So yeah, between finals, moving back to Irondequoit, and my column for the Michigan Daily, this blog has taken the backseat to the rest of my life. NO MORE! I'm recommitting myself to the random baseball thoughts blog.
Obviously, the biggest story in baseball the past few weeks is Manny Ramirez and his suspension. Yes Manny messed up. No he didn't test positive for steroids. Yes this drug has an association with steroids. But what exactly does this drug do? Restart testosterone. Which isn't exactly a PED (Performance Enhancing Drug). And it's not a mask for steroid use either, so that begs the question: why is it banned? I don't anticipate this affecting Manny's entry in the Hall of Fame, and it shouldn't. Serving his suspension is punishment enough, double jeopardy in this case is too much.
In other news:
BJ Upton was hitting something around .170 as of last night. Are you kidding me Upton? .170? In May? Really? You're killing your team (as well as my fantasy team). He's way too talented to be hitting this bad.
The Mets were on a 7 game win streak, but thanks to Jerry Manuel's awful bullpen handling, that's over. Another good start by Johan wasted. When will he learn that Pedro Feliciano can't get righties out?
Justin Verlander's been on fire. He looks like it's 2007 again. Took him long enough. Can't keep pitchers with filthy breaking balls and 100 mph heaters down too long.
This should be Randy Johnson's last season, he's been struggling all year.
It must be annoying playing the Blue Jays, every time you think they've lost all their pitching (except the always amazing/healthy Roy Halladay), they find more. They have to run out some time right? right?
Anyone see Texas in first place in the AL West part of the way into May? Anyone?
Boston's tied for first place in the AL East with the worst starting pitching ERA in the AL so far. And David Ortiz has 0 HR's. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?
But just like BAPIP, standings always seem to regress to the mean. Give it time I guess, because something's got to give with all these weird occurrences.
Showing posts with label red sox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red sox. Show all posts
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thoughts after watching Rays-Red Sox
I watched Rays vs. Red Sox tonight, and basically came back reassured with many beliefs about these teams that I already had were true.
First off, that the Rays have the best pitching in the division. They have two starters (3 once Price is promoted) which are better than anyone the Red Sox have in their rotation. Kazmir was on tonight, and brought his A game to a big series. This isn't a knock on the Red Sox, because they have great starting pitching, but the Rays are just a little bit better.
Secondly, Grant Balfour's not a fluke. I remember watching him a few years ago in Rochester as a Red Wing. I was incredibly impressed, thought he could be a big league closer right then (or at least Joe Nathan's setup man). It took a few more years than I thought, but he's made it. He's got a closer's mentality -- this guy not only wants to get you out, he wants to make you look silly doing it.
Thirdly, the Red Sox miss Manny Ramirez. Jason Bay's great. Solid defense, great bat with plus power, can steal a base or two. But he doesn't have swagger. This Red Sox team may be more talented than the last two which have won titles, but they don't have that swagger. Papelbon has some swagger, but a team can't feed off a closers' swagger until the 9th, which won't matter if they've already lost. Manny had swagger, Manny had class (don't laugh, I'm serious), Manny had talent. Manny wanted to hit the ball over the fence, punch you in the mouth, and then laugh in your face afterwards. The Red Sox don't have guys with swagger anymore. They miss Manny, they miss Kevin Millar, they miss Orlando Cabrera, they miss Johnny Damon. With the skills of the Rays, they won't be able to win the division on sheer talent alone. Epstein doesn't make many mistakes, but he sure screwed up with the Manny debacle.
Next, Saito looked flat. It was a good idea to invest in him, because he was just one year removed from an amazing season, but I think age is catching up with him.
The Rays aren't perfect either though. With Fernando Perez and BJ Upton both out, they look real weak in the outfield, offensively and defensively. Luckily they get BJ back next week, but they aren't looking smart for letting Rocco Baldelli go to, ironically, the Red Sox. Also, can Joe Maddon needs to make Balfour his closer. I know the committee thing is working, but I think if he can boost that guy's ego a little more Balfour can take his competetive edge to the next level.
First off, that the Rays have the best pitching in the division. They have two starters (3 once Price is promoted) which are better than anyone the Red Sox have in their rotation. Kazmir was on tonight, and brought his A game to a big series. This isn't a knock on the Red Sox, because they have great starting pitching, but the Rays are just a little bit better.
Secondly, Grant Balfour's not a fluke. I remember watching him a few years ago in Rochester as a Red Wing. I was incredibly impressed, thought he could be a big league closer right then (or at least Joe Nathan's setup man). It took a few more years than I thought, but he's made it. He's got a closer's mentality -- this guy not only wants to get you out, he wants to make you look silly doing it.
Thirdly, the Red Sox miss Manny Ramirez. Jason Bay's great. Solid defense, great bat with plus power, can steal a base or two. But he doesn't have swagger. This Red Sox team may be more talented than the last two which have won titles, but they don't have that swagger. Papelbon has some swagger, but a team can't feed off a closers' swagger until the 9th, which won't matter if they've already lost. Manny had swagger, Manny had class (don't laugh, I'm serious), Manny had talent. Manny wanted to hit the ball over the fence, punch you in the mouth, and then laugh in your face afterwards. The Red Sox don't have guys with swagger anymore. They miss Manny, they miss Kevin Millar, they miss Orlando Cabrera, they miss Johnny Damon. With the skills of the Rays, they won't be able to win the division on sheer talent alone. Epstein doesn't make many mistakes, but he sure screwed up with the Manny debacle.
Next, Saito looked flat. It was a good idea to invest in him, because he was just one year removed from an amazing season, but I think age is catching up with him.
The Rays aren't perfect either though. With Fernando Perez and BJ Upton both out, they look real weak in the outfield, offensively and defensively. Luckily they get BJ back next week, but they aren't looking smart for letting Rocco Baldelli go to, ironically, the Red Sox. Also, can Joe Maddon needs to make Balfour his closer. I know the committee thing is working, but I think if he can boost that guy's ego a little more Balfour can take his competetive edge to the next level.
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