SB Nation User Blog: nepats108

If it ain't broke...

nepats108 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:39:04 -0000

As a fairly regular visitor of OTM, I take a lot of time reading people's comments about the state of the Red Sox roster. And as the Trade Deadline rapidly approaches, there will be plenty of more talk to be had. Discussing roster moves and trades is one of the best parts about having a Web site like this one, especially when a vast majority of contributors are extremely intelligent when it comes to stats, contract specifics and the game of baseball in general.

BUT, one thing that never has seemed to come up that often when talking about moving Penny, or trying to get Hanley or Dunn, etc..., is my favorite saying of all time: "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!!!!." With all the excitement that comes with trade rumors and possibilities, I feel that people lose sight that the Sox have the best record in the A.L., and are only slightly behind the Dodgers for the best record in the Majors. And this has been with the roster we came into the season with, with a few slumps and injuries throughout.

Let's take a look at our team to discuss why our roster should stay the same way. We'll start with our (usual? not sure if that's the right word) batting order.

1. Dusty P - A little slump in June, but is still a monster at the top of our order, great clubhouse guy and excellent fielder. He wouldn't have gone anywhere anyways.

2. JD - Yeah, he's striking out a lot more lately, but he still has an excellent OPS and a swing that's prettier than Heidi Watney. And it's no problem to rest him here or there, with Baldelli providing some solid bench play.

3. Youk - He's awesome, came back down to Earth lately, but he's still the man. Nuff said.

4. Bay - He'll be in the running for MVP this year and a long term contract for him would make everyone happy.

5. Papi - Shame on all of you who wanted to replace the Big Guy. OK, I know his June streak won't last for the rest of the season, but he is swinging the bat exponentially better now. And besides, you absolutely can't replace that type of good-spirited, happy clubhouse presence.

6. Lowell/Kotsay - Mikey may be taking a much needed vacation, but that's alright, because we have Mr. Versatility chopping at the bit for more playing time. I know Kots won't have the same level of offensive production as Lowell, but the guy's a gamer and will play his heart out day in and day out.

7. Jacoby - Having an extremely consistent year, and I think he's really benefiting from batting down in the order.

8. Tek - We're getting more out of him than anyone expected, and he still handles that pitching staff wonderfully.

9. Nick Green - Probably our most pleasant surprise, and playing the position of one of our biggest so-called question marks. Yes, on paper his defense is ugly, but he's still adjusting to a new position, and has been making some great plays lately. Oh yeah, he's awesome batting, coming up with some huge hits lately.

The Rotation is looking great and even with Buchholz doing great in Pawtucket, I don't think we should mess with it. Smoltz is the victim of one bad inning (which we saw could be disastrous to Lester), and will provide a consistent fifth starter. Wake, Beckett, and Lester have it going on right now.

The bullpen is still the best in the majors, despite having a few rough performances here and there, and doesn't need to be touched at all.

For those of you that have read this far (I'm almost done, don't worry), just take some time to reflect on what this team has been able to do so far. The 2009 Sox roster doesn't have a lot of flash or bells and whistles, but it's getting the job done, and getting it done pretty damn well. Barring any major injuries or steroid scandals, I wouldn't touch a thing, but I would put my complete trust in Theo and Terry in managing this roster.

Thanks for reading, and GO SOX!!!!

Ortiz not in lineup - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

nepats108 — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:58:14 -0000

Ortiz not in lineup - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Ortiz is getting more time to get things together.

Report: Youkilis out of WBC - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

nepats108 — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:22:58 -0000

Report: Youkilis out of WBC - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

Youks sprained his ankle trying to grow his beard out...not really, but he's out of the WBC, F-ing USA who is now sans a first baseman

Epstein, Henry to meet with Boras to finalize Teixeira contract? - MLBTradeRumors.com

nepats108 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:37:25 -0000

Epstein, Henry to meet with Boras to finalize Teixeira contract? - MLBTradeRumors.com

Looks like the wheels are finally starting to turn...

The latest from MLBTR:
"5:21pm: Mike Lynch from Channel 5 in Boston reports John Henry and Theo Epstein will meet with Scott Boras tonight with the aim of signing Teixeira tonight or Friday morning. Lynch says the Sox are offering eight years and $184MM."

Brewers Sign Trot Nixon, Chris Duffy: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

nepats108 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:37:16 -0000

Brewers Sign Trot Nixon, Chris Duffy: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Former fan favorite finds yet another team

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from MLB Baseball columnists

nepats108 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:49:25 -0000

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from MLB Baseball columnists

What a surprise!! More banter about Teixeira: Richard Justice weighs in on Teix's options

Peavy-Boston Possibility: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

nepats108 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:40:25 -0000

Peavy-Boston Possibility: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

If Teix doesn't work out we could possibly get one of the best pitchers in the game...how nasty would our rotation be?

WEEI 850AM Sports Radio - Why Boston Might Be Best

nepats108 — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:18:17 -0000

WEEI 850AM Sports Radio - Why Boston Might Be Best

Curt Schilling weighs in on Teixeira's options

Goodbye to the Last of the "Idiots"

nepats108 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:40:45 -0000

As Manny leaves Bean Town, an era comes to an end in Red Sox Nation. Dan Shaughnessy wrote this morning in the Globe that our last proponent of the "Cowboy Up" and "Idiot" Red Sox has just left for LA, and we can now usher in a new era of a new kind of team.

Remember the days of Kevin Millar's pre-game whiskey shots and his "Cowboy Up" slogan? How about Johnny Damon as leader of the "Idiots"? Along with Pedro Martinez, slayer of Don Zimmer, Bronson "Corn Rows" Arroyo, and several others, Manny is the last member of those lovable goof-balls to go. Yes, it was time for Manny to leave, and I have come to terms with that. And now I look forward to the future success of this new looking Sox team.

I am very excited with how our team is looking for the next few years. I see a wonderful balance of veterans (great leadership from the Captain Varitek, along with Wakefield, Lowell, Drew, and Casey), a handful of players just about reaching their prime (Beckett, Youks, Papelbon, and now Jason Bay), and a slew of young studs (Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, and Masterson). And of course Big Papi brings so much to the team in both his bat and his clubhouse presence.

Here's what I see in this team. A lot of intensity and focus. I feel that is that is exactly what we need right now. While the gang of "Idiots" provided a bunch of great team spirit and fun, the Sox are headed into a new direction which will hopefully bring several more championships to Boston.

That's not to say we've become boring or un-spirited. The bullpen band is a hoot, Papelbon's victorious river dance will go down in memories, and a solid team chemistry still exists with great clubhouse presences of Ortiz, Varitek, and Casey.

So I just wanted to say goodbye to Manny and the "Idiots". It was great while it lasted, but the need for change was apparent, and we can now look forward to this "new" team bringing great success to the Red Sox Nation.