SB Nation User Blog: Randy Booth

Pawtucket (Triple-A, International League): Torey Lovullo (manager), Rich Sauveur (pitching coach),...

Randy Booth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:49:06 -0000

Pawtucket (Triple-A, International League): Torey Lovullo (manager), Rich Sauveur (pitching coach), Gerald Perry (hitting coach), Jon Jochim (trainer).

Portland (Double-A, Eastern League): Arnie Beyeler (manager), Bob Kipper (pitching coach), Dave Joppie (hitting coach), Paul Buchheit (trainer).

Salem (Single-A, Carolina League): Kevin Boles (manager), Dick Such (pitching coach), Carlos Febles (hitting coach), Brandon Henry (trainer).

Greenville (Single-A, South Atlantic League): Billy McMillon (manager), Kevin Walker (pitching coach), Luis Lopez (hitting coach), TBA (trainer).

Lowell (Single-A, New York-Penn League): Bruce Crabbe (manager), TBA (pitching coach), George Lombard (hitting coach), Dave Herrera (trainer).

Gulf Coast (Rookie, Gulf Coast League): Dave Tomlin (manager), Walter Miranda (pitching coach), U.L. Washington (hitting coach).

Sox set minor-league staffs - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Mike Lowell On His Thumb Problem

Randy Booth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:31:44 -0000

More photos » by Mary Schwalm - AP

6 months ago: Boston Red Sox's Mike Lowell, right, is congratulated at the dugout after hitting a home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park in Boston, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Lowell's home run was ruled so after an instant replay review by the umpires. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Browse more photos »

Mike Lowell speaks -- honestly -- about his thumb injury:

"I was in constant and open communication about my thumb situation from the moment it happened to every week after," he said, pointing to a foul ball against Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers as the cause for what is now diagnosed as a strain of the radial collateral ligament in his right thumb. Lowell said that he was asked by the Red Sox to take an MRI on Dec. 7 after being put in a splint at the suggestion of Red Sox trainer Mike Reinold, who had visited Lowell in Miami on Nov. 25.

"I’ve had very open and honest communication with the training and medical staff," Lowell added. "The day this thing happened it was X-rayed and I told them about the pain, which was Oct. 2. That’s why I didn’t play the other two games. We taped it up in a way that we thought would help me in the postseason. They thought it might be a strain or a bone bruise. I don’t want to lay blame on anybody because in ‘07 my other thumb got hurt and they thought it was a strain as well and it ended up being that way and everything settled down nice and easy.

Love him, hate him, want him here, want him gone -- it's all the same because Lowell will stay a Red Sox for now.

Mike Lowell Breaks Down Thumb Problem

Randy Booth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:34:16 -0000

According to Mike Lowell himself, he was always in contact with the Red Sox organization when it came to his thumb injury:

“I was in constant and open communication about my thumb situation from the moment it happened to every week after,” he said, pointing to a foul ball against Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers as the cause for what is now diagnosed as a strain of the radial collateral ligament in his right thumb. Lowell said that he was asked by the Red Sox to take an MRI on Dec. 7 after being put in a splint at the suggestion of Red Sox trainer Mike Reinold, who had visited Lowell in Miami on Nov. 25.

“I’ve had very open and honest communication with the training and medical staff,” Lowell added. “The day this thing happened it was X-rayed and I told them about the pain, which was Oct. 2. That’s why I didn’t play the other two games. We taped it up in a way that we thought would help me in the postseason. They thought it might be a strain or a bone bruise. I don’t want to lay blame on anybody because in ‘07 my other thumb got hurt and they thought it was a strain as well and it ended up being that way and everything settled down nice and easy.

Regardless, Lowell will have thumb surgery and should be ready to go for spring training. His stock may rise if he shows he can play during spring training, but for now he will stay a Boston Red Sox.

Another Texas Team Needs Mark Cuban's Help

Randy Booth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:24:13 -0000

The crew over at The Crawfish Boxes relays a crazy idea. An idea so crazy that it just might work:

What if instead of another nameless businessman as pro sports team owner, Drayton McLane sold the Astros to a businessman with a name above all else- Mark Cuban?

[...]

Yes, I realize the chances of a) Mark Cuban being interested in buying the Astros b) the MLB establishment giving the OK on the sale, and c) a Mavericks-like success story occurring is slim. But hey, it's December 21st. A guy can dream, and so can a city. So Mark, come on down to Houston. We're not that much different than Dallas. We don't have a riverwalk (I hear you have problems with those), and the MLB/NBA seasons don't overlap all that much. Just think about it. Rest assured, Astros fans are.

Mark Cuban owning a professional baseball team creates a couple of interesting possibilities: would he sit behind the dugout and jump on it when something great happens? Heck, would he jump on the field when something great happens? And would he actually get in the face of the umpires, perhaps punching the home plate umpire in the chest protector?

No one knows the answer to those questions except Mark Cuban himself. So maybe the best thing would be for him to buy the team and we'll see what happens.

Crazy, yeah, but don't you know who we're talking about?

Breaking Down Baseball's Best Catchers At Blocking Balls In The Dirt

Randy Booth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:59:33 -0000

by Rob Carr - AP

2 months ago: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, right, waits with catcher Russell Martin for a new pitcher to come in from the bullpen in the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship baseball series against the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

View full size photo »

What Defines A Closer? Not Being A Starter, Apparently

Randy Booth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:54:10 -0000

by Al Behrman - AP

4 months ago: Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, in Cincinnati. Washington won the game 2-0. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

View full size photo »

Rev Halofan's Thoughts on John Lackey

Randy Booth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:49:09 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

about 1 month ago: Los Angeles Angels' John Lackey walks back to the team dugout after Game 6 of the American League Championship baseball series against the New York Yankees was postponed because of rain Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in New York (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Browse more photos »

It's time to get a little insight on John Lackey and what he brings to the Boston Red Sox. But who is better to ask than Halos Heaven leader Rev Halofan? No one.

I asked Rev a few questions regarding Lackey. His answer -- which you're certainly going to want to read -- are after the jump.

1) When you heard the Red Sox were interested in Lackey and/or signed him, what was your immediate reaction?

Really stunned, as I thought the rivalry would inhibit this sort of treacherous activity - and before you go telling me that it is a business, all that Mister Spock non-emotional analysis, consider Lackey's own quote that he had to plead with Theo that he was serious - the Sox obviously assumed there was more than this "just being a business."

I thought there was a good chance Lackey was returning and never ever expected this stab in the back. Chone Figgins will be cheered with a standing ovation upon his return to Angel Stadium. Benedict Lackey is gonna get some boos. For me personally I got food poisoning on Monday night, but I think the news breaking that afternoon spoiled the pork in my belly, so the whole affair caused quite a bit of vomiting that no Godzilla signing could cure. Fortunately our cleaning lady did a great job on the baffroom as will the Angels front office on the clubhouse.

2) Fill in the blanks: "John Lackey used to be ____________________, but now he is ______________________."

"John Lackey used to be the pitching equivalent of a Jimmy Page Guitar solo on the mound, but now he is an Andy Gibb falsetto poetry recital 24/7." Or does Peter Gammons have some sort of copyright on music analogies for baseball players?

3) What has the general reaction been from "Angel Nation" after the signing?

There are ball-less twits saying, "well it is all just a business." There are fans who have blood coursing through their veins who understand that Lackey is a traitor. Lots of sentimental folks are blaming the Angels front office. The best take I saw on the signing, though, was from Stephen Smith on his Future Angels blog, he proposed critics envision the Red Sox signing Matsui and the Angels signing Lackey for the same deals and then making this a trade - totally looks great if you are the Angels fro the money it frees up and risky in terms of years if you are the Red Sox.

4) How's Lackey going to perform as a Sox?

You will come to love him. He is a big game pitcher. He is frustrating when he nibbles with two strikes, but his "warrior"-ness is off the charts and completely infectious. You will get excited the morning of one of his starts. Statistically he may be closer to Kevin Millwood than to Roy Halladay, but for entertainment value, he is a marquee hero you want slaying the dragon for you, not some boring Soap Star of consistency.

Forget all that "he has been injured" bullshit. His forearm issues have been the Angels taking it easy and patient in Spring Training and are not chronic - Lackey the gamer would have pitched with the pain and a Tylenol ... the precaution was all on the part of Angels staff who were confident enough about the team's chances without a #1 for a month to take a "go-slow" approach with John.

And there is no truth to rumors about negative chemistry in the clubhouse. This guy is the ultimate teammate jocksniffer. When the Angels held their on-field tribute to Nick Adenhart, Torii Hunter and John Lackey held Nick's jersey on the mound - that says it all, he was the veteran who stood up for the team, and who speaks up in the clubhouse. Look he is THE man, THE Teammate, he wants the ball, and if his arm is going to fall off after Game 7, he will push his manager out of the way, take the mound and hit 93 on the gun.

5) Insert whatever rant you haven't been able to go on yet below:

I was bound and determined not to write a tribute to this eggsucking Texan traitor and you managed to squeeeeze it out of me Randy, damn you and your city. If there is a negative to Lackey, he might shoot his mouth off, especially with the way the press is in the Northeast, but it is part of a bigger persona package that you will all come to love, damn your souls, but Merry Christmas otherwise!

As always, thanks to the Rev for the insight.

Top Moments '09: No. 6 - Comeback Over Angels Features Trio of Shortstops

Randy Booth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:06:13 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

3 months ago: Boston Red Sox's Alex Gonzalez, left, celebrates with teammates, including Dustin Pedroia, far right, after hitting a walkoff single to drive in the winning run for a 9-8 victory against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Browse more photos »

We didn't see shortstops Alex Gonzalez, Jed Lowrie and Nick Green work together a lot this season. But why would we? All three are shortstops and while they have some versatility, it's just rare to see three players all at the same position do something significant in the same game together.

Except on Sept. 16.

With the Angels in town for a three-game set, the Red Sox wanted to extend their five-game winning streak. They took game one pretty easily, setting the stage for a game two.

Game two started simple enough: the Angels went up 3-0 through five innings. The Sox managed just three hits before the sixth inning -- but that's when they took over with five runs. But that's just the start of this up-and-down game.

The Sox's 5-3 lead didn't last long, as the Angels went on to score four runs in the seventh. Then the Sox scored two in the bottom of the eighth, setting up a 7-7 all game going into the ninth.

Stressful.

The tie game didn't last long, though, as Bobby Abreu knocked Chone Figgins in with a single off of reliever Daniel Bard. The Sox were once again on the wrong side of the score and needed one run in the ninth to stay alive.

The ninth started in bad fashion for the Sox. Jason Bay and Mike Lowell popped up and flied out, respectively, putting the Sox's chances at slim to none. Typically when this happens, there is no hope. But this night felt different.

If the Sox were to try and win this game, it was on David Ortiz to get on base. He worked a walk, was pinch-ran for by Joey Gathright, and J.D. Drew followed with a single. This is where the shortstops come to rescue.

Jed Lowrie, who was hitting for Dusty Brown, singled to load the bases for Nick Green, who batted for Casey Kotchman. It was produce or go home. In what was a very heated at-bat with a lot of close ball and strike calls, Green walked, forcing Gathright in from third and making a tie game.

But it still wasn't done.

With the bases still juiced, Alex Gonzalez came to the plate to try and give the Sox another W. There were a lot of doubters of Gonzo at the time, but he came through in the clutch: Gonzo hit a soft blooper into left field that dropped to the feet of Juan Rivera to score Drew and give the Sox the comeback win.

Phew. That was an exhausting game.

With the trio of shortstops all making a late-game splash, it was an interesting sight to see. The Sox only won this game because they gutted it out. Terry Francona made some interesting lineup moves but it all paid off in the end.

After all, it does come down to the W.

Mike Lowell Trade To Texas Rangers Off

Randy Booth — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:14:52 -0000

Too bad, but Mike Lowell will be staying a Red Sox:

Don't toss out that Mike Lowell jersey.

According to a major league source, the third baseman needs surgery on the radial collateral ligament in his right thumb and the trade to Texas that was agreed upon 11 days ago is off.

Lowell will have surgery after Christmas and is expected to need 6-8 weeks of recovery time. The hope is he will be ready for spring training.

Mike Lowell, despite his horrible defense at third base, will be staying a Red Sox. Theo Epstein will now need to think of a Plan B.

What will that be?

Mike Cameron May Be More Valuable Than You Think

Randy Booth — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:20:16 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

5 days ago: Newly-acquired Boston Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron, left, smiles as he sits next to Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein during a baseball news conference at Fenway Park in Boston, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Cameron signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox worth a reported $7 million to $8 million a season. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Browse more photos »

It's easy to get caught up in some of Mike Cameron's numbers. For instance, his lifetime .250 batting average. Or, if you don't like the whiffs, his 1,798 career strikeouts (that's nearly one strikeout per game).

But that's only part of what Cameron brings to the table. When we look at the total package, you'll see he's quite valuable -- even moreso than Jason Bay and David Ortiz.

Combined.

OTM's sister site Brew Crew Ball dedicated a post to the farewell of Cameron after he signed with the Red Sox. Cameron's exit didn't cause a huge buzz in Milwaukee, but maybe it should have:

He accumulated WARs of 4.1 and 4.3 in his two seasons with Milwaukee. 8.4 over the past two years puts him just behind Ryan Braun (8.8) and Prince Fielder (9.5) for the team lead over that span of time. Cameron was the Brewers' third most productive player over the past two years, and now he's gone, with little fanfare.

I don't consider myself a fan of the Brewers, but would anyone else expect Cameron to be the Brew Crew's third most productive player the last two seasons? Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are good players, so I didn't expect Cameron to even be in their league. Wrong.

Cameron's 8.4 WAR (if you're unfamiliar, click here for more information on this stat) ranked third on the Brewers, but it got me thinking. How would that rank against his new Red Sox teammates?

NAME		2008 	2009	TOTAL WAR
Pedroia		6.7	5.2	11.9
Youkilis	5.6	5.6	11.2
Drew		4.2	4.7	8.9
CAMERON		4.1	4.3	8.4
Ellsbury	3.3	1.9	5.1
Lowell		3.2	1.2	4.4
Bay		0.6	3.5	4.1
Ortiz		2.0	0.7	2.7

OK, I may have fibbed the truth a little in the intro. Sure, Cameron had a better two-year WAR than both Ortiz and Bay combined, but that was factoring in Bay's half season with the Red Sox -- not the entire thing. On the year in '08, Bay was good for a 2.9 WAR -- still nothing impressive.

Regarding Ortiz and his WAR numbers, he's at a disadvantage because he doesn't play the field. However, playing the field would most likely hurt his overall numbers (since he isn't that graceful of a defender). Ortiz's 0.7 WAR from last year seems a tad low, even for the aging slugger. The first half of the year really hurt Ortiz.

It's also not the most reliable thing to compare WAR numbers of a player in the National League to the American League. With Cameron aging and the transition to a new club and a new league, it's not exactly accurate to think Cameron would keep up these numbers. He could improve his numbers playing in Fenway, but with an aging ballplayer, the bottom line is you never know what to expect.

With all that aside, the raw numbers are interesting to look at. Cameron just may be a more important asset to the team than some think (and all for around $8 million).