Red Sox Nation Fans http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/ This is a discussion board for Red Sox Nation Fans en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:22:42 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/images/rsnf/misc/rss.png Red Sox Nation Fans http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/ <![CDATA[Interesting Q & A]]> http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/interesting-q-2582/ Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:14:00 GMT Inbox: Will Red Sox trade for pitcher at Deadline?

Beat writer Ian Browne answers Boston fans' questions

By Ian Browne / MLB.com | 6/17/2013 1:53 P.M. ET







Top Prospects: Bogaerts, BOS00:00:36
2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Xander Bogaerts will hit for average and power and should be able to stay at shortstop



Do you think that looking for another starting pitcher before the Trade Deadline is a priority? Do you think that Ben Cherington will be as willing to trade prospects as Theo Epstein did his last few years as general manager?
-- Tevi D., Mattapan, Mass.
The one thing that has been consistent for the Red Sox over the years is that they are pretty much always looking for a starting pitcher at the Trade Deadline. You can never have enough starting pitching if you are trying to win a World Series, so I'm sure Cherington will be exploring all options from the bold to the not-so-bold.
As for prospects, there are a handful of guys that Boston would only trade for a franchise player. Xander Bogaerts is at the top of that list. I think, in hindsight, the Sox regretted trading all those prospects to the Padres for Adrian Gonzalez. On the plus side, they got some back when Gonzalez was dealt to the Dodgers.
Why is it that Alfredo Aceves has changed his approach in his pitching game? I remember a couple years ago he use to change his position on the pitchers' mound depending on if it was a left- or right-handed batter.
-- Gabriel G., Lubbock, Texas


You have asked the impossible -- to explain the method to Aceves' madness. Aceves truly is like a mad scientist on the mound. He is usually the only one who knows what he's trying to do when he makes constant adjustments with mechanics and release points. When Aceves is pitching well, everyone is humored by his unconventional style. When he struggles, that approach gets frustrating to managers, coaches, catchers and fans. Right now, Aceves seems to be back on a pretty good roll.
Is there any trade value to Stephen Drew now that Jose Iglesias has proved himself? I disagreed with Jose being sent down when Drew came off of the DL in the first place. Jose is a better fielder and hitter than Drew and has earned a shot at the everyday shortstop position.
-- Randy B., Crown Point, Ind.
Sure, Drew has value, especially because he is only on a one-year deal. I think the Red Sox are hedging their bets right now, to make sure Will Middlebrooks can settle into a good groove. If Middlebrooks can't get it going on a consistent basis, Boston could eventually decide that its best team for 2013 is Iglesias at third and Drew at short. Stay tuned. It was a good sign to see Middlebrooks homer to the opposite field on Sunday.
What are the chances that Mike Carp is Boston's first baseman next year?
-- Dan, United Kingdom
I would not rule that out at all. Carp has been one of the surprises of the season for the Red Sox, albeit in limited playing time. Carp is still young and gaining more experience, so who knows what kind of hitter he can become.
If the Red Sox were to talk to the Phillies about a Jonathan Papelbon trade, who do you see Boston giving up to acquire him?
-- Adrian G., Boston
The Red Sox would be taking on a lot of money if they made a trade like that, so I don't think the Phillies' asking price would be enormous. Maybe a B-level prospect and a Major League player. That's just a guess. That would be some kind of storyline if Papelbon came back to Boston.
I hear a lot about how the Red Sox's coaching staff works tirelessly on defensive shifts. While I love the work ethic, I very much do not buy into shifts. Prime example: the flare by Chris Davis in Friday's game is caught if the shift is off. Not only that, but the league average BABIP from 1995-2000 (.300) is almost identical to the BABIP from 2007-12 (when the shift really took off -- .299 BABIP). Why work so hard on this if the efforts essentially bear no fruit? Is this just another management fad? And when will managers and advanced scouts realize it's basically meaningless?
-- Jeremy F., Boston
I think this is more of a John Farrell-Brian Butterfield thing than a management thing. I don't think you can worry about Davis hitting a flare. The reason the Red Sox put that shift on is to encourage Davis to hit a little blooper rather than a three-run homer. I agree with you that I'm not sure the shift makes a huge difference. But Boston's manager and coaches have the right to deploy the type of defense they think creates the best chance to win.
Would the Red Sox entertain trying to move Jon Lester by the Trade Deadline?
-- Tom B., Boston
I'm highly doubting that, given Lester is still in his prime. It's funny you ask that. I was living in New York in 1999 and covering the Yankees fairly regularly when there was a lot of talk about dealing a struggling Andy Pettitte to the Phillies. Ultimately, the Yanks decided not to make that deal and wound up winning the World Series three more times with Pettitte as a core member of their rotation. Lester could easily have the same kind of revival. I don't think it's time to push the panic button on him quite yet. ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/interesting-q-2582/ FINALLY! Someone calls Costa out!! http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f13/finally-someone-calls-costa-out-2581/ Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:06:37 GMT Bob Costas slams Mets for walk-off home run celebration First Posted: 06/17/13 EDT Updated:... Bob Costas slams Mets for walk-off home run celebration

First Posted: 06/17/13 EDT Updated: 06/17/13 EDT



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Early in his career, Bob Costas was known as the baby-faced sports broadcaster whose boyish looks belied his sophisticated, eloquent commentary and baritone voice. Once seemingly ageless, Father Time has caught up to Costas in unflattering ways -- and his disposition has apparently aged accordingly, such that he's now about 95 years old in spirit.
During a break in U.S. Open action on Sunday, NBC aired a brief sports update, with Costas narrating. Included in the highlight package was the Cubs-Mets game, which ended in a walk-off home run for the home Mets. Costas, who had a pretty condescending tone toward the lowly teams throughout the highlight, couldn't help but to rain on New York's parade in pretty scathing fashion. Check it out:

Did you catch that money quote at the end?
"And a team 14 games under .500 celebrates as if it just won the seventh game of the World Series, another indication of the ongoing decline of Western Civilization."
OK, Bob. You may have been just a tad bit dramatic there.
Look, I'm no fan of over-celebrating, but there are more egregious examples of it than this, to be sure. The Mets and their beleaguered fans have had precious few feel-good moments the past couple seasons, and if unheralded hero Kirk Nieuwenhuis and his teammates want to go a little overboard in stomping on home plate, I'm not about to lose any sleep over it. In short: BFD.
Of course, Costas is no stranger to polarizing audiences. Most recently, his take on gun control in the wake of the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide earned him both applause and criticism.
While some enjoy Costas and others find him abhorrent, I'm generally OK with his act. It's his job to offer a hard take, after all, although in this case, where he was doing highlights, the line between the facts and commentary gets a little hazy. But I think this weird incident has turned heads because his jab at the hapless Mets seems exceedingly malicious relative to the importance (or lack thereof) of the moment. Sure, the Mets' celebration might have been over the top, but that only serves to make Costas' self-righteous takedown of a meaningless regular-season game seem all the more petty.
What do you think? Was the Mets' celebration too much? Or was Costas just being a crotchety old wet blanket?......................................((I think Costas is a bloated mouth fool. Any team but the Yankees he finds ways through his "eloquent" vocabulary to slam the other teams. The rest of the world is learning what Red Sox fans have known since he came to broadcast games. Listening to that jerk during a RS vs Yucks game is like listening to the Yes network. It's a toss up between him and Michael K. The only difference is Michael K is paid to do what he does, Costas on the other hand is supposed to render un biased opinions and insight. What a horses ass! ]]> General Baseball Discussion larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f13/finally-someone-calls-costa-out-2581/ <![CDATA[Bits n' Pieces]]> http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f39/bits-n-pieces-2580/ Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:41:35 GMT The *Phillies* believe there are at least three teams — *Red Sox*, *Tigers*, and *Cardinals* — that may have some interest in *Jonathan Papelbon... The Phillies believe there are at least three teams — Red Sox, Tigers, and Cardinals — that may have some interest in Jonathan Papelbon at the trade deadline and the Phillies are scouting those teams with a potential deal in mind. General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said last week that he’s not ready to “blow up” the Phillies, but a Papelbon trade could help retool the club.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. ...........................................The Red Sox can trade Stephen Drew now that June 15th has come and gone, and they would have no problem finding a taker given the lack of shortstops around baseball. However, Boston firmly believes that Drew is their guy. One National League GM doesn't quite understand their infatuation with the shortstop. “They’re either trying to justify the $9.5MM they paid him, or they’re not sold on [Jose] Iglesias, who could start for 29 other teams.” .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................It seems like a no-brainer for the A’s to pick up Coco Crisp's 2014 option for $7.5MM, but he'll be in demand if they don’t. Even though he's 33-years-old, there aren’t many top center fielder/leadoff hitter types out there. Jacoby Ellsbury will be the No. 1 guy in that department, but , one American League special assignment scout said Crisp might be a better low-cost option because “he can do everything Ellsbury can do. Neither of them have an arm, but Coco is still fast, a very good outfielder, and can still be a game-changer.”........................................Well you knew sooner or later trade talk involving drew would bubble to the surface. ... Ells talk will be heating up considerably as the deadline draws near. Me, I'm thinking maybe Ells really wants to stay?.......Salary be damned I say WELCOME HOME PAPS, Irish jig anyone?.....(Pssssst, bring Lee with you) ]]> Red Sox Trade Rumors larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f39/bits-n-pieces-2580/ Happy Birthday SageOfCowtown http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f45/happy-birthday-sageofcowtown-2579/ Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:40:52 GMT 1 member is celebrating their birthday on 06-16-2013: -SageOfCowtown (http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/members/sageofcowtown/) (Age: hidden or... 1 member is celebrating their birthday on 06-16-2013:

-SageOfCowtown (Age: hidden or unknown)


Happy Birthday! ]]> Happy Birthday Unregistered http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f45/happy-birthday-sageofcowtown-2579/ To be or not to be (a free agent) http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f36/not-free-agent-2578/ Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:32:17 GMT Early $ign$ point to eroding free market Sunday, June 16, 2013 PrintEmail ... Early $ign$ point to eroding free market Sunday, June 16, 2013 PrintEmail Comments (0) By: John Tomase Free agency ain’t what it used to be.Look around the league and what’s striking is the number of good-to-great young players who won’t be hitting the market anytime soon, because their teams locked them up to long-term deals before they could get a sniff off free agency.The Cubs pulled off the most recent example, signing first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a seven-year, $41 million deal with team options that could take the contract through 2021, when Rizzo will be 31. jQuery(document).ready(function() { var oas_ad = jQuery(".panel-panel.alpha .pane-oas-middle"); if(oas_ad.length) { jQuery("#oas_body_ad_wrapper").html(oas_ad); oas_ad.show(); } }); Chicago is just furthering a trend that has exploded over the last year, with all manner of future free agents taking themselves off the market. What differentiates this round of early signings from previous ones — think the early-’90s Indians, or more recently, the Red Sox with Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz — is the fact that, by and large, the players aren’t trading financial security for slightly below-market rates. They’re cashing in.Matt Cain (Giants), Cole Hamels (Phillies), Felix Hernandez (Mariners) and Justin Verlander (Tigers) are four pitchers who didn’t need free agency to leverage their talent into contracts paying them more than $20 million annually.On the position player side, Buster Posey (Giants), Elvis Andrus (Rangers), Evan Longoria (Rays) and Joey Votto (Reds) have each inked extensions worth more than $100 million.And that’s not even including the next tier of players, guys such as Starlin Castro (Cubs), Andre Ethier (Dodgers), Matt Harrison (Rangers), Adam Jones (Orioles), Ian Kinsler (Rangers) and Carlos Santana (Indians).Heck, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt and San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner parlayed slightly more than a year of service time into deals totaling $32 million and $35 million, respectively.So what does this all mean? We ran the question by Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.“I suppose the motivation from the team side, it seems like most of them involve younger players getting well ahead of free agency, buying out younger years,” Cherington said. “Verlander is somewhat of an exception. I think teams recognize that getting elite players in their primes is really important, and keeping them in their primes is really important. A lot of these deals seem centered on buying up prime years.“And I guess from a player’s perspective, on some level there’s a price worth hedging for. Historically, salaries continue to rise, so if you’re looking a few years down the road and think you can build in some savings on a player you really believe in and get that player for what should be his best years, it seems like motivation from the team standpoint.”It is well established that money spent to retain one’s own young players is almost always a safer bet than gambling on an older player in the free agent market. That’s why the Red Sox moved so aggressively with the aforementioned quartet, who would almost certainly be looking at more money had they signed their deals in today’s market.“It’s gone quicker than I would’ve expected,” Cherington said when asked about the escalation in pre-free agent salaries. “It really wasn’t us who started it; it was Cleveland before that. The framework was to get through arbitration and a free agent year or two. For a long time, it was, ‘All right, let’s find a place where the player’s getting security, the team’s getting a little bit of a discount, there’s some spot there in the middle that makes sense for both sides.’ Some of those deals are still happening, Goldschmidt, Allen Craig.“But there’s longer ones happening a little quicker than I would’ve expected, and then the more aggressive early ones, the zero-plus (service time), one-plus deals.”An obvious question, then, would be what happens in future free agent classes. Players the ilk of Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury would seem poised to cash in, since there will be fewer marquee names available. But if teams are committing big money to their own players, will that price them out of the free agent pool?Cherington doesn’t think so.“I think there will still be great demand for the best players in free agency, because they’ll be scarce,” he said. “There have been a number of deals, but I don’t think any team is maxing out their payroll three or four years from now. There’s going to be money available each offseason and the best players will get it.”What remains to be seen is how all these deals play out.Said Cherington: “In baseball, there’s a lot of really smart people who can sort of find a precise value point for each player: ‘This is what he might earn in free agency, so what would it be worth us to extend him now?’ There’s a lot of smart people out there who can do that and find value points where value shifts a little bit toward the club, or vice versa. But I don’t know if anyone can eliminate the unpredictability that comes along with baseball. That’s will be interesting to see, how all these deals play out. The game changes so quickly. Players change. Things happen. What seems really obvious now sometimes years from now is completely different.”In the end, the principles governing these signings are consistent with the best team-building approaches through the years.“I think some of the simple basic things that people believe — maintaining flexibility, having a consistent core of young players — the things that people have been talking about for 50 years, I kind of think it’s still going to hold true,” Cherington said. “That doesn’t mean there isn’t an exception. There are deals that probably do make sense and will probably end up working out well.” ((((((I think Tomase pretty much sees it right! More and more teams are tying to recognize the unlimited ceiling players and sign them early to long term contracts as well as keeping the currently high performing players from getting away through FA. FA's like Ellsbury could be effected by teams fear of losing a player non protected player as compensation so it may be in the Red Sox best interest to let Ells know he is very much wanted. So many more factors today mitigating FA. It's also going to be very interesting to see what awaits at the trade deadline. What can also mitigate Ells future is if lets say a certain Philly pitcher(s) can be obtained)))))) ]]> Be The Red Sox GM larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f36/not-free-agent-2578/ Iggy and the rest of the kids http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/iggy-rest-kids-2577/ Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:45:23 GMT Boston Red Sox Weekly: The Curious Case of Jose Iglesias... Boston Red Sox Weekly: The Curious Case of Jose Iglesias


Found 10 hours ago on isportsweb.com:
PLAYERS: Jose Iglesias, Stephen Drew, Will Middlebrooks, Pedro Ciriaco, Xander Bogaerts, Allen Webster, Pedro Martinez, Alex Wilson, John Lackey, Andrew Bailey, Alfredo Aceves, John Farrell, Mike Carp, Jonny Gomes, Jon Lester, Felix Doubront, Ryan Dempster, David Ross, Clayton Mortensen, Mike Napoli
TEAMS: Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers




AL East Standing: 1st Weekly Record: 5-4 Current Record: 42-28 (Every Saturday I will attempt to give some brief thoughts on the past week for the Boston Red Sox. It will be filled with hopes, frustrations, exhilaration, pain, and plenty of gawd-awful puns. Speaking of which…) Iggy Pop: If someone had told me last year that Jose Iglesias was in the middle of a 16-game hitting streak, with a .451/.495/.585 line, and continually golden defense at not just short, but at third, my response would have been “No” or “Yeah, but that’s in Double-A”. I think it’s easy to say that nobody saw this happen. Yes, Iglesias was one of the most prized prospects in the Red Sox system, but that was almost entirely due to his truly magnificent glove and immaculate footwork. The knock on Iggy was always the same, he would never make it in the big leagues because he couldn’t hit. But now Iggy is hitting, and then some. It’s gotten to the point that when my dad told me during Saturday’s game against the Orioles that the Red Sox had (up to that point) accrued almost two hits, I knew that one of them belonged to Iggy. And I was right. The problem, of course, is that the left side of the infield has gotten mighty crowded. Stephen Drew is performing relatively well, certainly better than his broher ever did, reliable in the field and decent pop for a shortstop. Will Middlebrooks has come back from injury/confidence boosting in Triple A, and while his batting average is still a paltry .198 with only one homer since May 1st, it’s way too early think about getting rid of the talented third baseman. Pedro Ciriaco, who seemed to have lost some of the inexplicable magic of last season, was traded to the Padres on Friday, but his spot in the crowd has already been filled. Xander Bogaerts, who, after hitting .311 with 6 HR and 35 RBI at Double-A, was promoted to Triple A and immediately went 3-7 with one home-run, 2 RBI, a walk, a steal, and two walk-off hits in his first two games. Seeing where Iggy ends up in this shuffle will be very interesting as the season progresses (also check an article about the Red Sox infield written by my colleague, Jayson McAree), but either way he is proving his doubters wrong, maintaining his sparkling defense and gritting out hit after hit. (My prediction for all of this? Drew gets traded before the deadline for a mid-level prospect or long reliever, Iggy slides into the starting shortstop spot, Midd the Kid turns things around in the second half under lessened expectations, and the Sox hold on Bogaerts who continues to impress in Pawtucket before an October extended roster call-up) Bringing Up Rubby: Well, this is exciting. We’ve already seen Allen Webster. Now it’s time to see the other Dodgers pitching prospect acquired in last year’s uber-deal, Rubby De La Rosa. He’s been great at Triple-A (albeit with a careful innings limit) going 0-1 with a 3.29 ERA and 38 K in 38.1 innings. The 24-year-old flamethrower has been receiving advice from Pedro Martinez, who, obviously, isn’t too shabby a mentor. We probably won’t see De La Rosa start any time in the near future, but Red Sox fans will absolutely be looking forward to the next Sox blowout win, when they’ll probably get the chance to get a first look at one of the most exciting prospects in the Red Sox system. (A sadder note: De La Rosa’s promotion comes at the expense of Poor Alex Wilson, who’s been yo-yo-ed up and down from Boston to Pawtucket for the first three months of the season, often pitching the thankless innings or during extra-inning games. Hopefully we’ll see him back in a more permanent role soon.) Bumpy Road: Despite the 5-4 record, it’s been a decidedly so-so week for the Sox. After a resounding two victories over the Angels to end their home stand, the Red Sox have gone 3-3 on the road against the Rays and the Orioles. The first win came in 14 innings against the Rays after John Lackey (in a decidedly mediocre start) had started a fight with Rays slugger Matt Joyce, Andrew Bailey blowing a save in the process. The second was a 2-1 win for Alfredo Aceves, whose wins actually scare me more than losses (I’m waiting with baited breath for Ace to do a remarkable heel turn: put in a glowing fall to bring the sox to Game 7 of the ALDS only to intentionally give up back-to-back homers and then give John Farrell from the mound). The third was the aforementioned Lackey win on Saturday, his shaky beginning saved by home runs from exceedingly likable journeymen Mike Carp and Jonny Gomes. While the wins were a tad worrisome, the losses were much more so. Jon Lester had by far his worst start of the season against the Rays, giving up 7 ER including 3 HR and a horrifying 7 BB in only 4 and 2/3 innings. Felix Doubront, likewise, didn’t make it out of the 5th inning en route to a 5-4 loss to the Orioles, another extra-innings affair. And, while Ryan Dempster put in a fine effort, the Sox lost 2-0 to the Orioles, mustering only three hits, two coming from the blazing hot Iggy. Next week could be just as difficult, as the Sox host the Rays as well as the frightening Detroit Tigers. And finally… Checking In With The Reverse Jinx Well. It looks like this is the last week for the Alex-Peters-Patented-Red-Sox-Reverse-Jinx-For-Glory-And-Wins. The names offered up to the great gods of Karma were Pedro Ciriaco, David Ross, Clayton Mortensen, and Koji’s Beard. Ciriaco was traded to the Padres after a disappointing start to the season. Ross is in the middle of a 3-27 slump. Mortensen was placed on the 15-day-DL with a right groin strain. And Koji is still cleanshaven. It’s been a rough week for the Reverse Jinx. But I’m hoping this is just the Karmic Gods testing my resolve. So, I offer up the names of Stephen Drew (going 6-37 in his last 10 games without any proof of his power) and Andrew Bailey (who is certainly not shaking off his DL rust as quickly as hoped). I’m sorry Karmic gods, if I have offended thee. Hear my final plea! Next week: Breaking Down Hacksaw (The Redemption of Mike Napoli)

Not much to add to this piece. except Iggy, you know, the one Skip and I never gave up on (sorry I had to do that) Yes we are aware that at some point Iggy will come to earth but now I think everyone realizes that when he does he will still be hitting respectably in the mid / high twos and that's OK with us. Some had critisized his hits as cheap clunkers or lucky infield hits to this we say PHOOEY! Last night it became clear that Iggy, with fairly average speed does something rarely seen is a rare and almost unique ability and that is, come out of the box with an explosive blast getting up to full speed in about a step and a half! More good news fans, The kids behind him down in Trip A are beginning to bloom and our future is looking bright. Iggy stands as a precursor of things to come! ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/iggy-rest-kids-2577/ Kraft gets robbed.....by the russians! http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f17/kraft-gets-robbed-russians-2576/ Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:45:03 GMT AOL On - Patriots Owner Says Putin Stole His Super Bowl Ring... AOL On - Patriots Owner Says Putin Stole His Super Bowl Ring OK this funny and.......not so funny. What would you do if Mr. Macho PUTIN leader of the Russian people or as Bush says, "Vlady; I just call him Vlady", just stole your most prized possession. Like the bully in school who stole your lunch money. Apparently the Bush administration told Kraft ah just give him the ring to avoid an international crisis. Well allow me...Yo, Vlady, Your a freaking bully thief and should be embarrassed before the world to show who you are, A freaking bully thief! However Mr Kraft be very careful and keep a Geiger counter handy. Check all your food because Mr. Bush's friend "Vlady" likes to mix radio active condiments in some recipes or so we hear! So tell the Russian Embassy what you think. or write it here and sign your real name (if you dare) ]]> Intercom larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f17/kraft-gets-robbed-russians-2576/ Mike Carp http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f13/mike-carp-2575/ Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:26:57 GMT What are the odds Mike Carp gets regular at-bats the rest of the season? Also, has anyone heard about Napoli's condition? ]]> General Baseball Discussion hollandkat3 http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f13/mike-carp-2575/ Drew Gone By Trade Deadline? http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f36/drew-gone-trade-deadline-2574/ Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:44:49 GMT With Jose Iglesias having the unexpected season he has had so far, it gives Ben Cherington some options - Jose Iglesias forces issue | Boston Herald... With Jose Iglesias having the unexpected season he has had so far, it gives Ben Cherington some options - Jose Iglesias forces issue | Boston Herald ]]> Be The Red Sox GM Smurfmanc http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f36/drew-gone-trade-deadline-2574/ Bogaerts Jumps to Trip A...Bodes well for Iggy http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/bogaerts-jumps-trip-bodes-well-iggy-2573/ Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:32:30 GMT
Red Sox minor league roundup: Xander Bogaerts is heading to Pawtucket 06.13.13 at 12:49 pm ET

By Alex Speier


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Xander Bogaerts is slated to join Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. (DVM Sports)

It’s time.
On Wednesday, Xander Bogaerts drove in the only two Portland runs of the double header while collecting two of Portland’s eight total hits. Bogaerts went 2-for-6 with a walk. The remarkable 20-year-old now is hitting .311 (10th in the Eastern League) with a .407 OBP (6th) and .502 slugging mark (10th). He is performing at a dominant level in Double-A, despite his status as the youngest position player in the league.
With Jose Iglesias remaining on the big league roster, there’s a vacancy at shortstop in Pawtucket, and so the Sox — after having front-office deliberations this week about whether or not to promote the top prospect in their system — will indeed unveil him in Triple-A tonight (weather permitting), according to multiple Red Sox sources.
And with good reason. Bogaerts is the first Eastern League player at age 20 or younger to have a slash line of .300/.400/.500 since 1999, when Nick Johnson hit .345/.525/.548 as a 20-year-old. Joe Mauer did not match Bogaerts’ rate stats; nor did Anthony Rizzo or Grady Sizemore or Adrian Gonzalez or Jose Reyes when they performed in the Eastern League.
Bogaerts had shown everything he had to demonstrate at the level. It is time, once again, for the precocious 20-year-old to be challenged, this time one stop short of the big leagues.

Xander went 2 for 5 in his debut with PawT! I think we just might see commander Xander before all is said and done! ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/bogaerts-jumps-trip-bodes-well-iggy-2573/ <![CDATA[Another quality young'un signs]]> http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/another-quality-youngun-signs-2572/ Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:24:51 GMT Red Sox To Sign Third-Rounder Jonathan Denney (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/06/red-sox-sign-third-rounder-jonathan-denney.html)By *Mark... Red Sox To Sign Third-Rounder Jonathan Denney

By Mark Polishuk [June 14, 2013 at 7:49pm CST]
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with third-round draft pick Jonathan Denney, Baseball America's Jim Callis reports (Twitter links). Denney signed for a $875K bonus, well above the $671.2K assigned slot value (courtesy of Baseball America) of the 81st overall pick. Denney is advised by the BBI Sports Group.
Denney was something of a steal for Boston in the third round given that the high school catcher was a consensus late-first round pick (20th overall by MLB.com, 22nd by ESPN's Keith Law and 25th by Baseball America) by most major draft analysts. Law mentioned that Denney "struggled receiving this spring and is no longer seen as a lock to catch," which may have accounted for his fall in the draft. Still, Law feels that Denney can still grow into the position and he has a good arm, plus Baseball America thinks Denney has a strong enough right-handed bat to stick at first base if necessary.

The Red Sox are full steam ahead on getting their priority draft picks signed. Further proof the Red Sox are a team bent on building a strong play off team for years to come. Dynasty anyone? ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/another-quality-youngun-signs-2572/ Struggling sox http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/struggling-sox-2570/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:02:52 GMT So 2013 rolls on while the Sox difficulties continue. By failing to sweep the Rays at home, the Red Sox again failed to post the best record in MLB... So 2013 rolls on while the Sox difficulties continue. By failing to sweep the Rays at home, the Red Sox again failed to post the best record in MLB so far , settling for second best, or "first loser" as Durocher titled it.

Not much has gone right, starting with the alleged Aces of the staff, Buchholz and Lester, who have not yet achieved 2012's win totals. In fact the starting pitching is so bad that the RS have had to go to Pawtucket on multiple occassions for a spot starter, including 2 turns for the ultimate head case, the Diablo himself, Alfredo Aceves. Matt Joyce is the first target that John Lackey has been able to hit all year.

Let's not even start on the relievers where our ST designated closer, Joel Hanrahan, has mode more trips to the doctor's office than to the mound. Asking Andrew Bailey to bail you out in a couple tight spots in TB this week is a stretch .

The hitting is atrocious and you know you have problems when Dan Nava is your #2 RBI guy. Jacoby Ellsbury with one home run after a third of the season and not yet stealing 40 bases? Doesn't he know it's a contract year. Pedey remains questionable with a torn ligament in his thumb, and Papi pretty much failed to show in April. On the other hand, if you combine Will M's and Steven Drew's BA's, you will find them exceeding Ted Williams famed 1941 .406 average, so it's not all bad. But wait, it gets better---who is the leading BA guy on the entire team?? Jose Iglesias !. This is how ridiculous this season is.

To make it worse, if possible, we traded Mike Aviles to get a manager , and Aviles turns around and hits a home run for Tito Francona the other day, so who won that deal? And Ben Cherington vs. Theo Epstein ?? No contest, just ask the Cubbie fans . If Theo "snookers" Ben out of Pedro Ciriaco, then who plays the infield off the bench??

With less than 100 games to go, the chances of this season being considered successful are slim and none, and slim just went for a Fenway Frank.

In the Bizzaro world of being a Red Sox fan, we can only take solace in the late great Bobby V's proclamation that even " Connie Mack couldn't win with this team". Oh wait, Don Mattingly has key parts of that team now. How's that working out (former) Yankee Donnie?? ]]> Red Sox 2013 vegasbob222 http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/struggling-sox-2570/ Daniel Nave:Write-In All Star Campaign!!! http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f34/daniel-nave-write-all-star-campaign-2569/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:12:41 GMT Daniel Nava:Write-in Campaign For AL All Star Team! Image: http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/images/rsnf/cms/edit_small.png ... Daniel Nava:Write-in Campaign For AL All Star Team!







Daniel Nava keeps playing like an All-Star
June 13, 2013 12:30 AM






AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Daniel Nava deserves votes for the All-Star Game given how well he has played for the Red Sox this season.
If only it was that easy.
Nava isn’t on the ballot, so voting for him would require writing his name in. When the ballots were prepared before the season, the Red Sox submitted Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino as their candidates.
Nava wasn’t even guaranteed of being on the roster at the time. He had to make the Sox in spring training and then prove himself worthy of playing time in the outfield.
Nava is indispensible now and showed why again on Wednesday night. His two-run home run was the difference as the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 2-1.
That’s nine homers and 44 RBIs for Nava along with a .299 batting average and an .870 OPS.
Nava is first among American League outfielders in on-base percentage, second in RBIs, second in batting average and fourth in OPS. Then there’s the versatility. Nava has started 30 games in right field, 20 in left, and one at first base.
“He’d get my vote,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said.
That Nava is even in the conversation is an accomplishment. The former independent league player was a part-time player for the Sox until this season and didn’t even merit an invitation to major league spring training in 2012.
Now he could be worthy of being introduced at Citi Field in New York on July 16.
“It’s not even something I’m thinking about,” Nava said, “If I get in, that would be great. But if I don’t go, it’s the last chance I get to see my wife before we have our baby.”
Rachel Nava is expecting the couple’s first child, a girl, in August in California. The Sox end the first half of the season in Oakland on July 14.
“We’ll be right there,” Nava said. “Either way, it’s a win-win. She could come to New York with me. But I’d be fine with staying at home with her.”
Before this season, Nava was best known for hitting a grand slam on the first pitch he saw in the majors. That came on June 12, 2010. Three years later, his two-run homer required a lot more patience.
With Ellsbury on third base and two outs in the third inning, Rays starter Chris Archer fell behind Nava 3-and-0. Nava took the next pitch for a called strike then fouled off five consecutive pitches before jumping on a slider over the plate and driving it over the fence in right field.
“I was looking for something middle and trying to stay up the middle. It was just reactions right there,” Nava said.
The two runs provided by Nava were enough for Alfredo Aceves (3-1) and four relievers. They held the Rays to six hits and struck out 10 as the Sox took two of three.
The Sox are 7-2 against the Rays this season.
Also:
• Aceves was called into Farrell’s office after the game and told he would be returning to the minors. But the Sox plan to call him up back up on Tuesday to face the Rays again in one of the games of a day/night doubleheader at Fenway Park. Under a new rule, teams can add a 26th player to their roster for doubleheaders.
• David Ortiz said he will not participate in the Home Run Derby even if asked by AL team captain Robinson Cano. "I'm too old," Ortiz said with a chuckle. "I'm just happy when I hit one in a game."
• Ellsbury has hit safely in 11 straight games at 22 of 50. He also has stolen at least one base in the last five games and has 16 swipes in the last 13 games. Ellsbury has 29 steals, more than 11 teams have.

The 2013 journey called the Boston Red Sox 2013 Season has been an absolute joy for me to date. Some folks are finding things to grumble about Drew at SS, Middlebrooks battle with the Chris Berman Mendoza Batting Average line, Napoli’s strike outs yada, yada, yada, oooppps I almost forgot our catcher Salty-yes the guy who caught 14 innings and had ummm 4 hits in the Sawx win the other night. I am sorry but I am so blinded by the light of our teams continued success and their ability to continually fight when their backs are against the wall that I am reminded of a song back from the 80”s that says something to the effect ,”the future is so bright I have to wear shades!!!” or “cheap sun glasses” or heck I don’t know what it was to be honest. Ok I will admit I am troubled by one thing and damn it , it is America we can stand up, set our posts and fix it. Daniel Nava should be, needs to be selected to play in the Mid Summer Classic, he needs to be selected to play in the All Star Game- July 16, 2013 on Citi Field in New York. It will be an up an up hill climb a real battle because, he was left off the ballot. Admittedly who in their right mind would have ever put Daniel Nava on the AL ballot to play in this game, hell who would have EVER in their right mind even thought he was going to make our MLB roster, Pawtucket’s` perhaps, but to play in Fenway Park, be penciled in to the starting line up each night, I will admit not me. Currently of all of the American League Outfielders he is ranked 1st in OB%, second in RBI's,2nd in BA, and 4th in OPS. He has played 30 games in RF, 20 in LF and showing his versatility he even started a game at 1st base! Now he is a career .261 hitter which doesn't warrant any All-Star chatter but in 2013 currently he is batting.299 with an OBP of .479 and an OPS of .870!!! Defensively he flys around out there in RF doing his best Dewey imitation and along with good speed and quickness he has a plus arm, IMO.
The home run he hit the other night was a vintage AB fouling off tough pitch after tough pitch and then c you later!

Now my dear fellow Sox fans this will not be an easy task. But we can make a statement here for the type of player that a year ago we were all saying,"what we need is a bunch of guys that don't have to be big names but guys that have an impeccable work ethic, guys that are not afraid to do the dirty work, kind of like Pedroia the destroia!!! Nava again IMO fits the bill, many of us wished for this type of guy and voila now we have out own home grown version!! Go to the MLB website and vote for two OF that are listed but lets see if collectively we cant take that 3rd AL outfield slot and write in one Daniel Nava. One thing is certain he is a very very deserving candidate and worthy of our time and extra effort of writing him in! Thanks for listening to my rant.
]]> Whats on Tap for the Red Sox coachl78 http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f34/daniel-nave-write-all-star-campaign-2569/ Ciriaco may go where? For who? http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/ciriaco-may-go-where-who-2568/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:03:15 GMT Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Three Mystery Teams Interested In Pedro Ciriaco

Who's Pedro's New Daddy?
According to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, three clubs are interested in making a deal for Pedro Ciriaco. The Yankee-killing utility man was designated for assignment by the Red Sox. There was "no room at the Carmine Hose Inn" for Pedro after Boston activated Will Middlebrooks and decided that it could not send down .400-hitter Jose Iglesias. It will be interesting to see if one of the interested parties is former Sox GM and current Cubs President Theo Epstein. ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/ciriaco-may-go-where-who-2568/ Nava, the whole story (so far) http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/nava-whole-story-so-far-2567/ Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:04:35 GMT Daniel Nava's Road to Relevance Featured Written by Dan O'Mara on June 12th, 2013




The word “All star” and the name Daniel Nava didn’t appear to be synonymous with each other when the season began. In fact it didn’t seem certain that Nava would even have a job with the Red Sox after Boston signed outfielders Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino, and then traded for Mike Carp. Perhaps the word “adversity” and the name Daniel Nava would be more synonymous. After all, Nava has dealt with affliction his entire baseball life, it even pushed him out of the game. But when most would have quit, Nava’s steadfast perseverance and determination rose him from irrelevance to one of Boston Red Sox most valuable players.

Daniel Nava’s crooked path to the majors seems nothing short of a hollywood movie script. An undersized high school senior, Nava did not received any interest from college baseball programs looking to bulk up their team. Instead, Nava attended Santa Clara University in Sillicon Valley, California and participated in a walk on try out in hopes to make the team. Despite his effort though, Nava’s attempt to join Santa Clara’s squad failed. However, albeit sounding like some sort of geeky consolation prize, Nava was named Santa Clara’s equipment manager. But after two years of washing uniforms and raking infield dirt at Santa Clara, tuition became to expensive for Nava and he was forced to leave.

Daniel ended up attending junior college at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, California. While in attendance, Nava again tried out for the baseball program and was good enough to make the team. Finally given the opportunity to play, Nava did not disappoint and even became a junior college All American. Then a senior, Nava’s former school, the University of Santa Clara, caught wind of his success at San Mateo and offered him a full scholarship. In his only season with Santa Clara, Nava played 53 games, batted .395/.476/.530, collected 79 hits, and was awarded first team All-WCC.

Despite finally proving his worth on the diamond, Nava went undrafted upon finishing college. As a result, Nava signed with the Chico Outlaws who were part of the Golden baseball league. While with the Outlaws, Nava continued to be a key asset on the field. In his first and only season with Chico in 2007, Nava batted .371/.475/.625 and was named the top independent league prospect by Baseball America. Nava finally received some reparations for his skills when the Red Sox bought him from Chico for one dollar. To put it into prospective, Nava was about as valuable to Chico as a McDonalds cheese burger. Seriously, if I were ever on a professional baseball team of any kind I would like to think I am worth more than a dollar. But I digress, back to the story.

Between 2008 and 2009, Nava played in three levels of the Red Sox farm system. Low A Lancaster was Nava’s first stop. The then 25 year old, played in 85 games and continued to put up big on base numbers hitting .341/.424/.523. In the following season Nava only played 29 games at high A Salem before he was called up to double A Portland. With the Sea Dogs, Nava continued to play at a high level. In 32 games Nava batted .364/.479/.568 with 43 hits, 10 doubles, 4 homers, and 23 RBI. After his lame duck season with Portland, Nava was summoned join the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2010 and then made the final leap to Boston after just 77 games at the triple A level.

After a roller coaster ride to the majors, Daniel Nava’s MLB debut could not have gone any differently. With the bases loaded, Nava stepped to the plate and promptly unloaded a grand slam into the Red Sox bull pen on the first pitch he saw as a major leaguer. Nava joined the very exclusive club of players to hit a grand slam on the first MLB at bat which includes Bill Duggleby, Jeremy Hermida, and Kevin Kouzmanoff. Furthermore, only Nava and Kouzmanoff hit their grand slam on the first pitch.

From 2010 until 2012, Nava bounced between triple A Pawtucket and Boston. Even being designated for assignment and clearing waivers along the way. Thus, the 2013 season did not seem like it was going to be the year that Nava would finally get his chance to prove himself. The Red Sox made Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino rich men in the offseason, giving both lucrative multi year deals. Logic made it seem like neither Victorino or Gomes would be riding the bench for the money they received. Yet again, Nava saw the odds stacked against him.

But just like the times before, Nava has prevailed. Now 30 years old, Nava began the season as a platoon player in left field with Jonny Gomes but has since forced his way into the every day line up. So far this season, Nava has collected 42 RBI’s, which is good for third on the Red Sox behind David Ortiz(48) and Mike Napoli(42). Nava also has the second highest batting average(.300) and on base percentage(.396) among qualified Red Sox hitters. Being among the best on a good team usually translates to being one of the best in the league, Nava is a byproduct of that thinking. When stacked up against MLB outfielders Nava’s numbers speak volumes about his play. While Nava’s average falls just short of the top 10 MLB outfielders, his on base percentage ranks third behind Shin-Soo Choo and Dexter Fowler. Additionally, Nava’s 42 RBI’s tie him with Carlos Beltran for 6th among MLB outfielders.

In summation the Daniel Nava story really is starting to repeat itself--in a good way. There’s an obstacle & Nava overcomes it. There’s a opportunity and Nava doesn’t let it slip away. Two difficult, yet basic lessons that Nava has from and founded a career on. It is rather remarkable to think that 5 short years ago, perhaps the most wisely spent dollar in the history of the Red Sox was spent to bring aboard a player who’s accolades can speak for themselves. A pure average hitter and an on base machine at every level, Nava's minor league number suggest that this season is lucky or a fluke. Nava has alway been this good. With that in mind, Nava's 2013 season shouldn't come as a surprise, but it's certainly a season the Red Sox will take..............................{{{ A rags to riches story if there ever was one. I will be the first to admit I didn't have all the confidence in the world with Dan the man. He seemed to have this awesome blast out of the gate only to fall off quickly and sharply but he has shown a new characteristic in the majors, adaptability. He has learned to adjust at the plate when they start to pitch him differently. He has made himself pretty indispensable. This is a hungry young man who adores playing the game of baseball just like another Red Sox and that is of course his team mate Dustin Pedroia. Of course dirt dogs refers to another era of Red Sox players but this young man could easily fit in with that moniker.}}}} ]]> Red Sox 2013 larsfun http://www.redsoxnationfans.com/f14/nava-whole-story-so-far-2567/