The Red Sox won their third straight game last night against the Tigers, bringing up their record to 26-24. The Starting pitchers were John Lester and Drew Smyly who both struggled on the mound. The game started off in favor of the Tigers, who drew first blood right out of the gates. In the first inning, Delmon Young grounded out to second baseman Nick Punto for the second out while David Worth scored, giving the Tigers the 1-0 lead. Later in the third inning, David Worth hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder, Marlon Byrd so Quintin Berry scored. Later that same inning, Prince Fielder grounded out to third baseman Will Middlebrooks for the second out sending Miguel Cabrera home to bring the Tigers up 3-0. The Red Sox knew what they had to do and in the bottom of the fourth, they rallied with two two-run homers by David Ortiz (12) and Middlebrooks (4) to give the Red Sox the 4-3 lead. Later, in the seventh inning, Miguel Cabrera doubled to right field to bring in Gerald Laird, tying the game a 4-4. In the bottom of the seventh, Adrian Gonzalez hit a ground rule double to right field to bring Daniel Nava, bringing the Red Sox to 5-4. Later in the eighth inning, Kevin Youklis hit a solo homer over the Green Monster himself hit a solo homer over the monster to give the Red Sox a comfortable 6-4 lead.
It was the top of the ninth and Aceves took the mound. Facing the bottom of the Tigers lineup, Aceves didn't allow any runs, hits or walks while striking out one to get the save. Although they haven't been able to break out of the cellar, the Red Sox have climbed up to just 2.5 games out of reach from first place, showing just how really competitive the AL East really is. For the past 19 games, the Red Sox are an astonishing 14-5, extremely well for a team with 12 major league players on the DL. Out of all the people the Red Sox have brought up from Triple-A, my favorite would have to be Daniel Nava, who's become the new leadoff man
thanks to a .432 on-base percentage and has reached base safely in 18 of
20 games this season. Another Triple-A player I've grown to admire is Will Middlebrooks who has been not only great on the defense as well but is also swinging a hot bat for the Red Sox. With Dustin Pedroia gone due to a "torn adductor muscle in his right thumb," Nick Punto has been absolutely filthy at second...at least, from what I've seen lately. Of course, Punto's batting abilities are a well under par with a mere .140 batting average, but he's been a great addition to the team as well. Mike Aviles is an absolute beast at shortstop whom I think has a serious chance in contention for the Golden Glove award this year. It's good to see everyone on the Red Sox contributing for once and getting the runs they need in to support their starting pitchers. The Red Sox are to face their last game in the four-game series against the Tigers tonight at 7:10. The starting pitchers will be Matt Scherzer (4-3, 5.67 ERA) and Josh Beckett (4-4, 4.15 ERA). The match up should be good and I see no reason why the Red Sox can't attack Scherzer if they were able to curb both Verlander and Smyly the past two days. In other news, the Blue Jays, 27-24, need to lose just one game for the Red Sox to finally get out of the cellar, so if the Sox win tonight, they officially tie the Blue Jays for last place.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tigers v. Red Sox - Game II
The Red Sox have finally done it! In the second of the four-game series against the Detroit Tigers, the Red Sox were able to scrape up the win that lead them to their first winning record of the 2012 season, 25-24. Not only did Justin Verlander absolutely BLOW IT on the mound, but Daniel Bard got his fifth win of the season (5-5) while Alfredo Aceves got his 12th save. I'm not sure it was so much Verlander blowing it as much as it was the Red Sox being on fire lately but nevertheless a victory against a Cy Young winner is still sweet.
The game started off in favor of the Red Sox when Mike Aviles escaped a sure out for the SECOND game in a row to get the ball rolling. This time, he beat out the 6-4-3 double play to bring in David Ortiz for the first run. Then, with two outs and Aviles on first, the Red Sox rallied to get the bases loaded. Daniel Nava stepped up to the plate, drawing the full count. He fouled pitch number five off and then crushed pitch number six opposite field into the left field corner for a bases clearing double, bringing the Red Sox to a 4-0 lead. Later in the fifth inning, Tigers shortstop Johnny Peralta homered over the bullpen in right center to put the Tigers back on track. Later that inning, David Ortiz doubled off of the Green Monster to bring in Adrian Gonzalez making the score 5-1. In the sixth, Prince Fielder homered high and deep to right field to make the score 5-2. Later in the seventh, Bobby Valentine put Andrew Miller on the mound who failed to close the door. After a big double by Miguel Cabrera, Fielder hit a single to right center to bring him in, narrowing the score to 5-3. Ortiz defended the score again, however, by hitting a solo home run over the Monster in the bottom of the seventh, making the score 6-3.
Aceves took the mound in the top of the ninth with a 6-3 Boston lead. After two uncomfortable previous starts, you could tell he was determined to close the door the right way. After getting two outs, Nick Punto saved a sure base hit in the gap between first and second by knocking the ball down with his glove. He grabbed the ball and threw as quick as he could to first from his knees and got the dramatic third out to end the ball game.
The game started off in favor of the Red Sox when Mike Aviles escaped a sure out for the SECOND game in a row to get the ball rolling. This time, he beat out the 6-4-3 double play to bring in David Ortiz for the first run. Then, with two outs and Aviles on first, the Red Sox rallied to get the bases loaded. Daniel Nava stepped up to the plate, drawing the full count. He fouled pitch number five off and then crushed pitch number six opposite field into the left field corner for a bases clearing double, bringing the Red Sox to a 4-0 lead. Later in the fifth inning, Tigers shortstop Johnny Peralta homered over the bullpen in right center to put the Tigers back on track. Later that inning, David Ortiz doubled off of the Green Monster to bring in Adrian Gonzalez making the score 5-1. In the sixth, Prince Fielder homered high and deep to right field to make the score 5-2. Later in the seventh, Bobby Valentine put Andrew Miller on the mound who failed to close the door. After a big double by Miguel Cabrera, Fielder hit a single to right center to bring him in, narrowing the score to 5-3. Ortiz defended the score again, however, by hitting a solo home run over the Monster in the bottom of the seventh, making the score 6-3.
Aceves took the mound in the top of the ninth with a 6-3 Boston lead. After two uncomfortable previous starts, you could tell he was determined to close the door the right way. After getting two outs, Nick Punto saved a sure base hit in the gap between first and second by knocking the ball down with his glove. He grabbed the ball and threw as quick as he could to first from his knees and got the dramatic third out to end the ball game.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tigers v. Red Sox - Game I
Good news for Red Sox nation today as the Sox continue to maintain their .500 win average by beating the Detroit Tigers. Felix Duobront and Doug Fister were the starting pitchers, both struggling in the first few innings. The Sox got the 1-0 lead early on in the first inning when David Ortiz doubled in Adrian Gonzalez. The next inning, Delmon Young homered over the Green Monster to tie the score at 1-1. In the bottom of the second, the Red Sox rallied to bring in three more runs thanks to the RBI singles of Mike Avilies, Daniel Nava and Dustin Pedroia to make the score 4-1. Even after Jim Leyland's ejection after arguing the foul tip call earlier on Mike Aviles, the bats proved to be still hot when Jarrod Saltalamacchia went deep in the third to make the score 5-1. In the fifth, inning, Gerald Laird homered over the Green Monster to bring the score 5-2.
After some pitching changes, the Sox maintained the lead when Will Middlebrooks had an RBI infield single in the sixth and Mike Aviles had an RBI double in the eighth. Coming into the ninth, the score 7-2, Aceves took the mound and for the second straight game, gave up a two run homer (this one to Johnny Peralta) to make the score 7-4. Aceves eventually closed out the game but certainly failed to help out his struggling ERA, raising it up to 5.32.
In my opinion, the player of the game goes to Ryan Sweeney who has come back from the DL due to a concussion. Sweeney went 3 for 4 today with a double, bringing up his batting average to .325, the highest on the Red Sox. In other news, Jarrod Saltalamacchia went deep again today for his ninth home run of the season, second on the team behind Ortiz (10). Also, Dustin Pedroia had to leave the game today in the fifth inning after diving for a play. He had left with a "jammed thumb" when Nick Punto came in to replace him, who by the way has been absolutely horrendous for the Red Sox, batting a mere .128.
The win today was certainly sentimental, not only for Trot Nixon (the Red Sox veteran whom the game was dedicated to) but for the morale of the team. They are currently 24-24, still below the 25-24 Toronto Blue Jays by half a game. Hopefully the Sox can win tomorrow despite the fact that Justin Verlander (5-2) is taking the mound for the Tigers. For the Red Sox, Daniel Bard (2-4) looks to get his third win of the season and bring the Red Sox their first winning record in the 2012 season.
After some pitching changes, the Sox maintained the lead when Will Middlebrooks had an RBI infield single in the sixth and Mike Aviles had an RBI double in the eighth. Coming into the ninth, the score 7-2, Aceves took the mound and for the second straight game, gave up a two run homer (this one to Johnny Peralta) to make the score 7-4. Aceves eventually closed out the game but certainly failed to help out his struggling ERA, raising it up to 5.32.
In my opinion, the player of the game goes to Ryan Sweeney who has come back from the DL due to a concussion. Sweeney went 3 for 4 today with a double, bringing up his batting average to .325, the highest on the Red Sox. In other news, Jarrod Saltalamacchia went deep again today for his ninth home run of the season, second on the team behind Ortiz (10). Also, Dustin Pedroia had to leave the game today in the fifth inning after diving for a play. He had left with a "jammed thumb" when Nick Punto came in to replace him, who by the way has been absolutely horrendous for the Red Sox, batting a mere .128.
The win today was certainly sentimental, not only for Trot Nixon (the Red Sox veteran whom the game was dedicated to) but for the morale of the team. They are currently 24-24, still below the 25-24 Toronto Blue Jays by half a game. Hopefully the Sox can win tomorrow despite the fact that Justin Verlander (5-2) is taking the mound for the Tigers. For the Red Sox, Daniel Bard (2-4) looks to get his third win of the season and bring the Red Sox their first winning record in the 2012 season.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Rays v. Red Sox - Game III
Coming into today's game, Clay Bucholtz had been struggling to find his groove in the 2012 season. For his past few starts, he has given up tons of earned runs that led to many of the initial Red Sox losses. But today, Bucholtz really stepped up his game and attacked the plate with much tenacity. In the seven innings he pitched, he gave up eight hits, a walk and two earned runs while striking out six. In the bottom of the seventh, Gonzalez backed Bucholtz's game with a three-run homer to put the Sox in the lead. If they could hold the Rays then Bucholtz would receive the win.
But, sure enough, some ninth inning dramatics got in the way as Aceves blew the save (second blown save of the season). After walking Ben Zobrist, second baseman Sean Rodriguez homered over the Green Monster to put the Rays up 4-3. Rays closer Fernando Rodney, determined not to make the same mistake he made the previous night when Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a walk-off homer to right center, proved competent when he retired the side successfully to put another big fat "L" on the Sox scoreboard. The Rays, now 29-19, are heading back to Tropicana Field to play the 26-21 White Sox in a three-game series.
The 23-24 Red Sox, still looking to get their first winning record of the season, are looking to take advantage of the four game series at Fenway Park against the struggling Detroit Tigers, who have also seemed to have lost a grip on their dominance in the AL central with a 23-24 record as well. What seems to be hurting the Red Sox more than ever is their expanding DL. I've decided to give a quick rundown on some of the key players on the DL and their updates:
Cody Ross - (Expected to return in about a week or so) Ross had fractured his left foot last week and was set on the 15 day DL.
Ryan Sweeney - (Expected to return tomorrow) Sweeney was put on the 7 day DL when he received a concussion last week.
Daisuke Matsuzaka - (Expected to return any time now) Matsuzaka has recently been starting to rehabilitate from Tommy John surgery by pitching in Triple-A. He has been pitching very well recently and is on the verge of being called up any time now.
Andrew Bailey - (Expected to return in about a week) After having surgery on a torn ligament in his thumb from Spring Training, Bailey is now recovering from surgery and is expected to start throwing next week. Rehabilitation should be relatively short so he might be put back in as the Red Sox closer soon.
Carl Crawford - (Expected to return sometime by the end of June) Crawford tore a ligament in his elbow a few months back and is now in the rehabilitating process. He has been taking swings off of tees to get back in the groove but is yet to start throwing.
Jacoby Ellsbury - (Expected to return by early July) Ellsbury had suffered a dislocated shoulder in mid-April and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks. The due date of course has been pushed back a few more weeks because of some complications.
But, sure enough, some ninth inning dramatics got in the way as Aceves blew the save (second blown save of the season). After walking Ben Zobrist, second baseman Sean Rodriguez homered over the Green Monster to put the Rays up 4-3. Rays closer Fernando Rodney, determined not to make the same mistake he made the previous night when Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a walk-off homer to right center, proved competent when he retired the side successfully to put another big fat "L" on the Sox scoreboard. The Rays, now 29-19, are heading back to Tropicana Field to play the 26-21 White Sox in a three-game series.
The 23-24 Red Sox, still looking to get their first winning record of the season, are looking to take advantage of the four game series at Fenway Park against the struggling Detroit Tigers, who have also seemed to have lost a grip on their dominance in the AL central with a 23-24 record as well. What seems to be hurting the Red Sox more than ever is their expanding DL. I've decided to give a quick rundown on some of the key players on the DL and their updates:
Cody Ross - (Expected to return in about a week or so) Ross had fractured his left foot last week and was set on the 15 day DL.
Ryan Sweeney - (Expected to return tomorrow) Sweeney was put on the 7 day DL when he received a concussion last week.
Daisuke Matsuzaka - (Expected to return any time now) Matsuzaka has recently been starting to rehabilitate from Tommy John surgery by pitching in Triple-A. He has been pitching very well recently and is on the verge of being called up any time now.
Andrew Bailey - (Expected to return in about a week) After having surgery on a torn ligament in his thumb from Spring Training, Bailey is now recovering from surgery and is expected to start throwing next week. Rehabilitation should be relatively short so he might be put back in as the Red Sox closer soon.
Carl Crawford - (Expected to return sometime by the end of June) Crawford tore a ligament in his elbow a few months back and is now in the rehabilitating process. He has been taking swings off of tees to get back in the groove but is yet to start throwing.
Jacoby Ellsbury - (Expected to return by early July) Ellsbury had suffered a dislocated shoulder in mid-April and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks. The due date of course has been pushed back a few more weeks because of some complications.
Rays v. Red Sox - Game II
Well, the Sox took on the Rays yet again last night at Fenway Park for an epic East Division battle. Josh Beckett and David Price embarked on a long pitching duel that resulted with a Red Sox 3-2 win, the first walk-off Red Sox victory since last August. The Red Sox are now 23-23, still in last place behind the Blue Jays but nonetheless working their way up slowly but surely.
The game started with excellent pitching by David Price and Josh Beckett who both served seven innings each. The Red Sox drew first blood in the sixth inning when Will Middlebrooks singled up the middle (off the glove of that clumsy Sean Rodriguez), allowing David Ortiz to score with ease. Fenway Park was soon quiet when the Rays rallied in the top of the seventh, however, when they scored two runs off a sacrifice fly hit by Ben Zobrist and a single by Luke Scott. With many close plays throughout the game, the Sox and Rays couldn't seem to get the base runners home. After some excellent closing by Andrew Miller and Rich Hill, the Sox maintained the one run deficit entering the bottom of the ninth.
On the mound was the formidable Rays closer Fernando Rodney, who, entering play, had a 0.38 ERA - the best in baseball. Daniel Nava led the bottom of the ninth with a walk after a tense full count. Nick Punto then came in to sacrifice bunt Nava over to second successfully on the first pitch. Up next was Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who swung hard and missed at the first pitch. Fenway Park was cheering their hearts out when Salty found the change up and drove it to deep right center, a few rows behind the bullpen. The walk off win was not only the first of Salty's career but also the first of the Red Sox 2012 season. Surely this hit will be remembered throughout the rest of the season and hopefully will give the Sox enough drive to keep pushing through the rest of the tough upcoming schedule.
The game started with excellent pitching by David Price and Josh Beckett who both served seven innings each. The Red Sox drew first blood in the sixth inning when Will Middlebrooks singled up the middle (off the glove of that clumsy Sean Rodriguez), allowing David Ortiz to score with ease. Fenway Park was soon quiet when the Rays rallied in the top of the seventh, however, when they scored two runs off a sacrifice fly hit by Ben Zobrist and a single by Luke Scott. With many close plays throughout the game, the Sox and Rays couldn't seem to get the base runners home. After some excellent closing by Andrew Miller and Rich Hill, the Sox maintained the one run deficit entering the bottom of the ninth.
On the mound was the formidable Rays closer Fernando Rodney, who, entering play, had a 0.38 ERA - the best in baseball. Daniel Nava led the bottom of the ninth with a walk after a tense full count. Nick Punto then came in to sacrifice bunt Nava over to second successfully on the first pitch. Up next was Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who swung hard and missed at the first pitch. Fenway Park was cheering their hearts out when Salty found the change up and drove it to deep right center, a few rows behind the bullpen. The walk off win was not only the first of Salty's career but also the first of the Red Sox 2012 season. Surely this hit will be remembered throughout the rest of the season and hopefully will give the Sox enough drive to keep pushing through the rest of the tough upcoming schedule.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Red Sox Initial Analysis
I would like to begin my blog by talking about the good old Boston Red Sox, who aren't having a particularly great season so far. As of tonight, after losing to the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 they are currently 22-23, which in the AL east division is not good enough to break out of the cellar. After a painful loss to three homers, the Sox face the second place Rays in two more home games the next couple of days and look to break back into the standings.
Now, on an analytical perspective of the Red Sox, I personally feel like that their main problem is their starting rotation. I mean, Clay Bucholtz is sucking pretty bad right now while John Lester is on and off himself. Daniel Bard balks every time he's on the mound and Josh Beckett has been a complete A-hole. Felix Doubront, the starter with the least major league experience under his belt, is the only consistent pitcher I've seen yet. As for the Sox bullpen, however, you've got one of the best in the majors - Rich Hill, Vincente Pedilla, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Andrew Miller, Franklin Morales and last but certainly not least, Alfredo Aceves, who, after Andrew Bailey's injury earlier in spring training, has really stepped up to the plate and done a tremendous job closing the door for the Sox with 11 saves already.
As for the offense, I'm not sure what to think. They started off very slow in April, getting blown away by the Tigers and the Blue Jays but now it seems that they've found their groove. Dustin Pedroia is consistently getting on base and David Ortiz has been crushing a high 10 homers (8th in AL) with a batting average of .325 (6th in AL). Following the injuries of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Kevin Youklis and more, it is important to realize that the Red Sox truly are playing with the end of their bench, even though they're playing somewhat decent. Mike Aviles has been absolutely filthy on the field at shortstop (way better than Marco Scutaro in my opinion) and just as good batting lead-off. Cody Ross...I have my complaints about here and there but I think he's an all-around good baseball player that loves being in Boston; I enjoy watching him bat. Kelly Shoppach is a great addition to the team this year behind the dish but is batting like absolute crap - he strikes out almost all of the time and does terrible in clutch opportunities. Inversely, my commends go dearest towards Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has been an absolute baller this year at the plate and as the main catcher. With other help from new players like Will Middlebrooks and Daniel Nava, the Red Sox are doing fairly well on offense.
So what is the reason the Red Sox are doing so poorly this season? Why haven't they been able to break a winning record yet this season? My theory invovles the ball club management. I know it's stereotypical for people to point fingers at the leader but Bobby Valentine is an abomination to the Red Sox franchise. He is celebrity figure, not a ball club manager. The recent lineups for the Red Sox are absolutely horrendous! Despite Aviles batting first, everybody else seems to be in the wrong place. How I would personally arrange my fantasy lineup (with the players that are available now) would be similar to last season with Mike Avilies, Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks, David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez, Daniel Nava, Cody Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Sweeney. Of course, the Sox will be playing a whole new ball game when Ellsbury and Crawford return to the lineup.
Now, on an analytical perspective of the Red Sox, I personally feel like that their main problem is their starting rotation. I mean, Clay Bucholtz is sucking pretty bad right now while John Lester is on and off himself. Daniel Bard balks every time he's on the mound and Josh Beckett has been a complete A-hole. Felix Doubront, the starter with the least major league experience under his belt, is the only consistent pitcher I've seen yet. As for the Sox bullpen, however, you've got one of the best in the majors - Rich Hill, Vincente Pedilla, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Andrew Miller, Franklin Morales and last but certainly not least, Alfredo Aceves, who, after Andrew Bailey's injury earlier in spring training, has really stepped up to the plate and done a tremendous job closing the door for the Sox with 11 saves already.
As for the offense, I'm not sure what to think. They started off very slow in April, getting blown away by the Tigers and the Blue Jays but now it seems that they've found their groove. Dustin Pedroia is consistently getting on base and David Ortiz has been crushing a high 10 homers (8th in AL) with a batting average of .325 (6th in AL). Following the injuries of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Kevin Youklis and more, it is important to realize that the Red Sox truly are playing with the end of their bench, even though they're playing somewhat decent. Mike Aviles has been absolutely filthy on the field at shortstop (way better than Marco Scutaro in my opinion) and just as good batting lead-off. Cody Ross...I have my complaints about here and there but I think he's an all-around good baseball player that loves being in Boston; I enjoy watching him bat. Kelly Shoppach is a great addition to the team this year behind the dish but is batting like absolute crap - he strikes out almost all of the time and does terrible in clutch opportunities. Inversely, my commends go dearest towards Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has been an absolute baller this year at the plate and as the main catcher. With other help from new players like Will Middlebrooks and Daniel Nava, the Red Sox are doing fairly well on offense.
So what is the reason the Red Sox are doing so poorly this season? Why haven't they been able to break a winning record yet this season? My theory invovles the ball club management. I know it's stereotypical for people to point fingers at the leader but Bobby Valentine is an abomination to the Red Sox franchise. He is celebrity figure, not a ball club manager. The recent lineups for the Red Sox are absolutely horrendous! Despite Aviles batting first, everybody else seems to be in the wrong place. How I would personally arrange my fantasy lineup (with the players that are available now) would be similar to last season with Mike Avilies, Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks, David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez, Daniel Nava, Cody Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Sweeney. Of course, the Sox will be playing a whole new ball game when Ellsbury and Crawford return to the lineup.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)