As we are now officially into the offseason, it is time to start discussing the Red Sox needs. I may return to the Cardinals World Series victory at some point soon, but for now lets think Sox. More specifically lets think position players, because quite frankly, the pitching staff is a complete mess and I don't feel like dealing with that right now.
With free agency looming, there are many areas in which Boston needs some help. Left field and center field are set with Crawford and Ellsbury. I envision Crawford having a breakout year for the Sox and really starting to earn his pay check. Right field on the other hand is a different story. What I don't want to see is a big signing like Carlos Beltran. Enough with throwing around money for the prima donna's. Although I love Beltran, I think that right field is a position that is not a necessity. If you think about it, the zombie that's been playing out there for the last few years didn't do anything ( litterally), and it hasn't been out main concern. Re-sin Connor Jackson, throw him out there, have a Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick platoon with him and let the best player win. I truly believe that Jackson is fully capable of being a productive starter, especially on a team like the Sox where he wouldn't have to bat higher than 7th.
My guess is Varitek is gone or done or both. Ryan Lavarnway looked pretty solid in September and should be Saltalamachia's backup next season, while possibly seeing time at DH if he continues to progress offensively.
Shortstop is up in the air. Jed Lowrie in my opinion is nothing more than a 5th infielder. Even if he could stay healthy for a full season, he is too inconsistant for my liking. I really like Scutaro and what he brings to the table. He hustles, he works hard, and he grinds out at bats. He finished last year very solidly despite battling injuries early on. Never thought I'd say this but I would be very disappointed if we didn't resign him. Inglesis is also a posibility but he looks too raw. He will be really good one day, but not this year I don't think. If we want to give him a chance, we should still resign Scutaro as insurance.
Resigning Ortiz is not necessarily a necessity. Although he has been the cornerstone for this time for the last decade or so, if a better options surfaces I am all ears. Who knows what he will be demanding for a contract, and what type of production he will offer. It would be very difficult for me to accept losing Ortiz to free agency, but if we are able to land a very good right handed hitting third baseman, I have no problem moving Youkilis to the DH slot and going from there. One of the Red Sox problems last season is that they were very unbalanced in favor of lefthanded. Now that being said, Ortiz was great last year against lefties but you just never know what your going to get. Sure, he's been good the last year and a half but he's getting old. On the other hand, he could explode and have another year like he did in 2007 where he hit for a high average and hit over 30 home runs. The only way I would approve of a Beltran signing would be in place of Ortiz, but Beltran has never DH'd something that Ortiz has over him. I don't think that Jim Thome would be a real possibility only because I feel like Boston always forgets about all the future Hall of Famers except Manny and John Smoltz (remember those 7 starts? ugly...).
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
David Freese: WS MVP?
The 2011 World Series champions are the St. Louis Cardinals. Congradulations to Tony La Russa and his team. The Cardinals have quietly established themselves as one of the best teams in the last decade. With three pennants (2004,2006,2011) and two championships (2006,2011), La Russa and crew have done an excellent job of getting the most out of their players on a consistant basis. The Cardinals simply had no business in the postseason this year. Usually a team that is 10 games out of first place in mid August, has no realistic expectations of a World Series victory, or even a playoff birth. Kudos to a team that never quit.
World Series MVP David Freese serves as a perfect symbol for this years team. Freese decided to quit baseball after High School despite many Division 1 scholarships. While in college, he went home to visit his High School. This experience proved to change his life forever. While at home, he realized how much he missed baseball and gave it another try. In 2006, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres. Due to the overload of infield prospects, Freese was traded to the Cardinals. Injuries and lack of production delayed his emergence as a major leaguer. In 2010, when finally given the oppertunity to play consistantly, he played in 70 games due to injury. This year he again battled injuries but was pretty productive. Through 99 games he batted .297, with 10 home runs, and 55 rbi's. His numbers were far from spectacular, but solid. This postseason however, Freese emerged as a star. He batted .397 while leading the National League with 5 home runs and 21 rbis. Expectations will be high next season for Freese as he looks to continue his growth as an everyday player. However, if he were to fail, how bad could it really be? After carrying the Cardinals through the postseason and winning the MVP, the team gave him a 2012 Chevy Camero...it doesn't get much better than that.
World Series MVP David Freese serves as a perfect symbol for this years team. Freese decided to quit baseball after High School despite many Division 1 scholarships. While in college, he went home to visit his High School. This experience proved to change his life forever. While at home, he realized how much he missed baseball and gave it another try. In 2006, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres. Due to the overload of infield prospects, Freese was traded to the Cardinals. Injuries and lack of production delayed his emergence as a major leaguer. In 2010, when finally given the oppertunity to play consistantly, he played in 70 games due to injury. This year he again battled injuries but was pretty productive. Through 99 games he batted .297, with 10 home runs, and 55 rbi's. His numbers were far from spectacular, but solid. This postseason however, Freese emerged as a star. He batted .397 while leading the National League with 5 home runs and 21 rbis. Expectations will be high next season for Freese as he looks to continue his growth as an everyday player. However, if he were to fail, how bad could it really be? After carrying the Cardinals through the postseason and winning the MVP, the team gave him a 2012 Chevy Camero...it doesn't get much better than that.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World Series Game 1
Excellent job tonight by the Cardinals bullpen to the preserve their one run lead to beat the Rangers 3-2 in game 1 of the World Series. Chris Carpenter had a very strong outing as he went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits to get the win. C.J. Wilson, battled through 5 2/3 innings but struggled to find the strike zone with any consistancy giving up 6 walks and 3 runs in his outting. Wilson, who has struggled throughout this postseason falls to 0-3. That goes to show how well the rest of the Rangers staff has done despite having an inaffective ace.
Colby Lewis will go for the Rangers against Jamie Garcia and the Cardinals on Friday night. The Rangers will be looking to even the series before bringing the series to Arlington. I am going to give the advantage to the Rangers in this matchup as the lefthanded Garcia will have a tough time with the potent, right handed hitting heavy, Texas lineup.
They say that the past is the greatest indication of our future. That being said, as 19 of the last 23 teams to win game 1 of the World Series have gone on to win it all, the Cardinals look like they are in good shape. However, beating the Rangers will be a tough task. If St. Louis wants any security, Friday night's game is a MUST win. I predict the Rangers to be lethal in their home ballpark.
Things to look for in game 2:
STL- I have a hunch that Lance Berkman will have a big night against Lewis. And I think Garcia will struggle to make it through 5 innings.
TEX- Lewis will struggle early but settle down and grind out a win due to the help of his offense. Hamilton will break out. Beltre will be Beltre
My prediction for game 2: Texas 9, Stl 6.
Colby Lewis will go for the Rangers against Jamie Garcia and the Cardinals on Friday night. The Rangers will be looking to even the series before bringing the series to Arlington. I am going to give the advantage to the Rangers in this matchup as the lefthanded Garcia will have a tough time with the potent, right handed hitting heavy, Texas lineup.
They say that the past is the greatest indication of our future. That being said, as 19 of the last 23 teams to win game 1 of the World Series have gone on to win it all, the Cardinals look like they are in good shape. However, beating the Rangers will be a tough task. If St. Louis wants any security, Friday night's game is a MUST win. I predict the Rangers to be lethal in their home ballpark.
Things to look for in game 2:
STL- I have a hunch that Lance Berkman will have a big night against Lewis. And I think Garcia will struggle to make it through 5 innings.
TEX- Lewis will struggle early but settle down and grind out a win due to the help of his offense. Hamilton will break out. Beltre will be Beltre
My prediction for game 2: Texas 9, Stl 6.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
World Series
As of 11:26 pm on Sunday night, it looks as though the Cardinals ( who have a 12-6 lead over the Brewers) will be advancing to the World Series to play the Texas Rangers. This will be the Ranger's second World Series appearance in as many years and the Cardinal's third in the last 8 seasons. In all, this will be a great match up.
The Cardinals have a very solid team. Although they have the thunder power of Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, and Matt Holliday, they rely heavily on their role players. Tony La Russa does a great job managing his team and getting the best out of every player in their specific roles. Chris Carpenter, who did not have the greatest of years, still is as dominating as ever when it comes to the postseason. During this year's playoffs he has been nothing short of spectacular, and with his make up and poise, he should have no problem in the World Series even with Texas's potent lineup.
As for Nelson Cruz and company, I mean the Texas Rangers: they will be extremely tough to beat. Top to bottom, their lineup is a modern day "Murderer's Row"( if you don't know what I'm talking about, look up the 1920's New York Yankees). Cruz has been absolutely unstoppable for the second year in a row. In the ALCS against Detroit he had a total of 8 hits: 2 doubles and 6 home runs. Josh Hamilton has been hot as well as he is hitting .462 thus far. If the Rangers can get 6 solid innings from their starters, I predict they will win the series 4 games to 2.
Who to look for in this year's World Series? C.J. Wilson, Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Lance Berkman.
My candidates for a suprise showing? Scott Feldman, Mitch Moreland, Mike Napoli, Kyle Lohse, and Nick Punto
The Cardinals have a very solid team. Although they have the thunder power of Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, and Matt Holliday, they rely heavily on their role players. Tony La Russa does a great job managing his team and getting the best out of every player in their specific roles. Chris Carpenter, who did not have the greatest of years, still is as dominating as ever when it comes to the postseason. During this year's playoffs he has been nothing short of spectacular, and with his make up and poise, he should have no problem in the World Series even with Texas's potent lineup.
As for Nelson Cruz and company, I mean the Texas Rangers: they will be extremely tough to beat. Top to bottom, their lineup is a modern day "Murderer's Row"( if you don't know what I'm talking about, look up the 1920's New York Yankees). Cruz has been absolutely unstoppable for the second year in a row. In the ALCS against Detroit he had a total of 8 hits: 2 doubles and 6 home runs. Josh Hamilton has been hot as well as he is hitting .462 thus far. If the Rangers can get 6 solid innings from their starters, I predict they will win the series 4 games to 2.
Who to look for in this year's World Series? C.J. Wilson, Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Lance Berkman.
My candidates for a suprise showing? Scott Feldman, Mitch Moreland, Mike Napoli, Kyle Lohse, and Nick Punto
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Oct 13th update
Big win by the Tigers tonight to avoid elimination. The series is now at 3-2 in favor of the Rangers. After a few dissapointing loses by the Tigers at the hands of Nelson Cruz, who has had two very big home runs in extra innings, Justin Verlander came up big with 7 1/3 innings tonight for the win. Delmon Young had two homeruns on the night to go along with an Alex Avila solo homer to do most of the damage for the Tigers in their 7-5 win. They will play again on Saturday in Arlington,Texas as the Rangers look to close it out. Max Scherzer will be on the hill for the Tigers opposing Derrek Holland. It should be a very interesting game as both young pitchers look to make a name for themselves.
Randy Wolf came up big tonight for the Brewers as he beat the Cardinals 4-2 going 7 strong innings and giving up two solo home runs. The series is now tied 2-2. Zack Greinke will pitch for the Brewers as Jaime Garcia will go for the Cardinals in a crucial game 5 on Friday night. I am going to predict that the winner of tommorow night's game will take the series
Lastly, Theo Epstein will no longer be the GM for the Boston Red Sox as he has signed a 5 year/20 million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs. Good for him. I am interested to see how much control he really had here in Boston with the way ownership seems to stick their nose in everyone's business. I would love to see Terry Francona re-unite with Theo as Cubs Manager. If this were to happen, it would be a clear indication that ownership is to blame for the colossal collapse this September by the Sox. Either way, great move by the Cubs who seem to be loaded with talent but going no where fast.
Randy Wolf came up big tonight for the Brewers as he beat the Cardinals 4-2 going 7 strong innings and giving up two solo home runs. The series is now tied 2-2. Zack Greinke will pitch for the Brewers as Jaime Garcia will go for the Cardinals in a crucial game 5 on Friday night. I am going to predict that the winner of tommorow night's game will take the series
Lastly, Theo Epstein will no longer be the GM for the Boston Red Sox as he has signed a 5 year/20 million dollar contract with the Chicago Cubs. Good for him. I am interested to see how much control he really had here in Boston with the way ownership seems to stick their nose in everyone's business. I would love to see Terry Francona re-unite with Theo as Cubs Manager. If this were to happen, it would be a clear indication that ownership is to blame for the colossal collapse this September by the Sox. Either way, great move by the Cubs who seem to be loaded with talent but going no where fast.
Monday, October 10, 2011
ALCS
It looks as though the Detroit Tigers will have a tough time stopping the Rangers in the ALCS. Nelson Cruz came up with two big home runs today, the second of which was a grandslam in extra innings to win the game. Although his two big hits were key to the teams win, Scott Feldman should be noted as the unsung hero of the game. Feldman is a former starter who won 17 games back in 2009. Following injury, he was pretty much forgotten during the 2010 World Series run. However, he has re-immerged as a key emergency starter and long reliever. When the young Derrek Holland struggled through 2 1/3 innings this afternoon, Feldman stepped in with 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Needless to say, his effort today was essential to both today's game and the rest of the series. Because he was able to eat so many innings, the Rangers were able to keep their bullpen in line and not be forced to overuse key parts of the 'pen early in the game. If you look at the combined line between Holland and Feldman, you have yourself a very solid postseason start. Ron Washington's stellar offense has a very solid starting rotation to go along with a dominating back of the bullpen. Good news for Ranger's fans, if Holland, who has been vital to this year's success continues to struggle in the playoffs, Feldman will be more than ready and prepared to step in. As for my projected ALCS MVP, I have Scott Feldman. That may be a bit of a stretch obviously.... but think about it.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Been a while...
Well, its been a while since my last blog and boy has a lot been going on:
Tito is out as Red Sox manager. I cannot believe it. This guy is the ultimate players manager. He knows how to get the most out of his players. He's done an excellent job throughout his tenure and deserves to be in a place where he's appreciated. In 2007, he was able to get maximum production out of an unhappy, unmotivated, juice-head: Manny Ramirez. Also in 2007, he stuck to his young second baseman Dustin Pedroia. At one point in May, Pedroia was hitting .150. The media and the rest of the world were all over both Francona and Pedroia for his performance. What ended up happening? He pulled himself together and won the rookie of the year. What did Pedroia do in 2008? He won the MVP, becoming only the second player in history to do so since Cal Ripken Jr, whom you might have heard of. Needless to say, Tito is being blamed for excessive drinking in the clubhouse by the pitchers during games. Yes, the same pitchers that couldn't make it past the 3rd inning. Apparently, John Lackey has a bigger problem than his lack of conditioning, movement on his offspead pitches, velocity, control, stanima, energy...(should I keep going?). This isnt Francona's fault. Francona didnt sign J.D. Drew, John Lackey, Bobby Jenks, Carl Crawford, or any other bum that has been under performed. It is not his fault that all of those statistical analysis reports say absolutely nothing about a players gutsiness, or make up. Good job John Henry and company! You just ran out the best thing that has happend to the Red Sox this century. For what he was given, he did an incredible job. But who else in this era could put up with some of the b.s. that he has. Even Joe Torre couldn't win a championship with a group of overpaid, entitled, pansies ( post 2001 New York Yankees- if you dont know about it look it up, and look at some of those ridiculous contracts that make J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, and John Lackey look like steals). The problem wasnt Francona, but he deserves way better. I honestly dont think I will ever let this one go. He deserved to be here for the next 10 or 20 years and be considered one of the best managers ever. But you know what? He will be considered one of the best when its all said and done, it just wont be here. Good luck Tito. I'm really worried for these guys. But maybe this could turn out well for all parties. We need to bring in a major asshole. Who wont put up with entitlement, excuses, or any other B.S. that went on this year. Lets be real, I dont think the Red Sox had the guts to succeed even when they were on pace to win 100 games and run away with the A.L. East. I've heard wispers of Joe Torre, and I think it would be great, but he's a players manager. Terry had the resume, just like Torre (maybe not as great but still pretty respectable) but he couldnt get through to these guys. You know who I thought of today? Ozzie Guillen or Larry Bowa. Both guys dont put up with bullshit and wont settle for anything but the best out of their players. And, they dont give a hoot who you are or what you've done or where your from, if your not bringing it to the table...too bad. Thats all I got for today. I'll be back soon to talk about the playoffs. Go...I havent decided yet. Maybe TEX or AZ.
Tito is out as Red Sox manager. I cannot believe it. This guy is the ultimate players manager. He knows how to get the most out of his players. He's done an excellent job throughout his tenure and deserves to be in a place where he's appreciated. In 2007, he was able to get maximum production out of an unhappy, unmotivated, juice-head: Manny Ramirez. Also in 2007, he stuck to his young second baseman Dustin Pedroia. At one point in May, Pedroia was hitting .150. The media and the rest of the world were all over both Francona and Pedroia for his performance. What ended up happening? He pulled himself together and won the rookie of the year. What did Pedroia do in 2008? He won the MVP, becoming only the second player in history to do so since Cal Ripken Jr, whom you might have heard of. Needless to say, Tito is being blamed for excessive drinking in the clubhouse by the pitchers during games. Yes, the same pitchers that couldn't make it past the 3rd inning. Apparently, John Lackey has a bigger problem than his lack of conditioning, movement on his offspead pitches, velocity, control, stanima, energy...(should I keep going?). This isnt Francona's fault. Francona didnt sign J.D. Drew, John Lackey, Bobby Jenks, Carl Crawford, or any other bum that has been under performed. It is not his fault that all of those statistical analysis reports say absolutely nothing about a players gutsiness, or make up. Good job John Henry and company! You just ran out the best thing that has happend to the Red Sox this century. For what he was given, he did an incredible job. But who else in this era could put up with some of the b.s. that he has. Even Joe Torre couldn't win a championship with a group of overpaid, entitled, pansies ( post 2001 New York Yankees- if you dont know about it look it up, and look at some of those ridiculous contracts that make J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, and John Lackey look like steals). The problem wasnt Francona, but he deserves way better. I honestly dont think I will ever let this one go. He deserved to be here for the next 10 or 20 years and be considered one of the best managers ever. But you know what? He will be considered one of the best when its all said and done, it just wont be here. Good luck Tito. I'm really worried for these guys. But maybe this could turn out well for all parties. We need to bring in a major asshole. Who wont put up with entitlement, excuses, or any other B.S. that went on this year. Lets be real, I dont think the Red Sox had the guts to succeed even when they were on pace to win 100 games and run away with the A.L. East. I've heard wispers of Joe Torre, and I think it would be great, but he's a players manager. Terry had the resume, just like Torre (maybe not as great but still pretty respectable) but he couldnt get through to these guys. You know who I thought of today? Ozzie Guillen or Larry Bowa. Both guys dont put up with bullshit and wont settle for anything but the best out of their players. And, they dont give a hoot who you are or what you've done or where your from, if your not bringing it to the table...too bad. Thats all I got for today. I'll be back soon to talk about the playoffs. Go...I havent decided yet. Maybe TEX or AZ.
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