Category Archives: Red Sox

Sox sign Cook, Larkin Gets Hall Pass

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Late last night, the Red Sox inked a minor league deal with Aaron Cook. Most readers are probably saying, “Who the F**k?”, which I can definately understand. Aaron Cook has been a member of the Colorado Rockies rotation for the last 9 years. Yeah, Cook played pretty solid in 2008 (3.98 ERA, 16-9 record), but the guy has battled injuries ever since and it seems as if his time is up.

Signings like this are what gets me most mad about the Red Sox. It seems every year we decide to buy 3 to 4 shit-bum, washed up pitchers to minor league deals and hope that one will pan out and help the major league roster (Rich Hill, Erik Bedard, Kevin Millwood, Boof Bonser, etc.). I don’t understand why we can’t just commit to our farm system with the end of the rotation pitchers, instead of signing these has-been veterans as a temporary fix.

In other MLB news, 1995 NL MVP Barry Larkin was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame today. First off, I’d like to state that Barry Larkin was a clear cut choice for every one of my Backyard Baseball 2001 squads. Guy could play second, shortstop, or third in the game and was fast, a good fielder, and was a solid batter. Even though Derek Jeter might have been a better choice, I could never bring myself to putting him on my virtual squad back in the day. The only other thing worth talking about in regards to the Hall election is that it again looks like the voters are very against the steroids era. Larkin was the only one elected and Mark McGwire and former  Viagra spokesman Rafael

Palmerio each received less than 20% of the vote (you need 75% in order to be elected). Should be very interesting to see how the voters treat Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds next year in their first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame.

 

Case Closer: Sox Land Bailey From A’s

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Today, the Red Sox finalized the deal that landed closer Andrew Bailey and right fielder Ryan Sweeney from the Oakland A’s for Josh Reddick and two boom-or bust Single A minor leaguers. All signs point to a great move by Ben Cherington and the Sox organization.

Bailey fills up the void at closer left by Jonathan Papelbon. I like this move because a.) Daniel Bard will be able to begin the transition to shore up the starting rotation and b.) Mark Melancon can move into a setup role that I think he is better suited (due to his non-overpowering repertoire). Bailey was the 2009 Rookie of the Year and has had some injury problems in the past, but the organization thinks they won’t affect him in the future. (After our luck last year with pitching injuries, lets knock on wood for this one). Let’s hope this guy can deal with the pressures of Boston a little better than Byung-Hyun Kim.

I loved Josh Reddick.  He displayed the same grit and hardnosed play in right field that hadn’t been seen since Trot Nixon or Gabe Kapler. Hate to see the guy go after his successful job filling in for Nancy Drew last year. That being said, his Average and OBP were nothing special. Sweeney had pretty similar numbers against right-handers (both were primarily platoon outfielders against righties). Also, Sweeney is supposed to be a better fit in Fenway because he can spray a lot more hits off the monster instead of the pull-happy Reddick. Lastly, this trade opens up the position for Ryan Kalish, who looked like a great player for the future in the last two months of 2010 (before missing last year with shoulder surgery).

Should be interesting from here seeing what the Sox do to the roster in the last months before spring training. Considering the Sox now have a pretty inexpensive bullpen, look for them to spend some money for another starter to join the squad (Hiroki Kuroda, Joe Saunders, Edwin Jackson have all been rumored). Also, possibly a right fielder, most likely one for platooning against left-handed pitchers (possibly Cuban Yoenis Cespedes?).

Intro to TOB$ Time- Toss Up

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Nothing better than an introduction blog. My name is Dan Tobin and I will be dealing with coverage for the Red Sox for the site. I could write a big spiel about how I F’in love the Sox, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be writing about them if I didn’t so I’ll spare you guys a cheesy paragraph.

I want to start things off on a little toss-up question: Which Major League Pitcher had a better 7 year stint during the steroid-era? Player A or Player B.

Interested to seeing the responses.

PLAYER A
GS CG SHO IP H R ER BB SO W L WHIP ERA
35 9 4 268 201 68 65 70 199 20 11 1.01 2.18
36 8 1 267 228 85 70 52 197 20 10 1.05 2.36
25 10 3 202 150 44 35 31 156 16 6 0.9 1.56
28 10 3 209.2 147 39 38 23 181 19 2 0.81 1.63
35 5 1 245 225 85 74 28 172 15 11 1.03 2.72
33 5 2 232.2 200 58 57 20 177 19 4 0.95 2.2
34 9 5 251 201 75 62 45 204 18 9 0.98 2.22
AVERAGE 32 8 3 239 193 65 57 38 184 18 8 0.97 2.16
PLAYER B
GS CG SHO IP H R ER BB SO W L WHIP ERA
31 13 4 241.1 158 65 51 67 305 17 8 0.93 1.9
33 3 2 233.2 188 82 75 67 251 19 7 1.09 2.89
29 5 1 213.1 160 56 49 37 313 23 4 0.92 2.07
29 7 4 217 128 44 42 32 284 18 6 0.74 1.74
18 1 0 116.2 84 33 31 25 163 7 3 0.93 2.39
30 2 0 199.1 144 62 50 40 239 20 4 0.92 2.26
29 3 0 186.2 147 52 46 47 206 14 4 1.04 2.22
AVERAGE 28 5 2 201 144 56 49 45 252 17 5 0.94 2.20


After analyzing the stats, Player A displayed greater control and consistency, which is displayed in his lower walk numbers over more innings pitched. He also proved dominant by limiting his ERA despite allowing more hits than Player B. Player B showed complete dominance in overpowering hitters with extremely low hit totals and high strikeout totals.

Personally, I would have to pick Player B, whose fourth season cannot be overlooked. He posted another incredibly K/9 rate and also an unheard of 0.74 WHIP and 1.74 ERA.

If you havent guessed yet, Player A was the “Mad Dog”- Greg Maddux. During this stint, he was NL Cy Young Four years in a row and a gold glove winner all seven years (he won the gold glove for the NL 16 times in a 17 year span). I found it amazing that he was able to have these great years in the steroid era through his incredible control of the strike zone.

Player B was Pedro Martinez. Pedro was hands down my favorite pitcher to watch during this stint. Pedro won the Cy Young in three of these years. He also put up these numbers against the AL East in a hitters ballpark named Fenway Park. He had the Pedro K count in the Boston Globe and he would make every game enjoyable for any fan. You never knew what you would get out of the guy, whether it was a 14 strikeout night, whether he’d start a bench clearing brawl, or whether he would toss a 70-year-old man to the ground.

The Changeup

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Talk about a trade. Bobby V for Tito. Tito for Bobby V. To be honest, I’m perfectly content with this move. It’s better than seeing him go to another ball club and win a World Series. Not that I’d wish him bad luck with managing another team, I’m just sure it would stir up a lot of criticism towards the Sox and leave an uneasy feeling in any Boston fan’s stomach. Now, we really have nothing to lose. Like I’ve said before, I like the fact that Bobby Valentine’s taking charge. I think it’s just the kind of change that the Sox need to get back on their feet. Some sort of momentum. With the news of Tito not going to another team, and instead getting behind the camera on ESPN, some of the player’s minds will be put as ease as well. More good news for Red Sox Nation and another step forward.

A Fall for the Ages

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Since when is it already December? I could of sworn we had a beach day a little over a week ago. Regardless, it’s been one wild fall season so far in sports, especially in Boston.

We should probably get the most drawn out news out of the way, so let’s start with the NBA. One of the biggest factors in this notion of a unique fall has to be the fact that we just began the month of December and there hasn’t been any basketball (professional) yet. Not to mention we still have to wait til the end of the month to see the Celts hit the parquet. Better late than never.

The Red Sox put us through a world of shame back in September. Since the fallout, constant bad news followed. A poor club house, unhappy players, losing Theo, Tito, and Heidi (most importantly Heidi). We could blame the Red Sox for possibly one of the most incredibly depressing starts to fall season in Boston. At least the team’s recent headlines have them moving in the right direction.

With all this chatter, it was an unusually difficult transition into Pats season. We watched as a weary Patriots team showed signs of slipping, despite Brady having, once again, a career season at the helm. It’s crazy that we’ve already reached Week 13, but it’s great to see the team entering the home stretch with continuous improvement and constant dominance from the QB spot.

Finally we get to our reigning Stanley Cup Champs. After a slow start, the Bruins managed to shake off the hangover and get back to work. The month of November was good to hockey fans in Boston. The B’s finished off the month 12-1, gaining points in each of their 13 games, an incredible feat.

With the way things started off, it looked like we were in for a lengthy autumn in Boston. Everything seemed to be working against us. But of course, title town prevailed. With the closing of a memorable fall on the horizon and winter quickly approaching, Boston fans can’t help but smile. The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future gave Stern a visit, leaving us with an NBA season for our Celtics. The Red Sox have pushed their demons aside and began to focus on greener pastures circa April 2012. And finally the two teams currently in season are representing Boston with pride as they sit atop their respective divisions. Smile sports fans. It’s a good time to be from Boston.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Two months ago today, the Red Sox officially said their goodbyes to Tito with a less than forgiving sendoff. With Ben Cherington stepping into Theo’s spot, Red Sox Nation sat by idly, waiting for his first move to be made. Shortly after a weekend of thanks that all Boston fans would approve, the Red Sox created their own headlines. Rumors surfaced from sources close to the situation late Tuesday night that Bobby Valentine would take the helm at Fenway as the Red Sox 45th manager.

With two months of built up anticipation for this20111130-100441.jpg very moment, it could have only been expected that Red Sox Nation would let their voices be heard about their feelings for the newly selected manager. From MLB analysts around the country to local sports figures, the opinions seem to be split down the middle. They either love it or hate it, nothing in between. Personally, I think it’s a good move. Granted, it may be due to the fact that everything we’ve heard about the Sox for the past 3 months has made me want to slit my wrist, so some positive news is a bit uplifting, but I think Valentine has potential. He’s a guy that knows baseball, plain and simple. He knows how to prep a team and come out on top. I mean as recent as last year he was in consideration for several other managerial spots with the Marlins and Orioles before staying on as an ESPN analyst, so he must be doing something right. He just wanted to hold off until a real team offered him a job. Sorry Nons. Seriously though, the Sox need this kind of boost, especially after our recent collapse. I think it’s definitely going to bring new life to the club. The Red Sox are expected to officially announce the move sometime Thursday.

Weekend Recap

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Amidst the turkey comas and holiday hangovers, Thanksgiving weekend was good to us Boston sports fans. Let’s recap: Despite losing a tough one via shootout, the Bruins are 11-1 in their last 12 games, one point back of the lead in the Northeast Division. The Pats walked into Philadelphia and crushed the playoff hopes of the alleged “Dream Team” as they continue to find themselves seated atop the AFC East. It may not have been from the Celts directly, but the NBA made all fans happy as it looks like the Celtics will have a season, meaning I can finally stop writing up mock game day posts. Unfortunately, nothing groundbreaking from the Sox, but I guess with the way things have been going for them lately, no news is good news. Happy Monday!

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Theo Making Moves

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Welp, it looks like Epstein is making moves on Red Sox prospects before they have a chance. Theo just snagged Milwaukee hitting coach, Dale Sveum, from the Red Sox short list of manager potentials, many saying that this was the Sox’s top choice. Now, besides the fact that this guy’s name is Dale and he has a whopping 7-5 record in his managerial career, I’m pretty excited to see how this guy can turn around one of the most dismal franchises in the MLB. He knows how to win – 2 championships in 2004 and 2008 – and he turned the Brewers into a hitting machine and a playoff team.

What does this mean for the Red Sox? Seeing how their prospective manager list is pretty dismal and none of their top three prospects have real managerial experience in the majors, I think it’s time to open up the interview process again. Now, Francona didn’t get hired until December in ’03, but after last season they need to bring in somebody who can raise the clubhouse drinking age to 40 so Varitek is the only one who can consume. And someone who can actually convert superstars into winners.

On a side note, new Sox GM Ben Cherington is heading out of the country for a much needed breather. Wait a second…who is Ben Cherington and what has he done so far?

Ugh oh Red Sox, Dan Duquette is coming back for revenge…

Don’t Kill the Messenger

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So after I wrote about Heidi potentially leaving the other night, I tweeted at her and attached a link to the post on BSB. Two minutes later, she posted the tweet above. Heidi Watney must have read the Boston Sports Blog right? I’m going to keep telling myself yes. Anyways, there’s been no official word but all signs point to her leaving. Unfortunately, it’s not looking good folks. She fooled me for a minute and came back with a quick response to cover her tracks, but I have knowledge that leads me to believe otherwise. Trust me, I hope I’m wrong just as much as the next Red Sox fanatic, but you heard it here first. We’d hate to see you go Heidi.