Clay Buchholz to Triple-A?

[YeAuldBroade]

Tim Wakefield's march to Red Sox records will be difficult to attain if he remains in the bullpen. (AP)

Is this how it ends for Tim Wakefield?

 

By Kirk Minihane at WEEI.com

"Terry Francona was not talking before or after the game, but a report from Rob Bradford Thursday night indicated that Wakefield would be the odd man out of the Red Sox rotation when Daisuke Matsuzaka makes his return from the disabled list."

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/kirk-minihane/2010/04/22/end-tim-wakefield

[BSN07]

Tim Wakefield's march to Red Sox records will be difficult to attain if he remains in the bullpen. (AP)

Is this how it ends for Tim Wakefield?

 

By Kirk Minihane at WEEI.com

"Terry Francona was not talking before or after the game, but a report from Rob Bradford Thursday night indicated that Wakefield would be the odd man out of the Red Sox rotation when Daisuke Matsuzaka makes his return from the disabled list."

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/kirk-minihane/2010/04/22/end-tim-wakefield

 

They act like Wakefield will never get a start again. I would wager he will get at least 10 more starts this season.

[SoxSport]

Isn't it time the Red Sox placed winning as the priority over player loyalty?

 

Francona alluded to this several times in the press conference I saw the other day--after his meeting with the FO.

 

I suspect you'll see some changes on the Red Sox. No prima donna treatment for Papi, Wake to the BP, pitchers keeping base runners honest. That would be good for starters.

[TheMino007]

a700 is right' date=' Buchholz is out of options. There is 0% chance he get's sent to the minors because he would have to clear waivers. And if he is put on waivers he will last all of about 5 seconds. Maybe longer if the GM who has first crack at him passes out from lack of blood flow due to the ragging bonner he would get upon seeing Buchholz's name on the waiver wire.[/quote']

 

I read on Boston.com that Clay has one more option left and he could have been sent down. But anyway that would have been a stupid move. Its time for Clay to prove his worth, he is the only guy who hasn't pitched like pure garbage all season in the Red Sox rotation. DFA Atchins or Showenweis, put Wake in long relief and let him eat up some inninngs. He'll get some more starts when Dice-K goes back on the DL in a month.

[Palodios]

Isn't it time the Red Sox placed winning as the priority over player loyalty? .

 

Now if only Francona could hear you....

[BSN07]

I read on Boston.com that Clay has one more option left and he could have been sent down. But anyway that would have been a stupid move. Its time for Clay to prove his worth' date=' he is the only guy who hasn't pitched like pure garbage all season in the Red Sox rotation. DFA Atchins or Showenweis, put Wake in long relief and let him eat up some inninngs. He'll get some more starts when Dice-K goes back on the DL in a month.[/quote']

 

Really? I thought it was a big discussion here last winter about Buchholz not having any options left and it was sink or swim time? Could be wrong of course

[TheMino007]

It's boston.com, so its 50/50 they are wrong lol. But it still should be sink or swim time for Clay regardless.

[Gom]

You guys are acting like Matsuzaka is a sure bet. He is far from that, IMO.

 

Also, he's a bullpen killer.

 

Innings/Start:

2007: 6.4 IP/GS

2008: 5.8 IP/GS

2009: 4.9 IP/GS

 

Now, I'm willing to accept that last year was a bit low due to his overall effectiveness, injury, etc., but this should be an alarming trend for you. Last year, Wake averaged over 6 innings per start.

 

A question for Sox fans, since you obviously know your team better than I do...

 

Why not simply put Dice in the pen?

[YeAuldBroade]

Gom, Dice-K may well end up in the pen, or on the DL. Wake will be starting again by June - at the latest.

[Dojji]

Don't be too shocked if Lester is the odd man. Something's very wrong with Jonny boy. his velocity and command aren't nearly where they should be.

[Palodios]

You guys are acting like Matsuzaka is a sure bet. He is far from that, IMO.

 

Also, he's a bullpen killer.

 

Innings/Start:

2007: 6.4 IP/GS

2008: 5.8 IP/GS

2009: 4.9 IP/GS

 

Now, I'm willing to accept that last year was a bit low due to his overall effectiveness, injury, etc., but this should be an alarming trend for you. Last year, Wake averaged over 6 innings per start.

 

A question for Sox fans, since you obviously know your team better than I do...

 

Why not simply put Dice in the pen?

 

Dice-K is a lot better than Sox fans give him credit for. over his career, he has averaged almost 6IP. He came in 4th for Cy Young his last healthy season, and pitched incredibly well once healthy in 2009. Under normal circumstances, I'd give Wake a shot, but with VMart catching, 1.64 WHIP aint gonna cut it.

[YeAuldBroade]

Don't be too shocked if Lester is the odd man. Something's very wrong with Jonny boy. his velocity and command aren't nearly where they should be.

He's acting like he did last Spring until he got fed up with sucking.

[BSN07]

I agree. I think Lester is just a slow start. Nothing major I don't believe.

[ORS]

Don't be too shocked if Lester is the odd man. Something's very wrong with Jonny boy. his velocity and command aren't nearly where they should be.

Command, yes. Velocity, no.

 

Look at his fangraphs page. He's throwing the ball as hard as he was the last two years.

 

He's throwing less curves, in exchange for more changeups. I recall them experimenting with his change early last year, where he also had an abnormally high HR/FB rate (like he does now) and a low LOB rate (like he does now).

 

He needs to back off the change and go to the curve more, like he did last year. Oh, and throw more strikes.

[TheMino007]

Don't be too shocked if Lester is the odd man. Something's very wrong with Jonny boy. his velocity and command aren't nearly where they should be.

 

Have you watched him the last two Aprils? Both times he got off to slow starts, its trend, albeit a bad one. Once May rolls around he picks it up. I don't know why he starts off slow every year. I agree with you and everyone else that Wake isn't done in the rotation, he will still get 5-10, maybe more starts this year in the rotation because or injuries, rain outs, etc. Dice-K could be back on the DL on struggling and Wake could be brought back up

[TedWilliams101]

Command' date=' yes. [b']FB speed[/b], no.

 

Look at his fangraphs page. He's throwing the ball as hard as he was the last two years.

 

He's throwing less curves, in exchange for more changeups. I recall them experimenting with his change early last year, where he also had an abnormally high HR/FB rate (like he does now) and a low LOB rate (like he does now).

 

He needs to back off the change and go to the curve more, like he did last year. Oh, and throw more strikes.

 

Remember, Velocity is a vector that includes direction. If they aren't locating the pitch, they don't have good velocity.

 

I don't see why it's a problem to kick Wakefield around. He's the least important piece of the rotation, that's just the way it is.

[WhiskeyBreath]

Don't be too shocked if Lester is the odd man. Something's very wrong with Jonny boy. his velocity and command aren't nearly where they should be.

 

:joke:

[Keeper]

I certainly hope he was being facetious. Lester will get it together. Of that I am certain.

[Warren]

Buck is staying in the rotation and Wake is going to the pen for now. They want to see what Dice K is going to be for them and now is the time. He only top out at 92 a couple of times in Pawtucket.

Wioth Wake's age and back woes the last few season, this is a smart move. It will keep him healthy for Aug and Sept, keep Buck in the rotation, and a show and tell for Dice K.

The Red Sox brain trust is acting now....and if they didn't all the GM's out there would be all over them.

Thumbs up ^ for Theo.

[ORS]

Remember, Velocity is a vector that includes direction. If they aren't locating the pitch, they don't have good velocity.

 

I don't see why it's a problem to kick Wakefield around. He's the least important piece of the rotation, that's just the way it is.

While the definition is true, since you want to pick nits, that assumption isn't necessarily true. It could be the acceleration vector caused by the magnus force that is a bit off. Or it could be the position equation, with the velocity vector being correct, but the initial starting position (release point) being incorrect.

 

All that said, it's probably easiest to just accept the lexicon being used, where velocity refers to the magnitude of the velocity vector (ie speed), and command refers to the direction.

 

However you want to approach this is fine with me, just let me know.

[YeAuldBroade]

Buck is staying in the rotation and Wake is going to the pen for now. They want to see what Dice K is going to be for them and now is the time. He only top out at 92 a couple of times in Pawtucket.

Wioth Wake's age and back woes the last few season, this is a smart move. It will keep him healthy for Aug and Sept, keep Buck in the rotation, and a show and tell for Dice K.

The Red Sox brain trust is acting now....and if they didn't all the GM's out there would be all over them.

Thumbs up ^ for Theo.

Warren, welcome to the board. May your optimistic wisdom rub-off.

[BSN07]

While the definition is true, since you want to pick nits, that assumption isn't necessarily true. It could be the acceleration vector caused by the magnus force that is a bit off. Or it could be the position equation, with the velocity vector being correct, but the initial starting position (release point) being incorrect.

 

All that said, it's probably easiest to just accept the lexicon being used, where velocity refers to the magnitude of the velocity vector (ie speed), and command refers to the direction.

 

However you want to approach this is fine with me, just let me know.

 

Classic

[Gom]

I swear, he posts just to read himself post. Damn.

[ORS]

Wow, must really be under you skin to have you comment about me personally without entering the discussion. I like it.

[Korn2]

You guys are acting like Matsuzaka is a sure bet. He is far from that, IMO.

 

Also, he's a bullpen killer.

 

Innings/Start:

2007: 6.4 IP/GS

2008: 5.8 IP/GS

2009: 4.9 IP/GS

 

Now, I'm willing to accept that last year was a bit low due to his overall effectiveness, injury, etc., but this should be an alarming trend for you. Last year, Wake averaged over 6 innings per start.

 

A question for Sox fans, since you obviously know your team better than I do...

 

Why not simply put Dice in the pen?

 

Because quite simply Matsusaka is a better pitcher today than Tim Wakefield. Among starting pitchers with 100 innnings plus Wakefield had the worst X-FIP of all American League starters.

 

Matsusaka hasn't shown great velocity in his AAA starts but he has shown improved command of his fastball as indicated by comments from the Pawtuckett pitching coach and his low walk total.

[Korn2]

He sucks, I don't care if he goes to Pawtucket or is released, he needs to go period.

 

Edit: Or Schoeneweis can go, he sucks as well.

 

Atchinson was signed to be the 12th man on an 11 man staff for two years. You aren't going to find many guys who are good and can fill this role. Atchinson at the very least has a halfway decent curve which he can throw for strikes. Scheonweis maybe released this week but I fail to see how Alan Embree is going to represent a significant upgrade.

[Jasonbay44]

Atchinson was signed to be the 12th man on an 11 man staff for two years. You aren't going to find many guys who are good and can fill this role. Atchinson at the very least has a halfway decent curve which he can throw for strikes. Scheonweis maybe released this week but I fail to see how Alan Embree is going to represent a significant upgrade.

 

Embree? When one of Atchison/Schoeneweis goes, it will be for Dice-k, then Wakefield is moving to the bullpen.

 

I understand what you are saying, but Atchison still doesn't get the job done. Id rather see a guy who at least can throw hard out there with a chance of getting K's and getting out of the inning, like the recently released Juan Cruz.

 

Right now the team has three guys in the pen who look terrible in Schoeneweis, Ramon Ramirez and Atchison. Oh and Okajima and Bard haven't been looking so good either. Schoeneweis or Atchison is going to be gone soon and I don't know what's up with Ramon Ramirez. This team needs to acquire another bullpen arm.

[Korn2]

Embree? When one of Atchison/Schoeneweis goes, it will be for Dice-k, then Wakefield is moving to the bullpen.

 

I understand what you are saying, but Atchison still doesn't get the job done. Id rather see a guy who at least can throw hard out there with a chance of getting K's and getting out of the inning, like the recently released Juan Cruz.

 

Right now the team has three guys in the pen who look terrible in Schoeneweis, Ramon Ramirez and Atchison. Oh and Okajima and Bard haven't been looking so good either. Schoeneweis or Atchison is going to be gone soon and I don't know what's up with Ramon Ramirez. This team needs to acquire another bullpen arm.

 

The rumor is that both Atchinson and Schoenweis would be gone and Embree and Dice-K would be activated. I'm not sure Embree would be much better than Schoenweis.

 

Bard has a K:W ratio of 4:1 and K:IP Ratio of over 1 and a WHIP under .75. That looks pretty good to me.

 

Okajima has gotten worse every year he's been with the Sox so his ability has to be a concern. Not ready to cut ties with him though. I'd be for giving Juan Cruz a chance in Pawtucket, but he'll probably get a major deal. Releasing Ramon Ramirez who is similar to make room for Cruz at this point wouldn't make a lot of sense.

 

What the Red Sox really need is for their great starters to start going 7 innings night after night as we expected. That and Delcarman pitching up to his capabilities.

[Jasonbay44]

The rumor is that both Atchinson and Schoenweis would be gone and Embree and Dice-K would be activated. I'm not sure Embree would be much better than Schoenweis.

 

Bard has a K:W ratio of 4:1 and K:IP Ratio of over 1 and a WHIP under .75. That looks pretty good to me.

 

Okajima has gotten worse every year he's been with the Sox so his ability has to be a concern. Not ready to cut ties with him though. I'd be for giving Juan Cruz a chance in Pawtucket, but he'll probably get a major deal. Releasing Ramon Ramirez who is similar to make room for Cruz at this point wouldn't make a lot of sense.

 

What the Red Sox really need is for their great starters to start going 7 innings night after night as we expected. That and Delcarman pitching up to his capabilities.

I didn't hear the Embree rumor till you just now told me. I agree with what you said, he isn't an upgrade over Schoeneweis and may in fact be worse at this point.

 

Bard has already given up two homers and nearly lost three games already. I'm not really worried about him, but just pointing out that he hasn't been a shut down 8th inning guy thus far.

 

I do have some concerns with Okajima but I am in no way saying we should cut him, although he has struggled thus far, he is still probably one of our better relievers.

 

I wasn't saying we should cut ties with Ramon Ramirez either, he has struggled thus far but at least showed he can be dominant (see last year). Schoeneweis sucked last year and Atchison was in Japan. I was saying we should cut Schoeneweis or Atchison and then sign Juan Cruz. Although Cruz is a similar pitcher to Ramon Ramirez, he cant be worse then what we have right now.

 

I agree with that, but no team is going to have their team consistently pitch 7 innings a night. Id think 6 is more expectable, this bullpen should be able to pitch three scoreless innings.

 

Manny Delcarmen has been pretty good this year, my only worry with him is the walks. He has only allowed 2 hits this year, but the 6 walks and only 2 k's are somewhat concerning.

[Korn2]

I didn't hear the Embree rumor till you just now told me. I agree with what you said, he isn't an upgrade over Schoeneweis and may in fact be worse at this point.

 

Bard has already given up two homers and nearly lost three games already. I'm not really worried about him, but just pointing out that he hasn't been a shut down 8th inning guy thus far.

 

I do have some concerns with Okajima but I am in no way saying we should cut him, although he has struggled thus far, he is still probably one of our better relievers.

 

I wasn't saying we should cut ties with Ramon Ramirez either, he has struggled thus far but at least showed he can be dominant (see last year). Schoeneweis sucked last year and Atchison was in Japan. I was saying we should cut Schoeneweis or Atchison and then sign Juan Cruz. Although Cruz is a similar pitcher to Ramon Ramirez, he cant be worse then what we have right now.

 

I agree with that, but no team is going to have their team consistently pitch 7 innings a night. Id think 6 is more expectable, this bullpen should be able to pitch three scoreless innings.

 

Manny Delcarmen has been pretty good this year, my only worry with him is the walks. He has only allowed 2 hits this year, but the 6 walks and only 2 k's are somewhat concerning.

 

You shouldn't worry about weather a player has losses or not they don't tell you very much. I'm fairly confident that if not overused Bard will be a shut down guy in the 8th inning.

 

Embree's has an option to go somewhere else if he's not called up by Friday so either hor Schowenweis is going to have to be gone. I'd give Embree a chance and hope that Schowenweiss clears waivers.

 

The point about Cruz is that you can't stuff him in AAA as he'll want and receive a major league deal if no one works out a trade for him. You'd have to cut Ramon Ramirez if you wanted Cruz and as you mention he doesn't help you that much.