2008 Season Preview

On the eve of the Sox season opener on American soil, here are five burning questions RSN will be looking to answer this year:

5.) Will the pitching staff be healthy--and ready--enough to guide the team to the postseason

Josh Beckett's already on the DL. Curt Schilling will be out until mid-season at the earliest, and then who knows how long it will take him to provide any meaningful contributions this season, if any. Tim Wakefield is approaching retirement age, has a history of back problems and lost his designated catcher this spring. Dice-K is starting to resemble the type of pitcher that makes you cross your fingers every time he comes to the mound, just praying that this isn't the inning or game he implodes. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are like SNL's "also featuring" cast members-young & talented but maybe not quite ready for prime time just yet.

This is the biggest question mark the team faces this season, and obviously everything hinges on Beckett's health; if he can make this trip to the DL a distant memory by mid-May and come back to dominate the league like last year, then we can all hope everyone else falls into place. But if the ace encounters a year's worth of arm and/or blister problems, then the failure to trade for Johan Santana is going to hang over this team's head like an April raincloud.

4.) Will Manny be Most Valuable Manny?

Everything is in place for ManRam to have a monster year: he had a disappointing season last year, failing to reach 100 RBIs for the first time in a decade, hit his fewest homers (20) since 1997 as well, and slugged at less than a .900 clip for the first time in his career (in a full season.) So why does that make Manny my choice for the AL MVP? All together now: "Because he's in a contract year!"

If anything can motivate the mercurial ManRam it's the thought that if he has another down year the Boston brass might not pick up his option for 2009, forcing Ramirez to actually leave the team he's threatened, promised and hinted at leaving for the better half of the last decade.

Notice the early arrival at spring training, the lack of any MBM issues like grills and wheels for sale, the mashing of 5 ribbies in the Japan series? Not a coincidence folks. Sure he'll still Cadillac it on balls that stay in the park and intercept a stray cutoff throw now and then, but all signs point to Manny having a major offensive season, and those signs look like this: $$$$$$$$$$$

3.) Will the Coco/Ellsbury situation be a distraction?

Only if Crisp makes it one. If he's smart he'll keep his mouth shut, play a few times a week, come in for the occasional pinch-running and late-replacement duties and try to get another ring on his finger. If he really wants to be the superstar starting center fielder he thinks he is, he can go to a bad team, play every day, hit .255 with 15 highlight-reel catches a year and watch the playoffs on television.

Your choice Coco. Well, until Theo dumps you in a deal for another arm. Then it's the team's choice. Until then, in the words of native new Englander John Tortorella, shut your yap.

2.) How long before brittle JD Drew is replaced by Brandon Moss as the starting right fielder?

May 17th.

1.) Can the Sox repeat?

It may be an unpopular thought in the Hub and throughout the Nation, but all signs point to "no". Between the crazy opening to the season, with trips to Japan, California and Toronto, followed by 13 of 17 contests against playoff-caliber clubs and the rash of injuries and questions with the rotation, it would be a near miracle if this team could pull off the repeat.

Do I think they have the talent to get it done? Absolutely. But a lot of things will have to fall into place, not the least of which is Beckett's health, as well as that of Drew, Papi and Wakefield. Let's face it, the decision not to alter the makeup of the championship club was a noble one and certainly placated the now-zillions of Sox fans Nationwide, but with the brutal schedule and injury bug already playing a factor this early in the season, a repeat seems like a lot to ask for from a club that has already accomplished what no diehard ever thought they'd see in their lifetime: another championship flag flying over Fenway.

But here's to hoping they can beat the odds and put a third banner up before the next generation of misery begins.

For more on the 2008 baseball season, visit my other blog.

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Series Preview: Sox @ Tampa Bay

Red Sox (74-50) @ Devil Rays (47-76)
3-game series @ Tropicana Field
AL East: Sox up 4 on NYY, 26.5 on TB

Season Series: Sox lead, 7-2

Probable Pitching Matchups:
GM1 Mon 710 Wakefield (14-10, 4.55) vs. Kazmir (9-7, 3.44)
GM2 Tue 710 Lester (1-0, 5.14) vs. Sonnanstine (2-8, 6.17)
GM3 Wed 710 Matsuzaka (13-9, 3.79) vs. Jackson (3-12, 5.69)

Keep an Eye On: Tim Wakefield 18-2 (8-0 @ TB), 2.83 ERA career vs. Rays
The phenomenon that is Tim the time bender Wakefield will attempt to extend two freaky streaks tonight at the Trop: his uncanny domination of the Devil Rays franchise, especially in their dome, and his incredible run of earning a decision in every start this season, a feat that hasn't been matched since 1936.

A sad image from the last Sox game I went to at the Trop: the final time Kason Gabbard was seen in a Sox uni; he was traded the next day for you know who

Preview
After waiting until after the All Star break to meet for the first time this season and with Boston not visiting the cozy, cement-filled confines of Tropicana Field until three weeks ago, all of a sudden it seems like these division rivals are squaring off on a weekly basis.

Not like that's a bad thing for Boston, which routinely beats up on its little AL East brethren, especially when Tim Wakefield takes the mound.

But with repetition comes recognition, and ever since the Sox first swept the Rays in a three-game set at Fenway on the 4th of July, Tampa Bay has made each successive meeting much more difficult for Boston to breeze through.

After cruising through the first four games with the Rays, outscoring them 33-11, Tampa Bay has struck back with a vengeance.

In the last five matchups Boston has still held the scoring advantage, but that 24-18 mark is skewed by the 6-run 12th Boston laid on them in a come-from-behind win on July 29th.

I had the misfortune of attending the following game, in which Dice-K and Kazmir went toe-to-toe for 7 innings before Matsuzaka surrendered a solo homer to Dioner Navarro and Manny D. imploded by allowing two more longballs in the inning to propel Tampa bay to its first win over the Sox this season.

I know, just my luck.

Boston took two close contests last week at home, 3-0 and 2-1, before the Rays ruined the potential sweep when Andy Sonnanstine out pitched Matsuzaka and Tampa Bay scored 5 runs in the final three innings to steal the win, 6-5.

Bottom line is these guys are ready to play, and with the Boston offense sporadic at best, the bullpen in somewhat of disarray and a supposed "sure thing" on the mound tonight, don't be surprised if this series doesn't go the way it ought to, i.e. another sweep.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend any of the games because tonight and tomorrow is a local holiday here in the Bay--the first day of school!

That's right our fucked up school systems in Pinellas & Hillsborough counties have the kiddies returning to their learning emporiums BEFORE Labor Day, an odd fact I got over about 12 years ago, but one I come to appreciate more & more as I advance in fatherhood (especially working from home!)

So I will have to tune in on TV like everyone else, and like the rest of the Nation I will be hoping & pulling for a sweet Sox sweep.

Just don't be surprised if things turn ugly under the Teflon sky.

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Series Preview: Sox @ Twins

Minnesota Twins (15-13)
AL Central standing: 3.5 games back
Team Avg: .281 (1st in AL) Team ERA: 3.92 (4th)

Pitching matchups:
GM1 FRI, 8EST Wakefield (2-3, 2.59) vs. Silva (2-1, 3.10)
GM2 SAT 7EST Tavarez (1-2, 7.58)vs. Santana (3-2, 3.60)
GM3 SUN 2EST Schilling (3-1, 3.15) vs. Ponson (2-3, 6.67)

KEY PLAYERS:

• Justin Morneau- the reigning AL MVP is off to another good start, hitting .270 with a team-leading 6 homers and 17 RBI
• Torii Hunter- the superb centerfielder is blazing hot right now and has seemed to put his playoff gaffe behind him. Hunter leads the Twins with 6 homers, 14 doubles, 20 RBI, 20 runs and 6 steals, and he has hit in 18 straight games, raising his average from .250 to .330
• Joe Mauer- oh yeah, the reigning batting champ is also off to a torrid start, too. He's 5th in the league in batting at .354 and looks to be the heir apparent to Mike Piazza as the next great hitting catcher
• Johan Santana- the two-time Cy Young winner is not exactly tearing it up so far this season, but you know by the end of the year he'll be in the running for another Cy for the mantle

Although the Twins are leading the league in batting, overall they are not impressing anyone so far. But after what happened with them last season, nobody's counting them out of the race.

Minny languished for over half the season before it got hot and caught & passed the Detroit Tigers for the Central title on the final weekend of play, then came crashing down when it got swept by Oakland in the Division Series. But the team could boast of the league's best hitter (Mauer), pitcher (Cy-tana) and player (Morneau), although fans of David Ortiz think it's ludicrous that the guy won the award over Papi.

This season they seem to be following the same pattern-lay low for a half a year, then come on strong late. The team was really affected down the stretch in '06 by the loss of phenom Francisco Liriano, who jumped out to a 12-3 start, then had to shut it down and have Tommy John surgery.

That loss has also carried over to the staff this season, as Cy-tana has to shoulder the load of being the 1st, 2nd & 3rd best starters on the team. To make matters worse, normally solid closer Joe Nathan has had his troubles so far; he's blown 1 save and taken a bad loss, both versus the Rays, and he's given up 19 hits and 5 runs in 13.1 innings

Boston may have closer troubles of its own, though, as Jonathan Papelbon has been unavailable to pitch since his 35-pitch, blown save meltdown Wednesday night. Could just be precautionary, could be related to his shoulder woes from his phenomenal rookie campaign, when he and Liriano were running neck & neck for the Rookie of the Year until both had to shut it down. If he can't answer the bell tonight, then RSN should start worrying.

Luckily for Boston their offense has been able to compensate for any pitching problems- just ask Dice-K. With Lowell on fire, Manny heating up, and Papi providing the necessary key hit or RBI, this team is as loaded as any in the league, and ready to start this 6 game road trip off on a high note.

Especially with the Gascan facing Cy-tana in Game 2 tomorrow.

Go Sox!

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Opening Day: The Aftermath

From the reaction of fans, talk radio hosts and writers in both the "traditional" media and the blogosphere, the sky is already falling in on the Sox championship dreams after yesterday's disheartening opening loss.

Curt Schilling is taking the brunt of the abuse, which is somewhat deserved and definitely not unexpected given the merciless nature of Red Sox Nation, for everything from his blog to his caring more about a contract extension than winning games. Callers to WEEI have labeled him a "mediocre pitcher", and it is blatantly obvious that members of the traditional media, i.e. newspapers and newscasts, dislike the notion of Curt keeping a running diary of his life while he is supposed to be giving his all in attempting to win another championship for Boston.

Let me just say a couple of things here:

1.) opening day is meaningless. It is another game that is hyped beyond belief because it is the one day of the year that every team is in the playoff race, where every team is on a level playing field yet still in spring training mode, therefore guaranteeing anything can happen.

2.) keeping a blog is not about to affect Schill's pitching any more than stumping for politicians, calling in to sports talk radio shows or sparring with opposing players/mangers has for the last few years. The guy is a different kind of ace, the anti-Steve Carlton, who craves the spotlight, the media attention, and all the accoutrements that come with being a World Series hero twice over and a surefire Hall of Famer. So let Curt Be Curt, and at least wait until he suffers few more embarrassing losses before getting on his case

Coming on the heels of the first loss and with an off day today I though now would be a good time to go over my Top 10 questions surrounding this Sox team going into the 2007 season. Plus I sifted through my notes and realized I forgot to do it before the season.

1.)How will Daisuke Matsuzaka adjust to MLB & the USA?
This guy has about 7 or 8 different pitches, so it will be up to major league hitters to adjust to him as much as anything. Plus he is about as calm a newcomer as you'll ever see, and his easy going demeanor and lack of understanding of the English language will only help him when it comes time to deal with the Boston fans & media. If anyone can easily adapt to a new country & league, it's Dice-K. Expect 18 wins, 250+Ks and an ERA in the high 2.00s/low 3.00s.

2.)WWJDDD?
In case you didn't bring your hip slang dictionary those initials stand for What Will J.D. Drew Do?, and next to Dice-K that is the most talked about subject involving this team in the offseason. That's what happens when you spend $70 mil on a guy who is perceived to be an injury-prone player who lacks the desire necessary to play in Fenway.

But in my opinion Drew is in the perfect situation: he's not being counted on to be "the man", he will have a bunch of guys hitting ahead of him who will be on base a lot, ensuring that he sees plenty of quality pitches, and his perceived lack of mental toughness and psychical stamina are things that are going to drive him to be the best player he can be.

Or he'll be a complete bust. But I pick A.

3.)Who's gonna close?
As I said, this list was culled from my pre-season notes. Thanks to Mr. Papelbon's largess, this question has been resolved. Move along.

4.)Can Schill stay healthy and still be effective?
Boy I wish I had answered this one before yesterday. Despite the opening day horror show I'm going to give this one a yes. He still has the talent, desire and health to do what he needs to do, but judging by yesterday Schill's best at his advanced age might not be good enough against some of the tougher batters in the league. Can he still be a dominant starter? Doubtful. But he can be an effective one, and as long as he is still wanting to go out there and try to get guys out I;m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he can still do it with regularity. Yesterday's outing non withstanding.

5.)Will Gopherball Beckett keep the ball in the yard?
Tough one here because the man is first & foremost a fireballer, and by definition fireballers tend to give up a lot of homers. But if new pitching coach John Farrell can get Beckett to stop relying on his fastball so much, especially early in games & counts, he should cut down from his league-leading total of 36 from 2006.

6.)Will Lowell repeat or regress?
He was the throw in player in the Beckett deal because Florida wanted to unload his inflated salary ($9 mil) and apparently declining bat. All Lowell did in his first season in Boston was play stellar third base, tear the cover off the ball for the first three months of the season, rip 47 doubles and knock in 80 runs while batting .287 and endeared himself to the Fenway faithful.

But can he keep it up, or will he regress back to his 2005 form, when he batted .236 with only 58 knocked in?

I doubt he will be able to duplicate his success of 2006; I think a lot of that had to do with proving to everyone that he was better than a throw-in due to an albatross contract, so that motivation will be gone, and he is a year older (now 33.) I think Mike will regress somewhat, possibly batting in the .270s with 35 or so doubles and 65 knocked in, but he will still play a mean hot corner and be a fan favorite because of his work ethic, attitude, and desire to win.

7.)Can Coco come back from an injury-plagued 2006?
There is less pressure on Coco this year because he won't have to worry about hitting leadoff now that Lugo is here. Yet less pressure in Coco's situation still qualifies as a ton of pressure. That's what happens when you are expected to replace a key cog from a championship team, and after breaking his finger last April, Crisp never really got a chance to do that.

The Epstein, who took a gamble on believeing that Coc could replace Demon's productivity in center/leadoff, admitted in a WEEI interview last month that Coco was "90-95% affected by the injury" last season. He'll get his chance tp prove his boss right this year, but anything less than a .280 average, 20-30 steals and superb defense in center will get the man with the cute name on the next bus out of Beantown.

8.)How will Papelbon adjust to the rotation?
See #3

9.)How long before MannyBeingManny rears it's ugly, dreadlocked head?
The over/under is usually the All Star Break, so I'm gonna play it safe and go with that answer.
Unless you count the car & grill auctions, but that was just MBM, Spring Training Edition.

10.)Can Papi put together another MVP-like season?
Unless he decided to alter his diet, swing, or training regimen there is absolutely no reason why Big Papi should not put up comparable numbers to what he has done for the last 3 seasons, meaning an average of 47 homers, 141 RBIs, a .280-.300 average and a slugging percentage over .600. As long as ManRam is hitting behind him Papi will continue to see enough pitches to put up those lofty numbers, and as long as he does that the Sox will be right in the hunt to play in late October.

Did I kill enough time/make everyone forget about that ugly loss for a while? Good. Now let's have them get back on the field and show those Royals which team has the superior players, management, and payroll!

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