Sucks that it was clinched with a loss, but Texas' loss tonight made it official that the Sox are in. The rest of the regular season is meaningless, with the exception of how Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, and Buchholz do in their tune ups and how the rotation is going to be aligned. Here's hoping the Sox can continue their playoff dominance over the Angels!
No Sox fans here today I guess... Anyway, how do you think the roster will shape up? I see them taking 10 pitchers, and, as Francona likes to do, 3 catchers. That leaves 12 spots for other position players. Pitchers LOCKS Lester Beckett Buchholz Matsuzaka Papelbon Wagner Okajima Bard Saito Position Players LOCKS Varitek Martinez Kottaras Youkilis Kotchman Pedroia Gonzalez Lowell Bay Ellsbury Drew Ortiz That leaves 1 pitcher and 3 position players. The pitcher comes down to either Ramirez or Delcarmen. As much as I love Delcarmen, I think you have to go with Ramirez here. Not only is he pitching better of the two lately, but he's pitched better against the Angels this year as well. As for the hitters, if his leg is healthy, Nick Green becomes a lock as well. If not, that spot goes to either Woodward or Lowrie, probably depending mostly on how they feel about Lowrie's health. Neither is likely to see much time on the field anyway. Another one that's based on health is Baldelli. If they think he can stay healthy enough to say, hit for Ortiz or Drew against a late inning lefty or pinch run, I think he makes it. The last spot probably goes to Joey Gathright of all people, basically playing the Dave Roberts role. Thoughts?
It seems like a third catcher would be a waste. They should be fine with V-Mart catching most of the time with Varitek maybe playing a game or two. It also seems like having an extra guy in the pen could be much more helpful than having a third catcher. Delcarmen has struggled this year, but he could still be valuable. I think they should leave both of them on, though I would say MDC goes over Ramirez if that's the choice. As long as Beckett and Lester are actually healthy I feel good about this team's chances to make another strong run this postseason. You could argue that with a healthy Beckett, they win the American League last year and possibly the world series. The Angels always get lit up in the playoffs, so I'm not that worried about this series. I don't think L.A has the pitching to compete, but we'll see.
I agree with you about the 3 catchers, but Francona loves to carry them for some reason. I'd rather see the extra pitcher instead, but I don't know if that will happen.
Great outing by Lester last night, removing a lot of uncertainty about his health. He's lined up to start Game 1, and it will be interesting to see how Beckett reacts to being bumped back to Game 2.
I just want to say thank you to both of you for having the correct opinion on carrying a third catcher over an extra pitcher. Unfortunately, many people, including the Yankees' decision makers, don't agree with us. Pitching wins titles. I'll say it till I turn blue.
Not having Manny "Gas Can" Delcarmen in the pen isn't going to be much of a loss for the Sox in the playoffs. Having a third catcher so they can use Martinez and Varitek and still pinch hit or run for Varitek could be useful. Of course, taking Varitek out back and shooting him might be even more useful. ETA: Remember, it's GOOD pitching that wins titles. Not lots of guys who can pitch.
This is a good matchup. Kazmir is a Sox killer, I think his addition could be the difference. Angels in 5.
hmm... beck and buch with shaky starts to finish the season. should be a tough series, but we always pull out on top against the angels. if it comes down to delcarmen or ramram to make the team, Ram is obviously the lock. But who knows, maybe both will get on the team, taking reddick out.
Rotation has been set. Lester, Beckett, Buchholz. Sets up for Lester to come back on short rest for a game 4, and Beckett to be on regular rest for a game 5.
Easily the Angels. 1) With homefield advantage, I'm confident enough we can beat the Angels. 2) I honestly can't see the American League not winning the World Series this year, and if the Sox were to get past us, well...
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...articleid=1202102&srvc=sports&position=recent Delcarmen got into a car accident over the weekend and screwed up his neck and his back pretty bad by the sounds of it... guess that settles if he makes the roster or not.
