2013 Boston Red Sox Thread

[Reck]

Might as well start it early.

Few more weeks till the magic happens. :king

[King Emmanuel]

no higher than 4th in division imo

[LnGrrrR]

I'll be happy if we are over .500.

[Reck]

no higher than 4th in division imo

I have higher hopes.

I have a feeling the Yankees will bomb this season.


I'll be happy if we are over .500.

C'mon son, a little bit more hope. I understand the last couple of years have been bleak but over 500 is what you're aiming for? lol

Playoffs or bust baby.

[crc21209]

I think they'll have a surprise season. With Farrell, I think the Sox's arms will improve greatly. That, and there won't be any Bobby V drama this season...:tu

[crc21209]

I have higher hopes.

I have a feeling the Yankees will bomb this season.



C'mon son, a little bit more hope. I understand the last couple of years have been bleak but over 500 is what you're aiming for? lol

Playoffs or bust baby.

The Yankees will have a slow start to their season for the first 3 months or so with all those injuries...

[Reck]

The Yankees will have a slow start to their season for the first 3 months or so with all those injuries...

Yep, hopefully they dig themselves in a deep enough hole that it will take them the whole season to regroup.

[LnGrrrR]

I have higher hopes.

I have a feeling the Yankees will bomb this season.



C'mon son, a little bit more hope. I understand the last couple of years have been bleak but over 500 is what you're aiming for? lol

Playoffs or bust baby.

Ok, let me rephrase... I EXPECT over .500, I'll hope for a 'ship. :D

[Reck]

Ok, let me rephrase... I EXPECT over .500, I'll hope for a 'ship. :D

That would be ideal but not realistic after the last few years. Still though, POs are a good posibility.

Last year was a great cluster fuck but even when they started struggling in 2010 and 11' they were at least several games over .500 so I know they can do that with some consistency.

[JamStone]

I know there are more questions and concerns about the starting pitching, but I'm curious as to how the batting order will shape up. I think with them losing a lot of their power in the line up, they need to take Ellsbury from the leadoff spot and move him down and hope he provides some power like he did a couple years ago. Even if it's one spot to 2nd, at least get him in position for a few more RBIs. Is Mike Napoli really going to be a 3 or 4 hitter? Looking at who expect to be the regular line-up, it's hard not to put Napoli in one of those main run producing spots. They'll really need Middlebrooks to take the next step too.

I'll take a stab at the everyday line-up, at least what I think makes the most sense.

Pedroia, 2B
Ellsbury, CF
Napoli, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Middlebrooks, 3B
Victorino, RF
Gomes, LF
Salty, C
Drew, SS

[LnGrrrR]

I think Ellsbury would bat first, with Pedroia 2nd. And depending on how good Middlebrooks is, I could see him batting 3rd, and Napoli/Victorino batting 5th.

[JamStone]

I don't know what they're expecting from Middlebrooks, but I don't see him as a 3 hitter at least not to start the season. I will say this about Napoli too. His ABs have been limited throughout his career because of the position he played. Give him 600 ABs every year, and he'd be a perennial 30 HR guy. And now he'll get those ABs playing 1B as long as he stays healthy. And while he may not be the greatest hitter for average, he has been pretty good most his career at getting on base. He seems like a better option to hit third than Middlebrooks at least for now.

[LnGrrrR]

Middlebrooks had some decent numbers last year:

At-Bats: 267
Avg: .288
OBP: .325
SLG: .509
HRs: 15
RBI: 54

If he can come back healthy, and hits like he hit last year, he's capable of putting up 30 HRs as well. Now, Napoli has better on-base percentage and slugging, so I wouldn't mind him at 3rd.

[JamStone]

Will be interesting to see if he can take the next step. He's definitely got promise.

So what's the starting rotation?

Lester, Dempster, Buccholz, Lackey, Doubront? Is Bard going to get another shot at starting?

[LnGrrrR]

Will be interesting to see if he can take the next step. He's definitely got promise.

So what's the starting rotation?

Lester, Dempster, Buccholz, Lackey, Doubront? Is Bard going to get another shot at starting?

God no. By all accounts, Bard crashing and burning last year put an end to that experiment. He's strictly an 8th inning (maybe sometimes 7th) pitcher. Not sure where Dempster will line up, as Lackey is supposedly pitching better since the surgery. The only thing I'm sure of is Lester at the top. Doubront as an experiment at the 5 is likely, he's earned it.

[King Emmanuel]

Actually I think the Yankees will find a way to make at least the playoffs despite the injuries. They always find a way.

The Blue Jays will shit the bed, though.

[symple19]

Got Ellsbury on my fantasy team...Will he return to form?????

[irishock]

Dempster is trash, tbh

[txstr1986]

Dempster is trash, tbh

As a Rangers fan, I concur.

[Reck]

I'll be happy if we are over .500.

Just like that we're over .500 :lol

[FuzzyLumpkins]

God no. By all accounts, Bard crashing and burning last year put an end to that experiment. He's strictly an 8th inning (maybe sometimes 7th) pitcher. Not sure where Dempster will line up, as Lackey is supposedly pitching better since the surgery. The only thing I'm sure of is Lester at the top. Doubront as an experiment at the 5 is likely, he's earned it.

Bard was a power pitcher with so-so control and he has now lost ~4 mph of his fastball. Maybe he should get preemptive TJ surgery because he seems about cooked.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Dempster is trash, tbh

As a third starter? Maybe

As a fourth starter? no

If Doubie keeps progressing as James projects and/or if Lackey bounces back after TJ then Dempster will be a major plus for his role.

I am more concerned about Hanrahan and Bailey taking a shit and Papi's health.

[LnGrrrR]

Just like that we're over .500 :lol

:lol I am always happy with a win over the hated Yanks.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

:lol Iglesias 2 hits off of Sabathia Bradley got 2 BB.

[Reck]

Boston going back to their old tricks. Losing games they had won.

:lmao Allowing 5 runs in the 9th when up 2 and 1 out away from winning the game. :lmao

[Chris]

Sorry about your closer.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/redsox/2013/05/11/joel-hanrahan-boston-red-sox-forearm-surgery/2152425/

[Robz4000]

Boston crashing and burning again? Why am I not surprised...

[Reck]

Boston crashing and burning again? Why am I not surprised...

Pay attention much?

Sox are a mere game from first place.

[Robz4000]

Pay attention much?

Sox are a mere game from first place.

3-7 in their last 10, while the fucking Yankees are in first with half a team.

[Reck]

3-7 in their last 10, while the fucking Yankees are in first with half a team.

Who gives a shit? This is the way of the game. Just because they're going through a bad stretch (which all teams in sports do at some point during a given season) doesn't mean they're imploding.

Could care less if Yankees have half their players or not. This isn't Basketball where you need to be really good at your craft.

[Reck]

Remember when the Orioles used to be Red Sox bitch? Yeah me neither.

These bunch cant beat the Orioles to save their lifes now. Ugh

[Aztecfan03]

Thank you for ciriacao

[Biernutz]

It's good we clenched early so we can rest players before the playoffs.
What a difference a year makes.

[Biernutz]

Yankees eliminated from playoffs :lmao:rollin

[Biernutz]

The Red Sox have home field advantage throwout the playoffs.

[Biernutz]

Boston will open its division series at Fenway Park on Friday against the winner of the AL's wild-card playoff.

[Fabbs]

How close do you reckon Ellsbury is to 100%?

Is he going to be able to rip off some playoff stolen bases?

[Biernutz]

He's back! He played last week

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2013/09/26/jacoby-ellsburys-return-red-sox-lineup-appears

[Fabbs]

I know he is back.
But can he still steal bases like before the injury?
He was 52-4, that's great 94% or so for that number of steal attempts, wow.
Can be the difference maker in those 2-1 type games. Or even high scoring games where he keeps the inning alive/knocks out the force out-double play at 2nd base.
I know he did not have an attempt since he's been back. Perhaps the game(s) never presented an opportunity or Sox were just being cautious.
Thus i ask.

[crc21209]

The Sox are back in the Playoffs! :tu I'm excited, can't wait...

[Biernutz]

I know he is back.
But can he still steal bases like before the injury?
He was 52-4, that's great 94% or so for that number of steal attempts, wow.
Can be the difference maker in those 2-1 type games. Or even high scoring games where he keeps the inning alive/knocks out the force out-double play at 2nd base.
I know he did not have an attempt since he's been back. Perhaps the game(s) never presented an opportunity or Sox were just being cautious.
Thus i ask.

He said he probably won't be healed 100% till next season. He said he feels comfortable with
where he is at. It's good to have him back.

[Biernutz]

John Farrell posted his Pitchers for the playoffs with Tampa Bay starting on Friday

Game 1 on Friday: LHP Jon Lester
Game 2 on Saturday: RHP John Lackey
Game 3 on Monday: RHP Clay Buchholz
Game 4 on Tuesday (if necessary): RHP Jake Peavy

[Biernutz]

The series for the year is Sox 12 wins --Rays 7

[Biernutz]

AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES
Rays vs. Red Sox
Game 1: Fri., Oct. 4 at Boston, 3:07 p.m. (TBS)
Game 2: Sat., Oct. 5 at Boston, 5:37 p.m. (TBS)
Game 3: Mon. Oct. 7 at Tampa Bay (TBS or MLB Network***)
Game 4: Tue. Oct. 8 at Tampa Bay (TBS)
Game 5: Thu., Oct. 10 at Boston (TBS)

[Biernutz]

Sox beat TB 12-2 and it really was not close. Good pitching and and good hitting luck
for a big lead. TB my have used up every just getting here. Every Boston starter got a hit
and scored a run, the first time a team had done that in the postseason since Lou Gehrig,
Joe DiMaggio and the Yankees in the 1936 World Series. Next game tomorrow 4:37 CDT......




http://youtu.be/R_o5T-YlA0o

[Biernutz]

Sox take game 2 with big Papi jacking one. The Sox are rolling now
and just looking unstoppable.
http://www.boston.com/sports/touching_all_the_bases/2013/10/rays_red_sox_game_2.html


http://youtu.be/1q2-hOsRQWQ

[Biernutz]

Sox lose with a TB walk off. Series now 2-1, next game Tue night at 8 EDT in Tampa on TBS.

[Biernutz]

Red Sox starter tonight Jake Peavy.

Last nights loss was a tough one - backup catcher Jose Lobaton, who hitting .219 in
the second half and .184 in September, hits a two-out, walkoff homer
off Koji Uehara, the Red Sox closer who went nearly three months without allowing a run
and who had not allowed a home run since June 30.

[Biernutz]

SOX WIN--- SOX WIN

]http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/systime/sox1.jpeg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/systime/media/sox1.jpeg.html)[

[DeadlyDynasty]

Red Sox are boring as fuck...all the AL playoff teams are.

[Biernutz]

Red Sox advance to the ALCS .......on Saturday in Boston. Oak or Tigers?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSbBeA3EeY0&feature=share&list=TLAP_f8gMKP UW49HEcEgx_tEgAlhxbDoNQ

[Biernutz]

Red Sox vs. Tigers on Saturday 8pm EDT on Fox. John Lester will start for
the Sox and the Tigers will start Anibal Sanchez, the former Red Sox prospect.

The Red Sox were 3-4 against Detroit this season. But they outscored the Tigers 43-35
and took two of three when the teams met at Fenway Park Sept. 2-4. The Sox beat
the Tigers 20-4 in the final game of the season series.

[Biernutz]

Sox-Tigers pick'em



http://youtu.be/80Ch5n3Rcr0

[JamStone]

The Red Sox were 3-4 against Detroit this season. But they outscored the Tigers 43-35
and took two of three when the teams met at Fenway Park Sept. 2-4. The Sox beat
the Tigers 20-4 in the final game of the season series.

Regular season series will have little impact on this series. I believe 4 of the starting pitchers in those 7 games won't start for either team in this series, Jose Alvarez and Rick Porcello (now in the bullpen) for the Tigers and Allen Webster and Felix Doubront for the Red Sox. And while the Sox scored 43 runs on the Tigers in those 7 games 30 of those runs were in two games. So they scored 13 runs in the other 5 games.

Right now, the Red Sox have been playing the best baseball in the American League for the last several weeks. I expect them to continue to play well. The Tigers starting pitching may be able to keep the games close, but what ends up happening in each game will depend greatly on the Tigers offense showing up or not. Detroit's bats have been anemic and erratic for going on a month now and there has not been much to indicate they are coming alive.

I'd love for the Tigers to find a way to beat Boston. But I'll predict the Red Sox in 6, now with the 2-3-2 format, back at Fenway with the Tigers starting pitching keeping them close enough to push the series that long. I hope I'm wrong.

[Biernutz]

I think that the Sox have a big edge in the bullpen. Koji has just been crazy good since July.
RH Koji Uehara (4-1, 1.09 ERA, 21/24 saves, 101 Ks, 9 BBs, 73 games),
RH Junichi Tazawa (5-4, 3.16, 71 games),

Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Saturday, at Boston 8:07 p.m.
Game 2, Sunday, at Boston 8:15 p.m.
Game 3, Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Detroit 4:07 p.m.
Game 4, Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Detroit 8:07 p.m.
x-Game 5, Thursday, Oct. 17, at Detroit 8:07 p.m.
x-Game 6, Saturday, Oct. 19, at Boston 4:37 p.m.
x-Game 7, Sunday, Oct. 20, at Boston 8:07 p.m.. (All games on FOX).

x-if necessary.



Projected Rotations:Tigers:
RH Anibal Sanchez (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7701) (14-8, AL-best 2.57 ERA)
RH Max Scherzer (21-3, 2.90, 240 Ks),
RH Justin Verlander (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7590) (13-12, 3.46)
RH Doug Fister (14-9, 3.67).


Red Sox:
LH Jon Lester (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7790) (15-8, 2.75, 213 1-3 IP),
RH Clay Buchholz (12-1, 1.74),
RH John Lackey (10-13, 3.52, 2 CG),
RH Jake Peavy (12-5, 4.17 with White Sox and Red Sox).

[Biernutz]

Recap of Boston loss to Tigers-----sucks
http://www.boston.com/video/viral_page/?/services/player/bcpid2606570293001&&bctid=2740247404001

[Biernutz]

SOX WIN SOX WIN

Series: Sox 2 Tigers 1
(best of 7)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/systime/sox118.jpeg

[Biernutz]

Game 6, Saturday, Oct. 19, at Boston 4:37 p.m. (fox)
Pitchers
Tigers--------Max Scherzer
Red Sox- ---Clay Buchholz



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/systime/soxzxz.jpg

[FuzzyLumpkins]

James Harden doesn't have shit on these guys. Fear the beard.

[Biernutz]

ok Sox it's time

[Biernutz]

yes Drew!!

[Biernutz]

Damm 1 foot more

[Biernutz]

bases loaded

[Biernutz]

grand slam!!!!!!!

[Biernutz]

Boston up 5-2

[irishock]

incredible what a year's difference makes. Congrats

[Biernutz]

SOX WIN SOX WIN

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/systime/sox111.jpeg

[lefty]

That chink is a heck of a closer

[Biernutz]

Koji Uehara shut down the Tigers again........

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/systime/sox155-1.jpeg