Alan Websters' Debut

[Dojji]

I think that's a subject worth bringing into the main board.

 

I didn't get the chance to watch the second game last night, but the box score looks very good. I wouldn't mind seeing Webster stick around and push Aceves back into the pen until Lackey is healthy, but from what I gather, that's not the plan at the moment.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I think that's a subject worth bringing into the main board.

 

I didn't get the chance to watch the second game last night, but the box score looks very good. I wouldn't mind seeing Webster stick around and push Aceves back into the pen until Lackey is healthy, but from what I gather, that's not the plan at the moment.

 

Well, Lackey is throwing in AA today and, if all goes well, will make his next start on Saturday. Aceves gets his final spot start tomorrow, so Webster obviously wouldn't be able to take that start.

 

If Lackey hits some kind of a speedbump, I can see the Sox considering this. Otherwise, Aceves moves to the pen, Wilson gets demoted, and Lackey starts on Saturday.

[redsoxbeatz]

Webster is pure money.

 

The more seasoning he gets in AAA the better, like slow-roasting some pork-butt.

 

Next year, when Lackey is gone-zo, Webster will step up. Hopefully Barnes, too. and De La Rosa.

 

I wonder how all this will play out.

[User Name]

Lackey won't be gone next year of even after next year. He's signed through '14 and they have an option on him for league minmum salary since he was operated on for a pre-existing elbow condition, as per a clause in his contract.

[a700hitter]

Webster is pure money.

 

The more seasoning he gets in AAA the better, like slow-roasting some pork-butt.

 

Next year, when Lackey is gone-zo, Webster will step up. Hopefully Barnes, too. and De La Rosa.

 

I wonder how all this will play out.

Barnes has been struggling at AA and De La Rosa hasn't had even a mediocre outing at AAA.

[Dojji]

Barnes has been struggling at AA and De La Rosa hasn't had even a mediocre outing at AAA.

 

It's a long season.

[a700hitter]

It's a long season.

Yes, it is a long season, but until they demonstrate mastery at those levels they will not be promoted.

[Dojji]

Sure, granted, but he said "hopefully next year." Mediocre of worse performances in the first 3 starts of this year are somewhat irrelevant

[a700hitter]

Sure, granted, but he said "hopefully next year." Mediocre of worse performances in the first 3 starts of this year are somewhat irrelevant

Agreed, but some guys do hit a ceiling and never progress. I was just pointing out that they have some work ahead to progress.

 

I have noticed that Renaudo is off to a fast start in Portland. He may take the next step before Barnes.

[FredLynn]

Lackey won't be gone next year of even after next year. He's signed through '14 and they have an option on him for league minmum salary since he was operated on for a pre-existing elbow condition, as per a clause in his contract.

 

I believe that there is a hitch in exercising that option. I could be wrong, but I think that his luxury tax hit is much larger than the league minimum if we do that. Maybe someone with more knowledge about the intricacies of his contract could elucidate this.

[BSN07]

Webster flashed some brilliance in that game. His composure on the mound was good also. He's def one to look forward too. FB was 93-97 with a seemingly effortless delivery.

[User Name]

I believe that there is a hitch in exercising that option. I could be wrong, but I think that his luxury tax hit is much larger than the league minimum if we do that. Maybe someone with more knowledge about the intricacies of his contract could elucidate this.

 

Yes, but if it has been or will be it would lessen the lux tax for this year and next (if it has been) or next year (if it will be)

[jacksonianmarch]

What I think benefitted Webster was his use of the FB-changeup combo. They both look not only similar to the hitters, but they look nearly the same to the viewer until you look at the mph. He had a bright future. I also think the ST guns are a little pumped up since he was really sitting 93-94 per the Fenway gun.

[SoxFanForsyth]

What I think benefitted Webster was his use of the FB-changeup combo. They both look not only similar to the hitters, but they look nearly the same to the viewer until you look at the mph. He had a bright future. I also think the ST guns are a little pumped up since he was really sitting 93-94 per the Fenway gun.

 

His 4 seamer averaged 95.45, topped out at 98, which is consistent with his ST results.

 

Plus I actually got to sit behind the Sox FO and they had a gun on Webster which I was able to read, and he was 94-97, touching 99.

[SoxSport]

Webster should replace Aceves in the rotation--right now. They need Aceves in the BP--with this one relief pitcher an inning regimen almost every game.

 

If Aceves doesn't like it, get rid of him. One Diva is enough for this team.

[VA Sox Fan]

Webster should replace Aceves in the rotation--right now. They need Aceves in the BP--with this one relief pitcher an inning regimen almost every game.

 

If Aceves doesn't like it, get rid of him. One Diva is enough for this team.

 

Not even cool or true.

[RedSoxNC84]

Webster should replace Aceves in the rotation--right now. They need Aceves in the BP--with this one relief pitcher an inning regimen almost every game.

 

If Aceves doesn't like it, get rid of him. One Diva is enough for this team.

 

I thought Aceves WAS the diva??

 

 

Either way Aceves would be better off in the swing role. He'll be back there once Lackey comes back. Maybe Webster can replace Doubront later on.

[BSN07]

What I think benefitted Webster was his use of the FB-changeup combo. They both look not only similar to the hitters, but they look nearly the same to the viewer until you look at the mph. He had a bright future. I also think the ST guns are a little pumped up since he was really sitting 93-94 per the Fenway gun.

 

That's one of the biggest things I noticed to when I was watching. That combo is going to be good for him.

[redsoxbeatz]

One thing that has improved Webster drastically is moving him on the rubber, closer to 1st base.

 

This has helped a lot of other pitchers mechanically even after multiple years in the bigs (Rodney, for one).

 

So, Webster = bright future!

 

He could potentially become a dominant #3 in the rotation. Lester/Buchholz/Webster could be one helluva 1-2-3 punch in 2014/15+

[Beaneater]

Right now, I classify the Punto trade in the "epic win" category. If Webster pans out as a serviceable #3, it will cross into "win of Biblical proportions."

 

If Rubby pans out too, even as a back-of-the-rotation innings-eater, it will move into Heathcliff Slocumb territory.

[BSN07]

Right now, I classify the Punto trade in the "epic win" category. If Webster pans out as a serviceable #3, it will cross into "win of Biblical proportions."

 

If Rubby pans out too, even as a back-of-the-rotation innings-eater, it will move into Heathcliff Slocumb territory.

 

That trade was a win on so many different levels it's mind boggling.

[Quinny]

Even if De La Rosa does not pan out in the rotation, I could easily see him as a late inning setup man. Obviously a guy that has a live fastball like that can usually fit into the bullpen. If we eventually get two useful major league pitchers from that trade, it will be a huge win for the sox.

[seabeachfred]

Webster should replace Aceves in the rotation--right now. They need Aceves in the BP--with this one relief pitcher an inning regimen almost every game.

 

If Aceves doesn't like it, get rid of him. One Diva is enough for this team.

 

It may have to come to that Sox Sport. We can't be using up the bullpen the way we have day after day, but keep in mind that Aceves wants to start and he hasn't looked that bad in that role, has he? Actually looked better as a starter than his work in relief. Of course we wouldn't even be having this conversation if Mortensen and Miller would be pitching better or if our two injured lefties on the DL were healthy.

 

Lackey ought to be back soon and there is always Webster down at Pawtucket, so it's not as if we don't have other options. Aceves' attitude seems to be better now and I wonder if starting has anything to do with it. Pitchers have comfort zones just as hitters do and I get the impression that Alfredo likes starting and it is something the team and him and are going to have to work through.

[BornToRun]

Even if De La Rosa does not pan out in the rotation, I could easily see him as a late inning setup man. Obviously a guy that has a live fastball like that can usually fit into the bullpen. If we eventually get two useful major league pitchers from that trade, it will be a huge win for the sox.

 

Not having to watch Carl Crawford anymore has already made the trade an epic win.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Keith Law said that if Webster can harness his control, he's got ace potential. That's not a word you hear a lot of scouts use, because it's an elite status.

 

I agree with Chad Finn - I think that this rotation is soon going to see a top 4 of Lester - Buchholz - Webster - Dempster, and either Lackey or Doubront at the end.

 

Devils Advocate - Do you trade Webster and Bogaerts (plus another mid level guy or two - Lavarnway and Cecchini?) for Mike Stanton?

[BornToRun]

Keith Law said that if Webster can harness his control, he's got ace potential. That's not a word you hear a lot of scouts use, because it's an elite status.

 

I agree with Chad Finn - I think that this rotation is soon going to see a top 4 of Lester - Buchholz - Webster - Dempster, and either Lackey or Doubront at the end.

 

Devils Advocate - Do you trade Webster and Bogaerts (plus another mid level guy or two - Lavarnway and Cecchini?) for Mike Stanton?

 

That's a tough one for me. Stanton is awesome but the potential value that lies with Xander and Webster is equally great in my opinion. I really don't like trading top prospects.

[mvp 78]

Only trade Webster if you're getting a SP in return.

[jung]

It really does not matter what AGons and Crawford do in LA. They were not on a path to do it here. While AGons BB numbers are back up and feeding into his OBP and he is still a doubles machine, he has never recovered his HR power. He is hitting them at a rate of about 1 every 9games. That is slightly better than the 1 every 10 game path he was on in Boston after the 2011 AS game and in LA last year. Even if he stays on the slightly better rate, that is far below what his expectations were and what his salary suggests. Plus every time he opened his mouth it would be like chalk on a blackboard for Boston fans. His act probably gets a little more mileage out there.

 

Crawford appears to have turned it around at least at the plate. However I don't think he would have here.

[dupree]

Not having to watch Carl Crawford anymore has already made the trade an epic win.

 

Agreed.

[Orange Juiced]

Keith Law said that if Webster can harness his control, he's got ace potential. That's not a word you hear a lot of scouts use, because it's an elite status.

 

I agree with Chad Finn - I think that this rotation is soon going to see a top 4 of Lester - Buchholz - Webster - Dempster, and either Lackey or Doubront at the end.

 

Devils Advocate - Do you trade Webster and Bogaerts (plus another mid level guy or two - Lavarnway and Cecchini?) for Mike Stanton?

 

I'd love to have Stanton in the worst way. Webster looks like he has the goods to be very, very, very good though. Tough call, and an interesting trade proposition.