2007 Spring Training Game Thread

[seabeachfred]

I think a lot of people are writing off Romero too soon. He could be a contributor this year. From what I've seen' date=' he looks like he's comfortable with his stuff, and he's had some pretty good success in the past. Third appearance of ST today, and he's been good in each.[/quote']

 

Maybe you didn't see the guy perform in Anaheim last year ORS. To put it succinctly, he stunk. Bad control, and even the batter he retires he goes three balls on. He also has developed a reputation for being a clubhouse lawyer. He wore out his welcome mat in Minnestota and to me if you can't play for Mike Scioscis you pretty much can't play for anybody, and Mike got good and fed up with him last season for his failure to get the batters he was facing out on a consistent basis. I saw it plenty of times while accompanying my Angels fan wife to the games with my bottle of no-doze handy.

 

Of course, our bullpen is right now desperation city so we have no choice but to count three and pray that he performs better than the last two years. :angry:

[jacksonianmarch]

the one thing about Romero is that he has a penchant for walking people and he cannot for the life of him, get the yankees out. For some reason, he has alwasy sucked against us. I hope he sees a lot of innings.

[seabeachfred]

The bullpen is frightening. The improved rotation will cover up a lot of bullpen deficiencies, but they don't have one very reliable quality guy out there to finish games.

 

I am going to stir some conversation. I think the Red Sox FO realistically could make three moves that would transform the 2007 team (and possibly the 2008 & 2009 teams) into a total steamrolling powerhouse. Here goes:

 

1. Move Tavarez, Lowell and MDC to Colorado for Helton

 

2. Move Crisp and Bucholz or Bowden to Seattle for Ichiro (sign Ichiro for 3 years plus an option)

 

3. Move WMP and Hansen for Cordero.

 

Let the fun begin.

 

Hey 700, first of all let me hand you a few kuddos for at least offering some concrete suggestions for improving our team. Unfortunately, none of your suggestions seem likely to make much headway. Let's look at them. Helton? Sure I would love to have him on first base, but Colorado wants young pitching and Taverez isn't it, and they have Garrett Atkins on third base already. MDC is young, yes, but can you imagine the Rockies being that stupid to trade for a lemon like that? As for Crisp and one of the "B" boys for Ichiro, I say nyet to that as well. First of all Ichiro will cost a bundle and second we would be spitting in the face of Jacoby Ellsbury if we did a thing like that. What are we going to do to the kid, keep in the minors for three or four more years? ******** on that. When he's ready he takes over CF. Now Crisp and Bowden for Putz? There might be something there. WMP and Hansen for Cordero? I would buy that, too, but I'm hearing GM Bowden isn't interest in Pena and I sure can understand why. He had him in Cincy and saw enough strikeouts and muffed fly balls to make him heave enough wienerschnitzel and strudel to flood half of Cincinnati. Hansen and Crisp? Maybe that might be better.

 

Look, I'm not saying your ideas don't have merit but you threw me when you mentioned something that would keep our good prospects from playing for the Red Sox. Remember Hanley Ramirez? Freddie Sanchez? Matt Murton? Just to name a few. It is about time we start giving our good prospects a chance to prosper in Boston. If we can get a gem of a closer we could trade one or two of them. However, Ellsbury and Bucholz are two that we do not trade or block their path to the Big Leagues.

[ORS]

Maybe you didn't see the guy perform in Anaheim last year ORS. To put it succinctly, he stunk. Bad control, and even the batter he retires he goes three balls on. He also has developed a reputation for being a clubhouse lawyer. He wore out his welcome mat in Minnestota and to me if you can't play for Mike Scioscis you pretty much can't play for anybody, and Mike got good and fed up with him last season for his failure to get the batters he was facing out on a consistent basis. I saw it plenty of times while accompanying my Angels fan wife to the games with my bottle of no-doze handy.

 

Of course, our bullpen is right now desperation city so we have no choice but to count three and pray that he performs better than the last two years. :angry:

I watched him in Anaheim. I also watched him be very effective for two straight years in Minnesota. He's a typical MRP. He's had good years. He's had bad years. It's folly to look at the latest example with those type of guys, and those type of guys are the majority of relief pitchers. You don't know what you are going to get in any given year. Thus far, he's looked good. Until he starts not looking good, I'm comfortable with him getting the ball, no matter what you saw last year.

[seabeachfred]

Especially when you go all the way and say it like his countrymen would, then you'd have:

 

Ho'elle

 

Glad to hear your positive endorsement of our bullpen ORS; it must be swell to be able to put the stamp of approval on such an important part of our team so early. Bi-Polar? The relief pitching was very sound today and most of us are pleased, but if truth be known the bullpen still sucks. That clear enough for you? Now maybe in a week or two when your pal Ho'elle starts mowing down batters and your favorite MDC starts saving games I can join you on Pollyanna Avenue. Right now it concerns a helluva lot more people that just me, but, hey, look, send me some of those pollyanna pills and maybe I can join you on Pollyanna Avenue. I will even bring Crunch and VA Fan along if they will accompany me.

 

You're OK in my book ORS. A sarcastic @#$%^&@; but a good guy to joust with. I hope we're both ROTFLOFAO come October.

[seabeachfred]

I watched him in Anaheim. I also watched him be very effective for two straight years in Minnesota. He's a typical MRP. He's had good years. He's had bad years. It's folly to look at the latest example with those type of guys' date=' and those type of guys are the majority of relief pitchers. You don't know what you are going to get in any given year. Thus far, he's looked good. Until he starts not looking good, I'm comfortable with him getting the ball, no matter what you saw last year.[/quote']

 

Well this time I think you are absolutely right. What's past is past. I just wanted to caution you to what I witnessed last summer. Maybe a new venue was what he needed. Look ORS, right now we cannot be particular who we run out there because we are in no position to be that. The bullpen is our question mark and if Romero can come back to what he was before his last year with the Twins hooray for us. It just seems to me that we are banking on some pitchers who have not been in the pink the last few years, and as I said before, if we can get our bullpen straightened out our chances are as good as anyone else in the league in getting to the WS. Think if what it would feel like not to hear the Yankee fans mutter their new mantra: You'll have to wait another 86 years.

[a700hitter]

Look' date=' I'm not saying your ideas don't have merit but you threw me when you mentioned something that would keep our good prospects from playing for the Red Sox. Remember Hanley Ramirez? Freddie Sanchez? Matt Murton? Just to name a few. It is about time we start giving our good prospects a chance to prosper in Boston. [/quote']Then maybe we could prosper like the Pirates, Cubs and Marlins.

[a700hitter]

Didnt JD Drew sign a contract for 5 years? Just wondering

 

IMO guys it would hurt Jacoby Ellsbury's development if he were to spend 3+ years in the minors

Why would getting Ichiro necessitate keeping Ellsbury in the minors for three years? We only have Manny for one more year. After that, Drew could move to LF, Ichiro to RF and Ellsbury to CF.

[seabeachfred]

Why would getting Ichiro necessitate keeping Ellsbury in the minors for three years? We only have Manny for one more year. After that' date=' Drew could move to LF, Ichiro to RF and Ellsbury to CF.[/quote']

 

We have Manny for two years 700 if you count this year. I'm taking it that you are talking about trading for Ichiro this year. With that outfield you mentioned, it is a good one but all lefthanded and we might become too lefthanded a team. You know what that might mean, don't you? Every lefty in the league would be tuning up for us.

[a700hitter]

We have Manny for two years 700 if you count this year. I'm taking it that you are talking about trading for Ichiro this year. With that outfield you mentioned' date=' it is a good one but all lefthanded and we might become too lefthanded a team. You know what that might mean, don't you? Every lefty in the league would be tuning up for us.[/quote']I was thinking that Ellsbury would be the 4th OF in 2008 and the starter in '09. The all lefthanded thing could be a problem.

[Rodney Harrison]

Why would getting Ichiro necessitate keeping Ellsbury in the minors for three years? We only have Manny for one more year. After that' date=' Drew could move to LF, Ichiro to RF and Ellsbury to CF.[/quote']

 

Drew moving to left? He's played that position in two games since 2000. I wonder how he'll adjust his game.

[riverside sluggers]

per WEEI

 

For Monday's spring traing game of the Sox vs Yanks, it will be Russ Olhendorf vs Wakefield

[jacksonianmarch]

Ohlendorf has a bit of work to do. He has some dirty stuff.

[TheKilo]

Ohlendorf has a bit of work to do. He has some dirty stuff.

 

[a700hitter]

Drew moving to left? He's played that position in two games since 2000. I wonder how he'll adjust his game.

The adjustment to LF in Fenway should not be a problem for a fielder of Drew's caliber.

[BSN07]

Who cares about being too LH, The only pitchers you would have to worry about are, Santanna, Sabbathia, Kazmir, Buherle, BJ Ryan, Pettite. Those are really the only big lefties to worry about, add Liriano if he comes back healthy in 08, so being LH heavy isnt that bad because most pitchers you face are RH.

[ORS]

Four run first for the Sox. Gabbard has already given two back in the bottom half on a dinger to Helms.

[VA Sox Fan]

Mirabelli stole 2nd base and I don't see a wild pitch or pass ball for the Phillies....how did that happen?

[a700hitter]

Three runs allowed be Hansen on 3 hitts and a walk in his first outing. It could have been worse had it not been for the DP. Well, at least MDC had a good outing. Trade him before he wrecks his trade value.

[VA Sox Fan]

Three runs allowed be Hansen on 3 hitts and a walk in his first outing. It could have been worse had it not been for the DP. Well' date=' at least MDC had a good outing. Trade him before he wrecks his trade value.[/quote']

 

Uh oh, I hope Fred doesn't read this!!!

[jacksonianmarch]

Three runs allowed be Hansen on 3 hitts and a walk in his first outing. It could have been worse had it not been for the DP. Well' date=' at least MDC had a good outing. Trade him before he wrecks his trade value.[/quote']

 

yeah, that Hansen kid should be sent down right now and take the pressure off. I am sure he still thinks he has a shot to make this team out of ST.

[seabeachfred]

Four run first for the Sox. Gabbard has already given two back in the bottom half on a dinger to Helms.

 

The bullpen, the bullpen, it hits you in the gut

and it puts you in a rut

oh the bullpen, the bullpen

is there no relief in sight? ( sung to the lyrics of "The Bowery" if you remember the song)

 

OK, ORS, I'm at my wits end trying to give my opinions on that black hole of ours so I'm listening up for what some of you guys might be thinking. We almost gave the game away today with another bullpen folderoo, though I'm not surprised our starter didn't do too well. Gabbard is not exactly the answer to a maiden's prayer. We did win the game and I read an excellent article in RedSox.com about how Donnelly wants the job real bad and Big Papi seems to think he might be just the guy for the job. Hansen? Well it was his first time out and maybe next time he will do better. Maybe. What's your take on our bullpen? At this point I haven't a clue and I figure you or someone else might have some idea.

[seabeachfred]

Uh oh' date=' I hope Fred doesn't read this!!! [/quote']

 

You know VA I just sent ORS a note asking him to give me his take on our bullpen and so I will do the same with you. Frankly, I have run out of ideas and can only hope that within a week or two things will start to take shape and a couple or three guys might take charge down thare. Good to see MDC have a nice outing; it was his first in a helluva long time. As far as Hansen is concerned, I'm going to hold my tongue on that. Let's see what he does next time out. If he is the competitor Kilo and ORS thinks he is we will come back with fire in his eyes. If he is what Crunch thinks we might just see more of the same. I have some deep reservations about him myself, but ksushi seems to think this guy is going to be ok. Right now I would just like to hear what others have to say. Maybe they have an insight or two that escapes me now. Hey, MDC pitched well, we won the game, Papi sent one out the yard, and Donnelly said he wants to be the closer. More good news than bad.

 

Get this. Just made my preliminary plans for the Red Sox series in San Diego. That's three trips my friend---Fort Myers, Boston, and San Diego within the next three months. Now I have to start plotting for that September series with the Yankees at Fenway. I'm getting all hot and bothered. I can tell you that. :D :D :D

[ORS]

The Fred, the Fred, his whining is incessant

It makes his company quite unpleasant

He bitches, he moans

My mind, it groans

 

Fred, what about your whipping boy from two days ago? You know, MDC, aka "the bum". Two scoreless. It's Hansen's first competitive inning pitched of the new year after a sore back. He was the only guy who might, I stress, MIGHT, be with the big club bull-pen when they break camp. The rest of those guys are either in Pawtuckett or on the waiver wire. It's like you just started watching baseball this week.

[VA Sox Fan]

You know VA I just sent ORS a note asking him to give me his take on our bullpen and so I will do the same with you. Frankly, I have run out of ideas and can only hope that within a week or two things will start to take shape and a couple or three guys might take charge down thare. Good to see MDC have a nice outing; it was his first in a helluva long time. As far as Hansen is concerned, I'm going to hold my tongue on that. Let's see what he does next time out. If he is the competitor Kilo and ORS thinks he is we will come back with fire in his eyes. If he is what Crunch thinks we might just see more of the same. I have some deep reservations about him myself, but ksushi seems to think this guy is going to be ok. Right now I would just like to hear what others have to say. Maybe they have an insight or two that escapes me now. Hey, MDC pitched well, we won the game, Papi sent one out the yard, and Donnelly said he wants to be the closer. More good news than bad.

 

Get this. Just made my preliminary plans for the Red Sox series in San Diego. That's three trips my friend---Fort Myers, Boston, and San Diego within the next three months. Now I have to start plotting for that September series with the Yankees at Fenway. I'm getting all hot and bothered. I can tell you that. :D :D :D

 

Good news about your trips Fred! I'll see 3 games in Ft Myers the last week in March (when the players are soooooooooooo ready for it to be over, ha ha) Good luck on the September series. I don't have any Fenway trips planned right now (starting a new job in May, hoping to move too, busy times!)

 

I read something recently about Foulke's ST era in 2004 15.00, horrible. I'm just being patient b/c it's so early. I like Donnelly and hope he will do well. I'm not big into predictions. I'm just waiting to see how it shakes out and putting faith in Tito and the FO (crazy me huh?). They've spent too much money on our new players, ya know?

 

Oh and to edit/add on.....I didn't worry last season until August 1st when Tek went on the DL, I cried like it was the end of game 7 of the 2003 ALCS......but I'm a chick, so I can do that from time to time.....ha ha ha......

[seabeachfred]

The Fred, the Fred, his whining is incessant

It makes his company quite unpleasant

He bitches, he moans

My mind, it groans

 

Fred, what about your whipping boy from two days ago? You know, MDC, aka "the bum". Two scoreless. It's Hansen's first competitive inning pitched of the new year after a sore back. He was the only guy who might, I stress, MIGHT, be with the big club bull-pen when they break camp. The rest of those guys are either in Pawtuckett or on the waiver wire. It's like you just started watching baseball this week.

 

I wonder if you have trouble with reading comprehension. I said I was pleasantly pleased with MDC's performance today. Did you miss that? I also said I would wait to pass any judgment on Hansen because it was, after all, his first outing. Did you miss that one, too? I also asked if you had any ideas about our bullpen and you were mute there as well. No, I started watching baseball 60 years ago this year and I cannot remember a team going all the way with a bad bullpen---yes, even then in the prehistoric period of the late 40's and early 50's. Good attempt at poetry, though.

[seabeachfred]

Good news about your trips Fred! I'll see 3 games in Ft Myers the last week in March (when the players are soooooooooooo ready for it to be over, ha ha) Good luck on the September series. I don't have any Fenway trips planned right now (starting a new job in May, hoping to move too, busy times!)

 

I read something recently about Foulke's ST era in 2004 15.00, horrible. I'm just being patient b/c it's so early. I like Donnelly and hope he will do well. I'm not big into predictions. I'm just waiting to see how it shakes out and putting faith in Tito and the FO (crazy me huh?). They've spent too much money on our new players, ya know?

 

Oh and to edit/add on.....I didn't worry last season until August 1st when Tek went on the DL, I cried like it was the end of game 7 of the 2003 ALCS......but I'm a chick, so I can do that from time to time.....ha ha ha......

 

Hey, I know lady Red Sox fans can be as rabid and nasty as we men are. BTW, I will be in Fort Myers the same time for those same games. Unfortunately, they put me in the boonies out in left field---section 24 for the first game, and section 22 for the last two. Maybe I'll run into you there.

[ORS]

I wonder if you have trouble with reading comprehension. I said I was pleasantly pleased with MDC's performance today. Did you miss that? I also said I would wait to pass any judgment on Hansen because it was, after all, his first outing. Did you miss that one, too? I also asked if you had any ideas about our bullpen and you were mute there as well. No, I started watching baseball 60 years ago this year and I cannot remember a team going all the way with a bad bullpen---yes, even then in the prehistoric period of the late 40's and early 50's. Good attempt at poetry, though.

Perhaps, Fred, I mean just maybe, I was reading the page while you typed and then responded because yours was the last at the page I was reading. So, rest easy my friend, my reading comprehension is better than you can imagine.

 

It's funny though. It's funny that a guy who has been watching baseball for 60 years gets so worked up about a bad outing or two in spring training. Are you worried that Manny is only hitting around .200? Maybe that's a bad example; Manny's track record is a carbon copy from year to year. How about Pedroia? You seem to like him. Does it worry you he's under the Mendoza line?

 

Here's what I think Fred. I think your daily rants are gross overreactions, and your focus on singular events prevents you from seeing the reality of a situation. And, this is in addition to your personal biases that make you want to keep non-performers around. You can't stand WMP, but he was valuable to the team last year, hitting .301/.349/.489 while playing every outfield position effectively. Don't laugh, he was 1 run above average for the year defensively. However, the gaffes stick out in your mind, and a bad play or two makes a "bum" in your eyes. All the while, you loved Loretta and his statue impression at 2B while putting up a .285/.345/.361 line. Don't get me wrong, I was content with Loretta last year, but I never understood the Wily Mo ire.

 

You want my opinion of the bullpen? There are some quality arms there that have either had success in the past or are on the cusp of breaking out, it is only spring training, and until I see otherwise in a real game with the real bullpen out there, I'm confident 3 or 4 of them will pitch well enough to be the guys that get handed a lead late in the game.

 

I can tell you this. As long as you remain the town crier on this board, I'll continue to be thorn in your side until you drop the arbitrary nature of your spite.

 

Carry on, Mr. Frost.

[a700hitter]

The bull pen has more problems. Timlin is still hurting.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6552340

[VA Sox Fan]

Hey' date=' I know lady Red Sox fans can be as rabid and nasty as we men are. BTW, I will be in Fort Myers the same time for those same games. Unfortunately, they put me in the boonies out in left field---section 24 for the first game, and section 22 for the last two. Maybe I'll run into you there.[/quote']

 

At City of Palms for the Pirates and DRay games (3/27 & 3/29) left field B122 and for the 3/28 Twins game (Hammond Stadium) sect 108 kinda behind home plate but a few rows up. Two weeks from Monday.....I cannot wait!

 

Not to be mean, but ORS makes some valid and brutally honest observations about some of your posts. RELAX, you of all people should know, life is too short. Worry in Aug or Sept, not the 2nd week of ST. Remember Foulke's 15.00 ERA in 2004 ST!!!!!

 

RELAX!