Tuesday, April 14, 2015
A Whole New Season!!
Well, it's a new season and the Sox have started as if they plan to reverse last year's woeful season and return to the year before--2013.So far, they have taken 2 of 3 from the Evil Empire--in NY, no less, including a 19 inning marathon last Friday night, and their new members via free agency, Panda Sandoval and former Sox draftee Hanley Ramirez, have been showing the way. Dusty is looking like pre-2014 as his off season surgery appears to have alleviated the thumb injury that dogged him all last year, and yesterday, Koji Uehara was activated from the DL to assume his role as the team's closer. Papi is already hitting HR's (2 so far), and his low season start BA appears to be creeping northward. So, let's raise a glass to our heroes and a toast--GO SOX!! Here's to a successful '15 season!
Monday, October 20, 2014
It's Been Ten Years!
It's sometimes amazing how time flies when you're having fun--or not. Yes, the 2014 season is long over as far as Sox Nation is concerned. However, some things are always worth noting as they occur. This is one of those times. Today marks ten years to the day since the Red Sox completed a comeback from being down three games to zip against the Evil Empire. The only time in MLB history that a team has returned from a three zip deficit in any post season play, the Sox took their fourth in a row from the Stripes, 10-3, ten years ago today. You all know what happened then. The Sox continued the sweep mentality and took the World Series in a sweep from the Cards, winning their first World Championship in 86 years! Although we've won another pair of Titles, it always feels good to remember. Like the man said (although he wasn't talking baseball), you never forget your first!
Monday, September 29, 2014
Another Season Gone!
Well, another season gone as we all sit here trying to figure what happened since last October to our Sox. Papi still produced his 30/100 season, something that's come to be expected from him. Pedey was Pedey, in spite of a season long wrist injury that finally forced him under the knife for the final month of the year. Vic was out injured most of the entire season, so was missed. The overall Sox offense, last year's highest run scoring contingent in the league was dormant until the final few weeks when it was too late to save anything. The mound staff varied from good to not so much, depending on the support it did or didn't have from game to game. Within this, last year's Mr. Automatic as a closer was fine early on, but seemed to lose something the final month and change, while the lead setup guy, Taz, also had periods when he was not setting anything up. Nap and a number of others were also out fore extended periods of time with various injuries, and the final month, the best starters were starting--and winning--for other teams: Lester in Oakland (still could return to the Fens via Free agency); Lack in St. Lou and Peavy in SF. So all three Sox starters will be in the post-season in one way or another.
On the plus, Pedey looks to be ready for Opening Day 2015, as does Papi. A number of the large rookie class started to demo what they may be capable of in the final month, with Castillo fresh from Cuba and showing both power and percentage from his bat. If the Sox keep Yo (I'm on the fence here as he's got an unbelievable arm, but an eehhh BA, to go with some power), he could share the OF with Castillo and either Betts or Bradley in center--I'd go first with Betts, based on how he performed since his callup. Another definite future star is Holt, who was steadily around .300, maybe just under, and can handle any position in the field, until his concussion. If there's nothing permanent, he should be a definite keeper. Ditto, Brentz, even though his final game was a 4 K disappointment. Catcher: Vasquez, whether he hits or not. He has shown he can handle pitchers and that arm--look at how many would be base stealers he threw out like he'd been here forever!
As we head through the falling leaves and into the snow (except for those of you in warmer climes), I'll do my usual and try to keep you posted on whatever Sox news pops up--from trades to free agency--and see you guys in February for Spring Training. It's only 4.5 months away.
On the plus, Pedey looks to be ready for Opening Day 2015, as does Papi. A number of the large rookie class started to demo what they may be capable of in the final month, with Castillo fresh from Cuba and showing both power and percentage from his bat. If the Sox keep Yo (I'm on the fence here as he's got an unbelievable arm, but an eehhh BA, to go with some power), he could share the OF with Castillo and either Betts or Bradley in center--I'd go first with Betts, based on how he performed since his callup. Another definite future star is Holt, who was steadily around .300, maybe just under, and can handle any position in the field, until his concussion. If there's nothing permanent, he should be a definite keeper. Ditto, Brentz, even though his final game was a 4 K disappointment. Catcher: Vasquez, whether he hits or not. He has shown he can handle pitchers and that arm--look at how many would be base stealers he threw out like he'd been here forever!
As we head through the falling leaves and into the snow (except for those of you in warmer climes), I'll do my usual and try to keep you posted on whatever Sox news pops up--from trades to free agency--and see you guys in February for Spring Training. It's only 4.5 months away.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Another Sox Laugher
Boy! If the Sox had played all season the way they've played the last week and change, we'd be thinking World Series again! For the second consecutive night, the Sox delighted Fenway fans and Red Sox Nation at large with a laugher win over the Rays. They scored the same number of runs tonight as last, but only allowed a single run tonight for the Rays. Piling up 16 hits, five for extra bases, and two of those settling into the cheaps, the Sox settled this one early. Opening with a single 1st inning run that was quickly tied by the Rays, the Sox quickly tacked on a pair in the 2d and four in the 3d to break it open, and then went on from there.
Five players had at least a pair of hits, with Betts getting three and Vasquez going 4/4, including his first MLB shot. Of the other Sox multi-hit players, Yo had a pair, and picked up his 97th ribbie. He still has a chance at a century as the Hose have three games remaining, all against the Evil Empire (and more on that series later).
The pitching looked just as good. Starter Webster pitched his best game since coming up to the club, going seven innings and allowing just seven hits and a lone freebie, his game WHIP a very respectable 1.143. He finishes the year at 5-3. The guys from the pen looked as good as they have at any time this year, with Wilson tossing a one hit shutout inning that included a pair of K's and Koji showing his form of early season and all last season, going a perfect 9th that included a K. Wilson's ERA now sits at a minuscule 1.98, while Koji's is a very respectable 2.52.
Tonight's win is the Sox' fourth in the last six games, with the others coming against the Rays (last night) and a pair against the Division champ O's last week. Before that, they split a series with playoff bound KC.
Looking from the end of this season to 2015, the Sox have gotten a solid look at some of the best that the Pawsox have, and it appears that a number of these guys will be in the Fens for good come next year. Vazquez has proven to be all of a defensive catcher that he was expected to be, even throwing out opposing baserunners like he's been doing it for years. His hitting is a bit on the weak side, but even there he has had his timely moments. Wilson could be a regular in the rotation, and Holt, once he's recovered from his concussion, has shown that he can play anywhere and do it at a consistently high level, both at the dish and in the field. Bogaerts is starting to show signs that the real guy was the one who burst on the scene late last year, and could very well return to those levels in 2015. There re others as well. Of the vets, Pedey will be up and raring to go after his recent surgery, and Papi should be right in place to pick up where he left off after this year's 30-100 year. Nap also should be in good shape to continue from this season. As for Y, I'm still debating. I never thought much of his hitting hen he played in Oakland, but with that wall in left and his power, he could truly blossom. Defensively, his arm is like a howitzer. You advance on his throw totally at your own risk.
Three games to go and then it's over--where has the year gone?
Which brings us to the final series of 2014 against the Stripes. It's rare that we get here and not just one, but both teams are eliminated from the post season, but here in 2014 that's the case. Will that make it any less intense? Hell, NO! It's the Red Sox vs the Yankees. And with that in mind and then some, I'm going to do something that I almost never, and I mean NEVER, do here. I'm going to praise a Yankee. As everyone anywhere in the world probably knows by now, the Yankees shortstop, The Captain, Derek Jeter is retiring. He played his final home game at Yankee Stadium tonight, fittingly getting a walk-off hit to win it for his team. Bob Costas, discussing it after the game, compared it to another final game by another Hall of Famer--our own Teddy Ballgame. On what became his final at bat of his career, TW drove a ball deep into the cheaps for his 521st HR and last hit, disappeared into the dugout and, true to form, refused to come out to tip his hat to the cheering fans. He'd played; he'd done his thing; and now it was time to go.
Jeter, likewise finished his Yankee Stadium career tonight. He played; he did his thing and left, as he usually did, more often than not a winner, left the field never to be seen as a player in the Bronx again. He did come out to accept the fans' cheers. Now, the fact that he's a sure bet first ballot Hall of Famer and is sixth on the all time career hits list and is oh, so many things that I couldn't even begin to mention them is not the reason I want to recognize him here. No, the simple reason is he is the ultimate definition of the word 'class'. Yes, he's the enemy; yes, I hated it every time he came up and broke the Sox hearts. But he not only played the game--he respected it and all of its long standing traditions. Even his comments tonight after the game reflected that class. Asked how he felt about closing out his career in Fenway, and if he'd play there, his response was simple. He'd played his final game ever as the Yankees shortstop. That distinction he wanted leave where it began--in Yankee Stadium. But he'd definitely play the three in Fenway out of respect, as he put it, for the rivalry and the Red Sox fans, who are wonderful and deserve nothing less.
He is a great player, but more important, he's a true gentleman and totally class. I'll miss him.
Five players had at least a pair of hits, with Betts getting three and Vasquez going 4/4, including his first MLB shot. Of the other Sox multi-hit players, Yo had a pair, and picked up his 97th ribbie. He still has a chance at a century as the Hose have three games remaining, all against the Evil Empire (and more on that series later).
The pitching looked just as good. Starter Webster pitched his best game since coming up to the club, going seven innings and allowing just seven hits and a lone freebie, his game WHIP a very respectable 1.143. He finishes the year at 5-3. The guys from the pen looked as good as they have at any time this year, with Wilson tossing a one hit shutout inning that included a pair of K's and Koji showing his form of early season and all last season, going a perfect 9th that included a K. Wilson's ERA now sits at a minuscule 1.98, while Koji's is a very respectable 2.52.
Tonight's win is the Sox' fourth in the last six games, with the others coming against the Rays (last night) and a pair against the Division champ O's last week. Before that, they split a series with playoff bound KC.
Looking from the end of this season to 2015, the Sox have gotten a solid look at some of the best that the Pawsox have, and it appears that a number of these guys will be in the Fens for good come next year. Vazquez has proven to be all of a defensive catcher that he was expected to be, even throwing out opposing baserunners like he's been doing it for years. His hitting is a bit on the weak side, but even there he has had his timely moments. Wilson could be a regular in the rotation, and Holt, once he's recovered from his concussion, has shown that he can play anywhere and do it at a consistently high level, both at the dish and in the field. Bogaerts is starting to show signs that the real guy was the one who burst on the scene late last year, and could very well return to those levels in 2015. There re others as well. Of the vets, Pedey will be up and raring to go after his recent surgery, and Papi should be right in place to pick up where he left off after this year's 30-100 year. Nap also should be in good shape to continue from this season. As for Y, I'm still debating. I never thought much of his hitting hen he played in Oakland, but with that wall in left and his power, he could truly blossom. Defensively, his arm is like a howitzer. You advance on his throw totally at your own risk.
Three games to go and then it's over--where has the year gone?
Which brings us to the final series of 2014 against the Stripes. It's rare that we get here and not just one, but both teams are eliminated from the post season, but here in 2014 that's the case. Will that make it any less intense? Hell, NO! It's the Red Sox vs the Yankees. And with that in mind and then some, I'm going to do something that I almost never, and I mean NEVER, do here. I'm going to praise a Yankee. As everyone anywhere in the world probably knows by now, the Yankees shortstop, The Captain, Derek Jeter is retiring. He played his final home game at Yankee Stadium tonight, fittingly getting a walk-off hit to win it for his team. Bob Costas, discussing it after the game, compared it to another final game by another Hall of Famer--our own Teddy Ballgame. On what became his final at bat of his career, TW drove a ball deep into the cheaps for his 521st HR and last hit, disappeared into the dugout and, true to form, refused to come out to tip his hat to the cheering fans. He'd played; he'd done his thing; and now it was time to go.
Jeter, likewise finished his Yankee Stadium career tonight. He played; he did his thing and left, as he usually did, more often than not a winner, left the field never to be seen as a player in the Bronx again. He did come out to accept the fans' cheers. Now, the fact that he's a sure bet first ballot Hall of Famer and is sixth on the all time career hits list and is oh, so many things that I couldn't even begin to mention them is not the reason I want to recognize him here. No, the simple reason is he is the ultimate definition of the word 'class'. Yes, he's the enemy; yes, I hated it every time he came up and broke the Sox hearts. But he not only played the game--he respected it and all of its long standing traditions. Even his comments tonight after the game reflected that class. Asked how he felt about closing out his career in Fenway, and if he'd play there, his response was simple. He'd played his final game ever as the Yankees shortstop. That distinction he wanted leave where it began--in Yankee Stadium. But he'd definitely play the three in Fenway out of respect, as he put it, for the rivalry and the Red Sox fans, who are wonderful and deserve nothing less.
He is a great player, but more important, he's a true gentleman and totally class. I'll miss him.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Sox Take Laugher
Well, after collapsing in the 8th of last night's game and losing after having held a one zip lead most of the game, the Sox tonight took out their frustrations on the Rays in an 11-3 laugher. Playing, as they have for much of the past couple of weeks a team that is a mix of veterans and guys just up from the farm for a 2015 look-see, the Hose quickly fell behind two zip in the 1st. However, they wasted little time in getting even, picking up their own deuce in the 2d. It remained knotted until the-Sox sent ten to the plate in the 4th, picking up fiver to take a lead they never lost. The 7-2 lead became 11-2 in the 6th, when the Hose tacked on an additional four runs, using only a single hit coupled with four freebies and a couple of Rays miscues to ratchet up the count. The score remained there until the Rays' half of the 9th when a Zobrist double sent home the Rays' final run.
Among the Sox offensive heroes for the game were Cecchini, who got his first shot into the cheaps, the blow coming in the Sox 2d; Bogaerts, whose pair of hits drove home three and Nava, who plated a pair with a ringing double. Other multi hit Sox players were Cespedes, his 36th to bagger among his pair of hits and Brentz, who also had a pair, including a double.
The Sox mound staff acquitted itself reasonably successfully as well. Starter Renaudo ended a three game losing streak to go to 4-3, allowing just six hits and a lone free pass in seven frames, a quality game WHIP of 1.0. His outing also included a pair of K's. The pen duty was split by Britton and Escobar, giving up a total of three hits between them. The former allowed two of those, but held the Rays scoreless for his inning, while Escobar was looking very good except for one pitch that regular Rays thorn in the Sox side Zobrist used to double home the Rays leadoff man who'd gotten on by an HBP.
In winning tonight, the Sox got within one game of the season total under the disastrous Valentine season of 2012. With another game against the Rays, followed by a season ending series against the Stripes, the Hose at least have the opportunity to finish ahead of that 2012 disaster.
Among the Sox offensive heroes for the game were Cecchini, who got his first shot into the cheaps, the blow coming in the Sox 2d; Bogaerts, whose pair of hits drove home three and Nava, who plated a pair with a ringing double. Other multi hit Sox players were Cespedes, his 36th to bagger among his pair of hits and Brentz, who also had a pair, including a double.
The Sox mound staff acquitted itself reasonably successfully as well. Starter Renaudo ended a three game losing streak to go to 4-3, allowing just six hits and a lone free pass in seven frames, a quality game WHIP of 1.0. His outing also included a pair of K's. The pen duty was split by Britton and Escobar, giving up a total of three hits between them. The former allowed two of those, but held the Rays scoreless for his inning, while Escobar was looking very good except for one pitch that regular Rays thorn in the Sox side Zobrist used to double home the Rays leadoff man who'd gotten on by an HBP.
In winning tonight, the Sox got within one game of the season total under the disastrous Valentine season of 2012. With another game against the Rays, followed by a season ending series against the Stripes, the Hose at least have the opportunity to finish ahead of that 2012 disaster.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Papi Does It Again!
Well, apologies for dropping from sight the past week--included a three of four W's from the playoff contending Royals, followed by a loss sweep by the Bucs in Pitt. Off last night to the newly crowned AL East champ O's and after a brief deficit to the home town team, the Sox shot ahead quickly on cheap seats shots by Papi and Yo, the first of which gave Papi another century ribbie season, his eighth, and the latter of which put Yo within four of the Sox having a two century guys in a season for the first time since Manny left. Midway through the game the home towners tied the score at three, and I began to think not again. Game went extras and in the Sox 10th, Papi came up with a man on and quickly settled the issue. He drove this one into souvenir land and the Sox had what ultimately became the winning runs and Papi had his 34th shot of the year and his 102d RBI. In getting to this level, Big Papi tied for the most career 30-100 years in Sox history with none other than--who else--Teddy Ballgame. That's pretty unique company. Am I saying he's TW's equal? Don't even ask the question! He's a HOF player as soon as he's retired five years, but equal to TW? Sorry! Taking nothing away from Papi, there wouldn't be anything close to a tie had the Sox all time hitting hero not been snatched from the Fens for service in two wars, losing almost five years in the process right at his prime. Even with that, if Papi were "only" in second all time for the team, he'd still be very special. Papi still has a slim shot at an AL RBI title, trailing LA's Trout by a five spot.
Not to forget, the Sox pen looked good last night as well--perfect ball from the first pitch, with the exception of Breslow, who faced a pair of O's hitters and allowed both to reach and score.
Not to forget, the Sox pen looked good last night as well--perfect ball from the first pitch, with the exception of Breslow, who faced a pair of O's hitters and allowed both to reach and score.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
It Only Gets Worse!
Well, with today's early game, the Sox were the victims of an O's sweep at the Fens. Down eight zip before they even scored, the team just keeps going downward and at this point looks to be a very good bet to set a new MLB record--one that no-one would want. If they don't escape the division cellar, they'll be the first team ever to go from dead last to a World Series championship and back to last in consecutive years.
Today's game had the Baltimore hurler, Chen, perfect through five and a third, the string broken when Sox catcher Butler doubled for thew first of his three hits. The Sox did eventually put six on the board, the final five of those in the 9th when they sent ten men to the plate and included doubles by Bogaerts and Nava and a shot to the seats by Rivero (another 'free trial' arrival from the Pawsox--of which there are many these past several weeks). Tonight the team is off to KC to try to do the Bengals a favor and kick the Royals out of first in the Central.
As bad as things have been, including major injuries, among them Vic's absence most of the season, they have gotten worse. Vic was moved to the 60 Day DL, ending his season and now Pedey is having surgery to try to remedy a hand/wrist injury that's been plaguing him most of the season. So his season is also over.
The Sox pitching today was as bad early on as the O's was good. Workman took his ninth loss, giving up six runs, five of them earned, in just three frames. He 'accomplished' this by allowing six hits and three freebies for a game WHIP of 3.0. He was followed by Breslow who only allowed 3 hits and no walks, and picked up three K's in his two frames. Unfortunately, one of the three hits settled into the seats and brought home a pair of O's runs.
After that the Sox pitching was much improved for all but the final inning when Mujica allowed a pair on four hits. Unfortunately, the horse was well out of the barn by then. The Sox surge in the bottom half of the inning was just able to take some of the embarrassment out of the results--maybe. Without it, the final would have really been a laugher.
On the positive side, Bogaerts continues to drag his BA upwards toward some form of respectability, getting a homer and a two bagger today to bring him to .237--still a long way from legit respect, but heading in the right direction. If he keeps it up, he could see the better side of .270 by month/season end. Nava continues to get his BA up as well. He's now at .265. Too bad he didn't start hitting earlier in the year.
On the positive side, Papi and Yo still have legitimate shots at 100 ribbies apiece, but the number of games is dwindling down to a precious few--only 17 left now, I believe. Papi needs 2 to the century mark and Yo needs a fin. Fingers crossed. Also, once the season is over, the Hose will have the opportunity on the free agent market to reclaim Lester. For all of you who think he's gone for good, remember he was very loud and clear right up to the trade that he would like to return to, and finish his career in the Hub. His thoughts also included a statement that he'd take less cash to come back than he'd want from another team. Am I whistling past the bone yard or can it happen? We'll see.
Today's game had the Baltimore hurler, Chen, perfect through five and a third, the string broken when Sox catcher Butler doubled for thew first of his three hits. The Sox did eventually put six on the board, the final five of those in the 9th when they sent ten men to the plate and included doubles by Bogaerts and Nava and a shot to the seats by Rivero (another 'free trial' arrival from the Pawsox--of which there are many these past several weeks). Tonight the team is off to KC to try to do the Bengals a favor and kick the Royals out of first in the Central.
As bad as things have been, including major injuries, among them Vic's absence most of the season, they have gotten worse. Vic was moved to the 60 Day DL, ending his season and now Pedey is having surgery to try to remedy a hand/wrist injury that's been plaguing him most of the season. So his season is also over.
The Sox pitching today was as bad early on as the O's was good. Workman took his ninth loss, giving up six runs, five of them earned, in just three frames. He 'accomplished' this by allowing six hits and three freebies for a game WHIP of 3.0. He was followed by Breslow who only allowed 3 hits and no walks, and picked up three K's in his two frames. Unfortunately, one of the three hits settled into the seats and brought home a pair of O's runs.
After that the Sox pitching was much improved for all but the final inning when Mujica allowed a pair on four hits. Unfortunately, the horse was well out of the barn by then. The Sox surge in the bottom half of the inning was just able to take some of the embarrassment out of the results--maybe. Without it, the final would have really been a laugher.
On the positive side, Bogaerts continues to drag his BA upwards toward some form of respectability, getting a homer and a two bagger today to bring him to .237--still a long way from legit respect, but heading in the right direction. If he keeps it up, he could see the better side of .270 by month/season end. Nava continues to get his BA up as well. He's now at .265. Too bad he didn't start hitting earlier in the year.
On the positive side, Papi and Yo still have legitimate shots at 100 ribbies apiece, but the number of games is dwindling down to a precious few--only 17 left now, I believe. Papi needs 2 to the century mark and Yo needs a fin. Fingers crossed. Also, once the season is over, the Hose will have the opportunity on the free agent market to reclaim Lester. For all of you who think he's gone for good, remember he was very loud and clear right up to the trade that he would like to return to, and finish his career in the Hub. His thoughts also included a statement that he'd take less cash to come back than he'd want from another team. Am I whistling past the bone yard or can it happen? We'll see.
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