El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

I am not happy about this deal. The Sox get Jeff Suppan and take back Brandon Lyon and A Martinez for Freddy Sanchez and Mike Gonzalez. I hope this deal was worked out because Theo feared an arbitrator was going to award Freddy Sanchez to the Pirates due to Lyon’s medical condition without Suppan. Essentially, the Sox gave up Sanchez for Suppan and Scott Sauerbeck. More on this tomorrow because I am not thinking too clearly right now; need to drink beer with Bill Lee.

Rambling Rumbling Remarks from baseball to beer to New England to politics to parking meters.

• Theo you have about three hours to make me happy again.
• Julio Lugo is now a member of my fantasy baseball team and starting tomorrow. How bad is my squad? Each day the chance of my fourth consecutive championship dwindles.
• If Shady Chicken Little will not banish Mendoza (he does not deserve a nickname) to long relief, then members of RSN need to kidnap Mendoza. The ransom would be a keg of Sam Adams to be shared with the Sam Adams guy from the commercials and Mendoza’s unconditional release. I can hear Theo yelling into the phone, “Give me back my biggest mistake!” Of course, I am just B.S.ing.
• It is nice to see the Red Sox make the appropriate move by allowing newly acquired Scott Williamson to stay with his family instead of joining the team in Texas. Classy move; family should come first. He is expected to join the club in Baltimore.
• Joe Sheenan of Baseball Prospectus (baseballprospectus.com) and Aaron Gleeman of Aaron’s Baseball Blog (link to right) have great articles on the development of the 2003 Red Sox bullpen and the team.
• A-Rod maybe willing to restructure his contract to help the Rangers. I guess he has not had a chance to speak with his agent, Scott Boras, or the Players Association yet.
• Kevin Appier is worth a flier! The Sox medical staff can mend his elbow.
• Is Carl Lindner, the owner of the Reds, a slave trader? Of course not, but the way the Reds are ($1.25 million plus the loss of Williamson’s salary) and potentially ($3.0 million and removing Boone and White from the payroll) collecting money for players is sickening.
• Jon Lieber, former Cub and holder of a career ERA of 4.18, is throwing off a mound for the Yanks. Weaver, the weak rotation link, may go way of Mondesi in the near future.
• The Greek God of Walks has moved up to AAA. I am planning on making the trip to watch him play next weekend and assault, I mean pump money into the local economy, of Portland. Buffoonery always ensues due to the Portland Pubs.
• Today at Magic Hat, a not so local brewery anymore in Vermont, Bill Lee will be whoring his new book from 5-7 and Magic Hat will be serving Eephus Ale. I’ll be there. Will you? The first person to email me (link to right) with the player who hit Lee’s Eephus pitch for a homerun in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series and what movie is referred to in one of the above comments will win some kind of Eephus Ale or Magic Hat stuff. Good luck.
• Could Howard Dean from Vermont be the next President of the United States or one of the two finalists for the CEO position at Fletcher Allen? Everyone needs a backup plan.
• Where to park in Burlington? http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/bfpnews/news/1000h.htm - give me a break!

Tomorrow back to baseball with trade analysis.

A ton has been written already regarding the deal for Scott Williamson. Basically, he is a stud who will pitch in critical, high leverage situations the rest of this season. The Sox pen should shut down the opposition. Talk about a 180 and thanks, Theo – Plan B.

The Sox gave up Phil Dumatrait, who was not impressive in high A-ball. Dumatrait’s K and BB rates do not translate into a frontline starter in the majors at this point in his career. The Sox did not give up much for three years of Williamson. The only concern is that the PTBNL is not a significant prospect like Jon Lester, who is not dominating in A-ball but productive and only 19. (When a traded player is known but not named as Lucky Larry mentioned last night, usually the PTBNL is someone who has been with his original club for less than a year.) Lester was slotted for rookie ball this year, but impressed Theo and company in the spring enough to start him at Augusta. He has talent and upside.

Trade tidbits:
• It was wonderful to hear that Theo is not done dealing and…
• …from LL that the Sox are willing to go over budget if necessary.
• It appears that the strategy is to move pitching talent in trades from the minors first. In general, fewer highly touted young pitchers get to the Majors than their position player counterparts. It is also more difficult to judge pitching “prospects.” The Sox have the financial luxury to buy/trade for pitching at the MLB level; it is a sound plan.
• Next season, either Kim or Williamson could move into the rotation. Both have been starters in the past and would look good.
Williamson's wife, Lisa, just had a baby boy Friday. She was readmitted to the hospital yesterday with high blood pressure.
``I'm sure this is going to shoot it right through the roof,'' Williamson said. ``It's going to be stressful for a time but I've overcome a lot of things in my career (Silverman et al, Boston Herald).''
• It would be a nice gesture to allow Williamson all the time he needs to be with his family. The team is not in dire need of his services right now. Let Williamson have some time to get his head on straight and stabilize the family before starting with a new company. It would be best for him and the Sox.

Last scrap:
“Manny backed away as Dickey returned to the rubber.” – Don Orsillo from last night’s game. The quote above and “Millar goes yard!” are the only two instances that Orsillo has added something above a replacement level announcer. Sean Mc or the guy who won the contest needs to do more games.

As I was eating lunch, I checked out one of my favorite blogs, Aaron Baseball Blog (link on right), when I noticed that El Guapo's Ghost has been moved up from “Down on the Farm” to “Pinch Hitter” on Aaron Gleeman’s list of blogs. I probably should not feel as good as I do about the “call-up,” since Gleeman describes
The whole Aaron's Baseball Blog operation can best be described through a quote from my favorite TV show:
"Far as I can tell, your entire enterprise is little more than a solitary man with a messy apartment which may or may not contain a chicken."
But I do not get too much feedback from folks so this is great. Thanks.

• After taking two out of three from the Evil Empire, Red Sox Nation is riding high. Our positive outlook should continue. The Sox play mostly creampuffs while the Yanks take on the AL West over the next 14 days. The time to make a move on the Dearth Star is now before it is too late...because the Sox face Oaktown and Seattle starting on August 11th for fourteen games which will likely determine if the Sox play in Oct. These games are just as important as the ones versus the Yanks.
• If the Sox can not score a top starter, then get another solid relief pitcher. Holding down the opposition, after the starter’s departure, in the middle innings should be plan B. The Sox offense eats up most bullpens and with a strong pen increases the opportunity for comeback and later inning wins. Fox and Jones are not solid. Fox’s walk rate is horrible and Jones was released for a reason.

Alex Belth’s Bronx Banter (link on right) had a wonderful interview with Michael Lewis author of Moneyball. Moneyball is the story of the Oakland A’s and Billy Beane’s success in MLB with a limited budget. I highly recommend the book to everyone and definitely for baseball fans, business/lawyer/stockbroker types and people who root for the underdog. The excerpt below is Lewis’ thoughts on the Red Sox and my reply to Belth.

ML: I think that the Red Sox job is actually a really shitty job right now. Because you’ve got this organization that looks to the fans and the media like, ‘Oh, we could win a World Series this year,’ but in fact, the minor league system’s bankrupt. Four of your stars’ contracts are coming up after next season. To do it right, what they need to do is rebuild. Not to max out right away at the major league level, but actually take a longer view. And that is such a bad environment to try and take a longer view because everybody wants it now…

Boston is insane though. They haven’t won it since 1918, you’d think they could put up with someone who came in and had a plan. But they can’t. So I think Beane saw that…

Alex Belth,

I am very surprised at Lewis’ comments regarding the state of my Red Sox. First, it appears that he is implying that the Red Sox are not in contention for the playoffs and a championship. If this is the case, then Lewis has completely misevaluated the Red Sox position in the success cycle. After 2004 when “four of your stars’ contracts” are up, then the Sox should reload. Now and next season is the time to “max out” on the major league roster without hurting a “bankrupt” minor league system, which I believe is Theo’s plan. (“Bankrupt” is harsh considering Freddy Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez, Kelly Shoppach, the Greek God of Walks [Kevin Youkilis] and four to five quality pitching talent is in the Sox system). The Red Sox financial advantage over most of the league allows them to implement this strategy. Unless a disaster occurs, the Red Sox should not need to move into a full rebuilding mode like Cleveland as Lewis suggests. Of course, the jury is still out on whether the media and fan pressure, egos and other factors will persuade Theo and the ownership to deviate from their approach and give up on their top prospects.

Thanks,

Tom
"Insane" Red Sox fan and El Guapo’s Ghost
www.elguaposghost.blogspot.com

The timing could not be better to help substantiate my claim as Gordon Edes writes today as a part of his Red Sox Notebook in the Boston Globe.

Investing in the future
The Red Sox took the unusual step of sending out a press release delineating the money they spent on signing their draft picks this season, after signing 19 of their top 20 picks for the first time since 1995. According to the team, the Sox invested a club-record $5.5 million in agreeing to terms with 32 of the players selected in the draft overall. The club made investments of $3.1 million last year, $2.9 million in 2001, and $3.4 million in 2000. Over the last two seasons, the Red Sox say they have spent more than $8.6 million toward signing amateur draft selections, an increase of more than 33 percent over the combined $6.4 million spent on 2000 and 2001 drafts. The growth has taken place while baseball signing bonuses, overall, have declined this year by 12 percent.

''This should be a dramatic illustration that we are serious about cementing the long-term success of this franchise through amateur scouting and player development,'' CEO Larry Lucchino said in a statement. ''Our scouting staff worked tirelessly to identify this talent, and ownership made a substantial financial commitment to sign these players. Now they start down the road that we hope our new player development program will one day lead many of them to Fenway Park.''

• Even though I convinced myself that only a sweep by either team would be relevant to the Sox playoff chances, I still lived and died with each pitch over the weekend. The heart beat the head. Beer and watching three games in Saratoga Springs aided the heart in the victory.
• Did Torre screw up last night? Weaver pitching to Nixon after throwing over 100 pitches. Where is Orosco? Hammond to Vtek.com, who is hitting 357/439/714 against LHP this season with Armando and Osuna available.
• The portable handheld color T.V. was invaluable on Saturday. Thanks, Mom.
• The Sox have won every game against the Yanks that I have watched with only Red Sox fans. This trend will continue. No negative energy.
• Rick Sutcliffe is sooooooooooo much better than Joe Morgan. Morgan should be detained in Cooperstown until November. Morgan probably would not mind. He could spend the time lobbying to get every player on the so called “Big Red Machine” in the Hall.

Vegas is great! At four the east coast games start and ballgames continue until it is time to start thinking about hot spots on the strip plus free food and booze, gambling and women everywhere. But this is not a post about the Western City of Sin. It is about how unfortunate we, living on the east coast, are to only be able to catch the highlights of Barry Bonds. As time goes by more and more doubt leaves my mind that he is the greatest baseball player of all-time (bring on the emails!).

Last night is another example of Bonds’ extraordinary all-around talent. In the top of the ninth in a tie game, Bonds throws out Craig Counsell at the plate. Then in the bottom half, he hits a walk-off home run served up by Mike Myers. A couple of years ago, Myers was specifically acquired from Colorado to get Bonds out (Colorado got Jack Cust, who is now with the O’s remember that name for next season). Before last night, Myers has given up only six hits in 31 plate appearances to Bonds with just two extra-base hits.

After the game, Bonds shunned the media. He had to go visit his father in the hospital who is battling lung cancer.

Bonds is unbelievable! I wish I got to watch him play more often. I will get to Pac Bell before the greatest baseball player stops hitting balls into the Bay.

Oh yeah, it was his B’day yesterday too.


• I copied a great interview with the Sox owners and executives into a word document. It is a three part series from the Hartford Courant. If you would like it, send me an email.

• Have a good weekend – I sure will with an open bar and three Sox-Yanks games. Good times. Good times.

I was in Montreal last night watching Javy Vazquez toy with a bunch of AAA hitters known as the New York Mets. Cliffy Floyd was the only Major League bat in the lineup last night. Javy’s fastball was consistently in the 92-94 range throughout his eight innings. (I checked with the Expos scout/pitch counter/gun operator since the Big O Shitty doesn’t display the readings.) He used his circle change-up effectively throughout the night. I recall him getting three strikeouts with it. He did not feature the curve or slider too much last night, but did not have to. Javy's next start is a nationally televised game versus a real MLB club, the Braves. It could prove to be Javy's audition for a lot of clubs.

Note to Theo; please get on Javy before his next start. The fewer the buyers - the better. Thank you in advance, El Guapo’s Ghost.

I still have the same concern that Frank Robinson and company have overworked Javy and a DL stint maybe in his future. My notion was somewhat substantiated when I learned that the gun readings do not get relayed to the dugout. Since some feel a decrease in velocity is a good sign that a pitcher is tiring and that when a pitcher is weary, he is more susceptible to injury. This information would be helpful in determining when to pull a pitcher. Of course it should not be the only factor, but that velocity is being totally disregarded is a big concern. I hope someone is at least keeping a pitch count in the dugout, although it seems to be ignored with Javy on the mound. Not only would a move to Boston help out the Red Sox, it may also prolong Javy’s career.

Please acquire a loogy so Little won't use Todd Jones or Chad Fox against Chavez [or other power southpaws] in the seventh a month from now. Thanks in advance, El Guapo's Ghost.

Even though Theo didn't get BJ Ryan or Mike Myers (both had incredible comedy value), he did grant my basic wish by acquiring Scott Sauer-Patch-beck. Sauerbeck dominants left handed batters with a curveball he throws from different angles tying up southpaws. His other pitches are just average. In 2000 - 2002, LHB hit only 214/286/316 in 304 at-bats versus Sauerbeck. To date in 2003, Sauerbeck has had the same success. In high leverage situations, Sauerbeck should only pitch to LHB then bring on Timlin, Kim and Embree for the right-handers.

Lyon wasn't going contribute much to this club down the stretch. Lyon's control of 4 pitches, but without an out pitch screamed back of the rotation starter. He was expendable and marketable given his low salary and service time. He and Fossum would have competed for a spot in the rotation next year at a low cost. Now Fossum is the 2004 #5 starter and some other cheap option like Lyon will fill the last spot in the pen.

The interesting part of this deal is the minor leaguers. AA 24 year-old right-handed relief pitchers with control issues excite me as much as an evening of polite conversation. Thus, Anastacio Martinez was a good player to deal, although he COULD be a productive member of a pen in 2005. On the other hand, Mike Gonzalez with his reported high 90's sinker and slider coming from the left side offers much more potential. He has the stuff to be a dominant relief pitcher; a starter if he can develop an off-speed pitch. Gonzalez's issue has been his health. I have confidence that Jim Rowe, Chris Correnti and Dr. Bill Morgan will get and keep this talent healthy. Gonzalez could come into play this season too. Does anyone recall K-Rod?

He [Theo] indicated that the pool of available premium starters is shallow, if not empty. Too bad, since Epstein said he has the money to spend if one becomes available (Hohler, Boston Globe).

The Expos loosing last night to the Marlins should make Javy Vazquez available. The Expos have lost four in a row, are six back with six teams ahead of them in the Wild Card standings. Javy is a premium starter. I will not subject my small audience to my number crunching that indicates Javy is an upgrade over every Sox starter other than Pedro. My only concern is Javy’s health, but again I have faith in the Sox’s medical staff. The price will be high. Hopefully, money will be more of a factor than prospects giving the Sox an advantage over other suitors.

Another possible deal could be to acquire a RHB coming off the bench that kills southpaws. Walker is (AVG/OBP/SLG) 279/310/400 and Nixon is 230/319/339 against LHP from 2000-2002. Kapler is better hitting 268/326/451, but not a good alternative in the last third of game with the go-head runners on base. An acquisition would cause a roster jam necessitating optioning Fossum or Kapler. Both would be back when rosters expand on September 1st.

The other Governor of Massachusetts, Lou Merloni, would be a good option at 309/370/512 against LHP as would Reggie Sanders’ 270/356/553. Merloni makes $560K and Sanders a cool $1 million both should be within budget. Sanders will probably come cheaper since the Pirates are trying to save every penny – they are reporting a loss of $30 million. How about a player to be named later and/or cash for Sanders?

Rants:
• MLB Extra Innings is horrible. I was driving all around town last night trying to find the A’s-Royals game to watch Rich Harden, the newest A’s Ace, only to find that MLB Extra Innings was not carrying the game. Buddy, how about hiring a marketing firm? I bet Angela Bower would do a great job.
• Rumor has it that Casey Fossum recorded a save last night. Does anyone need any further proof that a save is the most overrated statistic in baseball?
• Pedro Martinez doesn't talk to the media. Manny Ramirez doesn't talk to the media. The Players Association convinced the owners in the '70s, with the court-awarded cudgel of free agency, to pay players as entertainers. Question is, when will the Players Association convince the players to act like entertainers? (Dupont, Boston Globe)

Assuming ballplayers are “entertainers,” then they would only do a couple of interviews in the winter to promote the upcoming season and maybe a few during like any movie “entertainer.” Manny would hit Letterman being from Washington Heights, Leno could have Nomar and lord knows Jimmy Kimmel needs Pedro. Johnny Damon could be the first guest on Revealed with Brook Burke. Of course, all of the Sox stars would hit the Today show. Tom Warner would have to hookup his hubby, Katie Couric. And if anyone got into trouble with the law, Barbara Walters could have a special on ABC from Yawkey Way. The Boston sports media should just be thankful that they do not have to cover the Brewers. Stop the bitching.

Table scraps:
• Rickey is the man - 14 at-bats, five hits with two dingers. Why did he have to play in Newark?
• Three more years of a Tommy in Vermont and a Tommy with the Celtics yelling “I love Waltah.”
• The Royals taking three out of four from Seattle. Allard Baird/David Glass, please go out and get/pay for a bat before the Twins and White Sox games. Tony Pena’s club has earned it.
• Theo, wait on Escobar. Javy Vazquez could be had by next week. The Expos play two against the Marlins and four against the Braves in the next eight days.

Over the next couple of weeks, unless something absurd occurs, I’ll only be rambling - short, poorly thought out comments on various topics. My longer, and in my own not so humble opinion, better posts usually get written on the weekends when I have more time to research, analyze, collect my thoughts and figuratively put them on paper to post during the week. I do not anticipate having much free time over the next couple of weekends and possibly a third if I get down to Baltimore for the Sox series. I have back-to-back open bar weddings that necessitate traveling – enough said.

While flipping through channels last night, I caught…
• the end of an interview with J. Ho and “Quack! It is time for the Ben Aflac trivia question.” I now have a little respect for Affleck. After J. Ho said they would let their future children decide whether to be Red Sox or Yankee fans. Affleck busts out with something very much like “then they won’t have a father!” Hilarious!
• the end of the Pete Rose espn trial that I have no interest in, but I did find on espn.com – page 2 other upcoming trials. One is Red Sox fans vs. Bill Buckner. The charge: endless pain and suffering (Firtz). Bob Stanley, Roger Clemens, Johnny Mac, well the whole freaking team should be on indicted for loosing not only game six but seven as well. The verdict: Guilty. The damages should be all of Buckner’s cut from the freaking autographed framed picture he is hawking in SkyMall - the bastard!

For baseball junkies, I read a nice article on one of my favorite underrated players’, Bobby Kielty, development as a hitter (thanks, baseballprimer.com). It also has a New England and Sox link.

"My dad would never let me swing at bad pitches — ever," Kielty said. "I learned that at a young age and it's a good thing."

But a key teaching tool was that 3D model of the strike zone. His father, a onetime high school pitcher and college football player at Boston University, had grown up in Massachusetts idolizing Ted Williams and his legendary eye at the plate (Baker, Toronto Star).

How cool is that - a 3D model of the strike zone? Maybe, I will be making a few trips to Home Depot in ten years or so.

Unfortunately, Kielty is playing for the Jays. Great move by J.P., Keith Law and company.
http://waymoresports.thestar.com/

ATTENTION RED SOX NATION!

From http://obeypedro.blogspot.com/

“One last thing, a friend of mine sent me an email with the request below which was forwarded to her from another friend. Confused? Well, it doesn't matter where it came from, just check this out:

I am asking you all to help out my neighbor, Dave Fontaine, with a contest that he's in. He submitted a 60-second video for Baby Ruth's "Real Deal" baseball fan game in hopes of winning a chance to fly down to Austin, TX and hit against Nolan Ryan. He has made the final 10 and now voting is online, and only 5 of them will win. If you can, click on this link and vote for Dave Fontaine from Dedham, MA. Feel free to watch all of the videos...I guarantee that you'll like Dave's the best anyway (some of them are truly frightening...check it out yourself). Voting ends on july 25, so please help him out!

So go vote for Dave if you've got the time. (Even if you can't view the video, you can still vote by simply clicking on the "vote" button.)”


Dave needs the full support of Red Sox Nation like Vtek.com. Click on the link to the right and vote for Dave!

I am delaying Sox 2004. I thought the Break would allow me enough time to complete it, but I was wrong yet again. I am going to hold off until after the season in Nov. If someone is dying to read it, highly unlikely, then drop me a line (my email link is on the right) and I'll send you my notes.

As usual, a ton of names have been thrown around regarding possible acquisitions for the Sox. I’ll analyze those pitchers and some of my own.

• Benson – high upside, needs better command, can be dominate when curveball is on – no way Benson is due at least $6.1 million next season
• Ponson – solid this season and last, free agent/two month rental – no way Ponson has a partially torn labrum (shoulder) and the starting price of Nixon is too high
• Suppan – keeping the ball down and having success this season, good command, mechanics, never gets injured, eats innings, low strikeout rate, cheap – possible depends on the price, but he is not much of an upgrade over Burkett and Mendoza
• Trachsel – poor man’s Suppan – no way Trachsel is owed $5 million next year
• Escobar – high strikeout rate, high upside, good stuff, having recent success as a starter, rumored to have issue regarding concentration, mechanics are not always consistent resulting in bad command and effectiveness – Gammons is reporting that the Jays are going to hold onto him and attempt to sign Escobar to a long-term deal

If fielding is the weakness but can not be upgraded, then attaining a strikeout pitcher will assist in minimizing that problem and help with decreasing the number of runs allowed. No one other than Escobar puts up high K rates, so the other options are not very appealing. The others would not be an upgrade over the current pitchers.

The Expos are falling which could make Javy Vazquez available (I have a great picture with him). They have a huge series in Philly starting tonight. If the Expos survive in the City of Brotherly Love, then the next big test is St. Louis at the end of the month. Javy could be on the block soon. Even though rumors are running around regarding his health, he would be my prime target.

As Theo has indicated, a minor deal could be just has helpful as a big one. With that in mind, a lefty specialist could be useful. Embree is and has been murder on southpaws, but Little is not going to bring him in before seven and two-thirds. Fossum could be that guy, although he really does not hold down lefties (BA/OBP/SLG - 257/323/347 vs. LHB and 268/332/441 vs. RHB from 2000-2002). The acquisition of a loogy like BJ Ryan (190/318/312 vs. LHB from 2000-2002) or Mike Myers (195/288/295) - the comedy value alone is worth it - would give Little the opportunity to use a loogy in the sixth and seventh innings with men on base and a lefty at the plate.

This scenario could prove to be very important in Oakland (A’s are currently one game behind the Sox for the Wild Card). Both Chavez (224/272/372 vs. LHP from 2000-2002) and Durazo (250/356/401) have historically had a tough time against southpaws (Durazo has improved significantly this season in 106 AB with 311/422/500). A loogy would also be helpful against Giambi, Matsui, Olerud and Ichiro.

Theo signed Kapler so Little had to sit Nixon against lefties. Please acquire a loogy so Little won’t use Todd Jones or Chad Fox against Chavez in the seventh a month from now. Thanks in advance, El Guapo’s Ghost.

I got distracted last night and heard some new trade rumors this morning so today’s column is on hold.

I would like to share two headlines.

• Rickey Henderson will be playing in L.A. Rickey says “Rickey does not look so good in baby blue, but the sun and fun in L.A. is much better than Newark.” Of course, this is not a real quote. Congrats out to Rickey. He really loves to just play the game.
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- New Bush administration projections of record federal deficits surpassing $400 billion seem understated, Democrats say, because they will probably exclude the future U.S. operations in Iraq and other long-range costs. No need.

At the Break, the Sox are 55-38. They are leading the Wild Card race by one game over Oakland and down two games to New York in the AL East. The Sox are right on their Pythagorean record, (runs scored [squared] / runs scored [squared] + runs allowed [squared]), developed by Bill James to predict winning percentage. The Yankees and A’s are basically on too; both a one win above their Pythagorean record. All three teams are just as good and close as their records indicate. We should expect a real dog fight for a playoff spot barring injuries and reinforcements.

The consensus among Red Sox Nation is that acquiring another pitcher will have the greatest impact on the team. I do not disagree, but pitching is not the club’s weakness.

Strength – Hitting and Starters
The Sox are first in the A.L. in runs scored, OBP and SLG. Enough said. Starting pitching is fourth in runs, first in strikeouts and homeruns, third in ground ball-to-fly ball ratio and an expected tenth in walks. Obviously, an improvement in walks would be nice. A staff with both Wakefield and Burkett, pitchers that are susceptible to the long ball, should be happy with giving up a few more free passes than dingers.

Weakness – Fielding
I am not a big believer in fielding stats, but the Sox are ranked eighth in fielding percentage, tenth in range factor and thirteenth in zone rating. Collectively, the Sox rankings are a good indication that the team is below average. Todd Walker at second, Kevin Millar Time and Mo Light at first have without a doubt defensive issues. I do not feel that a possible improvement with the glove would outweigh the likely decrease in offensive production at either spot. Not much can be done this season to help the Sox in the field.

Opportunity – Bullpen
The addition of Kim has been enormous. Jones to date has performed well and Fossum should prove valuable as another lefty. Embree has been lights out after getting healthy. Hopefully, Fox will follow Embree’s track. These are all good developments, but the real improvement in the pen may prove to be the subtractions.

The bullpen is tenth in runs allowed. They are third in K’s, eighth in BB, seventh in G/F ratio and thirteenth in home runs. Which one of these does not belong? The Sox pen has given up 40 jimmy-jacks in 304 innings which is the big issue. The former Sox relief pitchers yielded 16 dingers in 75 innings or 40% while pitching only 25% of the time. I am confident that the new additions, given their track records, will not give up home runs at an equal pace as the departed.

Threats – Right side of the infield
See Weakness

Tomorrow – What can be done to improve the Sox?
Wednesday – Fantasy Analysis - email only.
Thursday – Sox 2004

Larry Dierker seems like a good fit and choice for the Red Sox next manager.

Check out Rob Neyer’s article http://msn.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/neyer_rob/1577994.html

A couple of Dierker quotes from the article sound just like Theo and Henry:
• “…I also read a lot of the Bill James stuff, and so I learned what people who didn't have a personal investment in the game had to say about it."
• "It's not like we just quit, or we choked, or anything like that [in the playoffs with the Astros]. I regret that it happened, but I don't beat myself up over it. Your hitters get 30 or 40 at-bats, and they're facing the best pitchers. Four postseason series is like two weeks in the regular season, and anybody can go through a rough couple of weeks."

An add-on scrap:
• Larry Legend is taking a job with the Pacers. I am happy for him. It seems like the second best place for Basketball Jesus. Of course, I do not have the Inside Stuff (a little plug for Ahmad Rashad whose head must be spinning with questions like can I suck up to Lebron without offending Kobe?), but Ainge over B-ball Jesus? Only time will tell. I do know that Larry Legend’s mug will not be on the jumbotron at the Vault when Glory Days plays over the PA system. Like the AFKATBSG and others, I was patiently waiting for that moment because the roof would have flown off the Fleet. I guess it is better off; it would have added another billion to the Big Dig.

ATTENTION NON-SPORTS RELATED POST


I want to thank President Bush and members of Congress for my additional $17 every two weeks. Who needs Social Security and Medicare? My 401k is kicking ass. Well, it was three years ago. I am too scared to look now.

Anyway, I went right out and bought a Pocket-PC like I am supposed to under the economic theory of which is the basis of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief...Act.

Put simply, the job-creation claims of the new law’s supporters are based on this theory: Consumers, wielding bigger paychecks thanks to income tax cuts, will buy more, enabling businesses to expand and hire. Businesses, given new tax incentives to make capital investments, will grow their businesses and workforces (Rossheim, Monster.com).

I did my part. I am just concerned that my fellow Americans will not like the last tax cut a couple of years ago. The theory could not be wrong? Other folks may want to pay down debt or save the money, since we have one of the lowest savings rates and highest debt accumulations of any people in the industrialized world.

If the lawmakers were really concerned about unemployment, then just create jobs. Do not let workers, consumers, business leaders and the market determine job growth. Why are today’s leaders NOT afraid of the irrational behavior of the masses like the Framers of the Constitution?

All of the monies from the tax cut should been distributed to state and local governments with the bulk going to areas hit hardest economically (New York City, the Bay area, etc.) to hire more and necessary public school teachers, police officers, fire fighters, mass transit personnel, parks and recreation staff, etc. Not only would this help the economy but it would further the good work these professionals currently do for their communities.

Here it is a day late. Gary Payton and Karl Malone are going to be Lakers. They are taking less money to win a championship in L.A. with Chester the Molester and the 300+ pound walking conglomerate with ten nicknames. I hate the Lakers for many reasons; too many to get into and it sickens me to think that Phil Jackson might tie Arnold “Red” Auerbach for NBA Championships as a Coach (Mr. Auerbach contributed just as much to the community and society as he did for basketball and the Celtics).

With that in mind, Jason Kidd please sign with San Antonio. Texas has no state tax. Guns are easily accessible. Your wife and kid [insert joke here] will only have to come to Boston once. Tim Duncan plays in San Antonio, but should have been in Boston taking over the dynasty left by Bird, Havlicek, Cousy and Russell. I am not sure if the lost of Len Bias or Duncan hurts more. Jason play in Texas, please.

Scraps:
• I pledge never to watch Lebron James play a game in the NBA until he gets accused of a crime.
• I still love Waltah!
• Does Marino Rivera come to a complete stop before coming home when he pitches out of the stretch?
• Clemens is hawking 300 game winner credit cards, balls and jerseys. I am waiting for him to sell one of his kids on ebay. My money is on either the one who sounded like an intellectually challenged youth on national T.V. at Wrigley or the kid who cried at Fenway when thirty thousand plus members of Red Sox Nation serenaded his father in October of 1999. It is a toss up.
• http://www.canada.com/ottawa/sports/story.asp?id=0370EEC2-1282-4641-8A37-465E007D737B – cool article about Pedro north of the border.

The Red Sox Manager, Grady Little (a.k.a. Shady Chicken Little), sits in the visiting manager’s office at the Skydome in Toronto.

It is around 3pm yesterday and the phone rings.

SCL: Hello.

Theo Epstein: Grady, I have been trying to get a hold of you since I heard you may not start Pedro against the Yankees after the break. Where have you been?

SCL: I shut off my cell phone right after last night’s game. I needed a nap before the bus ride to the hotel. Theo, you know I need at least 12 hours of sleep a night without my rest I am a worthless fool.

TE: Okay. Okay. Your plans for the rotation need to change. Pedro has to pitch versus the Yankees. Those games are worth two in the standings.

SCL: Huh?

TE: I do not have time to explain. I will have an intern fax out a memo explaining the concept. It will be just like the one about Trot’s trouble with southpaws. Just tell the media before tonight’s game about the change.

SCL: Yes, Theo. How about extending my contract?

Silence

The phone clicks while SCL still has the phone to his ear.

SCL: I guess Theo had to go or is it me?

I was going to post about b-ball news and the extra $17 I received in my bi-weekly paycheck due to the “Jobs and Growth Tax Relief...Act”, but a more relevant to this site, timely and equally absurd concept has made news in Red Sox Nation.

``We need to win all our games, not just against the Yankees,'' said Little. ``In that series, I don't think it is as critical as winning every game'' (Silverman, Boston Herald).

The quote from Shady Chicken Little is regarding the likely possibility that Pedro Martinez, the best pitcher in baseball, will not start against the Yankees after the All-Star break. Shady is doing exactly the opposite of my recommendation yesterday. As I have mentioned before, I really do not like to question the Manager on in game and other short-term decisions - I’ll leave that to WEEI callers – because he has much more up-to-date information on players than I. I defer to the Manager in most cases but this kind of long-term decision and his rationale is illogical.

Basically, Shady believes every game is equally important. At this point in the season, every game is NOT worth the same in the standings. The games against your playoff rivals are worth two games in the standings (AL East or Wild Card). Thus, games against the Yankees, A’s, and possibly Jays and Mariners are twice as important as games against the likes of Tampa, Baltimore and Texas. Give me a break! Even the most casual fan understands this concept. I really hope Shady has a different reason for not setting up his rotation to maximize the probability of preventing runs in the most critical games.

“[It's] just like, ideally, we'd like to have Pedro pitch in every one of those series against New York, but sometimes the circumstances might prevent us from doing that" (Geosits, MLB.com)

Okay. Nice recovery, Shady. How is Theo doing? Is he sleeping better lately? I bet Theo is glad you finally read the memo about Nixon’s inability to hit southpaws.

Martinez' plans for the All-Star break apparently are factoring into the schedule, according to Little.
``I don't want him flying in from the Dominican Republic and pitching the first game,'' said Little (Silverman, Boston Herald).

Pedro’s vacation travel plans are playing a factor in determining the possibility of the Red Sox making the post-season. Are you freaking kidding me?

Shady could handle this in numerous different ways. I’ll present two options. First, Shady is the boss of the club so just tell Pedro to get his ass in Toronto on Wednesday night to start on Thursday. No questions – just do it. I do not think this is Shady’s style and pissing off Pedro is not the way to go especially when your contract is up after this season – Pedro’s is not.

Shady should ask Pedro and the other veteran team leaders, if the team would have an issue with Pedro leaving Detroit after his start on Saturday, then arriving in Toronto a day early. This would give Petey the same amount of time off in the Dominican as his original plans and it would also have him in Toronto a day early to be fully rested to start the following day. This type of travel is commonly done before a long flight: the scheduled series opening starter flies a day before the rest of the team. I would not think anyone on the team is going to have a problem with my scenario. It is a win-win.

I HEAR BY REVOKE THE RED SOX NATION MEMBERSHIP CARD OF THE BONEHEAD WHO REACHED OUT AND CAUGHT DAMON’S DOUBLE PREVENTING JACKSON FROM SCORINNG IN LAST NIGHT'S GAME.

Big win last night for two reasons: 1) mentally after Monday’s game, 2) ground ball pitchers going tonight and tomorrow on turf. Intuitively, one would think that since ground balls move faster on turf, it is more difficult for the infielder to catch and turn ground balls into outs increasing the opposing team’s ability to score runs. I am too lazy to put together a real study, but looking at Lowe and Mendoza’s ERA splits on grass and turf since 2000 is Revealing. And when is Brooke Burke going to take Jules Asner’s job again? More airtime for Brooke is best for all.

(Innings/ERA).
Lowe on turf is (109/4.54) and on grass (402/2.80)
Mendoza on turf is (33/8.18) and on grass (267/3.61)

Lowe’s variance is very telling and I believe is statistically significant; it is more than 20% of the total sample (I may have just disappointed Prof. Bill Anderson). I am not advocating that Lowe should not pitch on turf. An ERA of four and half is pretty good. I am lobbying for a more creative approach to managing the starting rotation to maximize the probability of preventing runs. The All-Star break should allow Shady Chicken Little to slot the starters for the series against Toronto and New York in July and begin thinking about the critical month of August.

I love the internet for many different reasons, but recently I am most thankful for its ability to score me two front row tickets in left to Pedro vs. Mussina in one of the worst neighborhoods I have been to in awhile. The tickets were relatively cheap for the quality - $45 plus tax, shipping, handling, convenience fee, bottle deposit, etc. A similar seat at Fenway goes for either $65 or $70. These were the best seats I have ever had to a game.

Monday's masterpiece, beside the outcome, was my first game in the Bronx and my once a decade trip to Spankee central. Driving through and commuting from Connecticut for the game, reminded me that I could never live in the 'burbs. It would throw me into a “quarter-life crisis” as a popular singer coined.

Yankee stadium is not all that great. Other than Monument Park, nothing stands out. It is a big round park; nothing special. One thing, I cannot believe is that the second level seems to be regular seating, minus some alcoves, when the area would be perfect for luxury boxes. It appears to be an untapped revenue source, which is refreshing since I witness the Henry-Warner-LL group trying to squeeze every nickel out of Fenway not that I blame them after plunking down $700 million.

I got to witness the one nice thing about the Yankees. In the first inning of every Yankee home game, the starters acknowledge the fans when their name is chanted. It really shows the player’s appreciation for the support the team receives. The most disappointing aspect of the experience was a taped rendition of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful. I wanted them to trot out the other Boss, some Broadway performer, Billy Crystal, Bill Clinton, Morris Blackman or any real person for that matter. It was a huge game so bring on the bang wagon jumping celebrities.

Like most parks, they show various snippets on the big screen to keep fans entertained between innings. One segment was called Tools of Ignorance that prominently features Yankee fans. Yes, it is true. I cannot makeup stuff this funny. It was hilarious and worth the price of an upper deck ticket.

The fans were as anticipated, obnoxious and knowledgeable, although a guy sitting next to me couldn't recognized a LHB vs. a RHB. No one gave me any shit, even when I explained that Pedro wasn't trying to hit Jeter. Jeter drives into the pitch and Soriano is on first. Milwaukee was completely different. Attention all 100 Brewers’ fans at Kevin MillAr Park: DREW BLEDSOE DOES NOT PLAY FOR NEW ENGLAND ANYMORE.

As I said earlier, our seats were about 20 feet away from Manny. We got some good photos - I hope. One thing you usually do not see on T.V. or at the park is that Manny is a real space cadet out in the field. Don't get me wrong. Manny is awesome at the plate and made some plays in the field too this season. He just has not interest in fielding. First off, he brought a water bottle out on the field which began the taunting. After hearing it for a couple of innings about muscles and maybe roids, Manny kidding around flexed for the crowd. During warm-ups, when he decided to play catch with the little Soriano ball boy, he dropped about an eighth of the tosses. Around half of the time, Manny didn't even have his glove on. In the ninth with the bases loaded, I was the first to tell Manny to play shallow. This is not Manny bashing; just what I witnessed. He needs to DH next season.

Anyway, it was a good day beside the outcome. I got to spend a day with my sister at the ballpark without getting lost, mugged, pick pocketed, assaulted, or harassed by Yankee fans.

Series notes:

• Shady Chicken Little appears inclined to use Kim in non-traditional closer situations. Good thing.
• Todd Jones seems like he can be more useful than Rudy Huxtable Seanez. Another good thing.
• Where was the Giambi shift on the RBI single in Monday’s game? Bad thing.
• Damian Jackson should be a defensive replacement for Walker.
• Palmerio's Viagra commercial makes me want to vomit.
• I hope Yankee fans appreciated watching a short stop with range. Nomar is definitely a better individual player than Jeter! No doubt. No diggity.
• Why do teams pitch to Soriano and Giambi when currently Jeter and Sierra bat behind them?

Unless other crazy transactions or the Sox make a big move (not like Todd Jones signings), then I will not be posting until Tuesday with a series recap and tax policy commentary. Have a great Fourth and Go Sox!

By the way here is a link to a great article.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam030629/col_ulmer-sun.html

I was going to post about the wonderful extra $17 I received in my paycheck in exchange for loosing Social Security and Medicare coverage in about 40 years, but something even more ridiculous occurred this morning.

D’Angelo Jimenez has been designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox.

D’Angelo Jimenez could be a) a nut case, b) an addict, or c) wife beater. If so, then I can understand and not agree with his recent “designated for assignment.” Let’s assume he is d) none of the above.

The recent addition of Robbie Alomar and Carl “Mad Man” Everett caused a roster jam on the 25. Both the short-term and long-term assessment of Jimenez is stupid. First off, the 31 year-old Tony Graffanino making 575K with an OPS of 748 was taken over Jimenez. Both players essentially play the same positions and to date have produced the same with the bat, while Jimenez can steal a base for your club giving him the short-term edge. Over the long-haul, Jimenez has the potential to become an everyday second baseman. He is only 25. Jimenez seemed to get it together last Fall with the ChicSox after coming from S.D. He was rated ahead of Alfonzo Soriano while in the Yankees’ system before getting into a near fatal car accident after the 1999 season. Jimenez has potential; Graffanino does not. If Jimenez does not develop next season, basically your club has Graffanino with speed making less than 575K.

If Jimenez is a, b, or c, then couldn’t someone like Paul Konerko catch a Jeremy Giambi “shoulder strain” or something similar to be placed on the DL. It would allow your front office time to shop Jimenez and possibly help Konerko regain his swing and confidence.

Perhaps, the ChicSox feel Jimenez will get through waivers and accept a AAA assignment, which is silly. If Jimenez is not claimed, then I owe everyone a beverage or two dollars - so you can pay the insane Paper Boy - who emails me before the end of the Sox game on Monday.

Over the past two week, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star was nice enough to return my emails regarding the possible departure of Carlos Beltran. The following are those messages. I will comment more on trades and the market in during the All-Star break at the latest.

-----Original Message-----
From: El Guapo's Ghost
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 11:15 AM
To: bdutton@kcstar.com
Subject: Beltran

Bob Dutton,

I think the Phillies could be a good fit for Beltran. The Phillies could send Marlon Byrd, Chase Utley and Tyler Houston to K.C. As you probably know, both Byrd and Utley are two highly touted upper-level prospects that play in the positions Allard Baird wants to fill with low cost, high-upside options. Houston is a salary dump, but could serve as a temporary solution at the hot-corner if the Baird decides to move Joe Randa and keep Utley in AAA.

Philly gets an all-star centerfielder who could jump start their underperforming offense and possibly get them into the playoffs. Philly would only be taking on a little over $2 million. I understand Philly’s financial concerns -somewhat, but they are based on the long-term contracts given out last off-season and should not hinder their ability to get an impact player for this year. They would still control Beltran’s rights after 2003. Philly’s financial concerns should go hand in hand with their concerns on the field. Recently, it has been shown that even a new ballpark will not sustain high attendance figures without a winning club. A playoff team would go along way for a franchise moving into a new stadium that plays in the one of the biggest baseball markets, and in one of the best sports towns in North America.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Dutton
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 1:25 PM
To: El Guapo's Ghost
Subject: RE: Beltran

Interesting thought. I’ll check to see if there’s any talk between the two clubs.

Bob Dutton
The Kansas City Star

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Dutton
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 7:57 PM
To: El Guapo's Ghost
Subject: RE: Beltran

I can tell you this much. The Royals insist they aren’t going to make any deal that requires them to eat any of Beltran’s salary.

Bob Dutton
The Kansas City Star

-----Original Message-----
From: El Guapo's Ghost
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 12:22 PM
To: Bob Dutton
Subject: RE: Beltran

Bob Dutton,

Thanks for the quick reply.

"There are three types of prospect deals," Cleveland's Mark Shapiro said. "The first is one in which you take back most of the salary, and in that case you should get one very good prospect and one good one. The second is where you take some of the contract, and there you should expect a good, but not great, prospect. The third is where the team trading for the player has to take all the contract, and in that case you probably won't get even a good prospect. That's the law of the land right now." – (Gammons, espn.com)

If the Royals are not willing to eat salary and the market is really as Shapiro describes, then they should kill all of the rumors now because they will not get fair value for Beltran.

Given I am not a Royals fan and do not know all of the contract details, but assuming the Royals keep the 2004 payroll about the same, they should be able to keep Beltran next season. Randa, Ibanez, Mayne, Tucker, Grimsley and Lopez are and should be coming off the books totaling $16.5 million. Only two players are arbitration eligible: Beltran and Febles. My guess is Beltran could get $10 million and Febles - $1.5 million, which is an increase of $4.75 million over their 2003 wages. Even if I am off by 25%, the Royals would have $10.5 million to spend on minimal raises for the youngsters and find replacements behind the plate, third and left.

Baird and/or Glass should have a press conference telling the fans and everyone that Beltran is staying. The Royals could gets some good PR and possibly increase attendance at least in the short-term from this non-move. Baird should let it be known that the Royals can afford Beltran in 2004 and they are not afraid to let him walk; draft pick compensation would be okay. These statements would provide additional leverage in possible deals during the off-season when the market should be different. Teams will have more financial flexibility to bring in a $10 million player.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Dutton
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 7:02 PM
To: El Guapo's Ghost
Subject: RE: Beltran

Shapiro makes a good point. I asked Baird that very point and his belief is that Beltran is that rare exception. But I think the Royals are increasingly likely to hold onto Beltran until the end of the season unless they get exactly what they want.

Bob Dutton
The Kansas City Star

-----Original Message-----
From: El Guapo's Ghost
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 5:16 PM
To: 'Bob Dutton'
Subject: RE: Beltran

Thanks! I hope the Royals hold onto Beltran. It would make for a more interesting summer in the AL Central. Three good division races would be great.

Have a good Fourth. Go Red Sox.

Some quick comments:

•``Even if I (Kim) was starting, I was going to ask Grady if I could go into a Yankee Stadium game (in relief),'' (Horrigan, Boston Herald).

Great Attitude!

•``We feel he (Lyon) could come in for us in the sixth or seventh inning and finish it up for us, or at least take us to the ninth,'' Little said (Horrigan, Boston Herald).

Please use Kim in the most critical late innings – seventh, eighth, ninth or all. Kim can do it. Please do not slot the relievers into certain innings.

•Mendoza thrived in New York. As the key setup man for Mariano Rivera, he was a vital component of the flawless bullpen combination that made the Yankees world champions (Cafardo, Boston Globe).

Mendoza was a “vital component of a flawless bullpen.” First to be a “vital component” one would need to pitch in that role often. Mendoza was a part of three Yankees championships in 1998-2000. During that time period, he pitched as both a starter and reliever. I do not have the stats but if he was so “vital,” then Torre would have never had him start 29 games. While ERA is not the best indicator of a RP’s performance, I think it is safe to assume that Mendoza’s ERA of 3.88 from 98-00 can not be considered “flawless.” How does this stuff get published in an award winning sports department?

Jim Caple is one of my favorite sports writers. His work is usually humorous and connects sports to other aspects of life outside of the white lines. Jim Caple really needs a book deal! Below are excerpts of Caple’s latest Off Base column and my one cent (I am not worth two cents right now and definitely not 50 cents but I do love Caple’s work like a fat kid loves cake). http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/caple_jim/1575224.html

Summer is here and the sky is as blue as a Dodgers cap, the wind is blowing out, the ground crew is dancing at second base, the garlic fries are so delicious that just the smell contains 300 calories and you're sitting in the front roooowwwww. – My breath smelled for a couple of days after I had garlic fries in Pittsburgh.

In honor of Barry Bonds, who stole his 500th base last week to go with his 600-plus home runs, I will stretch out in my leather recliner and not even acknowledge my spouse when she tells me it's time to mow the lawn. – This is pretty much the norm when I am in the chair.

In honor of Rickey Henderson, 44 years old but hitting .369 with seven stolen bases and seven home runs for minor-league Newark, I will refer to myself in the third person and tell my editors, "Jimmy wants a new contract.'' – Growing up, Rickey was my favorite non-Red Sox player until he signed with the Yankees.

Inspired by Albert Pujols, I will set out to win my slo-pitch softball league's triple crown: home runs, batting average and beers consumed. – No softball for me this season so I am just working the on beers consumed portion of the triple crown.

I will sign up for a summer physics course to find out for once and for all whether a corked bat helps you hit the ball farther. – Not for me. I believe in those guys from MIT.

I will buy a package of baseball cards, rip away the wrapper and thumb through the players so eagerly that I'll wind up with blisters. I will hermetically seal the Rocco Baldelli rookie card in a plastic case and place the Jeff Cirillo card in my bicycle spokes. – Mendoza instead of Jeff Cirillo - thank you very much.

I will not dine at any restaurants that require attire more formal than a Jason Giambi replica jersey. – How about a Bill Russell replica jersey?

I will not read the new Harry Potter book until I finish Michael Lewis' "Moneyball,'' David Halberstam's "Teammates,'' Rob Neyer's "Big Book of Lineups,'' Jim Bouton's "Foul Ball,'' and Stephen J. Gould's "Triumph and Tragedy in Mudville.'' – Potter can kiss my ass!

To celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, I will watch the Yankees-Red Sox game and shout "No-mah is wicked awesome!'' so loud that the neighbors will call the police, because I'm drowning out their fireworks. – My neighbors do not like me already.

Once the ChicSox traded for Robbie Alomar earlier today, I knew the Flash Flood Watch to Boston should come to an end. Until further noticed the FF Watch is done. I would have really like to be in the Fenway rightfield bleachers the first time Flash got warm with Red Sox across his chest.

Gordon Edes writes a good piece on the state and future of the Red Sox bullpen. http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/182/sports/A_reason_for_taking_bullpen_by_the_horns+.shtml
A couple of other points:
1. Kim should be pitching the most critical innings. Whether it is the eighth, ninth or both innings. If Kim pitches the eighth, he does NOT need to pitch the ninth as well. The most appropriate pitcher should go in the ninth.
2. Timlin should not pitch to tough left-handed batters.

To date in 2003 (AVG/OBP/SLG):
LHB 298/310/512
RHB 184/223/296

From 2000-2002:
LHB 273/334/413
RHB 235/291/383
3. Fox will not be an asset unless he can throw strikes. If he is walking batters, Fox should be released.

"...A lot of players after they've left [Boston], they appreciate it a lot more after they're gone. But I definitely appreciated it when I was there. Sure, it's tough at times, but you go to 90 percent of the other ballparks, and there's no passion like that. As bad as the bad times are, the good times are even better..." - Brian Daubach on Red Sox fans (Edes, Boston Globe).

I was going to have Dauber’s quote start off an essay comparing and contrasting Red Sox Nation with other fans I encountered on my baseball trip (Pittsburg, Chicago, Milwaukee) early in June but too much has been written recently and I am lazy. Some interesting observations or quotes that need to be published are below.
• “Pirate games are never on T.V. The games are blacked out unless they sellout…We always sellout Steelers games.” - Pittsburg area resident.
• “Cubs fans don’t care if they win.” – Fernando, White Sox fan sitting in the bleachers for a Cubs game
• “Everyone gets sick on days like today [sunny, warm, Cubs have a day game at home].” – Karen, Ferando’s girlfriend and Cubs fan.
• Around six fights between Cubs and Yankees fans. If Cubs fans do not care, then what’s up with the fist-a-cuffs? Could it be Yankee fans?
• Brewers fans doing keg stands in the parking lot while others play beer pong.
• “Brewers fans, we come in the sixth and leave in the seventh. We are more concerned about drinking in the parking lot.”