Friday Afternoon Boston Sports Thoughts - June 19

[DarrylStingley]

1. It was nice to see the Bs rack up three awards last night. And the speeches were good. Humble guys who all would have rather had the Cup than the individual awards. But damn, the mere fact that the Bs picked up three trophies underscores just how good this team was and much this really could have been the Bs' year.

2. If the Sox play on Saturday night (it's going to be raining, supposedly), the Fenway fans better give Derek Lowe a thunderous and long ovation. Love the D-Lowe. I can't complain too much about them not bringing him back but, in all honesty, I'd love to have him on the team right now. He was frustrating at times, but that guy was a warrior in the 04 playoffs and has pitched very well since then, though admittedly in the B league.

3. Paps says he might go to the Yankees. The Yankees are looking at Pedro. Teixeira probably wouldn't have been on the Yankees radar unless the Sox were about to sign him (after they spend big on Fat CC and Trailor Park AJ). The Yankees scouting mantra is "sign former Red Sox, guys the Sox want and the free agents who will ask for the most money."

4. If Luis Castillo wasn't such a dipshit, the Yankees would have lost two of three to the Mets and Nats, after getting swept by the Sox. And they were lucky in the Aybar game and the first game of the Nats series. Girardi looked resigned to losing last night in the post-game show.

5. I can't get that upset about Paps saying he'd sign in NY. If he does, he'll be dead to me. But the Sox aren't showing him big long-term money and the guy is one of the best closers in the game. I'm not convinced the Sox are doing the wrong thing by not pre-emptively signing a guy with Paps' profile, either.

6. Threre hasn't been much buzz about Galloway and Lewis, has there. We read a lot about how Brady was working out with Moss, and some about how Brady and Welker were working out. But it's been pretty quiet about the other two. That's a bit, and only a bit, worrisome as we know from experience that some receivers (like Donald Hayes) just never click into the Pats system, and we sort of need one of those two to get it.

7. Ben Watson is such an enigma. The guy looked like he was going to be one of the elite players in the NFL after the 2005-6 season and playoffs. That catch and run against Jax remains one of my all time favorite Pats plays. Just amazing. I like it much more than the play on Bailey that gets more ink. But the guy drops so many balls, fumbles and then goes missing. Of all the things we ring our hands about regarding SB 42, we never mention how little positive impact Watson had on that game.

8. I wouldn't trade Rondo if I were Danny. At the same time, if he does, I'm not going to have kittens. What I mean is that Rondo is a rea

9. It's hard for me to articulate how much pleasure it gives me to see Derek Jeter fail to come through in the clutch. His ground ball to SS last night with the bases loaded in the 7th was off the charts. Suck it, Jeets.

10. Bill Simmons' column on Kobe was really, reall, really good. If you like the NBA, you really should read it if you have not.

11. Baseball games should not be called after 5 innings. It makes no sense. That's why they have a new rule in the playoffs against that. I acutely feel this in the wake of a Red Sox five inning loss, but it wouldn't make sense if the Sox won. The natural flow of a baseball game is 9 innings and the Sox pen advantage would have likely played a role in a one-run game last night. To be sure, the Marlins played better over the first 5 and Lester was not his dominant self. Nolasco was quite good. Still, it seems odd to have a game end at the half-way point.

12. I'm almost rooting against Dice K tonight. Not really. But of the 8 or 9 guys in the mix, he's the one I like the least. A little birdy told me that his teammates aren't crazy about him, either.

13. Toronto just swept the Phillies in Philly. Yes, the AL East is a bear.

14. Being a Mets fan must be painful. They blew playoff spots in each of the last two seasons, Beltran took strike three to end the 2006 NLCS, Luis Castillo handed the MFYs a game, the MFYs pounded their ace 15-0 and they just saw their closer blow a game to the Orioles. A few months after the 1986 WS, a group of my friends from NY surrounded me in NY and started chanting some pro-Mets nonsense. So yeah, I'm enjoying this Mets suffering. Not like yankee suffeirng, to be sure, but it's all good.

15. I almost want Plaxico to go to the Jets. One of the NY teams should have a scum bag of his proportions.

16. I get why the Sox held Smoltz out until the Nationals series. The Braves would have been this big psycho drama. But damn, it's too bad. It would have been fascinating to watch Smoltz against the Braves, it really would have.

17. It would be good if Pedro did not sign with a team in the AL. Having to face him as a Ray or a Yankee would not be that much fun, in my view. How amazing is it that when a pitcher of his cache is available, the Sox have absolutely zero need for him? Not to sound like Lou Gorman, but what the hell would they do with Pedro Martinez?

Have a great weekend, boys and girls.

[3 Point Stan]

I really don't think they're trying to trade Rondo. But if discussing his name is the gateway to conversations that could lead to other deals, I am all for it.

I do not expect Rondo to be playing elsewhere next year.

[O.Z.O.]

I missed the first game of the Nats/Skanks series but watched the last 2. I really enjoyed the Mensa society today (NYYFans.com) bitching about how they got beaten by minor league pitching. Lannan is in his second season and on his way to being a damn fine ML starter, and Martis and Stamen are both rookies with big-time arms who've had the misfortune of having to turn games over to an abysmal bullpen . Also enjoy how Skank fans are penciling in Nick Johnson as their mid-season pick up to take over the DH role...they seem to forget that you have to have something of value to trade for value. Anybody the Nats trade is going to be moved for prospects, something the Skank farm system is decidedly lacking in.

[TommyD420]

I needed me some Sports thoughts, DS. Thanks.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

1. It was nice to see the Bs rack up three awards last night. And the speeches were good. Humble guys who all would have rather had the Cup than the individual awards. But damn, the mere fact that the Bs picked up three trophies underscores just how good this team was and much this really could have been the Bs' year.

The Bruins are the Indianapolis Colts of Hockey.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

2. If the Sox play on Saturday night (it's going to be raining, supposedly), the Fenway fans better give Derek Lowe a thunderous and long ovation. Love the D-Lowe. I can't complain too much about them not bringing him back but, in all honesty, I'd love to have him on the team right now. He was frustrating at times, but that guy was a warrior in the 04 playoffs and has pitched very well since then, though admittedly in the B league.

-They don't win in 04 without Derek Lowe
-I REALLY wanted the Sox to make a play for him in the offseason
-If he doesn't get a monster ovation I will absolutely bitch about the Pink Hat Fans again.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

3. Paps says he might go to the Yankees. The Yankees are looking at Pedro. Teixeira probably wouldn't have been on the Yankees radar unless the Sox were about to sign him (after they spend big on Fat CC and Trailor Park AJ). The Yankees scouting mantra is "sign former Red Sox, guys the Sox want and the free agents who will ask for the most money."

D, they're a fundamentally flawed franchise from top to bottom. They'll contend for the playoffs each year, but the 25 players/25 cabs thing doesn't get you very far. And these players AGE, and they have no farm system. Then they're stuck with a CC for 7 more years or whatever. I mean, does anyone really expect CC to do ANYTHING in 2016?

In other words, don't worry about it. You worry too much about the Yankees.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

4. If Luis Castillo wasn't such a dipshit, the Yankees would have lost two of three to the Mets and Nats, after getting swept by the Sox. And they were lucky in the Aybar game and the first game of the Nats series. Girardi looked resigned to losing last night in the post-game show.

They got SHUT OUT in that BANDBOX by the worst team in baseball.

The Sox have a 3 game lead even with all their injury problems and essentially 2 black holes in the lineup.

You worry about the Yankees too much

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

5. I can't get that upset about Paps saying he'd sign in NY. If he does, he'll be dead to me. But the Sox aren't showing him big long-term money and the guy is one of the best closers in the game. I'm not convinced the Sox are doing the wrong thing by not pre-emptively signing a guy with Paps' profile, either.

Especially not when his replacement is waiting in the wings. Why would they? If Cinco Ocho wants to stay, the Sox will offer him a fair contract. If he's out for the big pay day, "we'll be fine without you".

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

6. There hasn't been much buzz about Galloway and Lewis, has there. We read a lot about how Brady was working out with Moss, and some about how Brady and Welker were working out. But it's been pretty quiet about the other two. That's a bit, and only a bit, worrisome as we know from experience that some receivers (like Donald Hayes) just never click into the Pats system, and we sort of need one of those two to get it.

I hate June. This is like a Brady's Body Language discussion.

Galloway is a consummate professional and will be fine in any system. Lewis is a ST guy first, but I'm sure he's been spending time working out with the QB.

Both these guys are far smarter and more talented than Donald Hayes was. Hayes was a reach due to an very pressing need. The Patriots WR situation is NOT a pressing need right now.

It'll be fine. Hurry up Preseason.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

7. Ben Watson is such an enigma. The guy looked like he was going to be one of the elite players in the NFL after the 2005-6 season and playoffs. That catch and run against Jax remains one of my all time favorite Pats plays. Just amazing. I like it much more than the play on Bailey that gets more ink. But the guy drops so many balls, fumbles and then goes missing. Of all the things we ring our hands about regarding SB 42, we never mention how little positive impact Watson had on that game.

Watson's useless. I know your BORs and AWTEs disagree, but if he can't catch he's useless. I don't care how well he can block and how fast he is. He can't catch. He's useless. That's why Chris Baker is here. Chris Baker can at least catch.

Watson has incredible raw talent, but just can't catch the ball. Dunno if he'll ever get it. I'm glad this is the last year we have to witness "the paddles" in person.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

8. I wouldn't trade Rondo if I were Danny. At the same time, if he does, I'm not going to have kittens. What I mean is that Rondo is a rea

This was cut off, but I'm going to assume where you're going here.

Rondo is the best PG in the Eastern Conference and is on the books CHEAP for another couple years.

Trading him is beyond retarded.

Rondo is only going to improve, as he's shown each year he's been in the league he works hard in the offseason. What if he comes back this year with a mid-range jumper? You still gonna want him gone?

Trading Allen, I understand. I don't like it at all, but he's an expiring contract, so I understand.

If Danny Ainge trades either of these players for a Draft Pick, he should be fired immediately.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

9. It's hard for me to articulate how much pleasure it gives me to see Derek Jeter fail to come through in the clutch. His ground ball to SS last night with the bases loaded in the 7th was off the charts. Suck it, Jeets.

You worry too much about the Yankees

Jeter is a great representation of the Yankees' fatal flaw. He's 2 years past his prime, is the worst defensive SS in the AL, and is on the books for ANOTHER 2 years after this one.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

10. Bill Simmons' column on Kobe was really, really, really good. If you like the NBA, you really should read it if you have not.

3 reallys covers how good it is.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

11. Baseball games should not be called after 5 innings. It makes no sense. That's why they have a new rule in the playoffs against that. I acutely feel this in the wake of a Red Sox five inning loss, but it wouldn't make sense if the Sox won. The natural flow of a baseball game is 9 innings and the Sox pen advantage would have likely played a role in a one-run game last night. To be sure, the Marlins played better over the first 5 and Lester was not his dominant self. Nolasco was quite good. Still, it seems odd to have a game end at the half-way point.

Playoff games are one thing, but if you think they're changing this after 150 years or whatever, you're nuts. Costas and Will and all the other moron "purists" won't hear of it.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

12. I'm almost rooting against Dice K tonight. Not really. But of the 8 or 9 guys in the mix, he's the one I like the least. A little birdy told me that his teammates aren't crazy about him, either.

Do they not LIKE him, or do they just not hang out with him? I mean, he speaks almost no English at all.

Even if Matsuzaka has a GOOD start he won't go more than 5 1/3, so really what good is he when he burns out your bullpen every time he pitches?

He needs a "DL" stint.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

13. Toronto just swept the Phillies in Philly. Yes, the AL East is a bear.

They're gonna end up with 4 teams over .500, and Baltimore will flirt with 75 wins.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

14. Being a Mets fan must be painful. They blew playoff spots in each of the last two seasons, Beltran took strike three to end the 2006 NLCS, Luis Castillo handed the MFYs a game, the MFYs pounded their ace 15-0 and they just saw their closer blow a game to the Orioles. A few months after the 1986 WS, a group of my friends from NY surrounded me in NY and started chanting some pro-Mets nonsense. So yeah, I'm enjoying this Mets suffering. Not like yankee suffeirng, to be sure, but it's all good.

Mets fans are about ready to jump off a bridge. Ask them about their medical staff and what their procedure is for sending a guy onto the DL is. They might cry.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

15. I almost want Plaxico to go to the Jets. One of the NY teams should have a scum bag of his proportions.

I honestly don't care where he goes. The Jets are going to be terrible, and their fans are in denial about it. I love it.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

16. I get why the Sox held Smoltz out until the Nationals series. The Braves would have been this big psycho drama. But damn, it's too bad. It would have been fascinating to watch Smoltz against the Braves, it really would have.

Hey, if he's any good, there's nothing saying he can't do it next year.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

17. It would be good if Pedro did not sign with a team in the AL. Having to face him as a Ray or a Yankee would not be that much fun, in my view. How amazing is it that when a pitcher of his cache is available, the Sox have absolutely zero need for him? Not to sound like Lou Gorman, but what the hell would they do with Pedro Martinez?

To me it would be sad to see him lit up at the hands of the Red Sox. Which is exactly what would happen.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

Have a great weekend, boys and girls.

See ya, DS.

[DarrylStingley]

Originally Posted by TommyD420

A. The Bruins are the Indianapolis Colts of Hockey.

B. If he doesn't get a monster ovation I will absolutely bitch about the Pink Hat Fans again.

C. You worry too much about the Yankees.

D. I hate June. This is like a Brady's Body Language discussion.

E. Do they not LIKE him, or do they just not hang out with him? I mean, he speaks almost no English at all.

F. To me it would be sad to see him lit up at the hands of the Red Sox. Which is exactly what would happen.

A. If that means the Bs will win one cup during a period of being highly competitive, I can live with that. Give me a Cup, please. But I don't want Adam Vinatieri on the Bs.

B. Lowe will get a monster ovation. This will definitely happen.

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.

D. I'm not worried about Galloway and Lewis. I just look forward to reading about how well at least one of them is clicking with Brady. Because even with Gaffney's big drop against the Colts, that guy was a mamor contributor.

E. They don't like him. His tendency to go only five innings, nibble incessantly and take forever to pitch are some of the reasons. It's not the language thing. They like Oki.

F. I wasn't at all sad to me when the Sox lit up Pedro in 2006. If the Sox play Pedro again at Fenway and I am there, I will give him a huge standing O and then hope they rake the living shit out of him.

[Brady's Bunch]

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

[DarrylStingley]

Originally Posted by Bradys Bunch

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

Well that settles that. Good.

[TommyD420]

Originally Posted by Bradys Bunch

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

That's an awfully big assumption. Especially when they have younger closers in the pipeline.

[Fully Tilted]

Originally Posted by Bradys Bunch

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

Want to make a friendly wager on this? I don't see the Sox locking him up long term at all. And it also won't surprise me if he flames out prematurely like 99% of closers do.

[Brady's Bunch]

I just don't think they'll take that risk. They already have a sure thing in Paps who has proven he can pitch in the big games. I think they recognize how important the position is after the stupid closer by committee failure.

[TommyD420]

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.

That's the thing; I don't know that they DO have the wherewithal. Is Nick Johnson going to help them THAT much? Joaquim Soria might, but it's not like they have ANY minor league pieces to trade. They can trade Melky (which if they were smart they would do now; he's playing way over his head) or they can trade Phil Hughes, and I don't think teams are dumb enough to think Hughes will ever be anything. Hell, even if they get Halliday I don't know that THAT helps them that much.

The Yankees had their run already. They'll have one more, but it will be way too late by then.

You worry about the Yankees too much I follow the Sox and ignore the Yankees for the most part.

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

F. I wasn't at all sad to me when the Sox lit up Pedro in 2006. If the Sox play Pedro again at Fenway and I am there, I will give him a huge standing O and then hope they rake the living shit out of him.

Oh of course, but I can't help but remember everything he did here. It's not like Clemens where he left on bad terms or whatever. Of course I want the Sox to win, but I'd also like to see Pedro go 7 innings of shutout ball with 12Ks in the process.

[Fully Tilted]

Originally Posted by TommyD420

They can trade Melky (which if they were smart they would do now; he's playing way over his head)

Yes. Agreed.

or they can trade Phil Hughes, and I don't think teams are dumb enough to think Hughes will ever be anything..

WAY too early on the kid to call him a flop or not. He's what? 22? 23?

EDIT: My point is, teams will still value him as a solid cost-controlled prospect, IMO.

[O.Z.O.]

Originally Posted by DarrylStingley

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.

this is a myth perpetrated by the idiots in the national sports media. After the 2000 season, King George started his annual quest of self-flaggellation by signing Mussina to a big deal. The following year it was Giambi. And so on, and so forth...

What they do not have is-

1). a good system for drafting and developing players
2). young players who are ready to step in and make significant contributions
3). team chemistry
4). prospects to make trades in-season for impact players


I could go on, but you get the picture.

And as far as them being "only" 3 games back, that might as well be 13 games, or 30 games. Barring a long stretch of shitty play by the Sox coupled with a long stretch of outstanding play by the Skanks (and believe me, they're not going 16-4 over a 20 game stretch again this season), the Skanks need to be more concerned with holding off Toronto and Tampa then they do with trying to catch the Sox. Consider this-

Wang continues to suck, thereby forcing Hughes into the rotation. This leaves a big hole in the bullpen because Wang isn't exactly going to be picking up the high leverage innings that Hughes has been throwing.

Dice-K continues to suck. The Sox can do one of the following-

- replace him with Smoltz in the rotation
- move Masterson back into the rotation
- bring Buchholz up and move him into that spot

all the while not missing a beat and maintianing depth and talent both in the rotation and the bullpen.

Dude...you worry about the Yankees too much. Don't, they ain't going anywhere...

[jaychamp]

I'd like to see Paps stay but they've got control of him through 2011. They still have time to try and sign him or get a replacement. He's taking a huge risk by not signing now

[O.Z.O.]

Originally Posted by jaychamp

I'd like to see Paps stay but they've got control of him through 2011. They still have time to try and sign him or get a replacement. He's taking a huge risk by not signing now

He's being a jackass. That talk of going to the Skanks is nothing more then him trying to force the Sox to cough up a big money deal. If he wents the dollars, a good way to get them would be to stop playing that bullshit Mr. Excitement game that he's gotten into the habit of playing

If he wants to walk, let him walk. In a couple years he'll probably be washed up anyway, which, when you think about it, would make him perfect for the Skanks to throw 75M over 5 years at.