C: BardNote: Penny and Buchholz will fight for the #5 spot (with Smoltz waiting in the wings), the return of Varitek could bump Kottaras back to Pawtucket, and there could be a spring scramble for the final bullpen spot (Littleton?).
1B: Youkilis
2B: Pedroia
SS: Lowrie
3B: Lowell
LF: Bay
CF: Ellsbury
RF: Drew
DH: Ortiz
Bench: Kottaras, Baldelli, Lugo, Kotsay
SP: Lester, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, #5
RP: Aardsma, Delcarmen, Masterson, Okajima,
Papelbon, Ramirez, Lopez
It's great having several guys who can play various positions: LBJ, Yook, Lowrie, Kotsay, Baldelli.
Bard as our every day catcher makes me nervous. Only twice has be played more that 100 games. Last year he only played 57 games because of injuries. I still think we need another catcher.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for the season to start. I want to see this all play out. I could see some other trade potentials, but I'm not dissatisfied with this roster by any means.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see the patterns that have developed in the application of the Epstein Doctrine or whatever.
I agree with Geoff... we need to get Tek or another catcher.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I think this is the group that we'll start the 2009 season with... and I like it.
Unless Buchholz has an AMAZING spring and/or Penny can't get healthy, I think the Sox will keep Clay in AAA until they feel he's over his struggles from '08.
An Nick makes a good point - It will be fun to see is "Thrifty Theo" approach will work better than Brian CA$H-man's...
Worked for the Rays and Rockies but only to get into the big show.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound so obvious and third-grade that I expect to be mocked mercilessly, but I think Tizzle's going to be the fulcrum upon which the entire 2009 season rests. If he has another subpar year, this team will have a lot of problems keeping up with the Joneses of the American League. If we get another 2005, the Sox win the division again (at the very least). I am convinced of this.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Zink was outrighted to Pawtucket.
ReplyDeleteRHPs Virgil Vasquez and Dewon Day were claimed off waivers by San Diego.
Tony said...
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound so obvious and third-grade that I expect to be mocked mercilessly, but I think Tizzle's going to be the fulcrum upon which the entire 2009 season rests. If he has another subpar year, this team will have a lot of problems keeping up with the Joneses of the American League. If we get another 2005, the Sox win the division again (at the very least). I am convinced of this.
As in the playoffs ..The key is always the Ace, Beckett must be Beckett...
If are whole season revolves around a DH , we have more problems than we think .....
We pitch we win
I think you were expecting to get mocked in a different way...
This is going to sound so obvious and third-grade that I expect to be mocked mercilessly, but I think Tizzle's going to be the fulcrum upon which the entire 2009 season rests.
ReplyDeleteI think you're safe. I don't know many third graders who use the word fulcrum.
For you 3rd graders (mostly for myself)
ReplyDeleteful·crum (flkrm, fl-) KEY
NOUN:
pl. ful·crums or ful·cra (-kr) KEY
The point or support on which a lever pivots.
An agent through which vital powers are exercised.
Papi may have a new nickname
Tek is no better than Bard.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing at all special about Tek anymore. Nothing. We are fine without him.
I'd prefer we get another catcher, but Tek is done.
It's amazing that anybody could think we still need or want Varitek! Haven't you noticed? He sucks!
ReplyDeleteyeah just found this blog and im going to be a regular contributor. the evil empire is going to be at best in third place this year. tek.........is awesome in his gear but with his bat. dont know if hes gonna be able to hit .200 if he plays 100 games this year for us.
ReplyDeletewelcome aboard, swf.
ReplyDeleteThe roster has one too many names on it. Specifically in the infield. Specifically at SS. Specifically Lugo. Why the fuck do we have to endure more of his Tek bat. We already have a catcher in the batting order. Does no team need a backup SS? I sure hope Theo is shopping him around mercilessly.
ReplyDeleteI am also thinking that Wake is done. I mean it's possible for him to not suck Australian Tree Squirrel balls but the fact is he is old and his pitch is getting tired.
I don't know if I would say Wake is done. His ERA+ last season was 112, which was better than 2007 when some would argue he had a "better year." That's also with a lower ERA and about the same number of innings pitched. Not bad for a fifth starter.
ReplyDeleteObviously, the biggest concern is his health but that is the reason to pick up Smoltz, Penny, etc. and have guys like Buckholz and Bowden waiting in the wings.
Plus Bay and Drew can play all three outfield positions. Looks like a solid team that will contend again.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on the Sox supposedly signing Takashi Saito?
ReplyDeleteSaito has been signed, I like that move a lot. I think the Sox have done a great job in picking up low risk/high reward pitching this off season. It's as deep of a staff as I think I've ever seen on the Sox. I'm less than thrilled at the position signings however. I do believe that the Sox will either sign Tek or pick up a Texas catcher when the asking price drops.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking about keeping up with the Joneses....how about taking a flier on Andrew Jones as a 4th OF. The Sox clubhouse could handle him.
L-girl, I think Tex could improve slightly on last season. Not my first choice, but I think he has a lot to prove.....like a better contract for 10' and if he'll even be around in 10'. Clip and save....if Tek resigns with Boston
15 HR, .255, .340 OBP.
Anyone know where Boston stands on payrole after these recent signings compared to last season's?
ReplyDeleteaccudart said...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking about keeping up with the Joneses....how about taking a flier on Andrew Jones as a 4th OF. The Sox clubhouse could handle him.
Didn't they sign Baldelli for that job allready and also Kotsay.
Payroll: Check Cot's.
ReplyDeleteWanna laff? MAGICAL!!!!!
thanks redsock. wouldnt we be better off if smoltz heads to the bullpen and wait then what happens to penny/buckholz? we got a logjam in our rotation. 6 depenable and quality starters for only 5 spots. dont see us starting a 6 man rotation. i say we put smoltz in the bullpen and split starts 3 ways: wakefield/penny/buckholz. but even that dosent make sense. somebody help me out
ReplyDeleteseawolvesfan said...
ReplyDeletethanks redsock. wouldnt we be better off if smoltz heads to the bullpen and wait then what happens to penny/buckholz? we got a logjam in our rotation. 6 depenable and quality starters for only 5 spots. dont see us starting a 6 man rotation. i say we put smoltz in the bullpen and split starts 3 ways: wakefield/penny/buckholz. but even that dosent make sense. somebody help me out
Smoltz may not be ready until mid May and you never have a logjam of starting pitching......
well then we wont have a logjam until may if thats true. but, what will happen once may comes around. though i guess we shouldnt worry until we have to.
ReplyDeleteBasically it's a good problem to have.
ReplyDelete