Say Hey Clay?
With the Red Sox playing a doubleheader Friday, there is some speculation that Terry Francona will not pitch Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling on the same day because it would force one of them to pitch next week on only 3 days rest. With that in mind, we might see Clay Buchholz get the call.
I have mixed feelings on this one. Buchholz has impressed at every level he has played, but with only 30.1 IP at AAA, is it too soon to call him up? I think so. My preference would be to have him finish the year starting at AAA and then get a late season call-up to watch the big league club, not pitch for them. That'll give him some food for thought in the off-season and the Red Sox can give him a legitimate change to make the rotation in 2008. Buchholz has been good at AAA, but not dominating like he was at A and AA. He has some growing left to do and I like to the the Red Sox are going to let him do that in Pawtucket.
On another note, Peter pointed out to me that the Red Sox (and all MLB teams) have until Tuesday night to sign their draft picks or else the un-signed picks do back into next year's draft. They have not reached terms with 5 of their first 10 picks.
Peter Gammons reports that the commissioner's office is putting pressure on teams to sign their picks at their "pre-set" slot price. Problem is, the CBA has no such language and any slot a player fits into would be purely a number the commissioner's office came up with themselves. As Gammons points out, the Yankees most likely have deals in place about the slot for most of their top picks. If the Yankees sign all of their guys, shouldn't Boston? Come on now, we all want what's best for baseball, but some of us want what's best for Boston.
Sign those picks!
Comments
I agree 100% on your views on Bucholz. However, Ill bet you $1 that we see him on Friday. We are scratching and clawing right now, and I think they are looking for a kick in the pants, and hope it may come in the form of Clay.
On another note, I have some views to air. I am sick and f'n tired of the doomsday attitude in this town. Sure the lead was 14, sure Gagne has Sh't the bed since arriving (but for his W tonight, maybe thats what gets him back on track), sure Big Papi hasnt hit 20 walk-offs this year, sure JD Drew has been a flop, sure Lugo has been less than expected. I, who fashion myself as a new breed of Red Sox fan (hell I was in the LF Grandstand in Busch Stadium when Foulke fliped Minky that ball, I saw it live and in person with my own eyes!!! Im a believer), choose to look at the bright side. Consider this.....
The Red Sox:
--Have the best record in baseball with a .605 winning %. If they win 6 of every 10 games they play until the end of the season, they will win 98 games this year. With their schedule, dont you think that should be viewed as within grasp? Ill take 98 wins any year (as would every GM in MLB). In order for the NYY to win 98 games the rest of the way, they need to go 31-12 (.721 winning %). Now, I know the Yanks have won 173% of their games since the break, however, does any reasonable Yankee fan think this pace is sustainable (thats a softball, I realize)?
--The Sox are 3rd in the League in total runs (and R/G).
--The Sox have the best ERA in the AL (3.79) and have allowed the fewest Runs/Game (4.02, counting Gagne).
--Staying on the topic of D, the Sox also are at the top of the charts in Fielding % (.986), with only Baltimore higher at .987 (however the Yanks and Twinkies have a .986 as well).
--And while we can moan about Drew and Lugo (who both BTW, have been swining the bat pretty well lately), does anyone think Lowell would be as good (for this long) as he has been (someone give me a "Contract Year!" please). Or how about my man DP at 2B (someone give me a "RoY!" please). Oh, and hmmm, does anyone think that Kevin Youk is a flash in the pan anymore? Hey, how 'bout Coco pushing .275 after flirting with the Mendoza line, and playing Gold Glove caliber CF. Ever think Wakefield would be chasing Beckett in the W category (especially since Beckett is tied for the AL lead in W's) And, just in case you forgot, El Capitane still seems to have some fight in him. Last I checked, #58's arm was still attached to his body. And last, but certainly not least, Oki-Doki. 'Nuff said.
Wake up Boston, stop the moaning, take a look and realize there are as many good things as bad about this team (probably more), and get on Board! This will be ther first time the hometown 9 wins more than 100 games since 1946 (oh, and Ill bet any comers that same $1 Ill win when Clay starts on Friday, that Papi has a clutch walk-off hit before this campaign is over).
Posted by: Matt | August 14, 2007 11:50 PM |
Matt, you are right, there sure is much negativity out there. And sure there are many reasons to be happy with this squad.
But, don't forget that complaining about things is one way to add excitement to the race. If we all just were happy with our squad, we'd be...Kansas City Royal fans. Complaining is a biproduct of intesity.
But to your larger point, complaining for the sake of complaining is nonsense.
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August 15, 2007 04:42 PM
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