Over the Monster: FanPosts

Beckett's next start pushed back 3 days

Tippecanoe — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:04:28 -0000

Link: http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/projo_081908_red_sox20.12e9798b.html

Apparently, Beckett claims that he slept on his right arm wrong, and is now experiencing "tingling" in that right arm. His next start will now be pushed back 3 days.

So instead of pitching this Saturday in Toronto against the dreaded Blue Jays, Jon Lester will take his place on the mound instead. And on Sunday, it will be Daisuke Matsuzaka's turn. The Sox have an off day Monday, so Josh Beckett will get his next start on Tuesday against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.

It looks like a precautionary thing to me, so I'm not too worried about it. Anyone else concerned at all?

Sox hitters since 7/1/08

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:25:12 -0000

The Sox' offense has been somewhat inconsistent. Since July 1st, three players have carried the team offensively: Youkilis, Pedroia, and Lowrie. Here's a breakdown of each Red Sox hitter since July 1st:

The Awful:

Cash - (9 G/31 AB) 1 HR 2 RBI .161 AVG/.188 OBP/.290 SLG

Crisp - (21 G/72 AB) 1 HR 7 RBI .181 AVG/.274 OBP/.236 SLG

Varitek - (30 G/105 AB) 1 HR 6 RBI .200 AVG/.306 OBP/.267 SLG

Lowell - (34 G/134 AB) 2 HR 20 RBI .209 AVG/.280 OBP/.299 SLG

The Sox are getting absolutely no offensive production from their catchers. CF is also a dead spot (see Ellsbury). Lowell played hurt until he went on the DL recently. While we should commend him for being a gamer, he clearly hurt the team offensively.

The Bad:

Ellsbury - (35 G/135 AB) 2 HR 10 RBI .267 AVG/.303 OBP/.341 SLG (4 SB/3 CS)

Drew - (36 G/123 AB) 3 HR 15 RBI .236 AVG/.396 OBP/.415 SLG

While Drew has struggled since June, he is still getting on base. His recent numbers suggest that he should be a top-of-the-order table-setter, not a middle-of-the-order run producer. Ellsbury has been a huge disappointment, and should not be leading-off.

The Decent:

Casey - (11 G/52 AB) 0 HR 4 RBI .327 AVG/.407 OBP/.385 SLG

Cora - (17 G/30 AB) 0 HR 2 RBI .333 AVG/.444 OBP/.400 SLG

Ortiz - (20 G/75 AB) 4 HR 19 RBI .280 AVG/..389 OBP/.403 SLG

Bay - (15 G/61 AB) 1 HR 12 RBI .328 AVG/..397 OBP/.459 SLG

Casey and Cora have been decent--getting on base, but doing little else. Ortiz is coming off a wrist injury, and still isn't his old self. As for Bay, his overall numbers are good. But he has been very soft lately. Over his last 6 games, he has only one extra-base hit (a double) and a paltry .391 SLG.

The Very Good:

Lowrie - (24 G/80 AB) 0 HR 23 RBI .322 AVG/..394 OBP/.500 SLG

Youkilis - (38 G/143 AB) 10 HR 34 RBI .336 AVG/.402 OBP/.650 SLG

Pedroia - (38 G/168 AB) 4 HR 21 RBI .357 AVG/.398 OBP/.536 SLG

These three players have carried the load offensively for about a month and a half. Let's hope they don't cool off any time soon.

Rays fans are so naive (POLL)

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:39:18 -0000

Look at this post on DRaysBay. Do Rays fans not realize that most of the highest attended ball games for the Rays come against the Red Sox, MFY, and other clubs with large fanbases? Without those games, the only thing that chart proves is that the closer you get to the playoffs, the more bandwagon fans will jump on. Bandwagoners seem to call South Florida home though. This graph shows a relationship between how many wins the Marlins have in a season and their attendance. As you can see, their attendance goes up when they win more. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are about to set a new record for consecutive sell outs (on September 3rd, 2008 vs. Baltimore Orioles), a streak which has been helped by the recent success of the Sox. I know that the majority of teams will have statistics that show an increase in attendance in winning seasons, but none have more pronounced differences between the attendance in winning and losing seasons than teams in South Florida. If the Rays return to their losing ways in the nest few seasons, I will be laughing if (and when) the local stores can't pay people to buy Rays gear and the club returns to giving out ticket vouchers at schools and at stores. However, if the current Rays fans stay with the team through the losing seasons to come, they should be applauded for being good and loyal fans.

Next "C"

Bama Sox — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:22:57 -0000

Last night watching the game, it was reported on ESPN by Erin Andrews that Tek said "After his duties with the Sox, he wouldn't have a problem handing Pedroia the 'C'". Which brings the question, who should be the next Captain (Ped, Youk, Ells)?

I really like the way Pedroia works hard and gets after it. If I was a father and had a kid playing ball, I would want him to watch DP.

Easy Win for You guys on Wednesday

Steal Home — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:09:30 -0000

Tomorrow yall have Lester starting and we can't hit lefties all that well.

But more importantly Luis Mendoza is pitching for the Rangers, he is probably the worst "pitcher" in the majors this year, yet the great Rangers keep him in the rotation

Mendoza is in the top 5 of worst Ranger pitchers and let me tell you that is one BIG accomplishment, it takes persistence, never thinking about getting an out, and it takes the ability to aim a hanging pitch right down the middle.

so your welcome in advance for a blowout win....

oh and BTW would you guys do either of these trades: Clay Bucholz for Chris Davis? or Kinsler for Beckett?

Sox get Byrd

MerryGoByeBye — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:51:51 -0000

Via Extra Bases:

Here's a release on the trade from the Indians:

CLEVELAND, OH—The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has completed a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending RHP PAUL BYRD to Boston in exchange for a player to be named or cash. The player to be named must be agreed upon on or before January 15, 2009.

Byrd made 22 starts with the Indians this year going 7-10 with a 4.53 ERA (131.0IP, 146H, 70R/66ER, 24BB, 56K, 23HR).

The Indians will not make a move today to replace Byrd on their active 25-man roster. The club’s 40-man roster now stands at 39. The Indians are now undecided for the start on Thursday, August 14 vs. Baltimore.

What do you guys think?

Zink will start tomorrow

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:35:41 -0000

The Sox have announced that Charlie Zink will take Wakefield's spot tomorrow night.

The 28-year old knuckleballer is having his best minor league season. He is 12-3 2.70 ERA 1.08 WHIP in 133.1 IP for the PawSox.

Zink is 55-42 in 8 minor league seasons. His career minor league numbers aren't great: 4.08 ERA 1.42 WHIP 4.41 BB/9.

While I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch, he'll have a tough assignment. Texas is a very good offensive team.

Here's the socuting report from www.soxprospects.com:

Zink was signed as an undrafted free agent on the recommendation of Luis Tiant, his former coach at Savannah College of Art and Design. Tim Wakefield has tutored Zink on the fine art of the knuckleball. Zink understands what he needs to do to get hitters out. Good athlete. Also throws mid 80s fastball and cutter for strikes, using the same delivery as his knuckler. Fearless with his knuckleball, even behind in the count.

Longoria to DL for Rays

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:29:00 -0000

The Rays thought it was just a bruise, but his wrist is actually fractured. Aybar had a great day for them yesterday against the M's, but I can't see him keeping up that performance for two weeks. They are calling up a prospect by the name of Justin Ruggiano, who was called up earlier this year when Carlos Pena went down for a while. If we are going to pull ourselves back up to first place in one-two weeks, now would be the time.

Our schedule for the next 14 days consists of the remaining game @ CWS, 3 vs. TEX, 3 vs. TOR, 3 @ BAL, off day, and 3 @ TOR.

The Rays' schedule for the next 14 days consists of an off day, 3 @ OAK, 3 @ TEX, 3 vs. LAA, another off day, and 3 @ CWS.

Depending on who the pitchers are, we could easily win 10-11 games out of that stretch, and the Rays will probably win only 7-8 games.

We should gain around 2.5 games on them, which would put us in position to overtake them if they have one bad series, as long as we win our final series at Yankee Stadium, during which the Rays play Toronto.

Wakefield to the DL

Drugs Delaney — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:17:45 -0000

Wake has been scratched from his scheduled start this Tuesday because of tightness in his shoulder, the same injury that kept him off the World Series roster. The Sox will place him on the 15-day DL. I guess we now know why Wake was pulled after 81 pitches in Kansas City.

Hopefully, Wake will come back strong after a couple of weeks off. If not, this is a huge loss. Wake has been very consistent this year, with a 3.67 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 147 innings. Wake is leading the Sox in quality starts with 16, third-best in the AL.

The Sox have not announced who will start on Tuesday.

GT: Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, 8/9/08 (on WGN)

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:53:15 -0000

Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Jose Contreras Dice-K going for 13th W, Contreras is coming back from an injury. From ESPN: Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen felt confident last week that Jose Contreras would come off the disabled list a completely different pitcher than the one that struggled in June and July. Contreras tries to live up to his manager's expectations when he takes the mound Saturday night as the White Sox and Boston Red Sox continue a four-game series. This will be the first start since July 13 for Contreras (7-6, 4.60 ERA), who was placed on the disabled list July 20 with elbow tendinitis after going 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA over his last seven starts. Prior to those struggles, the 36-year-old right-hander had been pitching well, going 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA over his first 12 starts this season. Guillen told the White Sox's official Web site last week that he expects to see more of that Contreras now that he's healthy. Contreras is 3-4 with an 8.43 ERA in nine career starts against the Red Sox, including 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA in two starts against them in Chicago. "If Contreras throws the way (pitching coach Don) Cooper says," Guillen said, "he's not going to lose another game this year. See you later, Minnesota Twins -- guaranteed." The White Sox (64-50) maintained a half-game lead over the Twins in the AL Central with a 5-3 victory in Friday's series opener. Mark Buehrle pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run and four hits, while Orlando Cabrera drove in two runs to help Chicago win for the third time in four games. The Red Sox cut Chicago's lead to 4-3 in the eighth after Dustin Pedroia hit a three-run homer, but Carlos Quentin responded in the bottom of the inning with a solo shot -- his league-leading 31st. Boston's lead over the Twins in the AL wild-card race was sliced to 1 1/2 games. The Red Sox (66-50), who had won 15 of their previous 20 games in Chicago, dropped 3 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Tampa Bay. They had five hits on Friday after scoring eight runs in each of their previous two wins against Kansas City. "(Buehrle) pretty much shut us down," Pedroia told the Red Sox's official Web site. "We had nothing going." Daisuke Matsuzaka (12-2, 3.04) takes the mound Saturday for Boston. Matsuzaka pitched six innings against Oakland on Sunday, allowing two runs and four hits in a 5-2 win. He had allowed six runs in five innings of a 7-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his previous start. "He wasn't as bad as his line last time," catcher Jason Varitek said. "He's better his last four, five starts than he was his first eight, nine when he didn't have a loss." The right-hander has won three of his last four starts and the Red Sox are 15-4 this season with Matsuzaka on the mound. He allowed three runs and two hits while walking six over five innings of a 4-2 loss on July 19, 2007 in his only career appearance against the White Sox. Matsuzaka is 5-0 with a 2.20 ERA in eight road starts this year. Boston hasn't lost twice to the White Sox in the same series since 2005, when the teams split a four-game series in Chicago.

GT: Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, 8/8/08

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:46:49 -0000

Jon Lester vs. Mark Buerhle

Match up of two of the last four pitchers to throw no-hitters. Red Sox Drew, Right Field Pedroia, 2nd Base Ortiz, Designated Hitter Youkilis, 1st Base Lowell, 3rd Base Bay, Left Field Lowrie, Short Stop Varitek, Catcher Crisp, Center Field White Sox Cabrera, Short Stop Pierzynski, Catcher Quentin, Left Field Dye, Right Field Griffey Jr., Designated Hitter Konerko, 1st Base Swisher, Center Field Ramirez, 2nd Base Uribe, 3rd Base

Do or Die Time for the Sox

BMarino42 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:49:58 -0000

It seems to be put up or shut up time for the new look Boston Red Sox, as they begin a four game set with the Chicago White Sox tomorrow night. As of Thursday afternoon the Sox are three back in the division and two and half games a head in the wild card race. The Sox road woes have been well documented on the season. After taking two out of three from a bad Royal's team it is time for the Red Sox to make a statement for the rest of the second half. Chicago is a good ball club and a team that very well maybe in the wild card with the Sox in the up coming week. With the surging Rays playing the Mariners over the weekend it seems as though the Sox will have to take at least three out of four to keep pace. So to go back to my opening line it's put up or shut up time for the Sox. The good news is that Drew has done a great job in the lead off spot that last few nights and Ellsbury seems to finally be breaking out of the slump he has been in months. The Sox have three pitchers going in the series (Lester, Dice-K and Beckett) who have been pitching very well and a fourth starter who is due for a win. All in all the Sox appear to be in great shape going into this series. It’s just time for them to win some games on the road.

Poll

How many games will the Sox win this weekend against Chicago?

Everytime Youk gets hit, I think he's done for the year.

bcpuck32 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:33:28 -0000

Did anyone else think that Youkilis hand was broken when he was hit by the Hochevar fastball? After the "Sh*t...F**k...Sh*t", I was waiting for the cameras to zoom onto a golf-ball sized welt on Youkilis' arm. Instead, Youk gets up, makes a fist and walks to first base. Sure, he may be out for a couple of games, but for the second time in 12 months, I'm relieved that we will not be losing Youk for an extended period of time.

Last year, I had the exact same feeling when Chien-Ming Wang hit Youk with a fastball in September. I saw the play, heard the "pop" and immediately turned to my friends and set, "That's it....it's broken...he's done for the year".

Is it me or is it Youk?

Turning the Corner

drabidea — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:18:36 -0000

Have the Red Sox turned the Corner to finish of the Regular Season hot and hopefully carry into the playoffs? Only time can tell but there numbers lately have been quite encouraging. You can attribute it to all sorts of things (Manny Leaving, Ortiz is Back, The Bullpen is getting better).

Bullpen: One of the greatest surprises and moment of encouragement has been the bullpen lately. Over the last 7 days of 18 innings of relief pitching we have given up 1 measly run, which wasn't even earned. Over the last 30 days of 65 innings of relief pitching we have given up 15 runs. That is an ERA of 2.08. They have honestly saved us as of late with our diminutive offense.

Bay: Since he has been a Red Sox: .423/.500/.692 Obviously these numbers won't keep this sultry pace, however, I think he has layed to bed the idea he wouldn't be able to hit with the Boston pressure.

Ellsbury: Still too early to tell but over the last 7 days .353/.353/.529 He still needs to get back to taking Walks but still encouraging.

You can name the recent success on a variety of things, but will it last?

Poll

How will the rest of the Red Sox season turn out?

Could the Red Sox have done more?

BMarino42 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:15:24 -0000

Manny Ramirez was a severe problem in Boston's club house leading up to last Thursday's trading deadline. The Red Sox seemingly spent all of their time, effort and resources to ensure that number 24 was not apart of the Red Sox second half. But was that the only problem that needed to be addressed last Thursday? Did the Red Sox top brass become so concerned with moving Ramirez that they did not spend sufficient time looking at other options to improve this ball club? As one looks back at the first half the one huge glaring weakness was the bullpen. Hideki Okajima has not been able to find the same consistency that helped bring Boston its second World Series in four years and Manny Delcarmen has not made the strides forward that many thought he would. Several published reports claimed that the Red Sox could have traded Brandon Moss for Kansas City's Ron Mahay. Mahay a 37 year old veteran has posted a 5-0 record with a 2.20 ERA this season for the Royal's. Mahay would not have been a cure all in the Boston bullpen, but a welcomed contributor who could have relieved some of the pressure that is mounting on this group to perform in the second half. Moss was involved in the Ramirez deal but I find it hard to believe that the team could not have mixed and matched a few prospects around to make both of these deals go. If the bullpen continues to struggle in the second half one needs to look back at the 2008 trading deadline and ask themselves if something could have been done to help.

Why is manny not being suspended?

fishfarmr — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:01:38 -0000

Is not what Manny did the same as the blacksox? Didn't he just throw a game or an at bat to get a bigger payday? I say that is gambling or at least severely usurping the integrity of the game. Pete Rose at least bet on his team, Manny bet on his lack of play (throwing games) would get him a contract or free agency. So he was just basically rewarded for it. Am I the only one that sees this as the same as fixing a game? I cannot believe the Commish has not slapped a fine and suspension on Manny. And the press seems to be giving Manny adulation instead of scorn. What’s wrong with us?

What will it take to change?

sherpa — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:35:06 -0000

I am a life-long Red Sox fan. I cheer for them even when I'm home alone. I attend as many games at Fenway as I can afford.

I work with high school students.

Over the past year I have been seriously questioning my loyalty to the game. There's one simple reason: Chewing Tobacco.

It was reported by the Boston Globe that the Red Sox are the worst offenders in MLB in using chewing tobacco.

Just a few reminders about chewing tobacco:

An estimated 7.6 million Americans age 12 and older (3.4 percent) had used smokeless tobacco in the past month.
Smokeless tobacco use was most common among young adults ages 18 to 25.
Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens).
It is a known cause of human cancer, as it increases the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity. Oral health problems strongly associated with smokeless tobacco use are leukoplakia (a lesion of the soft tissue that consists of a white patch or plaque that cannot be scraped off) and recession of the gums.
Smokeless tobacco use can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence.4
Adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

Here's a visual reminder:

My questions to my fellow Sox fans:

What will it take to change the habit or MLB? If we have chewing tobacco allowed during the games why not allow cigarettes in the bullpen? How about beer instead? If we are holding our other athletes (e.g. Olympics) to a high standard for drugs/stimulants why does baseball get a free pass on this one?

Why can't MLB let go of this "tradition"? Could it be solved by a simple order from MLB league directors?

-S&R

want more to read??

Poll

What will it take for MLB to ban chewing tobacco?

Goodbye to the Last of the "Idiots"

nepats108 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:25:44 -0000

As Manny leaves Bean Town, an era comes to an end in Red Sox Nation. Dan Shaughnessy wrote this morning in the Globe that our last proponent of the "Cowboy Up" and "Idiot" Red Sox has just left for LA, and we can now usher in a new era of a new kind of team.

Remember the days of Kevin Millar's pre-game whiskey shots and his "Cowboy Up" slogan? How about Johnny Damon as leader of the "Idiots"? Along with Pedro Martinez, slayer of Don Zimmer, Bronson "Corn Rows" Arroyo, and several others, Manny is the last member of those lovable goof-balls to go. Yes, it was time for Manny to leave, and I have come to terms with that. And now I look forward to the future success of this new looking Sox team.

I am very excited with how our team is looking for the next few years. I see a wonderful balance of veterans (great leadership from the Captain Varitek, along with Wakefield, Lowell, Drew, and Casey), a handful of players just about reaching their prime (Beckett, Youks, Papelbon, and now Jason Bay), and a slew of young studs (Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, and Masterson). And of course Big Papi brings so much to the team in both his bat and his clubhouse presence.

Here's what I see in this team. A lot of intensity and focus. I feel that is that is exactly what we need right now. While the gang of "Idiots" provided a bunch of great team spirit and fun, the Sox are headed into a new direction which will hopefully bring several more championships to Boston.

That's not to say we've become boring or un-spirited. The bullpen band is a hoot, Papelbon's victorious river dance will go down in memories, and a solid team chemistry still exists with great clubhouse presences of Ortiz, Varitek, and Casey.

So I just wanted to say goodbye to Manny and the "Idiots". It was great while it lasted, but the need for change was apparent, and we can now look forward to this "new" team bringing great success to the Red Sox Nation.

Theo: Just a Thought or a Dream(Team)...

Bama Sox — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:57:47 -0000

I like to look or think about the what will happen later on. Here is an outlook (or my thoughts) for the next two years.

Sign Tek.
Sign Tex.
Trade Coco & Lowell (though I like him) for a SP.
Come trade deadline 2009, trade Bay for Holliday.
If the deadline trade doesnt work, let Bay go and sign Holliday.
Papi will be in the last year & we will have to pick up his option in 2011.

How would a line up look in 2009 or 2010...Ellsbury, Pedroia, Papi, Holliday, Tex, Youk, Drew, Tek, Lowrie

Theo: If you like what you see as far as your assistant GM, please feel free to contact me! :)

Will Jason Bay be a good fit under the bright lights of Red Sox Nation?

BostonNation — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:05:26 -0000

red sox get rid of manny, moss, hansen, and pay off 7 million dollars off mannys contract to get jason bay?? i thought they would get more than jason bay just for manny, instead they lose 3 players and money to get bay who will be unpredictable coming from a last place team to a team thats contending for the penant. This will be Bays first year in his career where he is actually competing for something that matters which could bring alot of pressure to him especially playing on a red sox team that gets alot of attention from media, fans, etc.. on top of it, the biggest pressure of all is replacing manny's bat, that's some big shoes to fill. One positive thing out of all this is that manny wasnt coming back next year so atleast they got something for him instead of waiting out the year and then letting manny go to free agency and end up with nothing, but by October everyone could be saying we should of kept Manny. Bay has 1 more year left on his contract after this year and sources say if Bay doesent work out they could be trading him for a player like Holliday. Why couldnt of they just traded for Holliday this year or maybe even have a shot at Adam Dunn? Dunn would be slamming balls left and right at fenway with the power he has. Even though his BA is .243 he has 32 hrs. Bay is a great hitter, batting at .283, 22 hrs and 64 rbis this year for the pirates, which is good, but only time will tell if he can stand up to the pressure and be competitive in the AL. By October we will know if the trade will crumple

via www.kevin-john.com

Poll

Over the Monster: FanPosts

Beckett's next start pushed back 3 days

Sox hitters since 7/1/08

Rays fans are so naive (POLL)

Who are the worst bandwagon fans in all of sports? Please do not vote out of hatred for a team, but give serious consideration to the question. I only listed baseball teams, but vote Other and leave a comment if you believe it is another team.

Next "C"

Easy Win for You guys on Wednesday

Sox get Byrd

Zink will start tomorrow

Longoria to DL for Rays

Wakefield to the DL

GT: Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, 8/9/08 (on WGN)

GT: Boston Red Sox at Chicago White Sox, 8/8/08

Do or Die Time for the Sox

How many games will the Sox win this weekend against Chicago?

Everytime Youk gets hit, I think he's done for the year.

Turning the Corner

How will the rest of the Red Sox season turn out?

Could the Red Sox have done more?

Why is manny not being suspended?

What will it take to change?

What will it take for MLB to ban chewing tobacco?

Goodbye to the Last of the "Idiots"

Theo: Just a Thought or a Dream(Team)...

Will Jason Bay be a good fit under the bright lights of Red Sox Nation?

Will Jason Bay be productive towards the end of the year and help Red Sox towards the playoffs and beyond?