Spudboy

Hmmm. I just looked. No baseball listed. Oh well!

Tito has said that the Sox will face two more RH pitchers over the weelend and that there will be an opportunity for LaRoache. "That said", he's ready to go tonight. A PH appearance would not surprise anyone.

Tonight’s lineups: Orioles 1. Brian Roberts, 2B 2. Adam Jones, CF 3. Nick Markakis, RF 4. Aubrey Huff, 1B 5. Nolan Reimold, LF 6. Luke Scott, DH 7. Melvin Mora, 3B 8. Matt Wieters, C 9. Cesar Izturis, SS SP -- Brad Bergesen, RHP Red Sox 1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF 2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B 3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B 4. David Ortiz, DH 5. Jason Bay, LF 6. J.D. Drew, RF 7. Mike Lowell, 3B 8. Jason Varitek, C 9. Jed Lowrie, SS SP -- Brad Penny, RHP

Lots of sophisticated defensive metrics place him right around average, or a tick below average. But truthfully? He looks like a circus bear out there. On more than one occasion, I've commented that he needs a bicycle helmet in LF so he doesn't hurt himself. As a hitter, I expect that he's toast. He had the sports hernia thing, and then the experimental-first-time-ever neck surgery, and hasn't been able to hit water if he fell out of a boat ever since. He might be a decent PH/DH/rainy day starter in LF against RHP's only. But for the price (cheap as dirt), it can't hurt to give it a try. I just grabbed this from a Cardinal Message Board. I'm still concerned.

I feel so much better now.

I'm still concerned. Mr. bulging disc has done jack-s*** since last July, I believe. Plus he is in Pawtucket, not on the Boston bench.

The logical move with LaRoche now on board. I'm sorry to see the guy go. From all counts he was well liked. He played pretty good D at 1st and helped in the OF occasionally. Not an exciting bat to watch which is too bad. I hope he catches on and believe that he will soon. I'd like to see him clear waivers and be sent to Pawtucket. I don't see it happening though. I'm a little concerned with the lack of outfield depth now.

I sort of agree about the score being a factor. Overall, I'd like to see the no-no. It's just so rare.

Another Thread on Bay? What have I missed?

Very true.

Regardless of team loyalties, You have to applaud this. It's just so rare.

I don't hate Drew. I don't hate Damon. And he's a turncoat!

I've been reluctant to say anything negative about Drew since my first couple of days as a member of Talksox. Given the adoration he enjoys here. But I agree with you TW101. He has, overall, under performed with regard to expectations. He is a skilled baseball player, no doubt. But at $14mil/year, he should be expected to be on the field more and contribute more significantly. I've been chastised for saying he is overpaid "what do you care, it's not your money", etc.. Granted the FO made the mistake of over paying. It's not Drew's fault that they gave him a contract not proportional to his productivity. He needs to do more with greater regularity. That's as nicely as I can say it. With that said, he is not the problem on the Sox. He is slumping horribly. At the same time, all the rest of the team is sucking pond water offensively (except Youk and Pedroia). He is a professional hitter with one of the sweetest swings that I see on a regular basis. I fully expect that he will recover from his slump. It's just unfortunate that he is tanking when the whole team can't produce. I don't see the Sox moving him and not just because his contract is so big that no one will want him. He'll play-out his contract and be gone. Incidentally, it should be noted that his Son had a very serious medical issue (I believe) that coincided with some horrible numbers. As a parent, I can empathize. That's tough to deal with.

Welcome to Talksox.

Yes. I acknowledged that.

Clever bastards. All.

I like Eric Wedge. He's a cool dude.

Welcome to Talksox. Join us on the Game Threads.