The days and weeks leading up to the deadline pointed to the Sox not doing much of anything. In the last couple of days, there have been names like Clemens, Schmidt, Soriano, and Andruw Jones being thrown out as real possibilities. What a big tease.
If not for the recent injury to Trot (won’t know how severe until at least 4:01 PM today), things would probably be status quo. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may have altered the thinking in the front office. But apparently it wasn’t enough to persuade them into making a deal. Say hello Wily Mo & Kapler. Let’s hope this isn’t the beginning of the end for Trot.
While some of the deals proposed made some sense, but they didn’t really address the major need of starting pitching:
1) Lowell & prospects for Linebrink & Lugo
2) Lowell & prospects for Shealy & “more than reputable starter” (who?)
From fairy land…
1) Andruw Jones for; Lester, Coco, and Hansen (yeah, OK. Why not Papelbon too?)
2) Clemens – if he didn’t want to ruffle feathers in Houston before, why now?
3) Schmidt – see ridiculous Braves offer above.
4) Kip Wells – did the Sox really “lose out” on this one?
5) What team would trade a starter (Buehrle) for a CF (Coco) hitting .260?
6) Both Lowell & Coco were assured they were not on the block?
The good thing is that the Sox didn’t have a Duquette knee jerk reaction to the Yanks acquisition of Abreu & Lidle. They kept their young talent intact and didn’t leverage the future. While that trade helps the Yanks, it doesn’t put them over the top. It shores up the rotation with an upgrade over Ponson, and adds a little more pop (not power) to the lineup. They also poured gasoline on Sheff. Have fun with that in the clubhouse.
Pitching is what makes the difference down the stretch and in the playoffs. While the Yanks did improve, they basically added a #5 guy. Their staff ace in Mussina has been the anchor, but has been prone to breaking down the last few years especially late in the season. Wang has been good, but he’s not dominant (36BB, 45K’s) and is unproven in the playoffs. The Big Unit just came off a shelling by the D-Rays (now 11-9, 5+ Era), and Wright rarely gets past the 5th inning.
The Sox have Schill leading the way despite his last outing. He gets better the bigger the game is. Beckett has been inconsistent, but has only given up more than 3 runs twice in his last 10 games, and lowered his ERA by ½ a run during that span. He’s young and still getting better, maybe he’s figuring out the AL. Lester has pitched very well and should continue to get better. Wells returns tonight and will probably get shelled. Let’s hope he rights the ship quickly. He could be a huge asset down the stretch. Wakefield is still on the shelf and his return is still weeks away. The experiment in the #5 spot has only produced 1 win since the break. Ouch.
Why did the Sox stand pat? Here are some issues that may have affected their reasoning:
1) David Wells. He probably would have packed it in if he didn’t think he’d pitch down the stretch. Must have looked good in side sessions.
2) Wakefield. Should be back in a couple of weeks, solid innings eater.
3) Phil Seibel. Return from 2005 Tommy John surgery, started 9 games in AA with a 1.20 era, now in AAA with 1.86 era. Stay tuned.
4) They already have similar to what’s available.
5) The infield. Why would you change the best fielding % in the majors?
6) The farm (the pricetag). Front office refused to part with talent for a rental player. Aside from 2004, can you name a good deadline deal for the Sox? Suppan? Sauerbeck?
The Sox should be there at the end. They’ve been able to withstand multiple injuries (Wells, Clement, Coco, Pena, etc) and still have one of the best records at this point of the season since the 70’s. Will Schill, Beckett, and Wake be enough in a short playoff series? The Angels, Twins, and Tigers (in that order) will be very tough in a short series.
It doesn’t seem too far out of reach for the Sox. As long as health isn’t a major issue, they should be able to grind their way into the playoffs. They have a favorable schedule and a recent history of playing well down the stretch. Regardless, it’s going to come down to the last week if not the last couple games. Strap in folks. It’ll be the Sox, Yanks, Twins, and Chisox battling for 2 spots. Should be one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory…
Monday, July 31, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Sox start left coast trip on a roll...
Sox 5th starter du jour Snyder pitched fairly well in his 3rd start for the Sox. After cruising thru the first 4 innings he was affected by an apparent cramp, yielded 2 runs, and was not able to return to the 6th. Lets just hope its only a cramp. This rotation cannot afford another setback.
Sox rook Kason Gabbard gets his first major league start today. He had a great start at AA Portland, but struggled in AAA Pawtucket before making adjustments. His last 2 starts have been solid. Apparently he didn't make the trip with the team because Theo had a deal in the works for another starter. Who? Take a look at todays starters around the league. The potential deal may also have been nixed due to Wells apparent recovery. He had another good side session and could return as early as Aug 3rd or 8th.
Few notes...
Great job by the front office inking Beckett for another 3 years, at an average of under $9M per year. Even at 26, Beckett is still better than any of the latest free agent signings, and at less $. Pavano, Clement, AJ Burnett, etc have all been disappointing. Can you imagine how much Beckett would cost on the open market? Probably $12m+ at a minimum.
Jon Lester returns to his hometown and starts tomorrow. With 50 of his friends and family present, it will be interesting to see how he responds. He seems to have embraced the deluge of local media with open arms. Good sign for a rook...
The Yanks have dropped their last 3 with A-Ro (no "D", get it) committing 5 errors in his last 5 games. He's getting booed at home all the time. Rumors have him headed out of NY where he supposedly can't handle the pressure any more (16 errors already). Don't see anyone taking on that salary however. Also, it looks like the Octavio Dotel experiment has ended in NY.
The Mike Lowell for Jake Peavy trade shouldn't have been published. What a goof.
Why would the Sox have any interest in SS Julio Lugo, when Gonzo is better???
Don't look for the Sox to take on $30M remaining for a Bobby Abreu type player either...
Kyle Lohse: 2-5, 7.14 Era (Sox said no thanks)
Odalis Perez: 4-4, 6.94 (again, no thanks)
Livan Hernandez: 6-8, 5.85 (already have similar, NL pitcher, asking price too high)
Look for a swap of relievers to happen: Julian Tavarez / Rudy Seanez, for a Ray King (Colorado) or similar exchange
With Wells return looking good and only a handful of teams out of it, this team on the field should be the same in Oct...
Sox rook Kason Gabbard gets his first major league start today. He had a great start at AA Portland, but struggled in AAA Pawtucket before making adjustments. His last 2 starts have been solid. Apparently he didn't make the trip with the team because Theo had a deal in the works for another starter. Who? Take a look at todays starters around the league. The potential deal may also have been nixed due to Wells apparent recovery. He had another good side session and could return as early as Aug 3rd or 8th.
Few notes...
Great job by the front office inking Beckett for another 3 years, at an average of under $9M per year. Even at 26, Beckett is still better than any of the latest free agent signings, and at less $. Pavano, Clement, AJ Burnett, etc have all been disappointing. Can you imagine how much Beckett would cost on the open market? Probably $12m+ at a minimum.
Jon Lester returns to his hometown and starts tomorrow. With 50 of his friends and family present, it will be interesting to see how he responds. He seems to have embraced the deluge of local media with open arms. Good sign for a rook...
The Yanks have dropped their last 3 with A-Ro (no "D", get it) committing 5 errors in his last 5 games. He's getting booed at home all the time. Rumors have him headed out of NY where he supposedly can't handle the pressure any more (16 errors already). Don't see anyone taking on that salary however. Also, it looks like the Octavio Dotel experiment has ended in NY.
Trade Deadline:
The Mike Lowell for Jake Peavy trade shouldn't have been published. What a goof.
Why would the Sox have any interest in SS Julio Lugo, when Gonzo is better???
Don't look for the Sox to take on $30M remaining for a Bobby Abreu type player either...
The rumors with any substance:
Kyle Lohse: 2-5, 7.14 Era (Sox said no thanks)
Odalis Perez: 4-4, 6.94 (again, no thanks)
Livan Hernandez: 6-8, 5.85 (already have similar, NL pitcher, asking price too high)
Look for a swap of relievers to happen: Julian Tavarez / Rudy Seanez, for a Ray King (Colorado) or similar exchange
With Wells return looking good and only a handful of teams out of it, this team on the field should be the same in Oct...
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Sox limp out of the gate in 2nd half...
Boy are those Sox hitters making these mediocre guys look good. The Sox pitchers (other than Schill) made that Oakland lineup look like bashers (2nd to last in AL in runs). Yes, Oakland is typically a good 2nd half team, but that wasn't Atlanta's Hudson on the mound last night either.
While its way too early to be alarmed, the Yanks are winning right now (settle down Yankee fans - its only a 4 game streak). And those ChiSox don't look like they did last season going a combined 1-5 vs the Sox and Yanks (going 19 innings to get the 1 win). That team era of 4.5+ is not even close to last season. Look for Detroit (a full run lower era) to take the central going away ("hip" pick is Chicago right now). Don't count out a good pitching Minnesota team taking a run at the Chisox & wildcard either.
Sox now have more pitching issues. It sounds like Wake will be put on the DL soon. How far is the tandem of Jason Johnson & Snyder going to take you as your 4 & 5 starters? Here comes David Pauley or Marc Deschenes folks. The bats better get hot when these guys are on the mound.
What it comes down to is Schill & Beckett being lights out. Someone other than Papi & Manny need to step up every night.
Clement is probably done (and maybe not just for this season - offseason trade to NL is likely).
Whatever happened to Lenny DiNardo?
Are we pinning our hopes on Wells getting healthy? Yikes.
Will this push Theo to do something at the deadline?
Are Pedroia, Murphy, Ellsbury, Moss, or Edgar Martinez now expendable?
Yanks aren't in a much better situation. Sidney "don't hit the judge" Ponson is now taking the mound for the bombers. Good luck with that one. Other than Mussina & recently Wang, there's no consistency. Your young players are getting hurt, and nagging injuries are mounting (Damon, A-Rod). The dog days are coming and they are OLD.
Looks like the trade deadline just got more interesting. The real question is there a deal out there for either team to put them over the top? Not likely for either. Both need more pitching (and do you even consider an NL pitcher at this point?).
Would like to see Theo go after Cleveland's Cliff Lee. His name hasn't been put out there yet. Cleveland is out of it, and he's only signed thru this year. Numbers aren't eye popping by any stretch (9-6, 4.68 ERA) but would be a solid #5 guy. He's a better option than what we have now, and you probably wouldn't have to give up the farm to get him.
Other possibilities:
Kansas City - Mark Redman 6-5, 5.02 (free agent at end of season)
Colorado - Josh Fogg 7-5, 4.23 (last year of 1 year deal)
Atlanta - John Smoltz - too much to give up
Philly - Jon Lieber 3-7, 5.56
Florida - no one is left
Nats - Tony Armas 6-4, 4.44 (just off DL)
Cubs - Glendon Rusch 3-7, 7.48 (just off DL)
Pittsburgh - Kip Wells 0-4, 9.13 (just off 60 day DL)
While its way too early to be alarmed, the Yanks are winning right now (settle down Yankee fans - its only a 4 game streak). And those ChiSox don't look like they did last season going a combined 1-5 vs the Sox and Yanks (going 19 innings to get the 1 win). That team era of 4.5+ is not even close to last season. Look for Detroit (a full run lower era) to take the central going away ("hip" pick is Chicago right now). Don't count out a good pitching Minnesota team taking a run at the Chisox & wildcard either.
Sox now have more pitching issues. It sounds like Wake will be put on the DL soon. How far is the tandem of Jason Johnson & Snyder going to take you as your 4 & 5 starters? Here comes David Pauley or Marc Deschenes folks. The bats better get hot when these guys are on the mound.
What it comes down to is Schill & Beckett being lights out. Someone other than Papi & Manny need to step up every night.
Clement is probably done (and maybe not just for this season - offseason trade to NL is likely).
Whatever happened to Lenny DiNardo?
Are we pinning our hopes on Wells getting healthy? Yikes.
Will this push Theo to do something at the deadline?
Are Pedroia, Murphy, Ellsbury, Moss, or Edgar Martinez now expendable?
Yanks aren't in a much better situation. Sidney "don't hit the judge" Ponson is now taking the mound for the bombers. Good luck with that one. Other than Mussina & recently Wang, there's no consistency. Your young players are getting hurt, and nagging injuries are mounting (Damon, A-Rod). The dog days are coming and they are OLD.
Looks like the trade deadline just got more interesting. The real question is there a deal out there for either team to put them over the top? Not likely for either. Both need more pitching (and do you even consider an NL pitcher at this point?).
Would like to see Theo go after Cleveland's Cliff Lee. His name hasn't been put out there yet. Cleveland is out of it, and he's only signed thru this year. Numbers aren't eye popping by any stretch (9-6, 4.68 ERA) but would be a solid #5 guy. He's a better option than what we have now, and you probably wouldn't have to give up the farm to get him.
Other possibilities:
Kansas City - Mark Redman 6-5, 5.02 (free agent at end of season)
Colorado - Josh Fogg 7-5, 4.23 (last year of 1 year deal)
Atlanta - John Smoltz - too much to give up
Philly - Jon Lieber 3-7, 5.56
Florida - no one is left
Nats - Tony Armas 6-4, 4.44 (just off DL)
Cubs - Glendon Rusch 3-7, 7.48 (just off DL)
Pittsburgh - Kip Wells 0-4, 9.13 (just off 60 day DL)
Monday, July 10, 2006
First Half a success...
How can it not be while sitting with a 3 game lead over the Yanks?
Their 53 - 33 is best record at the break in recent memory (52 - 33 back in 02).
Overall it's been a great first half.
The Downside:
- Trade of Arroyo (how does this one look with the injuries to the staff & Wily Mo? Ouch.)
- Injuries: Wells, Foulke, Clement, DiNardo, Wily Mo, Coco
- Nagging injuries: Varitek, Wake, Timlin, possibly Schill
- Tavarez & Seanez performances out of the pen
- Inconsistent Beckett - still hasn't found the AL groove yet, too many homers
The Upside:
- Addition & success of young arms (Lester, Delcarmen, Hansen, Lopez)
- Papelbon success - possible consideration for rookie honors, Cy, & MVP
- Youkilis solid at 1st, best OBP for leadoff
- Defense - best in MLB - gold glovers at 3rd, short, and make case for 2B
- Offense - 2nd in MLB - Lowell, Youkie, Loretta making the difference, Gonzo & Coco coming on
- Chemistry? Jury still out on this one. Havent' heard much, but nothing bad either. Manny might actually be happy.
- Intangibles: Sox have very few road trips in 2nd half, only one is more than 2 cities long
Needs? Other than a 5th starter or an arm in the pen, Theo seems to have an easy job. This would figure to be one of the less active deadlines in recent memory. The price of acquiring pitching is also sky high apparently.
Options?
Clement is probably done for the year - based on his latest tweak during his rehab. The MRI isn't showing damage, so it must be psychological...
Wells might not pitch again. It's quite strange that we've heard nothing about his rehab or medical status. Based on his comments from last season, you'd think he would retire if he couldn't come back.
Jason Johnson? Can't expect much more than 5 runs per game. He was released for a reason.
Snyder? Pauley? These guys seem like the next reasonable option if Johnson doesn't improve.
-
Rumors:
Latest is that the Sox were inquiring about Bobby Abreu from the Phils. Apparently they were asking for Jon Lester in return. Right. They would also be taking on $20M for this & next year. How long did it take to say no? However, this may signal the end of Trot. If they don't think he'll re-sign at their value, they probably won't hesitate to get value for him.
-
That's it. If Theo thinks Clement and/or Wells can contribute, he might not do anything. Foulke may return to add to the pen. As long as the club stays healthy, he might be seen on the beach.
-
ENJOY THE BREAK!
Their 53 - 33 is best record at the break in recent memory (52 - 33 back in 02).
Overall it's been a great first half.
The Downside:
- Trade of Arroyo (how does this one look with the injuries to the staff & Wily Mo? Ouch.)
- Injuries: Wells, Foulke, Clement, DiNardo, Wily Mo, Coco
- Nagging injuries: Varitek, Wake, Timlin, possibly Schill
- Tavarez & Seanez performances out of the pen
- Inconsistent Beckett - still hasn't found the AL groove yet, too many homers
The Upside:
- Addition & success of young arms (Lester, Delcarmen, Hansen, Lopez)
- Papelbon success - possible consideration for rookie honors, Cy, & MVP
- Youkilis solid at 1st, best OBP for leadoff
- Defense - best in MLB - gold glovers at 3rd, short, and make case for 2B
- Offense - 2nd in MLB - Lowell, Youkie, Loretta making the difference, Gonzo & Coco coming on
- Chemistry? Jury still out on this one. Havent' heard much, but nothing bad either. Manny might actually be happy.
- Intangibles: Sox have very few road trips in 2nd half, only one is more than 2 cities long
The deadline:
Needs? Other than a 5th starter or an arm in the pen, Theo seems to have an easy job. This would figure to be one of the less active deadlines in recent memory. The price of acquiring pitching is also sky high apparently.
Options?
Clement is probably done for the year - based on his latest tweak during his rehab. The MRI isn't showing damage, so it must be psychological...
Wells might not pitch again. It's quite strange that we've heard nothing about his rehab or medical status. Based on his comments from last season, you'd think he would retire if he couldn't come back.
Jason Johnson? Can't expect much more than 5 runs per game. He was released for a reason.
Snyder? Pauley? These guys seem like the next reasonable option if Johnson doesn't improve.
-
Rumors:
Latest is that the Sox were inquiring about Bobby Abreu from the Phils. Apparently they were asking for Jon Lester in return. Right. They would also be taking on $20M for this & next year. How long did it take to say no? However, this may signal the end of Trot. If they don't think he'll re-sign at their value, they probably won't hesitate to get value for him.
-
That's it. If Theo thinks Clement and/or Wells can contribute, he might not do anything. Foulke may return to add to the pen. As long as the club stays healthy, he might be seen on the beach.
-
ENJOY THE BREAK!
Jermaine the juicer?
After watching Jermain Dye closely in this last series, he is NOT the same guy who played for Oakland a few years back. His last good season was with KC back in 2000. He's been injury plagued ever since. How many guys improve at the age 0f 32 after a history of injuries?
-
Dye's #'s back in 2000: .321 BA, 33HR, 118RBI - his 5th year (and best) in the majors...
-
He hasn't approached any of those #'s since. He only played 60 games in 2003. He supposedly is still bothered by nagging injuries.
-
His #'s this season (if you double his 1st half): .318BA, 48HR, 130RBI - shattering his career bests
-
The point is he hasn't been this good - ever. It's his 10th season. He's always been hurt (he missed 20 games last year). If someone has a breakout year early in their career, thats one thing. If a guy performs consistently and his #'s spike for a season, thats another. If there was a relevant reason for the spike, such as hitting in front of a Jim Thome (and not behind) well, OK.
-
While no proof or even rumor has been floated out there, this is not the guy we remember. His numbers are off the charts. He doesn't pass the "eyeball" test either. Maybe he's completely healthy now or found the fountain of youth. Are we crazy here or is something just not right? We certainly don't have any proof, only suspicion. Are we missing something? We hope someone can put this to rest out there...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
