Entries Tagged 'Pedro' ↓

We’re six games into the regular season and we’ve already witnessed a horrendous offensive struggle from the Sox as they look to regroup without the power (and idiocy) of Manny.

Currently, the Sox are bottom-dwellers. Two and one-half games behind the pack in the AL East. Will it last? Certainly not. But it does make you sit and wonder why they can’t get it firing on all cylinders. So far, everyone gets some of the blame pie, with more of it being given to the offense (despite Bay’s dual home run effort the other day).

 Pitching (from 5 to 1)

5.  Penny (1-0, 4.50 ERA) Alyssa Milano’s former beau is showing signs of recovery and life on his fastball. It’s not yet up to the 97/98 MPH range, but I think now that he’s had a start under his belt this is one that will pay off for Theo.

4.  Wakfield (0-1, 4.50 ERA) He wasn’t hideous the other night and he’s still getting used to life without Mirabelli, but he’s showing his age (and a double-sized stomach) this year; no doubt because he spent the better part of the last four months trying to get his back ready for the season.

3.  Dice-K (0-1, 6.75 ERA)  Dice-K. Wow, man. Win an MVP and can’t Man-up for the season? Way to get clocked. I am expecting him to barely reach the 13 win mark this year.

2.  Lester (0-1, 9.0 ERA) Holy, Lefties, Batman! This kid got clocked and then got stuffed in the same game. He had such a bad start that you wonder if he was actually awake for most of it. Let’s go, man. You’re going to need to step it up and prove you’re okay.

1.  Beckett (1-1, 3.46 ERA) He’s doing his job. He’s the Ace. No question. In some ways, Beckett is ready for another 20-win season. I still can’t figure out his mental makeup. Will be handle the stress well if everyone behind him tanks (they won’t)? I do expect him to lead the team for most of the year.

On the topic of offense, we’re not ready to start killing people for lack of production, but Papi has got to get it together and show that he’s in the right place or the farm system is going to get a phone call for someone names Lars.

Here we are, the morning after a three-hour, fifty-nine minute game featuring a ridiculous amount of offense due to some seriously bad pitching (including a balk by the former Toronto closer Jason Frasor). Dice-K is looking like the 103 Dollar Man, not the 103 Million Dollar Man. Why he struggles like he does, we may never know, but he better figure it out before the post season.

Notes:

• Seven games. The remaining 24 games (including a visit by NY to Fenway) will not be as scary as they could have been, but we still have a way to go.
• Pedro Martinez hit another milestone yesterday when he recorded his 3,000th strikeout. He comes into the game in the first inning throwing 82 miles per hour, yet he still picks up the win for the Mets.
• Clemens got beat up and is now going to have an MRI on his elbow. My bet? He’s finished. Tough way to end your fourth retirement.
• Not only did Clemens get Yanked early, his relief pitcher was Mike Mussina. How strange is that!?
• Mike Lowell is seriously amazing. If A-Rod were having a so-so year, Lowell would have to be considered for MVP. He’s basically taking the team on his back while Manny is on the mend. He wouldn’t win, mind you, since there are at least a half-dozen other AL players who could finish ahead of him, but he’s just really come through in the clutch.
• Pedroia is better defensively than anyone gave him credit (including Theo).
• I would love to see a defensive outfield trio of Drew, Coco and Ellsbury next year, but that would take Manny out of the equation. Interesting things to talk about during the off-season.