Moss Gathering Moss
It seems as though Brandon Moss has developed quite a reputation of late. As you probably know already, he was DLed Saturday, the result of an emergency appendectomy (which ones aren’t emergency? “Mr. Moss, I don’t like the look of your appendix, let’s take it out. Shall we say February 2010?).
The legend of Moss, a legend I’ve been largely unaware of, has been growing, here’s evidence:
From Sunday’s Globe feature “On Baseball” by Nick Cafardo:
"I've been trying to get Moss for three years," said one assistant general manager in the American League West. "I think he's a guy who is going to be a very good major league player."He can do a lot of things. Strong left-handed bat. Good head for the game, but the Red Sox aren't inclined to deal him. We've tried, believe me."
In addition, the day before his surgery, Moss had complained of abdominal pain, but then played in Friday night’s game going 2-4 with a home run. A legend building feat, no?
I guess we should all be happy he is on the Red Sox. For whatever reason, I’ve considered him a 4th outfielder with maybe the chance to be a starter on a team other than the Red Sox. Let’s hope I’m wrong.
With Moss’s injury, once expected to sideline him 3-5 weeks, the Red Sox promoted Craig Hansen, thus fulfilling my wish. I expect Hansen will stay here for the long haul with the Red Sox instead deciding to get rid of another reliever when the time comes. Mike Timlin and Javier Lopez are the leading candidates. Lopez because he is a side-throwing lefty who lets too many lefties get on base. In 6.1 IP against lefties this year, he has only given up 4 hits, but walked 5. Terry Francona wants Lopez to challenge lefties, not walk them. Against righties, he has allowed 9 hits and 1 walk in 5.2 IP. His 3.75 era might look good, but it’s soft.
I haven’t said much lately on this, but the late Will McDonough is being proved right about Roger Clemens more than ever. Clemens is the Texas Con Man.
