Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Middlebrooks returns to lineup

@nickcafardo - Boston Globe

There it is, folks. Middlebrooks in, Iglesias out. This doesn't necessarily mean Jose will be sent back down to Pawtucket, he will likely stick around to platoon. Ciriaco will likely be the odd man out.

In his 5 game with Pawtucket, Will Middlebrooks went 5-for-17, with 2 homers, and 6 RBI.

The Sox made it very clear that Middlebrooks would be inserted into the Red Sox lineup as soon as he is ready. It is too bad it had to happen during a 13-game hitting streak and an amazing offensive performance for Jose Iglesias. We'll just have to see if Farrell will give Drew a few extra days off.

Sox make 6 roster moves; Victorino and Middlebrooks to the DL

The Providence Journal's Tim Britton best sums up the flurry of Red Sox roster moves.

Will Middlebrooks' back spasms last night are clearly a problem -- or perhaps this is a convenient way to get him a breath so he can work on a few things without being in games. The Victorino move is not surprising -- the guy last played on Monday.

The other moves are a little surprising. Jose Iglesias is one game into his 3B experiment, and now he's playing it in the big leagues (he's starting there tonight). And Alfredo Aceves is...well, I think we all know the story with Al. Somehow he's our best option, but given the beating the pitching staff has been taking, he'll be useful. One more pitcher means the bench is thinner, so look for more Mike Carp and Jonny Gomes over the next couple of weeks.

The full lineup for tonight, along with starter John Lackey:

Ellsbury CF
Nava RF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Napoli 1B
Saltalamacchia C
Carp LF
Drew SS
Iglesias 3B

Your Morning Dump...where Middlebrooks turns a corner

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 both the Bruins winning in OT and the Red Sox come-from-behind win, it was a fantastic night for Boston sports to say the least. Will Middlebrooks played hero for the Sox last night.

Will Middlebrooks’ slump finally died last night.

It happened at about 10:30 p.m., so you probably missed it, considering the Bruins were thundering away in overtime back home. But down to his last strike, and with the Red Sox trailing by two runs with two outs in the ninth inning, Middlebrooks lined a changeup from Tampa Bay closer Fernando Rodney into left-center field for a three-run double.

The short-term consequence: A come-from-behind 4-3 victory, the Red Sox’ first when trailing after eight innings, in the finale of a three-game series against an American League East rival.

But it meant so much more.

“I think it can have a carryover,” manager John Farrell said after the Sox won their second consecutive game and for only the fourth time in 13 games. “We’ve come through a pretty tough 10-day stretch. Even though we were going up against a guy (Rodney) who’s got tremendous stuff, there was no give-up, there was no letdown.”

And it was Middlebrooks, tortured for the past six weeks, who delivered the big hit.

Herald: Red Sox rally on Will Middlebrooks’ bat

It has been a struggle for Middlebrooks this season. Expected to serve as middle-of-the-order right-handed power bat to rake in RBI, the 24-year-old has failed to deliver on multiple key situations. However last night, Middlebrooks may have turned a corner.

Down to the Sox last strike and trailing 3-1 in the ninth inning, Middlebrooks stepped to the plate to face Rays' closer Fernando Rodney with the bases loaded. Given Middlebrooks's struggles thus far, this was big for not only himself, but for Red Sox nation's confidence in this kid...and boy did he deliver.

Middlebrooks hit an absolute laser in left-center field all the way to the wall, clearing the bases and pushing the Sox to a 4-3 lead, which ended up being the final score.

In his last six games, Middlebrooks is hitting .296 with a home run, five RBI and seven doubles. His batting average has also finally passed .200 (from .192 to .211 over that span). A clutch moment like last night against a divisional rivial could be exactly what both this offense and Middlebrooks himself needs.

Let's hope this momentum carries over into Minnesota, where the Sox are looking for some redemption.

Rest of the links- Globe: Perserverance pays off for Middlebrooks | Globe: Red Sox rally past Rays, 4-3, in ninth inning | Globe: Bailey expected back on Monday, will close | Globe: Mixed results for Doubront against Rays | Herald: Shane Victorino quite the catch | Herald: Red Sox steal drama trick from Bruins | CSNNE.com: Sox beat Rays with 9th-inning rally, 4-3 | CSNNE.com: Doubront, Farrell happy with progress on mound | CSNNE.com: Victorino making impact for Sox in field

Scuffling Will Middlebrooks out of lineup tonight in Cleveland

The Sox just released their lineup for tonight's game against the Indians and there's one major omission: Will Middlebrooks. Will will be replaced by Pedro Ciriaco at the hot corner after going two for his last 30. 

Aside from that Toronto game in which he hit three home runs a combined 6,000 feet, Middlebrooks has been atrocious this year. He got off on a bad foot by playing opening day through a pretty serious fever, but he hasn't been able to recover.

His big problem continues to be plate discipline. He's got just three walks on the year versus 18 strikeouts. If you check out his Fangraphs page you can see that his swing percentages both in and out of the strike zone are far higher than league averages -- 32% vs. 28% on pitches outside the zone, 68% vs. 64% inside the zone, and 50% vs. 45% overall. His contact percentages -- perhaps obviously -- go the other way, as he's well down on contact both in and outside the zone as well.

How well he matures and advances in this respect will say a lot about what kind of career Will is going to have. It's a similar situation Jacoby Ellsbury faced early on, when he seemed to be more of a free-swinging slap hitter. He got much more patient and became much more feared.

Can Middlebrooks do the same? We'll have to hope so, because he seems to be the full package. He's at least to this point not done anything controversial off the field, and his defense appears to be a plus. He's obviously got the power when he does make contact. Now we just need to see if he can start seeing the ball better, and putting a better swing on the ball when he gets the chance. Hopefully a day off is the first step in the right direction.

Ted's Army Season Preview Part Three

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  the third and final part of the Ted's Army season preview.

Who will be the “10th-man” of the year?

Tucker Silva: Brock Holt. He will most likely not begin the year with the club, but Holt will make is way to the majors in June (I base that on absolutely nothing). In 24 games with the Pirates, Holt made a little noise batting .292. He won’t have glaring stats with the Red Sox, but he’ll develop to be a bench guy Farrell can rely on.

Nick Karalis: Daniel Nava. If he sticks around the entire season, he will be a valuable asset with his newly acquired versatility to play the OF and 1B. He gives 110% every game and has the potential to put up some good offensive numbers.

Aaron Gettings: CIRIACO(!!!)  Not only was he one of the only Sox players worth watching as last season was winding down, he had a knack for coming through in big spots.  While the organization was crumbling around him, Ciraco showed heart, hustle, energy, and just a general sense of fun.  Even in a reduced role, I see no reason Ciraco can't have a major impact on this Sox squad.

Ben Fountain: I have to agree with Aaron and say Pedro Ciriaco. He can play anywhere on the left side of the infield, and if we're desperate in the outfield. Busts his ass and became one of the more likable players last season. If he continues to play the way he did last year, he'll be incredibly valuble to this team.

Scott Priest: I'm contractually obligated to say Jose Iglesias, who should be the starting shortstop anyway. If Drew's concussions linger (and given how unpredictable concussions can be, I think we should assume they will), or if Pedroia gets hurt (as he seems to every year), I think we'll see Iglesias contribute positively to this team.

Or Pedro Martinez, if Rubby is tearing up the minors.

Who will be the team’s HR leader by season’s end?

Tucker: Will Middlebrooks. A wrist injury halted Middlebrooks tremendous rookie season, blasting 15 HR in 75 games. By hopefully avoiding the feared “sophomore slump”, Middlebrooks and the Green Monster will be BFF’s. Prediction: 32 HRs

Nick: Jarrod Saltalamacchia. We can’t count on the health of Ellsbury, Ortiz, or Napoli, so the next guy in line would be Salty.  He will probably lead the team in homers and strikeouts…if he doesn’t get traded first. 

Aaron: It feels weird saying it could be anyone other than David Ortiz, but I just don't trust those wheels.  Have to give the nod to Mike Napoli.  He should be fun to watch.

Ben: I'm taking David Ortiz. Even with the Achilles injury limiting him to 90 games last year, he nearly the led the team with 23 homers. He'll be on the DL starting the season but in three of the past four seasons, he got off to a slow start. I'll be optimistic and project that he'll be in the lineup by the end of April and not have any setbacks, which could be asking a bit much from the 37 year old. If all that does come to fruition, he'll be in the 28-34 home run range.

Scott: Mike Napoli. I don't think Ortiz will play enough, and I don't think Ellsbury will ever hit more than 15 again.

Ted's Army Season Preview Part Two

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 two of the Ted's Army season preview.

Who’s ready to have a break-out season?

Tucker Silva: It has to be Jackie Bradley Jr. Hyped for a few years now, Bradley Jr. has been raking at Spring Training and is in serious consideration to make the team out of the gate. No fluke here folks, this kid is the real deal and the future of the soon-to-be "Post-Ellsbury" era.

Nick Karalis: Jon Lester. Some could argue he has had his break-out season, but the change in the clubhouse and coaching staff could make for a Cy Young season for Lester. I thought it would be last season, but I feel better about it this year. 

Aaron Gettings: This question would have been much more fun to answer had Cherington taken my advice and started a bunch of kids.  Instead, the roster is filled with mostly established players.  But I'm going to put my money on Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  It's a make-or-break season for him.  He either shines and secures a nice payday and job (whether that's in Boston or elsewhere), or he continues to be ho-hum.  I think he'll make the most of his contract-year.

Ben Fountain: I'll go with Will Middlebrooks. He had his coming out party last year and made Red Sox fans realize that Youk was no longer had what we needed. His wrist injury was the cherry on top of the shit sundae that was the 2012 season. I'm excited to see what he'll do for a full 162 game stretch. Wake & Rake will be in full force this season.

Scott Priest:  I don't think anyone on the team really qualifies for a breakout, at least the way I think of it. I'm not high on Middlebrooks or Doubront this year, and it seems odd to answer this with a veteran. Since there's nowhere else for me to put this, I will say I think John Lackey will be the best we've seen him in a Red Sox uniform, and will be a useful player.

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox are being cautious on Middlebrooks.

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.

Will Middlebrooks continued to say he was fine and that Red Sox medical staff and trainers told him there's nothing structurally wrong with his right wrist.

But the Red Sox were also exercising caution after Middlebrooks left the first inning of Wednesday night’s 5-3 loss against the Baltimore Orioles holding his right wrist against his side and in pain,

The pain went away quickly, but the Sox have scheduled a visit with a wrist specialist this morning and that will determine whether further tests will be conducted.

Middlebrooks broke the same wrist when he was hit by a pitch last August.

It was the first time, he said, that he had checked his swing that abruptly and the feeling is he might have jarred some scar tissue.

Globe: Middlebrooks to see wrist specialist

Of all people to get hit, not Middlebrooks and definitely not his surgically repaired wrist. Bad memories of Nomar Garciaparra came immediately to mind. Things were in full on panic mode on the Twittersphere for a few hours until the news came that there was no structural damage. 

The Sox are going to be extremely cautious with this and make sure everything is OK. For this team to have any sort of chance of becoming a contender this season, they need to have Middlebrooks in the middle of the lineu and play a full season. There is no backup plan.

The Sox dodged a bullet this time around. Here's hoping that we don't have another scare in Spring Training.

Rest of the Links: Globe: Scare for Middlebrooks | Sox angling for trades? | Herald: Middlebrooks gets wrist scare | Napoli debut on tap | Gomes brings his proven chemistry formula to Sox | CSNNE: Bullpen key to Sox success? | Should Jackie Bradley start the season in the Majors? | Middlebrooks on injury: "Nothing's broken, nothing's torn" | WEEI: An uncomfortable reminder | Middlebrooks on wrist: "I'm not hurt" | Gomes homers, Middlebtooks OK in loss to O's

Your Morning Dump...Where Middlebrooks is ready to go

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'm ready to go." said Middlebrooks. "It's been a normal offseason for me... I feel like my body's ready. My body feels good."

Unlike last year, Middlebrooks comes in know he has a position, but that's not changing his approach.

"I want to come in with the same mindset of fighting for a job."

CSNNE: Middlebrooks: Ready to get back into the flow

That is what we want to hear from him. We want Will Middlebrooks to play like he is fighting for a job, as he was before Youk was traded. The trade happened, Middlebrooks got the job, his numbers declined, then went out with the injury.

Middlebrooks hasn't cemented his job at third just yet. I know there is no one in line and the Sox haven't brought anyone in to challenge Middlebrooks for the position. He is young, displayed some incredible numbers for a short span of time, but he obviously hasn't accomplished anything to show that he is going to be reliable and productive for many years to come. How could he? He only played in 75 games. Until he can play an entire season (and some) without any speed bumps, he will be fighting for a job. 

With that said, I am very excited to see a healthy and enthusiastic Will Middlebrooks returning to the lineup.

Related: Herald: Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks ready to go

On Page 2, Will Middlebrooks backs Mike Napoli

Your Morning Dump...where Bryce Brentz could be the next Will Middlebrooks

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.

After that brief, rocky beginning, Brentz morphed into one of Pawtucket’s hottest hitters throughout its postseason run to the Governors’ Cup. Brentz went 2-for-5 in his last regular-season game, then 8-for-24 through the playoffs. More impressive, six of those eight hits went for extra bases.

The hope is that the late-season experience with the PawSox serves as a head start for Brentz in 2013 — the way it did for Will Middlebrooks last season. Middlebrooks, after all, couldn’t boast of any Triple-A success before exploding out of the gates in Pawtucket last April.

“It was toward the end, but I got a little feel for the league,” Brentz said Friday, while he was in town for the organization’s rookie development program. “It helps to get that little taste and know what you’re walking into. Each level as a player, especially when you’re moving up, is a new animal and a new mountain to climb. Sometimes it takes a little while for players to figure out the league and get comfortable. Having experienced that, I think I have an edge going into next season.”

ProJo | Brentz looks to continue momentum from late 2012 into 2013

Brentz is somebody who has intrigued me for a while. While he doesn't grade out as a high-potential prospect the way Jackie Bradley and Xander Bogaerts, Brentz is a power-hitting outfielder in an organization that hasn't produced one in...a while. Not counting Jacoby Ellsbury's phantom 2011 season, the last time a home-grown prospect hit for power was...Trot Nixon, maybe? (Well, Josh Reddick, but let's move along before I get depressed.)

Making the Brentz to Middlebrooks comparison yields the obvious question: Does this mean we should expect Bryce to make an impact on the 2013 Red Sox (Boston variety, not Pawtucket)? Right now it seems unlikely, but this time last year it didn't seem very likely for a corner infielder to bust through the Kevin Youkilis/Adrian Gonzalez combo in a year in which the team was expected to contend. A lot can change.

Maybe Ellsbury does finally get traded. Maybe Gomes gets hurt and the team doesn't want to trust Daniel Nava with a full-time role. Maybe Brentz plays so well they have no choice to bring him up and figure out workload later. Maybe Ortiz gets hurt, Lavarnway slumps, and they need a DH. A lot could happen, and if it does, Brentz might be a viable option.

Herald | Ichiro Suzuki fired up for 1st full season with Yankees | Fuel for Rocket booster | Globe | Ask Nick: Is Michael Morse a viable alternative for Red Sox? | CSNNE | Sox prospect Hassan up for the challenges presented

Middlebrooks the lone Sox representative on Keith Law's best young players list

ESPN Insider's Keith Law, scout extraordinare, has released his second annual top players under 25 list. Last year he detailed the top 50...and no Red Sox made it. This year he cut the ranks down to 25, but young Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks manage to squeak in, at no. 22. Here is what Law had to say about Middlebrooks:

Current: Middlebrooks started out on fire after his early-May promotion, but once interleague play ended in late June his free-swinging ways caught up to him, with a .244/.277/.423 line from the resumption of AL-only play until his season ended on August 10 due to a broken wrist. He has above-average power with average range, good hands, and a plus arm at third base.

Future: A low-OBP, 25-30 homer third baseman who adds a few runs (saved) of value on defense is a good player, even if he's held back by the number of outs he makes with his bat. My concern on Middlebrooks is more in the short term, that we'll see a drop in his power production as pitchers exploit his total lack of patience at the plate.

I'm no pro scout, but I totally agree with Law on this. I think Sox fans were a little too high on Middlebrooks last year. A good player, yes. But I think public perception of him was helped by the fact that the team was so unlikeable, and seemed so hopeless for the future before the Dodgers trade, that he seemed better by comparison.

Middlebrooks will probably be a useful player and put together a nice career. But he's not a franchise cornerstone unless he can drastically improve his batting eye. His approach at the plate is a little too Salty and Crawford and not enough Pedroia and Youkilis. If he can improve his patience, his career trajectory should change -- for the better.