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'Sox to pay $59M to nine players on the DL -- yikes!

Can we say mis-management?  Some of Theo's gifts keep on taking.  

DETROIT -- The Red Sox submitted their 25-man Opening Day roster by Wednesday's 5 p.m. deadline, placing three players -- closer Andrew Bailey (thumb), reliever Chris Carpenter (elbow) and Ryan Kalish (neck, shoulder) -- on the 60-day disabled list.

By doing so, the Sox opened room on the 40-man major league roster for three nonroster pitchers: Scott Atchison, Vicente Padilla and Justin Thomas, all of whom will be on the 25-man roster in Detroit.

Four players were also placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 26: reliever Rich Hill, pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, pitcher Andrew Miller, and outfielder Carl Crawford.

Two players, reliever Bobby Jenks and pitcher John Lackey, were already on the 60-day DL. The nine players on the DL are being paid $59.27 million this season.

Red Sox make some roster moves

Not the kind of lineup that stirs up fear in opposing teams' pitchers.  Long gone are the days of Manny, Millar, Damon, Nixon, Mueller, and others.

Losing CL Bailey opens up opportunities for others.  If Bard gets knocked around after 3-4 starts, don't be surprised to see him back in the bullpen. 

New manager + new GM + lots of new faces = lots of uncertainty.



Red Sox make some roster moves

Chris Carpenter to have elbow surgery

So, this was our compensation for Theo?  Sounds like damaged good to me. 

Chris Carpenter to have elbow surgery

Projecting the Opening Day roster, 2.0

The batting lineup does not appear as potent as in previous years.  The starting rotation as to numbers 4 and 5 starters still has big question marks. 

Projecting the Opening Day roster, 2.0

Ryan Lavarnway and Jose Iglesias could offer major help for Red Sox

With these two youngsters, it is the old-age debate:  are they better off for the long-run to play everyday at AAA level or stay and ML level and be used sparingly. 

From what I have read, there are some major concerns, such as range, about Aviles as the 'Sox starting SS.  Salty has developed into a good receiver.  Should we keep Shoppach or should we ship him for some pitching prospect(s) and retain Lavarnway?  I see Valentine using Lavarnway at DH against lefties if Big Papi struggles against LHPs if he stays with the big club. 

Should be interesting. 

Ryan Lavarnway and Jose Iglesias could offer major help for Red Sox

Doubront shines in Sox' win over Yanks

Having Felix D in the starting rotation results in the 'Sox having two LHP's in starting roles.  I can recall some years in which the 'Sox did not have a lefty in their starting rotation.   Let's hope that he and Bowden continue to pitch well and bring that improvement into the regular season. 

Doubront shines in Sox' win over Yanks

Projecting the Opening Day roster, 1.0

Still a long way to go until opening day.  However, if this is remotely close to our opening day roster, what jumps out is that it is markedly less potent batting order than last year and the bullpen looks a bit weak. 

Projecting the Opening Day roster, 1.0

Why I believe in a strong farm system....

I got spoiled in early in my RedSox fandom.  In 1975, there was the electrifying tandem of CF Fred Lynn and DH Jim Rice.  Bob Watson used to call them "Thunder and Lighting".  Some in the press called them "The Goldust Twins".  I just think that they were living examples of why the brainchild of Branch Rickey is how teams should build their talent base. 

In the 60's, the system produced Yaz, Tony Conigliaro, Rico Petrocelli, George Scott, and Reggie Smith.   Of course, this was pre-free agency days. 

Earlier in the 70's, that farm system produced such postional talents as:  C Pudge Fisk; 1B Cecil Cooper; SS Rick Burleson; and, RF Dwight Evans. 

In the 80's the system produced some pitching:  Clemens; Hurst, Boyd; and, Nipper. 

In the 90's, I would read frequently how the cupboards were bare in the 'Sox farm system.  Then came the likes of Dan Duquette and Theo Epstein who seemed to have had a better appreciation for keeping the farm system stocked with talent at all levels. 

Under Duquette and Theo, the list was quite long (likewise for bad free agent signings).

Steady investment in scouting (a sports organization's R&D) , particularly in the international markets, can help that system develop and produce a steady stream of talent and enable teams to use free agents to fill in holes, rather than building a team around. 

Ryan Kalish: Prospect to Question Mark?

He was seen as the heir parent to RF once J.D. Drew's contract was up.  Injuries and perhaps too early of a call to the Bigs due to 'Sox injuries in 2009 may have shortened his development time.  Time will tell. 

At one time, there was there two promising Ryans: Kalish and Westmoreland.  The latter is still recovering from what was once a potentially life-threatening brain mass.  Hint to Ben Cherington:  keep that farm system stocked 'cause you never know what injury is lurking around the corner. 

Ryan Kalish of Red Sox is shouldering an emotional load

Bowden: 'I'm glad I'm out of options'

He has developed a splitter.  Perhaps this can be his out pitch and enable him to be effective out of the bullpen.  Of course, for the splitter to be effective, the pitcher has to throw strikes and have a good fastball. 



Bowden: 'I'm glad I'm out of options'

'Sox re-sign Scott Achison to minor league deal

I have seen him pitch on TV a few times.  Each time, he seemed pretty effective.  He is a good athlete and fields his position well.  He seemed durable.  I had become a fan of Achison.  I could not understand why he was shipped back and forth between Boston and Pawtuckett.

Then, I pulled his statistics for the past two seasons.  In 2010, he gave up 9 gopher balls and seemed to have control problems.  2011 was better.  He could have a role for the 'Sox over the long season. 


http://stats.boston.com/mlb/playerstats.asp?id=7391

Papelbon: Phillies fans are smarter than Red Sox fans

Interesting that Pap has not even played a game in Phila yet but has already formed his opinion.  Now that he has signed his big, guaranteed contract Pap feels that he can diss the organization that drafted him, developed him, gave him his chance, enabled him to convert to a closer, and worked with him to rehab from that dangerous shoulder injury in 2006.   We'll see how supportive of Phila fans he'll be when the press rips him for blown saves or when the fans boo him for his occasional blown saves, which in Boston were at times a total meltdown or implosion on his part. 

Pap will need to remember that many 'Sox fans remember how dominant he was in 2007 and was a major part of  that World Series championship.  He does not have nor has he earned that goodwill from Phila fans yet. 

Let's see how motivated Pap will be and how much fire in the belly he'll have in the wake of a large, guaranteed contract.  Time will tell. 

 

Papelbon: Phillies fans are smarter than Red Sox fans

Iglesias making a case as SS?

Hope always springs eternal in Florida's spring training games.  Prospect Iglesias has been better than expected with the bat.  Way to early for any roster predictions.  But, it sure would be nice to get his glove in the starting lineup.  Worth keeping an eye on him. 

Brentz catches the eye of the manager

A home-grown power hitter who could be MLB-ready in 2 years.  Let's hope that Cherington is committed to a strong farm system. 

Brentz catches the eye of the manager

Watch out, Youk, someone is catching up.....

Full Count » Will Middlebrooks proving wise beyond his years

Another LHP in the starting rotation?

Two years ago, he was considered a top prospect. Injuries slowed him down. Maybe 2012 is his comeback year.

Felix Doubront sharp in his two innings

Crawford will rest wrist for a week

Good decision! I know that Crawford is anxious to put last season behind him, but he can't rush his return only play at less than 100%.

Crawford will rest wrist for a week

Miller and Anderson opening eyes for Red Sox

Miller, a tall LHP, could be a valuable addition to the 'Sox pitching staff. Not so sure about Lars Anderson who at one time was slated to be the 'Sox future 1B. Then, came Adrian Gonzales. If Anderson continues to impress, perhaps Cherington can deal him for some more pitching.

Miller and Anderson opening eyes for Red Sox

A Diamond In The Rough?

'Sox may have the makings of a good platoon set up for RF this season. Let's not forget Ryan Kalish who could challenge for playing time once he gets healthy.

The 'Sox coaches and Bobby V seem to think that they can work with Sweeney. Should be interested to watch this season.

Request no shock to Sweeney: Red Sox want more power

A change, it seems, amid fastballs from Jon Lester of the Red Sox

Lester is saying the right things and seems to have the right attitude. One cannot help but have respect for an individual who admits his mistakes, does not make excuses, and seeks to make amends. We will have to see how far and long that goes into the marathon 162-game season.

A change, it seems, amid fastballs from Jon Lester of the Red Sox

Update on Carl Crawford

Long-term, I think this is a good sign that Crawford is anxious to put last season behind him. The risk, of course, that he pushes himself too hard and prolongs full recovery from the surgery.

Update on Carl Crawford

Yaz @ Memorial Stadium

I had not planned it this way.  But, some friends and I happen to be present at the Baltimore Orioles' old home, Memorial Stadium, in the late 70's for the game after Carl Yastremski had recorded his 3,000th career hit.  If memory serves, I believe that Yaz came to bat in the first inning.  Upon being introduced over the PA system, the sold out stadium crowd got out of their seats to extend Yaz a standing ovation. 

Having been first exposed to RedSox baseball during the "Impossible Dream" season of 1967 in which Yaz won the Triple Crown and MVP, this was a memorable moment for me.  It wasn't Fenway Park, but that did not matter.  My boyhood hero, the guy whose batting stance I emulated, was being recognized for a major career milestone in the opposition's home park.  I do not recall what Yaz did with that ab-bat.  That did not matter.  It was a moment that I'll never forget.

We'll miss 'Tek

I remember the trade so well.  A playoff team in need of a closer surrenders two young prospects.  Heathcliff Slocum to the Mariners for both Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe.  Both players would grow into outstanding Major League players.  When I read about the talent and potential possessed by both, all I could think of was that this was a heist.  Afterall, Varitek had won college baseball's Golden Spikes award and was a switch-hitting catcher.   Lowe was a sinkerballer who would eventually play a major role out of the bullpen but was so key in the 2004 playoffs as a starter. 

While 'Tek was playing at AAA level, I actually saw him play in Richmond.  I kept asking myself why isn't he playing with the parent club?  He seemed so confident, polished, and in control behind the plate. 

Over the winter '97, 'Sox signed C Jim Leyritz who eventually was displaced by the upstart 'Tek who shined coming out of Spring Training.  The rest, as they say, is history. 

Beckett angry about 'snitches' with Red Sox

This outburst does not help build trust in the clubhouse. My feeling is "Josh, you had some lapses in judgement. You admitted that. Now own up to it and quit pointing fingers. 2011 is history. Nothing is going to change that. Just focus on 2012 and get your head right. Learn from your lapses and move on. "

I did not find Bobby V's comments reassuring.

Beckett angry about 'snitches' with Red Sox

Fwd: Jacoby Ellsbury Could Hit Third in Red Sox Order As He Attempts to Build Off Career Season - NESN Inside Pitch

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: NESN Inside Pitch <insidepitch@nesn.com>
Date: February 26, 2012 7:14:27 PM EST
To: <hayes95@comcast.net>
Subject: Jacoby Ellsbury Could Hit Third in Red Sox Order As He Attempts to Build Off Career Season - NESN Inside Pitch
Reply-To: NESN Inside Pitch <insidepitch@nesn.com>

02/26/2012

Jacoby Ellsbury Could Hit Third in Red Sox Order As He Attempts to Build Off Career Season FORT MYERS, Fla. –– Not much has changed with Jacoby Ellsbury. Although he belted 32 homers and 105 RBIs, batted .321, swiped 39 bases and earned a Gold Glove, the outfielder is determined to keep his routine intact. Ellsbury trained aggressively at Athletes' Performance in Arizona during the offseason. It was all part of the process of replicating his success from last season, when he finished as the runner-up to Justin Verlander for the American League MVP award. "I've always tried to be a complete player," Ellsbury said. "Tried to do everything as far as defensive standpoint, running the bases,... Posted by Didier Morais in Red Sox Spring Training Vote: Does Ryan Braun Need the Biggest Bounce-Back Season to Silence His Critics? Every year there is a group of All-Star caliber players who, for whatever reason, just cannot live up to expectations. Luckily for those players, 2011 is in the past and 2012 brings a clean slate, and a chance for redemption. The majority of these players are coming off seasons where performance was the main issue, while with others, injuries and off-field issues plagued what otherwise could have been fantastic seasons. Last year, White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn led that group. He fell far below his career average of 38 home runs and 95 runs batted in, batting a mere... Posted by NESN Staff in MLB Will Carling Cup Victory Spark Liverpool FC to New Era of Success? Liverpool lifted the Carling Cup -- formerly known as the League Cup -- for a record eighth time on Sunday. After playing Cardiff City to a 2-2 stalemate over 120 minutes, the Reds triumphed in a dramatic shootout, and won the 2011-12 season's first major trophy. It's hard to believe how far Liverpool has come since Kenny Dalglish returned to the LFC hotseat. In just under 15 months, the Reds have evolved from Premier League strugglers to trophy winners. And it happened in his first full season in charge. The future looks even brighter than the present. The Reds are... Posted by Marcus Kwesi O'Mard in Liverpool FC Liverpool Live Blog: Reds Win Record Eighth Carling Cup, Defeat Cardiff City in Shoot-Out 3-2 Final, 2-2, Liverpool wins shoot-out 3-2: The Reds are delerious at Wembley as LFC will lift the Carling Cup (League Cup) trophy for a record eight time. That's all for now and thanks for joining us. Let's discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com. Penalty Kicks: Anthony Gerrard misses, and LFC has won the Carling Cup. Penalty Kicks: Johnson scores. Penalty Kicks: Cardiff ties the score at 2-2. Penalty Kicks: Downing buries his kick. The goalkeeper dove... Posted by Marcus Kwesi O'Mard in Liverpool FC Washington Capitals Red Rockers Enjoy Ice Girl Life by Taking Part of Race, Modeling by Cars (Photos) Editor's note: NESN.com will be running one NHL ice crew gallery per day, starting on Feb. 13. Hockey fans are some of the most passionate in the wide world of sports. While they're loud and proud from the second the puck drops until the final horn, many teams' followers are lucky enough to be aided by a group of young women (and sometimes even a few men), commonly known as an Ice Crew. Click here to see more of the Capitals ice girls heating up the rink >> Eastern Conference Southeast Florida: Florida Panthers Dancers Bring Red Hot Flare to... Posted by NESN Staff in NHL Bobby Valentine More Optimistic on Carl Crawford's Chances of Playing on Opening Day FORT MYERS, Fla. –– For Carl Crawford, the recovery is ahead of schedule. After swinging off a tee earlier this week, the Red Sox left fielder took roughly "25 to 30 swings" in the cage on Saturday. So far, Crawford's surgically repaired wrist hasn't hampered him. "The wrist is coming along fine," Crawford said. "I started [swinging] a couple days ago. This will be like my third or fourth day swinging and it's been getting better everyday." His activity has surprised manager Bobby Valentine. On the eve of spring training, the Red Sox manager said he expected the four-time All-Star... Posted by Didier Morais in Red Sox Spring Training Is Dwyane Wade the Best Player in the NBA? The best basketball players on the planet collect in Orlando this weekend for the NBA All-Star Game, which tips off Sunday night. Dwyane Wade has missed nine games this season, but the Heat guard will be in the starting lineup for the East as one of the 10 most popular players in the game. He's not eligible for the scoring title, but if he were his 22.4 points per game average would tie him with Golden State's Monta Ellis for sixth in the league. Wade has been so good over the past eight years, it can be easy to forget... Posted by NESN Staff in NBA

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Whatever happened to Michael Bowden?

http://soxprospects.com/players/bowden-michael.htm

Another arm from the farm?

I have not followed this pitcher closely; however, the signs are that he could provide some bullpen help in 2012. 
http://news.soxprospects.com/2012/01/on-cusp-of-majors-wilson-ready-for.html

With Red Sox, Cody Ross tries to recapture the magic of 2010

I missed this transaction.

With Red Sox, Cody Ross tries to recapture the magic of 2010

Can Red Sox rotation go the distance? - The Tony Massarotti Sports Blog, featuring Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics analysis

The starting rotation certainly has durability issues. With Lackey and Dice-K out this season (perhaps the latter makes a late season appearance), 'Sox need a number 4 and 5 starter. Bard could fill one of those slots.

Can Red Sox rotation go the distance? - The Tony Massarotti Sports Blog, featuring Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics analysis

Wake - A Class Act

He was described as Dan Duquette's "reclamation" from the "scrap heap".  Well, he pretty much carried the pitching load in '95 with both Clemens and Sele beset with shoulder issues.  At times in '95, he was often mentioned as MVP material.   He did everything 'Sox managers asked of him over the years:  start; close; long-relief; middle relief.  You name it, he did it. 

Yes, he gave up that HR to Aaron Boone in 2003, but he should have not been put into that position had then-manager Grady Little used his bullpen sooner.  BUT, in 2004 when the 'Sox were getting pummeled by the Yankees enroute to going down 3 games to 0, he gave up his scheduled Game 4 start to spell a depleted bullepen.  

It was great that Wake was part of two World Series championships.  Not bad for a guy who was considered washed up at 28 and thrown onto the "scrap heap".   Enjoy your retirement, Wake -- you earned it!

Will Middlebrook - 3B

He is listed as the Sox number one prospect.  Assessment via the link, below.
http://www.soxprospects.com/players/middlebrooks-will.htm

Perhaps we may see him in Boston this year.  More likely that he will spend the year in Pawtucket.  If he develops quickly and his MLB level ready this or next, ths could allow a trade of Youk in the near future. 

Youk is not the same player he was just a few years ago due to injuries.  If Cherington plans to unload Youk, he will need to do that before another injury further erodes his market value.  Something to watch. 

Quiet on the Sox front

The Super Bowl hype is catching all press the past several days. I suspect things will pick up a week or so after the Super Bowl aftermath settles down and the Boston press turns its attention to baseball.

Sox not spending? We aren’t buying

I hope that I am wrong and I hope that Cherington has a big picture plan in mind. But, I am a bit concerned about an apparent lack of direction (the "vision thing"). Realizing that he is still trying to get his sea legs as GM, I am a little concerned about this guy's vision. Is he committed to the 'Sox farm system? Does he have in place good scouts to find tomorrow's superstars, particularly in the international markets? Will he avoid the free agent signing busts of Drew, Lackey, Clement, Renteria, et al?



Sox not spending? We aren’t buying

Reports that RHP Oswalt to Cardinals

As much as I would like to see another starter added to the roster, I am not disappointed with this news.  Committing millions to a pitcher with a history of back problems would have been risky.  After all, we have over $20M sitting on the shelf this season in the salaries of Lackey and Dice-K.

So where can those “unexpecteds’’ show up on the Red Sox?

From the Boston Globe ---

Is Daniel Bard excelling as a dominant fourth starter possible? Will Andrew Miller emerge as a solid fifth starter? Is Felix Doubront the guy from the farm system who finally emerges? Or will Junichi Tazawa or Alex Wilson be that guy?

Could Bobby Jenks put his physical woes behind him and effectively take Bard’s spot as the lights-out set-up guy in the bullpen? Does Ryan Sweeney put his game together to be that lefthanded-hitting guy who goes the other way, tattoos the wall, and plays a solid right field?

Does Ryan Lavarnway emerge as the catcher, unseat Saltalamacchia, and never look back?

Who among Aaron Cook, Vicente Padilla, and Carlos Silva will surprise you?

If nothing else, we have learned over the years, a team can never have enough pitching.  A blown out elbow here, a pulled groin there, and before you know a once-deep rotation on paper is only 2-deep as to quality starters.  I like the mantra "stockpile arms" cause you never know.

Scutaro's trade to free up $6M

Reports are that Cherington wants now to pursue Oswalt.  Given his back history, this could be rolling the dice.  I like Oswalt and teports are that he would agree to 1-year deal.  We will have to wait and see. 

Lots of Uncertainty - Part 3 - Help on the way?

The trade to get Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres cost the Sox its top 3 prospects, including Casey Kelly their top pitching prospect.  Josh Reddick is gone, Ryan Kalish has been injury prone, and future SS Jose Iglesias does not seem to be ready for major league pitching.  Felix D and Ryan Lavarnway could be called upon in 2012. 

The current list of top prospects looks good on paper but could be a few years from arriving at Fenway. 

The loss of Pap to the Phillies will net some good draft picks in June but those players selected will not show up in Spring Training immediately and won't be ready to contribute for a few year. 

The bottom line on the farm:  talent is there but not ripe enough for picking yet. 


http://www.soxprospects.com/

Lots of uncertainty - Part 2 - Who's Gone

Not bringing back 'Tek concerns me.  His veteran presence and handling the pitching staff are those intangibles that don't show up in the boxscores and are not readily evident to fans.  His biggest negative has been an inability to throw out base stealers.  To me, that does not cancel out his intangibles.

Pap's departure creates a big hole and much uncertainty.  Couple that with Bard's desire to start and the hole looks even bigger. 

J.D. Drew - good riddance.  $70M for a clutch hit in the 2007 World Series -- was he worth it?

Will Wake return?  I think he still has value to the team given his interchangeability between the bullpen and starting. 

Tomorrow:  any help coming from the farm?

Scutaro talks signal that Cherington isn't done

Scutaro talks signal that Cherington isn't done

Trading Youk to free up money for another starter seems like a good move. Youk has been injury prone past few years.

Lots of uncertainty -- Part 1 -- injuries

Jenks - surgery - won't be ready for opening day (set up man)
Crawford - surgery - won't be ready for opening day (2011 bust)
Kalish - surgery - won't be ready for opening day (heir apparent to RF)

Season has not started and the injury list also contains key players.

Tomorrow: who's gone since last fall's "Great Collapse".