Rdsxmbnt

The experiment ends when one of Matsuzaka/Cook/Oswalt? is ready to effectively take over. That said based on the trend so far it seems the experiment should end, he just doesn't have the stamina to remain a starter. The evidence on sosh I was reading is particularily damning, mainly the huge decreasing trend in velocity and lack of consistent mechanics. He's a good #4/5 SP on a good team but his value is certainly is best utilized in the bullpen.

I think he needs to be moved up too. Buchholz is a little different since he spent so much longer in A (most of the season) but then spent only 16 innings in A+ before being bumped to AA the next season. The competition difference between A and A+ isn't nearly as large as A+ to AA so he needs to be bumped up.

Probably in the minority but I think Middlebrooks needs more time in AAA and I'd be fine with Youkilis taking over once he's ready. WMB's K% is way too high right now to sustain his level of production, I think sending him down on a high note would be the appropriate move.

Eh I don't think this is too much of a concern. The guys who may be affected by this scouting were the ones who produced tonight. The 1-5 hitters going 1-19 was what did the offense in tonight. Can't have that kind of performance if you want to win games.

Another guy to keep an eye on is SP Henry Owens (A). He's extremely raw at this point as evident by his 6 BB/9, but he is tied for 2nd (with Barnes) in all of the minors in K/9 at 14.4. Was our first round supplemental pick last year and is only 19 years old.

I think the important thing to remember about Bard is that before this season he hadn't started a game in 5 years and that was back in A-ball. Peripherals aren't great right now but he's keeping the ball in the ballpark (1 HR allowed) and more importantly keeping the team in games. I think the K's will start to go up in time and I think the Sox are committed to taking their time with him as a SP.

Never really understood why Nava was written off so soon. Dude is an extremely disciplined hitter and has hit at every level he's been at. He's a welcome change from McDonald

one game at a time?

Have to agree with pretty much everything jacko said and I think the biggest point is #8. 2007 was THE model and since then they have diverged from that and whats left is the highly rigid roster we have now. Though I disagree that Gonzalez was a divergence from the philosophy. The team realized that it would be near impossible to produce a true franchise player like that which is why they tried desperately to land Tex back when he was a FA. He was the best hitting and fielding 1B in the AL last year and absolutely the type of guy worth a mega contract given his consistency (I guarantee his OPS is over .900 at seasons end). What stands out as the moves that go absolutely against the philosophy are Crawford and Lackey, who are currently tying up 35 mil each year for the next three years (and beyond). These are two players who this team, under the correct philosophy, should be able to produce through the minor league system. That's the difference between those guys and say Gonzalez. There is no Gonzalez coming through the pipeline, but I think out of Ranuado/Barnes and Bogaerts/Bradley Jr/Kalish there is a pitcher who could give 200 innings at 3.80 ERA ball and equivalent level production to Crawford. Finally Beckett is the key to this team. Lester/Buchholz have always been highly susceptible to what he does as a player and when he doesn't give a f***, then no one does. When you're supposed fiercest competitor is indifferent to his actions on and off the field then there's a problem. And I don't think Bobby V has enough pull to change that, Beckett needs to do it himself or this team is seriously toast.

I cant fathom how Darnell McDonald is still a major league baseball player. How badly does he have to suck to get cut?

What's the point of starting him at DH? I'm sure batting is more taxing on the wrist than catching a fly ball...

I'll take it

Don't really like the idea but Pedroia is the natural choice. Lester had the whole beer/chicken involvement, Youkillis realistically doesn't have a long-term place on the team, and Gonzales is too new/soft-spoken

I gave him a B but would prob give a B- if that was an option. Liked his moves to shore up the bullpen and like some of the SP depth signings. However, the Scutaro trade at this point looks like a straight salary dump and Ortiz was handled poorly (shouldn't have even been offered arb). I like the Valentine move also. I think its obvious he had financial constraints so I can't complain too much, but he really should have looked more into signing a Darvish/Kuroda/Oswalt/Jackson type SP.

Oh believe me im a huge Lavarnway fan but realistically (and I know you obviously know this), the age is huge in comparing value. Guys with Montero's track record at his age can be potential superstars. Lavarnway I think will be a solid hitter but the ceiling is probably much lower.

Kalish or Lavarnway are no where near Montero's level. I'm glad the Yankees got rid of Montero, I think pitchers are too volatile to really to bet on for a guy like Montero who could easily be a franchise hitter for a very long time. Pineda looks good no doubt but there are so many examples of pitchers like that flaming out (granted there are hitters too but I'd say its less likely).

haha ya my bad, havent been keepin up on the discussion

I don't buy this. On September 1, 2011 the team looked like it may very well be the BEST team of the Henry era, and one month later after an epic collapse it is the worst? The talent is still clearly here, and like example said the core of this team is in its prime and set to dominate. I think they need to learn from September and not have that happen again, because the talent level is there to win another World Series if they can get their s*** together. It is my hope that the added bullpen depth, Bard's transition to starter, a new no-nonsense manager, and (hopefully) added depth to the rotation will be the necessary moves to get back on top.

Exactly, people seem to think every move the Red Sox make has a direct impact on the major league club. Newsflash: the Red Sox have multiple teams under them that need staffing too and that is where almost all these players will find themselves. Remember when everyone thought the minor league deal to Kevin Millwood last season was to be our 5th starter? He never pitched a single inning with the Red Sox MLB team.

If I recall it's not necessarily the surgery itself that makes them come back stronger but rather the intensive rehab that better prepares the joints and ligaments to handle the stress of being a major league pitcher

Cespedes plz