Panic you say. Yes and now's the time to do something. The Red Sox are at a dilemma here. It's August and looking at what's been going on lately. Since the all star break they've won 8 out of their last 21 with five of those wins coming against the big bad Orioles. Plus, only 9 out of the 21 games have they given up four runs or less. Not a winning combination. What does this lead me to think? Maybe we should be concerned and sooner rather than later.
This series against the Yankees has shown me maybe more then any other that something needs to change within the organization. An addition of a pitcher would be great obviously since the John Smoltz project has failed miserably. Yes it was a good idea, but clearly it has not panned out the way the Red Sox thought it would. In his eight games started so far this season he has not pitched up to par. His ERA is at a lovely 8.33, his BAA is also wonderful at .343, and he has a minimal 1.70 WHIP. Not too shabby old friend. You hate to see a player, let alone a hall of fame pitcher end his career in this manor, but as we all know, all good things must come to an end.
This series against the Yankees has shown me maybe more then any other that something needs to change within the organization. An addition of a pitcher would be great obviously since the John Smoltz project has failed miserably. Yes it was a good idea, but clearly it has not panned out the way the Red Sox thought it would. In his eight games started so far this season he has not pitched up to par. His ERA is at a lovely 8.33, his BAA is also wonderful at .343, and he has a minimal 1.70 WHIP. Not too shabby old friend. You hate to see a player, let alone a hall of fame pitcher end his career in this manor, but as we all know, all good things must come to an end.
Anyway, back to my original point. The Red Sox need a pitcher. Maybe the addition of the fantastic Paul Byrd will be the answer they are looking for. But for some reason I doubt that. The real answer here may be to just wait it out until Tim Wakefield comes back into the rotation. The only issue with that may be that he may come back too late or even not at all till next season at this rate.
Hopefully the Red Sox don't get swept in this four game series. Something that has not happened in 22 years and the offense is a big reason my it may happen. Ellsbury and Pedroia seem to be the only players who are getting anything going. In the series they have gone 8 for 29, getting half of the Red Sox hits, while the rest of the team is 8 for 74. Pretty bad to say the least. I'm predicting a win tonight though, mostly because of who is pitching for each team. I'm sorry, but if I had my choice of pitchers today between Andy Pettitte or John Lester pitching it would have to be Lester and not because I'm a Red Sox fan. I'm just basing it off of their seasons as a whole and how they have done in the last few years.
One solution may be if the Red Sox can acquire Christian Guzman, who could fill in at SS till they find a better replacement. He is hitting .315 on the season and has hit over .300 in the past three seasons. He could also help shore up their defense as well.
As always this has been, Corey Sobel, with a special report.
You ask if it is time to panic, and then you never really answer the question.
ReplyDeleteglad your head stayed focused.
I do answer the question. It's the first thing I say.
ReplyDeletei know, usually the answer comes at the end though, not in the 1st sentance.
ReplyDeleteyoure actually doing a lot for this blog recently. im proud of you.