The Globe's Eric Wilbur reports that hitting coach Ron Jackson and pitching coach Dave Wallace will not return in 2007 (or have other jobs in the organization).
Does this mean Al Nipper will be next year's official pitching coach? Ugh.
Its impossible to know one way or the other what a pitching or a hitting coach really contributed to a team. We can look at the team's hitting and pitching stats, but of course available talent, luck, and a host of other factors play a large and unknown part in this as well.
If we judge only by team stats then I would argue that both Papa Jack (who I like) and Wallace deserve to go. The Red Sox pitching was awful this year, and outside of Ortiz and Manny there wasn't much contribution from anyone else, especially in August when the season was going down the tubes.
In any case, I will bow to those within the organization on this move because they have more information than any of us, and assume that its the right thing to do.
Yeah, so L-girl, is that the sabermetric analysis you want or the scouting reports?
I'll take both, thanks. What's up with that, Woti - was he just being sexist?
The Red Sox pitching was awful this year, and outside of Ortiz and Manny there wasn't much contribution from anyone else, especially in August when the season was going down the tubes.
True and true. So why should it come as a surprise when the pitching and batting coaches are fired? Papa Jack is popular with fans and announcers, but the FO shouldn't factor that in.
No way Nipps will be back..the successor is just about picked...see my blog for that! Just about to watch the Papi special from last night, guys. It's on its way to you as of 9am!!!!!!!
And I, just this moment, sent you two an email about the too short 30 minute show..it's on my blog, but also in your email. Take care!!! It makes me happy to share something as wonderful as this. Peter
Jere - yr right about Nipper. But I wasn't advocating the firing of Papa Jack or Wallace (or Nipper). I was just saying that based on the information we have about the team (they under-performed, assuming that is your opinion) the coaches in charge of the specific aspects in which the team under-performed should be let go.
I like those guys and I don't like to see anyone get fired, but the people who run the team think it will help the Red Sox get better, and I'm going to trust them until they show they can't be trusted.
"Pena had his best year at bat in terms of making contact and getting on base"
Two years ago, the year he had the most ABs, Pena struck out at a lower rate than this season.
He improved a little in the walk department, but 1 every 13.8 AB isn't so good.
His slugging dropped for second year in a row, as did his HR rate.
But you're right, he got on base more.
Combine all that with something you brought up the other day, that we didn't have an established starter in the 5-spot once all year, and I think I take home the belt in the Wily Mo/Bronson debate, for 2006, anyway.
Is there any evidence that either of those men actually contributed anything this season?
ReplyDeleteL-Girl: Do you want the truth, or the ABC/Disney version?
ReplyDeleteIts impossible to know one way or the other what a pitching or a hitting coach really contributed to a team. We can look at the team's hitting and pitching stats, but of course available talent, luck, and a host of other factors play a large and unknown part in this as well.
ReplyDeleteIf we judge only by team stats then I would argue that both Papa Jack (who I like) and Wallace deserve to go. The Red Sox pitching was awful this year, and outside of Ortiz and Manny there wasn't much contribution from anyone else, especially in August when the season was going down the tubes.
In any case, I will bow to those within the organization on this move because they have more information than any of us, and assume that its the right thing to do.
Yeah, so L-girl, is that the sabermetric analysis you want or the scouting reports?
ReplyDeleteL-Girl: Do you want the truth, or the ABC/Disney version?
ReplyDeleteAre you insulting me, or you don't know me at all and think I might be an idiot?
Yeah, so L-girl, is that the sabermetric analysis you want or the scouting reports?
ReplyDeleteI'll take both, thanks. What's up with that, Woti - was he just being sexist?
The Red Sox pitching was awful this year, and outside of Ortiz and Manny there wasn't much contribution from anyone else, especially in August when the season was going down the tubes.
True and true. So why should it come as a surprise when the pitching and batting coaches are fired? Papa Jack is popular with fans and announcers, but the FO shouldn't factor that in.
Oh shit, I just realized who Mike is.
ReplyDeleteMike, I'm sorry. You were not insulting me and I highly doubt you were being sexist.
I was just shocked to have someone ask me if I wanted ABC/Disney anything!
I'm sorry about that, my friend.
"both Papa Jack (who I like) and Wallace deserve to go. The Red Sox pitching was awful this year,"
ReplyDeleteAre we all just forgetting that Wallace wasn't even around much the whole season? Shouldn't we be firing Al Nipper?
When I heard he was canned, I figured it was becuase of his health. Papa Jack going doesn't make sense to me, though.
No way Nipps will be back..the successor is just about picked...see my blog for that! Just about to watch the Papi special from last night, guys. It's on its way to you as of 9am!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust about to watch the Papi special from last night, guys. It's on its way to you as of 9am!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter N!
And I, just this moment, sent you two an email about the too short 30 minute show..it's on my blog, but also in your email. Take care!!! It makes me happy to share something as wonderful as this. Peter
ReplyDeleteJere - yr right about Nipper. But I wasn't advocating the firing of Papa Jack or Wallace (or Nipper). I was just saying that based on the information we have about the team (they under-performed, assuming that is your opinion) the coaches in charge of the specific aspects in which the team under-performed should be let go.
ReplyDeleteI like those guys and I don't like to see anyone get fired, but the people who run the team think it will help the Red Sox get better, and I'm going to trust them until they show they can't be trusted.
"Pena had his best year at bat in terms of making contact and getting on base"
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago, the year he had the most ABs, Pena struck out at a lower rate than this season.
He improved a little in the walk department, but 1 every 13.8 AB isn't so good.
His slugging dropped for second year in a row, as did his HR rate.
But you're right, he got on base more.
Combine all that with something you brought up the other day, that we didn't have an established starter in the 5-spot once all year, and I think I take home the belt in the Wily Mo/Bronson debate, for 2006, anyway.
Hint to Matthew, and Jack..in the off-season, people DO get fired.
ReplyDeleteL-Girl: Thanks for the clarification! Thought the 9/11 Movie reference would be a good joke to answer your question with the word "evidence" in it.
ReplyDeleteThought the 9/11 Movie reference would be a good joke to answer your question with the word "evidence" in it.
ReplyDeleteHa! Excellent, and I didn't even get it. Duh.
Note to self: be sure to check identity of commenter before responding...