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Let's address Boston's winter performance, shall we? by Mike Ghika
Sox are positioned well for 2010 and beyond
So yes, I've been out of commission for quite some time here on the blog, but what better time to regain your composure with the holidays a thing of the past and the pitchers and catchers' report date only about a month away? Here is a tightly-packed collection of thoughts on the hot-button topics of the offseason thus far, with minimal criticism from myself at most, because the Sox' assembling of the 2010 team has been done with a pristine plan in mind.
On the loss of Jason Bay: It seems as if the Sox had been going through the motions on a Bay deal since the All-Star break, when talks inconsequently broke down because of management's fears over the left fielder's health and defense moving forward. Personally, I think even more so it came down to the simple question: Is Bay the right guy to anchor this lineup for years to come? At $16 million per year, he was never going to hit .330, and it is hard to argue in his favor that he could consistently match his career highs of ...READ MORE!
Published on January 14, 2010 See Comment(s)
A willing Wagner VS. a pretentious Papelbon by Mike Ghika
Pap's need to speak has become a problem
The music cues as the bullpen door swings open. The Dropkicks overtake the sound system at Fenway. Our beloved (“The Legend”) Detective Billy Dunn holds out his fist for the traditional pound. Next, closer Jonathan Papelbon gets the loudest ovation that any Sox player in fact receives on a nightly basis as he heads to the mound.
By all means, there is bevy of benefits in having Papelbon as the Red Sox’ closer. He is a competitor. An intimidator. A proven winner. A World Champion. But at the same time, although I’m not sure how many members of the Nation even recognize it, Jonathan Papelbon can at times be a problem. Let’s face it, the Mississippi native isn’t exactly known as a class act.
And with the most recent development in the Sox trade market – one in which GM Theo Epstein has a chance to acquire the best left-handed closer ever – Papelbon has stated in his clear opposition to the idea. The deadline for the decision is tomorrow, so we will soon know whether or not relieve...READ MORE!
Published on August 24, 2009 See Comment(s)
Epstein prepares for long haul at deadline by Mike Ghika
Sox acquire V-Mart for Masterson, Kotchman for LaRoche
The July 31st non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and the Boston Red Sox have made two deals (one major, one wash), leaving a bevy of possibilities still to play out on the major league roster.
Long before the 4pm deadline, the Sox acquired switch-hitting catcher/first baseman and three-time All-Star Victor Martinez from Cleveland in exchange for Justin Masterson and minor league starters Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, as was first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. After an injury-riddled 2008 season in which V-Mart appeared in only 73 games, he has bounced back to hit .284/.368/.464 with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs this year.
In a somewhat corresponding move to make room for V-Mart, the Sox sent newly-acquired first-baseman Adam LaRoche to Atlanta in exchange for former Angels prospect and fellow first-baseman Casey Kotchman, according to READ MORE!
Published on July 31, 2009 See Comment(s)
Sox acquire Bucs’ first baseman Adam LaRoche by Mike Ghika
Lugo also sent packing to St. Louis for outfielder Duncan
For a lineup that has scored just eight runs over the course of a four-game losing streak, the urgency to go and get offensive help has only increased since play has resumed after the All Star break. However, general manager Theo Epstein went out and got a bat Wednesday morning to hopefully spark a team that has hit a lowly .221 against right-handed pitching since June 25.
WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that the Sox have acquired left-handed hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche, who has hit at least 20 homers in each of the last four seasons, from Pittsburgh in exchange for two prospects. Dejan Kovacavic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was the first to break the story.
LaRoche, a 29-year-old who becomes a free agent following the 2009 season, will hopefully ...READ MORE!
Published on July 22, 2009 See Comment(s)
Three Months Down, Three To Go by Mike Ghika
Statistically, team performance is solid at midway point
As the 2009 season inches closer to the 81st game of the year – the season’s true halfway point – it is fair to assess the Red Sox as we fast approach the Fourth of July and the Midsummer Classic. This past weekend marked the 76th game of the year and the end of interleague play, so we will begin there.
Offensively, the slugging days of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz in the middle of the lineup are over, but there is still no shame in what this offense has done to date this year. In fact, the Sox are fourth in the AL in runs, third in runs per game, third in on-base percentage, fourth in slugging, and third in OPS. The Rays and Yankees are ahead of the Sox statistically in all five of those categories, but the hometown club still holds a lead in the standings regardless.
Nonetheless, the numbers are somewhat skewed given the struggles of Ortiz throughout the first few months of the season. Ortiz, of course, is seeing things a bit clearer at the plate, hitting .313 (.394 OBP, .67...READ MORE!
Published on June 30, 2009 See Comment(s)
Eight Is Great For Lester by Mike Ghika
He improves to 8-0 vs. O’s as offense gets back on track
Not quite sure how the schedule gods managed to keep the Sox from playing at Baltimore until the end of June. It was something the Orioles were likely happy about, considering the Sox were 30-16 at Camden Yards since 2004 heading into Monday night’s game.
Tally another into that win column after a 4-0 win.
The Sox got another what-more-can-you-say outing from Jon Lester, the offense got back on track after scoring just once in each of the last two games, and the team is now 5-0 against Baltimore as we near the midway point of the season.
Manager Terry Francona again tweaked the leadoff spot in the order, and this time it had nothing to do with Jacoby Ellsbury. Dustin Pedroia, who has hit leadoff since the Ellsbury experiment began May 31, was flipped with JD Drew who had been hitting out of the No. 2 slot. The change proved successful in its initial trial, as Drew was a double shy of the cycle and Pedroia singled home a run and walked twice.
Excitement came early on in the ...READ MORE!
Published on June 30, 2009 See Comment(s)
Party Like It's '99, Pitch Like It's '07 by Mike Ghika
More Beckett dominance as Sox win sixth straight over NY
The Yankees entered cold, rainy Fenway Park on Tuesday night with a one-game lead in the AL East over the Sox, despite owning an 0-5 record against Boston on the 2009 season. And for the sixth time, the Red Sox proved victorious over the Bombers with a 7-0 win as they evened things with New York atop the standings.
The romp over the rival Yanks was backed by yet another stellar if not spectacular performance from Josh Beckett, who allowed just one hit and two walks with eight strikeouts over six innings to lower his ERA to 3.77. His former Marlins teammate, AJ Burnett, took the loss after the Sox offense roughed up the hard-throwing right-hander for five hits and five runs (3 ER) over just 2.2 innings.
The Sox would take control of the game by putting up a 4-spot in the second, as David Ortiz got things started with a two-run blast into the centerfield bleachers (his third of the season), perhaps another sign that Papi is slowly recovering from his miserable start.
"It was ...READ MORE!
Published on June 10, 2009 See Comment(s)
Road outlook from Anaheim by Mike Ghika
Recapping my first visit to Angel Stadium
A night after all of you appreciated readers were responsible for SoxSpace being named Best Sox Blog at the 2009 New England Sports Blog Awards, I took in Game 2 of the Sox-Angels series Wednesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
For one, traffic from the 10 to the 405 to the 105 to the 710 to the 91 to the 5 (umm, yeah seriously, right?) at rush hour was just dreadful, and it took about an hour and 15 minutes to get to the park from my vacationing spot in Santa Monica. Know how the surrounding lots at Fenway charge anywhere from $20 to $40 for parking? Well I parked not even a half-mile away for a mere $3. A closer lot was still just $5, and stadium parking was only $8. Try finding prices like that in Boston.
Upon arrival, I bought an Angels Magazine for just $3 to score the game. While a program from vendors outside the ballpark at Fenway is just $2, an actual Red Sox Magazine is somewhere near $10. Another price that caught my eye was the price of beer, whereas at Ang...READ MORE!
Published on May 14, 2009 See Comment(s)
Blogging on the latest, greatest Manny saga by Mike Ghika
Manny taints legacy in using women's drug
Recall how we all were mortified when Theo Epstein not only dealt Boston’s best hitter to Los Angeles, but he also agreed to pay the remainder of his 2008 salary as a Dodger AND included two quality prospects in the deal for Jason Bay?
Doesn’t seem so bad now does it?
I won’t even mention that Bay is hitting .299 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs in his first 77 games as a member of the Red Sox. (Okay, so maybe I absolutely wanted to mention that). Sure, Theo had reasons to get Manny out of town. He was a team cancer, refused to play hard, and seemed to fake injury after injury. In addition, he was going to hit the free agent market and change teams following the season anyways, so the obvious impulse was to acquire someone else with the best interests of the organization in mind.
No one doubted management for ridding themselves the burden that was No. 24, and no one doubted the caliber player that Bay was, but paying the rest of Manny’s salary and letting Craig Hansen and Brando...READ MORE!
Published on May 07, 2009 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
Thoughts on A-Rod's book, Strasburg, Beckett, and more!
•Johnny Damon blasted Red Sox’ management over the Jason Varitek talks from last winter, saying that he “couldn’t believe that they were letting [Varitek] walk and try to find a team.” He also said that that was the difference between New York and Boston – apparently because the Yankees are so committed to players that have been mainstays within the organization. Concerning Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada, Damon noted, “It goes to show you something about how the Yankees think, and how many Yankees players have been exclusive with one team. They keep them forever.” Apparently Damon forgets that the Yankees essentially ignored Bernie Williams’s (.297 in 16 seasons with New York) desire to return to the Yankees after the 2006 season. They went out and signed the former Sox centerfielder to a four-year deal instead. Is he bitter the Sox didn’t outbid the Yanks or what?
•Okay, if you haven’t been paying attention to San Diego State starter, Stephen Strasburg, it’s time t...READ MORE!
Published on May 04, 2009 See Comment(s)
List all his blogs!
Sox are positioned well for 2010 and beyond
So yes, I've been out of commission for quite some time here on the blog, but what better time to regain your composure with the holidays a thing of the past and the pitchers and catchers' report date only about a month away? Here is a tightly-packed collection of thoughts on the hot-button topics of the offseason thus far, with minimal criticism from myself at most, because the Sox' assembling of the 2010 team has been done with a pristine plan in mind.
On the loss of Jason Bay: It seems as if the Sox had been going through the motions on a Bay deal since the All-Star break, when talks inconsequently broke down because of management's fears over the left fielder's health and defense moving forward. Personally, I think even more so it came down to the simple question: Is Bay the right guy to anchor this lineup for years to come? At $16 million per year, he was never going to hit .330, and it is hard to argue in his favor that he could consistently match his career highs of ...READ MORE!
Published on January 14, 2010 See Comment(s)
A willing Wagner VS. a pretentious Papelbon by Mike Ghika
Pap's need to speak has become a problem
The music cues as the bullpen door swings open. The Dropkicks overtake the sound system at Fenway. Our beloved (“The Legend”) Detective Billy Dunn holds out his fist for the traditional pound. Next, closer Jonathan Papelbon gets the loudest ovation that any Sox player in fact receives on a nightly basis as he heads to the mound.
By all means, there is bevy of benefits in having Papelbon as the Red Sox’ closer. He is a competitor. An intimidator. A proven winner. A World Champion. But at the same time, although I’m not sure how many members of the Nation even recognize it, Jonathan Papelbon can at times be a problem. Let’s face it, the Mississippi native isn’t exactly known as a class act.
And with the most recent development in the Sox trade market – one in which GM Theo Epstein has a chance to acquire the best left-handed closer ever – Papelbon has stated in his clear opposition to the idea. The deadline for the decision is tomorrow, so we will soon know whether or not relieve...READ MORE!
Published on August 24, 2009 See Comment(s)
Epstein prepares for long haul at deadline by Mike Ghika
Sox acquire V-Mart for Masterson, Kotchman for LaRoche
The July 31st non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and the Boston Red Sox have made two deals (one major, one wash), leaving a bevy of possibilities still to play out on the major league roster.
Long before the 4pm deadline, the Sox acquired switch-hitting catcher/first baseman and three-time All-Star Victor Martinez from Cleveland in exchange for Justin Masterson and minor league starters Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, as was first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. After an injury-riddled 2008 season in which V-Mart appeared in only 73 games, he has bounced back to hit .284/.368/.464 with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs this year.
In a somewhat corresponding move to make room for V-Mart, the Sox sent newly-acquired first-baseman Adam LaRoche to Atlanta in exchange for former Angels prospect and fellow first-baseman Casey Kotchman, according to READ MORE!
Published on July 31, 2009 See Comment(s)
Sox acquire Bucs’ first baseman Adam LaRoche by Mike Ghika
Lugo also sent packing to St. Louis for outfielder Duncan
For a lineup that has scored just eight runs over the course of a four-game losing streak, the urgency to go and get offensive help has only increased since play has resumed after the All Star break. However, general manager Theo Epstein went out and got a bat Wednesday morning to hopefully spark a team that has hit a lowly .221 against right-handed pitching since June 25.
WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that the Sox have acquired left-handed hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche, who has hit at least 20 homers in each of the last four seasons, from Pittsburgh in exchange for two prospects. Dejan Kovacavic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was the first to break the story.
LaRoche, a 29-year-old who becomes a free agent following the 2009 season, will hopefully ...READ MORE!
Published on July 22, 2009 See Comment(s)
Three Months Down, Three To Go by Mike Ghika
Statistically, team performance is solid at midway point
As the 2009 season inches closer to the 81st game of the year – the season’s true halfway point – it is fair to assess the Red Sox as we fast approach the Fourth of July and the Midsummer Classic. This past weekend marked the 76th game of the year and the end of interleague play, so we will begin there.
Offensively, the slugging days of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz in the middle of the lineup are over, but there is still no shame in what this offense has done to date this year. In fact, the Sox are fourth in the AL in runs, third in runs per game, third in on-base percentage, fourth in slugging, and third in OPS. The Rays and Yankees are ahead of the Sox statistically in all five of those categories, but the hometown club still holds a lead in the standings regardless.
Nonetheless, the numbers are somewhat skewed given the struggles of Ortiz throughout the first few months of the season. Ortiz, of course, is seeing things a bit clearer at the plate, hitting .313 (.394 OBP, .67...READ MORE!
Published on June 30, 2009 See Comment(s)
Eight Is Great For Lester by Mike Ghika
He improves to 8-0 vs. O’s as offense gets back on track
Not quite sure how the schedule gods managed to keep the Sox from playing at Baltimore until the end of June. It was something the Orioles were likely happy about, considering the Sox were 30-16 at Camden Yards since 2004 heading into Monday night’s game.
Tally another into that win column after a 4-0 win.
The Sox got another what-more-can-you-say outing from Jon Lester, the offense got back on track after scoring just once in each of the last two games, and the team is now 5-0 against Baltimore as we near the midway point of the season.
Manager Terry Francona again tweaked the leadoff spot in the order, and this time it had nothing to do with Jacoby Ellsbury. Dustin Pedroia, who has hit leadoff since the Ellsbury experiment began May 31, was flipped with JD Drew who had been hitting out of the No. 2 slot. The change proved successful in its initial trial, as Drew was a double shy of the cycle and Pedroia singled home a run and walked twice.
Excitement came early on in the ...READ MORE!
Published on June 30, 2009 See Comment(s)
Party Like It's '99, Pitch Like It's '07 by Mike Ghika
More Beckett dominance as Sox win sixth straight over NY
The Yankees entered cold, rainy Fenway Park on Tuesday night with a one-game lead in the AL East over the Sox, despite owning an 0-5 record against Boston on the 2009 season. And for the sixth time, the Red Sox proved victorious over the Bombers with a 7-0 win as they evened things with New York atop the standings.
The romp over the rival Yanks was backed by yet another stellar if not spectacular performance from Josh Beckett, who allowed just one hit and two walks with eight strikeouts over six innings to lower his ERA to 3.77. His former Marlins teammate, AJ Burnett, took the loss after the Sox offense roughed up the hard-throwing right-hander for five hits and five runs (3 ER) over just 2.2 innings.
The Sox would take control of the game by putting up a 4-spot in the second, as David Ortiz got things started with a two-run blast into the centerfield bleachers (his third of the season), perhaps another sign that Papi is slowly recovering from his miserable start.
"It was ...READ MORE!
Published on June 10, 2009 See Comment(s)
Road outlook from Anaheim by Mike Ghika
Recapping my first visit to Angel Stadium
A night after all of you appreciated readers were responsible for SoxSpace being named Best Sox Blog at the 2009 New England Sports Blog Awards, I took in Game 2 of the Sox-Angels series Wednesday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
For one, traffic from the 10 to the 405 to the 105 to the 710 to the 91 to the 5 (umm, yeah seriously, right?) at rush hour was just dreadful, and it took about an hour and 15 minutes to get to the park from my vacationing spot in Santa Monica. Know how the surrounding lots at Fenway charge anywhere from $20 to $40 for parking? Well I parked not even a half-mile away for a mere $3. A closer lot was still just $5, and stadium parking was only $8. Try finding prices like that in Boston.
Upon arrival, I bought an Angels Magazine for just $3 to score the game. While a program from vendors outside the ballpark at Fenway is just $2, an actual Red Sox Magazine is somewhere near $10. Another price that caught my eye was the price of beer, whereas at Ang...READ MORE!
Published on May 14, 2009 See Comment(s)
Blogging on the latest, greatest Manny saga by Mike Ghika
Manny taints legacy in using women's drug
Recall how we all were mortified when Theo Epstein not only dealt Boston’s best hitter to Los Angeles, but he also agreed to pay the remainder of his 2008 salary as a Dodger AND included two quality prospects in the deal for Jason Bay?
Doesn’t seem so bad now does it?
I won’t even mention that Bay is hitting .299 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs in his first 77 games as a member of the Red Sox. (Okay, so maybe I absolutely wanted to mention that). Sure, Theo had reasons to get Manny out of town. He was a team cancer, refused to play hard, and seemed to fake injury after injury. In addition, he was going to hit the free agent market and change teams following the season anyways, so the obvious impulse was to acquire someone else with the best interests of the organization in mind.
No one doubted management for ridding themselves the burden that was No. 24, and no one doubted the caliber player that Bay was, but paying the rest of Manny’s salary and letting Craig Hansen and Brando...READ MORE!
Published on May 07, 2009 See Comment(s)
Randomocity meets curiosity by Mike Ghika
Thoughts on A-Rod's book, Strasburg, Beckett, and more!
•Johnny Damon blasted Red Sox’ management over the Jason Varitek talks from last winter, saying that he “couldn’t believe that they were letting [Varitek] walk and try to find a team.” He also said that that was the difference between New York and Boston – apparently because the Yankees are so committed to players that have been mainstays within the organization. Concerning Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada, Damon noted, “It goes to show you something about how the Yankees think, and how many Yankees players have been exclusive with one team. They keep them forever.” Apparently Damon forgets that the Yankees essentially ignored Bernie Williams’s (.297 in 16 seasons with New York) desire to return to the Yankees after the 2006 season. They went out and signed the former Sox centerfielder to a four-year deal instead. Is he bitter the Sox didn’t outbid the Yanks or what?
•Okay, if you haven’t been paying attention to San Diego State starter, Stephen Strasburg, it’s time t...READ MORE!
Published on May 04, 2009 See Comment(s)
List all his blogs!
Jared Carrabis
Joe Gill
Mike Ghika
- TruFan Red Sox Webcast: Episode 23
- Rolling the Dice in 2010
- TruFan Red Sox Webcast: Episode 18
- The Joe Mauer Domino Effect
- Jan. 28 TruFan Red Sox Webcast notes
- February 2010 (4)
- January 2010 (3)
- December 2009 (6)
- November 2009 (5)
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Jesse Remington
From Silverdale, WA
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