Red Sox 2012 Spring Training Thread.

[redsoxbeatz]

What's the word on Crawford?

[VA Sox Fan]

What's the word on Crawford?

 

Carl Crawford took 15 controlled swings in the cage with both hands, the first time he has done that since developing inflammation in his surgically repaired left wrist and being shut down March 1.

 

“I felt fine, no pain or anything,’’ said Crawford, who started throwing this week.

 

Crawford’s program is being carefully monitored to avoid another setback.

 

“It’s great to see,’’ Valentine said. “We’re totally controlling it. I’ve had too many meetings on it so far, that’s how many meetings I’ve had. Too many. So we’re going to control it and he gets it. It’s a designed program that he’s going to stick to.’’

[redsoxfan3]

It is good to see Crawford making progress. I am also glad that they are not rushing him into things. I would rather see a healthy Crawford for the majority of the year, which might make him wait to return until a couple weeks into the season as opposed to seeing Crawford rushed back into things and see him return by opening day where he could have a possible reoccurence.

[redsoxfan3]

Any news on Iglesias or Sweeney? I know that Iglesias was penciled in to start yesterday, but they ended up starting Spears instead. Maybe he will play today? I guess we will have to wait to see the lineups.

[VA Sox Fan]

Any news on Iglesias or Sweeney? I know that Iglesias was penciled in to start yesterday' date=' but they ended up starting Spears instead. Maybe he will play today? I guess we will have to wait to see the lineups.[/quote']

 

I just posted the line ups in the game thread for ST. He's not starting today.

[redsoxfan3]

I just posted the line ups in the game thread for ST. He's not starting today.

 

I wonder when he will be ready to go. If he doesn't get healthy soon, he might not have a chance at all to make the roster. Hopefully it is nothing too serious.

[VA Sox Fan]

From the Globe:

 

News update: RHP Carlos Silva was released today

[seabeachfred]

From the Globe:

 

News update: RHP Carlos Silva was released today

 

Hi Ho Silva AWAY!!!!!! I think this time that might finally be appropriate.

[Spitball]

Hi Ho Silva AWAY!!!!!! I think this time that might finally be appropriate.

 

Good one, Fred!

[RedSoxNC84]

Hi Ho Silva AWAY!!!!!! I think this time that might finally be appropriate.

 

I saw that he was released a couple days ago, but hadn't gotten on here to see the comments. Somehow, though, I fully expected this one, and you didn't disappoint.

[seabeachfred]

Spitball and RSNC84----There were some people on this board who were a little miffed with those nicknames of mine a few weeks ago so I eased up somewhat on them, but Silva's release was just too good to pass up. When some of the other dregs are sent on their way I'll send them away with more of the same, but what I'm really hoping for is to be pleasantly surprised with a couple of pitchers who suddenly arise and give us something to really cheer about. We haven't been too lucky in finding gems in the rough the past few years. Maybe the worm will turn this time around.

[redsoxfan3]

Spitball and RSNC84----There were some people on this board who were a little miffed with those nicknames of mine a few weeks ago so I eased up somewhat on them' date=' but Silva's release was just too good to pass up. When some of the other dregs are sent on their way I'll send them away with more of the same, but what I'm really hoping for is to be pleasantly surprised with a couple of pitchers who suddenly arise and give us something to really cheer about. We haven't been too lucky in finding gems in the rough the past few years. Maybe the worm will turn this time around.[/quote']

 

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I am really hoping that we can have a solid rotation and dependable bullpen. There are so many question marks still that it makes it hard to be optimistic about our pitching. I am just hoping that we have a few guys that really impress us the remainder of the Spring and that can set themselves apart from the rest of the pack. I will be keeping a close eye on Bowden, Miller, Doubront, Padilla, Cook, Bard, and Aceves. Out of Miller, Doubront, Padilla, and Cook, I just hope that one of the four can start to really shine and become the favorite for the 5th spot.

[RedSoxNC84]

I think we will have a solid bullpen. We may not have Bard + Papelbon in the 8th and 9th, but at least we have no shortage of good 7th inning arms.

[RedSoxNC84]

Spitball and RSNC84----There were some people on this board who were a little miffed with those nicknames of mine a few weeks ago so I eased up somewhat on them' date=' but Silva's release was just too good to pass up. When some of the other dregs are sent on their way I'll send them away with more of the same, but what I'm really hoping for is to be pleasantly surprised with a couple of pitchers who suddenly arise and give us something to really cheer about. We haven't been too lucky in finding gems in the rough the past few years. Maybe the worm will turn this time around.[/quote']

 

I mean sure the nicknames were silly, but I think it's important to have a sense of humor. Without a sense of humor, things can get a little crazy.

[redsoxfan3]

Bobby V thinks that Iglesias is ready to play in the majors. Although that does not mean he is going to be in the majors by opening day, I find that very interesting because that means Jose might be in the majors the majority of the year. I think we could deal with Iglesias at SS. That means Aviles could be an all around utility player. He could get some time in the OF and give Iglesias and Youk some days off. Something interesting to think about.

[Dojji]

The last time we won it all we did it with a shortstop who wasn't hitting very well, but played solid defense that year.

 

Food for thought.

[RedSoxNC84]

The last time we won it all we did it with a shortstop who wasn't hitting very well, but played solid defense that year.

 

Food for thought.

 

Having Iglesias as our starting SS, with Punto as a backup, and Aviles as a backup at 3b would work out pretty well I think, but can we afford to carry an extra player on the roster like that?

 

Wouldn't that space be better suited to pitching?

[jung]

I would like to see Avilas as more of a utility player as well because his range is far worse at SS than I expected it to be. This is SS we are talking about and the cavalier attitude these Sox have about defense at SS is reminiscent of the old bash down the walls Red Sox of old that featured sub-standard pitching and defense but had balls to the walls offense.

 

Pose this question:

Based on what you have seen do you think that Iggy will get to at least one more ball per week than Aviles will get to? Translate that into DP's made and runs saved and then tell me how it makes sense to send Iggy back down.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Reports coming out that Bobby V and front office are divided on Iglesias' role. Valentine reportedly wants Iglesias as starting day SS reports Sean McAdam

 

From mlbtraderumors

 

Wow it's awesome to have a manager that isn't a puppet.

 

Iglesias really should be the opening day starter

[jung]

As much as I really really like Iggy and his game, I was on the fence about him starting the season as the Sox SS. However the more I have seen of Aviles the less impressed I have been mainly because his range at SS is much worse than I thought it would be and because I am not convinced that he can provide enough pop with his bat to make up for his shortcomings at SS. Hard for me to accept Aviles with Iggy sitting there.

 

Also while I would like Iggy to have more of an opportunity to improve his hitting against lower level pitching, I believe he will win the Sox games this season if given the job, especially if he is here as a defender and allowed to simply do what he can do offensively. In effect we would be allowing him to try to learn how to hit ML pitching. It is true that if you never let a kid see something he can hit, he may never hit anything. However it appears to me that Iggy is always going to earn his keep with his glove. That is already here.

[Station 13]

From mlbtraderumors

 

Wow it's awesome to have a manager that isn't a puppet.

 

Iglesias really should be the opening day starter

 

Bobby V isn't done yet. He wants Bard in the pen too.

[jung]

I am not sure V wants Bard in the pen. I am convinced he wants Bard to stop walking the first guy that walks to the plate in any given inning cause you simply cannot win that way. However my concern is that mechanics are the issue for Bard. It was the issue for him last year, this year exacerbated by the number of innings he is pitching in any given game and as prep for starting and yet nobody has really helped him find a way to settle into his motion early in innings. Common' Sox coaches, show us some of why you should earn your pay.

 

I think V would be fine with Bard in the rotation if that is what the FO wants if he can tame the ball:strike ratio and cuts into the walks and take Iggy on the opening day roster if the FO allows him to do that.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Bobby V isn't done yet. He wants Bard in the pen too.

 

good, because that is exactly where Bard should be.

[jung]

To be honest I am just as concerned that the Sox have not been able to help Bard past his mechanical issues regardless of whether or not he starts. This kid is a real talent and the Sox cannot seem to help him get settled into his motion before he has done damage to himself.

 

When he is off, his motion is a real mess. His front leg is way out in front and there is no way for him to recover. Geez come on coaches. Help this kid get fixed!

[SoxSport]

Iglesias ready, says Valentine:

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/03/valentine_igles.html

 

The front office differs? How many of those guys ever played baseball?

Clashes with the FO are going to be inevitable on this team. Epstein had too much power, and that

was probably one reason why Valentine was brought in. He'll get what he wants. I don't think Henry was

satisfied with the status quo.

 

They need Iggy to plug the left side of the infield. That might improve the pitching more than upgrading their 4th and 5th starters. Plus the kid looks stronger and has some pop as a line-drive hitter.

[SoxSport]

Bobby V isn't done yet. He wants Bard in the pen too.

 

Well, that's OK, too. Melancon isn't raising any eyebrows as a setup guy. And Bailey is 50/50 to pitch a full season. They may end up signing Oswalt yet.

[SoxSport]

As much as I really really like Iggy and his game, I was on the fence about him starting the season as the Sox SS. However the more I have seen of Aviles the less impressed I have been mainly because his range at SS is much worse than I thought it would be and because I am not convinced that he can provide enough pop with his bat to make up for his shortcomings at SS. Hard for me to accept Aviles with Iggy sitting there.

 

Also while I would like Iggy to have more of an opportunity to improve his hitting against lower level pitching, I believe he will win the Sox games this season if given the job, especially if he is here as a defender and allowed to simply do what he can do offensively. In effect we would be allowing him to try to learn how to hit ML pitching. It is true that if you never let a kid see something he can hit, he may never hit anything. However it appears to me that Iggy is always going to earn his keep with his glove. That is already here.

 

Rangewise, with Youks-Aviles, it could be a disaster. They can't afford to keep Iggy in AAA--they need his glove.

[Dojji]

Even Aviles is an upgrade over Scutaro.

[User Name]

I think Scutaro had better range, but a worse arm. It may be a wash.

[Elktonnick]

I think Scutaro had better range' date=' but a worse arm. It may be a wash.[/quote']

 

While I agree with you on range and arm vis a vis Scuturo and Aviles, I agee with BV I think they need Iggy at SS sooner rather than later.