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.