Sounds Like Gonzalez Will Play Some OF

DP talked about it earlier, but it seem to becoming a reality that Adrian Gonzalez will play some OF while on this 9 game NL road trip. I have been back and forth about this. I do think it's a risk. Obviously it's a risk from a standpoint that he is the slowest guy on the team and now we are going to have him running after pop ups and line drives. Yet, I think the bigger risk is getting him hurt. That would be the worst and make Francona look like a complete moron.

I still think it's worth it. Gonzalez and Ortiz are on such a tear that you don't want either out of the lineup. Pittsburgh and Philly both have pretty small right fields, so I think you'll see Gonzalez play a game in RF in each park. Then I also thing you'll see him sit a game or two on this trip. That way each guy can stay on somewhat regular playing time. I'll be in Pittsburgh for all three games, so hopefully I will get to see him play out there, because I want to see both these guys in the lineup.

Red Sox Extend Tito

The Red Sox extended Terry Francona and his overrated ass to a 2 year 9 million dollar contract that has him through 2013.

Yes, he won us 2 Championships but he's an alright manager and blah, blah, blah. But with those players I think any decent manager could have won it with Grady Little's players and then with Beckett, Manny, Ortiz, Schilling tandems.

I will give him this though, last year I was impressed. I think of all the years of him as a coach last year was his most impressive. He was able to keep them in somewhat contention with a underachieving pitching staff and with key players injured. Logic tell you this year is going to be a walk in the park. You have a revamped bullpen, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford don't hurt and the biggest question mark is whether the pitching staff can bounce back.

Red Sox Already Having Problems?

A lot is being made of the fact that Lowrie came out and said he thinks of himself as an "everyday" player. Epstein then came out and said their will be a competition for the starting SS job between Scutaro and Lowrie. The story then took another turn when Francona announced that Scutaro will be the starting SS Opening Day.

All this and they haven't even got to Spring Training yet. So what do I make of all this?

That it's all a bunch of nothing. Scutaro will be the starting SS opening day, but that doesn't mean in July he will be. Even if he is the starter throughout the season Lowrie will get close to "starter" at-bats, because he can play 4 infield position and Francona loves to make sure everyone gets rest. On top of that it's not like Scutaro is getting any younger.

Even if you turned this situation the other way and Lowrie ends up the starter, people forget that Scutaro was a utility man as will throughout most of his career. So no matter what the Sox will have one hell of a utility player.

Quote of the Day

The guys asked Francona his memories about the 2004 ALCS. On Kevin Millar, Francona said, "You've always heard me say you've got to be true to yourself and everyone's different. That's how he was. He was like that every day, it just wasn't always on camera. You can't pull that act off if it's not legit, but he was. He was just dumb enough to think we could do it and guys followed him. We wouldn't have won without him, I guarantee that."

Dice-K To Start Year On DL

Francona finally came out an officially stated that Dice-K will not be ready for the start of the season. Everyone should've seen this coming. He just pitched in his first game against MLB batters, and he only pitched 2 innings. It is going to take a couple of weeks to stretch him out and make sure he is ready.

This isn't really bad news for the Sox, and if I was them I would take my sweet time bringing him back. Not that I don't want Dice-K in the rotation, but Wake has been pitching well, and I want Dice-K at 100% and able to pitch 110 pitches.

Boston also loves keeping pitchers innings pitch as low as they can. I am sure you will see most of the pitchers in the Sox rotation go on the DL at some point, and it is really just to make sure they don't get overworked.

Anyways, I really don't think this is anything to worry about for now. As long as Dice-K can get himself ready for the rest of the year the Sox will be fine in Wake's hands.

Pedroia Injury Update (UPDATED)

Red Sox 2nd baseman Dustin Pedroia left yesterday's game against the Twins after only the 1st inning, suffering a mild left wrist sprain after landing awkwardly on it while diving. Here is what Francona had to say...

“It was the back of his wrist,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “He had limited swelling. We’re going to get him X-rayed in the morning, just because we should. Their doctor came over. I don’t think there’s a problem. He might be a little sore tomorrow. Hopefully that’s all it is.’’

Hopefully this is nothing serious. The would be in a tough spot in Pedroia was out for the start of the season, but this doesn't sound like a big deal and I expect Pedroia to be back in time for Opening Day.


***UPDATE***

X-rays taken today on Dustin Pedroia's left wrist came back clean. He will take batting practice tomorrow and likely play on Friday.

Dice-K Injury Update

Dice-K had a good day, and Terry Francona seemed very happy about it...

"Dice had a great day," Terry Francona said. "That was as good a day as you could possibly have. I don't think you can throw a ball like that and not be totally healthy."

With that being said there is basically no chance that Dice-K will be ready for Opening Day. I know that sounds like a big deal, but it really isn't. There are a lot of days off early in the season, so the Sox will be able to get by with a 4 man rotation if they want to, and even if Dice-K is out the first week or two you have 6 people who can be quality starters (Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, Lackey, Buchholz, Wake).

This shouldn't be a big deal, but we will have to watch Dice-K closely as he is coming off an injury plagued season.

In other Sox news...

- Mike Cameron (left groin) did not run today but took batting practice in the cages and on the field and felt fine. They are taking it slow with him, but he seems like he is going to be fine.

- Mike Lowell took some batting practice today, but Francona is still not sure when he will play his first game.

The Sox also announced their lineups against Northeastern and BC...

Northeastern game
Jacoby Ellsbury LF
Bill Hall 3B
Victor Martinez C
David Ortiz DH
Jed Lowrie SS
Lars Anderson 1B
Darnell McDonald RF
Che-Hsuan Lin CF
Gil Velazquez 2B
Pitching: RHP Casey Kelly

BC game
Marco Scutaro SS
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jason Varitek C
Jeremy Hermida LF
Tud Hulett DH
Josh Reddick RF
Ryan Kalish CF
Pitching: RHP Boof Bonser

Sox Looking For A New Bench Coach

"While Sox manager Terry Francona is ecstatic at the news that Brad Mills was named the manager of the Houston Astros today, it is also clear that he will have a void to fill on the Red Sox staff. Asked if he might turn to an internal candidate as his bench coach, Francona said, "I hope so. I really hope so. I think that's something that's important. I've been here long enough now that it's something that definitely needs to be considered. That doesn't mean that anybody's a lock to get a job."

DeMarlo Hale, who interviewed last year to be the manager of the Mariners, and Tim Bogar, who had a first-round interview for the Houston job, could be among those considered for the position. Francona said that he had talked to general manager Theo Epstein earlier, and that they would take a step back before making a move. As Francona said, "Think we'll let it slow down. I think we're situated pretty well (Boston.com)."

I have no idea who they will pick, but I am sure Francona will miss his best friend Millsy. If it was up to me I would find out where Mike Greenwell is and bring him back. Nothing could could bring the Sox back to Championship form like a little "Gator Greenwell".

Astros Pick Red Sox Brad Mills As Coach

"Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills will be hired as the Houston Astros' next manager, KRIV-TV in Houston is reporting. The station, which cites unnamed sources for its report, said that Mills will be introduced at a news conference later Tuesday (ESPN)."

Wow I can't believe the Tito & Millsy duo is breaking up. I had been reading rumors over the last week or so, but I really didn't think he would leave. Good for him though. The Sox have had enough success that he deserves a shot. He is going to have his work cut out for him though, the Astros are in tough shape.

Fire Terry?

Another postseason, another Francona costly mistake, but yet every Red Sox fan will defend him to death. Grady Little only had one mistake when he was the Red Sox coach, but since Tito won a couple World Series nobody should speak bad of him and he should be allowed to fuck up as much as possible. Right? Before this game even started a was bitter due to Buchholz starting over Dice K, however, I guess you can say Clay did his job pitching 5 innings with only 2ers. I could argue Dice could have done better, but it would be a flimsy argument at best. But then the ninth inning happened and Tito gets a big WTF for that. Obviously there was something going on with Papelbon that needed to be addressed, especially after Abreu pelted the green monster with the double that drove in Aybar and after Papelbon had the bases loaded. If I were the coach right there, you have to bring in Oki or anybody at this point, figuring it is an elimination game in the playoffs. But Tito didn't and we all know what happened. Don't get me wrong, Papelbon deserves much of the blame for his meltdown, but this isn't the first time our coach hasn't made the right decision in the playoffs.

Wakefield Only Spot Starter?

"Tim Wakefield waited 16 days for Monday night's start, an ordeal that took place only after several other ordeals. He threw bullpen sessions, underwent strength test, and received a cortisone shot. He had to maintain the strength in his leg, and then he had to prove he had maintained the strength. How much longer will the next wait be? It is clear Wakefield has not rejoined the starting rotation, but merely made a cameo in the group he anchored at one point early this season. The Sox will convene with Wakefield on Tuesday and try to determine a plan.

“That’s the part that we have to keep on answering,” manager Terry Francona said. “I don’t think it’s realistic that he would go every five days like everybody else (Boston.com).”

This makes a lot of sense. Wakefield can't go every 5 days, but what he can do is get guys like Beckett an extra days rest here and there. This could be very valuable as the postseason draws near and the Sox seem to have a spot already secure for the playoffs. The only reason I am pissed is because I am playing DP in the finals of our AL-Only fantasy league and not only did Wake pitch like shit for me, but I probably just lost him as a double start...

Wakefield Might Start Monday

"Red Sox manager Terry Francona said SP Tim Wakefield will throw a side session on Friday and, if all goes well, start on Monday against the Royals. The first-time All-Star, who has a bad back, will not be in the rotation but will be available for spot starts (Sportsline)."

I thought Wakefield was done for the year, but it really sounds like he is going to be able to start Monday. This is great news for the Sox as their rotation seems to be getting deeper and deeper by the day. If everyone can somehow stay healthy and on the field Boston should have a very strong rotation going into the playoffs.

White Sox 3 Red Sox 6

The Sox continue to find their groove, though it wasn't easy. Boston was up 2-1 going into the 7th inning when the White Sox were able to score 2 runs off Lester on a wild pitch and infield single (sounds like last nights game). Lester was pulled and was on the hook for the loss until the Red Sox started to get hot.

V-Mart, who was ridding the pine to start the game, pitched hit and got an RBI single. This is actually a funny story, because last night around midnight V-Mart called Francona and told him to let him start. Francona told him to shut it, and get some sleep, but Francona also said that he would pinch hit the game winning hit. Well he was close, since V-Mart knocked in the game tying run.

Boston wasn't done yet. In the very next inning Jason Bay put the Sox in front with a solo HR (his 28th of the season). Boston continued to pour it on, as V-Mart got another RBI on an RBI single to left center. Then Ellsbury added one last run on an RBI single of his own.

Boston brought in Papelbon to close to the door. He did it with ease only taking 16 pitched to get it done, letting up 1 hit with 2 Ks.

Lester's final line was 6 2/3 innings 3 runs on 4 hits with 6 Ks. Ellsbury, who stole 3rd early in the game, broke the Red Sox single season stolen base record, which is amazing considering how much is left in the season.

With the win the Sox are still just 1 1/2 games up on Texas for the Wild Card.

Dice-K Has Good Rehab Start

"Terry Francona received good news today from Fort Myers, where Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched three innings in a Gulf Coast League game against Tampa Bay minor leaguers. Matsuzaka threw 37 pitches, recording four strikeouts and allowing one hit in a 2-0 Red Sox win. Matsuzaka faced 11 batters. "Everything was pretty good," Francona said. "Good breaking ball. He commanded his fastball and stayed down. He had good changeups. Generally, really positive (Boston.com)."

Great news for the Sox, as this is the first step for Dice-K, as he works his way back to the majors. Buchholz proved last night that he is going to be inconsistent, and with the rest of the Sox rotation (other then Beckett/Lester) in question, the Sox are really going to need Dice-K to comeback and be the player that he was last year...

Pedroia Won't Play Tonight

"Dustin Pedroia, who left the Red Sox yesterday to be with his wife, Kelli, for the birth of the couple's first child, will not return to the club for tonight's game, according to manager Terry Francona. Francona, speaking on WEEI's "The Dale and Holley Show," said there is a chance the Red Sox second baseman could return tomorrow, but he is leaving Pedroia's status up to the player (Boston.com)."

The Pedroia's have gone through hell having this child. There have been a bunch of complications, and it has to take a bunch of weight of Pedroia's mind to know that his baby and wife are going to be fine. Expect Pedroia back in next day or two. With him out that will mean that Nick Green will continue to fill in...

Dice-K "Looks Good" In Bullpen Session

"Red Sox SP Daisuke Matsuzaka threw 40 pitches, all fastballs, in a bullpen session Tuesday as he tries to come back from a mild shoulder strain. "Dice-K threw 40 pitches, and all indications were that it went really well," manager Terry Francona told MLB.com. "I think Dice was kind of excited. I think his command was better than expected, although not where it's certainly going to be. The next progression is in three days, he'll throw 55 pitches, with all his pitches incorporated. And then three days later, 65, using all his pitches (Sportsline)."

Right now it seems like Dice-K is on track to come back in early September. Even with how well Tazawa pitched last night the Sox need help in their rotation. DP and I have been saying that how Wake and Dice-K come back from injury will determine the Sox season. Obviously we will keep you updated, but for at least today everything seems to be progressing well with Dice-K...

Wakefield Ready To Start Throwing

"Boston SP Tim Wakefield, who hasn't pitched since July 8 because of a lower back strain, is set to throw two simulated innings Monday. He also has nerve irritation that has caused discomfort in a calf (Sportsline)."

The Wake sounds like he is getting closer to a return, but after reading Francona's comments I am not overly confident...

"He's actually ready to pitch. He's not ready to play in a game," Francona said. "If the team that we play promises they won't bunt, we'd pitch him. It's kind of where we're at. It sort of seems a little comical, but that's just kind of what we're dealing with right now."

Basically he can't bend over. Not good for any baseball player. The Sox really need Dice-K and/or Wake to get back ASAP. The back of the rotation is so bad that these guys would be such an upgrade. My question is who is going to catch Wakefield. Seems like the Sox have a lot of roster decisions to be made...

Jason Bay Injury Update

"Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports Red Sox manager Terry Francona said outfielder Jason Bay could miss the entire four-game series with the Yankees, which started Thursday, because of a sore hamstring he aggravated in Wednesday night's game at Tampa Bay. "When you play a guy and he takes a step backwards, you don't feel good about it," Francona said (Sportsline)."

This Sox really need to get healthy, and now it sounds like Bay isn't going to play until sometime next week. Hamstrings are so fucking annoying and can linger for a long time. To make matters worse the Sox have Ortiz who is useless unless he is the DH, so Bay has to sit out till he is 100%. Hopefully it will be soon, as the Sox are going down in flames right now, and they need their best players on the field if they have any shot at surviving...

Red Sox Fire Back At Dice-K

We reported earlier today that Dice-K has come out publicly and stated that he doesn't like the way the Red Sox get their pitcher ready for the season, and doesn't like the rehab he has been put on. He wants to throw more, and blah blah blah (If you want to read the rest CLICK HERE. Well this seemed to have pissed off John Farrell...

"We know that there was a pretty substantial amount of fatigue in the second half of '07 that we had to give him a breather at the time, largely in part because of the differences in travel, differences in competition, differences in strike zone, a number of the on-field challenges that he faced. So any of the adjustments that we've encountered have been in response to how he's adapted to the rigors of the schedule and the competition here."

Farrell further defended the Red Sox program, saying it was the best way to protect their investment in Matsuzaka.

"We've got a $103 million investment in a guy that we've got to not only protect, but put him in a best situation to have that success we just outlined," Farrell said.

In perhaps his strongest statement, Farrell also questioned whether Matsuzaka put in the offseason work that was necessary to both prepare him for the rigors of a major league season.

"In hindsight, there might not have been the work that he needed to put in on his own time during the offseason to build the foundation that every pitcher requires to withstand the workloads that a major league starting pitcher is going to go through here in the States," Matsuzaka said (Boston.com)."


So here is what it all boils down to..

1. The Sox are still pissed that Dice-K refused to train with them in the offseason, and feel that he didn't do a good enough job getting ready.

2. Dice-K is pissed because he has a hard-on for Japan and doesn't want to listen to people who say he needs to protect his arm.

3. The Sox are getting angry because they have over $100 million invested in a player that plays for other teams in the offseason and won't follow their workouts.

4. The Sox hate the WBC.


My Take:

If it works for Beckett, Lester, Wakefield, Penny, ect then it's good enough for Dice-K. Dice-K has a lot of national pride, but when you sign a contract you need to follow whatever the team is telling you, especially when it is that much money. He Obviously was not ready for this season, or pushed himself too hard in the WBC and now is paying the price. So in the end he needs to shut the fuck up, do what he is told, so that he can go back to being the pitcher he was last year.

My concern is that this feud is growing and that it is going to end ugly....

Lowell/Lowrie Injury Updates

"Terry Francona said during his weekly conversation with WEEI's "Dale and Holley Show" that Mike Lowell, sidelined with a hip injury, will probably return to the Red Sox' lineup Friday, while shortstop Jed Lowrie, out since May after wrist surgery, will be activated no later than Saturday (Boston.com)."

The Sox are going to need to assess how Lowell is going to hold up quickly with the trade deadline approaching. I think there is a direct connection between his health and whether or not the Sox will make a move. The only thing the Sox could need is another bat, and if Lowell can't hold up over the rest of the season then the Sox might have to go out and make a big move (Huff, V-Mart, ect).

A lot of people are making a big deal out of Lowrie's return. To be honest, I really don't see much of a difference between him and Nick Green, so I really don't care. What is interesting is to see what the Sox do with Lugo. Green has outplayed him all season, but the Sox have put a lot of money into Lugo. If I was the Sox and Lowrie proves to be healthy I would buy out Lugo's contract, much like the Jays did with Ryan, and the Tigers did with Sheffield.