Red Sox Life

Andrew Bailey's new BFF: Heeeere's Jonny!

noreply@blogger.com (Jan-Christian Sorensen) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:24:00 +0000

Gomes watches his walk-off Tuesday night (Jared Wickerham photo)

Jan-Christian Sorensen Contributing Writer

Going, going, GOMES!

After reputed closer Andrew Bailey squelched a stellar start by Felix Doubront by giving up a game-tying run in the top of the ninth, Jonny Gomes all but hoisted Bailey on his back and carried him around the bases when he launched a shot in the bottom of the ninth to give the Sox a 3-1 win and both ends of a day-night doubleheader over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Gomes, who stuck out twice and flied out before coming to the plate after Daniel Nava drew a walk, picked the perfect time to — with apologies to Ebby Calvin LaLoosh — announce his presence with authority.

Gomes took the first pitch he saw from Joel Peralta and slammed it off the AAA Auto Insurance sign atop the Monster for his fifth home run of the year and the dramatic, walk-off win:

After rounding third, Gomes took off his helmet and emphatically punted it toward home before being swarmed by his teammates at the plate.

It was Gomes’ third walk-off homer and first since 2010.

“I guess bottom nine, no one out, leadoff walk, possible bunt situation, he picked over maybe seeing if I would square around… so I thought bunt was in their mind,” said Gomes.

The game-ender was Gomes’ third go-ahead home run off Peralta, the most against any pitcher he’s faced in his career.

“Fastball up,” said Peralta. “Not supposed to be there, but it went there.”

While he’s logged a sluggish start to the season, Gomes has been catching fire of late. In his last six games he’s gone eight-for-21 for a .381 average in that span.

After the game, Bailey was understandably appreciative of Gomes scrubbing out his blunder with the walk-off and awarding him a surprise win to boot.

“I thought his punt was awesome. That put a smile on my face, obviously," said Bailey, who has surrendered five runs in his last four appearances. "You don’t want to go out there and give up runs, but there’s a lot of positives about today. The way Doubront threw the baseball, eight strong, and obviously Nava’s at-bat and Jonny’s homer. There’s a lot of good things about this team, and we just (have) to keep it on a roll.”

Hey, Jonny — belly up to the bar. First round’s on Bailey.

Twitter: @jan_doh

Friendly Fenway: Pop back in Big Papi's bat

noreply@blogger.com (Jan-Christian Sorensen) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:21:00 +0000

photo Winslow Towson/USA Today Sports

Jan-Christian Sorensen
Contributing Writer

Welcome back, David Ortiz. We missed you.

After a brutal seven-game road trip in which the Red Sox designated hitter went three-for-26 (.115) with only one RBI, Ortiz busted out of the slump in a big way at home Tuesday, driving in three and powering Boston to a 5-1 win in the opener of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the third inning Ortiz paid little attention to the Rays’ David-Ortiz-defensive-alignment, ripping a Chris Archer four-seam fastball up the middle to cash in Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino as the eventual game-winning runs and give the Sox a 3-1 lead.

“Ortiz’s big two-run single kind of works against their shift a little bit, (he) finds a way to get the two-run RBI,” said Sox manager John Farrell. “It was a solid performance all around by the guys at the plate.”

Sure, the team notched eight hits in the victory, but it was Ortiz who made all the difference.

In the fifth inning Big Papi picked up right where he left off, turning on another Archer fastball and stroking a single to right to drive in Victorino — who reached on an error — for a 4-1 lead and push Dustin Pedroia over to third.

In the second game of the twin bill, Ortiz went two-for-four with a double but no RBIs, raising his plate average to .307.

Obviously, Ortiz was glad to be back in the friendly confines of Fenway Park, where he went seven-for-27 with three homers and 12 RBI in Boston’s most recent six-game home stand.

This season Ortiz has been ravenous at the dish when he surveys the field and spots men on the bags. The 37-year-old DH is hitting a blistering .500/.625/1.000 with men on second and third and .458/.480/1.083 when first and second are occupied. And when there’s a duck on the pond at third that needs rescuing, Ortiz is .750/.600/.750.

However, when the bases are empty, Ortiz’s totals plummet to .287/.343/.585.

Nothing wrong with needing an incentive, Big Papi. Nothing at all.

Twitter: @jan_doh

CLOSERPOCALYPSE!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:59:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Andrew Bailey remains the team's closer for now, "but there's work to do."

Understatement of the year.

Bailey blew another save in the Sox 3-1 win last night and wasted a brilliant eight-inning effort from Felix Doubront. Bailey has allowed five runs over his last four games. He's blown three saves in 11 opportunities on the year. Bailey is missing spots and missing often. He's allowed 10 walks in 22 1/3 innings, a 4.0 walks per nine rate. Those stats are almost "Bard-like" and we're not talking Shakespeare.

How long is Bailey's leash? Manager John Farrell said, "We have to get [Bailey] more consistent. No doubt. But he's our closer."

Not quite a vote of confidence.

What are the Red Sox options at closer? Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara are possible candidates. However, Farrell doe not like to use Koji on back-to-back days. Tazawa was not as effective when he was a part-time closer in May, recording zero saves while opponents hit .406 off him in the ninth inning. Andrew Miller would be an interesting choice. Miller has the second-highest strikeout per nine ratio in the major leagues with 15.0 strikeouts per nine. Miller has struck out 32 of his last 53 outs, giving up only eight runs in 32 games. But the Red Sox seem comfortable with Miller's current role with the team.

With the trade deadline about a month away, the Red Sox could look outside the organization. Possible closers that could be available include the Mets Bobby Parnell (10 saves), the Astros Jose Veras (14 saves) and the Marlins Steve Cishek (10 saves).

There also a closer, maybe you've heard of him, by the name of Jonathan Papelbon. However, Boston is one of the teams on Paps "no-trade" list and the Tigers seem to be the team in hot pursuit.

While it would be fun to welcome back the Red Sox all-time saves leader, the likelihood of it happening are very slim. Papelbon is owed up to $33.6 million over 2 or 3 years, depending on if he hits his vesting option of finishing 15 games in 2015. The price tag in prospects would also be very high. Start with Xander Bogaerts and Allen Webster and the Phillies might talk. The Red Sox have already made it known across the league they will not be dealing their high profile prospects. They have been down this big money, give away the farm road before. Most of them play for the last place Dodgers now.

It's Bailey's job for the time being. But the clock is ticking and you better believe general manager Ben Cherington's phone is ringing.

Share your thoughts on the closerpocalypse below.

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More musings from The Guru.

Don't do that again, Farrell

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Whitehead) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:01:00 +0000

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

Jonny Gomes just took Red Sox Nation from pissed to jubilation in about 3.5 seconds. Maybe it was supposed to happen. But it shouldn’t have happened.

Felix Doubront was masterful. He threw 93 pitches in eight shutout innings against the Rays at Fenway Park. There aren’t many pitches who can claim that. He retired the last 17-in-a-row that he faced. It was his best outing of his career, bar none.

But John Farrell chose to go to his “closer” Andrew Bailey in the ninth. On his second pitch, he gave up a game-tying home run to Kelly Johnson. 1-1. Doubront went from sure winner to extremely hard luck no-decision.

I’d be pissed. I’d still be in my manager’s office and security might have to throw me out, if I were Doubront. I threw 93 pitches in eight innings, had a shutout going and pitched the game of my life, and YOU pulled me for a closer that is an inconsistent as they come? Two saves in his last four opportunities, five earned runs in four innings? Nuh uh.

Yea, the Red Sox won. Good. They deserved to win that game. But so did Doubront. That was HIS game. And his no-decision falls solely on Farrell.

Don’t get me started on the fact that Bailey gets the win. Ridiculous.

If I were Doubront, I’d be livid. I don’t care how many pitches I’m throwing in my next start, I’m not handing the ball to Farrell if he comes to get me. You took this win from me. And you deserve to know how I feel.

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Game 2 Recap - Gomes bails out Bailey, Sox

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Monaghan) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:41:00 +0000

Jim Monaghan
Contributing writer

Jonny Gomes blasted his third career walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth off Joel Peralta as the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to sweep the day/night doubleheader.

Felix Doubront was nothing short of outstanding shutting out the Rays on three hits while striking out six and issuing no walks over eight innings. It was the first time in his Major League career that he pitched that deep into a ballgame.

The Sox had a 1-0 lead until the top of the ninth inning when the Rays number nine hitter Kelly Johnson took Boston closer Andrew Bailey deep. And just like the, the position of closer has turned into a major problem area for the Red Sox. Once considered a strong point for the team, Joel Hanrahan had season-ending surgery, and Bailey has now allowed five home runs in 21.1 innings this year.

Daniel Nava (pictured) hit his tenth home run of the season into the Boston bullpen to give the Red Sox an early 1-0 lead. David Ortiz added two hits including his eleventh double of the year.

Click here to find more by Jim Monaghan on Red Sox Life. Follow Jim Monaghan on twitter - @Monaghan21

Game 1 Recap - Sox come away with a soggy win

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Monaghan) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:18:00 +0000

Jim Monaghan
Contributing writer

Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and David Ortiz took care of the offense, and Alfredo Aceves pitched five strong innings, as the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 in the first game of a day/night doubleheader at Fenway Park.

Ellsbury had three hits and scored three runs and Victorino added a pair of hits and an equal number of runs; Ortiz drove in three of the Boston runs with two singles.

Aceves, making his third spot start in just over three weeks, gave up three hits and a run, walking three and striking out two. The Red Sox could get used to this version Aceves - over those three starts, he has thrown 17 innings and allowed only three runs. His outing was shortened by a rain delay that lasted a minute short of three hours.

Click here to find more by Jim Monaghan on Red Sox Life. Follow Jim Monaghan on twitter - @Monaghan21

MASH Unit: Buchholz, Ross to the DL

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:02:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

After throwing a bullpen session between games of the rain-delayed doubleheader, Clay Buchholz was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a neck strain. Buchholz has made just one start since June 2.

The move was made retroactive to June 9, meaning Buchholz won't make his scheduled start Saturday in Detroit. Allen Webster will likely make the spot start against the Tigers. Buchholz could be activated from the disabled list as soon as June 24.

The Red Sox also announced catcher David Ross was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list. Ross was hit in the head by a foul tip over the weekend in Baltimore. Ross was on the concussion list just last month.

Catcher Ryan Lavarnway and reliever Alex Wilson were both called up from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS.

Game 73: Rays at Red Sox - Double dippah

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Whitehead) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:52:00 +0000

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

Good start to the double-header, as the Boston Red Sox (43-29) took down the Tampa Bay Rays (36-34) after a slight rain delay, 5-1. Alfredo Aceves did his job, going five innings and picking up the win to improve to 4-1 this season, mostly in spot starts.

Now, the Red Sox turn to Felix Doubront to sweep the twin bill. Doubront is 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA and has showed some inconsistencies in his recent outings.

Here is the lineup for Game 2 of the double header (first pitch – 8:05 pm EDT):

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Nava, 1B
6. Gomes, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Drew, SS
9. Iglesias, 3B

Doubront, P

The Rays send rookie Jake Odorizzi to the bump. Odorizzi is 0-0 with an 8.03 ERA.

Getting started at the top
Boston’s first five hitters provided all the offense this afternoon, getting all eight hits and scoring/driving in all five runs. Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-5 with a triple and three runs scored. Shane Victorino scored the other two runs and went 2-for-4, also with a triple. David Ortiz drove in three runs. Batters six through nine in the Sox lineup went a combined 0-for-13. A win is a win, but the Sox need the bottom of the order to produce. On the flip side, there have been plenty of times where the bottom does produce and the top is lacking. So there is some give and take there, but a more consistent approach would be nice.

At worst…
With a win tonight, the Red Sox will guarantee themselves at least a .500 record against the Rays this season. They would pick up their ninth win (18 games total). Any win is nice, but a win against an AL East opponent is that much better.

Let us know what you think about tonight’s game by commenting below.

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Four Real? Red Sox vs Rays Game 1 6-18-13

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Lepak) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:40:00 +0000

Pete Lepak

RedSoxLife.com Staff Writer

Game 72

Tonight is a big day for me as a fan. Well, I must admit, it has nothing to do with the Red Sox. Yes I will watch and listen to the games, but tonight, USA Men's Soccer plays Honduras. If USA wins, they will have a very good chance on qualifying for the World Cup. Can you imagine the pride the Men's Team must have to represent their country? What a feeling it must be to walk out of the tunnel, wearing your USA jersey, signing the National Anthem while thousands of Hondurans want you dead. I wonder what it must feel like to be a Boston Red Sox player. Do you think they feel the same amount of pride representing their City (Or, as Big Papi would say, "Cee-Tee.") This year's team seems to have pride. Just watching Koji Uehara, you know he loves being a Red Sox player. Shane Victorino, Johnny Gomes, Dustin Pedroia.... all these men represent their city well and care about the name on the front of their jersey, not on the back. So when today's game started, and the rain came down, which players sat by their lockers during the 3 hour rain delay and could not wait to get back out there? I am sure it's the guys you suspect. Anyways, when the rain cleared, and the game resumed, Boston won game one 5-1. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Wild Thing. Alfredo Aceves started this afternoon's game and pitched well, but in the second inning, things almost unraveled for him. After issuing three walks sandwiched by a Luke Scott double to score a run, Aceves had the bases loaded and Yunel Escobar at bat. Aceves threw all fastballs to Escobar, and he finally bit on the fourth pitch, rolling a ball over to short and creating a double play for Boston. Aceves gets out of a jam he created. 1-1 tie.

2) Gettin it Done. The top third of the lineup has been playing well for Boston, and it looks great when they all get rolling around the same time. In the bottom of the third inning, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino singled. Victorino then stole second to put both men in scoring position. David Ortiz then popped a 0-1 fastball into center field to plate both men and the Red Sox take the 3-1 lead.

3) Back to back speed. Bottom of the sixth inning, and with two outs, Ellsbury does what he does best, tripling to right field. Victorino wanted in on the speedy fun, so he then cracks a ball into right field as well, tripling home Ellsbury. This was the first time the Red Sox have had back-to-back triples since 1988, and the team is excited to pick up a two out RBI. 4-1 Sox.

4) Koji Klutch. With the game still within reach, Tampa Bay tries to make a come back off of reliever Koji Uehara. Matt Joyce leads off with a deep double to left, and Ben Zobrist walks. With only one out and runners at the corners, Koji must register outs. Evan Longoria pops up to first base to get the second out, but James Loney won't go down without a fight. Loney fouls off eight splitters and fastballs, waiting for his pitch. On the ninth pitch, Uehara throws a breaking ball that drops as it reaches the plate, and Loney strikes out. Huge out for Koji, and it keeps Boston happy with a 5-1 lead.

Boston would end up winning 5-1, and Tampa Bay would not threaten in the ninth. The Sox bullpen pitched four scoreless this afternoon, and the Red Sox have now taken 8 out of 10 games from the Rays this year. Boston plays again at 8:10pm TONIGHT, so turn on NESN and enjoy. Felix Doubront faces Jake Odorizzi as the Red Sox look to win two in one day.
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Bling and other weighty matters

noreply@blogger.com (Eric D. Schabell) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:19:00 +0000

Eric D. Schabell
Contributing Writer

I don't care about mystical healing properties or whatever the lame excuse is that has got the baseball players today out on the field wearing all kinds of malarkey.

Let's just look closer at the necklace gear being sported. The braided necklaces contain titanium that they think has properties to increase blood flow and speed healing.

So they are using this as a medical excuse to wear flashy necklaces onto the field, even as a pitcher. This is not founded on any sort of medial research, as far as I could tell. Therefore we are talking about magical medicinal effects.

This necklace weights how much?

Right...

Next you have the guys that make so much change that they can put on whatever metal they want, with links thick enough to rate holding back large violent dogs. I am amazed that some even put on necklaces that are so long that it has to be whacking them in the face when running.

Let us look closer at this from a purely athletic point of view.

First, what happened to the rules we grew up on, no jewelry of any sort; no watches, armbands, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or rings. This was in effect in all the leagues I ever played in, from 6 years old on up to 32 years old. These rules had nothing to do with fashion on the field and everything to do with safety.

Bad fitting chain?

Who wants to get sliced by a diamond earring when the base runner crashes into you?

Who wants to have a necklace snag on you when you apply a tag at second?

Who wants to pinch a finger or worse when batting with a ring on?

Second, I am amazed at all the work that is put into becoming a professional, perfectionist, speedy baseball player. Yet they will weigh themselves down with jewelry, knowing that stealing a base or beating out a ground ball is measured in split seconds.

The position does not matter.

Catchers have to explode out of a crouch to throw out runners at second. Pitchers have to be quick off the mound for dribblers. Position players have to run, dive, and beat the clock in all manner of situations on the field.

This is not going to make
you faster, you need to
drop excess weight.

Finally, let's look at other professional athletes like cyclists.

They do everything allowed to shed weight and become faster. They diet like crazy, drop all excess food and water before a big climb, anything to become faster. This is absolute dedication to your sport, to winning, to being the best athlete you can be.

I don't know about you but every time I see a player miss a catch by inches, get thrown out at first by a hair, or just not quite make it in before the tag on a steal, I am looking at the extra weight he has on him.

Maybe we need to also take a closer look at the amount of seeds, gum, and whatever else the players have in their pockets. Would it help to have a manager that makes you empty your pockets and removes all excess weight, be that food items or jewelry?

It seems like in the world of baseball statistics we seem to be overlooking a small, yet obvious impediment to improving players chances to succeed.

Maybe I am the only one that notices this sort of thing?

Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.

More by Eric D. Schabell

A Picture is Worth A Lot More Than a Home Run for Carp

noreply@blogger.com (Conor Frederick) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Photo from Mike Carp

Ask Mike Carp what made this weekend special and he'll give you a different answer then you might expect. He won't say it was hitting a 2-run home run or going 6 - 18 on the road trip, according to WEEI. He'll tell you that recieving a picture of his 10-month old daughter recognizing him on TV on Father's Day (shown here on the left) was the best thing this weekend, according to WEEI.

Carp has plenty to remember on the field, aside from the home run over the weekend. He has 8 homers this season, a .320 average, and a 1.051 slugging percentage in 41 games this year according to WEEI. But this is one thing that he'll always remember on his first Father's Day and something to remind his daughter of when she gets older. It's always great to see something like this because it reminds us that these guys are human beings before they are baseball players and go through the same things the rest of us go through.

Twitter - @ConorJF1016
Conor Frederick
Contributing Writer

Game 72: Rays at Red Sox - Let's play two!

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Whitehead) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

Here’s a bit of advice to the batters tonight: Watch out!

The Boston Red Sox (42-29) and Tampa Bay Rays (36-33) resume their heated rivalry with two games today. What a better way to kick off this three-game series than with a double-header? And after things started to boil last week when John Lackey plunked Matt Joyce, allegedly not happy with Joyce’s home run trot earlier in the game.

Alfredo Aceves has been recalled from Pawtucket to start today’s game. He is 3-1 with a 5.58 ERA this season.

Many of the big names are back in the Boston lineup, including Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino. Here is the batting order for the Sox (first pitch – 1:05 pm EDT):

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Napoli, 1B
6. Nava, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Middblebrooks, 3B
9. Drew, SS

Aceves, P

Chris Archer makes his fourth appearance for the Rays. He is 1-2 with a 4.80 ERA.

Three in under 48
It will be a quick pit-stop home for the Red Sox, who play three games in less than 48 hours before hitting the road for a four-game series in Detroit. Because of the double-header, the two teams are able to call up a 26th player without sending anyone down. Aceves is the guy for the Red Sox and rookie sensation Will Myers has been called up by the Rays. This will be Myers Major League Debut when/if he steps on the field today.

Rays of sunshine
The Sox have had tremendous success against the Rays this season. Boston is 7-2 against Tampa Bay, with a three-game sweep at Fenway Park already under their belts. The Sox have taken 2 of 3 twice at The Trop and could win the season series with a sweep of this series, and we haven't even hit the All-Star Break yet.

We will have more info after Game 1 of the day-night double-header, prior to Game 2.

Let us know what you think about today’s game by commenting below.

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Lester's lack of performance plaguing Sox

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Galanis) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:56:00 +0000

Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer

Looking at Jon Lester’s numbers now, it’s hard to believe that he looked unbeatable, along with Clay Buchholz, at the beginning of the season. With Buchholz possibly headed for the disabled list, Lester’s recent slump could end up being a huge problem for the Red Sox.

The Sox are no strangers to Lester’s shakiness from previous seasons, but with their ace sitting out, they’ll be desperate for him to start performing to make up for the rest of the also-shaky bullpen. Sunday’s game against the Orioles looked promising, but as Comcast Sports Center’s Sean McAdam said, “It's hard to ignore the warning signs and the negatives.”

In that game, Lester showed some signs of improvement, but didn’t get the necessary results. He had eight strikeouts and no walks, but he had five extra-base hits and reached 100 pitches in five innings.

Lester went 6-0 in his first nine starts with a 2.72 ERA. In his last 6 games, he has gone 0-4 with a 7.20 ERA, raising his season ERA to 4.37. The skill is there, but he can’t seem to bring it out when the Sox need him the most. And with the three losses to the Orioles in the last series, and another division series coming up with the Rays, the O’s have the chance to creep into first place if Sox pitching can’t perform. Hopefully Lester can kick it into high gear and pick up the slack that the injured Buchholz is leaving.

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Buy the hype? Rays rookie makes debut at Fenway

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:07:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

The Tampa Bay Rays have called for reinforcements. Hotshot rookie outfielder Wil Myers, rated by Baseball America as the number four overall prospect in baseball, will make his major league debut today at Fenway Park.

Ever since the blockbuster trade that sent pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Kansas City Royals for a package in which Myers was the centerpiece, it's been a waiting game to see when the right-handed outfielder would make the jump.

The time is now. Welcome to Boston. Rookie.

Lifelong dream coming true tomorrow! Heading up to Boston now. Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes. @RaysBaseball @MLB time!
— Wil Myers (@wilmyers) June 17, 2013

The team is in fourth place in the American League East with a 36-33 record, five games behind the first place Red Sox. The Rays have been struggling to score runs and Myers should inject some power into the Tampa lineup. Between Double-A and Triple-A last year, Myers hit 37 home runs, drove in 109 and batted .314.

Rays Executive VP of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman told reporters, Myers is "going to fit right in and help us win games." Friedman says Myers' recent hot streak (hitting .354 with ten home runs, and 32 RBI's in his last 32 games) "accelerated the conversation".

Myers will play regularly, mostly in right field. Rays Manager Joe Maddon said, "He's going to play a lot. Of course you don't bring somebody like that up to sit around."

Myers, the reigning Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year, hit .286 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs in 64 games at Triple-A Durham this year.

It will be interesting to see if he can follow the 2011 winner, Mike Trout, in taking home the AL Rookie of the Year award.

Do you buy the hype Red Sox Lifer's? Leave a comment below.

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Aw come on man, focus

noreply@blogger.com (Eric D. Schabell) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:24:00 +0000

Eric D. Schabell
Contributing Writer

Watching the Red Sox closer, Andrew Bailey, facing the first batter in the 9th inning has been a horrifying experience all season long.

I mean it, no nice way to put this.

Horrifying.

You are not watching him with any sort of confidence are you?

Admit it.

You are sitting there just like me, fingers crossed, peering between the hands you have covering your eyes as Andrew Bailey winds up to deliver up another tater?

Well, over the last 22 first batters he has faced, this is what he has been giving up...

First batters against Andrew Bailey this year (22 PAs): .350/.409/.650/1.059.
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) June 16, 2013

Watching him live Saturday night against the Orioles was again so frustrating. I am looking for a closer to come in, throw strikes, nothing but strikes, hard strikes, challenge hitters, and get outs.

Look at the 8th inning, Koji Uehara comes in and it is 3 strikeouts, back to the dugout.

That is what a closer feels like.

Andrew Bailey comes in, starts throwing cutters and his curve ball, so much so that he did not surprise them with the fastball when it finally came down the pipe. He gave up 3 hits, one a 2 run homer, and only struck out one hitter. He threw 20 pitches of which only 11 were fastballs. He was not down in the zone with his pitches.

That one homer in his pitching line does not look that bad you might think.

What you don't see are the 2 balls yanked right of the foul pole with home run written all over them. You don't see the hard hit, warning track fly ball that also could have been gone. It felt like everything he threw was getting hammered.

I think we need to stop looking at Andrew Bailey as the only closer. Why not move to a rotational closer, based on the match up between pitcher and hitters due up? We have some outstanding pitching in the bullpen that can also on occasion close out games.

Why not Andrew Miller who is being slowly compared to another legendary lefty in Randy Johnson? Why not Koji Uehara? Why not Junichi Tazawa?

Maybe they just need to take Andrew Bailey back to basics. Pitch hard, attack the zone, keep the ball down, make them hit into outs. He is definitely not a strikeout type of closer. Maybe time to open auditions for closer and see what is on the trading block out there?

We can't take a closer like this into the post season, this will cost you a series for sure.

What do you think? More focus for Andrew Bailey? Flush him for a rotational closing scheme? Go fishing on the trade market for a closer?

Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.

More by Eric D. Schabell

The Road Worrier: David Ortiz cooling down?

noreply@blogger.com (Jan-Christian Sorensen) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:18:00 +0000

Jan-Christian Sorensen
Contributing Writer

While David Ortiz has been assembling a scorching-hot season since returning from his Achilles injury in mid-April, his stats took an extended ice bath on Boston’s recent road swing.

During the seven-game trip to Tampa Bay and Baltimore, Ortiz went three-for-26 (.115) with one home run and one RBI, was held hitless in four of those games and slugged .308.

Contrast with that his most recent six-game home stand, where he went seven-for-27 (.259) with three homers — including a dramatic, ninth-inning walk-off bomb against the Texas Rangers on June 6 — and drove in a dozen while slugging .741.

Is Big Papi’s sudden, chilly turn at the plate a cause for concern, or merely a blip?

Looking at the season so far, it’s clear that as Big Papi goes, so go the Sox. And vice versa.

The Sox went 3-4 on the recent road trip as Ortiz struggled. Conversely, at the end of April as the Sox reeled off wins in six of seven, Ortiz recorded five multi-hit games, hitting .481 with three homers and 13 RBI.

When the team went through its mini-slump at the start of May, dropping eight of 12, Ortiz was likewise frigid at the dish, going seven-for-39 (.179) with one homer, two RBI and a slugging percentage of .333. Granted, some of the blame for that particular slide of Ortiz's can be blamed on a sore oblique muscle, but the Big Papi Barometer was back in effect when the Sox busted their skid in mid-May: the Sox won ten of 14 from May 14 to 27 and Ortiz was a major factor, going 19-for-52 (.365) with four homers, 17 RBI and a .635 slugging percentage.

Studying the numbers, Ortiz's most recent trouble on the road appears to be nothing more than a hiccup.

On the first three road trips in which he played this season, he was as steady as ever. April 30 to May 6 against Toronto and Texas, Ortiz hit .316 with two homers, three doubles and six RBI. At Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Chicago May 14 to 22, Ortiz went 14-for-36 (.389) with three homers and 14 RBI. And on a mini road swing to Philadelphia and New York from May 29 to June 2, Ortiz hit .308 with a pair of homers, two RBIs and four walks.

Overall, there’s not much discrepancy between his home and road numbers. At Fenway, Ortiz is hitting .301 (SLG .592) with six homers and 26 RBI. Away from Boston, he’s hitting .287 (SLG .596) with eight homers and 23 RBI.

Ortiz will aim to get the home cooking going again Tuesday as the Sox play host to Tampa Bay for three games over two days at Fenway, but the numbers aren’t in his favor — this season, Ortiz is batting only .190 against the Rays.

It’s important to remember, however, that with Big Papi, power is only part of the package. His love for the game, his teammates and city combined with his genuine affability and gregarious personality is enough to let even the most jaded Sox booster give the 37-year-old designated hitter a pass, even if only temporarily.

After the myriad highlight-reel moments he’s given Sox fans in his 11-year career in Boston to date, he’s more than earned the benefit of the doubt.

Twitter: @jan_doh

Let's make a deal: Sox should target starting pitching

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:11:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

With the trade deadline of July 31 fast approaching, will the Red Sox be looking to buy and make a push towards the playoffs?

The Red Sox sit atop first place in the AL East by 1 1/2 games over the Baltimore Orioles, three games over the third place Yankees and the Rays are going nowhere at just five back.

Looking at the Sox roster it would seem pitching would be an obvious target. With Jon Lester struggling (7.24 ERA in his last six starts) and Clay Buchholz' health (he hasn't made a start since June 2) uncertain, adding a quality arm to the starting rotation should be a priority for general manager Ben Cherington.

Some arms that may be available include the Cubs Matt Garza, Yovani Gallardo of the Brewers and Houston's Bud Norris. To get any of these names it will take at least one high profile prospect. By all reports, the Red Sox are not willing to deal Jackie Bradley Jr, Xander Bogaerts, Allen Webster or Rubby De La Rosa. These prospects are major league ready and represent the future roster in Boston.

The one player available that remains the most intriguing? The Phillies Cliff Lee.

It would be a difficult deal to pull off. While Lee is still a number one starter, he is owed at least $78 million through the 2015 season. As Dennis Eckersley would say, that's a lot of iron. Are the Red Sox willing to trade high prospects and take on that much payroll for a pitcher turning 35 in August? It would seem the Sox ownership/management philosophy has changed regarding "big ticket" items like Lee.

But Lee in a Red Sox "B" would make one tough rotation in a weak American League.

There is just over a month to go before the deadline. The Red Sox will certainly be looking for an arm to make a real run at the playoffs. A possible closer (Jonathan Papelbon anyone?) and middle-relief would be a help. But if this team is going anywhere, another starter should be the number one target. Are the Red Sox ready to make a deal?

What are your thoughts on possible Sox trade options? Leave a comment below.

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Andrew Miller - Strikeout Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Conor Frederick) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of Boston Herald

Andrew Miller has been the silver lining in a bullpen that has had its ups and downs this season, but that hasn't always been the case. According to the Boston Herald, when the Detroit Tigers picked him sixth overall, they were hoping they found the next Randy Johnson. And the comparisons weren't completley baseless - he is 6'7", threw 98 miles an hour and had a wicked slider to go with it. But the one thing he didn't have was control, according to the Herald, and with that came a lack of confidence and a 5.70 ERA in 66 starts. That's when the Sox made him a reliever and he started posting statistics that the Big Unit would have been proud of. According to the Herald, Miller has 15.0 strikeouts per 9 innings, which is 2nd only to Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who has 15.6 Ks/9 innings. Using the same criteria, it is also currently the highest rate in Sox history, even Pedro Martinez in 1999, according to the Herald. It's different circumstances, of course. It's impossible to compare a reliever to a starter, since a reliever will never strikeout 300+ in a season, but Miller is still no pushover and he's been anchoring our bullpen all season.

I'm hoping he doesn't get injured, because quite frankly we need him anchoring the pen. Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara are beginning to wear down and Bailey has had an up and down season, to say the least. We need that one guy who can come in and pitch lights out, and Miller is that guy. Not to take anything from anyone else, but our pitching staff, bullpen included, is stretched thin and Miller has been the silver lining. We're still going to need to bolster our pen before the trade deadline, though. Miller is still only human.

Twitter - @ConorJF1016
Conor Frederick
Contributing Writer

MASH Unit: Buch may hit DL; Carp confident; Napoli passes test

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:27:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

If Clay Buchholz doesn't throw in the bullpen Tuesday, he's likely headed for the disabled list. Buchholz is still experiencing pain in his neck. If he’s alright after the bullpen session, he could start Saturday in Detroit. If Buchholz can't go, the Saturday starter could be Rubby De La Rosa or Allen Webster.

That' a lot of "if's".

Manager John Farrell said, "He's not at a point physically where he feels like he can get on the mound tomorrow without the potential of setback."

Buchholz has made just one start since June 2. The longer he stays out, the more likely it becomes that he will need a minor league rehab assignment before he returns.

Mike Carp left yesterday’s 6-3 loss to the Orioles with a tight right hamstring.

“Felt it a little bit and then I hit the line-drive and I had a little concern right there,” Carp said. “Got the rest of tonight off, tomorrow, almost two full days until we have to play again. I’m pretty confident I’ll be back in there on Tuesday.”

Carp is hitting .320 with eight home runs, second on the club, in limited playing time.

Farrell reported that first baseman Mike Napoli — who hasn’t played since exiting last Thursday night’s game due to nausea and dizziness — was doing better after undergoing tests in Boston. The team said it’s not concussion related. Look for Napoli to return for Tuesdays double-header against the Rays.

Reliever Clayton Mortensen remains on the 15-day disabled list due to a right hip impingement. He’s eligible to come off the DL next week. Mortenson is 1-2 with a 5.34 ERA this year.

Pitcher Daniel Bard is on the DL for Double-A Portland with a strained abdominal Muscle. In 13 games with the Sea Dogs, Bard has a 6.39 ERA and has walked 17 batters while only striking out six in 12.2 innings.

Outfielder Ryan Kalish continues to rehab in Fort Myers after off-season shoulder surgery. If he’s lucky, he’ll be cleared for some minor league games in August.

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Craig Breslow, a role model off the mound

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Galanis) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:28:00 +0000

Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer

Craig Breslow isn’t just a solid reliever for the Sox, but he’s a great guy as well. Breslow sat down in Baltimore to answer questions from little leaguers from Avon, Conn. and NESN’s Tom Caron. Being a Yale alum, Breslow is very eloquent and offered the kids advice on education and sports.

“It seems like today there’s so much pressure on kids to specialize in one sport at such an early age,” Breslow said to the kids. “My recommendation would be to play as many sports as you can for as long as you can because there are skills you can learn in other sports than baseball that’ll help you on a baseball field and vice versa. You can be exposed to different people and different experiences and it can be a great thing in shaping your childhood.”

Breslow said he played soccer and basketball along with baseball when he was young. He also stressed the importance of staying in school over going right into sports. It’s refreshing to hear an athlete acting like a good role model, so check out the rest of the video from NESN here:

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Mike Carp: A Man on a Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Conor Frederick) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:55:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of NESN

Mike Carp has told NESN that he tries to model himself after David Ortiz. And who wouldn't? I doubt anyone, even the most diehard Yankee fan, would dispute he's one of the great hitters to play the game. He won't pass Hank Aaron's 755 home runs (Bonds used steroids, so Aaron is still the record holder for home run in my books), but he'll be great in his own right, especially because of what Ortiz did in 2004. And lest we forget that Big Papi holds the record for most single season homers for the Sox with 54.

According to NESN, Carp has repeatedly gone up to Ortiz for advice about how he's using his hands and body. So far, it's been paying off. Carp has 5 home runs and 11 RBI's in his last 10 games and he's hitting .400 for the month of June, according to NESN. That's pretty good, if I do say so myself. He's been exceeding everyone's expectations so far, but that probably wasn't hard because there wasn't much in the way of expectations for him to begin with and anyone who is telling you they predicted this is kidding themselves. A lot of people hoped he'd be good, I'm sure, but realistically I think expectations for Carp were probably relatively low. A lot of Sox fans, me included, have jumped on his bandwagon since he's been putting on a clinic. And I think his bandwagon will continue to grow as long as he stays consistent. He'll have slumps, I'm sure, but baseball is a game where you're successeful if you can get a hit 3 out of 10 times at the dish, so as long as he does that, he'll be fine.

David Ortiz said he reportedly sees a little of him in Carp according to NESN, because they both came over from different clubs, and both have had success. It might be too early to make a judgement on Carp, but I don't think so. My verdict is that he'll be great at the club for years, provided he stays healthy and provided he doesn't switch clubs a couple of years down the road.

Twitter - @ConorJF1016
Conor Frederick
Contributing Writer

Week in Review: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

noreply@blogger.com (The Guru) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:22:00 +0000

The Guru
Contributing Writer

The first place Boston Red Sox turned in another winning week going 4-3 to push their record to 42-29 as we inch closer to the halfway point of the season.

The Sox beat the Angels last Sunday, took two from the Rays, but finished up the week losing three of four to the Orioles. The Sox are now just 1 1/2 games up in the division.

It was an interesting week all around as Iggy stayed hot, Buchholz couldn’t go, Ciriaco got the boot, Nava made his case, and tempers flared at the Trop.

There is never a shortage of drama when it comes to the Olde Towne Team. Let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly from the past week.

The Good: Jose Iglesias remains the Red Sox hottest hitter. He hit .467 for the week and has a 17 game hitting streak. The trade Drew rumors are more than whispers now. More like Kinison type screams.

Andrew Miller is proving his worth in the Red Sox bullpen. Miller has given up only eight runs in 30 games. He has struck out 30 of his last 50 outs. He also houses a small family from Ecuador in his beard.

Let’s throw some love Alfredo Aceves’ way. The Red Sox really needed a solid start and Ace provided it last Wednesday. Aceves went six inning with just four hits and one run. Aceves can be a little kwazy, but we are seeing why the Sox keep him around.

The Bad: Jon Lester is not right. After a great start to the season, Lester’s ERA in June is 8.44. He has not recorded a win in six-straight starts. For the Red Sox to succeed, they need a 2010 type of Lester not a 2012 type of Beckett.

Stephen Drew is hitting .219. He struck out 10 times in six games last week. IGLESIAS, IGLESIAS, IGLASIAS. That is all.

Andrew Bailey is the closer. Bailey gave up four runs in six games last week. Bailey should be called the cooler. If the Red Sox are players at the trade deadline, a name you might hear is one your familiar with: Jonathan Papelbon.

The Ugly: The Red Sox lost three of four to the Orioles. Baltimore has won 24 of its last 34 games against the Sox. The Sox are going nowhere if they can’t get around that stupid smiling bird.

Clay Buchholz’ latest injury has caused a lot of concern. Buchholz is clearly the Sox ace this year at 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA. The Red Sox success is directly related to the early strength at the top of the rotation. Now with Buch hurt and Lester struggling, there is a lot more pressure on Lackey and Dempster to succeed. Those words just made me queasy.

Beanball’s at The Trop led to some pushing and shoving between the Sox and Rays, but it was nothing like what occurred at Chavez Ravine in LA when the Dodgers and Diamondbacks squared off. UGLY.

Things don’t get any easier this week as the Red Sox get the Rays at Fenway Park for three games then travel to Detroit to face the Tigers.

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Four Real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs Orioles. 6-16-13

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Lepak) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:42:00 +0000

Game 71: Sox can't play catchup,lose 6-3

Jon Lester continues to slip, his ERA continues to rise, and his team continues to lose when he pitches. You really can't say he pitched horribly, striking out 8 and walking none, but he only mustered five innings and gave up nine hits in over 100 pitches. Boston bats looked dead until the seventh inning, but by then, they were down five and did not look strong enough to make a poignant comeback. Baltimore took three out of four games from the Red Sox and looked like the stronger team. The Orioles can flat out hit, and do not have a weakness on their offense. Here are today's four at bats that changed the game:

1)Happy 100! After an Adam Jones double to score a run, Chris Davis came up to bat. Usually, pitchers fear the homerun hitter, but Lester has never given up a hit to Davis, so why fear the hitter? Well, maybe Lester should have. Davis took a low 3-1 pitch over the right field fence to put the O's up 3-0 and give him the 100th dinger of his career.

2) Make it end! Bottom of the fifth inning, and Balimore adds to their lead. The good news is that Jon Lester strikes out three in the inning. The bad news is that his gives up three hits in the inning, with Chris Davis's soft double scoring Machado to give them the second run of the inning to give the O's a 5-0 lead.

3) So close, yet so far. Boston needs to make a comeback, and fast. In the top of the sixth, Jacoby Ellsbury singles and Jose Iglesias reaches on a rope that Manny Machado can not handle. Hot hitting Daniel Nava, who sees all fastballs from pitcher Miguel Gonzalez, swings at an outside and letter high fastball and drives it deep. It looks like it will be a three run homerun, but outfielder Steve Pierce takes it in just at the last part of the warning track for a harmless out. If only they were playing at Fenway, it would be 5-3. But we're at Camden Yards. Still 5-0 O's.

4) Now is the time. Boston takes the momentum from inning six to get some runs back in the seventh. Mike Carp doubles and Jarrod Saltalamacchia singles to put two men on. Will Middlebrooks, who can always get it done with the glove but is hitting under .200, goes with an outside 2-1 fastball for a three run opposite field bomb. Good to see from Middlebrooks, and the homerun brings the Red Sox to 5-3.

The Orioles would add another run in the bottom of the seventh, and Boston never threatened again. The Orioles played some great baseball over the weekend, and they showed the northeast that they are a threat in the AL East. We shall see how it all ends up. With tomorrow off, Boston returns home to take on the Rays at 1:05pm when Chris Archer faces Felix Doubront. Happy Father's Day all!
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Lester's woes continue as Sox lose

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Monaghan) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:02:00 +0000

Jim Monaghan
Contributing writer

OK, anyone else worried about Jon Lester? The Red Sox lefty lasted only five innings giving up five runs - all earned - on nine hits while striking out eight as the Orioles beat Boston 6-3 at Camden Yards. One bright note - he didn't walk a batter.

With the win, the O's took three of four from Boston over the weekend to narrow the gap in the American League East.

The Orioles jumped out in front in the bottom of the third inning with three runs. Chris Davis hit his third home run in his last five games, this one with a man on to give Baltimore a 3-0 lead.

After allowing two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Red Sox got things close in the top of the seventh on Will Middlebrooks' (pictured) ninth home run of the season with two runners on to get the score to 5-3.

Jacoby Ellsbury had two of the team's six hits.

For Lester, it was his first career loss at Camden Yards; he's also now lost four games in a row.

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Game 71: Red Sox at Orioles - Lester looks to rebound

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Whitehead) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:28:00 +0000

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

A much-needed win Saturday sets up the opportunity for a series split and a chance to leave Baltimore with the largest lead in the AL East for the Red Sox this season. And on the mound is Jon Lester. Tough to beat that, right?

The Boston Red Sox (42-28) go into today’s game against the Baltimore Orioles (39-30) looking to leave with a 3.5-game lead over the Os, just where they started to begin the series. The New York Yankees (37-31) have lost five straight, but fallen just one game in the standings from 3.0 to 4.0 back. That means a Red Sox win, no matter what the Yanks do, will put Boston 3.5 ahead of second place, the largest lead the Sox will have had this season. Of course, a loss moves Baltimore back to within 1.5 games and gives the Sox their first series loss since May 20-22 (Chicago White Sox).

Lester hopes to turn around his recent struggles and prevent Boston from losing the series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. He is 6-3 with a 4.12 ERA, but began the season 6-0 with a 2.72 ERA. He is 0-3 in his last five starts, just one quality start, and a 6.90 ERA during that span.

Here is the Red Sox lineup for the Father’s Day contest (first pitch – 1:35 pm EDT):

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Iglesias, 2B
3. Nava, RF
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Gomes, LF
6. Carp, 1B
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Middlebrooks, 3B
9. Drew, SS

Lester, P

Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez is 4-2 with a 3.71 ERA this season. He and his wife are expecting a baby and she is scheduled to give birth Wednesday, but the Os are planning in case he has to leave early.

Ring-a-round the infield
Jose Iglesias extended his team-high hitting streak to 16 games with a single Saturday. He’s hitting .447 on the year and gets his first start at second base, the first time anyone has started at second in place of Dustin Pedroia this season. Iglesias has started at his natural shortstop position and recently at third base. He has played some at second in the late innings of blowout games, but with Pedey needing a day off, John Farrell slotted Iggy there, and also put him at second in the batting order, a new spot for the hot-hitting Iglesias.

Speaking of Pedroia…
The Red Sox clubhouse must be loving this one. A day after making an error for the first time all season (70 games), Pedroia has been benched. OK, so that’s not all true, but Pedroia does have the day off, also his first of the season, and the coincidence that it comes after his first error is hilarious. That error was his first since Aug. 29, 2012, a 97-game errorless streak. Pedroia has only missed 10 innings of this season. Barring a pinch-hit spot late in the game today, he will nearly equal that total, missing nine innings (or more if extra innings).

Mini-season No. 7
The finale of the seventh mini-season was a “W” for the Red Sox. Boston went 6-4 over the last 10 games, giving it six winning mini-seasons out of seven. The Sox have a .600 win percentage, putting them on pace for roughly 97 wins. Here’s how they have done over the 10-game stretches through 70 games.

1) 6-4
2) 7-3
3) 7-3
4) 3-7
5) 7-3
6) 6-4
7) 6-4

Let us know what you think about today’s game by commenting below.

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