I rarely disagree with anything you say elsrbueno cause we think alike....but I might have to here haha.
Clement was an all star at the half way point and has really come into his own from what I see. Finally living up to the potential where I think Johnson is hitting a wall. Obviously Johnson can have good games like anyone but at his age and being away from the area he enjoyed (Arizona)...its taking its toll and he is no longer the ace I once envisioned. Johnson does not take in the rivalry either which gives him no sense of urgency or drive to be amazing and shut down the Yanks nemesis. The fact I think Clement might have a close edge is big considering.....when Schill is healthy and good to go....Yanks might find Johnson is not the answer to matchup our ace.
also...
for those thinking this is a do or die series...dream on
we have a couple more series against them plus the rest of the year. still lots of baseball to play so don't get all pissy. this month will define what the team will look like from here out and fill holes....once that happens then they need to focus and REALLY come together. it would be nice if it could start now!
Wanna know what the difference will be in this series.....the BULLPEN
All these pitchers can pitch and the team should fight it out but the bullpen for the teams will decide who gets the edge because you know a few of these will come down to the wire. Good chance nobody gets blown out...these should all be close.
Yanks have new pitchers in the bullpen and the Red Sox should have two new guys....I have to say though....
I wish Schilling was pitching in game 3 vs. Johnson
If you had to compare this guy to someone in the majors who would it be, for anyone who has seen or heard things??? Buehrle, Bedard, Zito, Santana??? or not close to the potential of those guys???
This whole thing was just an idea for AJ Burnett. Have you seen all the trade rumors? Maybe not Miller or Looper (I'm just playing with ideas) but Arroyo's name has come up again.
The Florida Marlins have interest in Bronson Arroyo, Daniel Cabrera, and Gustavo Chacin. It seems the Marlins like Chacin but I'm not sure Burnett would be willing to go to Toronto. The Orioles haven't explored the idea too much thinking Cabrera is a future star with his velocity.
John Henry has made it no secret he likes AJ Burnett. Now I know this will get everyone going but I would deal Arroyo for Burnett. I really like Arroyo but when it comes down to it.....Burnett is just better. About the same age but the ceiling for Burnett is much higher.
Yeah I think in the big picture I would take Burnett as well. The guy has more talent and could be the next Pedro for the Red Sox. Unfortunatly the Orioles and Blue Jays have been talking to the Marlins...both deals consisting of either Daniel Cabrera or Gustavo Chacin......Red Sox would have to bring up Bronson's name in order to get him.
I'm most impressed with Burnett. However, I get this strange feeling that Wagner would be the most likely to end up on the Sox and I might want it that way. I would take Wagner over Guardado because he has pitched at Houston and Philadelphia...while never having an ERA over 2.85 with the exception of that injury year. "IF" Foulke could come back and return to form after his surgery Wagner would be a GREAT replacement for Embree. Could you imagine...."back to form" Keith Foulke being set up by Mike Timlin and Billy Wagner. Thats just not fair!
I've heard the Sox are close to signing him now to a 4 year deal in the range of 4-4.5 million. I think if he went to Wilmington and dominated the way some think he might, I wouldn't mind seeing him skip ahead as opposed to hitting every level. However, there is NO WAY possible he would be the closer this season (none what so ever). He could be a K-Rod or Santana type reliever who shows up at a young age and contributes heavily to the bullpen. I'd also be real interested to see what Papelbon can do if called up.
With these two young arms we may not need to sign a veteran reliever. More risk going in this direction but consider the Sox bullpen can't really get any worse.
There has been talk about this kid joining the team this year. I don't know a lot about him but I guess he has good stuff and was an excellent closer for St. Johns.
Anybody who knows him well; can we actually anticipate big things from him this year??
I was reading the Sox would be interested in making him a starter in the end which to me...is garbage. The kid is a closer and I think they should bring him up like that. I would love to have a Mariano Rivera on the Sox that sticks around forever and can be the shut down man for years.