Silver linings for 2010

The injuries have enabled the following:

1.  return of Jed Lowrie
2.  emergence of Ryan Kalish
3.  seeing Mike Lowell finish the season as a RedSox
4.  resounding entrance of Daniel Nava on the scene (Grand Slam on his first MLB AB)
5.  rise of McDonald as a 4th OF, either in Boston or elsewhere
6.  Daniel Bard becoming a premier set-up guy
7.  Clay Bucholz and John Lester emerging as the 1-2 punch in the rotation
8.  glimpses FelixD as a quality LHP out of the pen
9.  sneak preview of Bowden as a future fixture in the pen

The farm system is certainly producing quality players. 

Perhaps there will be major roster changes in the offseason.  These include:  Lowell, 'Tek,
Beltre, VMart, Ells, Big Papi, Okey, Atchison, to name a few.  What about Wake?

My advice to Theo: lay off the high-priced free agents.  Your track record is pretty bad.  Develop young talent like you have been doing.  Don't sign any more high-priced guys like Lackey, Drew, Renteria, Clement -- just admit it, Theo, you suck at evaluating free agent talent.  You promised to turn the 'Sox in a "Development Machine".  You're reaching your vision.  You have two World Championships to show for it.  Now, spend John Henry's dollars wisely.  Don't go out and get banged up players like Mike Cameron.   

Some scenarios for next year:

1B Lowrie
2B Pedey
SS Scutaro
3B Youk
LF Kalish
CF Ells
RF Drew (last year on his deal)
DH ?
C?
4th OF - Cameron
Utility INF - ?
Back up C - ?
2 more roster spots ?

1.  Bucholz
2.  Lester
3.  Beckett
4.  Dice-K
5.  Lackey

6.  Wake
7.  Bard
8.  Pap
9.  Bowden
10.Felix
11?

MannyD to the Rockies for a Single-A prospect

The Globe reports that this prospect is # 16 in the Rockies farm system.  I hate to see MannyD go.  When he was overpowering, he was unhittable, then he would go stretches without finding the strike zone. 

Boston Red Sox - It’s official, Sox are a done deal - The Boston Globe

I think this sums it up. I am very proud of the way these 'Sox have hung in there and not allowed injuries to keep them out of the hunt.

Boston Red Sox - It’s official, Sox are a done deal - The Boston Globe

Disappointing loss...

Despite Clay's great outing, it was a tough loss.  Nice catch by Kalish in CF last night.

This move makes no sense to me..

Below is from The Boston Globe -- why send Bowden down who has to wait 10 days come back up?  Why couldn't they wait until 9/1 to activate Okajima?  

The Red Sox activated LHP Hideki Okajima today and sent RHP Michael Bowden to Pawtucket.

Bowden can come back after Sept. 1, but only after 10 days have elapsed.

Given his terrible season to date it's hard to picture Okajima being put in a high leverage situation right away. He has a 5.58 ERA and has allowed 49 hits and 15 walks in 32.1 innings. Lefties are hitting .338 against him.

Okajima pitched in three rehab games for Triple-A Pawtucket. Over 2.1 innings he allowed four runs on six hits and didn't record a strikeout. Three of the six hits were for extra bases.

VMart keeps the hopes alive...

Despite Lester's unusual wildness, he got HR support from VMart and 'Sox pick up a game on the Rays.  Big game tonight.  We're sending our best pitcher out there against Garza, who is really a tough pitcher against the 'Sox.

In Clay, we trust!  Go 'Sox!

Interest Factoid

“The [Florida] Marlins have spent about $396 million on player salaries from 2000 through 2010, with 873 victories and a World Series title to show. The [New York] Mets have spent about $1.212 billion on salaries in those seasons, with 878 victories and no championships.


In other words, the Mets have spent about $816 million more than the Marlins to win five more games and one fewer title.”

(Source: NY Times, 25.08.2011)

Splitsville

Obviously, a sweep would have been better.  Poor Wake got thrown into the deep end of the pool having had very little work recently. 

Good baseball books...

Some recommendations:

1.  "The Big Bam" (Babe Ruth)
2.  "Teammates" (Williams, Doerr, Pesky, and DiMaggio) (David Halberstam)
3.  Summer of '46 (Cardinals vs. Red Sox) (David Halberstam)
4.  "October 1964" (Cardinals vs. Yankees) (David Halbestam)
5.  "Wait Until Next Year" (Brooklyn Dodgers) (Doris Kearns)
6.  "Luckiest Guy" (Lou Gehrig)
7.  "Ted Williams" biography
8.  "Sandy Koufax" biography
9.  "Joe DiMaggio" biography

Guaranteed contracts

I am not 100% sure about the NBA, but most MLB contracts are guaranteed.  The NFL contracts are not.  That is why the NFL players bargain for signing bonuses, front-end loaded deals, and portions of the their contracts as "guaranteed money".   In the NFL, when a players signs a multi-million dollar deal over several years, much of that is not guaranteed.  No wonder they do not want long-term deals.  The NFL football is a brutal sport and a player is one hit away from injured reserve. 

This brings me back to basball.  In the 50's and well before free agency, Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown one season.  The Yankees cut his pay the following year after his numbers went down.  This was Mickey Mantle for crying out loud!

Once in the last 1920's, Babe Ruth was asked by the press whether he felt guilty about making more money than President Hoover.  To which, the Babe responded "I had a better year than he did".

Once former Tiger great Al Kaline turned down a pay increase because he did not feel that he earned it.  He had a subpar year.

Well, those days are obviously long gone.  But, in those days, one's year had significance and impacted their pay.  Not now.  It has always caused me to shake my head in reading of player, in his mid to late 30's, signs a deal in which their pay goes up each year, particularly with long-term deals.  So as a player grows older, his skills diminish yet his pay goes up.  Sounds counterintuitive to me. 

Pap and a long-term deal

Unless I have missed something in the Globe, I believe Theo's biggest concern keeping him from signing Pap to a long-term deal is his 2006 shoulder subluxation injury.  Does anyone have any further insight?

Theo has locked up Pedey, Lester, and Youk to long-term deals well before they were eligible for free agency.  Former GM Dan Duquette did similar deals for Nomar, 'Tek, and Derek Lowe. 

Pap has 31 saves this year and 6 blown ones.  Still very respectable.  Perhaps I had gotten spoiled when he was a lights out closer, recording 1-2-3 innings. 

Bard seems to be the closer-in-waiting.  One way to look at this is:  why spend big bucks on Pap when the 'Sox farm system is cranking out young, talented pitchers?

To: Mrs. Tom Brady

do you "hate the Jets", too?

Though I do not like Rex Ryan, he is a good coach.  Remains to be seen if they are as good this year.   He started the barbs by saying in a press conference last year that he did not come to the NYJets to "kiss Bill Belicheck's rings".  Jets should be good this year.

Tom Brady may just be trying to egg on the Jets.

More on auto hounds (since tonight's game has been postponed)

The one time last year that I tried to play an "auto hound", I really enjoyed myself.  The best part, though, was to watch the players to see how they react to and interact with the fans.  I was a bit surprised to hear of our Southpaw's observations of Pap.

My friend is a diehard Phillies fan.  So, we went to the Nationals' park and hung around the 3rd base dugout.  We were within earshot of Ryan Howard who simply ignored the kids' pleas for his autograph and just walked into the dugout, ignoring everyone and not even looking up.  Ryan Madson, on the other hand, smiled at the fans, stopped, and began signing autographs right by the dugout.  A few minutes later, Jamie Moyer came out and signed autographs for all beginning at the dugout and going all the way down the left field line.  He enjoyed interacting with the fans.  My friend told me that Jamie does that every time he is not starting a game.

Some times, I guess, some players' egos get the best of them.  It is easy to forget the fans who come and support you when you're paid millions of dollars per year.

I heard Cal Ripken interviewed on Bloomberg recently -- what a class act!  Baseball needs more Cal's.

Lackey goes 8 innings...

Nice job despite an error on his part.  He gave the 'Sox quality innings and did not cause Tito to pull him early.  Nice lift from Mr. Lackey -- keep it up!  We need the same the time out.

Nats' Strasburg going back on DL, to have 2nd exam - Boston.com

A friend of mine in Richmond, VA is a serious autograph hound. He went up to a Nationals Game recently in DC. As with the case of "hounds", he went up a few hours before the game in hopes of getting players' "autos" (his lingo for autographs). He encountered Stephen Strasburg who was entering the stadium with his wife. The "hounds" clamored for Strasburg's auto. He just ignored them and kept walking. The hounds were close enough to hear Strasburg's wife ask why he wouldn't take a few minutes to sign autographs. To which he responded "I just don't feel like it today". Scheez! These guys are fans and he can't take a few minutes to sign?

This same friend went to see the Richmond, VA Double A team play the 'Sox counterpart Portland Sea Dogs. He was able to get Pitcher Casey Kelly's auto.

Last year, I went with him to a Nationals game and helped him. I was able to get the "autos" of LHP Jamie Moyer and J.C. Romero. It was fun. But, I am not ready to declare myself a "hound".

I recall another young fireballing phenom, named Clemens, who had to bet shut down due to a forearm strain in his rookie year in '84. Rocket had gone 9-4 before getting shut down. In '85, he struggled with shoulder problems and had to have rotator cuff surgery only to have that phenomenal '86 season.

I hope things work out okay for Strasburg. Though he may have dissed the hounds and my friend that day, I hope his injury is not serious.

Nats' Strasburg going back on DL, to have 2nd exam - Boston.com

Red Sox place waiver claim on Johnny Damon - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Sounds like a preemptory strike to prevent the Rays and/or the Yankees to acquire Damon.

Pre-game news: Red Sox place waiver claim on Johnny Damon - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Buchholz puts in another stellar performance...

This has been a great story in 2010.  A huge question mark coming out of Spring Training, he leads the club in wins and could make a solid case for the Cy Young. 

Hopefully, Bard and Pap can seal the victory for him today.

Navarro replaces Pedey

Seems like a good prospect as a utilitiy infielder.  Click here.

Boston Red Sox - Comeback by Delgado put on hold by DL trip - The Boston Globe

Not very surprised by this turn of events. He was damaged goods before the 'Sox signed him. Looks like 'Sox will use the Two L's (Lowell and Lowrie) @ 1B which I think is a good move.

Boston Red Sox - Comeback by Delgado put on hold by DL trip - The Boston Globe

Jed Lowrie epitomizes the 2010 'Sox

He has had his share of injuries these past few years.  He had seen his label change from prospect to injury prone.  Some had speculated that he would be packaged up into a deal for relief help.  Many had given up on him given his injury history. 

I hope the 'Sox keep Jed around.  He has grit and came through in the clutch last night. 

Like sand through the hour glass...

so goes the days of our 'Sox chances to make the playoffs (borrowed from the beginning of "Days of Our Lives").  Lester has been steady since April.  Last night's meltdown was a surprise.   I wonder if Pedey's return to the DL deflated the team overall?

The year of the DL

Boston Red Sox - Painful reminders - The Boston Globe

Beckett not impressive

With the injuries, his continued struggles, and inconsistency, I think we can safely say that Beckett is no longer the ace of this staff.  Unfortunately, the 'Sox have committed $68M to him over the next few years.  At this point in the season, 'Sox needed Beckett to come up big -- he didn't.

Easing up on Lackey (a bit)

I will admit to being a bit harsh, okay very harsh, on Mr. Lackey this year.  This is probably due to my high expectations of him.  I give him credit for going 7 innings last night and going well over 100 in the pitch count.  Plus, I read the "at the park" posts that 3 of Pap's 6 blown saves have cost Lackey potentially 3 more wins.  So, he would be a 14-game winner at this juncture in the season.  Nevertheless, his inconsistency and not rising to the occasion in big games this year, have troubled me. 

Boston Red Sox - Tony C

Boston Red Sox - Unforgettable moment hit home 39 years ago - The Boston Globe

Another un-inspiring Lackey performance

The way he is pitching of late, he'll be lucky to finish above .500 for the season.  One has to wonder if John Henry sits back asks himself "for this I committed $82M?" when sees the likes of Buchholz, Pap, Bard, Lester, and other home-grown pitching talent performing at high levels less the high salaries.  $82M buys alot of scouting and signing bonuses, and good coaches for developing young talent.

And, maybe he still isn't right from 2009?  He was only 11-8 last year and spent time on the DL.  Hmm, that would have been enough for me to look elsewhere.

Too bad clubs don't build in "out clauses" to these onerous guaranteed contracts if a player falls below certain performance standards.

At least he went 7 innings and didn't tax the bullpen too much.      

Bill Hall

has 16 HRs this season in a part-time role.  I have never managed a MLB team before, but seems to me, Tito needs to find a way to get him in the lineup daily.  I know he is not a natural OF but he can by replaced in late innings with someone else.  In a lineup devoid of Youk's bat, seems to me someone with 16 HRs is not a bad replacement -- am I missing something?

How could I forget?

Petey returned tonight.  Went 0 for 4 with an error.  He's a bit rusty but at least he's out there battling.  I am sure his presence provided an emotional lift.  With guys like Kalish and McDonald contributing, Petey doesn't have to feel the pressure but so much.  But, he's a fighter and will contribute soon enough.

Another update for Mrs. Tom Brady...

A few moments with Tom Brady - Extra Points - Boston.com

Nice job by Buchholz (again)....

He pitched like an ace, scattering 5 hits over 7 innings.  Just as important, Tito used Felix and Bowden to close the game.  Felix loaded the bases in the 7th but got out of it with a big K.  Tito saved Bard and Pap for another day.

Ryan Kalish hits a Grand Slam.  This younger has certainly contributed since coming up from AAA.

Perhaps tonight we saw a glimpse of the future with the performances of Kalish, Felix, and Bowden.

As we blogged before, a solid farm system can certainly pay dividends.  We saw that tonight.

It could be worse...

We have blogged about some of Theo's free agent signings.  Yet, the Mets have a GM, Omar Minaya, who has basically spent like a drunken sailor and has nothing to show for it.  He has signed free agents such as:

OF Jason Bay
SP Oliver Perez
2B Luis Castillo
SP Pedro Martinez
OF Carlos Beltran
CL Francisco Rodriguez

There are several other signings.  Despite the spending binge, Minaya has not had a winner and is surprisingly still at the helm.  To think that the 'Sox had interviewed him for their GM opening.  It could have been worse had they hired this guy as GM.

Space Man Bill Lee - still kicking

Brockton signs former Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee - Boston.com

My biggest memory of Space Man was Game 7 of the '75 World Series in Fenway Park. Lee was cruising. The 'Sox had the lead. The Big Red Machine could not figure him out that night. He kept the Reds off balance with high leg kick, by changing speeds, and throwing strikes. Things were looking good. Until. He went to the well one time too many. Throughout the night, he threw a few "moon balls", high and slow breaking balls that Reds hitters just froze and stared into the strike zone. Not Tony Perez. He waited and smashed the pitch practically to the moon, well, over the Green Monster's screen. It took the wind out of me that October evening. Lee developed a blister and the 'Sox had to go to their tired bullpen. Brought in LHP Rogelio Moret who could not find the strike zone. I kept hearing Joe Garagiola call "ball". The Reds went on to win Game 7 and World Series 4 games to 3. Though I liked the Reds, it was heart-breaking to see the 'Sox let one slip away.

Here was their starting rotation:

RHP Luis Tiant

RHP Rick Wise

RHP Reggie Cleveland

LHP Bill Lee

LHP Rogelio Moret

Starting line-up

C Pudge Fisk

1B Cecil Cooper

2B Denny Doyle

SS Rick Burleson

3B Rico Petrocelli

LF Yaz

CF Fred Lynn

RF Dwight Evans

DH Jim Rice was on the DL and could not play in the WS. What a team! Though, they had a week bullpen (other than CL Dick Drago and Set up Jim Willoughby).

Boston Red Sox - Kalish could turn into a central figure with the Red Sox - The Boston Globe

How Kalish performs in CF may determine Ells' future with the 'Sox.

Boston Red Sox - Kalish could turn into a central figure with the Red Sox - The Boston Globe

To: Mrs. Tom Brady

Brady: 'I'd love to be here my whole career' - Extra Points - Boston.com

Split on the road....

Ordinarily, a split on a road trip is not a bad thing except when you're 4-5 GB in the wild card.  Hopefully, Petey's return will add a spark to the lineup and dugout.  Ells back on the DL again -- ugh!

Jon Lester continues to win important games for the 'Sox

As we have blogged previously, Lester has become the real ace of the staff.  An ace is that pitcher who is a "stopper", one who breaks a losing streaks, wins the big games, and rights the ship.  Lester has been that this year.

Message to Theo: once you extricate the 'Sox from the Dice-K contract morass, lock up Buchholz to a long term deal, like you did for Lester, Petey, and Youk.  Heck, you have squanders millions on free agents who have not panned out, why not show your commitment to home-grown talent?

Boston Red Sox - Weiland at head of the class - The Boston Globe

Nice to see good pitching prospects continue to develop in the 'Sox farm system.

Boston Red Sox - Weiland at head of the class - The Boston Globe

One got away...

As frustrating as it was to see the Blue Jays score 4 runs in the 9th inning, 'Sox need to bounce back from this one.  Lackey had a good outing and the bats are good now.  Petey comes back next week.  'Tek may be back soon, too.  Some positives to build on.

However, I cannot help but 2nd guess Tito today.  He did not have to use Pap but ended up using him and Bard.  He had fresh, reliable arms in the pen.  Sometimes, managers go to the well too often when it comes to relief pitchers.  In the late 70's, 'Sox had a super closer named Bill Campbell.  In short, they wore him out and after 2 seasons, Don Zimmer overworked the guy to the point that he hurt his arm and was never the same pitcher again.  In the 80's, same case can be made for Bob Stanley.

Where would we be without Buchholz?

To think that he had a big question mark hanging over his head coming out of spring training this year.  Previously, he had been the topic of trade rumors.  This is a great example of the 'Sox not giving up on a young pitcher too soon.  I had the good fortune of actually watching his no-no against the O's in 2007.  From that no-no, Buch set the bar very high for himself. 

Finally, it is great to see the 'Sox farm system producing pitching talent again.  Over the year, the cupboards have been bare in the minors of pitching talent.  In the 80's, their system produced: Clemens, "Oil Can" Boyd, Al Nipper, Bruce Hurst, Bobby Ojeda, John Tudor.  In the 90's, the production declined. 

Lowell comes through...

A big HR from a guy whose season has been one of frustration, uncertainty, and pain.  He has always been a class act and now he is filling the void left by Youk's season-ending injury.  Given all that he has been through this season, one cannot help but feel happy for this guy who is contributing in a big way.

Glad to see that Tito used Manny-D instead of Bard last night in a setup role.

Ryan and Finn on Beckett and Lackey....Globe 10.0 video

These Globe guys have some thoughts on two pitchers, getting paid big bucks, but performing well below expectations.  Finn believes that Lackey may be "hiding" an injury that be hindering his performance.  States that Lackey has a history of pitching  through injuries.

Beckett continues to befuddle the both of them.  Other than 2003 and 2007, they believe his career has been one of a "tease" and explained away to injuries.

In short:  Lackey = $ 82M and Beckett another $68M....yikes!

Don't look now...but

Jed Lowrie is hitting real well.  Once Petey gets back "Uncle" Jed should be used to rest Mikey Lowell, not Carlos Delgado.  Lowrie has worked real hard to get back from 2 frustrating years on injuries.  Hope 'Sox don't give up on him too quickly.  He has versatility.

Good to hear that Petey might be back next Tuesday.  Though I wish Youk was not hurt, he has a quality back up in Lowell.

Okay, I'll admit, I'm over the weekend doldrums and getting hopeful again.  Guess a good win against the Yankees can go a long way toward making a 'Sox fan feel better about life.

Boston Red Sox - In personnel department, Sox have issues - The Boston Globe

Theo certainly has his hands full in this upcoming offseason. Hard as it may be to swallow, guys like Ells and Pap could fetch good value in exchange in the trade market. I suspect that Pap's 2006 shoulder subluxation injury has kept the 'Sox from locking him up in a long-term deal.

Ortiz is not the feared hitter he was once. Some say his bat speed has diminished. Coupled with Manny's absence, it might be time to trade him as well.

Lots of uncertainty and many decisions to make. For sure, Theo will be busy this offseason. Say, Theo, wonder if any team will be willing to take Lackey of your hands?

Boston Red Sox - In personnel department, Sox have issues - The Boston Globe

Sure could have used a big game from Lackey

Here I go again.  For the money, 'Sox are paying this guy, he should have come up big yesterday in an important game with the Yankees.  We could have used a "stop" from this guy and taken game number 2 from the Yankees in this important series.  I put this signing up there with JD Drew in 2007 -- why? (though Drew had a big hit in the 2007 WS - but was it worth the huge payout)?

My advice to Theo:  spend the money you're shelling out on free agents on scouting and signing young prospects.   

Felix called up to replace Okey

Another roster move to aid what has been a beleaguered bullpen this year.  Bowden stays at AAA for now.  If Felix and Bowden make a successful transition to the bullpen coupled with Bard and Pap already there as fixtures, 'Sox project to have a good pen for the next year.  But wait, I am getting ahead of myself and wasn't a strong bullpen going to be a mainstay for this year's team?  If converting two young starters to relievers is a big "if" even though Bard and Pap did so. 

Boston Red Sox - Kalish turns on the power - The Boston Globe

Okay, I'll admit to being a yo-yo kind of fan this year. One moment, I am optimistic about our chances, the next I'm in the doom and gloom mindset. After last night's win, I start thinking "sweep the Yankees" and get even closer. I get ahead of myself. But think: what if the 'Sox sweep the Yankees? What if they hang in long enough to Pedroia to return and Ells to begin stealing bases? What if Lowell helps to carry the team into September a la 'Yaz in '67?

And, how about Ryan Kalish? Daniel Nava isn't too bad either. Whatever happens this year, the future looks bright.

Boston Red Sox - Kalish turns on the power - The Boston Globe

Okajima to the DL

Taking a page from Mrs. Tom Brady, a good trivia question would be:  which 'Sox players this year have not spent time on the DL?

I can think of:  Drew, Scutaro, Hall, Lester, Wake, Pap, Bard -- did I miss anyone?

Is it next year yet? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

It has to be tough being a MLB team manager. You are second-guessed for not making move. You make a move by "playing the percentages" and it works out but the player gets the credit "for coming through in the clutch".

Is it next year yet? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

This kid Kalish seems to have lots of potential.

Alex Rodriguez hits home run No. 600 - Boston.com

How about placing asterisks in the record books next to the "juicers" like A-Rod? After all, this was the same sport that made a big deal of Maris breaking Ruth's single season record in 162 instead of 154 games.

Alex Rodriguez hits home run No. 600 - Boston.com

I am just a little frustrated that our 'Sox have hit a rough patch again. Losing Youk really hurts. I can sum up this year in 3 words: thumbs, ribs, and feet.

I am quickly coming to the realization that the 'Sox have too much to overcome and this just isn't their year. Come on, losing to Justin Masteron who is 3-10 this year (abeit motivated to beat his old team)?

Things are looking ugly @ Fenway

Our almost automatic win in June-July, Jon Lester, struggled tonight.  Ells returned and went 0-4. 

Hard to believe that the euphoria of sweeping the Angels has been dulled by the Cleveland Indians (of all teams) coupled with an injury to Youk.  I wonder how the team's morale is doing these days?  Wonder how Ells is presence in the clubhouse affected the team? 

Lowell returns in a big way

HR and nice defensive play!  Beckett pitched well.

Despite this really crazy year, 'Sox are 5.5 GB in the wild card.  Yankees are out of 1st place.  Wouldn't it be great to see the 'Sox knock them out of the wildcard?

Have you all been keeping up with Ryan Kalish?  He is batting .538 since being called up.

Ells gets activated today.  Could sure use his speed in "small ball" situations.

Today's news

At least the 'Sox have someone of Lowell's caliber to step in.  The only positional/DH players who have not missed significant time this year is: Big Papi, Scutaro, Beltre and Drew -- anyone else?

This has been the year of the DL for our beloved 'Sox. 

Lowell activated; Youkilis on DL - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Theo called this a "bridge" year. Wonder if he had a pontoon bridge in mind which is what the 'Sox roster has been all year.

Lowell activated; Youkilis on DL - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Slipping away?

One cannot help but think that with (i) losses like last night (ii) inconsistent pitching (iii) a shaky bullpen (iv) lingering injuries (v) internal issues with players like Ells and Lowell that time to make a run is slipping away.  Late inning heroics are exciting especially when you win but a team cannot drink at that trough too many times.

Now, Cameron is going back to the DL, Lackey has not strung together a string of quality starts, and other nagging injuries like the one to Youk -- are the 'Sox fading? 

Cameron back to DL...

In my humble opinion, this free agent sign has the makings of a bust.  The Globe's O'Shaughnessy delves into the mysterious case of Jacoby Ellsbury.  I would not be surprise to see him shipped in th offseason.  He may have burned bridges with those further up the food chain. 

Tough loss last night.  Lackey's performance set the stage for a hole to climb out of and tapping into the bullpen early. 

Kalish has been a bright spot so far!

A look into the future?

Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava, and Jed Lowrie -- future mainstays in the 'Sox lineup?  Could be.  Kalish is batting .500 since his call-up.

Another wild one in Fenway tonight.

Rumors...

The Globe reported that Ells was mentioned in possible trade packages.  Previous rumor mill rumblings mentioned Jed Lowrie as a possible part.  I wonder of Ells has truly burned some bridges with the front office.  I would hope the 'Sox not give up too quickly on Lowrie.

Now, back to Lowell.  I agree with Southpaw that Mikey has been the consummate professional.  I do not feel that the front office has treated him properly.  It seems as if the front office has lost its empathy for players.  What happened?  I recall once how Theo sat down personally to meet with Pap upon their acquisition of Eric Gagne so reaffirm Pap's role as their closer.

Theo painted himself in the corner by signing Beltre and having the Lowell deal to Texas nixed.  Reminds of when the 'Sox signed free agent closer Jeff Reardon but still had closer Lee Smith -- my reaction was why?  'Sox eventually traded Lee Smith to the Cardinals for Tom Brunansky.  By the way, Reardon was never really healthy in Boston, and got traded to the Braves.  Meanwhile, Lee Smith kept on racking up saves for the Cardinals.  This was the handiwork of then-GM Lou Gorman (the man who traded Jeff Bagwell's career for 3 weeks of Larry Anderson only to defend the trade years later).

At least Theo did not deal away a marquee prospect this year at the deadline.  But, there is still time to wheel and deal subject to players clearing waivers.

Cardiac 'Sox take the series from the Tigers

Despite the blown save by Pap, 'Sox win.  Recently called up, Ryan Kalish has contributed in past 2 games.  Jed Lowrie continues to contribute with his bat. 

 

Nice effort from Uncle Buch.  Too bad he did not get the win.

 

If this is way the 'Sox will play from here on out, it will be an exciting run. 

 

Rays continue to press down on the Yankees!

No decision yet on Mike Lowell - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

It seems to me that Theo does not know what to do with Lowell. I would think that they could use his bat in the lineup.

No decision yet on Mike Lowell - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog