Daisuke Matsuzaka is pitching in his third year on the Red Sox, and, why is it that no one can really explain how he pitches and why he runs into recurring problems? I have been a strong defender of Dice-K and argued to others that his performance last season was outstanding even though he walked many players and pitched out of trouble a lot.
Tonight, against the Twins, Daisuke gave up 9 hits, 3 walks and 4 runs in five innings -throwing 102 pitches and forced out of the game. He threw FOUR wild pitches.
Now, I must admit I'm growing less patient with some of Matsuzaka's act -- his poor control, his "nibbling" on the corners, and, apparent related fear of challenging teams' best hitters. You just get a repeated sense with Dice-K that he has the talent to take far more chances. Further, by choosing to avoid risks in one-on-one battles against good hitters, he ends up walking guys, getting in hitters' counts and giving up extra base hits and home runs.
I'm tired of this same approach - over and over. Why can't John Farrell or Terry Francona of Jason Varitek get thru to Daisuke and tell him to change his ways? Enough is enough. He's got to knock off the nibbing and try throwing the ball differently in different counts.
I've long believed that Dice-K had to make a HUGE adjustment from pitching in Japan and it has negatively impacted his pitching far more than Boston's baseball writers have suggested. Peter Gammons is one of the only writers to report that Matsuzaka, after pitching here a full season or more, decided - in consultation with John Farrell - to give up a few of the pitches he used to throw in Japan simply because they weren't as effective AND there were advanatages to focusing on less pitches to make effective. I don't think Matsuzaka has EVER grown completely comfortable throwing the slightly larger baseballs used in the US compared to the smaller balls used in Japan.
What makes Dice'K's performances more frustrating is that sometimes, when he's got control and is a bit more aggressive, he's looked terrific against the Yankees and other teams in big games. It's time, Dice-K. If it weren't for his ridicolously high contract, I'd consider trading Dice-K given the surplus of pitchers we have now.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
If Sox Can Win With This Lineup.................
The Red Sox weird 2009 season continues - and the team keeps winning in new ways with new players contributing. I feel the "stand-out" trait of the team so far is its bullpen, which has been awesome - with Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, and Manny Delcarmen - among those excelling so consistently. So, that characteristic alone is strange. Since when have the Sox been "led by their bullpen"? Their old sluggers - Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz - have been replaced by Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay. Ortiz has been "absent" due to his unprecedented slump. What a transformation from the middle of the 2008 season until now.
It's amazing this team is leading the tough AL East with a hitting line-up, which, on paper, looks so "average" 0r "unimpressive" compared to other teams. So, what I keep thinking is: Can you imagine if either Ortiz starts to hit again - OR, they're forced to trade for a very good hitter to essentially "replace" Ortiz, and that hitting injection strengthens their lineup substantially?
It seems, to me, this team can get only better. If they can do well with their current limitations, then won't they improve with more hitting and the expected contributions from other pitchers like Clay Buchholz and John Smolyz and others.
In fact, although it sounds funny, they'll soon have too many good pitchers to use! How will Buchholz or Smoltz ever get a chance to pitch? It's a nice problem to have, huh?
I hope a rumor I read proves true -- that they trade Brad Penny. I think they will do that. They clearly need a bit more hitting - I think a few players are hitting a little over their heads now - such as Bay, Lowell or Ellsbury. I'm not predicting those three will become awful, but, rather, that they're all hitting very well at the moment, and, are likely to have ups and downs.
Last points: My ongoing monitoring of Papelbon and Ortiz. While I didn't see Papelbon's appearance Monday when he gave up the 2-run home run to Mauer, I did see the one before that, when he gave up the game-winning home-run to Santos, the Mets player. Despite the mistake he threw to Santos - a pitch left right over the middle of the plate - I thought Papelbon looked very sharp that Saturday night. I am less worried about him now. He's got the zip back in his fastball. It at least seems he's growing more comfortable in his new motion -- but, maybe, he's still not getting the same "late life" in his fastball in every appearance.
Ortiz is another story. As the weeks go by, I've grown more convinced of my theory that perhaps the most accurate way to understand his struggles is that he has never recovered from his wrist injury, which bothered him last year. It seems Ortiz' wrist is not the same - and, it's as if Ortize thinks his wrist has the same strength and speed as it used to, but, it doesn't.
Why haven't the Sox had Ortiz' wrist examined by doctors again? Why not get more MRIs or other tests done? Is there any kind of surgery that Ortiz could have done to help his wrist?
I'm tired of hearing no attempt to explain any origin of Ortiz' problems. It seems, sadly, that his home run was more of a fluke - as he, again appears to be swinging a slow bat.
Ortiz either starts to hit in June - with or without a trip to the disabled list to give him time to work his hitting - or it seems he'll be taken out of the lineup or remove himself from the lineup before the second half of the season begins. It just seems Ortiz' current struggles won't and can't go on for the whole season.
It's amazing this team is leading the tough AL East with a hitting line-up, which, on paper, looks so "average" 0r "unimpressive" compared to other teams. So, what I keep thinking is: Can you imagine if either Ortiz starts to hit again - OR, they're forced to trade for a very good hitter to essentially "replace" Ortiz, and that hitting injection strengthens their lineup substantially?
It seems, to me, this team can get only better. If they can do well with their current limitations, then won't they improve with more hitting and the expected contributions from other pitchers like Clay Buchholz and John Smolyz and others.
In fact, although it sounds funny, they'll soon have too many good pitchers to use! How will Buchholz or Smoltz ever get a chance to pitch? It's a nice problem to have, huh?
I hope a rumor I read proves true -- that they trade Brad Penny. I think they will do that. They clearly need a bit more hitting - I think a few players are hitting a little over their heads now - such as Bay, Lowell or Ellsbury. I'm not predicting those three will become awful, but, rather, that they're all hitting very well at the moment, and, are likely to have ups and downs.
Last points: My ongoing monitoring of Papelbon and Ortiz. While I didn't see Papelbon's appearance Monday when he gave up the 2-run home run to Mauer, I did see the one before that, when he gave up the game-winning home-run to Santos, the Mets player. Despite the mistake he threw to Santos - a pitch left right over the middle of the plate - I thought Papelbon looked very sharp that Saturday night. I am less worried about him now. He's got the zip back in his fastball. It at least seems he's growing more comfortable in his new motion -- but, maybe, he's still not getting the same "late life" in his fastball in every appearance.
Ortiz is another story. As the weeks go by, I've grown more convinced of my theory that perhaps the most accurate way to understand his struggles is that he has never recovered from his wrist injury, which bothered him last year. It seems Ortiz' wrist is not the same - and, it's as if Ortize thinks his wrist has the same strength and speed as it used to, but, it doesn't.
Why haven't the Sox had Ortiz' wrist examined by doctors again? Why not get more MRIs or other tests done? Is there any kind of surgery that Ortiz could have done to help his wrist?
I'm tired of hearing no attempt to explain any origin of Ortiz' problems. It seems, sadly, that his home run was more of a fluke - as he, again appears to be swinging a slow bat.
Ortiz either starts to hit in June - with or without a trip to the disabled list to give him time to work his hitting - or it seems he'll be taken out of the lineup or remove himself from the lineup before the second half of the season begins. It just seems Ortiz' current struggles won't and can't go on for the whole season.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Big Papi Hits 1st HR -- Will He Be Unleashed?
The Wait is over. David Ortiz's swing on his first home run seemed pretty normal -- His timing was good for a change. Then, when he hit a double later, he said after the game, that he felt more relaxed in that next at-bat. Let's hope so. It'd be pretty amazing if he just suddenly started belting the ball now. Terry Francona has said his batting practice sessions have gone well lately, but he's been unable to carry that form into games.
It's too early to know. I heard someone tell an anecdote on television tonight that Yaz, when he was coming back from a wrist injury in a season in the 1970s, I believe, went 71 games without hitting a home run. (I'm researching this.....) Rare anecdotes like that help put Big Papi's struggles in a bit of perspective.
Meanwhile, the Sox keep plugging - with even Brad Penny getting through the Jays' lineup. Our good fortunes continue - as Varitek hits 2 HRs, Bay, Lowell and Papi each hit one.
The Yanks, behind A-Rod, are on fire, suddenly, and the Rays are up and down,
If I had to guess today -- it looks like the Yanks and Sox will go down to the wire.
It's too early to know. I heard someone tell an anecdote on television tonight that Yaz, when he was coming back from a wrist injury in a season in the 1970s, I believe, went 71 games without hitting a home run. (I'm researching this.....) Rare anecdotes like that help put Big Papi's struggles in a bit of perspective.
Meanwhile, the Sox keep plugging - with even Brad Penny getting through the Jays' lineup. Our good fortunes continue - as Varitek hits 2 HRs, Bay, Lowell and Papi each hit one.
The Yanks, behind A-Rod, are on fire, suddenly, and the Rays are up and down,
If I had to guess today -- it looks like the Yanks and Sox will go down to the wire.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Papelbon Looking Sharp, Saving Wakefield Gem
Jonathan Papelbon is gradually convincing me that he is OK, after all. Tonight, his fastball appeared to have the old snap to it and he was placing it inside and outside with precision.
Hitters were simply late getting the bat around - and that's the way it usually is with Papelbon.
Earlier in this short season, that was NOT happening. Batters were fouling balls off and making good contact quite often - whether with hits or "loud outs."
As for Big Papi, the "Waiting and Watching" continues and I think it's driving many fans nuts. Everyone wants Ortiz to do well, but, the longer his slump goes, the more painful and awkward it is. Tonight was sort of typical for the season - a couple of strikeouts and a groundout. He had one swing at a fastball when he was very late - again. I really feel that Ortiz' bad wrist either never healed as he thinks it did, OR, somehow, after it healed, it just wasn't the same. Of course, Ortiz is simpy late witht his swing, but the question I'm raising is why -- and, it's either his wrist or, his skills have faded away in the course of one winter.
If the Red Sox can get a little more hitting and more consistency from their starting pitchers, they could get a lot better and be in contention through September.
Hitters were simply late getting the bat around - and that's the way it usually is with Papelbon.
Earlier in this short season, that was NOT happening. Batters were fouling balls off and making good contact quite often - whether with hits or "loud outs."
As for Big Papi, the "Waiting and Watching" continues and I think it's driving many fans nuts. Everyone wants Ortiz to do well, but, the longer his slump goes, the more painful and awkward it is. Tonight was sort of typical for the season - a couple of strikeouts and a groundout. He had one swing at a fastball when he was very late - again. I really feel that Ortiz' bad wrist either never healed as he thinks it did, OR, somehow, after it healed, it just wasn't the same. Of course, Ortiz is simpy late witht his swing, but the question I'm raising is why -- and, it's either his wrist or, his skills have faded away in the course of one winter.
If the Red Sox can get a little more hitting and more consistency from their starting pitchers, they could get a lot better and be in contention through September.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Low Point for Big Papi
The Red Sox just won a heartbreaking loss to the Angels, 5-4, in the 12th, but, somehow, it does not feel like the worst part of this loss.
Here it is: The Sox left 17 men on base --and David Ortiz left 12 of those runners on all by himself. That, unfortunately, tells the story of how far Ortiz still is from being himself at the plate. Ortiz has been the most clutch guy on the team for most of the past six years; yet, now, he's performing like a bad 9th hitter in the lineup.
I am not one who goes with the pack on matters like Ortiz' slump, but, it's not his slump alone that concerns me. It is HOW he looks at the plate. He's made little or no progress since the start of the season. Yeah, he's had a few good at-bats, and, at times, he looks a bit better than others. Lately, he's looked a bit better than a few weeks ago, but............
But --- he still cannot hit a simple fastball. David Ortiz cannot hit a fastball? Yes, on occasion, he hits flyballs to the deeper part of the outfield, but, even when he does that, his swing does not look the same to me. His swing is not as quick. It does not have the same "snap" to it. You can really notice it on his swings and misses. When Big Papi was himself, he watched the ball until the last split second - the same way all the best hitters do (Jeter, Youkilis, etc) Now, he starts his swing a tiny bit early and it screws him up. It's like Tony Masserotti of the Globe said: It's as if he knows his swing is slower. Even when he hits it to the outfield, the ball dies out there because many of them haven't been on a line - and hard enough - to drop in.
Well, I stand on what I said several blogs ago: If Ortiz's woes continued until the later part of May, it'd be time for Francona to take him out of the lineup -- at a minimum, for several days off to work on his hitting. At maximum, get Ortiz checked out physically or perhaps find a way to put him on the disabled list -- if it can be done legitimately.
I'd give it another week or ten days - and, then, if Ortiz has made no progress, it's time to take action on this. I'm the biggest Ortiz fan out there, but, he has - and is - hurting the team now.
It's time to try new responses (rest) and make absolutely sure that he is completely healthy (especially his wrist, shoulder and any parts of his body he needs to hit well)
As far as the game today, the Sox had a zillion chances to score and failed to get any big hits.
I have to say, however, they were due to lose a game like this - because they've won their share of these close games when they haven't played that well so far.
Here it is: The Sox left 17 men on base --and David Ortiz left 12 of those runners on all by himself. That, unfortunately, tells the story of how far Ortiz still is from being himself at the plate. Ortiz has been the most clutch guy on the team for most of the past six years; yet, now, he's performing like a bad 9th hitter in the lineup.
I am not one who goes with the pack on matters like Ortiz' slump, but, it's not his slump alone that concerns me. It is HOW he looks at the plate. He's made little or no progress since the start of the season. Yeah, he's had a few good at-bats, and, at times, he looks a bit better than others. Lately, he's looked a bit better than a few weeks ago, but............
But --- he still cannot hit a simple fastball. David Ortiz cannot hit a fastball? Yes, on occasion, he hits flyballs to the deeper part of the outfield, but, even when he does that, his swing does not look the same to me. His swing is not as quick. It does not have the same "snap" to it. You can really notice it on his swings and misses. When Big Papi was himself, he watched the ball until the last split second - the same way all the best hitters do (Jeter, Youkilis, etc) Now, he starts his swing a tiny bit early and it screws him up. It's like Tony Masserotti of the Globe said: It's as if he knows his swing is slower. Even when he hits it to the outfield, the ball dies out there because many of them haven't been on a line - and hard enough - to drop in.
Well, I stand on what I said several blogs ago: If Ortiz's woes continued until the later part of May, it'd be time for Francona to take him out of the lineup -- at a minimum, for several days off to work on his hitting. At maximum, get Ortiz checked out physically or perhaps find a way to put him on the disabled list -- if it can be done legitimately.
I'd give it another week or ten days - and, then, if Ortiz has made no progress, it's time to take action on this. I'm the biggest Ortiz fan out there, but, he has - and is - hurting the team now.
It's time to try new responses (rest) and make absolutely sure that he is completely healthy (especially his wrist, shoulder and any parts of his body he needs to hit well)
As far as the game today, the Sox had a zillion chances to score and failed to get any big hits.
I have to say, however, they were due to lose a game like this - because they've won their share of these close games when they haven't played that well so far.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Bullpen and Bay Are Carrying the Depleted Red Sox
It's quite amazing the Red Sox are in second place - only a game behind Toronto going into tonight's opening game against the Angels. (May 12th)
Amazing because of not only key injuries lately (Youkilis, Pedroia) and the continuing struggles of David Ortiz, but, also, the sub-par starting pitching of Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.
Two keys to their success have been the stellar work of the bullpen and the consistent, clutch hitting of Jason Bay. Hideki Okajima has contributed several great outings of more than one inning recently. Ramon Ramirez is still performing well. Plus, while I've been very concerned about Jonathan Papelbon, his last two appearances have eased my worries a bit.
Papelbon's performance Sunday night against the Rays - when he struck out BJ Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria - was his most clutch, positive showing of the season. Why? He got three excellent hitters to miss repeatedly with swinging strikes -- something he had failed to do this year. Though I was not close enough to my television to study his pitches, it appeared he was getting a little more "late life" in the fastball, which made the difference.
Watching the team tonight without Youkilis and Pedroia, however, is sobering. The lineup of hitters is SO weak. This is the kind of night I miss Manny Ramirez.
While I'm on Manny, my primary reaction to his suspension is sadness. Manny is the best hitter I ever saw come through Boston and I'll never forget his relaxed, beautiful hitting form at the plate. Secondly, I still believe the Red Sox will be forced to try to find a very good hitter at the trading deadline and that Theo and company will be open to making a MAJOR trade, if that's what it takes to get another bat in the lineup. Without Manny and with the potential of Ortiz not regaining his form, the team faces a real chance of petering out in the dog days of August.
Amazing because of not only key injuries lately (Youkilis, Pedroia) and the continuing struggles of David Ortiz, but, also, the sub-par starting pitching of Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.
Two keys to their success have been the stellar work of the bullpen and the consistent, clutch hitting of Jason Bay. Hideki Okajima has contributed several great outings of more than one inning recently. Ramon Ramirez is still performing well. Plus, while I've been very concerned about Jonathan Papelbon, his last two appearances have eased my worries a bit.
Papelbon's performance Sunday night against the Rays - when he struck out BJ Upton, Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria - was his most clutch, positive showing of the season. Why? He got three excellent hitters to miss repeatedly with swinging strikes -- something he had failed to do this year. Though I was not close enough to my television to study his pitches, it appeared he was getting a little more "late life" in the fastball, which made the difference.
Watching the team tonight without Youkilis and Pedroia, however, is sobering. The lineup of hitters is SO weak. This is the kind of night I miss Manny Ramirez.
While I'm on Manny, my primary reaction to his suspension is sadness. Manny is the best hitter I ever saw come through Boston and I'll never forget his relaxed, beautiful hitting form at the plate. Secondly, I still believe the Red Sox will be forced to try to find a very good hitter at the trading deadline and that Theo and company will be open to making a MAJOR trade, if that's what it takes to get another bat in the lineup. Without Manny and with the potential of Ortiz not regaining his form, the team faces a real chance of petering out in the dog days of August.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Joba Chamberlain Is the New Yankee to Despise
I already didn't like Joba Chamberlain. Now, I can't stand the guy.
After he'd already - inexcusably - thrown the ball repeatedly at Kevin Youkilis in the past, (four times in 07 & 08), tonight, in the 5th inning, Chamberlain threw the ball directly at Jason Bay, hitting him in the back. And, it sure as hell looked intentional. Jason Bay had hit a home run off Chamberlain earlier AND Chamberlain hit him after a long stretch of being in total command of his pitches and mowing down one Sox player after another with terrific control. (He had struck out nine Red Sox since from the 2nd through until he hit Bay).
Dennis Eckersley, substituting for Jerry Remy as commentator, immediately voiced his strong opinion that Chamberlain hit Bay intentionally. Eckersley repeated this for emphasis, and, said he didn't like it. Well, if Eck is that convinced, so am I -- and, I'm sure, the Red Sox are too.
So, the question is: Who the hell does Chamberlain think he is? He's a fantastic pitcher with terrific stuff - and he showed it again tonight. So, why the hell does he have to throw the ball at hitters like this? He's got to be held responsible.
I'm not advocating Red Sox pitchers retaliate. I don't like that whole part of baseball, but, what about Major League Baseball keeping an eye on Chamberlain and taking action against him the next time it looks so incredibly obvious. He can't be allowed to get away with this.
It appears David Ortiz was completely on target when he said recently that Chamberlain had to show players he deserved their respect and that throwing at players was not something people should associate with his game.
It seems predictable that, at some point, some Red Sox pitcher will hit some Yankee batter in retaliation for Chamberlain's move tonight, but, who knows? I thought Beckett would do it tonight, but, he left the game before Hideki Okajima came in and retired six Yankees in a row.
I'll take the win, but, I hope Chamberlain gets the message that he's out of line. He's way too cocky for his own good now. He needs to grow up.
After he'd already - inexcusably - thrown the ball repeatedly at Kevin Youkilis in the past, (four times in 07 & 08), tonight, in the 5th inning, Chamberlain threw the ball directly at Jason Bay, hitting him in the back. And, it sure as hell looked intentional. Jason Bay had hit a home run off Chamberlain earlier AND Chamberlain hit him after a long stretch of being in total command of his pitches and mowing down one Sox player after another with terrific control. (He had struck out nine Red Sox since from the 2nd through until he hit Bay).
Dennis Eckersley, substituting for Jerry Remy as commentator, immediately voiced his strong opinion that Chamberlain hit Bay intentionally. Eckersley repeated this for emphasis, and, said he didn't like it. Well, if Eck is that convinced, so am I -- and, I'm sure, the Red Sox are too.
So, the question is: Who the hell does Chamberlain think he is? He's a fantastic pitcher with terrific stuff - and he showed it again tonight. So, why the hell does he have to throw the ball at hitters like this? He's got to be held responsible.
I'm not advocating Red Sox pitchers retaliate. I don't like that whole part of baseball, but, what about Major League Baseball keeping an eye on Chamberlain and taking action against him the next time it looks so incredibly obvious. He can't be allowed to get away with this.
It appears David Ortiz was completely on target when he said recently that Chamberlain had to show players he deserved their respect and that throwing at players was not something people should associate with his game.
It seems predictable that, at some point, some Red Sox pitcher will hit some Yankee batter in retaliation for Chamberlain's move tonight, but, who knows? I thought Beckett would do it tonight, but, he left the game before Hideki Okajima came in and retired six Yankees in a row.
I'll take the win, but, I hope Chamberlain gets the message that he's out of line. He's way too cocky for his own good now. He needs to grow up.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sox Been Lucky So Far - As They Head Into May
I feel the Red Sox are lucky to have the record they do right now. If you look at the whole picture - Ortiz not hitting at all so far; Lester and Beckett being erratic; Dice-K being out most of season so far; Lowrie's injury; Penny's poor pitching - it's a bit surprising to see the Sox in 2nd place.
-- The weeks keep passing and I share the concerns of many Sox fans about David Ortiz - more and more each week. The more time passes, the more I suspect that Ortiz' wrist problems from last year are still hindering him. If it's not that, it seems the only other explanation is Ortiz simply losing his skills suddenly. That seems it'd be more mysterious and unlikely. He's only 33, but, it happens occasionally to pro athletes.
To me, Ortiz's core problem is his inabilty to get his bat around fast enough to hit almost any fastball at any speed. I've seen him - as you have - swing late on many fastballs that are clocked at 89 mph. He used to swat those kind of fastballs all over the field. I think because he knows he can't hit fastballs, that is messing up his timing with all other pitches a pitcher is throwing. If a hitter cannot hit a fastball, he probably cannot do well in the big leagues - period. Ortiz was always a fastball hitter, but, he was so good that he could wait on pitches and make contact on curves and changeups too. (It's hard to remember this now)
I think if Ortiz is making no progress by May 20th or so, I think it's time for Tery Francona and Theo Epstein to start considering what to do about Ortiz. First, at a minimum, I'd consider giving him several consecutive days off to take pressure off and let him practice his hitting with Davd Magadan. Second, I'd consider putting him on the Disabled List and having a more extended time out of the line up. (They can identify some ailment, as they've done with others)
Lastly, if this were to continue on and on, my own hunch is that Ortiz himself would not want to hurt the team indefinitely - and might even take himself out of the lineup.
Other thoughts: The Sox bullpen, except for Javier Lopez, has been pretty solid. Okajima has had a couple of shaky outings, but, been excellent other times. Jason Bay has played beyond expectations. Jacoby Ellsbury has shown flashes of watching the ball better at the plate.
With the great pitchers the Sox have in the minors, it's painful to watch anyone - like Lopez - stay on the pitching staff much longer. They have so many good pitchers now, it could be a challenge to find a spot for a couple of them. (Buchholz, Bard, Smoltz).
-- The weeks keep passing and I share the concerns of many Sox fans about David Ortiz - more and more each week. The more time passes, the more I suspect that Ortiz' wrist problems from last year are still hindering him. If it's not that, it seems the only other explanation is Ortiz simply losing his skills suddenly. That seems it'd be more mysterious and unlikely. He's only 33, but, it happens occasionally to pro athletes.
To me, Ortiz's core problem is his inabilty to get his bat around fast enough to hit almost any fastball at any speed. I've seen him - as you have - swing late on many fastballs that are clocked at 89 mph. He used to swat those kind of fastballs all over the field. I think because he knows he can't hit fastballs, that is messing up his timing with all other pitches a pitcher is throwing. If a hitter cannot hit a fastball, he probably cannot do well in the big leagues - period. Ortiz was always a fastball hitter, but, he was so good that he could wait on pitches and make contact on curves and changeups too. (It's hard to remember this now)
I think if Ortiz is making no progress by May 20th or so, I think it's time for Tery Francona and Theo Epstein to start considering what to do about Ortiz. First, at a minimum, I'd consider giving him several consecutive days off to take pressure off and let him practice his hitting with Davd Magadan. Second, I'd consider putting him on the Disabled List and having a more extended time out of the line up. (They can identify some ailment, as they've done with others)
Lastly, if this were to continue on and on, my own hunch is that Ortiz himself would not want to hurt the team indefinitely - and might even take himself out of the lineup.
Other thoughts: The Sox bullpen, except for Javier Lopez, has been pretty solid. Okajima has had a couple of shaky outings, but, been excellent other times. Jason Bay has played beyond expectations. Jacoby Ellsbury has shown flashes of watching the ball better at the plate.
With the great pitchers the Sox have in the minors, it's painful to watch anyone - like Lopez - stay on the pitching staff much longer. They have so many good pitchers now, it could be a challenge to find a spot for a couple of them. (Buchholz, Bard, Smoltz).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)