2013 Red Sox predictions.

[SoxSport]

They're due for some good luck, so they might wind up a few games over .500. That's if the pitching pans out and they stick to a defense-minded team. Which they won't as soon as Ortiz and Drew come back.

It's a tough division, and I doubt any team will break out of the pack, unless it's Toronto--if their pitching holds up.

The media consensus is they are somewhere in the middle of the pack in the division.

[jimbob728]

I think the analysts that have the Red Sox finishing at the bottom of the pack have really not taken into account the reasons they tanked last year. Injuries and Bobby Valentine. With the exception of Ortiz, everything has changed. You might call me Nostra Dumb Ass for predicting a 1st place finish but that's what I see.

 

The Blue Jays will be the biggest disappointment in MLB. With prima donnas like Reyes and Dickey and a hot head douche bag for a manager there will be a lot of stress in that clubhouse. And maybe this is the year that Bautista finally gets nailed for HGH or some other PED. I don't think you go from 13 HR to 54 in one season by just watching video and adjusting your swing. If so everybody would watch a helluva lot more video. Melky will sit out 100 games when the s*** hits the fan. Johnson will get hurt by May 15th and Buehrle will be the best thing they picked up in the trade.

 

Also on the Dickey topic, Wakefield seemed to be good every other year. It is Dickey's time to choke as many American league batters have seen knuckle ball pitchers in their careers.

 

The Rays won't hit for s***. The Orioles will return to their rightful place in the cellar. And the Yankees remind me of an old Month Python skit about the famed "Walker Brigade." A group of old military paratroopers that jumped from plane carrying their walkers.

[a700hitter]

I think the analysts that have the Red Sox finishing at the bottom of the pack have really not taken into account the reasons they tanked last year. Injuries and Bobby Valentine. With the exception of Ortiz, everything has changed. You might call me Nostra Dumb Ass for predicting a 1st place finish but that's what I see.

 

The Blue Jays will be the biggest disappointment in MLB. With prima donnas like Reyes and Dickey and a hot head douche bag for a manager there will be a lot of stress in that clubhouse. And maybe this is the year that Bautista finally gets nailed for HGH or some other PED. I don't think you go from 13 HR to 54 in one season by just watching video and adjusting your swing. If so everybody would watch a helluva lot more video. Melky will sit out 100 games when the s*** hits the fan. Johnson will get hurt by May 15th and Buehrle will be the best thing they picked up in the trade.

 

Also on the Dickey topic, Wakefield seemed to be good every other year. It is Dickey's time to choke as many American league batters have seen knuckle ball pitchers in their careers.

 

The Rays won't hit for s***. The Orioles will return to their rightful place in the cellar. And the Yankees remind me of an old Month Python skit about the famed "Walker Brigade." A group of old military paratroopers that jumped from plane carrying their walkers.

You are out there on your own on this prediction. The NESN Homers won't even give them a chance at that.

[jung]

The s*** may well hit the fan but last I heard there are actually 100 MLB names on that BioG client list. I have yet to see a full listing of MLB players from their client list and I have yet to see any Red Sox named. 100 ballplayers is one hell of a lotta' MLers.

[SoxFanForsyth]

You are out there on your own on this prediction. The NESN Homers won't even give them a chance at that.

 

Actually Curt Schilling took the Sox to win the division.

 

He is the same guy who said that last year was going to be very bad under Valentine on March 29th, and he said the Sox were going to blow the lead in September of 2011.

[Palodios]

You are out there on your own on this prediction. The NESN Homers won't even give them a chance at that.

 

I just don't understand what is wrong with his point. The five biggest problems with this team last year were:

 

1) The starting pitching

2) Injuries (or GMs building a team with many injury prone players, your pick)

3) Bullpen's failures in late innings, despite strong general stats.

4) Power failure mid season

5) Manager destroyed clubhouse chemistry.

 

#3 and #5 are pretty much fixed. #2 and #4 will be something we watch for, but so far most of the team is healthy, or there has been a solid replacement for them. That leaves #1.

 

This staff has done absolutely everything they could to impress us over the last few months. Almost the entire pitching staff went to ST weeks early. Lackey lost somewhere from 20-40 pounds. Buchholz and Lester were #1 and #2 in baseball for ERA in ST. They need to show results in real games. But if they pitch like they did in ST, what's stopping this team?

[a700hitter]

I just don't understand what is wrong with his point. The five biggest problems with this team last year were:

 

1) The starting pitching

2) Injuries (or GMs building a team with many injury prone players, your pick)

3) Bullpen's failures in late innings, despite strong general stats.

4) Power failure mid season

5) Manager destroyed clubhouse chemistry.

 

#3 and #5 are pretty much fixed. #2 and #4 will be something we watch for, but so far most of the team is healthy, or there has been a solid replacement for them. That leaves #1.

 

This staff has done absolutely everything they could to impress us over the last few months. Almost the entire pitching staff went to ST weeks early. Lackey lost somewhere from 20-40 pounds. Buchholz and Lester were #1 and #2 in baseball for ERA in ST. They need to show results in real games. But if they pitch like they did in ST, what's stopping this team?

I just noted that he was the only first place prediction that I had read or heard until SFF brought Schill's prediction to my attention. Are you on record predicting the Sox to finish first?

[Palodios]

I just noted that he was the only first place prediction that I had read or heard until SFF brought Schill's prediction to my attention. Are you on record predicting the Sox to finish first?

 

As I've said a few times this offseason, I've gotten to the point this offseason where I sometimes get out of hand just talking about this team:lol: Now that we're here, I've been saying second place ALE, with a wildcard.

[seabeachfred]

I just don't understand what is wrong with his point. The five biggest problems with this team last year were:

 

1) The starting pitching

2) Injuries (or GMs building a team with many injury prone players, your pick)

3) Bullpen's failures in late innings, despite strong general stats.

4) Power failure mid season

5) Manager destroyed clubhouse chemistry.

 

#3 and #5 are pretty much fixed. #2 and #4 will be something we watch for, but so far most of the team is healthy, or there has been a solid replacement for them. That leaves #1.

 

This staff has done absolutely everything they could to impress us over the last few months. Almost the entire pitching staff went to ST weeks early. Lackey lost somewhere from 20-40 pounds. Buchholz and Lester were #1 and #2 in baseball for ERA in ST. They need to show results in real games. But if they pitch like they did in ST, what's stopping this team?

 

I saw what was going on in our dugout today and I was damn impressed by the spirit of the team that I hardly saw at all last year. It looks like John Farrell might have an elixir our team needed badly, and he apparently has had a very positive reaction from the pitchers who showed up early in ST and have done a helluva job up to now. Today we seemed like a totally different team that the one I saw and despised last season.

[SoxSport]

It's still early, but it looks like the speed and defense lineup may be the one Farrell might want to stick to.

This runs counter to the lineup the FO gave him, save for Victorino. It would be typical of baseball if they suddenly found themselves with no need for Drew at SS, and even none for Ortiz. Though I suspect Papi and Gomes may be platooned at DH. I don't expect Ortiz to come back to his pre-injury form in the first half of the season--if he ever does. Which means he will probably need a platoon. As for SS, Iggy shines on D, and it's a matter of him hitting a little, and using his speed to his advantage--which he did opening day.

[kapsis21]

I just don't understand what is wrong with his point. The five biggest problems with this team last year were:

 

1) The starting pitching

2) Injuries (or GMs building a team with many injury prone players, your pick)

3) Bullpen's failures in late innings, despite strong general stats.

4) Power failure mid season

5) Manager destroyed clubhouse chemistry.

 

#3 and #5 are pretty much fixed. #2 and #4 will be something we watch for, but so far most of the team is healthy, or there has been a solid replacement for them. That leaves #1.

 

This staff has done absolutely everything they could to impress us over the last few months. Almost the entire pitching staff went to ST weeks early. Lackey lost somewhere from 20-40 pounds. Buchholz and Lester were #1 and #2 in baseball for ERA in ST. They need to show results in real games. But if they pitch like they did in ST, what's stopping this team?

 

THIS all of THIS.. and I am with you. i am cautiously optimistic about our team. its way too early so only time will tell. but we have bullpen depth we have better outfielders and better run defenders. and we have Farrell. he seems like the messiah to me right now

 

am i the only one who thinks his voice and presence means something to the clubhouse, what he says is taken seriously compared to Bobby V. or something similar to Cito Gaston

 

I saw what was going on in our dugout today and I was damn impressed by the spirit of the team that I hardly saw at all last year. It looks like John Farrell might have an elixir our team needed badly, and he apparently has had a very positive reaction from the pitchers who showed up early in ST and have done a helluva job up to now. Today we seemed like a totally different team that the one I saw and despised last season.

 

you and i are on the same page sir!

[seabeachfred]

It's still early, but it looks like the speed and defense lineup may be the one Farrell might want to stick to.

This runs counter to the lineup the FO gave him, save for Victorino. It would be typical of baseball if they suddenly found themselves with no need for Drew at SS, and even none for Ortiz. Though I suspect Papi and Gomes may be platooned at DH. I don't expect Ortiz to come back to his pre-injury form in the first half of the season--if he ever does. Which means he will probably need a platoon. As for SS, Iggy shines on D, and it's a matter of him hitting a little, and using his speed to his advantage--which he did opening day.

 

The fact is Ortiz is a slow starter most of the time even with a full Spring Training and a slew of games. He has NONE this season and if and when he is ready will most likely be put in the heart of the lineup. That could be catastophic because if he doesn't hit we would be a lot worse off with him in there than either Gomes or Bradley. And we certainly need Gomes in there against LH pitchers who he normally eats up. I also wonder if Farrell would have the courage to sit Papi down against southpaws or bench him entirely if he stinks up the joint. Remember FrancoMa couldn't bring himself to do that in 2009 when Ortiz had his first big washout. Some pundit writing for the Globe estimated that because of all the men Papi left on base and his total lack of production the team lost about seven or eight games they could have won in the early going. Also remember we were ahead by three at the ASB. I think we could have used a half dozen more games ahead of the Yankees by that time.

 

As for Iggy, one game does not make a season. We have to see in the early going if he is going to be able to hit, bunt for hits, beat out infield hits and hit an occasional rope or two. If he does the team will then have to make a decision, though I'm still convinced that Drew could play a decent enough SS and give us more bang for the buck at the plate. We'll see.

[jung]

I agree that Iggy still has to prove himself. However I have had it up to the neckline with the "decent enough" Red Sox SS that gives us more bang for the buck at the plate. Drew has the potential to be a far better defensive SS than the dregs that the Sox usually settle for. However IF Iggy can hit .240 or better and more importantly maintain a decent OBP, I would much prefer his exemplary defense to anybody's decent defense at the position of SS. By the end of ST he was taking balls 4' the other side of 2nd base with Pedey just in lala land over not having to stand on his ear at 2nd base. Just the saved wear and tear on Pedey would be worth it.

[Bellhorn04]

I agree that Iggy still has to prove himself. However I have had it up to the neckline with the "decent enough" Red Sox SS that gives us more bang for the buck at the plate. Drew has the potential to be a far better defensive SS than the dregs that the Sox usually settle for. However IF Iggy can hit .240 or better and more importantly maintain a decent OBP, I would much prefer his exemplary defense to anybody's decent defense at the position of SS. By the end of ST he was taking balls 4' the other side of 2nd base with Pedey just in lala land over not having to stand on his ear at 2nd base. Just the saved wear and tear on Pedey would be worth it.

 

Good point there, jung.

[a700hitter]

We are all hopeful about the season, but this is a "prediction" thread. If people think they will win the Division, grow a pair and make the prediction.

[BSN07]

I predicted 2nd ALE with a WC birth. Rays still have the best Starting rotation and least amount of ? imo, so I gave the division to them.

[Palodios]

I'll tell you one thing-- the Red Sox are certainly not a last place team in this division.

[a700hitter]

I'll tell you one thing-- the Red Sox are certainly not a last place team in this division.

The Yankees look like dogshit right now. They could find themselves buried deep in the division very quickly.

[jung]

It it were not for idiot Ace, the Yanks would have been lucky to put up another two spot tonight.

 

Girardi looks like the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys all in one, post game. He "likes" the Yankee at bats tonight..yup....good luck with that Joe.

[VA Sox Fan]

It it were not for idiot Ace, the Yanks would have been lucky to put up another two spot tonight.

 

Girardi looks like the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys all in one, post game. He "likes" the Yankee at bats tonight..yup....good luck with that Joe.

 

He always has that "I'm constipated" look on his face.

[jung]

I almost wish I got the NY Post. I would not be surprised to see those big goofy Girardi ears right on the back page with a big "clueless" question mark next to them.

[seabeachfred]

It it were not for idiot Ace, the Yanks would have been lucky to put up another two spot tonight.

 

Girardi looks like the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys all in one, post game. He "likes" the Yankee at bats tonight..yup....good luck with that Joe.

 

I don't mind Aceves pitching for us---AS LONG AS WE HAVE A SIX RUN LEAD OR MORE. !!! Now you know why this guy must never be put in a close situation ever again....NEVER. This guy is capable of giving up the big homer on the drop of a hat.

[iortiz]

The Yankees look like dogshit right now. They could find themselves buried deep in the division very quickly.

 

they are probably the worst team in baseball right now.

[SCM33]

I reminded everyone all year about how much they would suck last year from spring training on.....

 

This year, I will keep reminding everyone that I predicted at least 90 wins.

[SCM33]

I don't mind Aceves pitching for us---AS LONG AS WE HAVE A SIX RUN LEAD OR MORE. !!! Now you know why this guy must never be put in a close situation ever again....NEVER. This guy is capable of giving up the big homer on the drop of a hat.

 

You are the most reactionary fan I have ever seen Fred. It is quite pathetic.

 

You completely forgot about 2011 already? You completely forgot about his career numbers already? After 1 appearance you have already made a judgement about the entire season? What a joke, now I remember the punchline you are associated with.

 

seabeachfred should be known as fairweatherfred.

[iortiz]

I reminded everyone all year about how much they would suck last year from spring training on.....

 

This year, I will keep reminding everyone that I predicted at least 90 wins.

 

Hopefully you are right SCM.

 

Tomo comence our true ?s #3-#5.

[SoxFanForsyth]

You are the most reactionary fan I have ever seen Fred. It is quite pathetic.

 

You completely forgot about 2011 already? You completely forgot about his career numbers already? After 1 appearance you have already made a judgement about the entire season? What a joke, now I remember the punchline you are associated with.

 

seabeachfred should be known as fairweatherfred.

 

Yup.

 

See: Daniel Bard in Game 1 of 2011 - 0.2 IP, 4 ER (53.73 ERA)

 

Then, See: Daniel Bard, Games 4 (his next appearance) through Game 135: 58 G, 61.1 IP, 1.47 ERA.

[jung]

Although I am not sure if you are taking exception to the way Fred has criticized Ace or if it is more about criticizing him in the first place, it is not one appearance.

 

In the first place Ace's reputation is to put in a good year to year and a half and then turn into a royal pain in the ass who carries his s*** with him everywhere including the mound. That is what he did in NY and it looks like the same pattern here. He is a card carrying dick-head, a few sandwiches short of a full picnic.

 

In the second place at the end of last year he completely gave up. If you watched how he pitched at the end of last year, that is what giving up and giving in looks like for a pitcher. He just threw in the towel and rolled meatball after meatball right down main street as if straight as an arrow FB's regardless of their velo were going to beat anybody. They promptly got deposited, as they should have. So I no longer buy the tough guy argument. He is as tough as the school yard bully that just needs to get whacked across the mouth to cave.

 

2011 was part of the grace period Ace usually allows you before he hits you with the real Ace. The shame if it is that if he could kept his head screwed on straight and did not carry his ******** out onto the mound with him, he would likely be a valuable asset for somebody for more than one season at a time.

[seabeachfred]

Although I am not sure if you are taking exception to the way Fred has criticized Ace or if it is more about criticizing him in the first place, it is not one appearance.

 

In the first place Ace's reputation is to put in a good year to year and a half and then turn into a royal pain in the ass who carries his s*** with him everywhere including the mound. That is what he did in NY and it looks like the same pattern here. He is a card carrying dick-head, a few sandwiches short of a full picnic.

 

In the second place at the end of last year he completely gave up. If you watched how he pitched at the end of last year, that is what giving up and giving in looks like for a pitcher. He just threw in the towel and rolled meatball after meatball right down main street as if straight as an arrow FB's regardless of their velo were going to beat anybody. They promptly got deposited, as they should have. So I no longer buy the tough guy argument. He is as tough as the school yard bully that just needs to get whacked across the mouth to cave.

 

2011 was part of the grace period Ace usually allows you before he hits you with the real Ace. The shame if it is that if he could kept his head screwed on straight and did not carry his ******** out onto the mound with him, he would likely be a valuable asset for somebody for more than one season at a time.

 

That was like a bolt out of the blue Jung and very surprised SCM came out with that kind of s***. It is almost like he was in suspended animation most of last season when Aceves kept blowing saves and getting his ass reamed with those meatballs he was throwing up there. He was pure horseshit on the mound by the summer of last year and his attitude was even worse. He is no closer---that was one of my main points and, yes, I don't like to see him in there with less than a five or six run lead. Both he and Miller give me the hives.

 

Anyone who can defend Aceves over what he did last season ought to have his head examined because he was a total dickhead, pure and simple. When he threw that meatball last night to Wells it brought back miserable memories of so many of his piss poor jobs last season. As for SFF, bringing up Bard was idiotic. Yes, his first performance in 2011 was bad and from then on he did very well. I didn't criticize him but I certainly could have because the last month of the 2011 season he was as s***** as Aceves was last year. He lost nine games for us in 2011 and on a half dozen occasions surrendered a lead he interited. Surprised SFF brought him up at all. Anyway, I hope that clears this up.

[SCM33]

That was like a bolt out of the blue Jung and very surprised SCM came out with that kind of s***. It is almost like he was in suspended animation most of last season when Aceves kept blowing saves and getting his ass reamed with those meatballs he was throwing up there. He was pure horseshit on the mound by the summer of last year and his attitude was even worse. He is no closer---that was one of my main points and, yes, I don't like to see him in there with less than a five or six run lead. Both he and Miller give me the hives.

 

Anyone who can defend Aceves over what he did last season ought to have his head examined because he was a total dickhead, pure and simple. When he threw that meatball last night to Wells it brought back miserable memories of so many of his piss poor jobs last season. As for SFF, bringing up Bard was idiotic. Yes, his first performance in 2011 was bad and from then on he did very well. I didn't criticize him but I certainly could have because the last month of the 2011 season he was as s***** as Aceves was last year. He lost nine games for us in 2011 and on a half dozen occasions surrendered a lead he interited. Surprised SFF brought him up at all. Anyway, I hope that clears this up.

 

He is not the closer this year. What does any of that have to do with this year?

 

He was 10-2 with a 2.61 in 2011 with 2 saves.

He was 2-10 with a 5.36 in 2012 with 25 saves.

It was 2 polar opposite seasons. Last year he was forced in to a role that was not best suitable for his talent.

 

In 2 years he has pitched in 124 games and thrown 198 innings. He is 12-12 with 25 saves and a 3.77 ERA. Not bad from a reliever.

 

After 1 pitch to Wells, you have discounted his entire career and abilities. That is a little reactionary.