Red Sox Take a 3-1 Lead in Mayor's Cup with a 6-4 Win Over Twins
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 14, 2010 5:26 PM EDT
in Game Stories
77 comments
After the first 3 innings, things did not look good for the Red Sox. Kevin Slowey had retired the first 9 Red Sox he faced, 4 of them via strikeouts, while Sox starter Ryne Miller gave up 3 runs in a rough first inning.
The Sox turned things around in the 4th and 5th innings, though. Pedroia and Youkilis would both single before Jeremy Hermida brought them in with a two out double down the right field line. Then, in the 5th, they grabbed the lead from the Twins. Jason Varitek was hit by a pitch, Bill Hall reached on an error, and Josh Reddick drew a walk to load the bases for Jacoby Ellsbury. With 2 strikes, Ellsbury dribbled one up the first base line, bringing in Mark Wagner from 3rd. Brock Peterson, the first baseman, tried a desperation flip to the pitcher covering, but threw it away, allowing Bill Hall to come in behind Wagner. Pedroia and Youkilis would follow with back-to-back hits, putting the Red Sox up 6-3.
The Sox pitching was a 9-inning bullpen effort, with the only run allowed after Ryne Miller coming from Ramon A. Ramirez, who managed only a very shaky 4 outs while giving up 4 walks and a hit. Otherwise, the remaining Sox pitchers allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks over 6.2 innings.
Notes
- Most of the minor leaguers of note have moved down to the minor league training camp. This means no more Iglesias, Kelly, Kalish, etc., and a much less interesting Spring Training.
- Jed Lowrie is suffering from fatigue issues. For a guy who was finally looking health--especially his wrist--this has to be frusturating. The Red Sox are already reeling from the news that Ryan Westmoreland will need brain surgery to correct a cavernous malformation.
- Speaking of medical issues, Josh Beckett who was scheduled to start today was scratched because due to illness, but that's not supposed to be anything more than your typical sick day.
- No technical difficulties from NESN today.
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Comments
shocking Lowrie is out again with an injury
Trade Beckett before the deadline
JD Drew the stud who is.
I'm taking suggestions from myself on the 2010 rally song.
Re-sign Victor Martinez, the future DH of the Boston Red Sox
Am I supposed to like John Lackey ?
Lowrie needs a new doctor
because this guy just can’t stay healthy. I can’t even tell if I’m kidding when I say Lowell prolly has more in the tank than this kid.
I understand he’s dirt cheap, and Iglesias is still as big a ? as Lowrie. But his stock is falling fast.
by Christopher B on Mar 15, 2010 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions
It's not an injury.
The only way to correlate the two is to say that this illness may be a cause for the wrist injury, which is a big stretch until we know more. Otherwise, having fatigue issues—especially if it’s due to some diagnosable illness—is not being injury prone.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions
To draw an unfortunate comparison
This is no more Lowrie being “unable to stay healthy” then Westmoreland’s condition. Yes, it’s another period on the disabled list, but it’s not at all the same as having fragile bones.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thiking more along the lines of Baldelli's problem.
which is a huge shame because Rocco had so much potential.
Trade Beckett before the deadline
JD Drew the stud who is.
I'm taking suggestions from myself on the 2010 rally song.
Re-sign Victor Martinez, the future DH of the Boston Red Sox
Am I supposed to like John Lackey ?
Westmoreland Seems To Be More About Bad Luck
which isn’t something to fault him for- the broken collarbone from the wall and the most recent brain condition. He’s also what, 19?
I’m not really versed in Jed Lowrie’s injury history. I know he had a wrist issue which did not fully heal or heal correctly and was reaggravated. He saw some time last September, no? We just sat through a season of Lugo, Green, and the other A-Gon. Where’s Jed? The last time he meaningfully contributed at the major league level was in the ’07 or ’08 post-season.
We’ve seen these injury-recovery experiments peter out with pitchers. I am thinking of Smoltz.
With Scutaro and a basic utility man and Iglesias in the pipeline, hasn’t this guy become expendable at this point? As an absolute worst-case scenario, say something happens to Scutaro, couldn’t you patch the infield by tossing Youk to third, Beltre to SS, and a warm body at first for a few games?
What happens when Iglesias is major-league ready?
Further down I suggested we carry another catcher. If the value of V-Tek is in his handling of the pitching staff and V-Mart being a stopgap solution (really), wouldn’t now be the ideal time to go with a young third catcher to learn as much about game-calling as possible?
I bring this up specifically in the event of a roster crunch. For Lowrie to tie up a spot on the bench and not be able to contribute is a waste.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I Don't Mean To Be Crazed Or Anything
I just wonder sometimes what people see in Lowrie. I remember stories about Buchholtz turning AAA upside-down last year just waiting for an opening.
I can’t recollect Lowrie getting similar press. And as he gets older, the less likely his body will be able to bounce back.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, Lowrie is expected to start the season in AAA.
But he was definitely an anticipated prospect coming up. And when he made it to the show, he performed very well up until his wrist injury. The thing is that his wrist has been holding him back ever since. They didn’t let it heal properly, and it’s not until now that he’s really at full health to start a season.
Just to show you how big of an impact the wrist had, hitting as a righty vs. lefties, Lowrie had an OPS over .900 in 2008. As a lefty against righties, .652. This coming from a guy who typically hit slightly better as a lefty throughout his minor league career.
With Iglesias coming up, Lowrie does seem to be getting squeezed out, but that’s no reason to sell low. We don’t have a presumptive heir to third base, and Lowrie can certainly be a great defender there. If his offense can get back to where it SHOULD be with a healthy wrist—something like .300/.350-.380/.450-.500, he could be a really valuable player.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 16, 2010 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Quite the Sticky Wicket
Especially if Iglesias does not turn out to be the chosen one.
Really, just a glove and someone to keep the line moving. That’s all I ask. If I’m not mistaken, Lowrie was a defensive sub at third some point last September- the last game Halladay pitched against us as a Jay, if I’m not mistaken.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 2:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Undoubtedly
But that was only when rosters expanded/the minor league season ended.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 16, 2010 2:58 AM EDT up reply actions
It Was D-Sub City
Lowrie, Richardson (at one point), Dusty Brown (who pitched an inning), Wagner (? maybe), the guy from the Cubs with the YouTube vid of jumping over cars whose name escapes me, Velasquez, Reddick…
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Focus in the wrong place
I’m more concerned with Dice-K than Lowrie. He hasn’t pitched anything near his potential yet. Keeps getting hurt, and won’t come back.
However
The organizational pitching depth trumps potential SS.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
HELLO !!!!!!!!!!!
Do u guys wanna listen to me yet? adrian gonzalez, to replace the loved but aged papi.
Do you want to make a constructive suggestion as to what trade would get him without being an overpay?
How about now with Westmoreland’s condition?
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 14, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
no thanks to that idea
Trade Beckett before the deadline
JD Drew the stud who is.
I'm taking suggestions from myself on the 2010 rally song.
Re-sign Victor Martinez, the future DH of the Boston Red Sox
Am I supposed to like John Lackey ?
Let's just shelve this idea for a while.
Not to mention if we just want a DH for the rest of the season, there are probably going to be much more affordable options.
DFA Beckett
by South Coast Ghost on Mar 14, 2010 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Like Mike Lowell.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
I have a five-tool player in my pants.
ACTUALLY, advanced metrics show that that wasn't "premature".
I'd rather have Dunn as a DH next season, would be way cheaper all around
Trade Beckett before the deadline
JD Drew the stud who is.
I'm taking suggestions from myself on the 2010 rally song.
Re-sign Victor Martinez, the future DH of the Boston Red Sox
Am I supposed to like John Lackey ?
+1,000,000
If Washington is amenable to trading him, and he’s willing to play DH…
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 14, 2010 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
yes most definitely
less money, less years, wouldn’t cost prospects. I’d prefer some versatility in the DH spot, but not at the price of Gonzalez.
Hey, no problem with versatility
Dunn can also play 1B and LF!
I bet someone offers him a starting 1B job next season. Someone like Dayton Moore
DFA Beckett
by South Coast Ghost on Mar 14, 2010 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
i was like noo way and then you said dayton moore
he prolly wants him for CF
by German Red Sox Fan on Mar 15, 2010 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Why bother with another DH?
Use the slot to rest the regulars, specifically Drew and V-Mart if he’s still here.
Carry another catcher.
by Christopher B on Mar 15, 2010 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I like this idea.
More Dusty Brown
Less Adam Dunn.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Mar 15, 2010 2:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Because having a very good batter who can hold his own in a defenseless spot
Is worth a lot more than a guy who can’t hold down a starting job at an offensively bankrupt one.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions
It Costs More
By rotating the DH among existing players, you do not have to pay a potential Dunn 1-2 bills to give you four at-bats a game. Or Ortiz the 12 bills he’s getting now.
Consider a scenario where Ortiz’s contract expired this offseason and was not renewed. Plus, we did not seek out another DH and opted instead to use the spot as a vacation station.
When V-Mart DHs, his body recovers from catching. V-Tek gets some playing time. Beltre’s D is still present as is Youk’s, plus his bat.
When Drew DHs, he also gets rest, and Hermida gets at-bats and the opportunity to bust out like the Marlins were hoping they’d get out of him. Drew’s bat remains, and his glove, as he’s one of our “pure outfielders”.
As has been suggested, Lowell DHs for a few. He gets at-bats and a chance to contribute.
Hell, for a few meaningless games stick Youk with DH duty. Lowell at first and Beltre at third.
Viva la happy clubhouse. Plus, that extra money and/or roster space is freed to fill other needs as they arise. Hence, the luxury of a catcher of the future having one of the best apprenticeships possible. Or another bullpen option.
The scenarios I’ve also floated certainly can’t hurt clubhouse chemistry. Lowell would certainly be happier to DH than to ride the pine, and a refreshed V-Mart would give some more time to V-Tek, which would make both him and Josh happy.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
If we're going to carry a third catcher
We may as well just cut Varitek. He brings zero value to the team. They’re even using ST to wean Beckett onto Martinez, because Tek is simply awful.
For all your other scenarios, you simply accept a rotating mediocre replacement slot that doesn’t have to exist. We don’t NEED to give more at bats to backup catcher X, Jeremy Hermida, etc. Probably 300 at bats more than they would otherwise get.
It also significantly hurts our flexibility, as counterintuitive as it may seem. By having, say, Drew and Hermida in the game at the same time, should Hermida have to leave the game, we can’t take Drew out of the DH slot without forfeiting the DH slot entirely for that game.
Long story short, though, it makes us significantly weaker when it comes to the most important time: the playoffs.
Consider these two lineups
Ellsbury
Pedroia
Dunn
Youkilis
Martinez
Cameron
Drew
Beltre
Scutaro
vs.
Ellsbury
Pedroia
Martinez
Youkilis
Drew
Cameron
Hermida
Beltre
Scutaro
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 16, 2010 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions
In a Short Series
No Question. I wouldn’t want Tek in against an agile, baserunning team after watching what the Rays did with Brad Penny (the JVE game, wasn’t it?).
In the lineups you offer, though, what happened to Lowell? Eating $9 bills or more plus acquiring Dunn… actually, that would come out to roughly what we’re paying Ortiz.
Sure we have V-Tek as a backup now, but you, I, and the American people know he won’t be back after this year.
Who pairs with V-Mart in 2011? Anyone who posts “Mauer” will make me cry.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Wagner. Or (unlikely) Exposito.
Lowell is about the same offensively as Hermida except against lefties, who are very much in the minority. I suppose you could insert him if you want.
But we’re getting our signals crossed here with your varying years scenarios.
If we go into this year and Ortiz is not cutting it (also, assuming Lowell doesn’t magically have more career years—his 2007-level production was not necessarily the norm for him), I would suggest that picking up a half year of Dunn’s contract and a reasonable trade price to Washington would be well worth the significant difference between Lowell/Ortiz and Dunn’s bats.
If we’re talking after 2010, then Dunn would almost certainly be worth market price, considering how low the market was for Dunn in 2008. Of course, there’s a lot to be considered, such as if Dunn would be willing to solely DH or not. But in a vacuum, replacing 5-600 at bats by bench players with 5-600 at bats of a .380+ wOBA is a huge difference.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 16, 2010 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions
are you talking about 2010 or 2011
because at the beginning it sounds like you’re talking about 2010. Then you start talking about Lowell DHing- and while it’s unlikely that Lowell will be with the Sox through 2010, he certainly won’t in 2011. Same with Varitek. Or are you just suggesting that we drop Ortiz and his $12 million?
Dunn is probably a lot worse than Papi at 1B
LF is probably a toss up.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Mar 15, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Papi would come out on top if you gave him some time out there to learn it.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Dude
Forget fielding big papi would have trouble hitting a beachball at this point
by celtsfan1 on Mar 15, 2010 12:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You've taken this bit of the thread far too seriously.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Mar 15, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
in which case
Bergensen sure was kind to serve Papi that beach ball that he took over right field :)
+1
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Mar 15, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry nation
I was completely wrong now papi hit a hr in spring traing we don’t need Adrian
by celtsfan1 on Mar 15, 2010 2:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Training sorry
For all spelling bee champs
by celtsfan1 on Mar 15, 2010 2:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think there's anyone that wouldn't like adrian
it’s just, at what cost? Particularly with Westmoreland having brain surgery, the cost would probably involve both Buchholz and Kelly, plus extending him for a long time at around $20 mill a year. I don’t buy that they need him that badly. We’ll see how the offense goes, if it really is struggling as much as some people think, I think there are probably much cheaper options that will fill our needs for a much smaller committment.
Not gonna like this either
But buchholtz isn’t very good if we could trade Kelly who hasn’t proved anything on the big stage yet and clay who we should have traded for halladay to get Adrain I’m in
by celtsfan1 on Mar 15, 2010 2:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You could say that
But you’d be wrong.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Mar 15, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Greinke
New England edition…?
I can dream.
by Christopher B on Mar 16, 2010 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions
If only.
I’d bet plenty that Buchholz’ ERA is below 4 this year, though.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 16, 2010 4:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Is this one of your things, like with Drew?
How about he’s a 25-year-old kid who’s already producing at the level of a #3 starter with stuff that could easily make him an ace and has shown that in his many flashes of brilliance.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Derr !!!!!
My bad if papi doesn’t produce We can bat drew at clean up I forgot how awesome he was
by celtsfan1 on Mar 15, 2010 3:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Good luck with this character.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Mar 15, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, if he keeps up his act--which is basically trolling--there's the obvious recourse.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Mar 15, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn it, am I forbidden from embedding or something?
I haven’t been able to do one in quite some time. It’s quite frustratin’
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Mar 15, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah it's a yankee fan thing
we’re afraid you’ll post pictures of the WS trophy or something and make us all cry.
yeah it's just different priorities
I’d rather have the 11 or so combined years of cost-controlled young starters with high upside and an extra $20 million to spend every year than Gonzalez, personally. It’s certainly riskier since neither of them has proven they’ll be top of the rotation caliber, but both can be, and I like a little risk.
I don’t buy that buchholz isn’t very good, but i can understand if you want to argue he isn’t an ace.
I'm so glad to see we've returned to the status quo of you ignoring our arguments and throwing out strawmen.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
The quality of OTM is threatened!
Do something mighty Ben!
by German Red Sox Fan on Mar 15, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't get why people who aren't sabermetrically oriented
Continually return to sabermetrically oriented blogs. Aren’t there plenty of mouthbreathing ZOMG DREW SUCKS sites out there?
Building Fenway from the ground up - Virtual Fenway
Actually No because stupid is selected against according to Charles Darwin.
Dumb people don’t usually have reproductive success :)
"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." -- Mike Royko
by sox-inda-south on Mar 15, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
They don't have to be "sabermetrically oriented"
Just not willfully ignorant, oblivious to reality, and only capable of argument on the level of a schoolchild.
IE: “I think this!”
“Well, I think otherwise for this reason.”
“OH MY GOD I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU THINK THAT HAHAHA YEAH RIGHT!”
“No, seriously, here are some more reasons.”
“HAHA YOU’RE SO WRONG OH MY GOD!”
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
We should hook this Tool up with Steelersfan-whatever-his-name-was
They would make the perfect couple of ignorance. So are you taking actions against him?
Unrelated: That Westmoreland surgery was going to happen in Phoneix, AZ? I’m no doctor, but wouldn’t flying the kid out there be dangerous considering the pressure involved in flights? IDK… maybe I read it wrong and just the surgeon is from Arizona.
"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." -- Mike Royko
by sox-inda-south on Mar 15, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I do now. (sigh) You don't have to save every soul Ben....you did your best....
….let this one die.
"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." -- Mike Royko
by sox-inda-south on Mar 15, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
And I don't think pressure makes any difference at all.
None of the various websites mentioned that. It seems like there’s no real cause behind most bleeds except, perhaps, severe head trauma.
USG
by Ben Buchanan on Mar 15, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i don't think there's particular risk from that
and he’s one of the best doctors in the country, which is why Westy’s going there. I doubt he’s in immediate risk of death from the condition or anything, or else the surgery would have been performed in ER before any of us heard about it.
I would have liked Agon.
I would have traded Buch or Ells (not both) + prospect or two. But after we signed Beltre theres not a spot unless somebody faulters. If Ortiz sux by the trade deadline I hope they make the move.
I would also do that
but I don’t think that’s close to the kind of deal it would take. Ells is pretty much useless for SD as he hits arbitration next year and is a Boras client. They’d probably love Buchholz, but it would take significantly more than him to get Gonzalez.
nah i know you're joking
I just think you have a misconception. I at least don’t think you’re trolling, I just disagree with your opinions I’ve seen.
i know
its because i just state the truth on how i feel. i dont like everyone on the sox like everybody else. Nobody hates on some players until the team is playing bad ya know. take the celts for example everyone called me a troll 3 weeks ago cause i said doc and perkins suck and now they all agree its funny!!!!!!!!
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