SB Nation User Blog: Allen Chace

GameThread: Sox @ O's. 7.1.09

Allen Chace — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:03:28 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

There is something to be said for the fact that this IS exactly the guy we want on the mound after a big-time meltdown from the bullpen.

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No getting around it.

Despite what we might've thought was in everyone's best interests, the Sox didn't pack up their gear and leave town after last night; we've got another game with the O's this afternoon @ 1:35 EDT.

At the very least, the members of our bullpen should get some hearty cheers at any moment that they step on the field; whether sarcastic cheers from the O's fans or...sarcastic cheers from visiting Red Sox fans.

Josh Beckett takes the mound this afternoon, and that's quite a relief. No offense to Wake or Brad Penny, but he's simply THE guy we need out there when we're feeling iffy about the pen. His opponent is Brad Bergesen. I know nothing about Brad Bergesen. That's about to change for all of us:

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Brad Bergesen	5-2	13	13	1	0	0	0	83.2	83	37	35	9	19	40	3.76	1.22

Not bad. Actually, a great line overall if you can get around the fact that we normally see good starters as being able to get strikeouts, and Bergesen really doesn't.

Use some listerine to get that bad taste out of your mouth from last night, and comment away.

Game Story: Uncontrolled Bed-Wetting.

Allen Chace — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:52:35 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Let's try to remember a better time. Like yesterday, when this guy pitched.

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So, allow me to tell you a short story.

A team is cruising to victory, with almost a double-digit lead. The offense is clicking, and the future HoF starter threw 4 innings before the game was delayed for rain. A young reliever comes in, and resumes pitching brilliance for 2 innings.

Then, something disastrous happens; the opposing team forgot that they were supposed to lose this game, and the first team (our heroes) reminds us all that an entire bullpen can have an off-night. I'm not sure there's anymore I want to say about this game.

We wish for Adam Jones to be okay, and for a better day for Josh Beckett tomorrow.

If you'd like to relive the crapfest, follow along after the jump...

The longer story?

Well, John Smoltz gave us something to look forward to. I have great faith that he'd have gone at least 6 while allowing no more than one additional run given how he looked through 4.

Masterson was excellent for 2 innings, and reminded us that that should probably be the extent of his use unless we stretch him out again as a starter.

Personally? I feel like MDC should have been given a chance to get the last out in his inning. It was one hit. Every subsequent reliever did worse. That's pretty easy for me to say, though, with the benefit of hindsight.

Saito or Bard or Ramon was a tough decision for Tito, but I feel like "not Saito" should have been the easiest. He's looked pretty good, but I've thought for awhile that he's not quite up to par w/r/t feel of his stuff yet. Doesn't mean he can't get outs, but he seems like a guy to bring in at the beginning of innings right now and not during. Again, hindsight.

Good show from the offense, though Bay seems ice-cold lately. I wouldn't be entirely against shifting him down in the lineup if Papi's confidence is high enough to move back into the 3rd or 4th slot on a semi-regular basis.

Sherrill was an excellent decision for the O's in the 9th, even with R-R-R-R-R due up. Tito had to be thinking about PHing with Drew and/or Kotsay for Bailey and/or Lugo. With regard to the hitters coming up, it made no sense (CC'ers will probably agree that Sherrill isn't really a "true"? closer), but it keeps Drew and his .384 OBP on the bench. As an aside, though, Sherrill does have the best peripheral numbers in that pen.

Mike Lowell Hits the DL; Jeff Bailey Hits the ML-Roster.

Allen Chace — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:05:07 -0000

Lowell has been placed on the DL due to lingering hip issues, apparently the injection he received was not immediately helpful. Jeff Bailey takes his place on the roster, and Youks becomes the everyday 3b for awhile.

Extra Bases.

It's as good a time as any for this to happen, as Lowell had been struggling and we all have seen how his range at 3b has been limited this season.

This could definitely open up more trade talks, as we might seek some help depending upon whether or not this could last longer than the required 15-day stint. Nick Johnson, anyone?

Trades: Oh the Realities!

Allen Chace — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:34:41 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Contemplating a bad pitch, or an imminent move? (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)

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The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek. I don't mean to rein in Randy. I kind of mean to rein in everyone else with some "facts" with regard to trades, real and imagined.

1. Adrian Gonzalez isn't walking through that door. Hey. I love the dream as much as anyone, and it's ridiculous to say that he's untouchable or unavailable. But when his "availability" is contingent on us sending San Diego 8-12 of our top 20 prospects, it starts to lose a little bit of its luster. I'm not interested in that kind of deal, and I very much doubt that Theo would be interested in said deal as well.

2. If Adam Dunn walks through that door, it will most likely mean that someone else who has meant a lot to this organization over the last several years will have played his last game as a Red Sox. I'm not saying we won't be brought to the point of considering this, I'm just saying that the Sox aren't going to trade for Dunn and use him in the field more than once a month or so. Somewhat ditto for Victor Martinez and Mark DeRosa in that they make a lot more sense on a team that doesn't have David Ortiz than one that does.

3. When it comes to defensive upgrades at SS, Jack Wilson is more likely than anyone else. This is partially good, because Wilson's relatively high salary for an all-glove no-hit SS means that Pittsburgh will probably be receiving the baseball equivalent of a wooden nickel.

4. We can imagine that many of our minor leaguers have trade value, but here are the ones who actually do: Lars Anderson, Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Nick Hagadone, Ryan Kalish, Luis Exposito, Stolmy Pimental, Josh Reddick, Mark Wagner, and to extend a bit to the bigs, Justin Masterson and Daniel Bard. Here are examples of minor leaguers with negligible or no trade value: Jonathan Van Every, Kris Johnson, Dusty Brown, Travis Denker, Chris Carter, and Jeff Bailey. Neither list is all-inclusive, but a good rule of thumb is this: If you can easily imagine parting with the player, then it's probably easy for the opposing club to decline such a trade, unless they would have monetary reasons to do so (the aforementioned Wilson.).

5. Nick Green and Julio Lugo provide acceptable offense from the 9 spot and the SS position in general. Names like Miguel Tejada and Michael Young make no sense for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that neither would solve the actual problem at SS: fielding.

6. While Miguel Cabrera is a fantastic pipe-dream, that Detroit firesale we were hearing about all winter won't come to fruition as long as the team is performing this well. Adam Everett could be available, I suppose, though I imagine Detroit would look for an NL team first if they make that decision. Ditto for Texas, who would have no real motivation to trade a player like Omar Vizquel right now. He might be a bit of a luxury for them as a utilityman, but he's a very affordable luxury for a team in 1st place.

7. Jed Lowrie is coming back. My hope is that they're going to be conservative in getting him back on the field, but he will be back, even conservatively, probably by the end of the month. Wilson might be the only appropriate acquisition we could make happen by then.

8. Me no wants to trade with Oakland. This isn't a fact, I suppose, but Billy Beane very rarely loses trades. The team, if any, that gets Matt Holliday from him this summer could very easily live to regret it. On that note, however, Matt Holliday is probably the reason that the Sox haven't been as aggressive extending Jason Bay as some think that we should. If Holliday can turn it on and prove he can hit in that big park in Oakland and in the AL, then the Sox will probably make a push for him in the offseason. Say what you want about Bay being a better player, but Holliday is definitely better defensively, and I have to imagine that's something going through the minds of everyone in the FO.

9. We're not getting a prospect back from Brad Penny. A role player is likely, one who would fill the hole of good defensive SS or of reliable RH 4th OF. That's still a good trade, because in a hypothetical world, we'd need that role player more than we would need a 5th starter when we still have Smoltz, Buch, and Bowden yet to start games in the MLs this season.

10. We've got some albatross contracts, just like many other teams. Spin it however you want: Julio Lugo and David Ortiz have negative value. If they depart, it'll be for nothing but some contract relief. Possibly. We're not going to be unloading J.D. Drew or Daisuke anytime soon either. Drew is a positive offensively and defensively, despite his real or imagined fragility and contract status. Daisuke would be giving up far too soon on an intriguing if still sometimes (all right, often) frustrating starting pitcher whose CONTRACT (not total cost, CONTRACT) is very reasonable from the Sox' point of view.

11. If a BIG move is coming this summer, it's probably going to involve something few of us would be emotionally ready for, such as the previously alluded to release of David Ortiz or a possible trade of Jonathan Papelbon. React in surprise if you must, but Paps will be 29 to begin next season, and while I don't think he'll be actively shopped, we're kidding ourselves if we believe that Theo wouldn't be prepared to go with Saito or Bard or maybe even Masterson in the closer role if someone puts a great offer on the table for Paps, who is looking for top dollar at every opportunity.

12. I guess that's all. Maybe I'm blowing smoke as much as the next guy, but I think it's important to be reasonable and thoughtful when thinking about trade rumors, especially this early in the season.

Game Story: Sox defeat Jays. YES!

Allen Chace — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:20:08 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Jon Lester. That is all. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Darren Calabrese)

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Maybe I'm just thrilled about the lineup change, but this game was pretty exciting.

For one, the lineup just seems like a great use of our current offensive resources. I don't think Tito is inclined to bat Papi any lower than 6th, so this might be the best we can do right now. Hopefully they hold onto this for awhile and don't get too reactionary because of the relatively poor job Drew and DP did at setting the table (combined 2-8 with no walks, despite DP's three-run job).

What can I say about Jon Lester? 12 Ks for a career-high, and all three hits against him were "of the infield variety". Masterson and Ramon Ramirez cleaned up relatively painlessly to preserve the victory for Lester.

Youks and Bay seemed determined today to be the dynamic 3-4 combo we haven't really had since Manuel and healthy-wrist Papi batted back-to-back. The aforementioned Bay and Youks combined for 4 hits, 3 walks, 2 HRs, a 2B, 4 runs and 3 RBIs. Despite a lack of hits, '[Empty] managed to walk 3 times, while Nick Green and Ellsbury had a walk and a hit apiece. Mike Lowell hit 2 doubles.

Postgame Wrap: Sox Finally Beat Mets!

Allen Chace — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:45:00 -0000

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

Made you look. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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So after a weekend that began and continued with sure heartbreak, the Sox end on a good note and in first place.

Wake wasn't terrific, but the 5 runs he allowed paled in comparison to the 13 12 runs that the Sox offense put up. George Kottaras and Nick Green were very productive from the bottom of the lineup, Lowell and Drewlicious were beasts, DP set the table, and Youks hit not 1, but 2 1 homeruns!

MDC and Saito were excellent in shutting out the Mets after Wake left, combining for 3 IP, 3 Ks, 1 H and 0 BB.

I can only assume that this hitting streak of Jacoby Ellsbury's is going to eventually result in a better approach and a shorter swing. ...right?

In the "in case you missed it" category, Mets RP Ken Takahashi performed a most unusual balk while facing Papi. He went into his windup and the ball simply fell out of his hand. You'd almost think he'd have been thrown off by that enough to give Papi something to hit. Almost.

Anyway. On to Minnesota.

GameThread: Sox @ Yanks. 5.5.09

Allen Chace — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:32:53 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

THE man. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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The end of a short two-game set in NY.

Josh Beckett takes the mound against Joba of Chamberlain. We can only hope that the encouraging outing from Beckett's co-ace last night can inspire such a performance from Becks tonight. Otherwise, we could be in trouble. Joba of Chamberlain has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim Yankee rotation to-date.

My guess on the lineup? Well...

Ells, DP, Papi, Bay, Drew, Lowell, Bailey, 'Tek, and Green. Have to imagine they'll give Youks a day off unless he's 150.89% and another day off for Lugo of Suck has already been implied.

Only wild card, I think, might be in 'Tek v. Kottaras today. Late night and long day for 'Tek yesterday.

Or I could be completely wrong. The Sox could decide to go with Van Every in the middle of the lineup with Lugo AND Green in at the same time. With Kottaras catching and 'Tek DHing for Papi. Hoo. Sounds like a bad dream.

Do it. Puck drops at 7:05 EDT...most likely.

GameThread: Escape with a Split?

Allen Chace — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:41:02 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

I agree, Brad. And I have no idea what I'm agreeing to. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Good G. Brad Penny again. I know I probably sound pretty negative right there, but I'm not sure how else to feel about him right now. Tired, tired, tired of how he's pitching. I would love nothing more for him to prove me wrong.

My favorite/least favorite Rays pitcher goes today, James Shields. How is he my favorite and least favorite? Well, I really don't like him, but for whatever reason he's the Rays' pitcher I'd most like to steal and put on the Sox.

...I can't explain it.

Kickoff at 1:38 EDT. (WTF is with the 8s in the start times down there? Is it a dome thing?)

Some Open Letters to some Red Sox.

Allen Chace — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:18:45 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

"..." (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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Even after last night's satisfying win, I find myself wanting to communicate certain things to certain members of the Red Sox organization.

Dear Jacoby Ellsbury,

Hey buddy. Love the stolen bases, and your theft of home against the Yankees will be one that is repeated in our minds all season. You've done an excellent job holding down CF for us, and you seem like a great kid.

That being said, I'm going to need you to take some walks. Not just for my sake. There are a lot of Sox fans wishing only for "patience for Jacoby Ellsbury" for birthday or anniversary gifts this year.

And it's for your sake too. I don't want you to have to change your last name to Pierre.

This is fun. Ready for another?

Dear Javier Lopez,

Hey man, just me again. Just wondering if you've forgotten that the idea of a reliever is to get outs, and not to give out as many walks as possible.

I've defended you in the past, because I always thought you'd be good for a groundball in a pinch, or as someone to soak up innings when we didn't want to use our good relievers. But at this point, Hunter Jones and Daniel Bard are pretty much breathing down your neck. It can't feel good.

I don't know if you knew this, but the Sox are off for the next couple of days, and after that we'll actually be playing in Pawtucket. Ask Lou Merloni, he'll tell you how to get there.

P.S. How was that stint in the outfield the other day? Great, right? Tell the Sox you want to go all Ankiel on the league and ask for your unconditional release. You know you have my support.

One more? Sure.

Dear Brad Penny,

Hey. Y'know, we kind of need to see something great out of you tomorrow, unless you want your "What I did on my summer vacation" paper to be REALLY long.

Last, for sure.

Dear Tito,

Hey T-dog. I just had a procedural question for you. Is it absolutely illegal to have your 5-hitter bat 1st and 3rd in the lineup as well? I'm sure there are some great ghost runners that we could sign from my old neighborhood, and you'd still have a L-R balance in the lineup. Hey, at least think about it.

Postgame: Mike Lowell is back.

Allen Chace — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:58:40 -0000

More photos » by Steve Nesius - AP

Still doesn't have the blinding speed back... (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

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So, I have to admit something kids. I was pretty concerned this offseason. Lowell was due for hip surgery, and the idea of signing Mark Teixeira seemed like prudence rather than overstocking. He'd spent most of the end of last season fielding like he'd forgotten what 'moving' was all about, and his hitting was pretty underwhelming too.

And yet, here we are. A month into the season, and Mike Lowell is among the very least of our concerns. He seems mostly back to his old ways in the field, and his hitting line thusfar (.312/.340/.581) makes me wish I had the ability to carve one of the first statues to ever have a distinctive salt-and-pepper goatee. He's kicking a. and taking names, and we're all reaping the benefits.

Of course, he wasn't alone in his antics tonight: Nick Green?!?, Youks, and DP all had very strong games at the plate as well. Jacoby Pierre Ellsbury stole 3 bases, and Drew got the scoring fun started with a double in the first. Jason Bay singled and stole a base before leaving in favor of Jeff Bailey due to an ankle issue. All indications are that this will be, at worst, a day-to-day issue. Bay has not been ruled out of the starting lineup tomorrow. Oh. And how about our backup f'n catcher? 2B and a walk? Yes please.

Wake ended his much-impressive run of starts, but qualified and got the win. Okajima, Ramon, and Saito finished out the game mostly uneventfully, though Ramon was the only RP to toss a perfect inning. (As an aside, if anyone has some kind of great double-nickname for Ramon and MDC, feel free to share. They probably need one.)

The Sox finish out against the Rays tomorrow behind Brad Penny. James Shields will be on the mound for Tampa.