Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner, Aaron Boone, New Boston Massacre. Okay now that I've either killed off my short supply of readers (2 as of the beginning of this post) or sent names right over their heads. Here is my Red Sox Preview. By the way, to you die hard Sox fans, remember the first three names shouldn't hurt anymore (I know they still do, just start drinking) because we're World Champs. Oops, apostrophe error. My bad. Okay so the wonder of the Championship has faded, well except for the fact we are still touring the trophy around (recently made a stop in Montpelier, VT). At what point does a team need to get over of itself? I hope it gets stolen, that would teach Lucchino a lesson. Anyways with the season but figurative seconds away here is what I think of the upcoming season.
Before I delve into the preview, I would like to first speak of the state of the Red Sox; if you are a small child full of hope or simply a naive Sox fan you may want to skip down to the preview. We the people saw a different side of the Red Sox this off season, we became the Yankees 2. It hurts me too so before you come after me with a pitchfork or maybe worse, remember this, I feel your pain. It took me a while to come to grips with this. Honestly, I still haven't. I know what UNC fans felt like when they went 1 for forever down the stretch to lose to Georgetown. When the Dice-k/Lugo/Drew deals went down, I heard a collective "this can't be happening" resonate throughout the Red Sox nation. If you weren't expressing this distaste, you are one of a few things:
1. Not a real Red Sox fan
2. Welcome this change, and therefore suck
3. Were in a coma and are just hearing this for the first time.
The front office spent an outrageous amount of money on players that frankly are unproven or go against the mindset, or presumed mindset, of the team. My buddy Andy said it best, although I didn't want to hear it, he told me money had no meaning. Being a baseball fan that wants a salary cap because of its potential benefits to the game (not getting into this, its a different rant all together), I didn't want to hear it we gave 106 million dollars to two players with a lot of questions. I say two because the Matsuzaka deal made complete sense to me because of the excuse Theo told me.
Quick sidebar: The outrageous Dice-k bid was said to instill the Red Sox as a permanent fixture in a Japanese market that has produced Major League stars in Matsui (Hideki not Kaz, dear Lord not Kaz), Nomo, Ichiro, Jojhima, Iguchi, Sasaki. To any team that can afford it, this is a great scenario. It allows the team to build a strong foundation and relationship with a league that many say is up and coming in the talent level. The Japanese, and for that matter Korean leagues, are producing more and more major league talent, if a fifty million dollar bid allows a team first pickins or spreads its name as a desirable location then there is no reason for that organization not to completely overbid and be a local favorite, on the other side of the world. To add to this, remember fans, it isn't our money.
This last phrase, it isn't our money leads me right back to what I was saying before, and is the mindset the Red Sox fans must take at this point. It is the same train of thought the Yankees' fans have take; it's Steinbrenner's money, so who cares what he does with it. Our owner's are spending all kinds of their money to buy a winner. We're an Abreu for nothing deal away from being a mirror image of our hated rivals. They have decided to compete with hired guns. Although this will take me some time to come to grips with I will just throw on my Red Sox gear and cheer widely, pretending I did not have this revelation over the winter. Look on the bright side at least we still are a Nation of united fans instead of a slimy, ugly, dim witted, spiky haired, incompetent (other adjectives were subjected to censorship, not this time FCC) group that comprises the empire. And now on to our Feature Presentation.
(Thank you for coming to Loew's, sit back and relax, annnd enjoy the show!)
The way this will work is I will breakdown each position (by projected spot in the batting order), tell you how I feel about each player. Then I will analyze our bench players. Say a quick word about our coach, then to wrap it up, I will give you my "Things to watch for" Red Sox style. The analysis will not be based on Spring Training numbers, but more or less how they look in the gearing up process.
Projected Lineup:
SS Julio Lugo
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David "Big Papi" Ortiz
LF Manny "the Wonderman, Spacechild, ManRam, Golden Cup" Ramirez
RF J.D. Drew
3B Mike Lowell
C Jason Varitek
CF Covelli "Coco" Crisp
2B Dustin Pedroia
Projected Rotation:
S Curt Schilling
S Josh Beckett
S Daisuke Matsuzaka
S Tim "The Confusion Maker" Wakefield (If anyone followed old Celtics commercials, you'll get the nickname)
S Julian Tavarez
CL Jonathan Papelbon
Leading Off: Shortstop, Julio Lugo.
The first of the three big acquisitions the Sox made this year to be commented on is Lugo, who should bring more to the team offensively than any of our shortstops since Nomar (yes, even OCab). Theo finally has the opportunity to acquire his long time man crush this off season for way more than he's worth. It's not our money, it's not our money... He has put together a slew of good offensive years; sorry I wanted to keep going on this point but I looked at his number and he is a career .277 hitter with a .340 OBP. This may hurt more than I expected. On the bright side his last year and a half in Tampa he did hover around .300 with 18-67-142 (HR-RBI-Runs) and an OBP of around .366 before he fizzled in his utility role with the Dodgers. Apparently in baseball these days that warrants 36M/4yrs. There are a couple of things about Lugo that keeps me from jumping off my second floor deck in disgust. First, he is good friends with Ortiz, who has vouched for him and assures a cynical Nation that he will succeed in Boston. I have to take this to heart considering Papi has rarely ever let us down since joining the Sox, and until he does I will cling to everything he says. The Second thing is his former managers claim he loves to play at Fenway, and his numbers prove it hitting .313-3-17-22 with a .374 OBP and 11 steals in 172 at bats. There we got a positive we can hold on to, he can rake in the Fens. So it looks like as a lead off hitter he should succeed and if he falters a little a drop to the second spot in the order may do him will allowing for more pitches to hit.
Defensively, however, is a different story. Over the last three years he has averaged 23 errors per season, and just a shade under that as a SS. To say he could be a liability is an severe understatement as he will likely take away wins with his erratic arm. In the bright side, it will kinda be like having Nomar back again. Although, Lugo can cover more ground than the A-Gon, Gonzalez never made errors (7 all season) and played the field beautifully. Don't be surprised if he doesn't live up to the legendary status that was played at short. All in all, it is a decent pickup. He seems to be a good club house guy and a fine athlete. In my opinion that does not translate in the contract he was given when other players that fit the defensive mindset of the are available for a much cheaper price. The jury is still out...
First baseman, Kevin Youkilis
Is there a guy that looks more unlike a professional athlete? I doubt it. You take one look and you think he's some rich guy that paid the team to let him participate in Spring Training, i.e. Garth Brooks with the Padres. With that off my chest, I can safely say I love this kid. Moreover, I love the fans embrace altering the former "LLLLOOOOOUUUUUUU" chant to "YYYOOOOOOUUUUUUUKKK" mostly because I love when people new to Fenway or the Red Sox asks why they are booing him. On the unintentional comedy scale (Bill Simmons) it ranks up there with Curt Schilling's top heavy frame and Blog and ManRam's dreads.
Youkilis has developed into a great player, one that will never be a star but is essential to any team. He hits for average and has a killer OBP. There was no research done here so try to tell me who the last first baseman was that led off for their team. Not only lead off but in that role was at the very top of the league in OBP, something extremely important for lead off hitters. His numbers, offensively, fell off the second half of the season but adjustments will likely be made considering last year was his first full season in the majors. Look for him to be a three hundred hitter and racking up high run totals hitting in the 2 hole.
Defensively, this kid is sound, committing only 8 errors all season (only 5 at 1B). He has turned himself in to a great all around first baseman with his glove and his bat. Lastly, he is a versatile player for our team, with the ability to play LF and 3B (his original position). Although, he isn't the prototypical power hitting first baseman he exemplifies class on the field. That'll do pig, that'll do.
Designated Hitter, David "Big Papi" Ortiz
Number 34 in your programs but number 1 in your hearts is the jovial masher himself. If Tim Allen doesn't sign on to do Santa Claus 4: The curse of the Lumpy Coal then they should simply hire Ortiz, for a couple reasons:
1. Face it, he would make an awesome Chris Kringle
2. The last monstrous athlete to star in a movie was Shaq in either Kazaam or Steel and it has been way too long
3. We need an actor on the team.
Walt Disney get on it. What else can you say about a guy that broke the Red Sox single season record for home runs, is the most clutch hitter in baseball today, and exemplifies loving your job? ...Maybe he'll play more games at first? That may sound foolish or unlikely but Ortiz has been working on his glove. Don't get too excited, he's only doing it so he isn't a huge liability when he steps onto a National League field. As for his numbers because I can't keep building this guy up, don't be surprised to see less HRs but the RBIs will still be there because a team's inability to pitch around him. He will have another MVP type season and won't be recognized for it. Take solice in this, all is good in Papi's world and expect big things.
Left Fielder, Manny "Goldencup" Ramirez
Now we have reached my favorite hitter on this Red Sox team, a top 5 right handed of all time, ManRam. There's a lot to expect out of a guy that disappointed so many at the end of last year. The stunt he pulled after the new Boston Massacre left people asking for his head, possibly the reason for all the trade talk. Wait never mind, I forgot they've been trying to trade him since before they even signed him to his contract. They could make a rollercoaster out of this guy's affection for the city and the city's opinion of him. Call it the waiver wire. Though this year I have confidence he will not jump ship, my basis for that is a gut feeling; the same gut feeling that I have ever single season. I just think this team will compete throughout the season keeping ManRam in the lineup. When he's in that lineup he'll simply rake. Don't forget this guy hit .321-35-102 with a .439 OBP in 130 games. Kid still had a great season and since joining the Boston Red Sox he has averaged .317-39-119-99 with a .418 OBP in 142 games a season. Plan for his numbers to be in that range. Don't you worry about Manny he'll play and he'll produce maybe even a little more than normal now that he has legitimate protection behind him.
Defensively, let's just move on.
Right Fielder, J.D. Drew
All I hear is how good this guy is. I. Don't. Believe it. Even though he has looked good/great in spring training, maybe I believe it a little bit. If you were wondering what is happening with the financial situation in baseball you don't have to look much farther than J.D. Drew. He has never had two consecutive 110+ game season, but apparently that deserves a 14 million dollars a year? But it isn't our money. He has severe motivation issues and is a real question to handle the pressure of Boston, great. But he's one of Theo's guys, high OBP and great defensively. He should be a step up from the oft-injured original dirt dog, Christopher Trotman Nixon (real name look it up). Sorry I would love to say more but I can't afford to get enraged, my apartment is too beat up as it is.
Third Baseman, Mike Lowell
Mike Lowell's impressive comeback from a forgettable 2005 campaign may be the beginning of the end for the one time franchise third baseman of the Florida Marlins. I refuse to believe that. Will he be a .284-20-80 guy? Maybe. Will he be a .236-8-58 hitter? He could be but his career numbers don't back that up. You can expect him to drop off offensively somewhat, with a decreased power total. He is an aging veteran and it comes with the territory. The beauty of his situation, is that Fenway will cater to the twilight of his career. It's a doubles park and he has doubles power. Expect him to drive in a lot of runs and threaten the lead the league in doubles.
His glove speaks for itself. He won't commit errors and will be a strong candidate for a Gold Glove, which will help Lugo who typically struggles defensively.
Catcher, Captain, Jason Varitek
This blog is getting really long. I feel like I'm in the second round of the HR Derby after exploding for 20 in the first round. The venerable captain of the team may not completely comeback from the struggles he experienced at the plate and in my opinion I couldn't care less. As long as he hits better than Dougie Fresh, I'm happy. The team didn't feed the Boras monster in Tek's case because he is a slugger. At the time he had an amazing year but Theo realized the work he does with the pitchers makes him a top 5 catcher and not necessarily his work with the stick. Look for average production numbers from the captain, but he will live up to every single dollar for emulating a team player and keeping athletes in check. As well as getting the most out of our pitchers, except Wake.
Center Fielder, Covelli "Coco" Crisp
Coco will have a 500 pound gorilla follow him most of the year. Last year's inaugural Coco Crisp season left a lot to be desired. Besides the commercial he did with his father, there were few positive notes. He couldn't hit the broad side of the barn after his injury, and frankly the only thing he did do after his injury was that wicked pissah catch he made against the Mets. Dude's got haht. I can't really judge him this preseason because of the injury that hampered him; he has many tools and has the potential to be a great player. (Side Note: I'm watching NESN and the RemDawg just agreed with me) He should hit and play a decent center field; I would say numbers around .295-13-75 with good defense. If he doesn't though watch out for a short leash.
Second Baseman, Dustin Pedroia
Ummm... yea he's gonna do stuff, I think, Maybe... Dustin is a Theo draftee, good on base guy and could straight rake in the Minors. He'll see a tough learning curve similar to his time with the Club in September and in Spring Training. If he can find his stroke then he will definitely be an adequate second baseman, not a star, but a solid second baseman. Sorry I haven't seen enough of him to comment, let's hope and pray.
Bench
All of our bench players are fairly versatile athletes, except for Dougie Fresh who well can only catch and I cringe thinking about him trying to play the field. Since Mirabelli was mentioned I will just start with him. He's not going to give you a high average, power, or really anything offensively. He's Wake's guy and that's about it, he'll catch all of his starts and a couple other spot starts, and that's all we really ask of him, barring injury and let's just hope the Sox don't get there. Next victim, Eric Hinske. The former rookie of the year should be a great bench player for this squad adding versatility and a decent stick. This ability will help Tito in a pinch if there are injuries or they need an impact bat off the bench. Then there's Wily Mo Pena, the modern day Pedro Cerrano. Kid can't hit the outside breaking ball to save his life. Trust me when I say this, outside does not mean right off the plate, though he misses that too, he will swing and miss at a ball headed towards the on-deck circle. If he learns plate discipline, Tito will be able to find him the 400 ABs they feels he should get. He versatile enough to man any outfield position, not well but serviceably. Look for some tape measure shots from him but not much else; I don't think he will pan out. I save the best for last, Alex Cora. The super utility man could have a much bigger impact than a bench player if Pedroia falters. He plays with class and always seemed to do something to help the team win when he played last year. The bench will be strong though if there are injuries questions do arise.
Curt Schilling
Is a self-involved pompous ass. For God's sake I can't listen to you. Don't speak. To make it worse, what do you do? You come out with a blog and fill Red Sox fans with ignant nonesense. Get out of our face and pitch. You can still throw, stick to that, instead of coming home sitting at your computer shoving food into your all ready bloated frame. Seriously, Schilling's becoming a mirror image of John Goodman, actually true fact: if you're really quiet you can hear each of them simultaneously getting fatter by the second. I could spend all day bashing this guy's personality but he can pitch and will show all of us that. Armed with a couple of new pitches he's ready to have a monster season in a contract year. I see him winning 18 games with an era sub 3.50. Any of us will take that as long as we don't have to hear him bitch and moan whenever things don't go his way, we don't need another Kevin Millar
Josh Beckett
I see big things coming from Beckett this year. His first season in the American League came with a vast learning curve that taught him a lot of things about how to pitch. As a hurler in the National League, he could rely on his good ol' number 1, this train of thought didn't work in the American League where he gave up 35+ HRs. This year he is learning how to pitch, not relying on his fastball and finding his devastating curve ball. I still claim that if this kid could develop a split fingered fastball he would be unstoppable, but that's neither here nor there. This season he will find his groove, not without a rough stretch, and will shave about 1.5o points from his ERA and that is sufficient for me because if he does that the wins will follow. At the end of the day the extension he was given last year will be a bargain for the results he will give. Way more valuable than Matt Clement, who by the way is still around. Don't call it a comeback, no seriously don't, he sucks lets just eat money and let him walk. It's funny how now it seems way more efficient to take Clement's money and just light it all on fire. But that was a real tangent, Josh Beckett. Go Josh Beckett
Daisuke Matsuzaka.
The Asian Sensation, the phenom, Monster of the Fenway. It's easy to get really into what this guys has done so far (see Weei soundbite). He has lit up spring training lineups showing dominance and the ability of getting out of sticky situations, kind of like Jenna Jameson. In all seriousness this guy looks great and could be poised for big things in the Majors. I can't get that up on him yet, not because I don't think he can do it, I just can't bear it if his season did not meet my expectations and I am let down. Hey, I'm looking out for number one. With that said he will go 12-7 with a 4.50 ERA as a bare minimum. This kid is awesome baby! A real PTPer! A Diaper Dandy! I do think within the next 18 months he will emerge as the ace of the staff and lead to Sox to the promised land at least once. I think the Sox have been accpeting to his needs and shouldn't be a problem in the clubhouse, and the only thing is he has shown glimpses of being a premadonna. Keeping that in check will be a key for his success. There's no other insight I can give you that hasn't all ready been said.
Tim Wakefield
What is there to say about this guy, my favorite player? He'll eat innings win somewhere between 10-15 wins, and he'll simply battle day in and day out. Love Tim Wakefield, you all should too. Only drawback is that Dougie Fresh has to be in the lineup when he pitches, oh well, he's still awesome.
Julian Tavarez
He better pitch like he did at the end of last season, or bad things will happen. Not really, they'll just call comeback of the year canidate Jon Lester to take over the role. When that happens don't be surprised to quit hearing about Manny's problems or qualms because Tavarez will be too busy with his airing his own grievance. (Side Note: I believe every year the Red Sox should celebrate festivus, it would be a lot easier than hearing all this trade talk and contract bull.) In all fairness to Manny's PR guy he did pitch well as a started going 3-0 on in six starts with one complete game and a 4.01 ERA. He will need to keep these numbers up if he wants to keep his spot from Lester who seems to just be waiting at this point. If he does forfeit the spot that will probably mean the end for Snyder as a Red Sox since he is our long reliever. Seriously can't wait for Lester to comeback so we can have a SweetAwesome rotation
CL Jonathan "JonnyPaps" Papelbon
Okay so he's a closer again by choice. He's doing the same things doctor's advised against, this should show you the intelligence of professional athletes. I thought he should be a starter and was poised fro a dazzling career pushing Matsuzaka out of the ace position. It really looked like he could be the next Roger Clemens-esque pitcher. Oh well, he's our closer, solidifying a huge hole there, and he's wicked pissah. He'll have another great season, but if he gets injured because he's the closer I'll kill him. Last thing about Paps is he rocks the sweet mullet which means dominance will ensue.
Bullpen
As for the rest of the bullpen, they scare me to death and I'd rather not go in depth about a staff of once good pitchers entering the twilight of their career. Besides Timlin and Okajima (and only because MLB haven't seen him before) I dont know who to trust. Hopefully they will all bounce back from springs where they had a harder time finding the stikezone then finding Waldo in the Medievil festival picture. God I hope this works out.
Coach(es)
Tito will be fine, but this will be his hardest assignment yet with players the likes of Manny, Drew, Matsuzaka constantly needing attention and coddling along with a slew of young players to keep in check. He'll be fine but don't think he'll sleep well this summer. The reason I wanted to go into the coaching staff is because I read an article saying Johnny Pesky ("you think he calls his dick the Pesky Pole?" Simmons you are the man) will not be allowed in the dug out because of a rule the Red Sox have been ignoring. By the way, I love the fact that the Red Sox refuse to take some rules seriously. Pesky must be in the dugout and around the clubhouse. He is the Red Sox, yes it isn't Wally, not to have him around is blasphemy and will probably kill him. MLB you are dumb, and ignorant, and dumb , and stupid. Theo just hire him as a bench coach, if he has to manage a game so be it, he probably still can. He knows this team better than anyone and should be forced to be around the team and not forced to be away from them.
That is all for now, because the sheer length of this surprised me as well. The things to watch for will come in the following week as well as notes about the first exciting series against the Royals. Stay tuned. But as for now it's time to throw my throw back Clemens Jersey on and cheer my team into the post season, six months from now. I love this game.
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