While I don't expect the Red Sox to finish with the best record in baseball like they have now, I do believe they have a legit shot at competing this year especially now that we've seen the Blue Jays stumble mightily out of the gate and the Yankees, Rays and Orioles all look mortal. It should be a great summer for AL East baseball fans.
The Sox are 1/6th of the way through their 162-game schedule and they have a 19-8 record. That is awesome. I think we all expected it to be much worse at this point in the season. Now that we've all had some time to get used to the "Hey, these guys are better than we thought" feeling, how many games do you think this team will win?
If they win 68 of their remaining 135 games (roughly a .500 record) they would finish with 87 wins. I think they will continue to be better than a .500 team but I can't imagine they can come close to sustaining their current pace. I'm going to say this team wins 93 games this year.
It is not the end of the world, lets keep beating up on the weak teams and winning one or two of the ones that are good teams in every series and we will do ok until we can get some of our problem players replaced with some of the kids that are developing in the minors.
I do not have much faith in players like Doubront and Lackey, to name a couple, going forward.
Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season.
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Totally agree, myself I swore I wouldnt get emotionaly involved so Im holding off till late in the season.
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this?
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this? >>
During the wednesday night game to my understanding when boston hit philly town someone in the media asked pedroia if if was true and he got pretty po'ed the story got out (according to Orsillo).
During the pregame there was a disscusion about it aswell as during the game itself. It is true and it happend on opening day when he did the head first slide into first base.
Pedroia said that he does NOT like this type of stuff to get out because he does not want the oposition to prey on a supposed weakness. The reference to getting hurt last year yes he played hurt last year same type of injury just opposite hand. NESN may have the complete story (i did not check).
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this? >>
During the wednesday night game to my understanding when boston hit philly town someone in the media asked pedroia if if was true and he got pretty po'ed the story got out (according to Orsillo).
During the pregame there was a disscusion about it aswell as during the game itself. It is true and it happend on opening day when he did the head first slide into first base.
Pedroia said that he does NOT like this type of stuff to get out because he does not want the oposition to prey on a supposed weakness. The reference to getting hurt last year yes he played hurt last year same type of injury just opposite hand. NESN may have the complete story (i did not check).
Rick >>
Thanks Rick, the Boston Herald had a piece on it. It was basically a "Pedroia's the toughest Sox player ever" write up in which I enjoyed and agreed with. His hand is supposedly messed up, although Im not sure I believe it 100%, Im not thinking you can play at any level let alone the majors with an injury like that.
Thanks Rick, the Boston Herald had a piece on it. It was basically a "Pedroia's the toughest Sox player ever" write up in which I enjoyed and agreed with. His hand is supposedly messed up, although Im not sure I believe it 100%, Im not thinking you can play at any level let alone the majors with an injury like that. >>
perkdog I very much agree it would be tough to play through an injury like that unless there's alot of cortizone involved even if it's a small tear it has to be painful.
It is a pleasure watching him play with the amount of intesity he has every game.
Just love it when the Red Sox kick the Yankees butts in NY. Nice slam Napoli ! It's early in this game but love to hear the Yankee fans get all sensitive and hurt when something like that happens.
Just love it when the Red Sox kick the Yankees butts in NY. Nice slam Napoli ! It's early in this game but love to hear the Yankee fans get all sensitive and hurt when something like that happens. >>
And the grin he had as he watched go was icing on the cake.
A very nice win last night...missed the GS and 3-4un homer by Nava...hey, it's Saturday, I seem to get nuked on Saturdays with the Red Sox. Will be tuned in tonight, hopefully the expensive seats at Yankee stadium empty again b4 game's end.
Haven't joined the rah, rah club yet, lotsa baseball yet to be played. I think Cherrington has some decisions to make. They obviously need pitching, so, we'll see how it goes.
My new next door neighbor is from western Connecticut, thus a Yankees fan...I bust his chops from time to time...it's a Bucky Dent vs the 2004 AL playoffs kinda thing. He's definitely a cool character, so it's all in fun, smiles and laughter.
Enjoyed the bat flip very much. I think Middlebrooks needs to ride the bench till Iggy hits a slump. Saturdays game was a serious beat down in the bronx.
Kids doing awsome I hope they rethink putting Middlebrooks at 3rd cause did I say that kid is doing awsome. Wow he has made some nice plays in the last few days.
<< <i>Congrats on the victory tonight!! The Red Sox made the Rangers look like a bad pee wee team.
It happens. I can only imagine how horrible that was to watch. last month the Red Sox brought Up a young kid named Webster and I believe it was Texas just lit him up and he only lasted a couple innings and the beatdown comenced.
Though I dont follow Texas they seem to make the highlights alot on ESPN and get talked about alot and that has to be respected at least in my eyes.
And though its earlyand we havent even made it to the Allstar break yet if the beantown boys can keep it together it looks like it will be an interesting october.
Thats better Al, the red sox will win you over yet!
Steve...I never really left, just expressed frustration of the collapse last year.
I am a very strong proponent of performance for pay...it is incredible to me the amount of money these guys get every other week for what they do. I am still not in the Lackey camp, but am impressed with some of the new guys. I thought Drew would be same old, same old (i.e. his brother), but he has proven his worth as have others. Most impressed with Iglesia's if he can keep his head on straight...probably an Ortiz guiding him thing. Wish we could clone Pedroia !!! He is the Mr. Baseball of the Red Sox.
Anyway, as long as you and I have been around the Fenway thing, there is no way I could dump them now. BTW, the triple that Ortiz hit to the 420 marker is where I spent many a summer with my dad, right in that little triangle. That's where I saw Mickey Mantle, if only for a brief time...a huge thrill when I was so young.
Hope things on the home front are improving for you. One day I still wanna see Chaco canyon, will let you know...maybe we can hit the casino for some BJ or roll some bones.
I'm a little late to the trade talk but I wanted to pipe in anyway. I don't think the Red Sox should consider trading Middlebrooks at this point. The guy is barely making any money at all (relatively speaking of course) and his trade value is at an all-time low given his struggles this year. Right now would be the wrong time to trade him. Besides, it was just last season when he looked like the long-term answer at 3B for the Red Sox. I'll admit, he doesn't look that good now but it could just be a sophomore slump. And what if the Red Sox don't sign Napoli next year? Middlebrooks could be a decent option at 1B and let Bogaerts come up and play 3B.
With the Red Sox in 1st place I have a hard time seeing them trading away some of their major league players. I can't imagine another team giving us quality pitching for guys like Gomes, Ciriaco, or Drew. I'm not even sure what the trade market for Ellsbury would be like given his pending free agency status.
<< <i>Thats better Al, the red sox will win you over yet!
Steve...I never really left, just expressed frustration of the collapse last year.
I am a very strong proponent of performance for pay...it is incredible to me the amount of money these guys get every other week for what they do. I am still not in the Lackey camp, but am impressed with some of the new guys. I thought Drew would be same old, same old (i.e. his brother), but he has proven his worth as have others. Most impressed with Iglesia's if he can keep his head on straight...probably an Ortiz guiding him thing. Wish we could clone Pedroia !!! He is the Mr. Baseball of the Red Sox.
Anyway, as long as you and I have been around the Fenway thing, there is no way I could dump them now. BTW, the triple that Ortiz hit to the 420 marker is where I spent many a summer with my dad, right in that little triangle. That's where I saw Mickey Mantle, if only for a brief time...a huge thrill when I was so young.
Hope things on the home front are improving for you. One day I still wanna see Chaco canyon, will let you know...maybe we can hit the casino for some BJ or roll some bones.
Sounds good Al, I dealt craps for about 5 years before I became a pitboss.
<< <i>I'm a little late to the trade talk but I wanted to pipe in anyway. I don't think the Red Sox should consider trading Middlebrooks at this point. The guy is barely making any money at all (relatively speaking of course) and his trade value is at an all-time low given his struggles this year. Right now would be the wrong time to trade him. Besides, it was just last season when he looked like the long-term answer at 3B for the Red Sox. I'll admit, he doesn't look that good now but it could just be a sophomore slump. And what if the Red Sox don't sign Napoli next year? Middlebrooks could be a decent option at 1B and let Bogaerts come up and play 3B.
With the Red Sox in 1st place I have a hard time seeing them trading away some of their major league players. I can't imagine another team giving us quality pitching for guys like Gomes, Ciriaco, or Drew. I'm not even sure what the trade market for Ellsbury would be like given his pending free agency status. >>
Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli. Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them. Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching.
<< <i> Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli. Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them. Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching. >>
I think the Red Sox would like to sign Napoli again too but after this year there might be a little more competition for his services now that he's shown the hip injury hasn't slowed him down.
As for the trade bait, I just don't see a lot of other teams being all that interested in our major league players. Hanrahan - Just had Tommy John surgery so no one would take him or his $7 million salary unless the Red Sox took a Barry Zito-like bad contract in return. Kalish - Has been on the DL all season and would need to prove he's healthy before a team would give us much in return. Gomes - A $5 million salary is a lot for a guy hitting below the Mendoza line. His real value is in his clubhouse presence for the Red Sox right now. Ciriaco - I don't think the Red Sox want to trade this guy. He's only making $500 K and can play the entire infield other than pitcher or catcher. Ellsbury - Could definitely be traded this season though. I just think his pending free agency, low batting average, and lack of power will limit what the Red Sox can get for him. Best case scenario is that they get a really good bullpen arm for him.
I think it's more likely that the Red Sox would have to raid their farm system to pull off a big trade for a trustworthy starting pitcher.
<< <i> Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli. Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them. Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching. >>
I think the Red Sox would like to sign Napoli again too but after this year there might be a little more competition for his services now that he's shown the hip injury hasn't slowed him down.
As for the trade bait, I just don't see a lot of other teams being all that interested in our major league players. Hanrahan - Just had Tommy John surgery so no one would take him or his $7 million salary unless the Red Sox took a Barry Zito-like bad contract in return. Kalish - Has been on the DL all season and would need to prove he's healthy before a team would give us much in return. Gomes - A $5 million salary is a lot for a guy hitting below the Mendoza line. His real value is in his clubhouse presence for the Red Sox right now. Ciriaco - I don't think the Red Sox want to trade this guy. He's only making $500 K and can play the entire infield other than pitcher or catcher. Ellsbury - Could definitely be traded this season though. I just think his pending free agency, low batting average, and lack of power will limit what the Red Sox can get for him. Best case scenario is that they get a really good bullpen arm for him.
I think it's more likely that the Red Sox would have to raid their farm system to pull off a big trade for a trustworthy starting pitcher. >>
All very good/valid points. wish I had put more thought into what i had posted cause its tough to argue any of them.
To be honest this year is the first year in 20-25 yrs I have watched alot of base ball (I've only missed a handful of games in 2013). In the past yrs I've only seen maybe 3-4 allstar/ws games in those 20-25 yrs. Amazing how the game has changed so much.....pitchers capped at 100-120 pitches,complete games seem to be non existant.
I remember Charles barkley saying years ago "The only steriod I ever did was a bucket of fried chicken"
But i will say it has been fun relearning the woderful game of base ball.
still outperforming expectations. If Lester regresses to the mean (and it appears he is doing so) and Lackey returns to being Lackey (odd it hasn't happened already), then the team becomes average again. Enjoying it while it lasts.
Comments
If they win 68 of their remaining 135 games (roughly a .500 record) they would finish with 87 wins. I think they will continue to be better than a .500 team but I can't imagine they can come close to sustaining their current pace. I'm going to say this team wins 93 games this year.
What say you?
It is not the end of the world, lets keep beating up on the weak teams and winning one or two of the ones that are good teams in every series and we will do ok until we can get some of our problem players replaced with some of the kids that are developing in the minors.
I do not have much faith in players like Doubront and Lackey, to name a couple, going forward.
Hard to make up for a loss like that!
It probably falls to Uehara now.
Who do they recall from Pawtucket?
I say bring up Webster and put Doubront in relief or trade him. one or the other.
<< <i>Lost 2 closers in one day!
Hard to make up for a loss like that!
It probably falls to Uehara now.
Who do they recall from Pawtucket?
I say bring up Webster and put Doubront in relief or trade him. one or the other. >>
I nailed 2 out of 3, not bad. Not bad for an old guy, the only one I missed is the closer.
Webster is up to stay!
Where's the offense??? AND, where's the pitching?
Jays are crushing them today.
Lets keep it up boys!
Slip slidin' away
Slip slidin' away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you're slip slidin' away
No offense = continued losses.
YES !!!
Mike
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Totally agree, myself I swore I wouldnt get emotionaly involved so Im holding off till late in the season.
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this?
<< <i>
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this? >>
During the wednesday night game to my understanding when boston hit philly town someone in the media asked pedroia if if was true and he got
pretty po'ed the story got out (according to Orsillo).
During the pregame there was a disscusion about it aswell as during the game itself.
It is true and it happend on opening day when he did the head first slide into first base.
Pedroia said that he does NOT like this type of stuff to get out because he does not want the oposition to prey on a supposed weakness.
The reference to getting hurt last year yes he played hurt last year same type of injury just opposite hand.
NESN may have the complete story (i did not check).
Rick
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Not too many people would have predicted the Red Sox would even be within sniffing distance of 1st place at the end of May. Hard to complain about what they've managed to do so far this season. >>
Also whats this Im hearing about Pedroia playing with a torn ligament in his hand/thumb? Anyone know anything about this? >>
During the wednesday night game to my understanding when boston hit philly town someone in the media asked pedroia if if was true and he got
pretty po'ed the story got out (according to Orsillo).
During the pregame there was a disscusion about it aswell as during the game itself.
It is true and it happend on opening day when he did the head first slide into first base.
Pedroia said that he does NOT like this type of stuff to get out because he does not want the oposition to prey on a supposed weakness.
The reference to getting hurt last year yes he played hurt last year same type of injury just opposite hand.
NESN may have the complete story (i did not check).
Rick >>
Thanks Rick, the Boston Herald had a piece on it. It was basically a "Pedroia's the toughest Sox player ever" write up in which I enjoyed and agreed with. His hand is supposedly messed up, although Im not sure I believe it 100%, Im not thinking you can play at any level let alone the majors with an injury like that.
Thanks Rick, the Boston Herald had a piece on it. It was basically a "Pedroia's the toughest Sox player ever" write up in which I enjoyed and agreed with. His hand is supposedly messed up, although Im not sure I believe it 100%, Im not thinking you can play at any level let alone the majors with an injury like that. >>
perkdog
I very much agree it would be tough to play through an injury like that unless there's alot of cortizone involved
even if it's a small tear it has to be painful.
It is a pleasure watching him play with the amount of intesity he has every game.
Go sox!!!!
Just love it when the Red Sox kick the Yankees butts in NY. Nice slam Napoli ! It's early in this game but love to hear the Yankee fans get all sensitive and hurt when something like that happens.
<< <i>Napoli ! 2025 EST 06/01
Just love it when the Red Sox kick the Yankees butts in NY. Nice slam Napoli ! It's early in this game but love to hear the Yankee fans get all sensitive and hurt when something like that happens. >>
And the grin he had as he watched go was icing on the cake.
What do they do with Iglesias and Bradley now?
How do you keep them down on the farm?
Are Drew, Middlebrooks, and Ellsberry on a short rope?
My feelings are as follows:
trade Cirriaco and Ellsberry
keep Drew at shortstop and Iglesias at third with Middlebrooks filling in for both and Bradley as your center fielder
What are your thoughts?
<< <i>Questions for you guys.
What do they do with Iglesias and Bradley now?
How do you keep them down on the farm?
Are Drew, Middlebrooks, and Ellsberry on a short rope?
My feelings are as follows:
trade Cirriaco and Ellsberry
keep Drew at shortstop and Iglesias at third with Middlebrooks filling in for both and Bradley as your center fielder
What are your thoughts? >>
Iggy & bradley should stay up and get more playing time their only gonna get better.
As far as Drew and middlebrooks thats a tough one.
Maybe keep Cirriaco for utility infield (less money) and trade Drew or Middlebrooks.
Trade Ellsbury & Gomes and either Drew or Middlebrooks and get another solid starting pitcher.
But Iggy and Bradley need to stay.
Haven't joined the rah, rah club yet, lotsa baseball yet to be played. I think Cherrington has some decisions to make. They obviously need pitching, so, we'll see how it goes.
My new next door neighbor is from western Connecticut, thus a Yankees fan...I bust his chops from time to time...it's a Bucky Dent vs the 2004 AL playoffs kinda thing. He's definitely a cool character, so it's all in fun, smiles and laughter.
Ok... GO Red Sox !!!
Best to all,
Al
What a wild game in the bronx!
How about Iggy and Pappi!
Great bat flip!
<< <i>Buchholz is back in form. Wow!
What a wild game in the bronx!
How about Iggy and Pappi!
Great bat flip! >>
Enjoyed the bat flip very much.
I think Middlebrooks needs to ride the bench till Iggy hits a slump.
Saturdays game was a serious beat down in the bronx.
I hear the Halos have already dialed up the Rangers to see if Murphy is available to be a lefty reliever out of their pen
<< <i>I too am an Iggy supporter. >>
Kids doing awsome I hope they rethink putting Middlebrooks at 3rd
cause did I say that kid is doing awsome. Wow he has made some nice plays
in the last few days.
<< <i>Congrats on the victory tonight!! The Red Sox made the Rangers look like a bad pee wee team.
It happens. I can only imagine how horrible that was to watch.
last month the Red Sox brought Up a young kid named Webster and I believe
it was Texas just lit him up and he only lasted a couple innings and the beatdown comenced.
Though I dont follow Texas they seem to make the highlights alot on ESPN and get talked about alot
and that has to be respected at least in my eyes.
And though its earlyand we havent even made it to the Allstar break yet if the
beantown boys can keep it together it looks like it will be an interesting october.
Steve...I never really left, just expressed frustration of the collapse last year.
I am a very strong proponent of performance for pay...it is incredible to me the amount of money these guys get every other week for what they do. I am still not in the Lackey camp, but am impressed with some of the new guys. I thought Drew would be same old, same old (i.e. his brother), but he has proven his worth as have others. Most impressed with Iglesia's if he can keep his head on straight...probably an Ortiz guiding him thing. Wish we could clone Pedroia !!! He is the Mr. Baseball of the Red Sox.
Anyway, as long as you and I have been around the Fenway thing, there is no way I could dump them now. BTW, the triple that Ortiz hit to the 420 marker is where I spent many a summer with my dad, right in that little triangle. That's where I saw Mickey Mantle, if only for a brief time...a huge thrill when I was so young.
Hope things on the home front are improving for you. One day I still wanna see Chaco canyon, will let you know...maybe we can hit the casino for some BJ or roll some bones.
Best,
Al
With the Red Sox in 1st place I have a hard time seeing them trading away some of their major league players. I can't imagine another team giving us quality pitching for guys like Gomes, Ciriaco, or Drew. I'm not even sure what the trade market for Ellsbury would be like given his pending free agency status.
<< <i>Thats better Al, the red sox will win you over yet!
Steve...I never really left, just expressed frustration of the collapse last year.
I am a very strong proponent of performance for pay...it is incredible to me the amount of money these guys get every other week for what they do. I am still not in the Lackey camp, but am impressed with some of the new guys. I thought Drew would be same old, same old (i.e. his brother), but he has proven his worth as have others. Most impressed with Iglesia's if he can keep his head on straight...probably an Ortiz guiding him thing. Wish we could clone Pedroia !!! He is the Mr. Baseball of the Red Sox.
Anyway, as long as you and I have been around the Fenway thing, there is no way I could dump them now. BTW, the triple that Ortiz hit to the 420 marker is where I spent many a summer with my dad, right in that little triangle. That's where I saw Mickey Mantle, if only for a brief time...a huge thrill when I was so young.
Hope things on the home front are improving for you. One day I still wanna see Chaco canyon, will let you know...maybe we can hit the casino for some BJ or roll some bones.
Sounds good Al, I dealt craps for about 5 years before I became a pitboss.
Best,
Al >>
<< <i>I'm a little late to the trade talk but I wanted to pipe in anyway. I don't think the Red Sox should consider trading Middlebrooks at this point. The guy is barely making any money at all (relatively speaking of course) and his trade value is at an all-time low given his struggles this year. Right now would be the wrong time to trade him. Besides, it was just last season when he looked like the long-term answer at 3B for the Red Sox. I'll admit, he doesn't look that good now but it could just be a sophomore slump. And what if the Red Sox don't sign Napoli next year? Middlebrooks could be a decent option at 1B and let Bogaerts come up and play 3B.
With the Red Sox in 1st place I have a hard time seeing them trading away some of their major league players. I can't imagine another team giving us quality pitching for guys like Gomes, Ciriaco, or Drew. I'm not even sure what the trade market for Ellsbury would be like given his pending free agency status. >>
Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli.
Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them.
Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching.
<< <i> Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli.
Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them.
Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching. >>
I think the Red Sox would like to sign Napoli again too but after this year there might be a little more competition for his services now that he's shown the hip injury hasn't slowed him down.
As for the trade bait, I just don't see a lot of other teams being all that interested in our major league players.
Hanrahan - Just had Tommy John surgery so no one would take him or his $7 million salary unless the Red Sox took a Barry Zito-like bad contract in return.
Kalish - Has been on the DL all season and would need to prove he's healthy before a team would give us much in return.
Gomes - A $5 million salary is a lot for a guy hitting below the Mendoza line. His real value is in his clubhouse presence for the Red Sox right now.
Ciriaco - I don't think the Red Sox want to trade this guy. He's only making $500 K and can play the entire infield other than pitcher or catcher.
Ellsbury - Could definitely be traded this season though. I just think his pending free agency, low batting average, and lack of power will limit what the Red Sox can get for him. Best case scenario is that they get a really good bullpen arm for him.
I think it's more likely that the Red Sox would have to raid their farm system to pull off a big trade for a trustworthy starting pitcher.
<< <i>
<< <i> Good point about Middlebrooks & Napoli.
Id like to see them keep Napoli and hope he stays healthy (hip). they should make Middlebrooks the utility guy for now.
As far as trade bait they could throw in Hanrahan and Kalish,look where they have gotten without them.
Trading off Gomes,Hanrahan ,Elsbury,Kalish,Ciriaco would free up 20+mil certainly enough for decent pitching. >>
I think the Red Sox would like to sign Napoli again too but after this year there might be a little more competition for his services now that he's shown the hip injury hasn't slowed him down.
As for the trade bait, I just don't see a lot of other teams being all that interested in our major league players.
Hanrahan - Just had Tommy John surgery so no one would take him or his $7 million salary unless the Red Sox took a Barry Zito-like bad contract in return.
Kalish - Has been on the DL all season and would need to prove he's healthy before a team would give us much in return.
Gomes - A $5 million salary is a lot for a guy hitting below the Mendoza line. His real value is in his clubhouse presence for the Red Sox right now.
Ciriaco - I don't think the Red Sox want to trade this guy. He's only making $500 K and can play the entire infield other than pitcher or catcher.
Ellsbury - Could definitely be traded this season though. I just think his pending free agency, low batting average, and lack of power will limit what the Red Sox can get for him. Best case scenario is that they get a really good bullpen arm for him.
I think it's more likely that the Red Sox would have to raid their farm system to pull off a big trade for a trustworthy starting pitcher. >>
All very good/valid points. wish I had put more thought into what i had posted cause its tough to argue any of them.
To be honest this year is the first year in 20-25 yrs I have watched alot of base ball (I've only missed a handful of games in 2013).
In the past yrs I've only seen maybe 3-4 allstar/ws games in those 20-25 yrs.
Amazing how the game has changed so much.....pitchers capped at 100-120 pitches,complete games seem to be non existant.
I remember Charles barkley saying years ago "The only steriod I ever did was a bucket of fried chicken"
But i will say it has been fun relearning the woderful game of base ball.
<< <i>Farrell said today they are in no hurry to bring Middlebrooks back up until he gets his hitting back to what it was last year. >>
Nice to see Red Sox managment reading these posts and taking our suggestions seriosly as to what they should do (LOL).
Are they nuts?
He sure made them pay for that one.