tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43777699635799631952024-03-14T02:18:30.046-04:00Red Sox LifeJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471278120980881895noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-45841724145414638762022-05-03T10:00:00.034-04:002022-05-04T08:01:49.294-04:00Red Sox looking at possible Xander Bogaerts trade?<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->
<b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gzg7T543e-EkJftEMZFNGEGbNNhtOcC3OuAbYrwsdKbt6FRBjUnToBp6VV9r55j_OUJHqnYpmBPYN9ck-yOEmIS7Rf5Uy_sJaBuN5arPTEZjAI66ZzZ90130vz3tgjQgm_Icma13q7pZrgqinDbaDzjS5yjqYCUI_6i6vro9cRN0AyxTJJx6-WCb/s594/gettyimages-1228020357-594x594-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="594" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gzg7T543e-EkJftEMZFNGEGbNNhtOcC3OuAbYrwsdKbt6FRBjUnToBp6VV9r55j_OUJHqnYpmBPYN9ck-yOEmIS7Rf5Uy_sJaBuN5arPTEZjAI66ZzZ90130vz3tgjQgm_Icma13q7pZrgqinDbaDzjS5yjqYCUI_6i6vro9cRN0AyxTJJx6-WCb/s320/gettyimages-1228020357-594x594-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Photo: Getty Images)</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eric D. Schabell</a> </b><i><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contributing Writer</a> </i><p></p><p>It's early in the season for the Boston Red Sox, but the start couldn't really be any worse.</p><p>As of today the Red Sox are 24th out of 30 teams in MLB, 11th out of 15 teams in the American League, and eight games back in the AL East. They are in 4th place just one game better than the Orioles, a team with ownership often cited as fielding a Triple-A team.</p><p>Again, it's early, only a month into the season, but the problem is the gaps is only growing between the Red Sox and the division leading Yankees. If the fall continues then they will soon be out of reach, baring some sort of meltdown. Many are getting worried.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedSox?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedSox</a> are more games out of first place (7.5) than every other team in baseball outside of the Orioles (8), Nationals (8) and Reds (11.5).</p>— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1520912788226510853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote><div>It's actually worse that this comment suggests, as the Red Sox are now <a href="https://www.mlb.com/standings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eight games out of first place</a> in their division and only the Reds (11.5) and Orioles (9) are in worse positions right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>The critics are mounting.</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Red Sox continue to look like a team that's unfocused, lacks discipline and doesn't do the little things right. Very uncharacteristic of an <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a>-led team.</p>— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMastrodonato/status/1520820157597298688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
The offense is almost non-existent.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The bottom five hitters in Boston's lineup tonight are all hitting under .195.</p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1520580507901341699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Even a super fan has noticed that players from last year are out performing the entire Red Sox lineup offensively.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kyle Schwarber</a> has more than double the amount of home runs as the Red Sox team leader.</p>— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jared_Carrabis/status/1520920488620527616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
It's a real mess right now and one of the Red Sox biggest critics was loud and clear.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The 2022 Red Sox thus far are a disgrace. Bottom line is all that matters. And the phony fallback is"they've won 4 championships in this century,'' Swell. This is a team of rejects and scrap heap roster players. While fans pay top prices in baseball.</p>— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dan_Shaughnessy/status/1520928406623379458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<div>What's all this got to do with the Red Sox trading <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Xander Bogaerts</a> in 2022? </div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine this downward trend continues and over a month or two, just before the All-Star break, the Red Sox are over 15 games out of first place. That's the time to start thinking about the next season and getting return for players you might not be able or willing to retain.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2022/04/boston-red-sox-offered-xander-bogaerts-4-year-90-million-extension-a-slap-in-the-face-one-of-his-friends-says-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">widely reported</a> that the Red Sox made an extension offer to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bogaerts</a> in Spring Training, yet were unable to sign him. The offer was 4 years at $90M, effectively adding a single year to the existing three on his current contract for just $30M. He has a play option at the end of 2022, one he's sure to exercise to become a free agent. Furthermore, the gap between asking and offered price was reported to be $100M, too much to deal with before the season started. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now add to that, on top of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bogaerts</a> impending departure at the end of the season, a poor team performance putting them out of contention by the All-Star break. You get the perfect storm. The waiting fix for the hole created at the shortstop position in the name of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trevor Story</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep an eye on the standings fans, it's going to be pivotal to start winning if you want any chance of seeing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bogaerts</a> as a lifetime Red Sox. If they continue to slip out of contention, the Red Sox are looking directly into the possibility of trading <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bogaerts</a> in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-33761796974631190832022-03-29T09:00:00.001-04:002022-03-29T09:45:06.271-04:00Can Red Sox 2022 rotation survive losing Chris Sale?<p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE_liw_vlJLsyIueD9tPyo-G3OsRIHe2uWeY_J0CXyDOU3G04derLEOH3hzt8Hbme8uG8NwvnOESb7nkgkOPmtmrs8EqqaaVlamc8OH1a8XLIsVL-pD3YTHKwefIHF8JJnDDbJeR_0O-TXJ8zJF4E3g8V08hcfcpLm2jygTtHynRlgclt5ig3k4ia/s960/72PGA4YH4LP4MMPON4SBOV2CSI.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="960" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE_liw_vlJLsyIueD9tPyo-G3OsRIHe2uWeY_J0CXyDOU3G04derLEOH3hzt8Hbme8uG8NwvnOESb7nkgkOPmtmrs8EqqaaVlamc8OH1a8XLIsVL-pD3YTHKwefIHF8JJnDDbJeR_0O-TXJ8zJF4E3g8V08hcfcpLm2jygTtHynRlgclt5ig3k4ia/s320/72PGA4YH4LP4MMPON4SBOV2CSI.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: The Boston Globe)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a> </b><i><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contributing Writer</a> </i><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The end of the world news arrived early this abbreviated Spring Training, <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/red-sox-chris-sale-miss-opening-day-stress-fracture-rib-cage?b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Sale out for </a><i><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/red-sox-chris-sale-miss-opening-day-stress-fracture-rib-cage?b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weeks</a> </i>with a stress fracture in his right rib cage.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Again, the perennial number one starter will not take the ball for the Red Sox on Opening Day.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It got worse last week when <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/chris-sale-injury-when-red-sox-expect-ace-back-rib-stress-fracture-report" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it was reported</a> that <i>weeks </i>would now be turning into <i>months</i> before <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a> would be back according to Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. It's devastating news if <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a> is out until late May, he'll miss 40 regular-season games, about one forth of the season due to this injury. If you want to look at the glass being half full, you will have a fully rested and recovered <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a> for the second half of the year and for potential postseason baseball.</p><p style="text-align: left;">What's this mean for the first few months of this 2022 season and how will the Red Sox rotation survive this setback?</p><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The rotation</h3><p style="text-align: left;">The ideal rotation was designed to be quite a one two punch:</p><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a></li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a></li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a></li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a></li><li>Some combination of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rich Hill</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wachami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Wacha</a> or <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whitlga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrett Whitlock</a>.</li></ol><p style="text-align: left;">Without <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a>, it's going to shake out something like this:</p></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><ol><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a></li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a></li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a></li></ol><p style="text-align: left;">The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation can be filled as needed by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hill</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wachami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wacha</a> or <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whitlga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whitlock</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The offseason signings of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hillri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hill</a> for $5 million and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wachami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wacha</a> for $7 million were intended to provide some rotation depth and it's going to give manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> exactly that from Opening Day. The Spring Training games have included a start by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whitlga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whitlock</a>, who came up in the Yankees organization as a starter, but he is not being stretched out which indicates more of a long relief role.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Another free agent signing was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paxtoja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Paxton</a>, coming off Tommy John surgery, who is not expected back before July. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paxtoja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paxton</a> signed for a $10 million deal, which includes club options for 2023-24 raising the deal up to $35 million. The Red Sox are rolling the dice to see if they can find a starter in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paxtoja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paxton</a> for the next few years, but don't ask a Seattle Mariners fan about him, you'll get an ear full about his troubles staying on the field.</p></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The Red Sox should be able to ride out <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale's</a> injury and they will only get better as their starters return for the second half of the season. Brining back <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paxtoja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paxton</a> after July would be icing on the cake if he can contribute down the stretch.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div>Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-55106326276088858922021-06-16T13:28:00.003-04:002021-06-25T21:11:08.277-04:00Effects of banning sticky substances on Red Sox rotation<div><b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacFoteZeuDCiPX0FVeCDIKUN0IpJHncr9Z0w_0FX5vhw128g8KlzRhDNALIbjxWUvFpKNBjMeD2vjMbCfZBec0g-wF0uCXYBWavGWTqZwKXDSJc9zVFsmjQhZqtTY2D_66Dp4WDWKpa8/s2048/Screenshot+2021-06-16+at+15.02.49.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sticky stuff" border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="2048" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacFoteZeuDCiPX0FVeCDIKUN0IpJHncr9Z0w_0FX5vhw128g8KlzRhDNALIbjxWUvFpKNBjMeD2vjMbCfZBec0g-wF0uCXYBWavGWTqZwKXDSJc9zVFsmjQhZqtTY2D_66Dp4WDWKpa8/w320-h174/Screenshot+2021-06-16+at+15.02.49.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Photo: screenshot sportsnetLA<span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">)</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eric D. Schabell</a></b></div><div><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">It all started when MLB told all the teams on 23 March that it would be monitoring spin-rate data and collecting balls after play to check for sticky substances used by pitcher.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31637665/mlb-players-caught-altering-balls-ejected-suspended-10-games" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ESPN reported</a> that they were not happy with what they found.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">"Based on the information collected over the first two months of the season -- including numerous complaints from position players, pitchers, umpires, coaches and executives -- there is a prevalence of foreign substance use by pitchers in Major League Baseball and throughout the minor leagues,'' MLB said.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">A prevalence of use.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">They also found "...dark, amber-colored markings that are sticky to the touch."</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Third party researchers were used to verify the sticky substances and here we are with the official notice sent out yesterday in which MLB stated, "In addition, the foreign substance use appears to contribute to a style of pitching in which pitchers sacrifice location in favor of spin and velocity, particularly with respect to elevated fastballs. The evidence does not suggest a correlation between improved hitter safety and the use of foreign substances.''</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">On 3 June MLB provided warnings of a crackdown coming to an all-hands owners meetings. Fastball spin rates averaged 2,306-2,329 revolutions per minute according to MLB Statcast data at this point.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The next two weeks the fastball spin rates dropped to 2,282 and 2,226.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><h4>Is rosin enough?</h4><div>While there has been a huge amount of dissent, disgust, anger, and denials, one thing is sure to remain. Since the beginning of time, baseball pitchers use sweat and rosin from the bag behind the mound for grip, so the question on our minds, is this enough?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=martipe02,martipe03,martin016ped,martin013ped,martin015ped&amp;search=Pedro+Martinez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pedro Martinez</a> shows us how he used rosin and how effective it can be when you "burn it" by rubbing it between your fingers to heat it.</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/45PedroMartinez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@45PedroMartinez</a> explains how he used the rosin bag. <br /> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLBTonight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLBTonight</a> <a href="https://t.co/6J2NXXgG0p">pic.twitter.com/6J2NXXgG0p</a></p>— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1404999815176462338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div>The image at the top of this article is an unconfirmed demonstration by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trevor Bauer</a> showing how effective a ball can be made to stick to a hand with just sweat and rosin.</div><div><br /></div><div>One would believe that pitchers could and should be able to make in season adjustments as needed when losing the use of other stick substances. Not all pitchers agree, such as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glasnty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tyler Glasnow</a> from the Tampa Bay Rays who injured his UCL this week and was very vocal at having to change his mechanics due to the lack of stick substances.</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tyler Glasnow is NOT happy about being forced to stop using sticky substances for better grip (pt.1) <a href="https://t.co/m33D9uldt2">pic.twitter.com/m33D9uldt2</a></p>— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Sports/status/1404922959857434630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div>Is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glasnty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glasnow</a> a casualty of the lack of sticky substances or just another in a long list of Tampa Bay Rays pitching products that throw upper 90's all game long and eventually blow out elbows?</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bauer</a> and the Dodgers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Dodgers-Trevor-Bauer-spin-rate-down-cheat-rules-16229875.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houston Chronicle reported</a> on 7 June that spin rates are up by about a half-percent league-wide this year, and the Dodgers have the largest increase. They apparently jumping their spin rate as a staff by 7.04 percent over last season, almost twice as much as any other team.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day before <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauertr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bauer</a> started against the Braves and , assuming he was heeding MLB's warnings used some degree less of the sticky substances, gave up 6 H, 4 BB, 3 R over 6 IP. All of that with a spin rate on his fastball that dipped more than 200 RPM.</div><div><br /></div><div>What about the Yankees?</div><div><br /></div><div>On Thursday of that same week, assuming <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colege01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gerrit Cole</a> of the Yankees was also stepping away from the sticky substances, <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-foreign-substance-crack-down-trevor-bauer-gerrit-cole-show-reduced-spin-ex-mvp-calls-out-coincidence/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CBS sport reported</a> that his spin rates were down across the board on all of his pitches. He allowed five runs in five innings against the Rays with a spin rate dipping almost 6% on his pitches.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><h4>Red Sox rotation</h4><div>Have the Red Sox rotation taken heed to these developments or are they also having a hard time adjusting to the sticky-less substance experience as the rest of the league?</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/06/13/mastrodonato-three-red-sox-starters-see-drop-in-spin-rate-as-mlb-cracks-down-on-substance-abuse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boston Herald reported</a> that on June 4, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a> started against the Yankees and threw six strong innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out seven. Normal start for Eovaldi, but a closer look a the Statcast data told a different story.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eovaldi’s</a> spin rates dipped on most of his pitches. Spin rates were down 26 RPM on his cutter, down 30 RPM on his slider, down 51 RPM on his fastball and down 166 RPM on his splitter.</div><div><br /></div><div>A day later in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez’s</a> start, his spin rate on the changeup dropped 196 RPM. In his next start after that, his favourite changeup dropped again 96 RPM.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a>, who saw his slider dip 64 RPM and his curve down 24 RPM. In his next start after that, the spin rate on his curve dropped.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div>Last Sunday after <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a> was shelled for five runs on just four recorded outs, and was asked about sticky substances due to a 40 RPM decrease on his sinker and cutter. </div><div><br /></div><div>“I’m not a cheater pitcher,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> said afterwards. “I’ve been around for a long time and I don’t use that kind of stuff. I just go out there and compete with what I have that day. I don’t put anything on my arm, I don’t put anything on my glove. Whoever did, it’s their problem.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“It’s not that we’ve not been doing good, not pitching good for three or four days, because of sticky things. No. It’s because we aren’t locating the pitches where we want it. If we go back again and throw the pitch where we want it, it’s going to be fine. But it’s not because we’ve been using sticking things. No way.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">While that's a fairly emphatic no to the use of sticky substances, across MLB the spin rates are dropping on pitchers across the board. With a 10-game suspension hanging over your head if caught using sticky substances other than sweat and rosin, pitchers are going to have to make another adjustment.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">This is nothing new, as pitchers work on mechanics, pitches, and game attack plans almost on a day-to-day basis. While ERA's will climb and strikeouts will decrease, pitchers will adapt and the Red Sox rotation will be attempting to do the same. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">They have to figure out how to reduce 10 game starts with a team ERA over 8.00, that's just asking the offence to do too much day in and day out to stay in the hunt for October baseball.</div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div></div><div>Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-86457670948706996382021-05-11T15:04:00.004-04:002021-05-11T15:04:41.834-04:00Tanner Houck and other pitching injury updates<div><b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhQ2WUC04wIi8U9W2WQN3tfe4PRbyW4XT3QsZgcnn991LIb1dR-hOIhwpUHXJuz7kOpxMv0I8tUW_khkXhNLF6FgLLorwdNdVm_HJ9quJy8t0XYS_wmywhoFOVQhIFFbpgnWCwW5wyaA/s1024/houck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tanner houck" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhQ2WUC04wIi8U9W2WQN3tfe4PRbyW4XT3QsZgcnn991LIb1dR-hOIhwpUHXJuz7kOpxMv0I8tUW_khkXhNLF6FgLLorwdNdVm_HJ9quJy8t0XYS_wmywhoFOVQhIFFbpgnWCwW5wyaA/w320-h213/houck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty)</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eric D. Schabell</a></b></div><div><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">After pulling <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a> from last Wednesday's start for the Worcester Red Sox, the <a href="https://nesn.com/2021/05/red-sox-shut-down-pitcher-tanner-houck-with-right-flexor-muscle-injury/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Sox reported</a> a right flexor muscle injury. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">That injury shuts down <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> for and undetermined amount of time.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">While <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> said the Red Sox were not overly concerned, it's always concerning when your top pitching depth has issues in the elbow of their throwing arm.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> was the first in line for any pitching needs the Red Sox might have, due to injury or scheduling issues. He's made three appearances for the Red Sox so far this year and posted an 0-2 record with a 4.35 ERA</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Yesterday <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2021/05/boston-red-sox-notebook-xander-bogaerts-juggles-fluky-161-foot-triple-fenway-park-going-to-feel-different-with-capacity-increased-to-25-tuesday.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gave an update</a> on the progress of the injury process.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“He’s getting treatment already I don’t know about the specifics. But he’s feeling better,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> told reporters. “We just gotta make sure he is where he’s supposed to be. He’s very important to this organization. Not only this year but for the future. So when things like this happen, you’ve got to be smart about it and take your time. But as a whole, the training staff and everybody that I’ve talked to, they feel very comfortable that this is just something short-term. So he’ll be OK.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">It looks like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> is not only dealing with <a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/2021/04/tanner-houck-resigned-to-2021-minor-league-purgatory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">minor league purgatory</a>, but will now have to work his way back from a sensitive elbow injury to ensure durability.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Other pitching injury updates</h4><div>Remember <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Brasier</a>, the reliever that came out of the bullpen in Game 1 of the 2018 ALDS striking out two Yankees before telling <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchga02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gary Sanchez</a> to get back in the box for his strike out?</div><div><br /></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="no">Ryan Brasier. Boss. 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatWouldPedroDo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatWouldPedroDo</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jrdy3USWW9">pic.twitter.com/Jrdy3USWW9</a></p>— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1048756782028521473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brasier</a> has had a rough start to 2021, dealing with a fractured right pinky finger. Then he started the spring with a setback by leaving camp in February for a personal reason. Since March he's been trying to work his way back from a calf injury that put him initially on crutches. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">For the first time there was positive progress as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brasier</a> threw a bullpen in Fort Meyers this last week.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“It was a good one,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “I think it was a 20, 25 pitch bullpen. And he was pretty solid.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">There are not plans set for when and if he's going to start his rehab assignment in Triple-A Worcester.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">In other pitching prospect injury news, Connor Seabold was forced to start the Triple-A season the the injured list due to elbow inflammation. He's a depth starter for the Red Sox and this is never good news though Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom was upbeat <a href="https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2021/05/tanner-houck-injury-boston-red-sox-has-sore-flexor-muscle-has-been-shut-down.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">when asked about it</a>.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“Connor is dealing with some minor elbow soreness,” Bloom said. “It’s a long season and so we’d rather address this now rather than try to push through it. He’s on a gradual progression back to full strength.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Another final point of interest, back in April the top ranked Red Sox pitching prospect for the 2021 season Bryan Mata underwent Tommy John surgery.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div></div><div>Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete--></div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-31592853064192147202021-04-22T08:00:00.019-04:002021-04-22T13:59:23.189-04:00Garrett Richards on shaky ground after another dismal start for Red Sox<b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTRXcz7E0W7MYPY6JX24qlaBxgCuZmszlgYOj_0L1ILHZ-OpA8H_AScblec04dpljnxzANRR1WtUS2GKbqSNDvriJLsxaTpNM2gvGCLM-MRx6U6-0P6_hGzXtWbgA5uQDfE-0CQ8aiEI/s813/richards.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garrett Richards" border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="813" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTRXcz7E0W7MYPY6JX24qlaBxgCuZmszlgYOj_0L1ILHZ-OpA8H_AScblec04dpljnxzANRR1WtUS2GKbqSNDvriJLsxaTpNM2gvGCLM-MRx6U6-0P6_hGzXtWbgA5uQDfE-0CQ8aiEI/w320-h226/richards.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Matt Stone, Boston Herald)</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Yesterday was the fourth start by maybe the most significant offseason free agent brought into the Boston Red Sox by Chaim Bloom, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a>.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">It was not pretty. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Continuing on the trend across his four starts, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> failed to go deep into the game and posted yet again an ERA north of 6.00. He was lifted after just 4.2 innings pitched, having walked six batters as he struggled with control issues.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Being the highest annual salary free agent acquisition from the Red Sox offseason, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> has failed to live up to the guaranteed $10MM contract so far.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> has pitched just 16.2 innings, walked 13 out of the 83 batters faced, and posting a disappointing 6.48 ERA. He's thrown 58% of his pitches for strikes and getting a 9% swing and miss rate, which are all symptoms of his control issues.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Currently, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> is the most worrisome Red Sox starter:</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><ol><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a> (3.04 ERA over 23.2 IP)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriquez</a> (3.38 ERA over 16 IP)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a> (3.68 ERA over 14.2 IP)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a> (5.93 ERA over 13.2 IP)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> (6.48 ERA over 14.2 IP)</li></ol></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">When <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2021/04/boston-red-sox-wont-move-on-from-garrett-richards-anytime-soon-even-if-hes-erratic-and-tanner-houck-is-knocking-chris-cotillo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">asked about</a> his latest control issues against the Blue Jays, Richards was rather nonplussed.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“I just think the delivery was off a little bit tonight,” Richards said. “I was kind of fighting it the whole night. And then obviously, couldn’t get my release point under control. Just kind of a combination of things. Nothing that can’t be fixed.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">How many starts do the Red Sox wait before they decide it can't be fixed? </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Well, the answer is of course more complicated than that and the Red Sox are going to stay with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">until the bitter end for several reasons. The first would be the $10MM investment that he takes with him this year if given his walking papers or if he makes 30 starts. That's not something Bloom wants to contemplate, explaining why his major rotation piece is dropped early in the year.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Another issue is that the Red Sox have is that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> has more than five years of service time (in his ninth year now) and can't be sent to the minor leagues without his consent. There is probably no scenario where he agrees to go down to the minors when he can walk away with his full salary and look for another job as a free agent. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">While the choices made by the Red Sox have them tied tightly to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a>, there is the situation where <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a> has been exceeding expectations since he was brought up last season. This year he's <a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/2021/04/tanner-houck-resigned-to-2021-minor-league-purgatory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stuck in minor league purgatory</a> due to being the only pitcher with options in the above starting rotation. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> is the best sixth starter you could want to have as depth for your starting rotation, but what do you do when he's beter than several of your current starters?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The Red Sox are going to keep him working on a third pitch down in the minors and having him ready should there be a need or injury. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">In the mean time, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> thinks he can fix his release points and other control issues between now and his next start in New York against the Mets. Manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> was saying all the right things at this point and noted that he can't expect to stay in the rotation with only a fastball working for him.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“He can work on it in between starts,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “He’s an established big-leaguer with a track record. He has been working on it but we have to find it. We have to find that pitch. It’s hard to maneuver a big-league lineup with one pitch. It seems like it has been that way during the season. If we can get that pitch back to what it was in the past and use the curveball good, we’re going to have the guy we envisioned before the season.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Fixing the slider might be the salvation for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a>, but if not, the Red Sox have cut players that cost much more in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandopa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pablo Sandoval</a>. They are not shy in moving on if the need is there, but for the foreseeable future we're going to be watching <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> every fifth start and holding our breath.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div>Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-68885789911911078872021-04-16T13:58:00.000-04:002021-04-16T13:58:09.957-04:00Tanner Houck breaking back into the Red Sox rotation<b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzOQmHRqyJwhUnzF1hiAB5cylYpmIHHpGev4z2gcHp5E_DzsCfSpGQIF7CumYTCG4wxjGRm0WuwI-MTV8hyphenhyphenAmcLO-ooZhslpcA_QDLqYvqRFZKsjLKH4Z5mKdTjiS6v0zFWM9a4nUvnc/s920/houck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzOQmHRqyJwhUnzF1hiAB5cylYpmIHHpGev4z2gcHp5E_DzsCfSpGQIF7CumYTCG4wxjGRm0WuwI-MTV8hyphenhyphenAmcLO-ooZhslpcA_QDLqYvqRFZKsjLKH4Z5mKdTjiS6v0zFWM9a4nUvnc/s320/houck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 12.75px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;">(Photo: Adam Glanzman/MLB)</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Tanner Houck is coming back to Boston faster than you might have expected and we can all thank the postponed game Monday against the Twins.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">How does that work?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Well, it's a mix of logic and speculation, but follow along and see if you reach the same conclusion.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">First off, we have been pretty clear that Houck is more than ready, but <a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/2021/04/tanner-houck-resigned-to-2021-minor-league-purgatory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stuck in minor league purgatory</a> due to being the only pitcher with options. It's a high crime to not be watching the best pitchers in your rotation due to the roster manipulations that make up a big league season, but it's what it is.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Until the currently schedule game for this Saturday.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">But let's not get ahead of ourselves in our enthusiasm to see Houck pitch. Looking back to last week for the Twins series the following starting rotation was set:</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a> (Monday)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a> (Tuesday)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriquez</a> (Wednesday)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a> (Thursday)</li></ol><div>Due to non-baseball issues, the game Monday was postponed and a double header was set to make it up on Wednesday. That pushed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> and his start to Tuesday, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eovaldi</a> to game one on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodriquez</a> to game two on Wednesday, and finally <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> finished up on his originally planned game on Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which then leads back to Fenway for the series with the White Sox:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a> (Friday, tonight)</li><li>???? (Saturday)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> (Sunday, on full five day rest)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eovaldi</a> (Monday)</li></ol><div>Then for the Blue Jays series:</div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodriquez</a> (probable Tuesday with extra day of rest)</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> (probable Wednesday)</li></ol><div>From <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> onwards the Red Sox are back on track with their original five days rest for their starting rotation.</div></div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Did you see that set of question marks on the Saturday start? When asked by MLB.com, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> was hedging the call up by deflecting to possible bad weather tonight. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"> </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“We probably have to make a move, do something over the weekend,” said <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a>. “We’ll wait. I know the weather doesn’t look too promising on Friday, so we’ll plan accordingly. We’ll plan ahead and be ready for whatever we have to do over the weekend. It’s going to be an interesting one schedule-wise, but so far it’s been a different type of schedule so we’ll prepare for it.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Watch this one closely as this is the prime reason we hope, dare we expect, to see <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> on the mound in Fenway Park again? Over his last five starts for the Red Sox he's compiled a 1.17 ERA, 31 strikeouts over 23 innings pitched, and 10 walks. In his single start for the Red Sox this season <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> went 6 IP, 1 BB, 10 SO, 2 ER, 3.00 ERA. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Remember, he's in the minors to work on control and splitter, so expect to see him testing out that splitter if and when he's called up on Friday after the game. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The only thing that might throw a wrench in this scenario is if the weather, which is not projecting to be baseball weather <a href="https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/04/14/snow-massachusetts-boston-weather-forecast-berkshires-worcester-county/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">according to CBS Boston</a>:</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEV6mm3InnxsKgjXfR1ZCkp8TVhtIaQAiZFxpGaTgYtlnttCWyQdleLikQfGX1dzt-tEgm95Cu7vnRneeLBMAdA_4OuSf2oO65xjsuRX6BXRbDacpzREkpi9b-AwU7u1A2KbHKR6GB1I/s420/fridayweather.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEV6mm3InnxsKgjXfR1ZCkp8TVhtIaQAiZFxpGaTgYtlnttCWyQdleLikQfGX1dzt-tEgm95Cu7vnRneeLBMAdA_4OuSf2oO65xjsuRX6BXRbDacpzREkpi9b-AwU7u1A2KbHKR6GB1I/s320/fridayweather.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: WBZ-TV graphic)</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>They are saying that Friday is possible rain and snow tapering off, and by Saturday morning the last of the rain showers will move out.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_7pDw8I_W0lPum0nSyhjeKSOYNFR056UP5DOqTcrKQxFBY0h1PXVWmhbiFyxcB6AN-TcsV1pTS0Tvc59e-4L99_bARWa2NOM4s70JnFXNDiuLapZvrqTkqaH87waB0miN2jMIGYDb5k/s420/rain-1.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_7pDw8I_W0lPum0nSyhjeKSOYNFR056UP5DOqTcrKQxFBY0h1PXVWmhbiFyxcB6AN-TcsV1pTS0Tvc59e-4L99_bARWa2NOM4s70JnFXNDiuLapZvrqTkqaH87waB0miN2jMIGYDb5k/s320/rain-1.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); color: #999999; text-align: left;">(Photo: WBZ-TV graphic)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Let's all cross your fingers for some baseball tonight in Fenway Park so that the Red Sox can call up <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> for that Saturday game agains the White Sox, shall we?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div><br /></div></div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-48932957193663299042021-04-10T13:30:00.048-04:002021-04-16T13:58:52.068-04:00Tanner Houck resigned to 2021 minor league purgatory?<b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFgspH3PHYbT2bnWnTHxdD2GpXXeziR5WgYUGGeQvEx4zY4zncKwTzPPvfhEOPps0-TiXLHzVLaDyRj8t2ZQxaPjMj70Ef2tHjgDb562nlB_2XiHYWeES7gu7tOvL5Ggkqfh4u9jQQPE/s1024/Tanner-Houck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFgspH3PHYbT2bnWnTHxdD2GpXXeziR5WgYUGGeQvEx4zY4zncKwTzPPvfhEOPps0-TiXLHzVLaDyRj8t2ZQxaPjMj70Ef2tHjgDb562nlB_2XiHYWeES7gu7tOvL5Ggkqfh4u9jQQPE/s320/Tanner-Houck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: The Athletic)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">There has been a lot of noise around <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a> this week when he was sent back down to the alternate training site, or the minor leagues as it's often referred to, after another sparkling start for the Red Sox.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="Through no fault of his own, Tanner Houck now resides in the borderland of the Red Sox alternate site in Worcester, biding his time while awaiting his next big league opportunity." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Speier of the Boston Globe</a> stated it quite eloquently, "Through no fault of his own, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> now resides in the borderland of the Red Sox alternate site in Worcester, biding his time while awaiting his next big league opportunity."</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">How is it possible when a pitcher is able to make five starts for the Red Sox and compile a 1.17 ERA, 31 strikeouts over 23 innings pitched, and 10 walks?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Who wouldn't like to see that every five days on the mound for the Red Sox?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The Red Sox are unable to keep <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> on the roster, for reasons we'll discuss below, but they spend a lot of time talking about how he needs to work on another pitch before he'll be ready.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">There is a word for this. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Poppycock.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Yes, it's just nonsense.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">We all know if any one of the current starting rotation goes down, your first call is going to be for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a>. It's not fair that he is pitching better than most of the current, let's be honest, and expensive starters signed for the 2021 season. Let's take a look, with a warning label for small sample size attached so early in the 2021 season:</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>: 12.1 IP, 4 BB, 11 SO, 2 ER, 1.46 ERA</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriquez</a>: 5 IP, 0 BB, 7 SO, 3 ER, 5.40 ERA</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a>: 2 IP, 2 BB, 2 SO, 9 ER, 27.00 ERA </li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a>: 5 IP, 2 BB, 6 SO, 3 ER, 5.40 ERA</li><li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nick Pivetta</a>: 5 IP, 4 BB, 4 SO 0 ER, 0.00 ERA</li></ol><div>Then there is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a>: 6 IP, 1 BB, 10 SO, 2 ER, 3.00 ERA.</div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The first two in the rotation are given starters, nothing to discuss there. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Then there is the third spot in the rotation. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> was a very expensive one year <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/payroll/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">deal that guarantees</a> $8.5MM, but has been pretty unconvincing through Spring Training and laid an egg for his first start lasting just two innings. Without a doubt he could use some time at the alternate training site, or the minor leagues as it's often referred to, but he's out of options.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">In the fourth spot we have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> who's made some changes he discussed with viewer of this weeks <a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/2021/04/are-red-sox-hip-enough-to-stream-as.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youtube streaming game</a>, and seems to have that third pitch he needed to stick in the Red Sox rotation. He's going to get you around five inning pitching every start and yields both hits and runs, but nothing the Red Sox offence should not be able to overcome. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> signed a one year deal with the Red Sox for $4.5MM and as he's also out of options meaning he's here to stay.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">In the fifth spot we have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pivetta</a>. So far he's been the most impressive upstart that broke into the rotation from out of Spring Training. He's an effective pitcher so far and to have him in the fifth spot is really a luxury for the little over league minimum the Red Sox locked him in for. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pivetta</a> is also out of options and needs to either be on the roster or let go, which won't happen anytime soon if he continues in his current form.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Without a doubt in my mind, if <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a> had options and wasn't the fourth highest paid player on the roster, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> is in the Red Sox rotation right now.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">What's so tantalising is when you see something like the following video where they took <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Sale's</a> delivery and then flipped <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck's</a> around to make him a left handed pitcher.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div>
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chris Sale vs. lefty Tanner Houck. <a href="https://t.co/i46P14AtDZ">pic.twitter.com/i46P14AtDZ</a></p>— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1307770539302416385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</div>
<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div>Who does not want to see the rotation with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ERod</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eovaldi</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a>?</div><div><br /></div><div>Until the options run out, until someone gets hurt, until <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sale</a> returns from the injury list later this year and probably pushes out <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pivetni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pivetta</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> is going to have to continue to work on control and adding a new pitch to his fastball / slider combination. In 2020 Houck worked on a splitter, but threw it just three percent of the time.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>“We talked a lot about trying to develop a splitter and having it function as a third pitch. For the time being, it’s not a good enough pitch to force it,” said Red Sox pitching coach <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bushda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dave Bush</a>. “The fastball and breaking ball are just significantly better at this point in time, so he’s still going to overload those pitches.”</div></div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">They continue to tell us that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/houckta01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houck</a> is a work in progress and that he's not major league ready yet.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“We’re still trying to develop what pitch qualities he has and what he ends up being. I don’t know what it’s going to look like right now,” said <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bushda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bush</a>. “He’s not a finished product.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">To that I say, poppycock.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-30515408591637375122021-04-09T05:46:00.002-04:002021-04-16T13:59:02.111-04:00Are the Red Sox hip enough to stream as a Youtube experience?<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://youtu.be/mKUpZ6YyO9U?t=4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_OgOWVUNA-LcIOhwgoHMxKar3c68P0yjecymFxSJ4-tqiIvYdcZ42gaLI9WJnpSSarXOQu4jUhJL-DF9tn1unXLDZ3H7NJZ978aAWcfugpqm3YobV2-R1KNzB7NJMrJE_3XOB0uPilM/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+09.25.49.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://youtu.be/mKUpZ6YyO9U?t=4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Photo: YouTube.com click to view game)</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The first free game of 2021 for everyone in the world was this week on YouTube. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">As an overseas fan I'm often watching games with a full MLB TV subscription, which provides your choice of televised games using the home or away teams networks. As a Red Sox fan you get NESN with our familiar <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/remyje01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jerry Remy</a>, Dave O’Brien, and the wonderful pitching commentary by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eckerde01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dennis Eckersley</a>. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">With the YouTube feed you get something else, and as a long time baseball fan I'm pretty sure they are not targeting me as an audience.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The idea behind this free game is to generate interest for the game across the worldwide audience, many of them younger and very much tuned into watching hours of video on this platform every day. I had little choice as my normal access was taken away for this game and, along with the rest of the planet, I was bounce to the streaming channel.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Let's cover all of the ups and downs, in no particular order, that were new, interesting, silly, or just strange marketing tactics.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Pregame</h3><div>The first part of the experience is a half hour banter about the game to come between <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ripkebi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Billy Ripken</a> (that's <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ripkeca01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ripkeca01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cal Ripken Jr.'s</a> little brother) and some young guy named Stephen Nelson who functions as the MC. They are in a small version of the MLB indoor field and spend the first 30 mins giving some batting tips about the players from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ripkebi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ripken</a> and recap babble about the Red Sox and Rays starts to the 2021 season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now comes the first bit of promo work that is trying to capture, at least I think that's the idea, the younger viewers. They spend a whole segment on something called <i>Youtube Creator Spotlight</i>. They do a live interview with a streamer whose got a large following around the Mets topics he streams. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me again, why this would be attractive to a Red Sox or Rays fan?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smoltjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Smoltz</a> who will be part of the in game announcers team is brought in and asked what his favourite Youtube video is. His task will be pitching evaluation and he tells us how he's linked to the Red Sox because he spent some time there in 2009.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Now we head on to the game.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The game and bag of tricks</h3><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The first thing we have to swallow is missing our well informed announcers that are really close with the team and players. The team on the streaming channel consisted of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smoltjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smoltz</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=penaca01,pena--014car&amp;search=Carlos+Pena&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carlos Pena</a>, and that same young guy as the MC (I forgot his name already). </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">I will say that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smoltjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smoltz</a> has many great insights into how pitching works, what we are seeing throughout the game, so I'm happy he was in the booth. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=penaca01,pena--014car&amp;search=Carlos+Pena&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pena</a> is a good move as you have a long time Rays player who knows a lot about the team and has great insights during the game when allowed to give them. As Red Sox fans, you're going to have to just chalk this one up or turn down the sound and switch to WEEI on the radio feed.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvNq0V2eLLDun0aknFAqw-f77RaZxA99thp3bUbKIEClyJIfgDy4PzcCr5gmGXejau1Io44cdraGtU6j8e7HKp7lzl0kqrIjVuA9LU7x-fPctJsYAyT6TKfe2bjGlC8-djLoNf0hKuho/s1263/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.12.44.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvNq0V2eLLDun0aknFAqw-f77RaZxA99thp3bUbKIEClyJIfgDy4PzcCr5gmGXejau1Io44cdraGtU6j8e7HKp7lzl0kqrIjVuA9LU7x-fPctJsYAyT6TKfe2bjGlC8-djLoNf0hKuho/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.12.44.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #999999;">(Photo: Youtube, Coco Crisp a long time ago...)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The introduction film between the reporting and start of the game was a bit disturbing, as shown here above with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/crispco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coco Crisp</a> attacking the pitcher after getting drilled. They felt that it should be hyped that almost 20 years ago the Red Sox and the Rays were going at each other like it was the Yankees rivalry. Feels a bit forced and by taking some selective game footage of players long retired they made it look like an MMA event. Not sure if that's how you want to attract viewers to baseball, but I guess that's what the streaming platform felt was needed to hype the game start.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">As the game begins it all settles down with normal commentary and good on field reporting, so nothing wrong here. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4M0n5yCeWOgGwDAPXUfJgBvvswxOcarA5OTVzUmo0KcHciamw3PJGBGW9f7xKGpCJEE1aCCcc8szHy_GGI5ubwn02Rsbt6z-0084u4R6FsfteFcLiazkog12CyHd9w5fVOqmNQYhOrY/s1280/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+09.59.46.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4M0n5yCeWOgGwDAPXUfJgBvvswxOcarA5OTVzUmo0KcHciamw3PJGBGW9f7xKGpCJEE1aCCcc8szHy_GGI5ubwn02Rsbt6z-0084u4R6FsfteFcLiazkog12CyHd9w5fVOqmNQYhOrY/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+09.59.46.png" width="320" /></a></div>Between the first few innings it's filling the dead time by running film of past Red Sox vs Rays games and we get the great highlights of Rays or the Red Sox winning. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">In the bottom of the first inning an interesting play regarding a fly ball hit near the right field wall gets reviewed and over turned as not a catch to end the inning. Many were wondering if, with the high cost of seating and so few fans in the seats, if fans involved in the incident would be removed from Fenway as is usually the case. Rest assured, the fans were allowed to remain.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nope we still here! I wasn’t reaching over!</p>— Antonito (@aespinal21) <a href="https://twitter.com/aespinal21/status/1379856033049411584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">With that taken care of we moved on in the game to on field in the dugout interviews with the likes of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glasnty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tyler Glasnow</a>, which were really entertaining as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/glasnty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glasnow</a> was almost beaned by a lined foul ball into the Rays dugout (nobody got hurt).</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Between the third and fourth innings they showcased a day with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=martin000jd-&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JD Martinez</a> in Spring Training, from on the field to hitting some batting practice. This was a fun insight you don't normally get from regular NESN live game coverage.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Throughout the game they had interactive voting if you were a subscriber of the streaming service on who would make the most impact and spent an overly abundant amount of time making sure each of the announcers and on field reporters got to talk about their picks and why they liked them. Kind of got old fast for me with the game going on in the background which was way more interesting.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The also had a player of the game trophy which they put out there to vote on and it cause more of the repeating pop-ups for fans to vote on:</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjboKUZn0eQGQy-A-NLSwnqHOndWA3yudmmUEY9LYMQT-bhCRbPo-hykWwFul-auKB8WjQlqikno6MIuRg94rYeeDTrYJOuJPRmy_UJQ0wEl64RsWopu_p2m0uBwnCrPJfWK1BKKlabg0/s1271/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.07.22.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="1271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjboKUZn0eQGQy-A-NLSwnqHOndWA3yudmmUEY9LYMQT-bhCRbPo-hykWwFul-auKB8WjQlqikno6MIuRg94rYeeDTrYJOuJPRmy_UJQ0wEl64RsWopu_p2m0uBwnCrPJfWK1BKKlabg0/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.07.22.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">It should be noted that the Red Sox were winning this game so it's apparent that the best players of the day are chosen from the team that is winning. </div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">The game ends with Red Sox winning it 9-2 and you get a full postgame show from the announcers which is something the overseas fan never gets to enjoy as NESN feeds cut out at the end of the game over here. They present the award during on field interview with the winning pitcher and Youtube Player of the Game <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN7iey7d6t6cn_KaYzGjcaPXL2hhw5XSUdHHwJFyqPlw7LJPspEEq8LnbjzhqM2JS2MNE7Z4n6DQpX5VH_DqMqWCUsvc7br3E-n7hZGnnaT6Q0tR8dMGtIQjPKnYvIltPjYCaSBiGsF4/s687/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.18.09.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPN7iey7d6t6cn_KaYzGjcaPXL2hhw5XSUdHHwJFyqPlw7LJPspEEq8LnbjzhqM2JS2MNE7Z4n6DQpX5VH_DqMqWCUsvc7br3E-n7hZGnnaT6Q0tR8dMGtIQjPKnYvIltPjYCaSBiGsF4/s320/Screenshot+2021-04-09+at+11.18.09.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Youtube Player of the Game</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Boy did he look uncomfortable with this award and almost felt like he might be wondering if this was a candid camera moment. He did promise to put it someplace special, but no idea where that might be?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">I guess the take on this for me is that it's a nice change of pace to have to watch through the live streaming but overal as a Red Sox fan I prefer our beloved NESN announcers, their insights, and less fan voting during the game.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">As you might disagree with me on this, the next Youtube live and free game will be on April 22, with the Angels at the Astros. Maybe they will have a way for fans to make their feelings known to the Astros?</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-58652684312058200592021-03-26T09:30:00.036-04:002021-04-16T13:59:15.469-04:00Eduardo Rodriguez scratched for Opening Day start, now injured list looming<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwNTj7u5geUjjbLAa6Mm39nPXbnWDPRLDTaxHywhxltwzryR9RFwY06a__vMzGI7pVWe5MxWUO3NvwEMW1xP4vzst7zAxOm4qW71rpsAVWgUVlLR5adxzYgTkWv2z5Y5Jpp9O5l1P_HM/s1024/erod.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwNTj7u5geUjjbLAa6Mm39nPXbnWDPRLDTaxHywhxltwzryR9RFwY06a__vMzGI7pVWe5MxWUO3NvwEMW1xP4vzst7zAxOm4qW71rpsAVWgUVlLR5adxzYgTkWv2z5Y5Jpp9O5l1P_HM/s320/erod.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: MLB.com)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Less than a week from Opening Day and manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> met with the media today to announce a scratch in the pitching rotation.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Not for the Spring Training game today against the Tampa Bay Rays, but for Opening Day.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">This was not what Red Sox Nation wanted to hear from their manager about their Opening Day starter, not by a long shot after <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez</a> missed most of 2020.</div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nate Eovaldi will start Opening Day now. Rodriguez is okay, but didn’t feel 100% after the last start and they pushed him back. “Dead arm,” Cora says. <a href="https://t.co/ZBFFm24b1Z">https://t.co/ZBFFm24b1Z</a></p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1375433977406836740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">As we all saw, last Monday <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodriguez</a> was not sharp in his final Spring tuning start where he gave up three hits, two runs, uncharacteristically walking two, and only struck out one batter over two innings pitched.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Not what anyone expected after watching him dominate through all hist starts in Spring Training. <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2021/03/eduardo-rodriguez-scratched-from-boston-red-sox-opening-day-start-because-of-dead-arm-alex-cora-says.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Cotillo</a> shared <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora's</a> thoughts with us.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“As you know, the last one (his start Monday) wasn’t a great one as far as like his stuff and his body,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “And we’ve been very straightforward with him. His body is going to dictate what we’re going to do with him. So his schedule got pushed back. He didn’t throw a bullpen. He was supposed to throw a bullpen two days ago. He didn’t throw it. He played catch yesterday. He felt fine.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">A trip to the injured list is not yet on the mind of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a>, but is a possibility depending on how <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodriguez</a> responds to a bullpen and will share more after todays game or Saturday.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">“I think it’s just dead arm,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “He didn’t feel as strong as the previous outings arm-wise. Shoulder, arm, there’s nothing specific there. ... He pushed hard for Thursday, but I think the smart thing from my end and from our end is to play it smart.”</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float">Across Spring Training there have been a slew of injuries to both position players and pitchers, so the Red Sox are not the exception with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodriguez</a>.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>, the Red Sox number two pitcher moves up for the Opening Day start.</div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><br /></div></div><div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.</div></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-44948018253282847652021-03-25T11:30:00.004-04:002021-04-16T13:59:31.696-04:00Are the Red Sox hanging out a for sale sign?<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTom_Ly0vV_SUs1vQ5_pl64vDnxD5zp-11VDqkKj3BpKUTlDb4-I6AoyLry1yfUdZAegb-tFvf1rTY0snExqKEWG91QpUXbvkT0QTPw3MAjBn4bHvhg7n5K9nTgZHDU5dgSAnWV6sJVA/s1440/ESCB32QV2II6RM7WTA3SE2RNIY.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTom_Ly0vV_SUs1vQ5_pl64vDnxD5zp-11VDqkKj3BpKUTlDb4-I6AoyLry1yfUdZAegb-tFvf1rTY0snExqKEWG91QpUXbvkT0QTPw3MAjBn4bHvhg7n5K9nTgZHDU5dgSAnWV6sJVA/s320/ESCB32QV2II6RM7WTA3SE2RNIY.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Jim Davis / Globe Staff)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div>The whispers started to rise when the announcement came that LeBron James and his business cohort, Maverick Carter, are joining the owners group as minority owners. <div><br /></div><div>Couple that with the fact that since 2002 principle owners John Henry and Tom Werner have held annual press conferences with the media from Spring Training, but not this year. It's been 13 months since Henry as spoken publicly about the team <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2021/03/john-henry-has-no-plans-to-sell-boston-red-sox-sam-kennedy-says-i-can-say-with-absolute-certainty.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reports Chris Cotillo</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what's one of the first questions that team president and CEO Sam Kennedy got asked when appearing on WEEI's The Greg Hill Show?</div><div><br /></div><div>Are the Red Sox hanging out a for sale sign anytime soon?</div><div><br /></div><div>Kennedy took a deep breath and shared his thoughts on the matter, saying, "I can say with absolute certainty that John Henry is not selling the Boston Red Sox. He has no plans to sell the Boston Red Sox. He’s as committed to this organization, this city and this ballpark as ever. He’s excited about continuing to grow Fenway Sports Group, which is the parent company of the Red Sox that owns NESN, Liverpool Football Club, our NASCAR team and our real estate company."</div><div><br /></div><div>“If anything, I think you’ll see John Henry and Tom Werner doing more in sports, entertainment, media and real estate as we continue to build this company out as we go forward,” Kennedy added. “The Red Sox are always at the center of everything we do and that’s not going to change. John will absolutely not be selling the team.”</div><div><br /></div><div>When pushed on why they have failed to meet with the media in the last 13 month, Kennedy said, "They leave handling the day-to-day with the media to people like me, Chaim Bloom and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a>. I don’t know when he plans to meet with the media. He would determine that schedule leave the rest to us."</div><div><br /></div><div>This only leaves one to wonder how much or what effect adding James and Carter to the ownership group has on the Red Sox team? </div><div><br /></div><div>Kennedy dodged the topic due to the transaction not yet being completed, but would say only, "As it relates to LeBron and Mav, if they do indeed become owners of the Red Sox and investors as part of this deal we are contemplating, it would be an outstanding thing for Fenway Sports Group and for the Red Sox to have two African-American men at the ownership table. It’s fantastic. Someone with the star power and the reach of LeBron, what he means in the sporting world and what Maverick means in the business world."</div><div><br /></div><div>With the Red Sox about to finish off the 2021 Spring Training in Florida, pack up their things, and head up to Boston, limited tickets are on sale staring today for Fenway games in April and at 2020 pricing. </div><div><br /></div><div>That should put Red Sox fans minds at rest as they settle into their favourite chairs to watch Opening Day 2021.<br /><div><br /></div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.<br /></div><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete--></div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-80018650437847078732021-02-14T03:00:00.018-05:002021-04-09T07:36:52.337-04:00Preseason grades for Bloom and Red Sox 2021<div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"></div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script><!--BEGIN POST AFTER THIS CODE Do Not Delete-->
<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Iby2v723vG8AgzO8oyvmmIiFP0UfSKu903Cyzkr8_HS9iHvzfXtTj-ajxZ-VZ0COrtF2GxNSt3eTWQH6d0xWMizcHzXDgcd7VohFj_pjfrIh-05Cf9iM8xtj4I-qUEuSqmT2njDLgk/s1440/bloom.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Iby2v723vG8AgzO8oyvmmIiFP0UfSKu903Cyzkr8_HS9iHvzfXtTj-ajxZ-VZ0COrtF2GxNSt3eTWQH6d0xWMizcHzXDgcd7VohFj_pjfrIh-05Cf9iM8xtj4I-qUEuSqmT2njDLgk/s320/bloom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Jim Davis / Globe Staff)</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i></a><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><i><br /></i></div> Chief Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom has been at the helm of the Red Sox for just over 16 months now. He's coming from
a completely different mind set of small market, cost effective, limited budget, and maximize returns on players over
winning at the Tampa Bay Rays. <div><br /></div><div> At the Boston Red Sox the budget is hovering for years at or over the luxury tax threshold, winning is the goal every
single season, cost is not always the obvious motivator, and returns on players are not nearly as important as playing
in the postseason every year. </div><div><br /></div><div> The question is, did anyone tell Bloom that he's got a new employer and expectations are truly different in Boston? </div><div><br /></div><div> Was he given the helm of the Red Sox with a limited budget, a desire to ignore the run for postseason baseball, and try
and maximize the return on departing players above all else? </div><div><br /></div><div> It sure looks like it so far. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/11/sports/andrew-benintendi-trade-is-part-plan-that-cant-be-judged-fairly-few-years" target="_blank">Peter Abraham sums it up</a> nicely when he outlines that Bloom has traded <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mookie Betts</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Price</a>,
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morelmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mitch Moreland</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hembrhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heath Hembree</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brandon Workman</a>, and now <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a> within the last calendar year. Furthermore,
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jackie Bradley Jr</a> has walked as a free agent and Dustin Pedroia has retired. </div><div><br /></div><div> The <a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/2021/02/red-sox-say-bye-bye-to-benny.html" target="_blank">Benintendi trade</a>
put the final of the three B's (the outfield nickname given to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bradley</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benintendi</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betts</a>) out to pasture as
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bradley</a> as walked as a free agent this year.
The return has been salary reduction to the payroll, minor league talent, and just one player from the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betts</a> trade that's
a starting major league player in outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verdual01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Verdugo</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>What else has Bloom been doing to shore up the rotation, supplement
an empty outfield, fix the issue of second base, and filling up the farm system as that's what Bloom knows from his time
at the Rays. </div><div><br /></div><div> Let's look at the moves so far for the Red Sox.
<h3>Acquisitions any help?</h3>
Looking at the action from the end of the 2020 season, Bloom as emptied the outfield for the Red Sox and the return was
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/franchy-cordero-eyes-fresh-start-with-red-sox" target="_blank">from the Padres</a> in
the form of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cordefr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franchy Cordero</a> and possibly splitting time between three newly inked free agents; Astros utility man <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marwin Gonzalez</a>, Dodger utility man <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernaen02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enrique Hernandez</a>, and Rays outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/renfrhu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunter Renfroe</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cordefr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cordero</a> is a power hitting outfielder that the Padres absolutely loved in the beginning of his career, until he become
a frequent member of the disabled list the last few seasons. The challenge and hope is that the Red Sox can figure out
how to keep him healthy and on the field, while <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=martin000jd-&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JD Martinez</a> mentors him in hitting. If the Red Sox can recapture any of
the massive power he's shown in the past it will play extremely well in Fenway. </div><div><br /></div><div> Ideally <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/renfrhu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renfroe</a> would hold down the last outfield spot with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzama01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gonzalez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernaen02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hernandez</a> splitting time around the diamond at
second base and the outfield. </div><div><br /></div><div> For the long suffering rotation Bloom pulled back in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a>, traded the Yankees for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ottavad01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Ottavino</a>, and spent big
on starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrett Richards</a> who was a free agent from the Padres. He also added veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/andrima01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt Andriese</a> as depth and bullpen
help. </div><div><br /></div><div>The question is will it fix on the the worst rotations in the majors last year? </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a> is still on the road back from Tommy John surgery, but should be back by early summer. The plan seems to be
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&amp;search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=richaga01,richar002gar&amp;search=Garrett+Richards&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Richards</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> in the top four spots. It's up for grabs who's going to
own the fifth spot, but it's a good bet Bloom is all in on the <i>bullpen game.</i>
<h3>Trade noise?</h3>
While much of the action for Bloom and the Red Sox seems to be done with only $4.2M and change left <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/payroll/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in the budget</a> while staying below the luxury tax, there are a few trade rumors still being floated around.
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sources: Red Sox have expressed interest in a reunion with Brandon Workman. Unknown if talks have progressed. He’s one of many relievers still available and Boston may not be done adding to the bullpen.</p>— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1355175097661841411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</div>
It appears that there is some interest in bring back free agent <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workman</a> and some noise around <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shawtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Travis Shaw</a> who
last played for the Red Sox in 2016. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shawtr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaw</a> slashed .239/.306/.411 in 180 plate appearances with the Blue Jays last season
and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workman</a> has not been offered a deal by the Phillies after last season. </div><div><br /></div><div> Another <a href="https://fansided.com/2021/01/29/brewers-josh-hader-trade-rumors/" target="_blank">disturbing bit of news</a>
is that the Angles have been sniffing around the availability of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christian Vázquez</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<i>"The asking price for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vasquez</a>, 30, is said to be very high and there are doubts whether the Red Sox will entertain
trading him. He is an above-average defender with an emerging offensive game, hitting 30 home runs in his last 185
games and slashing .283/.344/.457 last season."</i> </div><div><br /></div><div> One would hope that the Red Sox don't let <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vázquez</a> go at any price. </div><div><br /></div><div> So how does this leave us feeling about the Red Sox in 2021?
<h3>Grading out</h3>
The predictions coming out just before Spring Training kicks off have got to have you both depressed and shaking your head
as a Red Sox fan.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/baseballpro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@baseballpro</a> has announced their 2021 standings predictions. 👀<br /><br />Thoughts? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/FqaFEdhNBk">pic.twitter.com/FqaFEdhNBk</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1359901225504890883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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Boston is not used to small market tactics that Bloom appears to be continuing from his tenure in Tampa Bay, which means
you can expect more of the same turnover in the roster if they can bring back <i>good (farm) returns</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div> As for grading out the offseason work done so far, there are a few aspects to look at. Starting by looking at keeping the
team below the luxury tax threshold, Bloom grades exceptionally well. For getting good returns from superstars like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betts</a> it would be a mediocre grade. If you look at the free agents above used to patch out the holes in the rotation, outfield,
and utility positions, one would have to say that he's again kept well in line with his small market philosophy. That's
not the Boston mentality nor market he's playing too and the grade can only be unsatisfactory so far. </div><div><br /></div><div> As a Red Sox fan you can't be happy with Bloom and the current position the Red Sox are in. Winning 80-82 games is a
non-starter target for this franchise. It's hard to <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2021/02/martin-perez-was-surprised-boston-red-sox-declined-his-option-but-thrilled-to-return-play-for-alex-cora-in-2021-its-good-as-a-latin-player-to-have-a-manager-that-speaks-the-same-language.html" target="_blank">
buy the rhetoric</a> from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perez</a> after signing with the Red Sox. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<i>“It’s going to be a fun year for us as a team and for the fans.”</i> </div><div><br /></div><div> Maybe his definition of fun is different but don't you want a team with a chance to head into the postseason? </div><div><br /></div><div> Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.<br />
<br />
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</div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-57244552283864492082021-02-04T14:07:00.006-05:002021-04-09T07:36:30.445-04:00Can Jackie Bradley Jr. Return to Red Sox?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCjeyZjWz2Af6y-kp1OBk9mtQaCimtPt_sEOw83nqHTb4iJQMbIKbEmvsYDkwwzSwiTRol8wzvUeHnO-Z6wLjLspPIMiQzRFj6kyqKMxHbZfNY0VzTQLIujuov88KpvN5OP02jRHGWdw/s851/bradleyjr.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCjeyZjWz2Af6y-kp1OBk9mtQaCimtPt_sEOw83nqHTb4iJQMbIKbEmvsYDkwwzSwiTRol8wzvUeHnO-Z6wLjLspPIMiQzRFj6kyqKMxHbZfNY0VzTQLIujuov88KpvN5OP02jRHGWdw/s320/bradleyjr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Photo: Stuart Cahill, Boston Herald)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric D. Schabell</a></b><a href="https://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i><br /></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since the end of the shortened 2020 season there have been many free agent rumors around some of the top outfielders available on the market, but none more interesting to watch than <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jackie Bradley Jr.</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's always interesting to see what the <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/mlb-free-agent-predictions-2021.html" target="_blank">MLB Trade Rumors predictions</a> are on his 2021 free agent signing, and they have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> down for a two year deal for $16MM. Looking back he made $8.5MM in 2019 and if 2020 was a full season it would have been $11MM for that year. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now the world is a different place financially with so many potential free agents, and good outfielders among them, sitting at home with little hope for a contract in 2022. So would it seems like $8M per year for a two year deal for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> would be something to jump on.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">But not so fast there, it's a bit more complicated with his agent being Scott Boras. The word on the street is that they are looking for a multi year deal, and not just two, but maybe beyond four years. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Is there a market for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a>, who turns 31 this year, for five years at $45 - $50MM?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Let's look at the teams that have been mentioned so far.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mets have JBJ on their radar. At least 5 teams still monitoring CF: Phils, Red Sox, Astros and Rockies. It’s a pretty thin group now. Pillar is the next best option with Almora, Marisnick among others. Mets would prefer a righty hitter but JBJ would give them a very strong OF.</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1352664056914653186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Philadelphia Phillies</h3><div>The big fix here is that the new general manager is none other than ex-Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski, who loved <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> during his time at Fenway. It's not their first, second, or even third priority in this offseason, but if they did it <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/mlb-rumors-jackie-bradley-phillies-outfield-defense" target="_blank">would be a massive upgrade</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> is probably a better CF defender than anyone the Phillies have had since <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maddoga01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Garry Maddox</a>. He would be a major defensive upgrade in an outfield that had too many gaffes in 2020, particularly late in the season. The Phils’ outfield defense was fourth-worst in the majors..."</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/payroll/" target="_blank">estimated payroll reserves</a> on the Phillies in 2021 is smaller, but if they chose to use free agency as the solution to their center field problems they can fit a longer term deal with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr.</a> The question will be, how far with Dombrowski be willing to go for him?</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Atlanta Braves</h3><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> been linked with the Atlanta Braves, but it would seem that the flashes of offense he showed in 2020 might not be enough to offset the two down years in production previous to that. He's coming off a 2020 season in which he batted .283 with seven home runs, 22 RBIs and an .814 OPS in 217 plate appearances across 55 games. It was a good season for the one of the games best center fielders defensively, but he's shown some up-and-down stretches offensively throughout his career.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/2021/1/11/22223078/atlanta-braves-potential-free-agent-target-jackie-bradley-jr" target="_blank">discussion happening</a> around a potential Braves acquisition is that they have a top prospect on the brink of breaking into their center field position. Signing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> to a longer term contract would put them in a bit of a pickle as what to do with him longer term. If <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> were open to a shorter contract, it would make more this option more realistic.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Houston Astros</h3><div>The Astros have lost <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">George Springer</a> to free agency and the Blue Jays, leaving a gaping hole in their outfield. The <a href="https://www.baseballessential.com/news/2021/01/28/the-houston-astros-should-sign-jackie-bradley-jr/" target="_blank">rumors are</a> that they should seriously consider <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> as backfilling <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Springer</a>, "<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> would be (manager) Baker’s opening day center fielder, adding stability to their depth chart and filling the void <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/springe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Springer's</a> departure creates from a defensive standpoint. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> would also add a veteran bat to a versed positional depth chart."</div><div><br /></div><div>The Astros have <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/houston-astros/payroll/" target="_blank">an estimated salary reserve</a> to spend of just north of $14MM while staying under the luxury tax threshold for 2021. So need, opportunity, and future flexibility in payroll suggest a very good possibility that they can fit <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> in for the coming 4-5 years in center field.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">New York Mets</h3><div>There seems to be no shortage of money in the Mets ownership these days. They are capable of signing anyone they like it seems. After acquiring <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lindofr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Francisco Lindor</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carraca01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Carlos Carrasco</a>, this team is looking to go very long in the postseason. </div><div><br /></div><div>This might make an offer of less years than what <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> is asking for, or if he would be willing to take less annual value, attractive in that players want to play for a winner. </div><div><br /></div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard to pinpoint where the Mets are in negotiations with Jackie Bradley Jr., right now, but he has been seeking a significant contract, perhaps beyond four years.</p>— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Mets/status/1357144556807028736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<div>This is a team to watch in the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> sweepstakes.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">San Francisco Giants</h3><div>It's <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Giants-outfield-targets-include-Eddie-Rosario-15894335.php" target="_blank">been reported</a> that the Giants are also looking at upgrading their outfield with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr.</a> They are keen to add left-handed hitters and the Giants used 12 outfielders in the 60-game 2020 season. The the only man with a guaranteed spot is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yastrmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mike Yastrzemski</a> so <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> would fit in nicely if they were more sure of his offensive productivity. </div><div><br /></div><div>The real question is if the Giants are willing to go long on a multi year deal right now for one of the premier center fielders in MLB?</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Boston Red Sox</h3><div>This is the big question, can <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> be brought back to center field in Fenway? </div><div><br /></div><div>As things now stand the Red Sox have acquired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/renfrhu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hunter Renfroe</a> for right field, have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a> in left field, and moved <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verdual01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Verdugo</a> to center field. </div><div><br /></div><div>Renfroe does not preclude <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> from returning and is more of a fourth outfielder if he does. Chief baseball operations Chaim Bloom <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/27/sports/red-sox-plan-center-appears-start-with-alex-verdugo-it-doesnt-end-there/" target="_blank">told the Globe last week</a> at the end of 2020, “We continue to stay in touch with him and have been this entire time. I expect we’ll continue to until his free agency resolves.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/payroll/" target="_blank">payroll flexibility</a>. The Red Sox have reserves left of just over $7.5MM to keep them under the luxury tax for 2021. There is just no room for an elite free agent center fielder like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> in the Red Sox plans.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reality for Red Sox Nation is that if he's not willing to take a reduced annual salary there's just no path for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley Jr</a> that leads to center field in a Red Sox uniform.</div><div><br /></div>
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-76780279686301086972020-03-10T09:00:00.001-04:002021-02-14T07:35:32.305-05:00Red Sox 40-man roster signed for 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Matt Stone, Boston Herald)</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
The Red Sox announced yesterday that they have signed all 2020 players on their 40-man roster.<br />
<br />
This means they have contracts in place for all players heading in to the 2020 season and we can rest <a href="https://nesn.com/2020/02/rafael-devers-says-he-hasnt-discussed-an-extension-with-the-red-sox/" target="_blank">suggestions that </a><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rafael Devers</a> might be extended with a long-term deal.<br />
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Reported by <a href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-contracts-40-man-roster" target="_blank">Dawn Klemish on MLB.com</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Devers</a> deal reported to be worth $692,500. It's a significant raise for the 23-year old third baseman, who slashed .311/.361/.555 with 32 homers, 54 doubles and 115 RBIs across 156 games in 2019.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
With these agreements, all players on the Red Sox major league roster are under contract for the 2020 season.</div>
— Red Sox (@RedSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1237066329783439360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /></div>
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The Red Sox agreed to contracts with 18 other players.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Contracts for everyone</h3>
Two other higher profile contracts were signed with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verdual01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Verdugo</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chavimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Michael Chavis</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verdual01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Verdugo</a> was acquired this Spring in the trade sending Mookie Betts to the Dodgers on Feb 10. He's an outfielder whom the Red Sox would like to slot in to right field, but has yet to play while on rehab from a stress fracture in his back. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verdual01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Verdugo</a> inked a one year deal for $601,500.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chavimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chavis</a> had a good rookie season, hitting .254 average over 95 games and playing all around the diamond at several infield positions. He's been slow out the gate this Spring, but should end up spending his time roving the infield as needed. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chavimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chavis</a> signed a contract for $571,000.<br />
<br />
The rest of the signings are listed below, starting with pitchers:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ryan Weber</a> ($600,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ryan Brasier</a> ($584,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/waldema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Marcus Walden</a> ($579,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=taylojo02,taylor009jos&search=Josh+Taylor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Josh Taylor</a> ($577,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/briceau01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Austin Brice</a> ($573,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Colten Brewer</a> ($569,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hernada02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Darwinzon Hernandez</a> ($566,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mazzach01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Mazza</a> ($566,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hallma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Matt Hall</a> ($565,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shawami01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mike Shawaryn</a> ($565,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hart--000kyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kyle Hart</a> ($563,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=aybar-000yoa&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Yoan Aybar</a> ($563,500)</li>
</ul>
The remaining pitching players signed are:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lintz02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tzu-Wei Lin</a> ($570,000)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=arauz-000jon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jonathan Arauz</a> ($563,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=chatha000cj-&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">C.J. Chatham</a> ($563,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=dalbec000bob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Dalbec</a> ($563,500)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wilson006mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Marcus Wilson</a> ($563,500)</li>
</ul>
The Red Sox are ready for 2020 financially, now it's down to the remaining weeks in Spring Training to decide who to carry on the season opening roster.<br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" target="_blank">More by Eric D. Schabell</a><br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-33442220698612557012020-03-04T09:30:00.000-05:002020-03-04T09:30:05.144-05:00Red Sox Spring search for fifth starter has surprising solution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0vwzXNWnj2OnReURa-GBcxKNAQM2ZHSLl6TCy_HcuZLK_MI4JIpjqY8CK__oq_FbpP9uXHbvHgxE-n-I2re2Z6mxLGsHcVNceQd_GaCIBlTEpDTdINg-HtWc78OEHcOAmvThU__C5pE/s1600/weber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="620" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0vwzXNWnj2OnReURa-GBcxKNAQM2ZHSLl6TCy_HcuZLK_MI4JIpjqY8CK__oq_FbpP9uXHbvHgxE-n-I2re2Z6mxLGsHcVNceQd_GaCIBlTEpDTdINg-HtWc78OEHcOAmvThU__C5pE/s320/weber.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "poppins" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: -0.165px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Matt Stone Boston Herald)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
It's been no secret that the Red Sox starting rotation was going to be a problem for the 2020 season.<br />
<br />
Fellow Red Sox Life contributor <a href="https://twitter.com/AhaanRungta" target="_blank">Ahaan Rungta </a>paints a picture of a <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2020/03/red-sox-have-second-best-rotation-in-division.html" target="_blank">starting rotation that's second best</a> in the AL East. Coming into this Spring, the rotation was painted as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Martin Perez</a>, and the fifth spot up for grabs.<br />
<br />
With the news now of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sale</a> having elbow concerns to start in the Spring, one is wondering not only about the fifth spot in the rotation, but about the depth of the rotation as a whole.<br />
<br />
Not only did the Red Sox weaken their offence by trading <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mookie Betts</a>, they took a serious hit on their rotation by sending off <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">David Price</a> and letting <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a> walk.<br />
<br />
Even with all the dark cloud indicators pointing to an <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=Standings" target="_blank">86 projected wins</a> in the AL East, there could be a surprising solution for this rotation in 2020.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Rotation woes</h3>
<a href="https://twitter.com/AhaanRungta" target="_blank">Rungta</a> is fair to note the elbow issues of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sale</a> causing his shutdown <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml" target="_blank">after 25 starts</a> in 2019 and health issues for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eovaldi</a> limiting him to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml" target="_blank">just 12 starts</a>. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01&search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rodriguez</a> is looking like he's made a step forward this Spring and was pretty solid in 2019 where he <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2019.shtml" target="_blank">led the rotation</a> with 34 starts, posting a 3.81 ERA. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Perez</a> is being touted as the forth starter, but if you look closer at his 29 starts in 2019 one pales when evaluating his 5.21 ERA, 10-7 record, with the high scoring <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2019.shtml" target="_blank">Twins putting an average</a> of 5.75 runs per game on the scoreboard.<br />
<br />
On that note, one must look at the cost of losing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Price</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Porcello</a> walk. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Price</a> put up 22 starts with a 4.28 ERA, but has logged seven out of 12 years with 30+ starts. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Porcello</a> walked away from 2019 after starting 32 games, which he's matched four of his five years with the Red Sox, posted a 5.52 ERA, but was a true work horse.<br />
<br />
That's gone now.<br />
<br />
Spring is showing us the depth of the Red Sox system and it's not going to be able to hold things up while <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sale</a> and others need down time. On the left-handed side there is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hart--000kyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kyle Hart</a>, whose been working double-A to triple-A last season, but hit hard so far this Spring. He's not ready for the Majors yet. <br />
<br />
On the right-handed side you've got <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mazzach01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Mazza</a> who came over from the Mets where he was not a started to begin with and has struggled this Spring for the Red Sox. Then there's <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bryan Mata</a> who's <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2020/02/red-sox-top-pitching-prospect-dazzles.html" target="_blank">been dazzling in Spring,</a> but needs time to grow in the minors. Then there's <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=houck-000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tanner Houck</a>, a non-roster invite to Spring who's been very solid over his two starts. He's been splitting time over double-A and triple-A where he's done fairly well.<br />
<br />
Assuming there's no surprise Spring rotation acquisition by the Red Sox, let's just look to the existing options.<br />
<br />
So has anything we've seen so far in Spring provided a solution?<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Surprising solution</h3>
Surprisingly, there might be a solution to slot in one of the more effective right-handers we've seen this Spring, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ryan Weber</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, you read that right, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> who's been pitching as good as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eovaldi</a> who's able to hit 100 on the radar gun. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> has <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2020.shtml" target="_blank">also had two Spring starts</a> and completed five innings, given up five hits, one unearned run, struck out seven, but more impressively while not walking a single hitter.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, interim manager Ron Roenicke has been taking notice, as stated in <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2020/03/02/red-sox-believe-ryan-weber-despite-rough-here-why/Wt82yHWMziSwiHf3FdIRlN/story.html" target="_blank">an interview with Pete Abraham</a>, ""He knows how to pitch. When to mix it up and when to attack. He's got a good feel. He throws strikes."<br />
<br />
Pitching coach <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bushda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dave Bush</a> clarifies what might have made a difference for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> this year, his focus on using his cutter more.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "yahoo sans"; font-size: 17px;">We talked about it a little bit last year. But it was something new and he was a little reluctant to try it," said <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bushda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bush</a>. "Over time he got more comfortable with the idea. We really impressed upon him the importance to the rest of his pitches."</span><br />
<br />
Of all the players trying to earn a starting spot this year, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> is putting on the best show and as he turns 30 this season he appears to have some of the tools to keep hitters off balance. As with most players, he's happy to start or to come out of the bullpen, as long as he heads back to Boston with the team after Spring Training.<br />
<br />
"If I get the ball in the first inning or the third inning, I'm going to pitch the way I pitch," <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> said per Abraham. "I'm comfortable starting or relieving."<br />
<br />
One would have to think that if he continues match <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eovaldi's</a> performances in the Spring, there has to be a spot for him as a fifth starter to open the season. Another plus is that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> can be used as a bullpen starter role, offering flexibility that the Red Sox seem to be interested in, and putting him in a better position to make the team.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weberry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Weber</a> starts are becoming Spring Training must see baseball as he's making a serious case to join the Red Sox starting rotation.<br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts.<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-36341381900946075272020-02-29T11:00:00.000-05:002020-02-29T11:00:07.669-05:00Red Sox top pitching prospect dazzles in Spring debut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDi2a7PZV54YPx0NuhyphenhyphenEBxMfmDeyqSg1KmjCF5O09Z1dHGP9BAoctI1HvTj2BJgIfVu7ZA0M_OJZjgSSv79Otjdr_LIzeEYF6ErFh8npttNJIJLmVzgtDEZj5TdgKRcSd6WN0wm7D0DY/s1600/mata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="779" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDi2a7PZV54YPx0NuhyphenhyphenEBxMfmDeyqSg1KmjCF5O09Z1dHGP9BAoctI1HvTj2BJgIfVu7ZA0M_OJZjgSSv79Otjdr_LIzeEYF6ErFh8npttNJIJLmVzgtDEZj5TdgKRcSd6WN0wm7D0DY/s320/mata.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
The Red Sox have made it an obvious goal of trying to lower the team salary and stocking the farm system. <br />
<br />
Taking a closer look at the existing prospects, there is a special case worth noting, one that's home grown. Not only are we talking about the clubs number four ranking overall prospect, but he's a pitching prospect.<br />
<br />
As <a href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/bryan-mata-starts-strong-for-red-sox" target="_blank">Ian Brown of MLB.com notes</a>, "The last homegrown starting pitcher the Red Sox had who won as many as 10 games in a season was lefty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doubrfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Felix Doubront</a>, who did it in 2012 and ’13." <br />
<br />
Who is it you ask?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bryan Mata</a>, a 20-year-old, 6'3", 160lb right-handed pitcher from Venezuela who's being groomed for a starting spot in the rotation. He spent last season split between high A Salem and double-A Portland, which is moving right along the path that includes a Spring Training invite.<br />
<br />
He was over powering in high A Salem, starting 10 games with a 3-1 record, but more impressive was his 1.75 ERA in 51.1 IP, giving up 18 BB against 52 K. He has a mid to upper 90s fastball and a good slider. His secondary pitches are a curve and change-up, though when <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/02/27/red-sox-top-pitching-prospect-bryan-mata-makes-grapefruit-league-debut/" target="_blank">asked by Tom Keegan</a> which is better?<br />
<br />
"Change-up," <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> said.<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Bryan Mata throws a baseball <a href="https://t.co/k00b8d1mqv">pic.twitter.com/k00b8d1mqv</a></div>
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/bradfo/status/1229783152459206661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /></div>
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> threw one inning of relief against the Rays on 22 February, issuing a walk and giving up just one hit and no runs. Last Thursday he had his first start of the Spring campaign, logging 2 IP, issuing one walk, striking out two, gave up two hits, and allowing no runs.<br />
<br />
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom was excited to see him progress so fast but cautious in his optimism.<br />
<br />
“It’s cool for him just to have worked and progressed to where he gets to do this,” Bloom said of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata's</a> start. “I don’t think you’re too focused on the results, although it was nice to see him do a lot of the things that he did. It’s just cool to see a kid like that who progressed through the system become a legitimate prospect and then get to have this experience.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> was thrilled to play with the stacked lineup behind him which included <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jackie Bradley Jr.</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=martin000jd-&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">JD Martinez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morelmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mitch Moreland</a>, and catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Christian Vazquez</a>. <br />
<br />
“I felt great. I had a lot of confidence going into it, just knowing that I was going to be making this start,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> said. “Mixing my pitches especially, just taking the lead from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vazquez</a>, who’s a great catcher, and [is] someone I leaned on. It felt really great to be able to mix them up.”<br />
<br />
What's interim manager Ron Rienicke think of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> after this early look at him?<br />
<br />
“He’s young, hopefully he keeps getting better command, and if he does, he’ll be a real nice pitcher,” Roenicke said.<br />
<br />
Even though with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a> heading on the injured list and opening up a spot on the starting rotation, it's expected that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> will head back to double-A Portland. Should he improve his change-up as a third pitch he could see time in triple-A, but he's hoping for more.<br />
<br />
“My goal would obviously be to play in the Major Leagues this year, but whatever the team thinks is best for me, that’s really what I’ll go with,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> said.<br />
<br />
There is a chance with the Red Sox projecting to win so few games that it's realistic they won't be in the mix for postseason baseball. Should that be the case and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mata--000bry&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mata</a> can reach triple-A it's not inconceivable that he'd could be a late season showcase at Fenway Park.<br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-70407663410791771952020-02-19T07:00:00.000-05:002020-02-19T07:07:13.600-05:00Why Red Sox ignoring pitching in favor of position depth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="s2nPlayer k-b6JKhzIR" data-type="float"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYWMFT9GNWdnAsYgMas94fOZb1Esib5J8AmwbmDhgfIAxIzOlOPJLhj2XvUl_vM507zpKBSkROdImjva7OT-aVaTT6OimvDP92YWYwZa7si_FBgDN6ZUJrGu14WRKCCLQoRfms5hcMCk/s1600/lucroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYWMFT9GNWdnAsYgMas94fOZb1Esib5J8AmwbmDhgfIAxIzOlOPJLhj2XvUl_vM507zpKBSkROdImjva7OT-aVaTT6OimvDP92YWYwZa7si_FBgDN6ZUJrGu14WRKCCLQoRfms5hcMCk/s320/lucroy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"> (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
After <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2020/02/betts-price-traded-again.html">shedding player salary</a> and more importantly <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2020/02/another-red-sox-star-fades-away-its.html">bleeding quality talent</a>, the Red Sox front office made another small move favoring position depth on the field.<br />
<br />
It's been the same story this entire off season, one where the Red Sox send off valuable players yet fail to improve on their biggest weakness, pitching.<br />
<br />
Instead they added another depth piece, this one being far down the line as insurance for injury to the catcher position. <br />
<br />
As reported by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, it's <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lucrojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jonathan Lucroy</a> added on a minor league deal.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Lucroy has agreement with Red Sox. Minors deal but needed there.</div>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1229754391026184194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> </div><br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lucrojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lucroy</a> was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lucrojo01.shtml" target="_link">once one of the best catchers</a> in the league between 2012 and 2016, but has aged in to a 33 year old major league journeyman playing for five different teams since.<br />
<br />
Last year he split time between the minor leagues, the Angels, and finally the Cubs slashing .274 / .335 / .416 over his last 162 games.<br />
<br />
The last three years has seen him splitting time mostly between the minor leagues until injuries invite his call up or trade to a major league start. His power at the plate has faded, though he remains a tough strike out. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ_cRG-e_wehOV171ShYZ4TemWVsgU4iA93oTpyqyfN78UbJob0-U8B-4GmccqbtrNUeZSOqlZRWJja8SyTJrsmVIdaNoETm_HdBPPy4f7zB9x_TcnUiCzNsFlKwupJUKKmthr5MNnWM/s1600/ALEastProjections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1125" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ_cRG-e_wehOV171ShYZ4TemWVsgU4iA93oTpyqyfN78UbJob0-U8B-4GmccqbtrNUeZSOqlZRWJja8SyTJrsmVIdaNoETm_HdBPPy4f7zB9x_TcnUiCzNsFlKwupJUKKmthr5MNnWM/s320/ALEastProjections.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: MLB.com)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>That being said, he remains a solid depth piece in the minors as the Red Sox third catcher behind <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Christian Vazquez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/plaweke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kevin Plawecki</a>.<br />
<br />
The real questions are why the focus on depth pieces such as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lucrojo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lucroy</a>, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pillake01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');">Kevin Pillar</a>, and the continuing <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/02/red-sox-padres-reportedly-still-negotiating-wil-myers-swap.html" target="_blank">rumors of interest</a> in the Padres outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=,myerswi01&search=Wil+Myers&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Wil Myers</a>?<br />
<br />
A quick look at the starting rotation and bullpen should make one think that maybe it's time to throw out a net for some pitching upgrades.<br />
<br />
Why are they ignoring pitching improvements over position depth? <br />
<br />
Raising 2020 ticket prices, shedding talent, and surrendering before it even starts is not the Red Sox way. There's a chance we might see Fenway Park not selling out as the Red Sox fail to make another run at the postseason.<br />
<br />
Maybe the Red Sox have thrown in the towel on the 2020 season at the projected 85 wins?<br />
<br />
Come on front office, say it ain't so?<br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" target="_blank">More by Eric D. Schabell</a><br />
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</div><script data-type="s2nScript" src="//embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=b6JKhzIR&cid=8686&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right" type="text/javascript"></script></div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-10448431630008629612020-02-18T15:00:00.000-05:002020-02-18T15:13:29.946-05:00Another Red Sox star fades away, it's goodbye Brock Star<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoF8AjXqqgEL9A6fhK_VVHyLAhtSlMcpXAODesvW94IvKt0X7_-XKC6RPa2MNT7FrB3I3AxdNfTPlpOIHe6wDoffMBukLt5qJpyQMSVl8AdR3Q_v_ZPw-6DWtQVEtDvDbv2KCbbuC0o/s1600/brockstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="850" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFoF8AjXqqgEL9A6fhK_VVHyLAhtSlMcpXAODesvW94IvKt0X7_-XKC6RPa2MNT7FrB3I3AxdNfTPlpOIHe6wDoffMBukLt5qJpyQMSVl8AdR3Q_v_ZPw-6DWtQVEtDvDbv2KCbbuC0o/s320/brockstar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Getty Images)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
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After seven long years of nothing but smiles, fun, and postseasons with the Red Sox, he's on his way out of our lives.<br />
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Ken Rosenthal <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1229585324193538048">reported</a> Monday that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brock Holt</a> had a deal with the Brewers, sending him to Milwaukee.<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> came to the Red Sox in 2012 as the second player in a trade for closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hanrajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Joel Hanrahan</a> from the Pirates. Though many have quickly forgotten <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hanrajo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hanrahan</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> became both a fan favorite and a fixture for the Boston based Jimmy Fund Clinic as the team captain for the last five years. This goodbye speaks volumes as to his value not only on the field, but inspiring many off the field with smiles and a few minutes of his time.<br />
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<div align="center"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Impossible to capture what these years have meant having Brock part of our Jimmy Fund family. There’s a million memories, & a million smiles on the most beautiful faces, because of Brock & Lakyn. This hug says it all... love, joy & friendship. You have given us your heart #12💛 <a href="https://t.co/y2uVq4Orc9">pic.twitter.com/y2uVq4Orc9</a></p>— Lisa @ Jimmy Fund Clinic (@JFCactivities) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFCactivities/status/1229619365504569345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> became the ultimate utility man over his seven seasons, playing every position except pitcher and catcher. At 31 years old, he <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml" target="_blank">finished last season</a> earning $3.75 million, was an all-star in 2015, and hit .297 with a .771 OPS.<br />
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He'll be forever remembered for hitting for the first postseason cycle in 2018 AL Division Series at Yankee Stadium while making his son Griffin a celebrity celebrating with him on social media.<br />
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<div align="center"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gYKq2of7yqc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Do you remember <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2018/06/robert-bouffard-contributing-writer.html" target="_blank">the </a><i><a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2018/06/robert-bouffard-contributing-writer.html" target="_blank">Flow Bros</a>? </i>A catch phrase from when both <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a>, best friends both on and off the field, sported long hair during the 2018 World Series run. It was right in line with the fun, happy go lucky type of style that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> brought to the Red Sox clubhouse.<br />
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One thing is for certain, the fans have not taken the moves made by the Red Sox front office very well. From moving <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mookie Betts</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">David Price</a> on down the line to finally letting <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> slip away has resulted in some pretty clear language by Red Sox Nation.<br />
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<div align="center"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Did Red Sox management draft a list of all of the most unpopular things to do this offseason? If so, they executed really well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NOTHAPPY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NOTHAPPY</a></div>— Red Sox L.A. (@RedSoxLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSoxLA/status/1229600898856259585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
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It will be hard to watch <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Holt</a> in a Brewers uniform but that's the way this game goes, it's better to let them walk when you can sign <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=perazjo01,peraza006jos&search=Jose+Peraza&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jose Peraza</a> for $3 million instead.<br />
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It's a game of numbers and value, but for Red Sox Nation it's another sad chapter in this off season of shedding talent.<br />
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Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
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<a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" target="_blank">More by Eric D. Schabell</a><br />
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</div>Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-69211160971170052162019-12-31T14:51:00.000-05:002019-12-31T14:51:26.351-05:00Twitter vs. TeamBoston: a timeless battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45dPfPJSFO-Ttbgo2nMiSu2RKlep89IL7x6V4t9yQ4lOepPWc3UaXWkZHustbKYSiCWAYgQQCopNM-rAZpRgP0dQ-Iq8dX8TZUijkPB55pswPLeUMzoZT2RqIegpuFLEC1SR9W_7JccQt/s1600/twitter-meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45dPfPJSFO-Ttbgo2nMiSu2RKlep89IL7x6V4t9yQ4lOepPWc3UaXWkZHustbKYSiCWAYgQQCopNM-rAZpRgP0dQ-Iq8dX8TZUijkPB55pswPLeUMzoZT2RqIegpuFLEC1SR9W_7JccQt/s640/twitter-meme.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>ICYMI: It’s 2020 and Twitter still hates Red Sox Life and <a href="http://www.celticslife.com/2019/12/update-twitter-continues-to-play-role.html">Celtics Life</a>. Continue showing us your support through the site and media; suggestions on how you can help are listed below.</b>
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After over a decade on the social media platform, in October of 2019, Twitter suspended the accounts of <a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/">Red Sox Life</a> and partnering site <a href="http://celticslife.com/">Celtics Life</a>. Followed by thousands, the Twitter pages are a way fans can get easily notified on media when an article is posted. Through Twitter, Boston fans have gotten regular content during the season and the offseason on the Red Sox and Celtics on various topics in a timely manner through the Team Boston sports blogs. The least we deserve is an explanation. So, we got one.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnnP5t01yeLyJsaMfItxpdgEfJKaQPYDlDv0BtrlzeYG9ejRWdG2yFoVOPVTSJ21BrDT8MwinTn0vJNt_Ti2jJdUB9R9Fe3GIEitz6NjFXDga0DD8HfblCafW5wnOSDtnlzMM-5XFQncE/s1600/support.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnnP5t01yeLyJsaMfItxpdgEfJKaQPYDlDv0BtrlzeYG9ejRWdG2yFoVOPVTSJ21BrDT8MwinTn0vJNt_Ti2jJdUB9R9Fe3GIEitz6NjFXDga0DD8HfblCafW5wnOSDtnlzMM-5XFQncE/s640/support.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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After some mild probing, the accounts were unsuspended! LET’S GO! Yeah no way it was going to be that easy. And just like that—the accounts are suspended again. No explanation. No urgency to get either page running again. Here we are with no ability to Tweet our content.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Will <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@twitter</a> which apologized for accidentally suspending <a href="https://twitter.com/celticslife?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@celticslife</a>, but then suspended them accidentally again a month ago un-suspend them by Christmas? <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterBoston?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwitterBoston</a></div>
— TEAMBOSTON (@teamboston) <a href="https://twitter.com/teamboston/status/1209526483577950209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<b>So how can you help? Support us on media anyway.</b>
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Apart from following us on our usual website, you can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedSoxLife/">follow us on Facebook</a>, where most of our articles get shared.
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If you’re affected by the <b>Twitter</b> conundrum and want your Red Sox Life updates on Twitter, you can follow the parent page for the Life sites (<b><a href="https://twitter.com/teamboston">@TEAMBOSTON</a></b>) and can also follow us writers; some writers share their Red Sox Life articles on Twitter as well and would be ever so grateful for the support. Here is a list of most of the current writers.<br />
<ul>
<li>Jim Monaghan, <a href="https://twitter.com/Monaghan21">@Monaghan21</a></li>
<li>Eric D. Schabell, <a href="https://twitter.com/erics_redsox">@erics_redsox</a></li>
<li>Bryan Mauro, <a href="https://twitter.com/threecolorbeard">@threecolorbeard</a></li>
<li>Tyler Murray, <a href="https://twitter.com/tmurr716">@tmurr716</a></li>
<li>Ahaan Rungta (me), <a href="https://twitter.com/AhaanRungta">@AhaanRungta</a></li>
</ul>
Additionally, we’re thankful to fans who have already voiced their complaints on Twitter to let it be known that our Twitter pages are valued. You can continue the surge by reaching out to "those in charge" at Twitter; some suggestions are listed in the <a href="http://www.celticslife.com/2019/12/update-twitter-continues-to-play-role.html">CelticsLife posting</a>.
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Any chance you are or know a Twitter insider? Why are you waiting? Let us know in the comments if you have them sneaky connections. Any help is greatly appreciated as we continue to produce content for all of you loyal fans.
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year and New Decade!</span></b>Ahaan Rungtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17886836405563349175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-15288622502051184752019-08-27T13:40:00.000-04:002019-08-27T13:40:14.549-04:00Dustin Pedroia injury update and look to future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrscLBDmpZGL9ylnBzge38-nnta5AVGHrLliye86Sp2vlZqJM8TYhJl60fOihwMWfw4AV9DRGi1d9t2LDfjnEMrVPoMlTtCvqg9aJA0W6d3otA5eu6vYA8w8ZyJD4I6h3eFMUTcbw2v0/s1600/pedroia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="775" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrscLBDmpZGL9ylnBzge38-nnta5AVGHrLliye86Sp2vlZqJM8TYhJl60fOihwMWfw4AV9DRGi1d9t2LDfjnEMrVPoMlTtCvqg9aJA0W6d3otA5eu6vYA8w8ZyJD4I6h3eFMUTcbw2v0/s320/pedroia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Entercom Radio, LLC)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
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Red Sox long time second baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dustin Pedroia</a> spoke Monday with <a href="https://weei.radio.com/blogs/rob-bradford/dustin-pedroia-injury-update-red-sox-second-baseman" target="_blank">Rob Bradford of WEEI.com</a> sharing an update on his knee procedure.<br />
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Back on Aug 7, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2019/08/07/dustin-pedroia-undergoes-another-knee-surgery/sbtu3uOPCVAdpMYddGhgsO/story.html?event=event25" target="_blank">Alex Speier reported</a> on the details of a "joint preservation procedure" for Pedroia's left knee.<br />
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It was a "relatively new" surgery called "subchondroplasty" used for repairing multiple hairline fractures that had formed and strengthening the bones in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia's</a> knee. There were also several bone spurs removed.<br />
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<div align="center">
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<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Furthering what Alex reported, this is a surgery that people sometimes get as an alternative to a knee replacement. <a href="https://t.co/tZbXctQF0x">https://t.co/tZbXctQF0x</a></div>
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1159201214527082496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /></div>
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His <a href="https://nesn.com/2019/08/dustin-pedroia-injury-red-sox-second-baseman-shares-latest-on-himself/" target="_blank">first public comments</a> since June show an upbeat player.<br />
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"Had a check-up with the doctor this morning and I’ll see the guys the next two days and then I’ll be in Vail until Monday rehabbing,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> said. “The surgery went really great. I’m still on crutches for two more weeks but things are going really good compared to where I was before the surgery.”<br />
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Back in <a href="https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/02/15/dustin-pedroia-knee-surgery-red-sox/" target="_blank">Feb, when asked</a> if he could ever get his knee back to 100 percent, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> answered, "Could I get my knee to 100 percent? Well [shoot], it ain’t even my knee, man, it’s somebody else’s, bro." <br />
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Let's take a look at the possibility that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> never returns to second base and that this procedure is about a normal (walking) life after baseball.<br />
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Life beyond<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a></h3>
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a>, 36 years old, is owed $25MM over the next two seasons that remain from his eight-year, $110MM contract. This contract was a team friendly extension, proven that same year when <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a> signed a <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml">free-agent deal</a> to play second base for the Mariners at 10 years and a little over $228MM.<br />
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It would seem that the Red Sox should take action this winter as the 2019 solutions are either free-agents (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brock Holt</a>), insufficient (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/owingch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Owings</a> batting .127), and better suited for first base (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chavimi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Michael Chavis</a>). <br />
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No matter the direction they take, at $25MM per year it would be of interest to include <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> as a veteran presence in the organization for the next few years. He's proven capable at helping with continued development of newly promoted Triple-A talents and could continue to be of use in that role while the Red Sox fill second base. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rafael Devers</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Xander Bogaerts</a> have benefited from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia's</a> experience and actions (as Alex Speier's new book showed that he jumped in to help <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bogaerts</a> on his first trip with the Red Sox on his call up).<br />
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While it might not be possible for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> to return to his beloved second base, he has two years on his contract and a baseball lifetime in the Red Sox organization to pass on to the next generation.<br />
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Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-30721602077453623182019-04-29T14:00:00.000-04:002019-04-29T14:03:30.447-04:00Red Sox poised for sickbay resurgence <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMppVSIG-tlB8txqG3GThA5K1X8DzOnkGoul1VioU3LrVeSRKhggytfjuwetj6aaXhffI9mAQOr0r7dVT_3yXBk2_X1ep_IfZlV34XKqaCnV657gDW6EVFfYHJrtyAW4aJ3Y8s40GwGU/s1600/0CCCA397-A3D6-47F0-92F1-2819027A0F88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMppVSIG-tlB8txqG3GThA5K1X8DzOnkGoul1VioU3LrVeSRKhggytfjuwetj6aaXhffI9mAQOr0r7dVT_3yXBk2_X1ep_IfZlV34XKqaCnV657gDW6EVFfYHJrtyAW4aJ3Y8s40GwGU/s320/0CCCA397-A3D6-47F0-92F1-2819027A0F88.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Johnson upbeat after bullpen session.<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Eric D, Schabell)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
Yesterday at Fenway Park the Red Sox offence once again failed to emerge after <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, despite fielding errors by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rafael Devers</a>, delivered a quality start yielding just two earned runs.<br />
<br />
The feeling in the bleachers was that just a few adjustments and the Red Sox might be turning the corner. <br />
<br />
There are a few key pieces on the verge of a return to the Red Sox lineup after injury list stints.<br />
<br />
These pieces might just start making the difference in the team, the offence, and the rotation.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Infield</h3>
The <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/dustin-pedroia-to-start-rehab-assignment-thursday" target="_blank">list of injuries</a> grew significantly early this season, but most of the news is pointing to the return of almost all of these players sooner rather than later as reported by Ian Browne.<br />
<br />
First off, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dustin Pedroia</a> is slated for a rehab start on Thursday for Double-A Portland. Both <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia</a> and manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> were positive on the quick return when asked how the knee was progressing.<br />
<br />
“A lot better [now],” said <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a>. “The way that night [was], it felt like that was it right there. When you talk pop and knee, you don’t feel comfortable with it. I think he feels good. He’s moving well. We’ve been through this the last year. Hopefully we keep getting information, I know there’s new spikes, new brace, there’s a lot of effort into this, so now it’s just go out there and see how it goes.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4oqK3qVvSB3QySdtgfVZavYMXhpgGtN7Ukk6sQLekwZX7D3eVVlhU1teSk2Ly10qD2fReHpsOf5LFQSvmbNiiHJoShpK3LoE_Iwki3J1nhdxu-1s7whZ7VMVndcV9gvm4rflMG2X7to/s1600/CC3AA2AC-B3BC-4857-B757-7F019CEDD803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4oqK3qVvSB3QySdtgfVZavYMXhpgGtN7Ukk6sQLekwZX7D3eVVlhU1teSk2Ly10qD2fReHpsOf5LFQSvmbNiiHJoShpK3LoE_Iwki3J1nhdxu-1s7whZ7VMVndcV9gvm4rflMG2X7to/s320/CC3AA2AC-B3BC-4857-B757-7F019CEDD803.jpg" width="320" /></a>The rehab for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia's</a> knee is unmapped territory so the it's more about rhythm at the plate right now.<br />
<br />
“We’ll see how it goes,” said <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a>. “He hasn’t played in a while. He needs at-bats. He needs to play. They’ll go over the program and see where we’re at.”<br />
<br />
Up to now the Red Sox have been very cautious with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia's</a> rehab planning, delaying his starts at the Major League level well past opening day. It's seems odd that they now are speeding up the process this time with a short rehab and then planning to bring him right back to the active roster.<br />
<br />
"One thing I don’t know if you guys are aware of, but it’s a little bit different back in the day than when I played,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “The player has input on this. I know sometimes it feels like we’re cutting them short or whatever, but it’s just the way it goes nowadays. We do our best to let him know how we feel about it, what we like to do. It’s not that they go over the program or the team but if they feel they’re fine, that’s within the rules. That’s how it works.” <br />
<br />
Maybe not a good idea to listen to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedroia's</a> input, as last time anyone checked he didn't have a medical degree?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nunezed02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eduardo Nunez</a> has been out since April 18 with a mid-back strain starts his rehab with Triple-a Pawtucket on Monday. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mKKqIIXvltn3phSWkaBMYB-wAH7O1Md-N0dJsKJmbvRIMOKuNCki1r38BUvER6YA02BmOaCtOc9heWwcQuRLtnTlozNaG3E5q9IAt-23FR42KLEaWEpaJfJwyJqsBIceVkisKZXvDm8/s1600/07224F7E-D2C1-4B67-A0B3-8B5927B2661D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mKKqIIXvltn3phSWkaBMYB-wAH7O1Md-N0dJsKJmbvRIMOKuNCki1r38BUvER6YA02BmOaCtOc9heWwcQuRLtnTlozNaG3E5q9IAt-23FR42KLEaWEpaJfJwyJqsBIceVkisKZXvDm8/s320/07224F7E-D2C1-4B67-A0B3-8B5927B2661D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Johnson post-bullpen signing.<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Eric D. Schabell)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/holtbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brock Holt</a> started his rehab last Friday, going 1-3 as he returns from a scratched cornea. The plan was to play on Saturday but that got bumped to Sunday due to rain out. He ended up being a late scratch from the lineup due to right shoulder soreness, possibly setting him back on a return to the roster.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Rotation</h3>
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=johnsbr02,johnsbr01&search=Brian+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brian Johnson</a>, sidelined on April 6 with elbow inflammation, threw a full bullpen session which we attended first hand. He had good command of his full range of pitches and was watched closely by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Matt Barnes</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brandon Workman</a> along with the pitching coaches. <br />
<br />
Post-session he was signing for kids in the bullpen and admitted he felt good.<br />
<br />
"Felt pretty good today, ready to help the team," commented <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=johnsbr02,johnsbr01&search=Brian+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Johnson</a> when asked.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YtE9t0Le94?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
He'll throw a second session on Wednesday before a final decision is made on his return to the rotation.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Outfield</h3>
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">J.D Martinez</a> was out for the second straight game on Sunday since back spasms flared up. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> mentioned pregame on Sunday that he could be available to pinch hit, but wanted to avoid using him if possible.<br />
<br />
“<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">J.D</a> is better, but not better, you know?” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> said before the game on Sunday. “Still tight. I think we’ll try to stay away from him today. If needed, we’ll use him later on depending on how he progresses during the day. Not starting him is the smarter thing to do.”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Martinez</a> is expected to return to the offence in Monday's opener against the Athletics.<br />
<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-35166953563151765182019-04-09T10:30:00.000-04:002019-04-09T10:36:20.549-04:00Craig Kimbrel Declines Fenway Opening Day Offer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr_iaaRuw4GQEPrwR7q8sIKWtGa5AlTpqC6MX2cMC7r1bBK9EObVeu2u1fbCy19uuFcQKO3SekdtgTRU_VWO49VZfWRUtgDym7X0CJyIqFEl8U5XMJ29APfSJI0FBGSaqDpNhvAzfmpA/s1600/kimbrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="652" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr_iaaRuw4GQEPrwR7q8sIKWtGa5AlTpqC6MX2cMC7r1bBK9EObVeu2u1fbCy19uuFcQKO3SekdtgTRU_VWO49VZfWRUtgDym7X0CJyIqFEl8U5XMJ29APfSJI0FBGSaqDpNhvAzfmpA/s320/kimbrel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: NBC Boston)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
Today is Opening Day at Fenway Park today.<br />
<br />
It's better known in Red Sox Nation as World Series Ring ceremony day. It's a day every member of the Red Sox 2018 team has been waiting for and dreaming of. Expect to see eager faces, big smiles, and a few tears from the players on the field.<br />
<br />
Every player but one.<br />
<br />
The prolific closer from 2018, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> , declined the offer as <a href="https://nesn.com/2019/04/craig-kimbrel-wont-be-attending-world-series-ring-ceremony-on-tuesday/" target="_blank">reported by NESN</a>.<br />
<br />
Chris Cotillo reported that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kimbrel</a> spoke at length with Sam Kennedy.<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> won't attend the ring ceremony tomorrow. He and Sam Kennedy spoke at length Sunday and Kimbrel informed him of the decision.</div>
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1115350909746393089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
Kennedy commented, "While he really appreciated our invite and outreach, he feels his attendance might create a distraction. Out of respect for his teammates, he has chosen to not attend. While disappointed, we totally respect and understand his decision."<br />
<br />
It's hard to imagine making such a choice. While <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kimbrel</a> has had <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml" target="_blank">numerous postseason appearances</a> dating back to 2010, this is his one and only appearance in the World Series and chance to pick up the accompanying ring. <br />
<br />
It might never come around again.<br />
<br />
Does <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kimbrel</a> think the fans would not appreciate his help in winning the 2018 World Series? Is he expecting negative sediment around his choice to pursue free agency?<br />
<br />
It's understandable if a current job or logistics would hamper a player from joining the ring ceremony, but <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kimbrel</a> is not really doing too much right now. <br />
<br />
It feels like a disfavour to the fans and to the player to not make this appearance. Shouldn't he enjoy the final cherry on top of the 2018 Red Sox World Series Champions?<br />
<br />
How do the Red Sox plan to deliver <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kimbrel's</a> ring? <br />
<br />
Would you send it through a postal service? <br />
<br />
That's just not right. <br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-49866670338404183812019-03-26T06:30:00.000-04:002019-03-26T12:17:36.598-04:00Sandy Leon at the end of Red Sox era<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXSmauckdFC07HzVGXCHuOYLgEXvw2fomNhWZ80LZu0nFFIEtCSSSxLeex8y2j9dZj8mw-UWCvgiZ2-8Q-FnlIYfqsP09la8e9Ft9wLLRUvLlHQxDlukLipS5MGT7k4ZMNRzgeEI3Ckg/s1600/leon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXSmauckdFC07HzVGXCHuOYLgEXvw2fomNhWZ80LZu0nFFIEtCSSSxLeex8y2j9dZj8mw-UWCvgiZ2-8Q-FnlIYfqsP09la8e9Ft9wLLRUvLlHQxDlukLipS5MGT7k4ZMNRzgeEI3Ckg/s1600/leon.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(AP Photo/Jim Mone)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
The odd man out is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sandy Leon</a> in the Red Sox catchers story as Spring Training winds down as <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/03/25/red-sox-notebook-sandy-leon-the-odd-man-out/" target="_blank">reported by Michael Silverman at the Boston Globe</a>.<br />
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This comes as the Red Sox placed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Leon</a> on waivers and look to start the 2019 season with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Christian Vazquez</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swihabl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Blake Swihart</a> on its Opening Day roster.<br />
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“We’re taking two (catchers),” manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> said before Monday night’s game against the Cubs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Leon's</a> modest $2.475MM salary for 2019 should not be a barrier for teams to check on him having only to pay that salary. If he passes through waivers he can opt for free agency or stay with the Red Sox Triple-A team<br />
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<div align="center"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Source: The Red Sox have placed catcher Sandy Leon on waivers. They're still carrying three catchers, wanted to break with two.</div>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/1109940032037621760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote></div><br />
While pitchers and coaches have raved about <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Leon's</a> ability to manage pitchers and game calling, he's been weak on offense, slashing .201/.262/.317 over 589 plate appearances. Will teams be willing to pay the salary for a defense-only catcher or should <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Leon</a> head to the minors to improve his hitting?<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vazquez</a> was recently extended so they won't give up on him and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> liked what he saw in the postseason.<br />
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“I think he grew up a lot in the playoffs last year, his life has changed too, that creates a balance, that’s something,” <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> said. “I live it as a manager. That’s something that puts me in a good spot on a daily basis because there’s balance, and with him, getting married helps him out.”<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/swihabl01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Swihart</a> is still looking for a defined roll with the Red Sox, having played around the diamond and catching, but the Red Sox like the potential for him to continue to develop.<br />
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Should anything happen down the road, Boston might possibly be looking midseason to acquire a catcher at the trade deadline. Their only minor league depth at catcher is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/centeju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Juan Centeno</a>.<br />
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As <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> said, “You guys know how I feel about all of them. It’s just a matter that this season it would be hard to carry three of them. We’ll make a decision, and everybody will respect it, and we’ve got to go to Seattle."<br />
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"It’s just baseball.”<br />
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Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
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<a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/search/label/ericschabell" target="_blank">More by Eric D. Schabell</a><br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-89727958910165344212019-03-25T14:30:00.000-04:002019-03-25T14:43:28.607-04:00Losing sleep over Red Sox bullpen?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AnANjiValVde7KSVDhXAXcCAtOuI5MIm2sg_HCEfv9xuriK3_Akd1bTQC_U9cGZjasA_AvcXm5TDqPKUVkPjDdnjfVXYcf6S7hPwQyZX4XR_R4q7VjEOYFgQheVheEfYDpt4ff9ixDQ/s1600/bullpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="787" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AnANjiValVde7KSVDhXAXcCAtOuI5MIm2sg_HCEfv9xuriK3_Akd1bTQC_U9cGZjasA_AvcXm5TDqPKUVkPjDdnjfVXYcf6S7hPwQyZX4XR_R4q7VjEOYFgQheVheEfYDpt4ff9ixDQ/s320/bullpen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
<br />
As of yesterday the Red Sox have completed their stay at Fort Meyers. <br />
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They close down Fenway South and have just two pre-season games left out in Arizona against the Chicago Cubs tonight and tomorrow before opening their 2019 season Thursday against the Seattle Mariners. <br />
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The news was dominated by the extension of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Chris Sale</a>, binding him to the Red Sox through the 2024 season. It was the final announcement after a flurry of big money extensions around MLB; <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Justin Verlander</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Bregman</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nolan Arenado</a> to name just a few.<br />
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While the Red Sox did not add much in the way of arms this offseason, they did lose big pieces that played important roles in the 2018 season and subsequent World Series campaign. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=kellyjo05,kellyjo04,kellyjo03&search=Joe+Kelly&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Joe Kelly</a> (Dodgers) and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> (free agent) are gone, so what does that leave the Red Sox for bullpen options and does it matter as much as many seem to think.<br />
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It's not a secret, the most important part of any postseason run is a strong rotation and bullpen. <br />
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<h3>
Final roster cuts</h3>
Saturday the Red Sox made the <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/03/23/surprises-in-red-sox-bullpen-after-final-roster-cuts/">final cuts</a> to bullpen. The question is, how manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Cora</a> can be so confident with a bullpen consisting of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Matt Barnes</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ryan Brasier</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Colten Brewer</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hembrhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Heath Hembree</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=johnsbr02,johnsbr01&search=Brian+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brian Johnson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tyler Thornburg</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/velazhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hector Velazquez</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brandon Workman</a>?<br />
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<h3>
Bullpen ready</h3>
This bullpen is full of arms we've seen for awhile now like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Barnes</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hembrhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hembree</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=johnsbr02,johnsbr01&search=Brian+Johnson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Johnson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/velazhe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Velazquez</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Workman</a>. They've continued to be effective over several seasons and should be again this year. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brasiry01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brasier</a> was fun to watch and has the potential to miss bats as he showed in the postseason. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnema01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Barnes</a> is the odds on favourite to start closing games and he brings lots of high leverage experience to the role. <br />
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It's <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brewer</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Thornburg</a> who are the ones the Red Sox are hoping step up in a big way. <br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brewer</a> was a <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/2018/11/20/18105388/red-sox-trade-padres-colten-brewer-esteban-quiroz">fourth round pick</a> of the Pirates in 2011, and spent most of his career so far in the minors. He was selected by the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft in 2016 and became a free agent after the 2017 season. He signed a minor-league deal with the Padres and pitched in Triple-A El Paso. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breweco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brewer</a> pitched to a 3.75 ERA over 48 innings, with 12 SO per nine innings and walking just under three. Last year he was briefly in the majors for 11 outings, pitching 9 2⁄3 innings, posting a 5.59 ERA with 10 strikeouts and seven walks.<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Thornburg</a> <a href="https://nesn.com/2019/03/red-soxs-opening-day-bullpen-set-after-optioning-three-pitchers-to-minors/">has been great</a> in spring training and he has the most upside of all the relievers. He was once one of the best high-leverage arms with the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornty01.shtml">Brewers in 2016</a>, posting a 2.16 ERA over 67 IP, 90 SO, and 25 BB. Finally back from Thoracic outlet syndrome, this was his first full spring. His contract was non-guaranteed, meaning if he was cut before Opening Day the Red Sox would not be on the hook for his salary. So in keeping him on the roster it shows some faith in what he can do.<br />
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NESN posted a chat with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=martipe02,martipe03,martin014ped,martin013ped&search=Pedro+Martinez&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pedro Martinez</a>, specifically talking about his work with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornty01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Thornburg</a>.<br />
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<div align="center">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
The legend shares his thoughts on the upcoming season. <a href="https://t.co/KgZDX8xuiE">pic.twitter.com/KgZDX8xuiE</a></div>
— NESN (@NESN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NESN/status/1096517220845473792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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With the starting rotation still very much populated by elite pitching; <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/salech01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sale</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">David Price</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/porceri01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rick Porcello</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a>, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodried01,rodrig012edu&search=Eduardo+Rodriguez&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Eduardo Rodriguez</a>, the question will be what happens when <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> has to turn over the ball to his bullpen this season?<br />
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In only a few exceptions, the bullpen is filled with known quantities. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cora</a> is not losing any sleep over his bullpen.<br />
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Alex Cora just confirmed that this is, in fact, their bullpen.<br />
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"People outside our world think we're short on pitching. We're not. We're fine," he said.<br />
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The only roster questions left are which catcher goes and if Pearce will be ready. <a href="https://t.co/jLOMKZw5Er">https://t.co/jLOMKZw5Er</a></div>
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1109550176899919874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Are you losing sleep over the Red Sox bullpen?<br />
<br />
Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-60679716239388279232018-12-20T15:30:00.000-05:002018-12-20T15:30:10.622-05:005000 seat addition in plans for Fenway Park upgrades<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
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Are you ready Red Sox Nation?<br />
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One of the biggest changes, beyond the protective netting changes, is coming in the form of a modern theater.<br />
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A letter was sent Tuesday to <a href="http://www.bostonplans.org/getattachment/94b90beb-5e25-4e56-a4a7-a2e83550772c" target="_blank">the Boston Planning and Development Agency</a>, reported the <a href="https://www.masslive.com/boston/2018/12/boston-red-sox-propose-5000-seat-fenway-theater-next-to-ballpark.html" target="_blank">masslive.com</a>.<br />
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The letter outlines a development that would place a 5000 seat theater at 12-28 Lansdowne Street. That space currently listing at 67,400 sq ft is occupied by parking garages and a building that houses function spaces, dining and other park services.<br />
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The image above is a rendering of the changes located behind the bleachers, which add needed modern touch to an otherwise fairly useless parcel of ground.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of downtown from bleachers might<br />be a thing of the past.</td></tr>
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In the letter submitted by Red Sox executive vice president of business affairs, it states that Fenway Theater would host a “wide variety of entertainment and civic events on a year-round basis.” Gilula also highlights the vibrant nightlife in the “Lansdowne entertainment district," and The House of Blues Boston that sits directly across the street from the proposed project.<br />
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The letter continues on to planning for a function space behind the bleachers would cater to group and private events and offer “sweeping views of Fenway Park," before touching on updates for fans sitting in the bleachers.<br />
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Up to now there have been little in the way of concessions, restrooms or other comforts for those of us that end up high in the bleacher seating. It's a long walk down to the lines in the halls under the bleachers. While this is part of the charm of a ballpark from the previous century, there seems to be room for improvements according to Gilula. He mentions that the new area “will feature concession stands, restrooms and other elements designed to enhance the fan experience in the bleachers.”<br />
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One can only hope that the views from the top of the bleachers of downtown Boston and the moon over the Prudential building will not be just memories.<br />
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Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377769963579963195.post-51122396338294448022018-10-19T02:41:00.000-04:002018-10-19T02:41:48.154-04:00Presenting the Red Sox American League Championship Series MVP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">(Photo: NBC Sports)</span></td></tr>
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<b>Eric D. Schabell</b><br />
<i>Contributing Writer</i><br />
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While in Houston's Minute Maid park the chants of MVP have died out to the faint sounds of lingering Red Sox revellers, the ALCS winners partied in the visitors clubhouse dumping champagne on their newly crowned ALCS MVP.<br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jackie Bradley Jr.</a>, famous for his amazing defence, was not having a great year at the plate. <br />
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All of that has been wiped away with a few swings of the bat in the ALCS and he is reaping the benefits.<br />
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MVP treatment 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/mC6kNO8fkk">pic.twitter.com/mC6kNO8fkk</a></div>
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1053154716597637120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/red-sox-advance-to-world-series-jackie-bradley-jr-named-alcs-mvp-for-clutch-performance/">CBSSports called it an 'understatement'</a> to call <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley</a> clutch in the ALCS. <br />
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley</a> had a slow regular season, slashing .234/.314/.403 in 144 games. It's not really what you would call premium offense for an MVP, but due to his walks and power he put up a 1.067 OPS for the series. He crushed two home runs, walked four times, had a double, scored three times and racked up a crazy nine RBI's.<br />
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It's only fitting that a crowd chanting "MVP... MVP..." as <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Alex Bregman</a> led off for the Astros would have to see the MVP title for this series escape their star third baseman. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bregman</a> was mashing a .556 AVG in the ALDS, but pretty much became invisible with a .187 AVG in the ALCS. <br />
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<a href="http://www.redsoxlife.com/2018/10/alex-bregman-takes-shot-at-red-sox-game.html">Trolling the Red Sox</a> pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Nathan Eovaldi</a> on Instagram didn't help <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bregman</a> once the series was over, as the Red Sox made sure he heard about it.<br />
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lil post series video work <a href="https://t.co/mbwVWHuh8i">pic.twitter.com/mbwVWHuh8i</a></div>
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1053138725402632192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bregman</a> struggled in the series, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley</a> raked starting with a double in game 2 to reclaim the lead. In game 3 his grand slam moon shot in the eighth-inning tipped the game from 5-4 deficit towards Boston leading by 6-5. All these came with two outs.<br />
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Oh yeah, did we mention he is the Red Sox no. 9 hitter?<br />
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While winning 108 games in the regular season, nobody seemed to hold any faith in the Red Sox beating the Astros (most predictions leaned towards Red Sox losing in six games). It's quite the feat to take this magical regular season and tip it on its head. They've given us an epic defeat of the New York Yankees, which we thought couldn't get any better.<br />
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Who'll ever forget game 4 as the lead jumped back and forth, where a home run was transformed into an out, where <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Craig Kimbrel</a> raised the blood pressure of most of New England, and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beninan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Andrew Benintendi</a> makes a game saving last out diving catch in left field.<br />
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Enjoy your ALCS champion Red Sox over the coming weekend and toast your ALCS MVP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradlja02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" onclick="sr_record_analytics_event('newsfeed_click','', sr_record_directory(),'sr_tracker');" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bradley</a>. <br />
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Next week Tuesday, it's back to work.<br />
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Just four more wins to put 2018 into the books as the epic record breaking Red Sox season that it was.<br />
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Post a comment or via twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/erics_redsox" target="_blank">@erics_redsox</a> with your thoughts. <br />
<br />
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Eric D. Schabellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16482141696137365007noreply@blogger.com