5 Padres, 1 Red Sox

Yesterdays game was frustrating, it was rainy, John Lackey was on the mound, he gave up a leadoff home run to Will Venable and then after another rain delay, Lackey came out to pitch the fourth and lost control. He walked a couple, hit a couple more, and looked completely frustrated out there. After giving up four runs in the inning, Terry Francona decided enough was enough and pulled him.

It sucked, at least Adrian Went 4 for 4

Padres @ Red Sox Preview

The Sox and Padres are playing a day game today, and that could be very good news for the Sox who have been a very good "day" team all year. I was dissapointed the Sox didn't come back last night. They almost did, and that was easily a pitcher they should've beat, but you can't win every game.

Today we get Clayton Richard vs. John Lackey. People keep saying, "Hey, John Lackey has been much better lately", but has he really. Sure, he has won his last 3 games, but he also has an ERA of 5.03 ERA. The Sox have just happened to score a total of 28 runs during those game. Maybe that's really all we can expect from Lackey, so hopefully the Sox score a shit load of runs.

I am amazing that Clayton Richard is only 27 years old. I remember him from back in his White Sox days. Last year, he won 14 games, which is pretty impressive, but this year has been tough as he is 2-9 with an ERA of 4.35. Then again, we would kill for Lackey to have an ERA like that. Amazing what an offense can do for you.

Richard has lost five straight decision for the Padres, posting a 3.79 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings pitched over his last six outings. He is a decent pitcher that really shouldn't be 2-9. I think the Sox will beat him up, but Lackey blows, so this one could be tight.

Red Sox win 7-6
Player of the Game: Youk
Game starts at 1:35pm

5 Padres, 4 Red Sox

Alfredo Aceves couldn't find any type of command and the Red Sox offense couldn't bail him out.

Aceves walked 4 straight Padres in the 2nd and had a total of 6 in the game. The Sox tried to come back in the 6th and tied the game at 4 all, then San Diego scored in the seventh off of Wheeler(L, 0-1) and held on to the 5-4 lead for the remainder of the game.

Positives: Youk had a great game going 4-for-5 game with a double and RBI. And we got good production from Marco Scutaro and Josh Reddick at the bottom of the order.

Since the Yankees got rained out we still are up 1 game on them.

Padres @ Red Sox Preview

Josh Beckett was scratched from his scheduled start on today due to what manager Terry Francona dubbed "intestinal turmoil." Basically Beckett is busy pooping himself to make the start. That means Aceves will get the start tonight against Mat Latos.

Latos is a douche, because who spells Mat with one "t"? Beyond that he isn't very good posting a 4-8 with a 4.06 ERA, but he's 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two career interleague road starts.

I like Aceves and I think he is good enough to get the Sox the win tonight. To be honest, I could be out there right now and the Sox would probably score enough runs to win. San Diego is a shit team going 1-9 in their last 10 and losing their last 6 straight.

Red Sox win 11-4
Player of the Game: Gonzalez
Game starts at 7:10pm

14 Sox, 5 Padres

It's hard to say anything negative against the Sox now a days.

In Andrew Millers debut, the kid did real well 5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K. Those 3 runs were off one mistake pitch to Orlando Hudson who promptly hit a 3 run bomb. Although he didn't factor in the decision, he at least gave me confidence going forward with him. Matt Albers got the decision and improved his record to 2-3 and the Sox put 3 other relievers out there.

Adrian Gonzalez finished the night 3-for-5 with a double and 3 RBI, man he is just so good. Youk and Papi both went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI. McDonald and Cameron were the only two Sox starters to not record a hit.

This is the 9th time in the last 30 games the Red Sox scored more than 10 runs in a game. The Sox have now won 13 of 15 games an remain 1.5 games ahead of the Yankees.

Padres @ Red Sox Preview

The Sox are rolling even though they are dealing with a rash of injuries. Although the Sox are playing one of the worst teams in the MLB I am extremely interesting in this game. For the first time Andrew Miller will be pitching for the Red Sox. There is a ton of hype for this kid going into tonight.

For those who don't know Miller was drafted in 2006, 6th overall by the Detroit Tigers, but had been a disappointment (1-5 with an 8.78 ERA in seven starts for Florida in 2010). The Sox brought him in this offseason and have played with his mechanics resulting in some impressive minor league stats (3-3 with a 2.47 ERA in 13 games for Triple-A Pawtucket). It is also being said that his fastball is topping out at 98 MPH. I am very interested to see what this kid can do, and if he is worth all the hype he has been getting around here.

On top of that I want to see Rizzo, who is one of the prospects the Sox traded for Gonzalez. He had been crushing the ball in the minors, but is only batting .148 since getting called up (10 games).

Wade LeBlanc is starting for the Padres. He is 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA, and is 1-3 with a 7.46 ERA in six interleague starts in his career. With the way the Sox are swinging the bat, that could be rough.

Red Sox win 9-3
Player of the Game: Gonzalez
Game starts at 7:10pm

MLB Previews: San Diego Padres

Offense:

1. Jason Bartlett
2. Orlando Hudson
3. Chase Headley
4. Ryan Ludwick
5. Brad Hawpe
6. Will Venable
7. Nick Hundley
8. Cameron Maybin

The Padres were in the bottom three in runs scored last year and after getting Adrian Gonzalez got traded Jed Hoyer was very creative this offseason. Jason Bartlett is a solid pick up, has speed, makes contact and the same can be said about Orlando Hudson. Ryan Ludwick and Brad Hawpe are done and I constantly believe that Cameron Maybin will do something, but probably not. This team will score even fewer runs than the year before. Adrian Gonzalez provided leadership and mentoring for the younger player last season, not to mention quality hitting in the middle of the lineup. They've done little to replace his production.

Pitching:
1. Mat Latos
2. Clayton Richard
3. Tim Stauffer
4. Aaron Harang
5. Cory Luebke
CL. Heath Bell

Everything I read about the Padres is trying to sell me this pitching staff, but I'm not buying it. Latos is great, had a 3.30 era and 194 Ks and should get over 200 innings this year. But just because your young doesn't make you good and Clayton Richard and Tim Stauffer don't excite me at all. Yea Stauffer had an under 4 era last year, but he blows.

Overall:
In a couple of years with the team that the Sox gave them this line up will look a lot better. But until then, this team isn't going to be the "surprise" team everyone thinks they will.

75-87

Sox Make Deal, Gonzalez Headed To Boston

After one of the longest days of my life, the Red Sox finally got the Adrian Gonzalez deal done. When I initially heard the deal fell through I literally felt like I was going to throw up. I was feeling sick, depressed, angry and suicide was on my mind. However, Theo goes and completely redeems himself and does the deal "without an extension". Anyways, here is the deal:

Red Sox get:
Adrian Gonzalez (as Jesus would say... Titties!)

Padres get:
Casey Kelly
Reymond Fuentes
Anthony Rizzo
and a player to be named later

Casey Kelly is projected to be a future "Ace" and is the biggest named prospect in the deal. Anthony Rizzo has numbers actually comparable to Adrian Gonzalez when he was in the minors, could be a very solid first baseman and Reymond Fuentes is the token "raw talent" guy who is the next Ellsbury.

But.... Fuck those guys, who cares.

Adrian Gonzalez is a hell of a player and although it's cliche, this will be the most impressive offense since the Manny/ Papi days. He's a left handed batter and with the bullpen being pushed in 9 feet he has the potential to hit 50 homeruns. I love this deal and it's a step in the right direction. If we signed Carl Crawford, I would easily put our lineup against anyones in the league.

Padres Listening To Offers For Adrian Gonzalez

Padres GM Jed Hoyer said on a recent radio interview that the Padres are listening to offers for their star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. It all makes sense, since it is all but certain that he will walk after this year and try the free agent market.

The Red Sox have long been rumored to be going after Gonzalez, and I think now is the perfect time to jump on him. I doubt they will trade Buchholz, but I really think they should do just about anything to get their hands on this guy.

Why am I so high on him?

Well, I have been researching him, and in every way he fits the Red Sox mold, and is exactly what the Red Sox need. Gonzalez has hit at least 30 HRs in each of the past 4 seasons, which is made even more impressive since he plays in the toughest park to hit HRs (Petco). I think at Fenway that he can easily be over 40 HRs consistently, not only because of the park, but because of the protection he will have around him. He also is an on-base machine. Last year his OBP was .397, and the year before it was .407, if you know anything about that stat it is pretty incredible numbers.

On top of all that he is only 28 years old, so signing him long term shouldn't be much of a concern, and if the Red Sox are on board with sliding Youk back over to 3rd (which I think they are) then he fits an obvious need for a power hitting first baseman.

The only concern the Red Sox could possibly have on Gonzalez is the same one they would have when getting a player from a "small market" team, which if he can take the pressure. I really doubt that would be problem. I was really high on Prince Fielder, but I do believe that Gonzalez is actually the better fit.

So, please Red Sox resign V-Mart, and trade for Gonzalez!!!!!!!!!

Adrian Gonzalez Back On The Block?

Padres GM Jed Hoyer confirmed that the team will exercise Gonzalez's $6.2MM option for next season when the time comes. There was never a doubt about this one. He also mentioned that they will listen to trade offers for their star player during the winter.

The Sox have had their eye on this guy for over a year, and I really hope they can get something done this offseason. DP mentioned yesterday that they should deal Buchholz for him, but lets be honest we all know the Sox won't do that. It would be interesting to know what it would take. Obviously they would want prospects and players they can control for cheap.

Off the top of my head maybe something like Casey Kelly, Lars Anderson, and Ellsbury for Gonzalez would get it done. I really have no idea, so it's really not worth getting into too much until some rumors start circulating around.

One thing is for certain Jed Hoyer will know a lot about the Sox farm system, since he was one of the guys running the team when Theo Epstein was gone.

2010 MLB Breakdowns: San Diego Padres

Key Additions: OF Aaron Cunningham, RHP Jon Garland, INF Jerry Hairston Jr, OF Scott Hairston and C Yorvit Torrellaba,

Key Subtractions: C Henry Blanco, OF Brian Giles and 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff


Pitching Staff
Chris Young
Kevin Correia
Jon Garland
Mat Latos
Wade LeBlanc
Clayton Richard
Tim Stauffer

I put all of these guys because behing Young, Correia, and Garland, I have no clue who they are going to use. There is not one "Ace" in this group and the more I look at these names the more and more I feel the need to throw up and gouge my eyes out. As of right now, Heath Bell is the closer but will probably be traded at some point.

Hitting
1. CF Tony Gwynn, Jr.
2. 2B David Eckstein
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
4. 3B Chase Headley
5. LF Kyle Blanks
6. RF Will Venable
7. C Nick Hundley
8. SS Everth Cabrera

I know this is going to seem like I'm half assing it, but Adrian Gonzalez is obviously going to be traded, and everyone else sucks. I have nothing to say about anyone. Blanks and Headly have potential, but I doubt they will have "break out" years.

Outlook:
I don't really have much to say. If this team finishes within 20 games of .500 I will give my share of this blog away. (not really) It's just downright awful and embarrassing how this team is set up.
58-104

Jake Peavy Is Lobbying For Adrian Gonzalez

Jake Peavy is trying to get the White Sox to acquire his former teammate Adrian Gonzalez. Adrian would be a perfect fit as the White Sox have been looking for a left handed power hitter. The only problem could be the cost.

The White Sox have said time and again that they are unwilling to trade Gordon Beckham, and it could cost even more then that. In my opinion the White Sox do have the pieces to acquire Gonzalez if they wanted to (Flowers, Floyd, Hudson, ect), but the question is how much are they willing to give up?

I would have no problem giving up a lot of these hitter, it is really just a pitching that would hold me back from making such a deal. Anyways, just something to keep an eye on as the Sox will obviously be in this race also.

Gonzalez To Red Sox In 3-team Trade?

Another day another Adrian Gonzalez to Red Sox rumor...

"Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com says to discount the latest speculation that the Padres, Cubs and Red Sox are discussing a three-team trade that would send Adrian Gonzalez to Boston and Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz to Chicago.

Levine says that athough the Red Sox and Cubs have talked recently about other matchups, a deal that would send pitcher Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters as well as a third minor-leaguer to San Diego, which would Gonzalez to Boston, "has not been broached."

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that the Cubs would immediately make a "major effort" to land Ellsbury if the Red Sox were to somehow land Jason Bay or Matt Holliday (ESPN)."

Like the other rumors it is hard to say how true this is. During this time of year writers have a tendency to just make shit up. Still, I think the Sox need to land a guy like this if they want to cpmete for a Wold Series next year. I don't think this trade can be pulled off unless the Sox sign Jason Bay. If they were to sign him it would make Ellsbury more expendable, and Cameron can slide into his spot (with Scutaro moving to the leadoff spot). Once again, I don't see Theo giving up both Buchholz, and Ellsbury, but I do think they will make a major push to land Gonzalez...

Sox "Working Hard" For Gonzalez (UPDATED)

"The Red Sox will introduce recent acquisitions John Lackey and Mike Cameron at separate press conferences this afternoon. But just because the Sox have spent over $100 million on that pair of players this week apparently doesn't mean Theo Epstein is done shopping. In fact, according to one report this morning, the Red Sox general manager may have a masterstroke in mind. According to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, Epstein is "working hard to obtain" Padres slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, though he does note a deal is not close at this time. Citing major-league sources, Rosenthal writes:

Jed Hoyer, the Padres’ new general manager -- and Red Sox’s former assistant GM -- wants a high price for Gonzalez, whose contract is one of the biggest bargains in baseball.
"Jed has been asking for a ton," one source said.

Rosenthal also notes that the signings of Lackey and Cameron may have made a trade more palatable for the Sox. The addition of Lackey will give the Red Sox the flexibility to trade right-hander Clay Buchholz, who likely would be the centerpiece of any package for Gonzalez. Likewise, the addition of Cameron will give them the flexibility to trade outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. The Padres would be tempted to move Gonzalez if they could get Buchholz and Ellsbury in the same deal, sources say. However, the Red Sox would be very reluctant to include both, according to another source (Boston.com)."

I really thought this deal was dead, and that the Cabrera deal was much more likely, but the Sox seem to have their eye on this guy. The rumor I heard today was Ellsbury and Buchholz for Gonzalez. Theo obviously thinks that is too much. My thinking is that if this deal is going to get done it will include Ellsbury or Buchholz, Westmoreland or Casey Kelly, and 1 or 2 other minor leaguers (Lars Anderson?). We will keep you updated...


***UPDATE***

Interesting tweet from ESPN's Jorge Arangure Jr. - he has a source close to Gonzalez who believes the player will be traded to Boston within the next ten days (MLBTradeRumors)."

Red Sox Lose Another Front Office Guy

"The Boston Red Sox appear to be on the verge of losing their well-respected scouting director to the San Diego Padres. The Boston Herald reports that the Padres are expected to announce the hiring of Jason McLeod as assistant general manager. He will work under new GM Jed Hoyer, who also worked in Boston (ESPN)."

Tough loss for the Sox here. This is the guy who found talent like Pedroia, Ellsbury, Buccholz, ect. These things happen when your team has been good for a couple years (like the Patriots), so you can't be surprised, but you have to wonder how the Sox will be evaluating talent now that they have lost these front office guys...

Adrian Gonzalez Will Not Be Traded

"ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney hears it is extremely unlikely that the Padres will move Gonzalez in a trade this winter. "The bottom line is that nothing is really compelling in exchange for Gonzalez right now, because he is already a star player and has a low salary," Buster writes.

The agent for Gonazlez met with San Diego general manager Jed Hoyer on Friday. The agent, John Boggs, told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that any deal for Gonzalez is not imminent (ESPN)."

It really didn't make a whole lot of sense to trade this guy. He is young, cheap, and the Padres fans need someone to root for. I have a feeling a lot of the rumors were just Boston writers trying to come up with something. All this means is that the Sox are going to focus on Miguel Cabrera, which I think is a much more realistic option, since he has a huge contract and Detroit is a mess financially.

More Adrian Gonzalez To Red Sox Rumors

Get ready, because I am sure there is going to be a lot of these...

"We've talked before about the link between new Padres general manager Jed Hoyer and his former boss, Boston's Theo Epstein, and how that could both help and hurt the chance that they could lay the groundwork for a deal for star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Well, in the Boston Globe Sunday, Chad Finn wrote that the Sox should do "whatever it takes" to land A-Gon.

Howard Bryant of ESPN.com seems to agree when he asks if the Red Sox have reached the point where "rebuilding is unacceptable." Bill Center of the Union-Tribune wrote last week that there are signs that a deal for Gonzalez will take place "sooner rather than later." Gonzalez was not part of a promotional brochure sent to prospective season ticket holders while the club has not contacted his agent, John Boggs, about a long-term deal.

Center speculates that Gonzalez may be affordable to the Padres now, but might be worth $18 million to $22 million per year when he becomes a free agent. Nick Cafardo handicapped the possibility of a deal in last Sunday's Boston Globe. Cafardo notes that Gonzalez would welcome a trade. Cafardo adds that if the Sox pulled off a trade, they would likely try to move Mike Lowell or David Ortiz (ESPN)."

I am really starting to believe he is coming, but since I think Buchholz might be part of the deal I doubt they it will be done anytime soon. I say that because I think the Sox would go out and get a Felix/Halladay/Lackey before moving a pitcher like Buccholz. The Padres don't have to trade Gonzalez, but there is 0 chance they will be able to resign him when his contract runs out. I am sure there will be 300 rumors about this, but we will keep you posted...

Adrian Gonzalez To Red Sox Rumors Heating Up Again

"We talked Sunday of how new Padres general manager Jed Hoyer and his former boss, Boston's Theo Epstein, will be getting together at the GM meetings in Chicago this week. Could they lay the groundwork for a long rumored deal for star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez? Bill Center of the Union-Tribune writes today that there are signs that a deal for Gonzalez will take place "sooner rather than later." Gonzalez was not part of a promotional brochure sent to prospective season ticket holders while the club has not contacted his agent, John Boggs, about a long-term deal.

Center speculates that Gonzalez may be affordable to the Padres now, but might be worth $18 million to $22 million per year when he becomes a free agent. Nick Cafardo handicapped the possibility of a deal in Sunday's Boston Globe. Cafardo notes that Gonzalez would welcome a trade. Cafardo adds that if the Sox pulled off a trade, they would likely try to move Mike Lowell or David Ortiz (ESPN)."

Obviously would love to see this happen (depending on what the Sox have to give up), but to be honest I don't think it will happen....yet. Padres really don't have any pressure on them to deal him since he is signed for this year and next at a very team friendly price. Thus the pressure will be on them next offseason. This will also be the time when the Sox will have guys like Lowell and Ortiz most likely off the team. Anyways, it is just something to keep an eye on...

Another Adrian Gonzalez To Red Sox Rumor

"Could Adrian Gonzalez be traded after all? Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe speculates that the Red Sox will pursue a deal for the Padres first baseman. The Padres came close to trading Gonzalez to the Mariners in a deadline deal in July, but that was under the now-departed GM Kevin Towers. If the Sox were to land Gonzalez, the Sox would move Kevin Youkilis to third base, leaving Mike Lowell as the odd man out. The Providence Journal reported last week that it is no slam dunk that Lowell will be back with the Red Sox next season (ESPN)."

Get used to this Sox fans, because there is going to be a shit load of rumors all offseason. Getting Adrian Gonzalez would be awesome, but I just don't see it happening. The Sox would have to give up Buchholz and other prospects to get this deal done, and I just don't see the Sox doing it. The only way I see the Sox trading a guy like Buchholz was if it was for a top notch pitcher (Halladay, Felix, ect). As much as the Sox need offensive help, killing their rotation isn't the right move...

The Sox Were Close To Getting Felix Hernandez

Not that it really matters now, but DP's wet dream almost came true....

"It has since come out that Epstein and Towers were discussing a trade that would send home run slugger Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. But wait. Apparently, Epstein wants Hernandez more than anybody, even Gonzalez. So, the three teams start discussing a possible three-way deal with Seattle that would send Gonzalez to the Mariners, along with Buchholz and a couple of other Red Sox prospects.

The Red Sox would get Hernandez.

And the Padres would get Brandon Morrow, Phillippe Aumont and Carlos Triunfel from Seattle, along with a couple of other top Boston prospects.

But it never happened. The Mariners apparently nixed it, feeling it would not benefit them in the long-term (Seattle Times)."

That deal is hard to even imagine in my head with all the moving pieces. The Sox would basically empty their entire minor league system for Felix. Which as much as it pains me to admit it I would do in a second. Felix would be the new Pedro if he came here. The only reason he isn't a 20 game winner yet is because Seattle's offense is awful. In the end it doesn't matter, but it fun to think about...