178 replies to this topic

[ragecage]

We are all lucky to be watching this man hit.



Keep swinging Tiz.

[Ehb1026]

We are all lucky to be watching this man hit.



Keep swinging Tiz.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If Ortiz does not win the MVP award this year it will be sickening. A-Rod won the award on a last place Rangers team, so the argument that the Sox didn't make the playoffs goes out the window.

If Jeter and his 14 homers wins the MVP, baseball writers can't be taken seriously.

[twoBshorty]

If Jeter and his 14 homers wins the MVP, baseball writers can't be taken seriously.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Baseball writers are taken seriously?

[Jack Sox]

We are all lucky to be watching this man hit.



Keep swinging Tiz.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your AL Triple crown all in one picture!

[WalletTrack]

Form up the Ranks!
Form up the Lines!
A true Boston hero
Will take down Toronto's nine!

March on to 60, Papi.
March on.

[Ehb1026]

Baseball writers are taken seriously? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good point. A very select few.

[Who Is Karim Garcia]

WARNING:

This post will not add any significant insights on the Red Sox, baseball or anything else.

I must splooge for Papi.

Being a 3 hour drive from Boston, I only make a couple of games a year. My brother sat in the virtual waiting room for hours back in January to get 3 seats together in the bleachers for himself, his 10 yr old son and myself. What a game he chose!!

What a thrill to be at the game last night. A tour of the old ballpark, a conversation with Carlos Pena, an autograph and picture with Julian Tavarez and a batting practice ball off the bat of Justin Morneau for my nephew.

Top it all off with a first pitch blast from Papi for #51 and a redux for later on for #52.

The only other game that I've attended in person that was as exciting was 9/23/03. Down 5-2, Todd Walker 3-run blast to tie and Papi goes yard for his 1st Sox walk-off.

The ballpark was rockin both nights.

I wish we were in the playoffs, but nonetheless......good times.

Here's to 53 & 54 tonight, Papi.

Edited by Who Is Karim Garcia, 22 September 2006 - 12:42 PM.

[Jack Sox]

WARNING:

This post will not add any significant insights on the Red Sox, baseball or anything else.

I must splooge for Papi.

Being a 3 hour drive from Boston, I only make a couple of games a year.  My brother sat in the virtual waiting room for hours back in January to get 3 seats together in the bleachers for himself, his 10 yr old son and myself.  What a game he chose!!

What a thrill to be at the game last night.  A tour of the old ballpark, a conversation with Carlos Pena, an autograph and picture with Julian Tavarez and a batting practice ball off the bat of Justin Morneau for my nephew.

Top it all off with a first pitch blast from Papi for #51 and a redux for later on for #52.

The only other game that I've attended in person that was as exciting was 9/23/03.  Down 5-2, Todd Walker 3-run blast to tie and Papi goes yard for his 1st Sox walk-off.

The ballpark was rockin both nights.

I wish we were in the playoffs, but nonetheless......good times.

Here's to 53 & 54 tonight, Papi.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds like a hell of a time.

P.S. Great name my man. If that doesn't get you a membership, I don't know what will.

[Josh LaLoosh]

Did anyone see all 52 of Papi's HRs on Nesn post game...What A sweet compact swing this guy has...certain guys get noticed for their sweet swing...between all the other stuff and BS, walkoffs what not.....Ortiz has developed an awfull pretty swing...

[Barbara]

Was checking earlier on start of today's game. Noticed (and I may be way behind the times here) that Brandon Moss is on our 40 man roster. Brandon just received the EL MVP Award! The Sea Dogs are on a roll.

And in International League news while I am at it (and can't post elsewhere). The MFY are no longer affiliated with the Columbus Clippers. They are now with the Nats. Yanks pick up Scanton (now that's an upgrade) and the Norfolk Tides move from the Mets (an over 40 year affiliation and one reason for David Wright being with them - his favorite team) to the "fan protesting with walk out" Os.

Back at 7.

[Muzzy Fielder]

Barry Zito? Is he the 16 million dollar answer to cure the pitching staff woes? Is that really the better option than to try to reel in throwaways, hoping they'll reach some unforeseen potential, e.g. the Wade Millers of the world.

I can't contribute to the discussion elsewhere, but I don't know if either choice is optimal. I don't know if Zito is worth the big bucks and I don't know if the team and fans can live with more reclamation projects.

Oh, someone give Matt Clement a goalie mask to wear on the mound, or even a batting helmet, a la John Olerud. I think that would boost his confidence. I know I would want to wear some kind of cranium/skull/face protection if I were hit in the head. I'm surprised that we don't see any pitchers wearing some kind of modified face-mask like you see in the NBA.

And the Wins vs. ERA discussion. You can have a 6.00 ERA and have a team that gives you 9.00 run support, you win 18-20 games... Are you really better than a tough-luck pitcher with a 3.00 ERA who only gets 2.90 run support and goes 8-14?

You can't look at wins over ERA.

Game threads haven't been too long lately, I hope it is ok to go off on this kind of tangent.

Edited by Muzzy Fielder, 22 September 2006 - 04:15 PM.

[twoBshorty]

This was in Will Carroll's column today:

Coco Crisp will have more tests on his problematic finger. The Red Sox seem to be trying to figure out if Crisp will have trade value

I don't understand our FO at all. On some occasions they seem determined not to overreact in the slightest to anything and on others they seem to be in panic mode. It's almost as if we have two different but equal people running things (uh, actually, now that I think about it, that might be the case). We signed Renteria and got rid of him a year later, now it sounds like we might be trying to do the same with Crisp. What changed in their evaluations over the course of one year that they're suddenly deciding these guys don't cut it? I'm not seeing much consistency here. I always thought Theo was pretty good at staying cool as a cucumber under the ridiculous fan and media pressure in this town, but part of me wonders if it isn't getting to him. Half-baked, impetuous decisions seem to be occurring with considerable more frequency over the last 2 years than over the 2 before that.

I wasn't a fan of Coco this year, but he's hurt. So was Renteria. Let's not do that again.

[DontTauntOrtizMe]

Coco is having finger surgery on Monday. Sure explains the problems he had this season.

Boston Globe

[Jack Sox]

Coco is having finger surgery on Monday. Sure explains the problems he had this season.

Boston Globe

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Really, this makes so much sense. Coco raked the ball in spring training and he tore the cover off of it right before he injured his finger. I expect big things from him next year. He's a very good player and I think he'll be one going forward too.

[twoBshorty]

OK, forget what I just wrote, then. Except for the part about trading him being a really stupid idea.

I didn't believe the people that said he was still injured. Sorry, Coco.

[Jack Sox]

Get a load of this.

Lineup:

1. Pedroia 2B
2. Loretta 1B
3. Ortiz DH
4. Youkilis LF
5. Lowell 3B
6. C. Pena RF
7. Mirabelli C
8. Kapler CF
9. Gonzalez SS

That's quite entertaining.

[tmorgan]

Still no line-up on here?
I can remedy that:

Here are tonight's lineups:

Red Sox
Pedroia, 2B
Loretta, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Youkilis, LF
Lowell, 3B
Wily Mo Pena, RF
Mirabelli, C
Kapler, CF
Gonzalez, SS
Tavarez, P

Blue Jays
Johnson, LF
Catalonotto, DH
Wells, CF
Overbay, 1B
Glaus, 3B
Rios, RF
Molina, C
Hill, 2B
Adams, SS
Lilly, P

From the Globe

The good: Wily Mo in RF, Pedroia at 2nd
The bad: Lorettta at 1b
The ugly: Kaplar in CF

Edit: just beat me

Edited by tmorgan, 22 September 2006 - 05:22 PM.

[The Flying Dutchman]

Conflicting reports, will the real Pena RF please step forward?

[Jack Sox]

Still no line-up on here?
I can remedy that:
From the Globe

The good: Wily Mo in RF, Pedroia at 2nd
The bad: Lorettta at 1b
The ugly: Kaplar in CF

Edit: just beat me

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

According to gameday it's not Wily Mo but Carlos Pena in RF.

That could be a mistake though.

[The Flying Dutchman]

According to gameday it's not Wily Mo but Carlos Pena in RF.

That could be a mistake though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My gameday shows Wily Mo...

[Comandante]

NESN says its WMP in right

[EP Sox Fan]

This was in Will Carroll's column today:
I don't understand our FO at all. On some occasions they seem determined not to overreact in the slightest to anything and on others they seem to be in panic mode. It's almost as if we have two different but equal people running things (uh, actually, now that I think about it, that might be the case). We signed Renteria and got rid of him a year later, now it sounds like we might be trying to do the same with Crisp. What changed in their evaluations over the course of one year that they're suddenly deciding these guys don't cut it? I'm not seeing much consistency here. I always thought Theo was pretty good at staying cool as a cucumber under the ridiculous fan and media pressure in this town, but part of me wonders if it isn't getting to him. Half-baked, impetuous decisions seem to be occurring with considerable more frequency over the last 2 years than over the 2 before that.

I wasn't a fan of Coco this year, but he's hurt. So was Renteria. Let's not do that again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed. Why cut bait on a 26 yr. old OF with a solid career track record after a crappy season (when it appears he never recovered fully from his finger injury) that significantly lowered his trade value? Look at his career line and you see improvement every year and its likely that Crisp has not reached his peak as a player. Saw something on Ben Maller this morning that the Rockies are interested in Crisp if the Sox pick up some of his salary!?! Sounds like Renteria all over again. If we gave up Marte to get him and end up giving him up for some prospects while paying some of his salary after one bad year I will be disappointed. If he's healthy on 2007 and still craps the bed, we can move him and have Ellsbury ready to fill his shoes.

[Jack Sox]

My gameday shows Wily Mo...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's just weird because mine shows Carlos. I bet it is Wily Mo though. Roto said he was expected to play tonight.

[tmorgan]

Herald and my gameday has Wily Mo

[Comandante]

NESN has it as Wily Mo

[Jack Sox]

NESN has it as Wily Mo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Surprising he isn't hitting higher than 6th.

[Comandante]

not that surprising
1. if he's still hurting from the quad or the wrist
2. Tito wants better bat control in the 4 and 5 spots

not that i agree with it or anything. I still hope he figures out the strike zone and then you turn him lose

[idiotaholic]

I will be very sorry if we trade Loretta Gonzales Crisp or Lowell away. These guys play the game heroically if you ask me. And say what you will about Deep Dish Douggie, doesn't everyone remember what a gutwrenching experience it was watching Bard try to catch Wake? Who is available out there who can actually carch the knuckleball? Anyone?

[Rooster Crows]

Barry Zito?  Is he the 16 million dollar answer to cure the pitching staff woes?  Is that really the better option than to try to reel in throwaways, hoping they'll reach some unforeseen potential, e.g. the Wade Millers of the world.

I can't contribute to the discussion elsewhere, but I don't know if either choice is optimal.  I don't know if Zito is worth the big bucks and I don't know if the team and fans can live with more reclamation projects. 

Oh, someone give Matt Clement a goalie mask to wear on the mound, or even a batting helmet, a la John Olerud.  I think that would boost his confidence.  I know I would want to wear some kind of cranium/skull/face protection if I were hit in the head.  I'm surprised that we don't see any pitchers wearing some kind of modified face-mask like you see in the NBA.

And the Wins vs. ERA discussion.  You can have a 6.00 ERA and have a team that gives you 9.00 run support, you win 18-20 games...  Are you really better than a tough-luck pitcher with a 3.00 ERA who only gets 2.90 run support and goes 8-14?

You can't look at wins over ERA.

Game threads haven't been too long lately, I hope it is ok to go off on this kind of tangent. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just in case you didn't see the SI article in the Forum thread on pitching. It looks like it may not matter, as he apears to be another Johnny Hollywood. I do generally agree with your analysis though.
Zito

[Al Zarilla]

Just in case you didn't see the SI article in the Forum thread on pitching.  It looks like it may not matter, as he apears to be another Johnny Hollywood.  I do generally agree with your analysis though.
Zito

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Johnny Hollywood? Dodgers?

[Rooster Crows]

I will be very sorry if we trade Loretta Gonzales Crisp or Lowell away. These guys play the game heroically if you ask me. And say what you will about Deep Dish Douggie, doesn't everyone remember what a gutwrenching experience it was watching Bard try to catch Wake?  Who is available out there who can actually carch the knuckleball? Anyone?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fanboy or not - I tend you agree with you on most of this. I like what Lowell and Loretta have done, particularly Lowell exceeding expectations so well, and how they have played. I think its been really great to have them around for the kids with Trot, Tek and the other veterans with a professional attitude and work ethic. I remember one of the starters, G38 I think, saying that being able to trust the infield defense was a big added value for them, and I think Lowell, Gonzales and Lorett really stabilized it, and saved runs. Even Gonzalez' BA had risen above expectations before being hurt. As for Crisp, I'd like to like the guy, and don't think he is affected by Boston like Renteria was - he's been hurt and recovering for so much of the year, so its hard to decide and I think he deserves another shot. I agree about the agony watching Bard, and the tangible difference Belli provides to Wakefield, but do think there is room for improvement there.

Back to tonight - here's to the walking and recovering wounded playing with pride and grit, and to Papi blasting another one.

GO SOX - WIN TODAY!

[Jack Sox]

Boy, it's dead in here.

[EP Sox Fan]

To me, I don't see Loretta back as he was likely a 1 yr. bridge to Pedroia. The only way I would like Lowell moved is if we are able to sign a power bat at 3rd or 1st. It would be nice to have a power bat in the five spot behind Manny and Papi.

[Jack Sox]

To me, I don't see Loretta back as he was likely a 1 yr. bridge to Pedroia. The only way I would like Lowell moved is if we are able to sign a power bat at 3rd or 1st. It would be nice to have a power bat in the five spot behind Manny and Papi.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To that I give you Adam Dunn. Getting him would be a challenge though.

[tmorgan]

I don't recall the Jays swinging at so many early pitches before

[flymrfreakjar]

As abhorrant as he is, if we could get Sheffield to come and play 1B for us it would solve a lot of problems. He can protect Manny, give us some serious pop from one of our corner IF and enable us to trade Lowell. Youk, DP, Papi, Manny, Sheff, WMP, Coco, Tek, Gonzo would be a very strong line-up.

[Toup]

Quick random rant, but is anybody else getting upset that guys are playing out of position at this point in the season. I mean, why not Hinske or Pena, who are actually first baseman at 1st. I guess my bigger complaint is, why is Murphy never given a shot. Youkilis in left is fine once in a while, but this late in the season, why not give Murphy a shot, to prove he can fill Kaplers shoes as the 4th OF next year. Or better yet, put Murphy in centerfield, and let Kapler watch from the dugout.

[Catcher Block]

Lowell channeling Manny against Chcago.

[Jack Sox]

Mike!

[EP Sox Fan]

Lowell! I guess he's making his case to stay next year.

[tmorgan]

Ah the oddities of unearned runs

[EP Sox Fan]

Lowell channeling Manny against Chcago.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nice recall.

[Rough Carrigan]

So, how was Lowell so utterly hopeless for about a month, from late July to the last week of August. He couldn't hit the ball to the warning track if you put it on a tee for him in that stretch.

[flymrfreakjar]

HR to Lowell, and even scarier, a 4 pitch walk to WMP. Lets do some damage.

[Jack Sox]

Quick random rant, but is anybody else getting upset that guys are playing out of position at this point in the season.  I mean, why not Hinske or Pena, who are actually first baseman at 1st.  I guess my bigger complaint is, why is Murphy never given a shot.  Youkilis in left is fine once in a while, but this late in the season, why not give Murphy a shot, to prove he can fill Kaplers shoes as the 4th OF next year.  Or better yet, put Murphy in centerfield, and let Kapler watch from the dugout.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tito seems big on the righty on lefty match up. I don't really agree with him, but I see the reason behind it.

Edited by Jack Sox, 22 September 2006 - 06:31 PM.

[EP Sox Fan]

So, how was Lowell so utterly hopeless for about a month, from late July to the last week of August.  He couldn't hit the ball to the warning track if you put it on a tee for him in that stretch.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not able to drive the ball due to his balky feet / legs from the 67 foul balls off the same? I saw him a copule of times after he had fouled some balls off his himself and he looked hobbled.

[the brooklyn pilsner]

i have serious problems with the line-up that tito puts out against lefties these days. i know our right handed options are very limited these days, but really don't think we accomplish anything with a lineup like this.

1) you take playing time away from players like murphy or carlos pena, who we should be getting very good looks at right now, in favor of someone like kapler, who will not help us in 2007.

2) you create a serious defensive downgrade by putting youks in LF and loretta at 1b. they don't play those positions well (especially youk). sometimes i think the defensive downgrade offsets the advantage of having a rh-dominant lineup.

edit -- sorry if this is redundant. someone else beat me to the punch

Edited by the brooklyn pilsner, 22 September 2006 - 06:35 PM.

[Catcher Block]

This is shaping up to be one wierd game....

Nice heads-up play by WMP there to take second.

[flymrfreakjar]

Nice AB by Gonzo, good to see him get some solid contact. 3-0.

[stp130]

As bad as Lilly is pitching right now (or maybe just getting squeezed), I'd still like to see the Red Sox make a serious run at him (especially, if as Schilling implies, we're going to be big spenders in the off-season....).