Ozzie Guillen is not shy about expressing his opinion on Bobby Jenks. On the other side Jenks is not afraid to call out Ozzie either.
The verbal feud appears to be over. Jenks said he wants to concentrate now on being a member of the Red Sox pen. Tito reached out to Ozzie to stop the comments from his side.
Unfortunately, Ozzie thinks Jenks quit on the White Sox last year. Jenks feels Ozzie disrespected him by calling his arm injury questionnable.
It's over, boys. Time to move on.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Twins 8, Red Sox 4
The 2011 Spring Training schedule started on Sunday with a loss by the Sox to cross-town rivals the Minnesota Twins. The good news is no one got hurt & pitchers got their work in.
Beckett, Buchholz & Okajima all worked off the mound. Beckett was average. Buchholz was above-average. Oki was below-average. You can't really tell much from these games, so just getting the work in is a good thing for pitchers at this early stage.
Reports are that Josh Beckett is healthy this spring. He can take the full 31 days of March to build up to where he needs to be for the regular season. Injuries had set him back in 2 of the 3 previous spring camps. No question that Beckett needs to bounce back if the Sox are to win their 100 games in 2011.
Let the practice games continue.
Beckett, Buchholz & Okajima all worked off the mound. Beckett was average. Buchholz was above-average. Oki was below-average. You can't really tell much from these games, so just getting the work in is a good thing for pitchers at this early stage.
Reports are that Josh Beckett is healthy this spring. He can take the full 31 days of March to build up to where he needs to be for the regular season. Injuries had set him back in 2 of the 3 previous spring camps. No question that Beckett needs to bounce back if the Sox are to win their 100 games in 2011.
Let the practice games continue.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Let the Games Begin
The Red Sox start their pre-season on Saturday with traditional games vs. BC & Northeastern. Then it's into Grapefruit League action for the month of March.
So far, everyone is healthy. Pedroia & Lowry are featured in articles today on the Red Sox website & ESPN Boston's website. Both are healthy, no restrictions & ready to go. Youk & Ellsbury are the same.
A minor setback was announced for Felix Dubront who has a tight left elbow. The Sox plan to keep him out a few weeks as a precaution. J.D. Drew's hammie is better, but he will probably see limited action in the spring.
Let the games begin...
So far, everyone is healthy. Pedroia & Lowry are featured in articles today on the Red Sox website & ESPN Boston's website. Both are healthy, no restrictions & ready to go. Youk & Ellsbury are the same.
A minor setback was announced for Felix Dubront who has a tight left elbow. The Sox plan to keep him out a few weeks as a precaution. J.D. Drew's hammie is better, but he will probably see limited action in the spring.
Let the games begin...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Predictions For 2011
I've learned over the years that Spring Training & it's results have no correlation to the regular season. Remember J.D. Drew's first year in Fort Myers. He was in great shape, hit the ball a ton & laid an egg for the better part of the regular season.
March's practice games, however, do lead to a lot of theories about the regular season. I thought it would be fun to pull out the crystal ball, like reporters & sportswriters do, & make a few predictions. After the season is over we'll see how accurate any of these turn out.
1) Red Sox win their 3rd World Series in 8 years.
2) Dice-K wins 20 games.
3) Youk wins the MVP Award.
4) Ryan Kalish plays a major role in the playoffs.
5) Sox get Michael Young at the trade deadline.
I know. Some of these picks are out there. But that's what Spring Training is about. A lot of thoughts. A lot of dreams about possibilities. Let me know if you have any picks.
March's practice games, however, do lead to a lot of theories about the regular season. I thought it would be fun to pull out the crystal ball, like reporters & sportswriters do, & make a few predictions. After the season is over we'll see how accurate any of these turn out.
1) Red Sox win their 3rd World Series in 8 years.
2) Dice-K wins 20 games.
3) Youk wins the MVP Award.
4) Ryan Kalish plays a major role in the playoffs.
5) Sox get Michael Young at the trade deadline.
I know. Some of these picks are out there. But that's what Spring Training is about. A lot of thoughts. A lot of dreams about possibilities. Let me know if you have any picks.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
$30 Million A Year "Asinine"
White Sox GM Kenny Williams said he would support a work stoppage if player salaries rose to $30 million a year. He called it "asinine." The MLB Players Union, however, is looking for Albert Pujols to set the bar at or around $30 mil when his free agency negotiations start after this year's World Series.
I'm with you, Kenny. Has anyone noticed that we are in a recession? Do you think the average guy gassing up at the pump & paying over $3.25 a gallon can fathom this kind of money?
Money is the root of all evil. The more you have, the more you want. I'm not sure how much farther the gap between the have's & the have not's can widen before it comes to an end. The average fan will revolt against the players & owners at some point. That date may not be far away.
I'm with you, Kenny. Has anyone noticed that we are in a recession? Do you think the average guy gassing up at the pump & paying over $3.25 a gallon can fathom this kind of money?
Money is the root of all evil. The more you have, the more you want. I'm not sure how much farther the gap between the have's & the have not's can widen before it comes to an end. The average fan will revolt against the players & owners at some point. That date may not be far away.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hank Vs. Jeter Continues
Hank Steinbrenner just can't keep his mouth shut. He definitely has a case of Rex Ryan-itis. I guess Hank never heard the saying "praise in public, punish in private."
Big Hank just had to comment that Yankee players were too busy building mansions to concentrate on repeating as world champs in 2010. Unfortunately, only Derek Jeter was building a new house in Florida in 2010.
Jeter needs only 74 hits to reach 3,000 for his career. Is this any way to handle your captain & future Hall of Famer?
Keep it up, Hank. Every stupid comment from your mouth drives future free agents out of New York.
Big Hank just had to comment that Yankee players were too busy building mansions to concentrate on repeating as world champs in 2010. Unfortunately, only Derek Jeter was building a new house in Florida in 2010.
Jeter needs only 74 hits to reach 3,000 for his career. Is this any way to handle your captain & future Hall of Famer?
Keep it up, Hank. Every stupid comment from your mouth drives future free agents out of New York.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Gonzo Swings With Ease
Red Sox fans can rejoice. Adrian Gonzalez got to take 20 swings off a tee today. He reported no discomfort 4 months after undergoing shoulder surgery. Adrian is scheduled to be ready to play on Opening Day this April 1st.
Don't you just love this guy already? Every interview he gives shows that he is articulate, a student of the game & a humble player. What unusual attributes in a superstar of the 21st century! No reality show. No tweeting.
Gonzo is a perfect fit for this team & any team.
Don't you just love this guy already? Every interview he gives shows that he is articulate, a student of the game & a humble player. What unusual attributes in a superstar of the 21st century! No reality show. No tweeting.
Gonzo is a perfect fit for this team & any team.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
2010 In Rear View Mirror
The first full squad workout for the Red Sox showed fans that the injuries of last year are a thing of the past. As Jacoby Ellsbury said, I don't look back.
Healthy was the key word used by Tito after the first workout. He mentioned that Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis & Scutaro all seem recovered & moving with ease. Even J.D. Drew said his hamstring felt better.
It's a good start.
Healthy was the key word used by Tito after the first workout. He mentioned that Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis & Scutaro all seem recovered & moving with ease. Even J.D. Drew said his hamstring felt better.
It's a good start.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
100 Wins
My brother has the satellite TV package & we watched the broadcast of Comcast Sportsnet's Baseball Show from Fort Myers. I'd like to comment on a few of their comments.
1) Red Sox achieve 100 wins this season.
OK, it's possible if everything aligns correctly & the injury bug stays away. I hear J.D. Drew already has a hamstring pull.
If all the Sox pitchers have an average to above-average year, they should get close to 100 wins. Let's see how Beckett & Lackey bounce back.
2) J.D. Drew hits leadoff.
Sean McAdam is taking too many drugs. I heard this once before & it even sounds worse now. Drew may only play 80-90 games with Cameron & McDonald available against lefties. Let's not forget Drew's inability to stay healthy. I'm 100% against the idea.
3) Adrian Gonzalez is the real deal.
I agree 100%. I enjoy listening to every interview. He is very even-keeled, logical & very articulate. He remind me of a thinking-man's hitter - a la Ted Williams.
Spring Training never lacks for thoughts about players, coaches, lineups, etc. It just a fun time of year.
1) Red Sox achieve 100 wins this season.
OK, it's possible if everything aligns correctly & the injury bug stays away. I hear J.D. Drew already has a hamstring pull.
If all the Sox pitchers have an average to above-average year, they should get close to 100 wins. Let's see how Beckett & Lackey bounce back.
2) J.D. Drew hits leadoff.
Sean McAdam is taking too many drugs. I heard this once before & it even sounds worse now. Drew may only play 80-90 games with Cameron & McDonald available against lefties. Let's not forget Drew's inability to stay healthy. I'm 100% against the idea.
3) Adrian Gonzalez is the real deal.
I agree 100%. I enjoy listening to every interview. He is very even-keeled, logical & very articulate. He remind me of a thinking-man's hitter - a la Ted Williams.
Spring Training never lacks for thoughts about players, coaches, lineups, etc. It just a fun time of year.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Beckett & Lackey Under the Radar
Peter Gammons has an interesting article on the Sox website today. His conversations with Sox starters Josh Beckett & John Lackey show their willingness to fade into the background this spring.
Lackey & Beckett are coming off poor, subpar years. They both realize the importance of getting off to a good start in 2011. It's their hope that everyone focuses on the new additions to the Sox offense & bullpen while they just do their thing in pre-season. No fanfare, just get their work done.
Ok, I'll buy it. But come the first series in Texas I hope Beckett gets off to a faster start than in previous Aprils & Lackey doesn't cough up leads with regularity in the 6th & 7th innings. No one will be focusing on the offense & bullpen if those two don't pull their weight in 2011.
Enjoy February & March under the radar. It'll be over in April.
Lackey & Beckett are coming off poor, subpar years. They both realize the importance of getting off to a good start in 2011. It's their hope that everyone focuses on the new additions to the Sox offense & bullpen while they just do their thing in pre-season. No fanfare, just get their work done.
Ok, I'll buy it. But come the first series in Texas I hope Beckett gets off to a faster start than in previous Aprils & Lackey doesn't cough up leads with regularity in the 6th & 7th innings. No one will be focusing on the offense & bullpen if those two don't pull their weight in 2011.
Enjoy February & March under the radar. It'll be over in April.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
No Joy in St. Louis
Albert Pujols is heading for free agency at the end of this season. The franchise player of the Cardinals reportly turned down $200 million over 8 years with an opportunity to buy into the Cardinals ownership.
These numbers make no sense to the average guy on the street. It would be hard to spend that kind of money in a lifetime. Don't forget that Albert's current contract is worth a mere $16 million this year. Chump change!
There has to be an end somewhere. We the fans end up paying for these salaries in ticket prices or in your cable TV bill.
These numbers make no sense to the average guy on the street. It would be hard to spend that kind of money in a lifetime. Don't forget that Albert's current contract is worth a mere $16 million this year. Chump change!
There has to be an end somewhere. We the fans end up paying for these salaries in ticket prices or in your cable TV bill.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Big Season for Little Man
Dustin Pedroia is one of several Red Sox players with something to prove in 2011. As a former Rookie of the Year & MVP, Petey needs to show himself that he can manage the injury to his foot which now has a screw in it.
The 2010 season started off slow for Pedroia. However, the laser show was just starting with a home run binge in Texas & San Francisco before his foot injury took place. Petey going down on the same day as Victor Martinez spelled the end of the Sox season.
Pedroia is a dirt dog who will give it everything he has. In fact, he gave it too much last year by coming back to the lineup too early. The Sox medical staff took a beating on his all-clear-to-play diagnosis.
I enjoyed Pedroia's interview from Fort Myers. He is wearing protective padding on his foot &, as anyone could have predicted, he is ready to go. I think he learned his lesson & will be a lot more cautious in Spring Training this year.
The 2010 season started off slow for Pedroia. However, the laser show was just starting with a home run binge in Texas & San Francisco before his foot injury took place. Petey going down on the same day as Victor Martinez spelled the end of the Sox season.
Pedroia is a dirt dog who will give it everything he has. In fact, he gave it too much last year by coming back to the lineup too early. The Sox medical staff took a beating on his all-clear-to-play diagnosis.
I enjoyed Pedroia's interview from Fort Myers. He is wearing protective padding on his foot &, as anyone could have predicted, he is ready to go. I think he learned his lesson & will be a lot more cautious in Spring Training this year.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lackey Shed Some Pounds
I saw a few videos from Fort Myers that show John Lackey sporting a trimmer waistline. Good for him. I'm all for it if a trimmer body helps him to pitch better.
I also hope that Lackey has a trimmer brain this year. He needs to stay tough in the later innings & not give up leads. He needs to actually win a game when it counts. He needs to stop whining after every loss.
If a few less pounds help the mental side of John Lackey's game, then it's a wonderful thing.
I also hope that Lackey has a trimmer brain this year. He needs to stay tough in the later innings & not give up leads. He needs to actually win a game when it counts. He needs to stop whining after every loss.
If a few less pounds help the mental side of John Lackey's game, then it's a wonderful thing.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A Mature Buchholz
Clay Buchholz is no longer a kid. That's obvious from his first interview in Fort Myers.
No longer wrestling for a spot in the rotation Clay can focus his Spring Training on getting in shape for the grind of 30+ starts & 200+ innings during the regular season. He attributes his great 2010 to his ability to pitch out of situations, making a good pitch here & there to limit damage. He also credits his defense for turning in outs on hard hit balls.
I enjoy listening to any professional athlete who isn't all about me, me, me. I'm great. I'm the best. I need more money. Enough already!
Just like watching your own kids grow up Clay Buchholz is one of the Red Sox kids that has arrived. It's refreshing to see.
No longer wrestling for a spot in the rotation Clay can focus his Spring Training on getting in shape for the grind of 30+ starts & 200+ innings during the regular season. He attributes his great 2010 to his ability to pitch out of situations, making a good pitch here & there to limit damage. He also credits his defense for turning in outs on hard hit balls.
I enjoy listening to any professional athlete who isn't all about me, me, me. I'm great. I'm the best. I need more money. Enough already!
Just like watching your own kids grow up Clay Buchholz is one of the Red Sox kids that has arrived. It's refreshing to see.
Blog Pictures
As Spring Training starts this week, my podcast partner Gaff reminded me to ask our blog visitors to send pictures of family, friends or animals dressed up in their best Red Sox gear so we can upload them to the blog.
Most of the pictures in the right-hand column of the blog have been there for awhile. Recently, we got a new picture of Gaff's grandkids. Very cute.
If you would like to see your pixs posted, please send to 3nohitters@gmail.com. Wear your Red Sox gear proudly in 2011! It's going to be a great season.
Most of the pictures in the right-hand column of the blog have been there for awhile. Recently, we got a new picture of Gaff's grandkids. Very cute.
If you would like to see your pixs posted, please send to 3nohitters@gmail.com. Wear your Red Sox gear proudly in 2011! It's going to be a great season.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Many Players Report Early
It's a great sight.
Jon Papelbon
Danield Bard
Jon Lester
Josh Beckett
John Lackey
Kevin Youkilis
Adrian Gonzalez
All these players have reported for duty early. Other than Daniel Bard & Jon Lester, each one of them has something to prove in 2011.
Youk needs to show the fans that he is healthy.
Pap, Beckett & Lackey have to overcome down yuears in 2010.
Gonzalez needs to meet his new teammates & show that he is recovered from shoulder surgery.
It's great for fans visiting Fort Myers to see the enthusiasm & excitement already. There will be a good buzz around Spring Training this week.
Jon Papelbon
Danield Bard
Jon Lester
Josh Beckett
John Lackey
Kevin Youkilis
Adrian Gonzalez
All these players have reported for duty early. Other than Daniel Bard & Jon Lester, each one of them has something to prove in 2011.
Youk needs to show the fans that he is healthy.
Pap, Beckett & Lackey have to overcome down yuears in 2010.
Gonzalez needs to meet his new teammates & show that he is recovered from shoulder surgery.
It's great for fans visiting Fort Myers to see the enthusiasm & excitement already. There will be a good buzz around Spring Training this week.
Sox Sign More Lefties
It's like the Costco warehouse. Theo & Co. continue to sign more pitchers, particularly left-handers. They are stacked up 4 & 5 deep now.
The latest signings are Dennys Reyes & Alfredo Aceves. Reyes is a reliever who is there to get out lefties. Aceves can relieve or start which gives him more flexibility - like Wakefield & Dubront.
Reyes & Aceves join Felix Dubront, Hideki Okajima, Rich Hill & Andrew Miller as possible lefties to join the bullpen. The pen is already rich with righties like Pap, Bard, Jenks & others.
If Theo learned one thing last year, he knows that it no fun to see leads slip away late in games thanks to a poor bullpen. I think he has fixed the problem for 2011.
The latest signings are Dennys Reyes & Alfredo Aceves. Reyes is a reliever who is there to get out lefties. Aceves can relieve or start which gives him more flexibility - like Wakefield & Dubront.
Reyes & Aceves join Felix Dubront, Hideki Okajima, Rich Hill & Andrew Miller as possible lefties to join the bullpen. The pen is already rich with righties like Pap, Bard, Jenks & others.
If Theo learned one thing last year, he knows that it no fun to see leads slip away late in games thanks to a poor bullpen. I think he has fixed the problem for 2011.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Spring Training Ideas
Pitchers & catchers report on Sunday to unveil the official start of Spring Training 2011. As is usual at this time of year, many ideas get thrown out into cyber space by sportswriters & fans. Here's two that are currently out there - I mean way out there.
1) J.D. Drew can hit in the leadoff spot.
Whoever said that, stop smoking crack! Drew had the worse OBP of his career last year & even he admitted that he lost control of the strike zone. I don't want to see him make the first out every game. I vote no to Drew leading off.
2) Daniel Bard can be a starter.
Whoever said that, cut back on your meds! We have plenty of starters, including a #6 in Tim Wakefield. Why would you move the best 8th inning guy in the league & potential closer for 2012 into a starter's role? If it's not broke, don't fix it. I vote no to moving Bard from the pen.
I'm sure this is just the start of a barrage of ideas, comments & thoughts that will be asked of Tito every day that he steps onto the field in Fort Myers. But that's part of the excitement of starting a new season.
OK, keep the ideas rolling in.
1) J.D. Drew can hit in the leadoff spot.
Whoever said that, stop smoking crack! Drew had the worse OBP of his career last year & even he admitted that he lost control of the strike zone. I don't want to see him make the first out every game. I vote no to Drew leading off.
2) Daniel Bard can be a starter.
Whoever said that, cut back on your meds! We have plenty of starters, including a #6 in Tim Wakefield. Why would you move the best 8th inning guy in the league & potential closer for 2012 into a starter's role? If it's not broke, don't fix it. I vote no to moving Bard from the pen.
I'm sure this is just the start of a barrage of ideas, comments & thoughts that will be asked of Tito every day that he steps onto the field in Fort Myers. But that's part of the excitement of starting a new season.
OK, keep the ideas rolling in.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Truck Day 2011
Every Red Sox fan knows what Truck Day is. And it took place yesterday.
The official Red Sox tractor trailer, loaded with everything from bats to play pens, left Fenway Park yesterday for its annual trek to Spring Training in Fort Myers. This date is a sign to winter-stricken fans of brighter & better days to come.
Only in Boston could this be an event. Given the mounds of snow & predictions for more to come, Truck Day took on a little more significance this year. It reminds all fans, at least for one day, that winter will come to an end & the boys in red & blue will be back on the field soon. In fact, pitchers & catchers report on Sunday.
Happy Truck Day everyone!
The official Red Sox tractor trailer, loaded with everything from bats to play pens, left Fenway Park yesterday for its annual trek to Spring Training in Fort Myers. This date is a sign to winter-stricken fans of brighter & better days to come.
Only in Boston could this be an event. Given the mounds of snow & predictions for more to come, Truck Day took on a little more significance this year. It reminds all fans, at least for one day, that winter will come to an end & the boys in red & blue will be back on the field soon. In fact, pitchers & catchers report on Sunday.
Happy Truck Day everyone!
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Pack Is Back
Brett Favre who?
Thank you Green Bay Packers for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers. All of New England thanks you. The Pack, like the New Orleans Saints of 2010, were the sentimental favorites of the country to win the Super Bowl. It's nice when things work out the way they should.
The Packers win is reminiscent of:
- the Saints beating the Colts.
- the Steelers beating the Jets.
- the Rangers beating the Yankees.
If the Pats & Red Sox are out of the playoffs, we don't want any of our rivals winning the big game or the big series.
Cheeseheads - party! You deserve it.
Now we can finally get down to baseball.
Thank you Green Bay Packers for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers. All of New England thanks you. The Pack, like the New Orleans Saints of 2010, were the sentimental favorites of the country to win the Super Bowl. It's nice when things work out the way they should.
The Packers win is reminiscent of:
- the Saints beating the Colts.
- the Steelers beating the Jets.
- the Rangers beating the Yankees.
If the Pats & Red Sox are out of the playoffs, we don't want any of our rivals winning the big game or the big series.
Cheeseheads - party! You deserve it.
Now we can finally get down to baseball.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Vlad Guerrero Joins the Orioles
Vlad Guerrero is now in the AL East. Another aging & oft injured star, the Baltimore Orioles agree to a 1-year, $8 million contract with Vlad to be the team's DH.
The O's have never had a problem on the offensive side of the ball. Their offensive stats are in the top 5 in the AL almost every year. The problem is their pitching which is usually at the bottom. I believe their bullpen was ranked last in all of baseball last year.
You can improve your weakness or improve your strength. The Orioles opted to go with more offense. If Vlad helps the O's beat the Yankees a few times, it works for me.
The O's have never had a problem on the offensive side of the ball. Their offensive stats are in the top 5 in the AL almost every year. The problem is their pitching which is usually at the bottom. I believe their bullpen was ranked last in all of baseball last year.
You can improve your weakness or improve your strength. The Orioles opted to go with more offense. If Vlad helps the O's beat the Yankees a few times, it works for me.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Blog Gets Visitor # 2500
I happy to say that this week's sitemeter registered the 2,500th visitor to this blog. The visitor was from Concord, NH -- so it was probably one of my podcast partners, Gaff or Steve.
In addition to the regular my viewers from Charlotte, NC, Concord, NH, Mountain View, CA, and Goodyear, AZ, we had new visitors from Hacienda Heights, CA and Saint Petersburg, FL. It's always nice to see new followers and there have been visitors in the recent past from as far away as India.
It's great to know that the Boston Red Sox have a national & international following. I appreciate everyone's support. Stay tuned for what should be a great 2011 season.
In addition to the regular my viewers from Charlotte, NC, Concord, NH, Mountain View, CA, and Goodyear, AZ, we had new visitors from Hacienda Heights, CA and Saint Petersburg, FL. It's always nice to see new followers and there have been visitors in the recent past from as far away as India.
It's great to know that the Boston Red Sox have a national & international following. I appreciate everyone's support. Stay tuned for what should be a great 2011 season.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pettitte Retires
A New York sportscaster wrote that Andy Pettitte's retirement, 2 weeks before the start of Spring Training, leaves the Yankees a starter short for the 2011 season. He went on to say that Pettitte's retirement caps a very lackluster off-season for the pinstripes & it leaves him to question if they will make the playoffs in 2011.
I can't fault his thinking. The recent signings of retreads like Bartolo Colon & Freddy Garcia show how desperate the Yankees are for pitching. And what if CC Sabathia breaks down? The season would go badly for the Yanks very quickly.
This article further asked when Pettitte's other aging teammates like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera & Jorge Posada would also opt out & join the retirement farm. It may not be too far away.
Things starting going bad for the Yankees when Hal took over for George. Derek Jeter's contract negotiations went public. They missed out on Cliff Lee who passed up more money. They missed out on Carl Crawford. Hal signed Rafael Soriano over Cashman's objections. And now Pettitte is gone.
The Yankees are a team in flux with unclear direction by leadership. I think it will take them a few years to get back into sync & be a playoff contender. So sad...
I can't fault his thinking. The recent signings of retreads like Bartolo Colon & Freddy Garcia show how desperate the Yankees are for pitching. And what if CC Sabathia breaks down? The season would go badly for the Yanks very quickly.
This article further asked when Pettitte's other aging teammates like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera & Jorge Posada would also opt out & join the retirement farm. It may not be too far away.
Things starting going bad for the Yankees when Hal took over for George. Derek Jeter's contract negotiations went public. They missed out on Cliff Lee who passed up more money. They missed out on Carl Crawford. Hal signed Rafael Soriano over Cashman's objections. And now Pettitte is gone.
The Yankees are a team in flux with unclear direction by leadership. I think it will take them a few years to get back into sync & be a playoff contender. So sad...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Andrew Miller: A Wild Card
Who might be a surprise at Spring Training? Maybe even make the team as the Sox break camp?
One name to watch is Andrew Miller. For a couple of reasons I like the prospects of his future with the Sox.
First, he's a lefty pitcher & good left-handers are hard to find. Look at CC, Pettitte, Lester & Price. It's hard to name more than a handful of solid, portside starters.
Second, lefties mature later & history shows that their best years occur when they are in their 30's. (Remember Sandy Koufax?) I believe Miller is 27 & he still has a fresh arm with a lot of gas left in the tank.
As a number 1 pick by the Marlins, the Sox gave up little to take a chance that Miller can evolve into a dependable addition to the rotation or bullpen. Okajima is coming off a down year. And Felix Dubront may be the only semi-reliable lefty reliever, even though he wants to be a starter at some point.
Some guys can't live up to that #1 pick status. It's a lot of weight to carry. In Boston Miller can just mature & be a clog in the machine. No pressure.
One name to watch is Andrew Miller. For a couple of reasons I like the prospects of his future with the Sox.
First, he's a lefty pitcher & good left-handers are hard to find. Look at CC, Pettitte, Lester & Price. It's hard to name more than a handful of solid, portside starters.
Second, lefties mature later & history shows that their best years occur when they are in their 30's. (Remember Sandy Koufax?) I believe Miller is 27 & he still has a fresh arm with a lot of gas left in the tank.
As a number 1 pick by the Marlins, the Sox gave up little to take a chance that Miller can evolve into a dependable addition to the rotation or bullpen. Okajima is coming off a down year. And Felix Dubront may be the only semi-reliable lefty reliever, even though he wants to be a starter at some point.
Some guys can't live up to that #1 pick status. It's a lot of weight to carry. In Boston Miller can just mature & be a clog in the machine. No pressure.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Manny and Damon Introduced in Tampa Bay
In a press conference yesterday in Tampa the Rays brass introduced Manny Ramirez & Johnny Damon to the media. If you are a low payroll team like the Rays, bringing in Damon ($5+ million) & Manny ($2 million) is not a bad way to get people into the stands for 2011.
Both Manny & Damon are, at best, part-time players with a history of breaking down at 35 + years old. Their best days are behind them. But I'd take the money if someone wanted to give it to me.
It will be interesting to see them return to Fenway for 9 games this season. Maybe Damon won't get as many boo's as when he was a member of the Evil Empire. I hope Manny continues to get boo'ed out of the park.
Both Manny & Damon are, at best, part-time players with a history of breaking down at 35 + years old. Their best days are behind them. But I'd take the money if someone wanted to give it to me.
It will be interesting to see them return to Fenway for 9 games this season. Maybe Damon won't get as many boo's as when he was a member of the Evil Empire. I hope Manny continues to get boo'ed out of the park.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Is Here
Happy February 1st! Spring Training is just 12 more days away for pitchers & catchers.
Spring Training signals the beginning of a much anticipated 2011 season by the Boston Red Sox. Can the addition of key pieces to the roster help them repeat the magic of 2004 & 2007?
Time will tell.
Spring Training signals the beginning of a much anticipated 2011 season by the Boston Red Sox. Can the addition of key pieces to the roster help them repeat the magic of 2004 & 2007?
Time will tell.
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