The 2009 Red Sox Championship run thread

perkdog · March 10, 2009 7:36AM

Well here we go fellow Sox fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This board has been pretty quiet lately up until this Arod fiasco and to tell you the truth I thought we were in for a tough season but with Arod not being 100% I think that evens things up a little.

Lets get started on the pro's & cons of this years team....

I LOVE Youk, Lester & Pedroia being locked up in long term deals- its great to see our "products" develop into full time key guys.

Youk by the way has been hitting some bombs in world play mind you...

Looks like Lowell is going to give it a go so lets hope his body is ready for the season and he can be that productive hitter we need him to be.

Papi? Im not sure what to expect, Drew is singing the same old tune so no suprise there- a horrible signing although his Grand slam was key to our World Series campain of 2007. Lugo? Ugly SS scene to be expected but you know what? I respect him because at least he is out there as much as he can and doesnt play the injury game. Pitching hopefully will be a strong point as it looks.

So lets get started early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LETS GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barndog · March 10, 2009 7:42AM

pitching will be the difference-maker for the Sox this year. They'll likely not win without stellar performances from the likes of Beckett, Matsuzaka, and the entire bullpen.

joestalin · March 10, 2009 7:49AM

You will be once again battling the Yanks for the wildcard. Good luck with that.

Sincerely
The Rays

MCMLVTopps · March 10, 2009 8:50AM

Paul

Glad to see the thread cranked up again. I agree with all you wrote. I think Aroid is gonna be out longer than predicted, I understand he will eventually need additional surgery at the end of the season if not before. Could be 3rd base for them is really gonna be a weak spot.

As for the Red Sox, was happy to see Timlin gone. I don't understand the Lugo thing, but they know better than I...Drew of course is just a super drag and again singing the same old song, I'm sure they'll try to unload him. If Ortiz can really get cranked up and Tek gets his bat in gear, I think we have a real good shot at the whole thing.

Hope the snow has finally melted for you. We had 4 inches here two weeks ago, you'd think it was 3 feet, people went crazy.

Batter up!!

Al

IchiroDeported · March 10, 2009 2:39PM

3 way horse race between the Yanks, sox, and rays. should be fun to watch.

stevek · March 10, 2009 4:53PM

Hope to see ya in the Series.

Bosox1976 · March 10, 2009 8:27PM

Funny to see Pedro & Schilling looking for work...

RipublicaninMass · March 11, 2009 4:33AM

cant wait!!!!

LET SCORE SOME FREAKIN RUNS!

aro13 · March 11, 2009 4:50AM

Glad to see this thread get started!

I do not think Lester is locked up long term yet. Hopefully soon.

The pitching looks very strong, especially the bullpen. Hopefully Tek will have a decent year, it is tough having him struggle so much all the time.

Goot · March 11, 2009 6:29AM

<< 
I do not think Lester is locked up long term yet. Hopefully soon.
. >>

He just signed a 5? year deal.

ernie11 · March 11, 2009 7:01AM

I'm a Phillies fan, and in my office we have a die-hard Yankees fan who insists that the Phils will be handing that WS trophy over to the Yanks in about 7-1/2 months.

RipublicaninMass · March 11, 2009 7:16AM

<< I'm a Phillies fan, and in my office we have a die-hard Yankees fan who insists that the Phils will be handing that WS trophy over to the Yanks in about 7-1/2 months. >>

Around here we dont call that optimistic, we call it a typical Yankees fan

Connecticoin · March 11, 2009 9:39AM

Play Ball!!!

aro13 · March 11, 2009 9:43AM

<< I do not think Lester is locked up long term yet. Hopefully soon. >>

<< He just signed a 5? year deal >>

Last I heard that deal was not yet done. They signed him to a 1 year deal yesterday.

Barndog · March 11, 2009 12:54PM

<< 

<< I do not think Lester is locked up long term yet. Hopefully soon. >>

<< He just signed a 5? year deal >>

Last I heard that deal was not yet done. They signed him to a 1 year deal yesterday. >>

the extension is not yet official, but is in the works. Framework is there.

TheVon · March 11, 2009 2:57PM

I feel good about this team for the most part. It's definitely a B+ or A- team.

I like them at 1B, 2B, LF, CF, and DH (I think) this year. I'm okay with them at SS (I like Lowrie's defense and I think his hitting is adequate) and I think Drew will be Drew again. I'm concerned about Varitek's hitting and whoever catches for Wakefield. I love their starting pitching, relievers and the closer. And I think we've got great depth in the minors.

I'd like to see them get off to a hot start while A-Rod is sidelined.

Goot · March 11, 2009 7:11PM

<< 

<< 

<< I do not think Lester is locked up long term yet. Hopefully soon. >>

<< He just signed a 5? year deal >>

Last I heard that deal was not yet done. They signed him to a 1 year deal yesterday. >>

the extension is not yet official, but is in the works. Framework is there. >>

My bad, but by the way ESPN had been talking about it, it seemed as though it'd been done. Thanks for clearing that up.

Bottom9th · March 12, 2009 4:59AM

Ahh...the thread I waited for is back!!!
Welcome back boys!
I can't wait to see the Sox on TV again. We haven't planned a trip yet, but will get to Fenway sometime this summer.

Bob....

edmundfitzgerald · March 12, 2009 8:13AM

I think the reason we will be in the playoffs and either the Yankees or Rays won't is because we have
gritty, character ballplayers.

I know, you stat guys can't stand that word character, but I'll take guys like Youkilis, Pedroia, Papelbon, and Beckett, who
will fight every pitch for you, then some pretty boys that other teams have.

We've got a core group of guys that will grind it out for the whole season. They hate to lose. Now some of them just got some
sweet cash, so I hope they still play hard even though they're a lot richer.

We'll be there in October.

Sincerely,
The Truth

Barndog · March 15, 2009 3:22AM

redsox.com just announced the Lester deal is official. Congrats to Lester!

perkdog · March 15, 2009 3:57AM

<< redsox.com just announced the Lester deal is official. Congrats to Lester! >>

stevek · March 15, 2009 4:17AM

I'll be shocked if the Rays repeat in the AL East - last year they just had "one of those seasons" when everything went right, and I expect them to be a 3rd or 4th place team this season - and it's a very easy call.

Barndog · March 15, 2009 7:53AM

talks with Jason Bay about a contract extension have failed. Maybe later? Bay likely wanted a bunch of years, the Sox not so much. Should give Boston time to see how Holliday does outside of hitter-friendly Coors Field

Goot · March 15, 2009 8:23AM

<< I'll be shocked if the Rays repeat in the AL East - last year they just had "one of those seasons" when everything went right, and I expect them to be a 3rd or 4th place team this season - and it's a very easy call. >>

Unfortunately, I'm a realist and tend to agree with you. Everything fell into place last year and was one of the most memorable seasons in baseball history. To guarantee a repeat in the AL East is something that can simply not be done (if you're sane).

The AL East is a sick, sick joke of a division, considering there are 3 (maybe 4) teams that could win almost any other division in baseball. That's why when calling them "a 3rd or 4th place team this season", you must put it in perspective.

Good luck to the rest of the division.

Barndog · March 15, 2009 8:34AM

I'm going to differ in my opinions recently expressed about the Rays. Tampa has the starting and relief pitching necessary for the long haul. I expect they will compete at the 90 wins-plus level again.

Goot · March 15, 2009 8:38AM

<< I'm going to differ in my opinions recently expressed about the Rays. Tampa has the starting and relief pitching necessary for the long haul. I expect they will compete at the 90 wins-plus level again. >>

I'm not saying we can't compete, but it'd be stupid to be overly optimistic on repeating in the AL East this year. And unfortunately, 90 wins might put you in 3rd place in the East. JMO.

MCMLVTopps · March 18, 2009 11:58PM

Bard placed on waivers, so who is the backup catcher?

TheVon · March 19, 2009 7:56AM

Kottaras was named the backup/knuckleball catcher. He was out of options and he's like 5 or 6 years younger than Bard. From what I've read, he catches the knuckleball way better than Bard did too.

Barndog · March 19, 2009 8:25AM

<< Kottaras was named the backup/knuckleball catcher. He was out of options and he's like 5 or 6 years younger than Bard. From what I've read, he catches the knuckleball way better than Bard did too. >>

more power at bat also, plus he's impressed the Sox with his throwing. Of course, next to Varitek, my dead grandma is an impressive thrower

Estil · March 20, 2009 2:59AM

<< You will be once again battling the Yanks for the wildcard. Good luck with that.

Sincerely
The Rays >>

Hey, the wild card was good enough to win the World Series back in 2004.

And yes, my wife is very excited about the defending AL Runner-Up this year!

RipublicaninMass · March 20, 2009 5:35AM

<< Kottaras was named the backup/knuckleball catcher. He was out of options and he's like 5 or 6 years younger than Bard. From what I've read, he catches the knuckleball way better than Bard did too. >>

I think i could catch it better than Bard did, he just made Wake so uncomfortable too

Oh and GO SOX

perkdog · March 22, 2009 3:13AM

An news on Youk? What gets me angry about the situation is he said his achilles was bothering him before the injury- my question is why didnt he shut it down if it was a concern? Hopefully he will be good to go, the opener is getting close!

Nice to see Pedroia all set.

ctsoxfan · March 22, 2009 5:23AM

Kind of interesting that after a quick look around, I could find no "2009 Yankees win anything" thread.

Great to see everyone from Sox threads past - let's hope this thread is full of good news all season long.

perkdog · March 23, 2009 5:34AM

In Honor of Curt Schilling retiring- a HUGE thank You from RED SOX NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

K · March 23, 2009 9:26PM

<< An news on Youk? What gets me angry about the situation is he said his achilles was bothering him before the injury- my question is why didnt he shut it down if it was a concern? Hopefully he will be good to go, the opener is getting close! >>

Youk is a fighter. He's gonna play until someone finally steps in and says no.

Barndog · March 25, 2009 6:39AM

if today's performance is any indication, it looks to me like Clay Buchholz has pitched his way back in to the starting rotation for the Sox. Should be Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Buchholz, and Wakefield if things go the way Spring training seems to be indicating. Penny and Smoltz can take their time getting well.

TheVon · March 26, 2009 4:44AM

I've been thinking about this situation with Buchholz. At the very least, I think the Red Sox have to give him a shot at a starting spot in the rotation. I don't know about all the contract stuff and it might be easier from an organizational viewpoint to send Buchholz to AAA than to have Penny sitting in the bullpen, but if the Sox have plans to trade Buchholz at some point this season it seems like it would be a good idea to showcase his talent again. I know a lot of people think of the no-hitter when they think of Buchholz, but I can't imagine I'm the only person out there that now thinks more about his 2-9 record last season and his 6.75 to go with it than the brilliant game he pitched in 2007.

My early prediction is that the Sox give him a shot this spring but package him with a minor leaguer and ship him off to Oakland for Matt Holliday (but only if they can work out an extension with Holliday) before the trade deadline this summer.

Bottom9th · March 27, 2009 12:43PM

<< I've been thinking about this situation with Buchholz. At the very least, I think the Red Sox have to give him a shot at a starting spot in the rotation. I don't know about all the contract stuff and it might be easier from an organizational viewpoint to send Buchholz to AAA than to have Penny sitting in the bullpen, but if the Sox have plans to trade Buchholz at some point this season it seems like it would be a good idea to showcase his talent again. I know a lot of people think of the no-hitter when they think of Buchholz, but I can't imagine I'm the only person out there that now thinks more about his 2-9 record last season and his 6.75 to go with it than the brilliant game he pitched in 2007.

My early prediction is that the Sox give him a shot this spring but package him with a minor leaguer and ship him off to Oakland for Matt Holliday (but only if they can work out an extension with Holliday) before the trade deadline this summer. >>

<< if today's performance is any indication, it looks to me like Clay Buchholz has pitched his way back in to the starting rotation for the Sox. Should be Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Buchholz, and Wakefield if things go the way Spring training seems to be indicating. Penny and Smoltz can take their time getting well. >>

If it goes that way where's Masterson, in the pen? It's certainly a nice option to have all those arms. The one year contracts could end up being a REAL bargain!

Barndog · March 27, 2009 1:44PM

Theo is still Buchholz's number one fan. Believes he can be all that and a bag of chips. I see Buchholz getting a bonafide shot at the starting five this year...with no July 31 expiration date.

Bottom9th · March 28, 2009 12:15PM

I hope you're right. According to Boston.com they announced Beckett, Lester, Dice K, Wake and the 5th is still open with Masterson working out of the pen.

Connecticoin · March 30, 2009 7:10AM

In the venerable words of Terry Francona, "Just when you think you have enough pitching, that's the time to go out and get more!"

Bosox1976 · March 30, 2009 8:38PM

Pedro is available (on the cheap?). He pitched well in the WBC - not a bad insurance policy.

Bottom9th · March 31, 2009 2:25AM

I thought I read somewhere that Pedro's agents contacted the Sox and the Sox said thanks but no thanks. I wouldn't mind seeing him come back if it was affordable.

perkdog · April 1, 2009 8:22AM

Anyone else pi$$ed that the season is NOT starting today!

RipublicaninMass · April 1, 2009 10:22AM

<< Anyone else pi$$ed that the season is NOT starting today! >>

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

FanOf390 · April 1, 2009 11:23AM

I think this thread would be more enjoyable if entitled "Red Sox get the runs thread". Then we could simply laugh about how Full Of Crap the Red Sux fans are.

Bottom9th · April 1, 2009 9:21PM

Yet another useless post from you. Back away from Daddy's computer.

FanOf390 · April 2, 2009 7:50AM

Yep, all the kids my age are big George Brett fans.

In keeping with this Red-Sox-get-the-runs thread, I suggest you change your name to BottomLeakage.

TheVon · April 2, 2009 7:58AM

Perhaps you could change yours to FanofScat then.

Bottom9th · April 2, 2009 12:29PM

Ahh...jealousy....

IchiroDeported · April 2, 2009 12:34PM

lets face it, what do Royals fans have to cheer about? a potential 3rd place finish?

The 2009 Red Sox Championship run thread

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