SB Nation User Blog: Randy Booth

Game 79: An 'extra' special loss to M's

Randy Booth — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:33:25 -0000

More photos » by Mary Schwalm - AP

about 14 hours ago: Seattle Mariners' Jose Lopez (4) is congratulated by hitting coach Alan Cockrell after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, July 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

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Final - 7.3.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	R	H	E
Seattle Mariners	0	0	1	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	7	13	0
Boston Red Sox	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	1	6	11	0

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Mariners vs Red Sox coverage

These extra-inning losses are really getting tiring.

Sox lost another late, 7-6 against the M's in 11 innings on Friday. Tim Wakefield went eight innings, but allowed five runs and earned the no decision. The Sox scored two runs in the eighth to be able to push the game into extra innings, but couldn't get the runners across in the 11th to win the game.

J.D. Drew and George Kottaras had home runs in the loss. Drew, Kottaras, Mark Kotsay and Nick Green each had two hits on the game.

While Manny Delcarmen and Jonathan Papelbon pitched well in the loss, Ramon Ramirez gets the L. He gave up two runs, two hits and two walks in the 11th to give the M's the lead. Ramirez has been great this year, but he had to blow up a little at some point.

Brad Penny will take on Garrett Olson in game two on Saturday.

GameThread: Mariners @ Red Sox - July 3

Randy Booth — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:09:15 -0000

It's the start of a dreaded East Coast trip -- for the Mariners.

Sox kick off a home series against the M's tonight. Here's what the series will look like:

Current Series

3 game series vs Mariners @ Fenway Park

Seattle Mariners Lookout Landing @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 7:10 PM EDT Fenway Park Felix Hernandez vs Tim Wakefield Partly cloudy,rain. Game time temperature around 75. Complete Coverage >
Sat 07/04		1:05 PM EDT
Sun 07/05		1:35 PM EDT

The Red Sox are in serious talks to sign Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias for about $8MM, according to...

Randy Booth — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:58:35 -0000

The Red Sox are in serious talks to sign Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias for about $8MM, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. No deal is complete, but Heyman's sources are optimistic that the sides will agree. Iglesias, who is listed as 19, defected from Cuba last year. Scouts rave about Iglesias' defense, comparing him to defensive whiz Ozzie Smith. In spite of his "deluxe" hands and arm, some question how much he'll hit.
However, Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus wrote last month that most scouts believe Iglesias will hit enough to be a major league regular. While his hitting "leaves a bit to be desired," McDaniel confirms that Iglesias has unusually impressive defensive skills.

Red Sox In Serious Talks With Cuban SS: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

How valuable is Daniel Bard?

Randy Booth — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:29 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

8 days ago: Boston Red Sox's relief pitcher Daniel Bard works during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Washington. Nationals won 9-3. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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The legend of Daniel Bard is already growing -- and fast.

You all know him. He's the kid with the 100 mile-per-hour heater. He's got that filthy slider. And you might remember when he made that guy named Ryan Howard look foolish in an at-bat in mid-June.

So he's good, we get that. But really, how valuable is that million dollar arm?

The Boston Herald wrote a piece today on how Hall of Famer Jim Palmer made point of meeting with Bard. Palmer obviously sees something special, as most of us do, in Bard. How can you not be at least a little excited for what Bard can/is/could bring to the table?

But this is where his value comes in: is Bard vital to the success of the future Red Sox bullpen? Or, perhaps, could the Red Sox trade Bard -- if they need to -- and bring back a return that may be better than just a reliever?

What people say is that a reliever is not as valuable as a starter. So where does Bard slot in with other prospects like Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden? Those are the top-tier Sox prospects, though. That doesn't even mention pitchers like Casey Kelly (shortstop?), Junich Tazawa, Nick Hagadone or Stolmy Pimentel.

Considering the talent, does anyone think the Sox should -- if they needed to, of course -- trade Bard at some point? General managers always want to trade players when their value is at their highest and right now, that value is pretty high for our 24-year-old fireballer from North Carolina. The Sox could get a pretty good return for a very talented reliever, but is it worth the trade?

What we must consider with any prospect is the future. Jonathan Papelbon has said recently that, essentially, he'll go to the highest bidder, whether that be the Red Sox or not. And as good as Papelbon has been with the Red Sox, Theo & Co. will only give him as much as he is worth. We've seen that with free agents of the past and that trend will always continue while Theo is at the helm.

Many have said if Papelbon does go, Bard could be the Red Sox's closer of the future. I'm not a fan of dubbing him that right now, because he is still a young guy, but it's definitely a possibility considering his ability out on the mound.

I'd imagine that if the Sox were to trade Bard they'd want something back that could help them for long-term, not a rent-a-player (wreck?). Every team wants to say that, but sometimes it's not very doable or black and white as that sounds.

Bard's future is very uncertain, but the only thing we do know is this: he's got some good stuff. Whether it be with the Red Sox (hopefully, in my opinion) or some other team, he's going to be a really fun pitcher to watch for many more years to come.

Poll

How valuable is Daniel Bard?

Lugo: it hasn't worked out as a Sox (The Pro-Lugo Movement)

Randy Booth — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:58:01 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

2 months ago: Boston Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo stretches his arms as walks onto the field during a spring training baseball practice in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday March 27, 2009. Lugo, who did not participate in the practice, had knee surgery last week. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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As much crap we give Julio Lugo, I feel bad for the guy:

Now, even Lugo himself admits it hasn’t worked.

"No, it hasn’t," he said late yesterday afternoon, after his 11th-inning single drove in what would be the deciding run in the Sox’ 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.

"I thought it would work, but that’s not where we are," he said, almost matter-of-factly. "But one thing I am not going to do is throw a log on the fire. It’s just the way it is right now and I have to deal with it."

A quick Lugo story: My brother (nhredsox) met Lugo during spring training and Lugo actually struck up a conversation with my brother because he was wearing a t-shirt that said "dad" on it. Lugo just wanted to talk about each other's kids. Lugo just came up behind him, slapped him on the back and started asking questions.

I don't care how he plays baseball, that's a nice guy right there.

And you can see it in Lugo on the field. Here is a truly talented athlete playing in a place he's always wanted to play, and he's struggling. Can anyone imagine how bad that must hurt for him? It's just not working out for him, but he's been working his hardest to make it happen.

I say we start a movement. Let's start the "Pro-Lugo" movement. Instead of booing this guy, let's cheer for him. Instead of sighing when he comes into the game, let's root for him to make a nice play or two. Let's give him some classic Red Sox love. What's the worst that could happen: He actually does well?

So I'll say it now: I'm done bashing Lugo. He bashes himself enough for not playing well. Let's turn it around and give this guy a leg to stand on -- the Royal Rooters.

What say you?

Game 78: July is the new June

Randy Booth — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:22:28 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

2 days ago: Boston Red Sox's Julio Lugo swings for a single to drive in the winning run against the Baltimore Orioles during the 11th inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in Baltimore. The Red Sox won 6-5. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Good news, Red Sox Nation: the Red Sox are undefeated! In July!

The Red Sox pulled off a comeback by beating the Orioles 6-5 in 11 innings on Wednesday.

The Sox scored four runs in the ninth and Julio Lugo -- yes, that Julio Lugo -- knocked in the game-winning run in the 11th. J.D. Drew, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits each. Kevin Youkilis had a home run and two RBIs. Jason Bay struggled, though, striking out five times on the day. Ouch.

Josh Beckett didn't fare too well. He gave up five runs against the O's in seven innings of work. It wasn't his best start of the year, but that O's offense doesn't suck too bad, so we'll give him a break there. Daniel Bard pitched two perfect innings with four strikeouts while Ramon Ramirez earned the win.

Jonathan Papelbon got the save, his 20th of the season, but also his 133th career Sox save -- the most by any Sox closer in history. He passed "The Steamer" Bob Stanley who, I must say, lives in New Hampshire. Just sayin'...

Can we not have games like this anymore? That'd be appreciated. Let's just win and not worry about all these things called "dramatics." They get old if they're not happening in October...

Game 73: Beckett bedazzles Braves batters

Randy Booth — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:02:47 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

7 days ago: Boston Red Sox David Ortiz enters the dugout to praise after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning of their baseball game Friday, June, 26, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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Final - 6.26.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Boston Red Sox	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2	0	4	7	1
Atlanta Braves	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	8	0
WP: Josh Beckett (9 - 3) LP: Jair Jurrjens (5 - 6)

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Red Sox vs Braves coverage
Red Sox vs Braves boxscore

So sue me: it's a catchy headline.

But that is pretty much what happened in the Sox's 4-1 victory over the Braves on Friday. Beckett went seven innings, allowed six hits, no runs, no walks and struck out six to earn his 9th win of the season. Jonathan Papelbon allowed the only run in the 9th inning.

Once again, however, Beckett dominated while the offense sputtered. David Ortiz hit another home run while J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia had two other RBIs. Pedroia later scored on a passed ball. Pedroia, Drew and Mark Kotsay had two hits each. The only other player to have a hit was Ortiz, and that was his home run in the fifth to break the scoreless tie.

Hideki Okajima pitched well in the 8th. He walked one, but struck out three.

It's a good win for the Sox despite only four players showing up to hit. I really believe this team hasn't come together all at the same time yet. And when it happens, it could be very, very scary for the opposition.

Sox continue the series Saturday at 4:10 p.m. Tim Wakefield will start and Javier Vazquez will oppose him.

GameThread: Red Sox @ Braves - June 26

Randy Booth — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:43:06 -0000

New series for the Sox: those darn Braves again. The Sox's so-called "natural rivals." Here's what the series looks like:

Current Series

3 game series vs Braves @ Turner Field

Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ Atlanta Braves Talking Chop Friday, Jun 26, 2009, 7:35 PM EDT Turner Field Josh Beckett vs Jair Jurrjens Partly cloudy,rain. Game time temperature around 90. Complete Coverage >
Sat 06/27		4:10 PM EDT
Sun 06/28		1:35 PM EDT

Game 72: Smoltz loses Sox debut

Randy Booth — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:41:02 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

8 days ago: Boston Red Sox starter John Smoltz, center, pitching coach John Farrell, left, and catcher Jason Varitek, right, confer during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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Well that didn't go quite like anyone hoped it would.

John Smoltz's debut with the Boston Red Sox can pretty much be called a failure. Smoltz managed to go five innings, but he allowed five runs, seven hits, one walk and struck out five - all against the worst team in baseball (granted, it's not the bigs' worst offense in baseball).

Smoltz, most likely, was a bit rusty. That's understandable. While no one can say Smoltz won't contribute this season, the fact of the matter is game No. 1 just didn't go very well for the future Hall of Famer. The K/BB weren't too bad, but he got lit up for four runs in the first. He did settle down, though, which is a positive sign.

Oh, and the Red Sox lost, 9-3.

The Sox's offense was absent. David Ortiz hit a sac fly to score J.D. Drew and Rocco Baldelli hit a two-run home run (Julio Lugo on base), but that was pretty much it. Drew was the team's only hitter with two hits.

The bullpen struggled, too. Daniel Bard and Takashi Saito both allowed two runs in one inning of work. Ramon Ramirez worked the eighth, though, and struck out one in a scoreless inning.

No sweep of the Nats. That kind of stinks, but as that saying goes: you can't win ‘em all. It's not like the Red Sox really expected a ‘W' out of this one, either. Sure, Smoltz was pitching but no one knew what to expect from him. He could have shut down the Nats for eight innings or do just what he did. It's a loss, nonetheless.

The Sox travel to Atlanta to start a three-game series with the Braves on Friday. It'll be Josh Beckett v. Jair Jurrjens at 7:35 p.m.

GameThread: Red Sox @ Nationals - June 25

Randy Booth — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:38:54 -0000

More photos » by Jim Cole - AP

about 1 month ago: Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz throws in the first inning while playing for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs against the Manchester Fisher Cats during a baseball game in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

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Sox go for the sweep tonight. I've been writing that a lot lately, but rarely has it happened. Let's hope the Sox can do it tonight.

Current Series

Red Sox lead the series 2-0

Tue 06/23	WP: Manny Delcarmen ( - ) LP: Julian Tavarez ( - )	11 - 3 win
Wed 06/24	WP: Jon Lester ( - ) SV: Jonathan Papelbon LP: Craig Stammen ( - )	6 - 4 win
Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ Washington Nationals Federal Baseball Thursday, Jun 25, 2009, 7:05 PM EDT Nationals Park John Smoltz vs Jordan Zimmermann Mostly clear. Game time temperature around 90. Complete Coverage >