Tuesday, June 20, 2006
WORKING THE PHONES
Even though Synder gave the Sox five innings last night, when the Sox pickup a Royals castoff, these, my friend, are desperate times. Middle relief is an issue, but the pen stand a better chance of working itself out. Delcarmen is demonstrating better control of not only his fastball but his curve, which should make him a factor. Craig Hansen’s eventually promotion to go along with Mike Timlin and Super Papel-Bon-Bon should give the Sox enough power arms when the starters depart…if it’s not too early.
With Wells on the DL and Lester still a pup, the Sox have to get another starter who can at least keep the club in games (not to mention the inconsistent Beckett). Many names have been battered about like Brad Radke, Jeff Weaver, Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas, Jr., and even bigger ones such as John Smoltz and Greg Maddux, but with Cleveland’s ship sinking, Paul Byrd should be available and the best option.
Byrd signed a two-year $14.25 million contract with the Indians over the winter. $10 million (most of which is already budgeted for Wells‘ incentives) and a prospect or two is too much for most clubs to swallow for a fourth starter. Hot hitting David Murphy or two young arms (a.k.a. There Is No Such Thing As a Pitching Prospect) should get a deal done. Byrd is having a typical Byrd season by averaging six innings a start and just what the doctor ordered for the Sox.
Even though Synder gave the Sox five innings last night, when the Sox pickup a Royals castoff, these, my friend, are desperate times. Middle relief is an issue, but the pen stand a better chance of working itself out. Delcarmen is demonstrating better control of not only his fastball but his curve, which should make him a factor. Craig Hansen’s eventually promotion to go along with Mike Timlin and Super Papel-Bon-Bon should give the Sox enough power arms when the starters depart…if it’s not too early.
With Wells on the DL and Lester still a pup, the Sox have to get another starter who can at least keep the club in games (not to mention the inconsistent Beckett). Many names have been battered about like Brad Radke, Jeff Weaver, Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas, Jr., and even bigger ones such as John Smoltz and Greg Maddux, but with Cleveland’s ship sinking, Paul Byrd should be available and the best option.
Byrd signed a two-year $14.25 million contract with the Indians over the winter. $10 million (most of which is already budgeted for Wells‘ incentives) and a prospect or two is too much for most clubs to swallow for a fourth starter. Hot hitting David Murphy or two young arms (a.k.a. There Is No Such Thing As a Pitching Prospect) should get a deal done. Byrd is having a typical Byrd season by averaging six innings a start and just what the doctor ordered for the Sox.