The Official 2011 Red Sox Injury Thread.

[BSN07]

This thread is depressing. It's 2011! New Beginnings. Forgot this is Red Sox nation. Gloom and Doom:(

 

It's not gloom and doom. The concerns are legit. Take of the rosy red glasses and stop being a homer.

[DirtDog]

It's not gloom and doom. The concerns are legit. Take of the rosy red glasses and stop being a homer.

 

To make an entire thread about how th Red Sox will fail before the season is pessimism, not realism. I am not a homer for bashing this.

[Palodios]

Agreed. For all the negative press we've seen on injury concerns about our infielders, it is starting to sound more and more like they'll be fine.

[Dojji]

Before we get too much into the doom and gloom of injuries, let's just take a second to appreciate the fact that we have some fair depth at the moment. A good replacement is all the difference between an injury being an abject disaster and a blessing in disguise.

 

If we have injuries, we have actual solid prospects to replace most or all of the fallen, rather than schlubs

 

C: Expo, Lavarnway

1B: Anderson, Lavarnway

2B, 3B, SS: Navarro, Iglesias

LF, RF: Kalish, Reddick, Nava

CF: Kalish, Reddick

DH: Lavarnway

 

That's solid. In fact that's better than solid in most of these positions. If Lavarnway can play adequate first base we have guys who we can play in every position that would probably be playing in the big leagues this year in a smaller market.

 

The Second String Sox could probably win 65-70 games in the big leagues right now, depending on pitching.

[Dipre]

Apparently maintaining a realistic view point is frowned upon in this community.

 

Rose-colored glasses are pretty, but serve no utilitary purpose.

[SoxFanForsyth]

After reading the quotes from Theo on Pedroia and his injury, as well as Youkilis saying he feels "stronger than ever", Ellsbury should be fine after a solid offseason of healing, Beckett has been working out with a personal trainer, which virtually means his back should be much better, and DiceK has said he's working his lower body more, which will save his arm, it sounds like the injuries are all healing up nicely. Gonzo is going to talk to his surgeon about potentially bumping up his schedule to start swinging earlier because he's ahead of schedule, so he should be good for Opening day.

 

From Theo's quotes, as well as the various most recent updates (other than Ellsbury - haven't heard much on him other than Theo saying he's pain free, contradicted by Tito saying he still feels it a little, but that was 2 months ago), I am extremely excited about this season and have high expectations for the injured players. I don't think they'll all average 160 games, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see 145-150+ for each player.

 

For what it's worth, I don't think I'm looking through rose colored glasses, I think that's forming an opinion based on reports that have come out, which is really all that we can do.

[SoxFanForsyth]

By the way - Dipre - Everytime I see your sig, I want to vomit.

[Dipre]

What i meant by the rose-colored glasses comment is that because one is worried due to the significance of some of these injuries (In my case, mainly Pedroia) doesn't make you a member of the "Doom and gloom" society, but simply means you are worried to some extent about the health of some of these players, because, quite frankly, there is reason to worry.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Yeah, I agree with that. Anyone who isn't at least slightly concerned with the return of the injured is just ignoring it altogether. Although after reading the comments from Theo regarding the cause of Pedey's problem coming from immobility for an extended period of time, my biggest concern is our number 3 starter. If Beckett can't get his s*** together and post around a 4 ERA this year, that could be a 6-8 game swing in our L column, and that could be the difference in a 97 win, AL East championship season, and another 89 win, miss the playoff season.

[Spudboy]

I started this thread on 12/23/10 and everything I stated in my first post was accurate as of that date.

 

I also said that this thread could serve as an on-going discussion of Sox injuries and how the team compensates for them throughout the 2011 season.

 

I guess there are some intellectually challenged members that did not read the first post.

 

This thread serves a purpose. If you don't like the topic, move on an keep your lame comments to yourself.

[Will617]

If we have injuries, we have actual solid prospects to replace most or all of the fallen, rather than schlubs

 

C: Expo, Lavarnway

1B: Anderson, Lavarnway

2B, 3B, SS: Navarro, Iglesias

LF, RF: Kalish, Reddick, Nava

CF: Kalish, Reddick

DH: Lavarnway

 

That's solid. In fact that's better than solid in most of these positions. If Lavarnway can play adequate first base we have guys who we can play in every position that would probably be playing in the big leagues this year in a smaller market.

 

The Second String Sox could probably win 65-70 games in the big leagues right now, depending on pitching.

 

I don't think most of those people could give ML average production right now (aside from Kalish, and potentially Iglesias depending on how much value you attribute to defense). I doubt that any of them sees significant playing time next year unless there are 2 injuries at a position (i.e., both Pedroia and Lowrie get injured, or something).

[DirtDog]

I'm not attacking you personally, so don't get all mad for me stating the thread was depressing. This is a message board, and my opinion whether you like it or not is allowed to be shared. Never said I didn't think this thread won't be used throughout the season. Starting an injury thread in December regarding our health in April makes little sense. Youkilis is 100% ready to go the only annoyance is scar tissue. Pedroia broke a bone and that usually takes 2 months but they rushed him back too soon last year. The human body slows down the healing process in winter. Wait to see how spring training goes before expecting the worst is all I'm saying.

 

EDIT: I can see how you were offended as OP, but my second comments were mainly directed at those who already seemed to be panicking.

[Palodios]

I guess there are some intellectually challenged members that did not read the first post.

 

Hey now. I read this wayyy back when, and generally don't have genius-like long term memory. Not only that, I was referring to the more recent posts. How many people absolutely freaked out about Pedroia... before we realized the problem wasn't directly from the problem area, but just from immobilization? Until we have words from the mouths of people who know what's going on, or hear some spring training reports, there is no reason to believe the recovery timetables were wrong.

[Spudboy]

Rationalize your comments any way you want to. The Sox starting lineup from 2010 was devastated by injury. Major injury. The only remaining starter not to sustain an injury not meriting concern is (oddly), J.D. Drew. And he had a bad (for him) year.

 

Bury your heads in the sand. Or keep them firmly planted up your asses. It does not matter. The Sox are damaged goods. And until each player returns to their normal level of production, the injuries will remain a concern to enlightened fans.

[Palodios]

As I said earlier, "Hey now". You don't usually act like a know-it-all meany, what gives man? They'll have a rough month or two, especially with Lester not being Lester in April. There are going to be injuries. It happens. But they have quality replacements. And the Yankees and Rays are arguably worse, and considering Macdonald, Patterson, Hall, and Cash were such big parts of the 2010 team I see no reason to feel pessimistic about 2011.

[Spudboy]

Who's being pessimistic?

 

I think the Sox are loaded for bear. But there is cause for concern. That's just being pragmatic.

 

Lester's slow starts are a separate issue.

[Dipre]

"Meany". Lol.

 

As i said before, realistic thinking seems to be frowned upon in this community.

[Palodios]

Ohhhh, he spent time with you, that would explain it.

 

There is nothing unrealistic about saying that this team will have to deal with injuries, but manage to survive. Teams with holes make the playoffs. I don't need to tell you how few holes this team has, and fortunately, that will also include the bench.

[DirtDog]

People tend to forget admist all the injuries on the offensive side of the ball the Red Sox were still 2nd in the majors in runs scored last year. The Sox major problem last year was their pitching which outside of our top 2 starters was below average at best. The defense also wasn't all that was advertised. I think the key to the Red Sox turnaround is if bullpen can improve and if Beckett can turn it around.

[Dipre]

Ohhhh, he spent time with you, that would explain it.

 

There is nothing unrealistic about saying that this team will have to deal with injuries, but manage to survive. Teams with holes make the playoffs. I don't need to tell you how few holes this team has, and fortunately, that will also include the bench.

 

He's spent time with me before and that hasn't changed his general behavior or perception on things.

 

Perhaps he found your comment "annoying", and believe me, "annoying" is a quality you have.

 

Read the thread, no one is expressing pessimism, but rather concern about injuries, which are a very real issue, and a pertinent topic of discussion after the clusterf*** that 2010 ended up being. No one is saying the bench isn't deep, but Dustin Pedroia is quite possibly the best all-around baseball player the club has, and trotting out anyone besides him would be a downgrade.

 

This is a Red Sox discussion forum, so why can't people discuss Red Sox injury issues?

 

It makes you mad when you call you out on this, but i'll do it anyways: Reading comprehension is essential.

[Dipre]

People tend to forget admist all the injuries on the offensive side of the ball the Red Sox were still 2nd in the majors in runs scored last year. The Sox major problem last year was their pitching which outside of our top 2 starters was below average at best. The defense also wasn't all that was advertised. I think the key to the Red Sox turnaround is if bullpen can improve and if Beckett can turn it around.

 

With a healthy Beckett, Pedroia and Youkilis, the Red Sox lead the league in runs scored and make the playoffs in 2010.

 

Just food for thought.

[DirtDog]

I'm worried we may never see the same Josh Beckett again. However I'm optomistic that Dice-K will be a bit better than anyone expects this year.

[Palodios]

If you find me annoying, add me to your ignore list. It would solve so many problems. No one else on this board has any major problem with me. You're just an ******* to me because you enjoy it. Go the f*** away.

[Dipre]

I'm worried we may never see the same Josh Beckett again. However I'm optomistic that Dice-K will be a bit better than anyone expects this year.

 

 

Beckett's "flavor of the month" injury last year was supposedly a lower back issue, and when pitchers don't arch their back enough, it's nearly impossible for them to keep the ball low or get the desired "bite" from their breaking pitches.

 

His velocity was fine, and most of his peripherals were fine too. If he's relatively healthy, he should at least perform around 2008 level, and that's all the Sox really need from him.

 

Agree on Dice-K.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Beckett's "flavor of the month" injury last year was supposedly a lower back issue, and when pitchers don't arch their back enough, it's nearly impossible for them to keep the ball low or get the desired "bite" from their breaking pitches.

 

His velocity was fine, and most of his peripherals were fine too. If he's relatively healthy, he should at least perform around 2008 level, and that's all the Sox really need from him.

 

Agree on Dice-K.

 

The problem with Beckett is that it seems like something is always nagging on him. Inflamed elbow and strained oblique in 2008, came back in 2009 and threw well, then sidelined early last year with the back issue. I'm not sure if he's concentrating too much on one area during his conditioning training or what, but it seems like right when he cures one injury, another one pops up.

 

I will say this, though. I had some back problems growing up, mainly with the muscles in my lower back always being too tight, and when it is acting up, you almost arch your back backwards to compensate for it because it hurts so bad. Bending over is not an option. If his back was anything like that in 2010, his follow through would have suffered significantly, as well as his control.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Also - Just to go along with what Dipre said - 2008 levels would be great for Beckett.

 

Although a 4.03 ERA would win more than just 12 games with the line up and bullpen as constructed right now. He would be a 15-16 game winner with our offense and bullpen that can actually hold leads.

 

Beckett went 9-4 in 2008 when allowing 3 or fewer earned runs. He also had 4 no decisions in which he allowed a combined 6 runs in 27 innings (2.00 ERA).

 

You can expect that to change in 2011.

[Dipre]

The problem with Beckett is that it seems like something is always nagging on him. Inflamed elbow and strained oblique in 2008, came back in 2009 and threw well, then sidelined early last year with the back issue. I'm not sure if he's concentrating too much on one area during his conditioning training or what, but it seems like right when he cures one injury, another one pops up.

 

I will say this, though. I had some back problems growing up, mainly with the muscles in my lower back always being too tight, and when it is acting up, you almost arch your back backwards to compensate for it because it hurts so bad. Bending over is not an option. If his back was anything like that in 2010, his follow through would have suffered significantly, as well as his control.

 

Bingo. I screwed up my back playing when i was much younger, and it was a recurring problem for quite some time. You simply cannot arch your back.

 

And the statistics back up your point by the way, as Beckett's 3.17 BB/9 was the highest of his Red Sox career, and control has never been a problem for him while on the Red Sox.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on. We have agreed way too much lately, Dipre. :harhar:

 

A true sign that Spring Training is just around the corner I guess.

[Dipre]

If you find me annoying' date=' add me to your ignore list. It would solve so many problems. No one else on this board has any major problem with me. You're just an ******* to me because you enjoy it. Go the f*** away.[/quote']

 

I've been discovered!

 

It's not that i find problems with and would like to challenge some of the posts you make on an open Red Sox discussion forum, and i'm the only one to challenge them too, making BSN07 and Spudboy (or whoever else argues with you about anything) non-existent entities.

 

You are correct, "f***ing with you" (which in this case entails pointing out several inadequacies in your thought process) is the highlight of my day.

 

f*** class, f*** entertainment, hell, f*** eating, i gotta f*** with Palodios on TalkSox, it's my livelihood!!!!

 

I won't put you on ignore, and i will respond to things you say, just like i respond to anyone else, if you don't like it, put me on ignore, or better yet, grow a pair and justify your point without playing the victim act. I don't go around chasing you on TalkSox, but i respond to something i agree or disagree with.

[Palodios]

If you didn't enjoy it, you wouldn't write full page rants insulting me--among other posters-- and making it personal. I don't know why the other posters on this board don't seem to care that you're such an ******* to anyone with an opinion you find illogical, but quite frankly, I think you're a horrible human being.