Red Sox Spring Training thread

[VA Sox Fan]

Guessing The Roster, Version 2

 

Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff March 18, 2010 09:30 AM

 

With the team off today, it seemed like an opportune time to try and guess the roster that will take the field against the Yankees on April 4.

 

We made our first guess back on Feb. 19. There have been some changes since:

 

Catchers

Victor Martinez

Jason Varitek

 

Outfielders

Mike Cameron

J.D. Drew

Jacoby Ellsbury

Jeremy Hermida

 

Infielders

Kevin Youkilis

Dustin Pedroia

Adrian Beltre

Marco Scutaro

David Ortiz

Bill Hall

Tug Hulett

 

Starting pitchers

Jon Lester

Josh Beckett

John Lackey

Clay Buchholz

Tim Wakefield

 

Relief pitchers

Jonathan Papelbon

Daniel Bard

Hideki Okajima

Ramon Ramirez

Manny Delcarmen

Boof Bonser

Scott Atchison

 

Explanation: Daisuke Matsuzaka will start the year on the DL, opening a spot for Wakefield. ... Jed Lowrie (mono, sore wrist) hasn't been able to do much to prove he belongs on the team. ... Atchison has been one of the biggest surprises in camp. Brian Shouse has not pitched well enough to be the second lefty and Dustin Richardson got hurt. That leaves Atchison or Joe Nelson. Bonser, who is out of options, figures to get a chance. ... The final spot on the bench is hard to figure. Hulett has hit well but is pretty much limited to second base, although you could use him at third or the outfield in a pinch. Hall needs to prove he can play shortstop for Hulett to have a shot. ... Josh Reddick will give them pause but keeping five outfielders (and Hall, who can play outfield) makes little sense. ... Mike Lowell, now that he is playing, could be traded at any point. If not, he'll likely be on the bench.

[Dojji]

Question: Is Iglesias already on the 40-man roster? I seem to recall that he is.

 

In that case, I think you could actually put him on the roster to break camp, strictly as a backup and playing only in an emergency, until Lowrie or Hall prove they can manage the job of backing up SS.

 

If Lowell's going onto the the DL to start the year, which it sounds like he is, Lowrie is the most obvious player to break camp in his place -- unless his health keeps getting in the way, which it very well might. If it does, it's Iglesias or Sanchez, and I'd rather see Iglesias.

 

I honestly think Hulett only cracks the roster if Beltre is hurt or totally ineffective. if that's the case, then he'd be there solely as a place-filler until we could make an acquisition. And we'd play Youks at third, VMart at first and Tek catching until we'd made that acquisition.

[Dipre]

Why would Lowell start the season on the DL?

 

And by the way, having Iglesias with the Red Sox instead of giving him sorely needed repetitions at the lower levels is probably the dumbest thing the Sox could do.

[Spudboy]

And why would the Sox let Iglesias rot on the bench when he could be in Portland playing everyday?

[Dipre]

And by the way, having Iglesias with the Red Sox instead of giving him sorely needed repetitions at the lower levels is probably the dumbest thing the Sox could do.

 

And why would the Sox let Iglesias rot on the bench when he could be in Portland playing everyday?

 

Exactly.

[Dojji]

Meh I'd read somewhere that Lowell was still having health problems and "could" start the season on the DL.

 

I don't think a couple weeks on the big league bench are going to kill the kid's career. If Lowrie's health is not a problem then this is a nonissue anyway.

[Dipre]

I don't think a couple weeks on the big league bench are going to kill the kid's career. If Lowrie's health is not a problem then this is a nonissue anyway.

 

There's absolutely no reason for him to start the season with the team regardless of Lowrie's health.

[Dojji]

We don't have a backup SS, how's that for a reason?

[Dipre]

We don't have a backup SS' date=' how's that for a reason?[/quote']

 

You really think the Sox' only possibility to back up SS is Jose Iglesias?

[Dojji]

The only half decent one, if Lowrie's hurt. I mean... Angel Sanchez?

[Spudboy]

A back-up SS is 45 miles away in Pawtucket if Hall fails to demonstrate proficiency at short.

And in the worst case scenario, say out on the coast and both Scutaro and Hall can't play, move Pedroia over to short and let Tugg play second.

[Dipre]

It's a backup SS.

 

Gil Velasquez can get it done in the meantime.

[italstallianion]

I think that if our potential back up SS is the worst of our problems (instead of the offense or bullpen) then we're in pretty f***** good shape. The point is, we have options, so there's no use in applying the doomsday theory to Jed Lowrie's annual injury.

[Spudboy]

The only half decent one' date=' if Lowrie's hurt. I mean... Angel Sanchez?[/quote']

 

I just don't think it would be advisable to put the kid in the line-up with his limited experience.

Granted, he could make all the plays in the field. But he belongs in the minors so he can further his ability at the plate. Sitting on the bench would forestall his development.

 

But let's say he does break camp and actually plays. What happens when he hits.150?

What will that do for his development and confidence? It just makes no sense.

[Spudboy]

It's a backup SS.

 

Gil Velasquez can get it done in the meantime.

 

That's the guy I was referring to. I just couldn't remember his name!

[riverside sluggers]

I agree. Dont have Iglesias be on the opening day roster to be the backup shortstop (using up one of his options as well). The most I want to see of him this season is September call up. Rather have Gil Velazquez be the place filler if need be.

[Spudboy]

It's a backup SS.

 

Gil Velasquez can get it done in the meantime.

 

His jammed thumb is now a broken thumb. He is expected to be out for six weeks.

 

Can Hall play SS on a regular basis? I know he is slotted to play only a day here and there. But what if?

[Dipre]

His jammed thumb is now a broken thumb. He is expected to be out for six weeks.

 

Can Hall play SS on a regular basis? I know he is slotted to play only a day here and there. But what if?

 

Hall can masquerade as a SS. But he can't play there on a regular basis anymore IMO. But i haven't seen him play there since like 2006, so i'm just talking from what i've read.

[Spudboy]

I've read the same things.

 

Unless Scutaro get hurt, there is no need to be too worried about SS depth. And while I was in favor of resigning Gonzo, I think there is no reason not to expect that Scutaro will hit for career average. And that will do.

[Dipre]

All Scutaro has to do is hit a double here and there, play good D, work the count and get on base.

 

Now if he hits another walk-off Home Run off Mariano Rivera, he can sit on the DL for the rest of his contract getting his monthly paycheck.

[Dojji]

The guy I wanted back was Nick Green. He was an underrated defender last year (yes, even with the throwing errors factored in) and he wasn't an utter tragedy at the plate, at least not for a utility man. He could also play second and fake it at third, so he's an ideal utility guy. He would have been the ideal guy to cover for Lowrie and make sure we have a decent backup SS even if Lowrie can't hack it, and he's expendable enough to go play somewhere else if Lowrie *was* ready.

[soxfan26]

Hulett has shown he can handle the bat well this spring and he is more versitle than most of you have been giving him credit for. he adds a left handed bat to the bench along with hermida and can play all over the infield (if needed) and play the outfield in a pinch.

He is at third base today against the pirates. Have some friends down at the Fort and they have watched tug in the field and said he has maid some great plays at second as well. What impressed me was they were at the game the other day and said he laid down a sweet bunt for a hit. That shows he is willing to do the little things to get on base. His next at bat he hit a double. Im not saying he needs to be starting but he is proving himself at the plate and the field.

[Dipre]

The one thing Hulett can't play is SS. Not to mention scouting reports say his best position is 3B even though he's originally a 2B. Never heard of his ability to play the OF.

 

As for his proficiency with the bat, it's ST.

[Dojji]

Hulett is an option if you're willing to occasionally shift Pedroia to short. That makes us weak up the middle for a game or two but it could be done. That said, I wouldn't count on him maintaining any level of offense over part time at bats and you'd probably be better off just going for a defensive guy.

[soxfan26]

It may be only spring training but that is where guys get the opportunity to show they can handle the bat, and play defenses. He has already proven that at the AAA level. Its not just in his actual b.a. that impresses coaches its the ability to square the ball off the bat and play defense. That whole thing "with its only spring training"is wore out, when do you expect guys to show off their skill sets? I have never read a scouting report on tug that says he is a better 3b than second. I have read that his strengths are 2nd and 3rd.

Most of your veteran players use the "its only spring training" as an excuse for not being ready or hitting poorly. Look at Ortiz. He hit poorly last season in st and it continued into the first half of the regular season. He has had a mediocre spring so what should we expect in the first half of the season? I hope its not the same!!

[riverside sluggers]

Yesterday Buchholz had picthed against Twins Triple A team. 4 innings, 1 Hit, 4 Ks

[Dipre]

It may be only spring training but that is where guys get the opportunity to show they can handle the bat, and play defenses. He has already proven that at the AAA level. Its not just in his actual b.a. that impresses coaches its the ability to square the ball off the bat and play defense. That whole thing "with its only spring training"is wore out, when do you expect guys to show off their skill sets? I have never read a scouting report on tug that says he is a better 3b than second. I have read that his strengths are 2nd and 3rd.

Most of your veteran players use the "its only spring training" as an excuse for not being ready or hitting poorly. Look at Ortiz. He hit poorly last season in st and it continued into the first half of the regular season. He has had a mediocre spring so what should we expect in the first half of the season? I hope its not the same!!

 

It's only Spring Training, because it's only Spring Training.

 

Look up the numbers for Adrian Gonzales and Joey Votto. Who is more talented, them or Tug Hulett?

 

Do you think the small sample size of ST is indicative to a player's actual talent level?

 

The "Veteran excuse" is always there, because, in reality, that's what ST is for, to get guys back on their timing. Ortiz started training late last year by the way, so his 2009 shouldn't be used as an example.

 

Tug Hulett is a guy with a solid minor league dossier, but for what the team needs right now, he's simply not a fit.

[riverside sluggers]

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2010_03_19_bosmlb_pitmlb_1

 

Ortiz hits a 2 run HR in 1st inning against Pittsburgh

[riverside sluggers]

Gil Velazquez is out for 6 weeks, broken thumb

 

Updated stats (includes college games)

 

Batting

 

Jeremy Hermida- 10 for 27 (.370 avg) 2 Doubles, HR, 5 RBIs, 3 Runs, 2 Walks, 4 Ks

Dustin Pedroia- 10 for 29 (.345 avg) 3 Doubles, 3 RBIs, 6 Runs, 2 Walks, 5 Ks

Mike Cameron- 7 for 21 (.333 avg) 2 Doubles, 3 RBIs, 5 Walks, 4 Ks

David Ortiz- 9 for 32 (.281 avg) 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs, 3 Walks, 6 Ks

Tug Hulett- 6 for 22 (.273 avg) 3 Doubles, HR, 5 RBIs, 3 Runs, 3 Walks, 4 Ks

Kevin Youkilis- 6 for 22 (.273 avg) Double, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs, 2 Walks, 2 Ks

Mike Lowell, 1 for 4 (.250 avg) K

Victor Martinez, 7 for 28 (.250 avg) 3 Doubles, RBI, 4 Runs, Walk

Jason Varitek- 2 for 8 (.250 avg) Double, Walk, 2 Ks

Jacoby Ellsbury- 4 for 21 (.190 avg) 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 Runs, 3 Walks, 7 Ks

Bill Hall- 5 for 27 (.185 avg) Double, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs, 3 Walks, 7 Ks

J.D. Drew- 3 for 17 (.176 avg) Triple, RBI, Run, 2 Walks, 3 Ks

Marco Scutaro- 4 for 23 (.174 avg) Double, 2 Runs, 3 Walks, 4 Ks

Adrian Beltre- 3 for 18 (.167 avg) RBI, Run, 3 Walks, K

///

Gustavo Molina, 4 for 5 (.800 avg) Double, RBI, Run, Walk

Nate Spears- 3 for 5 (.600 avg) 2 Runs, Walk, K

Oscar Tejeda- 1 for 2 (.500 avg) Double, Run, K

Darnell McDonald- 7 for 15 (.467 avg) 4 Doubles, 2 RBIs, 8 Runs, 2 Walks, 2 Ks, SB

Ryan Khoury- 2 for 5 (.400 avg) 2 RBIs, 2 Runs, Walk, K

Josh Reddick- 14 for 35 (.400 avg) 5 Doubles, Triple, HR, 6 RBIs, 7 Runs, Walk, 7 Ks

Gil Velazquez- 8 for 21 (.381 avg) 2 Doubles, 9 RBIs, 2 Runs, 3 Ks

Dusty Brown- 5 for 14 (.357 avg) Double, 3 RBIs, Run, 2 Walks, 2 Ks

Jeremy Hazelbaker- 2 for 6 (.333 avg) 3 Runs, 2 Walks, K

Jose Iglesias- 4 for 12 (.333 avg) Double, HR, 6 RBIs, 3 Runs, K

Yamaico Navarro, 7 for 21 (.333 avg) 3 Doubles, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs, Walk, 2 Ks

Mark Wagner- 4 for 12 (.333 avg) Double, HR, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs, Walk, K

Che Hsuan Lin- 5 for 16 (.316 avg) Double, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs, 3 Walks, 2 Ks

Luis Expositio- 3 for 10 (.300 avg) 2 Doubles, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs

Jed Lowrie- 3 for 10 (.300 avg) Double, RBI, Run, 2 Walks, K

Ryan Kalish- 4 for 15 (.267 avg) 2 RBIs, 4 Runs, 5 Walks, 5 Ks

Bubba Bell- 1 for 4 (.250 avg) 3 Runs, 4 Walks, K

Brett Harper- 1 for 4 (.250 avg) RBI, K

Jason Place- 1 for 4 (.250 avg) Double, RBI, K

Aaron Bates- 5 for 24 (.208 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs, 2 Walks, 8 Ks

Angel Sanchez- 5 for 24 (.208 avg) Triple, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs, 4 Walks, 4 Ks

Lars Anderson- 1 for 22 (.045 avg) RBI, 5 Runs, 4 Walks, 5 Ks

Reid Engel, 0 for 1

Ino Guerrero- 0 for 2

Alex Hassan- 0 for 1

David Mailman, 0 for 2, K

Jeff Natale, 0 for 1

Daniel Nava- 0 for 2, Run

Anthony Rizzo- 0 for 2

Matt Sheely- 0 for 2, Run, Walk

 

Pitching

 

John Lackey (1-0, 0.00 ERA)- 9 innings, 5 Hits, 3 Ks

Jonathan Papelbon (0.00 ERA)- 6 innings, Hit, Walk, 2 Ks

Daniel Bard (1.80 ERA)- 5 innings, 2 Hits, Run, 7 Ks

Manny Delcarmen (1-0, 1.80 ERA)- 5 innings, 3 Hits, Run, 2 Walks, K

Hideki Okajima (1.80 ERA)- 5 innings, 4 Hits, Run, Walk, 6 Ks

Clay Buchholz (3.00 ERA)- 9 innings, 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 Walks, 7 Ks

Tim Wakefield (1-1, 5.49 ERA)- 8.2 innings, 12 Hits, 5 Runs, 2 Ks

Josh Beckett (5.56 ERA)- 8.1 innings, 8 Hits, 5 Runs, 2 Walks, 5 Ks

Jon Lester (0-2, 5.87 ERA)- 7.2 innings, 8 Hits, 6 Runs (5 ER), 5 Walks, 7 Ks

Boof Bonser (1-1, 6.00 ERA)- 6 innings, 5 Hits, 4 Runs, 2 Walks, 6 Ks

Ramon Ramirez (13.50 ERA)- 4 innings, 5 Hits, 6 Runs, 4 Walks, 4 Ks

///

Felix Doubront (0.00 ERA)- 8 innings, 3 Hits, 2 Walks, 6 Ks

Tommy Hottovy (0.00 ERA)- 1 inning, Hit

Casey Kelly (1-0, 0.00 ERA)- 3 innings, Walk, 3 Ks

T.J. Large (0.00 ERA)- 1 inning, Hit

Robert Manuel (1 save, 0.00 ERA)- 3.1 innings, 2 Hits, 2 Walks, 5 Ks

Chad Paronto (0.00 ERA)- 1.2 innings, Walk, K

Scott Patterson (1-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA)- 2 innings, Walk, K

Kyle Weiland (0.00 ERA)- 3 innings, Hit, Walk, 3 Ks

Scott Atchison (1-0, 1.48 ERA)- 6.1 innings, 6 Hits, 2 Runs (1 ER), Walk, 5 Ks

Brian Shouse (1-0, 1.48 ERA)- 6.1 innings, 6 Hits, 2 Runs (1 ER), Walk, 4 Ks

Ramon A. Ramirez (1-0, 1.80 ERA)- 5 innings, 5 Hits, Run, 4 Walks, 3 Ks

Michael Bowden (1 save, 2.57 ERA)- 7 innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 3 Walks, 5 Ks

Fernando Cabrera (3.00 ERA)- 3 innings, 2 Hits, Run, Walk, 3 Ks

Joe Nelson (1 save, 1-0, 3.00 ERA)- 6 innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 Walks, 5 Ks

Fabio Castro (3.60 ERA)- 5 innings, 3 Hits, 2 Runs, Walk, 3 Ks

Junichi Tazawa (1 save, 5.14 ERA)- 7 innings, 6 Hits, 4 Runs, Walk, 7 Ks

Randor Bierd (8.57 ERA)- 2.1 innings, 4 Hits, 3 Runs (2 ER), 3 Ks

Jorge Sosa (0-1, 9.00 ERA)- 3 innings, 7 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 Ks

Dustin Richardson (12.27 ERA)- 2.2 innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs, Walk, K

Adam Mills (0-1, 20.25 ERA)- 4 innings, 12 Hits, 10 Runs (9 ER), Walk, 3 Ks

Kris Johnson (0-1, 27.00 ERA)- 1 inning, 4 Hits, 3 Runs

Ryne Miller (27.00 ERA)- 1 inning, 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 2 Walks

[Spudboy]

Umm.

 

Just like to thank Riversidesluggers for the updates.

 

Really. The Boston media does not do this.

 

Pretty cool.

 

Thanks.