Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump...where Lackey continues down the comeback trail

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.

Lackey earned the win, his first since April 28, improving to 2-4, lowering his ERA from 4.05 to 3.31. 

“The record doesn’t indicate or reflect how well he’s pitched,” manager John Farrell said. “Now, some of that was self-induced two starts ago. But I think he’s shown better power, better quality of repertoire, than maybe the win-loss and ERA might otherwise indicate. I think most importantly, though, he continues to come out of every start feeling great, physically. His work in between has been consistent, and there’s no reason that type of performance today or in recent starts shouldn’t continue.”

Lackey went six innings, giving up one unearned run on one hit with no walks and five strikeouts, as he threw 50 of his 84 pitches for strikes. When rain delayed the game for three hours in the middle of the seventh inning, Lackey’s day was done. 

CSNNE | Lackey gives up one hit in win vs. Twins

Many have been surprised by Lackey's strong 2013, but faithful Ted's Army readers know most of our staff was bullish on him headed into the year. The more good starts Lackey strings together, the more it looks like his Red Sox career has progressed thusly:

In 2010 he was pressing at the beginning of the season, whether due to pressure from his contract, being out of shape, acclimating to a new team for the first time in eight years, bad luck, or some combination thereof. He settled down and had a really solid second half -- a 3.97 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 102 innings, but only a 5-6 record over those games, allowing those of us who were disgusted by his first half to cling to our hatred of him.

In 2011, years of being a workhorse caught up with him, and he pitched hurt without admitting it (or without the Red Sox medical staff properly diagnosing it). He was awful all year, somehow pitching 160 innings of 6.41 ERA. The arm injury was finally discovered and treated, leading to the lost 2012.

Now it's 2013, he's had a year of rest and rehab, he's in good shape, and he's looking like the old Lackey.

It's fun to hate on guys -- especially big-money busts, and even more especially guys who appear to be unlikeable off the field -- but it really looks like we might have jumped the gun on Lackey. It might not be him not caring at all, it may just be years of workload combined with pressure and maybe a dusting of bad clubhouse created the monster we saw in 2011. 

But hey, what do I know. Maybe he's a jerk and is terrible, and this batch of starts is the anomaly. I hope not, cause this team is really benefiting from this John Lackey, a half game out of first and on an MLB-best five-game winning streak.

On page 2, another good sign for the Sox.

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox have no closer

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 wanted to write about Stephen Drew's fantastic night at the plate and his "coming out" party for the Boston Red Sox. However the Red Sox now stare at a major issue, where they have no closer.

Against all odds, from an early deficit to losing a one-run lead in the ninth inning, the Red Sox found a way to close out the Minnesota Twins in an 11-inning marathon last night at Fenway Park.

Now, the Sox must find a new closer.

Hours after Andrew Bailey went on the disabled list with inflammation in his right biceps, Joel Hanrahan walked off the mound in the ninth inning of an interminable 6-5 victory over the Twins with what the Red Sox have diagnosed as a strained right forearm that sounded even more ominous based on the right-hander’s description of what occurred.

Hanrahan traced the injury to a “pull” that he felt on a pitch that went to the backstop early in the ninth. After a few more pitches, Hanrahan thought the sensation had subsided, but after walking Josh Willingham, he tried throwing to first base.

“I got to the point where I tried to make a pickoff (throw) to first, and the ball barely got there,” Hanrahan said. “I threw one more, and I just couldn’t take it any more.”

Hanrahan will undergo an MRI exam today to determine the severity of the injury. But the Sox already are planning on life without both of their closers.

Herald: Joel Hanrahan hurt in Red Sox 11-inning win

It's pretty amazing that the Red Sox lost two legit closers in less than a week. There's a chance that Hanrahan could be back, but all signs are pointing that he will head to the DL, especially since it's dealing with it's throwing arm.

If all goes well with Bailey during his recovery, he should be on track to return next week. But given his injury history, one can't help but be worried about his situation.

In the meantime, which pitcher will John Farrell hand the ball to in the ninth-inning to close out games?

The first obvious candidate is Koji Uehara. For the most part, he has been the anchor of the back of the bullpen and has a brief history closing out games. However, Farrell has been cautious in using Uehara too much. He's 38-years-old and the Red Sox can't burn him out. Plus, do you really want to lose Uehara in that nearly flawless eighth-inning setup role?

Another candidate is Junichi Tazawa, who has been solid thus far. He's much younger and has a better staminia than Uehara. Tazawa has has a range of pitches that could be lethal to batters in the ninth...just as long as he can maintain control of that nasty sinker.

Like I said, this could be a case where the Red Sox may have to simply do some patch-work until Bailey returns next week. Let's hope he's on track to return then.

Rest of the links - Globe: Drew's double in the 11th gives Red Sox win over Twins | Herald: Clay Buchholz controversy still spinning | Herald: Stephen Drew finally connects with rhythm at plate | Herald: Dustin Pedroia breaks out the power | CSNNE.com: Drew does work at the plate in Sox win | Projo: With a month to go before the June draft, it's crunch time for prospects, too

 

 

 

Your Morning Dump...Where Lackey gets beat down in Texas...again

(AP Photo/LM Otero)
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’ve pretty much done everything in this place,” he said. “I’ve pitched good here, I’ve been terrible here and pretty much everything in between.”

He’s had a start where he struck out 12 Rangers in six innings.

He had a start where he gave up nine runs and didn’t last five innings.

Then, there was 2009, when his entire start consisted of two pitches.

The first went behind Rangers’ leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler, and the second hit him in the left side.

“I got knocked out for a different reason,” Lackey joked. “I got asked to leave.”

Globe: John Lackey's struggles in Texas continue

Ok, so, John Lackey didn't necessarily get "beat down" by the Rangers, but it was a loss. Lackey certainly wasn't his surprising self as he was in his last outing. Also, in his defense, he didn't get any run support, as the Rangers silenced the Sox bats again.

There should be no concern regarding Lackey's outing, or the Sox lack of offense. Giving up 3 runs, on 6 hits and walking 3 over a 5 inning span isn't the worst we have seen from John Lackey. Two games combining for 1 run of offense is not unheard of.

Texas is a very good team with a very good pitching staff, and have done a very good job containing the Sox' bats. The Rangers have the upper hand in today's pitching match-up, so don't be surprised if the Sox get swept.

On Page 2, Andrew Bailey will be examined on Monday

Your Morning Dump...where Hanrahan returns, Bailey ousted?

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.

With Daniel Bard being sent back down to Double-A Portland, Joel Hanrahan is set to be activated prior to tonight's game in Toronto. However, the question remains: should Andrew Bailey be removed and Hanrahan inserted back into the closer's role?

Hanrahan, who made two rehab appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket, is expected to be activated from the DL on Tuesday for the start of a three-game series in Toronto. Right-hander Daniel Bard has been optioned back to Double-A Portland, opening a roster spot for Hanrahan.
 
In his two outings, Friday and Sunday, Hanrahan went a combined two innings, giving up two runs on two hits, with a home run, one walk, and one strikeout. On Sunday, he threw a scoreless inning in the Paw Sox loss to Columbus, with one walk on 17 pitches, eight strikes.
 
Farrell has not said if Hanrahan would reclaim the closer role or if it is Bailey’s. The pitchers say they don’t know, either.
 
“They haven’t really talked to me yet. So we’ll see,” Bailey said. “Hopefully we get him back soon.

“I think the organization knows what I want to do and they know what he wants to do. Everybody wants to close. The decision’s up to them. And it’s just nice, to kind of feel like the guy they traded for again and be healthy out there. But that being said, I think we got 25 guys on the same page and we all want to get to the playoffs and go to the World Series. That’s the ultimate goal."

CSNNE.com: Door still open for decision on Red Sox closer

There's really two sides to this debate. For one, a player should never lose his position due to an injury. In this case, Hanrahan seemingly struggled due to his injured hamstring affecting his pitching mechanics. Therefore, he should be given another shot to prevail at his original role as closer.

The other alternative is to ride out your hot hand, which has been Andrew Bailey. He looks a thousand times better than last season and really has electric stuff and command closing out games. If it ain't broken, don't fix it...right?

Here's how I see it playing out: Hanrahan will be given another shot. I lean more towards riding the hot hand in Bailey, but I agree with the notion that no player should ever lose his job to injury.

However, Hanrahan has to ultimately prove that the injury was the reason for his poor performance and blown saves. I also think you'll see Farrell at times carefully play the matchup game switching between Hanrahan and Bailey. That could be a dangerous situation playing with their roles, but I think Farrell is one of the few that could effective manage that.

Rest of the links: Globe: Coaching staff deserves credit for Red Sox’ hot start | Herald: John Farrell, Juan Nieves bring out best in co-aces | Herald: Shane in pain | CSNNE.com Middlebrooks hopes his sophomore slump is over | Projo: Like Daniel Bard, Ryan Rowland-Smith looking for answers

Your Morning Dump...where the Red Sox may have a Closer controversy

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.

Andrew Bailey, who shared American League co-Player of the Week with fellow Red Sox Mike Napoli, added yet another save in the team's 9-6 victory over the Oakland A's last night at Fenway.

When Stephen Drew opened the season on the disabled list, Red Sox manager John Farrell resolved that the veteran shortstop wouldn’t lose his job because of an injury, regardless of how many hits were piled up by upstart fill-in Jose Iglesias.

Farrell has not yet made the same commitment to closer Joel Hanrahan.

Hanrahan threw 30 pitches (mostly fastballs) in the bullpen at Fenway Park yesterday, the first time he has pitched off a mound since he was sidelined April 16, and didn’t report any pain in his strained right hamstring. He is scheduled for another bullpen session tomorrow, then perhaps a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend.

But while Hanrahan is eligible to be activated from the disabled list April 29, Farrell isn’t making any guarantees that he will return as the closer.

“I think we’ll get through the rehab assignments and get him back here before we address that,” Farrell said before last night’s series opener against the Oakland Athletics. “I think it’s probably a little bit premature to state anything along those lines.”

Herald: Hanrahan's job on hold

With Hanrahan beginning his rehab process from his hamstring injury, he is likely due back soon. So what does that mean for Bailey?

Here's how I see it going down in the following weeks:

Hanrahan will return in about two weeks, possibly less. He will return to his original role as closer and Bailey will shift back into a set-up role, along with Koji Uehara. Hanrahan will cough up a few more save opportunites and eventually be dealt in advance of the July 31st trade deadline. Bailey will be the Red Sox closer by the latest August 1st.

Even though it's been a short stint of success, Bailey has the makeup and actual finesse to be an effective closer in Boston. He has pinpoint control with outstanding breaking pitches to compliment his fastball. Hanrahan is just straight gas. That's about it.

Hanrahan was acquired on a one-year deal and is truly a win-win for GM Ben Cherington. If he is a success and closes out 30-plus games, super. If not, deal him back to the National League to a team in need of a closer (Cardinals?) and insert another option (Bailey) from the Red Sox deep bullpen. No harm done.

Either way, when's the last time the Red Sox had a closer controversy? Keith Foulke vs Jonathan Papelbon in 2005? These situations are always interesting to follow and quite frankly, are a positive sign of any team's bullpen. Imagine if the Sox had no other reliable options and put all their money on Hanrahan? Yikes.

Buckle up Red Sox nation. The closer debates are coming!

Rest of the links - Globe: Red Sox’ Joel Hanrahan OK after bullpen session | Globe: Sox slam the door shut | Globe: Felix Doubront sets career high for pitch count | Herald: Napoli, Middlebrooks power Red Sox past A's | Herald: Napoli impressing Red Sox teammates with power display | WEEI.com: Farrell: ‘A little premature’ to say if Andrew Bailey or Joel Hanrahan will close | 

Your Morning Dump...where Hanrahan had quite the meltdown.

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.

Hanrahan, who recorded just two outs, faced seven batters and gave up five runs on three hits, including two home runs, and two walks. He also threw a two-out wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score, before surrendering a game-losing, three-run homer into the Monster Seats by Manny Machado.

“Probably trying to go a little too hard, trying to make things happen with my arm instead of trusting my mechanics," Hanrahan said after the game. "Sometimes you get in a tight situation, you just try and go harder. As athletes we tell ourselves to slow down and relax, and sometimes it’s not that easy.”

Manager John Farrell had some good things to say about Hanrahan's outing.

"[He] had very good stuff [and] looked to be on the verge of closing it out until [a two-out] base-on-balls [to No. 9 hitter Nolan Reimond," said Farrell.

CSNNE: "You could almost see Hanrahan's meltdown coming"

Well Farrell isn't going to come out and bash his closer and technically he WAS a strike away from getting out of the game with his 100th career save. He had the strike against Nate McClouth but the umpire didn't call it.

But how Hanrahan looked last night, he wasn't going to get any calls his way. He was all over the place last night. His was overthrowing his fastball and had no command of his slider whatsoever. Hanrahan even admitted afterwards that he was "trying a little too hard". 

It's been two straight shaky appearences for the Sox closer and is giving some Sox fans flashbacks to the infamous Eric Gagne which is never a good thing. It also doesn't help that Andrew Bailey has looked like a stud every time he's been on the mound this season. Farrell is staying with Hanrahan as closer but if he has a couple more meltdowns like last night, he might have to make a switch.

Globe: Hanrahan blows save | Remy treated for recurrence of cancer | Herald: Drew finally makes debut | Fenway Park streak ran its course | Victorino, Ellsbury miss-communicate |  Dempster minimizes damage despite errors | Hanranhan hands Orioles win in 9th | CSNNE: Humility won't hurt after end of Red Sox streak | Hanrahan implodes in ninth | WEEI: This is where it gets interesting | Farrell on Hanrahan: "Obviously, he's our closer" | Hanrahan implodes in Sox loss | Remy says he's fine after cancer relapse

Ted's Army Season Preview Part One

Baseball is finally here. While Spring Training can hold people off, many are fiending for the season to start. We're right there with you. We look forward to the brutal grind of the baseball season. The braintrust behind Ted's Army came together and put out expectations for our beloved Boston Red Sox and how they would fair in the 2013 campaign. Without further ado... I give you part one of the Ted's Army season preview.

 

Who will pan out to be the best acquisition of the offseason?

Tucker Silva: Koji Uehara Pitched in the AL East for the Orioles in 2011 and had a career-low ERA of 1.72. Uehara will be the anchor of the Red Sox bullpen. Not a bad one-year signing of $4.25 million.

Nick Karalis: Jonny Gomes…I guess:  There was not one acquisition that I was even the least bit excited about, and I should go with no one. Though, if Gomes does get some playing time, he could be good for 15-20 homers and a somewhat decent .260 - .280 BA. I still think the Sox over-paid for him. 

Aaron Gettings:The player formally known as John Lackey.  I've said nothing but vile, terrible things about him since he donned that Sox cap.  But I'm prepared to pretend none of that ever happened.  It's a clean slate for he and I.  He won't let me down.

Ben Fountain: Koji Uehara. I've been smitten with this signing since Day 1. Incredible control, an absurd strikeout-to-walk ratio, can go multiple innings and is just as solid against left-handed batters as he is against righties. He will be the glue guy in the bullpen.

Scott Priest: I'm going to cheat a bit and say the best offseason acquisition was the one we didn't make: There was no panic move to get Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke to get headlines. They also didn't trade out of any of their surpluses (catching, bullpen) when the value wasn't there, which is good.

Bailey diplomatic in addressing the Hanrahan trade

The Red Sox made it very clear after acquiring Joel Hanrahan that the former Pirate would close and incumbent closer Andrew Bailey would be a set-up man.

How is Bailey handling the demotion? Quite well, actually.

Via WEEI:

"I’m excited to have him. I think it makes our bullpen that much stronger," said Bailey.

[...]

"I think that with me and him going eight, nine, that’s kind of set out in the forefront, I like it and I think it makes us that much stronger. The focus is on winning. It makes our team better. Plus, with everyone else in the ‘pen, it makes us one of the strongest assets on the team."

[...]

"Sure, it’s first priority for all relievers to want to close. But it’s not like I’m upset about it or anything. It’s just a tweak in the job description. It’s not the end of anything. It will be good. I’m looking forward to working with [Hanrahan]. I think it’s going to be a great duo down there, and obviously with everyone coming back, it’s going to be awesome. Like I said, there’s going to be a lot of arms to choose from and matchups. It’s going to be a lot of fun."

If you read the rest of his quotes, he says all the right things. He wants to show everyone what he can do. He wants to win. He's excited to be part of the solution.

It's good to see him admit that he would prefer to close -- otherwise I'd assume the whole thing is politics and he's just lying all over the place. It all sounds like his head is screwed on straight. He probably talked to his agent and realized that once you've closed, regardless of what happens to your role you can still get closer money. So when free agency comes in 2015, even if Bailey ends up setting up both of the next two years, he can still bill himself as a closer on the free agent market.

As far as this year goes, I have to agree with Bailey. It sounds like the team focused on making the bullpen a strength. While I've focused on it from an asset perspective in other posts (i.e., being able to trade any of Bailey, Hanrahan, Junichi Tazawa, or Koji Uehara at the deadline), if the team does end up being a contender, a strong bullpen would obviously be a major factor in the postseason.

Andrew Bailey plans on keeping his spot as closer

With the talks of the possibility of bringing in Brian Wilson and questions surrounding his own health, Andrew Bailey doesn't plan on going anywhere. He is confident enough that he has what it takes and he will be ready as the Sox' closer on opening day.

ESPN Boston:

Bailey, limited by injuries to just 15 1/3 innings last season, said he plans to come to camp assuming that he is the team's closer.

"I think I have to," he said. "Right now I would think I'm the only guy in that role. They traded for me for a reason. Last year was very frustrating on a lot of counts. Even when I was healthy, I didn't do my job to my full expectations or the organization's expectations. I'm taking that into my offseason workout, knowing that I've got to hammer down games for this organization and this team and we've got to get to the playoffs.

"That's where my mindset is, and anything else happens, I'm just looking forward to throwing a lot of innings this year. My performance last year, I'll be the first to say wasn't who I was and wasn't anything I was proud of. This year I'm going to go out and do my job. I'm looking forward from Day 1 to the end of the World Series pitching for this organization."

If it were between the two, you have to go with Andrew Bailey. He is younger, healthy (for now), and is already here. It is hard to make assumptions with Andrew Bailey, and Brian Wilson, given their medical history. Bailey could look great until March 29, then injury 52 of his career could occur. With him, we have to take the wait-and-see approach and, well, wait and see if he stays healthy.

ESPN: Andrew Bailey could be available

On a day dominated by the Yankees bringing back old guys, the Red Sox have their own bit of gossip, as Buster Olney tweets of Andrew Bailey's availability.

I would say this one ranks even lower in likelihood than the Lester-for-Myers rumor, mainly because Bailey's value is so low it's incomprehensible that the team would pawn him off. 

Last year, the Red Sox acquired Bailey along with Ryan Sweeney for Josh Reddick. Reddick blew up, smacking 32 homers and 29 doubles as an unlikely key cog on an unlikely successful run by the A's. Bailey was hurt, and then pretty bad, compiling a 7+ ERA over 15 innings. 

Now, we all know the team subscribes to the theory that a sunk cost is a sunk cost, but there's also public perception. The Red Sox are not going to send off Bailey for a middling prospect or two when the year before they gave up a 30-home run hitter for him. And no one's going to trade anything more than a middling prospect, so look forward to Bailey as the closer at the start of 2013.

At the deadline, assuming we're well out of contention? Then you might have a different story.