What's Up With The Red Sox Medical Staff?

Seems like every year there are some problems with the Red Sox medical staff and a player. Last year we went through it with Ellsbury, and to a certain extent Lowrie. Now it seems we are going through it again with Lowrie (not to mention Dice-K)...

"Jed Lowrie has been slowed by a sore shoulder. Asked how bad the problem is, Gammons replied: "They have no idea. He told me that he's gotten two different opinions. Jed went through this with the wrist. He got two different opinions, they went with the first one, it cost him almost a year of his career. So, to say that he's a little cynical about what goes on here, that's kind (WEEI)."

It's not like it would be in the Sox best interest to have him out, or play less, but it is getting very strange that there seems to be so many problems between the Red Sox and their medical staff. Anyways, it's something to keep an eye on going forward.

Buchholz/Lowrie Injury Update

As DP stated earlier the Sox won last night, but it came with some cost. Buchholz and Lowrie had to leave the game. Here is the latest on both...

Buchholz left after the fifth inning due to a stiff lower back. This has been bothering him for awhile, and if you have ever pulled a muscle there you know it takes forever for it to go away. The good news is that I think he won't have to go on the DL. The Sox have already stated that they are bringing up Andrew Miller, and that he will start Monday. They also have 2 days off in a 5 day span. That's huge, and means the Sox can't wait awhile, and see how he responds to treatment. That could be enough to keep him from a stint on the DL.

Lowrie meanwhile I think is going to need to go on the DL. His left shoulder has been bothering him for nearly 3 weeks, since his collision with Crawford. It is really causing him to slump. In his last 10 games since the collision he is batting .163, while Scutaro has been playing well. I think it is time to sit Lowrie down for awhile call up someone like Drew Sutton, and I think that is what they are going to do as he was pulled from the PawSox game yesterday. Lowrie has been great, but he needs to be healthy, and with the way this lineup is hitting the Sox can deal with losing him for a couple weeks.

Rays 3, Red Sox 2

This just gets worse and worse. You knew this would be a pitcher's duel, you knew it would be tight, but watching this offense still hurts. Crawford's struggles are beyond a slump. Same with Youkilis. It's psychological, or physical, or physiological. It's not a run of the mill, ordinary slump.

Lester was good, apart from the 5th inning. And even though he allowed 3 runs off 4 hits in that frame, the Rays were hardly knocking him around. It's Lester's second Quality Start in a row, and the second time the Sox have failed to win with such a start.

One of the few bright spots has been the performance of Jed Lowrie. He hit a pair of doubles and knocked in a run. He's now hitting .438. There's no reason he shouldn't be starting every day, at least until he's cooled off.

The Sox are now in danger of being swept for the 3rd time this season. John Lackey takes the mound to face James Shields. I'm rooting for the rain.

-The Commodore

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox (Hitting)

The Red Sox scored the 2nd most runs in baseball last year. They were 2nd in homeruns, 3rd in OBP, 2nd in slugging, 1st in OPS. In other words, they were pretty good at the plate. And they should be even better in 2011.

Adding Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez were the big stories of the off-season. Not to mention the returns of Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, who only played in 102 and 75 games last year, respectively. These newcomers and returning producers should more than offset the loss of Beltre and Victor Martinez.

The middle of the lineup will be fierce. Gonzalez, liberated from San Diego's pitcher friendly park, should hit over .300, with an OBP close to .400, slug near .600, and approach 40 homers. Youkilis should hit nearly 30 homers, with an OBP well over .400, and slug around .570.

Putting Crawford and Pedroia ahead of them will result in abundant runs. Gonzalez could knock in 120, and Youkilis should easily surpass 100 RBI.

JD Drew's contract is up, so I think he'll actually play more than 140 games and produce. Then there's Ortiz, whose 32 homers and 102 RBIs were impressive in 2010. But he really struggled against lefties. Drew also can't hit southpaws. So against righties, the Sox will have an excellent 5-6 to keep the pressure on. Against lefties, you'll see plenty of innings ended by Drew and Ortiz.

The bottom of the lineup will be solid enough. I like Ellsbury as a 7th or 9th hitter, either keeping the middle of the orders' rallies going, or helping Crawford and Pedroia start a new one. He should hit .300, with a .350 OBP that keeps him from being a good leadoff option. Minimal power, but plenty of speed.

Scutaro had a decent year last season. But we've all sort of forgotten. So did Lowrie. Having both of them as options is a nice luxury. Both play good defense, and neither are easy outs. That's all you really want or need from the 8th spot in your lineup.

Speaking of easy outs, we come to Varitek/Saltalamacchia. They'll ground into so many double plays. That is, if they even make contact with the ball.

Anyway you stack it, this lineup is pretty sick. Mike Cameron can fill in for Drew against lefties. And the speed of Crawford and Ellsbury can help keep the whole batting order from slumping. And even if a tough lefty is on the mound, guys like Youkilis (.404 against LHP last year), can still give them problems.

The Sox scored 818 runs last year, or 5.05 per game. If they stay healthy, they'll score over 900.

You have an amazing offense, and suspect pitching. I'm reminded of the Cleveland Indians from 1995 to 1999. They'll be fun to watch. They'll win 100 regular season games. And they'll lose the World Series to a team with superior pitching. I'm thinking the Phillies. 1946 all over again.

-The Commodore

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.

Red Sox Set Limit On Beltre, V-Mart (UPDATED)

The Red Sox have said that keeping Adrian Beltre and Victor are one of their top priorities this offseason, but a source tells Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe that they won't offer them more than four years and $52MM. ESPN

I don't like offering 4 years to Beltre however, I would imagine thats a fair deal. I just don't think Adrian Beltre and Scott Boras will accept a 10 and change contract for Beltre after the year he had. Also, I don't want Beltre on the Red Sox anyways. He's 31 and I just really think he's a contract year player. (Shame on me if I'm wrong) Plus that would be an end to an Adrian Gonzalez/ Prince Fielder rumors.

I do think V-Mart is a little bit more important to the Red Sox, so I really hope that isn't a hard line. Other teams would seriously outbid them.

Also, rumor has it that the Red Sox would think of trading Marco Scutaro if the opportunity to arise and the Sox would then install Jed Lowrie at short. I'm not really a Lowrie guy, but you can't deny the end of the season he had. Scutaro had a good offensive year, and I would prefer him unless we get anything significant.

***UPDATE***

"Theo Epstein denies he has drawn a "line in the sand" on Adrian Beltre talks. Certainly Epstein will have his limits as talks progress, but right now he said talks are still ongoing (Boston.com).

Rockies Reject Red Sox Trade

According to Peter Gammons the Rockies rejected a trade this week from the Red Sox that would've sent Jed Lowrie to Colorado for catcher Chris Iannetta. Personally, I would've rejected this too if I was the Rockies. Lowrie hasn't played in a over a year, and hasn't shown all that much ability when he has played. As for the Sox, I hope they don't trade for a catcher. I am fine with what they have, and V-Mart is getting closer to returning.

All I want the Sox to focus on is bullpen help, and maybe a power hitting outfielder. That's it, no starting pitching, no catcher, nothing else. Other then that they just need to get healthy...fast.

Latest On The Red Sox

A lot going on with the Red Sox over the past couple days, so here is what you need to know...

- It's official Junichi Tazawa will have Tommy John surgey on Tuesday.

- Don't believe all this Lowell going to Texas stuff from what I am reading today it doesn't sound like he is going anywhere, which might not be the worst thing if Ortiz struggles.

- Scott Atchison made the team, but Alan Embree did not make it. He's taking today to decide whether he wants to go to Pawtucket.

- The last bullpen spot is still open. It is between Scott Schoeneweis and Joe Nelson.

- Theo Epstein and Beckett's agent Michael Moye have agreed to continue talks beyond the start of the regular season, if necessary. The deal on the table now is 4 years $65MM-$70MM.

- Boof Bonser, Dice-K and Jed Lowrie will be placed on the DL to start the year.

Here is what the opening day lineup is rumored to look like...

Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez C
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Drew RF
Beltre 3B
Cameron CF
Scutaro SS

Can't Wait!

Red Sox Spring Training

Here are the updates for today...

- Dice-K threw 54 pitches in the bullpen today. The tentative plan moving forward:

Friday: Bullpen session.

Sunday: Two-innings in a minor-league game.

Sometime next week: An actual major-league game.

- Well we found out what is wrong with Lowrie. He has mono, can we just cut him now? He is worse then Rocco with this random shit.

- Beckett is feeling much better and looks to be good to go for pitching Friday against the Pirates.

- Jon Lester allowed one run on three hits over four innings against the Astros.

Sox play the Mets today.

Daily Red Sox Spring Training Update

Some injury news for the Sox.

- If you haven't heard yet Westmoreland, one of the Sox best prospects is having brain surgery. We wish him the best. As of right now there is no word as to whether (or when) he might be able to return.

- Dice-K was supposed to throw batting practice, but it has been pushed back to Weds, because of a sore neck. He did pitch in the bullpen a little bit. I am be shocked if he plays in the first couple weeks of the season, because he hasn't put any work in and the Sox have extra pitchers, so they can afford to take their time.

- Beckett was scratched from his last start due to illness. Doesn't sound like a big deal.

- Mike Lowell might be playing his game as 1st base today, but he refuses to talk to the media about it. Hopefully the Sox can deal him soon before this becomes a big problem.

- Jed Lowrie has not been with the team since Thursday because of an illness that has left him fatigued. Can we just cut him? I am really sick of all the excuses why he isn't playing.

Sox play the Orioles today at 1:05pm. The game isn't televised, but I will have an update tomorrow on the happening of the game. Here is a look at the lineup and pitching schedule...

Mike Cameron CF
Mike Lowell 1B
Victor Martinez C
David Ortiz DH
J.D. Drew RF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Bill Hall SS
Jeremy Hermida LF
Tug Hulett 2B

Pitching: RHP Tim Wakefield followed by LHP Brian Shouse, RHP Jonathan Papelbon and LHP Hideki Okajima.

Signs Point To Lugo Being Cut (UPDATED)

"Julio Lugo was the only Red Sox player who did not attend a mandatory workout last night, an absence manager Terry Francona said owed to a communication mix-up.
So while Lugo’s nonappearance may have been a coincidence, it may also have been a fitting sign for his future with the club. The Red Sox will certainly make one roster move today to make room for Clay Buchholz, tonight’s starting pitcher. They may also make a move soon that could cut ties with Lugo, the shortstop whose lukewarm tenure began in 2007 and could end as soon as this weekend (Boston.com)."

With Buchholz coming up for a start, Lowrie returning sometime this weekend, and Lowell coming back today there just isn't enough room for Lugo. He sucks, and the Sox should just do what the Jays did with Ryan and cut their losses. Lugo at this point does nothing well. He isn't a great hitter, he is terrible in the feild, and he really just seems to be in the center of every bad play. Lowrie and Green are not the best SS combo, but they are both better than Lugo, so expect him gone by tomorrow one way or another....


***UPDATE***

WEEI has just come out and said that Lugo has been designated for assignment to make room for Buchholz, Lowell, and Lowrie, who are all coming up this weekend.

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.

Lowrie Can't Catch A Break

"The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox SS Jed Lowrie, who is rehabbing a wrist injury in the minors, has been slowed by the bruised knee he sustained last Tuesday. He played only half a game Sunday and sat out Monday. "He's overcompensating and he's got a pretty good bruise," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "It's nothing serious (Sportsline)."

He took a ball off the knee and now he is having trouble staying in the games. This kid just can't seem to catch a break. He beat out Lugo in the beginning of the season only to go on the DL before the season even started. Now I really have a hard time seeing Lowrie beat out Nick Green who has been playing very well, and is becoming a fan favorite...

Jed Lowrie Injury Update

It has been awhile since we have had any news on Jed Lowrie...

"The Boston Herald reports that SS Jed Lowrie could return to the Red Sox lineup as soon as a three-city road trip later in June. He was originally expected back shortly after the All-Star break."

Well that is good news, and this will put the Sox in an interesting position as Nick Green has outplayed Lugo time and again. So...what do the Sox do about Lugo? Release him and eat his contract? I don't know, but with Lowrie nearing his return it is going to put pressure on the Red Sox coaches and front office to make a decision.

Anyways, back to Lowrie. He has been taking batting practice for the past week. If he doesn't suffer any setbacks in the next few days, the plan is for him to begin a rehab assignment with Pawtucket Monday. He is going to need about 30 at bats to be ready for the MLB, so right now it looks like he could be back by June 26 when the Sox travel to Atlanta.

Lowrie Has Surgery

"Jed Lowrie should finally get some relief. After enduring pain from May until October last season, discovering the nondisplaced fracture in his left wrist only after the Red Sox were knocked out of the playoffs, Lowrie has had the repairs made. No more rest and rehabilitation and cortisone shots. This time, Lowrie got the surgery - an arthroscopic ligament repair and an ulnar styloid excision, to be exact. Lowrie already was off the operating table in Arizona - and was about six weeks from picking up a bat (Boston Globe)."

When this story first broke reports were that he would miss the rest of the season, but now it sounds like he will be back around the All-Star break. Other then having a cool name Lowrie is nothing special, but at times has shown he can get on base more consistently then Lugo (though Lugo can steal bases). Either way it is nice to know the Sox will have options later in the season if Lugo sucks upon his return.

Lowrie Goes On DL

"One week into the season, the Red Sox suddenly have a shortage of shortstops. Joining Julio Lugo (right knee surgery) on the disabled list yesterday was Jed Lowrie, victim of a sprain in his left wrist, the same one with which he played with a hairline fracture late last season (Boston Herald)."

I know a lot of people are already freaking out about the Sox, and DP is probably starting his little fire Francona cult, but I hope people don't freak out about this. I view SS like I view catchers, if you are relying on them for hits then your team sucks anyways. I see very little difference between Lowrie, Green, and Lugo. They all bring some different things, but in the end are no better then a 8 hitter, and if the Sox want to get it going it is going to have to come from the 1-7 hitters, not the 8-9.

Lowrie's Walkoff Single

-BMack

Red Sox Put Away Angels

I was at Fenway for this game last night, and even though it was really cold out, the fans were pumped and there was trust in Lester that he would get the job done. I don't think anyone would have predicted the real hero in this game though.

Lester and Lackey pitched fantastic. Neither pitcher let up a run through the first 4 innings, as the game seemed to be just flying by. There was a feeling in the crowd that this game was going to be decided last in the game. Boston strikes first with 2 runs in the 5th as Ellsbury grounded out with men at 1st and 3rd, scoring a run. Then FINALLY little Dusty got his first hit of the series as he ripped a double to left scoring Varitek.

Lester just kept cruising and ended up pitching 7 scoreless innings allowing only 4 hits while striking out 4. Through 7 innings Lester had pitched 109 pitches, and a lot of people think that he should have come out for the 8th. Hind sight is 20/20, but it certainly seems like that would have been a good idea, as the Angels tied the game in the top of the 8th. Okajima didn't look bad as he was getting the 1st two outs of the inning, but then he walked Teixeira. Francona showed a complete lack of faith in Oki, and immediately pulled him for Masterson. Masterson came in and walked Vlad, then the ball got away from Tek and Teixeira and Vlad got into scoring position. Masterson still couldn't settle down as Hunter tied the game with a two run single.

The 9th had plenty of drama as the Angels had a man in scoring position with only 1 out. Aybar tied to bunt the run home, but missed as Willits tried to get a running start. Tek quickly chased him back to the 3rd, and got the tag on him for the 2nd out. There is a lot of questions over this, as after Tek applied the tag he fell to the ground and dropped the ball. Apparently by MLB rules it still counts as an out. Masterson was able to get the final out of the inning, and the stage was set.

J.D. Drew was the first one up for the Sox, and looked to be the guy that could be the hero of the game. Instead, Drew struck out looking on a 2-2 pitch. Jason Bay came up and ripped the ball to right field, it went into the stand, and Bay went to 2nd on the ground rule double. Kotsay got good wood on the ball, but it was right at Teixeira, who is one hell of a defense first baseman. Lowire came up with 2 outs and a man on 2nd. Schields threw a curve ball to Lowrie, and Lowrie was able to get enough on it to get it past a driving Howie Kendrick. Bay came flying around third, the throw was too late, and the Boston Red Sox will now face the Rays in the ALCS starting Friday. Lowrie is the youngest Red Sox player of all time to hit a walk off in the playoffs. Never would have thought in the beginning of the season that Jed Lowrie would be the hero to send the Sox into the next round of the playoffs.

-BMack

Lowell and Lowrie Out

Francona came out today and said that Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie would be out of tonight's lineup. The news is not as bad as I first thought. Francona wants to make sure that Lowell is as healthy as he can be against lefty Joe Saunders, who will be pitching in game 3. With Lowell out Youk will be playing 3rd and Mark Kotsay will play 1st. Not a bad move considering Kotsay is a very solid hitter, and Youk is more than capable of playing 3rd.

Lowrie is out of the game, and Francona said that it was the way he planned it all the way. Sorry I don't believe this one. I don't believe Francona ever had plans to play Cora, and I think it has a lot to do with Lowrie looking shaky in the field. That error last night could have cost the Sox the game, and I think Francona wants him to get his head on straight. I'll say right now I don't like this move, but Francona has two World Series rings, and I write for a blog...

Here is tonight's lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2nd
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Kevin Youkilis 3rd
5. J.D. Drew RF
6. Jason Bay LF
7. Mark Kotsay 1B
8. Jason Varitek C
9. Alex Cora SS

Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP


-BMack

Indians Beat Sox 4-3

Very tough night for the Sox as they drop a game to the Indians, and J.D. Drew seems to be more liekly to miss the playoffs. J.D. suffered another set of painful spasms in his lower back, and it is unlikely that he will be able to play in a game before the playoffs start, whcih puts the Sox in a very interesting position...do they put him on the playoff roster? Anyways, back to tonight's game.

Josh Beckett looked a little off tonight. His stats were fine, but he seemed like he was missing on his location. Hopefully it is just a sign that he may be more focused on the playoffs. Beckett let up 4 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings. The Sox had a chance to blow the game open in the 7th, but couldn't come through with the big hit (which seems to be a growing problem). This time it was Lowrie that had the chance to be the star, but struck out looking with two men on. Ortiz (HR) and Youk (3 hits) played well, but it wasn't enough and the Sox lost 4-3.

Boston had a chance to clintch the playoffs, but will have to wait at least one more night to do so. It is amazing that Beckett is only 12-10 this year, after having such a great 2007. Still, he is the Sox ace, and they will need to ride him in the playoffs.

-BMack