7/28 Nothing Even Matters

[Kimmi]

2 putouts before the opponent manages to score 6 runs. Not bad, not bad.

 

LOL Tonight's goal - to still be in the game after the 1st inning.

[Kimmi]

On Pedro's day? Really?

 

It's a shame that the team had to put a damper on such a great moment. I love this team, but sometimes I think these guys don't deserve to wear the same uniform as Pedro.

[Kimmi]

So what rule don't I know about that they are going to call that he didn't have possession? HE took about two steps, navigated the wall, landed, and the balls pops out.

 

The rule itself is terrible and needs to be changed, but according to the rule, the review team did get the non-catch part of it correct. Makes no sense, since Mookie clearly caught that ball.

 

What I don't get at all is how they could rule the hit a HR. Mookie caught the ball in the field of play, took a couple of steps as you noted, then went over the wall. The hit should have been called a ground rule double.

[Kimmi]

Leave it to nap to destroy any rally hope.

 

Go figure. It's not just Nap though. I don't know how many times we start an inning off with potential for a big inning, only to have it squashed by a double play. It seems like it happens every time.

[Kimmi]

I'm the same with some of the older players. I really never saw Clemens, I was too busy playing the game instead of watching it. I feel like I missed something when the people mention some of the greats I've never seen. But I'm sure every generation goes through this.....

 

I think we're all in the same boat, missing out on the treat of being able to see some of the greats. I am fortunate enough to have watched Pedro and Clemens (maybe unfortunate in his case). For my money, Pedro in his prime was the best. Period.

[Kimmi]

Can someone explain to me why that play was a home run? I thought that once the fielder is determined to have control of the ball, it doesn't matter if he drops it. I mean, Mookie took a couple steps after hauling that in.

 

MLB has not yet realized that the ground cannot cause a fumble.

 

Did you see the look on Abreu's face when it was called a HR? Even he was surprised by it. My understanding is that even Hawk, the ultimate homer, thought it should have been a double.

[a700hitter]

LOL Tonight's goal - to still be in the game after the 1st inning.

Maybe a bit too optimistic. LOL!

[a700hitter]

The rule itself is terrible and needs to be changed, but according to the rule, the review team did get the non-catch part of it correct. Makes no sense, since Mookie clearly caught that ball.

 

What I don't get at all is how they could rule the hit a HR. Mookie caught the ball in the field of play, took a couple of steps as you noted, then went over the wall. The hit should have been called a ground rule double.

When I heard about the play on the radio on the drive home last night, I thought the same thing. If a player carries the ball out of bounds, there is a ground rule. I though it was two bases. Very surprising ruling. I have never heard of that rule prior to last night.

[Spudboy]

They are showcasing De Aza. He has had some trade interest.

 

After this week, I am guessing Castillo will have the vast majority of playing time. Well, now with Mookie injured, Castillo will probably play this week too.

 

The Sox are dialing up to 11 on the Fail-O-Meter. For every decent play he will make, a blunder will follow. Maybe he has learned how to play the game in about a month of games at AAA? That would be nice. Afterall he is "only" 28 going on 29.

[Kimmi]

When I heard about the play on the radio on the drive home last night, I thought the same thing. If a player carries the ball out of bounds, there is a ground rule. I though it was two bases. Very surprising ruling. I have never heard of that rule prior to last night.

 

Very surprising. As others have said, this play kind of puts an exclamation point on the kind of season it's been. To top it all off, Mookie gets injured on the play.

[Kimmi]

The Sox are dialing up to 11 on the Fail-O-Meter. For every decent play he will make, a blunder will follow. Maybe he has learned how to play the game in about a month of games at AAA? That would be nice. Afterall he is "only" 28 going on 29.

 

It's not like the Sox just found Castillo out of nowhere and signed him blindly. They have scouted him repeatedly and watched plenty of video on him. It's also not like the Sox were the only team interested in him. From what I've read, there were several teams that wanted him. With all that, there has to something there that made them all believe that he would be a good major league player.

 

Perhaps it is a transition period and adjusting to the culture shock of a new country. Perhaps he will never pan out. Either way, I'm not ready to give up on him or to call him a bomb after less than a year into his contract.

[a700hitter]

It's not like the Sox just found Castillo out of nowhere and signed him blindly. They have scouted him repeatedly and watched plenty of video on him. It's also not like the Sox were the only team interested in him. From what I've read, there were several teams that wanted him. With all that, there has to something there that made them all believe that he would be a good major league player.

 

Perhaps it is a transition period and adjusting to the culture shock of a new country. Perhaps he will never pan out. Either way, I'm not ready to give up on him or to call him a bomb after less than a year into his contract.

From what we have seen thus far, he is not worth more money than Abreu or Puig. Right now, I am hoping that he can handle a platoon role and not get injured. I am not convinced that they couldn't have found his caliber of player without spending all the dough. I really don't care much about the $ as the team has plenty of it. I just expected more from him. I didn't expect him to be an All Star, but so far we have gotten nect to nothing out of him.

[Kimmi]

From what we have seen thus far, he is not worth more money than Abreu or Puig. Right now, I am hoping that he can handle a platoon role and not get injured. I am not convinced that they couldn't have found his caliber of player without spending all the dough. I really don't care much about the $ as the team has plenty of it. I just expected more from him. I didn't expect him to be an All Star, but so far we have gotten nect to nothing out of him.

 

No, he is not worth more than Abreu or Puig. Post steroid era, Ben realizes that there is a premium on offense. That is the path that he chose to go down, especially after the horrible offense that we had last season. There were several other teams interested in Castillo. I am guessing that the FO did not want to risk losing out on him after having lost out on Abreu. They offered a contract that insured that would not happen.

[SoxHop]

What's the report on Betts? Last night they said he didn't pass the on field concussion test and was being tested that night. Any more news about that?

[a700hitter]

What's the report on Betts? Last night they said he didn't pass the on field concussion test and was being tested that night. Any more news about that?

It looks like he is headed to the 7 Day Concussion DL, but it is not official.

[Spudboy]

I hope that Castillo becomes a bargain and puts up big numbers without costing the Sox too many runs while in the field.

 

However, so far he has shown little of what the Sox or any other team may have "seen in him".

 

Of course one can never believe everything one reads on the Internet, a while ago I read that the Sox had acknowledged having decided to sign Castillo without ever having seen him play in an actual game. That they had only seen his game action in video of some international games from several years ago. Maybe I have "misremembered". Maybe the reports were not factual. If not, then questioning the process by which his talent was evaluated is valid.

 

Obviously he does have athleticism. That's good. It is also nice to know that other teams were interested in him as well.

 

The guy had not played in a single game in about 1.5 years when he was signed. His initial games in this country showed some "rust", or so we are told. This year he has shown a lack of MLB ready skill and game knowledge. At 28 he should have been able to at least play the game pretty well. He hasn't. How many excuses will continue to be made for his poor play?

 

As I said, I hope that the Sox got a good player. Nothing so far indicates this.

 

JBJ has shown that he can play some of the game in MLB and from appearances has learned how to hit better in AAA. He should be up with the big boys getting a legitimate chance to show what he can do, good or bad.

 

The Sox spent a s***-ton of money on a 28 year old "prospect" and must now force the issue to try to save face when they have an outfield candidate that is "more ready".

 

If this guy fails to hit it big the Sox have some 'splainin' to do.

[SoxnCycles]

I know it's not SOP for a lot of fans, but I'm willing to give Castillo a little more than 28 and 78 ABs before calling the guy a failure.

 

I agree that JBJ and Castillo should get as much playing time as possible with the Sox.

[Spudboy]

I know it's not SOP for a lot of fans, but I'm willing to give Castillo a little more than 28 and 78 ABs before calling the guy a failure.

 

I agree that JBJ and Castillo should get as much playing time as possible with the Sox.

 

I agree. I have not painted Castillo a failure. Not yet, anyway. I just did not like the signing and have not liked what I have seen so far.

 

72 mil and 28 years old means the clock is running a little faster that say on Bryce Brentz or some other prospect.

[SoxnCycles]

I agree. I have not painted Castillo a failure. Not yet, anyway. I just did not like the signing and have not liked what I have seen so far.

 

72 mil and 28 years old means the clock is running a little faster that say on Bryce Brentz or some other prospect.

 

I'd agree with that.

But, I thought labeling the fact that he hasn't played in over year and a half as an excuse was a bit harsh.

 

Even players coming off the 15 day DL need a couple rehab games to get their timing back.

He's got the athletic gifts. We'll find out how coachable he is, that's for sure.

[Kimmi]

I also agree that JBJ should be playing everyday and given a real chance to see what he can do at the big league level. We already know he can hit AAA pitching. We need to see what he can contribute to the team for next year.

[Spudboy]

Castillo did not play for about 1.5 years prior to being signed. That is just a fact. I was not being harsh.

 

He has played games in AA, Arizona, and the Puerto Rican winter league. Now he has played games in spring training, AAA, and with the Sox.

 

He has had plenty of time to shake off the rust and acquire his timing. He should be healthy now, too.

 

I don't buy the idea that he is still becoming adjusted to his new environment.

 

It's time for him to put out.

[mvp 78]

It's time for him to put out.

 

Gross.

[cp176]

Castillo did not play for about 1.5 years prior to being signed. That is just a fact. I was not being harsh.

 

He has played games in AA, Arizona, and the Puerto Rican winter league. Now he has played games in spring training, AAA, and with the Sox.

 

He has had plenty of time to shake off the rust and acquire his timing. He should be healthy now, too.

 

I don't buy the idea that he is still becoming adjusted to his new environment.

 

It's time for him to put out.

 

I was just kind of hoping that we might have seen just one peasant's worth of a hint that he might be a player that could possibly be this good. Hope he gets it done - but so far he gets a 0. At any level - just a hint. wouldn't you think that maybe he might have put up some numbers by now in the minors if he was that good.

[Spudboy]

I was just kind of hoping that we might have seen just one peasant's worth of a hint that he might be a player that could possibly be this good. Hope he gets it done - but so far he gets a 0. At any level - just a hint. wouldn't you think that maybe he might have put up some numbers by now in the minors if he was that good.

 

Not if he is overwhelmed by the challenges of his transition to this country. His endeavor is unprecedented!!!!!! Very few people have to endure such hardship!!!!!

 

What is wrong with you? Have you no compassion or empathy for others?????