Tag Archives: Red Sox

On This Day in Red Sox History: April 6, 1973

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April 6, 1973, brought Opening Day to Boston. The Red Sox started their season at Fenway Park against the hated New York Yankees. The Red Sox were coming off a frustrating end to the previous season, finishing a half game behind the Detroit Tigers for the American League East. The Tigers were allowed to play one more game than the Sox, giving them the opportunity to win an extra game. Both teams lost 70 games, but the Tigers got to play in the postseason. The Yankees had finished in fourth for the second consecutive season, and their powerhouse days were currently a thing of the past.

Opening Day Lineups

This game is famous for being the start of the designated hitter. The American League had just adopted the designated hitter for the season, and Ron Blomberg of the Yankees was the first player to step into a batter’s box while playing the “position.” Newly signed Orlando Cepeda was the first designated hitter for the Red Sox and batted 5th. The Red Sox were headlined by mainstays Carl Yastrzemski and Reggie Smith, along with reigning Rookie of the Year Carlton Fisk. They pitted their ace on the mound, Luis Tiant, against the Yankees Mel Stottlemyre.

Baseball-reference.com

Rough First Inning

Luis Tiant got off to a shaky start to begin the season. After giving up a lead-off hit, the Sox got a strike em’ out, throw em’ out double play when Carlton Fisk cut Horace Clarke down attempting to steal second base. A double and two walks later though loaded the bases for the first designated hitter at-bat in baseball history. Ron Blomberg worked a bases loaded walk to score the game’s first run. Felipe Alou followed with a 2-run double, making two doubles for Alou brothers in the inning as Matty Alou had started the 2-out rally with a double. Tiant got out of the inning trailing 3-0.

The Sox half of the first saw only one hit; but that hit was a home run by Carl Yastrzemski. Yaz took a Mel Stottlemyre offering out to straightaway center field for the season’s first home run.

April 6, 1973: Ed Folger of Lancaster threw out the first ball on Opening Day. Folger, who had been a minor leaguer in the Red Sox system, had his leg amputated in a farm accident the previous September. (The Boston Globe)

Sox Take the Lead

Tiant enjoyed a 1-2-3 second inning, rebounding from a rough first. The Red Sox gave him some support in the bottom of the inning, taking a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Rico Petrocelli singled with 1 out, one of three hits on the afternoon for him. This brought up Carlton Fisk, who had batted .293 with 22 home runs and a league leading 9 triples the previous season when he won the Rookie of the Year Award. Fisk promptly tied the game by putting one up over the Green Monster in left field. This would be just the beginning of the damage he would do to the Yankees that afternoon. The Red Sox would add two unearned runs following a throwing error by Graig Nettles before the inning was over.

Nettles would gain a little bit of redemption the next half inning when he hit a 2-out home run to center field off Luis Tiant, pulling the Yankees back within a run. Mel Stottlemyre had nothing on the mound though and the Red Sox fortified their lead in the bottom of the third. A hit by Reggie Smith and a double by Carlton Fisk put two in scoring position for Doug Griffin. Griffin singled them both home, chasing Stottlemyre from the game. Griffin then scored on a hit by Dwight Evans and the Sox led 8-4 after three innings.

Red Sox Pull Away

With Lindy McDaniel on the mound for New York, the Red Sox did not let up in the fourth. A single by Yaz followed by a double for Reggie Smith put two in scoring position for the Sox with no one out. After striking out designated hitter Orlando Cepeda, McDaniel put Rico Petrocelli on intentionally; bad decision. Carlton Fisk had already homered and doubled on the day, and he wasn’t done yet. Fisk took a McDaniel offering deep to right-center field and over the wall for a grand slam. Fisk now had 10 total bases and six runs batted in and it was only the fourth inning. The Sox threatened with two more in scoring position before the inning finally ended; 12-4 Red Sox lead.

From there the Red Sox cruised to victory. The Yankees got one in the 5th, but Tiant shut them down over the final four innings for the complete game victory. This was Tiant’s first of 20 wins that season for the Red Sox. Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense tacked on three more runs in the 6th inning before calling it quits.

Red Sox 15  Yankees 5

 

Red Sox 1973 team photo (Bostonredsox.com)

 

Down the Farm: 2018 Paw Sox Outlook

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For Pawtucket Red Sox Opening Day on Friday, April 6th , there is a 100% chance of rain.  Somewhat fitting for all the news that surrounds the team and their future.  Nevertheless, the excitement for a new upcoming season is what Pawtucket needs.  Tickets remain cheap, parking is free, and amazing fan giveaways will continue this season.  Attendance is going to make or break the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox this season.  I encourage all readers to make the trip down, it is well worth it.

Roster

The powerhouse Bryce Brentz and his 30 homeruns will not be on display in Pawtucket this season.  The roster is hurting following the prospects that were sent away in trades involving Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel.  I am not saying those trades are bad.  However, the Red Sox farm system is not what it once was.  Also, players graduating to the majors as well.  Although this may be true, there are some names to look out for this season at McCoy Stadium.

Sam Travis continued his tradition of raking in Spring Training.  Although the first base position is currently in use, Travis is not out of the running for the foreseeable future.  In spite of Hanley Ramirez, Mitch Moreland, maybe even Blake Swihart and Brock Holt manning the bag this season, it is unclear if they will be here next season.  Tzu-Wei Lin, who made his name known this past season, is also a guy to watch out for.  The $72.5 million man, Rusney Castillo looks to repeat his strong 2017 Minor League campaign.  Ivan DeJesus Jr. and his Mexico career .289 batting average looks to make his name known as well.

Michael Chavis, who is currently recovering from his oblique injury, is going to start the season in Portland.  If Chavis can continue to put up impressive numbers, a Triple-A call up is in his future.  When that happens, all eyes are going to be on him.  The only way Chavis is going to play at Fenway Park this season is if they continue the Futures at Fenway Series.  Be that as it may, the McCoy Stadium faithful look upon future stars with high expectations.

Jeremy Barfield is looking to be the reincarnate of Bryce Brentz.  The 29 year-old sent 27 long balls over the fence in Portland last season.  If he mashes the ball in Pawtucket like he did last season, fans are going to be clamoring for him to make an appearance during September call ups.

Giveaways

Minor League baseball is famous for the wacky and incredible giveaways throughout the season.  This season is no different for the Paw Sox.  The Paw Sox will be giving away wall calendars, ceramic mugs, replica jerseys, and everyone’s favorite; bobbleheads. Rafael Devers, the G.O.A.T., and Mo Vaughn bobbleheads will be given away to the first 3,000 fans on the respective day.  Replica jerseys will include Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs.  Of course, Saturday night fireworks will continue with a new theme each week.

This season for the Paw Sox can sway the relocation process either way.  If it is successful and every game is sold out, it makes it harder for Larry Lucchino to move them away.  If every game is empty, what is the point in staying?

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

 

Cover image courtesy of Rhode Island Public Radio.

Why the Red Sox Will Need Bullpen Help

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State of the Bullpen After Day One

What happened yesterday, March 29th, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg Florida was a blatant disgrace. All of Red Sox Nation had been waiting for Opening Day since the final out was recorded in last year’s playoffs. The day had finally come, with new manager Alex Cora at the helm. And the bullpen let us down.

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, and had a 4-0 advantage going into the bottom of the 8th inning. The combination of Joe Kelly and Carson Smith got hammered, allowing six runs in the frame. The Rays went on to win the game, 6-4. It was a gut-wrenching defeat, especially on Opening Day.

There were a lot of people on social media already throwing in the towel, which is absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. There are still 161 games in the season, and one loss isn’t indicative of how the entire season will unfold.

One glaring issue that I do not see going away is the bullpen. I am not writing these guys off already, but it was the team’s biggest weakness going into the season, and showed itself yesterday. Here are two reasons why I think the bullpen will need some help by the trade deadline:

Injury History

This sounds so cliché, but it is a reality in this Red Sox bullpen. Dave Dombrowski said on WEEI today that Carson Smith could be back in a month (shoulder injury). Joe Kelly has had injury history in previous seasons, and Carson Smith also just got back last season from arm surgery.

Those names listed above are arguably the three best relievers the Red Sox have besides Kimbrel. When the backbone of your bullpen has a chance to collapse at any moment during the season, it is a problem. I am not trying to say that this will for sure happen, but if it does, we could be relying on Matt Barnes to set up for Kimbrel. Ouch.

Embed from Getty Images

Lack of Versatility

This issue is even bigger than the injury history, which is the lack of versatility in the bullpen. What that means is that the Red Sox currently only have one lefty, who is a rookie named Bobby Poyner. Alex Cora said in the post-game interview that he did not want to use Poyner in such a big spot. Now THAT is a problem. We only have one lefty in the pen and our manager doesn’t even trust him to record one out against a lefty.

The Red Sox will not be able to make a playoff run with only one lefty in the bullpen, it will just not work. Especially if that lefty is a rookie. Not knocking on Bobby Poyner, I think he has a ton of potential here, but he is no Andrew Miller.

So What Do the Red Sox Do?

The Red Sox are in a sticky situation considering they do not want to go over the $237 million threshold. I think at the trade deadline Dave Dombrowski will try to use a young and controllable player to get a lefty for the pen. Look out for a potential Sam Travis or Blake Swihart trade.

Alex Cora Is Ready

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A Long Awaited Opening Day Is Here

The Boston Globe via Getty Images.

Today is the day, freshly cut grass, springtime, and the smell of baseball is in the air.

Red Sox fans and players have been waiting for this day to come since the season ended in October. There’s one person though who is really excited to begin his manager debut today: Alex Cora. Cora comes in as a new voice in the clubhouse and a fresh young vibe. This spring he’s already built a good relationship with most of his players, and the whole team went to dinner the other night. It was a night he’ll never forget. He’s even said he wants to bring a World Championship to Boston because nobody cares about division titles.

Today’s Opening Day lineup as follows:

1. Mookie Betts, RF

2. Andrew Benintendi (L), LF

3. Hanley Ramirez, 1B

4. J.D. Martinez, DH

5. Xander Bogaerts, SS

6. Rafael Devers (L), 3B, OR Eduardo Nunez, 2B

7. Eduardo Nunez, 2B, OR Rafael Devers, 3B,

8. Jackie Bradley Jr. (L), CF

9. Christian Vazquez, C

Alex Cora Is Ready

Via MassLive.com

Chris Sale will get the ball to begin the 2018 season. Cora told the Boston Herald yesterday, ” I told my daughter the other day, she asked me ‘Are you nervous?’” I said, ‘Not really.’ She’s like, ‘Dad!’ She’s more nervous than me. Obviously, tonight is going to be interesting how much sleep I’m going to get.” I’m sure Cora got very little sleep last night ahead of the opener today. Chris Sale is making his first opening day start for the Red Sox saying yesterday ” It fun, it’s exciting, and I’ve done it a couple times before. This would be obviously my first one here, which is special. Boston, obviously, is a great city for sports, a great city for baseball, and to be named Opening Day starter for this organization is not something I take lightly and I’m actually really excited about.”

So here we go. Game one of 162. It will be an exciting season and should be a great atmosphere at Fenway Park all year. The Red Sox will be in the hunt for a playoff spot, and the rivalry with the Yankees could actually be interesting again. David Price being on board with the manager is great too. Everybody seems to like the manager and seems a lot more relaxed than last season.

Red Sox Baseball Is Back

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Red Sox Baseball Begins Thursday

Apr 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2018 baseball season is Thursday, but the buzz around the Red Sox seems to be very quiet. Yes, there’s a lot going on with the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. But the Red Sox are staring their season Thursday. Alex Cora, as his first year as manager, has been clear divisions don’t mean anything winning a World Series does. Alex Cora has built a great relationship so far with his players. David Price seems to like him too, as there was a disconnect between him and John Farrell. Dustin Pedroia even told WEEI there was a disconnect between Farrell and the players last season.

This season is totally different with a new manager and coaches on the staff. The Red Sox come in with mostly the same team, besides adding J.D. Martinez, who is the power hitter they needed going forward to compete with the New York Yankees. Hopefully, Dustin Pedroia won’t be a baby and start being the leader he says he is in the clubhouse as well. The starting rotation looks good with Sale starting Thursday, followed by David Price, Rick Porcello, Hector Velazquez, and Brian Johnson.

Alex Cora Sounds Confident

(Fort Myers FL, 02/22/18) Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart and second baseman Brock Holt celebrate with manager Alex Cora after scoring on Austin Rei’s double in the first inning of the Spring Training game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Alex Cora had comments today and said, “Besides the freakin’ best record in baseball?” The Red Sox had the best record in baseball in Spring Training which at the end of the day means nothing. Cora also said today that he’s seen some players step up without saying any names. Alex Cora did say at the end to not to pay attention to spring training records they don’t mean anything.

John Farrell Speaks About Firing

The Red Sox have the talent to compete with the Yankees but do they have enough to win another division? That remains to be seen. Old manager John Farrell spoke yesterday about how he knew his time was up with the Red Sox late last season, saying,

“If you finished in first place last year, you were twice as likely as to be fired as if you finished in last place. So from that perspective, yeah, a little bit surprised a change was made, I do know Dave came in and he inherited me, So he felt like there was a change that was needed because we made quick exits the two years consecutive going into the postseason. The expectation as it is every year, whether it’s New York or Boston, LA, Chicago, to go deep into the October run, we didn’t do it. So I wish Alex Cora and everybody all the best there going forward.”

Farrell is a scout for the Cincinnati Reds, and currently will serve as an analyst for Baseball Tonight on ESPN. Get ready for the long baseball season. This should be an exciting one for sure.

Sam Travis Should Be on the Opening Day Roster

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Opening Day is only a few days away, and teams are finally starting to shape the opening day roster. For the Red Sox, pretty much everything is set into stone except for the bench. Yesterday, Deven Marrero was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, suggesting Brock Hold will be on the bench.

One of the candidates for the Red Sox bench that I was most excited about was Sam Travis. After a tough past few seasons battling injuries, he finally started to hit the ball this spring. I thought for sure he would be on the bench to start the season. However, recently the Sox optioned him to AAA Pawtucket. Here are a few reasons why he should be on the bench Opening Day:

Sam Travis FINALLY BREAKING THROUGH

As I mentioned before, Sam Travis had a tough road to this point. Up until recently he’s been plagued with injuries. However, this spring he has looked great at the plate. He has started to look like the Sam Travis that the Red Sox organization was so high on.

So far in 2018 Spring Training, Travis has hit .274 with six home runs and 17 RBI. He is the team leader in home runs and RBIs with those totals. A lot of people like to make the argument that Spring Training numbers do not mean anything and they aren’t important. But I do not think that these numbers are luck. The numbers that Travis has put up this spring is a direct result of him finally being healthy.

Embed from Getty Images

WHO ELSE?

If this had happened before the trade of Marrero, I suppose it would have made a little more sense. But after that deal, I start to wonder who will actually be on the Red Sox bench.

Obviously Brock Holt will be kept, who is also poised for a better season once that he is now healthy. Blake Swihart is also another guy that I believe will be on the bench to start the season. Just like Travis, he is putting up monstrous numbers to fight for his spot on the team, which he will more than likely get.

After those two, I really have no clue why anyone would want another option besides Travis. Realistically, the only other choice is Leon, which is understandable. You would not want to just have Vasquez and Swihart, two young catchers. It is always nice to keep a veteran at that position.

Considering that there are no other options besides those three, it looks like the Red Sox are running with three guys on the bench and eight guys in the bullpen. This is assuming they use a five man rotation.

You could make arguments for both sides, but I think the Red Sox are making a mistake here. I think Travis could have had the opportunity to give this team character and production to start the season. Hopefully he gets another chance at the major league level sooner rather than later.

 

Cover image courtesy of Baseball Hot Corner.

This 2018 Red Sox Bullpen Has Potential

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The Red Sox bullpen may not be as attractive as some of the others in baseball. However, it certainly can be a good one. As of right now the bullpen looks like Kimbrel, Thornburg, Smith, Kelly, Barnes, and maybe Maddox. The first four names on that list are definite. Everyone else is a question mark.

The Lefty Situation

Cora has already stated that if a lefty pitcher does not make the team out of spring training, then they won’t need one. At least for right now. Robby Scott was the favorite to make the team before Spring Training started, but he hasn’t shown he deserves a spot so far. Cora’s talked highly of Bobby Poyner, a lefty who has pretty good numbers so far this spring, but it isn’t the biggest sample size. So, if there is no lefty that Cora can trust in the pen to start the year, it wouldn’t be detrimental. I totally agree with Alex Cora. It doesn’t matter if you’re a righty pitcher. If you can get lefties out you deserve a spot over an undeserving lefty in the bullpen.

The Bullpen’s up and Coming

Besides Craig Kimbrel, the reliever I’m most excited to watch is Carson Smith. He showed us tidbits of what he can do last year for the abbreviated time he was available. However, we haven’t really seen much of Smith yet. He has a nasty slider along with a good sinker and a fastball that sits around 92-94. Smith is someone you bring in when you need a double play late in the game. He would be great at giving up soft contact on the ground, or just watching guys freeze on his nasty hook.

Tyler Thornburg, who had thoracic outlet surgery in the offseason, will have to start the year on the DL. The exact time that he will return is up in the air. But it shouldn’t be too long before he makes his long awaited return. He is certainly another key piece and a great weapon to have in this bullpen.

Joe Kelly, aka Jim Buchanan, is a great guy to have not only in this pen, but on this team. I’ve mentioned before his goofy personality is exactly what this team needs. Something a winning team will need. Joe and his personality, along with his 100 mph fastball, nasty slider, and curve will be a big part of this team in 2018.

Last and certainly not least, is Craig Kimbrel, who pitched to a 1.43 ERA, a 1.41 FIP, and struck out about half the hitters he faced last year. So yeah, this dude is not bad. And let me just mention someone else who is awesome. Kimbrel was out of Fort Myers for three weeks because his daughter Lydia, who was born with a heart defect and only a few months old, had to get her second heart procedure done in Boston. Kimbrel returned to Spring Training because his daughter had the surgery and is doing great.

So Kimbrel, who has been working out at Fenway for a while now is back with the team at camp and will be ready for Opening Day, which is great news. But more importantly, his daughter is alright. Let’s just say that’s one tough girl, and she definitely got part of that from Craig, no doubt. Lydia Strong.

All in all, this Red Sox bullpen may not necessarily jump out as the best. But it is certainly not a bullpen anyone should take lightly. With these scary arms to go along with Cora’s managing and the non-closer philosophy, this bullpen can definitely be a strength for this 2018 Red Sox team.

 

Cover image courtesy of USA Today.

A British Perspective: Sox and Yanks in London for 2019

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Reports from Bloomberg pointed to the Yankees and Red Sox finalizing a two game series that will be played in London for the 2019 season. This will not be the first time MLB takes a sample of games to other countries (Japan 2004/2008, Australia 2014, Mexico 1996/1999), and will also play some games this season in Puerto Rico and Monterrey, Mexico. However, what is the reception going to be like for baseball’s best rivalry when the Sox and Yanks battle each other in London Stadium? I had some questions, and John from the UK’s only baseball podcast had answers. 

Justin: How well do you think the game of baseball in general will translate once many people from the UK will finally get to see a game or two in person?

John: Good question! I know there’s a view in the States that UK fans like ‘all action’ and ‘non stop’ games based on the dominance of soccer and rugby here, but I don’t buy it. Cricket, even in its livelier forms, is really sedate and the American sports that have a foothold here – especially NFL – are really stop start. It feels vital to me that the organizers aim to capture the ballpark environment, though. That’s the real point of difference that MLB has, like the tailgate in football. Two games isn’t enough to explain to people why you throw an outside fastball in a 3-1 count; MLB needs to be smart and think about their pitch (no pun intended). Everything we’ve heard from them so far has been positive – make it about the cultural experience as much as the game, but don’t ignore that as there’ll be seasoned fans tuning in too.

JG: Reports say that the two game series would be played at London stadium. In your opinion, is this the best venue for a professional baseball game in the area?

John: I’m not sure. I think ‘least worst’ is potentially a better way of putting it. Obviously cricket grounds have better dimensions, but they’re quite small (20-25k max) and England is hosting the Cricket World Cup around the same time as these games are billed, anyway. The London Stadium’s selling point is that it can be adapted for different events, and that feels important – there’s also plenty of space for events around it too, which is lacking at stadiums like Wembley or Arsenal’s home, Emirates Stadium. I’m a bit nervous about the atmosphere – on my one trip to the Stadium for a West Ham game it was pretty flat; they did lose 6-0 to Man City, though!

JG: How big has the sport of baseball become in recent years in the UK?

John: That’s a difficult question to give a straight answer. Arguably, it’s less popular than its peak in the early 2000s when it was on network TV and had a proper cult following. That said, there are plenty of die hards, and it feels (from our viewpoint at least) that it’s swelling. In the Opening Week of the season there are going to be ‘watch parties’ in five different UK cities, and the fact we are running a podcast with a growing, sustained listenership, didn’t seem likely when we started a couple of years ago. The sport is a popular, if niche, participatory activity too – along with softball the estimates are around 20,000 people playing regularly in the UK, which isn’t bad for a sport with little coverage and an ‘amateur’ domestic league.

JG: Rob Manfred has briefly touched up on a possibility for an expansion team in Mexico City. Do you think this could eventually lead to a possible expansion team for London?

John: It feels highly unlikely. I know the NFL trajectory feels like it’s going this way, but 8 games a year, with a week of rest, is different to managing a 162 game schedule across two continents with a minimum of 5 hours in time differences.

JG: Which player(s) between the Yankees Red Sox rivalry are you looking forward to see play in London the most?

John: There’s a difference between who I’m most looking forward to, and the consensus! As a Red Sox fan, I’m biased, but even I appreciate the idea of seeing Judge and Stanton in London would be a thrill. Personally, I’m a massive fan of Craig Kimbrel and Jackie Bradley Jr, so I’ll say those two. My fellow podcast hosts would tell you it’s Joe Kelly, who they think I have a soft spot for on account of being a fellow glasses wearer (they’re right).

JG: Any tips for Americans that will be making the trip over especially for their first time visiting London?

John: How long have you got? I don’t live in London now, having moved away just over a year ago but was there long enough to give some ideas!
 
I would say to travelling fans to consider staying near the venue if it is at the Olympic Park. There’ll be loads going on and that part of East London, and the couple of miles around it (especially Hackney, Dalston, Stoke Newington and Leyton), are some of the most interesting, creative and picturesque – think craft breweries, idyllic parks and cool music venues – which not many visitors see. Transport in London – especially the bus – is cheap and excellent, and none of the main tourist sights will take longer than an hour to get to if you must (though many of them are not worth bothering).
 
Eat at Dishoom for breakfast (there are a few sites) for their INCREDIBLE naan bread breakfast rolls, and Kiln in Soho in the evening; the best Thai food this side of Bangkok.

JG: If you could name a London expansion team, what would you name it and who would you want to manage it?
John: Given my previous answer, maybe the London Jetlaggers? Seriously, it’s a shame the Royals have gone isn’t it? Maybe the London Cavaliers, or the Red, White and Blue Sox?
 
In terms of management, I feel duty bound to give it to GB Baseball’s awesome coach, Liam Carroll. He’s a real spark plug for the game here, and has earned it! Pitching coach would be Trevor Hoffman, who helped Liam at last year’s WBC – his Mom’s English and he’s very proud of his British heritage.
John and the rest of the crew for the Batflips and Nerds podcast can be found here. These guys really do know what they’re talking about. Do NOT underestimate them!
As for me, I am super excited to see the great reception that one of the best rivalries in sports receives. For foreign fans, this is as big as El Clasico and should really put into perspective just how exciting baseball can be at its peak.

Featured Image: Melissa Bell

Pace of Play in Major League Baseball

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MiLB is now a testing ground for everything baseball related. This ranges from players to umpires. Not to mention, future big-league executives. In recent seasons Minor League Baseball has become test subjects for rules that the major leagues might employ in the future. Pace of Play is a big debate in baseball. The addition of a pitch clock in MiLB and Spring Training games is the root of the changes so far. It is yet to appear in the Big Leagues due to player backlash. Today, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced some new rules that will be in effect this upcoming season.

Manfred announced the following rules: placing a runner on second base to begin extra innings, limit of six mound visits, and a clock for between innings and pitching changes. The last rule was also in effect last season. These rules stir the pot between players, fans, and front office executives. Many “pure” baseball fans hate seeing our game changed. Many of the players hate rules limiting their “rituals” and processes they go through. David Ortiz’s comments on rule changes a couple of seasons ago reiterate this.

Many high up executives and some “fans” think games are too long. Michael Felger wants every possible second saved when watching a game.

Why the Change?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While many news outlets and baseball haters argue that Major League Baseball is struggling to make money, this is just not true. Major League Baseball is a $9.5 Billion Industry. Nearly three times what the National Hockey League is at $3.7 Billion. Yet so many, like Commissioner Manfred, find the need for change. While games are certainly long, why is this such a terrible thing? If a family is going to a 1:05 Red Sox afternoon game, they plan a day out of it. They plan on the game ending sometime around 4:30.

Yet so many team executives find the need for drastic change to America’s Pastime. So many ideas are flying around the Major League Baseball offices looking to shave every conceivable second off game time.  Bullpen carts, pitch clocks, limiting mound visits, not being allowed to leave the batter’s box are all considered “time savers”. But how much time do they save? What, 10-15 minutes off the game? Thank goodness, I really need those 15 minutes off the game or else it is just unwatchable. Why ruin a beloved sport for the sake of 15 minutes? It just does not make any sense.

New Rule

The rule of adding a runner to second base at the start of extra innings is unbelievably stupid. How can you lose a game because of a runner you did not put on base? How will this affect a pitcher’s earned run average? There are so many unanswered questions regarding this rule. The rule somewhat makes sense in the minor leagues where winning is not the most important thing rather the experience the players are getting. However, in Major League Baseball the rule should never be allowed. Extra innings are magical in baseball. Every swing, pitch, catch, play is amplified.  Why ruin that? Yes, there are some games that go 19 innings, but is that really such an epidemic in baseball? That will, at most, happen twice a season. Many fans who stick it out are proud of such an accomplish meant.

With all these changes it seems that no game will ever come close to the 33 inning contest between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings. Today, that game is celebrated as one of the biggest events in Baseball history, many fans who were there, wear it as a badge of honor. I wish I were one of the lucky few who went.

 

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn

Cover image courtesy of USA Today.

Hanley Ramirez Can Be the Next Nelson Cruz

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Hanley Ramirez has every opportunity to turn his below average 2017 season in Boston around. As he continues his “bat first, glove last” career approach, another name came to mind for finding a fair prediction of the kind of player Ramirez could be. Clearly, the better hitter of the last 3-4 years has been Cruz. However, comparing their age 31-33 seasons (the point of their careers where their glove becomes a liability) may not be so crazy.

Ramirez and Cruz

Nelson “Boomstick” Cruz, one of the more intimidating bats in the league, has been a pleasure to watch since he started playing consistently in 2009. Even in his age 36 season, he managed to hit 39 homers in one of the leagues least hitter-friendly ballparks. For the past three years he hit 40+ homers. The main focus on hitting and a neglect for defense could be a successful contributor to why he is one of the most prolific home run hitters at his age. Sound familiar?

Hanley Ramirez was always known as a bat first kind of shortstop, but his overall defensive career in Boston has been riddled with confusion and frustration. His first season with the Red Sox, when he was thrown into the outfield for 92 of his 105 games played, was like watching someone with no legs try to catch fly balls on ice. It was woeful and everyone knew it. The next experiment was to put him at first base, where all of the aging sluggers eventually go to before transitioning to a full time DH player (see: David Ortiz, Albert Pujols).

Hanley achieved a -13 dWAR figure, which puts him towards the bottom third for all first basemen in 2017. Now I’m not saying his defensive time at first base is anywhere near the horrific display in the outfield. But, when similar aging first basemen such as Joe Mauer, Chase Headley and Miguel Cabrera are achieving dWAR figures that are twice as good as Hanley’s, it could be a sign for the future. Simply, Hanley Ramirez is just not meant to be a positional player anymore. This is not a bad thing being that this is what the DH position is turning out to be, and Hanley seems like the perfect mold.

Similarities

It seems like Hanley can turn into the kind of player Cruz has become of recent. For starters, both players are 6’2″ and Cruz only weighs five more pounds. Hanley has a career WAR of 37, Cruz has 30. For what it’s worth, both hail from the Dominican Republic. The comparison can get deeper. This is what I found when I compared both player’s age 31-33 seasons:

AVG: Cruz (.266) Hanley (.261)

OBP: Cruz (.327) Hanley (.328)

SLG: Cruz (.497) Hanley (.457)

HR%: Cruz (5.1%) Hanley (4.5%)

BAbip: Cruz (.295) Hanley (.284)

Here’s the kicker to all of this (as there are many): Hanley is getting paid three times more than Cruz was in his age 31-33 seasons. Naturally, everyone expects Hanley to hit the ball three times as well as Cruz did, which is impossible. Also, the acquisition of J.D. Martinez will greatly limit Hanley’s appearances at DH. Platooning with Mitch Moreland at first base will likely do the same. Looking at average exit velocities over the last three years, Cruz has been able to stay in the 92+ mph range (92.9, 94.5, 92.8) while Hanley’s has declined (90.1, 90.3, 88.4). However, don’t lose hope in Ramirez, as it seems he will be starting the season hitting third in the Sox lineup. He has every opportunity to have one of the best offensive years of his career. Personally, I can see him being a carbon copy of Nelson Cruz. Being that Hanley plays in a more forgiving venue, offensively, he can definitely take advantage.

Plus, the TB12 workout helps as well.

Follow me for more Red Sox takes @ELJGON

Cover image courtesy of The Boston Herald.