I've heard him conduct interviews and when asked about playing for the Sox in Fenway, he mentioned "I love robbing guys of HR's - just who is going to climb that wall out in left and center to rob someone?" I'd love to have him playing for the Sox, but I don't see it happening. Plus he's a FA at the end of the year, do you think the Sox would be able to wrap him up knowing that Coco is signed for another 2 years beyond this?
<< <i>I've heard him conduct interviews and when asked about playing for the Sox in Fenway, he mentioned "I love robbing guys of HR's - just who is going to climb that wall out in left and center to rob someone?" I'd love to have him playing for the Sox, but I don't see it happening. Plus he's a FA at the end of the year, do you think the Sox would be able to wrap him up knowing that Coco is signed for another 2 years beyond this? >>
I think the only way the Sox would acquire Hunter would be a trade for Crisp, contingent on the Sox being able to ink Hunter to a long-term contract as part of the deal. I would HATE for the Sox most productive offensive player to be part of any deal. With Manny not being Manny and Ortiz being average (he must have some nagging injury, otherwise he wouldn't whiff or do something average so often in so-called "clutch" situations), Lowell has done a great job of carrying the offense.
no doubt, I know Torii is an FA at years end as is Lowell, I would just HATE to see Theo pull a power move and no re-sign Lowell. I would prolly NEVER forgive him
<< <i>no doubt, I know Torii is an FA at years end as is Lowell, I would just HATE to see Theo pull a power move and no re-sign Lowell. I would prolly NEVER forgive him >>
Just a couple hours left before the deadline. It looks like Gagne, Dye or both might join the team. I'd be happy with either one if the price isn't too high. Dye could spell Drew and Ortiz. Gagne . . . I'm not sure how the Sox would use him. On another thread someone mentioned he might be used as a co-closer. That might not make Papelbon very happy.
Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying.
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying. >>
The Yankees are really confident that Joba Chamberlain will be the answer to their bullpen woes. Also, Melky Cabrera is an excellent defensive outfielder. He hits lightly but is a HUGE asset in CF with his glove and very good arm. I can understand that reasoning perfectly
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying. >>
The Yankees are really confident that Joba Chamberlain will be the answer to their bullpen woes. Also, Melky Cabrera is an excellent defensive outfielder. He hits lightly but is a HUGE asset in CF with his glove and very good arm. I can understand that reasoning perfectly >>
I probably wouldn't let go of Melky Cabrera for Gagne either. With Damon not playing CF very much (or very well) the Yankees would be another man down, essentially, if they let go of Cabrera.
I like what this deal does for the Red Sox down the stretch. But if I was a Rangers fan, I'd be pretty excited about the 2009 season. They've loaded up with some guys that could really make a huge difference for them in the next couple years.
I don't EXPECT the Yankees to go after any other bat. I think the Yankees are 100% focused on a very talented and hard throwing group of pitchers coming up. Everybody wants Chamberlain and or Kennedy. Phil Hughes has already been here and is back this weekend. They are untouchable thank goodness. It has not been that way in NY in the past ... the Yankees have a very bright future in regards to the pitching staff
with that said the Sox bullpen is SOLID. Scary solid .....
By the way, there are just as many young pitchers on the way in the Sox organization as there are in NY, but they aren't needed as badly right now. Dice-K, Lester, and Beckett are a fantastic trio of starters to build on for a long time, and now the bullpen is as good as I've ever seen it.
I only hope they can find enough work for Gagne. The Sox have been playing so well, that just Papebon alone has gone days at a time without getting in a game.
I 'm surprised the Yankees didn't go after Gagne harder. I know they have a group of young arms coming up, but Gagne is a proven closer who would have helped them right away in middle relief, their weakest spot, or to spell Rivera.
The Red Sox don't really need Gagne, unless Okajima or Papelbon get injured. As it stands now, they should win every game that they lead after 6 innings, with Oka - Gagne- Pap to close it out.
I 'm surprised the Yankees didn't go after Gagne harder. I know they have a group of young arms coming up, but Gagne is a proven closer who would have helped them right away in middle relief, their weakest spot, or to spell Rivera.
The Red Sox don't really need Gagne, unless Okajima or Papelbon get injured. As it stands now, they should win every game that they lead after 6 innings, with Oka - Gagne- Pap to close it out. >>
Great post. The Sox don't need Gagne and they jettisoned some good prospects anyway. Sound familiar? Yep, but wrong city
I really really like that the Yanks did not let go some of their top prospects for a guy who has one MAJOR surgery under his belt already.
I kind of disagree. I think the Red Sox did need another arm in the bullpen. With Donnelly officially going down for the rest of the year, with the uncertainty surrounding Timlin (why hasn't he pitched at all in a week?), with Okajima already approaching a career high in innings pitched, and with Papelbon's tenuous shoulder, another dominate arm in the bullpen is simply NOT going to hurt them down the stretch. Whether or not this ends up being a good deal for them long term, only time will tell.
Losing Arroyo looked like a huge mistake last year. A year later it seems like a wash. Who would you rather have, Arroyo and his 4-11 record or WMP with his abysmal .229 BA?
I think this trade makes an already amazing bullpen absolutely scary. It's going to remind me (if all goes well) of the years when the Yankees just turned it over in the 7th inning to their three studs and just closed the door. Game over after 6, basically.
The Sox are a championship caliber club more then ever there is no doubt about that. If healthy Gagne simply solidifies the Sox pen up and down and all around. BUT ...... BUT if something "happens" it will just be that more enjoyable to watch their demise
The Sox are making moves that shows they want to win, while other teams seem to want to rely on a package that's been wildly inconsistent all year long.
<< <i>The Sox are making moves that shows they want to win, while other teams seem to want to rely on a package that's been wildly inconsistent all year long. >>
No, see you don't really know Ax. But thats fine. Let the blabber flow ..... for good or bad ..... whether it fails or does not ...... when Joba Chamberlain shows up with his 99 MPH fastball that MOVES and his nasty curveball in the 7th and 8th innings we will see. Did you know that was the plan Ax? NO So you just barf out nonsense.
Again, it may fail and it may not. Either way there is a 21 year old STUD with NASTY stuff on the way and THAT is what the Yankees are thinking. This horsecrap about sitting around and "relying on a package" is the stuff of those who have no clue. Thats fine
Of all guys Ax, all the crying you have done about the Yankees just going out and getting whoever they need at any cost you are NOW going to blast them for doing the opposite? Lets go Sox fans!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>By the way, there are just as many young pitchers on the way in the Sox organization as there are in NY, but they aren't needed as badly right now. >>
I hear ya Jerry BUT, and I mean BUT if any of those many young Sox pitchers that did not get traded away today could hit 100 with movement and have a nasty breaking ball to boot the Sox would FIT him in there.
Oh my goodness! Where is Jerry? It is 3 1/2 seconds after a Sox loss and he has not posted? What is he ..... a post only when they win Sox fan? What the hell man
<< <i>Oh my goodness! Where is Jerry? It is 3 1/2 seconds after a Sox loss and he has not posted? What is he ..... a post only when they win Sox fan? What the hell man
>>
it is much more fun to post after a loss...4-hit bastiges!
<< <i>Oh my goodness! Where is Jerry? It is 3 1/2 seconds after a Sox loss and he has not posted? What is he ..... a post only when they win Sox fan? What the hell man
>>
I'm here, not happy with the games tonight (missed the Sox game) but saw that Papi hit 2 HR's. Still not enough for Beckett, though.
Please don't lump me in with all the other front-runner, bandwagon-riding, "too used to winning" (what a bunch of crapola that is!) Yankee fans. Thank you.
Glad they solidified an already strong bullpen. But how about some run producers? Way too much talent on this team relative to runs scored. They should be scoring a run or two more per game.
Maybe NEXT year JD Drew can hit 15+ HR's and drive in 80 runs???? He will never earn the money he got but this year is just ridiculas, Im telling you guys one of the biggest things we needed to address was our bench and it did not happen, hopefully Ellsbury will be given some more time to play and show that he is more usefull than Willie Moe.
Yes, I know that in the end, pitching is what gets you to the trophy. But with the Bosox, I really thought a bat was more needed than a reliever. I would have pushed harder for Dye than Gagne. Unless JD Drew, Lugo, and Crisp really start putting some second half numbers together, Gagne might be a waste.
The final 1/4 of the season is going to be VERY interesting this year!
Well I wont goas far as saying Gagne could be a wast, I do like having three dominant guys to chose from after the 6th inning. You can NEVER EVER EVER ( and I meen NEVER ) have enough pitching.
LOL I didnt mean that picking up Gagne was a waste. I guess I should clarify before that gets out of hand.... I just think that Dye would be a LOT more valuable to the Bosox at this point.
<< <i>LOL I didnt mean that picking up Gagne was a waste. I guess I should clarify before that gets out of hand.... I just think that Dye would be a LOT more valuable to the Bosox at this point. >>
Believe me I agree. I said it earlier I would have much rather had a another bat but the Brass felt strong with what we already have.
I'm usually pretty likely to come down hard on the team when things aren't going well, but I actually feel good about the way things are now. Gagne should be a nice addition. While it would have been fun to have Dye around, he's not as necessary if it's true that Ortiz is regaining his power stroke. It's great that he hit two homers yesterday, but what's better (IMO) is that he finally hit one off of a lefty . . . a lefty leading the league in Ks no less. I also feel like a lot of our other hitters are emerging from recent slumps.
Look at these post All-Star game stats (courtesy of ESPN.com): Manny Ramirez: .366 David Ortiz: .355 Coco Crisp: .333 Mike Lowell: .329 Julio Lugo: .316 Pedroia: .294 *** Varitek: .214 (.250 since the CWS series) Youkilis: .200 (showing improvement though - hitting .238 since the CWS series) Drew: .196 (sorry, I can't think of a positive thing here)
<< <i>I'm usually pretty likely to come down hard on the team when things aren't going well, but I actually feel good about the way things are now. Gagne should be a nice addition. While it would have been fun to have Dye around, he's not as necessary if it's true that Ortiz is regaining his power stroke. It's great that he hit two homers yesterday, but what's better (IMO) is that he finally hit one off of a lefty . . . a lefty leading the league in Ks no less. I also feel like a lot of our other hitters are emerging from recent slumps.
Look at these post All-Star game stats (courtesy of ESPN.com): Manny Ramirez: .366 David Ortiz: .355 Coco Crisp: .333 Mike Lowell: .329 Julio Lugo: .316 Pedroia: .294 *** Varitek: .214 (.250 since the CWS series) Youkilis: .200 (showing improvement though - hitting .238 since the CWS series) Drew: .196 (sorry, I can't think of a positive thing here) >>
wow, stats like that you would think they could eke out more than three runs a game
It might not seem like it, but since the AS break the Sox have been scoring 5.8 runs a game. The problem I guess, is that some of those games were 10-14 run games and some of them were zero or 1 run games. Averages can be misleading I suppose.
Comments
<< <i>I've heard him conduct interviews and when asked about playing for the Sox in Fenway, he mentioned "I love robbing guys of HR's - just who is going to climb that wall out in left and center to rob someone?" I'd love to have him playing for the Sox, but I don't see it happening. Plus he's a FA at the end of the year, do you think the Sox would be able to wrap him up knowing that Coco is signed for another 2 years beyond this? >>
I think the only way the Sox would acquire Hunter would be a trade for Crisp, contingent on the Sox being able to ink Hunter to a long-term contract as part of the deal. I would HATE for the Sox most productive offensive player to be part of any deal. With Manny not being Manny and Ortiz being average (he must have some nagging injury, otherwise he wouldn't whiff or do something average so often in so-called "clutch" situations), Lowell has done a great job of carrying the offense.
<< <i>no doubt, I know Torii is an FA at years end as is Lowell, I would just HATE to see Theo pull a power move and no re-sign Lowell. I would prolly NEVER forgive him >>
I think Lowell's teammates feel the same way.
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying.
<< <i>
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying. >>
The Yankees are really confident that Joba Chamberlain will be the answer to their bullpen woes. Also, Melky Cabrera is an excellent defensive outfielder. He hits lightly but is a HUGE asset in CF with his glove and very good arm. I can understand that reasoning perfectly
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Was New York in the hunt for Gagne? Thats the only reason I could see us going after him, we got OKJ to spell Papelbon right? Unless they want OKJ to be long relief maybe?
I WANT ANOTHER BAT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>
supposedly NYY were in the mix for Gagne, but they did not want to part with Melky Cabrera. I don't understand that reasoning, but that's what the ESPN anchors were saying. >>
The Yankees are really confident that Joba Chamberlain will be the answer to their bullpen woes. Also, Melky Cabrera is an excellent defensive outfielder. He hits lightly but is a HUGE asset in CF with his glove and very good arm. I can understand that reasoning perfectly
you expect NYY to go after Hunter?
I like what this deal does for the Red Sox down the stretch. But if I was a Rangers fan, I'd be pretty excited about the 2009 season. They've loaded up with some guys that could really make a huge difference for them in the next couple years.
<< <i> >>
you expect NYY to go after Hunter? >>
I don't EXPECT the Yankees to go after any other bat. I think the Yankees are 100% focused on a very talented and hard throwing group of pitchers coming up. Everybody wants Chamberlain and or Kennedy. Phil Hughes has already been here and is back this weekend. They are untouchable thank goodness. It has not been that way in NY in the past ... the Yankees have a very bright future in regards to the pitching staff
with that said the Sox bullpen is SOLID. Scary solid .....
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
I only hope they can find enough work for Gagne. The Sox have been playing so well, that just Papebon alone has gone days at a time without getting in a game.
LETS GO BECKETT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I 'm surprised the Yankees didn't go after Gagne harder. I know they have a group of young arms coming up, but Gagne is a proven closer who would have helped them right away in middle relief, their weakest spot, or to spell Rivera.
The Red Sox don't really need Gagne, unless Okajima or Papelbon get injured. As it stands now, they should win every game that they lead after 6 innings, with Oka - Gagne- Pap to close it out.
<< <i>Wow.....
I 'm surprised the Yankees didn't go after Gagne harder. I know they have a group of young arms coming up, but Gagne is a proven closer who would have helped them right away in middle relief, their weakest spot, or to spell Rivera.
The Red Sox don't really need Gagne, unless Okajima or Papelbon get injured. As it stands now, they should win every game that they lead after 6 innings, with Oka - Gagne- Pap to close it out. >>
Great post. The Sox don't need Gagne and they jettisoned some good prospects anyway. Sound familiar? Yep, but wrong city
I really really like that the Yanks did not let go some of their top prospects for a guy who has one MAJOR surgery under his belt already.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Losing Arroyo looked like a huge mistake last year. A year later it seems like a wash. Who would you rather have, Arroyo and his 4-11 record or WMP with his abysmal .229 BA?
I think this trade makes an already amazing bullpen absolutely scary. It's going to remind me (if all goes well) of the years when the Yankees just turned it over in the 7th inning to their three studs and just closed the door. Game over after 6, basically.
<< <i>Game over after 6, basically >>
yep, if the Sox ever learn how to hit again, that will be the case.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>The Sox are making moves that shows they want to win, while other teams seem to want to rely on a package that's been wildly inconsistent all year long. >>
No, see you don't really know Ax. But thats fine. Let the blabber flow ..... for good or bad ..... whether it fails or does not ...... when Joba Chamberlain shows up with his 99 MPH fastball that MOVES and his nasty curveball in the 7th and 8th innings we will see. Did you know that was the plan Ax? NO So you just barf out nonsense.
Again, it may fail and it may not. Either way there is a 21 year old STUD with NASTY stuff on the way and THAT is what the Yankees are thinking. This horsecrap about sitting around and "relying on a package" is the stuff of those who have no clue. Thats fine
Of all guys Ax, all the crying you have done about the Yankees just going out and getting whoever they need at any cost you are NOW going to blast them for doing the opposite?
Lets go Sox fans!!!!!!!!!!
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
I WANT MORE F-IN RUNS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>By the way, there are just as many young pitchers on the way in the Sox organization as there are in NY, but they aren't needed as badly right now. >>
I hear ya Jerry BUT, and I mean BUT if any of those many young Sox pitchers that did not get traded away today could hit 100 with movement and have a nasty breaking ball to boot the Sox would FIT him in there.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>Oh my goodness! Where is Jerry? It is 3 1/2 seconds after a Sox loss and he has not posted? What is he ..... a post only when they win Sox fan? What the hell man
it is much more fun to post after a loss...4-hit bastiges!
<< <i>lord, and I just checked the redsox.com site...ugh, Tavarez tomorrow. We should have traded him for a case of whiskey
UMM, that might be asking too much...
<< <i>Oh my goodness! Where is Jerry? It is 3 1/2 seconds after a Sox loss and he has not posted? What is he ..... a post only when they win Sox fan? What the hell man
I'm here, not happy with the games tonight (missed the Sox game) but saw that Papi hit 2 HR's. Still not enough for Beckett, though.
Please don't lump me in with all the other front-runner, bandwagon-riding, "too used to winning" (what a bunch of crapola that is!) Yankee fans. Thank you.
Bosox1976
The final 1/4 of the season is going to be VERY interesting this year!
I just think that Dye would be a LOT more valuable to the Bosox at this point.
<< <i>LOL I didnt mean that picking up Gagne was a waste. I guess I should clarify before that gets out of hand....
I just think that Dye would be a LOT more valuable to the Bosox at this point. >>
Believe me I agree. I said it earlier I would have much rather had a another bat but the Brass felt strong with what we already have.
Look at these post All-Star game stats (courtesy of ESPN.com):
Manny Ramirez: .366
David Ortiz: .355
Coco Crisp: .333
Mike Lowell: .329
Julio Lugo: .316
Pedroia: .294
***
Varitek: .214 (.250 since the CWS series)
Youkilis: .200 (showing improvement though - hitting .238 since the CWS series)
Drew: .196 (sorry, I can't think of a positive thing here)
<< <i>I'm usually pretty likely to come down hard on the team when things aren't going well, but I actually feel good about the way things are now. Gagne should be a nice addition. While it would have been fun to have Dye around, he's not as necessary if it's true that Ortiz is regaining his power stroke. It's great that he hit two homers yesterday, but what's better (IMO) is that he finally hit one off of a lefty . . . a lefty leading the league in Ks no less. I also feel like a lot of our other hitters are emerging from recent slumps.
Look at these post All-Star game stats (courtesy of ESPN.com):
Manny Ramirez: .366
David Ortiz: .355
Coco Crisp: .333
Mike Lowell: .329
Julio Lugo: .316
Pedroia: .294
***
Varitek: .214 (.250 since the CWS series)
Youkilis: .200 (showing improvement though - hitting .238 since the CWS series)
Drew: .196 (sorry, I can't think of a positive thing here) >>
wow, stats like that you would think they could eke out more than three runs a game
"let's score some freaking runs"?