Tag: Boston Red Sox

Fireside Chats #43: Where we talk Yankees, Ortiz, and Wake with Chad Finn and April MVP

Chad Finn, not scared away after our first conversation, graces the MVN airwaves for a second time as he recaps his reactions to the dramatic weekend with the Yankees at Fenway Park. Like many of us, Chad's starting to get a little worried about David Ortiz.

After Chad leaves, Paul and I give out our awards for April Most Valuable Player and look forward to a big week ahead on the road.

All that and more on Episode #43 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Concern for Papelbon?

MLB: APR 11 Red Sox at Angels
Jonathan Papelbon is one of, if not the best closer in baseball. Of that there is no doubt. You don't have to look much farther than his 89% save rate (118 out of 133 since 2006), 1.84 career ERA, and 4.79 K/BB rate to make that assessment. Throw in the fact that he's not allowed a run in 25 career postseason innings over 16 appearances and his name stands alone with Mariano Rivera at the top of a long list of closers you would take with you to the end without reservation.

At the surface, 2009 has been more of the same for Papelbon. He's closed the door in save situations five times in five opportunities while amassing a 1.94 ERA. But a deeper look should give you pause to think twice about thinking that 2009 Papelbon has been as effective as previous years' versions.

Does early season success against the Yankees matter?

For Red Sox fans, there is a "second Opening Day" to the season; the first time their familiar foes from New York line up across the diamond. The first series of the season against the New York Yankees takes on a heightened feeling as if New England takes a collective breath and bears down saying, "Baseball season is officially in full swing."

The rest of the nation may be sick of the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, but the beauty of it for New Englanders is, that through all the hype, these games still matter and more often than not, live up to the anticipation that proceeds them.

Poll: Early Season Series

New Poll Question:
How important is an early season series with the Yankees?

The Yankees and Red Sox are scheduled to meet nineteen times and possibly more over the course of the 2009 season. How important are these first three games in the grand scheme of things?

- Yankees vs. Red Sox is always important
- The first series between the two sets the tone for the season
- It's just another early season series

As always, new poll is up to the right...vote away and argue it out in the comments.

Fireside Chats #42: Where we bask in the glory of the sweep and welcome back our cranky friend Frank

It's a marathon, not a sprint. You've got to stay in for the long haul. Everything will regress to the mean. Water seeks its own level. The cream will rise to the top. You get my point...All is right with the world this week coming off a series sweep against Baltimore.

Paul and I welcome back our longest standing guest of Fireside Chats, Cranky Frankie the Yankee in advance of this weekends renewal of "the rivalry".

We close the show discussing the greatest moments in Red Sox Nation history. Our vote, cast for Dave Roberts and the steal. How about you?

All that and more on Episode #42 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Poll: “Short” handed Red Sox

New Poll Question:
What to do with the Sox caught "Short" handed?

With Jed Lowrie out until at least the All Star break and possibly longer, what should the Red Sox do at SS this season?

- Nick Green all the way to October
- It's Julio Lugo's job to lose for 2009
- Lugo/Green split time until Lowrie gets back
- Bring in Bobby Crosby, or someone else from the outside
- Maybe Hanley's still available (for laughs only please don't vote for this unless your baseball IQ is < 1)

As always, new poll is up to the right...vote away and argue it out in the comments.

Vintage Lester

"Vintage Lester dominates Orioles" read the headline after Sunday's 2-1 Red Sox victory over Baltimore. While headlines are known for hyperbole, by definition, Jon Lester's third and best start of 2009 was vintage.


vin-tage: adjective (1) representing the high quality of a past time (2) being the best of its kind.

After a breakout 2008 campaign, Jon Lester hadn't seemed to find his groove early in 2009. Through his first two starts of the season, questions about his ability to avoid the "Verducci Effect" known to smite young pitchers coming off a season of above average workload were echoing across baseball blogs everywhere.

Poll: What early season situation most concerns you?

New Poll Question:
What early season situation most concerns you?

We all know that the season hasn't started off firing on all cylinders. It's also fair to assume that Dustin Pedroia won't bat under .200 over the course of the season, so over-analysis at this point is slightly futile. That said, there are a few things that are or could be concerning moving forward. Which of the following early season outcomes could be most detrimental to the team over the long haul?

- Jon Lester's 9.00 ERA
- David Ortiz' slow start (.173/.293/.206)
- Jacoby Ellsbury's OBP struggles from the leadoff spot (.254)
- Jed Lowrie's injured wrist
- Daisuke Matsuzaka's arm fatigue

Fireside Chats #41: Where we find ourselves in the cellar looking up at the Os

The season certainly has taken a turn since we last talked with you all after an Opening Day win and that turn was not a good one. In fact, it was so bad, we now find ourselves in last place in the bizzaro world that is the American League East. But neither Paul nor I are ready to press the panic button, yet.

In today's show, we lament the loss of Lowrie, blame the WBC for all things Matsuzaka, and Paul explains why he believes Josh Beckett did throw at Bobby Abreu and why a suspension is in order. We also look forward to the week ahead and talk a little O's with Anthony Amobi of MVN's Oriole Magic.

Poll: Are You Worried??

So the Red Sox start hasn't been what we all hoped for.  I think it's fair to consider this team in a bit of an early season funk.  That said, are you worried about the start in the context of the full season?  Has the 2-5 run out of the gate caused you to reconsider your lofty expectations of this club in 2009?  Vote away!