209 replies to this topic

[Stuart Scott's Lazy Eye]

Buchholz (1-1, 6.05) vs Sabathia (11-7, 3.95)

Extremely SSS
Buchholz Career vs Yankees
2 Games
0-0
7.45 ERA
1.655 WHIP

Best vs -- Cano: 0-5, 1 SO, .000/.000/.000
Worst vs -- Matsui: 3-4, 1 BB, .750/.800/1.000

Sabathia Career vs Red Sox
8 Games
2-5
4.07 ERA
1.211 WHIP

Best vs -- Varitek: 1-13, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 3 SO, .077/.200/.308
Worst vs -- Ortiz: 7-21, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 3 SO, .333/.364/.667

4:10 EDT on Fox
Weather Forecast: Partly Cloudy, 80 Degrees

Edited by Stuart Scott's Lazy Eye, 08 August 2009 - 04:28 PM.

[Talon]

Two quick observations to get the ball rolling here.

We're going to need an extra pitcher or two tonight. First we'll need a long reliever because Tazawa was used 2 innings last night.

Enrique Gonzalez is the scheduled starter for Pawtucket tonight but he's not at all good. You can't really call up Bowden especially if you have plans on using him on Tuesday. So If we get behind early you may need to sacrifice Buchholz for the good of the pitching staff. Does is hurt his psyche in the long run, perhaps but you don't have a ton of options. What say you guys?

[Stuart Scott's Lazy Eye]

Bard and Ramirez went less than an inning last night, so they should still be an option for today's game. If we had to, I'd like to call up Hunter Jones to give him a look and give the rest of the pen some rest. He's 2-3, 3.13 ERA in 27 appearances and opponents are only batting .224 against him. I think it is more likely though, that the Sox will call up Javier Lopez. He's the got the experience (however awful he might be), and they can throw him out there to the dogs to eat up innings if things get ugly.

[TheYellowDart5]

Taking a stab at the lineup:

Ellsbury
Pedroia
Martinez (Catcher)
Youkilis (3B)
Lowell (DH)
Drew
Reddick
Kotchman (1B)
Woodward/Green

Playing all 15 innings last night plus the day/night rule means that Varitek will be on the bench. Good career numbers aside, this'd be a good day to give Ortiz a rest, especially given how poorly he's been hitting and how well Lowell's hit lefties.

Unfortunately, this is still a pretty lefty-heavy lineup. Bay and Baldelli being hurt is really hamstringing this team in the outfield. There's always a chance that Francona will go with Ortiz over Kotchman, move Youkilis back to 1B and start Lowell at 3B, but wouldn't really change anything given that Ortiz and Kotchman are both lefties. Tack on Ortiz's latest slump and Lowell's fielding failure, and that move would be a guaranteed disaster.

Edited by TheYellowDart5, 08 August 2009 - 10:14 AM.

[HomeBrew1901]

Two quick observations to get the ball rolling here.

We're going to need an extra pitcher or two tonight. First we'll need a long reliever because Tazawa was used 2 innings last night.

Enrique Gonzalez is the scheduled starter for Pawtucket tonight but he's not at all good. You can't really call up Bowden especially if you have plans on using him on Tuesday. So If we get behind early you may need to sacrifice Buchholz for the good of the pitching staff. Does is hurt his psyche in the long run, perhaps but you don't have a ton of options. What say you guys?

The pen really isn't all that spent after last night for short relief. Tito did a good job keeping his pitchers to a couple of outs rather than stretching them for a few extra outs, however they absolutely NEED Buchholz to give them at least 6 innings today otherwise it's going to get really ugly. Unless they make a move, that might mean leaving Buchholz in to get shelled for 2 or more innings and at this point, screw his psyche.

He's a big boy that wants to play in the big league, it's really time for him to prove that he belongs here and can contribute to the ball club in a big game when the team desperately needs him to do well.

[RedOctober3829]

Clay Buchholz vs. New York Yankees

Player	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	OBP	SLG	OPS
Cabrera	5	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0.167	0.000	0.167
Cano	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0.000	0.000	0.000
Hinske	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.200	0.000	0.200
Matsui	4	3	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.80	1.000	1.800
Posada	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.200	0.000	0.200
Rodriguez	5	2	0	0	1	1	0	1	0.400	0.400	0.800
Jeter	3	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	0.667	0.667	1.334
Molina	2	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0.500	1.000	1.500
Swisher	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.500	0.000	0.500

[cshea]

Bard and Ramirez went less than an inning last night, so they should still be an option for today's game. If we had to, I'd like to call up Hunter Jones to give him a look and give the rest of the pen some rest. He's 2-3, 3.13 ERA in 27 appearances and opponents are only batting .224 against him. I think it is more likely though, that the Sox will call up Javier Lopez. He's the got the experience (however awful he might be), and they can throw him out there to the dogs to eat up innings if things get ugly.

Lopez isn't on the 40-man, so we'd have to find a way to make room. I'm not sure how to go about doing that. It seems like they aren't sure what the extent of Lowrie's injury, but perhaps they could shut him down for the year and put him on the 60-day DL. Doubront is the only option I see on the 40-man. I assume Tazawa gets optioned out, and Doubront comes up. I'm not sure if they could find away to get MacBeth back up since it hasn't been 10 days.

Edit: And I'm watching Doubront pitch for Portland at the Futures game. Clearly he is not an option.

Edited by cshea, 08 August 2009 - 11:27 AM.

[RedOctober3829]

C.C Sabathia vs. Boston Red Sox

Player	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	OBP	SLG	OPS
Ortiz	21	7	1	0	2	4	1	3	0.364	0.667	1.031
Youkilis	9	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	0.400	0.333	0.733
Drew	7	2	1	0	0	1	0	4	0.286	0.429	0.715
Woodward	11	3	0	0	0	4	0	2	0.250	0.273	0.523
Varitek	13	1	0	0	1	3	1	3	0.200	0.308	0.508
Kotchman	4	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0.250	0.250	0.500
Martinez	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0.250	0.250	0.500
Lowell	10	2	0	0	0	1	0	4	0.200	0.200	0.400
Pedroia	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0.143	0.000	0.143

[Ed Hillel]

Why do I keep watching?

It will be very interesting to see Clay tonight. He has a ton of pressure on him, and I'm not sure that bodes well. I would love to see him prove me wrong, and step up to the challenge.

[mwonow]

Win, please! And how about "score a few runs" while we're at it. This "lose without hitting" stuff has got to stop...and it's time for Clay to look the part of an Ace-in-the-making.

[Stuart Scott's Lazy Eye]

Win, please! And how about "score a few runs" while we're at it. This "lose without hitting" stuff has got to stop...and it's time for Clay to look the part of an Ace-in-the-making.

http://sonsofsamhorn...p;#entry2487859

[SeanBerry]

This is a Game Thread that is going to have a LOT less "mojo" and a lot more analysis, discussion and what you would say to your smart baseball friends at a bar. You want mojo or totally reactionary stuff or simply the need to vent, go to the real Game Thread.

This will NOT be kept for posterity's sake anywhere. This is simply a place to go to talk intelligently about the game and offer and armchair manager advice or any baseball knowledge you want to throw down.

[SumnerH]

Enrique Gonzalez 5.31 ERA, 6.9 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 1.549 WHIP at Pawtucket this year. He's been similarly poor for the previous 2 years. Hopefully he's only there in case of a total implosion or another 15+ inning game.

[bosoxtw9]

Lineup per WEEI.com:

Ellsbury (CF)
Pedroia (2B)
Martinez ©
Youkilis (LF)
Ortiz (DH)
Lowell (3B)
Drew (RF)
Kotchman (1B)
Green (SS)

Seems like we can pretty much rule out seeing Bay this series. Otherwise, not much of a surprise as far as the lineup with Varitek catching 15 innings last night and today being a 4 PM start. I wouldn't have minded seeing Reddick in LF with Youkilis at 3B and Lowell at DH to improve the defense behind Clay, though.

Edited by bosoxtw9, 08 August 2009 - 12:32 PM.

[Talon]

I can't say I like Ortiz or Drew's chances against the tough lefty in Sabathia, although Ortiz does have prior success against Sabathia however he has not faced Sabathia since August 1st, 2006 in Boston where he did have success on that day vs CC.

It's quite important for the top part of the order to get hot because I don't have much faith in the middle to bottom half of the lineup. Especially when essentially we're playing with a 2 man bench (I will assume Varitek is not available and Bay is not available) and only one on that bench (Reddick) is worth half a shake.

[ronald47]

I can't say I like Ortiz or Drew's chances against the tough lefty in Sabathia, although Ortiz does have prior success against Sabathia however he has not faced Sabathia since August 1st, 2006 in Boston where he did have success on that day vs CC.

It's quite important for the top part of the order to get hot because I don't have much faith in the middle to bottom half of the lineup. Especially when essentially we're playing with a 2 man bench (I will assume Varitek is not available and Bay is not available) and only one on that bench (Reddick) is worth half a shake.

I'm pretty sure Ortiz faced CC in the previous Fenway series. In fact, he hit a homer off him for the Sox's only run before the 8th.

[Talon]

I'm pretty sure Ortiz faced CC in the previous Fenway series. In fact, he hit a homer off him for the Sox's only run before the 8th.

Thats right. I was taking 2009 out of the equation for some reason.

[Stu Nahan]

Thats right. I was taking 2009 out of the equation for some reason.

Ortiz also faced him in the 2007 ALCS. In two games, he was 2-3 with 2 singles, 2 walks, 1 HBP, and 1 K. This is a miniscule sampling but you could add it in. I agree with the idea that giving Ortiz a day off after the long game last night and the press conference today would have been a good idea. I can see why Tito would have little or no confidence in Reddick facing CC though.

[joelmon]

The pressure is in C.C and I hope Terry explains this to young Clay. While the Sox are put in a bad position, C.C is
in a no win situation. If the Yankees win, it was a clear advantage and they did their job. If he loses the game,
there will be some doubts creeping into their heads coming into tomorrow. The absolute last thing
they can afford is a series split where they only bullied Tazawa and Smoltz. This is especially true if Joba and CC
failed to impress while Clay potentially gains more confidence going forward.

That said, if a man is on 2nd base with nobody out, unless it is Kevin at the plate, bunt and
let an out (Lord knows the Red Sox are good at those) earn a run for once. Once a team has a run
and breaks through, in any way, they usually take off from that point. I also wish Pedroia
would choke up with RISP in these games and just try to Jeter a ball to right field
instead of upper cut to left field.

Edited by joelmon, 08 August 2009 - 02:26 PM.

[Fratboy]

I believe Stuart Scott's Lazy Eye is at Fenway for the future's game, but know that this is the ANALYSIS thread. Okay, so what the fuck does that mean?

* No "mojo"
* No pics
* No "YES!!!!!111," "LOWEL!!!!1111," "GAYROD BLOWS JETERS HOGG," or any of that shit. Take it to the ESPN forums.
* No fragmented reactions, or overreactions.
* No repetition, aka Rudy Pemberton disease

What we're looking for:

* Thoughtful reaction
* On the fly analysis
* Good questions
* Constructive dialogue and give/take between members about the game and other stuff going on

This is meant to be fun, of course, and some biting humor along with the analysis is always good too. Just don't post stupid stuff. There are other places for that.

[EvilEmpire]

According to Pete Abraham, Aceves, Bruney and Coke are not available for the Yankees this afternoon. I expect that Hughes will be available for two innings if necessary -- he threw five pitches last night and previously pitched one inning on 5 Aug before that. Despite the extra innings last night, the Yankee bullpen doesn't look to be in too bad of shape.

[ThePrideofShiner]

Yankees sent Melancon down and called up Josh Towers.

[Fratboy]

Hollywood seems to hot dog a lot of stuff, but that was really a nifty play. If Ellsbury hadn't hit it quite as hard, though, he'd be on first base.

edit: When did they pick up Towers? Did Toronto DFA him earlier in the year or something?

Edited by Fratboy, 08 August 2009 - 03:13 PM.

[Lupe Whalewatch]

Hollywood seems to hot dog a lot of stuff, but that was really a nifty play. If Ellsbury hadn't hit it quite as hard, though, he'd be on first base.

agreed, he made that throw look way easier than it is.

[Rice4HOF]

I'm watching on Fox. And listening to WRKO thru Gameday Audio. The tv seems to be about 10 seconds behind. Is this just my TV? (delay from the HD box sending the signal to the TV???) Or is this normal?

[Blacken]

I'm watching on Fox. And listening to WRKO thru Gameday Audio. The tv seems to be about 10 seconds behind. Is this just my TV? (delay from the HD box sending the signal to the TV???) Or is this normal?

That's normal. All national games are on delay, I believe. I think NESN does it too, but I can't be sure on that.

Is anyone else seeing a lot of camera jitter in HD? It's really distracting and hard to watch.

[fenwaypaul]

Hollywood seems to hot dog a lot of stuff, but that was really a nifty play. If Ellsbury hadn't hit it quite as hard, though, he'd be on first base.

edit: When did they pick up Towers? Did Toronto DFA him earlier in the year or something?

He also appeared to stumble slightly getting out of the box. For someone with his speed, it always seems to take him much longer than it should to reach first base. I have to wonder if there's something weird with his running mechanics that makes it difficult for him to get an initial burst of acceleration.

[cshea]

Here comes Clay. I'd really like to see him use the curveball a lot more than we've seen in his previous starts. Instead of working primarily fastball/changeup, let's mix the curveball in.

[Blacken]

16 pitches for CC...not bad, but all three guys looked absolutely chomping at the bit up there. It's pretty stark against the Yankees' lineup's patience last night. They've gotta stretch him out.

It keeps looking like the Fox feed is dropping frames. There's noticeable jitter whenever someone swings a bat. It's irking the shit out of me.

[SeanBerry]

http://www.baseball-...id=towers001jos

It's been a while (2007) since Towers has pitched in the majors.

Believe it he has gone through a couple of organizations since TOR including Natstown.

[cshea]

Was that a slider to Jeter?

[ThePrideofShiner]

edit: When did they pick up Towers? Did Toronto DFA him earlier in the year or something?

They signed him on May 10. He was at Syracuse to start the season and then was on the DL for about a month before Toronto cut him.

[Redkluzu]

Was that a slider to Jeter?

According to Fox, yes.

[Sprowl]

Buchholz breaks out the slider early on: he has increased the velocity on it to 87, which gives him a third register between his fastball and offspeed change and curve.

Presumably the curve will be held back for later innings and broken out for strikeout counts.

[NomarRS05]

What a mess.

[Fratboy]

What a mess.

Wrong thread for that. We ALL know Youks fucked it up.

Also, I'm in chat, so we can BS in real time without the big game thread crap.

Edited by Fratboy, 08 August 2009 - 03:27 PM.

[cshea]

There is no reason for him to be in left with Reddick on the roster.

[Redkluzu]

There is no reason for him to be in left with Reddick on the roster.

We need Youk's bat, methinks.

[Jnai]

Buchholz breaks out the slider early on: he has increased the velocity on it to 87, which gives him a third register between his fastball and offspeed change and curve.

Presumably the curve will be held back for later innings and broken out for strikeout counts.

Slider is *much* harder than it's usually thrown.

[czar]

There is no reason for him to be in left with Reddick on the roster.

Can't help but agree; and the defense has been killing Buchholz over the last three games.

Looks like he's getting the outside strike call to the lefties.

[Blacken]

That fly ball just looked ugly.

We have a very defensively iffy left side of the field right now. I guess it's less of a worry because the Yankees are mostly lefties, but I still don't like it.

[NomarRS05]

Wrong thread for that. We ALL know Youks fucked it up.

Cool, no point in commenting on anything I guess.

[cshea]

We need Youk's bat, methinks.

Yes, I agree. But do we need Kotchman's? I don't see why we don't just have Reddick in left, and Youkilis at 1st. As the emergency OF, Youkilis should be used in an absolute emergency, and I don't think this is an "emergency"

[bball831]

When a pitcher has a hitter that off balance with a change, do you go to something else off speed rather than going with a fastball after those good changeups?

Edited by bball831, 08 August 2009 - 03:27 PM.

[Blacken]

Cool, no point in commenting on anything I guess.

Given your attitude, that'd be just fine. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[czar]

We need Youk's bat, methinks.

Then put him at 3rd. I can't stomach Mike Lowell behind Buchholz when he's sporting a 1.56 GB/FB.

[Redkluzu]

Yes, I agree. But do we need Kotchman's? I don't see why we don't just have Reddick in left, and Youkilis at 1st. As the emergency OF, Youkilis should be used in an absolute emergency, and I don't think this is an "emergency"

A part of me agrees but what are Kotchman's numbers against CC?

[Dogman2]

Fangraphs has Youkilis at -15.1 runs per 150 as a LF.

Nomar, take your snark elsewhere.

[Fratboy]

Cool, no point in commenting on anything I guess.

You're not getting it.

"What a mess" doesn't say anything - it's a pure reaction. Come on Ben, you're better than this. Take a look at yesterday's thread to know what we're talking about here.

[NomarRS05]

Given your attitude, that'd be just fine. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Coming from you I guess I should take that as a compliment.

edit: Tom is right. My bad.

Edited by NomarRS05, 08 August 2009 - 03:30 PM.