El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

SHOULD 300 PAs WARRANT SO MUCH ATTENTION?

HELL – YES!

OBP vs. LHP
Nixon – 296 in 2003
Kapler – 338 in 01-03

Ortiz – 260 in 2003
Burks – 384 in 01-03

Difference – 166

The Sox are going from three out machines, through most of 2003, versus southpaws to only one (Pokey no power). No more rally killers against lefties. The one slight weakness in the lineup has been addressed. If Bellhorn can produce, the Sox offense should be nearly as productive as last season’s record breaking campaign.

Digging a little deeper…

Burks vs.
Lilly – 4 of 11, a homer
Daal – 5 of 19, four walks
Mulder – 6 of 18, two homers
Redman – 3 of 12, 2 homers, 5 walks
Moyer – 3 of 18
Washburn – 11 of 23, 2 homers
Zito - insignificant

The only rival starter that Burks has had an issue with is Moyer (400+ OBP against Daal). Mo Light gets the start against the soft-tosser from Seattle. Acquiring Ellis Burks could be a difference maker in the playoffs with Oakland and K.C. likely to start three lefties in a series. E.B. eats up Mulder, Redman and Washburn. Oh yeah!