Thoughts on Red Sox First Two Red Sox Games
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So far so good, although Lester's poor start has me a bit concerned that he may have some tired arm syndrome after pitching so much last year. Often times young pitchers with heavy workloads one year can have a bad year the next. The Sox are out in front of MLB in terms of protecting their young arms from overuse, but I'll bet Theo and the rest of the Young Turks are waking up with a lump in their throats this morning worried that Lester won't be as dominant this season as last, when he was far and away their best pitcher.
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Jed Lowrie has me a bit worried with his clueless at bats in the first two games. I love his swing and his style on the diamond, but man, if ya can't hit, ya shouldn't play. I bet Theo gives him a month to work things out before a trade is made. Lugo is obviously NOT the answer as short if Lowrie can't hit. Here's hoping Lowrie comes around, and if anyone tells you they know how this is going to turn out, they are lying.
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The Rays are for real! Their bullpen is extraordinary, making great pitch after great pitch last night. In the offseason there was much talk about how the defensive improvements Tampa Bay, especially with Bartlett at short, had made them into the division winners. Wrong! It was improved pitch making by the starters and pen for Tampa. They went with largely the same staff that was so awful in 07 and caught lightning in a bottle last season. On Wednesday, I watched Wheeler and Balfour baffle Sox hitters in their time on the mound, and though Howell struggled, he had a great year last year and should again. It's not that Tampa's pen throws heat, they just make good pitches with their fastballs, cut fastballs, sliders and occasional curveballs. It was fun to watch.
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Tampa's offense is not that great, and an injury to Kazmir or Shields might doom their playoff chances. Other than Longoria and Pena, there isn't a scary hitter in the Rays lineup. Crawford has turned into a thoroughly average player at the two spot (stolen bases being the most overrated category in baseball's hallowed statistical groupings), Burrell is nothing great at #5. Batting Bartlett leadoff is a weird thing for the outstanding manager of the Rays, Joe Madden, to do in the second game of the year. Bartlett can't fucking hit. It's that simple. Look for the Rays to struggle scoring as many runs as last year. Their outstanding pitching and solid D should keep them in the running, but their run of good luck might just be coming to a close. They are a good team, possibly very good, but it should take more than that to beat out Boston and New York.
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The Sox bullpen is loaded. Ramirez last night threw absolute darts. His cut fastball/slider was very effective in fooling hitters. I have a ton of faith in Okajima, but Ramirez is so good that it won't be long before he is working the pre-Papelbon innings. Saito gave up a home run and he will surely miss spacious Dodger Stadium, but the man can pitch. He is 39, though, and should not be given any prime leverage situations, at least early. Leave those for Masterson, who should be a monster this year, Okajima, and Ramirez. The Sox bullpen is one of the real strengths of the team.
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Enjoy the game today! One thirty start at Fenway.
So far so good, although Lester's poor start has me a bit concerned that he may have some tired arm syndrome after pitching so much last year. Often times young pitchers with heavy workloads one year can have a bad year the next. The Sox are out in front of MLB in terms of protecting their young arms from overuse, but I'll bet Theo and the rest of the Young Turks are waking up with a lump in their throats this morning worried that Lester won't be as dominant this season as last, when he was far and away their best pitcher.
--
Jed Lowrie has me a bit worried with his clueless at bats in the first two games. I love his swing and his style on the diamond, but man, if ya can't hit, ya shouldn't play. I bet Theo gives him a month to work things out before a trade is made. Lugo is obviously NOT the answer as short if Lowrie can't hit. Here's hoping Lowrie comes around, and if anyone tells you they know how this is going to turn out, they are lying.
--
The Rays are for real! Their bullpen is extraordinary, making great pitch after great pitch last night. In the offseason there was much talk about how the defensive improvements Tampa Bay, especially with Bartlett at short, had made them into the division winners. Wrong! It was improved pitch making by the starters and pen for Tampa. They went with largely the same staff that was so awful in 07 and caught lightning in a bottle last season. On Wednesday, I watched Wheeler and Balfour baffle Sox hitters in their time on the mound, and though Howell struggled, he had a great year last year and should again. It's not that Tampa's pen throws heat, they just make good pitches with their fastballs, cut fastballs, sliders and occasional curveballs. It was fun to watch.
--
Tampa's offense is not that great, and an injury to Kazmir or Shields might doom their playoff chances. Other than Longoria and Pena, there isn't a scary hitter in the Rays lineup. Crawford has turned into a thoroughly average player at the two spot (stolen bases being the most overrated category in baseball's hallowed statistical groupings), Burrell is nothing great at #5. Batting Bartlett leadoff is a weird thing for the outstanding manager of the Rays, Joe Madden, to do in the second game of the year. Bartlett can't fucking hit. It's that simple. Look for the Rays to struggle scoring as many runs as last year. Their outstanding pitching and solid D should keep them in the running, but their run of good luck might just be coming to a close. They are a good team, possibly very good, but it should take more than that to beat out Boston and New York.
--
The Sox bullpen is loaded. Ramirez last night threw absolute darts. His cut fastball/slider was very effective in fooling hitters. I have a ton of faith in Okajima, but Ramirez is so good that it won't be long before he is working the pre-Papelbon innings. Saito gave up a home run and he will surely miss spacious Dodger Stadium, but the man can pitch. He is 39, though, and should not be given any prime leverage situations, at least early. Leave those for Masterson, who should be a monster this year, Okajima, and Ramirez. The Sox bullpen is one of the real strengths of the team.
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Enjoy the game today! One thirty start at Fenway.
posted by joe sweeney at 4:17 AM
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