Familiar foes have plenty of experience

Posted by Mychael Urban and Rhett Bollinger September 30, 2008 at 11:41 pm Familiar foes have plenty of experience

Video: Ryan previews ALDS

Posted by Extra Bases September 30, 2008 at 10:44 pm

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Globe's Bob Ryan previews the Sox-Angels series and says Boston fans can sit back and relax as the Red Sox are playing with house money in the ALDS.

From A to F

Posted by Mike Giardi September 30, 2008 at 10:13 pm

My whole family was - or still are - teachers. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I harbor a desire to be Professor Giardi one day. And because I get to write whatever the heck I want on this blog (within reason), I’ve decided to do what everyone else has been doing these last couple days; namely, grade the Red Sox. I warn you, I’m not nearly as nice as some of the educators I had in my day (you know , the era of of leather helmets, leisure suits and Stan Smith sneakers. Yes, I realize I just cross-pollenized (?) about 4 generations. Sue me).

The picture, by the way, is of Lanny “The Professor” Poffo, who was once a wrestler for WWF. Actually, this photo is when he was called “The Genius.” Ah well.

Catchers

Jason Varitek (.220, 13, 43): B-

Now I know I just said I’m a tough grader, but I think Red Sox Nation sometimes thinks every player in the lineup should hit .300 with 20 homers and 100 RBI. That’s not the way it works. So while Tek has been swinging a dead fish at the plate, especially from the left side, the job he does with this pitching staff is second to none. And that’s what he’s here to do. Period. End of story. Any offense is a bonus.

Kevin Cash (.225, 3, 15): B

He handled Tim Wakefield as well, if not better, than Doug Mirabelli. Plus, he looks like Keith Foulke’s twin brother. And while some don’t like Foulke for his “Johnny Burger King” quote, I fondly remember him as the man who won the Sox a 2004 World Series title.

Infield

Kevin Youkilis (.312, 29, 115) A-

Youk would get an A+ if not for a late August, early September slide. The guy has blossomed into one of the more feared hitters in the game (just ask any opposing manager), and has more power than even Theo and his minions could have imagined. The work Youk did once Manny was traded, a real sign of his ability to rise up in big spots. I’m excited to see what he does in the second season.

Sean Casey (.322, 0, 17) C

He’s a singles hitter with absolutely no range at first base. What’s good about that from a corner infielder? The Sox do not want to have to employ Casey  in this series against Anaheim, I can tell you that. The Angels would bunt on every AB, and the Sox would be helpless to do anything about it.

Dustin Pedroia (.326, 17, 83) A+

The MVP. The kid can play. At this point, I feel like saying “I told you so,” but I hate people who do that. So I won’t.

Alex Cora (.270, 0, 9) C-

A great guy, great teammate but merely a serviceable player. Doesn’t move all that well laterally, has very little speed and no pop. Again, the Sox bench is suspect at best, and he’s one of those guys who’s under suspicion.

Jed Lowrie (.258, 2, 35) B-

Initially, did his best Dustin Pedroia impression, but lately, his stick has looked slow, especially from the left side. Still, consider the alternatives (Cora, Lugo) and then point to his strong production those first 8 weeks, and you can see why Lowrie may well be on this team - or a major piece of some offseason deal - in 2009.

Julio Lugo (Does it matter?) F-

He was brutal before he got hurt, showing that Theo may have the magic touch with many things, but shortstop is not one of them. What do they do with this guy in the offseason? He’s still due 18 million. Can he become a utility player at that price? Or do they eat his salary?

Mike Lowell (.274, 17, 73) C+

His first-half was All-Star worthy. His second was why the Sox initially balked at giving him more than two years on his new deal. The hip is an issue, and may continue to be going forward. That may outweigh what a consummate pro Lowell is.

Outfield

J.D Drew (.280, 19, 64) C+

Almost a carbon copy of Lowell. He absolutely put this team on his back for a month, but then missed the final 6 weeks with a bad back.

Jacoby Ellsbury (.280, 9, 47) C

Great April and May, followed by 3 months of nothing. Ellsbury’s confidence in himself may have contributed to those woes, which worries me ever so slightly. But he rebounded in September, and hold the key - in my mind - the Sox’s offense in the second season. He can be sooooooo disruptive.

Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) B

He wasn’t suppose to be here. He wasn’t suppose to do well if he stayed here. But the last two months, with consistent playing time, Coco has been pretty good at the plate. Its actually his defense that has suffered some, largely because of that bad toe. But I give him credit for remaining focused and productive. Not easy to do when you believe you could start for 20 other teams in MLB.

Jason Bay (.293, 9, 37) B

A great start to his Red Sox career, with 29 RBI in the month of August. He’s cooled down some since, but has added a calming presence in that clubhouse and he’s a pretty good hitter. Its just that he’s not Manny, but in many ways, that’s a good thing. Now comes his biggest challenge: becoming a force in October. Does he have it in him? Honestly, I have no idea.

Designated Hitter

David Ortiz (.264, 23, 89) C+

He wasn’t the same hitter before the injury or after. The only hope is that his late rise (5 HRs in last 10 games) means that wrist is feeling better, and Big Papi has found his balance at the dish. He doesn’t think anyone will pitch to him, but if Youk’s hitting in the cleanup spot, I say he’s wrong, especially when Youk punishes pitchers for being too cautious.

Starters

Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03) C

Wasn’t remotely close to being the same guy as he was a year ago. Why was that? Injuries certainly played a role, as did all those innings last year (at least, all those innings for Beckett). But he’s still a huge piece going forward.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2, 2.90) B

I was tempted to go higher here, but the fact that he’s not consistently working deep into games is bothersome for a guy with his stuff. Still, a big leap from year one to year two, which only whets your appetite for next season.

Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) A

The best story of this season, better than Youk’s upward move, or Pedroia becoming an MVP caliber player. He has been an absolute horse, and reminds me so much of an Andy Pettitte in his prime, its scary. I doubted. Now, I’m a convert. Hey, just don’t fight it. Go with the flow.

Tim Wakefield (10-11, 4.13) B-

He’s 42 years old, and he’s still a solid back-end of the rotation guy. I’m not sure how much longer his body will let him go this route, but Wake did what he was asked. Again.

Paul Byrd (4-2, 4.78) C-

Byrd settled down the 5-spot and the Sox won 6 of his 8 starts. That should warrant a higher grade, I suppose, but he’s just an average pitcher. Much better than Buchholz was, but average nonetheless. And this is the perfect grade.

Clay Buchholz -

Let’s just leave this one unsaid. You know what he got. I know what he got. Will he bounce back? Will the Sox even give him the chance here in Boston? Good questions…all of ‘em.

Bullpen

Javier Lopez (0-2, 2.43) B+

I gave Lopez a hard time last year. For good reason: he couldn’t get lefties out. But the southpaw has redeemed himself, and I trust him more than just about anyone else in that pen. That, my friends, is progress.

Mike Timlin (4-4, 5.66) D-

Man, I’m getting soft in my old age. He can still throw 90-plus, but that sinkerball doesn’t sink anymore. Hasn’t all season. That’s a huge problem. I hope this is it for him, but I’m not sure he’s willing to let go.

Manny Delcarmen (1-2, 3.27) C+

Has made great strides lately, and was terrific in May, but the season is 6 months long. Do you trust him in a big spot?

Hideki Okajima (3-2, 2.61) B

He was so good last year, we held him to higher standards than most relievers. That changeup hasn’t been that sweet, but he’s adapting and having success. He’s key going forward, because my postseason success manual includes three good relievers. I’m banking on Okie, and Pap. Who’ll be the third? I have no idea.

Jon Papelbon (5-4, 2.34) B+

Yet another guy who we hold to a ridiculous standard. But he did blow 5 saves, and his strikeouts per 9 innings is way down (from 13 to 10). Still, I believe in him. And so do his teammates and manager. And that’s what matters the most.

Beckett shows signs of improvement

Posted by Ian Browne September 30, 2008 at 9:42 pm Beckett shows signs of improvement

Drought over, Bay excited for playoffs

Posted by Ian Browne September 30, 2008 at 9:33 pm Drought over, Bay excited for playoffs

Mazz: Starters key to success

Posted by Extra Bases September 30, 2008 at 9:18 pm

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Globe's Tony Massarotti says that, while it might sound elementary, the key to Red Sox' success in the ALDS is getting innings from the team's starting pitchers. Massarotti notes that the Angels have confidence in turning the game over to their bullpen, something the Red Sox don't quite have the luxury of.

Click the player below to watch the video.

Video: Angels confident as series nears

Posted by Extra Bases September 30, 2008 at 9:05 pm

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Angels aren't thinking about the past as they prepare to host the Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Ellsbury appears headed back to leadoff spot

Posted by Projo Sox Blog September 30, 2008 at 8:57 pm BY JIM DONALDSON Journal Sports Writer ANAHEIM -- There were times this season when Jacoby Ellsbury batted at the bottom of the Boston order, but it seems a virtual certainty that he'll be hitting in the leadoff spot Wednesday night,...

Sox’ lineup has a different feel than the one that swept the Angels last year

Posted by Projo Sox Blog September 30, 2008 at 8:56 pm BY KEVIN McNAMARA Journal Sports Writer ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Angels manager Mike Soscia said he considers the Red Sox a different offensive team this year simply because Manny Ramirez isn't following David Ortiz in the batting order. He emphasized different...

Transcript: Mike Scioscia, John Lackey and Mark Texeira together in the interview room

Posted by Projo Sox Blog September 30, 2008 at 8:53 pm Mike, have you given thought to giving Gary Matthews Jr., a start against Lester, have you thought about that? MIKE SCIOSCIA: We have our lineup, we'll announce it after workout, we'll have it for you as soon as the...

Page 1 of 19612345»...Last »