Written by Rob Munstis
| 19 October 2009
I've been knee deep in HTML code for the past few days and there is still plenty of work to be done... but I wanted to check in and let everyone know that The Bottom Line is alive and well.
I have some stuff in the works, but for now, here are a few things have been on my mind since the Sox cleaned out their lockers...
1. There's been lots of talk lately about Theo and his "low risk/high reward" approach. Theo said that just because John Smoltz and Brad penny didn't really pan out last season, doesn't mean he won't look for similar opportunities this off season.
Which leads me to Ben Sheets.
Sheets will turn 32 in July and hasn't pitched since he went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA for the Brewers in 2008. At one time, Sheets had the stuff to win 10-15 games in the NL West... but haven't we learned that injuries + success in the NL West does not equal successful starter in the AL East?
With Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka and Buchholz already locked in, I'd rather see Theo push hard from Felix Hernandez or try for Lackey or Halladay than waste time on Sheets.
2. We need to re-sign Alex Gonzalez. No Tejada, no Cabrera... just sign Gonzo and feel good knowing that you'll have a Gold Glove caliber infield. Would Tejada or Cabrera be an offensive upgrade over Gonzo? Probably, but I'd rather focus on strengthening the offense by keeping Bay and working on another "big bat."
3. This is a little obvious, but I think it's worth stating because, it's pretty impressive when you look at the bog picture: The 2009 Red Sox had seven impact players that all came from the farm system.
Jacoby Ellsbury stole 70 bases and was second only to Youk in BA at .301. Sure we'd like him to talk a little more (.355 OBP) in the leadoff spot, but he's becoming the 5-tool player we hoped he would.
Dustin Pedroia didn't hit .325, but he was one of the best second baseman in the game again this year. The home/road splits were a little concerning this year, but his splits were dead even in 2008 and I think he can get back to those numbers in 2010.
Kevin Youkilis has another .300/25+,90+/90+ season and was invaluable while playing 1B and 3B. Jason Bay may have had 36 ding dongs and 119 RBI, but Youk was the MVP in my opinion thanks to his consistency and team best .413 OBP.
Jon Lester was the ace of the staff this year. He lead the team with a 3.41 ERA and 225 Ks and would have beat Beckett (17) in wins with a little more run support from the offense. Can you imagine this team with Lester and Felix as the 1-2 punch for the next 5 years?
Clay Buchholz finally showed us why Theo refused to trade him. His 4-1, 2.87 26 K/9 BB numbers in September proved to me that he can be a solid No. 3 and that makes the very Sox dangerous going forward.
Daniel Bard became a vital member of the bullpen this year and couldn't have looked better in his one playoff opportunity. His 100 MPH fastball is his greatest weapon, but his most valuable asset might be his closer potential. Having Bard enables the Sox to consider trading Jonathan Papelbon - which is huge, considering the contract Paps will be looking for in 2011. The Sox can trade Paps now or groom Bard in 2010 and trade Papelbon next offseason, but just having the option is a bonus.
Speaking of Paps... he may have blown Game 3 and he may run his mouth, but he's been a Top 5 closer in the AL since he took over the role in 2006. He's averaged 38 saves a season, while posting a career 1.84 ERA and .198 BAA... and he made half of what K-Rod (35 SV, 3.71 ERA) is making for the Mets.
Bottom Line: We've been spoiled and I don't know if we all take time to appreciate how amazing the kids have been or how crucial they have been to payroll flexibility.
More to come soon. Thanks for reading.
Rob
