Who's paying attention: Foulke

[example1]

So far, Keith Foulke has had two relatively ineffective appearances in the minors. Are people concerned about what this indicates for his future this year? He was reportedly throwing between 87 and 73 to class A hitters, and gave up a run in both appearances--basically what happened before he went on the DL.

 

I don't know what to expect from this guy. In fact, looking back, I'm not sure how he was ever as successful as he was. He had that great fastball-change combo, but something changed this year. Perhaps he was tipping his pitches or something.

 

Anyway, how much are people relying on Foulke for a division championship? How concerned are you all from his first two outings?

[BigPapiEnFuego]

I'm not too concerned. One run was unearned and he's just starting again. i bet he'll be fine soon enough.

[sarasoxfan]

ineffective outings against class A players..certainly I can see why you would say he'll be fine soon enough.

 

 

Delusional thinking and spin knows no boundries.

 

One can hope, and I do, that he'll improve but to say that there is something positive about these outings doesnt appear to ahve any basis in reality.

[ORS]

Delusional thinking and spin considerations aside, Foulke's effectiveness was due to his control. He never overpowered hitters. He keeps them off balance by changing speeds and locates pitches in parts of the strikezone where it is very difficult for the hitter to do anything with the pitch. High 80's fastballs make the hitters anticipate enough to be totally in front of the changeup. Earlier this year, due to the knee injury, he only had about a 6-8 mph differential on his pitches.

[sarasoxfan]

I agree about his speed, the problem is that his locationthis year was off too and I dont know if that's a knee or arm issue, and I hope it has been resolved..if not an 86 mph fast ball or a 90+mph fastball like alan embree's down the middle leaves that the ballpark at 100.

[elsrbueno]

I think the only thing that can be taken from the first couple Foulke outings is that he's not ready yet. I'm not too concerned that his first two outings weren't perfect, but the fact remains that he's got to get that fastball back where it was last year or he's still in the same boat he was in June.

 

He was throwing 86-87 before the surgury and was very ineffective. Talk was that he needed to get back to 89-90 with his fastball in order to get separation from his offspead stuff.

 

Until he's able to do that consistently, Red Sox fans can't expect Foulke to help at the Major League level.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

I've been waiting and waiting to see Craig Hansen. There are always teams that bring up an impact player for a playoff run and make a name for themselves in the playoffs. K-Rod and Miguel Cabrera were the last two I can think of and I would love for us to aquire that kind of push. Its a good possibility this kid can come in and take over the closer role quickly. I got to see him talk and discuss his thoughts on the matter...I must say I love his attitude. Nothing gets to him and he might have the best stuff out of anyone currently in our bullpen. High hopes and we shall see but I have my fingers crossed for that...not Keith Foulke at this point.

[ORS]

Looking at how this team handles rookies is a pretty clear indicator that they aren't going to have Hansen closing games, even if he is the best person for the job. Alvarez, Meredith, and DiNardo all come up for a cup of coffee, struggle a little, and get sent back down without a second chance. While teams like the Braves, A's, Angels, and others call up rookies and give them more than one shot to see if they can handle big league play.

[Chitalian Stallion]

Remember, he was terrible in Spring Training hist first year here, then he started out great that year, maybe hitters are guessing one pitch every time he throws becuase then theyd hav a 50% chance of gussing rite.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

I think its more than just guessing....there is something about his mechanics which are off and that also throws people who look at stats off. You can see he gave up a run but technically he is just trying to get comfortable. Hopefully he is now comfortable and can zero in on hitters more and be aggressive trying to make certain pitches. Its gotta come along quickly though cause time is running down.

 

As far as the Sox bringing on rookies slowly. That is true....but if he performs the way some think he might then he may not give the Sox a choice. My thoughts are the rookie needs to show he can do it and not give the team an excuse to stray from the obvious answer. It wasn't long ago that he was a closer.

[Yanksin2010]

Whats wrong timlin closing? He hasn't blown any saves. Hasn't gotten many opportunities either though.

[Soxfan1]

timlin is more of an 8th inning guy. I could see alvarez closing though.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

heh, i thought of Alvarez for a minute, but i dunno if that will work.

[Soxfan1]

To all that think hansen should be called up, 2 words

 

Cla Merideth

[yankeessuck013]

hansen is in a different class than Cla, he has better composure and better stuff.

[yankeessuck013]

"I felt a lot better today than I did [saturday]," Foulke said. "I made a few adjustments last night, when I went back to the field. I talked to a few guys, and I had to change some things. I felt a lot freer out there on the mound [sunday]. I'm still a little tired from [saturday] but felt a lot better."

 

I am confident foulkey wil be fine

[example1]

Here is a description of Foulke's inning from tonight, against SINGLE A Vermont:

Vermont Top 5th

 

* Pitcher Change: Keith Foulke replaces James Zink.

* Jose Contreras singles on a fly ball to right fielder Luis Soto.

* Francisco Plasencia doubles (14) on a line drive to left fielder Jason Twomley. Jose Contreras scores. Francisco Plasencia advances to 3rd, on throwing error by second baseman Dominic Ramos.

* Leonard Davis strikes out swinging.

* Carlos Torres singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jason Twomley. Francisco Plasencia scores.

* Rolando Arnedo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jay Johnson. Carlos Torres to 2nd.

* Mike Daniel called out on strikes.

* Lorvin Louisa strikes out swinging.

 

 

Three strikeouts and 2 runs. Hmmmmm

[yankeessuck013]

don't fret too much, the D in single A stinks

 

and besides, he's working on his mechanics. Last time he mentioned working in slow motion to make sure he gets his mechanics just right.

[sarasoxfan]

if he keeps pitching like that against A hitters he should probably consider a career as a mechanic.

[yankeessuck013]

Foulke ready for comeback

 

Sox reliever will be activated tomorrow

 

Red Sox reliever Keith Foulke went in to manager Terry Francona’s office with pitching coach Dave Wallace at 4:30 p.m. today, presumably to discuss Foulke’s activation tomorrow and his role with the pitching staff upon being activated. During Francona’s meeting with the media earlier, the manager said he wouldn’t address the Foulke situation until he met with him first.

 

When asked to rate his command, Foulke said “1 to 10… probably a 6.” And when asked if he accomplished what he wanted to during his rehab (in 3 2/3 innings at Single-A Lowell, he gave up eight hits and four runs), Foulke replied “probably not,” but said he was pleased with his changeup, which he used to get two of his three strikeouts last night. He said he wasn’t happy with his fastball, which was clocked at 87 mph.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/08/31/foulke_ready_for_comeback/