Is the actual rotation the worst in the last 10 Y?

[Kimmi]

And as I noted in another thread, the league will adjust to him now that they have some tape, so he will need to adjust back - often the sticking point for young pitchers. But I certainly liked what I saw a lot, although I don't think his fastball is consistently mid-90's - I think he can touch mid-90's but think he relies more on location with it than pure power.

 

Like most young pitchers, he will most surely go through some growing pains. Like you said, it'll be a matter of how he adjusts back.

[Kimmi]

It was just one start. You are right about that but based on what he has done since the Sox acquired him compared to Masterson and Kelly personally(certainly just my opinion), I would take my chances with the kid. I think like most that he has great potential. I get the fact that no one wants to rush him. I just don't want him to waste starts in Pawtucket. No leash for Masterson-short leash for Kelly. Rodriguez stays, Johnson or Owens get the next look if Kelly can't get it done. I would get Barnes out of the bullpen at some point as well.

 

I have no disagreement with this.

[Kimmi]

I was reading an article on why Porcello's home run and line drive rates are up this year, and his ground ball rate is down. In the past, Porcello has thrown his sinker close to 50% of the time. This year, his sinkerball usage is down to 31%. He's throwing his 4-seam fastball more, which is resulting in more strikeouts, but also more hard hit balls.

 

The question is why? Was this a Red Sox philosophy or something that he started in Detroit? Someone commented on the article saying that the Sox are banking on this approach eventually paying off, once Porcello can locate the 4 seamer better.

[Spudboy]

I was reading an article on why Porcello's home run and line drive rates are up this year, and his ground ball rate is down. In the past, Porcello has thrown his sinker close to 50% of the time. This year, his sinkerball usage is down to 31%. He's throwing his 4-seam fastball more, which is resulting in more strikeouts, but also more hard hit balls.

 

The question is why? Was this a Red Sox philosophy or something that he started in Detroit? Someone commented on the article saying that the Sox are banking on this approach eventually paying off, once Porcello can locate the 4 seamer better.

 

I'm a Porcello fan but I have some difficulty in understanding how he could be a starter for 5 years and not have 4 seam location and command.

 

And I don't like that his approach has been changed for whatever reason. It's one thing to evolve as a pitcher. It's another to have your strengths taken away becasue someone else says it the way to go.

 

But who knows.

 

Good post Kimmi.

[User Name]

The Red Sox coaching seems to have no idea what they're doing. I'm an optimist, but I call a spade a spade.

[iortiz]

I was reading an article on why Porcello's home run and line drive rates are up this year, and his ground ball rate is down. In the past, Porcello has thrown his sinker close to 50% of the time. This year, his sinkerball usage is down to 31%. He's throwing his 4-seam fastball more, which is resulting in more strikeouts, but also more hard hit balls.

 

The question is why? Was this a Red Sox philosophy or something that he started in Detroit? Someone commented on the article saying that the Sox are banking on this approach eventually paying off, once Porcello can locate the 4 seamer better.

Probably he is trying to improve his K rate, but in the process he leaving the ball more comfortable to the batters to the point that he has been destroyed more often than usual.

[Kimmi]

I'm a Porcello fan but I have some difficulty in understanding how he could be a starter for 5 years and not have 4 seam location and command.

 

And I don't like that his approach has been changed for whatever reason. It's one thing to evolve as a pitcher. It's another to have your strengths taken away becasue someone else says it the way to go.

 

But who knows.

 

Good post Kimmi.

 

The speculation goes something like this. Porcello was originally a pitcher that relied heavily on his 4 seamer. Being called up at such a young age, he was having trouble locating the 4 seamer, and Detroit felt he would be better off throwing more 2 seamers, which he could command better. So, Porcello became a sinkerball pitcher. He had some success with that for a few years, but he did not have a very high strike out rate.

 

Detroit, and subsequently Boston, thought that he could be an even better pitcher if he went back to his roots and started throwing his 4 seamer more to improve his K rate. His K rate is up, but so are his hard hit balls.

 

I don't know why he has been unable to locate that fastball consistently. I also don't know if this is the correct approach or not, but I guess time will tell. Also, this is just speculation from some writers and commenters, and has not been confirmed by anyone in the know.

 

IMO, if he was successful as a groundball pitcher, I don't see the need to improve his K rate, particularly if it's going to take away what used to be his strength.

[Kimmi]

Probably he is trying to improve his K rate, but in the process he leaving the ball more comfortable to the batters to the point that he has been destroyed more often than usual.

 

That seems to be exactly the case, and as of now, the trade off is not a good one. Porcello was having success as a contact/groundball pitcher. I don't think there was a need to improve his K rate.

 

The idea of throwing more fastballs might have some merit, but perhaps Porcello has taken it to an extreme. He has decreased his sinkerball usage by almost 20%. That sounds like a lot to me.

 

He might be able to improve his K rate and keep his groundball rate high with a better mix of those pitches.

[a700hitter]

That seems to be exactly the case, and as of now, the trade off is not a good one. Porcello was having success as a contact/groundball pitcher. I don't think there was a need to improve his K rate.

 

The idea of throwing more fastballs might have some merit, but perhaps Porcello has taken it to an extreme. He has decreased his sinkerball usage by almost 20%. That sounds like a lot to me.

 

He might be able to improve his K rate and keep his groundball rate high with a better mix of those pitches.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Why would Porcello go away from his bread and butter -- the sinker? It doesn't make sense, and his transition to a power strikeout pitcher is not having good results.

[cp176]

It was just one start. You are right about that but based on what he has done since the Sox acquired him compared to Masterson and Kelly personally(certainly just my opinion), I would take my chances with the kid. I think like most that he has great potential. I get the fact that no one wants to rush him. I just don't want him to waste starts in Pawtucket. No leash for Masterson-short leash for Kelly. Rodriguez stays, Johnson or Owens get the next look if Kelly can't get it done. I would get Barnes out of the bullpen at some point as well.

 

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

[cp176]

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

 

Whoops - John Tomase - That's what a few beers will do to you.

[a700hitter]

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

This is a great post. You let it all hang out. We know where you stand, and it is as good an approach as anyone else's. If people want to criticize you for it, screw them.

[Spudboy]

This is a great post. You let it all hang out. We know where you stand, and it is as good an approach as anyone else's. If people want to criticize you for it, screw them.

 

It's hard to argue against anything he said.

 

Although my bet is Pedroia wants to move back to Arizona permanently.

[Northern Star]

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

 

Don't most Sox fans want Pedroia off the team? Going against the grain there (not a criticism, just an observation).

[Northern Star]

The Red Sox coaching seems to have no idea what they're doing. I'm an optimist, but I call a spade a spade.

 

dat's racist.

[User Name]

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

 

I like this post.

[Bellhorn04]

Don't most Sox fans want Pedroia off the team?.

 

I don't think so.

[VA Sox Fan]

It's hard to argue against anything he said.

 

Although my bet is Pedroia wants to move back to Arizona permanently.

 

What makes you think that?

 

Don't most Sox fans want Pedroia off the team? Going against the grain there (not a criticism, just an observation).

 

No. Why would they?

[SoxnCycles]

What makes you think that?

 

 

 

No. Why would they?

 

If we get rid of Pedrioa, we can get Bobby Valentine back!

 

Wouldn't that be fun!

[a700hitter]

There has been a certain drumbeat here to trade Pedroia to open up second base for Betts and clear the OF backlog. I am not so sure there is an OF backlog anymore or if there had ever been.

[mvp 78]

Trade da midget den trow 'im under da bus!

[Kimmi]

Ok - just read Jerry Thornton's article and I'm with him. Screw em all! I'm in on E Rodriguez , Barnes , and Johnson in particular. I need it. Good therapy. Sadly or maybe not I still throw a golf club now and then. I don't just throw them I f----ing wail them to. I realize it's me not the club but where I come from it's called passion! Without it, I am old, with it I'm not. I really don't care a great deal about how Buccholtz or Kelly perform. I don't like them. I can't wait for them to be somewhere else. I like Miley! He has a toughness to him that I like. Porcello- to early for me to make a call. I even see I bit of value in Steven wright. At least he looked a little disgusted on occasion. I do not care about the patience preachers. You are entitled to your opinion. It's all good. We need the excitement that this dose of young brings. After Buccholtz threw his no no, if someone had said be patient I might have agreed. Look at him. I want athletes that at least look strong. Rodriguez fits for me. I like John Farrell but in a different role. Although I will admit he manages people well. Longer leash for Cherington but not much longer. A wise move right now by our owners would be to lock up Pedroia for what ever he wants to do forever. Now keep in mind that this post was written by a fan who had gone to bed in 1975 right before Carbo did his thing. I did come right back downstairs though. Time for some youthful enthusiasm and not the same stick with me a little longer tired old ********.

 

I love to see the passion and fire in the players too. Beckett was one of my favorite pitchers to watch when he first joined the team because of his passion.

 

But it's almost a damned if you do, damned if you don't thing with the fans. I don't know how many posts I've seen bashing Papi for being thrown out of a game for arguing the checked swing call. How many posts have I seen knocking Papi for beating up on the telephone in the dugout. How many posts have I seen bashing Lackey for showing his passion and competitiveness on the mound. What about all the Youk haters because he took every at bat like it was the final out of the WS?

 

As far as the excitement that the youth brings, we already have a good bit of youth on this team. There should already be a lot of energy out there on the field. The fact that there isn't is troublesome. Also, there has to be a balance of youth and experienced vets. Too much youth does not usually equate to a winning formula.

 

That said, I understand the desire to call up the young pitchers. Maybe it will spark this team. It certainly can't get any worse.

[jacksonianmarch]

Good therapy is not throwing kids out there, but it might be what you need to do. It's gonna be frustrating watching the kids, but I doubt they'd be worse than Masterson

[Spudboy]

What makes you think that?

 

I believe that he makes his off season home there and has done so since he went to school there. But who knows? Maybe he would really like to be a manager.

 

No. Why would they?

 

 

 

I believe that he makes his off season home there and has done so since he went to school there. But who knows? Maybe he would really like to be a manager.

[a700hitter]

The Red Sox haven’t developed a reliable pitching prospect since they called up Clay Buchholz in 2007, writes Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. Bostonians hope that Eduardo Rodriguez is the first example in a reversal of that trend. Rodriguez dominated in his debut. He threw seven-and-two-thirds innings with seven strikeouts, two walks, three hits, and no runs. The club will temporarily use a six-man rotation to give Rodriguez a second audition. It’s not hard to imagine him taking the place of Wade Miley, Rick Porcello, or Joe Kelly if they continue to struggle.

This screams out that there is something wrong with the organization.

[iortiz]

This screams out that there is something wrong with the organization.

 

but, but "$&... it is not FO's fault.

[iortiz]

In other order of ideas here's a very interesting article about ERod.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/eduardo-rodriguez-shows-hes-ready-for-the-majors/

[mvp 78]

@alexspeier: Buchholz's streak of four straight starts of at least 7 1/3 IP, no more than two runs, the longest by a Red Sox starter since Clemens in '92

[Spudboy]

@alexspeier: Buchholz's streak of four straight starts of at least 7 1/3 IP, no more than two runs, the longest by a Red Sox starter since Clemens in '92

 

Good. Sell high on him at the deadline.

[Bellhorn04]

Good. Sell high on him at the deadline.

 

That's the spirit LOL