Critter

I would expect us to upgrade pitching and a couple of weeks ago I thought we needed a left fielder. He's been looking good on D out there and after last night's two triples, maybe we can scratch that off. The Youth Parade is becoming a thundering herd. Hey RS are going to play Giants soon and I may see them before I leave for East Coast. That should be fun.

Just so ironic that JBJ has this hit streak and they're comparing his to Dom's and Nomar's and Wade's...and he's hitting for power...two years ago this guy was a bum and some wanted to give him away. Just a cautionary tale about patience and young players. I think sometimes all we fans are a little quick to pull the trigger on a guy. Watched Mets and Wash. for a while last night. Think I heard Mets were down a catcher, former starter out for rest of year? Think they said he'd lost his starting job, but they may need someone. Think we could do anything there? When I hear "catcher down" I immediately think maybe a trade is possible. Mets usually have pitching--don't know about their minor league teams.

Moon, thought I'd sent this several days ago. Must have gotten interrupted. Thanks for your frequent defense of JBJ and Wright the last couple of years. They are giving so much satisfaction right now, but when people were dismissive in the past, you took up the gauntlet. I supported them, but you were there on a daily basis. It is so gratifying to see them finding success, even though there will probably be some rough patches sometime. As for Shaw, I think he might be one of those guys you see other teams get, they just blossom at the major league level when not much was expected. That's not the same as Bogie or Mookie or Dustin for example where I think a lot was expected...Critter

It seems to me Hanley is pressing at the bat instead of letting the game come to him. Seems like he wants to debate balls and strikes in every at bat. I would think that would detract from concentration. On the other hand things are going really well with the Offense. I hope Hanley will start getting better as it warms up. Interesting to me that last night Big Papi seemed first to hit that single opposite the shift and then later try a bunt. So great to see Buch pitch a solid game. Seems like the pressure is on him a bit from management and maybe he needed that. Whatever. When he pitches well it's a huge boost for RS.

No comment on Shaw huh? I expected a reprimand from you but you can give it to me in Portland if you want. Another month to see if he can stay on top of things...

Moon, retiring this year and driving cross country, stopping in Boston to watch the Sox. Will arrive about July 1. Will call and try for Portland Sea Dogs? Looking forward to Maine...Critter

OK, not too crazy about Holt playing full time in left. Short term fine, long term not a strength.

Finally found my way! A few random thoughts. DD was patiently watching last summer and now I think he moves firm and fast. Pablo out. Vasquez in. I don't think these were Farrell moves, they would have taken all summer. I think DD works with pace. When Rodriguez returns I think Buch will go to the pen where he might pitch an inning or two and be more successful. Watching Price and Cueto (with Giants) now, both winning with bad stuff while Buch is losing with good stuff. To me they are aces who pitch around and through and find a way. Buch just doesn't know how to do that. I love the way Price stuck out ARod in his last at bat though ARod had homered, doubled previously. I'm hoping Price will influence the younger guys. Moon, seems you've got an edge about Shaw. I know it's stat driven and you don't play favorites with your stats. But you took a swipe at his defense too, and it seems to me he won the job because of his D, something Pablo wasn't providing in ST. I'll put this as two questions: when would enough time pass so that you would say he's proved himself? Also do you accept the idea that some players actually do play better in the majors than the minors? I think I mentioned Boggs before and you pointed out that his minor record was vastly superior. Also, I think Shaw's father was a player, and I wonder if kids growing up like that are less awed when they get to the majors...Moon, I'm really excited about our boy Wright, how the kids are doing, how Hanley is playing at first (waiting for his power to show up), and generally with the pitching. We've got some great kids in the wings, things are looking good.