Excited to see baseball starting up again?

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Take his crew with him plz.

[Brown28]

I'm excited about this season. I think that 1-6 we can match up with anyone in the league. We're gonna need better starting pitching and some production out of Aviles/Punto/Iglesias at SS but there's no reason why we cant win the division

[Dojji]

Whatever happened to that kid Nava? He looked like the best hitter at Pawtucket a couple years ago, and

never did anything in Boston. Maybe he just never got the right shot. Maybe his confidence.

 

Nava regressed a bit in AAA last year.

 

Perhaps that's not the right word though. His batting average went through the floor, and he took three times as many walks as he'd ever taken in his life. Is this kid more in the mix than we think he is? Because that looks like an organizational directive heard and responded to to me.

 

Honestly if he's still with us I'd put him in the mix in spring training for competition's sake. He has very good contact skills and switch hits, which makes him a very interesting bench candidate for a team that is hurting for righthanded offense. He proved a couple years ago that he could work big league pitching and at least get on base, and he does have good line drive power to go with that if he can get established. We have the room to do some mixing and matching in the first few weeks with Crawford out, I could see Nava getting a shot at that point.

[a700hitter]

Nava regressed a bit in AAA last year.

 

Perhaps that's not the right word though. His batting average went through the floor, and he took three times as many walks as he'd ever taken in his life. Is this kid more in the mix than we think he is? Because that looks like an organizational directive heard and responded to to me.

 

Honestly if he's still with us I'd put him in the mix in spring training for competition's sake. He has very good contact skills and switch hits, which makes him a very interesting bench candidate for a team that is hurting for righthanded offense. He proved a couple years ago that he could work big league pitching and at least get on base, and he does have good line drive power to go with that if he can get established. We have the room to do some mixing and matching in the first few weeks with Crawford out, I could see Nava getting a shot at that point.

I was at the game against Philly when he hit the Grand Slam. It was very exciting, and he was scorching hot for about a week, but then it was straight down hill. It is pretty clear that he does not have major league skills. He can make contact, but he has almost no power and he is a terrible outfielder. After 2010, I predicted that we would never again see him in a Red Sox uni except maybe for a cup of coffee in September and that he wil be out of baseball in a couple or 3 years at most. He is Morgan Burkhart 10 years later, but Burkhart was better and had more power. I don't think Nava is in the mix for anything.

[VA Sox Fan]

I was at the game against Philly when he hit the Grand Slam. It was very exciting' date=' and he was scorching hot for about a week, but then it was straight down hill. It is pretty clear that he does not have major league skills. He can make contact, but he has almost no power and he is a terrible outfielder. After 2010, I predicted that we would never again see him in a Red Sox uni except maybe for a cup of coffee in September and that he wil be out of baseball in a couple or 3 years at most. He is Morgan Burkhart 10 years later, but Burkhart was better and had more power. I don't think Nava is in the mix for anything.[/quote']

 

You were at that game? Nice.... He did show promise for about a week like you said. I had high hopes. Live and learn.

[a700hitter]

You were at that game? Nice.... He did show promise for about a week like you said. I had high hopes.

Yeah, the game started off badly. Dice k was a late scratch after warming in the bullpen and Scott Atchinson got the emergency start against the powerful Phillies. We got behind early, but Blanton loaded the bases for Nava, and he hit the first pitch into the bullpen. I remember turning to my son and telling him that I thought it was the kid's first AB. I don't think he'll ever make it in the majors for any team, but he has one fantastic memorable moment.

[VA Sox Fan]

Yeah' date=' the game started off badly. Dice k was a late scratch after warming in the bullpen and Scott Atchinson got the emergency start against the powerful Phillies. We got behind early, but Blanton loaded the bases for Nava, and he hit the first pitch into the bullpen. I remember turning to my son and telling him that I thought it was the kid's first AB. I don't think he'll ever make it in the majors for any team, but he has one fantastic memorable moment.[/quote']

 

I was watching that game and so happy for him. The first major league pitch he sees and he hits a GS! I think I remember Remy and Orsillo saying his parents were at the game and may have shown them in the stands. I think his dad video'd the whole thing.

[SoxSport]

I saw Nava play two years ago at a Scranton-Pawtucket game. Salty and Montero were the catchers.

Montero had a big night--3 hits and a HR. But the best hitter on the field was Nava, who also had a HR--a frozen rope to RF over the fence. Salty and Montero looked about the same at that point defensively.I think Salty is better now--looks in better shape. With Nava, sometimes a guy needs time to build confidence. Confidence is half of sports performance. I bet Salty will be better this year--he looked good when he peaked mid-summer.

[wyo-sox]

Watching MLB network go through highlights of the 86 Sox / Angels play off series. This is really gettin me in the mood to watch some games!

[mvp 78]

I've watched more ST practice footage than in year's past. First game is Friday? Can't wait for April!

[seabeachfred]

I'm rooting or the medical staff and our conditioning crew to keep our guys healthy so this year we can go through the season fully armed and ready instead of seeing a third of our team on the casualty list. Less than a week before the first Grapefruit League game and I think this year Valentine will try to win a good share of the gams so we go into the regular season on a high instead of the way we entered it last season. Thank goodness it's a new season.

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Yes, I am excited to see baseball starting up again. I love baseball season...

[SoxSport]

I'm looking for some CHANGE on the Red Sox--after years of "Francoma". The team deteriorated after 07.

Kind of like the Celtics, you could say. The last couple years, they stopped playing as a team. Just a bunch of individuals. No smallball. No base running. Coddled starters. Overworked bullpen. Guys rehabbing in Florida just to pitch an inning or two--and then they complain about their $190 million budget.

 

The thing is, the only team that busts their butt to win every year is the Yankees. That's because they have a win-obsessed dominant owner, Steinbrenner. Plus NY teams HAVE to win. It's mediatown.

No f**king nonsense in NY. It's win, baby, or out.

 

In Boston, Henry behaves like a dilettante compared to Steinbrenner--except when he loses it and mouths off on WEEI. Yawkey was the same way. Rich guys who own Country Clubs. How many rings do you need? Just break even, baby.

[SoxSport]

Things I'd like to see Bobby V do:

 

Have Crawford lead off. Bat Ellsbury 3rd.

 

Make SS Iglesias' job to lose.

 

Run like hell at the top of the lineup. Get 40 stolen bases out of Crawford.

 

Get Lavarnway in there against LHP. Split up the catching. Hire Tek as BP coach.

 

Get rid of the 100 pitch limit for starters. Tell these guys they have to pitch 180+ innings.

 

Cut down the total BP innings--especially middle relief. Have your best relievers throw 2 innings when necessary. None of this one pitcher per inning automated stuff.

 

No more pitcher rehabbing in Florida or Pawtucket. They rehab throwing innings in the bullpen, like they used to do in Baseball. Just think of the travel money they save. And not have to throw junk pitchers out there in mid relief. The way it used to be --before Baseball got rich.

 

And oh yeah--if you win a game, there's beer. Only if you win. In the machine. You pay for it.

[Emmz]

Haven't felt as optimistic about the lineup since the beginning of last year. Now if Crawford returns to form (not a .600s OPS hitter) I expect the offense to be elite, even with expected regression from Ortiz and Ellsbury. The offseason was not impressive, they gave up a good SS for nothing, but they improved with Ross.

 

Still not very optimistic with the pitching. Absolutely must have health.

[a700hitter]

Haven't felt as optimistic about the lineup since the beginning of last year. Now if Crawford returns to form (not a .600s OPS hitter) I expect the offense to be elite, even with expected regression from Ortiz and Ellsbury. The offseason was not impressive, they gave up a good SS for nothing, but they improved with Ross.

 

Still not very optimistic with the pitching. Absolutely must have health.

And 2004 is the last season we didn't have injuries to our starting staff.

[SoxFanForsyth]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget, after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it.

 

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

[jung]

I have been hoping from the moment the Sox brought in all of these pitchers to have them compete for the job that the actual winner would be Doubront. If he does pull it off for me that will be the best result of the low cost pitcher cavalcade winding its way through the Red Sox.

[TylerD]

Can't wait for the season to begin!! I got an iPhone not to long ago and got this radio app that has ever Redsox game on it. Only cost 99 cents to now I just hope it works lol.

[seabeachfred]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget, after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it.

 

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

 

Good upbeat post Forsyth, no not Pollyanna, very upbeat. It is nice to paint such nice picture and I hope the team is falling in line with the new manager's methods. We need to win our share of Grapefruit League games this Spring, build up a culture of winning and success as well as be physically and mentally ready to enter the regular season. Other teams have improved while we might be no better than even with last year's team ON PAPER. We must remember, though, that we were the worst team in baseball record wise in September and our first 12 games were a disaster in red, but if we can reverse that our 2011 90-72 record could be improved by a half dozen games. Again, though, as I've said before we need to stay healthy and get some breaks in that department, and our key players must come through. There cannot be four or five hitters and two or three pitchers trying to do it all. I think it can be done.

[The Boomer]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget, after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it.

 

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

 

#1. I'd like to see Prince Felix make it to the bigs and it would be good to have another reliable LH starter outside of Lester.

#2. My feeling is that Crawford saw that same thing many others did: that his role was not clear last year. I hope the FO and Bobby V. are working to correct that. I think you need to give him a role, whether that's leadoff, #2, #7, speed, power, defense, whatever and stick to it until he's comfortable with that. Last year, Carl oscillated between being lost and trying too hard to make something happen. The good news is that the Sox are a team that won't depend on Crawford to carry them, they just need to figure out a way for him to contribute to the team.

#3. You make some good points, but I think the relationship there is already torched between Dice and the FO. However, it is strongly in Dice-K's interest to come back and do well if he doesn't want to go back to Japan or do a one-year reclamation contract for 2013. I am sure Mr. Boras has already got his client up to speed on that.

#4. I hope so!

#5. That's leaving out starts by Miller, Weiland, and Doubront that were shaky at best. If we get over 550 IP from our top 3 and the #4/5 spots are better covered, we should be OK. Our ERA was also killed last year by the BP being blown out from too many 4-5 inning starts. It looks like we should be better there if one of Aceves or Bard stays.

[redsoxfan3]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget, after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it.

 

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

 

1. I have heard the same thing about Doubront. I am going to Spring Training practice all this week, so I will let you know if I see how he is doing. If Doubront has a good Spring and can prove himself, I would love for him to be our 5th starter. That would be good for this team.

 

2. I agree. Crawford has the first year in Boston out of the way. He can't do much worse.

 

3. I think that Dice-K will play a bigger part with this team in 2012 than many people think. When he comes back this summer he could be a nice addition to this rotation. I hope it ends up working out that we have 5 decent starters when it is time for him to come back, but he could add some nice depth when he returns.

 

4. Well said.

 

5. Nice fact. I hope that you are right.

[ORS]

T-minus 5 days until the Sox take the field (against BC). T-minus 6 days until they take the field vs another MLB team (Twins). Let's get the party started!

 

My hope: that enough of the question marks end up on the positive side of the ledger to put the Sox comfortably into the playoffs and that they play deep into October. Of course, I'd love for them to win it all, but October baseball can be a funny/fickle beast, so I'd be content with a good showing that lacked a championship.

 

My reason: It's selfish, and it's not just because I root for the team. It's bigger than that. I think a deep run into the playoffs by this squad, combined with last year's disappointment, would be very instructive in showing how worthless preseason expectations are. Ultimately, to me, my love of baseball is about the ride, the journey of the season. Take what you get and find joy in the process. Leave the bellyaching when you are dissatisfied with their acquisitions and chest thumping when you are elated by them at the door. It's entertainment, try and enjoy it. Especially when we are fortunate enough to root for a team that by all reasonable accounting, is putting the effort in to give us a competitive team year after year.

 

Do I expect, that if that were to happen, people would be more reasonable in the offseason? No, but the optimist in me is always hopeful.

 

Don't take this to mean that I think I haven't been a part of the problem. I am as guilty as anyone in engaging in the bickering that has marked this offseason. Just as some got frustrated by the personnel decisions that transpired this offseason, I too got frustrated by the way their frustration was communicated. This is my fault, and I too hope to learn from it. So, I guess the selfish part is in hoping that this season can show how misplaced their frustration was, potentially reducing some of it in the future, which would ultimately lead to me being less frustrated by the commentary.

 

Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now. Go Sox!

[VA Sox Fan]

T-minus 5 days until the Sox take the field (against BC). T-minus 6 days until they take the field vs another MLB team (Twins). Let's get the party started!

 

My hope: that enough of the question marks end up on the positive side of the ledger to put the Sox comfortably into the playoffs and that they play deep into October. Of course, I'd love for them to win it all, but October baseball can be a funny/fickle beast, so I'd be content with a good showing that lacked a championship.

 

My reason: It's selfish, and it's not just because I root for the team. It's bigger than that. I think a deep run into the playoffs by this squad, combined with last year's disappointment, would be very instructive in showing how worthless preseason expectations are. Ultimately, to me, my love of baseball is about the ride, the journey of the season. Take what you get and find joy in the process. Leave the bellyaching when you are dissatisfied with their acquisitions and chest thumping when you are elated by them at the door. It's entertainment, try and enjoy it. Especially when we are fortunate enough to root for a team that by all reasonable accounting, is putting the effort in to give us a competitive team year after year.

 

Do I expect, that if that were to happen, people would be more reasonable in the offseason? No, but the optimist in me is always hopeful.

 

Don't take this to mean that I think I haven't been a part of the problem. I am as guilty as anyone in engaging in the bickering that has marked this offseason. Just as some got frustrated by the personnel decisions that transpired this offseason, I too got frustrated by the way their frustration was communicated. This is my fault, and I too hope to learn from it. So, I guess the selfish part is in hoping that this season can show how misplaced their frustration was, potentially reducing some of it in the future, which would ultimately lead to me being less frustrated by the commentary.

 

Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now. Go Sox!

 

Great post!! :thumbsup:

[a700hitter]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget, after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it.

 

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

1. It would be great if Doubront could take a big step forward and claim and hold a rotation spot. He certainly has poise on the mound. The question is whether he'll have the stuff and the stamina and conditioning to go through the league twice.

 

2. Carl Crawford is a great player. If he is healthy and Bobby V has a plan to use him correctly, he should have a big season.

 

3. I'm not sold on Dice K making any significant contribution in 2012 no matter how many stories I read about his accelerated progress. The body has its own time table. No one has had a productive full half season 12 months after surgery. Maybe he can provide a shot in the arm in September. Expecting more is just setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

4. They had better have chip on their shoulder after last season, because another ending like 2011 will result in an complete house cleaning.

 

5. I am not so sure that the starters ERA will be better, but I would never bet against the Sox. The starters are only part of the picture. Do you think the overall team ERA will be better. I am not sold on the pen yet.

[Dojji]

T-minus 5 days until the Sox take the field (against BC). T-minus 6 days until they take the field vs another MLB team (Twins). Let's get the party started!

 

My hope: that enough of the question marks end up on the positive side of the ledger to put the Sox comfortably into the playoffs and that they play deep into October. Of course, I'd love for them to win it all, but October baseball can be a funny/fickle beast, so I'd be content with a good showing that lacked a championship.

 

My reason: It's selfish, and it's not just because I root for the team. It's bigger than that. I think a deep run into the playoffs by this squad, combined with last year's disappointment, would be very instructive in showing how worthless preseason expectations are. Ultimately, to me, my love of baseball is about the ride, the journey of the season. Take what you get and find joy in the process. Leave the bellyaching when you are dissatisfied with their acquisitions and chest thumping when you are elated by them at the door. It's entertainment, try and enjoy it. Especially when we are fortunate enough to root for a team that by all reasonable accounting, is putting the effort in to give us a competitive team year after year.

 

Do I expect, that if that were to happen, people would be more reasonable in the offseason? No, but the optimist in me is always hopeful.

 

Don't take this to mean that I think I haven't been a part of the problem. I am as guilty as anyone in engaging in the bickering that has marked this offseason. Just as some got frustrated by the personnel decisions that transpired this offseason, I too got frustrated by the way their frustration was communicated. This is my fault, and I too hope to learn from it. So, I guess the selfish part is in hoping that this season can show how misplaced their frustration was, potentially reducing some of it in the future, which would ultimately lead to me being less frustrated by the commentary.

 

Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now. Go Sox!

 

Fantastic post.

[Dojji]

1. Doubront a major sleeper this year. Word out of spring training (from what I hear) is that he is looking very good. Could easily take over the 5th spot in the rotation. Can't forget' date=' after the 2010 season there was a lot of excitement about this guy. Got out of shape that offseason, came in hurt, couldn't get it back. This offseason, they made him work harder and stick to a strict training regimen. Should be interesting but I can definitely see him breaking camp as the 5th man in the rotation, and I'd be very happy with it. [/quote']

 

A legitimate possibility. Even if you don't think he's a legit longterm possibility, he could still pull a Gabbard -- if you remember, Kason Gabbard's 2007 performance came largely out of nowhere and came as an extremely pleasant surprise at a time when it was badly needed. I was mad when he was put in the Gagne trade, he had potential and had a great pitcher's mindset. If only the kid hadn't hurt his arm. Before he got hurt and lost his command, he was a legit groundball lefty and maybe on his way to something.

 

Anyway, point being no reason Doubront couldn't do that at least before transitioning into more of an Aceves role.

2. I feel like everyone forgets how good of a player Carl Crawford really is. And the good news is that he is so much more comfortable this year than he was last year. Anyone can see it just in his interviews and how much he is smiling, there's a much different aura around him this year than there was last year, and I think that will translate well into this season.

 

I'm in a wait and see mode on Crawford. Apparently we haven't seen him yet while he was healthy.

3. Speaking of comfort - I'm anxious to see how DiceK does now that Valentine is the manager. Japanese player, manager with Japanese managing experience. Also speaks Japanese. I'm not predicting anything at all, but I'm excited to see if, A) Dicek is more comfortable around a manager who speaks his language, and B ) if Bobby V will just let DiceK throw like he did in Japan (i.e. pitch backwards) rather than trying to force a square into a circle. Could be a big addition, considering Bard will likely have innings limits this year that will kick in shortly after DiceK comes back.

 

I'm more interested in seeing how Daisuke does now that he's FINALLY gotten the surrgery he's needed for the last 3+ years. if the 96 mile an hour fastball returns, we could be looking at the pitcher who wowed us all back in early 07.

4. This team has a ton to prove. I don't know if I've ever seen the Sox this motivated and with this big of a chip on their shoulder. As much or more so than after the 2003 season IMO. Not saying this season will turn out as well as 2004, but I wouldn't doubt it, either.

 

5. Quick nugget - Lackey and Wakefield started 51 games last year. That's 31.5% of the starts. I will make a sig bet anyone on this forum that the 2012 SP ERA is lower than the 2011 SP ERA.

 

Good points, and I hope you're right.

[a700hitter]

A legitimate possibility. Even if you don't think he's a legit longterm possibility, he could still pull a Gabbard -- if you remember, Kason Gabbard's 2007 performance came largely out of nowhere and came as an extremely pleasant surprise at a time when it was badly needed. I was mad when he was put in the Gagne trade, he had potential and had a great pitcher's mindset. If only the kid hadn't hurt his arm. Before he got hurt and lost his command, he was a legit groundball lefty and maybe on his way to something.

 

Anyway, point being no reason Doubront couldn't do that at least before transitioning into more of an Aceves role.

We need Doubront to be much more than Gabbard.

[Dojji]

I'm not talking about longterm. I'm talking about what he did when he got called up in 07.

 

Besides, KG was pretty talented. He was a smart pitcher who knew how to pitch his way out of trouble, and before he got hurt his change was a legit elite pitch. His sinker was also pretty good, high 80's is about where most sinker pitchers live and he could tempt hitters to swing on his terms consistently. There was a couple months when the kid was absolutely insane. Then he hurt his elbow, lost the edge off his change and his command (which was average at best) just completely disintegrated. I've always thought it was kind of a pity.

[a700hitter]

T-minus 5 days until the Sox take the field (against BC). T-minus 6 days until they take the field vs another MLB team (Twins). Let's get the party started!

 

My hope: that enough of the question marks end up on the positive side of the ledger to put the Sox comfortably into the playoffs and that they play deep into October. Of course, I'd love for them to win it all, but October baseball can be a funny/fickle beast, so I'd be content with a good showing that lacked a championship.

 

My reason: It's selfish, and it's not just because I root for the team. It's bigger than that. I think a deep run into the playoffs by this squad, combined with last year's disappointment, would be very instructive in showing how worthless preseason expectations are. Ultimately, to me, my love of baseball is about the ride, the journey of the season. Take what you get and find joy in the process. Leave the bellyaching when you are dissatisfied with their acquisitions and chest thumping when you are elated by them at the door. It's entertainment, try and enjoy it. Especially when we are fortunate enough to root for a team that by all reasonable accounting, is putting the effort in to give us a competitive team year after year.

 

Do I expect, that if that were to happen, people would be more reasonable in the offseason? No, but the optimist in me is always hopeful.

 

Don't take this to mean that I think I haven't been a part of the problem. I am as guilty as anyone in engaging in the bickering that has marked this offseason. Just as some got frustrated by the personnel decisions that transpired this offseason, I too got frustrated by the way their frustration was communicated. This is my fault, and I too hope to learn from it. So, I guess the selfish part is in hoping that this season can show how misplaced their frustration was, potentially reducing some of it in the future, which would ultimately lead to me being less frustrated by the commentary.

 

Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now. Go Sox!

^ My sentiments exactly.