A few thoughts before I start panicking because I haven't done any homework this weekend:
1. I have to offer grudging congratulations to Derek Jeter for becoming the Yankees' all-time hits leader. To be the best hitter in the history of a club that fielded Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Mickey Mantle is pretty damn impressive. Now go burn in hell, Jeter.
2. The Sox are well on their way to dealing the Rays their 11th consecutive loss (it's 4-0 Boston in the ninth inning as I write this). Tampa's last three series have come against very good teams--Detroit, the Yanks, and us--but losing 11 straight is one hell of a way to take yourself out of the playoff race. Better luck next year, boys.
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka will be back on the mound on Tuesday after missing almost three months with shoulder problems; the question now will be whether he'll be the Dice-K of last year (18-3 with a 2.9o ERA) or the one from earlier this season (1-5, 8.23). Dice was the MVP of this year's World Baseball Classic, but you really have to wonder how the added stress on a pitcher's arm from playing in those games will effect that pitcher in the regular season. Based on what I've seen from Dice-K this season--which hasn't been much, since his longest start this year was 5.2 innings--I have to say that the WBC should either be scrapped entirely or should enforce a pitch count similar to the Little League World Series.
4. Theo Epstein apparently doesn't read my blog, or he would have called up at least one of my Backseat GM spotlights by now. That hurts, Theo.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
I'm Going To Hate Myself For This Post
It's damn near impossible to be a Red Sox fan without occasionally complaining about the Yankees. There's been so much history between the two teams that they share a grossly twisted symbiotic relationship; you can't have one without the other.
My typical posts about the Yankees involve me bitching and moaning about how much I hate them (I run a 774-member Facebook group titled "Yankee Hater," for example). There are exceedingly rare instances, however, when even New York's staunchest anti-fan must concede a point to the Bronx Bastards. This is one of those instances, and this is why I'm going to be so disgusted with myself that I won't be able to sleep tonight.
Last night, Yankee captain Derek Jeter tied Lou Gehrig atop the New York all-time hits list with 2,721. Jeter executed a bunt single in the first inning against the Rays to break an 0-for-12 slump, and finished his three-hit night in the seventh inning by lining a single to right to tie the Iron Horse.
Jeter received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd at George Steinbrenner's Scale Model of Yankee Stadium, and (this is where I'm going to burn in Red Sox hell) I must say that he deserved it. There's a reason why he's one of only two designated team captains in the Majors; he's a damn good ballplayer.
Tying Gehrig is a remarkable accomplishment for anyone. Jeter is a class act; I hate the guy with a fiery passion for playing in the pinstripes, but I have to respect what he's done for baseball and his club. He would be an excellent role model if he played for any other team in the league. Of course, as long as random schmucks with PhotoShop give us pictures like this, he will continue to be a source for Red Sox ridicule. Thank God for technology.
And now, a poem I wrote while bored in a high school math class:
There once was a shortstop named Jeter
Who everyone knew was a cheater.
He swung and struck out
With a whine and a pout
And to the Red Sox, nothing was sweeter
My typical posts about the Yankees involve me bitching and moaning about how much I hate them (I run a 774-member Facebook group titled "Yankee Hater," for example). There are exceedingly rare instances, however, when even New York's staunchest anti-fan must concede a point to the Bronx Bastards. This is one of those instances, and this is why I'm going to be so disgusted with myself that I won't be able to sleep tonight.
Last night, Yankee captain Derek Jeter tied Lou Gehrig atop the New York all-time hits list with 2,721. Jeter executed a bunt single in the first inning against the Rays to break an 0-for-12 slump, and finished his three-hit night in the seventh inning by lining a single to right to tie the Iron Horse.
Jeter received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd at George Steinbrenner's Scale Model of Yankee Stadium, and (this is where I'm going to burn in Red Sox hell) I must say that he deserved it. There's a reason why he's one of only two designated team captains in the Majors; he's a damn good ballplayer.
Tying Gehrig is a remarkable accomplishment for anyone. Jeter is a class act; I hate the guy with a fiery passion for playing in the pinstripes, but I have to respect what he's done for baseball and his club. He would be an excellent role model if he played for any other team in the league. Of course, as long as random schmucks with PhotoShop give us pictures like this, he will continue to be a source for Red Sox ridicule. Thank God for technology.
And now, a poem I wrote while bored in a high school math class:
There once was a shortstop named Jeter
Who everyone knew was a cheater.
He swung and struck out
With a whine and a pout
And to the Red Sox, nothing was sweeter
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Backseat GM's Guide To Postseason Success: Pt 3
I'm confused. Can someone please tell me what the hell has happened to Josh Beckett?
Everyone in the Sox organization has been saying that Beckett is healthy, and pitching coach Dave Magadan has been blaming Beckett's loss in velocity and explosion of home runs on a "mechanical problem." Whatever the reason, the Sox ace hasn't won since August 12, surrendering 27 runs and 12 homers (five against the Yankees) in that span. Beckett was a legitimate contender for the AL Cy Young Award going into August, but any chances of winning have since fallen by the wayside.
Beck pitched slightly better last night, but still took the loss after struggling and giving up three runs in the third inning. Hideki Okajima didn't fare any better, giving away two more runs in his inning of relief. Beckett and Okie are supposed to be two of our most consistent hurlers; if they continue to have issues keeping the ball in the park and holding crappy offensive teams within striking distance, then the pitching staff needs immediate help.
1. Adam Mills
Help may come in the form of Mills, a 24-year-old starter from Maryland who has rocketed through the Sox farm system since being drafted in the eighth round in 2007. The righty has posted a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and held opponents to a .286 batting average with Portland (AA) and Pawtucket (AAA) this year; the logical next stop for Mills is Fenway.
While Mills' pitches have been described as average, he possesses impeccable control and composure on the mound. His 88-mph fastball may not overpower many batters, but it becomes devastating when mixed with his changeup; watching him on the mound should remind fans of Pedro Martinez' recent work.
The only strike against Mills is his age (or lack thereof). He has only been a professional ballplayer for two full years, and wasn't even promoted to AAA until August 12 of this year. Still, anyone who can work his way through one of baseball's best farm systems in just over two years deserves to be considered by the Major League club in September. He may be the least likely of my Backseat GM players to make the team this year, but Adam Mills will be a household name in Sox Nation very soon.
---
One final thought: two former Sox, Martinez and John Smoltz, will face each other in tonight's Philadelphia-St. Louis matchup. I've loved Pedro for years, and as horrendous as Smoltzy was during his stint with the Sox earlier this year (2-5 with an 8.33 ERA over eight starts), it's hard not to root for the guy. It'll be interesting to see which future Hall-of-Famer wins the Battle of the Geriatrics tonight.
Everyone in the Sox organization has been saying that Beckett is healthy, and pitching coach Dave Magadan has been blaming Beckett's loss in velocity and explosion of home runs on a "mechanical problem." Whatever the reason, the Sox ace hasn't won since August 12, surrendering 27 runs and 12 homers (five against the Yankees) in that span. Beckett was a legitimate contender for the AL Cy Young Award going into August, but any chances of winning have since fallen by the wayside.
Beck pitched slightly better last night, but still took the loss after struggling and giving up three runs in the third inning. Hideki Okajima didn't fare any better, giving away two more runs in his inning of relief. Beckett and Okie are supposed to be two of our most consistent hurlers; if they continue to have issues keeping the ball in the park and holding crappy offensive teams within striking distance, then the pitching staff needs immediate help.
1. Adam Mills
Help may come in the form of Mills, a 24-year-old starter from Maryland who has rocketed through the Sox farm system since being drafted in the eighth round in 2007. The righty has posted a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and held opponents to a .286 batting average with Portland (AA) and Pawtucket (AAA) this year; the logical next stop for Mills is Fenway.
While Mills' pitches have been described as average, he possesses impeccable control and composure on the mound. His 88-mph fastball may not overpower many batters, but it becomes devastating when mixed with his changeup; watching him on the mound should remind fans of Pedro Martinez' recent work.
The only strike against Mills is his age (or lack thereof). He has only been a professional ballplayer for two full years, and wasn't even promoted to AAA until August 12 of this year. Still, anyone who can work his way through one of baseball's best farm systems in just over two years deserves to be considered by the Major League club in September. He may be the least likely of my Backseat GM players to make the team this year, but Adam Mills will be a household name in Sox Nation very soon.
---
One final thought: two former Sox, Martinez and John Smoltz, will face each other in tonight's Philadelphia-St. Louis matchup. I've loved Pedro for years, and as horrendous as Smoltzy was during his stint with the Sox earlier this year (2-5 with an 8.33 ERA over eight starts), it's hard not to root for the guy. It'll be interesting to see which future Hall-of-Famer wins the Battle of the Geriatrics tonight.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Backseat GM's Guide To Postseason Success: Pt 2
Today's edition of The Backseat GM marks a slight departure from last week's pilot episode; while my last post focused on a young pitcher who will hopefully offer some much-needed bullpen relief in coming months, the way Boston has been handled by the ChiSox this weekend convinced me that pitching is not the only thing the team needs.
Boston was outscored 17-3 in the first two games of the Chicago series this weekend. That kind of offensive ineptitude just shouldn't happen against a team like the White Sox, who have somehow found a way to lose 69 games despite having the second-best ERA in the American League. Hell, we didn't even face Mark Buerhle this series; how do we only score three runs off of Freddy Garcia and Gavin Floyd?
GM Theo Epstein has put together an offensive lineup that has the potential to be the best in the Majors. Unfortunately for us, some of the pieces in that lineup--namely David Ortiz and Mike Lowell--have struggled with inconsistency, age, and injury this season. Even reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia has struggled at times this year. The Chicago series only proves that we won't be a realistic threat in the playoffs until we put together a more consistent offense. Manager Terry Francona needs players he can bring off the bench without sacrificing firepower; he needs...
2. Lars Anderson
Anderson has to be one of the unluckiest guys in professional baseball. The 21-year-old from Oakland possesses sublime offensive abilities and is a solid defensive first baseman with some experience in left field. He batted .303 in his first two years in the Minors, was listed as the 25th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, and has been compared to Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado.
Of course, none of this makes him sound anything but blessed. The only problem is that he plays in the Red Sox organization; his path to the Majors is therefore blocked by the depth of the big club at his defensive positions. How is he going to play first base if Kevin Youkilis and Victor Martinez--both of whom play better defense than Anderson--are locked into the position for the foreseeable future? Anderson hasn't played left field since high school, so how would he break into an outfield patrolled by Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay, and J.D. Drew?
None of these problems matter much when you look at Anderson's offensive scouting reports, however. He's a left-handed opposite-field slugger, meaning that his swing could not have been tailored any better for Fenway Park's Green Monstah in left field. He has a sweet power stroke but is not overanxious at the plate. His compact swing and knowledge of the strike zone are unusual tools for a batter his size (6 feet 4 inches, 210 pounds).
Anderson may not permanently make the Red Sox roster for a few years, but there is no reason why Theo should not call him up for the postseason. He can pinch-hit for Jason Varitek late in games, serving as an offensive upgrade off the bench similar to Jim Thome's new role for the Dodgers. If Ortiz continues to struggle to hit for average, Anderson can take over as designated hitter (because you can't really be a DH if you can't, you know, hit). This kid has almost unlimited potential at the plate; we need to use him instead of keeping him locked away in the Minors.
Boston was outscored 17-3 in the first two games of the Chicago series this weekend. That kind of offensive ineptitude just shouldn't happen against a team like the White Sox, who have somehow found a way to lose 69 games despite having the second-best ERA in the American League. Hell, we didn't even face Mark Buerhle this series; how do we only score three runs off of Freddy Garcia and Gavin Floyd?
GM Theo Epstein has put together an offensive lineup that has the potential to be the best in the Majors. Unfortunately for us, some of the pieces in that lineup--namely David Ortiz and Mike Lowell--have struggled with inconsistency, age, and injury this season. Even reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia has struggled at times this year. The Chicago series only proves that we won't be a realistic threat in the playoffs until we put together a more consistent offense. Manager Terry Francona needs players he can bring off the bench without sacrificing firepower; he needs...
2. Lars Anderson
Anderson has to be one of the unluckiest guys in professional baseball. The 21-year-old from Oakland possesses sublime offensive abilities and is a solid defensive first baseman with some experience in left field. He batted .303 in his first two years in the Minors, was listed as the 25th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, and has been compared to Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado.
Of course, none of this makes him sound anything but blessed. The only problem is that he plays in the Red Sox organization; his path to the Majors is therefore blocked by the depth of the big club at his defensive positions. How is he going to play first base if Kevin Youkilis and Victor Martinez--both of whom play better defense than Anderson--are locked into the position for the foreseeable future? Anderson hasn't played left field since high school, so how would he break into an outfield patrolled by Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay, and J.D. Drew?
None of these problems matter much when you look at Anderson's offensive scouting reports, however. He's a left-handed opposite-field slugger, meaning that his swing could not have been tailored any better for Fenway Park's Green Monstah in left field. He has a sweet power stroke but is not overanxious at the plate. His compact swing and knowledge of the strike zone are unusual tools for a batter his size (6 feet 4 inches, 210 pounds).
Anderson may not permanently make the Red Sox roster for a few years, but there is no reason why Theo should not call him up for the postseason. He can pinch-hit for Jason Varitek late in games, serving as an offensive upgrade off the bench similar to Jim Thome's new role for the Dodgers. If Ortiz continues to struggle to hit for average, Anderson can take over as designated hitter (because you can't really be a DH if you can't, you know, hit). This kid has almost unlimited potential at the plate; we need to use him instead of keeping him locked away in the Minors.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Backseat GM's Guide To Postseason Success: Pt 1
Jesus Christ, I hate Manny Delcarmen. This is exactly what I was talking about in my last post when I said that the Sox bullpen needs immediate help. I'm not taking anything away from Evan Longoria; he's a fantastic young player who will be an All-Star for years to come, and the swing that he put into his game-sealing home run last night was one of the purest that I have ever seen. On the flip side, however, anyone who leaves a pitch as far over the plate as Delcarmen did last night--while facing one of the league's premier hitters, no less--simply does not deserve to be on a team with playoff aspirations. My buddy JHall put it best when he told me that "the only reason [he] can tolerate Delcarmen is because he went to [his] high school." I don't have that connection with the guy, so I can honestly say that I don't give a flying fuck if Delcarmen is from Boston or not; he needs to go away.
But enough of my bitching. I mentioned last time that this post would be dedicated to young pitchers who should crack the Sox roster in the next few weeks. Delcarmen's meltdown--and the lack of depth in the 'pen brought on by Billy Wagner and Jonathan Papelbon's lengthy appearances on Sept. 1--only proves that this move is necessary. Therefore, without further ado, I bring you:
3. Michael Bowden
Bowden's Major League career has been somewhat of an enigma. In three games with the Sox, including two relief appearances against the Yankees this year, he has posted an unremarkable 9.00 ERA. The Yanks scored 7 runs against him in his four innings of relief this year, tagging the 22-year-old for a .400 batting average and 2.75 WHIP. These are obviously not great numbers for anyone (not even Delcarmen).
One has to remember, however, that Bowden's numbers this year were inflated by an ugly outing on August 21. This was a game that the Yankees took 20-11; there wasn't much anyone in the world could do to stop them that night.
Instead, focus on Bowden's previous outing (April 26) and his Minor League career. Bowden handcuffed the Yankees in his first call-up this year, striking out two and holding the rest hitless over two innings.
Bowden's path through the Sox farm system has been even more noteworthy. He has posted a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 3.13 ERA in 24 starts with Pawtucket (AAA) this year, and tore up Portland (AA) in 2008 with 101 strikeouts over 104 innings. Not too shabby, kid.
The point is that Bowden has big-league stuff and would be a perfect fit in the Sox bullpen for the stretch run. It will be a couple years before he breaks into the Majors as a regular starter, but he can help in the meantime by using his stamina, burning heater and filthy curveball in long relief (hopefully replacing Delcarmen).
---
A quick side note: it was interesting to see two of Sept. 1's call-ups make an immediate impact in last night's game. Joey Gathright stole a crucial base (a sprint that was eerily reminiscent of Dave Roberts' theft in the 2004 ALCS) and George Kottaras sold a beautiful play at the plate to prevent Greg Zaun from adding another run in the 8th. Good job, guys. Now let's focus on the pitching, please.
But enough of my bitching. I mentioned last time that this post would be dedicated to young pitchers who should crack the Sox roster in the next few weeks. Delcarmen's meltdown--and the lack of depth in the 'pen brought on by Billy Wagner and Jonathan Papelbon's lengthy appearances on Sept. 1--only proves that this move is necessary. Therefore, without further ado, I bring you:
3. Michael Bowden
Bowden's Major League career has been somewhat of an enigma. In three games with the Sox, including two relief appearances against the Yankees this year, he has posted an unremarkable 9.00 ERA. The Yanks scored 7 runs against him in his four innings of relief this year, tagging the 22-year-old for a .400 batting average and 2.75 WHIP. These are obviously not great numbers for anyone (not even Delcarmen).
One has to remember, however, that Bowden's numbers this year were inflated by an ugly outing on August 21. This was a game that the Yankees took 20-11; there wasn't much anyone in the world could do to stop them that night.
Instead, focus on Bowden's previous outing (April 26) and his Minor League career. Bowden handcuffed the Yankees in his first call-up this year, striking out two and holding the rest hitless over two innings.
Bowden's path through the Sox farm system has been even more noteworthy. He has posted a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 3.13 ERA in 24 starts with Pawtucket (AAA) this year, and tore up Portland (AA) in 2008 with 101 strikeouts over 104 innings. Not too shabby, kid.
The point is that Bowden has big-league stuff and would be a perfect fit in the Sox bullpen for the stretch run. It will be a couple years before he breaks into the Majors as a regular starter, but he can help in the meantime by using his stamina, burning heater and filthy curveball in long relief (hopefully replacing Delcarmen).
---
A quick side note: it was interesting to see two of Sept. 1's call-ups make an immediate impact in last night's game. Joey Gathright stole a crucial base (a sprint that was eerily reminiscent of Dave Roberts' theft in the 2004 ALCS) and George Kottaras sold a beautiful play at the plate to prevent Greg Zaun from adding another run in the 8th. Good job, guys. Now let's focus on the pitching, please.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Harvest Time
September 1 is a glorious day in baseball. With the humidity of July and August behind them and the postseason a short month away, the 29 teams of Major League Baseball--and the Pittsburgh Pirates--can focus on the future by expanding their rosters to hold 40 men.
The Sox began their harvest of the farm system today by calling up five players with previous Major League experience. Joey Gathright (OF) is a speed freak who will complement Jacoby Ellsbury on the basepaths; George Kottaras (C), who seemed expendable after the Sox picked up Victor Martinez at the trade deadline, deepens the backstop; Chris Woodward (SS/2B) and his prominent ears have already filled in for Jed Lowrie this year (but then again, who hasn't?); defensive wunderkind Brian Anderson (OF) played three games with the Sox after being acquired from Chicago in the Mark Kotsay deal; and Junichi Tazawa (SP) makes his return to Boston after a meaningless two-day stint in the Gulf Coast League.
What strikes me as odd is that GM Theo Epstein hasn't yet called up more pitchers. The Sox are among the top teams in baseball both offensively and defensively; our only glaring weakness is on the mound, particularly at the back of the starting rotation and the middle of the bullpen (I'm talking about you, Manny Delcarmen). Why try and fit Gathright and Anderson into an already stacked and healthy outfield when Daniel Bard can't control his 100-mph fastball enough to get outs? Daisuke Matsuzaka is on the way back from the injury problems that have nagged him all year, but how is third-string catcher Kottaras going to help the team if Dice-K continues to struggle?
Theo still has time and ten roster spots to work with before the postseason starts in October. With that being said, my next few entries will highlight the three players from the Sox farm system that I think need to be called up in order for the team to make a legitimate run at the World Series trophy. Check back tomorrow for the first installment of "The Backseat GM's Guide To Postseason Success."
The Sox began their harvest of the farm system today by calling up five players with previous Major League experience. Joey Gathright (OF) is a speed freak who will complement Jacoby Ellsbury on the basepaths; George Kottaras (C), who seemed expendable after the Sox picked up Victor Martinez at the trade deadline, deepens the backstop; Chris Woodward (SS/2B) and his prominent ears have already filled in for Jed Lowrie this year (but then again, who hasn't?); defensive wunderkind Brian Anderson (OF) played three games with the Sox after being acquired from Chicago in the Mark Kotsay deal; and Junichi Tazawa (SP) makes his return to Boston after a meaningless two-day stint in the Gulf Coast League.
What strikes me as odd is that GM Theo Epstein hasn't yet called up more pitchers. The Sox are among the top teams in baseball both offensively and defensively; our only glaring weakness is on the mound, particularly at the back of the starting rotation and the middle of the bullpen (I'm talking about you, Manny Delcarmen). Why try and fit Gathright and Anderson into an already stacked and healthy outfield when Daniel Bard can't control his 100-mph fastball enough to get outs? Daisuke Matsuzaka is on the way back from the injury problems that have nagged him all year, but how is third-string catcher Kottaras going to help the team if Dice-K continues to struggle?
Theo still has time and ten roster spots to work with before the postseason starts in October. With that being said, my next few entries will highlight the three players from the Sox farm system that I think need to be called up in order for the team to make a legitimate run at the World Series trophy. Check back tomorrow for the first installment of "The Backseat GM's Guide To Postseason Success."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
