A700's Spring Training Thoughts and Observations

[reYoukilis]

Jake Peavy cut his non pitching hand yet they say he may require a DL stint? That's interesting. Fit a custom glove over the hand and pitch simulated games to build the arm strength. I find this very strange

What, you cant pitch a simulated game on DL? It sounds like a deep cut with a large bandage that he'll have to wear so wont be able to wear a glove very well. I have no problem with it though, more work for the young guns and more rest for the old guns.

[jacksonianmarch]

Even with the bandage, though, I am sure they could put something on his hand that can simulate the weight of the glove to get his arm stretched out.

[a700hitter]

I saw the old Yaz when he was 22 in '61, his first year in Boston. He had two years in the minors, and hit a ton there both years. He comes to the Red Sox in '61 as Ted Williams' heir apparent in LF. He hits a modest .266 with a .327 OBP, 11 HRs. There is hope, Will Middlebrooks. Didn't pull the ball. Lots of doubles off the LF wall. I remember one game against the O's he pulled a "frozen rope" four feet off the ground to RF that was caught at the warning track. About as hard a ball as I've ever seen hit. An omen for things to come. His power, avg and OBP increase over the next few years, culminating in that monster triple crown year he had in '67. He was about as good a player who ever played for that one year. The other thing I remember is the monster playoffs he had in the late 70s against the As, when he moved back to LF from 1B due to injuries. Played a great LF in that series. He remains the greatest Red Sox defensive left fielder, and one of the greatest ever at that position.

 

I just saw his grandson briefly yesterday, but he didn't show very much. I see more of Yaz's great swing in Nava batting left handed than I did in his grandson. but that was only one at bat. Wonder why the Red Sox didn't sign him.

They did draft him, but it was in a late round and they offered very little money. He decided to go to Vanderbilt and the O's drafted him out of Vanderbilt. The kid is small, but very fast. He has good range in the OF and an adequate arm. I saw the kid take BP,and I did see similarities to his old grand dad.

[a700hitter]

Rubby looked awful today. Terrible command and when he did throw strikes they hit him very hard. He's on his way to palooka-ville.

[Bellhorn04]

Rubby De Palooka

[Dojji]

Rubby looked awful today. Terrible command and when he did throw strikes they hit him very hard. He's on his way to palooka-ville.

 

After one bad game in the spring? Come on a700 you're smarter than that.

[a700hitter]

After one bad game in the spring? Come on a700 you're smarter than that.

I saw him last spring, followed him during the season in the minors and watched him in his short stint for the Sox. He is not progressing at all. He is far removed from his surgery so he should have regained command, but he has not. I am not sticking a fork in the kid, but he appears to me to be on the road to palooka-ville or oblivion. They will give him every opportunity, but I doubt that he can be more than a bullpen guy someday.

[MANNYHOF24]

http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2014/03/signing_jon_lester_david_ortiz_part_of_building_dynasty

 

 

This article made me pretty aroused.

[seabeachfred]

After one bad game in the spring? Come on a700 you're smarter than that.

 

Come on Dojii, even I warned you about this guy last season. He throws radar balls......when he get the ball over the plate, and that means screaming line drives all over the ballpark. He stunk is his short term with us last season, he wasn't all that good in the minors either in 2013, he got bombed when he played for the Dodgers in 2010, and he looked like s*** warmed over yesterday. Palookaville might be too good a place for him. I went around with the disappearing User Name over Delarosa all last season and since he is not here to defend Rubby Doobie I guess you can pick up the mantle. He is a mediocrity in every sense of the word and that might also describe Alan Webster who also got hit tits lit in his debut in ST and most likely will get hit around again tomorrow. Neither one of those two seems destined to do much for us because IMHO they are a couple of underachieving bums.

[SoxSport]

Seems like the Sox are spending an awful lot of time looking at a awful lot of minor league pitchers who are looking awful. Time to get the regulars some work.

[a700hitter]

Seems like the Sox are spending an awful lot of time looking at a awful lot of minor league pitchers who are looking awful. Time to get the regulars some work.

It's just the first week of camp. The regulars will start going 3 or 4 innings next week.

[seabeachfred]

Seems like the Sox are spending an awful lot of time looking at a awful lot of minor league pitchers who are looking awful. Time to get the regulars some work.

 

As 700 said it is only the first week of games. However, it looks like the teams we're playing have better stiffs than we do because we're getting our butts handed to us. These pitchers we've been using should be out stealing hub caps instead of pitching because they look pathetic out there. We better start winning at least a few of these games.

[Jaddy]

I saw some cool pics on Twitter of the all-stars watching Big John throw a sim game today. Pedro, Lester, Buchh, Yaz, Evans and Nieves all looking on. Did you catch any of that a700hitter? That's one of those cool moments that only happen in baseball spring training.

[Jaddy]

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/441585397987282944/photo/1/large

 

and

 

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/441589241693626368/photo/1/large

[a700hitter]

I saw some cool pics on Twitter of the all-stars watching Big John throw a sim game today. Pedro, Lester, Buchh, Yaz, Evans and Nieves all looking on. Did you catch any of that a700hitter? That's one of those cool moments that only happen in baseball spring training.

Once they start playing sheduled games, fans can't get into watch workouts on non-game days. I would love to get into watch the workouts. One of the things that I liked about City of Palms Park was that the batting cages and extra pitching mounds were in leftfield and you could see them do their work.

[win red sox]

Scott Lauber ‏@scottlauber 3 min.

A few days ago, Lester and Lackey pulled aside Allen Webster for a video session that led to mechanical changes. 3 scoreless innings today

 

Webster probably has the best "stuff" in the org, if he learns some control his ceiling is a front of the rotation starter.

[seabeachfred]

Scott Lauber ‏@scottlauber 3 min.

A few days ago, Lester and Lackey pulled aside Allen Webster for a video session that led to mechanical changes. 3 scoreless innings today

 

Webster probably has the best "stuff" in the org, if he learns some control his ceiling is a front of the rotation starter.

 

Well let's see if this was a mirage or whether Lackey and Lester really got to the guy and he's about to start earning his keep. It is obvious to all of you that I don't hold this guy in too high esteem but would love to be proven wrong. Let's see how he does his next two or three times out.

[vjcsmoke]

Come on Dojii, even I warned you about this guy last season. He throws radar balls......when he get the ball over the plate, and that means screaming line drives all over the ballpark. He stunk is his short term with us last season, he wasn't all that good in the minors either in 2013, he got bombed when he played for the Dodgers in 2010, and he looked like s*** warmed over yesterday. Palookaville might be too good a place for him. I went around with the disappearing User Name over Delarosa all last season and since he is not here to defend Rubby Doobie I guess you can pick up the mantle. He is a mediocrity in every sense of the word and that might also describe Alan Webster who also got hit tits lit in his debut in ST and most likely will get hit around again tomorrow. Neither one of those two seems destined to do much for us because IMHO they are a couple of underachieving bums.

 

Tell us how you REALLY feel!! LOL. Seriously, is it that much more fun to bury these kids before giving them a chance to work it through? Youngsters always have growing pains. Particularly for the pitching position, it usually takes a while before the 'light switch' goes on at the big league level.

 

Anyways how are XB, Middlebrooks, and JBJ looking guys who are personally observing the ST?

[reYoukilis]

Im all for letting the youngsters pitch. For one thing its valuable experience, two, its the only time Farrell gets to see them and three, because we played in the WS, our pitchers threw more than any other pitchers not counting injuries, something that may add up at the end of the year.

[a700hitter]

Fans that go to Spring Training are the best. No pink hats, just hardcore diehards. This couple is a great example, and no, MVP, this is not a picture of me and Fred. lol!!

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]179[/ATTACH]

[a700hitter]

In today's game against the Braves, Doubs went 4 innings throwing free and easy sitting at 90-91 topping out at 92. He had good command and movement and a bunch of k's. He madeit look easy. I think hewill havea big year.

 

Koji threw an inning throwing nothing but strikes as usual.

 

Mujica the same as Koji

 

Tazawa continues to have problems with HR balls.

 

Brown, Herrera and Lavs put together hits in the big inning.

 

Sizemore is running well and swining the bat okay too. I think he will play a big role on this team.

 

Middlebrooks is making contact at a good rate and hitting the ball the other was-- a good sign.

 

Vasquez is great behind the plate, but I was surprised at how small he is.

[Dojji]

Fans that go to Spring Training are the best. No pink hats, just hardcore diehards. This couple is a great example, and no, MVP, this is not a picture of me and Fred. lol!!

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]179[/ATTACH]

 

that is absolutely adorable. Good for them, and I hope they stay together for as long as God permits them to remain.

[Dojji]

Vasquez is great behind the plate, but I was surprised at how small he is.

 

*looks it up*

 

A 5'9" catcher per baseball reference. And given how these things tend to pad the number a little bit, that might be a gentleman's 5'9". I guess we know know what Pedroia would be like if he'd strapped the pads on.

 

Well if he can play that's fine but you have to think that some of the larger baserunners are going to take his size as a green light to run him on a close play at the plate, so it is a concern. Hope he can take it.

[Spudboy]

*looks it up*

 

A 5'9" catcher per baseball reference. And given how these things tend to pad the number a little bit, that might be a gentleman's 5'9". I guess we know know what Pedroia would be like if he'd strapped the pads on.

 

Well if he can play that's fine but you have to think that some of the larger base runners are going to take his size as a green light to run him on a close play at the plate, so it is a concern. Hope he can take it.

 

 

I don't think that being shorter will get him run on or intimidated. In fact, I doubt that his height will be an issue nor a determining factor is his career arc.

 

The ability to play skillful defense and being able to put wood on the ball are all that matters now and later.

[seabeachfred]

Fans that go to Spring Training are the best. No pink hats, just hardcore diehards. This couple is a great example, and no, MVP, this is not a picture of me and Fred. lol!!

 

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Good one Ted......LMAO reading that. Tell me though, do you thing this miserable ST record we have so far is going to result in another miserable start, circa 2009, 2010 and 2011? I know Farrell wants to look at the kid pitchers but some of these duds like Celestino, Villarreal, Couch and Delarosa have looked like s***, and we still do not play our regulars two or three games in a row so they can get their timing. Papi looks lost at the plate and though it is early, a slow start for him could be fatal for us. Pedroia isn't doing much either at the moment. Frankly, I'm sort of in a semi-panic mode watching the team get slaughtered by the Orioles tonight. I just think we need to start winning some games.

[SoxSport]

The tweets are alive with Henry's reply to the Marlins saying they should improve their team regular season instead of complaining about the quality of their opposition in ST games. LOL.

 

True the Red Sox are playing some kids most have never heard of, and most of those are not playing very well. But so are most of the other teams. Trouble is any controversy like this just plays into the hands of the NY dominated media who hate the Red Sox. The Red Sox, reigning champions and baseball's best team right now, become the subject of controversy for playing too many kids in ST!

 

MLB network is showing ST games every day now. One thing you can be sure of is one game will involve the Yankees, usually afternoon, and the other game will involve the Dodgers, usually evening. A lot of fans don't realize MLB network is pretty much run by CBS-NY. Strictly big market orientation. It isn't NESN.

[SoxSport]

Middlebrooks hit a HR today--to RF. The good is he is hitting the ball where it's pitched. The bad is he has to pull the ball more to hit 30 HRs.

 

So far, so good with Sizemore. But they are cautious enough to know they can't lean on him too much too soon.

 

It's about that time when the regulars started getting more work, especially the pitchers. This team has to be ready to win right out of the box.

 

I expect Mujica will replace Tazawa at setup.

[SoxSport]

...and from the Herald this morning:

 

http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2014/03/healthy_sizemore_battles_bradley_for_starting_job

 

Sizemore has done everything right so far, but he has a long way to go yet to prove his durability. Can he play every day? One setback and he is probably finished, so they have to go easy with him. What about Bradley? Is the competition good or bad for him? Hard to say. The article says there is no roster spot for him if Sizemore makes it. I guess that means there is also no roster spot for Drew, either.

 

Funny how the media always has to build up conflict, and take a stand. There is a suggestion here of lining up against Bradley and even Bogaerts--with the petty criticism on the tweets of his SS range, based on one or two ground balls. Here is a kid who could be the all-star SS.

Managers and GMs must have fits about what is written and said about their players--especially this time of year when there isn't much of substance to say. Hopefully, the kids have their ear muffs on.

 

Getting back to Sizemore/Bradley, this looks like a healthy competition to me, because I suspect the winner will make everybody fast forget Ellsbury and his 50 fantasy SBs.

Edited March 9, 2014 by SoxSport

[reYoukilis]

Hey, if theyre too sensitive to take criticism, warranted or not, imagine what itll be like up in Boston.

 

Having said that, Im rooting for both but think Bradley should be given the benefit of the doubt because if Sizemore's comeback hits a snag it might put a bad taste in Bradley's mouth if they say, "hey buddy we need ya now". More than anything though Bradley needs to do better. He did have a great two run hit today on what was his weakness last year, the inside pitch.

 

I realize what the article says about there being no room for both but is that true because I can see a three way sharing of RF and CF with Sizemore, Bradley, and Victorino.

[SoxSport]

Hey, if theyre too sensitive to take criticism, warranted or not, imagine what itll be like up in Boston.

 

Having said that, Im rooting for both but think Bradley should be given the benefit of the doubt because if Sizemore's comeback hits a snag it might put a bad taste in Bradley's mouth if they say, "hey buddy we need ya now". More than anything though Bradley needs to do better. He did have a great two run hit today on what was his weakness last year, the inside pitch.

 

I realize what the article says about there being no room for both but is that true because I can see a three way sharing of RF and CF with Sizemore, Bradley, and Victorino.

 

Possible they would trade Carp, but he's part of their strength--depth. Plus they would have no backup to Nap at 1B except Ortiz.

 

I figure Bradley has to show something, or he goes to Pawtucket if Sizemore looks good. But Sizemore could go down at any time, so Bradley needs to be close by.

The roster situation is complicated because teams carry 1 or 2 more pitchers these days, with heavier use of the BP. You wonder why Baseball doesn't just increase the roster size by 1 or 2. What's the difference.