SB Nation - Manny Delcarmen

Don't Overlook Holes In The Red Sox's Bullpen

Randy Booth — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:00:17 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Who's going to help set this guy up in 2010?

While people debate who should play left field for the Red Sox in 2010 (it's a heated discussion if you haven't jumped in on it yet), there are still other problems to be solved.

One is who will play third base if Mike Lowell is traded. Perhaps that is the biggest issue after the left field question mark, but No. 2 is important as well: who's going to be in the bullpen next season?

Sure, talking about bullpen arms isn't sexy like talking about power-hitting left fielders. But it's an important factor in the equation. After all, the effectiveness of the Red Sox's bullpen last season was one of the reasons they made it into the playoffs. The Red Sox's core six relievers -- Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Daniel Bard, Ramon Ramirez and Takashi Saito -- combined for a 3.07 earned run average in 363.1 innings.

Now, however, one of those relievers is gone (Saito), one proved very ineffective toward the end of the season (Delcarmen), one began to crumble underneath his workload (Ramirez) and Billy Wagner, who was a late-season acquisition, is calling Atlanta his new home.

With the Red Sox's current roster, here are the locks for the bullpen:

Jonathan Papelbon, closer
Daniel Bard
Hideki Okajima
Ramon Ramirez
Manny Delcarmen

Let's say the Red Sox go with 12 pitchers on the roster, with seven of those coming in the bullpen. Right now the Sox are looking at two empty bullpen spots. Looking at internal options, who fills the spots?

Scott Atchison
A recent acquisition, Atchison provides more depth. And if the Sox have him on their Opening Day roster, he either a) blew the team away in spring training or b) there's plenty of injuries. The latter is more likely. So, if Atchison is in one of these two spots, we better hope it's because he's fantastic in the spring.

Boof Bonser
Bonser is the most likely candidate as he can both start and relieve. If Bonser is on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster, it will most likely be in a long reliever type role. If the Sox are getting blown out -- or better yet, blowing a team out -- Bonser can come out of the 'pen and pitch some good innings. It will also make for an easy transition if he needs to start any games.

Michael Bowden
Bowden is in an interesting stage right now. He's proven he can play in Triple-A. He's ready for something bigger and better than that, but he hasn't had much success at the Major League level. He also hasn't had a lot of time to prove himself, either. The Red Sox don't have a spot in the starting rotation for him, but he could fill a Bonser-like role if he wants to be a long reliever. The Red Sox could also try and convert him to a reliever if need be. Bowden wants to stick in the bigs; this may be the best way for him to do that.

Fernando Cabrera
Cabrera was quite dominate for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2009. He struck out nearly one batter per inning while opponents hit just .208 against him. His WHIP was a nifty little 1.12 in 55.1 innings. His callup to Boston, though, didn't go as well. He gave up five runs in 5.1 innings, but he did strike out eight batters. Small sample size doesn't sway in his favor, but the 28 year old still can offer the Sox a decent bullpen arm.

Fabio Castro
Castro is historically a starter, but could see bullpen action -- if the Red Sox get desperate. He doesn't struck out many batters, but he walks a lot. Oh, and he gives up a lot of hits, too. So basically, he's not going to do much for the Sox unless he can figure out those three problems first.

Ramon A. Ramirez
The other Ramon Ramirez. RamRam II has a great history against lefties -- a .218 batting average against in more than 270 innings -- but that might be the only thing he has going for him. He's a decent arm but like Atchison, shouldn't sniff the bullpen unless there are some serious issues already.

Dustin Richardson
Perhaps the sleeper of the group, Richardson made his name in 2009. After a rough 2008 season (he racked up a 6.33 ERA in 106.2 innings of work for Double-A Portland), Richardson came out and made easy work of his competition last season. He struck out 80 in 63.1 innings to start the year in Portland before a promotion to Pawtucket. He worked just 10.2 innings in Pawtucket, but he allowed just two runs and struck out 17. Between Portland and Pawtucket, he held batters to a .191 batting average against. He had a cup of coffee late in the season for the Red Sox (he gave up three hits and a walk in 3.1 innings). Perhaps the impressive 2009 will get Richardson a foot in the door come February.

The names aren't sexy, but they have arms that could potentially work within the Red Sox's bullpen. Of course, these are only internal options. We haven't looked at the external options yet, which don't give off many good vibes either.

What do you think? If you had to choose one of these internal options to be in the Red Sox's bullpen, who would you pick? Would you rather have an experienced pitcher like a Cabrera or Atchison, or a younger arm like Richardson? Should the Sox look in free agency rather than these internal options? Are there any trades you'd like to see the Sox make?

Poll

If you had to choose one internal option for the Red Sox's bullpen, who would it be?

Dissecting the Red Sox Roster: Pitching

Ben Buchanan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:01:09 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Make no mistake, Jon Lester is the current and future ace of this Red Sox staff. Sorry, Beckett, but it's time to pass the torch. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Browse more photos »

I was originally going to post this the day we lost-I had written it as something of a therapeutic exercise-before I realized that this might be a "the body is still warm" situation. I thought that fit with the title. Anyways, we've all had time to cool off, time to grieve, and I think it's about time we move on. The stove is warming up, so let's get right to work, starting with a player-by-player review of the current and free-agent bound Red Sox. Who's going, who's staying, and who has trade value.

Daniel Bard: As a young, cost controlled player, Bard provides an immense positive for the Red Sox in the pen. Groomed as a closer throughout his career, Bard may not be ready yet, but he certainly gives the Sox flexibility in the event that Papelbon does become a sought-after commodity, both in the decision to act on a potential trade, and in the pieces they may get back, since they would not necessarily need a closer in return.

Josh Beckett: In the final year of his contract, Beckett actually has a lot to prove. Beckett has largely been living off his 2007 reputation with the Sox. While he was by no means bad this year, his 4.03 ERA in 2008 is not what we expect of an ace-type pitcher, nor is his 3.86 this year. Looking further into the stats, he's giving up quite a few more walks and homers, and striking out fewer of late too. This has lead to a steadily rising FIP from 3.08 in 2007 to 3.24 in 2008 and 3.63 in 2009. His tRA has also risen dramatically from 3.09 in '07 to 4.57 in '09. Ultimately, the Sox cannot approach Beckett's free agency with the idea that he's a necessary commodity. 2 years ago this idea might seem ridiculous, but as is Beckett may be a very replaceable pitcher for the money he will want.

Clay Buchholz: With his salary in check and his potential finally starting to show, Buchholz should be a valuable part of the Red Sox for years to come, whether as a future ace that many project him as, or as a solid #3 man. The real question with Buchholz is what his trade value is. There haven't been many trades mentioned throughout this last year that haven't involved the young hurler, but it seems that the Sox and potential trade partners just cannot agree on his worth. While his much-improved showing during this regular season may have raised his stock, it's still questionable whether the rest of the league sees him as being worth as much as the Sox feel he is. I doubt the Sox deal him unless he gets value near that of a potential ace.

Paul Byrd: The Byrd man is gone, possibly for good. After getting no interest from anyone until the Sox were forced to sign him due to injuries and poor results from FA signings, Byrd may even choose to go out on his own terms and retire. Either way, there are better options for the Sox in the offseason.

Manny Delcarmen: Around the trade deadline, the Sox had a great chance to get value for Delcarmen. Now they'd be lucky to get any trade offers. Even with a good start to the season, teams would need to see prolonged success to believe in him. Given the talent he's got, it would be smart for the Sox to keep him on as a low-leverage bullpen man if the rest of the pen gives them the option, and then trade him the second a team shows significant interest. He's still under team control for a number of years though, so it's not a big risk (yes, I know, low-risk high-reward is a crap buzzword right now).

Jon Lester: Not much to say here. He's our ace, he's young, he's under team control for many years. He's one of the most definite of the Red Sox' pieces.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: Much has been made of Daisuke's difficulties with the management and coaching staff of the Red Sox. And certainly the Sox can't be happy with him after he all-but-sacrificed his season with the team to pitch in the WBC. He is young, he isn't too expensive (well, not now after the posting fee) and he does have plenty of ability, but there are many questions as far as Daisuke's future is concerned. If Daisuke recommits himself to the team this offseason, then perhaps the Sox will recommit themselves to the idea of the Wunderkind Daisuke. But if the Sox can get good value on him, despite their weak bargaining position, they may jump at it, even if it does mean hurting their position in the Japanese prospect market.

Hideki Okajima: Okajima will be entering his first year of arbitration-not free agency-and as such is likely not going anywhere anytime soon. However, Sox fans do have to question how good Oki is going to be from here-on-out. 2009 was a down year for Oki, as his ERA rose to 3.39, though his peripherals were largely unchanged. He lost a few strikeouts, and gave up 2 more homers (though, when you're giving up 6 on a year, that's not a small deal), but his HR/FB% was up similarly, and his BABIP was up too, suggesting it might be some luck. The fear has to be that the league has figured out Oki and his bizarre delivery. In this case, only time will tell. If Okajima can return to form, it'd be a significant boost to the Red Sox' pen.

Jonathan Papelbon: After blowing up to end the season on a horrible note, plenty of Sox fans were calling for Paps' head. The post-loss fervor seems to have died down, but the idea is still out there. Papelbon has not been as good as he was in 2007, though he has by no means been bad, average, or even just above average. Let's make no mistake, he's one of the games best. However, the Sox are going to lose him one way or another in a couple of years, and Daniel Bard certainly has the stuff to replace him soon, if not now. Ultimately, it seems likely the Sox very quietly inform the league that his name is out there, and then if someone decides to overpay for a relief pitcher due to the "closer" title, give it a long, hard look.

Ramon Ramirez: Another cost-controlled pen arm, Ramirez started the season hot but struggled as the year went on. While his 2.84 ERA is still very low, his high walk rate and middling strikeout rate lead to a high FIP and ERA. If Ramirez can return to early-season form next year, he'll be a valuable part of the pen. If he returns to being a guy they can't trust in late innings, though, the organization will have to choose when to cut and run.

Takashi Saito: Saito is an interesting case. The team holds a $2.5 million option on him, and while his tiny ERA would seem to make this an easy decision, there are many things that suggest otherwise. The first is that his peripherals are universally worse. His K/9 are down, his BB/9 up, his HR/9 up. His FIP and tRA have risen tons compared to his career averages, and he seems to have lost his ability to induce ground balls. The team has also shied away from using him in pressure situations, and if he's only gonna pitch blowouts and 6^th innings than he's likely not worth the money it would take to keep him-especially if his numbers regress towards what his process suggests they should.

Note: South Coast Ghost correctly points out that the option is actually worth quite a bit more, as Saito fulfilled all his incentives for remaining on the active roster, as well as two for innings pitched. This brings the option value up to $6 million with $1.5 million in incentives remaining to be had. If it was a tough call for Sox management before, it's even harder now.

Billy Wagner: To the Red Sox, Wagner represents draft picks. Beautiful, beautiful draft picks. A type-A free agent, Wagner will net the Sox the top draft pick of any team that signs him, and a supplementary pick after the end of the 1^st round-assuming he doesn't retire. While earlier, it was questionable whether the 38-year-old Tommy-John patient would garner enough interest for a team to sacrifice a pick, 26 strikeouts in 16 innings should turn a few heads, not to mention a 1.72 ERA. The Sox have already agreed to pass on Wagner's $8 million team option, and it seems unlikely he will accept arbitration if the Sox offer it, since his reason for demanding they pass on his option was his desire to close. In essence, the Sox have a chance to recycle Carter and Lora for first-round talent. Now that's a deal.

Tim Wakefield: As per usual, Wakefield outperformed his 4 million dollar option, and as usual it would be foolish of the Sox not to pick up his contract if he's willing to come back. But given his status as a perpetual injury risk, the Sox had also better be sure they have a back up ready. If he chooses to call it a career, then it will be the end of a long and fruitful career that set the bar for loyalty.

Note To Self: Read Brandon Kruse Before My 2010 Drafts

raygu — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:31 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

2 months ago: Tampa Bay Rays' Ben Zobrist lines a second inning RBI single off New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia during a baseball game Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Rays' Jason Bartlett scored on the hit. Catching for the Yankees is Jorge Posada. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Browse more photos »

I know what you are saying. Who in the world is Brandon Kruse. Brandon Kruse writes for Ron Shandler's Baseball Forecaster. A few days ago, I was flipping through my 2009 Baseball Forecaster and stumbled upon his article titled: "Speculating on Breakouts-1". Kruse looked players who had a Rotisserie value of $10 or less the prior year and who met all of the BaseballHQ filters for their respective breakout profile. Had I read this article before my 2009 drafts I could have had a few sleeper hitters who had breakout years in 2009. Here is who he wrote about-9 players in all:

1. Brian Anderson (OF, CWS)

2. Erick Aybar (SS, LAA)

3. Manny DelCarmen (RP, BOS)

4. Joe Mather (OF, STL)

5. Martin Prado (MI, ATL)

6. Ramon Ramirez (RP, KC)

7. Seth Smith (OF, COL)

8. Eugenio Velez (2B/OF, SF)

9. Ben Zobrist (SS/OF, TB)

Well, it's obvious not everyone on this list had a breakout season, but a few really standout. Ben Zobrist had a huge breakout season going 27-91-91-17-.297. Can he duplicate his performance in 2010?

Martin Prado had a nice breakout season as well. He took over the 2B job from soon-to-be-traded 2B Kelly Johnson. In 450 ABs, Prado went 11-49-64-.307 with 38 doubles.

The Rockies Seth Smith had a breakout season also. In 335 ABs, he went 15-55-61-4-.293. Those numbers project to around 25 HRs and 85 RBIs if he played everyday, which could happen should Colorado were to deal RFer Brad Hawpe in the offseason.

In his first year as a full-time starter, Erick Aybar went 5-58-70-14-.312 in just over 500 ABs for the Angels this year. He is one of the reasons why SS Brandon Wood rides the pine when he gets called up to the big league club.

Everyone looks for sleeper picks before their drafts. I suggest taking a look at Kruse's article in the 2010 version of Shandler's Baseball Forecaster before your drafts in 2010.

Poll

Will Ben Zobrist duplicate his 2009 performance in 2010?

Yes, he's Chase Utley Lite.

27 votes

No, he will regress a little bit.

47 votes

74 votes | Poll has closed

More on Manny Delcarmen: Comparing 2008 with 2009

Randy Booth — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:29:11 -0000

More photos » by Mike Carlson - AP

7 months ago: Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen reacts after hitting Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena with a pitch during the seventh inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 3, 2009, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rays won 5-3. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Browse more photos »

Last season, Manny Delcarmen was a very reliable relief pitcher. He was especially solid down the stretch and proved to be one of the Sox's best options. But this season, it's been the opposite despite a strong start.

Let's take a look at both seasons at a glance:

YEAR	K/9	BB/9	K/BB	BAA	BABIP
2008	8.72	3.39	2.57	0.208	0.266
2009	6.64	5.13	1.29	0.276	0.322

Basically, everything you saw out of Manny D in 2008 just did a 180 this season. He almost strikeout one batter an inning last season, but that dropped by more than two points. He walks almost two more batters per nine, too. On top of that, opposing hitters have upped their average almost a whopping .070 points.

But we might have been able to see that coming. Manny's BABIP was a better than average .266, hinting he could drop off in 2009. Well, he did, but more than I think anyone would have really expected. Now he's been much more unlucky, logging a high .322 BABIP.

We should also see what his pitches have been doing this year compared to last:

YEAR	FB	FBv	CB	CBv	CH	CHv
2008	67.30%	95.5	17.80%	77.8	14.90%	83.4
2009	65.30%	93.9	13.40%	76.7	21.30%	82.1

(FBv is fastball velocity, CBv is curveball velocity, etc.)

Essentially, Manny D is throwing his fastball less, his curveball less and his changeup a heckuva lot more than last season. Throwing his changeup more could be the reason why he's been struggling so much, or it could be a comfort pitch to him -- he struggles, so he goes to his changeup to try and make things better.

The drop of velocity in his fastball is concerning, too. While the velocity in curveballs and changeups really aren't that major, the drops all across the board shows there could be something wrong with his arm. If his fastball velocity was down, but his changeup velocity was up, it could mean a mechanics issue or something similar. With the way it looks now, it could be a tired arm.

Let's hope Manny gets his act together for the postseason because the Sox might really need him. If they don't need him, it'd be nice to have a good Manny D as a backup anyway.

Bloody Sox Laundry, 9/23 - Clubhouse Chemistry and More Playoff Roster Prepping

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:55 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

I'm a sucker for pictures like this.

Browse more photos »

Can We Measure Clubhouse Chemistry? - The Baseball Analysts

Not a huge difference maker, it would appear. Still a difficult topic to handle.

Another wild scenario - BostonHerald.com

Okay, how about we focus on getting the Wild Card first? THEN we can decide whether or not it's worth the effort to take down the MFY. Although, according to Ms. Benjamin, it would appear that the Sox aren't going to make a big push.

No shortage of Red Sox news at shortstop - The Boston Globe

A good summary of the continuingly revolving door. Hopefully, Jed will get some chances to prove himself this week, and will get his shot again this winter, with a healthy wrist.

Lowrie determined to get healthy - MLB

Jed Lowrie continues to do everything he can to get his surgically repaired left wrist healthy enough to at least become an option for the Sox come postseason.

What's next for Wake - Extra Bases

How much longer will the next wait be? It is clear Wakefield has not rejoined the starting rotation, but merely made a cameo in the group he anchored at one point early this season. The Sox will convene with Wakefield on Tuesday and try to determine a plan.

NOTE: NG - we need to figure out how this fits into the bet. I mean, does this count as finishing the season? He's making starts in the last few weeks, so I'm leaning towards "yes" - which would mean I win.

After the jump: MDC's trying, BtB begins to look into the near future, and we consider the moves to be made in future seasons.

Delcarmen trying to reclaim his touch - MLB

While the Sox, collectively, try to put the finishing touches on their sixth playoff appearance in the past seven years, Manny Delcarmen continues the individual pursuit of trying to regain his form.

MDC has great stuff - there has to be something he can do to reach his potential. That said, his drop in value is saddening. I've got something that might cheer some of you up though:

As If We Needed Further Proof That Jennifer Garner is One of the Greatest Women Alive - Surviving Grady

SO very close to getting the lineup right. Nice to see the celeb fans are keeping up with us common folk.

2009 American League Playoff Preview: Rotation - Beyond the Box Score

Dice-K kinda screws with the data, but here's a better-than-decent representation of what the rotations will look like. I wonder how different they will look in a couple of years...

2011 MLB Free Agents - MLBTradeRumors.com

It's like a catalog - pick the players that would be good signings, if they were available right now.

Josh Reddick isn't ready for the majors yet . . . but he's not far away - projo.com

Might make that FA list less important - that's a good thing though.

Meanderings on amateur representation - THT

Because we need some good, thought provoking material once we've got the Wild Card locked up.

Discuss, link, gossip - whatever it is, do it here.

Boston Bats Come Alive as Sox Squash Orioles 11-5

Ben Buchanan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:06:48 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

2 months ago: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Baltimore Orioles batter during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Browse more photos »

On a night when Jon Lester did not have his best stuff, the Red Sox' bats came alive to give him all the support he needed.

Against a team he traditionally dominated, Lester was shaky, and often seemed bothered by the condition of the mound. Commentator Dennis Eckersley observed he looked generally uncomfortable throughout much of his start. While giving up 10 hits including 2 homers would usually result in a few more runs, Lester managed to avoid serious damage, letting only 3 Orioles cross home plate and recording the quality start.

David Hernandez, the Orioles starter, had a pretty similar night. 7 hits, 3 walks, and a home run added up to 3 runs over 6 innings. But it wasn't the Orioles' starter that would give up the game, but their bullpen and defense. Matt Albers would give up 2 runs while recording only 1 out. Alberto Castillo fared even worse, facing 3 batters and giving up a hit to each. Finally, Bob McCrory would put the game well out of reach with a little help from Ty Wigginton, whose error would allow Victor Martinez to reach base in the 8^th. 4 batters, 2 homers, and 5 runs later the Red Sox were firmly in control.

The Sox' offense came from all kinds of places, with every starter recording a hit. Josh Reddick put the Sox up early 2-1 with a 2-run homer in his first at bat, David Ortiz had 2 doubles, Mike Lowell went 3-4, and JD Drew went 3-5 with a double and a 3-run shot. Even Brian Anderson managed to knock one out.

There was some mild drama in the 9^th inning as Manny Delcarmen would fail to record an out, offering up 2 homers to the first 2 batters he faced and then walking the next 2 men. Ramon Ramirez would come in to clean up after him, getting a pop out and a double play while giving up only a walk.

Red Sox Nation will get its second look at the recuperated Daisuke Matsuzaka tomorrow after a good start against the Angels. The Orioles counter with Jason Berken, who Sox fans might remember for his last performance against the team when he gave up 7 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs before exiting with 1 out in the first on August 2^nd. Hopefully the Boston batters will have as much success when they go for the sweep tomorrow.

The Clutch Mart is Open! Victor Leads the Sox to a Win

Ben Buchanan — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:43:30 -0000

More photos » by Steven Senne - AP

3 months ago: Boston Red Sox's Victor Martinez, right, watches the flight of his three-run double as Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters, left, looks on in the seventh inning of a baseball game at Boston's Fenway Park, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. Martinez hit the double off Orioles pitcher Danys Baez. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Browse more photos »

Pinch hitting with 1 out and the bases loaded, all Victor Martinez needed to put the Sox on top was a sacrifice fly. Instead, he took the first pitch he saw —a fastball begging to be hit —and smacked it to the foot of the monster for a bases clearing double.

Martinez' double capped another strong offensive night for the Red Sox, who managed 15 hits and 5 walks in the 7-5 win. In the first inning, Jason Bay put the Sox on top 2-0 with a 2-out base hit. Then, in the 4th, the Red Sox scored perhaps their most unusual run of the season. Mike Lowell reached first on an error after a low throw from 3rd baseman Melvin Mora bounced out of Ty Wigginton's glove, and then stole 2nd base as Varitek took a pitch in the dirt on a hit-and-run attempt. Varitek, 0-for-his-last-14, then doubled him in. The Sox would add another odd run in the 6th, then down 1, as Dustin Pedroia scored Joey Gathright (pinch running for Jason Varitek) from 3rd after bouncing a pitch off of pitcher Matt Albers. Every Sox starter recorded a hit except Alex Gonzalez.

Paul Byrd managed to keep the Sox in the game, dancing around 6 hits, 3 walks, and a ton of hard-hit balls to limit the Orioles to 2 runs over 5 innings. Manny Delcarmen pitched disastrously, loading the bases on 2 hits and his own fielding error before issuing a 4-pitch, bases-loaded walk to Brian Roberts. He recorded only 1 out. Ramon Ramirez allowed another of Delcarmen's runners to score on a single by Felix Pie before averting further harm by sitting down the next 2 batters on strikes. Billy Wagner had yet another 2 strike out inning in the 7th. Daniel Bard would strike out two, but allow the tying run to come to the plate by giving up a single and a walk before Jonathan Papelbon ended the 8th with a 1-pitch out. Paps would again induce some Drama, allowing a run to score in the 9th and again having the tying run come to the plate, but recorded the save on a Ty Wigginton pop-out.

The Sox stay 2 games up in the wild card race on the Texas Rangers, who blew out the Indians 10-0. Tampa Bay is coming to Boston for the two teams' final series of the season, while the Rangers host division rival Seattle.

Game Story: This is Byrdland.

Allen Chace — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:38:21 -0000

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

Woonsocket's own... (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Browse more photos »

Well if that isn't a relief.

In his first start in the bigs since late last season, Paul Byrd threw six shutout innings and needed only 83 pitches to do so. It was quite encouraging considering the issues Junichi Tazawa had last time out and Tim Wakefield's continuing back problems. If two nights ago was the real Clay Buchholz then we should be in pretty good shape.

The rest of the staff pitched 3 scoreless innings following Byrd to finish the shutout. Manny Delcarmen, Billy Wagner (3 Ks!), and Takashi Saito (2 Ks!) combined on some excellent work.

Did those names look like some of the least important members of the bullpen? Good. Cause they kind of are. And how was it that we were able to use them instead of say, Daniel Bard or Hideki Okajima? A well-balance offensive attack, that's how.

Everyone but ['Empty] reached base. Kevin Youkilis went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Rocco Baldelli hit a HR and Alex Gonzalez was 2 for 3.

On Roy Halladay day, it was quite encouraging to put up such a good effort on offense to go along with Byrd's big day. We can only hope the momentum can be carried with us to Tampa.

With Wakefield and Wagner, who loses their spot on the roster?

Randy Booth — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:20:06 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

This guy is back. And that Wagner guy comes tomorrow. So who's on the outs?

Browse more photos »

Enrique Gonzalez will be in Pawtucket before the day is over. That much is certain.

So that clears up how Tim Wakefield gets his spot back on the roster when he starts tonight against the White Sox. But when Billy Wagner shows up to town tomorrow, who's the next to go?

It leaves three likely pitchers that could get the boot: Junichi Tazawa, Clay Buchholz or Brad Penny.

All three are starters, although Tazawa just replaced Penny in the rotation, at least for the time being. Here's what the rotation looks like with Wakefield back in the mix:

Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
Tim Wakefield
Clay Buchholz
Junichi Tazawa

Maybe it seems clear cut that Penny is on the outside looking in, but would the Red Sox do that at this point of the season to Penny? Yes, he's been horrible, but they've also been very reluctant to do anything with him demoting him (until recently when he was benched).

So it might make more sense to send down either Buchholz or Tazawa. Buchholz has struggled as of late, while Tazawa is starting to get into a groove. However, sending down Buchholz could be a huge shock to his psyche -- something the Sox have tried to avoid as much as possible.

An outside candidate to lose his spot on the 25-man roster: Manny Delcarmen. While Manny hasn't been horrible this year, he hasn't been as good as the rest of the 'pen. He is obviously the weakest part of that bullpen at the moment (3.44 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) and Wagner, hopefully, could produce better than Manny D.

However, Manny D is a versatile relief pitcher. He can pitch more innings if need be and can pitch on less days rest. Wagner, just coming off Tommy John, can only reportedly pitch every three days. Do the Sox really want to lose a bullpen arm for another one that can only pitch every three days? It seems to me like Terry Francona might really need Manny in the bullpen if that's the case.

We'll wait and see over the next 48 hours. But what are your thoughts? Is it Penny's final days with the Sox, or will a younger buck see the door?

Papelbon, Delcarmen speak out on Wagner

Eli Greenspan — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:47:11 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Browse more photos »

While Billy Wagner appears more than willing to join the Boston Red Sox, some of the Sox key players are not so thrilled about the possibility of the late season addition.

"Is he ready to pitch or is he not?" closer Jonathan Papelbon said. "I think our bullpen is good where we're at right now. Don't get me wrong. But I guess you could always make it better."

Wagner has pitched an inning this season, striking out two. In the first strike out he got the hitter to go high and outside on a fastball, while the second strike out was a slider that broke towards his toes -- vintage Wagner.

Nevertheless, some Red Sox players do not want to deviate from what has been a solid run so far.

"I think our bullpen is fine right now," reliever Manny Delcarmen said. "If [Wagner] comes and helps us win, that's what we want. But sometimes, shaking things up this late might work out different. We'll see what happens."

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mets hold off on trading Wagner. Let him pitch in the final month of the season to build up his trade value for an offseason trade. Several teams are interested in Wagner but do not have the room to add him at this time.