Cafardo Mail Bag: Mission Impossible Edition

Let me set the scene for you.  It was Friday afternoon.  Tim Brooks, Fire Brand’s current Cafardo mail thief, sends me an instant message.  (Actual chat transcript) Tim:  I have a mission for you should you choose to accept it. Chip:  Cut the crap, Tim.  What do...

3 Up 3 Down Has An Embarrassment of Riches

Before the 2013 baseball season began, speculation surrounding the Red Sox was that they headed into the season with plenty of offensive positional depth at both the Major League and Minor League level. However, fans and writers alike still questioned the actual...

The Advanced Scout – Los Angeles Angels

After taking two of three against the Rangers, the Boston Red Sox (37-24, 1st place in the AL East, 1.5 games ahead) welcome the Los Angeles Angels (26-34, 3rd place in the AL West, 10.5 games back) to Fenway Park for a three-game series. Friday night’s game was...

3 Up 3 Down Grabs First Place

The mark of a very good baseball team is resilience. In other words, the ability to withstand injuries, weather the storm that is an elongated losing streak, and understand what your job is night in and night out regardless of the circumstances. The 2013 Boston Red...

The Advanced Scout – New York Yankees

Having split the home-and-home series in Philly, the Boston Red Sox (33-22, first place in the AL East, 2 games ahead) head north to the Bronx for a weekend series with the New York Yankees (30-23, second place in the AL East, 2 games back). The Red Sox are 6-4 in...

Prospect Depth: Blessing or Curse?

In 2006, the Red Sox farm system hit their high water mark for player development under Theo Epstein. The system featured two position players who would go on to be stalwarts for the major league club, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury. It also contained two pitchers...

Roster Power Rankings, May Edition

Every month, here on Fire Brand, I take a look at the relative value of the 25 players on the current active roster. If you missed the March or April editions check them out for the criteria of these rankings. As always, tell me if you agree or disagree in the comment...