What do the Red Sox need to do to make the playoffs?

[jacksonianmarch]

You know what' date=' I'm starting to get on board with the idea that we need changes at the top right up to the ownership. That doesn't mean I have anything bad to say about Henry. I don't. He played a big part in...well, you know the rest. But I'm starting to get the feeling that this group has cycled out.[/quote']

 

Theo was right when he said he got away from what made them win championships. I dont think there is anything wrong with what the FO did in the offseason since they didnt make any insane, long term committments and the move of Youkilis embraces the youth movement. But fixing the process is going to involve the sox FO avoiding the quick fixes, which if they fail, turn into long term anchors. The sox minor league system is having a year of all years (kinda similar to the Yankees 2010 minor league campaign) where the better prospects have all broken out. They should try to supplement what they have with what's coming down the pipe. And, as much as I despise Bobby V, he is the perfect manager to get a few kids into the mix.

 

Also, the sox are 2.5 out from a PO spot right now, and they are due to run into a f***ing buzzsaw. Their next real gimme series is August 2nd vs the Twins. There is a real chance the sox could be sellers come July 31st

[example1]

Theo was right when he said he got away from what made them win championships. I dont think there is anything wrong with what the FO did in the offseason since they didnt make any insane, long term committments and the move of Youkilis embraces the youth movement. But fixing the process is going to involve the sox FO avoiding the quick fixes, which if they fail, turn into long term anchors. The sox minor league system is having a year of all years (kinda similar to the Yankees 2010 minor league campaign) where the better prospects have all broken out. They should try to supplement what they have with what's coming down the pipe. And, as much as I despise Bobby V, he is the perfect manager to get a few kids into the mix.

 

Also, the sox are 2.5 out from a PO spot right now, and they are due to run into a f***ing buzzsaw. Their next real gimme series is August 2nd vs the Twins. There is a real chance the sox could be sellers come July 31st

 

A buzzsaw is a bit of an overstatement if you ask me. Although the Yankees look pretty good right now, they just aren't that great of a team. Obviously I could be wrong and the weekend will tell, but there's not much there that really impresses me.

 

As for the Sox, they have shown one thing over the past few years: they are streaky. Their losses in this roadtrip are just as likely to lead to a sustained period of success. That's one of the things that makes the team so damn frustrating. If they were merely a .500 team and won a game, then lost a game, then won one, it would be more tolerable. This team rattles off victories, then rattles off losses like they are two different clubs. It's weak sauce.

[jacksonianmarch]

Then nobody impresses you. The Yankees are a little vulnerable right now since CC and Pettitte are out, but this weekend will be the last series sans CC. Otherwise, they allow less runs and score close to as many as the sox while having much better peripherals on both sides of the ball. The Yankees are a team that is about to run away with the division, so while you arent impressed, they are the far superior team right now to the sox

[example1]

Interestingly, in this case, the game is played on the field, not in your head or in the team stats table of baseball reference. I know you want to declare the results before the game has been played, but I'm not read to go that far.

[FredLynn]

Theo was right when he said he got away from what made them win championships. I dont think there is anything wrong with what the FO did in the offseason since they didnt make any insane, long term committments and the move of Youkilis embraces the youth movement. But fixing the process is going to involve the sox FO avoiding the quick fixes, which if they fail, turn into long term anchors. The sox minor league system is having a year of all years (kinda similar to the Yankees 2010 minor league campaign) where the better prospects have all broken out. They should try to supplement what they have with what's coming down the pipe. And, as much as I despise Bobby V, he is the perfect manager to get a few kids into the mix.

 

Also, the sox are 2.5 out from a PO spot right now, and they are due to run into a f***ing buzzsaw. Their next real gimme series is August 2nd vs the Twins. There is a real chance the sox could be sellers come July 31st

 

You know what? I really don't much care how this weekend series turns out. In the grand scheme of things it might even be better for the Sox to lose this series. Winning it could create false hope that this franchise has some chance to make good when those chances are very very slim.

Sometimes it takes a major event to effect change. That is true in life, and its true in business too. If the Sox keep stumbling along at close to .500 all year and somehow either back into the playoffs or narrowly miss them then the excuses and rationalizations will follow. Thats not what we need. We need wholesale changes in our FO and probably in the ownership group as well.

Here is further evidence that a complete housecleaning is needed. Its Ortiz, commenting on his offseason negotiations and how "a guy like me" got his ego bruised. Guess he meant that such negotiations should only be perpetrated on someone else. Its an example of the MEFIRST attitude that still infests this organization. Until its eradicated we aren't winning anything. Here's his comment:

 

"It was humiliating," Ortiz said. "There's no reason a guy like me should go through that. ...

[example1]

The problem with this team's offense is fairly obvious. They are simply inconsistent, certainly compared to the Yankees.

 

The Sox have had 34 games where they score 3 or fewer runs. The Yankees have had 27. The Sox have had 32 games where they score between 4 and 7 runs. The Yankees have had 44.

 

What does that mean as a percentage?

 

Games between 0 and 3 runs

*Sox 41%

*Yankees 33%

 

Games between 4 and 7 runs:

*Sox 39%

*Yankees 54%

 

I think the notion that the Sox offense is 'okay' and the pitching is the problem are a bit decieving. The Sox offense is okay, sometimes. They score 8 or more runs in nearly 20% of their games, but they score 4 or fewer runs in half their games, and in those games they are 7-35.

 

They are 24 and 8 in games where they score between 4 and 7 runs, or winning at a 75%.

 

Here's their W% by runs scored:

 

RS

 

4: 37.5% (3-5)

5: 100% (5-0)

6: 70% (7-3)

7: 100% (9-0)

 

 

I don't know how to build a team that consistently scores 4 runs or more a game, but I know that one run here or there can really help and the Sox haven't done well in close games.

 

In their 12 one-run losses they have scored 3 or fewer in 11 of them. Those are games they could be winning but aren't.

 

To me, there's no doubt that adding potent offensive pieces to the lineup will help with that, and their consistency would be improved considerably if Pedroia and Gonzalez were producing at some reasonable level.

 

When you look at the actual results (in pivot table form) the differnce between the teams in close games could not be more stark, and it appears that the Sox offense just dies if the game is close. It's really quite pathetic.

 

Easy to blame the pitching, though the Sox as a staff had the best WHIP in all of baseball in the month of June, so I can't say that they have been an abject failure.

[Bellhorn04]

The problem with this team's offense is fairly obvious. They are simply inconsistent, certainly compared to the Yankees.

 

The Sox have had 34 games where they score 3 or fewer runs. The Yankees have had 27. The Sox have had 32 games where they score between 4 and 7 runs. The Yankees have had 44.

 

What does that mean as a percentage?

 

Games between 0 and 3 runs

*Sox 41%

*Yankees 33%

 

Games between 4 and 7 runs:

*Sox 39%

*Yankees 54%

 

I think the notion that the Sox offense is 'okay' and the pitching is the problem are a bit decieving. The Sox offense is okay, sometimes. They score 8 or more runs in nearly 20% of their games, but they score 4 or fewer runs in half their games, and in those games they are 7-35.

 

They are 24 and 8 in games where they score between 4 and 7 runs, or winning at a 75%.

 

Here's their W% by runs scored:

 

RS

 

4: 37.5% (3-5)

5: 100% (5-0)

6: 70% (7-3)

7: 100% (9-0)

 

 

I don't know how to build a team that consistently scores 4 runs or more a game, but I know that one run here or there can really help and the Sox haven't done well in close games.

 

In their 12 one-run losses they have scored 3 or fewer in 11 of them. Those are games they could be winning but aren't.

 

To me, there's no doubt that adding potent offensive pieces to the lineup will help with that, and their consistency would be improved considerably if Pedroia and Gonzalez were producing at some reasonable level.

 

When you look at the actual results (in pivot table form) the differnce between the teams in close games could not be more stark, and it appears that the Sox offense just dies if the game is close. It's really quite pathetic.

 

Easy to blame the pitching, though the Sox as a staff had the best WHIP in all of baseball in the month of June, so I can't say that they have been an abject failure.

 

Yes, this nails what I've been trying to say.

[kapsis21]

The problem with this team's offense is fairly obvious. They are simply inconsistent, certainly compared to the Yankees.

 

The Sox have had 34 games where they score 3 or fewer runs. The Yankees have had 27. The Sox have had 32 games where they score between 4 and 7 runs. The Yankees have had 44.

 

What does that mean as a percentage?

 

Games between 0 and 3 runs

*Sox 41%

*Yankees 33%

 

Games between 4 and 7 runs:

*Sox 39%

*Yankees 54%

 

I think the notion that the Sox offense is 'okay' and the pitching is the problem are a bit decieving. The Sox offense is okay, sometimes. They score 8 or more runs in nearly 20% of their games, but they score 4 or fewer runs in half their games, and in those games they are 7-35.

 

They are 24 and 8 in games where they score between 4 and 7 runs, or winning at a 75%.

 

Here's their W% by runs scored:

 

RS

 

4: 37.5% (3-5)

5: 100% (5-0)

6: 70% (7-3)

7: 100% (9-0)

 

 

I don't know how to build a team that consistently scores 4 runs or more a game, but I know that one run here or there can really help and the Sox haven't done well in close games.

 

In their 12 one-run losses they have scored 3 or fewer in 11 of them. Those are games they could be winning but aren't.

 

To me, there's no doubt that adding potent offensive pieces to the lineup will help with that, and their consistency would be improved considerably if Pedroia and Gonzalez were producing at some reasonable level.

 

When you look at the actual results (in pivot table form) the differnce between the teams in close games could not be more stark, and it appears that the Sox offense just dies if the game is close. It's really quite pathetic.

 

Easy to blame the pitching, though the Sox as a staff had the best WHIP in all of baseball in the month of June, so I can't say that they have been an abject failure.

 

^^ awesome stats ex1 thanks. goes to show a speedy runner like CC or Ells can create a bit of a ruckus to steal a base which can have the pitcher changes tactics and cause us to get 1 more run or an error or something.

i would say be would be split right now in those close games if one of Ells or CC were onboard.

hoping that after the ASB we get on a better run, first half games at times have looked really bad. i dont remember seeing us loosing so many games and in the fashion that we have lost this year .. its attrocious

 

its like the baseball gods have decided redsox are the team we are going to pick on since last year..

 

where are my angels on the outfield for my team? i am calling for them in this series against the Yankees, if you are listening show up and help win the games!!!

[The Boomer]

You know what? I really don't much care how this weekend series turns out. In the grand scheme of things it might even be better for the Sox to lose this series. Winning it could create false hope that this franchise has some chance to make good when those chances are very very slim.

Sometimes it takes a major event to effect change. That is true in life, and its true in business too. If the Sox keep stumbling along at close to .500 all year and somehow either back into the playoffs or narrowly miss them then the excuses and rationalizations will follow. Thats not what we need. We need wholesale changes in our FO and probably in the ownership group as well.

Here is further evidence that a complete housecleaning is needed. Its Ortiz, commenting on his offseason negotiations and how "a guy like me" got his ego bruised. Guess he meant that such negotiations should only be perpetrated on someone else. Its an example of the MEFIRST attitude that still infests this organization. Until its eradicated we aren't winning anything. Here's his comment:

 

"It was humiliating," Ortiz said. "There's no reason a guy like me should go through that. ...

 

Yes, by all means let's cut the best offensive performer we have in 2012. That sounds like a winning strategy for sure.

 

But: why isn't that master of discipline Bobby V.taking care of this business without the need for such drastic actions?

[SoxSport]

You know what? I really don't much care how this weekend series turns out. In the grand scheme of things it might even be better for the Sox to lose this series. Winning it could create false hope that this franchise has some chance to make good when those chances are very very slim.

Sometimes it takes a major event to effect change. That is true in life, and its true in business too. If the Sox keep stumbling along at close to .500 all year and somehow either back into the playoffs or narrowly miss them then the excuses and rationalizations will follow. Thats not what we need. We need wholesale changes in our FO and probably in the ownership group as well.

Here is further evidence that a complete housecleaning is needed. Its Ortiz, commenting on his offseason negotiations and how "a guy like me" got his ego bruised. Guess he meant that such negotiations should only be perpetrated on someone else. Its an example of the MEFIRST attitude that still infests this organization. Until its eradicated we aren't winning anything. Here's his comment:

 

"It was humiliating," Ortiz said. "There's no reason a guy like me should go through that. ...

 

Time to trade Papi.

[SoxSport]

Then nobody impresses you. The Yankees are a little vulnerable right now since CC and Pettitte are out' date=' but this weekend will be the last series sans CC. Otherwise, they allow less runs and score close to as many as the sox while having much better peripherals on both sides of the ball. The Yankees are a team that is about to run away with the division, so while you arent impressed, they are the far superior team right now to the sox[/quote']

 

The Yankees said recently they were not looking for another starter. The last time they said that, they traded for Pineda and signed Kuroda--in one day. Watch what they do--not what they say. I suspect they are trying to deal for Felix or Garza or Hamels right now. Wake up, front office.

[redsoxbeatz]

Time to trade Papi.

 

Hell no. A guy like that deserves security. Give him it!!

[redsoxbeatz]

Then nobody impresses you. The Yankees are a little vulnerable right now since CC and Pettitte are out' date=' but this weekend will be the last series sans CC. Otherwise, they allow less runs and score close to as many as the sox while having much better peripherals on both sides of the ball. The Yankees are a team that is about to run away with the division, so while you arent impressed, they are the far superior team right now to the sox[/quote']

 

Nice post for a homer.

 

far superior now or on paper? I mean, red sox are dealing with a lot of injuries and underperforming stars. So, yea.

 

We will see how this 4 game set goes and post-ASB is where we will see what's what.

 

I wonder if CC will be 100% when he returns. I wish no ill on athletes but that guy is such a fatty w/a horrible diet. Could be slow recovery.

 

I'm especially excited for Morales start. Wouldn't surprised at all of he shuts the Yankees down. Doubront will get shelled big time.

[ellsburyforMVP]

Nice post for a homer.

 

far superior now or on paper? I mean, red sox are dealing with a lot of injuries and underperforming stars. So, yea.

 

We will see how this 4 game set goes and post-ASB is where we will see what's what.

 

I wonder if CC will be 100% when he returns. I wish no ill on athletes but that guy is such a fatty w/a horrible diet. Could be slow recovery.

 

I'm especially excited for Morales start. Wouldn't surprised at all of he shuts the Yankees down. Doubront will get shelled big time.

 

Funny thing is, if we were to post anything like that on a yankme board- we would probably at the very least be banned ( if the roles were reversed,ie: yanks 7 gms back )

[BornToRun]

Funny thing is' date=' if we were to post anything like that on a yankme board- we would probably at the very least be banned ( if the roles were reversed,ie: yanks 7 gms back )[/quote']

 

I have to admit that yanks fans are a lot more optimistic and patient than sox fans for the most part.

 

Let's just all calm down and see where we are at after this 4 game set with new York. What if we take 3 or even sweep? It's certainly possible and I like our chances with the pitching match ups and we are playing at home.

[wyo-sox]

I have to admit that yanks fans are a lot more optimistic and patient than sox fans for the most part.

 

Let's just all calm down and see where we are at after this 4 game set with new York. What if we take 3 or even sweep? It's certainly possible and I like our chances with the pitching match ups and we are playing at home.

 

 

Calm down, I like that. I think the next 12 games are a great opportunity for the club to position itself in a good spot just before Ells, Sweeney, Middbrks, and Crawford come back.

 

Has anyone heard any new timetables for Bailey?

[BornToRun]

Calm down, I like that. I think the next 12 games are a great opportunity for the club to position itself in a good spot just before Ells, Sweeney, Middbrks, and Crawford come back.

 

Has anyone heard any new timetables for Bailey?

 

August I think.

[redsoxbeatz]

I'm amped for post-ASB. Red Sox will go on a tear and might only be 3.5—5 games out after this series vs the f***heads.

[BornToRun]

I'm amped for post-ASB. Red Sox will go on a tear and might only be 3.5—5 games out after this series vs the f***heads.

 

We have morales, Beckett, doubie, and Lester going against Hughes, nova, Kuroda, and Garcia.

[kapsis21]

We have morales' date=' Beckett, doubie, and Lester going against Hughes, nova, Kuroda, and Garcia.[/quote']

my stomach churns already..

[BornToRun]

my stomach churns already..

 

I'm hoping that's sarcasm.

[a700hitter]

I'm amped for post-ASB. Red Sox will go on a tear and might only be 3.5—5 games out after this series vs the f***heads.

Does Pedroia's injury dampen your enthusiasm?

[FredLynn]

Yes, by all means let's cut the best offensive performer we have in 2012. That sounds like a winning strategy for sure.

 

But: why isn't that master of discipline Bobby V.taking care of this business without the need for such drastic actions?

 

Because Cherington is still running the show. Valentine is not being given full reign here. He didn't want Bard to start, but Bard was converted anyway. He wanted Iglesias up; Iglesias is still a minor leaguer, for better or worse. Valentine has been a breath of fresh air to this team, but he is not a miracle worker.

As for jettisoning Ortiz, if you believe we have no real chance for a ring this year, he is a valuable piece to trade. Its a winning strategy, just not for this year. Its important to keep things in perspective and formulate a sound plan for the future, and that future should not include a nearly 40 YO fossil.

[The Boomer]

Because Cherington is still running the show. Valentine is not being given full reign here. He didn't want Bard to start, but Bard was converted anyway. He wanted Iglesias up; Iglesias is still a minor leaguer, for better or worse. Valentine has been a breath of fresh air to this team, but he is not a miracle worker.

As for jettisoning Ortiz, if you believe we have no real chance for a ring this year, he is a valuable piece to trade. Its a winning strategy, just not for this year. Its important to keep things in perspective and formulate a sound plan for the future, and that future should not include a nearly 40 YO fossil.

 

An overpaid DH who will be an FA at the end of the season? I think you overestimate his value to other teams.

 

Iglesias has a .607 OPS this year. Sounds like he's not ready and needs more time.

 

Assigning 100% of the blame for Bard to the FO when it was a group decision seems a bit over the top.

[SCM33]

Because Cherington is still running the show. Valentine is not being given full reign here. He didn't want Bard to start, but Bard was converted anyway. He wanted Iglesias up; Iglesias is still a minor leaguer, for better or worse. Valentine has been a breath of fresh air to this team, but he is not a miracle worker.

As for jettisoning Ortiz, if you believe we have no real chance for a ring this year, he is a valuable piece to trade. Its a winning strategy, just not for this year. Its important to keep things in perspective and formulate a sound plan for the future, and that future should not include a nearly 40 YO fossil.

 

Cherington is not running the show.

 

Iglesias sucks, and will NEVER hit at a big league level. NEVER...put this in your sig if you like.

 

He is valuable to a handful of teams in the AL. I think he has 10/5 rights as of this year and will NOT accept a trade to any team in the NL. He will also not accept a trade to a s***** team.

 

The reason he keeps signing 1 year deals with us, is because he is worthless in the NL and all the contending AL teams already have somebody who does what he does......for cheaper money.

[jung]

I do expect the Iggy will play somewhere as a ML SS, maybe not Boston though. The end of the steroid era means the end of big power numbers and a return to even greater reliance on pitching and defense. I think what you will see the end of is guys that are Utility Infielders like Aviles butchering SS on a daily basis.

[FredLynn]

An overpaid DH who will be an FA at the end of the season? I think you overestimate his value to other teams.

 

Iglesias has a .607 OPS this year. Sounds like he's not ready and needs more time.

 

Assigning 100% of the blame for Bard to the FO when it was a group decision seems a bit over the top.

 

No, he isn't worth a great deal, is he. He is, however, a legend in his own mind, and has no trouble telling the media that story. I say we get rid of him for whatever we can get in return because his toxic attitude could spread to our younger players like Middlebrooks and Kalish. He is a cancer on this team right now despite his performance. He can retire a Red Sox in the same way Pudge retired a Ranger-he can get a one day contract to return here to retire.

I agree with you and SCM that Iglesias is not ready now and very well could NEVER be ML ready if he cannot learn to hit the baseball. I have written that several times. Still, Valentine did want him up here for whatever reason, and I used Iggy as an example of Valentine not being allowed full control of the team the way he should.

And regarding Bard, it IS 100% on the FO. Bard expressed what he wanted to do-start. Thats fine. He can say whatever he likes as long as he does what he is told. And who tells him what to do? The FO. They gave him so much time as a SP that it ruined him. Thats on them, not Bard. To the end Bard considered himself a starter. Blaming Bard for this is like blaming a pawn for being captured by your opponent's queen: its the guys in charge of the game that are at fault, not the chess pieces themselves.

[jung]

I think if people think V wanted to use Iggy in every game as the starting SS that would have been a misread. I think ultimately you would have seen Iggy used in games where V considered Aviles offensive assets not so important and his defense an issue. We just saw a whole bunch of games just like that.

[SemperFi Sox]

Health

 

 

don't have a chance without it. The injury bug has f***ed us the past few seasons.

[a700hitter]

Health

 

 

don't have a chance without it. The injury bug has f***ed us the past few seasons.

Injuries are not the reason. Our competition has also had key injuries. Tampa has been without its best player Longoria for more than 2 months. He hasn't played since April 30th. Desmond Jennings missed a month and their closer coming into the season was Farnsworth. He missed 3 months and just returned. Tampa had far less talent to start with than the Red Sox. The Yankees have been without their #3 starter Pineda for the entire season. They lost Mo, the best closer in baseball history. Joba got done in by a trampoline. Brett Gardner has missed the entire season thus far.

 

It's not the injuries that have done us in. That's just a convenient excuse that the FO will promote and too many fans will accept.

 

Edit: The Rangers have lost 3 of their 5 starters to TJ surgery.