Zenny

Renteria: .267/.318/.388; EQA: .243, WARP: .7 Bellhorn: .227/.339/.355; EQA: .250, WARP: 2.4 Bellhorn has a pretty big WARP edge, but the EQA and OPS are negligible. Let's just put it this way: Our middle infield blows, especially when you compare it to Baltimore's. Hell, even Julio Lugo and Jorge Cantu are superior middle-infielders down there in Tampa. What separated Bellhorn from the pack last year and made him acceptable (hell, it made him pretty damn good) was the power. He hit 37 doubles, 3 triples and 17 homers to go along with the 88 walks and 177 K's (yuck). Strikeouts do not mean a player sucks. What it does mean is that they can be extremely unpredictable from year to year if they haven't established themselves on a long-term basis (Thome, Glaus, Dunn, etc.). Bellhorn's inability to make consistent contact is what makes him unpredictable and unreliable from year to year and even game to game. It's hard to predict what he's going to do next because he can frequently be overmatched. I think it's pretty clear with Pedroia hitting .325/.406/.498 for Portland while walking more than he K's that he will be next season's 2B for the league minimum. He already presents a clear and ready upgrade to both the offense and defense. Plus, everyone's going to love him because he rarely K's, for what it's worth.

A real crybaby: http://www.e11even.ca/dump/ArodPurse.jpg

I think Schmidt's hurt. It may not be worth it.

Please, don't bring him back!

Sorry, I was out with the padre today for Padres' Day. At least we still won and Matt Clement continues to prove that he is our ace. I still love that Jason Schmidt comparison circa '02 and it looks damn good.

Tito has shown no faith in Trotter versus LHP's because Grady Little showed no faith in Trotter versus LHP's because Jimy Williams showed no faith in Trotter versus LHP's. This all goes back to Jimy. If Trot hadn't been platooned in his early seasons ('98, '99, '00) and gotten more exposure, he would probably be much more competent now and wouldn't need to be platooned. Still that's the classic "win now" versus "win later" train of thought. There was pressure to win then in pennant races, so he was platooned for the benefit of the team but not the benefit of the player. It's a tough situation to be in. It's also a bit late for Trot at age 30 to finally develop that consistency. It has to be done in the minors and early in the major league career. He really does need to be platooned now.

He's not getting extra-base hits and it's probably just some good luck for the time being. He really looks lost against lefties. Last time I saw him face one (Randy Keisler, I believe), he chased a first pitch curveball that bounced in the dirt and then sat on the next pitch, a curve, that hung right over the middle of the plate screaming to be hit. He just can't see the ball well against them at all.

I love how Tito announces when Embree is going to pitch now so we essentially concede the game before it begins.

I mentioned Mueller to the Padres last week as something I made up. See, I don't pull everything out of my ass.

This team makes me to mad. We better get to Joe Table in the 9th.

f*** this bullpen.

Neither have signed yet, Ellsbury because he's still playing and Hansen because he's a Boras client and the Sox are still internally debating whether to give him a major league deal as a reliever or a minor league deal and more cash to make him a starter. Personally, I prefer the latter because a dominant starter is more important than a dominant reliever. Papelbon made the switch flawlessly and Hansen has twice the talent. Besides, if he fails as a starter, he can always go back to relieving.

You see what happens when I'm not around? This place falls to s***. I AM THE HEART AND SOUL OF TALKSOX! PRAISE ME! Question, how the F are we getting shut down by Dave Williams?

The Rockies may be willing to do a Payton for Dustan Mohr swap. I would love that trade. Mohr is a good player and would be a great platoon partner for Trot.

Missed the game today, had a look at the box score and it looks like Miller didn't step up tonight. I heard three of the four runs were in the first inning, though. Can anyone tell me how he was throwing? Was he consistently over 90? Was his breaking stuff sharp? We need this guy down the stretch.

Again, what potential is that?

Didn't know they made hicks from Boston. Hate to rain on the Jay Payton love parade, but he hasn't earned diddily. He was a below average CF for the Padres last season and the only time that he's ever been good was with the aid of Coors Field. He's filling the role he's capable of. Again, sorry to rain on the lovefest, but that's my job.

Wade Miller versus Josh Fogg. Discuss.

Chip Ambres. Git 'r dun.

Trade him for a bag of balls, who really cares. Just as long as someone else pays the remainder of the $3.5 million he's owed.

So I double post here and Netsports, I'm not going to waste my creative genius on these people. By the way, 2-6 for Moss tonight making his overall season average a cool, crisp .300.

By the way, Moss' season line: .299/.365/.533/.898; 18 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR; 22/49 BB/K. With all due respect to D-Peddy and Hanley, this guy is the best hitter on the team.

Listen, Bill's never played 2B more than sporadically and his knees can't handle it.

More importantly, the Orioles have pitching?

The Sox are undefeated when I start gamethreads. Their ERA is 0.50 and they score 6.5 runs a game. I should make every gamethread. Quite honestly, the Sox need me this season.