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).

Red Sox 11 Rays 5

The Sox were down 4-0 to the Rays in the 2nd inning last night, and it looked like they were going to get routed much like the night before, then the MVP of the season (Beltre) hit a 2-run HR, and everything changed. Wake was able to settle down and get through 5 innings letting up 4 runs.

Scutaro was the hero of this game belting 2 HRs. I still think he should be shut down for the season, but you can't argue with the results. What was really impressive was the way the Sox bullpen actually came through for them. Scott Atchison, Daniel Bard, and Hideki Okajima combined to pitch 4 scoreless innings. That is a fucking miracle with the way they've been playing all year.

Lars Anderson got his first two major league hits, both singles, and drove in a run. It will be real interesting to watch him the rest of the year. I really hope he goes off, so the Sox can use him as trade bait this offseason.

With the win the Sox are still 6 1/2 games back for the Wild Card.

Red Sox Need To Be Smarter

The Sox moved Marco Scutaro from shortstop to second base to protect the infielder's ailing right shoulder. Does this bother anyone else??? Listen if the Sox were fighting for a playoff spot, then I'd be all for it, but they are out so why are the risking ruining this guy for next year?

It is obvious that Scutaro will be the SS for the Red Sox next year. There isn't much out there in the free agent market, they already committed to him, and any Red Sox minors are at least 2-3 years away. Scutaro has been an iron man for this team, but it is time to get him ready for next year. So Francona really needs to bite the bullet shut him down and let guys like Lowrie play the rest of the year.

Just seems stupid to me to keep him out there.

Indians 6, Red Sox 5

The Red Sox are now 14-14 against the four worst teams in the AL. That inexcusable mediocrity against the dregs of the League has become all too predictable.

So you thought John Lackey had turned a corner, eh? Well he's dominated AL West teams, going 3-0 with a 2.96 ERA. But against everyone else, he's a disappointing 7-5 with a 4.84 ERA. He allowed 9 hits and walked 5 last night, in 5.1 innings of work.

Beltre continues to hammer the ball. He belted his 18th and 19th homers of the season. I wasn't too keen on the Sox' signing him, but he's been indispensable. Offensively, not defensively. Run production > Run prevention.

Marco Scutaro was 2 for 5, and is now 13 for his last 28 (.464). That's pretty hot. His hits have predominantly been singles, and he's been left on base too often. The Sox have resumed their RISP struggles, and were 2 for 11 last night in such situations.

The Sox should win tonight. Beckett faces David Huff, who's 2-9 with a 6.04 ERA. But since Huff sucks, and the Indians suck, the Sox will lose 7-4.

-The Commodore

Red Sox 7, Angels 3

The Red Sox improved to 7-0 against the Angels on the season, and still have 3 games remaining against that charitable team. Someone tell Mike Scioscia to hit-and-run, or try a squeeze play or something.

Beckett had to work his way through this one, but improved as the game progressed. That's a really good sign. This is similar to how Buchholz performed the other day. He finished with 3 earned runs in 7 innings. It's nothing short of remarkable how the Sox have done so well considering this only their 2nd win from Beckett, and only his 4th Quality Start.

The offense eventually broke through against the Angels' array of relievers (Scot Shields had to start as Pinerio was scratched). Scutaro had the big game, going 3 for 4 with the big Grand Slam in the 8th. He was 7/14 in the series with 4 runs and 4 RBI.

Eric Patterson was a homerun shy of the cycle.

The Sox were still only 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position, and left 13 men. Scutaro's Grand Slam made up for this inadequacy, but it still wasn't a great day for the Sox' bats against a series of middle-relievers.

But pitching is how this team will either win or lose. And Beckett's back to form. Maybe. We'll see 2 starts from now how consistent he is. Buchholz is back. Lackey's apparently turned a corner.

I'm not going to get too giddy. The Angels are mediocre at best. And remember the weekend? When the Sox split 4 with the godawful M's?

The Sox have an off-day then host the Tigers. Lester opposes Armando Galarraga Friday night.

-The Commodore

Diamondbacks @ Red Sox Preview

The Sox got a much needed day off yesterday, but it still didn't do very much good as Boston lost another player to injury today. Marco Scutaro will be out a day or two after he had a procedure on his neck to relieve stress on it. It isn't anything serious, but Boston is already stretched pretty thin.

The good news is Buchholz is on the hill, and he has been nothing short of amazing to watch recently. To make it even better the D-Backs are just awful on the road and have not scored a run in their last 31 innings.

The Sox will be facing a guy that should remember (Ian Kennedy). He has been much better since moving over to the NL and is 3-3 on the year with a 3.17 ERA, and is coming off a 7 inning shutout against the Braves.

Sorry, I don't buy that Kennedy will shut down the Sox (even with their injuries).

Boston win 7-2
Player of the Game: Buchholz
Game starts at 7:10 on NESN.

A's 9 Red Sox 8

The Wake got lit up yesterday, and although the Sox did make a comeback it wasn't enough to top the A's. Early in the game the Sox looked like the may have luck on their side as Brett Anderson went down with a sore elbow after only 2 innings, but Wakefield was horrible letting 6 runs in 6 innings of work. This isn't anything new for Wakefield, who has been mostly terrible this season with a 1-4 record and a 6.02 ERA. The Sox are going to need him to play a lot better since Beckett is going to be out at least another month.

Boston got a lot of offense out of guys you wouldn't really expect. Bill Hall was 4-5 with 2 RBIs, Herminda was 3-5 with 2 RBIs, and Scutaro was 1-5 with 3 RBis, all 3 of these players has a HR.

Boston has a ton of hit (18), but poor pitching and lack of clutch hitting did them in. With the loss Boston is now 5 1/2 games behind the Rays, and 3 1/2 games behind the Yankees in the AL East.

Marco Scutaro Injury Update

Marco Scutaro will be out at least a couple games after getting a cortisone shot in his non throwing elbow. The Francona says he has "tennis elbow", and that he wanted to play through it, but they thought it would be smarter to give him a couple days off.

I really hope this doesn't become a problem, because the Sox really can't afford to lose anyone out of this already weak lineup (especially with Ellsbury and Cameron out). I doubt this will be a long term problem, since it isn't his throwing arm, but something that we'll have to keep an eye on.

Ellsbury Injury Update

Jacoby Ellsbury will likely not play until Friday when the Red Sox return to Boston to face Rays. The thinking was that Ellsbury would jsut need a day off or two, but he is still sore, and the Sox have the depth to let him race.

Scutaro is eventually going to push Ellsbury for the leadoff spot, yea sure it's a little bold, but I really think it will happen. Anyways, this is a little bit of a chance to see how Scutaro will fit in on the top of the lineup. For the sake of my fantasy team I hope he lights it up.

Ellsbury Injury Update

When Beltre and Ellsubury collided the only thing I worried about was whether or not Jacoby had a broken rib. He doesn't and that is great news. Still, I would be shocked if he is in the lineup tonight, which could make things interesting. Scutaro was a great leadoff hitter for Toronto last year, so if Jacoby can't go tonight you would think he would get a shot. Scutaro has a great OBPs, and I am kind of on the fence if they should eventually make Ellsbury the 9 hitter, and move Scutaro to the top of the lineup, but that is a topic for a later time. The good news is that Jacoby at worst should be day-to-day.

Sox Sign Scutaro

The Sox seem to have found a solution to their short-stop problem (how many times have we said that before?), or so it seems. They've signed Marco Scutaro to a 2 year deal, which also comes with an option for a 3rd year.

Scutaro is solid. You'll hear that word a lot today as this deal is discussed. Solid. Solid. Solid. He's a solidly sound fielder, who hits for a solid average, and has a nice solid OBP. He hit .282 with a nice .379 OBP last year. He also knocked out 12 homeruns.

The Sox will have to send a 1st round pick to Toronto, but they just got one from the Braves when they signed Wagner.

The short-term of the deal is fantastic. Whatever the salary turns out to be, it's not something that will weigh heavy on the Sox payroll for years to come like Julio Lugo and Edgar Renteria.

The short deal also allows the Sox to groom Jose Iglesias in the minors for a few years without any rush, but then open the door for him in 2012 or 2013.

-The Commodore

Red Sox Ask For Medical Records On Scutaro

"The Boston Red Sox could land Marco Scutaro as their next shortstop by the start of the winter meetings, and ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure, Jr. tweets today -- citing Panorama.com's Augusto Cardenas -- that the club has asked for the medicals on Scutaro. Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal reports today that there is a "very good chance" the Red Sox will sign Scutaro, a free agent who was offered arbitration by the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. McDonald says the Red Sox are willing to surrender the draft pick they will lose by signing Scutaro because they will gain a pick by Billy Wagner's decision to sign with the Atlanta Braves.

"Scutaro is someone who our baseball ops people are looking at and talking to," CEO Larry Lucchino told the newspaper. "There will be a close examination on him and his fit (ESPN)."

This rumor has been swirling for awhile now. There are also rumors that Pedroia will move to SS, and the Sox will go out and sign someone like Orlando Hudson. Giving up a draft pick for a guy Scutaro's ago does concern me, but the Sox are going to have to do something. Scutaro is an on-base percentage guy, which we all know Theo loves, so a part of me really believes in these rumors. I just can't say I agree with it, only because of the loss of draft picks.

Scutaro Offered Arbitration By Jays

This isn't shocking news, but still important to the Sox offseason...

"In a somewhat surprising move, the Toronto Blue Jays decided to offer arbitration to free agent shortstop Marco Scutaro on Tuesday, which will allow them to get some draft compensation. Is it possible that Scutaro could accept arbitration? Not likely due to the signing of Alex Gonzalez, but the Jays have a contingency plan.

"If Marco was to accept arbitration, we had an opening in the outfield," GM Alex Anthopoulos told MLB.com. "He played in the outfield for us in 2008. He played in the outfield in 2007 for the A's. We'd love to have him back. We understand the likelihood of that is not high."

The Boston Globe reports today that the decision of the Blue Jays to offer Scutaro arbitration makes him "a bit less attractive" to the Red Sox (ESPN)."

I don't know why ESPN thinks this is surprising. Scutaro had a career year, and the Jays want something in return if he decides to walk. This might backfire on them though, as I don't see any team giving up draft picks for this guy at his age (34), so it will be interesting to see how this develops.

Scutaro's Top Two: Dodgers/Red Sox

"In an interview with the Venezuelan newspaper Diaro Panorama, Marco Scutaro said the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners and Rangers have expressed an interest in signing him.

"There are two teams that would interest me, which are the Dodgers and Boston, as it would have the opportunity to be in the playoffs,” Scutaro said.

The Red Sox want Scutaro as a shortstop, the Dodgers as a second baseman and the Mariners as a third baseman. Scutaro would prefer to play short or second (Boston.com)."

Though I am a Scutaro fan I just don't see him coming to the Sox if the Jays offer him arbitration, which they are supposed to do. If Toronto offers him arbitration it would mean that any team that signs him has to give the Jays 2 first round picks. Sorry, but a mid-30's SS is just not worth it. I think he would be a great fit, but just not at that price. This leaves the Sox in an interesting position since Gonzalez signed with the Jays, and that would mean Lowrie is the opening day starter as of right now (and the Sox just can't feel good about that).

Scutaro The Answer At SS For Sox?

"Shortstop has at times resembled a black hole for the Boston Red Sox, and the team may try to fill that void by landing free agent Marco Scutaro. Michal Silverman of the Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox have expressed preliminary interest in Scutaro, who had a big season for Toronto in 2009. Alex Gonzalez, a late-season addition, is now a free agent and the Red Sox feel they cannot rely upon the injury-plagued Jed Lowrie. Silverman adds that the Red Sox continue to keep in touch with Gonzalez (ESPN)."

I like Scutaro a lot, but he is a type A free agent, which mean the Sox would have to give up draft picks. I don't see them doing that, so I think Gonzalez will be back, which I am fine with. Scutaro does just seem like a Sox kind of guy. He gets on base, is solid defensively, and just seems like he would fit in with players like Youk, Pedroia, ect.

Red Sox Finally Have A SS?

DP will love this...

"Shortstop for the Boston Red Sox has been a black hole in recent years. Seven different starters have been used since the start of the 2004 season, including Alex Gonzalez, whose return for 2010 is far from a certainty. Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox may finally have their long-term answer in Jose Iglesias, a 19-year-old Cuban defector who should be ready for the 2011 season (ESPN)."

I have heard nothing but great things about this kid. Still, he won't have an impact next season. My thinking is that they stay with Gonzalez at SS, unless they want to make a move and sign Marco Scutaro. Scutaro is very solid defensively and he has a great OBPs (.379), which we all know the Sox love.

Who The Red Sox Should Be Going After

Ther have been endless rumors about what the Sox might do going into the trade deadline. From adding a hitter like Huff, Johnson, V-Mart or adding another starting pitcher like Lee, and even Halladay. Yet, I am thinking a little differently. I want to point out that the guy I will be discussing is on my fnatasy team, but I swear I am keeping my bias to a minimum.

So, the guy they should go hard after is none other then...... Marco Scutaro.

Yea, I know it wouldn't make a big splash, but let's look at what where the Sox are struggling. They have been having trouble scoring runs. They seem to have the guys to do it (Ortiz, Pedroia, Youk, Lowell, Ellsbury, Bay ect), and I know they have been in slumps, but for the most part I think those players will be fine (Yes even Papi).

The one continued problem is the leadoff spot. The Sox are in the bottom 5 in production from their leadoff hitter. Some people might now care, but it is a huge deal. The leadoff hitter sets up the rest of the lineup. A Pitcher pitches differently when their is a guy on base when Pedroia, Youk, and Bay are up. Ellsbury tried to fill the void, but he can be streaky and his OBPs is not the greatest. They tried to put Pedroia there and he was having trouble batting .200. So then they went to Drew, who just can't hit anything this year (batting in the .230's).

Why is Scutaro the right choice?

He is having a breakout year. He is in the last year of his contract so if it doesn't work out the Sox aren't risking much. He is batting .295, but more importantly has a .388 OBP (which is great). He can even steal you a base or two ( he has 8 on the season). He plays solid defense and can play 2nd, 3rd, and SS. Sounds like the kind of guy we could use huh?

Get on it Sox. Make it happen...