Day: July 21, 2009

 Adam LaRoche

15 bats the Red Sox could trade for — Pt. 1

MLB: MAY 31 Red Sox at Blue Jays
On the heels of the Sox's fourth disappointing offensive game in a row, it's becoming abundantly clear that despite the team's top five offense, it's a top five incapable of sustaining any sort of playoff-caliber offense.

With that in mind, I have compiled a list of the 15 bats the Red Sox may have interest in. As the trading deadline approaches, I am keen to see if Theo has the "killer instinct" in him to make a strong move instead of holding onto his prospects with an iron fist.

With Jason Bay a free agent and his agent seeking a Mark Teixeira-type deal, is the time now to get a bat for now and the future? Here are some names that could don Sox uniforms sooner rather than later -- you'll see eight names in this article (in alphabetical order). On Friday, the final seven will follow, plus a summary of what the best fits seem to be.

July 21, 2009 evan brunell
Fireside Chats Podcast

Fireside Chats #53: Where Paul says goodbye, and Tim says hello

Boston Red Sox podcast on MVN Radio, Episode #53 where Paul says goodbye (to Julio Lugo) and Tim says hello (to Clay Buchholz) 

Episode #53
Hosts: Paul Testa, Tim Daloisio
Guests: none

The All-Star game came and went without a Tim Wakefield appearance, and it appears we won't see our All-Star until August as a nasty lower back strain has knocked Tim Wakefield to the DL in favor of a returning Clay Buchholz.

Lots of roster moves since we last talked, including the "goodbye" to the much maligned Julio Lugo (hint...we aren't sad to see him go).  Jed Lowrie and Mike Lowell are back, but is it all enough for the Red Sox to stand pat at the trade deadline?  Hear Paul and I give thoughts in our Pre-Pre Trade Deadline Special segment. 

And right on queue...there's John Henry tweeting away...

This weeks' "Tweet of the Week" from our Red Sox Twitter Tracker:




from @John_W_Henry

All that and more on Episode #53 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

July 21, 2009 tim daloisio
Clay Buchholz

Wake to the DL, Buchholz recalled

Looks like Clay Buchholz' most recent start has earned him a stay in the Red Sox rotation as Tim Wakefield fell victim to some lower back pain as a result of a recent side session pushing Buchholz back to the bigs for tomorrow's game.

Theo has been well versed in using DL stints to create roster flexibility and I'll have a hard time being convinced that Wake's "extended vacation" is anything serious or anything more than a way to keep Buchholz at the Major League level. Given the shaky outings from John Smoltz and the trade deadline and Brad Penny's whereabouts within looming, I am not surprised that Buchholz is "in play".

July 21, 2009 josh lacey
Game Threads

7/21: “I solve problems”



Those pesky Yankees are back aside us at the top of the AL East. I couldn't think of a better day for the Stopper to come to work.

Reminds you of the "Wolf" doesn't he?

July 21, 2009 josh lacey
Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury’s time to stand up and deliver

When you think of a high powered offense, a few traits often come to mind; a table setter, a professional hitter, power at the clean up spot, and depth at the bottom of the order. 


Thinking more specifically about recent Red Sox history and the potent offenses past, there have been players within the lineup to hit each of these roles. From Johnny Damon to David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, rounded out with batting champions like Bill Mueller bringing up the tail, the "post-Theo" lineup has been as potent as any in baseball.

Looking more closely at this season, the Red Sox offense has been a top five unit. Scoring 472 runs with a .792 team OPS is impressive, especially considering the slow start of David Ortiz, extended slumps by Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and Jason Bay.

Looking up and down the lineup, the Red Sox have top ten OPS from all spots in the lineup aside from two. With David Ortiz' monumental slump to start the season while in the three hole, it shouldn't be a surprise that #3 is was one of the culprits.

The other culprit? The leadoff spot.

July 21, 2009 josh lacey