Comments on: 9/19: Where We Stand

By: Tessie's Dad

Tessie's Dad — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 05:32:32 +0000

I’d like to point out that the Sox are 3-0 when I write the game notes. Woo-hoo!

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:06:46 +0000

The rotation for next year is an interesting topic. I personally feel that Burnett is too risky for the type of salary he will demand. I would have loved CC until the Brewers rode him like a rented mule, now I don’t think he’s an injury riddled year waiting to happen. Byrd is a below-average starter. I don’t know what type of mid-level starting pitching is on the market, but that is where I would look. The top 4 spots in the rotation are set, all the Sox would need is a cheap middle-rotation type.
As for the young guys I don’t think that any of them will be the 5th starter next year. Buchholz needs at least half a season in the minors to get his confidence back, hopefully the Arizona fall league will help him out. Bowden is close to ready, but he’s been young at every level and needs to keep developing his secondary stuff. I think Masterson is/should be in the ‘pen to stay. He has a relievers delivery and I think his stuff translates better in a relief role also because he can rely on just the sinker and slider and not worry about the flat changeup. If things go right he could be like Paps was in 2006 before the injury concerns, a multi-inning bullpen ace. Him and Paps at the end of games could be a great combo for years.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:35:19 +0000

Byrd did impress. I feared the worst, and am happy to be wrong. As Remy said, one of the most dominant pitchers faced a pitcher with pure finesse, and the score was 3 – 3.
Without Bartolo, it’s really a matter of figuring who will be coming out of the Pen, Wake or Byrd . . . which means someone from the Pen won’t be playing. Without Bartolo, and if AJ opts out, he would sure look good at Fenway, though whether we need another SP depends entirely on the immediate and long term impacts of Buchholz, Masterson, Bowden on the rotation. We don’t want to block THESE guys.
I also stand corrected about Kotsay. His career September stats are incredible, and he broke his slump tonight. Maybe he will somewhat offset the loss of JD or Mike’s bat. IMO, more good news, that Ells keeps getting hits, Lowrie, Youk and Bay looked good, too.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:06:12 +0000

In my opinion you can’t give Byrd enough credit tonight. For a guy who lives and dies with deception to face a team for the 5th time in a little over a month to pitch as well as Byrd did tonight was very impressive to me.

By: Tessie's Dad

Tessie's Dad — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:29:01 +0000

A narrow escape for our hero…

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:26:42 +0000

looks like paps is sticking with that fastball

By: Mostly Running.

Mostly Running. — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:18:30 +0000

In case my comment about Kotsay was misconstrued, I meant I want to see the kids playing, not Drew or Lowell. Health is the most important thing right now, with getting an idea of who will flesh out the 25 man roster in case injuries and/or pregnancies linger.

By: Tessie's Dad

Tessie's Dad — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:14:31 +0000

Papelbon – seriously?

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:01:43 +0000

At this point it’s more important to get healthy for the playoffs then anything. I would like to see drew for at least one game before october though

By: Tessie's Dad

Tessie's Dad — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:46:46 +0000

Ooh. Byrd held the lead for a whole third of an inning. Nice.