With a 5-4 late inning loss last night to Seattle at Fenway the Red Sox cannot mathematically get to .500 in April. One game left this month leaves the Sox at 12-14 with a win tonight.
There is good news & bad news, depending how you look at things:
- Dice-K may be headed to the DL. His velocity was way down in the 5th last night. Will his exit from the rotation be a good or bad thing?
- Carl Crawford & Bobby Jenks can't be any worse in May than they were in April. Can they?
- Pap, Beckett, Lester, Ellsbury, Gonzalez, Youk & Lowrie are going well. Can we expect them to continue in May?
The absolute best news is that no team in the AL East is running away with the division. Top to bottom is a spread of only 4 games. Despite the struggles in April, we're still in it.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Give Saltie & Crawford a Little Love
C'mon, now. We've been all over Saltie & Crawford, but both contributed to a big win last night in Baltimore.
Saltie hit a big single with the bases loaded to give the Sox an insurance run, making the score 4-2. If anyone other than Ortiz was running at second, it would have been a 2-run single. And unlike Varitek the night before, who just could not catch the ball cleanly, Saltie caught a good game. I will say I'm not a fan of his double pump before he throws the ball with someone running on base. Just let it fly.
Crawford missed a grand slam by about 10 feet in his at-bat before leading off with a double in the 8th. He scored what would be the winning run on an infield chop by Pedroia. And did I mention that he has covered a lot of ground in left-field.
This second homestand of the season should find both players more relaxed. With the teams coming in - Seattle, LA & Minnesota - we can use them both to make a push towards & over the .500 mark.
Saltie hit a big single with the bases loaded to give the Sox an insurance run, making the score 4-2. If anyone other than Ortiz was running at second, it would have been a 2-run single. And unlike Varitek the night before, who just could not catch the ball cleanly, Saltie caught a good game. I will say I'm not a fan of his double pump before he throws the ball with someone running on base. Just let it fly.
Crawford missed a grand slam by about 10 feet in his at-bat before leading off with a double in the 8th. He scored what would be the winning run on an infield chop by Pedroia. And did I mention that he has covered a lot of ground in left-field.
This second homestand of the season should find both players more relaxed. With the teams coming in - Seattle, LA & Minnesota - we can use them both to make a push towards & over the .500 mark.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sox Win & Come Home
The Sox wrapped up a very good 9-game road trip with a win in Baltimore tonight by a score of 6-2. They come home with a 6-3 record on the road.
You can read the line score, but Lester & Pap were overpowering & limited the O's to 4 hits. Adrian & Ells had nice offensive nights. Saltie & Crawford came up with big hits. Just a nice team win to start a long homestand. 2 more wins & we're 13-13 for April.
You can read the line score, but Lester & Pap were overpowering & limited the O's to 4 hits. Adrian & Ells had nice offensive nights. Saltie & Crawford came up with big hits. Just a nice team win to start a long homestand. 2 more wins & we're 13-13 for April.
Which Would You Prefer?
I'm sitting there watching the Red Sox game & flipping between innings to peak in at the Bruins. If you could only pick one of the following, which would you prefer?
- Would you have the Bruins win Game 7 in overtime over the rival Canadians or have the Red Sox win a game in Baltimore?
- Would you have Pedroia or Ellsbury not drop an in-betweener that led to 3 runs or would you rather not have 500 Taliban prisoners escape from jail?
My point is that it is disheartening to see the Red Sox efforts by Youk & Beckett go for not in a 2nd straight loss to the O's. But it's not fatal. Would it be nice to reach .500 with 3 wins to close out April? Yes, & that is still do-able. A record of 13-13 after a 2-10 start would be very acceptable.
Let's turn the page & get back on a winning streak.
- Would you have the Bruins win Game 7 in overtime over the rival Canadians or have the Red Sox win a game in Baltimore?
- Would you have Pedroia or Ellsbury not drop an in-betweener that led to 3 runs or would you rather not have 500 Taliban prisoners escape from jail?
My point is that it is disheartening to see the Red Sox efforts by Youk & Beckett go for not in a 2nd straight loss to the O's. But it's not fatal. Would it be nice to reach .500 with 3 wins to close out April? Yes, & that is still do-able. A record of 13-13 after a 2-10 start would be very acceptable.
Let's turn the page & get back on a winning streak.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
O's Rookie Halts Sox Win Streak
Zack Britton, a 23-year old rookie pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, stopped the Red Sox offense in its tracks for a 4-1 win by the O's last night at Camden Yards.
Perhaps the biggest out of the night by the rookie was a weak ground ball by Adrian Gonzalez with the bases loaded & 2 outs in the 5th. Britton also wiggled out of a 2nd & 3rd situation in the 6th by getting Carl Crawford for the final out.
Clay Buchholz pitched well enough to win, but did not help his own cause when he overran 1st base on an easy double play which led to the O's scoring a 3rd run at the time. Buck's control is still not as sharp as in the past with too many balls left over the hitting part of the plate.
However, it's a moot conversation when your offense only scores 1 run. You can't win many games with 1 run. With Beckett & Lester going the final 2 games of the series, though, maybe 1 or 2 runs is all we will need for another series win & a chance to hit the elusive .500 mark.
Perhaps the biggest out of the night by the rookie was a weak ground ball by Adrian Gonzalez with the bases loaded & 2 outs in the 5th. Britton also wiggled out of a 2nd & 3rd situation in the 6th by getting Carl Crawford for the final out.
Clay Buchholz pitched well enough to win, but did not help his own cause when he overran 1st base on an easy double play which led to the O's scoring a 3rd run at the time. Buck's control is still not as sharp as in the past with too many balls left over the hitting part of the plate.
However, it's a moot conversation when your offense only scores 1 run. You can't win many games with 1 run. With Beckett & Lester going the final 2 games of the series, though, maybe 1 or 2 runs is all we will need for another series win & a chance to hit the elusive .500 mark.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Recent Win Streak Puts Sox in 3rd
It was nice to get the paper this morning & see that the Red Sox are no longer in the cellar of the AL East. That distinction now belongs to the Baltimore Orioles after they endured a 9-game losing streak.
Due to off days & rain outs during April the Sox have played 2 more games than the Yankees. That may be a good thing as the year progresses. You hate to have make-up doubleheaders late in the year when you pitching staff is spent.
The Sox enter Baltimore tonight 3 behind the Yankees & 1/2 game behind the 2nd place Rays. Both the Sox & Rays have recovered nicely after poor starts.
Like the Jefferson's theme song, we're moving on up!
Due to off days & rain outs during April the Sox have played 2 more games than the Yankees. That may be a good thing as the year progresses. You hate to have make-up doubleheaders late in the year when you pitching staff is spent.
The Sox enter Baltimore tonight 3 behind the Yankees & 1/2 game behind the 2nd place Rays. Both the Sox & Rays have recovered nicely after poor starts.
Like the Jefferson's theme song, we're moving on up!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Can Saltie & Tek Handle the Catching Duties?
In the early goings of April we Red Sox fans can't be 100% positive about the team's incredible win streak over the last few weeks, even though we are even sweeping teams on the road. We want perfection in all phases of the game.
The burning question with all talking heads on TV & radio centers around the Red Sox tandem of catchers. Is Saltie the everyday catcher? Can Tek catch more games at 39 years old? To throw my 2 cents in, I agree with the opinions expressed by Lou Merloni & Rob Bradford.
Regarding Saltie, give him more time to show what he can or can't do. As Lou said, Dustin Pedroia had a horrible 6 weeks in his first year of 2007 & he ended up being AL Rookie of the Year. Give Saltie another month to get into a routine & see if his catching skills & bat can come alive.
Regarding, Tek, the answer is no. The Sox have him catching Beckett & Dice-K. That's enough at his age. More games will just break him down physically. Tek is on pace to catch about 60 games which is more than enough for his body to handle. Also, his bat is very cold, hitting under .100. You can't really use him more than twice around the rotation.
It's a long season, a marathon. Let's stay the course with Tek & Saltie for another month before looking for a change in this catching duo.
The burning question with all talking heads on TV & radio centers around the Red Sox tandem of catchers. Is Saltie the everyday catcher? Can Tek catch more games at 39 years old? To throw my 2 cents in, I agree with the opinions expressed by Lou Merloni & Rob Bradford.
Regarding Saltie, give him more time to show what he can or can't do. As Lou said, Dustin Pedroia had a horrible 6 weeks in his first year of 2007 & he ended up being AL Rookie of the Year. Give Saltie another month to get into a routine & see if his catching skills & bat can come alive.
Regarding, Tek, the answer is no. The Sox have him catching Beckett & Dice-K. That's enough at his age. More games will just break him down physically. Tek is on pace to catch about 60 games which is more than enough for his body to handle. Also, his bat is very cold, hitting under .100. You can't really use him more than twice around the rotation.
It's a long season, a marathon. Let's stay the course with Tek & Saltie for another month before looking for a change in this catching duo.
A Week to Remember in Boston
One of the late Sunday sports shows, WBZ 4, had the following graphic about sports teams in Boston over the last week.
Red Sox 7-1
Celtics 4-0
Bruins 3-0
How can Boston & New England sports fans ask for anything more? The Red Sox get up off the trash pile & play like everyone thought they could. The Celtics swat the Knicks with 2 close wins at home & 2 blow out wins in New York. And the Bruins win 2 games in Montreal to tie the series & win again dramatically at home in double OT on Saturday night.
It will be hard to find another week where all 3 pro teams were so dominant.
Red Sox 7-1
Celtics 4-0
Bruins 3-0
How can Boston & New England sports fans ask for anything more? The Red Sox get up off the trash pile & play like everyone thought they could. The Celtics swat the Knicks with 2 close wins at home & 2 blow out wins in New York. And the Bruins win 2 games in Montreal to tie the series & win again dramatically at home in double OT on Saturday night.
It will be hard to find another week where all 3 pro teams were so dominant.
Sox Sweep Halos
What a road trip! 5 out of 6 on the left coast. The Sox red hot pitching continued yesterday & the offense put up 7 runs in another shutout win 7-0. This time it was John Lackey doing the honors, shutting out his old teammates for 8 innings.
Carl Crawford hit his first homer of the season. He may have finally found his offensive sea-legs in a Red Sox uniform. Adrian Gonzalez & Marco Scutaro had nice days at the plate as well.
As cold as an 0-6 & 2-10 start to the season, the Sox are now 8-1 in their last 9 & one game back from .500 at 10-11. What a difference a few weeks make! It's a crazy game.
Carl Crawford hit his first homer of the season. He may have finally found his offensive sea-legs in a Red Sox uniform. Adrian Gonzalez & Marco Scutaro had nice days at the plate as well.
As cold as an 0-6 & 2-10 start to the season, the Sox are now 8-1 in their last 9 & one game back from .500 at 10-11. What a difference a few weeks make! It's a crazy game.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Bruins Win in OT
The Bruins - Canadians is a time honored rivalry back to the days of our parents & grandparents. Boston & Montreal were 2 of the 6 original hockey franchises that started the NHL.
In between innings of the Red Sox game I was flipping channels to see the game as it went into overtime & double overtime. I did see the winning goal by Horton. Nice win.
Just wanted to give some props to the Bruins. Good for them for getting a big game 5 win at home.
In between innings of the Red Sox game I was flipping channels to see the game as it went into overtime & double overtime. I did see the winning goal by Horton. Nice win.
Just wanted to give some props to the Bruins. Good for them for getting a big game 5 win at home.
Sox Keep Winning
Dice-K pitches another gem, a 1-hit shutout for 8 innings, bringing down the Angels for a 3rd straight game 5-0.
Carl Crawford got 2 hits. Yes, let me say that again, Carl Crawford got 2 hits.
Youk is getting his stroke back as he clubbed a 2-run homer to right.
Jacoby Ellsbury had 2 hits & 2 stolen bases.
Pitching has been utterly dominant on this trip. And the bats are starting to come around. Even the umpires calls have started to lean in favor of the Sox.
Mojo is positive. Let's see if Lackey can beat his old team as we go for a sweep this afternoon.
Carl Crawford got 2 hits. Yes, let me say that again, Carl Crawford got 2 hits.
Youk is getting his stroke back as he clubbed a 2-run homer to right.
Jacoby Ellsbury had 2 hits & 2 stolen bases.
Pitching has been utterly dominant on this trip. And the bats are starting to come around. Even the umpires calls have started to lean in favor of the Sox.
Mojo is positive. Let's see if Lackey can beat his old team as we go for a sweep this afternoon.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sox Keep Winning
How many of you played youth baseball & had a coach that said "if the ball hits your glove, you should catch it?" I did. The Angels outfielders probably heard that line from Mike Scioscia after last night's loss to the Sox 4-3.
All 3 outfielders for the Angels misplayed balls that led to 3 of 4 Red Sox runs. These miscues extended innings & helped get Dan Haren's pitch count up & off the field after 6 innings. Lady luck is turning in the Sox direction. Look at the safe call at third base on Saltie last night.
We can accurately say that the Sox have won 2 in a row in Anaheim. Maybe the better statement is the Angels have thrown away 2 games. A clean game by the outfield last night & one non-miscue on the bases on Thursday & maybe the Angels win the first 2 games. That's why baseball is a funny game & why you play the games.
By virtue of 2 wins the Sox can do no less than split in Anaheim. Every win gets this team closer to the elusive .500 mark. I'm hoping we can get to 13-13 by end of April.
All 3 outfielders for the Angels misplayed balls that led to 3 of 4 Red Sox runs. These miscues extended innings & helped get Dan Haren's pitch count up & off the field after 6 innings. Lady luck is turning in the Sox direction. Look at the safe call at third base on Saltie last night.
We can accurately say that the Sox have won 2 in a row in Anaheim. Maybe the better statement is the Angels have thrown away 2 games. A clean game by the outfield last night & one non-miscue on the bases on Thursday & maybe the Angels win the first 2 games. That's why baseball is a funny game & why you play the games.
By virtue of 2 wins the Sox can do no less than split in Anaheim. Every win gets this team closer to the elusive .500 mark. I'm hoping we can get to 13-13 by end of April.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Saltie Versus Tek
You're a pitcher on the Red Sox team. You know that your catcher will be Saltie or Tek. Which one would you prefer?
Both block the ball well.
At this point you would have to say that Tek calls a better game via seniority & having been around the opposing hitters so long. One blog reader said it was unsettling to see Lackey shake off Saltie 5 or 6 times on one pitch.
Saltie has the better, more accurate throwing arm. I'm not a fan of his flip back to the pitcher on every pitch. But he can get the ball to 2nd with some juice on it.
Saltie is the better hitter, though not by much in the early going. Tek looks off-balance & swings at terrible pitches from the left side. He should strictly hit right-handed.
Both have strengths & weaknesses. I'd prefer to throw to Saltie if runs are going to be tight against another team's ace. I'd be OK with Tek if I'm going up against a #4 or #5 starter. Overall, there is just too small a sampling of games thus far to say one or the other is the #1 guy.
If you were pitching, who would you rather have catching for you?
Both block the ball well.
At this point you would have to say that Tek calls a better game via seniority & having been around the opposing hitters so long. One blog reader said it was unsettling to see Lackey shake off Saltie 5 or 6 times on one pitch.
Saltie has the better, more accurate throwing arm. I'm not a fan of his flip back to the pitcher on every pitch. But he can get the ball to 2nd with some juice on it.
Saltie is the better hitter, though not by much in the early going. Tek looks off-balance & swings at terrible pitches from the left side. He should strictly hit right-handed.
Both have strengths & weaknesses. I'd prefer to throw to Saltie if runs are going to be tight against another team's ace. I'd be OK with Tek if I'm going up against a #4 or #5 starter. Overall, there is just too small a sampling of games thus far to say one or the other is the #1 guy.
If you were pitching, who would you rather have catching for you?
Sox Win Behind Beckett, Gonzo
As Tito said earlier this week, good pitching keeps you in the game so you get a chance to win. That's exactly what Josh Beckett did for 8 innings. He threw a career high 125 pitches & eeked out one last inning in the 8th to save the bullpen for later in the game. He also kept his team in the game while they stranded 16 of 18 runners. Beckett has turned the clock back in recent starts, looking like the Josh Beckett of 2007. It's ashame that he didn't get the win.
Meanwhile, I shut the game off after 10 innings because it looked like Red Sox & Angels hitters had holes in their bats. Lots of swings & misses. Lots of poor swings a la J.D. Drew with the bases loaded in the 9th. Even the Angels, usually a sound team fundamentally, made a huge baserunning miscue by having Eric Aybar get thrown out at third to start the 9th. It seemed like neither team wanted to win.
But Adrian Gonzalez delivered a double into the corner in the 11th scoring the winning run to seal the Sox win, the 5th out of their last 6 games. At that point you have to think that probability or chance was on their side after going 1 for 17 with RISP. We'll take it.
This game #1 win of the 4-game set is a huge road win & puts the Sox in good position to take or split the series in Anaheim.
Meanwhile, I shut the game off after 10 innings because it looked like Red Sox & Angels hitters had holes in their bats. Lots of swings & misses. Lots of poor swings a la J.D. Drew with the bases loaded in the 9th. Even the Angels, usually a sound team fundamentally, made a huge baserunning miscue by having Eric Aybar get thrown out at third to start the 9th. It seemed like neither team wanted to win.
But Adrian Gonzalez delivered a double into the corner in the 11th scoring the winning run to seal the Sox win, the 5th out of their last 6 games. At that point you have to think that probability or chance was on their side after going 1 for 17 with RISP. We'll take it.
This game #1 win of the 4-game set is a huge road win & puts the Sox in good position to take or split the series in Anaheim.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
What's Different This April?
In 2010 the Red Sox started the season with an 11-12 record in April. Big Papi wasn't hitting. Beckett & Lester got off to slow starts. What's different this year?
I think the difference is the talent within the 2011 roster. There are half-dozen guys in the line-up hitting under .200 which logic tells you will not continue. The starting rotation is getting into their 3rd & 4th starts of the season & results are getting much more consistent.
Even though I've been pretty critical of the Sox in the early going, I see the future looking brighter. They won their last 2 series at home. And they split with Oakland. The key going forward is to win each series. We have the talent to do it.
Whoever plans out the big picture of Spring Training, however, out to be fired. This is the 2nd year in a row that the team breaks camp in Fort Myers & is not ready to play on Opening Day. Historically, the Sox start fast in April & May. This is 2 years in a row where there is a lethargic beginning to the season. Let's get that fixed for 2012.
I think the difference is the talent within the 2011 roster. There are half-dozen guys in the line-up hitting under .200 which logic tells you will not continue. The starting rotation is getting into their 3rd & 4th starts of the season & results are getting much more consistent.
Even though I've been pretty critical of the Sox in the early going, I see the future looking brighter. They won their last 2 series at home. And they split with Oakland. The key going forward is to win each series. We have the talent to do it.
Whoever plans out the big picture of Spring Training, however, out to be fired. This is the 2nd year in a row that the team breaks camp in Fort Myers & is not ready to play on Opening Day. Historically, the Sox start fast in April & May. This is 2 years in a row where there is a lethargic beginning to the season. Let's get that fixed for 2012.
Long Balls Power Sox to Road Win
The Sox needed 3 homers from Youk, red hot Jed Lowrie & J.D. Drew to earn their 1st road win of the season 5-3 & split the short 2 games series with the Oakland A's.
Clay Buchholz earned his first win of the year with an OK performance. 4 walks in 5+ is not the formula for success, but Buck had a lot of help from Daniel Bard to get out of a bases-loaded jam to close down the 6th.
The Sox now move down the road to Anaheim for 4 games starting tonight. The Angels are hot right now. Earning another split would OK. Anything better would be a plus.
Clay Buchholz earned his first win of the year with an OK performance. 4 walks in 5+ is not the formula for success, but Buck had a lot of help from Daniel Bard to get out of a bases-loaded jam to close down the 6th.
The Sox now move down the road to Anaheim for 4 games starting tonight. The Angels are hot right now. Earning another split would OK. Anything better would be a plus.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Frustration On the Road Continues
No road wins. 7 losses. Sox drop game 1 to the A's 5-0.
Good starting pitching for once by Lackey. That's a positive sign. But the Sox offense couldn't figure out Brett Anderson.
Besides the weird Cameron-Ellsbury call him out, throw him out / interference call in the top of the 8th the bottom of the 8th featured a poor showing by Okajima who gave up 3 runs. You can't give up runs in the last 3 innings, especially in a tight game. Let's try a few other lefties like Rich Hill, Andrew Miller or Lenny DiNardo. Oki may be on a short leash.
Tonight's game is big as the Boston boys need a win to get a split.
Good starting pitching for once by Lackey. That's a positive sign. But the Sox offense couldn't figure out Brett Anderson.
Besides the weird Cameron-Ellsbury call him out, throw him out / interference call in the top of the 8th the bottom of the 8th featured a poor showing by Okajima who gave up 3 runs. You can't give up runs in the last 3 innings, especially in a tight game. Let's try a few other lefties like Rich Hill, Andrew Miller or Lenny DiNardo. Oki may be on a short leash.
Tonight's game is big as the Boston boys need a win to get a split.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How About Jed Lowrie?
In the early season Jed Lowrie has become an offensive force. I was watching the MLB Network & they said his current week of hitting over .500 was only equaled once in Red Sox history by Wade Boggs.
After 2 injury-plagued seasons in 2009 & 2010 Lowrie's bat has caught fire in 2011. Normally a sure-handed fielder, he has made some miscues in the field. But his bat has more than made up for them.
Where would the Sox be without his 9 RBI in 7 games? Not at 5-10. As one of the blog commentors wrote today, we are not giving Lowrie his due. I was thinking the same.
Keep it up Jed! Maybe you will wake up a few more bats.
After 2 injury-plagued seasons in 2009 & 2010 Lowrie's bat has caught fire in 2011. Normally a sure-handed fielder, he has made some miscues in the field. But his bat has more than made up for them.
Where would the Sox be without his 9 RBI in 7 games? Not at 5-10. As one of the blog commentors wrote today, we are not giving Lowrie his due. I was thinking the same.
Keep it up Jed! Maybe you will wake up a few more bats.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Who Was That Guy?
It seemed like a player we hadn't seen in quite awhile. Dice-K went 7 strong innings of shutout ball on Patriot Day. This guy seems to have 9 lives as another bad performance may have drop him from the rotation with a mysterious injury.
If we can get Dice-K to 1 good & 1 bad outing every time he pitches, I'm OK with that for a #5 starter. He just can't be 1 good & 4 bad.
Now off to Oakland to start a 9-game road trip. We have momentum on our side.
If we can get Dice-K to 1 good & 1 bad outing every time he pitches, I'm OK with that for a #5 starter. He just can't be 1 good & 4 bad.
Now off to Oakland to start a 9-game road trip. We have momentum on our side.
Salty Gets 3 RBI
By the way - besides Ellsbury's 3-run homer yesterday, did anyone notice Salty had 2 hits & 3 RBI?
I know that one of the Boston sport shows has been all over him. Salty did look poor, very poor at the plate in the first week. He still swings for balls out of the strike zone. But I remember a big hit in the Yankees series & he came up with some runs for Jon Lester yesterday.
At 25 Salty has a lot of upside. Let's give him a little longer leash before we run him out of town.
I know that one of the Boston sport shows has been all over him. Salty did look poor, very poor at the plate in the first week. He still swings for balls out of the strike zone. But I remember a big hit in the Yankees series & he came up with some runs for Jon Lester yesterday.
At 25 Salty has a lot of upside. Let's give him a little longer leash before we run him out of town.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sox Win Again 8-1
Nice pitching by John Lester. An early 3-run homer by Jacoby Ellsbury. And the Sox make it 2 in a row over the Blue Jays.
You know things have change when Juan Rivera lines a ball to second with runners on & the Sox turn it into a double play. Just the way the ball bounces sometimes. Lately, things are bouncing in the Sox favor.
3 out of 4 against the Jays would be a nice end to the current homestand. I heard the joke for tomorrow is which event will finish first - the Boston Marathon or the Sox game with Dice-K pitching. Dice has big shoes to fill after the starts by Beckett & Lester.
You know things have change when Juan Rivera lines a ball to second with runners on & the Sox turn it into a double play. Just the way the ball bounces sometimes. Lately, things are bouncing in the Sox favor.
3 out of 4 against the Jays would be a nice end to the current homestand. I heard the joke for tomorrow is which event will finish first - the Boston Marathon or the Sox game with Dice-K pitching. Dice has big shoes to fill after the starts by Beckett & Lester.
A-Rod Out With Oblique Strain
Alex Rodriguez is the latest in a line of players to go out with early season injuries. Roy Oswalt left a game yesterday. Adam Wainwright is done for the season. The DL is piling up early in the year.
Here's a wild guess as to why. A month of pre-season games in the sun & heat of Florida & Arizona followed by schedules that put teams up north in winter-type elements. I could be wrong, but I think it's hard for the body to adjust.
One thing going for the Red Sox early on - maybe the only thing with a 3-10 record - is the fact that the team has been injury free so far. We had our share last year.
Here's a wild guess as to why. A month of pre-season games in the sun & heat of Florida & Arizona followed by schedules that put teams up north in winter-type elements. I could be wrong, but I think it's hard for the body to adjust.
One thing going for the Red Sox early on - maybe the only thing with a 3-10 record - is the fact that the team has been injury free so far. We had our share last year.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Beckett, Lowrie Shine in Win
Good starting pitching = wins.
Josh Beckett went 7 strong in a 4-1 win against the Blue Jays today. Bard & Pap finished it off. Finally, a game goes the way it should.
Jed Lowrie is swinging the lumber early this season. He makes Tito look good by putting him leadoff & resting a slumping Carl Crawford. Lowrie gets 3 hits, including a big 2-run jack over the Monster.
Even though the offense scored less than 5 runs, thankfully Beckett didn't need many to work with.
A nice win, but we would have taken an ugly win. As Al Davis of the Raiders says, just win baby. Just win.
Josh Beckett went 7 strong in a 4-1 win against the Blue Jays today. Bard & Pap finished it off. Finally, a game goes the way it should.
Jed Lowrie is swinging the lumber early this season. He makes Tito look good by putting him leadoff & resting a slumping Carl Crawford. Lowrie gets 3 hits, including a big 2-run jack over the Monster.
Even though the offense scored less than 5 runs, thankfully Beckett didn't need many to work with.
A nice win, but we would have taken an ugly win. As Al Davis of the Raiders says, just win baby. Just win.
It's Not Funny Anymore
The management can downplay a 2-10 start. The players can downplay a 2-10 start. The opposition can downplay a 2-10 start. Sox have the worst record in baseball.
And the fans are sick of it. The "boo birds" were out in full force last night & rightly so. The fans had to sit through a freezing game which saw the Red Sox climb back from a 7-3 deficit & score 3 in the 8th to make it 7-6. Hope, right? I'm thinking a walk-off win in the 9th is just what the doctor ordered.
But the top of the order goes down 1-2-3 in the 9th, not so much as a ball out of the infield. Another loss to start the 4-game series against Toronto. John Kerrigan gets his first win against his old team.
Isn't it time for a "get off your butt" speech from Theo to the players & coaches. As far as the fans are concerned, it is. Half the month of April is gone. If the Sox win every game over the last 2 weeks of the month, the best their record can be is 16-10 due to the rain out. No signs that a long winning streak is coming anytime soon.
April is creating a big hole. The question is how big will the hole be by month end.
And the fans are sick of it. The "boo birds" were out in full force last night & rightly so. The fans had to sit through a freezing game which saw the Red Sox climb back from a 7-3 deficit & score 3 in the 8th to make it 7-6. Hope, right? I'm thinking a walk-off win in the 9th is just what the doctor ordered.
But the top of the order goes down 1-2-3 in the 9th, not so much as a ball out of the infield. Another loss to start the 4-game series against Toronto. John Kerrigan gets his first win against his old team.
Isn't it time for a "get off your butt" speech from Theo to the players & coaches. As far as the fans are concerned, it is. Half the month of April is gone. If the Sox win every game over the last 2 weeks of the month, the best their record can be is 16-10 due to the rain out. No signs that a long winning streak is coming anytime soon.
April is creating a big hole. The question is how big will the hole be by month end.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Gonzalez Signs 7-Year Deal
It's only money. And it's not ours.
The Red Sox fulfilled their promise to Adrian Gonzalez by signing him to a 7-year, $154 million deal. Gonzo will be in a Red Sox uniform for a long time like the team's other new signee Carl Crawford.
The numbers stagger you as a common person, but it's fair market value when compared to other player signings. Maybe no one is worth $22 million a year. But that's the going rate for a superstar in baseball today.
I like Gonzo a lot. I'm glad he is in the fold.
The Red Sox fulfilled their promise to Adrian Gonzalez by signing him to a 7-year, $154 million deal. Gonzo will be in a Red Sox uniform for a long time like the team's other new signee Carl Crawford.
The numbers stagger you as a common person, but it's fair market value when compared to other player signings. Maybe no one is worth $22 million a year. But that's the going rate for a superstar in baseball today.
I like Gonzo a lot. I'm glad he is in the fold.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Two Days Off to Re-Group
It's been a tough first 11 games of the season so far for the Boston Red Sox & their fans. 2-9 is not what anyone expected.
A rain out & a planned day off today may be just what the doctor ordered. This break in action will let everyone catch their breath. Inhale, exhale, relax. It's obvious that every player is trying to compensate for the other. Wins start happening when the entire team moves together. Everyone just has to do their own job.
Let's see if we can put a hurt on the Toronto Blue Jays for the next 4 games.
A rain out & a planned day off today may be just what the doctor ordered. This break in action will let everyone catch their breath. Inhale, exhale, relax. It's obvious that every player is trying to compensate for the other. Wins start happening when the entire team moves together. Everyone just has to do their own job.
Let's see if we can put a hurt on the Toronto Blue Jays for the next 4 games.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Very Tough Loss
With their 3-2 loss last night to the Tampa Bay Rays the Sox now drop 3 of their first 4 series. Not the kind of September that we anticipated.
The game was an excellent pitching match-up. Jon Lester & David Price were both dominant as expected. I actually liked the way that Price handled himself - not whining to the umpire about close pitches, not putting on a big face if his fielders boot a ball. He & Lester are both pretty mature for 20-somethings.
In a tight game it comes down to one key hit or one key play. Adrian Gonzalez double-pumped on a play to home & the Rays runner was safe. Ellsbury & Drew struckout in the 9th before Big Papi made the last out of the game. Those were my keys to the Red Sox loss.
You have to fight through it. It doesn't get any easier after tonight's game with the Rays as the Blue Jays come in for 4 games over the weekend. We need a lot, but a good start by "Slackey" tonight would give the Sox a chance to win - like last night.
The game was an excellent pitching match-up. Jon Lester & David Price were both dominant as expected. I actually liked the way that Price handled himself - not whining to the umpire about close pitches, not putting on a big face if his fielders boot a ball. He & Lester are both pretty mature for 20-somethings.
In a tight game it comes down to one key hit or one key play. Adrian Gonzalez double-pumped on a play to home & the Rays runner was safe. Ellsbury & Drew struckout in the 9th before Big Papi made the last out of the game. Those were my keys to the Red Sox loss.
You have to fight through it. It doesn't get any easier after tonight's game with the Rays as the Blue Jays come in for 4 games over the weekend. We need a lot, but a good start by "Slackey" tonight would give the Sox a chance to win - like last night.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Dice-K's Days Numbered in Boston
My op ed piece today is writing down what every Red Sox fan is thinking after another stinko performance by Dice-k last night which led to a lopsided Red Sox loss 16-5 in game 1 of the Rays series -- when are the Red Sox going to trade Dice-K?
Dice-K & the Red Sox are not working. Their relationship hasn't worked for the past 2 years. It's not working this year. Time to part company.
In my opinion they should trade him to a team outside of the AL East - like Seattle. Or maybe there's a home for him in the National League. Everyone is looking for pitching & perhaps a change of scenery would do him well. I'd get whatever prospects you can & eat as much salary as needed.
Give Tim Wakefield or Felix Dubront or Alfredo Aceves a chance to start. They can't be any worse than Dice-K has been.
Dice-K & the Red Sox are not working. Their relationship hasn't worked for the past 2 years. It's not working this year. Time to part company.
In my opinion they should trade him to a team outside of the AL East - like Seattle. Or maybe there's a home for him in the National League. Everyone is looking for pitching & perhaps a change of scenery would do him well. I'd get whatever prospects you can & eat as much salary as needed.
Give Tim Wakefield or Felix Dubront or Alfredo Aceves a chance to start. They can't be any worse than Dice-K has been.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Buchholz Gets 4-Year Extension
Clay Buchholoz will pitch this year with the security of knowing that he will be in a Red Sox uniform for at least 4 more years. Buchholz & the Sox agreed to a $30 million, 4-year deal with club options for 2 more years.
Buchholz showed that he belongs with the big club last year by posting one of the league's best ERA's to go along with 17 wins. He has been slow out of the gate this April, but like Beckett, the Sox expect that to change.
With J.D. Drew, Mike Cameron & Marco Scutaro going off the books next year the Sox are re-positioning their assets to tied up their younger talent. I think it's a good signing.
Buchholz showed that he belongs with the big club last year by posting one of the league's best ERA's to go along with 17 wins. He has been slow out of the gate this April, but like Beckett, the Sox expect that to change.
With J.D. Drew, Mike Cameron & Marco Scutaro going off the books next year the Sox are re-positioning their assets to tied up their younger talent. I think it's a good signing.
Beckett & Sox beat CC & Yankees
It was an early heavyweight matchup in April for the rubber game of the series. Josh Beckett outpitched CC Sabathia. The Sox scraped together 4 runs & defeated the Bronx Bombers 4-0 to take their first series of the year.
Last night Beckett was as good as every sports reporter said. He had all his pitches working. He had Jason Varitek behind the plate. And he worked out of trouble when he needed to.
2-out-of-3 against the Yankees is something to build on. Now let's take the series against Tampa Bay.
Last night Beckett was as good as every sports reporter said. He had all his pitches working. He had Jason Varitek behind the plate. And he worked out of trouble when he needed to.
2-out-of-3 against the Yankees is something to build on. Now let's take the series against Tampa Bay.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Pedroia Heating Up
As the little guy would say, watch for the laser show. Dustin Pedroia has started his 2011 laser show with 3 hits in each of his last 2 games.
Unfortunately, Petey was the only productive hitter yesterday with Youk, Gonzo & Big Papi only getting 1 hit between them. Gonzalez & Big Papi have been productive, just not yesterday. And Youk is still not swinging the bat like he use to. You have to wonder if his hand injury is 100% healed. Crawford is still sorting things out.
Pedroia's broken bone in his foot seems healed. He is moving well in the field. His eye is definitely back at the plate. But, as he said after yesterday's loss, it's hard to look up at 10 runs by the other team & know you have to score that many or more to win.
Pedroia is doing his part. Now we need 8 other guys to join him.
Unfortunately, Petey was the only productive hitter yesterday with Youk, Gonzo & Big Papi only getting 1 hit between them. Gonzalez & Big Papi have been productive, just not yesterday. And Youk is still not swinging the bat like he use to. You have to wonder if his hand injury is 100% healed. Crawford is still sorting things out.
Pedroia's broken bone in his foot seems healed. He is moving well in the field. His eye is definitely back at the plate. But, as he said after yesterday's loss, it's hard to look up at 10 runs by the other team & know you have to score that many or more to win.
Pedroia is doing his part. Now we need 8 other guys to join him.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Sox Pitchers Busted Again
Another poor start. Another poor bullpen performance. Giving up 9 runs is not easy for any offense to overcome. Sox lose to the Yankees 9-4. Sox pitchers have the worst ERA in the league.
Pitching, pitching, pitching. It all starts with pitching which the Sox starters have not been able to provide thus far. Lester has had the best game of the year so far against Cleveland & that was a loss 1-0.
Good news - we can still take the series with a win on Sunday night. We need something positive & a series win at home against the Yankees would do nicely.
Pitching, pitching, pitching. It all starts with pitching which the Sox starters have not been able to provide thus far. Lester has had the best game of the year so far against Cleveland & that was a loss 1-0.
Good news - we can still take the series with a win on Sunday night. We need something positive & a series win at home against the Yankees would do nicely.
Manny Retires Due to Drugs
According to several sources, Manny Ramirez would rather retire than face the mandatory 100 game suspension for violating the MLB sustance abuse policy for the 2nd time.
What a sad ending for a gifted & talented hitter. Manny went from World Series MVP to drug addict. He was the guy who carried an American flag out to left-field when he became an American citizen to a guy who pushed around a 70-year old staffer over game tickets. Mood & personality changes accompany a person's drug use.
It's sad for Manny. It's sad for baseball. And all this as the jury deliberates on the Barry Bonds case & the court case against Roger Clemens is set to begin. Baseball's dark days are not over yet.
What a sad ending for a gifted & talented hitter. Manny went from World Series MVP to drug addict. He was the guy who carried an American flag out to left-field when he became an American citizen to a guy who pushed around a 70-year old staffer over game tickets. Mood & personality changes accompany a person's drug use.
It's sad for Manny. It's sad for baseball. And all this as the jury deliberates on the Barry Bonds case & the court case against Roger Clemens is set to begin. Baseball's dark days are not over yet.
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Win - Finally!
We won. We beat the Yankees 9-6. Alleluia, the drought is over!
You can talk about the clutch hits from Pedroia, Gonzo & Ortiz. You can talk about another poor start by "Slackey."
It doesn't matter. We got a win. And it was against the Yankees. "Nuf ced."
You can talk about the clutch hits from Pedroia, Gonzo & Ortiz. You can talk about another poor start by "Slackey."
It doesn't matter. We got a win. And it was against the Yankees. "Nuf ced."
Aceves, Dubront In - Albers, Reyes Out
Alfredo Aceves & Felix Dubront are with the Sox big club to bolster a bullpen that has been up & down so far. Matt Albers is on the DL & Dennys Reyes was released.
Aceves & Dubront give the Sox 2 good arms out of the bullpen. Both guys can start as well. Dubront is coming off an elbow injury, so he may be used in situations for 1 or 2 big outs against lefties. Aceves could be the long man.
Anything to help get a win is a good thing.
Aceves & Dubront give the Sox 2 good arms out of the bullpen. Both guys can start as well. Dubront is coming off an elbow injury, so he may be used in situations for 1 or 2 big outs against lefties. Aceves could be the long man.
Anything to help get a win is a good thing.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
No Runs Equal No Win
No offense for the Sox today - again. One lousy walk in the 8th leads to a sacrifice bunt & a run to beat the Sox 1-0. As Eck said afterwards, the Sox have lost every single way possible on this road trip.
Can we complain about the umpires? Sure. But, ultimately, it's up to players to play well enough so a blown call doesn't cost you the game.
The goat for today is Darnell McDonald's last out of the game. How can you over-run 2B when the ball is in front of you? Where was he going? Another critical error in the field.
The Sox are coming home with their tails between their legs. They almost need to start the home stand against the Yankees as if they are starting the season all over again. We need to forget the first 6 & go to work at home.
It just can't get any worse.
Can we complain about the umpires? Sure. But, ultimately, it's up to players to play well enough so a blown call doesn't cost you the game.
The goat for today is Darnell McDonald's last out of the game. How can you over-run 2B when the ball is in front of you? Where was he going? Another critical error in the field.
The Sox are coming home with their tails between their legs. They almost need to start the home stand against the Yankees as if they are starting the season all over again. We need to forget the first 6 & go to work at home.
It just can't get any worse.
5th Loss In A Row
It's not funny anymore. The Sox stumble to another loss last night. No pitching. No key hits. We need to get some momentum going to salvage the remaining 22 games of April. My prediction of 14 wins is not looking so good.
As my brother said, it looks like everyone is trying to do too much. Probably true, but that doesn't make an 0-5 start, similar to Tampa Bay, any less frustrating.
Youk's comments on the Red Sox website may be the best. The team needs a win today to go into the home opener against the Yankees on a positive note. I agree.
As my brother said, it looks like everyone is trying to do too much. Probably true, but that doesn't make an 0-5 start, similar to Tampa Bay, any less frustrating.
Youk's comments on the Red Sox website may be the best. The team needs a win today to go into the home opener against the Yankees on a positive note. I agree.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Close, But Still No Win
Pitching, but no hitting lead to another loss. 3-1 is the final in Cleveland.
Other than a very long 3rd inning, Josh Beckett pitched OK. He had to leave after 5 because of his 100+ pitch count. Relievers were all good - Alberts, Jenks & Bard.
It kills me that the #4 starter for the Cleveland Indians could pitch 1-run ball over 7 innings. He did throw a lot of strikes & was ahead in the count. But with a fastball in the 80's you would think the Sox hitters could have made much better contact.
Pet peeve of the night for me was Jed Lowrie's pinch-hit appearance. The Sox are down by 2 in the 8th. Lowrie should be looking to take a pitch or take a strike to work the count & get on base. Instead, Lowrie check swings & fouls out to 1B on the very first pitch he sees. That was dumb, just plain dumb. Poor at bat.
We should start a lottery to bet on when the Sox will win their first game. I hope it's tonight.
Other than a very long 3rd inning, Josh Beckett pitched OK. He had to leave after 5 because of his 100+ pitch count. Relievers were all good - Alberts, Jenks & Bard.
It kills me that the #4 starter for the Cleveland Indians could pitch 1-run ball over 7 innings. He did throw a lot of strikes & was ahead in the count. But with a fastball in the 80's you would think the Sox hitters could have made much better contact.
Pet peeve of the night for me was Jed Lowrie's pinch-hit appearance. The Sox are down by 2 in the 8th. Lowrie should be looking to take a pitch or take a strike to work the count & get on base. Instead, Lowrie check swings & fouls out to 1B on the very first pitch he sees. That was dumb, just plain dumb. Poor at bat.
We should start a lottery to bet on when the Sox will win their first game. I hope it's tonight.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Can Beckett Stop the Slide?
We need a win and Josh Beckett is the guy to do it. Beckett seems to perform better under pressure. He likes to take the ball in a big game.
And wouldn't this be a good way to serve notice to the rest of the staff that he is still a #1 starter? He has the stuff. Beckett just needs to locate his pitches. And stay healthy.
I'm anxious to see how he responds - for himself & for the team.
And wouldn't this be a good way to serve notice to the rest of the staff that he is still a #1 starter? He has the stuff. Beckett just needs to locate his pitches. And stay healthy.
I'm anxious to see how he responds - for himself & for the team.
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Humbling Start to 2011
To say that the Boston Red Sox discovered this weekend that a good team on paper doesn't win a championship is an understatement. The Sox were swept out of The Ballpark in Arlington, TX & outplayed in every category by the Rangers, resulting in 3 losses.
If you are a glass half full kind of person, you may see this as a good thing. How? The Sox now know that no one is going to lay down & give them anything. It shows that superstars can be hot & cold which is why it takes a team effort to win. And most of all, all 3 phases of the game have to come together - pitching, hitting, defense - to win a game.
The Sox have not put it all together yet. They will. And when they do you can expect a long win streak to wash away this opening series in Texas. I'll say it again - there is too much talent on this team not to expect a great season. It just hasn't happened yet.
Keep the faith. Cleveland is up next. No reason we shouldn't take at least 2 out of 3.
If you are a glass half full kind of person, you may see this as a good thing. How? The Sox now know that no one is going to lay down & give them anything. It shows that superstars can be hot & cold which is why it takes a team effort to win. And most of all, all 3 phases of the game have to come together - pitching, hitting, defense - to win a game.
The Sox have not put it all together yet. They will. And when they do you can expect a long win streak to wash away this opening series in Texas. I'll say it again - there is too much talent on this team not to expect a great season. It just hasn't happened yet.
Keep the faith. Cleveland is up next. No reason we shouldn't take at least 2 out of 3.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Rangers Bomb the Red Sox
The big bombs off the Rangers' bats kept Texas flying high again today. 4 more home runs led to a 5-1 win & a sweep of the Red Sox. The Rangers hit 11 homers in their first 3 games. That's pretty impressive & quite a statement to the rest of the AL.
Don't throw in the towel yet, Red Sox fans. We have 159 games left. The pitching, hitting & defense just haven't come together all in one game yet. It will. There is too much talent on this team not to.
Hats off to Texas this weekend. You kicked our butts - this time.
Don't throw in the towel yet, Red Sox fans. We have 159 games left. The pitching, hitting & defense just haven't come together all in one game yet. It will. There is too much talent on this team not to.
Hats off to Texas this weekend. You kicked our butts - this time.
So Far, So Bad
It's deja vu all over again. The Sox fight to tie the score 3-3 in the top of the 4th & john Lackey goes out & gives up 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Sox lose again, this time 12-5. Regardless of the offense, you are not going to win many games when you allow 10.5 runs per game by the opposition.
Message to John Lackey: Learn to manage the damage! Giving up a grand slam to Adrian Beltre was not what Curt Young had in mind when the collective wisdom was to intentionally walk Josh Hamilton. It looks like Theo is going to need a quicker hook with Lackey. When things go bad, the go bad very, very quickly. Why have a guy throw 200+ innings if he is always giving up the lead?
Maybe Clay Buchholz can give the Sox one quality start this afternoon. Getting swept in the first series would not be a good way to start the season.
And just a plug for the Texas Rangers. They are really swinging the lumber & have to be considered a top tier team again this year.
Message to John Lackey: Learn to manage the damage! Giving up a grand slam to Adrian Beltre was not what Curt Young had in mind when the collective wisdom was to intentionally walk Josh Hamilton. It looks like Theo is going to need a quicker hook with Lackey. When things go bad, the go bad very, very quickly. Why have a guy throw 200+ innings if he is always giving up the lead?
Maybe Clay Buchholz can give the Sox one quality start this afternoon. Getting swept in the first series would not be a good way to start the season.
And just a plug for the Texas Rangers. They are really swinging the lumber & have to be considered a top tier team again this year.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Ells, Gonzo, Ortiz Have Good Days
Jacoby Ellsbury reached base 4 times, scored a couple of runs & stole a base. Not a bad day for a leadoff guy. He was missed last year.
Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 & drove in 3 runs. He also made a couple of good picks at 1B for outs. He is going to be a smooth & steady player throughout the year.
David Ortiz hit a very meaningful HR in Game #1 that tied the game in the 8th. Being that long ball threat out of the 6 hole in the order is a nice spot for Big Papi this year. If you remember, his first HR last year took awhile.
Now that the nerves of the opener are out of the way I'm looking for Crawford & others to settle down & play their game. We need to take the next 2 in a row which will be no easy fete in Texas.
I still think my prediction of 14-13 for April looks about right. One fan predicted 19-8. We'll see...
Adrian Gonzalez went 2-4 & drove in 3 runs. He also made a couple of good picks at 1B for outs. He is going to be a smooth & steady player throughout the year.
David Ortiz hit a very meaningful HR in Game #1 that tied the game in the 8th. Being that long ball threat out of the 6 hole in the order is a nice spot for Big Papi this year. If you remember, his first HR last year took awhile.
Now that the nerves of the opener are out of the way I'm looking for Crawford & others to settle down & play their game. We need to take the next 2 in a row which will be no easy fete in Texas.
I still think my prediction of 14-13 for April looks about right. One fan predicted 19-8. We'll see...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Bad Bard
Daniel Bard was not sharp & gave up 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th after a big HR by David Ortiz tied the game in the top of the 8th. Sox lose 9-5.
You can be assured that Daniel Bard will be much better in the future. For that matter so will Carl Crawford & Jon Lester. You have to cut Lester some slack since Napoli golfed a good breaking ball into the seats for a 3-run homer. Lester surrendered 3 HR's in all.
I like Lackey & Buchholz in the final 2 games of the opening series. 2 out of 3 in Texas would be a good start.
It always hard to be less than your best on Opening Day, but it happens. Opening Day is over now.
You can be assured that Daniel Bard will be much better in the future. For that matter so will Carl Crawford & Jon Lester. You have to cut Lester some slack since Napoli golfed a good breaking ball into the seats for a 3-run homer. Lester surrendered 3 HR's in all.
I like Lackey & Buchholz in the final 2 games of the opening series. 2 out of 3 in Texas would be a good start.
It always hard to be less than your best on Opening Day, but it happens. Opening Day is over now.
Keys to Game 1
Anytime Jon Lester takes the mound you have a good chance to win. His opposing moundsman, C.J. Wilson, also is a very good left-handed pitcher.
Keys for me for today's opener are which right-handed hitters in either lineup can do some damage offensively. For us it's Pedroia, Youk, Cameron (playing for Drew), Salty & Scutaro. For them it's Adrian Beltre & Michael Young predominantly. Gone is Vlad Guerrero from last year.
Let's see if I'm right.
Keys for me for today's opener are which right-handed hitters in either lineup can do some damage offensively. For us it's Pedroia, Youk, Cameron (playing for Drew), Salty & Scutaro. For them it's Adrian Beltre & Michael Young predominantly. Gone is Vlad Guerrero from last year.
Let's see if I'm right.
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