Here We Go
The Red Sox got their first win in their fourth try. It was a painful first three games, but tonight is great night. I give all the credit to Sergio Santos. His wild pitching put the Sox back into it. He may of got the loss, but he gets the win in book, because without him the game might not of been won. I do have to give a lot of credit to Felix Doubront though. He only made it through 5 innings, but only allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. For his first start in over a year it wasn’t bad at all, at times he was even dominate. Scott Atchison was near perfect as well. He went 3 innings allowing just 1 hit and got 3 K’s. And lastly Alfredo Aceves not only got his first save, but his first out in his third apperance of the year. Also Dustin Pedoria led the offense with a homer and the rally starting double in the ninth. Tonight although frustrating at times was a great night.
Bailey Out; Aceves In
I know I’m slow to break the news but Andrew Bailey will be out recovering from UCL surgery on his thumb. He’s unsure how he injured it, but its believed that it happened when he colided with Alex Presley at first base in a game against the Pirates. Now the Sox are tasked with finding a replacement closer and they think they have it in Alfredo Aceves. Even though Ben Cherrington said he had confidence in Mark Melancon as a closer when he acquired him it seems to of changed.
I don’t Aceves is a closer type guy. He does his best when he’s pitching multiple innings rather than trying to lock down one inning. Melancon should be the obvious choice because of his past closer experiance with the Astros, but its clear there’s very little faith in him. In the end I think the Sox will end up using a closer by committe style in the ninth, where whose ever hot gets the ball. It might end up being the best idea due to all the talented, but not quite closer-like relievers in the pen.
Could Ciriaco Make the Team?
The biggest surprise this spring has been Pedro Ciriaco, but with April around the corner and him still being on the roster you have to consider him a legitimate contender for a roster spot. Ciriaco is a 26 year old, speedy, shortstop with a good glove. This spring he’s had a .417/.432/.639 line, which is impressive for anybody. Although Nick Punto was thought to be a lock for the utility infielder job because of his contract, but Ciriaco could change that. If he could perform near this level in the regular season Punto would be useless. Punto would also be very easy to get rid, because a player whose as versatile as he is, he can be an asset to any team. The Phillies would be a perfect fit for him because of their need for an extra infielder. But even if the Phillies don’t bite I’m sure there’d be other suitors willing to take Punto in. Ciriaco could be a worthwhile investment, or a huge flop. Although the latter is more likely, I believe Ciriaco can be an asset, and anything would be better than Punto based on this spring. It’s a tough choice between the proven veteran and the young unproven guy. My vote right now is for Ciriaco, but that choice could bite the Sox in the butt later this year.
Iglesias sent to AAA
Jose Iglesisas shot at the starting job has ended. He was optioned to AAA today. Bobby V loved him but I guess Cherington overuled him. I think its better for him to spend time in the minors anyways. He’ll get more ABs and can hopefully refine his hitting so he’ll be ready by midseason.
Aviles the Starter?
It seems like we may have found a winner in the starting shortstop race. Mike Aviles has had a terrific spring and based off of recent reports it seems like he’s won the job. So far this spring he’s batting .333/.333./.468 in 14 games. Evne though Bobby V said he thinks Jose Iglesias is ready for the big leagues, Cherington and Co. want him to get a little more seasoning in the minors before they hand over the starting job. Despite Iglesias’ improved hitting, I think Aviles is the right call. If he can translate his spring average into the regular season he’ll be a force at the bottom of the lineup. so far it’s looking like this season is going to be a good one.
The Next Daniel Bard?
As Daniel Bard is expected to move into the starting rotation this year the Sox are looking for a replacement for his 8th inning role. Right now Mark Melacon has that spot, but it could soon change. The Sox have an tested young arm that’s surprisingly similar to Bard. It’s Theo Epstein’s compensation, Chris Carpenter. Carpenter is a young hard throwing right handed reliever, just like Daniel Bard once was. He relies heavily on his fastball and can be tough to hit. I’m not saying it’s a slam dunk that Carpenter will be a top reliever, but the similarities between him and Bard make me feel good about his potential. Although he’s struggled in the high minors and so far this spring, there’s no better place to gain experiance than the AL East.
Players to Watch: Infield and Outfield
If WordPress doesn’t delete my post again I should finally have this out. So here it is.
Lars Anderson: Lars was one of the Sox top prospects a couple years ago, but he stumbled in the high minors and was blocked by Kevin Youkilis at first. Once they acquired Adrian Gonzalez he lost any chance of regular playing time. He’s a good trade chip, so a lot of focus will be on him.
Jose Iglesias: Iglesias has a shot at becoming the starting shortstop this year, but he’s a long shot until he figures out big leauge pitching. He’s fun to watch in the field, because he’s a defensive freak but a capable fielder with a better bagt has more value which kills his chances.
Mike Aviles: Aviles is the favorite to win the shortstop job. He impressed last year in the final two months of the season. He can hit as good the average shortstop and you don’t lose much defensively, so if he plays will this spring he’ll get the job eaisly.
Nick Punto: Punto is a great utility guy. He play anywhere and with top tier defense. He has a shot at the shortstop job, but his value off the bench might out weigh the rewards of him starting.
Will Middlebrooks: Middlebrooks has a chance to be the future of the Sox. Once Youk moves on (which could be as soon as July) he’ll get a shot at the job. He can do a little bit of everything, and he does it all well. He could be special and this spring’s a good chance to watch him showcase his abilities.
Pedro Ciriaco: Ciriaco is an athlete. He’s lighting fast and has a solid glove. He does have a slight problem with rushing plays which results in some bad throws. All in all his athletism can carry him to the majors, but in order to have success he needs to refine his game.
Che-hsuan Lin: Linning in Boston? If Che-hsuan Lin emerges as a star it’d make for a great story. He’s a good player,but nothing that stands out too much other than his speed. He isn’t likely to make the team, but he’ll be fun to watch.
Ryan Sweeny: Sweeny is vying for the right field job. He’s been set back with an injury, but I fully expect him to platoon with Cody Ross. Sweeny can hit righties well, but can’t hit lefties at all. If he stays healthy he could make a big impact.
Cody Ross: Ross is the other guy going for the right field job. He’ll definatly face the lefties, but the righties aren’t a definate. I think it’ll end up into a platoon situation as I said before. Like Sweeney he could make a huge impact if he’s healthy.
Darnell McDonald: McDonald’s fate will be the most difficult roster decision. He’s well liked and the fans love him, but there might not be a spot for him. If he plays very well this spring they might force a spot on the team for him.
Juan Carlos Linares: The Sox have expected big things out of Linares. He’s yet to complete a minor leauge seasond due to his injuries. If he stays healthy he can become a September weapon.
Too Busy
Today was a day full of distraction so my infielder article isn’t finshed yet. Tommorow I’ll finsh it up and combine it with the outfielders for a full postion players to watch article and my whole spring preview Tuesday or Wednesday.
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