From A to F

Posted by Mike Giardi September 30, 2008 at 10:13 pm

My whole family was – or still are – teachers. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I harbor a desire to be Professor Giardi one day. And because I get to write whatever the heck I want on this blog (within reason), I’ve decided to do what everyone else has been doing these last couple days; namely, grade the Red Sox. I warn you, I’m not nearly as nice as some of the educators I had in my day (you know , the era of of leather helmets, leisure suits and Stan Smith sneakers. Yes, I realize I just cross-pollenized (?) about 4 generations. Sue me).

The picture, by the way, is of Lanny “The Professor” Poffo, who was once a wrestler for WWF. Actually, this photo is when he was called “The Genius.” Ah well.

Catchers

Jason Varitek (.220, 13, 43): B-

Now I know I just said I’m a tough grader, but I think Red Sox Nation sometimes thinks every player in the lineup should hit .300 with 20 homers and 100 RBI. That’s not the way it works. So while Tek has been swinging a dead fish at the plate, especially from the left side, the job he does with this pitching staff is second to none. And that’s what he’s here to do. Period. End of story. Any offense is a bonus.

Kevin Cash (.225, 3, 15): B

He handled Tim Wakefield as well, if not better, than Doug Mirabelli. Plus, he looks like Keith Foulke’s twin brother. And while some don’t like Foulke for his “Johnny Burger King” quote, I fondly remember him as the man who won the Sox a 2004 World Series title.

Infield

Kevin Youkilis (.312, 29, 115) A-

Youk would get an A+ if not for a late August, early September slide. The guy has blossomed into one of the more feared hitters in the game (just ask any opposing manager), and has more power than even Theo and his minions could have imagined. The work Youk did once Manny was traded, a real sign of his ability to rise up in big spots. I’m excited to see what he does in the second season.

Sean Casey (.322, 0, 17) C

He’s a singles hitter with absolutely no range at first base. What’s good about that from a corner infielder? The Sox do not want to have to employ Casey  in this series against Anaheim, I can tell you that. The Angels would bunt on every AB, and the Sox would be helpless to do anything about it.

Dustin Pedroia (.326, 17, 83) A+

The MVP. The kid can play. At this point, I feel like saying “I told you so,” but I hate people who do that. So I won’t.

Alex Cora (.270, 0, 9) C-

A great guy, great teammate but merely a serviceable player. Doesn’t move all that well laterally, has very little speed and no pop. Again, the Sox bench is suspect at best, and he’s one of those guys who’s under suspicion.

Jed Lowrie (.258, 2, 35) B-

Initially, did his best Dustin Pedroia impression, but lately, his stick has looked slow, especially from the left side. Still, consider the alternatives (Cora, Lugo) and then point to his strong production those first 8 weeks, and you can see why Lowrie may well be on this team – or a major piece of some offseason deal – in 2009.

Julio Lugo (Does it matter?) F-

He was brutal before he got hurt, showing that Theo may have the magic touch with many things, but shortstop is not one of them. What do they do with this guy in the offseason? He’s still due 18 million. Can he become a utility player at that price? Or do they eat his salary?

Mike Lowell (.274, 17, 73) C+

His first-half was All-Star worthy. His second was why the Sox initially balked at giving him more than two years on his new deal. The hip is an issue, and may continue to be going forward. That may outweigh what a consummate pro Lowell is.

Outfield

J.D Drew (.280, 19, 64) C+

Almost a carbon copy of Lowell. He absolutely put this team on his back for a month, but then missed the final 6 weeks with a bad back.

Jacoby Ellsbury (.280, 9, 47) C

Great April and May, followed by 3 months of nothing. Ellsbury’s confidence in himself may have contributed to those woes, which worries me ever so slightly. But he rebounded in September, and hold the key – in my mind – the Sox’s offense in the second season. He can be sooooooo disruptive.

Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) B

He wasn’t suppose to be here. He wasn’t suppose to do well if he stayed here. But the last two months, with consistent playing time, Coco has been pretty good at the plate. Its actually his defense that has suffered some, largely because of that bad toe. But I give him credit for remaining focused and productive. Not easy to do when you believe you could start for 20 other teams in MLB.

Jason Bay (.293, 9, 37) B

A great start to his Red Sox career, with 29 RBI in the month of August. He’s cooled down some since, but has added a calming presence in that clubhouse and he’s a pretty good hitter. Its just that he’s not Manny, but in many ways, that’s a good thing. Now comes his biggest challenge: becoming a force in October. Does he have it in him? Honestly, I have no idea.

Designated Hitter

David Ortiz (.264, 23, 89) C+

He wasn’t the same hitter before the injury or after. The only hope is that his late rise (5 HRs in last 10 games) means that wrist is feeling better, and Big Papi has found his balance at the dish. He doesn’t think anyone will pitch to him, but if Youk’s hitting in the cleanup spot, I say he’s wrong, especially when Youk punishes pitchers for being too cautious.

Starters

Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03) C

Wasn’t remotely close to being the same guy as he was a year ago. Why was that? Injuries certainly played a role, as did all those innings last year (at least, all those innings for Beckett). But he’s still a huge piece going forward.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2, 2.90) B

I was tempted to go higher here, but the fact that he’s not consistently working deep into games is bothersome for a guy with his stuff. Still, a big leap from year one to year two, which only whets your appetite for next season.

Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) A

The best story of this season, better than Youk’s upward move, or Pedroia becoming an MVP caliber player. He has been an absolute horse, and reminds me so much of an Andy Pettitte in his prime, its scary. I doubted. Now, I’m a convert. Hey, just don’t fight it. Go with the flow.

Tim Wakefield (10-11, 4.13) B-

He’s 42 years old, and he’s still a solid back-end of the rotation guy. I’m not sure how much longer his body will let him go this route, but Wake did what he was asked. Again.

Paul Byrd (4-2, 4.78) C-

Byrd settled down the 5-spot and the Sox won 6 of his 8 starts. That should warrant a higher grade, I suppose, but he’s just an average pitcher. Much better than Buchholz was, but average nonetheless. And this is the perfect grade.

Clay Buchholz -

Let’s just leave this one unsaid. You know what he got. I know what he got. Will he bounce back? Will the Sox even give him the chance here in Boston? Good questions…all of ‘em.

Bullpen

Javier Lopez (0-2, 2.43) B+

I gave Lopez a hard time last year. For good reason: he couldn’t get lefties out. But the southpaw has redeemed himself, and I trust him more than just about anyone else in that pen. That, my friends, is progress.

Mike Timlin (4-4, 5.66) D-

Man, I’m getting soft in my old age. He can still throw 90-plus, but that sinkerball doesn’t sink anymore. Hasn’t all season. That’s a huge problem. I hope this is it for him, but I’m not sure he’s willing to let go.

Manny Delcarmen (1-2, 3.27) C+

Has made great strides lately, and was terrific in May, but the season is 6 months long. Do you trust him in a big spot?

Hideki Okajima (3-2, 2.61) B

He was so good last year, we held him to higher standards than most relievers. That changeup hasn’t been that sweet, but he’s adapting and having success. He’s key going forward, because my postseason success manual includes three good relievers. I’m banking on Okie, and Pap. Who’ll be the third? I have no idea.

Jon Papelbon (5-4, 2.34) B+

Yet another guy who we hold to a ridiculous standard. But he did blow 5 saves, and his strikeouts per 9 innings is way down (from 13 to 10). Still, I believe in him. And so do his teammates and manager. And that’s what matters the most.

No news, but good news from Tito

Posted by Ted McEnroe September 30, 2008 at 6:20 pm

So, the Sox aren’t ready to tip their hands yet about the post-season roster for the ALDS, but listening to Terry Francona, the M*A*S*H* trio of Lowell, Drew and Beckett are looking pretty good heading into the series. “J.D looked real good, I actually thought Mikey Lowell looked pretty good,” said Francona, calling Lowell’s outing “very encouraging.”

Read more

Gearing Up For Another One

Posted by Adam Hart September 30, 2008 at 10:43 am

Boston Celtics media day means that the season is just around the corner.  And what better time for Phil Jackson to say what we all knew for months Read more

Lester and Dice, then not-so-nice?

Posted by Chris Collins September 29, 2008 at 10:23 pm

So, Josh Beckett has to get pushed back to Game 3 of the ALDS.

On the surface, the back up plan (Jon Lester) is one heck of a back up plan. Ever since Theo put his stamp on the Red Sox they have been set up to win short series – that’s how you win world titles.

And today, the Red Sox have the best front line pitching in baseball. They have the best #2 starter and the best #3 starter in Lester and Matsuzaka, and even though Josh Beckett has been just a shell of his ‘07 self, when the weather cools off Beckett heats up.

If he can pitch.

No matter how you spin it, to have to push back a big game pitcher of the magnitude of Josh Beckett is a terrible way to start the post season. Winning is tough enough — trying to win without your ace healthy is nearly impossible. So the next couple of days are huge. The Sox need to get Beckett back and healthy, and if they don’t, despite a great number two and three in Lester and Daisuke, no Beckett means no back-to-back.

Lester Pitcher of the Month

Posted by Morry Levine September 29, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Red Sox LHP Jon Lester has been selected as the American League Pitcher of the Month for September.

It is the second time this season that Lester has won the monthly award in 2008 as he was also selected in July.

Lester is the first Red Sox pitcher to win A.L. monthly honors more than once in a season since Pedro Martinez was selected in April, May, June, and September 1999.

Sox Getting Work In

Posted by Mike Giardi September 29, 2008 at 2:39 pm

The Red Sox are getting ready for their California sendoff by going through an optional workout this hour. True to form, just about all the key positional players are on the Fenway grass taking batting practice.

J.D. Drew just took his first two rounds of BP and looks none the worse for wear. He wrapped one ball around the Pesky Pole, then took a pair off the base of the rightfield wall, just to the right of the visitor’s bullpen.

Now another of the walking wounded, Mike Lowell, is taking his hacks. Lowell is either strutting, or limping from the torn labrum in his hip. His first round was cautious, and he spent almost the entire time going opposite field. His final round, Lowell did find the wall a couple of times but also looked out of sync. Makes sense considering he’s had just one AB in the last two weeks.

Beckett Pushed Back to Game 3

Posted by Mike Giardi September 28, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Just when I was about to write a missive that contained the phrase “Sox win ALDS in 4,” here comes this piece of news. In case you are too lazy to click the link, or are having computer difficulties, I’ll paraphrase: Josh Beckett may have an injured oblique suffered in a recent bullpen session (after his last start). That may jeopardize his spot in the rotation for the upcoming series.

Wow! If that’s accurate, I may have to re-think the “Sox’s in 4″ thing. Beckett was such a dominating force in ‘07, and while you wonder about his ability to regain the same form this postseason – considering his spotty regular season performance - his track record says its very possible. Certainly, with a healthy Beckett, the Sox have arguably the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball. Without him, that puts an incredible burden on Dice-K and Jon Lester. They’ve handled it so far, but that was then.The second season is another level, and that duo’s track record isn’t nearly what Beckett’s is. Stay tuned. 

**11:11 PM – You can make this news official. Sox skipper Terry Francona just announcing that Beckett will not start Game One in Anaheim. Instead, he’s being pushed back to Game 3, which is in Boston Sunday. Jon Lester – who’s been just 5-5 on the road, will get the ball Wednesday against John Lackey (10:07 PM start). Lester’s been the Sox’s best pitcher, even better than Beckett during the regular season. But this is – as I said – a different deal. Dice-K will start Game 2 Friday. (9:37 PM start) He’ll be opposed by 16-game winner Ervin Santana.

Angels Playoff Rotation Set

Posted by Mike Giardi September 28, 2008 at 7:31 pm

Angels skipper Mike Sciosica promised us his playoff rotation, and here’s the delivery.

Game 1 Wednesday – John Lackey

Game 2 Friday – Ervin Santana

Game 3 Sunday in Boston – Joe Saunders

His counterpart, Terry Francona, said a short time ago that the Sox wouldn’t make an announcement until tomorrow afternoon around 4. That’s when Tito is scheduled to meet with us (the media). Who gets the nod as the number two starter? Do you go with Jon Lester, who’s been the Sox’s best pitcher this season? Or do you defer to Dice-K, who is a perfect 9-0 away from Fenway (whereas Lester is 11-5 at home)? Tough call, but let me ask you: who do you feel most comfortable with if there’s a Game 5 back in Anaheim two Wednesdays from now? Feel free to weigh in…

Here’s the rest of the Angels first-round roster:

Pitchers (10): Lackey, Santana, Saunders, Jon Garland, Jered Weaver, Darren Oliver, Jose Arredondo, Kevin Jepsen, Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez.

Positional players (15): Erick Aybar, Jeff Mathis, Chone Figgins, Garret Anderson, Juan Rivera, Gary Mathews Jr., Mark Teixeira, Vladimir Guerrero, Mike Napoli, Howie Kendrick, Torii Hunter, Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, Kendry Morales and Brandon Wood.

NFL Picks, Week 4

Posted by Mike Giardi September 28, 2008 at 10:44 am

Without further adieu, my week 4 selections for the National Football League.

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-3 1/2) – The Battle of Brutal Ballclubs. No wins between them, and no hope for the future, especially not after the Browns fire my man Romeo. Bengals, 24-17.

Atlanta at Carolina (-7) – Vikings players were giving Jake Delhomme grief about being too emotional. He said that’s not true, and that the Vikes can @#!@#$#$$@#$$! That Delhomme, as cool as the other side of the pillow. Panthers, 21-10.

Goodbye, Sir

Posted by Adam Hart September 27, 2008 at 11:16 am

One of the greatest American actors of all time, Paul Newman, has passed away at age 83. He lost his long battle with cancer. Take some time to appreciate his work, a portion of which is sports related. Read more

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