Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Embree draws a line in the sand

Alan Embree has had enough of the waiting.  He's either going to the big club by the end of this week... or he's outta here.

"There's not going to be any extending of the deadline anymore. I've been a good soldier, I did whatever's asked, and I did what it took to get ready," Embree said today in Pawtucket, where he is working himself into major league shape.

"If something hasn't happened by the 30th, I think they know that I'm not going to consider staying. So it's pretty much cut-and-dried. If I don't hear anything, I get on a plane and head home until I have a new job," Embree said.

You look at the way this bullpen has performed so far and tell me why the Red Sox should let this guy walk?  How much worse can it get right now?

Sox Losing Their Luster?

From USA Today:

Fenway Park remains sold out for every Red Sox home game, but the level of what the market -- the secondary ticket market -- will bear has taken a nose dive more precipitous than the Red Sox's fourth-place start or even David Ortiz's production.

According to SeatGeek.com, which tracks prices for resold tickets for all teams, tickets to Red Sox home games were selling for an average of 230% of face value ($88.96) before the season began. By the third week of the season, the average price had tumbled to $71.07, or 122% of face value.

First off, every home game is a sellout, so let's not try to look too deeply into this information.  The Sox are definitely still a draw in Boston, and it would take a colossally-bad team to keep the fans out of Fenway.

Second, neither USA Today nor SeatGeek.com provide any historical point of reference within their articles.  How has the secondary ticket market performed over the course of the past few seasons?  What was the percentage over face value?  Is it possible that the economy has played a significant role in this?  We have no idea.

Granted, a more-than 100% decrease in percentage is quite a large dropoff, and I'm not too naive to think that on-filed performance doesn't factor into the equation.  However, the first two series were against the Yankees and Tampa Bay, which are definitely a hotter ticket than the Rangers or Orioles.

But without any historical point of reference, it's tough to draw any type of conclusion from this information.

Are you less inclined to head down to Fenway due to their slow start?  Is the prospect of watching Josh or Youk or Papi less of a draw because of the standings?  I doubt it.

Oh, and if you pop over to the USA Today site, be sure to check-out the lone comment.  Vierajohn's sentence structure could not even be compared to a kindergartner's favorably.

Your Morning Dump.. Where the 'pen dropped a deuce

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

I couldn’t get them to chase on a couple of pitches,” Atchison said. “That happens sometimes. Things don’t work out.” Atchison opened the 10th by giving up a single up the middle to Tejada, who went to third on a double to left by Luke Scott. Atchison ended his day by walking Ty Wigginton to load the bases.

Asked if there has been added pressure on the bullpen to get outs, given the team’s across-the-board early-season problems, Atchison said, “For me, every outing is a big outing. I take the same approach no matter what the situation.

“But when you get a chance to pitch in a tie game, you want to show that you can handle the situation. And I know I can handle the situation. Today just didn’t work out. It wasn’t my day to be successful, for whatever reason. It’s just a matter of executing and getting the job done. Today, I didn’t get it done.”

Said Schoeneweis: “It’s unfortunate that all the runs were scored on those two ground balls.”

Overall, it was not a good homestand for the Sox. In the final series with Baltimore, the relievers combined to allow 18 hits in 8 2/3 innings and post an 11.43 ERA.

Herald- Call to arms goes unanswered again

Well it looks like we found out how long this bullpen can last.  They can't even stay sharp in a weekend series against the worst team in baseball. Atchison is having a rough stint with the Sox and last night may have been his last chance to stay with this team. He's looking like the odd man out with our old friend Alan Embree waiting to come back to Boston.

There still are some bright spots in the 'pen though. Daniel Bard looked incredible hitting 100 on the gun and throw some nasty sliders to boot. Manny Delcarmen is finally getting his act together and throwing 95 again. Papelbon is Papelbon. Maybe the Sox put Embree and  Buchholz instead of Wake in the 'pen, it can be a good, consistent bullpen.

On Page 2, Jed Lowrie is getting healthier.

Ellsbury, Cameron Getting Healthy

From WEEI.com:

In a sign that both are making progress, Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron will be making the upcoming six-game road trip with the Red Sox. The two disabled players will be able to take part in baseball related activities, according to manager Terry Francona.

“If we weren’t able to do baseball things, we would’ve left them home,” Francona said. “I don’t think we have any idea on timetables, if they’re going to travel with us, that means they’re going to be able to do some baseball things, which is good.”

Francona also indicated that the disabled Cameron [lower abdominal strain] will likely be able to take part in some hitting on the trip while he continues his recovery.

Meanwhile, Ellsbury is technically eligible to come off the disabled list from a hairline fracture of four ribs on Tuesday.

Francona also stated that Lowrie, who's lost about 10 pounds from his bout with mono, has been able to work out in back-to-back days, and that Alan Embree "has been very efficient".

I imagine Embree is walking around with an extra hop in his step today after that glowing endorsement.

Bullpen hands one to Orioles

The Orioles tagged the Sox bullpen for 5 runs and 7 hits in today's 7-6 10 inning win.

Hideki Okajima gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in the 7th with the Sox leading 4-1. In the 10th, Scott Atchinson loaded the bases and Scott Schoenweis promptly allowed 3 runs on 2 singles.

A bright spot? Wakefield gave up 2 runs on 7 hits in 6.2 innings.

Box score

Your Morning Dump... Where the HR frenzy continues

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Marco Scutaro’s go-ahead, three-run blast was only the beginning of the Sox’ seventh-inning surge. Dustin Pedroia followed with a double and Victor Martinez walked. The Orioles yanked Matt Albers in favor of Kam Mickolio, but it made no difference. Kevin Youkilis then at least had the decency to wait a pitch before launching a three-run homer of his own. He hit an 0-1 fastball over the Wall in left that made it 7-3.

Herald - Red Sox in seventh heaven

For a team built around 'run prevention,' the Sox sure can bash with the best of the them. With 24 HRs on the season, the Sox currently rank third in the AL (behind Toronto, Chicago).

But as the Herald's Michael Silverman points out, we shouldn't  get caught up in the home runs:

Last year after 18 games, the Red Sox also had 24 home runs. The difference was in overall run production. Last year the Red Sox, besides having Jason Bay with his four home runs at this stage, had also scored 109 runs in their first 18 games - and their record was 12-6. The 2010 Red Sox have scored just 76 times this season, and they are not getting on-base or slugging as well as they were last year.

Speaking of offense, the experiment with Dustin Pedroia batting 3rd is over, for now.

Dustin Pedroia hit second last night after going 1 for 18 in four games as the No. 3 hitter. After grounding out in the first, he was 2 for 3 with a double.

Francona had inserted slumping J.D. Drewinto the second spot, hoping that would get him better pitches to hit. Drew improved only marginally, however, while Pedroia slumped.

So Drew started last night’s game on the bench and Bill Hall was in right field.

“That was one of the reasons. I thought Pedey was trying too hard. We might have done it anyway. It’s a lot easier when J.D.’s not playing,’’ Francona said.

Globe - Red Sox notebook

The Sox also tweaked the roster, acquiring outfielder 30-year old Jonathan Van Every for a player to be named later. Josh Reddick was sent back to Pawtucket. The reason? They want Reddick playing every day.

On Page 2, the resurgence of Jason Varitek.

Ted's Army minor league report

© Tedsarmy.com

TED'S ARMY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Lars Anderson 1B - Portland Sea Dogs (AA)

Lars Anderson has exploded this past week posting some great numbers in Portland.  Over the last 6 games, Anderson has hit .350 with 3 HR, 10 RBI, 2 2B, and 4 BB. Before the week began, Anderson only had 1 HR and 2 RBI.  He now is batting .300 with 4 HR and 12 RBI and a .620 slugging %.  

From Pawtucket:

The Pawsox return home for a 7 game home stand after going 4-2 last week on the road.

With big hitter Darnell McDonald in Boston, short stop Angel Sanchez has taken the top spot on the team with a .340 batting average. For the season, Sanchez has hit .371 against RHP and .417 away from McCoy. 

INF/OF Aaron Bates batted .300 last week, with 1 HR and 3 RBI.  For the season, Bates has a .304 avg, 2 HR, 8 RBI and is hitting .389 against southpaw pitchers.  You may remember Aaron Bates from his short 5 game stint with the Red Sox last July.  In that 5 game stretch, Bates posted a .364 average with 2 doubles and 2 RBI.  That has been the only major league experience for the 26 year old thus far, but I am sure he will see a lot more.   

From Greenville (A):

Catcher Daniel Butler was in the running for player of the week with some great numbers over the past week.  Butler played 4 games last week going 7/16 (.438) with 2 HR and 5 RBI.  His season average is only .263 but he has found a grove and has hit for some power. 

Infielder Zach Gentile is riding a 8 game hit streak, and in that time he is 11/27 (.407), 3 doubles, 4 RBI. Gentile has been on fire all season with a .367 average and a .457 OBP.  

Try to check these guys out, the Pawsox will be home all week and you can't beat the value.  

 

Your Morning Dump.. Where Papi needed his Papi

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Just like in the TV ad, the phone rang, David Ortiz answered, and it was his father.

Papi calling Big Papi.

"I'm coming to Boston,'' Enrique Ortiz said. "Why's that?'' the son asked. "Are you coming to be checked out at the hospital?'' "No,'' the father replied. "I'm coming to hang out with you. I saw you on TV, and you looked really stressed. I want to come and help you relax.''

Enrique Ortiz, who was seriously ill last summer, is much better now. He reacted with delight when his son translated the Direct TV ad, the one in which Ortiz takes a call in the dugout during a game, and goes, "Dad?"

"My father used to call me early in my career and ask me, 'Why do you always take that first strike right down the middle?''' Ortiz said Friday afternoon. "I said, 'Oh, is that right?'

"He said, 'Yeah, I saw it, right on TV.'''

That prompted Ortiz to invite his father to come to Boston for a series against the Yankees years ago. He bought him a ticket right behind home plate, three rows back. "Remember that reliever, the big guy who body-slammed people, Kyle Farnsworth?'' Ortiz said. "He pitched that day, and later Mariano [Rivera] came in, too. "

After the game, I saw my dad in the parking lot, and his eyes were this wide -- he looked like an owl. He says, 'Everything seemed so fast. Now I know. I'm done with telling you what to do.'''

That was the end of the long-distance batting tips. But a father still has a sense of when he might be needed by his son. This was one of those times, with Ortiz struggling to snap out of an early-season slump, peaking this week with the embarrassment of being lifted for a pinch hitter Tuesday night.

ESPNBoston-Ortiz finds perspective

And boy did it help. Ortiz cranked his first homer of the year and hopefully this is the start of Ortiz coming through. While it's hard to put so much on one hit, everyone was waiting for something to root for Papi. Let's now back off on him a little bit so he doesn't freak out and maybe hit 20-30 HR. He'll get back into it, so let's move on.

On Page 2, Wakefield going to the 'pen is a bad idea.

Orioles/Red Sox series preview

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Probable Pitchers:

Friday (7:10, NESN) - Jeremy Guthrie, RHP (0-2, 3.15 ERA) vs. Jon Lester, LHP (0-2, 8.44 ERA)

Saturday (7:10, NESN) - Brian Matusz, LHP (2-0, 4.34 ERA) vs. John Lackey, RHP (1-1, 5.63 ERA)

Sunday (1:35, NESN) - David Hernandez, RHP (0-3, 4.67 ERA) vs. Tim Wakefield, RHP (0-1, 6.38 ERA)

Who will go off: I am going to recycle this one...Hopefully everyone!  The 2-14 Baltimore Orioles are in town, it is time to get the rhythm and hit.  Boston scored 15 runs in the first two games of the Texas series, it's time to score 15 runs a game against the Orioles. This series should be the one that gives Sox batters and pitchers the confidence they need to shut everyone up.

Who needs to be stopped: No Orioles player has shown the opposition any significant threat in the early going.  The only player batting over .300 for the season is Felix Pie.  Pie is batting .400 (8/20) with a solo homer and 2 doubles...not a huge threat.  Ty Wigginton has shown the most power for the birds hitting 5 home runs and driving in 11.  This will be a great line up for Sox pitchers to face and, as said before, regain confidence.  

The Sox will lose the series if...They get stuck in the same rut.  Pitching needs to come through.  Sox hitting looked good in the first two games of the Rangers series but the pitching gave up too many runs.  If the pitching can't overtake the Orioles, the Sox will be in huge trouble.  The Sox need to show their pitching should be feared and this will be a good jump off point. 

Miscellany: Since 2006, Boston is 55-17 against the Orioles.  History is on our side, and I know that historically April is a great month for the Sox, but there is a week left in the month.  Boston is tied for second in the majors with 20 home runs and Baltimore stands at 4th in hits, allowing 150 thus far.   Baltimore does have a better team ERA (4.51) than Boston (4.62) have given up 14 home runs where the Sox have served up 17. 

Prediction:

3-0 sweep of the Orioles

Sox Looking To Make Extremely Small Defensive Upgrade Behind The Plate

File this one under: "Why Bother", but according to FoxSports, the Sox are looking to acquire current Arizona catcher Chris Snyder.

Snyder is on the Sox’s “down-the-road hit list,” according to one major-league source.

Snyder, 29, figures to be one of several options – and not necessarily the most appealing.

He is expensive, earning $4.75 million this season and $5.75 million in 2011.

He also has a history of injuries; the Blue Jays reportedly backed out of a Lyle Overbay-for-Snyder trade last winter over concerns about Snyder’s surgically repaired back.

The Red Sox are one of the few clubs that could absorb Snyder’s salary, or a good portion of it. Opposing base stealers were 26-for-31 off Snyder last season and they’re 10-for-12 this season. But his career success rate is a respectable 25.9 percent.

We can look at this one of two ways.  Either we're targeting another horrible defensive catcher that teams will run wild on.  Or, Synder has already singlehandedly thrown out more basestealers than Martinez and Varitek combined!

Whether your glass is half-full or half-empty, after reading this nonsense, it's most likely full of vomit.