Boston Red Sox - 2006

[Thrasha]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

Hopefully Papelbon will get a chance to actually close out a game in the near future.

[Beantown]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

At least we can't lose tonight.

Game was postponed

[Misfit]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

With the way they've been using him in the minors, its more likely that Hansen gets a try in the rotation than Papelbon. I like Papelbon as the closer because he's lights out, though part of me does dislike it because I feel it does stunt his growth as a starter. However, watching him close out games has shown that he doesn't have a consistent third pitch so its probably not the worst thing for him to be in the pen right now. Then again, coming into close games means he doesn't really get a chance to try to refine his slider (and curveball, which he used to throw as a starter last year but has abandoned as a reliever). Whats done is done though, so I feel they might as well keep him in the pen for now. If for some reason the Sox stink it up and are out of it come September then they should try starting him like they did with Lowe in 2001. Though I expect this team to compete all season long so I'm not expecting that.

If Wells is done, and it looks like he is at the very least done for the next month or so, then I have no problems with Pauley staying in the rotation for a while to get a chance to prove he belongs. I'm actually more comfortable with him on the mound than I am with Clement at the moment, which is more an insult to Clement than it is a complimant to Pauley. His command looks pretty good and his stuff is good enough to be a 5th starter in this league. I know some Boston fans have no concept of what a fifth starter is and expect every starter on the team to win 15 games with a sub 4.00 ERA so not everyone will feel the way I feel. Plus Lester is likely to get a shot during the double-header (unless this rain-out changes things) so we'll get a chance to see if he looks like he's ready to be an end of the rotation starter.

And its unlikely, but Houston isn't looking good right now in the NL now that Oswalt will be on the DL for a bit. There is still a small possibility of Clemens in a Red Sox uniform this season if Houston appears out of it come the trade deadline. I wouldn't expect it, but there likely isn't going to be anyone available at the deadline who can make a real impact in the rotation at the deadline so it doesn't hurt to wait and see. Zito isn't going anywhere so long as Oakland remains competetive and I'm not buying into the rumors that Florida is willing to part with Willis.

[Stu]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

Francona said yesterday that Hansen was starting strictly for developmental purposes because they didn't feel like he was getting enough consistent innings coming out of the pen. I'm not sure Hansen has the pitches to start, and I don't think anyone knows if he could maintain his velocity throughout the game.

In regards to Clemens, doesn't MLB have rules against trading players within a certain period of time after they're signed? I'm not exactly sure what it is, and Clemens might be able to waive it, but I thought a rule like that existed.

[heavyXBLLN]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

I don't think you totally understand what a closer by committee is.

It's basically using your best reliever for that given situation.

Last night if you were using a CBC, Papelbon probably would have been brought in. But I can't argue too much with Seanez either. He's a strikeout pitcher and pretty much our least erractic guy in the BP control wise. (Although we know that's not saying a whole lot).

I fully understand what closer by committee is. But the Red Sox don't have the luxury of a committee right now. With Foulke and Timlin out, there is only ONE closer. And one person does not a committee make.

In that situation, in the second game of a series against the Yankees in June, I am not bringing my ONLY closer into a tie ball game in the 7th inning.

[Misfit]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

In regards to Clemens, doesn't MLB have rules against trading players within a certain period of time after they're signed? I'm not exactly sure what it is, and Clemens might be able to waive it, but I thought a rule like that existed.

I don't know, but you might be right. I just heard one of the many talking heads on TV throw it out there that the Astros could move him if things don't work out but it wouldn't surprise me if thats an impossibility.

[Thrasha]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

I think if the player agrees to the deal/signs a consent form, a deal can be made.

[jake44np]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

The Astros are not going to trade Clemens no matter how far they fall behind the Reds or Cards. He will sell out the park every time he pitches for Houston and after all the excitement of them signing him they are not going to trade him.

[heavyXBLLN]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

The Astros are not going to trade Clemens no matter how far they fall behind the Reds or Cards. He will sell out the park every time he pitches for Houston and after all the excitement of them signing him they are not going to trade him.

If his contract is anything like his deal last year, he has a full no-trade provision. That doesn't mean he couldn't be dealt, but it would amount to a Larry Brown-style multi-million dollar buyout.

If the Astros tried to trade Clemens away, Jake's right, that whole city's fan base might run them out of town. They're still stinging after the NFL draft LOL.

[Misfit]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

The Astros are not going to trade Clemens no matter how far they fall behind the Reds or Cards. He will sell out the park every time he pitches for Houston and after all the excitement of them signing him they are not going to trade him.

The Astros won't be the ones making the decision, Clemens will. If the team is out of contention and he expresses interest in being traded to New York or Boston then the Astros will have no choice.

[heavyXBLLN]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

The Astros won't be the ones making the decision, Clemens will. If the team is out of contention and he expresses interest in being traded to New York or Boston then the Astros will have no choice.

The only decision Clemens makes himself are prior to his contract. Anything else will be the Astros' front office. He has INPUT, but he doesn't carry any weight outside of negotiations with the Astros and on his behlaf by the MLBPA once the contract is inked.

[Misfit]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

Yeah, in theory, but this Clemens. Clearly, he's calling all of the shots. What Roger wants these days Roger gets. That's why he'll be making his first pitch this season on June 22nd.

[Beantown]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

And you have to think...if Clemens doesn't want to be there come July 31st, and the Astros can get something for him...why wouldn't they want to trade him? He'll be there for two more months after that, especially if they're out of the playoff picture.

[Misfit]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

It's official, Lester is pitching in the double-header on Saturday. Wakefield's back has been bothering him apparently, but he is still scheduled to go on Friday. Pauley is being skipped.

[Thrasha]

Re: Boston Red Sox - 2006

Jaret Wright vs. Curt Schilling

Wright = runs

That last start has to be a fluke.