So guys.I know you're probably a little defensive after all the "what's wrong with the Red Sox?!?!1!" talk over the last couple days, and that's fine. On the bright side, you're still in second place in the AL East, you've got a winning record, Papi will be coming back in a week or so (knock on wood), and you get to enjoy a nice little homestand before the All Star break.True, it's early July, the Yankees didn't get Sabathia, and the Ray's are probably due for a losing streak. All good things. However, you've got some major issues to address in the upcoming weeks if you want another World Series banner this year:
- The bullpen is hot garbage. Craig Hansen has given up a staggering 20 runs in 24.2 innings. He's also walked 17 guys in that time. Okajima's surprising struggles in late May and June have put him far behind last season's stats. In 2007, Oki allowed 17 runs all year. So far in 2008 (and in exactly half the innings from last season) , he's given up 12 runs, while allowing 38 hits (50 in all of last year), and walking 13, to last season's 17. It's gotten so bad, I was relieved to see grandpa Timlin back from the DL, warming up in the bullpen over the weekend. Sad. I know Papelbon has had some trouble this season, but you need to get to him. Innings seven and eight are dead zones..
- Speaking of dead zones, the bottom of the lineup is less threatening than Julio Lugo in a dark alley (eat a sandwich, Julio!). The Red Sox began to mount a ninth-inning rally Saturday.. Drew, Manny, Lowell, and Youk did their jobs and got on base, and you guys are suddenly down 2-1 at the top of the ninth, bases loaded with no outs. PERFECT! Except here comes Varitek, Crisp, and Lugo.. as you know, that game ended with a 2-1 loss, as Crugotek stuck out. Again. No wonder Manny is getting fiesty! Get some power in the bottom of the lineup! How, you ask?
- Get a decent shortstop. Julio Lugo is just awful. I heard Remy comment once that when you signed him, you were prepared to deal with Lugo's errors because of his offensive production and power. Except once again, you struggle to find a shortstop who can produce in Boston (Nomar Curse?), so cut your losses and call up Jed Lowrie. And no, you are not allowed to platoon Alex Cora and Lugo. They have combined for the most shortstop errors in the AL.
- Get a new catcher. Sorry, Varitek.. you've been a great captain and team chemistry guy, but you're approaching the Mendoza line and the end of your contract, and you're not going to get Posada money next year. Theo, I know you are capable of cutting a fan favorite* loose when he's no longer worth the money. Do it. And since Kevin Cash is producing just about as much offense as Tek, remember that you've got some solid prospects in Dusty Brown and Mark Wagner.
*Jason Varitek's most adoring fans consist of single (maybe divorced), slightly overweight, 40-something women in pink hats, who probably envision him as a cuddly teddy bear who will love them and protect them and bring them ice cream in bed while they catch up on Grey's Anatomy together.
2 comments:
It's true, the only person afraid of meeting Julio Lugo in a dark alley is his wife.
... too soon?
so so glad that lugo is "injured" and they called up lowrie.. hope he goes on a tear to win the starting job, instead of him and cora playing the matchups.
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