4/25-4/28 Red Sox vs. Astros Series Thread

[fenwaythehardway]

Apr 27, 2013 11:30:02 GMT -5 honkbal said:

I can't find a link, but I was listening to Farrell's post-game comments this morning and heard him actually say that the reason the last run was important was because it allowed them to rest Bailey. Because, you know, if it's a three run game you have no choice but to use your closer?

Note the externalization of responsibility. You're allowed to rest Bailey any time you want, John.

[Don Caballero]

Yes, Farrell's bullpen usage is baffling and downright goofy at times. The Red Sox also have the 4th best ERA in the AL after having the worst last season. He's doing okay by me.

[gregblossersbelly]

Apr 27, 2013 11:30:02 GMT -5 honkbal said:

I can't find a link, but I was listening to Farrell's post-game comments this morning and heard him actually say that the reason the last run was important was because it allowed them to rest Bailey. Because, you know, if it's a three run game you have no choice but to use your closer?

He was complimenting David Ross on having a big game. Not easy when you're not getting a lot of ab's he says. Notes the two home runs. Then, says that Ross made a nice base-running play in bottom of 8th to score from 2nd on a single to LF. Added, he didn't have to use Bailey because of that. WTF

[mattpicard]

So, Ronny Cedeno is batting 5th and playing DH for the Astros today. Actually.

Looks like Morales had another setback and got shutdown. It's too bad, because he's a pretty valuable and versatile guy to have in the pen. Guess it's due in part to him being jerked back and fourth in different roles last season. Also, Victorino could be going on the DL, TBD tomorrow, with JBJ coming up and playing some RF.

[mainesox]

Apr 27, 2013 17:02:19 GMT -5 mattpicard said:

Looks like Morales had another setback and got shutdown. It's too bad, because he's a pretty valuable and versatile guy to have in the pen. Guess it's due in part to him being jerked back and fourth in different roles last season. Also, Victorino could be going on the DL, TBD tomorrow, with JBJ coming up and playing some RF.

Is the JBJ move an educated guess, or is it a known thing that he would be the corresponding move? I only ask because I'd really like to see them leave him down there a little longer to let him get his feet under himself and work on a few things before exposing him to MLB pitching again. I'd prefer Hassan going to the 60 day DL and Brentz getting the call (and added to the 40 man), I'm not a big fan of Brentz, but I'd rather see him called up (and the future 40 man roster issues that would come with it) than see JBJ jerked around.

[mattpicard]

Just a strong educated guess. I meant for that "could" regarding Victorino on the DL to also apply to JBJ. FWIW, he's been moved to RF the past 2 games after playing all his games in CF at Pawtucket.

[ray88h66]

Big Papi keeps saying he's not comfortable at the plate yet. Pitchers around the AL must love hearing that. All he's doing in his uncomfortable state is hit rockets all over the park.

[thegoodthebadthesox]

Not sure where this goes, but Arizona State linebacker/Sox OF Brandon Magee has agreed to terms with the Cowboys

[sarasoxer]

Apr 27, 2013 17:09:44 GMT -5 mainesox said:

Apr 27, 2013 17:02:19 GMT -5 mattpicard said:

Looks like Morales had another setback and got shutdown. It's too bad, because he's a pretty valuable and versatile guy to have in the pen. Guess it's due in part to him being jerked back and fourth in different roles last season. Also, Victorino could be going on the DL, TBD tomorrow, with JBJ coming up and playing some RF.

Is the JBJ move an educated guess, or is it a known thing that he would be the corresponding move? I only ask because I'd really like to see them leave him down there a little longer to let him get his feet under himself and work on a few things before exposing him to MLB pitching again. I'd prefer Hassan going to the 60 day DL and Brentz getting the call (and added to the 40 man), I'm not a big fan of Brentz, but I'd rather see him called up (and the future 40 man roster issues that would come with it) than see JBJ jerked around.

Don't know the specific nature of Morales' physical problems but, based on some reports, it sounds like a spinal disc impingement...sort of like Phil Hughes only lower in his back. If so, I suspect that the Sox have been hoping that the 'inflammation' would dissipate with medication & rest. Apparently he needs to be shut down for a longer period. Truly, he would be valuable if healthy.....

I can't see JBJ back up so soon to replace Victorino. After early success in AAA, he has dropped back. He is clearly not ready and his so recent failure is too close in time. Brentz is a solid guy and I wouldn't mind him up for a short stint.

[DesignatedForAssignment]

of course if Hassan goes on the 60-day DL the 60 days starts now ... he could only play 20 rehab games in that 60 day period. I do not know his timetable.

They made their choice of Bradley as the guy to ride the shuttle. Now they are living with it.

[mainesox]

Apr 27, 2013 19:51:33 GMT -5 DesignatedForAssignment said:

of course if Hassan goes on the 60-day DL the 60 days starts now ... he could only play 20 rehab games in that 60 day period. I do not know his timetable.

They made their choice of Bradley as the guy to ride the shuttle. Now they are living with it.

Why wouldn't they make the 60 days retroactive to the beginning of the season? He hasn't played in a game yet.

[Chris Hatfield]

I doubt it'd be Brentz if the Sox call up an OF. He's been maybe the sixth-best hitter in Pawtucket so far.

Given the fact that Bradley has played RF the last two nights for the PawSox, looks like it'd be him coming back if they need a guy. Another option, though, would be Justin Henry, who has been playing CF those two games, and could also spell Middlebrooks if they wanted (although he's finally heating back up).

[JackieWilsonsaid]

The bard in the eighth for the hold, this should be interesting.

[Chris Hatfield]

OK yup, he was up too soon.

[Chris Hatfield]

Moved the Bard discussion to the Bard thread. Please continue there - good stuff that we shouldn't lose when this gets archived.

[Guidas]

Nice rehab start by Lackey. Next time he'll have a much smaller margin of error against Texas. Middlebrooks also seems to have grown a little more patient the last three or four days. Be interesting to see if that lasts.

[fenwaythehardway]

Rumors of David Ortiz's death have been greatly exaggerated, again.

[wcp3]

And John Lackey's.

I believe him about being his healthiest in years. The guy's stuff looks significantly better.

[Oregon Norm]

So, the site should, at some point, host a poll to see who the most valuable pickup for the Sox was this year. Right now, on a cost/benefit ratio, Carp looks like he wants to run away with it. Very early of course, but he's doing an encore of his early 2011 season in Seattle before the - should I say it? - injury. Good patience and quite a bit of pop. As a complementary piece at DH/1B/LF, probably couldn't have asked for more up to this point. Amazing how players emerge from Safeco like larvae from their cocoons only to soar like butterflies. Man, that place really suppresses offense.

[marrcus]

Nava's catch:



I'll have to see it again but given it was a sun field I'd have to say it was a Fenway top-10 ...like ever.

On to the concrete box of boos.

[ray88h66]

Apr 28, 2013 15:39:56 GMT -5 Oregon Norm said:

So, the site should, at some point, host a poll to see who the most valuable pickup for the Sox was this year. Right now, on a cost/benefit ratio, Carp looks like he wants to run away with it. Very early of course, but he's doing an encore of his early 2011 season in Seattle before the - should I say it? - injury. Good patience and quite a bit of pop. As a complementary piece at DH/1B/LF, probably couldn't have asked for more up to this point. Amazing how players emerge from Safeco like larvae from their cocoons only to soar like butterflies. Man, that place really suppresses offense.

Ya, he's been great. Glad they went with him over Sweeny. Carp drives the ball , Sweeny slaps at it. And Nava had done just fine defensively in right.

[rangoon82]

Sox on pace for 117 wins.

[gregblossersbelly]

Bard's been sent down to make room for Hanrahan. When Breslow is ready Alex Wilson or Mortenson. Wilson has an option. So, I'm sure it will be him. But, he's been impressive. Mortenson...meh

[sarasoxer]

Apr 28, 2013 15:46:47 GMT -5 ray88h66 said:

Apr 28, 2013 15:39:56 GMT -5 Oregon Norm said:

So, the site should, at some point, host a poll to see who the most valuable pickup for the Sox was this year. Right now, on a cost/benefit ratio, Carp looks like he wants to run away with it. Very early of course, but he's doing an encore of his early 2011 season in Seattle before the - should I say it? - injury. Good patience and quite a bit of pop. As a complementary piece at DH/1B/LF, probably couldn't have asked for more up to this point. Amazing how players emerge from Safeco like larvae from their cocoons only to soar like butterflies. Man, that place really suppresses offense.

Ya, he's been great. Glad they went with him over Sweeny. Carp drives the ball , Sweeny slaps at it. And Nava had done just fine defensively in right.

Carp has been our early season surprise. Presently, I love to see him at the plate and sure hope that we 'have something'. He does appear to have good strike-zone judgment too. With a few exceptions, it is nice to see us back in the patient mode at the plate.

As an aside, I am a bit nauseous that the Yankees have seemingly struck gold with cast-offs Wells, Hafner, Overbay, & Boesch...totaling 17 hrs to date. Our whole team has 23 hrs. They only had to pay cash (essentially) for these guys. Maybe the Yankees are the smartest team 'out there'....much as I despise them. When they get Granderson, Tex, Jeter & A-Roid back...yikes! The continuing home run capability allowed them to sweep Toronto which, I believe, held a lead in all 4 games until late.

[grandsalami]

Apr 28, 2013 19:40:47 GMT -5 sarasoxer said:

Apr 28, 2013 15:46:47 GMT -5 ray88h66 said:

Ya, he's been great. Glad they went with him over Sweeny. Carp drives the ball , Sweeny slaps at it. And Nava had done just fine defensively in right.

Carp has been our early season surprise. Presently, I love to see him at the plate and sure hope that we 'have something'. He does appear to have good strike-zone judgment too. With a few exceptions, it is nice to see us back in the patient mode at the plate.

As an aside, I am a bit nauseous that the Yankees have seemingly struck gold with cast-offs Wells, Hafner, Overbay, & Boesch...totaling 17 hrs to date. Our whole team has 23 hrs. They only had to pay cash (essentially) for these guys. Maybe the Yankees are the smartest team 'out there'....much as I despise them. When they get Granderson, Tex, Jeter & A-Roid back...yikes! The continuing home run capability allowed them to sweep Toronto which, I believe, held a lead in all 4 games until late.

the yankees could pick up someone out of baseball for 2 years, and they would hit 10+HR, it happens every damn year and its annoying