derekn

Interesting thing too about this book is that the A's scouted Youkilis (sp). A lot of MLB GMs are salivating over his skillset.

I think 1] Playing Small ball is just one element for the Red Sox being able to win. Other elements (feel free to disagree or agree): 2]Lefty SP - Remember 86? They had Hurst that year and they went to World Series... Some possibilities: (Estes, Wells even, Brewers have some cool lefties, Guardians have a lot of lefty pitching) 3]REAL 1st baseman. The first baseman is the leader of the infield. Next active position from pitcher to catcher is 1st base. I would actually have them sign/trade for a 1st baseman that is more defensive minded than a hitter. A hitting first baseman would be a big plus. I read a rumour on http://sportsline.com/mlb that they have pursued signing Olerud (great 1st baseman in his prime years). The Sox already have sluggers, they have a great outfield, they also have a great bullpen. If they play small ball, get a quality number 2 or 3 lefty pitcher, a solid 1st baseman then I feel they can compete for a World Series.

I finally read MoneyBall. I was fascinated at how Billy Beane reshaped the Oakland A's on a budget. Even more fascinating was that Billy Beane accepted the Red Sox GM for a day and then changed his mind. The book included what Billy Beane was going to do to change the Sox. The book also talked about Theo being a Billy Beane disciple. I wonder if the Sox don't come close this year, what the shape of 2005 team will look like?

I am new to this forum. I have been a Red Sox fan since 1978 when I was 10 years old. It's weird that my first year as a Sox fan, was the Bucky Dent year. Anyways, as long as I have been following them, I have NEVER known them to play "small ball". I forgot who said it on the HBO Documentary "Curse of the Bambino". I think it was Shaughnessy. He mentions the Green Monster and he talks about because of the wall, management/ownership values right handed sluggers. He then goes on to say that ONLY HALF of the games are played at home.... Do you remember in AL Championship series 2003, game 2, they tried to play small ball and failed miserably? (Kapler getting thrown out at 2nd base, with hitter striking out). Every year we see the same formula, strand runners on base because the Sox keep trying to hit HRS or Extra bits to win the game.... I watched and marvelled at 2003 World Series, how 1 guy, Juan Pierre could mess up the Yankees entire rhythm and defense because he was a base stealer. Thanks for listening...