The lineup I'd like to see

[Manny Goes Boom]

I agree. I dont know if I said it here or not, but I know I said it on my radio show. All you have to do is look at Coco's numbers and you'll see that he is going to have his break out year this year. His stats have steadily increased every year he's been in the league, and putting him infront of Loretta, Manny, and Papi ... his numbers can only get better.

 

I have all the faith in the world that Coco will do just fine in the leadoff role this year, and hopefully get himself ready for a few years of leading the Red Sox offense.

 

You have a radio show?

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

If my career was turning to crap because I was having problems with my contacts, I think I'd spend a few hundred dollars to get that laser eye surgery.

 

BTW- I had the surgery about 5 years ago. If I can afford it, a millionaire can too.

 

BTW2- If any of you are considering having the surgery in the future, you should do it. It's been great! The only downside is that my left (bad) eye is starting to get worse. But it's still a ways to go before it gets as bad as it was. One day, though, I will look like this .

I liked your laser eye surgery point. btw I cant see 5 feet in front of me without my glases(and I still dont wear them) so maybe laser eye surgery might be in my future.

[MC Hammer]

You have a radio show?

Sorry didn't mean to imply I was on the actual radio. I thought I posted about it before ... it's just an internet radio show.

[Manny Goes Boom]

Sorry didn't mean to imply I was on the actual radio. I thought I posted about it before ... it's just an internet radio show.

 

A sports talk show is a sports talk show...thats cool. Where at? :dunno:

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

Yeah whats the site. You cant turn down potential listeners

[guapo34]

I know I'm in the minority, but I'm going to post my ideal lineup anyway.

 

Against righties:

 

Youk

Loretta

Manny

Ortiz

Coco

Nixon

Tek

Lowell

Gonzalez

 

Lefties:

Youk

Loretta

Manny

Ortiz

Crisp

Lowell

Tek

Mohr

Gonzalez

 

The idea that we're in trouble because of the dropoff in infield offense is crazy. Lowell is a legitimate concern, but we've upgraded at second and first. Lowell might rebound and have a decent year, and he might be awful, but hes not going to kill the teams offense. Millar had no power last year and struggled to get on base. There might be a small downgrade offensively at short, but i think that gets made up for by the difference in defense. Rentaria was obviously terrible.

 

On the first page of this thread someone posted a lineup claimed to be released by the red sox to NESN. I highly doubt the Red Sox would release a lineup to NESN in the offseason. Thats Francona's job to decide. The fact the lineup included Gonzalez who we just officially signed today gives it less credibility. I'm sure it was just NESN speculating.

[The Monster is my Mom]

Can I just say that I think Youkilis, Loretta, Lowell will more than make up for Millar (who just plain sucked), Mueller (great defense, but lost all power after the bad knees), and Bellhorn/Graffino. Youk won't hit for much power either, but he is an OBP machine, which is what we need with all the power we do have.

[mar_022]

I know I'm in the minority, but I'm going to post my ideal lineup anyway.

 

Against righties:

 

Youk

Loretta

Manny

Ortiz

Coco

Nixon

Tek

Lowell

Gonzalez

 

Lefties:

Youk

Loretta

Manny

Ortiz

Crisp

Lowell

Tek

Mohr

Gonzalez

 

The idea that we're in trouble because of the dropoff in infield offense is crazy. Lowell is a legitimate concern, but we've upgraded at second and first. Lowell might rebound and have a decent year, and he might be awful, but hes not going to kill the teams offense. Millar had no power last year and struggled to get on base. There might be a small downgrade offensively at short, but i think that gets made up for by the difference in defense. Rentaria was obviously terrible.

 

On the first page of this thread someone posted a lineup claimed to be released by the red sox to NESN. I highly doubt the Red Sox would release a lineup to NESN in the offseason. Thats Francona's job to decide. The fact the lineup included Gonzalez who we just officially signed today gives it less credibility. I'm sure it was just NESN speculating.

 

While i see where you were going with Youk leading off (high OBP), i think that is Coco's niche, because he provides the speed that Youk lacks at the top of the order. Coco isn't a five hitter, especially with Tek, Nixon, and Lowell all good candidates to bat 5th

[guapo34]

While i see where you were going with Youk leading off (high OBP), i think that is Coco's niche, because he provides the speed that Youk lacks at the top of the order. Coco isn't a five hitter, especially with Tek, Nixon, and Lowell all good candidates to bat 5th

 

But Coco could hit for more power than all of them, while getting on base less often than all but Lowell.

[riverside sluggers]

On the first page of this thread someone posted a lineup claimed to be released by the red sox to NESN. I highly doubt the Red Sox would release a lineup to NESN in the offseason. Thats Francona's job to decide. The fact the lineup included Gonzalez who we just officially signed today gives it less credibility. I'm sure it was just NESN speculating.

 

Hi there, yea that was me. I have a good memory and when watching a NESN report after the Crisp signing and they said "this is the projected lineup a source close to the Red Sox has said it will look like." It also had Cora's name instead of Gonzalez. I myself edited that since Gonzo was officially signing

 

Besides I also noted later on that spring training could change the looks of that projected lineup. Last season saw Renteria move up from the 8 spot to the 2 spot

 

EDIT: The Boston Globe has also given the same projected lineup http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/graphics/02_01_06_lineup/

[TheRivernator]

Well thought out post as always. I thought Id pick up another point about Gonzo is that even during seasons of hitting .260 or less he has proven to have 30 or more doubles. Like newcomers Lowell and Crisp, he has a good shot of exceeding 40.

 

 

some of you guys are comical.

So every single guy in the lineup will exceed last yrs pathetic seasons?

What is the chance that your 3b, ss, and 2b all rebound from career low seasons at once?

What is the chance that the "Greek God of Walks" will not be one of the worst all around 1b in the game? I mean seriously, some on here are taking Gammons crap straight to the brain.

Getting Lowell was a good idea? When is it a good idea to land a guy who is owed 19 mil over the next 2 yrs and had an OPS below .700 at a corner IF position?

Loretta is 35 and had a serious injury last yr, and upon returning was a shell of himself?

[riverside sluggers]

just my opinion and probably others, but its better and healtheir to have optimism rather than expecting just about everyone new the roster along with youk to fail

[Cityofchampions33]

some of you guys are comical.

So every single guy in the lineup will exceed last yrs pathetic seasons?

What is the chance that your 3b, ss, and 2b all rebound from career low seasons at once?

What is the chance that the "Greek God of Walks" will not be one of the worst all around 1b in the game? I mean seriously, some on here are taking Gammons crap straight to the brain.

Getting Lowell was a good idea? When is it a good idea to land a guy who is owed 19 mil over the next 2 yrs and had an OPS below .700 at a corner IF position?

Loretta is 35 and had a serious injury last yr, and upon returning was a shell of himself?

 

Well, yes they are all question marks, but it's not like Lowell has had 2 or 3 bad seasons in a row, he posted career lows in HRs and RBIs (besides rookie season) so common sense would think it a fluke year. Gonzo had the same problem (career lows) and the two seasons prior had hit 15+ HRS. Also the Fenway Factor helps them some. Youk is a bit different but he has been touted a little the past few eyars and really we're just giving him a shot to start, so we'll see hwo it works out.

[Mr Crunchy]

penciling in any #s for youk lowell and agon at this point is an exercise in guessing

both the florida guys went from being powerful to futile last year just like millar did

 

youk impresses in obp and patience but hasnt had the pressure of playing everyday all day on his shoulders..

as it stands theyve improved their starting and bullpen pitching and are better defensively for sure

 

that in itself is reason to celebrate and to be optimistic for the upcoming season

[The Monster is my Mom]

some of you guys are comical.

 

What is the chance that the "Greek God of Walks" will not be one of the worst all around 1b in the game?

 

 

So why do you think Youk will be one of the worst 1B in the game? He doesn't hit for much power, but gets on base alot, which is what this team needs with guys like Manny, Papi, Tek on the team.

Maybe he isn't the greatest defensively (but he sure can't be worse than Millar), but since when does everyone think you need this great defensive player at first? Up until a few years ago, teams put their old, slow guys at first. I remember watching guys like Pete Rose, in his 40's, play first base for the Reds, and no one batted an eye.

[riverside sluggers]

I like having Youk at 8th in the order, comparable to Mueller the stats prove that is where he is most comfortable. In 33 games (.297 avg) (.430 OBP!!)

[guapo34]

some of you guys are comical.

So every single guy in the lineup will exceed last yrs pathetic seasons?

What is the chance that your 3b, ss, and 2b all rebound from career low seasons at once?

What is the chance that the "Greek God of Walks" will not be one of the worst all around 1b in the game? I mean seriously, some on here are taking Gammons crap straight to the brain.

Getting Lowell was a good idea? When is it a good idea to land a guy who is owed 19 mil over the next 2 yrs and had an OPS below .700 at a corner IF position?

Loretta is 35 and had a serious injury last yr, and upon returning was a shell of himself?

 

Most people aren't too optomistic about Lowell. I'm expecting good defense. His offense should be a little better than last year just by going from florida to boston. He's still a major risk though, and most people understand it. His big years not that long ago leave open the possibility of a rebound, and theres nothing wrong with hoping that happens.

 

Loretta still hit well for a second basemen last year. 2 years ago he was the most productive second basemen in the national league. He doesn't have to be that good to be a major improvement.

 

Youks career numbers are better than average for a first basemen. He didn't get much of a shot last year, but showed improved power when playing in the minors. I think he'll be fine.

 

Gonzalez won't do much with the bat but neither did our SS last year, and Gonzalez will be much better defensively. He can hit for power, but won't get one base all that often.

[TheRivernator]

Look, overall your offense will still be very good, but you think it is an improvement over what you had last yr, then you are fooling yourselves. Your staff has been upgraded with a nice addition in the rotation and a few nice ones in the pen. That is where your optimism should lie. Then again, questions abound about them too.

Will Schilling be the 2004 Curt again?

Can Beckett make the transition to the AL East and how will he adapt to a hitters haven?

Will Wells be traded? (likely your biggest question as I think he will be the most consistent pitcher off all that you currently have)

Will Clement remember that he truly was born with balls?

Will Pap be in the rotation and can he build off a good rookie campaign?

Can Wake pitch to vtek or flash like he did with Mirabelli?

How much pot can arroyo smoke if arroyo could smoke pot?

questions abound, but I think your rotation will be a modest upgrade over what you had last yr.

 

As far as relief, well, riske will be a good setup man and timlin is like clockwork. BUT, Seanez bombed out in Boston in round 1 and he remade himself in the weak NL West. We'll see. Tavarez last pitched in the AL with the Guardians (I think) and his era was above 5.

Will Foulke have his psych meds all set by april??

 

Lots of questions....

[riverside sluggers]

as there is a lot of questions for the yankees and other teams

[TheRivernator]

Youks career numbers are better than average for a first basemen. He didn't get much of a shot last year, but showed improved power when playing in the minors. I think he'll be fine.

 

Hate to do this to you.

 

Average MLB 1b-man for 2005

.276/.350/.471/821

 

Youkilis

.265/.376/.411/.787

 

better than averageOBP but awful slugging and OPS for a 1b....

[VA Sox Fan]

as there is a lot of questions for the yankees and other teams

 

Amen to that!

[riverside sluggers]

and... in 2005 he wasnt given the title as 1st baseman or even spent that much time at all up in the majors due to the sox's re-hashing of the worst bullpen in the league of 05. So no merit comparing him at that time to other 1st baseman. Those werent his 05 numbers, it's his career stats that is still not much experience to prove your point. He hit .278 with a .400 OBP

 

Lets just have him play ball to prove someone wrong.

[TheRivernator]

as there is a lot of questions for the yankees and other teams

 

 

True, the yankees have questions too, but I think they have the exact same amount of questions in their rotation, basically durability and performance questions but both teams have depth. They have the same middle relief questions but the closer is set for the yankees as it isnt for the sox. BUT, the yankee offense seems to lack questions. They are very consistent. We can already pencil in

Damon for over .300 and over 100 R

Jeter for over .300 and over 100R

Sheff for a .290 30HR 110RBI

ARod for .300 40HR 120RBI

Matsui for .300 20HR 100RBI

Giambi for .280 30HR likely 90-100RBI

 

see what I mean. The yankee question are 7-8-9 and posada, as much he has slipped is still one of the best offensive catchers in the game (says a lot about the market vs the player but still) and Cano at 9 is nice especially since he had a stellar yr last yr and is only 23. Our only truly unpredictable guy is Bernie. As a DH, will he enjoy the rest from the field and quicken his swing, or will he be near the mendoza line? Nobody knows....

[TheRivernator]

and... in 2005 he wasnt given the title as 1st baseman or even spent that much time at all up in the majors due to the sox's re-hashing of the worst bullpen in the league of 05. So no merit comparing him at that time to other 1st baseman. Those werent his 05 numbers, thats his career stats that is still not much experience to prove your point. He hit .278 with a .400 OBP

 

Lets just have him play ball to prove someone wrong.

 

Listen, nowhere in his bio of his minor league campaigns or whatever does he predict out to be a first baseman. He never had power. He only hit for average for a little while, but he has always been an OBP machine. Thats the type of production that you would love out of a 3b or a middle infielder, not your 1b. Your 1b is supposed to be one of the best hitters and your is one of the weakest....

[riverside sluggers]

Damon, I repeat, Damon will not have a .300 avg. Fenway Park helped his stats so very much.--100 Runs of course is a given with the best lineup on paper in baseball

 

His stats at Yankee Stadium prove that against great and piss poor pinstriped pitchers

 

66 games

(.250 avg) (.302 OBP)

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Listen, nowhere in his bio of his minor league campaigns or whatever does he predict out to be a first baseman. He never had power. He only hit for average for a little while, but he has always been an OBP machine. Thats the type of production that you would love out of a 3b or a middle infielder, not your 1b. Your 1b is supposed to be one of the best hitters and your is one of the weakest....

 

We have our sluggers, we have Manny and Papi. The Braves got their power last year from CF, do you think they gave a crap where it was coming from or did they complain that they weren't getting homers from first? All we need out of Youk is a high OBP, we have enough power. And he sure as hell is going to give us that high OBP.

[Americal Man]

mj,

you can pencil the top six of the yankmees in for all of that but they still haven't been able to catch the sox for runs scored for the last three years and probably won't do it again. It's not the long ball, it's the doubles that make the difference - last year the sox had 339 doubles, the yankmees had 259 which put them 13 out the 14 AL teams. gotta pickup the pace if you want to be a factor this year.

[Americal Man]

Damon, I repeat, Damon will not have a .300 avg. Fenway Park helped his stats so very much.--100 Runs of course is a given with the best lineup on paper in baseball

 

His stats at Yankee Stadium prove that against great and piss poor pinstriped pitchers

 

66 games

(.250 avg) (.302 OBP)

 

 

he had one good game in ny - the only one that counted.

[TheRivernator]

Damon, I repeat, Damon will not have a .300 avg. Fenway Park helped his stats so very much.--100 Runs of course is a given with the best lineup on paper in baseball

 

His stats at Yankee Stadium prove that against great and piss poor pinstriped pitchers

 

66 games

(.250 avg) (.302 OBP)

 

 

His stats at yankee stadium can also be correlated to the fact that over Damon's 9-10 yr career, the yankee pitching staff has overall been stellar (the past 2 yrs aside). That usually plays into things more than the field. But if you want to talk field, yankee stadium is the perfect place for him. I heard one baseball analyst say that 5-8 of his hits in fenway last yr would have been homers in yankee stadium, and overall, his swing fits the short porch. Many people in the media think he will be a surprising power presence, like 15-20HR's. Also, if Damon's shoulder is pisspoor like it was last yr, then he wont hit .300 you are right. But he wouldnt have passed a physical with a pisspoor arm. Before he got hurt last yr, he was hitting .330 in a park that was not kind to lefty batters. I can only imagine what he will do in yankee stadium with that short porch and with that lineup behind him. It is gonna be fun to watch....

[TheRivernator]

col, I seriously think that the makeup of the sox lineup had changed so much that it will affect them. After 120 games last yr, who had the best BAw/RISP on the red sox. Hint: it wasnt ortiz. You had a great recipe for success. Guys who got on base and guys who were clutch.

 

Mueller and Damon were very good at both. Lowell was putrid in the clutch and coco was not as good as Damon. The reason why the yankees didnt score last yr was because guys like Posada and Bernie would be up in the clutch, and they batted around .200 combined. It is funny how the leat clutch hitter in every lineup seems to always get the most at bats with RISP. Lowell will be found in clutch time, the times when Mueller used to excel....