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2012 MLB Team Preview: Boston Red Sox

Posted by on 19 March 2012, 11:56 am

The Boston Red Sox were the talk of sports after the 2011 season, but for all the wrong reasons.

Boston Red Sox logo.

After missing the playoffs on the last day of the season, revelations started pouring out about players’ lack of discipline in the clubhouse, as a collective group took to partying during games instead of supporting their teammates.

For Boston Fans, the humiliation from last season’s nightmare still lingers and now it is up to the players to earn back their trust.

Nothing is worse than underachieving when you have oodles of proven talent but lack the attitude to go with it.

As the great Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”

Now the question is do the 2012 Red Sox have the drive to work themselves back to the top in the face of adversity?

Let’s see how things are shaping up in Beantown:

THE POSITIVES:

The biggest positive for the Red Sox is that 2012 brings a fresh start so they can get things back on track again. The organization needs to show that last season will never be repeated, as their loyal fans deserve that. This has been a contending team enough times in the last decade to know how to win and there are no more excuses…THE PARTY IS OVER.

The Red Sox offense is almost the same as 2011, which is a good thing as the bats were the best in baseball. Collectively the Boston bats led the Majors last season in RBIs (842), doubles (352), hits (1600), runs (875), total bases (2631), OBP (.349), and slugging (.461). They hit the third most homers with 203 and had the second best batting average posting a .280. This line-up is terrifying and is littered with All-Stars like Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz.

THE NEGATIVES:  Continue reading ‘2012 MLB Team Preview: Boston Red Sox’ »

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2012 MLB Team Preview: Chicago Cubs

Posted by on 12 March 2012, 5:36 pm

Old-school Chicago Cubs Logo

The Chicago Cubs were in dire need for a big change, as they hit rock bottom in 2011.

The Cubs couldn’t score runs, had the most errors in baseball with 134 in total and finished the season 71-91. Everything bad that happened did and looking at the bigger picture maybe this was the best thing that could have happened in Chicago because ownership stopped trying to fix things on the field and realized things needed to be changed starting with the front-office structure.

So, is this the season that the Cubs get back on track or will things crash and burn again in Wrigley Field?

Let’s take a peak….

THE POSITIVES:

The Cubs ownership realized that they needed to shake this club and remold it from the top. And that is what they did when they hired former Red Sox’s GM Theo Epstein to be the team’s president of baseball operations and if anyone in baseball can fix a broken team it is Epstein. Epstein brought over Jed Hoyar to serve as the team’s GM, as like Epstein is an analytical-minded thinker and he knows the importance of scouting. Hoyar did a tremendous job revamping the Padres farm system and should thrive in Chicago.

Epstein also hired Dale Sveum to be the team’s skipper. Sveum is the perfect fit for a team that needs to get back to the fundamentals, while maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere. Word on the street is that Sveum is already making a huge difference down in Spring Training camp, and that must music to Cubs fans ears.

In the grand scheme of things, one-way to look at 2012 is that things couldn’t get any worse than 2011.

THE NEGATIVES: Continue reading ‘2012 MLB Team Preview: Chicago Cubs’ »

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Yankees Drama Ain’t Got Nothing On In Beantown

Posted by on 12 October 2011, 11:49 pm
Jon Lester, John Lackey and Josh Beckett

Image by Keith Allison via Flickr

It is hard to imagine that things could get much worse Boston, but it did.

ESPN’s Buster Onley reported today that Theo Epstein, the Red Sox’s GM is officially going to sign a 5-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.

That is the second prolific Red Sox leader to get the heck out of dodge, with skipper Terry Francona resigning the day after the Red Sox collapsed on their faces.

What a shame for the game of baseball and the fans to watch this historic sports franchise completely implode like this.

The worst part is learning the truth about the on goings in the Red Sox’s clubhouse, which is supposed to be a team’s sacred place. So, the fact that personal issues are being made public to point fingers at who is to blame is despicable.

In all honesty, the Red Sox owners can blame themselves for not wanting to see what was happening right in front of them. You can bet the Boston brass is regretting ever giving the thumbs up to make John Lackey a Red Sox because things have gone downhill ever since he showed up.

Remember, Lackey is the same guy who criticized Fenway Park and said that it should be “blown-up” after the Angels playoff loss to the Red Sox in 2008. It was also the place where Lackey posted his worst career number as an Angel… how did that one slip by Bill James as it is against every theory he wrote.

Looking back at his Anaheim days, I recall watching many Angles games and seeing Lackey constantly throw pity parties or mini-hissy fits when his teammates made the slightest mistake behind him. Problem was that when a teammate made a play to save his fat behind, Lackey showed zero appreciation making clubhouse issues almost unavoidable. Continue reading ‘Yankees Drama Ain’t Got Nothing On In Beantown’ »

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2011 MLB Team Preview: Boston Red Sox

Posted by on 13 February 2011, 11:10 pm

The Boston Red Sox didn’t make the postseason in 2010, and that is unacceptable response following a 2009 New York Yankees World Series win.

Boston’s GM Theo Epstein clearly did not want this to resonate in the minds of Red Sox Nation.

So, Epstein made the Red Sox the unmistakable winners this off-season, by signing LF Carl Crawford and trading than signing 1B Adrian Gonzalez, two of the best players in the game.

Crawford and Gonzalez’s paychecks for bringing their talents to Boston for the next seven years are $142 and $154 million bucks respectively. That is a lot of coin, but both players are well worth the money. Guess the Yankees now share the evil empire, with an evil nation.

The Positives:

Signing Crawford and initially trading for Gonzalez made an already substantial line-up into a lethal one. Last season, the Red Sox hit the second most homeruns in the Majors with 211 and led the AL with 358 doubles.

Expect these numbers to grow, as Gonzalez will be hitting in batter friendly Fenway Park. This is heaven compared to his old stomping ground of Petco in San Diego, where Gonzalez went yard 31 times in 2010 and posted 40 homers just a year earlier.

Crawford retains all the tools, as a hitter, as a defender and is just in his prime at 28-years-old. Crawford’s speed is undeniable, with a career average of 54 stolen bases and posting 47 total last season.

Add the swiftness of a healthy Pedroia and Ellsbury who stole 70 bases in 2009, the Red Sox surely won’t be ranking 12th in steals in the AL like last year, with a team total of 68.

Don’t forget that the two newest Red Sox join a line-up that includes David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, JD Drew, Pedroia and Ellsbury, which gives skipper Terry Francona lots of choices.

Speaking of Francona, he is one of the paramount skippers in the game. Francona has a fantastic report with his players, but they respect him even more. After what Francona did with his injury ridden team in 2010 just certifies what we already know, that the Red Sox are in some good hands.

Boston’s starting rotation has a one-two punch of 27-year-old Jon Lester and 26-year-old Clay Buchholz, who both verified their worth in 2010. Buchholz pitched just shy of 174 innings, posting a 2.33 ERA; and Lester had a 3.25 ERA, with 225 strikeouts over 208 innings pitched.

Epstein also added needed depth to the Red Sox’s bullpen by picking up Dan Wheeler and Bobby Jenkins.

What didn’t, excuse me couldn’t Epstein not achieve this off-season?

Pretty much nothing because he took a great team and made them even better. This is stuff of a GM-Genius, but the Red Sox owners deep pockets help a little too.

The Negatives:

Even with as much ‘wow-factor’ as the 2011 Red Sox radiate, it doesn’t exempt them from having areas of concern.

Epstein and Francona’s primary worry has to be the decline of closer Jonathan Papelbon, who lead the league with eight blown saves last season, which equaled his 2008-09 numbers combined.

The once dependable Papelbon has to prove himself reliable again, as any team without a dominant closer will have serious problems, especially in the AL East.

This also adds pressure on the Red Sox starters to try to stretch out seven or eight innings every fifth day. Boston’s back-end of the rotation of Josh Beckett, John Lackey and Daisue Matsuzaka were not reliable last season. Continue reading ‘2011 MLB Team Preview: Boston Red Sox’ »

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2011 New York Yankees: Almost Time To Go on Offseason Shopping Spree

Posted by on 28 October 2010, 3:00 pm

Not repeating and no longer reigning as champions was not the game plan the New York Yankees had at the start of the 2010 season.

Losing the ALCS to the Texas Rangers was heartbreaking. The Bombers elimination seemed almost unreal, as the Yankees were the stronger ball-club all season long.

The blame-game is in full swing in New York, pointing fingers at Skipper Joe Girardi for his managerial calls and GM Brian Cashman not facing a team of over-the-hill players in time.

Yankees Universe is spoiled and winning it all is the only mark of achievement. Any outcome otherwise is considered a failed season, but this rigid motto is what players sign up for the moment they put on the pinstripes. Call it whatever you want, but it has led the franchise to the most elite status in sports.

What needs to happen in the offseason to get the Yankees back on top in 2011?

Here are the five I want to see happen:

1) Go get Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee is sure be on the top of Cashman’s list.

Lee just bombed his first World Series start and if he repeats a piss poor, performance maybe he could come cheaper. Not by that much, but Lee is 33 and has had back problems in the past. Regardless, Lee went from a want to a necessity today after hearing some startling news from the Yankees.

First, ace CC Sabathia has to have knee surgery later this week for a small meniscus tear in his right knee; while not serious, it is not comforting news at all. CC is physically enormous standing at 6’7″, weighing 309 lbs and at 30-years-old, which is implementing some serious stress on his body. CC threw 3,903 pitches in 2010, not including spring training. This was a concern when the Yankees signed Sabathia, as the odds were all stacked against him being able to avoid injuries like this one down the road. Finally, Yankees fans got a concrete clarification behind Sabathia’s why postseason struggles just came out of left field. Sabathia waved his option to remain for the rest of his five years in pinstripes.

Secondly, Girardi came clean as to the reason he switched Hughes and Pettitte in the rotation for the ALCS. Everyone was quick to blame the Yankees skipper for another horrible stat-based decision. Then today, the news broke that Pettitte felt off during his final start against the Twins in the ALDS. Smartly, Girardi played it extra cautious by switching him and Hughes to give Pettitte and extra two days off.

Add the above to AJ Burnett’s mental state and Phil Hughes inexperience making the rotation too risky. Get Cliff Lee and all will be ideal again.

2) Renegotiate reliever Kerry Wood’s contract and sign him on for two more years. Wood was a huge reason the Yankees won games in the second half of the season. Wood still throws heat form the mound, has a dominating presence and his experience eludes his confidence. I believe Wood is an inspiration and mentor for Joba Chamberlain, who significantly improved once Wood arrives. Also, god forbid Mariano Rivera becomes mortal, but at 41-years-old, it is going to happen. Wood can help the transition go smoothly from the baseball side during this unthinkable time.

3) Grab a position player that has proven his merit already, but do not spend the money on Tampa Bay Rays Carl Crawford. Crawford will be a fortune to acquire and with all the money going out to resign Jeter, Rivera, Girardi and hopefully Lee the Yankees can go cheaper. Crawford’s personality is something of concern because he can be quite immature at times and not always a team player. Crawford’s hard work after the 2009 season was not for the Rays, but for his pending free agency contract. Obviously any player wants to do his best to get the most money, but you can still be a team player at the same time. New York City will swallow Crawford with the instant celebrity status, which Rays players do not receive in Tampa Bay.

Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth would be perfect in pinstripes, but beware of his recent hiring of agent Scott Boras who might shop Werth with too big a price tag. Werth is older, so he will come cheaper than Crawford without a doubt, plus Phillies players are icons at home so he is used to all the craziness. Boras will go right to Cashman and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, as he knows how to drive up the price. Still, even if money wasn’t an object, I truly believe that Werth is a better fit for the Yankees. Continue reading ‘2011 New York Yankees: Almost Time To Go on Offseason Shopping Spree’ »

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Yankees-Red Sox: Losing On Errors, Not Injuries, as Boston Wins, 6-3

Posted by on 7 August 2010, 9:10 am

The Boston Red Sox disabled list is long, but even crippled, this is a darn good ball club.

Winning the first game against the Yankees proves the Red Sox are still in the mix in the AL East.

Boston’s starting rotation is now all active and healthy, and they are ridiculously good.

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett‘s being back is huge because his passion and fiery attitude demand a lot of respect. Clearly, Beckett is the leader of the staff and his absence was apparent.

In Friday night’s loss, the Yankees should have taken advantage of Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz.

It looked that way after Mark Teixeira’s blast in the first-inning, scoring Derek Jeter, but that was the extent of it. Jeter was on base all night, as the other Yankees run came from Alex Rodriquez driving in the Captain in the fifth.

Buchholz set this game’s tone, as he successfully pounded the strike zone. He didn’t let pitches get up too high after being reminded why by Tex. Buchholz allowed nine hits in total, while the Red Sox were fielding error-free behind their starter.

Considering the Red Sox’s record amount of injuries, their record of 63-47 is astonishing.

Recalling all the doubt at the start of the 2010 season in the Red Sox as a team is something no one will question again. GM Theo Epstein is so confident in the teams he puts on the field because the Red Sox are always atop the top teams list.

I can say or admit that imagining a healthy Red Sox team scares the hell out of me. Epstein is a certified GM because the initial roster was superb, but players are not super men. Continue reading ‘Yankees-Red Sox: Losing On Errors, Not Injuries, as Boston Wins, 6-3’ »

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Rays, Red Sox, Yankees One Team Has Got To Go

Posted by on 7 July 2010, 1:41 am

Timing is everything, especially in the American League East.

It will no doubt come down to the last second with an end result with either the Rays, Red Sox or Yankees deeming 2010 a complete wash-out.

Where are the three best teams in MLB currently standing?

  1. New York Yankees 52-31
  2. Tampa Bay Rays      50-33
  3. Boston Red Sox 49-35

Personally, an old-school ALCS would be mucho appreciated and I am not alone in my sentiments.

It does not get much better than Red Sox vs. Yankees that is a fact.

Problem is the Tampa Bay Rays are on the move and things are heating up for this talented ball-club.

Maybe it is just me, but the Rays make me cringe. Nothing is more unsightly for a team just to be talents, entitled and lazy individuals, which is the Rays in a nutshell.

One lesson I learned earlier this season was not to count out the Boston Red Sox. Even with 10 players on a DL list that reads Ellibury, Pedroia, Buchholz, Beckett and Martinez do not underestimate the Red Sox.

The day I first counted out the Red Sox within two weeks my foot was in my mouth. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is the master at fixing things. Epstein has proven himself, so all hail to the Red Sox organization without question.

Back to being a Yankees fan, it is easy to forget that the Bombers are a second-half team. Always exploding in July and August, but getting there is the tricky part. The ups and downs are ones that Dr. Phil and Oprah can’t even dissect. Continue reading ‘Rays, Red Sox, Yankees One Team Has Got To Go’ »

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