Kalish confirms report on his injury - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

This would really be a tough break for this promising young player. With both Cameron and Drew in their walk years, 2012 would have been a great opportunity for him. Let's not forget Josh Reddick who has fallen down the prospect chart but still has good potential.

Kalish confirms report on his injury - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Inching toward .500

I will admit to having been a bit nervous as the 'Sox starting pitching struggled and the hitting was weak.  I believed, though, that the poor showing could not last but was not sure how long.   Despite starting 0-6, our beloved 'Sox have inched close to .500 ball and within 3.5 games of first place. 

The O's and J's have fallen to the cellar -- what say ye now Buck?  What happened to that fast start?  Don't you know that MLB is a marathon and not a sprint?  Okay, I will admit to being still a bit miffed at Buck and will give him credit for calling both Tito and Theo. 

Hopefully, the 'Sox will take care of business in Camden Yards and silence Buck and the O's.  A sweep would be just what the doctor ordered. 

No longer a cellar dweller

Dice-K turns in another gem of start.  Great to see him pitching the way everyone had expected when 'Sox paid over $100M to sign him in 2007.  Along with Dice-K, Beckett and Lester have pitched well.  It would be great if Buchholz and Lackey can ride that wave.   Good 7 or 8 IPs from the starter keeps the bullpen fresh.

Nice to see Craw-fish turn in a 2-hit performance last night.  Ells is back to leading off and now has 5 SBs this season.  Good to see that Lowrie is still in the lineup and hitting well.

Youkilis should return tomorrow - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Good news on the injury front. After an impressive 2010 season as a fill-in, Kalish showed promise. He could be a valuable call up in the event of injury to other OF's.

Youk is tough. Glad he'll be back soon.

Youkilis should return tomorrow - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Lowrie continues his hot hitting

Where would the 'Sox be had it not been for Lowrie igniting them with his hitting?   As much I love and respect Tito, for the life of me I cannot understand why Lowrie did not play game 1 against the A's?  Perhaps he wanted to get Scutaro in the lineup.

If Theo considers trading Lowrie for a catcher, he's nuts.  I would trade Scutaro first but now Lowrie. 

As to Lowrie's future, he defense seems to be a bit suspect.  Perhaps he could be the next DH?  Big Papi will probably walk after this season.  'Sox have SS Iglesias at Pawtuckett.  Lowrie is a switch hitter....hmm something to consider.

Examining the Red Sox catching conundrum - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

One cannot help but wonder how Salty has been impacted by the pressure of playing in Boston, the tough start for the 'Sox, and the big shoes of Tek that he is trying to fill. Though 'Tek is really struggling at the plate, I would take that for the confidence pitchers have in him and his experience behind the plate.

I feel better with 'Tek starting than Salty. Though it is early, Salty may be on a short leash.

As to possible trades, 'Sox have some bargaining chips in their farm system. This situations bears watching.

Examining the Red Sox catching conundrum - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Boston Red Sox - Home run an example of Red Sox Ellsbury’s unexpected power - The Boston Globe

It is nice to see Ells coming around after such an injury-filled 2010 season. Eventually Crawfish should come around and start producing.



Boston Red Sox - Home run an example of Red Sox Ellsbury’s unexpected power - The Boston Globe

2 in a row...!

Ells beginning to hit, nice 3-run HR.  Lowrie still hitting well.  Nice outing from Lester and the bullpen.

Craw-fish still looking to get into a groove at the plate. 

The O's are beginning their annual fall from fall place -- not surprising but they have young talent to be reckoned with. 

Boston Red Sox - Lowrie happy to lead the way for Red Sox - The Boston Globe

One cannot help but be very happy for Jed Lowrie. The guy has battled injuries and illness the past few years and he is now healthy. His emergence could not come at a better time for the 'Sox as they desperately need a hot bat. My advice to Tito: ride that hot bat of Jed's until either he cools down or the other bats come to life. Regardless, I hope that Theo is watching and considers Jed a keeper, not trade bait for down the road. Despite the millions committed to A-Gon and Craw-fish, almost forgotten Jed Lowrie is the early start. A real feel good story so far for 2011. You go, Jed. You have earned this time in the spotlight. Boston Red Sox - Lowrie happy to lead the way for Red Sox - The Boston Globe

Keeping in mind...

We have Tito at the helm, the same guy who led his team back from a 3-0 deficit in 2004 against the Evil Empire, something that had never been done in MLB.  So as long as he is at the helm and exhorting his team to "stay in the moment", the 'Sox will be okay and will bounce back.   I bet that Tito often draws upon that experience as the source of encouragement and faith in himself as the skipper. 

Just like they wrote it up...

A solid 7 innings from the starter (Beckett), Bard to set-up, and Pap to close.  This is what Double T (Tito and Theo) had in mind when they put together this team.  Timely hitting and good defense.  Taken all together, this was a nice and much-needed win today. 

I continue to appreciate the contributions from Jed Lowrie and Mike Cameron. 

Today was a game to build on.  Now, hand the ball to the next starter and continue the confidence building. 

Done deal....

Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox agree on contract extension - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Despite the terrible start...

'Sox are 4 1/2 games out of first place.  Had they gotten off to a 9-2 start instead, I can only imagine the "sky's the limit" musings coming out of the Boston sportswriters.  I am not ready to push the panic button yet.  Worried and concerned?  Yes.  Panicking?  Not yet.  Of course, if the slide continues and they go to 3-17, then I'll panic. 

It's not how you start but rather how you finish.  I recall many seasons in the 70's in which they would start off hot in April and wilt in May-June or collapse after the All-Star break.  In '74, they led most of the season only to collapse and have the Orioles overtake them in September.  I still cannot get over the '78 meltdown of blowing a 13-game lead after the All-Star break.

It starts with good starting pitching, manufacturing runs, and getting some confidence and momentum going.  They don't need Dice-K or Lackey giving up 6 runs in 3 IP.  Tito needs to manage like an NL manager and play some "small ball" and see what happens.  Waiting for the big inning, like the 'Sox, of old will only get them so far. 

BTW, what's up the contract extension for Gonzales that the Boston Globe kept saying was a luxury tax issues and would have to wait until the season started?  Though not what I had expected, I would say the season has indeed started.

Biggest Questions Marks Going In?

Biggest Questions Marks Going In? (Originally posted 3/29/11)


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.

With 11 games down, I would add:

6.  Will Youk's thumb injury/surgery impact him at the plate and how will he adjust to playing 3B again?

7.  How big of a distraction will A-Gonz's contract be?

8.  How will Craw-fish adjust to playing in pressure-city Boston?

Game called by rain - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

May not be a bad thing. Game called by rain - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Spoke too soon...3-1 Rays @#!#!!!

Lester is pitching a nice game so far....

Let's hope he can stay in the nice groove.  We really need a win tonight. 

Daisuke Wasdin - Chad Finn's Touching All The Bases - Boston.com

I like the idea of sending him down to AAA to work on things. Not sure if his contract would permit that; but, it would sure give him some respite from MLB hitters and the Boston press. Daisuke Wasdin - Chad Finn's Touching All The Bases - Boston.com

Sports – Sports News - Boston.com

Just one word sums up tonight's game: Ugly. At least Craw-fish had 2 hits. Tito should keep Lowrie in the lineup for a while -- he's hitting! Sports – Sports News - Boston.com

Baseball - MLB - Boxscore - Rays v Red Sox - NESN.com

The guy cannot even give his team 3 good IPs. Sigh :( To think, 'Sox have him under contract for one more year. Baseball - MLB - Boxscore - Rays v Red Sox - NESN.com

Johnny Damon: 'You're welcome for 2004' - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

'Sox fans should "forgive and forget". Yes, he went to the "Evil Empire" and yes he took more money and/or an extra year to play with them. But, he gave it his all while in Boston. He was no Manny. He played hard and he played hurt. Johnny Damon: 'You're welcome for 2004' - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Sox extend Buchholz

I would have rather seen where the 'Sox finally come to terms with an extension with Gonz.  Neverthless, I like the idea of locking up the young talent to long-terms prior eligibility for free agency.  This was a practice of Dan Duquette who locked-up team cornerstones such as 'Tek, Nomar, and Lowe when he was at the helm. 

Beckett comes through for 'Sox

Could the Beckett of old be re-emerging?  If so, he could not have picked a better time than last night.  The former ace of the staff came through when the 'Sox really needed him and gave the bullpen some much needed rest.  That is the role of your ace or stopper.  Perhaps his performance could be the list that the 'Sox needed.  Good to have you back, Josh.  Now, let's keep it going against the Devil Rays!

Silver Lining

I see that Jed Lowrie went 3 of 4 yesterday.  Tito may need to stay with him for a few games.  Wake pitched 2 innings yestereday. 

1-7 is pretty bad.  But, they will start hitting and the pitching should get better. 

Transactions already

LHP Doubront (Felix the Cat) should provide immediate help.  I wonder if they gave up too quickly on Reyes? 


Date Player Transactions


4/8/2011 Alfredo Aceves, P Called Up from Minors

4/8/2011 Matt Albers, P Placed on 15-Day DL (Strained right latissimus muscle)

4/8/2011 Felix Doubront, P Removed From 15-Day DL (Left forearm inflammation)

4/8/2011 Dennys Reyes, P Designated for Assignment

Finally, a W to break the ice

even better that it was at home and against the "Evil Empire".  In reviewing the boxscore, one cannot help but notice that Youk, Ells, Scutter, Crawford, and Salty all are batting south of the Mendoza line.  Eventually, they will come around and begin hitting. 

I think Tito is tinkering with the lineup to find the best order given the addition of Craw-fish and A-Gonz.  (if anyone has some ideas as to monikers for these guys, please post 'em).

Bullpen did a nice job today to preserve a 5-inning W for Lackey.  Seems to me that a 5-inning performance requiring four relievers should not qualify a starter for a win; but, those are the rules though I have thought that a minimum of 6 innings, or 2/3 of a game, should be the minimum.  But, I am the same guy who feels that the Save rules are way too liberal.  Discussion for another day, another post.  Let's enjoy this first W.

Buchholz should go for the 'Sox tomorrow.  Red Sox Nation should feel a bit less stressed out tonight. 

Home Cooking

Hopefully, the return home will provide our 'Sox with much needed infusion of settling down.  I have to remind myself of the following:  (i) Youk and Pedey are coming off injuries from last year (ii) A-Gon, too, is coming off of shoulder surgery and adapting to a new league (iii) A-Gon's contract situation could be distraction to him (iv) Crawford may be feeling a sense of great expectations given the contract he signed (v) Big Papi & Pap, too, may be feeling the pressure of this being their walk year.  We'll see.

From projected 100-game winner to "hapless"

As expected, the Boston press has already turned against our beloved 'Sox. Like the old saying goes, "with friends like this, who needs enemies"? Nothing suprising though. When Bill Belichick's Patriots won 3 Super Bowls in 4 seasons, he was hailed as a genius, the franchise a "dynasty". Now, he is the subject of regular criticsm and second guessing by those in the Boston press corps who have never coached nor donned a football uniform. And, the "dynasty" is now considered in decline by the Boston sports elite. Boston is a tough town that eats its own sports teams. The sports writers pilloried the great Ted Williams. Yaz began to hear the boo birds in 1968, after his phenomenal '67 season of winning both the Triple Crown and MVP, all because the fans felt he was not hitting enough HRs. BTW, Yaz won the AL batting championship in '68, too. Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Staying away from the Boston sportswriters today

I can only imagine what they are writing this morning. I suspect these same folks who were writing previously and speculating about a 100-win season are now turning to gloom and doom. A 3-1 loss to Cleveland does not help. But, once the 'Sox straight stringing together some W's, these 100-win prognosticators will come out of the wood work again.

Ranger Blues

Our beloved 'Sox leave Texas with its tail tucked between its legs, outhit and outpitched.  Now, on to Cleveland before hosting the Yankees in Fenway next weekend.

'Sox need that first W before hosting the Yankees.

Lackey still lacking

He could not even get out of the 4th inning yesterday.  He and his mega-million contract was a big question on my list going into 2011. 


Ells and A-Gon starting off well, Big Papi, too.


Need a W today.

Opening Day Behind Us Now

Though it would have been nicer to win opening day, at least it is behind us now.  161 to go.  It's not how you start, it's how you finish.  'Sox have never played well against the Rangers in April.  One game does not make a season.

So, hand the ball the Buchholz and let's get that first "W" for 2011.

Former Red Sox GM Lou Gorman dies - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Though I did not agree with many of his trades and free agent signings, I will give him credit for not standing pat. He went out and made the deals to help improve his ballclub. He was not afraid to take a shot. He went down swinging, not with the bat on his shoulders. No doubt, there were some free agent signing busts: Jack Clark; Danny Darwin; Matt Young; Andre' Dawson; etc. He pulled off some good trades: a couple of pitchers in '86 to Seattle for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen. Both played major roles in the playoffs. Also, in '86, he acquired young relievers Wes Gardner and Calvin Schiraldi for Bobby Ojeda. Later, he acquired Lee Smth from the Cubs for Al Nipper and Schiraldi. Then, he ended up trading Smith to the Cardinals for Tom Brunansky, having signed closer Jeff Reardon in the offseason. The deal for Larry Anderson in exchange for Jeff Bagwell will certainly go down in history as a bad one. But, we all make decisions and deals we would like to have back. I heard him interviewed once. He seemed like a gracious man. In short, he wanted the 'Sox to win it all and he came so close in '86. For his efforts, I tip my hat to him and grieve for his family. Former Red Sox GM Lou Gorman dies - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog