Red Sox 2012 Spring Training Thread.

[Spitball]

I didn't blame him for not coming back in 2010. He owed us nothing. He got trashed and abused whenever he came back to Boston. I disagree with you. The Yankees made a take it or leave it offer. The Sox made a lowball offer and then screened their calls and refused to communicate with him. We disagree.

 

We can disagree on this, but the guy can't throw and won't have a place on the Red Sox in 2012. There are also other teams passing on the guy and there must be a reason. I'm not going to worry about his potential future. I seriously doubt it will be with the Red Sox.

[a700hitter]

We can disagree on this' date=' but the guy can't throw and won't have a place on the Red Sox in 2012. There are also other teams passing on the guy and there must be a reason. I'm not going to worry about his potential future. I seriously doubt it will be with the Red Sox.[/quote']I'm not worried about his future. I just think he would be an upgrade in the OF if the price is right.

[Spudboy]

I thought the Sox offered 3yr/$30 million. That was not in the same ballpark as the Yankee offer and it didn't represent his fair market value. When he got the offer from the Yanks' date=' he couldn't get anyone from the Red Sox FO to take his call. The only person he could reach was Tito.[/quote']

 

Yeah, this is my recollection of what went down. I'm not adverse to him returning at all. I just do not see it happening.

[Bellhorn04]

This is 3 years in a row teams have not been interested in keeping Damon.

[SoxSport]

Damon deserves a shot somewhere, but the Red Sox aren't a good fit. They weren't a few years back, either when they let him go. They felt he couldn't play CF for much more than a couple years, didn't need him in the corners, and they were right. He was a much better fit in NY with the short RF porch, and ultimately as a DH and corner outfielder. The Yankees were willing to pay much more for him, but then their salary standards are unique. Who else would pay a guy, Soriano, $13 mil to setup?

[a700hitter]

Valentine also reiterated that Adrian Gonzalez will be "shagging a couple of balls in the outfield" and that "you'll see Lars Anderson "play a little left field."

The Lars part of this is interesting. Are they trying to make him more versatile to give him some trade value, or are they toying with the notion of bringing him north as an OFer until Crawford joins the team?

[a700hitter]

The news sources are still providing conflicting information

Red Sox Notes: John Lannan, Jorge Soler

By Mike Axisa [March 12 at 11:46am CST]

 

Here's the latest on the Red Sox, who are trying to get back to the playoffs after two straight years on the outside looking in...

 

The Red Sox did not make an offer for Nationals starter John Lannan, reports WEEI.com's Alex Speier. Yesterday we heard that they had made an offer for the southpaw, but weren't close. Speier says the Sox intend to monitor Lannan's situation this spring, but there is no indication they will seriously pursue him.

Boston will pursue 19-year-old Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, reports Speier. Soler is still waiting to be declared a free agent by MLB, but Speier says most in the industry (including the Red Sox) expect him to sign with the Cubs.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Marlins jersey actually don't look that bad. I don't know if it's cause I've seen it so many times at work or if I haven't actually seen them play in them.

[VA Sox Fan]

Projecting the Opening Day roster, 1.0

 

Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff March 13, 2012 11:28 AM

 

 

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

 

TAMPA, Fla. — As the Red Sox prepare to face the Yankees tonight, there are only 22 games remaining on the spring training schedule.

 

Just for fun, let's try and project the 40-man roster.

 

Lineup (9)J

acoby Ellsbury CF

Dustin Pedroia 2B

Adrian Gonzalez 1B

David Ortiz DH

Kevin Youkilis 3B

Cody Ross LF

Jarrod Saltalamacchia C

Ryan Sweeney RF

Mike Aviles SS

 

Bench (4)

Kelly Shoppach C

Nick Punto INF

Darnell McDonald OF

TBA

 

Explanation: Carl Crawford is almost certain to open the season on the disabled list. So that opens a spot for McDonald. The final bench spot is anybody's guess at this point. They could go with another outfielder (Josh Kroeger, Jason Repko, Che-Hsuan Lin) or an infielder (Pedro Ciriaco, Nate Spears).

 

There's little chance they would keep Ryan Lavarnway or Will Middlebrooks. The preference would be to have them play every day at Triple-A than be the last man on the major league bench. Their time is coming, however. Every single indication points to Aviles being the shortstop with Jose Iglesias starting the season in Pawtucket.

 

Rotation (5)

LHP Jon Lester

RHP Josh Beckett

RHP Clay Buchholz

RHP Daniel Bard

LHP Felix Doubront

 

Explanation: The Red Sox do not need a No. 5 starter until April 11 in Toronto. Doubront would be able to work out of the bullpen, if needed, in the first two games. Doubront also is out of options, so there is merit to seeing what he can do as there is little chance he could clear waivers.

 

Bullpen (7)

RHP Andrew Bailey

RHP Mark Melancon

RHP Alfredo Aceves

RHP Matt Albers

LHP Franklin Morales

RHP Michael Bowden

LHP Andrew Miller

 

Explanation: I'd hate to be the person to explain to Aceves why he is being denied a rotation spot. But his versatility is a curse because he is a perfect reliever. If Morales has time to get ready, they obviously need a lefthander and the only alternatives are Jesse Carlson or Justin Thomas. Bowden and Miller are out of options, so that could be their ticket to the majors. There also aren't many compelling alternatives and as we all know, the Red Sox are endlessly fascinated with Miller.

 

The Triple-A rotation (barring defections via option clauses) would be Vicente Padilla, Aaron Cook, Ross Ohlendorf, Alex Wilson and assorted others. Here's wishing manager Arnie Beyeler well trying to keep Mr. Padilla happy.

 

Disabled List (5)

OF Carl Crawford

LHP Rich Hill

RHP Bobby Jenks

RHP John Lackey

RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka

 

Explanation: The Sox could try and stash somebody (say Doubront) on the disabled list for the first five games then activate him to start the sixth game. That would enable them to keep an extra player.

 

As for the rest, Crawford (left wrist) is on track to return a week or two into the season. Hill (elbow) could return in late May or June. Jenks (back) could be done for the season, which is definitely the case for Lackey (elbow). Matsuzaka (elbow) is pitching well in the bullpen. But there are no miracles with Tommy John surgery, so don't expect him until June or July. Given his history, there's a setback coming.

 

So that's what we have for now. Your thoughts on who should stay or who should go are certainly welcome.

 

Keep in mind, the Opening Day roster is vastly overrated. Dennys Reyes was a hot story for a few days at the end of camp last year when he made the team and he never got to Fenway Park before disappearing into the ether. The roster will change dozens of times, but it's fun to try and guess who the Sox will bring to Detroit.

[Dojji]

Dumb question VA -- if they kept Lin, why bother with McDonald? And if they kept McDonald, why bother with Lin? Don't they more or less do the same thing? I like Lin a lot and would love his speed and defense on the bench wouldn't even consider Lin for that role unless I knew McD was going to get released. He and McDonald are redundant.

 

I'd guess, and this is entirely a guess, that it's Lavarnway or Iglesias coming north in that slot.

 

If it's Iglesias, it's because they see Aviles as a backup 2B, 3B, LF and RF who can spot at short, which is more or less the role they used him in last year. Considering the last time he was tried as a full time SS he lasted less long than Lowrie generally does before getting hurt, this is a distinct possibility. In that situation your righthanded bench hitting option is Aviles, and he's good enough at that..

 

If it's Lavs, then they're confident at short and the concern is about a short term cup of coffee for Lavs and the need for a quality righthanded pinch hitter and possible DH platoon with Ortiz until Crawford gets back.

 

I suppose Lars is your other option, but we already have three first basemen on the roster, 4 counting Ross, so I don't see that happening.

[jacksonianmarch]

Maybe they are keeping McDonald because they dont want Lin to be the last man off the bench. Maybe, they think that having a guy like McDonald gives them some flexibility when their starting RF is a lefty and when their starting LF returns who is also a lefty.

[VA Sox Fan]

Dumb question VA -- if they kept Lin' date=' why bother with McDonald? And if they kept McDonald, why bother with Lin? Don't they more or less do the same thing? [/b'] I like Lin a lot and would love his speed and defense on the bench wouldn't even consider Lin for that role unless I knew McD was going to get released. He and McDonald are redundant.

 

I'd guess, and this is entirely a guess, that it's Lavarnway or Iglesias coming north in that slot.

 

If it's Iglesias, it's because they see Aviles as a backup 2B, 3B, LF and RF who can spot at short, which is more or less the role they used him in last year. Considering the last time he was tried as a full time SS he lasted less long than Lowrie generally does before getting hurt, this is a distinct possibility. In that situation your righthanded bench hitting option is Aviles, and he's good enough at that..

 

If it's Lavs, then they're confident at short and the concern is about a short term cup of coffee for Lavs and the need for a quality righthanded pinch hitter and possible DH platoon with Ortiz until Crawford gets back.

 

I suppose Lars is your other option, but we already have three first basemen on the roster, 4 counting Ross, so I don't see that happening.

 

I don't think they'll keep Lin.

 

FYI, Peter Abraham posted this in the Globe. They aren't my thoughts. But found them interesting as Abraham is at ST and has seen every game etc.

[SoxSport]

The Lars part of this is interesting. Are they trying to make him more versatile to give him some trade value' date=' or are they toying with the notion of bringing him north as an OFer until Crawford joins the team?[/quote']

 

Oh my. In another thread on D, I just asked about Lars playing RF? This guy looks like a changed hitter with all that muscle he's put on. Bobby has seen it too. He does have some big numbers in the low minors.

[Elktonnick]

Oh my. In another thread on D' date=' I just asked about Lars playing RF? This guy looks like a changed hitter with all that muscle he's put on. Bobby has seen it too. He does have some big numbers in the low minors.[/quote']

 

I too think they'll be trying Lars in the outfield. Let's face it he isn't going anywhere with Boston at 1st. So it is almost a no brainer to give him a chance at another position.

[redsoxfan3]

I too think they'll be trying Lars in the outfield. Let's face it he isn't going anywhere with Boston at 1st. So it is almost a no brainer to give him a chance at another position.

 

Bobby V has already said that he is going to get Lars some playing time in LF.

[Elktonnick]

Bobby V has already said that he is going to get Lars some playing time in LF.

 

LF makes more sense than right at this point since CC is out for a while.

[redsoxfan3]

I want some feedback on this:

 

Say that we do give the 5th spot in the rotation to Aceves, what would your bullpen be? I know that the bullpen would be weaker, obviously. Bailey and Melancon are locks for the closing role and set-up role, respectively. Morales, Albers, Bowden, Miller, Doubront, Atchinson, Carlson, Padilla, etc. would all be options. Would Doubront be able to handle a versatile role like Aceves has in the past? He obviously wouldn't be as good, but do you think he could be effective enough for us to succeed? I think Bailey, Melancon, Morales, and Albers will make the pen. Miller, Doubront, and Bowden are all out of options, but would you rather see Padilla or Atchinson in a role in the bullpen in place of a guy like Bowden or Miller?

[seabeachfred]

I too think they'll be trying Lars in the outfield. Let's face it he isn't going anywhere with Boston at 1st. So it is almost a no brainer to give him a chance at another position.

 

Elk, you know that on another venue I have preached that Lars is a white elephant that just doesn't have it to make it as a Major Leaguer. To me he's too cerebral and introspective and those kind of players usually think themselves into a slump or out of baseball. He also has a lot of side interests and to me anyway, that is a red flag right there. His performances in the minors have remained very mediocre since some promise was shown in the lower classifactions. He is a Josh Reddick type, only I don't think he is capable of even approaching was Josh did last year until the wheels came off.

 

To me sure this is only my opinion and I could be proven wrong, but I believe the best thing the Red Sox could do is try and trade him while whatever market value he has is left. Anthony Rizzo passed him up two years ago, but for some reason Epstein still thought he has what it took. Of course, let's not go into Epstein's judgment of players. We all know he left a lot to be desired there.

[seabeachfred]

I want some feedback on this:

 

Say that we do give the 5th spot in the rotation to Aceves, what would your bullpen be? I know that the bullpen would be weaker, obviously. Bailey and Melancon are locks for the closing role and set-up role, respectively. Morales, Albers, Bowden, Miller, Doubront, Atchinson, Carlson, Padilla, etc. would all be options. Would Doubront be able to handle a versatile role like Aceves has in the past? He obviously wouldn't be as good, but do you think he could be effective enough for us to succeed? I think Bailey, Melancon, Morales, and Albers will make the pen. Miller, Doubront, and Bowden are all out of options, but would you rather see Padilla or Atchinson in a role in the bullpen in place of a guy like Bowden or Miller?

 

I can try to help with some feedback redsox 3 but I'm sure there would be others who might take an opposite point of view. I would LOVE to see Aceves in the rotation. The guy knows how to win, is a tough competitor and fearless to boot. However, he is needed more in the bullpen in my opinion. I mean look at our pen after Bailey and Melancon, who though talented, still might be slight question marks. You want Morales in there in the 7th inning in a 5-3 lead against the Yankees? You want Albers in there in the 8th taking the place of Melancon who is getting a night off? You want Miller in the game at all? We know Bowden will be on the team because he has no options left and I keep hearing he has two new pitches that are hellacious. Well I will take a wait and see attitude on that.

 

Doubrant also has no options left, but, damn it, the guy has been floating on ice for the past three years now and it is high time we gave him a shot to either barf or g et away from the sink. Let him be the No. 5 starter; he he flops we then can make adjustments on the fly and wait for the T D to try and upgrade. Atchison is Atchison, a career minor leaguer who has trouble e xecuting the simple 1-3 play---a typical journeyman. I know little about Carlson so perhaps 700, SCM or MVP can weigh in on him. As f or that guy we got f rom Colorado I keep hearing he might be an answer in the bullpen but until he, Carlson, Bowden or Padilla can show they can do the job I want Aceves down in the pen.

[Elktonnick]

Elk, you know that on another venue I have preached that Lars is a white elephant that just doesn't have it to make it as a Major Leaguer. To me he's too cerebral and introspective and those kind of players usually think themselves into a slump or out of baseball. He also has a lot of side interests and to me anyway, that is a red flag right there. His performances in the minors have remained very mediocre since some promise was shown in the lower classifactions. He is a Josh Reddick type, only I don't think he is capable of even approaching was Josh did last year until the wheels came off.

 

To me sure this is only my opinion and I could be proven wrong, but I believe the best thing the Red Sox could do is try and trade him while whatever market value he has is left. Anthony Rizzo passed him up two years ago, but for some reason Epstein still thought he has what it took. Of course, let's not go into Epstein's judgment of players. We all know he left a lot to be desired there.

 

Lars is having a good spring at the plate so far. I think they'll see how he does in the outfield. He has zero future with the Red Sox at first unless A-Gon gets seriously hurt and even then there are other options at first. What I've seen from him so far really doesn't make me believe he has much of a future in Boston despite how well he is hitting in the early spring. I think they'll move him by the trading deadline. I think they are showcasing him for that eventuality.

[Spitball]

Lars is having a good spring at the plate so far. I think they'll see how he does in the outfield. He has zero future with the Red Sox at first unless A-Gon gets seriously hurt and even then there are other options at first. What I've seen from him so far really doesn't make me believe he has much of a future in Boston despite how well he is hitting in the early spring. I think they'll move him by the trading deadline. I think they are showcasing him for that eventuality.

 

I have always felt basing anything on spring performances is ridiculous. A player's performance over his minor league/major league career should be the only bar to measure a player. Anyone can have a good or bad spring training hitting/pitching against any variety of great/good/bad batters or pitchers.

[Elktonnick]

I have always felt basing anything on spring performances is ridiculous. A player's performance over his minor league/major league career should be the only bar to measure a player. Anyone can have a good or bad spring training hitting/pitching against any variety of great/good/bad batters or pitchers.

 

While this may be true most times, it is also true that Anderson has vitually no future with Boston at first. It is also true that there are times when players can make a team by good performances in ST especially in a situation such as Boston has. The Sox FO and BV made it clear that there would be guys competing for jobs this ST.

[SoxSport]

On spring performance, I think there is zero correlation with veterans. But minor leaguers? You just don't know. You get a kid that raises some eyebrows, it's going to help him. he might even make the team if the need is there. Or he might be trade bait with enhanced value.

 

Look at this SS Ciriaco. He hits a dinger to win the game the other night, and tonite gets the hit to beat the Yankees. You don't think he's made an impression?

 

Valentine is showing he's pretty open minded about the roster so far. We'll see what he does.

[jung]

Well spring or no spring I think Doubront did himself a world of good tonight. That was a very impressive four inning stint. That wasn't exactly chicken feed the Yanks were sending up to the plate tonight.

 

I did not get to see Padilla pitch tonight but his 3 innings must have been his best performance to date as well. I wish I had seen it to compare it to Doubrant's. Hard to imagine Padilla pitching as well as Doubrant did tonight especially since Doubrant went 4 innings. Really liked how Doubrant settled in and got better inning after inning. By the third inning he had the right handed hitters off balance and out in front of his breaking stuff and late on his fastball. His location got better as each inning passed and after all said and done, I think he had given up two hits and one fly ball. I think those three were the only balls that got out of the infield.

 

If he can put a similar performance back to back we might finally be able to look to a possible alternative to Aceves for that final spot in the rotation without feeling like we are just grasping at straws. I am obviously lurching in the direction of hope as much as realism at this point but hey......until Doubrant proves me wrong I am feeling like he might really have a shot after all.

[seabeachfred]

Well spring or no spring I think Doubront did himself a world of good tonight. That was a very impressive four inning stint. That wasn't exactly chicken feed the Yanks were sending up to the plate tonight.

 

I did not get to see Padilla pitch tonight but his 3 innings must have been his best performance to date as well. I wish I had seen it to compare it to Doubrant's. Hard to imagine Padilla pitching as well as Doubrant did tonight especially since Doubrant went 4 innings. Really liked how Doubrant settled in and got better inning after inning. By the third inning he had the right handed hitters off balance and out in front of his breaking stuff and late on his fastball. His location got better as each inning passed and after all said and done, I think he had given up two hits and one fly ball. I think those three were the only balls that got out of the infield.

 

If he can put a similar performance back to back we might finally be able to look to a possible alternative to Aceves for that final spot in the rotation without feeling like we are just grasping at straws. I am obviously lurching in the direction of hope as much as realism at this point but hey......until Doubrant proves me wrong I am feeling like he might really have a shot after all.

 

Jung, I've been droning on for the past week about Doubrant finally having to stand up and make his play for a spot in the rotation. The days of promise are gone; he needs to step up and tonight it looked like he did. I would hope that he will continue to do well and that goes for Padilla as well. The latter didn't do himself any good in his first outing but he couldn't locate his pitches. Tonight he did and when he can do that he has the ability to be a big help to us. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Bard does his job in the No. 4 spot and between Doub and Pad we have a good choice for the No. 5 starter because it means we can keep Aceves in the bullpen where I think he would be a bigger help to us this season. You see it the same way or not?

[RedSoxNC84]

I think Doubront sticks as our 5th man. Aceves stays in the pen.

 

From what I've seen the depth for 6th and 7th might be Cook and Padilla. Looks like Bowden will probably keep a bullpen job. I'm excited to see more of him, I have been saying for awhile he could be a great reliever.

[redsoxfan3]

I think Doubront sticks as our 5th man. Aceves stays in the pen.

 

From what I've seen the depth for 6th and 7th might be Cook and Padilla. Looks like Bowden will probably keep a bullpen job. I'm excited to see more of him, I have been saying for awhile he could be a great reliever.

 

I am excited to see more of Bowden as well. I don't know about being a great reliever, but he could definitely help this team out in the pen if he can become a decent reliever. I like what I am hearing about Bowden.

[edichicco]

We go to Ft myers every year for a week.

This year is the week of March 18 to 24th.

Usually we had gotten tickets by standing in line a couple of hours on game day.

That was at City of Palm Park.

I need 2 tickets, for each of the 3 games next.

Being a new stadium, and dont my way around yet.

has anybody experienced the new park yet?

Eddie

[redsoxfan3]

We go to Ft myers every year for a week.

This year is the week of March 18 to 24th.

Usually we had gotten tickets by standing in line a couple of hours on game day.

That was at City of Palm Park.

I need 2 tickets, for each of the 3 games next.

Being a new stadium, and dont my way around yet.

has anybody experienced the new park yet?

Eddie

 

I live in Fort Myers and I have been to two games so far. I have attended five practices or so as well. I will be going to my third game on Friday when we play the Twins. If you go to the game and you want to look for tickets, I would go there really early. I got stuck in traffic for 30 minutes the other day just because I decided to leave for the game an hour before it started and I only live 10 minutes away. I would stay off of Daniels Parkway west of I75 and Treeline, it will probably be backed up. The new stadium is extremely nice, you will like it. It is not hard to find your way around. The parking is $9 if you want to park at the stadium. If you do this, I still suggest that you try to get there a couple hours before the game starts, maybe earlier since you are trying to get tickets. Since it is a new park, a lot of the tickets are already sold. I know there is a parking lot that you can park in that is only $5. There are also some scalpers that sell tickets there. That parking lot is located right before JetBlue Park if you are heading East on Daniels Parkway. The only problem with that parking lot is that you have to do quite a bit of walking.

[Spitball]

We are not going this year, but we will next year. I can't wait to see the new park.