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!
3 comments:
Good assessment of the first half. I think it would be wise to leave well enough alone in the regular lineup. Aside from that 19 inning fiasco yesterday our team seems to clicking pretty well. We do, however, need a fifth man to toe the rubber for us. It would be nice if it would be Paukey or Snyder. Then we wouldn't have to trade some of our prospects for a rent a player.
Totally agree. Wouldn't be surprised to see Theo do nothing.
-
BTW, anyone out there think that the World Baseball Classic had any effect on Timlin & Tek? You'll probably never hear them say it.
2nd half a bust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post a Comment