I would say the following:
1. Is Salty an everyday catcher or will 'Tek end up catching more games than Salty?
2. Will Pap bounce back? If not, how long does Tito stay with him and who steps up: Bard or Jenks?
3. Will Beckett and Lackey earn their big bucks this year?
4. Will Buchholz perform like last year?
5. What can we expect from Dice-K?
To me, these are big question marks. Of course, the injury bug, like for all teams, is lurking out there like Allstate's mayhem man.
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These are very good questions. Here's my Dan Shaunessy 10 minute take on them.
ReplyDeleteIf Salty doesn't handle the staff well, Tek will step in more. The lineup is stacked, so if Salty doesn't hit, no worries. Here's our #9 hole guy. The big question is whether he can effectively handle the staff. Lester, Lackey and even Dice-K I'm not so worried about. They seem to have had an ok spring throwing to him. Beckett the head case is another matter, however. If I was the manager, Tek would catch Beckett every start. Anything to get that boy through 4+ innings without an implosion. Buch is a question mark. We all know how well he worked with V-Mart. Those 2 were like socks and shoes. Buch might take a little longer to hit a comfort zone with Salty. We'll see...
I have to say that I'm not overly enthused about Jenks. I watched him pitch to B-team Minnesota Twins on Saturday night and blow our Mayor's Cup victory down the crapper. Yes, everyone is entitled to an off day. But, if this happens a lot and it happens to Pap, 'ol Rubber Arm Bard's going to get a workout!
Awesome O'Clock has had a fab spring. As yours truly predicted last year, the comfort zone of the AL East took some time to set in. With a year under his belt (and a somewhat slimmer waistline so we can actually see his belt), Mr. Lackey is poised for greatness this year. I've lost confidence in Beckett. I don't think there's anything physically or mechanically wrong with him. I would highly recommend that a sports psychologist hold regular sessions with him. No, he's not going to pitch like he did in '07, but I guarantee the implosion will taper off. There is something mentally blocking his abilities.
I've stated my peace on Buchholz. Can he deal with throwing to Salty and get over the loss of V-Mart? He's more comfortable now that he's a locked in starter, but he's going to have to maintain that position.
I think Dice-K will step up. I think he's finally figured out that the American way is not the same as the Japanese way for a throwing regiment. I think he's on track for a good year.
Can't wait until Friday afternoon!! There will be an early departure on my part from the confines of my office so that I'm assured a spot on the couch for the opening pitch at 4pm!!