Red Sox Spring training thread

[Comebacker to Foulke]

Not being a doctor, why would they not just do an MRI on Kelly to be on the safe side?

 

[keninten]

I don`t think Kelly was going to get over 140 innings this year. So as long as this is nothing serious, it will give Wright or Workman some time to see what they have with either one of them.

 

[Sampo Gida]

 
Since they weren't paying the asking price for Hamels already, I don't think it going up matters at all.
 
I think in a lot of ways, we can look at the 2015 rotation as the last part of the bridge. It's designed to be good enough to keep us in contention until the trade deadline so we can either trade for something special with our prospect inventory, or just make way for guys like Owens, Rodriguez, and Johnson.
 
It would suck to lose Kelly and miss out on the playoffs by a game or so because we replaced him with Workman or Wright instead of getting Hamels or whomever, but I think in the long run it will be worth it.
 
And I think the long run isn't very far away. By 2016 we'll have a much better idea what we're getting out of Betts, Castillo, Craig, and Vazquez and Owens and Rodriguez will have had a year at AAA.

 
Generally agree with you except on the acceptability of missing out on the playoffs which would be the 5th time in 6 years they missed.  Thats not an option IMO with a payroll over the LT threshold.
 
Long run and short run are both important.  With Masterson looking as bad as he did yesterday and the news on Kelly, and the lack of an established ace, the need for a top SP'er grows more important in my mind.  Clocks ticking on guys like Papi and Pedroia as elite hitters, and Napoli may be gone after this year, so they need to win this year after last years last place finish.
 
Not saying they need to pull the trigger on anything yet, and it does not need to be Hamels if they are unrealistic in terms of asking price, but they need to do what it takes to make sure they win this year (not necessarily a championship, thats a roll of the dice).

 

[Sampo Gida]

Not being a doctor, why would they not just do an MRI on Kelly to be on the safe side?

 
Not a doc but as I understand it MRI's  miss about 40% of small/partial UCL tears.  Physical exams can tell them all they need to know really, and if they don't like what they see in a couple of days they can always do the MRI to look deeper.  Also, they might want to play this down if they are working on a  deal.
 
The fact that he has had this before and had it resolve quickly may be a reason as well.
 
But generally I agree with the liberal use of a MRI. Unlike X-Rays there is no ionizing radiation to worry about

 

[Rasputin]

 
Not a doc but as I understand it MRI's  miss about 40% of small/partial UCL tears.  Physical exams can tell them all they need to know really, and if they don't like what they see in a couple of days they can always do the MRI to look deeper.  Also, they might want to play this down if they are working on a  deal.
 
The fact that he has had this before and had it resolve quickly may be a reason as well.
 
But generally I agree with the liberal use of a MRI. Unlike X-Rays there is no ionizing radiation to worry about

If I were in charge, we'd have MRIs every month or so.

Hell, I'd have Pedey's wrist examined every month or so, too. I'd collect every scrap of data I could to try to suss out something useful.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

Not being a doctor, why would they not just do an MRI on Kelly to be on the safe side?

A couple reasons - most injuries just don't require them, a good physical exam and history are usually just as accurate. The MRI is usually just confirming what we already suspect/know - it's pretty rare that I'm completely surprised by the result of a scan that I've ordered.

Another consideration is that the player/his agent don't necessarily WANT an MRI with every tweak or twinge - lots of MRIs will pick up incidental and clinically unimportant findings that could potentially still be used against a player in future negotiations. Some players are different, they pathologically want to know everything possible, but a lot of them don't.

 

[Detts]

 

[Darnell's Son]

@JMastrodonato: Christian Vazquez has a sore throwing elbow. Hasn't played in four days.
 
@Gordon Edes: A little elbow soreness for Vazquez, which has Sox keeping him out of games. He threw on side Monday

 

[TomRicardo]

 
Exactly. It may be nothing, but anyone saying they are not worried before an MRI and exam is just trying to convince himself.  Price for Hamels likely went up regardless. 

 
Went up to what?  They are already not interested in the price.
 
That is like saying you changed the price of a car you were trying to sell from 1 mllion to 10 million dollars because you heard I had brake issues with my current car.

 

[DJnVa]

 
 With Masterson looking as bad as he did yesterday and the news on Kelly, and the lack of an established ace, the need for a top SP'er grows more important in my mind. 

 

1--Are you suggesting that the Sox should change their entire plans around because of a bad outing in mid-March in Florida?
2--What's the news on Kelly. There's nothing official out there yet.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

 
1--Are you suggesting that the Sox should change their entire plans around because of a bad outing in mid-March in Florida?

 
Well, if they're supposed to turn on a dime based on one start by each of Masterson and Kelly, how do we expect they're going to react to Hamels getting shelled (2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K) himself yesterday?  No longer a viable trade target?

 

[soxhop411]

@ScottLauber: Pedro Martinez has a message for #RedSox' starters - http://t.co/2SbGxlVgN8

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

 
1--Are you suggesting that the Sox should change their entire plans around because of a bad outing in mid-March in Florida?
2--What's the news on Kelly. There's nothing official out there yet.

 
To be fair on the first question, there was pretty good reason to write Masterson's name in the rotation in faint #3 pencil to begin with. It's a bit too soon to push the panic button, but if it does turn out that Masterson is not up to a starting role, I think few will be shocked.

 

[LogansDad]

@JMastrodonato: Christian Vazquez has a sore throwing elbow. Hasn't played in four days.
 
@Gordon Edes: A little elbow soreness for Vazquez, which has Sox keeping him out of games. He threw on side Monday

I feel like I should be more concerned about this than about Kelly.

 

[Darnell's Son]

@bradfo: Koji day to day his hamstring
 
@JMastrodonato: Koji Uehara strained his hamstring running this morning. But Farrell said he's not in jeopardy of missing start of season.
 

I feel like I should be more concerned about this than about Kelly.

I would agree. Hopefully it's nothing.

 

[Fireball Fred]

The rotation (and pitching in general) hasn't looked great the past few games, though getting hit in ST is less concerning than injuries. Still reminds me of the patched-together '05 staff - except this time no AL East opponent is bringing in Randy Johnson. I'm actually encouraged by the depth.

 

[Sampo Gida]

 
1--Are you suggesting that the Sox should change their entire plans around because of a bad outing in mid-March in Florida?
2--What's the news on Kelly. There's nothing official out there yet.

 
Not the results but the lower velocity is concerning.  News on Kelly was he left a game early due to bicep tightness, and he also has not looked good.  Rough outing by Buchholz, also a velocity drop.
 
I was not sold on the rotation to start ST due to the lack of an established ace and reliance on too many guys coming off bad years (Buchholz, Masterson, Kelly), or guys coming off career years (Porcello), and no real ace.
 
Just saying maybe the trading deadline may be too late, many a season can be lost in the first 2 months.  No need to panic yet, but there is reason for concern IMO.

 

[kieckeredinthehead]

This will really expose the Bayesians. Farrell entered the week saying this was dead arm period, and basically every pitcher sucked this time through. Is it exposing problems with the rotation or does the manager know best?

 

[brandonchristensen]

We have a starter-by-committee this year

 

[joe dokes]

We have a starter-by-committee this year

 
Buffalo tried the other way in 1883.  Pud Galvin started 75 of the team's 98 games, yet Buffalo finished 5th out of 8 teams. The Boston Beaneaters used more of a committee approach to finish 1st.  (To be fair, it was a committee of 2 - Jim Whitney and Charlie Buffinton started all but 1 game.)

 

[mabrowndog]

Boston Red Sox @RedSox  ·  33 minutes ago


#RedSox today optioned INFs Sean Coyle and Travis Shaw to Triple-A Pawtucket.
 

Boston Red Sox @RedSox  ·  33 minutes ago

In addition, RHPs Miguel Celestino, Keith Couch, and Noe Ramirez, and 1B/OF Bryan LaHair were today reassigned to minor league camp.





 
Boston Red Sox @RedSox  ·  32 minutes ago

With these moves, #RedSox now have 51 players in big league camp, including 38 players from the 40-man roster, and 13 non-roster invitees.

 

[Darnell's Son]

@JMastrodonato: Farrell: Koji Uehara will play catch, but won't get back on the mound until "he can tolerate the stress" in strained left hamstring.
 
Rusney Castillo will play CF and get two ABs in a minor league game at Fenway South today. 1 pm start #redsox— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 18, 2015

 

[soxhop411]

RT @jtomase: Wade Miley has a perfect NCAA bracket thus far -- he has picked every upset.

 

[Minneapolis Millers]

RT @jtomase: Wade Miley has a perfect NCAA bracket thus far -- he has picked every upset.

Super. So he's gonna win Buffet's billion dollars, get all complacent and fat, and pitch like crap.

Trade him now.

 

[Section15Box113]

Flipped on the radio and heard:

"As of this hour, the team has sent catcher Blake Swihart and pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to..."

Brain start screaming NOOOO - I don't want Hamels (and hate the deal)!!! AAAAH!! AAARGH!!!!

"...the team's minor league camp."

Oh.

 

[mt8thsw9th]

Super. So he's gonna win Buffet's billion dollars, get all complacent and fat, and pitch like crap.

Trade him now.

 
Well, if he has a billion dollar buffet, I would imagine he'd get fat. I just hope the buffet is gluten-free.

 

[koufax32]

At what point do we march on JF's office with pitchforks and torches because of his standing threat to start Victorino with Betts presumably going to AAA?

 

[radsoxfan]

At what point do we march on JF's office with pitchforks and torches because of his standing threat to start Victorino with Betts presumably going to AAA?

 
It would be an odd strategy to send the teams starting center fielder to AAA.

 

[Soxfan in Fla]

 
It would be an odd strategy to send the teams starting center fielder to AAA.

We did it last year. Ok, JBJ did suck at hitting.

 

[Byrdbrain]

At what point do we march on JF's office with pitchforks and torches because of his standing threat to start Victorino with Betts presumably going to AAA?

There is no chance this is happening and it hasn't been said. If Vic is starting it is Rusney who will go to AAA, or if Rusney tears it up don the stretch they may do something with Craig or Naver.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Yeah but then what do we do if Rusney continues on his torrid "one homerun for every start" pace?

 

[Dahabenzapple2]

Yeah but then what do we do if Rusney continues on his torrid "one homerun for every start" pace?

Put one of them in the starting rotation?!?!

 

[Montana Fan]

That Rusney homer might best be referred to as a blast.  I'd say he got all of it.
 
http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/113681480/red-sox-outfielder-rusney-castillo-begins-spring-debut-with-a-power-surge

 

[Darnell's Son]

Sean McAdam ‏@Sean_McAdam  32s32 seconds ago
Victorino to abandon switch-hitting again because of soreness when he hits from left side. #RedSoxTalk

 

[jimbobim]

 
Sean McAdam ‏@Sean_McAdam  32s32 seconds ago
Victorino to abandon switch-hitting again because of soreness when he hits from left side. #RedSoxTalk
 

 
This has to marginally erode the "if he's healthy" provision to him starting in RF right ? I mean beginning of the Spring they were all for him getting back to switch hitting . I am solidly in the camp of Betts in CF Castillo in RF and Vic being a really expensive 4th OF or traded. Will be interesting to see the comments from Vic and Farrell after the game... 

 

[The Celtbot]

Victorino does not necessarily deserve the job in RF.  If Castillo and Betts outplay him and he is once again battling injuries, there is no way he can expect to play regularly.

 

[reggiecleveland]

The manage is respecting a veteran. last time he was healthy he played RF as well as anybody since Dewey. The job was promised to that guy. If he is banged up, others play because he is not that guy anymore. It is just respect due a veteran. Giving him the job gets reporters off his back, and lets him quietly work on his game.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

I think Vic is done as a healthy player after years of balls-to-the-wall play. We're pretty lucky to have squeezed a great 122 games+playoffs from him in 2013, and I hope JF doesn't feel like he owes him anything for it.

It sucks for Vic, who is likely aiming for one more big payday. I just hope he doesn't make a stink about it, but the team is probably better off if he is a part-timer managing his body enough to be effective when he is actually well enough to play.

 

[jimbobim]

I think Vic is done as a healthy player after years of balls-to-the-wall play. We're pretty lucky to have squeezed a great 122 games+playoffs from him in 2013, and I hope JF doesn't feel like he owes him anything for it.

It sucks for Vic, who is likely aiming for one more big payday. I just hope he doesn't make a stink about it, but the team is probably better off if he is a part-timer managing his body enough to be effective when he is actually well enough to play.

bingo. 

 

[Rasputin]

I'm pretty sure that if Betts demonstrates he's the better player, he's going to get the playing time.

 

[glasspusher]

A couple reasons - most injuries just don't require them, a good physical exam and history are usually just as accurate. The MRI is usually just confirming what we already suspect/know - it's pretty rare that I'm completely surprised by the result of a scan that I've ordered.

Another consideration is that the player/his agent don't necessarily WANT an MRI with every tweak or twinge - lots of MRIs will pick up incidental and clinically unimportant findings that could potentially still be used against a player in future negotiations. Some players are different, they pathologically want to know everything possible, but a lot of them don't.

 
Excellent. You sound like a smart physician, and you're not contributing to the helium supply/demand constraint already in place.

 

[glasspusher]

I think Vic is done as a healthy player after years of balls-to-the-wall play. We're pretty lucky to have squeezed a great 122 games+playoffs from him in 2013, and I hope JF doesn't feel like he owes him anything for it.

It sucks for Vic, who is likely aiming for one more big payday. I just hope he doesn't make a stink about it, but the team is probably better off if he is a part-timer managing his body enough to be effective when he is actually well enough to play.

 
Yeah, that looks like they way it's heading. Here's hoping he's a team player type, I'm sure he would be a great mentor and example to the younger guys. The man just exudes a winning attitude.

 

[mt8thsw9th]

<p><span style="color:rgb(41,47,51);"><span style='font-family: Helvetica Neue'>
Sean McAdam ‏@Sean_McAdam  32s32
link to tweet seconds ago
Victorino to abandon switch-hitting again because of soreness when he hits from left side. #RedSoxTalk

He misspelled "shittiness". That's insane that they would even allow him to attempt LHH ever again.

 

[Adrian's Dome]

 
Yeah, that looks like they way it's heading. Here's hoping he's a team player type, I'm sure he would be a great mentor and example to the younger guys. The man just exudes a winning attitude.

 
He'd make a fantastic 4th OF at this point being a decent hitter, having the ability to cover all three positions, and being a good leader/motivator/mentor all while providing him with enough rest to hopefully stay in one piece. I hope he accepts the role and they move forward with the younger guys.

 

[mauidano]

 
Yeah, that looks like they way it's heading. Here's hoping he's a team player type, I'm sure he would be a great mentor and example to the younger guys. The man just exudes a winning attitude.

He's that guy.  As competitive as they come, intense. He's been a mentor to my nephew who plays college baseball as well.  Obviously I'm biased and want to continue to see him do well on my favorite team. However the old adage, may the best man win.

 

[RIrooter09]

So Hanley, Betts, Castillo as the starters.  Nava and Victorino as the reserves with Nava filling in versus righties and Victorino versus lefties.  Craig and JBJ to AAA?

 

[bosockboy]

A Victorino/Nava/Holt/Hanigan bench would be very solid. If Castillo catches up and is ready for Opening Day, they need to move Craig, or possibly Nava.

 

[bosox1025]

A Victorino/Nava/Holt/Hanigan bench would be very solid. If Castillo catches up and is ready for Opening Day, they need to move Craig, or possibly Nava.

With Victorino deciding to abandon hitting LH they need Nava more than ever. I'd hate to see them move Craig for pennies on the dollar -- going to be some tough decisions in the next 10 days.

 

[RIrooter09]

Do we really think anyone will claim Craig on waivers?  Send him to AAA and promote him when the first injury occurs.

 

[Coachster]

Do we really think anyone will claim Craig on waivers?  Send him to AAA and promote him when the first injury occurs.

Send him to AAA and promote him when, and if, he proves he can hit at all.