The Houston Texans have agreed to a deal with defensive end Mario Williams making him the number one pick in the NFL draft. As I said on Thursday, I understand the logic behind selecting Williams. I certainly hope that the Texans exhausted all possible scenarios to trade down a slot or two before agreeing to terms with Williams.
The New Orleans Saints now should definitely make a trade out of the #2 spot. I think the Jets have to give up the necessary picks to move up and select Reggie Bush. There is a very slim chance that Bush could slip to New York if the Saints were to select D'Brickashaw Ferguson (I finally spelled his name correctly with the first "a") and the Titans were to select a quarterback. I don't the Jets should take that risk. Bush would make some sense for New Orleans because Deuce McAllister hasn't been able to stay healthy the past two seasons.
My quick-fix at the top (which I said I wouldn't do - so I lied, big freakin' deal!):
1. HOU - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
2. NO - *trade* - NYJ - Reggie Bush, RB, USC
3. TEN - Vince Young, QB, Texas
4. NYJ - *trade* - NO - A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
5. GB - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
6. SF - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
7. OAK - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Let's keep the rest the same for now...
Friday, April 28, 2006
Is It Drafty In Here?
All I can say about the Sox game last night is, "Ouch, baby. Very ouch."
With the NFL draft tomorrow I have a few questions. I've included my answers. You can leave your answers in the comments sections for this post.
What position should the Patriots address in the 1st round? DB, LB, RB, WR, other?
I hope they select a DB or LB in the 1st round.
Should the Patriots trade up from #21 to get an impact player at LB or WR?
I'm comfortable sitting at #21 and keeping all 11 picks.
Should the Patriots trade for Packers WR Javon Walker, a player coming off a very serious injury? It would likely take a second round pick and more.
This is a difficult question to answer. If they can trade only a second round pick and a backup player for Walker, I would make the trade. I wouldn't trade anything more for him.
Which players would you like to see the Pats draft on the 1st day?
I would like to see LB Chad Greenway or LB Bobby Carpenter in the 1st round, DB Cedric Griffin, S Darnell Bing, or S Ko Sampson in the 2nd round, and maybe RB Brian Calhoun and WR Maurice Stovall, WR Derek Hagan, or WR Jason Avant in the 3rd round.
With the NFL draft tomorrow I have a few questions. I've included my answers. You can leave your answers in the comments sections for this post.
What position should the Patriots address in the 1st round? DB, LB, RB, WR, other?
I hope they select a DB or LB in the 1st round.
Should the Patriots trade up from #21 to get an impact player at LB or WR?
I'm comfortable sitting at #21 and keeping all 11 picks.
Should the Patriots trade for Packers WR Javon Walker, a player coming off a very serious injury? It would likely take a second round pick and more.
This is a difficult question to answer. If they can trade only a second round pick and a backup player for Walker, I would make the trade. I wouldn't trade anything more for him.
Which players would you like to see the Pats draft on the 1st day?
I would like to see LB Chad Greenway or LB Bobby Carpenter in the 1st round, DB Cedric Griffin, S Darnell Bing, or S Ko Sampson in the 2nd round, and maybe RB Brian Calhoun and WR Maurice Stovall, WR Derek Hagan, or WR Jason Avant in the 3rd round.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
A Day Early, A Dollar Extra
Here is my soon to be world famous NFL Draft 1st Round Prediction. I'm a day early thanks to the awful performance of the Sox last night.
1. HOU - Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Bush by all accounts is a special player. Houston cannot afford to pass on such a dynamic playmaker. After reading this Michael Smith column I do see the logic in drafting Mario Williams ahead of Bush. I don't think the Texans will pass on Bush, though.
2. NO - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
New Orleans seemed destined to draft Matt Leinart or Vince Young before they acquired Drew Brees in the offseason. Now the Saints are positioned to trade this pick to a team hoping to nab one of the two QBs. I don't think they will find any takers and they will be happy to select Williams.
3. TEN - Vince Young, QB, Texas
I think that Vince Young has a higher ceiling that Matt Leinart and that Young will fit the current system in Tennessee better than Leinart. Some have questioned Leinart's ability to throw the deep ball and his accuracy. Count me among them. I think the Titans are content to wait 1-2 seasons developing Young regardless of the status of Steve McNair's contract.
4. NYJ - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Matt Leinart, who would be playing for the San Francisco 49's had he entered the draft last year, falls into the lap of the Jets. The Jets covet Leinart but aren't willing to trade up to get him. They luck out here and get a player made for the New York market. Leinart should be a good QB, if not a great one, but he'll be perfect for advertisers no matter his career path.
5. GB - D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
In any other year Ferguson would be discussed as a candidate to be drafted #1 overall. Green Bay has a lot of needs and will get a solid player here. Ferguson helps an offensive line that was really hurt by free agency last year. If Ferguson is off the board, look for Green Bay to select A.J. Hawk. Either way the Packers will get an immediate upgrade at a position of need.
6. SF - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
The Niners have been targeting Davis as an offensive weapon to help the development of Alex Smith. Davis is a freak - 6'-3 1/4" with sub 4.4 speed - who will help define the current playmaking tight end in the NFL. He's the newest Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates will even better wheels and more upside.
7. OAK - A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
Oakland takes the best player on the draft board with Hawk. By all accounts he's a smart player with great instincts. If he continues to grow his hair, he could easily fill the "Bill Romanowski Pyschopath Look" void in the NFL. He and Mario Williams will compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
8. BUF - *trade* - STL - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
The Bills aren't thrilled about potentially drafting Haloti Ngata or Brodrick Bunkley here. Cutler, who theoretically could be drafted as high as #7 to Oakland or as low as #17 to Minnesota, is once again on the rise. Saint Louis is concerned that Arizona will take Cutler at #10 so they move up to grab him here.
9. DET - Michael Huff, DB, Texas
Detroit gets the player they want here. Huff is a DB with experience at cornerback and safety. Most scouts think he'll be a better utilized as a cornerback in the NFL. The Lions can't go wrong with Huff and could use him at either DB spot.
10. ARI - Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Dennis Green and the Cardinals are afraid that LB Ernie Sims may have a history of suffering concussions. Sims potential injury history will scare the Cardinals. Green, however, is not scared by potential character issues (see Randy Moss). Arizona takes a player with fluctuating draft stock in Williams who can help this team right away but has some character concerns.
11. STL - *trade* - BUF - Winston Justice, OT, USC
Buffalo is able to slide down a few spots and select Justice without making too big of a reach for him. Justice is yet another player with some questions about character. His performance at the Trojans workout day did improve his draft stock enough that he will be selected in the #10-15 range.
12. CLE - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Cleveland is thrilled to find that Ngata falls into their lap. They would like to select Ngata or Kamerion Wimbley here. Both players will help Romeo Crennel shore up the Browns defense.
13. BAL - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Baltimore is disappointed that Winston Justice is off the board because they hoped to trade down with Dallas or Tampa Bay. Baltimore is stuck and takes the best player who fits a need. Holmes is more polished than Chad Jackson and should help Kyle Boller more than Jackson would. That said, don't be surprised if Jackson and Holmes flip-flop positions here.
14. PHI - Chad Jackson, WR, Florida State
Philly is also disappointed to see Winston Justice gone. They will take Holmes or Jackson here, whichever player remains available. They need to try and replace the playmaking ability of Terrell Owens.
15. DEN - *trade* - NE - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Denver wanted to select Holmes or Jackson here. It's too much of a reach to grab Laurence Maroney here. New England is rumored to be interested in trading up. I would be shocked if Belichick and Company selected a wide receiver or running back this high in the draft. Greenway played under head coach Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, who is a Belicheck disciple from their days with the Cleveland Browns (now Baltimore Ravens). He's a natural fit for the Patriots here.
16. MIA - Kamerion Wimbley, DE/LB, Florida State
Miami is happy to select Wimbley who can help improve an aging defense under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban. Wimbley can play defensive end or outside linebacker in a Willie McGinest or Terrell Suggs type of role.
17. MIN - Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
Minnesota doesn't get Jay Cutler but the Vikes do get a great value selection by taking Sims here. Minnesota seems to be a franchise in disarray under its new ownership. Trading Culpepper was a stupid move. Drafting Sims is a smart move.
18. DAL - Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
Dallas doesn't get Winston Justice by trading up and can't reach for offensive line help here. They take second best safety prospect in the draft in Whitner.
19. SD - Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
The Chargers make it three Seminoles in four picks by selecting Bunkley here. The Chargers are a very good team that should have made the playoffs last year. They have the luxury of selecting the best available player, such as Bunkley, who could be drafted in the top 10.
20. KC - Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Herm Edwards and the Chiefs need DB help to improve their defense. Last year's top pick, linebacker Derrick Johnson, will appreciate the addition of Joseph.
21. NE - *trade* - DEN - Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Denver is able to trade down and select the running back who best fits their zone blocking scheme. Maroney is a much better value at #21 than at #15. Denver could try to trade down further with a team like Jacksonville who could lose out on a top running back by having Carolina sitting in the spot before them.
22. SF - Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
San Francisco got an impact player on offense in Vernon Davis at #6. They get an impact player on defense at #22 in Manny Lawson. Niner fans and coaches should be happy with the first round.
23. TB - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Cromartie is a bit of an enigma. He hasn't played that much due to injuries but has been brilliant in flashes. He has great measurables for a cornerback. He could be drafted in the late teens so he's a great value here for Tampa Bay.
24. CIN - Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
Cincinnati is a good young team. Allen fills a need and is a great value. If Dallas selects Allen at #18, look for the Bengals to take Donte Whitner here.
25. NYG - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
The Giants don't have many holes to fill. They could use more help at cornerback and at receiver/returner. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Giants select Sinorice Moss here, but I think he's a bit of a reach. The Giants have no pressure to reach for a player and Hill is a better value.
26. CHI - *trade* - IND - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
The Bears need a tight end. The Colts need a running back. Any TE would be a reach here. Williams is a steal. This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams. If Indy doesn't move up, they will either be forced to wait for a running back in a later round or reach for Joseph Addai.
27. CAR - LenDale White, RB, USC
White was the #2 running back in the draft until he got hurt and got fat. I still think he's a excellent prospect and would love to see him in a Pats uniform. Carolina is in need of running back help and won't let White fall to Jacksonville.
28. JAX - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
Jacksonville would love to DeAngelo Williams or LenDale White. Unfortunately they won't. They select the best available player in Youboty. Bobby Carpenter is a possibility but he won't be as valuable to the Jaguars.
29. NYJ - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
The Jets got a franchise QB at #4 and they get him some protection here. Mangold is a solid selection for the Jets. Marcus McNeill wouldn't surprise me, either.
30. IND - *trade* - CHI - Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Pope is a good value here for the Bears. He's a bit of a reach if they stay at #26. Tight end is the Bear's biggest need.
31. SEA - Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
The Seahawks could take Sinorice Moss but elect to go with his teammate Jennings. Seattle signed Nate Burleson to help their receiving core so Jennings makes more sense here.
32. PIT - Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
The Steelers lost a great receiver/returner in Antwaan Randle El when he signed with Washington. They take his replacement here. Moss is a deep threat receiver with return skills. I doubt he will be as effective as Randle El when running the wide receiver pass-option play, though.
Whew, that's a long post. It took me a total of about five hours to finalize my selections and do the write ups. I haven't checked ESPN in hours and I'm not making any changes from here on out. This is my best guess as of the morning of April 27th. I look forward to doing this again next year.
1. HOU - Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Bush by all accounts is a special player. Houston cannot afford to pass on such a dynamic playmaker. After reading this Michael Smith column I do see the logic in drafting Mario Williams ahead of Bush. I don't think the Texans will pass on Bush, though.
2. NO - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
New Orleans seemed destined to draft Matt Leinart or Vince Young before they acquired Drew Brees in the offseason. Now the Saints are positioned to trade this pick to a team hoping to nab one of the two QBs. I don't think they will find any takers and they will be happy to select Williams.
3. TEN - Vince Young, QB, Texas
I think that Vince Young has a higher ceiling that Matt Leinart and that Young will fit the current system in Tennessee better than Leinart. Some have questioned Leinart's ability to throw the deep ball and his accuracy. Count me among them. I think the Titans are content to wait 1-2 seasons developing Young regardless of the status of Steve McNair's contract.
4. NYJ - Matt Leinart, QB, USC
Matt Leinart, who would be playing for the San Francisco 49's had he entered the draft last year, falls into the lap of the Jets. The Jets covet Leinart but aren't willing to trade up to get him. They luck out here and get a player made for the New York market. Leinart should be a good QB, if not a great one, but he'll be perfect for advertisers no matter his career path.
5. GB - D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
In any other year Ferguson would be discussed as a candidate to be drafted #1 overall. Green Bay has a lot of needs and will get a solid player here. Ferguson helps an offensive line that was really hurt by free agency last year. If Ferguson is off the board, look for Green Bay to select A.J. Hawk. Either way the Packers will get an immediate upgrade at a position of need.
6. SF - Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
The Niners have been targeting Davis as an offensive weapon to help the development of Alex Smith. Davis is a freak - 6'-3 1/4" with sub 4.4 speed - who will help define the current playmaking tight end in the NFL. He's the newest Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates will even better wheels and more upside.
7. OAK - A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
Oakland takes the best player on the draft board with Hawk. By all accounts he's a smart player with great instincts. If he continues to grow his hair, he could easily fill the "Bill Romanowski Pyschopath Look" void in the NFL. He and Mario Williams will compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
8. BUF - *trade* - STL - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
The Bills aren't thrilled about potentially drafting Haloti Ngata or Brodrick Bunkley here. Cutler, who theoretically could be drafted as high as #7 to Oakland or as low as #17 to Minnesota, is once again on the rise. Saint Louis is concerned that Arizona will take Cutler at #10 so they move up to grab him here.
9. DET - Michael Huff, DB, Texas
Detroit gets the player they want here. Huff is a DB with experience at cornerback and safety. Most scouts think he'll be a better utilized as a cornerback in the NFL. The Lions can't go wrong with Huff and could use him at either DB spot.
10. ARI - Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
Dennis Green and the Cardinals are afraid that LB Ernie Sims may have a history of suffering concussions. Sims potential injury history will scare the Cardinals. Green, however, is not scared by potential character issues (see Randy Moss). Arizona takes a player with fluctuating draft stock in Williams who can help this team right away but has some character concerns.
11. STL - *trade* - BUF - Winston Justice, OT, USC
Buffalo is able to slide down a few spots and select Justice without making too big of a reach for him. Justice is yet another player with some questions about character. His performance at the Trojans workout day did improve his draft stock enough that he will be selected in the #10-15 range.
12. CLE - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Cleveland is thrilled to find that Ngata falls into their lap. They would like to select Ngata or Kamerion Wimbley here. Both players will help Romeo Crennel shore up the Browns defense.
13. BAL - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
Baltimore is disappointed that Winston Justice is off the board because they hoped to trade down with Dallas or Tampa Bay. Baltimore is stuck and takes the best player who fits a need. Holmes is more polished than Chad Jackson and should help Kyle Boller more than Jackson would. That said, don't be surprised if Jackson and Holmes flip-flop positions here.
14. PHI - Chad Jackson, WR, Florida State
Philly is also disappointed to see Winston Justice gone. They will take Holmes or Jackson here, whichever player remains available. They need to try and replace the playmaking ability of Terrell Owens.
15. DEN - *trade* - NE - Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
Denver wanted to select Holmes or Jackson here. It's too much of a reach to grab Laurence Maroney here. New England is rumored to be interested in trading up. I would be shocked if Belichick and Company selected a wide receiver or running back this high in the draft. Greenway played under head coach Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, who is a Belicheck disciple from their days with the Cleveland Browns (now Baltimore Ravens). He's a natural fit for the Patriots here.
16. MIA - Kamerion Wimbley, DE/LB, Florida State
Miami is happy to select Wimbley who can help improve an aging defense under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban. Wimbley can play defensive end or outside linebacker in a Willie McGinest or Terrell Suggs type of role.
17. MIN - Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
Minnesota doesn't get Jay Cutler but the Vikes do get a great value selection by taking Sims here. Minnesota seems to be a franchise in disarray under its new ownership. Trading Culpepper was a stupid move. Drafting Sims is a smart move.
18. DAL - Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State
Dallas doesn't get Winston Justice by trading up and can't reach for offensive line help here. They take second best safety prospect in the draft in Whitner.
19. SD - Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
The Chargers make it three Seminoles in four picks by selecting Bunkley here. The Chargers are a very good team that should have made the playoffs last year. They have the luxury of selecting the best available player, such as Bunkley, who could be drafted in the top 10.
20. KC - Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
Herm Edwards and the Chiefs need DB help to improve their defense. Last year's top pick, linebacker Derrick Johnson, will appreciate the addition of Joseph.
21. NE - *trade* - DEN - Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
Denver is able to trade down and select the running back who best fits their zone blocking scheme. Maroney is a much better value at #21 than at #15. Denver could try to trade down further with a team like Jacksonville who could lose out on a top running back by having Carolina sitting in the spot before them.
22. SF - Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
San Francisco got an impact player on offense in Vernon Davis at #6. They get an impact player on defense at #22 in Manny Lawson. Niner fans and coaches should be happy with the first round.
23. TB - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
Cromartie is a bit of an enigma. He hasn't played that much due to injuries but has been brilliant in flashes. He has great measurables for a cornerback. He could be drafted in the late teens so he's a great value here for Tampa Bay.
24. CIN - Jason Allen, S, Tennessee
Cincinnati is a good young team. Allen fills a need and is a great value. If Dallas selects Allen at #18, look for the Bengals to take Donte Whitner here.
25. NYG - Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
The Giants don't have many holes to fill. They could use more help at cornerback and at receiver/returner. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Giants select Sinorice Moss here, but I think he's a bit of a reach. The Giants have no pressure to reach for a player and Hill is a better value.
26. CHI - *trade* - IND - DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
The Bears need a tight end. The Colts need a running back. Any TE would be a reach here. Williams is a steal. This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams. If Indy doesn't move up, they will either be forced to wait for a running back in a later round or reach for Joseph Addai.
27. CAR - LenDale White, RB, USC
White was the #2 running back in the draft until he got hurt and got fat. I still think he's a excellent prospect and would love to see him in a Pats uniform. Carolina is in need of running back help and won't let White fall to Jacksonville.
28. JAX - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
Jacksonville would love to DeAngelo Williams or LenDale White. Unfortunately they won't. They select the best available player in Youboty. Bobby Carpenter is a possibility but he won't be as valuable to the Jaguars.
29. NYJ - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
The Jets got a franchise QB at #4 and they get him some protection here. Mangold is a solid selection for the Jets. Marcus McNeill wouldn't surprise me, either.
30. IND - *trade* - CHI - Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
Pope is a good value here for the Bears. He's a bit of a reach if they stay at #26. Tight end is the Bear's biggest need.
31. SEA - Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
The Seahawks could take Sinorice Moss but elect to go with his teammate Jennings. Seattle signed Nate Burleson to help their receiving core so Jennings makes more sense here.
32. PIT - Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
The Steelers lost a great receiver/returner in Antwaan Randle El when he signed with Washington. They take his replacement here. Moss is a deep threat receiver with return skills. I doubt he will be as effective as Randle El when running the wide receiver pass-option play, though.
Whew, that's a long post. It took me a total of about five hours to finalize my selections and do the write ups. I haven't checked ESPN in hours and I'm not making any changes from here on out. This is my best guess as of the morning of April 27th. I look forward to doing this again next year.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
That Didn't Take Long
Well, Francona has officially lost every ounce of goodwill that he earned at the start of the 2006 season. "Francoma" is officially back and managing once again. It was painfully obvious that Tito was trying too hard to get Schilling the win last night. Schilling would have joined elite company if he managed to go 5-0 in April - see yesterday's post. Rather than try to win the game GL2:EB (Grady Little 2: Electric Boogaloo) decided history was more important. There's no questioning the fact that GL2:EB is a player's manager. He can't, and doesn't, make the difficult decisions.
What made Francona so great at the start of the season was the number of good decisions he made. He was making appropriate offensive and defensive substitutions and he made a difficult choice to use Jonathan Papelbon as the closer. Papelbon has been GL2:EB's saving grace this year.
Last night Schilling was off just a little and the powerful Indians lineup probably had a lot to do with it. Rather than turn the game over the bullpen after getting 6 mediocre innings and 110 pitches out of Schilling, Francona sent Curt out to start the 7th. Back-to-back hits then tied the game at 5. If GL2:EB cared about history and wanted to win the game, he could have let Schilling face a single batter and then removed him.
What made Francona so great at the start of the season was the number of good decisions he made. He was making appropriate offensive and defensive substitutions and he made a difficult choice to use Jonathan Papelbon as the closer. Papelbon has been GL2:EB's saving grace this year.
Last night Schilling was off just a little and the powerful Indians lineup probably had a lot to do with it. Rather than turn the game over the bullpen after getting 6 mediocre innings and 110 pitches out of Schilling, Francona sent Curt out to start the 7th. Back-to-back hits then tied the game at 5. If GL2:EB cared about history and wanted to win the game, he could have let Schilling face a single batter and then removed him.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
History Lesson
Tonight Curt Schilling will attempt to become only the third pitcher in Red Sox history to win five games in the month of April. He will face a tough Cleveland Indians lineup at Jacobs Field while being opposed by Jake Westbrook. Schilling has already stymied the powerful Texas Rangers' and Baltimore Orioles' lineups this season. If successful, Schilling will join Babe Ruth and Pedro Martinez in Sox lore.
I'd like to propose using "C"s instead of "K"s when Schilling pitches at home. "C" is for "Curt" and there is one in "Schilling". It would make his starts a little more unique.
I still can't believe that Papelbon won a bet and cut his hair to look like Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn. The kid has stones.
It's too bad that Coco won't be playing in this series. It would be interesting to see how he would be received by the fans in Cleveland. He was, and is, a very likeable player.
I forgot to mention this previously, but I have added the xml feed for the site to links on the right. Now you can add Digital Sox to your news feeder.
I'd like to propose using "C"s instead of "K"s when Schilling pitches at home. "C" is for "Curt" and there is one in "Schilling". It would make his starts a little more unique.
I still can't believe that Papelbon won a bet and cut his hair to look like Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn. The kid has stones.
It's too bad that Coco won't be playing in this series. It would be interesting to see how he would be received by the fans in Cleveland. He was, and is, a very likeable player.
I forgot to mention this previously, but I have added the xml feed for the site to links on the right. Now you can add Digital Sox to your news feeder.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Poor Exchange Rate
Well, the Sox dropped two out of three games to the Blue Jays in Toronto over the weekend. Apparently Marvin Lee Aday is inverted in Oh, Canada. The Sox have gone 2-4 against the Jays in April. Beckett imploded a bit on Friday and started serving up homeruns in the 8th. Timlin came in an promptly served up a meatball himself to Troy Glaus. If Francona had entrusted Papelbon to get the last five outs of the game, the Sox would have won the game.
On Saturday the Jays pounded Lenny DiNardo. It may be time to give Abe Alvarez or Matt Ginter a chance to fill Tubby's spot in the rotation.
Clement pitched reasonably well on Sunday. Foulke pitched two excellent innings and really gave Johnny from Burger King something to chew on. Papelbon then got his league-leading 8th save in as many chances.
Francona is starting to revert back to form. The good will from his great managing over the first 10 days of the season is almost gone. He's starting to give J.T. Snow too many at bats and he continues to sub half the team at a time. I wonder if he even realizes that Coco Crisp is injured.
The NFL draft is only five days away. I'm probably more prepared this year than ever before. I'll have my 1st round prediction posted on Friday, in plenty of time for you to copy it and try to win my 23-inch LCD HDTV from ESPN.com.
On Saturday the Jays pounded Lenny DiNardo. It may be time to give Abe Alvarez or Matt Ginter a chance to fill Tubby's spot in the rotation.
Clement pitched reasonably well on Sunday. Foulke pitched two excellent innings and really gave Johnny from Burger King something to chew on. Papelbon then got his league-leading 8th save in as many chances.
Francona is starting to revert back to form. The good will from his great managing over the first 10 days of the season is almost gone. He's starting to give J.T. Snow too many at bats and he continues to sub half the team at a time. I wonder if he even realizes that Coco Crisp is injured.
The NFL draft is only five days away. I'm probably more prepared this year than ever before. I'll have my 1st round prediction posted on Friday, in plenty of time for you to copy it and try to win my 23-inch LCD HDTV from ESPN.com.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Same Old Song and Dance
Wasn't feeling like myself earlier this week, but I'm back to normal and the show must go on.
Schilling won his fourth straight start to begin the young season. It's the first time he's ever been 4-0 after his first four starts. This has been incorrectly reported in some parts. After his win on Wednesday night the Sox had the best record in baseball. Let's see if ESPN's Power Rankings reflect that today. Whoever does the MLB Power Rankings is a huge Yankee kiss ass. ESPN predicts Schilling to go 43-0 this year (and yes, I stole that from Dirt Dogs).
Wakefield got screwed again last night. In his three quality starts the Red Sox have only managed a total of five runs. Scott Kazmir simply continues to baffle the Sox. I don't get it. Same with Ted Lilly. Both pitchers are mediocre at best but they dominate the Sox time and again.
I stumbled across this column earlier in the week. It's one of those, "uh-oh, I'm looking stupid and need reassurance" columns. If the columnists had the testicular fortitude to actually pick against the Yankees in the first place, they wouldn't need to write column like this. The last time I checked Georgie Porgie wasn't writing checks for ABC/ESPN. Until he does I'm pretty sure that the Bill of Rights has the back of any writer daring to boldly proclaim that the Yankees do, in fact, suck. Looks like Jayson Stark is the first columnist to cave under pressure this year.
Pedro earned win number 200 of his career this week. Jayson Stark tried to make up for his earlier column with this one. He has some pretty powerful numbers to back the argument that Pedro is the greatest pitcher of the live ball/juiced batter era. I also stumbled upon a story explaining Pedro's success.
Schilling won his fourth straight start to begin the young season. It's the first time he's ever been 4-0 after his first four starts. This has been incorrectly reported in some parts. After his win on Wednesday night the Sox had the best record in baseball. Let's see if ESPN's Power Rankings reflect that today. Whoever does the MLB Power Rankings is a huge Yankee kiss ass. ESPN predicts Schilling to go 43-0 this year (and yes, I stole that from Dirt Dogs).
Wakefield got screwed again last night. In his three quality starts the Red Sox have only managed a total of five runs. Scott Kazmir simply continues to baffle the Sox. I don't get it. Same with Ted Lilly. Both pitchers are mediocre at best but they dominate the Sox time and again.
I stumbled across this column earlier in the week. It's one of those, "uh-oh, I'm looking stupid and need reassurance" columns. If the columnists had the testicular fortitude to actually pick against the Yankees in the first place, they wouldn't need to write column like this. The last time I checked Georgie Porgie wasn't writing checks for ABC/ESPN. Until he does I'm pretty sure that the Bill of Rights has the back of any writer daring to boldly proclaim that the Yankees do, in fact, suck. Looks like Jayson Stark is the first columnist to cave under pressure this year.
Pedro earned win number 200 of his career this week. Jayson Stark tried to make up for his earlier column with this one. He has some pretty powerful numbers to back the argument that Pedro is the greatest pitcher of the live ball/juiced batter era. I also stumbled upon a story explaining Pedro's success.
The Sage Wisdom of Marvin Lee Aday
It turns out that Marvin Lee Aday was actually referring to baseball. The artist commonly known as Meatloaf once sang that, "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad". In baseball winning two out of every three games leads to 108 wins. The Red Sox won Friday, lost Saturday, and won on Sunday. They now sit at 8-4, which ain't bad at all.
Schilling was phenomenal on Friday night. He held the Mariners to only three hits and a single run over 8 strong innings in the 2-1 victory. Schilling struck out 7, including Ichiro in the 6th inning with a runner on third base and only one out. He lowered his E.R.A. to 1.64 while improving to 3-0. Only Forrest Gump, who I'm told, is in fact a Yankees fan, could now question how effective Schilling will be this year. He is healthy, healed, and pitching better than ever. He's a bona-fide Cy Young contender again and a legitimate staff ace.
On Saturday Francona either had a brain fart or regressed to his old ways. Josh Bard is clearly an inferior offensive player when compared to Jason Varitek. Trot Nixon is nursing a sore groin (although he's expected to play today). Rather put the best available lineup on the field in support of Tim Wakefield, Francona decides to give Mr. Professional, Mark Loretta, and the Doubles Machine, Mike Lowell, the day off. So Wakefield pitches well, despite some Bard difficulties, and only allows two earned runs (3 overall) in a complete game effort. The meager Sox lineup only produces 5 hits and scores exactly as many runs as the Patriots scored points on Saturday, ZERO. Great game by Wake, unfortunately wasted by Grady Little 2, Electric Boogaloo.
Beckett became the second Sox starter to go 3-0 this year in a brilliant effort on Sunday. The Sox were able to scratch out a couple of runs in the first inning. In the third Seattle was able to tie the game thanks in part to some poor fielding. Wily Mo looks more and more like Jose Canseco every day. Alex Gonzalez drove in the winning run in the fourth, just as he drove in both runs on Friday. With a runner on 3rd with one out in the 6th inning Beckett reached back and fired... a curveball to Richie Sexson. It was a thing of beauty delivered on a 3-2 count. Sexson flailed and missed causing traffic on the Turnpike to swerve in the stiff breeze. Then Beckett fired a fastball, as fast as 98 MPH by some counts, past Adrian Beltre to end the inning. Beckett managed to maintain his league leading 1.29 E.R.A. by allowing only the one earned run in seven innings. Ace number two, and two only by nature of the rotation, is thriving so far in Boston.
Papelbon saved both one run games this weekend. He's now six-for-six in save opportunities with four saves coming in one-run games. He is holding opponents to a mere .087 batting average. He's throwing all of his pitches effectively and for strikes. He maintains a calm steady demeanor that belies the fire burning inside his eyes. I want a number 58 jersey, be it a replica, authentic, or tee-shirt. The future is now with Papelbon.
The Sox complete their four game series with the Mariners today. Today is the traditional 11:05 AM start on Patriots Day. Lenny DiNardo subs for Tubby today and will face Gil Meche. Strangely the Sox will remain home for three games with the Devil Rays before traveling to Oh, Canada for a weekend series with the Jays. If the Sox can continue to win two out of three games, it won't be bad. No, it won't be bad at all.
Schilling was phenomenal on Friday night. He held the Mariners to only three hits and a single run over 8 strong innings in the 2-1 victory. Schilling struck out 7, including Ichiro in the 6th inning with a runner on third base and only one out. He lowered his E.R.A. to 1.64 while improving to 3-0. Only Forrest Gump, who I'm told, is in fact a Yankees fan, could now question how effective Schilling will be this year. He is healthy, healed, and pitching better than ever. He's a bona-fide Cy Young contender again and a legitimate staff ace.
On Saturday Francona either had a brain fart or regressed to his old ways. Josh Bard is clearly an inferior offensive player when compared to Jason Varitek. Trot Nixon is nursing a sore groin (although he's expected to play today). Rather put the best available lineup on the field in support of Tim Wakefield, Francona decides to give Mr. Professional, Mark Loretta, and the Doubles Machine, Mike Lowell, the day off. So Wakefield pitches well, despite some Bard difficulties, and only allows two earned runs (3 overall) in a complete game effort. The meager Sox lineup only produces 5 hits and scores exactly as many runs as the Patriots scored points on Saturday, ZERO. Great game by Wake, unfortunately wasted by Grady Little 2, Electric Boogaloo.
Beckett became the second Sox starter to go 3-0 this year in a brilliant effort on Sunday. The Sox were able to scratch out a couple of runs in the first inning. In the third Seattle was able to tie the game thanks in part to some poor fielding. Wily Mo looks more and more like Jose Canseco every day. Alex Gonzalez drove in the winning run in the fourth, just as he drove in both runs on Friday. With a runner on 3rd with one out in the 6th inning Beckett reached back and fired... a curveball to Richie Sexson. It was a thing of beauty delivered on a 3-2 count. Sexson flailed and missed causing traffic on the Turnpike to swerve in the stiff breeze. Then Beckett fired a fastball, as fast as 98 MPH by some counts, past Adrian Beltre to end the inning. Beckett managed to maintain his league leading 1.29 E.R.A. by allowing only the one earned run in seven innings. Ace number two, and two only by nature of the rotation, is thriving so far in Boston.
Papelbon saved both one run games this weekend. He's now six-for-six in save opportunities with four saves coming in one-run games. He is holding opponents to a mere .087 batting average. He's throwing all of his pitches effectively and for strikes. He maintains a calm steady demeanor that belies the fire burning inside his eyes. I want a number 58 jersey, be it a replica, authentic, or tee-shirt. The future is now with Papelbon.
The Sox complete their four game series with the Mariners today. Today is the traditional 11:05 AM start on Patriots Day. Lenny DiNardo subs for Tubby today and will face Gil Meche. Strangely the Sox will remain home for three games with the Devil Rays before traveling to Oh, Canada for a weekend series with the Jays. If the Sox can continue to win two out of three games, it won't be bad. No, it won't be bad at all.
Friday, April 14, 2006
We're Streaking...
...but it's in the wrong the direction. Matt Clement left everything up in the strike zone last night. I hope it was a singular instance of a pitcher having a bad game and not a prolonged funk. If he's planning to compete with Tubby for "most likely to be replaced in the rotation by Papelbon", he should reconsider. Tubby will probably land on the DL at some point this year so Clement should focus on trying to pitch well.
Here's hoping that the first losing streak of 2006 ends at two games with a victory tonight. Schilling is going for his third win in as many chances. I like his chances to start my weekend off on the right foot. A victory tonight could turn Good Friday into a great Friday.
I saw a link to a great article on romance and baseball that is worth a read. The author is a Blue Jays fan, so consider yourself warned. It's very well written and contains many truthful insights on relationships with one sports nut and one non-fan.
On a different note, please leave some feedback on the site. I've enabled anonymous feedback so no one needs to register. I've been able to post every day since the season started and I have no plans to stop doing so. I want to know what works and what doesn't. Should I spend a little more time on the writing to craft great metaphors and grammatically challenging sentences? Should I leave open ended questions at the end of each post? I'm thinking about adding questions next week. Do I need to start adding pictures to every post? In addition to feedback, your comments will help me to understand how much traffic I may or may not be getting. I've submitted the blog to Boston.com to be added to their list of user Red Sox blogs and their Feedster site of blog updates. Once added that should increase the traffic.
Here's hoping that the first losing streak of 2006 ends at two games with a victory tonight. Schilling is going for his third win in as many chances. I like his chances to start my weekend off on the right foot. A victory tonight could turn Good Friday into a great Friday.
I saw a link to a great article on romance and baseball that is worth a read. The author is a Blue Jays fan, so consider yourself warned. It's very well written and contains many truthful insights on relationships with one sports nut and one non-fan.
On a different note, please leave some feedback on the site. I've enabled anonymous feedback so no one needs to register. I've been able to post every day since the season started and I have no plans to stop doing so. I want to know what works and what doesn't. Should I spend a little more time on the writing to craft great metaphors and grammatically challenging sentences? Should I leave open ended questions at the end of each post? I'm thinking about adding questions next week. Do I need to start adding pictures to every post? In addition to feedback, your comments will help me to understand how much traffic I may or may not be getting. I've submitted the blog to Boston.com to be added to their list of user Red Sox blogs and their Feedster site of blog updates. Once added that should increase the traffic.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Extensions for Everyone
Two great pieces of news crossed the wire just after I posted yesterday. The Red Sox signed Coco Crisp to a 3-year contract extension and the Patriots signed Richard Seymour to a 4-year contract extension.
The Crisp deal is excellent for the Red Sox. Crisp receives a $1-million signing bonus and will be paid $3.5-million in 2007, $4.75-million in 2008, and $5.75-million in 2009. There is an $8-million option for 2010. I've said all along that Crisp would outperform Johnny Damon for the entire life of Damon's 4-year deal with the Yankees. To think that Crisp will average just over $4-million per year for the next four years while Damon robs Steinbrenner of $13-million annually makes me smile.
Seymour is rumored to have signed for about $30-million over four years. He will now be one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL. This is great news for Patriots fans. It's been a long and dark offseason so far, with an exodus of talent and no apparent influx of quality new players. The Seymour extension sheds a positive light on the Patriots heading into the NFL draft which is just over two weeks away.
So... David Wells stunk out loud yesterday. Is anyone really surprised? That fat lard needs to shut his cakehole. He shouldn't be running his mouth about being in the rotation (and wanted to be the number 2 starter?!!!) and he shouldn't be eating so much junk food. He'd be in a lot less trouble and he might actually be in a physical condition that would allow him to pitch moderately well. I hope he goes on the DL soon so he can actually try rehabbing and find the time to join Jenny Craig. His new official monicker is "Tubby".
And the envelope please....
AL MVP: Travis Hafner, 1B, Indians
Runner-up: David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
Runner-up: Josh Beckett, Red Sox
NL MVP: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
Runner-up: David Wright, 3B, Mets
NL Cy Young: Roy Oswalt, Astros
Runner-up: Jake Peavy, Padres
The Crisp deal is excellent for the Red Sox. Crisp receives a $1-million signing bonus and will be paid $3.5-million in 2007, $4.75-million in 2008, and $5.75-million in 2009. There is an $8-million option for 2010. I've said all along that Crisp would outperform Johnny Damon for the entire life of Damon's 4-year deal with the Yankees. To think that Crisp will average just over $4-million per year for the next four years while Damon robs Steinbrenner of $13-million annually makes me smile.
Seymour is rumored to have signed for about $30-million over four years. He will now be one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL. This is great news for Patriots fans. It's been a long and dark offseason so far, with an exodus of talent and no apparent influx of quality new players. The Seymour extension sheds a positive light on the Patriots heading into the NFL draft which is just over two weeks away.
So... David Wells stunk out loud yesterday. Is anyone really surprised? That fat lard needs to shut his cakehole. He shouldn't be running his mouth about being in the rotation (and wanted to be the number 2 starter?!!!) and he shouldn't be eating so much junk food. He'd be in a lot less trouble and he might actually be in a physical condition that would allow him to pitch moderately well. I hope he goes on the DL soon so he can actually try rehabbing and find the time to join Jenny Craig. His new official monicker is "Tubby".
And the envelope please....
AL MVP: Travis Hafner, 1B, Indians
Runner-up: David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
Runner-up: Josh Beckett, Red Sox
NL MVP: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
Runner-up: David Wright, 3B, Mets
NL Cy Young: Roy Oswalt, Astros
Runner-up: Jake Peavy, Padres
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Great Start to Season, If Not to Game
Great start for the Sox. They sit at 6-1 with a 3.0-game lead over the O's, Rays, Jays, and Yanks.
Once again Beckett struggled in the first inning, but stronger as the game wore on. He seemed to overthrow in the first. His velocity was down and his location was off. He was pretty lights out after that. If he's shakes the first inning bug, he's going to be dangerous. I'm starting to think that if he stays healthy, my prediction of 20 wins is going to be on the low side.
Awesome double play turned by Loretta-Gonzalez-Youkilis yesterday. Loretta skied to attempt to snare a liner by Molina but ended up deflecting the ball towards SS. Gonzalez alertly scooped up the ball, stepped on second, and fired to first.
Coco broke his index finger, not his pinky. I saw a picture of him with the splint.
Papelbon looks like a seasoned veteran. I'm amazed by his excellent control. He's been hitting his spots will all his pitches this year. His stare is awesome and ice cold.
I really, really like the new "Baseball Tonight" graphics. They consist of animated baseball cards arranged in a house-of-cards fashion. They also have slick matching backgrounds with a slightly older feel to them. The team logos are shown burnt onto the barrel of a baseball bat. All-in-all a very cool new set of graphics.
Good to see Big Papi tie old friend Bronson Arroyo with his second homerun yesterday.
Wily Mo was looking liking Jose Canseco yesterday with his fielding skills. At least the ball didn't bounce directly off his head and then go over the wall.
Tomorrow I'll predict the major award winners.
Once again Beckett struggled in the first inning, but stronger as the game wore on. He seemed to overthrow in the first. His velocity was down and his location was off. He was pretty lights out after that. If he's shakes the first inning bug, he's going to be dangerous. I'm starting to think that if he stays healthy, my prediction of 20 wins is going to be on the low side.
Awesome double play turned by Loretta-Gonzalez-Youkilis yesterday. Loretta skied to attempt to snare a liner by Molina but ended up deflecting the ball towards SS. Gonzalez alertly scooped up the ball, stepped on second, and fired to first.
Coco broke his index finger, not his pinky. I saw a picture of him with the splint.
Papelbon looks like a seasoned veteran. I'm amazed by his excellent control. He's been hitting his spots will all his pitches this year. His stare is awesome and ice cold.
I really, really like the new "Baseball Tonight" graphics. They consist of animated baseball cards arranged in a house-of-cards fashion. They also have slick matching backgrounds with a slightly older feel to them. The team logos are shown burnt onto the barrel of a baseball bat. All-in-all a very cool new set of graphics.
Good to see Big Papi tie old friend Bronson Arroyo with his second homerun yesterday.
Wily Mo was looking liking Jose Canseco yesterday with his fielding skills. At least the ball didn't bounce directly off his head and then go over the wall.
Tomorrow I'll predict the major award winners.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
I've Got Good News and I've Got Bad News...
Bad News:
Coco Crisp broke his left pinky finger near the base of the finger. I broke my knuckle playing hoops a couple years ago and I remember how difficult it was to bend my finger when I removed the splint. I had no range of motion and it hurt like hell to even try to move it. I hope that Coco doesn't have as much pain or as much difficulty of movement.
Good News:
Crisp has a non-displaced fracture and will be re-evaluated in 10 days. Hopefully he won't miss more than a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks would be great news considering that early reports by CBS4 indicated he could miss 6-8 weeks.
Bad News:
The home opener is at 2PM today. I can't leave work until almost 4PM at the earliest.
Good News:
I'm DVR'ing the game. I'll watch it when I get home. I'm excited to see Beckett's Fenway debut.
Bad News:
David Ortiz could have been a free agent after the season if the Red Sox bought out his 2007 option.
Good News:
The Sox and Ortiz came to terms on a new 4-year contract extension that will pay Big Papi $52 million over the next four years. This is actually great, not good, news. The Sox keep the best hitter in baseball off the market and he signs for less than market value. $12.5 million per year is quite manageable in this era of bloated contracts.
Coco Crisp broke his left pinky finger near the base of the finger. I broke my knuckle playing hoops a couple years ago and I remember how difficult it was to bend my finger when I removed the splint. I had no range of motion and it hurt like hell to even try to move it. I hope that Coco doesn't have as much pain or as much difficulty of movement.
Good News:
Crisp has a non-displaced fracture and will be re-evaluated in 10 days. Hopefully he won't miss more than a couple of weeks. A couple of weeks would be great news considering that early reports by CBS4 indicated he could miss 6-8 weeks.
Bad News:
The home opener is at 2PM today. I can't leave work until almost 4PM at the earliest.
Good News:
I'm DVR'ing the game. I'll watch it when I get home. I'm excited to see Beckett's Fenway debut.
Bad News:
David Ortiz could have been a free agent after the season if the Red Sox bought out his 2007 option.
Good News:
The Sox and Ortiz came to terms on a new 4-year contract extension that will pay Big Papi $52 million over the next four years. This is actually great, not good, news. The Sox keep the best hitter in baseball off the market and he signs for less than market value. $12.5 million per year is quite manageable in this era of bloated contracts.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Prediction Time
Once again I'll attempt to gaze into my crystal ball and see the oft-clouded future. Here are my season predictions for the key Sox personnel. Remember, I'm predicting a 98-win season and a division title.
Hitters
Crisp: .310 14 HR 61 RBI 32 SB
Loretta: .301 11 HR 78 RBI
Ortiz: .317 43 HR 141 RBI
Ramirez: .276 34 HR 118 RBI
Nixon: .272 18 HR 102 RBI
Varitek: .289 15 HR 94 RBI
Lowell: .264 23 HR 87 RBI
Youkilis: .271 12 HR 76 RBI
Gonzalez: .247 10 HR 52 RBI
Pena: .239 14 HR 34 RBI
Pedroia: .286 1 HR 18 RBI
Pitchers
Schilling: 20-7 3.62 ERA
Wakefield: 14-12 4.53 ERA
Beckett: 20-8 3.44 ERA
Clement: 16-10 3.98 ERA
Wells: 9-9 4.47 ERA
Papelbon: 7-3 3.16 ERA 14 S 1 BS
Foulke: 2-5 3.88 ERA 11 S 4 BS
Hansen: 2-1 2.74 ERA 10 S 2 BS
Hitters
Crisp: .310 14 HR 61 RBI 32 SB
Loretta: .301 11 HR 78 RBI
Ortiz: .317 43 HR 141 RBI
Ramirez: .276 34 HR 118 RBI
Nixon: .272 18 HR 102 RBI
Varitek: .289 15 HR 94 RBI
Lowell: .264 23 HR 87 RBI
Youkilis: .271 12 HR 76 RBI
Gonzalez: .247 10 HR 52 RBI
Pena: .239 14 HR 34 RBI
Pedroia: .286 1 HR 18 RBI
Pitchers
Schilling: 20-7 3.62 ERA
Wakefield: 14-12 4.53 ERA
Beckett: 20-8 3.44 ERA
Clement: 16-10 3.98 ERA
Wells: 9-9 4.47 ERA
Papelbon: 7-3 3.16 ERA 14 S 1 BS
Foulke: 2-5 3.88 ERA 11 S 4 BS
Hansen: 2-1 2.74 ERA 10 S 2 BS
Party Like It's 1999
We're going to party like it's 1999 because at 5-1 the Red Sox are off to their best start since 1999. The Sox completed the three game sweep of the Orioles and have completed their season-opening road trip. Josh Beckett makes his Fenway debut in the home opener on Tuesday.
I'm going with a quick-hits style post today.
- I thought Schilling got squeezed yesterday. It happened to Papelbon today. Good to see him work through it, not let it affect him, and earn his 3rd save in as many chances without allowing a run.
- Miguel Tejada is a big hypocrite. He complained (and cried) when DLowe make a crotch-related gesture after getting the final out in the series clincher against the A's in 2003. Tejada said his kids were watching and that the gesture was inappropriate. If you've ever read Tejada's lips during a game, he's one of the most foul-mouthed athletes in the game today.
- Wakefield and Bard looked much better today. What a relief. In fact Wakefield didn't allow an earned run today.
- Foulke looked great today. He's gotten better with each appearance. Personally, I hope he stays in the 8th inning set-up role and Papelbon remains the closer. I think Timlin-Foulke-Papelbon is great sequence to close out the tight games.
- Alex Gonzalez has made some great plays in the field and almost made some others. He doesn't seem quite as smooth as Orlando Cabrera or Pokey Reese but I think he has a better arm. I also feel like he's not totally in rhythm yet and that he will continue to appear more smooth and make more plays.
- Lowell has been great defensively so far. Hopefully he can hit for a respectable average with moderate power.
- Ortiz had two hits today against the defensive shift. It was a great job after struggling earlier in the series.
- Adam Stern came through today. He could be a good contributor next year for the big league club.
- Wily Mo looked awful yesterday. He chased every fastball that was high and away. So much for his supposedly improved plate discipline.
I'm going with a quick-hits style post today.
- I thought Schilling got squeezed yesterday. It happened to Papelbon today. Good to see him work through it, not let it affect him, and earn his 3rd save in as many chances without allowing a run.
- Miguel Tejada is a big hypocrite. He complained (and cried) when DLowe make a crotch-related gesture after getting the final out in the series clincher against the A's in 2003. Tejada said his kids were watching and that the gesture was inappropriate. If you've ever read Tejada's lips during a game, he's one of the most foul-mouthed athletes in the game today.
- Wakefield and Bard looked much better today. What a relief. In fact Wakefield didn't allow an earned run today.
- Foulke looked great today. He's gotten better with each appearance. Personally, I hope he stays in the 8th inning set-up role and Papelbon remains the closer. I think Timlin-Foulke-Papelbon is great sequence to close out the tight games.
- Alex Gonzalez has made some great plays in the field and almost made some others. He doesn't seem quite as smooth as Orlando Cabrera or Pokey Reese but I think he has a better arm. I also feel like he's not totally in rhythm yet and that he will continue to appear more smooth and make more plays.
- Lowell has been great defensively so far. Hopefully he can hit for a respectable average with moderate power.
- Ortiz had two hits today against the defensive shift. It was a great job after struggling earlier in the series.
- Adam Stern came through today. He could be a good contributor next year for the big league club.
- Wily Mo looked awful yesterday. He chased every fastball that was high and away. So much for his supposedly improved plate discipline.
Deja Vu All Over Again
Well they did it again. The Sox played a tight 2-1 game and came out victorious for the second time in a week. Once again Jonathan Papelbon secured the save. Today Schilling pitched his second gem of the season. He's definitely primed for a huge year.
Today's victory comes on the heels of an Orioles' pounding last night. The Sox had 14 at bats with the bases loaded in the win. Clement pitched very well. He gave up several hits with two down in the 7th leading to four Baltimore runs. He was unscathed through the first six innings.
Francona has done an excellent job managing the first five games of the year. He just might change my opinion of him after all. Previously, I've really felt that he was no more than Grady Little 2, Electric Boogaloo with a better playoff record. This year, however, he has made some good defensive substitutions (Sterns for Manny, Snow for Youkilis) and even offensive ones (Trot for Pena today). All this on top of using Papelbon in one-run games. I hope he continues the great job he's done this year.
Today's victory comes on the heels of an Orioles' pounding last night. The Sox had 14 at bats with the bases loaded in the win. Clement pitched very well. He gave up several hits with two down in the 7th leading to four Baltimore runs. He was unscathed through the first six innings.
Francona has done an excellent job managing the first five games of the year. He just might change my opinion of him after all. Previously, I've really felt that he was no more than Grady Little 2, Electric Boogaloo with a better playoff record. This year, however, he has made some good defensive substitutions (Sterns for Manny, Snow for Youkilis) and even offensive ones (Trot for Pena today). All this on top of using Papelbon in one-run games. I hope he continues the great job he's done this year.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Goodbye Old Friend
I recorded the first few innings of the Mets-Nats game last night. I wanted to see how Pedro Martinez pitched. He had a good year last year: 2.82 E.R.A., 208 K's, .204 BAA, and he won 15 games. As good as he was I never really got the sense that he was dominant at any point last year. I think he's continuing a slow decline, which is unfortunate.
Petey and I go way back. The Sox acquired Pedro in the Fall of my Freshman year of college. My friends and I would walk to the park on game nights and buy bleacher seats to see him pitch. Often we would splurge for the more expensive lower bleacher seats, a mere $10 at the time, rather than pay the $8 price for the upper bleachers. We had many great nights watching Petey strike out 10+ batters while heckling the opposing outfielders. We got in Ken Griffey Jr.'s head one time and he started yelling back at us. It was great.
Last night Petey didn't have great velocity or control. He was topping out in the high 80 MPH range. He hit three batters. It wasn't fun to watch.
Pedro Martinez will end up in the Hall of Fame one day. He was absolutely brilliant for seven years. I hope that fans will remember that he dominated in the era of steroids, HGH, and other illegal performance enhancers. That should make his accomplishments all the greater. I hope that he is able to finish out his contract with the Mets and put up respectable numbers.
One final note: Nick Johnson has the worst mustache on a professional athlete that I've ever seen. It's about a 7/10 on the unintentional comedy scale.
Petey and I go way back. The Sox acquired Pedro in the Fall of my Freshman year of college. My friends and I would walk to the park on game nights and buy bleacher seats to see him pitch. Often we would splurge for the more expensive lower bleacher seats, a mere $10 at the time, rather than pay the $8 price for the upper bleachers. We had many great nights watching Petey strike out 10+ batters while heckling the opposing outfielders. We got in Ken Griffey Jr.'s head one time and he started yelling back at us. It was great.
Last night Petey didn't have great velocity or control. He was topping out in the high 80 MPH range. He hit three batters. It wasn't fun to watch.
Pedro Martinez will end up in the Hall of Fame one day. He was absolutely brilliant for seven years. I hope that fans will remember that he dominated in the era of steroids, HGH, and other illegal performance enhancers. That should make his accomplishments all the greater. I hope that he is able to finish out his contract with the Mets and put up respectable numbers.
One final note: Nick Johnson has the worst mustache on a professional athlete that I've ever seen. It's about a 7/10 on the unintentional comedy scale.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
He Does Have a Brain
Wow, Francona let Papelbon pitch the 9th in a 2-1 game. I'm shocked. I figured he'd let Foulke blow 4 or 5 saves before giving Papelbon a chance. I have to say that I'm very happy that Francona made the right move last night.
Beckett started somewhat slowly; he was dancing out of trouble for the first few innings. He seemed to settle down, though, and did retire 12 of the last 13 he faced. He and Schilling are going to be fun to watch this year. I really hope they both push each other to another plane of greatness.
I love hearing the home crowd chant, "Let's go Red Sox!", *clap*, *clap*, *clap*clap*clap* when the Sox are on the road. I heard that during the 2nd and 3rd games of the opening series. I meant to mention that yesterday.
My lovely wife and I bought a dual-reclining over-stuffed loveseat on Tuesday. It arrived today. I'm going to now go and enjoy some HD coverage of the Masters in total comfort. *Homer Simpson drool...*
Beckett started somewhat slowly; he was dancing out of trouble for the first few innings. He seemed to settle down, though, and did retire 12 of the last 13 he faced. He and Schilling are going to be fun to watch this year. I really hope they both push each other to another plane of greatness.
I love hearing the home crowd chant, "Let's go Red Sox!", *clap*, *clap*, *clap*clap*clap* when the Sox are on the road. I heard that during the 2nd and 3rd games of the opening series. I meant to mention that yesterday.
My lovely wife and I bought a dual-reclining over-stuffed loveseat on Tuesday. It arrived today. I'm going to now go and enjoy some HD coverage of the Masters in total comfort. *Homer Simpson drool...*
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
There Goes the Perfect Season
And just like that, the dream of 162-0 is gone...
Some quick thoughts about last night's game:
- Coco Crisp looks like he's going to be great. And he's fast.
- Jerry Remy is now reading the catcher's signs, i.e., "fastball away". This could get old really fast.
- Josh Bard looked scary behind home plate. I was reminded of Varitek trying to catch Wake in the 2004 ALCS.
- Demarlo Hale actually prevented a runner from being thrown out at home plate last night. Looks like it might not be the Sveum old song and dance after all.
- Manny looks awful right now. Just like April and May of last year. He looks lost at the plate.
- Ortiz is already locked in. Every year he gets better. Sign him to an extension NOW.
- Why was the radar gun for NESN not working last night? Opening day is one thing, but two days in a row?
- Why was Alex Cora playing last night? I don't care if he's 12-for-13 against Padilla. This smells rank, like Francona starting to play the veterans too much.
- Why is J.T. Snow playing today? Is Youkilis so out of shape that he can't play 3 days in a row?
- Why does Bill Simmons, ESPN's Sportsguy, spell Youk as "Yook"? Just abbreviate, Bill, don't over think.
I'm looking forward to Josh Beckett's first start today. He and Schilling give the Sox a legitimate chance for a pair of 20-game winners. The Sox haven't had that since... oh, Pedro and Schilling in 2004. Things worked out well for the Sox in 2004. Let's hope Beckett can stay off the DL this year.
Some quick thoughts about last night's game:
- Coco Crisp looks like he's going to be great. And he's fast.
- Jerry Remy is now reading the catcher's signs, i.e., "fastball away". This could get old really fast.
- Josh Bard looked scary behind home plate. I was reminded of Varitek trying to catch Wake in the 2004 ALCS.
- Demarlo Hale actually prevented a runner from being thrown out at home plate last night. Looks like it might not be the Sveum old song and dance after all.
- Manny looks awful right now. Just like April and May of last year. He looks lost at the plate.
- Ortiz is already locked in. Every year he gets better. Sign him to an extension NOW.
- Why was the radar gun for NESN not working last night? Opening day is one thing, but two days in a row?
- Why was Alex Cora playing last night? I don't care if he's 12-for-13 against Padilla. This smells rank, like Francona starting to play the veterans too much.
- Why is J.T. Snow playing today? Is Youkilis so out of shape that he can't play 3 days in a row?
- Why does Bill Simmons, ESPN's Sportsguy, spell Youk as "Yook"? Just abbreviate, Bill, don't over think.
I'm looking forward to Josh Beckett's first start today. He and Schilling give the Sox a legitimate chance for a pair of 20-game winners. The Sox haven't had that since... oh, Pedro and Schilling in 2004. Things worked out well for the Sox in 2004. Let's hope Beckett can stay off the DL this year.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
We're Undefeated!
Yeah! The Sox are on pace to go 162-0 this year. By my calculations David Ortiz in on pace for 162 homeruns.
All kidding aside, it was great to see Schilling pitch as well as he did. He hit 93 MPH on his 115th pitch of the day. I think his ankle must finally be normal again. He looks thinner than last year, too. I think start #1 was a great one for Curt.
I was glad to see Papelbon yesterday. He looked solid. Foulke on the other hand looked very shaky. I don't think Foulke is closing by the end of April. I think Papelbon will be closing games from late April until around late June/early July when Hansen takes over. At that point I think Papelbon will be back in the rotation. I think Wells will end up on the DL in June, clearing a rotation spot for Papelbon.
The new guys looked good yesterday. Coco scored from 1st base twice. Loretta had an RBI double. Gonzalez had two hits. Lowell even hit a solo homerun.
As long as Francona doesn't screw things up (like letting Foulke close games when he has already blown 4 or 5 saves by May) this team looks very good. Francona even made some nice defensive substitutions yesterday, replacing Manny with the Canadian Babe and Youkilis with Snow.
All kidding aside, it was great to see Schilling pitch as well as he did. He hit 93 MPH on his 115th pitch of the day. I think his ankle must finally be normal again. He looks thinner than last year, too. I think start #1 was a great one for Curt.
I was glad to see Papelbon yesterday. He looked solid. Foulke on the other hand looked very shaky. I don't think Foulke is closing by the end of April. I think Papelbon will be closing games from late April until around late June/early July when Hansen takes over. At that point I think Papelbon will be back in the rotation. I think Wells will end up on the DL in June, clearing a rotation spot for Papelbon.
The new guys looked good yesterday. Coco scored from 1st base twice. Loretta had an RBI double. Gonzalez had two hits. Lowell even hit a solo homerun.
As long as Francona doesn't screw things up (like letting Foulke close games when he has already blown 4 or 5 saves by May) this team looks very good. Francona even made some nice defensive substitutions yesterday, replacing Manny with the Canadian Babe and Youkilis with Snow.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Play Ball!
It's like Christmas in April today; the Red Sox season opener starts at 2 PM EST. I'm running out the door at 4 PM today to watch the NESN HD broadcast on my DVR. I will be avoiding the score like the plague until I get home. Okay, maybe not the plague, but I will avoid any updates like a really bad head cold with fever.
Here are my brief season predictions.
Sox win 98 games and the division crown. Yanks and Jays battle for second place in the division, but both finish out of the wild card. If Burnett is healthy, the Jays should edge the Yanks for second.
White Sox win the Central. The Indians will battle Oakland for the wild card.
Angels win the A.L. West title. I think Oakland will lose out to the Indians for the wild card, but I wouldn't be surprised if the A's hold off Cleveland and win it.
The Mets edge the Braves for the N.L. East crown. I think the N.L. East will be a dog fight this year. I think Atlanta wins the wild card.
The Cards will run away with the Central.
The Dodgers should finish ahead of both the Giants and Padres.
I'll throw up some quick numerical predictions and individual award winners in the next couple of days.
Here are my brief season predictions.
Sox win 98 games and the division crown. Yanks and Jays battle for second place in the division, but both finish out of the wild card. If Burnett is healthy, the Jays should edge the Yanks for second.
White Sox win the Central. The Indians will battle Oakland for the wild card.
Angels win the A.L. West title. I think Oakland will lose out to the Indians for the wild card, but I wouldn't be surprised if the A's hold off Cleveland and win it.
The Mets edge the Braves for the N.L. East crown. I think the N.L. East will be a dog fight this year. I think Atlanta wins the wild card.
The Cards will run away with the Central.
The Dodgers should finish ahead of both the Giants and Padres.
I'll throw up some quick numerical predictions and individual award winners in the next couple of days.
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