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Friday, July 30, 2004

Peter Gammons is reporting that...

"The Florida Marlins traded pitcher Brad Penny, Hee Seop Choi and highly regarded Double-A pitcher Bill Murphy to the Dodgers for relief pitcher Guillermo Mota, catcher Paul Lo Duca and outfielder Juan Encarnacion."

Did DePo help Larry Beinfest out of a Corleone-esque situation invloving a dead hooker? After this deal, Loria should treat all 200 Marlins fans to a tequila-coke-club hopping night on Ocean Boulevard. Beinfest's next move is going to be signing Ricky Williams to start at first base. The Marlins got raped.

The Sox are on now so peace out. Oh one more thing, Theo should have gotten my boy, Penny.

I HATE TWINKIES

Back in my school days, my lunch box treat was the Hostess Cupcake not Twinkies. Twinkies never agreed with me and the baseball club with the same nickname does not sit well either. The Twins have won nine out of their last ten contests. Most recently, completing a three game sweep of a banged up (Ordonez and Thomas are out) Other Sox club. And the Twins are putting a better club on the field than when they took two out of three at Fenway earlier this season.

As mentioned yesterday, the Sox oppose their three best starters - Lohse, Radke and Santana. In the earlier series, the Sox got Silva instead of the man since the Break that is reminding folks of a southpaw Pedro in his prime. (The Sunday game should be on ESPN – what a matchup!) At the plate, the Twins have replaced LeCory’s 270/328/420 with Stewart’s 308/399/423, and finally sat Mientkiewicz’s 238/334/356 for Morneau’s 272/314/506. Even with the injury to Mauer resulting in Blanco stationed behind the dish, the Twins are a superior offensive club now than the one that took the field at Fenway. It is going to be a tough three games for the Sox in the Dome.

Other Ramblings, News, Notes and Links

• It is ironic that all of Schilling’s losses have come on the road since he was initially concerned about pitching at Fenway.

• Jon Stewart found that the Democrats’ message has made it out to the streets of Boston in the form of “Yankees Suck” and something like “A-Rod is queer.”

• Sports Center in High Def is worthless. The vast majority of the highlights are not in High Def.

• Four days of American Bandstand at the Fleet Center was fun.

• I rarely agree with Joe Scarborough’s politics, but he is an insightful political analyst.

A few excerpts from the Daily Show's Rob Corddry’s Chat on Boston.com

Q: Is Jon Stewart a Yankee fan?
Jon Stewart is a Mets fan ... to my endless frustration.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've seen at the convention?
The strangest thing I've seen at the convention was Joe Scarborough running up to me with open arms and then hugging me. I was engulfed in "Scarborough country." For those of you who don't know who Joe Scarborough is, he's horrible -- but smells nice, very musky. Like speed stick ...

Q: Are there any Republicans who work on The Daily Show?
Yes, there are Republicans that work at The Daily Show. And Jon, I believe, is a registered Independent. We only SEEM left-leaning now because of the Bush Administration.

Q: I understand the Daily Show is now the top rated news show for the 11pm time slot- is it possibly it will move to an earlier spot, or be syndicated to network tv for a wider audience?
No chance at all, but that does reflect a frustration that people have with the actual news that they are turning their backs on the media and to shows like ours.

Thursday, July 29, 2004

WHERE’S THE ACTION?

Last night was a un-Red Sox like performance at the plate allowing the starter, Borkowski, to get a win by throwing only 96 pitches over seven. Borkowski just had it going last night. It doesn’t get any easier for the Sox this weekend. They are scheduled to face Lohse, Radke and Santana. Unfortunately, I am scheduled to be driving home from a wedding on Sunday likely missing the Pedro-Santana match up. A stop at a local pub for a late lunch and the game could be in order.

Any how, the latest Sox trade rumors have them inquiring about Danny Bautista of the D-Backs as a replacement/insurance policy for Trot Nixon. The Arizona Republic reports that:

"Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon is suffering from a quadriceps pull that could place him on the 15-day disabled list, and Boston could try to entice the Diamondbacks with Triple-A catcher Kelly Shoppach for right fielder Danny Bautista."

The Providence Journal goes on to say that:

“The Sox reached another dead end in their talks with the Diamondbacks concerning Danny Bautista, deeming the asking price far too high for the outfielder.”

If Shoppach is the asking price then Theo and company did the right thing in passing up the part-time OF making $4 million this season. Is there a market for 32 year-old, corner outfielders that have played in less than 225 games over the past three seasons, whose OBP is all tied up in his AVG and owed $1.3 million more this season? I think not; the D-Backs should be trying to give Bautista away.

Some of the other rumors floating around have the formerly known as the Canadian All-Star Outfielder, Larry Walker, accepting a gig in Beatown. There is little doubt this guy can still rake, but he could be the biggest health risk in MLB and he is making $12.5 in 04 and 05 with a $15 option in 06 plus deferred payment reportedly topping out at $19 million. If the Rocks pay Walkers deferred money, take on Kim, give the Sox $3 mil and the insurance (I assuming) the Rocks have on Walker is transferable, do the deal. It would minimize the Sox risk on Walker. Without those conditions, this is the type of trade that set backs a franchise in the near future.

Jay Payton is another name floating around, but the Sox already have Payton. He goes by the name of Kapler.

Frank Catalanotto is another name that is bound to come up again. The Sox like his bat and salary $2.3 million but where does he play since he is best suited for leftfield. If the plan is to play him in right, it would be almost like having Millar at the position. If the Sox brass is fine with that scenario, then have Millar play right, Ortiz at first and find a cheap DH like Matt Stairs or Brad Fullmer.

The Sox don't need to acquire a right fielder. The Sox RFers this season have only hit 285/343/427. They have not contributed much to the club’s standing as one of the top offensive teams. The Sox do not need to replace a player, Nixon that has contributed only 99 at-bats this season. Tito can rotate a number of options in the right/1b/DH mix. The Sox should be addressing their most pressing need – run prevention – by acquiring power, strikeout pitchers. Hopefully, these leaks are being done to throw off the MFY.

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

IT IS A SLOW ONE

Sox news day that is so a few interesting links below. Tonight, I'll be looking at options for right field.

The Boston Dirt Dogs are reporting on Nomar that...

Never mind trading him, if the softens his stance, and loses the attitude, he'll be resigned.

This is the first time in awhile that anyone has even discussed the possibility of the most popular player since Yaz staying with the Sox beyond 2004.

David Leonhardt for a Red Sox owner, The New York Times, discusses “Baseball's New Generation of Benchmarks.” Leonhardt makes a case for the 300 BA to be replaced with 375 OBP and 500 SLG as the new “benchmarks” of a good hitter. I could not agree more.

Gammons seems like the only person to recall that…

although it [a MFY getting hit by a pitch] was going to happen sooner or later after Nomar Garciaparra got smoked the night before by Gordon and A-Rod hooked Bill Mueller as the third baseman turned a double play at second base.

No matter what your politics is, this is an interesting Red Sox metaphor from Mickey Kaus for Slate…

Little stuck with Martinez, with the well-known result. Voters, Democrats can say, shouldn't make that mistake. A fresh president would not only bring new energy to the task of stabilizing Iraq, he'd bring new powers as well. Specifically, he'd be able to wipe the slate clean, to go to our potential allies and say, "You know that Bush fellow who talked so much about going it alone? He's gone. It's a new day, and we're ready to cooperate." It almost doesn't matter whether this pitch would be sincere or not; flushing problems out the door with a departing CEO is a standard executive ploy, even if the incoming CEO would have done exactly the same thing. It often works.

But I'm getting my metaphors all garbled, as I feared. The beauty of the Martinez Metaphor is that it doesn't require convincing voters that they made a mistake by electing Bush in 2000. (Well, most of them didn't elect him, but at any rate it avoids the need to convince voters that the election of 2000 elevated the wrong candidate--a conclusion they instinctively and healthily resist.) They don't have to hate Bush to get rid of him, any more than Boston fans would have hated Martinez if he'd been pulled. They can applaud him for leaving the game with a lead--and by extension applaud themselves for their managerial skills.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

THE ADAMS FAMILY

Terry Adams is the newest member of the Sox. Adams is certainly needed with Leskanic going on the DL. The club really needs to get healthy sooner rather than later. A pen comprising of Foulke, Timlin, Embree, Williamson, Leskanic and Adams would be outstanding.

Unfortunately, Adams is not a strikeout power pitcher needed in Williamson's absence. Adams does throw in the low 90's trying to keep the ball down hitting his spots. A slider/cutter is his out pitch. He can be used in middle and even long relief. Adam's versatility will be an asset once the entire pen is healthy.

Adams is having his worst season after becoming a full-time reliever with a BP's Adjusted Runs Prevented score of -2.5 (10.1 in 2003 and 8.3 in 2002). Adams' poor numbers is due to is terrible inability at preventing inherited runners from scoring so far this season. He is fifth worst in MLB. Non-strikeout pitchers have a tougher time preventing inherited runners from scoring than the K-Rod's of the world, since a runner, for the most part, needs a ball to be put into play to get home. Hopefully, Adams luck will change for the better with batted balls finding gloves rather than holes.

The Sox gave up John Hattig. Hattig is not a top prospect even in the Sox organization, but he has demonstrated knowledge of the strike zone with some pop at the hot corner. He fits the Blue Jay offensive philosophy. The trading of Hattig indicates the Sox are confident at third with Bellhorn, Youkilis and Mueller.

Random Rumblings

• I go back and forth on whether or not I like women wearing tube tops and mini skirts at Fenway.

• PJ's is a great find.

• Doug Mienasljgas;tlh would make a nice fit at second base. A 274/370/400 hitter has value at second, but not much when manning first.

• A Marlins fan sat next to me on Friday night at Fenway. After I told him the Sox did not run promotions, he still had a tough time getting over the fact that he was not going to get a free dozen of Krispy Creams when the Sox got 12 hits.

• Real Sports on HBO had a segment on the FBI’s investigation into BALCO. Through the entire piece, I couldn’t stop thinking that the resources of the FBI could be better used to fight terrorism than BALCO. I guess when ‘roids gets a couple of minutes in the President’s in his State of the Union the Juice Guys are going down.

• If the Sox retire Eck’s number, I’ll be pissed.

• Benny A - "referees"? You mean well, but get out of the spot light. Please you are a near embarrassment.

• It is a big week for the Marlins with four against Philly. Pavano and/or Penny could be out of South Florida by the weekend.

• Pappas' documentary, "Orwell Rolls in his Grave" is a must see. The film takes a look at the consolidation of the media industry and its affects on society. Currently, it is not playing in a lot of areas, but email me if you are interested. Perhaps, we can work out some kind of internet library/lending thing.

• Ricky Williams retires. HaHa. I hate the Dolphins.

• From the AFKATBSG’s reader, Sara Regan, Is there a female equivalent to the phrase "sausage-fest"? Since this is a family blog, please leave all suggestions in the comments section.

Monday, July 26, 2004

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

After some reading and reflection on Sunday morning, I came to the conclusion that if Lowe can pitch well tonight and the Sox pull out a win, then this could be the start of a big winning streak that I have been cautiously predicting for sometime now based on the club’s runs scored/prevented difference. 

Everything appears to be coming together for the Sox.  Club chemistry is not a question mark any longer after Saturday.

"I hope," added Terry Francona, "this day is one we look back on a while from now and say that this brought us together. We were talking about that yesterday -- how you never know what can make your team stronger, with their personalities and bring them together. I hope a long time from now, we look back and say this did it."

Emotions were running high even in laid back Burlington, Vermont on Sunday morning.  A random kid knocked on the window of a coffee shop I was patronizing pointing to my Sox hat and giving me a Fonzie sign of approval.  The stars seemed to be lining up.  Good karma was overflowing out of Boston.  The level of optimism was rising.  If Lowe and company can do it tonight, this club will roll over the competition. 

As we know, Lowe looked like a new man yielding only four real hits (seven total) and two real walks (three total – he pitched around A-Hole) over six and two-thirds.  It is certainly a positive development.  But I am not so sure that the Old Town Team is going to run off a 9 or 10 out of their next 12 on the road for the following reasons:

1.       The Sox basically won the last two games because they beat up on the likes of Taynon Sturtze, head case Contreras and the back of the MFY pen.  Other than Lowe, all other aspects of run prevention were terrible.  The pitching, glove work and mental part of the game has to improve or this club is going nowhere despite the emotional lift from this weekend. 

2.       The list of wounded gets longer and longer.  Trot Nixon and Leskanic join Pokey, Williamson, DiNardo, Kim, etc. in Dr. Morgan’s not so virtual waiting room and Tek and Foulke could be next.  Theo needs to find more temps like Terry Adams family.

3.       Even though the Sox have their best schedule to go, it will be difficult in Baltimore.  For whatever reason, the Sox have a tough time matching up with the O’s. 

4.       The Sox stay on the road.  After a stop north of the Expos future home, the boys move on to play more athletic teams on turf accentuating their biggest weakness in the field. 

The Sox have just not played good ball after the Break. 

On the bright side, Millar is finally hitting.  Ferris Mueller looks healthy and is raking with the rest of the club.  Kapler, one of two Sox out machines, is even hitting.  Hopefully, the Sox spiritual lift will uplift their play too or this weekend won't mean much. 


Wednesday, July 21, 2004

THREE IN TWO

No posts for the next couple of days, I'll be in Boston.  I scored two bleachers tickets for Friday night's clash with the MFY and tomorrow I am taking in both the day and night games at Fenway.  A weekend post could be in order. 



SOMETHING JUST AIN’T RIGHT

Even though the Sox won last night by putting up a “Yastrzemski” and DLowe was decent – WHIP of 2.00, it is difficult to see any other silver linings. The Sox return home to play three against the O’s in two days. It would have been great for the DLowe to pitch through the seventh but the freaking cut again. It would have been a big advantage not having to extend the pen yesterday. Hopefully, Pedro goes deeper than usual tonight. The pen needs a rest with Wake and a PawSox going on Thursday (I am taking in the double dip). For whateverreason, the Sox have a tough time against the boys from B-more. The variance between the Sox record and the MFY against the O’s is the major reason why the weekend series is not for the lead in the East.

******

Baseball is trying to promote its game in the inner city with its complex in Compton, Calif. But what MLB needs to do is put life into college baseball, which has essentially become a white game.

One of the very few things Buddy Boy has done that I agree with is promoting diversity throughout the game. I love the notion of MLB having a beautiful complex in Compton. It seems that Gammons thinks the money should have been used to pump up college ball (MLB should get more involved in college baseball for financial reasons) to racially diversify the composition of the teams, but those players may not exist since few Americans of color are playing baseball. MLB is tackling the root of the problem by trying to get more Americans of color playing baseball. They are not looking for band aid solutions. Nice job on this one, Bud.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004

RANDOM RUMBLINGS

• My evil plan to destroy the Lakers is taking shape. Kobe will soon be heading to jail and then the Lakers will not be granted a cap exception. Ha--------. Ha------------. Ha------------ in Vincent Price’s voice like in the first M.J.’s Thriller.

• Perhaps Kobe’s contract is not guaranteed if convicted, but shouldn’t ESPN explain this as part of their near round the clock coverage of L.A. thing.

• Bellhorn should be playing when Lowe pitches. The club needs all of the offense it can get.

Da Ali G Show is a must see. The jury is still out on Entourage.

• Anna is playing World Team Tennis in High Def. Some things were just meant to be like peanut butter and jelly.

• Do pint glasses really get cleaned when they are just doused in soapy water and then clean water?

• A casino should be in every airport in America.

• Every subscriber to Baseball Prospectus should buy Nate Silver a beer for mocking Willy Mo Pena’s PECOTA projection - 263/334/496 with 18 homers in 310 at-bats. Pena is hitting 299/344/559 with 13 tall jacks in 177 at-bats.

• Are all hardcore female baseball fans connected to New York, Chicago, New England, or St. Louis?

• I’m sad to see Carl Everett traded from Montreal. I wanted to go up and thank him for three things: 1) always playing hard, 2) fighting off a fastball up and in from Mussina, when he could barely walk, for a bloop hit breaking up the MFY’s perfect game at Fenway, and 3) coining the nickname Curly Haired Boy.

Friday, July 16, 2004

HUH?
 
I read the Globe’s sports section today because I did not watch the game last night.  (I plan on watching the remaining games this month and keeping with my pledge to stay away from the mainstream Boston sports media.)  Even rarer is that I agree with Curly Haired Boy’s basic point – starting DLowe the first game after the Break is a mistake.  Wallace’s argument is below with my comments immediately following his points:  
 
1. The first thing you have to do is just get everybody in their comfort level... 

Pedro has started numerous times after the Break and is fully rested so he should have been comfortable starting last night’s game.  Petey did not indicate otherwise.  Thus, Lowe was more comfortable than Petey and the other starters.  It seems reasonable after DLowe complained about his long time without pitching in early April.  Remember the 10 days without pitching was a factor in his poor performance against the MFY on April 18th little did we know then.

2. Lowe should pitch often because of his sinker. 

Hello, McFly, it doesn’t sink.  DLowe is ineffective.  Hence, should not pitch often. 

3. Pedro needs a blow this time of the year, but he's still coming back, second game in. 

Pedro’s DL stints give Wallace’s argument some merit, but one day can’t make a heck of a lot of difference.  If Pedro needs a real rest, push him back to Monday against Seattle.  

4. We've got to win as many games as we can regardless of whether it's the Yankees or not. 

It does not matter that Pedro will miss the MFY.  The issue is that starting DLowe in game 1 after the Break, in theory, it limits the opportunities that the vastly more effective starters will pitch.  DLowe would not start Opening Day with Schilling and Pedro in the same rotation.  The same principle applies here. 
 
Tito, Wallace are now added to my $hit list with Manny. 

"He [Manny] said it was pretty stiff," Francona said. "He didn't have much of a chance [to rest] at the All-Star Game.” 

Exactly, Manny should not have played.  Tito got a stiffie from Manny. 




Thursday, July 15, 2004

WHILE I WAS EATING LUNCH

Barring a last-minute deal, Olerud will be released or designated for assignment with the Mariners owing him the remainder of the $7.7 million on his contract.

John Olerud would be a fantastic pickup for the Sox if he signs under the same terms as Leskanic – the Sox pay a prorated portion of the league minimum. J.O. (did I make you say J.Lo) at a minimum would take over for McCarty as the late inning defensive first base replacement. Let’s face it McCarty’s value on the Sox is his ability to scoop Nomar and company’s errant throws to first; the pitching thing is a farce. J.O. has gold gloves in his trophy case. Enough said.

J.O. is an upgrade over McCarty without even considering when the two have a bat. When they do, Olerud is a threat and McCarty is not – plain and simple. J.O. would be a low risk (financial) - high reward (with the bat) upgrade over McCarty.

Olerud is projected, according to BP’s PECOTA, to hit 277/379/427 while playing half of his games at spacious Safeco. He is currently at 245/354/360. PECOTA thought J.O. only had a 10% chance to hit so poorly. On the positive side, he continues to demonstrate his knowledge of the strike zone with an OBP of 354 while batting only 245. J.O. is striking out more frequently than in the past resulting in the lower average, but the most troubling trend is the lack of any power.

The Sox and Fenway Park could lessen the extent of Olerud’s glaring weakness. A strict platoon hitting against command/junk balling RHP would alleviate some of the lack of power, since Olerud historically slugs 100 points lower versus southpaws. J.O. would be a nice complement to Kevin Millar’s dead fastball hitting style. A “professional hitter” like J.O. that can spray the ball around the diamond using the Wall to his advantage. As we know, pop outs become doubles at Fenway. Mueller and Ortiz are the most recent examples of hitters that benefit from the Monster. J.O. can do well at Friendly Fenway and be an asset for the Sox.

If John Olerud is available, Theo has to get it done!

Christopher Shaw in a great Vermont weekly, Sevendays, writes

It was my first inkling that the fate of the Red Sox and the Democrats — and the destiny of the planet, no less — might be linked. By the same calculation, I reasoned, the Yankees represented the Republicans, especially given that each team’s cities were hosting their respective party’s national conventions.

check out the link soon. It will only be online for about a week.

******
Bloglet is out. I don't know what the deal is but they were not sending out email notices. If you would like to be added to my own email list, please drop me a line.

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

A CHANGE IN PLANS

I was going to write about my boredom over the last couple of evenings that will likely continue until Friday, when I’ll be able to watch the Sox again, but I have to comment on the Nomar-Chicago (either club)-Randy Johnson rumors. I’ll make this short and sweet – the Cubs don’t have the prospects to deal and the middle of the lineup is already dominated with RHB (Sosa, Alou, Ramirez, Lee), as for the White Sox, they already have a productive SS and both clubs have to be concerned about assisting a potential playoff opponent. The only club that makes some sense is Florida.

The Champs are 15th in the N.L. in runs scored and basically, 11th in AVG/OBP/SLG. They have offensive issues. The current SS, Alex Gonzalez is hitting 250/275/450 and won’t get better. The Sox/D-Backs would likely ask for one of the Marlins top position prospects, JJ Stokes and Jeremy Hermida, and a pitcher or two. In theory, the rub would be which position prospect. Assuming the Marlins are sold on Choi, Stokes would be the Marlins first choice to move. If the D-Backs are intent on re-signing Sexson, then they don’t have a need for the power hitting first base prospect. The D-Backs would like insist upon Hermida, even though they already have two outfield prospects. The Marlins would be reluctant to part with Hermida as they have a long-term need for the outfielder. Hermida is also considered the better prospect by most. Plus, the Sox would likely have to bankroll Loria once again for this deal to work increasing their tax payment.

As much as Nomar’s at-bats upset my ulcer, he is a vital cog in the offense and should not be dealt. The obvious reason is that Tito doesn’t have to scribble Pokey in the number nine hole. The not so apparent rationale is that Nomar is critical to the lineup against southpaws. Ortiz and Nixon against lefties or their platoon mates are near automatic outs. Without Nomar, the LHP gets three outs right off the top. The Sox can not give up that many outs.

And now this will be the last time I write about RJ until a deal happens. Between posts and emails over the last couple of weeks I am tired of this situation. I am sticking with my first take - only Anaheim has the willingness and assest to get the Big Unit.

BTW, Manny is on my $hit list…until he hits a game winner.

BTW2, a couple that hit every MLB and minor league park says that Fenway just doesn’t cut it but has the best atmosphere.

GOT A BIG UNIT?

"The only way I'd probably want to leave is if a trade would benefit the Diamondbacks by my leaving. And maybe the way to do that is if they wouldn't have to pay my salary and it could go to some other players that would help them -- and if I got to a situation that was going to work for me.

"I'm not going to leave to go to a situation where they theoretically have a (slight) chance to win. There has been no list of teams (he would go to). Just teams that have a (good) chance to win. That's the only way.


Now that we know Randy Johnson's criteria, in theory, teams with a chance at a title and the cash to pay the future HOFer roughly $3.5 million this season, $10.5 next and $6 million of deferred salary in both 2006 and 2007 include: the MFY, Other Sox, Anaheim, Our Sox, NYM, Phillies, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and Padres. The Other Sox, Cardinals, Padres and Dodgers have suspect financial resources or owner unwillingness to take on RJ’s level of debt. The Red Sox, MFY and Cubs do not have the prospects nor are they going to be able to acquire them to get a deal done. This leaves Anaheim, the Mets, and Phillies.

The D-Backs would be crazy to settle for anything less than the package Seattle attained for Freddy Garcia – a young MLB everyday player with upside, a potential MLB All-Star in AAA and a promising youngster. The D-Backs do not have to move the future HOFer either.

As Jayson Stark puts it, the D-Backs see themselves getting back into contention by next year. But without him [Randy Johnson at the start of the rotation], it's a whole different picture.

In the weak NL West, good young talent on the rise, and money (roughly $25.5 million coming off the books this season, not including Sexson’s $8 million) to spend this winter, the D-Backs should be back next year. The D-Backs should wait to be blown away by an offer, which will likely never materialize.

The Both the Mets and Phililes have been adamant about not trading their top prospects. Anaheim’s trio of Kotchman, Mathis and McPherson could all be playing in the O.C. next April for the minimum. It would be difficult for Stoneman to part with two of these young guns, although Arte Moreno may have an opposing view given his aggressive marketing strategy.

One other man, Randy Johnson can make a deal happen if he gets totally worn out with loosing over the next few weeks. But it doesn’t appear like that is going to happen, even though "Winning a World Series," in Boston "would far outweigh any individual accomplishments" said Johnson.










(I added “in Boston.” It is okay because I am not a journalist. This is blog damn it!)

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

WHAT ABOUT EL GUAPO'S GHOST?

I started El Guapo’s Ghost a little over a year ago now. Originally, my thought was that if real journalists are taking my questions and posting my replies than I should start publishing the crazy crap that comes out of my mouth. Now, I realize that it has become a better outlet than message boards - less interaction = less wasting time - for my near compulsion with the Red Sox. In summary, this blog helps keep me from hurting myself and others 162 plus times during the year.

Any how - for those of you that are stopping by for the first time or are a new visitor, I try to provide my readers with original Sox content. I hope you find most of it entertaining, funny and informative. I assume that you all have either watched, read and/or heard about the previous day’s Sox game. Thus, I rarely recap games. I also try, although not with too much success, to limit the amount of links to other Sox articles. If I do, it is usually to comment on a particularly interesting and/or foolish notion or to link an article out of the Sox mainstream. Since we are “on a Break,” here are some samples: Q&A with Jim Caple of ESPN.com, Bob Dutton of the K.C. Star, and Steve Kettmann, author of One Day at Fenway (Part 1 and Part 2), Beltran is not a difference maker, ERA is an overvalued stat, Ramblings and signing Tek to a long-term deal is very risky.

I hope you continue to stop by often as I update the blog about five times a week. Please patronage our sponsors too! They underwrite ticket give-a-aways.

WHAT ABOUT EL GUAPO'S GHOST?

I started El Guapo’s Ghost a little over a year ago now. Originally, my thought was that if real journalists are taking my questions and posting my replies than I should start publishing the crazy crap that comes out of my mouth. Now, I realize that it has become a better outlet than message boards - less interaction = less wasting time - for my near compulsion with the Red Sox. In summary, this blog helps keep me from hurting myself and others 162 plus times during the year.

Any how - for those of you that are stopping by for the first time or are a new visitor, I try to provide my readers with original Sox content. I hope you find most of it entertaining, funny and informative. I assume that you all have either watched, read and/or heard about the previous day’s Sox game. Thus, I rarely recap games. I also try, although not with too much success, to limit the amount of links to other Sox articles. If I do, it is usually to comment on a particularly interesting and/or foolish notion or to link an article out of the Sox mainstream. Since we are “on a Break,” here are some samples: Q&A with Jim Caple of ESPN.com, Bob Dutton of the K.C. Star, and Steve Kettmann, author of One Day at Fenway (Part 1 and Part 2), Beltran is not a difference maker, ERA is an overvalued stat, Ramblings and signing Tek to a long-term deal is very risky.

I hope you continue to stop by often as I update the blog about five times a week. Please patronage our sponsors too. They will be underwriting reader outings in the future. Next season, we will certainly be purchasing group tickets for Fenway!

Monday, July 12, 2004

THREE LONG DAYS

The Sox are eight back of the MFY and three back in the Wild Card going into a critical six game home stand before the Break. The Sox will win four or more this week. It will prove to be the turning point in the season and the club will go into the Break on a high note. The extra time off will aid in healing the walking wounded. And the second half will show that the Sox are a better club than their first half record indicates.

My money spend on Miss Cleo finally paid off. The Sox are certainly in a good position going into the second half of the season considering their runs scored/allowed and the returns of Nomar, Trot and Ferris B/Mueller. The Sox still have issues (the pen is slumping, the health of Kim and Williamson, DLowe’s inconsistency, the lack of viable platoon mates for Big Poppi and Nixon and fielding), but the good certainly outweigh the bad and the club’s Hubbie Brown “upside” is huge.

Random Ramblings

• The Pedro bobble head doll is hilarious.

Dr. Morgan thanks again. Mike Gonzalez would have looked good jogging in from right field.

Spiderman 2 is awesome! Kirsten Dunst is my movie girlfriend but I think she looked better in the first Spidie and certainly in Bring It On.

• I have no issues with Manny sitting out yesterday’s game, unless he plays in the All-Star game. Everyone needs to take him at his word until his actions prove otherwise.

• Talk about living off Dad’s success. Thurmon Munson’s kid proposed in front of his father’s plaque this weekend. The Dr. Melfis of the world discuss amongst your selves.

• Norman Chad could not ease up for a second on the Brit, Vogul. Chad, are you a little jealous of the influx of new wildly successful players like Vogul and Moneymaker into your old boy game?

• The Celtics are almost “dead to me” like the B’s. With all of the great players on the move this summer, Shaq, Kobe, T-Mac, S. Franchise, the Celtics’ big move is resigning Mark Blount. I echo a buddy of mine that said, “Can we trade Walker for Cuban?”

Friday, July 09, 2004

“I’M HOOKED ON A FEELING”

I had no doubts about the Sox pulling out a victory last night. Some how, some way, the boys were going to get the job done, but I never thought it would be accomplished with the feet. How ‘bout that “smallball”? I am lovin’ it. Oaktown was ripe for the pickins and the Sox not only pulled off the fruit, they torn the tree up from the roots.

Texass is up next. The club can hit but that’s about it. Other than Cordero out of the pen, no pitcher misses many bats; as a club they give up a fair number of dingers and free passes. Thus, one would conclude that - many balls are put into play and a high number of them are turned into outs. But that is not the case either; Texass’ defensive efficiency is under 70% and actually a bit lower than the Sox. Luck is the only way to explain Texass’ sixth rank in runs prevented. It is ending tonight.

News, Notes, Observations while “I’m as high as a kite” on a Sox sweep

• Jason Giambi is in the home run derby. I thought everyone knew he was weak due to parasites. No wait, my bad, it’s because Giambi is off the juice.

• Who was the guy in the Jamaican hat behind home plate last night? I guess Manny owed a debt.

• My hat goes off to all of the members of RSN last night who sat along the right field line and did not interfere on Trot’s triple; besides one guy who nearly touched the ball as Dye were picking it up and the people sitting around him. It is understandable to go after a ball, but it is the duty of the other fans around the overzealous interferer to enlighten him/her of the situation. El Guapo’s Ghost gives permission to members of RSN to take physical action in order to eliminate potential Bartman incidents as they deem necessary. (Please note that El Guapo’s Ghost’s written permission is only a valid defense within the EGG living quarters.)

Millar is starting to heat up. Don’t give up on the chicken and ice cream man just yet.

• I’ve gone from worst to first in my fantasy baseball league. Folks may want to hear my opinion on the subject. Drop me an email.

Thursday, July 08, 2004

EVERYTHING SEEMS RIGHT IN THE WORLD

The boys kept up the good play yesterday resulting in a convincing win over their rival A's. The win put the Sox within six games of MFY and right back into the top ranks of Wild Card mix. But without a win tonight, Oakland escapes only being down one game after the series. Considering the A's three best players did not take the field during the three games, the citizens of Oaktown should not be concentrating on Raiders mini-camp just yet. The Sox need to come away with a victory tonight.

The pitching matchup (Schilling - Harden) favors the Sox. We all know what Schilling can do, but Harden has great stuff. Harden throws a rising mid-90's fastball with a changeup and curveball. He averages nearly a strikeout per inning. The flaw in Harden's game is his control. He does not consistently get his stuff over the plate. It could be even more of an issue since he injured his left shoulder or his lead/pointing shoulder during a righthander's delivery. The Sox need to show patience against Harden; make him throw strikes.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

GIVE HIM A BREAK

Jim Caple’s article wanting “…to eliminate the cheap save” made me realize that Tito Jackson Francona has gotten a lot of undeserving crap from the fans and the media. The most important decision a Manager makes is when to use his relievers and Tito, relative to his 29 colleagues, has done a great job so far. Tito’s handling of a depleted pen has been admirable, but the factor that puts Tito ahead of the pack is his usage of Foulke. For the most part, Tito has used Foulke as Theo indicated in the press conference announcing the RELIEF ACE’S signing:

"We told Keith we see him as a real weapon in helping us win games, and we told him we're going to pitch you as much as possible, in the most important innings as possible and have you impact as many games as possible," Epstein said.

Foulke would not be used strictly as a ninth inning closer that raked up the “cheap” saves – entering in the ninth inning up by three runs.

As Athletics general manager Billy Beane points out, a team that leads by three runs in the ninth wins almost every time, no matter whether it uses its closer or not. It's not the closer who is automatic in such a situation -- it's the three-run lead.

Tito’s usage of Foulke has given the Sox a competitive advantage. The Sox gain would be even greater when Foulke Hero gets into more close games earlier on, most notably with runners on base, instead of Timlin or Embree. Foulke can pitch more than his current pace of 84 innings. He has logged 100 relief innings previously in his career. Foulke is a horse out of the pen. Tito needs to ride him even more than his current pace. An increased workload for Foulke is more necessary with Williamson on the DL. Hopefully, Tito will go to the Foulke Hero more often now in second half of the season.

ONE DOWN AND MANY MORE TO GO

The Sox gave the A’s a beating last night. The key is to reverse the trend of playing sloppy ball the following night
and come away with a win. The Sox need to take advantage of the A’s now with Chavez and Hudson on the DL as
well as missing Mulder in the rotation.

It a busy one for me today. I may be able to post later but right now it is short and sweet.

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Miss Cleo Says…

The Sox are eight back of the MFY and three back in the Wild Card going into a critical six game home stand before the Break. The Sox will win four or more this week. It will prove to be the turning point in the season and the club will go into the Break on a high note. The extra time off will aid in healing the walking wounded. And the second half will show that the Sox are a better club than their first half record indicates.

A Reason to Believe

Since heading out West on June 15th, the Sox are 6 up and 12 down, but have outscored their opponents 100 to 90. A 10 run advantage would usually indicate at least a 500 record over the 18 game stint. So what gives? The Sox lost six games by two or one run. The Old Town Team continues to struggle in close games as they did a few seasons ago. Most stat geeks write off prolonged misfortune in close ballgames as bad luck and that in most cases, the tides will turn over the course of a season. The Sox will to do better in close games.

Update

• No Portland Sea Dogs Outing. The lack of interest and rising hotel rates is not going to make it possible. A NYC meetup may work during the Sox last regular season visit to the Bronx. Please send me an email if you have interest.

• Please signup for bloglet. Bloglet sends out an email with a preview and link to the latest post. As far as I know, no one has experienced an increase in spam after signing up. Adding your address also gets you on my email list which allows you to be the first to know about upcoming meetups, parking strategies at Fenway and Sox ticket opportunities.

• El Guapo’s Ghost is always looking for additional sponsors. If you or know anyone who may have interest advertising to Red Sox fans, please send me an email.

Friday, July 02, 2004

"WHERE DO YOU GO? I WANT TO KNOW!"

We think right now we're going to make changes when they benefit our club. Down the line, maybe there will reach a point of making change for change's sake, but I don't think we're there yet.

Theo, are we at that point yet? The Bosstones, I and the rest of RSN "...want to know." Unless a sweep by either club occurs this weekend in Hot-lanta, the six games before the Break are going to be huge. Wild card rivals, Oakland and Texas, arrive at Fenway starting on Tuesday. Those six games are going to determine the direction of this club.

Regardless, Curt get on the horn to your former teammate, Randy Johnson, ASAP.

"I don't think we'd ever get involved in [trading] him without him coming to us and saying that's what he wanted," Jerry Colangelo told the East Valley Tribune in comments published yesterday. "And I haven't heard that from any source."

Sell Randy on Boston during the All-Star game in Houston. Curt remind Randy about the excitement in Houston when he was dealt mid-season and let him know that the enthusiasm in Boston would be tripled. Curt relay to Randy that there is no feeling like walking back to the dugout to a Standing O at a packed Fenway. And that when we won the whole thing - he would become a living legend.

WRITEN PRE-PEDRO MARTINEZ DOMINATION OF MFY

Are the Sox playing well? No. The Sox are having issues for numerous reasons all of which have been bantered all around New England and beyond. During Wednesday’s game, my buddy called. We debated for about 10 minutes about which pitcher Tito Jackson should call on with the bases loaded. Foulke was my guy; he agreed with Tito. My thought was that the game was on the line right then and there. The momentum had shifted, which only seems to occur in playoff baseball or when the Sox-MFY tangle. Foulke could get four outs, then you have Timlin and Embree for a fresh (no men on) ninth. Tito had to bring in his best guy. If he did not and the opponent scored, the game was likely over with Flash and Rivera ready. Of course, Ortiz should have made the play, but it was not a routine and easy play. Foulke may have been able to induce an easier play or no defensive play with a strikeout. The point is that I became negative like nearly every member of the RSN. And it did not stop. Later, I called the same guy and bitched out Nomar. Something to the affect of, “I am tired for his f*&^ing first pitch swinging infield popping out machine s#!t; god damn side-arm fling into the dugout crap.”

As I have said before, it is not healthy that 30 or so men that you have never met have so much influence on my daily attitude and after reading Bill Simmons today, I decided that I need to take a few steps back. With that being said, the whole month of July, I pledge not to read any Boston area sports newspaper sections, listen to Boston sports talk radio, watch Boston sports television and visit the many Sox message boards. I’ll still watch the games and continue to post on a near daily basis but I will eliminate my exposure to all unnecessary possible negative vibes. Positive things happen to positive people. Well…it couldn’t hurt, right?


Thursday, July 01, 2004

RANDY JOHNSON FAN FAVORITE?

A few weeks ago, El Guapo’s Ghost linked an article quoting a D-back owner, Dale Jensen, stating that Randy Johnson will not be traded. In the same article, it is said that

Jensen said the new ownership group does not want to alienate fans by trading popular players like Johnson…"He’s the reason they’re coming to the ballpark. He’s also a dominant No. 1 starter and a cinch first ballot Hall of Famer. Why would you trade a guy like that?" Jensen said.

If Jensen and company looked at the numbers, Randy Johnson is not “the reason [fans] are coming to the ballpark” so far this season. The D-Backs attendance is averaging 33,581 in 2004, which is good for 13th in MLB. In RJ home starts, they are averaging 32,424 including Opening Day, which drew 46,949; excluding the opener, the average is 30,002. Even after the perfect game, RJ next home start only drew 27,897. The D-Backs upper-half standing in attendance is mostly due to three games with the MFY that drew nearly 150,000, NOT RJ starts.

If home attendance in RJ starts is any indication of the fans attachment to him and the team, then RJ should be traded for the betterment of the franchise on the field and their balance sheet. John Henry make the call to your fellow owners in Arizona.

Other News and Notes

• Dick Cheney is a typical MFY fan and after being televised in a MFY hat on NESN, NH will go to Kerry. It is not unprecedented, Bush I was helped in the primary by a Teddy Ballgame endorsement.

• Let’s hope Pedro Astacio never takes the mound in a Red Sox uniform.

• Today’s Sox Aholix post is a must read; made me laugh out loud.

Thank you - Red Sox!

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