictly a numbers game. I struggled with leaving Millar off, and putting Gabe on, but Kevin's hit better this season, and has had more ABs, and can play both outfield and first base (although Mientkiewicz should play first late in games). Gotta have Roberts, Ramirez, and Damon, so the last spot goes to Nixon. He's proven to me that he's ready to shoulder the load, play RF every day, and play his ass off (like he always has). He's been clutch for Boston throughout the years, and he's in.

 

The infield is pretty straight-forward. Mueller, Cabrera,Bellhorn,Mienkiewicz/Millar starting infield, with Pokey/Youkilis backing up. Youk has been awesome in his rookie year for Boston, and deserves it over Gutierrez. I like McCarty, but he's caught in the numbers game too.

 

Pitchers:

1. Pedro Martinez

2. Curt Schilling

3. Derek Lowe

4. Bronson Arroyo

5. Tim Wakefield

6. Keith Foulke

7. Mike Timlin

8. Alan Embree

9. Mike Myers

10. Scott Williamson

11. Ramiro Mendoza

 

guys that got left off: Terry Adams, Pedro Astacio, Lenny DiNardo, Byung Hyun Kim, Curtis Leskanic

 

Why I picked who I picked:

1-8 were easy. They've been the guys who got us to the playoffs, and it wouldn't be a Red Sox postseason roster without them. The last 3 guys were tough, but here's why:

 

Mike Myers: Gets lefties out. Late in games, even one or 2 outs can be huge. Remember when the killer Yankee teams had Grahme Lloyd? He could get lefties out, and got MANY key outs for them and was very valuable.

 

Scott Williamson: When he's pitched, he's been lights out. Last year in the playoffs for Boston he was AWESOME. With Foulke shouldering the closer's load, Williamson shouldn't HAVE to pitch every day.

 

Ramiro Mendoza: Well, since none of the other guys have pitched well for Boston, Ramiro made this choice easier. He's thrown well, he can be good in short relief, but also is capable of pitching more than one or 2 innings if needed. Another reason: Mendoza's been there. He's not afraid of the playoffs, and nerves won't be an issue with him.

 

That's my roster. The one player I regret leaving off the roster most: Gabe Kapler. Sorry Gabe!

[SoxfaninNY]

I think Kapler not only deserves to be on the roster, but could be a big help. Baserunning speed is definately not one of Boston's strong points. Not too sure about Youkilis or Ramiro Mendoza! Don't think either would be used too much anyway and Bellhorn and Reese are quite versitile, so I would have to go with Mendoza just incase we need pitching.

[sarasoxfan]

els, you always have insightful posts and I like reading them, but there is no way Gabe gets left off no way. Youkillis, or pokey are easliy expendable.

Youk hasnt been hitting and pokey cant hit.

 

I think Youk should be the one left off..Pokey can be used defensively, plus if Bill goes down Bells can play third and pokey at second.

 

Youk has helped but Gabe is veteran, he can run and he play right, and he is clutch at times at the plate. I think Youk has been scuffling, he caN only play third and he

he aint swift.

 

I think Leskanic should be in...Of course, personally I dont think Embree should be allowed to buy a ticket for the games much less be on the roster, but I know Francoma likes him, but if I had to make a choice today I would take leskanic over williamson.

[dirtdogman5]

Originally posted by elsrbueno@Sep 28 2004, 08:10 AM

Guys who got left off: Ricky Gutierrez, Dave McCarty, Gabe Kapler

Simply put, you'd be stupid to leave Gabe Kapler off the playoff roster. Trot is not going to start against tough lefties (Johan Santana) so the lefty bashing Kapler easily will get the start. Not to mention that he's our best defensive outfielder who will replace Trot late in the game and has pinch running abilities. You also do not carry 11 pitchers in an American League short series. The roster will go like this IMHO.

 

C Varitek,Mirabelli

IF Millar, Mientiewicz, Reese, Bellhorn, Cabrera, Mueller, Youkilis

OF Ramirez, Damon, Nixon, Roberts, Kapler

DH Ortiz

SP Martinez, Schilling, Arroyo, Wakefield

RP Foulke, Timlin, Embree, Leskanic, Myers, Lowe

[elsrbueno]

sarasoxfan,

I see your point, but remember what happened to the Sox when they only had 1 backup infielder? they lost 2 guys and Mientkiewicz had to play second. I say carry the extra infielder.

 

I like Leskanic, but honestly I'd rather have Williamson at 80% than Curtis at 90%. Willy has been flat-out dominant this year (when pitching).

 

In a 5 game set, it's possible you can get away with 10 pitchers (and put Gabe on the roster). I forgot about the fact that Trot stuggles against lefties.

 

I think dirtdogman suggested a good roster... and with Lowe added to the 'pen it might make the pitching shortage a little easier to deal with.

 

I'd still be tempted to try to carry Williamson if he proves he can pitch (and be effective) in back to back games...

[SoxJosh32]

A couple of thoughts come to mind.

 

I don't think it's any question whether to leave Millar on the roster. He's such a valuable, and he's often overlooked. His numbers may not show it, but he comes in the clutch when we need him.

 

I don't think Kapler should be on the playoff roster. He's so streaky, and it's about time for him to cool off and go 0-25. I say stick with Roberts and Youk on the bench.

 

Now, who suggested Lowe as an RP? I think that would be a terrible move. Remember the days when he was closer and short reliever? I think Lowe needs to stick to starting. He's going through a tough time with his command, but we all know he's a trooper.

 

Aghh... I can't wait until next week!!

[sarasoxfan]

he was a s***** closer one year, but I thought he led the league in saves the year before.

 

I dont know what they shoud do with Derek. If he pitches well tonight it will guarantee him a start. If he doesnt I think Dumbass will start him anyway...

[ACL BoSox]

I put this in the wrong thread, here goes nothing...

 

My choices for post-season...

 

Starters:

 

#1 Curt Schilling

#2 Pedro Martinez

#3 Tim Wakefield (Always good in post-season cause of weather)

#4 Bronson Arroyo

 

Bullpen:

 

Long Relief - #5 Derek Lowe

 

Middle Relief - #6 Alan Embree, #7 Mike Myers, #8 Mike Timlin, #9 Ramiro Mendoza, #10 Scott Williamson

 

Closer - #11 Keith Foulke

 

Fielders/Batters:

 

1B - #12 Kevin Millar

2B - #13 Mark Bellhorn

3B - #14 Bill Meuller

SS - #15 Orlando Cabrera

RF - #16 Trot Nixon

CF - #17 Johnny Damon

LF - #18 Manny Ramirez

C - #19 Jason Varitek

DH - #20 David Ortiz

 

Bench:

 

1B - #21 Doug Mentkiewicz

2B - #22 Pokey Reese

3B - #23 Kevin Youkilis

OF - #24 Dave Roberts

C - #25 Doug Mirabelli

 

That's ideal for me, some might argue Leskanic should be there, but who would you take out? Williamson has to be there, he's been awesome in his past few outings. He needs work this week.

[dirtdogman5]

Originally posted by ACL BoSox@Sep 28 2004, 01:46 PM

Bench:

 

1B - #21 Doug Mentkiewicz

2B - #22 Pokey Reese

3B - #23 Kevin Youkilis

OF - #24 Dave Roberts

C - #25 Doug Mirabelli

Like I said before, you do not carry 11 pitchers and leave Kapler off the roster. If you wanna carry 11 pitchers, you should leave Youks off, but not Kapler.

[ACL BoSox]

Youkilis works a lot of walks, OBP is UBER important in the playoffs. Kapler gives us speed, but we already have Roberts and Damon. I don't see the need to go overboard with the speed. Kaplers bat is not that good either. And if Bill Mueller's knees start to hurt again, are you gonna stick Kapler at 3rd?

[ACL BoSox]

Oh and the most under-rated quote in baseball...

 

"you can never have enough pitching"

[RedSoxRooter]

If Lowe sucks again tonight, I'd leave him off and move Mendoza to the long relief roll. As it stands right now, I have zero faith that Lowe can help the team in the postseason.

[ACL BoSox]

He's definitely on the roster because sinker ballers are a neccesary evil when people are on base. I just think that he's gotten progressively worse since '02 and we'll find out tonight if he can handle the Devil Rays.

 

Don't forget though, DLowe has a special place in RSN for getting the last out in the 2003 ALDS.

[elsrbueno]

ACL brings up a good point. If you take Youk off the roster, Pokey's the ONLY backup infielder....and you'd have to play Bellhorn at third.

 

In a short series, I'd say you could get away with 10 pitchers, in which case drop either Mendoza (if Williamson pitches well over the next week) or Williamson, and add Gabe.

 

For me: It's important to have Youk on the roster because he's another infielder.

[stocker323]

I didn't see this topic so I'll post again.

 

 

 

Shaughnessy's column in the paper yesterday had a good idea of breaking down the rosters. He only had 10 pitchers leaving 6 in the bullpen and 15 position players, which were all the key guys. From your list ACL, I'd probably put in Kapler and take out Mendoza, because I don't think we need 11 pitchers.

[noonanberg]

Here it is:

 

Definites:

C- Tek

1b- Mientkiewicz (we really need the fielding in the playoffs so shut it Millar)

2b- Bellhorn (remember what Todd Walker did last year)

ss- Cabrera

3b- Mueller

LF- haha Manny

CF- Damon

RF- nixon

DH- Ortiz

 

SP- Pedro

SP- Lowe (rather him than Wake)

SP- Schilling

SP- Arroyo

 

RP- Foulke

RP- Timlin

RP- Myers

 

That's 15, the remainders:

RP- Williamson, if his arm is still intact at the end of the week it's undisputable.

RP- Wakefield (although he's sucked, he deserves the shot for his dedication)

RP- Leskanic (he's been pretty good and has quietly helped stabilize the pen)

RP- Mendoza (although i doubt he'll get it over Embree, he should)

C- Mirabelli (best backup catcher in the biz)

1b- Millar (will need him against lefties and morale)

IF- Youkilis (gotta give Pokey the axe. He's been hurt and he can't hit. Bellhorn isn't that bad of a fielder in the grand scheme. Plus, if Bellhorn goes down, we know that the Youk at third Mueller and second combo works.)

OF- Kapler (need him for righties, added speed and he deserves it for all he's done filling in for Trot)

 

The last one: Roberts. It's tough because I am a bit biased to McCarty, but the fact is McCarty hasn't been too hot and we now have Mientkiewicz for D at first. Roberts gives us speed which could result in that one important run.

 

 

SIDE NOTE: I must say though, it does suck that only 25 can go to the show. I say that the MLB change its rule so that you can carry forty, but can only have 25 be available to play during the game. This way you could switch the 25 everyday so everybody can get the chance to finish what they all helped to start.

[DOrtiz4prez]

I don't know what everyone likes so much about Lowe. Yeah, he had a great season when he led the league in saves but he can't do anything since then. And yeah, he finished the ALDS last year but what has he done this year. Nothing.

 

He can't be a starter for the team, Wakefield hasn't been too bad. Starters have to be: 1. Schilling 2. Pedro 3. Wakefield 4. Arroyo

Long Relief: Lowe

Middle Relief: Mendoza, Williamson, Embree, Timlin

Closer: Foulke

 

That's 10 starters, leaving 15 slots on the offense and defense. Heres my starters:

C: Varitek

1B: Millar (Mientcwizk, no idea how to spell it, when it gets late and we need defense)

2B: Bellhorn (Yeah, he strikes out but he gets the job done)

3B: Mueller

SS: Cabrera

LF: MANNY (AL MVP)

CF: Damon

RF: Nixon

 

Bench:

Mientcwizk, Pokey, Kapler, Roberts, Mirabelli, and maybe Youkilis but I dont like him. Rather not have him there.

[DOrtiz4prez]

Sorry, when I wrote that I forgot to put Ortiz, I went to dinner and just skipped DH sorry guys, take out Youkilis and put him in there.

[CalvnHobs6]

Funny how your username is DOrtiz4prez...and you forgot to put in the prez.

[yeszir]

Originally posted by CalvnHobs6@Sep 28 2004, 06:21 PM

Funny how your username is DOrtiz4prez...and you forgot to put in the prez.

prez candidate, nothing is official yet, thats why he's "4 prez" and not "is prez"

[Sizzlin22]

Personally I say we need Kaple because Trot can't really hit leftys. So far as close spots on the bullpen Kim should be left off so should Leskanic.

[sarasoxfan]

why are we even talking about kim, he sucks worse than lowe.

 

 

I like the noonan lineup alot, and agree about McCarty, his homer the other night make it more painful-pokey cant hit enough said..

 

Though I wouldnt die if pokey went insted of youk. POkey can give you more positions...

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by sarasoxfan@Sep 30 2004, 03:29 PM

why are we even talking about kim, he sucks worse than lowe.

 

 

I like the noonan lineup alot, and agree about McCarty, his homer the other night make it more painful-pokey cant hit enough said..

 

Though I wouldnt die if pokey went insted of youk. POkey can give you more positions...

I still think we need Pokey AND Youkilis. I don't expect Youk to play a whole lot but he's insurance in case someone gets hurt.

 

Keep in mind how defense has hurt this team in the past too. I want Mientkiewicz at first, Pokey at second, Cabrera at short, and Mueller at third in a close game late-inning situation. Defense wins ballgames. Pokey's been awesome at that.

 

Bellhorn should start.... But Pokey should come in as a defensive replacement.

 

I like dirtdogman's idea of only carrying 10 pitchers (that way you can have Kapler) so here's my official, modified playoff club:

 

C. Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli

IF: Doug Mientkiewicz, Kevin Millar, Pokey Reese, Mark Bellhorn, Orlando Cabrera, Bill Mueller, Kevin Youkilis

OF: Trot Nixon, Manny Ramirez, Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler, Johnny Damon

DH: David Ortiz.

 

NOTE: Terry, PLEASE don't play Millar in the outfield unless COMPLETELY necessary.

 

Starting pitchers: Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Bronson Arroyo, Tim Wakefield

Relievers: Keith Foulke, Mike Timlin, Alan Embree, Derek Lowe, Mike Meyers

 

The relief squad is a lot harder to pick right now. I came VERY close to leaving Lowe off entirely, but figured we could leave him on for now. Maybe he'll pitch better in a relief role?

 

EDIT: I forgot the 10th reliever. This is an argument all to itself. Here are the options:

 

Curtis Leskanic.

 

Ramiro Mendoza.

 

Scott Williamson.

 

Terry Adams.

 

Thoughts?

[sarasoxfan]

mendoza hands down..

 

PS: maybe too early but when we make the world series does Ortiz play first in the home national games?

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by sarasoxfan@Sep 30 2004, 04:22 PM

mendoza hands down..

 

PS: maybe too early but when we make the world series does Ortiz play first in the home national games?

You're too early.

 

Mendoza "hands down?!?"

 

I'm leaning towards Mendoza myself, but it's not that easy a choice.

 

One could make a case for Williamson or Leskanic (I'd be surprised if anyone picks Adams).

[Zenny]

If Williamson is healthy, it should be him. If not, I like Leskanic a lot.

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by Zenny@Sep 30 2004, 07:47 PM

If Williamson is healthy, it should be him. If not, I like Leskanic a lot.

I agree with Zenny here. Williamson's the best pitcher of the group. Unless he can't throw back to back, I'd take him.

 

I like Mendoza because he's been there before. We know he won't crack under the pressure. Like the other 2... he's had health problems too.

 

I like Leskanic because he's got good stuff, he just has struggled to harness that stuff (and he's got questionable health too).

 

my rankings:

1. Williamson

2. Mendoza

3. Leskanic

[mosox]

As elsrbueno says the key to Williamson is pitching back to back and we should know about that this weekend.

[noonanberg]

Since his return, batters are 2- for- 17 against Williamson, and that is a 90 MPH Williamson at that. This season batters are hitting only .101!!!! against him and his ERA 1.01. If he can prove he's healthy enough to last the playoffs it is a no brainer. This guy is our best pitcher from the 'pen and is arguably one of the best in the league. God forbid he somehow find that 98 MPH fastball...

[mosox]

2 BB, 1 K, 1 ER in 1 IN tonight. Williamson isn't making this easy.