Comments on: April summary: Ups and downs mark a tough month http://redsox.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/april-summary-ups-and-downs-mark-a-tough-month/ The latest Red Sox news, views and rumors Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:18:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU By: redsoxtalk http://redsox.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/april-summary-ups-and-downs-mark-a-tough-month/#comment-7936 redsoxtalk Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:53:24 +0000 http://redsox.wordpress.com/?p=563#comment-7936 Hey Pat, one thing is clear, these kids can play. Looking at Ellsbury, Lowrie and Masterson, I don't think I've seen such mature looking rookies since.. well, Dustin Pedroia. Beyond their production, they are playing smart baseball, and not making many mistakes in the field and on the basepaths. The front office has to be pleased with the way these guys are looking thus far. You're right, fans can complain all they want about Lester (previous to last night), but he and Clay have been miles ahead of Hughes and Kennedy thus far. In Lester's case, he's got quite a bit of big league experience compared to the rest, so let's hope last night was a breakthrough for him. I'm convinced that our bullpen will look ten times better if we can consistently get 6+ IP out of our starters. That goes for everyone, not just the middle relievers. After a hot start, J.D. Drew has looked putrid at the plate, and that has to be addressed. He's chasing breaking stuff low and away, and looks like he lacks confidence up there. I think Lowell will be fine in time, and as long as Crisp and Lugo bat in the bottom 3rd of the order, I have no complaints about them. Hey Pat, one thing is clear, these kids can play. Looking at Ellsbury, Lowrie and Masterson, I don’t think I’ve seen such mature looking rookies since.. well, Dustin Pedroia. Beyond their production, they are playing smart baseball, and not making many mistakes in the field and on the basepaths. The front office has to be pleased with the way these guys are looking thus far.

You’re right, fans can complain all they want about Lester (previous to last night), but he and Clay have been miles ahead of Hughes and Kennedy thus far. In Lester’s case, he’s got quite a bit of big league experience compared to the rest, so let’s hope last night was a breakthrough for him.

I’m convinced that our bullpen will look ten times better if we can consistently get 6+ IP out of our starters. That goes for everyone, not just the middle relievers.

After a hot start, J.D. Drew has looked putrid at the plate, and that has to be addressed. He’s chasing breaking stuff low and away, and looks like he lacks confidence up there. I think Lowell will be fine in time, and as long as Crisp and Lugo bat in the bottom 3rd of the order, I have no complaints about them.

]]> By: Pat http://redsox.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/april-summary-ups-and-downs-mark-a-tough-month/#comment-7932 Pat Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:38:35 +0000 http://redsox.wordpress.com/?p=563#comment-7932 The Santana no deal is looking better everyday. This month has really shown how our depth is so important. To think we might have traded away 3-4 of Lowrie, Ellsbury, Masterson, Lester, Hansen or Crisp for one pitcher. All of these guys have been key to our success in April, which is actually surprising. Being able to bring Lowrie up when needed is huge. It's like having two Alex Coras. The especially nice thing about the performances from Lester and Buchholz is how poorly their Yankee counterparts Huges, and Kennedy have fared so far. I wonder, now that our starters have started to pitch 7 innings, if our middle relief will be much better in May than they were in April. It seems like they are the lone blemish on a great team, but perhaps the small sample size isn't creditable. The Santana no deal is looking better everyday. This month has really shown how our depth is so important. To think we might have traded away 3-4 of Lowrie, Ellsbury, Masterson, Lester, Hansen or Crisp for one pitcher. All of these guys have been key to our success in April, which is actually surprising. Being able to bring Lowrie up when needed is huge. It’s like having two Alex Coras.

The especially nice thing about the performances from Lester and Buchholz is how poorly their Yankee counterparts Huges, and Kennedy have fared so far.

I wonder, now that our starters have started to pitch 7 innings, if our middle relief will be much better in May than they were in April. It seems like they are the lone blemish on a great team, but perhaps the small sample size isn’t creditable.

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