Anyone who calls themselves a Red Sox fan knows the importance of that date. It has to be the greatest day in the long, storied history of the Boston Red Sox franchise. It marked the end of a nightmare that lasted for nearly a century for Red Sox Nation. 86 years without a World Series championship...that's longer than the average life expectancy, longer than the wait for Halley's Comet, long enough for the way we live to change dramatically. My great-grandfather, a lifelong New Englander, was born in 1897 and saw five Red Sox World Championships from the time he was six to the time he was 21, then didn't see another one for the rest of his life. He would have had to have lived to be 107 to have seen them win it all again in 2004! My father, also a New Englander and lifelong Red Sox fan, had to wait 56 years to see a World Series Championship for his beloved team. All the waiting, the "almosts," the frustration culminated in one euphoric moment as Keith Foulke tossed the ball to Doug Mientkiewicz for the final out of Game 4 that sealed the deal, completing a sweep of the team that twice (in 1946 and 1967) shattered their World Series dreams, the St. Louis Cardinals.
2004 was a year of destiny for New England sports fans, with the Pats winning the Super Bowl earlier that year and the Red Sox reversing the "curse" and winning the World Series in the fall. It couldn't have been scripted better by Hollywood's finest screenwriters. To have the Sox win it all again three years later, with a mix of the 2004 crowd and some new faces, made a statement to the sports world that the Boston Red Sox are a force to be reckoned with in the 21st century. Things won't always be easy and no team can win it all every year, but for the past six years, save for an injury-plagued 2006, the Sox have been contenders and I expect they will continue to be contenders with the talent they have in their system and through shrewd trades and free-agent pickups. When they can win as many games as they had this year and last with a streaky offense, inconsistent starting pitching, and middle-of-the-pack defense, they're one helluva team.
LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!!!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
May the Red Pinstripes Win
The Red Pinstripes would be the Philadelphia Phillies. Not only am I rooting for them to win the World Series because they have a chance to repeat, but also because of who they are playing. As any Red Sox fan will tell you, we root for two teams: The Red Sox and whoever is playing the Yankees. This post-season has been hard to stomach as a Sox fan, with the Yanks playing the way they are and Red Sox Nation Public Enemy #1, A-Rod, suddenly morphing into Mr. Clutch. CC Sabathia has transformed from post-season train wreck to ALCS MVP. It's enough for any sensible, well-adjusted, mature Red Sox fan to stomp her (or his) foot, pout, and wail "it's just not faaaaair!"
Ok, now that we've got that out of our systems, it was plain to see that it just wasn't the Red Sox year. Despite winning 95 games, the 2009 Red Sox were remarkably inconsistent, whether it be on the mound or at the plate. The home and road splits showed them to be a team that could dominate at home, but mediocre away from friendly Fenway. The bargain-bin acquisitions in the off-season didn't pan out and left the front office scrambling at the deadline and beyond to fill holes in the rotation and in the offense. Control of an opposing team's running game was nonexistent. Thanks to a strong first half of the season, especially for the offense and bullpen, the Sox won enough games to make it into the playoffs, but once they got there, the wheels came off again and their post-season was as short as it could possibly be.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, the front office has a lot of work to do to improve the team for 2010. The post-season isn't over yet and already I'm missing watching the Red Sox play. For the next week or so, I'll masquerade as a Phillies fan and hope Pedro can be his vintage self against the Yanks.
LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!! LET'S GO 2009 PHILLIES!!! BEAT THE YANKS!!!!
Ok, now that we've got that out of our systems, it was plain to see that it just wasn't the Red Sox year. Despite winning 95 games, the 2009 Red Sox were remarkably inconsistent, whether it be on the mound or at the plate. The home and road splits showed them to be a team that could dominate at home, but mediocre away from friendly Fenway. The bargain-bin acquisitions in the off-season didn't pan out and left the front office scrambling at the deadline and beyond to fill holes in the rotation and in the offense. Control of an opposing team's running game was nonexistent. Thanks to a strong first half of the season, especially for the offense and bullpen, the Sox won enough games to make it into the playoffs, but once they got there, the wheels came off again and their post-season was as short as it could possibly be.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, the front office has a lot of work to do to improve the team for 2010. The post-season isn't over yet and already I'm missing watching the Red Sox play. For the next week or so, I'll masquerade as a Phillies fan and hope Pedro can be his vintage self against the Yanks.
LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!! LET'S GO 2009 PHILLIES!!! BEAT THE YANKS!!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Looking To The Future
Today's 7-6 loss to the Angels ended the Red Sox' 2009 season. I don't want to go into how they lost; there's plenty of that already on the 'net. It's time to look to 2010 and how the front office can improve the team for next year.
1. Hire a new hitting coach. One of the biggest problems this season was inconsistent offense from a very talented and capable lineup. This was particularly problematic on the road and against quality pitching. Championship teams hit well enough on the road to win more games than they lose. In 2007, the Red Sox had a winning road record and we know how that season ended. The two years following, they did not and, while they got to the playoffs, they didn't go as far as they'd like. The Red Sox need a fresh approach to their offensive attack, an approach that can help them succeed better away from Fenway.
2. Sign or trade for another quality starting pitcher. Felix Hernandez would be ideal, but it would take a lot of prospects and maybe some major-league talent as well to pry him away from Seattle. Roy Halladay is another option. He's older, but still one of the best pitchers in the game. I've heard Rich Harden suggested. He's an injury concern, but when he's healthy he's much better than a Penny or a Smoltz. Plus, he has had success in the AL, having been an Oakland A not too long ago.
3. Bring back Wake for half a season. Wake had a great first half, but an injury-plagued second half. He will have back surgery in the off-season. It might not be a bad idea to bring him back for help down the stretch, giving him extra tiem to recover from surgery and get his strength back.
4. Sign Jason Bay to a long-term contract. Bay has his drawbacks, such as high strikeout rate and not the world's best defense, but he's good for at least 30 HR and 100 RBI and those guys are not easy to come by, especially in this year's FA market.
5. Find a good bench bat that can stay healthy. One thing that hurt the Red Sox in the ALDS was lack of a decent bat off the bench, since Rocco Baldelli was injured. Rocco is a local boy with lots of talent and he's had a rough go of it with the channelopathy. However, they need a more durable bench bat for next year. I'm not sure who's available there. If they can find a young first or third baseman with decent pop, Lowell can be that bench bat.
6. Find a good defensive catcher to back up V-Mart. One with an arm who can throw out baserunners. I don't know who's available via trade or free agency, but the Sox need someone to help control the running game. Offer Varitek a coaching job somewhere in the system.
That's a lot of work, but the Red Sox, while they don't have the bottomless pit of money the Yanks do, have the resources to get much of this done. There are risks involved, but leaving the team as it is next year without making improvements is much riskier. They can't win every year and it may take a few years to build them back to being the team they were in 2007. Hopefully the next few years will see new leaders emerging in the clubhouse to give focus and drive to the team, the "mojo" they need to play their very best and win another championship in the not-too-distant future. Win or lose, and as disappointing and frustrating as those losses can be, the Red Sox will always be my team. It's in my blood. My great-grandfather saw the Sox win it all several times in the early 20th century and used to take my father and uncle to Fenway Park when the were little and they got to see Ted Williams play. He did not live to see them win again in 2004, as he passed away in 1992 at the age of 95. He would be happy to know that they've returned to their winning ways this decade after that 86-year drought.
LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!!!
1. Hire a new hitting coach. One of the biggest problems this season was inconsistent offense from a very talented and capable lineup. This was particularly problematic on the road and against quality pitching. Championship teams hit well enough on the road to win more games than they lose. In 2007, the Red Sox had a winning road record and we know how that season ended. The two years following, they did not and, while they got to the playoffs, they didn't go as far as they'd like. The Red Sox need a fresh approach to their offensive attack, an approach that can help them succeed better away from Fenway.
2. Sign or trade for another quality starting pitcher. Felix Hernandez would be ideal, but it would take a lot of prospects and maybe some major-league talent as well to pry him away from Seattle. Roy Halladay is another option. He's older, but still one of the best pitchers in the game. I've heard Rich Harden suggested. He's an injury concern, but when he's healthy he's much better than a Penny or a Smoltz. Plus, he has had success in the AL, having been an Oakland A not too long ago.
3. Bring back Wake for half a season. Wake had a great first half, but an injury-plagued second half. He will have back surgery in the off-season. It might not be a bad idea to bring him back for help down the stretch, giving him extra tiem to recover from surgery and get his strength back.
4. Sign Jason Bay to a long-term contract. Bay has his drawbacks, such as high strikeout rate and not the world's best defense, but he's good for at least 30 HR and 100 RBI and those guys are not easy to come by, especially in this year's FA market.
5. Find a good bench bat that can stay healthy. One thing that hurt the Red Sox in the ALDS was lack of a decent bat off the bench, since Rocco Baldelli was injured. Rocco is a local boy with lots of talent and he's had a rough go of it with the channelopathy. However, they need a more durable bench bat for next year. I'm not sure who's available there. If they can find a young first or third baseman with decent pop, Lowell can be that bench bat.
6. Find a good defensive catcher to back up V-Mart. One with an arm who can throw out baserunners. I don't know who's available via trade or free agency, but the Sox need someone to help control the running game. Offer Varitek a coaching job somewhere in the system.
That's a lot of work, but the Red Sox, while they don't have the bottomless pit of money the Yanks do, have the resources to get much of this done. There are risks involved, but leaving the team as it is next year without making improvements is much riskier. They can't win every year and it may take a few years to build them back to being the team they were in 2007. Hopefully the next few years will see new leaders emerging in the clubhouse to give focus and drive to the team, the "mojo" they need to play their very best and win another championship in the not-too-distant future. Win or lose, and as disappointing and frustrating as those losses can be, the Red Sox will always be my team. It's in my blood. My great-grandfather saw the Sox win it all several times in the early 20th century and used to take my father and uncle to Fenway Park when the were little and they got to see Ted Williams play. He did not live to see them win again in 2004, as he passed away in 1992 at the age of 95. He would be happy to know that they've returned to their winning ways this decade after that 86-year drought.
LET'S GO 2010 RED SOX!!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Can a whole team fit under the bus?
Because that's where I'm throwing 'em! Damn the Red Sox for keeping me wide-eyed and pissed-off at 2 am. This team looks like it would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere but at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. They look sad, tired, defeated, overmatched, and OLD! This is the friggin' PLAYOFFS!!!! There are 22 other teams who would LOVE to be in the Red Sox' place. Take the Detroit Tigers, for example. They played 12 innings on Tuesday night, only to fall to Twins. If the Sox don't want to step it up and play to their abilities, then step aside and let another team play. The Angels are playing with a purpose and they're playing some pretty damn good baseball. I'd enjoy it if it weren't at the Red Sox' expense. If they beat the Red Sox in the ALDS, then they really deserved it.
The front office needs to address this bi-polar offense thing this off-season. Maybe a new hitting coach who can motivate them more on the road. This wasn't always a problem. As recently as 2007, the Sox had a winning road record. The decline began last year and just got worse this year. I'm afraid the acquisition of V-Mart, while it helped them get into the playoffs, isn't going to be enough to fix the offensive ineptitude away from Fenway. I expected a much better performance out of the Red Sox in these first two ALDS games. Maybe not like in 2007, but certainly comparable to how they performed last year. They may very well win the next two games at Fenway (or they may not) but they still have to win one on the road in order to advance.
To make things worse for Red Sox fans, the Yankees can't do wrong this post-season. Even Sabathia and A-Rod, two notorious post-season chokers, are suddenly clutch. So far, this season has been a Red Sox fan's worst nightmare. The Red Sox can change things, at least on their end, by coming up big both at Fenway in the next two games AND on the road for Game 5, should it get that far. However, they have to want it and right now, I'm not sure they want it badly enough.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!! DO OR DIE ON SUNDAY!
The front office needs to address this bi-polar offense thing this off-season. Maybe a new hitting coach who can motivate them more on the road. This wasn't always a problem. As recently as 2007, the Sox had a winning road record. The decline began last year and just got worse this year. I'm afraid the acquisition of V-Mart, while it helped them get into the playoffs, isn't going to be enough to fix the offensive ineptitude away from Fenway. I expected a much better performance out of the Red Sox in these first two ALDS games. Maybe not like in 2007, but certainly comparable to how they performed last year. They may very well win the next two games at Fenway (or they may not) but they still have to win one on the road in order to advance.
To make things worse for Red Sox fans, the Yankees can't do wrong this post-season. Even Sabathia and A-Rod, two notorious post-season chokers, are suddenly clutch. So far, this season has been a Red Sox fan's worst nightmare. The Red Sox can change things, at least on their end, by coming up big both at Fenway in the next two games AND on the road for Game 5, should it get that far. However, they have to want it and right now, I'm not sure they want it badly enough.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!! DO OR DIE ON SUNDAY!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Zero runs never equals win.
Well, that was a hot mess of a game. The Sox were shut out by the Angels in a game with horrendous umpiring and even more horrendous lack of production from the bats. The Sox fielded their best lineup against Lackey, but couldn't get anything done. Just four hits. This is not good, boys! It's a recurring theme with the 2008 and 2009 offense, this ineptitude away from Fenway. In a series where you have to win at least one game on the road due to not having earned the home field advantage, it means something has to change.
Lester battled through six innings and I mean really battled. Having to get 4 outs due to bush-league umpiring (two blown calls at first and the ever-shrinking strike zone) can take a toll on a pitcher and Lester made one bad pitch to Sox-killer Torii Hunter and the game was basically over then. Oh, and will anyone be able to get Bobby Abreu out? Four walks handed out to this guy, four! Why waste the pitches, just point him in the direction of first base the minute he steps into the batter's box.
So, bottom line is, the Red Sox need to play better ball and not look so overmatched by the Halos. The umps need to go to their nearest optometrist's office and book an appointment before tomorrow night's game. Beckett needs to be the 2007 lights-out guy and the bats need to wake the hell up and produce some runs!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!! STEP IT UP AND WIN GAME 2!!!!
Lester battled through six innings and I mean really battled. Having to get 4 outs due to bush-league umpiring (two blown calls at first and the ever-shrinking strike zone) can take a toll on a pitcher and Lester made one bad pitch to Sox-killer Torii Hunter and the game was basically over then. Oh, and will anyone be able to get Bobby Abreu out? Four walks handed out to this guy, four! Why waste the pitches, just point him in the direction of first base the minute he steps into the batter's box.
So, bottom line is, the Red Sox need to play better ball and not look so overmatched by the Halos. The umps need to go to their nearest optometrist's office and book an appointment before tomorrow night's game. Beckett needs to be the 2007 lights-out guy and the bats need to wake the hell up and produce some runs!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!! STEP IT UP AND WIN GAME 2!!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Song For The Red Sox Fan
So, I spent my baseball-free evening writing a little song about the 2009 season. Ok, it's a rather long song, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway;-)
Red Sox 2009 Season Song: “A Song For the Red Sox Fan”
To the tune of “Piano Man”
With apologies to Billy Joel
‘Twas on a Tuesday at Fenway Park
The Red Sox were facing the Rays
Josh Beckett, he fanned 10 Rays batters
James Shields, he had seen better days.
The Red Sox would drop the next two
They went to the west coast and floundered
‘Till Wakefield his knuckleball threw
Sing us a song for the Red Sox fan
Pour us a glass of good wine
As we ride all the highs and we suffer the lows of
The season of two thousand nine!
Wake’s complete game performance
Spurred on a long winning streak
They had themselves a perfect homestand
And sure made the Yankees look weak
The starting rotation was getting rocked
Big Papi looked lost at the plate
If not for the clutch hits from Jason Bay
They would have faced a much worse fate
As April rolled over into May
Papi was looking forlorn
On the 20th of May, a Wednesday
His mighty home run stroke reborn
Chorus
In June the Sox still owned the Yankees
They made out well in interleague play
John Smoltz made his debut in Washington
But they had to send down Dice-K
At Camden Yards in Baltimore
Up nine runs to one at the rain delay
But ten more runs those O’s did score
But in the game he didn’t play
What a disappointment for Red Sox fan
But we saw Youk, Pap, Beckett, and Bay
Chorus
Clay Buchholz got called to Toronto
He pitched to the Blue Jays and won
The remaining games on the road trip,
They weren’t nearly as fun
Smoltz and Penny were giving up runs
The team’s ship was rapidly sinking
So many were saying “They’re done”
Called Shapiro about a big trade
V-Mart for Masterson and prospects
‘Cause ‘Tek was in second-half fade
Chorus
Early in August, still scuffling
The Sox staggered into New York
No longer did they own the Yankees
Those devils had found their pitchforks
Helped his bummed-out team turn around
Like Jason Bay had done before him,
He lead the team to a rebound
But Beckett served up gopher balls
Penny and Smoltz, they got sent on their way
Replaced by the Byrdie named Paul
Lugo now plays in St. Lou
So back once again we saw Gonzo
Such a pleasure to see him turn two
They still were atop the Wild Card
But rain, Zach Greinke and Yankees
Made this team fall and fall hard
Soon the playoff berth was clinched
The cure for their slide was the Indians
Sweeping them was such a cinch!
Chorus
Matching their mark from last year
Here’s hoping the ’09 post-season
Brings this team and their fans lots of cheer!
My ALDS Roster
With the announcement of the Red Sox ALDS roster coming very soon, here are my picks:
Position Players
Starting Lineup:
Jacoby Ellsbury (CF)
Dustin Pedroia (2B)
Victor Martinez (C)
Kevin Youkilis (1B)
David Ortiz (DH)
Jason Bay (LF)
Mike Lowell (3B)
JD Drew (RF)
Alex Gonzalez (SS)
Bench: Brian Anderson (OF), Joey Gathright (OF), Jed Lowrie (2B, 3B, SS), Jason Varitek (C),
Casey Kotchman (1B)
Pitchers
Starting Rotation:
Jon Lester (Game 1, possibly Game 4)
Josh Beckett (Game 2, possibly Game 5)
Clay Buchholz* (Game 3)
* I went along with the rotation that has already been chosen, but my pick would have been Daisuke Matsuzaka as the Game 3 starter based on him having more playoff experience.
Bullpen:
Daisuke Matsuzaka (long relief, can start if necessary)
Paul Byrd (long or middle relief)
Ramon Ramirez (middle relief)
Takashi Saito (middle relief)
Daniel Bard (middle relief)
Billy Wagner (set-up)
Hideki Okajima (middle relief or set-up)
Jonathan Papelbon (closer)
It will be interesting to see how my picks jive with the Red Sox' picks, especially for the bench and bullpen.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!! KEEP ON HEXING THE HALOS!!!
Position Players
Starting Lineup:
Jacoby Ellsbury (CF)
Dustin Pedroia (2B)
Victor Martinez (C)
Kevin Youkilis (1B)
David Ortiz (DH)
Jason Bay (LF)
Mike Lowell (3B)
JD Drew (RF)
Alex Gonzalez (SS)
Bench: Brian Anderson (OF), Joey Gathright (OF), Jed Lowrie (2B, 3B, SS), Jason Varitek (C),
Casey Kotchman (1B)
Pitchers
Starting Rotation:
Jon Lester (Game 1, possibly Game 4)
Josh Beckett (Game 2, possibly Game 5)
Clay Buchholz* (Game 3)
* I went along with the rotation that has already been chosen, but my pick would have been Daisuke Matsuzaka as the Game 3 starter based on him having more playoff experience.
Bullpen:
Daisuke Matsuzaka (long relief, can start if necessary)
Paul Byrd (long or middle relief)
Ramon Ramirez (middle relief)
Takashi Saito (middle relief)
Daniel Bard (middle relief)
Billy Wagner (set-up)
Hideki Okajima (middle relief or set-up)
Jonathan Papelbon (closer)
It will be interesting to see how my picks jive with the Red Sox' picks, especially for the bench and bullpen.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!! KEEP ON HEXING THE HALOS!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The 2009 Soxie Awards
The regular season is now officially over and the 2009 Red Sox matched last year's 95-67 record, reaching their 95-win goal. The final game of the season was a good one, with the Sox beating the Tribe 12-7 and sweeping the 4-game series. Balls were flying off Sox bats, with 5 dingers among JD Drew (2!), Jed Lowrie (grand salami!), Pedey, and Gonzo. That's back-to-back games with a grand slam! For Lowrie, this was easily the highlight of his frustrating, injury-riddled season. Amazingly, he hit it left-handed and you could see the grimace on his face as he felt it in his left wrist. Oh, and George Kottaras played third, got two hits, and made some nice plays. Can he play short???
Buchholz struggled mightily once again, giving up 6 Tribe runs in 3 innings. The bright side, if there's one to be found in this troubling outing, is that only one of those runs was via the long ball. Buch once again had trouble with command and keeping the ball down in the zone. He's still nearly a rookie and rookies are going to have setbacks like this. He has a week to work with Farrell, V-Mart, and Tito to try and correct some of these issues with command, as he is still scheduled to pitch Game 3. Dice-K might be the better option for Game 3, given his strong post-DL outings and two years of playoff experience where he has, for the most part, pitched very well. However, Buch does have some amazing stuff and when he's on his game, he can be devastating.
It's time to hand out some virtual hardware for a season that was, on the whole, well-played. The 2009 InSOXicated Awards, or the Soxies for short are in their second year and they're my way to pay tribute, and in some cases, poke some good-natured fun at, the men who make the baseball season so special for me. Without further ado...
THE 2009 SOXIES
The King of the Hill Award: This year, the decision is not as clear cut as it was last year, but, after much deliberation, the result is the same. Jon Lester had a rough start to the season, but once he got himself straightened out, it was like 2008 all over again. His 225 strikeouts is good for third in the AL and if not for some tough-luck no-decisions and that bumpy first month and a half, he would be a serious Cy Young contender. So, for the second year in a row, Jon Lester wins the King of the Hill Soxie. Honorable Mentions: Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield (for his first half performance)
The Flashing Leather Award: He may not have been around the whole season, but Alex Gonzalez brought stability to a position that had been a defensive liability before he arrived. For filling the black hole at shortstop, he wins the 2009 Flashing Leather Soxie. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Teddy Yaz Award: Forget the dreadful midsummer slump, when Jason Bay's bat dropped off the face of the earth. With 36 homers and 118 RBI, he is very much deserving of the 2009 Teddy Yaz Soxie for best offensive player. Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez
The Dirt Doggery Award: The Dirt-Doggiest Dirt Dog since Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia takes this one again. He grinds, he dives, he doesn't let up for a second. When's this guy's uniform NOT dirty? Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury
The Golden Welcome Mat Award: All this guy did was save the Sox from revisiting 2006. One of Theo Epstein's best deadline pickups, Victor Martinez has made himself very welcome in Boston. He brings the stick, the winning attitude, and the leadership and is very deserving of the 2009 Golden Welcome Mat Soxie. Honorable Mentions: Alex Gonzalez, Billy Wagner
The You've Come A Long Way, Baby Award: Things looked gloomy for David Ortiz in April and May, and look where he is now: 28 HR, 97 RBI! Big Papi sure has come a long way. Honorable Mentions: Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka
The No I in Team Award: It takes a truly selfless player to put himself through what Tim Wakefield has to help his team rest starters for the playoffs. Carrying the pitching staff in April and May took a toll on his back and he's pitched through considerable pain and discomfort in August and September to buy his teammates an extra day of rest here and there. His efforts in the first half earned him an all-star nod and I hope he can come back next year and contribute as much as he is able to. Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez, Mike Lowell
The About Face Award: Coming off of his second MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic, Daisuke Matsuzaka found himself unprepared to make the adjustment to regular season play. He was being lit up all over the place and when one DL stint didn't do the trick, he was sent down to Florida on an extended DL to start his conditioning from scratch. After some initial conflict with the organization about his training plan, he re-focused and dedicated himself to making a comeback during the stretch run. He came back strong in September, when the team needed him most and his presence solidifies the post-season rotation, earning him the 2009 About Face Soxie.
The It's A Bird It's A Plane Award: Shattering the previous Red Sox single-season steals record (54) held by Tommy Harper, Jacoby Ellsbury stole his 70th base this afternoon. He drives pitchers crazy with his constant threat of theft on the basepaths and his .301 average and .355 OBP show that he's getting on base consistently. After a season of adjustments in '08, Ells has become the lead-off hitter the Sox always knew he could be.
The Bullpen Cowboy Award: He's made it interesting many times this season, but Jon Papelbon gets it done, to the tune of 38 saves (out of 41 opportunities), breaking Bob Stanley's career saves record (132) with a total of 151. Paps is outspoken and sometimes throwing heat via mouth gets him into trouble, but he is who he is and he's who I want to see on the mound when there's a save to be had.
The Speak Softly and Carry A Big Stick Award: He's the definition of even-keeled and he quietly gets the job done. His name is David Jonathan (JD) Drew and don't look now but he's put together a nice season. With 24 homers, 68 RBI, and a .279 average, he has completed his first 20+ homer season in a Red Sox uniform. He has a knack for pulling off some post-season magic, going deep when the long ball is needed most. Let's hope he has more of that up his sleeve this post-season. If the two dingers today are any indication, pitchers beware!
The Hip to Square Up Award: So his hip needs the orthopedic equivalent of Jiffy Lube every once in awhile. He can still swing the lumber pretty well, to the tune of a .290 average with 17 HR and 75 RBI. Having him healthy for the playoffs will go a long way (and hopefully a ball or two off his bat will do the same thing!) Mike Lowell is a consummate professional and team player, the Tim Wakefield of the position players, if you will. He always puts the team first and maybe there's some more post-season hardware in his future.
The Commander Kick-Ass Award: When he's on, he's really ON. Josh Beckett showed his dominant 2007 self for much of 2009, save for some rough patches both at the beginning of the season and lately. He's done some legendary things in the post-season and I hope we see the Josh Beckett of October 2003 & 2007 on the mound for October 2009.
The He's Still Our Captain Award: There's no question that things have not come easily for Jason Varitek this season, both at the plate and behind it. However, he has to be the most prepared and knowledgeable catchers in the game and he has been credited by V-Mart as being a tremendous help to him in learning a new pitching staff. The pitchers respect him and I hope that someday soon he is offered a job as a coach in the Red Sox organization. For all he has contributed to the team in the decade-plus since he's worn the Red Sox uniform, including being a part of two World Series championship teams, it would be great to see him excel in helping others achieve their baseball success.
And finally, my vote for the 2009 Red Sox MVP Soxie goes to...
KEVIN YOUKILIS!!!
This was another tough one, because there are so many viable candidates. Youk, hitting .305 on the season, is the most consistent offensive and defensive player on the team. He selflessly moves across the diamond from first to third whenever needed, sacrificing his chances to win a Gold Glove at either position. He grinds out his at-bats and his passion for the game makes him extremely popular with teammates and fans alike. He was my pick last year, and true to his reputation for consistency, he gets my nod this year too. Honorable Mentions: Jason Bay, Tim Wakefield (1st half) Victor Martinez (2nd half), Jacoby Ellsbury.
Buchholz struggled mightily once again, giving up 6 Tribe runs in 3 innings. The bright side, if there's one to be found in this troubling outing, is that only one of those runs was via the long ball. Buch once again had trouble with command and keeping the ball down in the zone. He's still nearly a rookie and rookies are going to have setbacks like this. He has a week to work with Farrell, V-Mart, and Tito to try and correct some of these issues with command, as he is still scheduled to pitch Game 3. Dice-K might be the better option for Game 3, given his strong post-DL outings and two years of playoff experience where he has, for the most part, pitched very well. However, Buch does have some amazing stuff and when he's on his game, he can be devastating.
It's time to hand out some virtual hardware for a season that was, on the whole, well-played. The 2009 InSOXicated Awards, or the Soxies for short are in their second year and they're my way to pay tribute, and in some cases, poke some good-natured fun at, the men who make the baseball season so special for me. Without further ado...
THE 2009 SOXIES
The King of the Hill Award: This year, the decision is not as clear cut as it was last year, but, after much deliberation, the result is the same. Jon Lester had a rough start to the season, but once he got himself straightened out, it was like 2008 all over again. His 225 strikeouts is good for third in the AL and if not for some tough-luck no-decisions and that bumpy first month and a half, he would be a serious Cy Young contender. So, for the second year in a row, Jon Lester wins the King of the Hill Soxie. Honorable Mentions: Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield (for his first half performance)
The Flashing Leather Award: He may not have been around the whole season, but Alex Gonzalez brought stability to a position that had been a defensive liability before he arrived. For filling the black hole at shortstop, he wins the 2009 Flashing Leather Soxie. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Teddy Yaz Award: Forget the dreadful midsummer slump, when Jason Bay's bat dropped off the face of the earth. With 36 homers and 118 RBI, he is very much deserving of the 2009 Teddy Yaz Soxie for best offensive player. Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez
The Dirt Doggery Award: The Dirt-Doggiest Dirt Dog since Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia takes this one again. He grinds, he dives, he doesn't let up for a second. When's this guy's uniform NOT dirty? Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury
The Golden Welcome Mat Award: All this guy did was save the Sox from revisiting 2006. One of Theo Epstein's best deadline pickups, Victor Martinez has made himself very welcome in Boston. He brings the stick, the winning attitude, and the leadership and is very deserving of the 2009 Golden Welcome Mat Soxie. Honorable Mentions: Alex Gonzalez, Billy Wagner
The You've Come A Long Way, Baby Award: Things looked gloomy for David Ortiz in April and May, and look where he is now: 28 HR, 97 RBI! Big Papi sure has come a long way. Honorable Mentions: Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka
The No I in Team Award: It takes a truly selfless player to put himself through what Tim Wakefield has to help his team rest starters for the playoffs. Carrying the pitching staff in April and May took a toll on his back and he's pitched through considerable pain and discomfort in August and September to buy his teammates an extra day of rest here and there. His efforts in the first half earned him an all-star nod and I hope he can come back next year and contribute as much as he is able to. Honorable Mentions: Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez, Mike Lowell
The About Face Award: Coming off of his second MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic, Daisuke Matsuzaka found himself unprepared to make the adjustment to regular season play. He was being lit up all over the place and when one DL stint didn't do the trick, he was sent down to Florida on an extended DL to start his conditioning from scratch. After some initial conflict with the organization about his training plan, he re-focused and dedicated himself to making a comeback during the stretch run. He came back strong in September, when the team needed him most and his presence solidifies the post-season rotation, earning him the 2009 About Face Soxie.
The It's A Bird It's A Plane Award: Shattering the previous Red Sox single-season steals record (54) held by Tommy Harper, Jacoby Ellsbury stole his 70th base this afternoon. He drives pitchers crazy with his constant threat of theft on the basepaths and his .301 average and .355 OBP show that he's getting on base consistently. After a season of adjustments in '08, Ells has become the lead-off hitter the Sox always knew he could be.
The Bullpen Cowboy Award: He's made it interesting many times this season, but Jon Papelbon gets it done, to the tune of 38 saves (out of 41 opportunities), breaking Bob Stanley's career saves record (132) with a total of 151. Paps is outspoken and sometimes throwing heat via mouth gets him into trouble, but he is who he is and he's who I want to see on the mound when there's a save to be had.
The Speak Softly and Carry A Big Stick Award: He's the definition of even-keeled and he quietly gets the job done. His name is David Jonathan (JD) Drew and don't look now but he's put together a nice season. With 24 homers, 68 RBI, and a .279 average, he has completed his first 20+ homer season in a Red Sox uniform. He has a knack for pulling off some post-season magic, going deep when the long ball is needed most. Let's hope he has more of that up his sleeve this post-season. If the two dingers today are any indication, pitchers beware!
The Hip to Square Up Award: So his hip needs the orthopedic equivalent of Jiffy Lube every once in awhile. He can still swing the lumber pretty well, to the tune of a .290 average with 17 HR and 75 RBI. Having him healthy for the playoffs will go a long way (and hopefully a ball or two off his bat will do the same thing!) Mike Lowell is a consummate professional and team player, the Tim Wakefield of the position players, if you will. He always puts the team first and maybe there's some more post-season hardware in his future.
The Commander Kick-Ass Award: When he's on, he's really ON. Josh Beckett showed his dominant 2007 self for much of 2009, save for some rough patches both at the beginning of the season and lately. He's done some legendary things in the post-season and I hope we see the Josh Beckett of October 2003 & 2007 on the mound for October 2009.
The He's Still Our Captain Award: There's no question that things have not come easily for Jason Varitek this season, both at the plate and behind it. However, he has to be the most prepared and knowledgeable catchers in the game and he has been credited by V-Mart as being a tremendous help to him in learning a new pitching staff. The pitchers respect him and I hope that someday soon he is offered a job as a coach in the Red Sox organization. For all he has contributed to the team in the decade-plus since he's worn the Red Sox uniform, including being a part of two World Series championship teams, it would be great to see him excel in helping others achieve their baseball success.
And finally, my vote for the 2009 Red Sox MVP Soxie goes to...
KEVIN YOUKILIS!!!
This was another tough one, because there are so many viable candidates. Youk, hitting .305 on the season, is the most consistent offensive and defensive player on the team. He selflessly moves across the diamond from first to third whenever needed, sacrificing his chances to win a Gold Glove at either position. He grinds out his at-bats and his passion for the game makes him extremely popular with teammates and fans alike. He was my pick last year, and true to his reputation for consistency, he gets my nod this year too. Honorable Mentions: Jason Bay, Tim Wakefield (1st half) Victor Martinez (2nd half), Jacoby Ellsbury.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
And Then There Was One...
One game left in the regular season. Just one more tangle with the Tribe until the Sox can turn all eyes to the ALDS. Another injury bullet dodged when Gonzo's x-rays came back negative after his being plunked on the hand last night by a wild and dangerous Kerry Wood. After back-to-back bludgeonings by the Yanks and the Jays, the Sox figured it's time to start winning again and what better team to practice on than the Cleveland Indians, whose entire coaching staff is on the way out. Lester got the series off to a good start by shutting out the Tribe over 6 1/3 innings on Thursday night and further making his case for starting Game 1 of the ALDS. Dice-K turned in a quality start last night, going 6 and giving up 2 runs. Beckett started tonight and had a rough go of it in the first two innings, but settled down for frames 3-5. The Sox provided plenty of offense, with 4 dingers on the night, including a V-Mart grand salami and the first long ball of Dusty Brown's major-league career. Tomorrow, Buchholz gets his final tune-up. Let's hope it goes better than his last outing. No more Bombs-Away Buch, please!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!
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