Red Sox Offense Disappears Again, Drops Series to Rays
by lone1c on Aug 17, 2011 4:46 PM EDT
in Game Stories
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PrintMeh.
I think that perfectly encapsulates the game. But since SBN won't let me post a one-word game recap, my thoughts on the game:
Grumble grumble weak-hitting offense stymied by Rays pitching leading to three hits or fewer in three straight games for the first time in thirty-seven seasons.
FAIL offense that can't score Jacoby Ellsbury from third with no outs in the fourth inning.
DFA Darnell McDonald who can't keep Johnny Damon from scoring in the first inning.
yu5 a/h35 G"nbejzu9085y3 nag39 '9uagi430.
DFA Carl Crawford who can't seem to hit his way out of a paper bag, let alone to an OPS that justifies making as much per game as I make in a year.
DFA commenter Tal for suggesting I throw myself off the Monster.
hg o mt4 emvapw;h ;ghio
DISLIKE Rays pitching that needed only one reliever for a single inning in a three-game series.
DISLIKE squandering scoring chances by hitting into a double play to end the first inning.
Lackey? Erm. Yeah. Okay. Not so cromulent, but not exactly FAILtastic, either. Rather meh on the whole. Technically a quality start, but still, eh.
DISLIKE no offense. Need more runs. Lots more runs.
On to Kansas City? Who knows, maybe the Sox will find their offense again.
In the meantime, MEH.
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wouldnt it be great to DFA people in real life?
Want to see someone really get their brain twisted up? Try explaining the Monty Hall problem to them....
by BigBenSportsGuy on Aug 17, 2011 4:52 PM EDT reply actions
No kidding.
Although I suppose in my real-life job, I technically could. (Not that I would unless absolutely forced to.)
Fenway: "An alternate and better universe, disguised as a ballpark." --Thomas Boswell
Lone1c: member of a CIA hit squad
This will be my last post on OTM. As I type this Lone1c is breaking down my front door to “DFA” me for outing him to the general public.
I'm a 7 WAR player in bed.
by TheLoneDavid on Aug 18, 2011 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I am getting worried about Gonzo.
I have been saying that a power surge is right around the corner but I am starting get a bit concerned that it might not happen.
Meanwhile outside of Ells and to an extent Pedey, our offense just plain sucks right now. The pitching has been encouraging for the most part but for whatever reason this offense is in a team wide slump right now. I am hoping for the best on this coming road trip. I really am.
I would ordinarily comfort myself by saying they can't suck forever...
… but then I see Carl Crawford staring at me. Staring, always staring with his dead eyes.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
That about encapsulates everyone's feelings.
Over the Monster -- SB Nation's Resident Red Sox Site
USG
meh
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
Great.
Wake me when the playoffs start.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
FED UP OF DARNELL MCDONALD!!!
why is darnell and his .167…167!!! avg still playing? because FRANCONA IS A CLUELESS MORON!!! hope everyone realizes that texas has 3 LH starters…anyone else worried that our jackass manager will play darnell and bench reddick for all 5 games? RIDICULOUS..someone explain (slowwwly) to this idiot that it’s not a platoon when one guy is .330 and the other is .167…DUMBEST MGR IN MLB!!!
-1
What makes you think Reddick can hit lefties? His numbers look good because in 26 PA v. LHP this year he has a .500 BABIP.
McDonald is the only right-handed hitting OF the Sox have. His career numbers against lefties are decent. Crawford doesn’t hit lefties well and this year Ellsbury has a huge gap in his platoon splits. McDonald isn’t a great player. That’s why he’s a 4th (or 5th) OF. But the question you have to ask is why Carl Crawford with his .237 wOBA v. LHP isn’t on the bench when the Sox play against a lefty.
As for Reddick, his numbers have declined steadily: .525 wOBA in May, .493 wOBA in June, .340 wOBA in July, and a .295 wOBA so far in August.
The problem with the Sox this month is the offense. So far in August, only two players—Ortiz and Scutaro—have wOBAs over .350. I guess it’s Tito’s fault that those two players missed the TB series with injuries.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
What makes anyone think he cannot hit lefties?
His minor splits if I recall were almost non-existent, his numbers this year are bloated certainly but I haven’t seen any reason that Reddick should be benched against lefties. If he got regular at bats and sucked, sure fine bench him, but he hasn’t even been given a chance to prove himself, instead we’re tossing out McDonald who is supposed to hit lefties well and he’s hitting .167, with a majority of those at bats being against lefties I would assume.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Most left-handed hitters aren't great v. LHP
Reddick is nothing special. He gave the team a lift by playing over his head in May and June. In July and August, he has a .316 OBP. It should have been no suprise to anyone that McDonald was in the line-up against Price. It was the right call. If people are upset that Reddick was on the bench, they should criticize the Sox for playing Carl Crawford against tough lefties. McDonald’s wOBA v. LHP prior to yesterday was better than Crawford’s or Ellsbury’s (and Reddick’s in BABIP inflated). Who cares about Reddick’s minor league split? His overall minor league numbers aren’t great.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 18, 2011 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure most aren't.
But there are plenty of players who play everyday regardless of the handedness of the pitcher, there are lefties who hit lefties better than righties and there are righties that hit righties better than lefties.
McDonald doesn’t factor into this team’s long term plans and we have an opportunity to see if Reddick does, why not take full advantage of the opportunity? His defense is better than McDonald’s, that probably makes up a big bit of the difference that may exist between their offensive output against lefties. We need to give him at least a chance to prove himself.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Huh?
McDonald has a career .824 slugging, 1.245 OPS with a triple and 2 HRs against Price in his 20 PAs. You know he was going to play and it has nothing to do with long term plans it has to do with trying what you can to jumpstart a struggling offense.
Reddick is, as Drugs said, totally coming down to earth and has been noting special against LHP in the minors. While I agree he is in the long term picture as a contributor while Darnell is not, this has nothing to do with yesterday-the Sox have averaged 4 runs a game in August-and they actually want to win games and score runs, not develop players game by game in mid August. Francoan felt the best way to do that against Price was to play McDonald-which is not a shocking move.
Red sox
I’m not surprised . Half the Team Is on IR. Only two starting pitchers that are consistant. It seems like when Beckett pitches, he gets no run support , veryyy frustrating. The bull pen. Now they call it the pig pen. they have bard for the 8th and pap for the 9th. Other than that, everyone else is a triple AAA coin flip.
It looks to me like gonzo and poppy are eating at the same restaurants. Both look over weight and out of shape and is catching up with them
Drew Crawford MacDonald Sucitro are all disappointments and sometimes i can’t figure Tito’s line up
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
the Sox bullpen is the second best by FIP and WAR in the AL.
Bard and Papelbon have been good. Albers has been good. Aceves has been a freakin godsend (unless that means Cashman is god, in which case I take it back). Wheeler has been great since his DL stint. Morales is a AAA coinflip. That’s quite a good bullpen.
Occasionally, one will have a bad game, but if you watch more baseball than the Sox, you will quickly realize that literally every pitcher in the majors will have a bad game at some point.
Those two “over weight and out of shape” players you’ve named are the 11th and 12th best hitters in baseball by wOBA. This makes me think they should keep eating what they’re eating and maybe give the rest of the team a bit of it. Or are you suggesting that his diet has given Papi (who is clearly in the best shape he’s been in years) Bursitis in his heel?
Damn, everyone needs to chill the hell out
We’re still 8 games up in WC and only a game behind on the division. After our overwhelming July, it was inevitable that we were going to backslide.
Reeeelllaaaaaaax
We were due for some regression but they have been playing awful lately.
I am not panicking by any means but the way they are playing right now is frustrating.
An 8 game lead right now is a great position to be in. But I am not comfortable at all. The Mets lost a 7 game lead in three weeks a few years ago. A lot can happen over the next six weeks.
Let’s hope they get it together on this road trip.
August 17, 2011: 8 games up in the WC
August 17, 1978: 7.5 games up on the MFY
No; no need to be concerned. None at all.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
not saying don't be concerned,
but there is a full-scale freakout from some folks on this site, and I don’t know if it’s yet warranted. Plus, the gerbil is almost completely responsible for us screwing up that season.
Point of order...
… I’m not so much freaked out as fed up. Keeping in mind, of course, that I will be jumping right back on the bandwagon the second we cobble together a > 3 winning streak. So don’t let anyone take my bar stool.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
After the April disaster,
and after witnessing the blessing that was our July performance, even I am nowhere near fed up with their performance. I knew, and tried to warn people then, that we were due for a regression because of our exceptional July performance.
This is where we pay the piper.
We had a good May and a very good June as well.
So you are right. But it is definitely frustrating. Especially since our offense has fallen off the cliff lately.
Yeah...
… it was more of a subjective thing. They’re just tough to watch when they’re not hitting and there are no real playoff stakes.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I totally understand
but… I think it reinforces why we were ok to panic in April. As unpleasant as the last few days have been, they are so far away from the utter disaster that each game was in April. I cannot remember ever seeing a team that incapable of doing anything well. It was astonishing.
I'm never sure if it's okay to make a follow-up joke...
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
See, it could be worse.
You could be a Cubs fan.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Who are you and how did you hack Sean O's account?
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
We played .700 ball for about 3 months.
There was no way with the rotation in its current state that this would continue.
As you say, Chill out.
Bad analogy
First, Tito isn’t Don Zimmer. Second, the Sox finished with the second-best record in baseball in 1978. If they do that, they’re a playoff lock.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad rebuttal
If the Sox do blow their 8 game WC cushion, they won’t even have the second best record in the division.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why 1978 is a bad example
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
How's that?
My only point, in reference to Sean O’s “Reeeelllaaaaaaax,” was that an 8 game (or 7.5 game) lead in mid-August doesn’t mean anything is a lock. Missing the playoffs is entirely possible for this team. Just like 1978.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Because you used a 99-win team as an example of a team that collapsed
The Sox didn’t collapse in 1978. The MFY just played very well, even though they blew a 3.5 game lead in the final 14 games.
Sean’s point is that the teams that are chasing Boston—TB, LA, and Cleveland—have more flaws than the Sox (as long as the Sox are healthy).
The Rays are probably the best team chasing Boston. There are 40 games left in the season. If Boston collapses and plays .500 ball the rest of the way, TB will have to play .725 ball to finish ahead of the Sox.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
On the contrary,
I used a 99-win team as an example of a team that had a substantial lead late in the season and missed the playoffs. I never used the word “collapse,” but since you bring it up, if Boston plays .333 ball the rest of the way — as they have over the last two series against teams that, as you say, “have more flaws than the Sox” — then TB only needs to play .540 to catch up.
I’m not saying that will happen, only that there’s legitimate and historical cause for concern.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
The Sox aren't going to only win a third of their remaining games
The Sox would have to be crippled with injuries to play anything close to .333 ball over a 40-game stretch.
If you want to panic, that’s fine. Your analogy was bad because the ‘78 Sox didn’t collapse. The MFY won 41 of their final 58 games (.707 WP). None of the teams chasing the Sox are likely to win 95 games. Tampa, the best of those teams, is 21-20 since July 1st. The odds of them ovetaking Boston aren’t very good.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that the odds aren't good (for Tampa)
and perhaps I am being a bit alarmist, but I refuse to take anything for granted. I’ve seen the “Reeeelllaaaaaaax,” nothing-can-go-wrong attitude backfire before.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
what in our experience together
makes you think I feel nothing can go wrong? I just don’t think it’s likely.
I've seen this team do a whole lot of unlikely things
most of them not so enjoyable. My outlook will brighten the next time the Sox are able to score a runner from third with no outs.
"What's so special about Lou Gehrig? Shouldn't EVERY Yankee have a disease named after him?"
by Tessie's Dad on Aug 17, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
My outlook will brighten the next time the Sox are able to score a runner from third with no outs.
I don’t think these extreme and unrealistic expectations are helpful to anyone.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 18, 2011 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Red Sox fan pessimism
at it’s finest…WAKEEE ME UPPP…WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDSSSS
that really doesn't mean
that everytime the team goes in a slump, everyone needs to start shouting that the end is nigh.
Anyone remember how everyone was giving up on our season 12 freakin games into it?
There’s a lot of baseball left to go, and nothing’s definite, but this is a pretty excellent baseball team we have right here.
Yes.
Thank you Sean, for clearly stating what needed to be said. And thank you lone1c , for that authentic frontier gibberish. (Blazing Saddles is one of my favorite movies)
So the Sox have hit a little rough patch,no need to panic, it happens. Better now than a month from now. In fact, this is perfect timing, le’ts get this lull out of the way now, in August.
Yeah, this is really nothing to be worried about
There was a worse period of play this season already, 2-11, and I recall that we came out of that slump pretty convincingly.
Though I have to say, I feel like every August we hit a wall.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
I hate Carl Crawford!
#ThatIsAll
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
He's hard to like
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
x
Hey! I never said I didn’t suck, you assumed I didn’t!
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 18, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Following what Hix said
Crawford so far this year (not counting today’s game): .296 wOBA 80 wRC+ 0.3 fWAR
Julio Lugo in 2007: .293 wOBA 70 wRC+ 0.6 fWAR
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
While I appreciate the observation...
… I would like people to refrain from comparing our $ 142MM of the present and foreseeable future to Julio Lugo.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 18, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
^ outfielder
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 18, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Coco Crisp, age 31
.725 OPS, 37 stolen bases, wOBA ..330, 110 wRC+, 2.4 fWAR
Right handed batter.
Signed 1 year deal for 5.6 million.
* weeping *
Stop! It burns! It buuurrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnns!!!
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 18, 2011 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Lars Anderson pinch hit for Lavarnway in Pawtucket tonight's game
Big Papi heading to the DL? Let’s speculate people!
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
Yep, looks like it
Steve Thyder (Radio voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox)
Lavarnway was lifted for PH in 7th. Didn’t see him in clubhouse. Smiles and winks from teammates when asked where he is?
Gongrats to Ryan!
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
Awesome
Looking forward to it, though I kind of wish they’d keep the DH slot open to rotate their wounded through.
Bad ass
Set “bandwagon” to ON.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
If he is indeed called up
lets hope he hits close to the way he has in AA & AAA. Time to see what he can do.
Sox say they're evaluating everyone today and pulled him for precautionary reasons
which means “you bet your ass he’s on a plane to KC right now and about a 60% chance he’s DHing thursday”
was 5-3.
Loaded the bases and now it is 5-4 with two outs, runners on 1st and 2nd.
Yankees lose a game started by Bruce Chen
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Aug 17, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
More worried about Texas than NYY at the moment...
… I feel like C.J. Wilson has an actual recorded deed to the Red Sox.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
As a fantasy owner...
… Soria is a useless hump with a brain the size of a walnut.
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
YES!
But still better than Posada…
"Laser show. So relax."
Francona is to McDonald and Jenks as Infant is to Plastic Bags and Matches
by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Who is better right now
Tek or Posada? Both old, washed up and were very good players back in the old days.
Tek can catch, Posada can't
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
I was just going to post that.
I would give the edge to Tek too since he is somewhat effective as a catcher still and Posada is relegated to a bench/DH role.
MLB average Catcher: .244 /.315 /.383 that’s .698 OPS
Varitek: .226/ .305/.412 for a .717 OPS
He’s been decent to say the least
Twitter | "Almost every organization has a guy like Papelbon or Lester" - Dave Cameron 12/29/2005
What worries me is wOBA by month
May: .407
June: .406
July: .313
August: .229
Numbers are falling off a cliff as I think the season is taking a toll on him. Frankly, I’m really hoping these injuries give them an excuse to call up Lavarnway for a bit and he plays well enough that, when Papi is back, they can give Tek some DL rest and have Lavarnway play as backup catcher. I want Tek to be healthy and rested for the playoffs (while acknowledging that several people here appear to have give up hope that the Sox will be in the playoffs somehow).
He should be catching once a week that is it.
Salty has been fine this year handling the pitching staff. Let Tek catch Beckett, have Satly catch Bedard from now on and hopefully we can get Tek some rest.
yeah if not for the injuries, I'd agree
but as Lavarnway is up now anyways, if he looks like he can hit major league pitching, I’d rather see him take the backup job for a bit- in part because there’s a chance that this is one of the few times he’ll be able to have Tek around to help mentor him on the whole defense thing.
Posada should have been on with a 4 pitch walk.
The game would have been tied
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by seton hall and steelers on Aug 18, 2011 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
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