2009 Spring Training

[riverside sluggers]

Wilkerson just had to hit for a respectful avg and he wouldve had the job. But its .128 with little over a week to go...

[jacksonianmarch]

I still dont know why no team found him desireable. He mashes everywhere he goes. He hits for solid average. He's patient. It is just interesting that no team thought he could be useful in the bigs. My prediction is that he makes a deep impact and makes things very difficult on the sox decision makers. I am speaking of Carter btw.

[Dojji]

Wilkerson just had to hit for a respectful avg and he wouldve had the job. But its .128 with little over a week to go...

 

Yeah, Bailey and Carter may or may not have played themselves into jobs, but Wilkerson has sure played his way out of one.

 

I still think it was worth taking a flier on him. If he'd worked out he would have been exactly what we needed. But if it's not gonna work it's not gonna work.

[BoSox21]

Yea, it was worth taking a flyer on Wilkerson but he hasn't been worth a s*** since 2004.

[a700hitter]

Bucholz has been very consistent and very sharp this spring. He had another very good outing today. His ERA this spring is 0.46. His command of the fastball has been very good, which makes his curve and changeup very effective. He has got to be the leading candidate for the 5th rotation spot if Penny is not ready when camp breaks.

[BoSox21]

Very hard not to be optimistic about Buchholz going into this season. 1 ER in almost 20 IP

[Dojji]

Spring Training is Spring Training.

 

That said, Buchholz has the potential to be just that good so glad to see what might be a sign of him getting it all together.

 

Man, by July we have a distinct possibility of a Beckett-Lester-Daisuke-Smoltz-Buchholz rotation. With Masterson in the pen and Bowden and Johnson still waiting behind them.

 

I mean, I know it's a bit of a pipe dream, but wow.

[CrespoBlows]

Johnson sucks.

[BoSox21]

if Buchholz has the year I think he's gonna have, our rotation for 2010 should be Beckett-Lester-DiceK-Buchholz-Bowden

[Dojji]

Johnson sucks.

 

Befitting the #10 guy in starter depth. But he could probably be better than Zink at any rate. I was just mentioning him mostly because he's still considered a legit prospect and he'd still be there behind, Smoltz, Buchholz, Bowden, and Masterson

[CrespoBlows]

if Buchholz has the year I think he's gonna have' date=' our rotation for 2010 should be Beckett-Lester-DiceK-Buchholz-Bowden[/quote']

 

Beckett-Lester-Dice-K-Buchholz-Darvish

[CrespoBlows]

Befitting the #10 guy in starter depth. But he could probably be better than Zink at any rate. I was just mentioning him mostly because he's still considered a legit prospect and he'd still be there behind' date=' Smoltz, Buchholz, Bowden, and Masterson[/quote']

 

Yeah, according to you. I see a middle relief arm. I also see no mention of him being a legit prospect by any major publication or scout.

[TheKilo]

Beckett-Lester-Dice-K-Buchholz-Darvish

 

...boner

[Dojji]

Yeah' date=' according to you. I see a middle relief arm. I also see no mention of him being a legit prospect by any major publication or scout.[/quote']

 

He's one spot ahead of Wagner at Soxprospects.com. He's a former first rounder. He may not be a top prospect but he's a prospect.

 

A middle relief arm is Dustin Richardson. Kris Johnson isn't very flashy in the aftermath of Tommy John surgery but he did get the job done in Portland.

[BoSox21]

Spring Training is Spring Training.

 

Still a hell of a lot more encouraging than the 10.03 ERA he walked out of ST with last year

[Dojji]

Still a hell of a lot more encouraging than the 10.03 ERA he walked out of ST with last year

 

ANd hopefully indicitave of legitimate progress.

 

Would be great if this meant we could play Penny, build up his trade value, and move him at the deadline.

[example1]

I believe that Darvish has said he wants to stay in Japan. Smart things to say at 21 or 22. I think he'll end up here eventually but not by 2010.

 

Buchholz has really pitched well this spring and I have a hard time believing he won't have a solid spot in the rotation very soon. They were ready to give him one last year.

[CrespoBlows]

He's one spot ahead of Wagner at Soxprospects.com. He's a former first rounder. He may not be a top prospect but he's a prospect.

 

Every single one of these sentences isn't just wrong, but they are completely and utterly devoid of logic.

 

He's one spot ahead of Wagner

 

This is not something to brag about. Mark Wagner is a backup catcher at the big league level at best.

 

at Soxprospects.com.

 

This is a good informative site where you can learn about Red Sox prospects, but to use it to prove a point about the validity of a prospects status is foolhardy. Soxprospects is known for overstating the value of prospects, and squelching negative comments. Show me what a real major league scout says about Johnson, or you could back up your argument with statistics. Oh, but you won't, because Johnson's statistics suck.

 

Wow, I just looked up where Kris Johnson is located on the notorious hype machine that is Soxprospects. He's the 29th rated prospect in the system. Sandwiched between two backup catchers. This is f***ing sad.

 

He may not be a top prospect but he's a prospect

 

You usually don't rely on these guys to provide emergency relief. You tried doing this with Hunter Jones, but Jones at least has a track record and would be pitching in the 6th inning. You are talking about a guy who would be called about to start games for the Red Sox. If Kris Johnson is doing this every fifth day, this season is going to suck. Johnson starting for the Red Sox would be frighteningly reminiscent of the 2006.

 

A middle relief arm is Dustin Richardson.

 

Dustin Richardson is a scrub. He may never make the big leagues.

 

Kris Johnson isn't very flashy in the aftermath of Tommy John surgery but he did get the job done in Portland.

 

1.49 WHIP at AA. Not impressive.

[Dojji]

This is not something to brag about. Mark Wagner is a backup catcher at the big league level at best.

 

Yeah, because one bad season at the AA level guarantees the guy will never ever ever be good, right? Your statement here is patently ridiculous.

 

This is a good informative site where you can learn about Red Sox prospects, but to use it to prove a point about the validity of a prospects status is foolhardy. Soxprospects is known for overstating the value of prospects, and squelching negative comments. Show me what a real major league scout says about Johnson, or you could back up your argument with statistics. Oh, but you won't, because Johnson's statistics suck.

 

They're not that bad, actually. I wouldn't be nominating him for any Cy Youngs, but he did not embarrass himself.

 

Wow, I just looked up where Kris Johnson is located on the notorious hype machine that is Soxprospects. He's the 29th rated prospect in the system. Sandwiched between two backup catchers. This is f***ing sad.

 

You're expecting our #10 starter to be a top prospect? THAT is freakin' sad.

 

You usually don't rely on these guys to provide emergency relief. You tried doing this with Hunter Jones, but Jones at least has a track record and would be pitching in the 6th inning. You are talking about a guy who would be called about to start games for the Red Sox. If Kris Johnson is doing this every fifth day, this season is going to suck. Johnson starting for the Red Sox would be frighteningly reminiscent of the 2006.

 

Dude.. again, he's tenth on our starting pitching depth chart. Kevin Jarvis level. If anyone gets to their #10 starter the season's going to suck. You aren't telling me anything here. At least our #10 has some big league upside. That's actually very good.

 

Dustin Richardson is a scrub. He may never make the big leagues.

 

That's why he dominated HWB after he was switched to relief. And of course why he had such a high k/9 even as a starter in an awful year.

 

1.49 WHIP at AA. Not impressive.

 

Yeah, almost as bad as Lester was in AAA in 2006. Lots of lefties experience sucky command when they're young. Heck, even guys like Johan Santana and CC Sabathia did.

 

Dude. "prospect" does not mean "future superstar." Anyone with MLB level upside is a prospect. I make no apologies for calling Kris Johnson a prospect when he's getting by at AA at age 23. He is a prospect. Chris Carter is a prospect. George Kottaras is a prospect. Dusty Brown is a prospect. DOn't get so hung up on the top 3 or 5 or 10 or whatever that you don't give MLB upside the credit it's due.

[CrespoBlows]

Yeah' date=' because one bad season at the AA level guarantees the guy will never ever ever be good, right? Your statement here is patently ridiculous.[/quote']

 

No, this is two consecutive seasons with a high WHIP. Not to mention, his stuff is very average. You'd have to be expecting a sizeable increase in performance for him to think about grabbing a spot.

 

They're not that bad, actually. I wouldn't be nominating him for any Cy Youngs, but he did not embarrass himself.

 

He had average numbers at AA ball. Not embarrassing, but not someone that should be listed on a depth chart directly behind Michael Bowden.

 

You're expecting our #10 starter to be a top prospect? THAT is freakin' sad.

 

No fair minded person would claim I said something like that. Why must you resort to stuffing words in people's mouth? In fact, you put him behind Bowden on the depth chart. That's number eight. Not only can you not keep track of people's words that are right in front of you, but you can't even do the same for you own.

 

Oh, but that's not the first time we've watched you change your opinion when the need arises.

 

 

Dude.. again, he's tenth on our starting pitching depth chart. Kevin Jarvis level. If anyone gets to their #10 starter the season's going to suck. You aren't telling me anything here. At least our #10 has some big league upside. That's actually very good.

 

His upside is the 6th inning, entering into a 17-1 blowout. He's a walk machine with mediocre stuff. This isn't the first time you've overstated the value of the Kris Johnson. This isn't nearly as bad as thinking that he could be part of a deal with Mike Lowell to get Lance Berkman, but your line of thinking, mainly overhype every fringe Red Sox prospect.

 

That's why he dominated HWB after he was switched to relief. And of course why he had such a high k/9 even as a starter in an awful year.

 

Nice of you to dismiss two full seasons worth of mediocre stats, and focus on the HWB, which Jeremy Papelbon dominated. What team did he play for? I can't find his stats, or his name on a roster.

 

 

 

Yeah, almost as bad as Lester was in AAA in 2006. Lots of lefties experience sucky command when they're young. Heck, even guys like Johan Santana and CC Sabathia did.

 

Kris Johnson

Johan Santana

Jon Lester

CC Sabathia

 

Who does not belong?

 

Dude. "prospect" does not mean "future superstar."

 

Gom, this is a strawman.

 

Your words. I never once claimed that prospect meant future superstar. I would never give Johnson the credit of thinking he could ever be that good. I don't even think he's a capable fifth starter.

 

 

Anyone with MLB level upside is a prospect. I make no apologies for calling Kris Johnson a prospect when he's getting by at AA at age 23. He is a prospect. Chris Carter is a prospect. George Kottaras is a prospect. Dusty Brown is a prospect. DOn't get so hung up on the top 3 or 5 or 10 or whatever that you don't give MLB upside the credit it's due.

 

Way to whittle the argument down to complete absurdity. Johnson is a prospect. Was this your trump card? f***ing weak. Thank you for revealing to us a valuable piece of information that we couldn't go without.

 

Johnson is a D+/C- level prospect, with a chance of not even making the major leagues. He's got serious work to do on his command.

 

BTW, didn't I say that he's a middle relief prospect? That's MLB upside, correct? Not that Soviet Union style overstatement you were looking for, but I did do that.

 

To sum up, you misrepresented my argument, and when you couldn't come close to understanding what I said you filled the rest in yourself. What a douchebag.

[Keeper]

I believe that Darvish has said he wants to stay in Japan. Smart things to say at 21 or 22. I think he'll end up here eventually but not by 2010.

 

He did say that, and I don't really understand it to be perfectly honest. If he wants to be remembered as a great pitcher, he needs to compete against the best in the world. And they're all over here. Playing in Japan will give him a footnote in the annals of baseball - if he's lucky.

[example1]

He did say that' date=' and I don't really understand it to be perfectly honest. If he wants to be remembered as a great pitcher, he needs to compete against the best in the world. And they're all over here. Playing in Japan will give him a footnote in the annals of baseball - if he's lucky.[/quote']

 

1) He would be more than a footnote in Japan, where he's from. Sadaharu Oh is definitely more than a footnote, and his leadership by not leaving could make him a national hero.

 

2) he's only 22. I won't be shocked if he changes his tune.

[BSN07]

He did say that' date=' and I don't really understand it to be perfectly honest. If he wants to be remembered as a great pitcher, he needs to compete against the best in the world. And they're all over here. Playing in Japan will give him a footnote in the annals of baseball - if he's lucky.[/quote']

 

Why would he want to leave and spend the next 2 years in the minors(kid is really good but I imagine most clubs would want to build up his innings and have a polished product come to the ML Level)? When he can spend the next couple years being the top pitcher in Japan with everything that has to offer, and then come here and go straight to the majors.

[BoSox21]

Way too much discussion for a guy (Johnson) who will most likely end up being a Kason Gabbard-ish throw-in on a deadline deal

[TheKilo]

Dojji was just owned so hard it hurts.

[Dojji]

Why would he want to leave and spend the next 2 years in the minors(kid is really good but I imagine most clubs would want to build up his innings and have a polished product come to the ML Level)? When he can spend the next couple years being the top pitcher in Japan with everything that has to offer' date=' and then come here and go straight to the majors.[/quote']

 

Darvish starting in the minors? I'm sorry but... wow.

 

In each of the last 2 years Darvish has logged 200+ innings. "building up his innings" isn't happening because it doesn't NEED to happen. Unless the kid burns out because he's pitching too many innings too young (see: Willis, Dontrelle) he's going to go down in someone's Hall of Fame -- ours or theirs.

 

There is no way Darvish starts out as a minor leaguer here. None. If he came over he would probably come over to be someone's #3 starter. At worst.

[Dojji]

Dojji was just owned so hard it hurts.

 

If you want to think that. Personally I think that debate revealed more about Crespo. I make a post that mentions Johnson briefly in a positive light, while mostly talking about the potential for an awesome Boston rotation of Beckett-Lester-Daisuke-Smoltz-Buchholz (with Bowden and, yes, Johnson still in the minors as reserves), he goes postal. Just because I mentioned Johnson. He can own that ground just as hard as he wants to.

 

At some point it's like talking to a brick wall. Or maybe more like getting into a wrestling match with a crap golem. Even if you win he still covers you with crap.

[BSN07]

Darvish starting in the minors? I'm sorry but... wow.

 

In each of the last 2 years Darvish has logged 200+ innings. "building up his innings" isn't happening because it doesn't NEED to happen. Unless the kid burns out because he's pitching too many innings too young (see: Willis, Dontrelle) he's going to go down in someone's Hall of Fame -- ours or theirs.

 

There is no way Darvish starts out as a minor leaguer here. None. If he came over he would probably come over to be someone's #3 starter. At worst.

 

And for someone that young, thats too many innings. I would hazard a guess saying most teams would limit his innings work for a couple seasons. Also thats 200 innings+ in Japan. Where Dice-k did the same amount of work. How many innings does he throw now? I'm not saying he couldn't start in the majors, he looks like he has the talent for sure, but hes going to be a major investment, and I just don't see most teams casually throwing him straight into major league hitters. But thats just MO.

 

I wish the Sox could get in on him, but I don't see the Yankees being outbid this time around.

[David Bowie]

when does real baseball start? It's not meow is it?

[BoSox21]

Does Darvish have any of those 684-pitch outings like Dice-K has on his resume?