SBNation.com User Blog: Drugs Delaney

It's Way Too Soon to Panic

Drugs Delaney — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:55:35 -0000

While I'd rather the Sox were 6-0 going into this weekend's series with the MFY, I'm getting a little tired of the examples that have been cited to show that the Sox will have to make a historic comeback to make the post-season. One of my favorites is the percentage of teams starting the season as poorly as the Sox making the playoffs. This is stupid for a number of reasons, but I'll cite two:

(1) The majority of teams that start badly are bad teams. Looking at the Sox' roster, is this a bad team? ESPN's Jayson Stark ran the numbers for the 85 teams that started 0-5 or worse and found that 61 (72%) of them finished with a losing record. Does anyone really think the Sox will be under .500 this year? Two-thirds of those losing records (67%) were from teams that lost 90 or more games. Again, does anyone see similarities to this year's Sox team? This year's team is pretty much a healthier version of last year's crippled team who won 89 games.

(2) You can throw out almost two-thirds of the seasons covered because there were no playoffs. One team won each league and played for the championship. The only seasons that are comparable to this one are those after 1995, when the current playoff format was established. I'm sure that might change the percentages.

Now let's look at the teams the Sox are chasing in the East. Aside from the MFY, who lead the Sox by 4 games, does anyone think the Sox won't be able to catch the Baltimore Orioles or Toronto Blue Jays with 156 games remaining? Remember, you don't have to win the division to make the playoffs.

Over the past few years the rule of thumb was it took 95 wins to make the playoiffs in the AL East. To win 95-games, the Sox would have play .609 ball for the rest of the season. That's a 98/99-win pace. What's funny is many experts picked the Sox to be around a 98-win team before the season.

The 95-win threshold to make the playoffs in the AL East was for when the division had three elite teams. The Rays are also 0-6 right now, and Longoria is on the DL. In contrast, the Sox are healthy (except for Matt Albers who is on the DL). Looking at the two teams' rosters, the Sox are the better team on paper. It's possible that the AL East may be a two-team race. I'd be shocked if Baltimore or Toronto won 95 games. Also, do the A's, White Sox, Twins, Tigers, etc. look like 95-win teams? It may only take 92 wins to make the post-season this year.

Finally, here's one recent example of a team that started the season badly and made the playoffs. No, they weren't 0-6. But the 2001 Oakland A's started the season 2-10. They finished the year with 102 wins and made the playoffs as the Wild Card (the division-winning Seattle Mariners won 116 games). The 2001 A's were able to recover from being 8-games under .500 with 150 games remaining, finishing the season with a .630 winning percentage despite playing in a tough division (The AL West was the toughest division that year). The Sox are in a better situation right now than the A's were at the start of the 2001 season. They are 6-games under .500, with 156 games to play.

It’s important that the Sox start winning soon, and they should. After the MFY series, they play TB, Toronto, Oakland, LA, Baltimore, and Seattle. Hopefully, they’ll be close to .500 or over .500 on May 1st. Even if they're a game or two under .500 on May 1st, they should be OK. Many teams have had sub-.500 months and made the playoffs. The Sox have even done it a few times. It’s one thing to be concerned. But let’s give this team time before we panic. There are 156 games remaining this season.

The off-season may have just gotten better

Drugs Delaney — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:06:32 -0000

There are reports that Andy Pettitte is retiring tomorrow. If true, the MFY rotation looks extremely shaky. They better hope their offense score a ton of runs.

Pettitte was New York's second-best starter last year. The list of available starters is pretty thin (I can't wait to see Kevin MIllwood in pinstripes). Now that everyone knows the MFY need starters, they'll pay a pretty steep price for anyone decent.

To quote Craig Calcaterra:

Big news if true. Also means that Pettitte’s offseason workouts are, in fact, for his health. Who knew?

I couldn't be happier ...

There are reports that Andy Pettitte is retiring tomorrow. If true, the MFY rotation looks extremely shaky. They better hope their offense score a ton of runs.

To quote Craig Calcaterra:

Big news if true. Also means that Pettitte’s offseason workouts are, in fact, for his health. Who knew?

I couldn't be happier ...

Sox, Wakefield Agree to 2-year/$5 Million Contract

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:38:10 -0000

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Sox will not pick up Wake's perpetual $4 million option.

Wake will be guaranteed $5 million--$3.5 million in 2010 and $1.5 million in 2011. The deal has options which could net Wake a total of $7 million over two years, $1 million less than the Sox would have paid had they picked up the option this year and next. This is a good deal for the Sox and for Wake, who needs just 18 wins to be the Sox' all-time leader.

Rosenthal says the Angels may run wild. A review of the season series.

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:40:56 -0000

Randy posted a link to a Ken Rosenthal article predicting an LA victory in the ALDS. The two teams played 9 times this year, with the Angels winning 5 games. During the season, Angels base-runners stole 15 bases and were only caught twice. However, looking at the game-by-game results, I'm not sure LA's running game had much impact in the regular season. Here's a recap of the season series:

April 10th - Angels 6, Red Sox 3

LA steals 4 bases off catcher George Kottaras, 3 withWakefield on the mound. The Angels score 3 runs on 4 hits in the 2nd. Kendrick steals a base in the inning, but is stranded on 3rd. While Wakefield allows 11 base-runners (6 hits, 5 walks) in 6 innings, he only allows the three 2nd inning runs.

Masterson came on in the 7th. Abreu led off with a single andstole second. Guerrero singled him to third, and he scored on a sac fly. While it would seem the SB led directly to a run, the Angels tacked on two more runs in the inning on two more hits (a Morales double and a Mathis single) and an IBB.

Incidentally, the Sox were 2 for 2 in steals in the game, and one runner (Ellsbury) came around to score.

LA: 4 for 4 in SB. 1 base-stealer scored.

April 11th - Red Sox 5, Angels 4

Brad Penny out-pitched Joe Saunders. The Sox were 1 for 2 in SB attempts. LA was 1 for 1. None of the base-stealers figured in the scoring.

LA: 1 for 1 in SB. No runs resulted from the stolen base.

April 12 - Angels 5, Red Sox 4

LA was 1 for 2 in SB attempts, but didn't score a run as a result of the SB. The Sox were 2 for 3. Dustin Pedroia stole third and scored on Napoli's throwing error. In this first series, the Sox stole 5 bases and LA 6 bases. Two of Boston's base-stealers scored, compared to only 1 for LA.

LA: 1 for 2 in SB. No runs resulted from the stolen base.

May 12 - Red Sox 4, Angels 3

The Angels were 1 for 2 in stolen base attempts. The Sox were 1 for 1. Abreu stole off Paps in the 9th, but was stranded.

LA: 1 for 2 in SB. No runs as a result of the steal.

May 13 - Angels 8, Red Sox 4

The Angels were 2 for 2 in SBs in the game against Kottaras. Wake wasn't sharp. He allowed 7 ER in 4.2 IP. LA scored 5 runs on 4 hits in the 3rd. Willets led off with a single and stole second. Wake walked the next hitter (Abreu), before allowing back-to-back singles to Hunter and Morales, scoring two runs. The next hitter, Napoli, hit a 3-run HR. Wake walked two more hitters in the inning, but they didn't score.

While we'll credit Willets' steal with a run scored, based on the results of the inning, LA probably would have scored even without the steal.

LA: 2 for 2 in SB. 1 run scored.

May 14th - Angels 5, Red Sox 4 (12 innings)

LA was 2 for 2--both off Paps. But neither runner scored. The Sox were 1 for 1. MDC lost it in the 12th.

LA: 2 for 2 in SB. Neither runner scored.

September 15 - Red Sox 4, Angels 1

LA was 2 for 2 off Dice-K and Tek. But the SBs didn't have an effect on the scoring.

LA: 2 for 2 in SB. Zero runs as a result of steals.

September 16 - Red Sox 9, Angels 8

Both teams were 1 for 1 in SB attempts. Neither team's base-stealer scored.

LA: 1 for 1 in SB. No runs scored as a result.

September 17 - Angels 4, Red Sox 3

The Angels had 1 SB in their only attempt. But that runner failed to score.

LA: 1 for 1 in SB. The base-runner did not score.

******************************************************************************************************************

LA scored a whopping 3 runs from their 15 steals against the Sox in the regular season. Of those 3 runs, 2 probably would have scored anyway. If Rosenthal's prediction of LA's running game leading them to victory is to come true, it will have to have a far more decisive impact in the ALDS than it did in the regular season.

In my opinion, this series will be one by the team that pitches and hits better. I also believe the Sox' problems throwing out base-runners had less impact on the regular season than many suggest. After all, Boston had the 3rd best record in baseball, and couldn't throw anyone out. As the example of these nine games shows, stolen bases don't always lead to runs.

Is it important to go into the playoffs "hot"?

Drugs Delaney — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:58:55 -0000

You always hear how important it for teams to peak at the right time. But when is the right time? When teams play well down the stretch and continue to play well late into October, you often hear how they got hot when it mattered. When a team plays well in August or September but fall short in the post-season, many will say that team peaked too soon. Let's look at every AL playoff year since 2000 to see whether "hot" teams have an advantage in October.

2000: East - MFY (87-74); Central - White Sox (95-67); West - A's (91-70); WC - Mariners (91-71)

Hottest team: Oakland - The A's were 21-7 in September and won 14 of their final 17 games. Seattle also finished strong, going 19-10 in the final month. The M's won 13 of their last 18 games. 3 of their 5 losses in that stretch were against Oakland.

Coldest team: MFY - The 2000 MFY are a great example of a team backing into the post-season. They were bad in September (13-17) and even worse down the stretch, losing 13 of their final 15 games. They lost their final 7 games of the season, a stretch that included back-to-back sweeps by the two worst teams in the AL East: Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

Playoff Results: ALDS - (Seattle beat Chicago, 3-0; MFY beat Oakland, 3-2) ALCS - (MFY beat Seattle, 4-2)

MFY win WS, 4-1.

2001: East - MFY (95-65); Central - Indians (91-71); West - Mariners (116-46); WC - A's (102-60)

Hottest team: Oakland - The A's were 23-4 after September 1st, winning 14 of their last 17 games. 2 of their final 3 losses were to the Mariners, who also finished the season strong: 19-10 after September 1st, winning 13 of their final 18 games (3 of their final 5 losses came at the hands of the A's).

Coldest team: Cleveland - The Tribe were 15-13 after September 1st, and lost 9 of their final 15 games. Most of the damage was done in October, when they went 2-5. The MFY were 16-9 after September 1st, but didn't enter the playoffs on a roll. They lost 8 of their final 15 games.

Playoff Results: ALDS - (Seattle beat Cleveland, 3-2; MFY beat Oakland, 3-2) ALCS (MFY beat Seattle, 4-1)

MFY lose WS, 3-4

2002: East - MFY (103-58); Central - Twins (94-67); West - A's (103-59); WC - Angels (99-63)

Hottest teams: New York and Oakland - The MFY were 19-8 in the final month, winning 10 of their last 15 games. Oakland was 18-8 and won 11 of their final 15.

Coldest team: Anaheim - While Minnesota had a worse overall record in September, the Twins (9-6 in their final 15 games) finished the season stronger than the Angels (5-8 in their last 13 games).

Playoff Results: ALDS - (Minnesota beat Oakland, 3-2; Anaheim beat MFY, 3-1) ALCS (Anaheim beat Minnesota, 4-1)

Anaheim wins WS, 4-3

2003: East - MFY (101-61); Central - Twins (90-72); West - A's (96-66); WC - Red Sox (95-67)

Hottest team: Minnesota - While all the AL playoff teams finished well in 2003, the Twins were the best down the stretch. Minnesota finished the season 19-7, winning 12 of their final 15 games. The MFY went 18-9 to finish the year, winning 10 of their last 15 games. The Sox and A's were 17-9 and 14-10 respectively. Both teams won 9 of the last 15 games.

Playoff Results: ALDS - (MFY beat Minnesota, 3-1; Boston beat Oakland, 3-2) ALCS (MFY beat Grady Little, 4-3)

MFY lost WS, 2-4

2004: East - MFY (101-61); Central - Twins (92-70); West - Angels (92-70); WC - Red Sox (98-64)

Hottest teams: Boston and New York - The Sox finished 2004 strong. They were 21-11 in September. The MFY were almost as good, going 20-11 in the final month to hold onto first place. Both teams won 9 of their final 15.

Coldest team: Minnesota - The Twins were very good in September (19-12), but dropped 9 of their final 15 in the regular season.

Playoff Results: ALDS - (MFY beat Minnesota, 3-1; Boston beat Anaheim, 3-0) ALCS (Boston beat MFY, 4-3)

Boston wins WS, 4-0

2005: East - MFY (95-67); Central - White Sox (99-63); West - Angels (95-67); WC- Red Sox (95-67)

Hottest team: Los Angeles of Anaheim - While all four teams finished the year playing well, the Angels (21-9) were the best. LA won 13 of their final 15 games.

Playoff Results: ALDS - (Chicago beat Boston, 3-0; LA beat New York, 3-2) ALCS (Chicago beat LA, 4-1)

Chicago won WS, 4-0

2006: East - MFY (97-65); Central - Twins (96-66); West - A's (93-69); WC - Tigers (95-67)

Hottest team: Minnesota - The Twins finished the 2006 season by going 19-11, overtaking the Tigers to win the Central Division. They won 10 of their last 15 games.

Coldest team: Detroit - The Tigers has a losing record in September: 12-16. They lost the division, losing 8 of their last 15 games.

Playoff Results: ALDS (Oakland beat Minnesota, 3-0; Detroit beat MFY, 3-1) ALCS (Detroit beat Minnesota, 4-0)

Detroit lost WS, 1-4

2007: East - Red Sox (96-66); Central - Indians (96-66); West Angels (94-68); WC - MFY (94-68)

Hottest teams: New York and Cleveland - The MFY and Indians won 10 of their final 15 games. The MFY finished September with a 19-8 record and The Tribe were 19-9.

Coldest team: Boston - While the Sox had a better September record than the Angels, LA won 8 of their final 15 games. Boston lost 8 of their final 15.

Playoff Results: ALDS (Cleveland beat MFY, 3-1; Boston beat LA, 3-0) ALCS (Boston beat Cleveland, 4-3)

Boston won WS, 4-0

2008: East - Rays (97-65); Central - White Sox (89-74); West - Angels (100-62); WC - Red Sox (95-67)

Hottest team: Los Angeles - The Angels capped off a 17-9 September by winning 10 of their final 15 games. Both the Red Sox and Tampa Bay won 9 of their last 15, although the Rays had a losing record in September (13-14). The Sox were strong in the final month of the season: 16-10.

Coldest team: Chicago - The White Sox were bad in September (12-15) and even worse down the stretch, losing 9 of their last 15 games. Tampa had a bad final month overall, but finished strong.

Playoff Results: ALDS (Tampa beat Chicago, 3-1; Boston beat LA, 3-1) ALCS (Tampa beat Boston, 4-3)

Tampa lost WS, 1-4

Looking back, there doesn't seem to be any advantage to going into the playoffs "hot". Only in 2004 did the hottest team at the end of the season, the Boston Red Sox, go on to win a championship. The 2000 MFY were one of the worst teams to ever win a WS. Anaheim did not finish the season strong in 2002, but still won it all. In 2006, the Tigers backed into the playoffs and still made it to the WS. Detroit lost to an awful Cardinal team that lost 10 of their final 14 games, and only managed 83 wins for the year.

Regarding this year's Red Sox, they're a hard team to gauge. They've had little to play for in the past couple of weeks. You have to be a bit concerned about Lowell's health and a few of the pitchers. But, they're a pretty solid team overall.

If the Sox lose to the Angels in the ALDS, everyone will point to how the team played down the stretch. If they go deep in the post-season, the same people will laud Tito for resting his players and putting the playoffs ahead of meaningless September games. We'll find out next week.

What to do with Jason Varitek?

Drugs Delaney — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:51:20 -0000

The playoffs are coming and the Sox will have to set their roster soon. The two biggest decision will involve Jason Varitek and Manny Delcarmen. Both players have struggled. But since Tek is more likely to get meaningful post-season playing time, we'll leave the MDC discussion for another time.

Tek is hitting a robust .211 AVG/.315 OBP/.397 SLG (.712 OPS/.309 wOBA) this year. Since the ASB, he has been putrid: .158 AVG/.250 OBP/.242 SLG (.492 OPS). Based on OPS, he has been the Sox' worst hitter (Kotasy's and Woodward's 7 ABs each notwithstanding). Looking at those numbers, it would seem the decision is an easy one: Tek should ride the pine in the playoffs.

But it's not that easy. Tek has been Beckett's and Dice-K's catcher. Here's Tito's response when asked by Rob Bradford if VMart will catch Beckett in the playoffs:

“You know, I don’t know. It’s not a bad question,” Francona said. “I don’t know. That’s the answer. I just don’t know. It’s a legitimate question. To be honest with you, I know the numbers with ‘Tek are phenomenal and I believe in that. I also think that the night that Victor caught Beckett [in Toronto] was a crazy night.”

“I just, again, I’m very aware that when Victor catches, our lineup is more potent. Also, our goal is to win that game. That’s where we probably have to sit down at some point and think about … I just don’t know the answer. I certainly don’t think it’s a bad question. I just don’t know the answer.”

Remember, VMart has only caught Beckett once this year and has yet to catch Dice-K. Beckett is clearly more comfortable throwing to Tek right now. Here are his comments on the subject:

“I’ll throw to whomever they put back there,” said the Red Sox starter. “We’ve just got to figure things out. We’re adults. We’re grown-ups. We have to figure (expletive) like that out. You can’t just go about your life hoping things work out because if you’re going about your life hoping things are going to turn out they’re (expletive) not.”

“It matters. Don’t get me wrong. It matters,” he said of working with a new catcher. “Jason Varitek is very special to me because we end up getting in a rhythm very, very quickly. But the bottom line is that it’s your fault. If you can’t execute a pitch and you give up a hard hit ball it’s your fault. Anybody who tells you different is probably a (wimp).

“For me the thing is that I throw so many pitches. For somebody new it’s very difficult to remember everything I throw because I throw everything to both sides of the plate. I might want that pitch, but they might set up to the wrong spot, which, like I said, is still my fault. I need to shake until I get what I want.”

Here's Beckett on throwing to a new catcher:

“It’s weird because they’re trying to figure you out and you’re trying to figure them out,” he said. “Neither of you want to step on each other’s toes. It takes time.”

One could argue: if Beckett is more comfortable throwing to Tek, he'll likely pitch better with Tek behind the plate. Are the Sox better off with a comfortable ace pitcher and a weaker line-up? Because Tek is so bad offensively it would make sense to pinch-hit for him in close games. Does that mean the Sox will carry three catchers in the post-season? They may do that in the ALDS, where you need fewer pitchers. But what happens if they advance?

It looks like Tek will catch both Beckett and Dice-K in the playoffs. VMart has not caught Dice-K and has only caught Beckett once. Both pitchers really aren't that familiar with him--and you don't want to experiment in October. Because of Tek, I think Lester should start Game 1 of the ALDS. Lester has been the Sox best pitcher. But Beckett has been the #1 since 2007 and has the best post-season resume. Here's the problem: the Sox are much better with Lester, VMart, Youk, and Lowell than they are with Beckett, Tek, VMart, and Youk--even if Beckett is vintage post-season Beckett.

Tito has a lot of decision to make. I have faith in Francona. He is a very good manager. Despite injuries and a log-jammed roster, Tito has the Sox on pace to win 97 games. He has a tough decision to make. Based on the fact that Tek is still catching Beckett and Dice-K, it looks like Tek will get significant time behind the plate in October.

Poll

How should the Sox use Tek in the playoffs?

He should be benched. The team is much better with VMart catching.

49 votes

He should catch Beckett and Dice-K.

44 votes

He should only catch Beckett

16 votes

He should only catch Dice-K

10 votes

119 votes | Poll has closed

The Julio Lugo Era is Over

Drugs Delaney — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:31:18 -0000

Rob Bradford od WEEI is reporting that the Sox have DFA'd Julio Lugo.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the Red Sox have designated Julio Lugo for assignment. The Red Sox will have 10 days to assign Lugo's contract to another major or minor league club, whether it be via trade or through waivers.

Rob Bradford od WEEI is reporting that the Sox have DFA'd Julio Lugo.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the Red Sox have designated Julio Lugo for assignment. The Red Sox will have 10 days to assign Lugo's contract to another major or minor league club, whether it be via trade or through waivers.

This means that both Lowell and Buchholz will be in the line-up tonight. Jed Lowrie will likely take Buchholz's spot tomorrow.

A Simple Line-up Comparison: Sox, Yanks, Rays

Drugs Delaney — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:43:16 -0000

The Red Sox are currently second in the AL in runs and team OPS. They've done this despite a poor lead-off hitter and no production from the #3 spot in their batting order (the #8 spot is a black hole too).

Let's take a moment and back away from bashing David Ortiz, Julio Lugo, or (insert player's name). All teams have holes. I find it hard to believe that one line-up spot or player can drag a whole team down.

Here's a comparison of the Sox, MFY, and Rays based on how each spot in their line-up has done to date. By line-up spot, I am looking at the batting order position and not the player. In most cases more than one player has hit in a particular spot. For example, four players have manned the cleanup spot for the Sox: Youkilis (89 AB), Bay (37 AB), Lowell (3 AB), and Bailey (3 AB). I am counting the combined hitting totals of those four players when hitting fourth and not each player's individual stats. The stats are listed by AVG/OBP/SLG.

             Red Sox              Yankees             Rays

#1 .294/.329/.356       .267/.335/.407    .211/.313/.289

#2 .315/.407/.413       .318/.382/.601    .336/.400/.461

#3 .215/.321/.313       .206/.342/.466    .327/.382/.660

#4 .333/.439/.644       .237/.329/.407    .250/.358/.610

#5 .294/.374/.493      .255/.303/.461     .259/.346/.333

#6 .289/.431/.579      .298/.399/.500     .254/.338/.448

#7 .254/.329/.470      .328/.421/.576    .232/.284/.362

#8 .208/.313/.360      .238/.298/.400     .308/.347/.446

#9 .295/.345/.462      .280/.321/.352     .287/.331/.426

The Rays have the best 2-3-4 combination. The MFY are getting almost nothing from the 3-4-5 spots in their line-up. Yet the MFY are scoring at a slightly better rate than the Rays: 5.41 runs per game v. 5.25 runs per game. The Sox are averaging 5.63 runs per game.

It seems to me that order of the hitters means less than the aggregate. While the #3 and #8 spots are pretty dead on the Sox (none of the three teams listed has a good lead-off hitter), the Sox other six hitting spots are better than the top six on the Rays or MFY.

Food for thought?

             Red Sox              Yankees             Rays

#1 .294/.329/.356       .267/.335/.407    .211/.313/.289

#2 .315/.407/.413       .318/.382/.601    .336/.400/.461

#3 .215/.321/.313       .206/.342/.466    .327/.382/.660

#4 .333/.439/.644       .237/.329/.407    .250/.358/.610

#5 .294/.374/.493      .255/.303/.461     .259/.346/.333

#6 .289/.431/.579      .298/.399/.500     .254/.338/.448

#7 .254/.329/.470      .328/.421/.576    .232/.284/.362

#8 .208/.313/.360      .238/.298/.400     .308/.347/.446

#9 .295/.345/.462      .280/.321/.352     .287/.331/.426

Food for thought?

Dice-K on 15-day DL

Drugs Delaney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:49:54 -0000

Thank you Bud Selig!

The Sox placed Dice-K on the 15-day DL and called up Hunter Jones, a lefty reliever, from Pawtucket. I think it's hard to argue that the WBC isn't responsible for Matsuzaka's "arm fatigue," which is what the Sox are calling Dice-K's injury.

Thank you Bud Selig!

I'm not sure who will replace Matsuzaka in the rotation. Clay Buchholz, the most likely replacement, has a hamstring injury. It may be Masterson or Bowden. I'm not sure The Sox calling up Jones signals that Masterson will get the spot. Jones is on his way to Oakland, and Boston needs a reliever after last night's game.

Sox place Lowrie on DL

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:58:30 -0000

According to Boston.com, Jed Lowrie will be placed on the 15-day DL with a left wrist injury. Gil Velazquez was called up to take Lowrie's spot.

Lowrie's injury is worrisome, as it is his second wrist injury. Right now, there's no word on how serious the injury is. Let's all hope Nick Green can fill in well until Lowrie or Lugo are ready.

Let's hope Lowrie recovers soon ...

What should the Sox do with Ellsbury?

Drugs Delaney — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:01:10 -0000

Is anyone else worried about Ellsbury as the Sox' lead-off hitter? In 670 career AB (including today's game), Jacoby's OBP is just .346. That's barely adequate for a tablesetter. Last year his OBP was a putrid .336

Many here at OTM have questioned the wisdom of hitting Ellsbury first. Speed doesn't matter if you can't get on base. But, it's more than that. Taco Boy just isn't a patient hitter. He doesn't work counts and, too often, he tries to hit the long ball. I'm beginning to think Ellsbury just doesn't get it. He doesn't understand his role on the team.

Today was a perfect example. While I won't fault Jacoby for being the only Boston player without a hit, three of his four at-bats were just plain awful. Here's what he did:

First inning: Strikeout (looking) - 5 pitches

Second inning: Groundout to 2B - 3 pitches

Fourth inning: Groundout to 2B - 3 pitches

Sixth inning: Groundout to 3B - 1 pitch

As far as seeing pitches, that's a pretty typical night for Ellsbury. In 2008, Jacoby was near the bottom of the AL in pitches per plate appearance. He averaged 3.59 P/PA, just ahead of Ichiro. Ellsbury was only slightly better than the famously impatient Robinson Cano (3.35 P/PA).

Ellsbury has value because of his speed and good defense. But I'm not sure he'll ever get on base well enough to be a top-of-the-order hitter. I hope I'm wrong.

Poll

What to do with Ellsbury

Leave him as lead-off hitter (He'll improve)

54 votes

Bat him 9th now (He'll never have good on-base numbers)

24 votes

Give him until the end of April before dropping him in the batting order

117 votes

Trade him to KC for Coco Crisp

26 votes

221 votes | Poll has closed

Top opening day payrolls

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:57:03 -0000

Here are the top payrolls, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts . These numbers include bonuses and money owed former players.

NY Yankees - $206,811,689

NY Mets - $139,102,235

Chicago Cubs - $137,945,612

Detroit Tigers - $129,598,000

Philadelphia Phillies - $128,307,380

Boston Red Sox - $122,624,689

LA Angels - $113,709,000

LA Dodgers - $109,175,853

Houston Astros -$105,035,000

Seattle Mariners - $99,596,926

Chicago White Sox - $98,418,500

Atlanta Braves - $97,692,834

St. Louis Cardinals - $93,612,500

Here are the top payrolls, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts . These numbers include bonuses and money owed former players.

NY Yankees - $206,811,689

NY Mets - $139,102,235

Chicago Cubs - $137,945,612

Detroit Tigers - $129,598,000

Philadelphia Phillies - $128,307,380

Boston Red Sox - $122,624,689

LA Angels - $113,709,000

LA Dodgers - $109,175,853

Houston Astros -$105,035,000

Seattle Mariners - $99,596,926

Chicago White Sox - $98,418,500

Atlanta Braves - $97,692,834

St. Louis Cardinals - $93,612,500

13 MLB teams have payrolls of $90 million or more. That's almost half the teams in both leagues.

Looking at that list, I don't think anyone can really say that the Sox and Yankees are both "Evil Empires." The Sox are 6th in total payroll, and are closer in terms of salary to the Rays than they are to the MFY. Tampa Bay raised their payroll from $43,745,597 on Opening Day last year to $64,876,368. The MFY are $67.5 million ahead of the 2nd highest payroll (the Mets).

Varitek re-signs with Sox

Drugs Delaney — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:32:05 -0000

Mazz is reporting that the Sox and Tek have reached an agreement on a 1-year deal with an option.

Varitek will earn $5 million in 2009, with the club holding a $5 million option for 2010. If the Red Sox do not pick up that option, Varitek has the choice of remaining with the club on a $3 million deal. In '10, he can earn another $2 million in incentives based on playing time, beginning at 80 games started.

Thus, the potential total value of the deal increases from $8 million-$10 million to $10 million-$12 million. The incentives apply to both the team and player options for 2010.

Red Sox set deadline with Jason Varitek

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:09:12 -0000

MGBB noted on another thread a rumor that the Sox have offered Jason Varitek a $5 million contract. According to WEEI's Rob Bradford, the Sox have offered a possible two-year deal. The first year would be guaranteed for $5 million (with possible incentives). There would be a club option for another $5 million or a player option for $3 million.

I think this is a bad deal for the Sox. It seems to go against their policy of setting a value for a player and not over-paying. In my opinion, Jason Varitek is not worth $5 million.

In addition, a Tek signing means that either Josh Bard or George Kottaras won't make the team. While neither is a sure thing at catcher, both have far more upside than Varitek (who isn't a sure thing himself).

Aside from Tek's declining skills, one of my main reasons for not wanting Tek back is my belief that he still envisions himself as a legitimate starting--if not elite--catcher. Why else would he turn down a guaranteed $10 million in arbitration? Bradford quotes ESPN's Buster Olney regarding Tek's negotiations with the Sox:

Here is where they stand in the impasse: Varitek is asking for an annual salary close to the $10-12 million he would’ve made through arbitration, or a two-year deal for less annual salary. The Red Sox are willing to pay him much less than that, and don’t feel they owe him extra cash for services rendered in the past, and they don’t feel they owe it to him to offer a salary commensurate with what Varitek would’ve made if he had accepted arbitration.

If this is true there's no way Tek will accept being a platoon catcher in 2009.

Bradford notes that the Sox have set a deadline for the negotiations. But there's no word on the exact date of the deadline.

I think this is a bad deal for the Sox. It seems to go against their policy of setting a value for a player and not over-paying. In my opinion, Jason Varitek is not worth $5 million.

Here is where they stand in the impasse: Varitek is asking for an annual salary close to the $10-12 million he would’ve made through arbitration, or a two-year deal for less annual salary. The Red Sox are willing to pay him much less than that, and don’t feel they owe him extra cash for services rendered in the past, and they don’t feel they owe it to him to offer a salary commensurate with what Varitek would’ve made if he had accepted arbitration.

If this is true there's no way Tek will accept being a platoon catcher in 2009.

Bradford notes that the Sox have set a deadline for the negotiations. But there's no word on the exact date of the deadline.

Counterpoint: It's Tek who is being "disloyal" [Promoted FanPost]

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:15:03 -0000

In a sense this post is an over-long answer to fishfarmr, who called Sox fans critical of Jason Varitek disloyal. I believe Tek is the one who is being disloyal.

Four years ago, he and his agent (Scott Boras) held the Sox' feet to the fire before agreeing to a 4 year/$40 million contract. Tek was coming off his best season--.296 AVG/.390 OBP/.482 SLG--and he was looking for 5 years/$55 million. Had any other team offered that, we would not be debating about Jason Varitek right now.

First off, anyone who thinks Scott Boras somehow screwed over Varitek on arbitration is crazy. Boras and Tek have worked hand in glove for years. Also, MLB players know the deal. If Tek didn't think he was still worth $10 million, he would have accepted the Sox' offer. Even if Tek was misled by Boras, it was only because Tek wanted the money. Baseball is a business--and Tek is a businessman as well as a player.

Loyalty has nothing to do with it. If it did, Tek would have signed with the Sox long ago. Instead, Tek's girlfriend, Heidi Watney, is reporting that somehow he didn't know the arbitration rules. This late change of heart by the Sox' captain seems very contrived to me. Basically, Tek found out he has little value to any team except Boston and now he wants to end his career there.

If Varitek was truly loyal, he would accept a $2 or $3 million contract to stay in Boston. That would not be a "hometown discount," it would be slightly more than he is worth.

Four years ago, the Sox gave Varitek a 4 year/$40 million contract. He only had one good season during that contract: 2005. Over the last three years of the contract, Tek hit .238 AVG/.336 OBP/.393 SLG.

Since the end of the 2005 season, Tek has been putrid at the plate. In three seasons, he has only had 7 months where his AVG was .250 or better; and 5 months with a .350 or better OBP. Last year, Kevin Cash and Tek were offensive equals. Varitek was 15th out of 21 AL catchers with 200 plate appearances in VORP. He placed just behind Salty and Gregg Zaun. Looking at MLV, Tek was even worse. (MLV is an estimate of the additional number of runs a given player will contribute to a lineup that otherwise consists of average offensive performers). Tek placed 18th out of 21 AL catchers in MLV, better than only Molina, Johjima, and Mathis.

Here is a comparison of Varitek and Gregg Zaun, who just signed a 1 year/$1.5 million contract with Baltimore.

2008 season:

Varitek - (423 AB) .220 AVG/.313 OBP/.359 SLG (22.2% of base-stealers caught).

Zaun - (245 AB) .237 AVG/.340 OBP/.359 SLG (25.9% of base-stealers caught).

2006-2008:

Varitek - (1223 AB) .238 AVG/.336 OBP/.393 SLG (22.9% CS)

Zaun - (866 AB) .251 AVG/.348 OBP/.413 SLG (20.8% CS)

Both catchers are 37-year old switch-hitters, with very similar numbers. Zaun may have been a better fit if the Sox are thinking about a catching platoon, as it appears Jason Varitek is the only person on the planet who still thinks he is a starting catcher.

I know the Boston media loves to talk about Varitek's intangibles. That's probably because his tangibles suck so badly. Sooner or later the Sox will have to cut ties to Tek. When that happens, many will panic because no one else, it seems, can handle the Sox' pitching staff. However, about 10 years ago, when Tek was learning his craft, Joe Kerrigan called the pitches from the dugout. In my opinion, John Farrell is more than capable of doing that for any of the new Sox catchers. Farrell knows the staff very well. In fact, I'd credit him far more than Tek for Beckett's post-2006 turn around and the development of the young pitchers.

Again, Gregg Zaun signed a $1.5 million contract. That's the market for Varitek. A $2 or $3 million (no incentive) contract would be extremely generous.

In a sense this post is an over-long answer to fishfarmr, who called Sox fans critical of Jason Varitek disloyal. I believe Tek is the one who is being disloyal.

If Varitek was truly loyal, he would accept a $2 or $3 million contract to stay in Boston. That would not be a "hometown discount," it would be slightly more than he is worth.

Here is a comparison of Varitek and Gregg Zaun, who just signed a 1 year/$1.5 million contract with Baltimore.

2008 season:

Varitek - (423 AB) .220 AVG/.313 OBP/.359 SLG (22.2% of base-stealers caught).

Zaun - (245 AB) .237 AVG/.340 OBP/.359 SLG (25.9% of base-stealers caught).

2006-2008:

Varitek - (1223 AB) .238 AVG/.336 OBP/.393 SLG (22.9% CS)

Zaun - (866 AB) .251 AVG/.348 OBP/.413 SLG (20.8% CS)

Again, Gregg Zaun signed a $1.5 million contract. That's the market for Varitek. A $2 or $3 million (no incentive) contract would be extremely generous.

MFY sign Teixeira

Drugs Delaney — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:41:03 -0000

According to SI's Jon Heyman , Teixeira signed an 8-year/$180 million deal with the MFY. New York gave Teix a full no-trade clause.

This makes a lot of sense for the MFY, who really needed a bat. ESPN is now reporting the same thing.

The agreement with Teixeira gives New York the four highest-paid players in baseball -- third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter, Sabathia and Texiera.

I guess the pundits will now make the MFY the favorites to win it all.

Lugo for Byrnes?

Drugs Delaney — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:25:31 -0000

According to ESPN:

The Red Sox are having discussions with the Diamondbacks about a Julio Lugo-for-Eric Byrnes swap. Brynes would serve as a fourth outfielder for Boston; Lugo would play second base for the Diamondbacks.

According to ESPN:

The Red Sox are having discussions with the Diamondbacks about a Julio Lugo-for-Eric Byrnes swap. Brynes would serve as a fourth outfielder for Boston; Lugo would play second base for the Diamondbacks.

This actually makes some sense. Byrnes would be the right-handed hitting 4th OF the Sox need. Over the last three seasons, Byrnes hit .283 AVG/.351 OBP/.516 SLG against lefties. Byrnes has one advantage over Baldelli: he can start if/when Drew gets hurt.

The Sox acquire Wes Littleton from Texas

Drugs Delaney — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:38:04 -0000

According to a press release, the Sox got right-handed relief pitcher Wes Littleton from the Rangers for two players to be named later or cash considerations.

In 102.1 IP, the 26-year old Littleton is 5-3 (3 saves) 3.69 ERA 1.23 WHIP. His walk and strikeout numbers aren't great: 3.25 BB/9 4.84 K/9.

[Littleton] has limited righthanded opponents to a .236 batting average in his major league career. During his rookie campaign in 2006, the California native held righties to a .157 clip, fourth in the American League among pitchers with at least 30 appearances.

Littleton has also been successful in keeping the ball on the ground, allowing just 15 fly balls last year compared to 31 grounders. Among active hurlers with at least 100.0 innings, he ranks 14th with a career ground ball percentage of 71.5 (196 GB/78 FB).

According to a press release, the Sox got right-handed relief pitcher Wes Littleton from the Rangers for two players to be named later or cash considerations.

In 102.1 IP, the 26-year old Littleton is 5-3 (3 saves) 3.69 ERA 1.23 WHIP. His walk and strikeout numbers aren't great: 3.25 BB/9 4.84 K/9.

[Littleton] has limited righthanded opponents to a .236 batting average in his major league career. During his rookie campaign in 2006, the California native held righties to a .157 clip, fourth in the American League among pitchers with at least 30 appearances.

Littleton has also been successful in keeping the ball on the ground, allowing just 15 fly balls last year compared to 31 grounders. Among active hurlers with at least 100.0 innings, he ranks 14th with a career ground ball percentage of 71.5 (196 GB/78 FB).

It looks like the Sox are stockpiling bullpen arms. This might mean that Masterson will move to the rotation, which I think is a huge mistake. It might also be the prelude to a potential Masterson trade. We'll see ...

Sox make 1-year offer to Varitek

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:17:13 -0000

From Rob Bradford on WEEI:

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the Red Sox’ initial contract offer to free agent catcher Jason Varitek this offseason was for one year. It was not determined what the monetary worth of the offer would be ...

Bradford doesn't mention how much the Sox offered, although he says it didn't come close to what Posada got ($13.1 million). That's not shocking, as Tek isn't worth that much. While I can't see Boras advising his client to take a 1-year contract, I'm glad Theo is taking a hard line. Catcher is the one true need for the Sox this off-season.

From Rob Bradford on WEEI:

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the Red Sox’ initial contract offer to free agent catcher Jason Varitek this offseason was for one year. It was not determined what the monetary worth of the offer would be ...

Update:

Nick Cafardo of the Globe contacted Boras, who denied that the Sox made a 1-year offer. I'm wary of anything Boras says during contract negotiations. Bradford is a fairly reliable sportswriter. So, I'm inclined to believe that the Sox did make a 1-year offer.

A few thoughts on the current playoff format

Drugs Delaney — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:49:59 -0000

The wild card has succeeded in getting more teams involved in pennant races, which spreads interest in late-season baseball among more markets, which is good for the game. But the system needs to be reviewed, and the fundamental question is this: Are wild-card teams penalized enough in the postseason for finishing in second place during the regular season? The answer appears to be no.

Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated.

You could ditch the wild card and give the division winner with the best record a bye, while the other two play for the right to advance. Simple and clean. A possible flaw: a team that compiles a great won-lost record in a relatively weak division could get an undeserved edge with the bye. Still, it's much better than what we have now. It has no real chance, though, because the idea of additional playoff teams has taken hold.

Bob Costas

The wild card has succeeded in getting more teams involved in pennant races, which spreads interest in late-season baseball among more markets, which is good for the game. But the system needs to be reviewed, and the fundamental question is this: Are wild-card teams penalized enough in the postseason for finishing in second place during the regular season? The answer appears to be no.

Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated.

You could ditch the wild card and give the division winner with the best record a bye, while the other two play for the right to advance. Simple and clean. A possible flaw: a team that compiles a great won-lost record in a relatively weak division could get an undeserved edge with the bye. Still, it's much better than what we have now. It has no real chance, though, because the idea of additional playoff teams has taken hold.

Bob Costas

I like the wild card, despite the misgivings of purists. More than that, I believe it is a necessary to off-set the inequities of divisional play, a part of baseball since 1969. While I haven’t read many arguments for ending the divisional system, I have heard many calls to “punish” wild card teams by making it harder for them to advance in the playoffs.

A few of the suggestions put forth for fixing the current “wild card problem” have been: expanding the division series from five to seven games; adding a second wild card and having a one-game or best-of-three playoff; punishing wild card teams by giving them only one home game in the division series; or seeding the teams one through four based on wins. I have no problem with expanding the number of games in the division series from five to seven, except that it will lengthen an already long season. I also don’t mind seeding teams based on record as long as the three division-winning teams aren’t automatically in (this year, the MFY would still be alive as they are ahead of Chicago and Minnesota). That would make for interesting races, even though it favors good teams in weak divisions. All of the other suggestions are ridiculous, in my opinion.

The major flaw in the “wild card problem” argument is the idea that winning an arbitrary, geographical division makes a team more qualified for the post-season than the best second-place team. Looking at the AL from 1996 to 2007 (1995 was a shortened season), AL division winners have averaged 95.66 wins and wild card teams have averaged 94.91 wins. This would seem to suggest that wild card teams have been weaker than division winners. But that has not been the case. The average number of wins for the third-best division-winning team between 1996 and 2007 was 91.25, significantly worse than the wild card team.

There have been only two years (1996 and 1999) when the wild card team had a worse record than the third-best division-winner. The 1996 wild card Baltimore Orioles won 88 games, two games behind the AL West winning Texas Rangers. The ’96 O’s had the worst record on any AL wild card team. The only other time a wild card team had the fourth-best record was in 1999 when the Red Sox, with 94 wins, were one game worse than the AL West winner, Texas, who had 95 wins. Two other years (2005 and 2007) the wild card and third-best divisional winner tied. In 2005 when the Red Sox won 95 games and the wild card, they had the same number of wins as two division winners—the Yankees and Angels. Last year, New York took the wild card with the same number of wins as the AL West leading Angels (94).

In 1997 the Yankees won the wild card with 96 wins, six better than the West leading Mariners and ten better than the Indians, the Central champs. The following year, the Red Sox took the wild card with 92 victories even though they finished 22 games behind the AL East leading Yankees. The 1998 Sox may have been buried in the East, but they had a three-game better record than Cleveland (the Central winner) and were four games better than Texas (West). In 2000, Seattle won 91 games, finishing a half game behind Oakland. But the wild card Mariners had the same number of wins as the A’s and were three-and-a-half games better then the AL East winning Yankee team that had only 87 wins. The next season the A’s won 102 games and finished fourteen games out of first. Oakland got the wild card and had seven more wins than New York (East) and eleven more wins than Cleveland (Central). The 2004 Red Sox won 98 games, the third most in all of baseball behind New York and St. Louis in the NL.

What the purists don’t understand is that all of the wild card teams mentioned above were “punished” because they didn’t have home field advantage, even when playing inferior teams. The’04 Red Sox and the ’02 Angels (99 wins) won the World Series because they were good teams, even though they finished in second place. Even the 2006 Tigers, a wild card team that lost the World Series, had 95 wins. The Tigers lost to an NL division leading team—the St. Louis Cardinals—that only won 83 games in the regular season! Since 1996, only one AL wild card team has finished with fewer than 91 wins. In the same period, five AL teams won divisions with less than 91 wins.

More often than not, the weakest team to make the playoffs under the new system (at least in the AL) has been a division winner. Between 1978 and 1989, when there were only two divisions, there were only two years when each of the division winners had the best records in the AL. Having a wild card mitigates the problems with the divisional format—which favors teams in weak divisions—by allowing good teams in tough divisions to make the post-season. Those who argue against the wild card favor geography over excellence. AL wild card teams have succeeded in the past because they are as good as, or better than, the teams they are playing. The current system isn’t perfect, but it is better than the alternatives.

Sox to Retire Pesky's Number

Drugs Delaney — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:45:44 -0000

According to both the Globe and Herald, the Red Sox will retire Johnny Pesky's number 6 prior to Friday night's game v. the MFY.

The Red Sox will break their traditional requirements for a player's number to be retired: that he is in the Hall of Fame, that he ended his career with the club, and that he played at least 10 seasons for the Red Sox. Pesky is not in the Hall of Fame.

According to both the Globe and Herald, the Red Sox will retire Johnny Pesky's number 6 prior to Friday night's game v. the MFY.

The Red Sox will break their traditional requirements for a player's number to be retired: that he is in the Hall of Fame, that he ended his career with the club, and that he played at least 10 seasons for the Red Sox. Pesky is not in the Hall of Fame.

I'm very happy Pesky will be honored, and have always thought the Sox' retired number policy was stupid. The Yankees have done a better job with their retired numbers, honoring non-Hall of Famers like Thurman, Munson, Don Mattingly, Elston Howard, and Ron Guidry.

Hopefully the Pesky ceremony signals a loosening of the Sox' retired number policy. Here are some other players that should be honored:

Jimmie Foxx

Dom DiMaggio

Luis Tiant

Tris Speaker

Jim Rice

Dwight Evans

Wade Boggs

Pedro Martinez (when he retires).

Sox hitters since 7/1/08

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:46:23 -0000

The Sox' offense has been somewhat inconsistent. Since July 1st, three players have carried the team offensively: Youkilis, Pedroia, and Lowrie. Here's a breakdown of each Red Sox hitter since July 1st:

The Awful:

Cash - (9 G/31 AB) 1 HR 2 RBI .161 AVG/.188 OBP/.290 SLG

Crisp - (21 G/72 AB) 1 HR 7 RBI .181 AVG/.274 OBP/.236 SLG

Varitek - (30 G/105 AB) 1 HR 6 RBI .200 AVG/.306 OBP/.267 SLG

Lowell - (34 G/134 AB) 2 HR 20 RBI .209 AVG/.280 OBP/.299 SLG

The Sox are getting absolutely no offensive production from their catchers. CF is also a dead spot (see Ellsbury). Lowell played hurt until he went on the DL recently. While we should commend him for being a gamer, he clearly hurt the team offensively.

The Bad:

Ellsbury - (35 G/135 AB) 2 HR 10 RBI .267 AVG/.303 OBP/.341 SLG (4 SB/3 CS)

Drew - (36 G/123 AB) 3 HR 15 RBI .236 AVG/.396 OBP/.415 SLG

While Drew has struggled since June, he is still getting on base. His recent numbers suggest that he should be a top-of-the-order table-setter, not a middle-of-the-order run producer. Ellsbury has been a huge disappointment, and should not be leading-off.

The Decent:

Casey - (11 G/52 AB) 0 HR 4 RBI .327 AVG/.407 OBP/.385 SLG

Cora - (17 G/30 AB) 0 HR 2 RBI .333 AVG/.444 OBP/.400 SLG

Ortiz - (20 G/75 AB) 4 HR 19 RBI .280 AVG/..389 OBP/.403 SLG

Bay - (15 G/61 AB) 1 HR 12 RBI .328 AVG/..397 OBP/.459 SLG

Casey and Cora have been decent--getting on base, but doing little else. Ortiz is coming off a wrist injury, and still isn't his old self. As for Bay, his overall numbers are good. But he has been very soft lately. Over his last 6 games, he has only one extra-base hit (a double) and a paltry .391 SLG.

The Very Good:

Lowrie - (24 G/80 AB) 0 HR 23 RBI .322 AVG/..394 OBP/.500 SLG

Youkilis - (38 G/143 AB) 10 HR 34 RBI .336 AVG/.402 OBP/.650 SLG

Pedroia - (38 G/168 AB) 4 HR 21 RBI .357 AVG/.398 OBP/.536 SLG

These three players have carried the load offensively for about a month and a half. Let's hope they don't cool off any time soon.

Zink will start tomorrow

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:59:30 -0000

The Sox have announced that Charlie Zink will take Wakefield's spot tomorrow night.

The 28-year old knuckleballer is having his best minor league season. He is 12-3 2.70 ERA 1.08 WHIP in 133.1 IP for the PawSox.

The Sox have announced that Charlie Zink will take Wakefield's spot tomorrow night.

The 28-year old knuckleballer is having his best minor league season. He is 12-3 2.70 ERA 1.08 WHIP in 133.1 IP for the PawSox.

Zink is 55-42 in 8 minor league seasons. His career minor league numbers aren't great: 4.08 ERA 1.42 WHIP 4.41 BB/9.

While I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch, he'll have a tough assignment. Texas is a very good offensive team.

Here's the socuting report from www.soxprospects.com:

Zink was signed as an undrafted free agent on the recommendation of Luis Tiant, his former coach at Savannah College of Art and Design. Tim Wakefield has tutored Zink on the fine art of the knuckleball. Zink understands what he needs to do to get hitters out. Good athlete. Also throws mid 80s fastball and cutter for strikes, using the same delivery as his knuckler. Fearless with his knuckleball, even behind in the count.

Wakefield to the DL

Drugs Delaney — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:02:56 -0000

Wake has been scratched from his scheduled start this Tuesday because of tightness in his shoulder, the same injury that kept him off the World Series roster. The Sox will place him on the 15-day DL. I guess we now know why Wake was pulled after 81 pitches in Kansas City.

Hopefully, Wake will come back strong after a couple of weeks off. If not, this is a huge loss. Wake has been very consistent this year, with a 3.67 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 147 innings. Wake is leading the Sox in quality starts with 16, third-best in the AL.

The Sox have not announced who will start on Tuesday.

Ortiz may be back by July 25th

Drugs Delaney — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:48:48 -0000

According to the Globe, David Ortiz is tentatively scheduled to return to the Red Sox on July 25.

Papi has looked good taking batting practice against high-speed pitching machines.

"I feel good," Ortiz said. "Actually, it was my first time hitting off the machine. I was acting like I normally do, locating, check swing, swing and a miss. Stuff like that. Everything was fine. That's all I need. Make sure there's no pain when I'm doing that."

"David did well," Francona said. "He did the machine, tried to simulate as much as he could, ball down and away ball up and in. He'll go with us to New York Monday and Tuesday and hit in the cage because he has some obligations as the guy who got the most (All-Star) votes to be there represent the American League and the Red Sox."

According to the Globe, David Ortiz is tentatively scheduled to return to the Red Sox on July 25.

Papi has looked good taking batting practice against high-speed pitching machines.

"I feel good," Ortiz said. "Actually, it was my first time hitting off the machine. I was acting like I normally do, locating, check swing, swing and a miss. Stuff like that. Everything was fine. That's all I need. Make sure there's no pain when I'm doing that."

"David did well," Francona said. "He did the machine, tried to simulate as much as he could, ball down and away ball up and in. He'll go with us to New York Monday and Tuesday and hit in the cage because he has some obligations as the guy who got the most (All-Star) votes to be there represent the American League and the Red Sox."

If all goes well, Papi will play 3 games for Pawtucket: July 17-19 against Toledo and head to Portland for 3 against Connecticut, July 21-23 (get your tickets now).

Masterson sent down

Drugs Delaney — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:55:08 -0000

From boston.com:

Red Sox pitcher Justin Masterson will be sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket this week to become a reliever, Sox general manager Terry Francona announced today.

Jeff Bailey was called up to hold the roster spot until Buchholz gets called up to make a start on Friday.

From boston.com:

Red Sox pitcher Justin Masterson will be sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket this week to become a reliever, Sox general manager Terry Francona announced today.

Jeff Bailey was called up to hold the roster spot until Buchholz gets called up to make a start on Friday.

Francona said Masterson is scheduled to get some relief innings Wednesday at Richmond, and Friday and Saturday at Norfolk.

I like the move and expect Masterson will get called up soon, probably in late July/early August. Masterson will have to cut his walks and HRs down to be successful out of the pen.

Also, there is some positive Papi news:

David Ortiz took some swings in the batting cage before the game tonight. He hit a home run to right field on his first swing. He did the normal five rounds with about seven swings in the first few rounds and then the swings decreased in the later rounds.

Game Thread 7/2/08

Drugs Delaney — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:25:58 -0000

Since no one else will do it.

Line-ups:

Red Sox

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Ramirez DH
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Varitek C
Moss LF
Lugo SS

Matsuzaka SP

Tampa Bay
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Floyd DH
Navarro C
Hinske RF
Bartlett SS

Kazmir SP

Since no one else will do it.

Line-ups:

Red Sox

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Ramirez DH
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Varitek C
Moss LF
Lugo SS

Matsuzaka SP

Tampa Bay
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Floyd DH
Navarro C
Hinske RF
Bartlett SS

Kazmir SP

There's some good news about Papi:

The Sox accelerated their schedule with David Ortiz; the slugger for the first time yesterday hit some soft toss and was planning to do so through the weekend in New York. He said he hoped to be hitting in the cage next week, which of course is terrific news for the Sox. Don't pencil him in your post-All-Star Game lineup just yet, there are hurdles to be crossed, but things appear headed in the right direction.

Game Thread 6-10-08

Drugs Delaney — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:03:29 -0000

Ellsbury did seem aware the team needed him to play, even with the soreness in the right wrist. And he appeared prepared to do that, though manager Terry Francona said he wanted to see how Ellsbury got through batting practice today. He said he always could insert Brandon Moss into the lineup in Ellsbury's place.

"I'm definitely happy with the turnaround from when I did it to now," Ellsbury said. "It's still sore, but you can play through soreness.

"I was pretty worried, how it felt right as it happened. It was nice to get the X-ray right away, the MRI right away, to see that everything was all right. Once you know there's no structural damage, you can play through the soreness. There's a big difference between hurting and soreness. It's going to be sore for a little while. You're never feeling 100 percent throughout the whole season on any body part, so it'll be fine."

Line-ups:

Red Sox

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Coco Crisp, CF
9. Alex Cora, SS

Josh Beckett, SP

Orioles

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Nick Markakis, RF
3. Melvin Mora, 3B
4. Aubrey Huff, DH
5. Kevin Millar, 1B
6. Luke Scott, LF
7. Ramon Hernandez, C
8. Adam Jones, CF
9. Freddie Bynum, SS

Daniel Cabrera, SP

Game Thread 6-4-08

Drugs Delaney — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:02:12 -0000

Since no one else would do it ...

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon spoke earlier about the tests his team is going through as they deal with injuries. Maddon believes that injuries to Troy Percival and now Carlos Pena (broken finger) will definitely test the Rays' depth and readiness to be a contender. So far, they're passing the test with flying colors.

Since no one else would do it ...

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon spoke earlier about the tests his team is going through as they deal with injuries. Maddon believes that injuries to Troy Percival and now Carlos Pena (broken finger) will definitely test the Rays' depth and readiness to be a contender. So far, they're passing the test with flying colors.

Line-ups:

Red Sox

LF- Ellsbury
2B- Pedroia
RF- Drew
DH- Ramirez
3B- Lowell
1B- Youkilis
C- Varitek
CF- Crisp
SS- Lugo

SP- Beckett

Rays

2B-Iwamura
LF-Crawford
CF-Upton
DH-Floyd
3B-Longoria
C-Navarro
1B-Hinske
RF-Gross
SS-Bartlett

Let's hope the weather holds ..

Bad News: Ortiz Out At Least A Month

Drugs Delaney — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:17:52 -0000

EDITOR'S NOTE: Drugs broke the news first at OTM. I'm not sure what the Sox are going to do. Obviously, this is a huge loss. If they try to make a trade, every team is going to try to squeeze them for everything the Sox have because they know they are in a bad position. However ... what the Sox could do is move Manny to DH, Ellsbury to left and start Coco in center. We'd be able to keep Coco, see his defense and hopefully get him into a groove so he starts to hit again. We would, without a doubt, have the nastiest outfield in the game - Randy.

According to Tony Massarotti of the Herald , Ortiz will miss at least a month. But he may need season-ending surgery.

According to a source, Ortiz’ wrist will be immobilized for roughly the next month to determine whether the injury can heal on its own.

Massarotti speculates:

Given the current reality concerning Ortiz, the Sox very well might have to explore the trade market for a replacement before the July 31 deadline. Of course, finding a replacement for Ortiz is a virtual impossibility given his place as perhaps the game’s premier run producer and one of its most accomplished clutch hitters.

Let's hope Ortiz is able to return to the Sox line-up this year--and doesn't suffer the fate of Nomar, who was never the same hitter after a serious wrist injury.

According to Tony Massarotti of the Herald , Ortiz will miss at least a month. But he may need season-ending surgery.

According to a source, Ortiz’ wrist will be immobilized for roughly the next month to determine whether the injury can heal on its own.

Massarotti speculates:

Given the current reality concerning Ortiz, the Sox very well might have to explore the trade market for a replacement before the July 31 deadline. Of course, finding a replacement for Ortiz is a virtual impossibility given his place as perhaps the game’s premier run producer and one of its most accomplished clutch hitters.

Let's hope Ortiz is able to return to the Sox line-up this year--and doesn't suffer the fate of Nomar, who was never the same hitter after a serious wrist injury.