At least if his rehab plan works out, 'Sox won't be making a waiver trading deadline for another starting pitcher. They do need bullpen help though. Of course, the Boston press, which was making the case for another big bat previously, may resurrect that point. I do not see hitting as an issue. We need bullpen help without giving up a major prospect. Daniel Bard, in particular, needs help. In the 70's-80's, 'Sox had a promising young relief pitcher and spot starter in Bob Stanley who was over-used. I remember reviewing boxscores in which Stanley pitched long relief in both games of a doubleheader because their bullpen was so weak. Well, within a few years, he was a shadow of that pitcher.
When Joe Morgan (not the ESPN guy) managed the 'Sox in late 80's, he was unconventional. I recall a game in which he brought in Mike Boddicker to pitch to Jose Canseco. Then, Boddicker started a game a day or so later. RHP Mike Smithson complained later how Morgan would have him up and down warming up only to bring in someone else. In short, bullpen work brings with it lots of wear and tear on a pitcher. My view is that 'Sox managers have not always managed the bullpen usage well and we are seeing Tito do that this year. It gives me great concern. I believe he overworked Okajima in his first few years in Boston.
Former Cy Young Award winner, Dave Stewart, once remarked how a manager has to resist the temptation to send out their best pitchers when they have been overworked. Pitching overhand is not a natural motion and results in much wear and tear.
Who knows, though, maybe Daniel Nava has raised some interest in the trade market though I would hate to see him traded so quickly in his 'Sox career. He seems to have focus and perseverance.
Jed Lowrie has sure fallen off the map. I am not even sure if he is at Pawtucket.
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The Globe had an interesting piece on the "new guy" coming in after the trade deadline. It seems as though Beckett's return will follow sometime after this. From reports and Beckett's own comments, he's feeling good and is happily progressing at the slow pace he & the Sox have set. I certainly hope the surly, competitive Beckett returns with the healed and rested Beckett. You can't expect to do well in the post-season without that edge.
ReplyDeleteSmithson's situation, the dry hump, is so bad. I don't know that it happens too often with our guys, but it does occur on occasion. If the Sox are smart, they will rely on Atchison as well. I have my doubts about the consistency of Ram-Ram and Okie. In Okie's case, it's like breaking down a race horse. The horse keeps winning, so he keeps being run. There's only so much wear and tear that can be withstood before a break down. I think this too goes back to management and the way players are handled. If they want Bard for the long haul, the Sox are definitely going to have to invest in the bull pen.
I suppose we won't count our Dice-Ks until their hatched, but depending on his outing tonight against the Rockies, Wake is likely bound for the pen again. I hate the thought of him out there, but a guy in the know told me that no one uses a 6-man rotation because pitchers need to pitch every 5 days, and I should not dwell on Wake's demotion to the pen. I'm reminded that last year at this time, Wake didn't even think he'd be pitching this season. We have him for another year (which I think was a bit of an over-signing), but who knows how the rotation will shake out, especially Dice-K and Beckett.
Word from the Fort is that Jed is still there. He's still recovering from mono and had a set back recently due to feeling bad. On the plus side, his wrist has to be completely healed by now. If/when he gets in baseball form again remains questionable, however.
Could Nava be trade bait? Would the Sox part with him? Hard to determine at this point. I can't say that we've seen enough of him yet to know whether he's the real deal.
Of course, how could I not comment on the sad news of Mikey's hip and the very real possibility that his career is over. Dustin Pedroia writes in his book "Born to Play" that "there's a certain player every fan can relate to and that's what makes our team so special. And that's what makes it so special for the fans. They identify the guy they love and that guy will be their favorite player forever." So true, Pedey. It just won't be the same without Mike.