New poll question focusing in on predicting the upcoming divisional series versus the Angels. Angels have beaten the Sox eight out of nine times this year. The Sox have literally owned the Angels in the playoffs including sweeps in '04 and '07.
I'll analyze the series before the opener on Wednesday night.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Manny is smarter than all of us
Quitter. Thief. Jerk. Whiner. Weirdo. Punk. Brat. Idiot. How about we add "genius"?
Manny Ramirez will play his fiftieth game for the LA Dodgers tonight. That will put him at exactly half the amount of games he played with the Sox. Being the curious fool I am, I was wondering what this guy's stats were for the Dodgers. The numbers astonished me. This guy purposely underachieved for the Red Sox.
Keep in mind the Red Sox have a better line up and a hitter "friendly" ballpark, Manny's numbers in LA are unreal. In half the games, he has almost as many homers (20/16) and doubles (22/14). Also he has increased his average by 100 points (.299/.395), on base percentage by 90 points (.398/.488), slugging 127 points higher (.529/.746) and has an OPS (on base plus slugging%) 307 points higher (.927/1.234)!!!!!
Are you kidding me? What other conclusion can we come to? The numbers do not lie. This guy is all that is wrong with professional sports. It baffles my mind how athletes in the last year of their contracts perform so much better than when they are not. Think Mike Mussina this year. People that play fantasy sports will tell you they draft players based on this.
Manny went the other way. In the last year of his contract, he and agent Scott Boras knew that performing poorly would benefit him. With the team holding two option years at $20 million each, he decided he could get more. So he becomes an even bigger P.I.N.T.A. than he has ever before and forces the team to trade him (and drop the option years). He now can show off his immense talent and get the contract of $100 million over the next four years he thinks he deserves.
You know the craziest part? Someone (Hank, Frank McCourt, Omar Minaya) will pay this guy that money. Utterly unbelievable!!
With all this being said, I truly appreciate what this man has done for the Red Sox during his tenure here. However, I will not applaud him upon his return to Fenway. Manny being Manny has finally left Phil being Furious.
Manny Ramirez will play his fiftieth game for the LA Dodgers tonight. That will put him at exactly half the amount of games he played with the Sox. Being the curious fool I am, I was wondering what this guy's stats were for the Dodgers. The numbers astonished me. This guy purposely underachieved for the Red Sox.
Keep in mind the Red Sox have a better line up and a hitter "friendly" ballpark, Manny's numbers in LA are unreal. In half the games, he has almost as many homers (20/16) and doubles (22/14). Also he has increased his average by 100 points (.299/.395), on base percentage by 90 points (.398/.488), slugging 127 points higher (.529/.746) and has an OPS (on base plus slugging%) 307 points higher (.927/1.234)!!!!!
Are you kidding me? What other conclusion can we come to? The numbers do not lie. This guy is all that is wrong with professional sports. It baffles my mind how athletes in the last year of their contracts perform so much better than when they are not. Think Mike Mussina this year. People that play fantasy sports will tell you they draft players based on this.
Manny went the other way. In the last year of his contract, he and agent Scott Boras knew that performing poorly would benefit him. With the team holding two option years at $20 million each, he decided he could get more. So he becomes an even bigger P.I.N.T.A. than he has ever before and forces the team to trade him (and drop the option years). He now can show off his immense talent and get the contract of $100 million over the next four years he thinks he deserves.
You know the craziest part? Someone (Hank, Frank McCourt, Omar Minaya) will pay this guy that money. Utterly unbelievable!!
With all this being said, I truly appreciate what this man has done for the Red Sox during his tenure here. However, I will not applaud him upon his return to Fenway. Manny being Manny has finally left Phil being Furious.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Johnny Pesky to get his number retired
Reports out of Boston are indicating that long time player, manager and special instructor Johnny Pesky will have his number 6 retired this weekend in a pregame ceremony.
The 89 year old Pesky has spent a great deal of his life associated with the team and still has a locker in the team's locker room.. This is a surprise move because the criteria for this honor (10 years with the team, end career with team and member of the Hall Of Fame) is not met in this case. Pesky is not a membe rof the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He will join Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9) and Carlton Fisk (27) as former Sox players with their numbers retired.
An exception was made for Fisk who ended his playing career with the Chicago White Sox but was hired by the team after his retirement.
Should the team have bent the rules? Or is the team rewarding a man that has meant a great deal to the organization.
The 89 year old Pesky has spent a great deal of his life associated with the team and still has a locker in the team's locker room.. This is a surprise move because the criteria for this honor (10 years with the team, end career with team and member of the Hall Of Fame) is not met in this case. Pesky is not a membe rof the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He will join Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9) and Carlton Fisk (27) as former Sox players with their numbers retired.
An exception was made for Fisk who ended his playing career with the Chicago White Sox but was hired by the team after his retirement.
Should the team have bent the rules? Or is the team rewarding a man that has meant a great deal to the organization.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
"Playoffs? Playoffs?"
Congrats to Red Sox Nation for unofficially clinching a playoff berth for the fifth time in six years. This is no small accomplishment. Consider the past nine postseasons, only the Yankees with eight appearances have more than the Sox with five. Also only two other defending World Series champions -- 2002 Diamondbacks and 2005 Red Sox -- have qualified for postseason play.
We are currently enjoying the Golden Age of the Red Sox. I realize that from 1912-1918, the franchise won four World Series but, the number of teams have doubled since then and the game has become more far balanced (i.e. free agency).
The team and its players are more popular now than either has ever been. Four hundred fifty consecutive sell outs at Fenway. For the second consecutive season, the team has led all of baseball in road attendance. The team also leads the league in buying power. More Red Sox hats, jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts are sold than any other team in Major League Baseball.
The franchise's successful management style is the model for all other teams. The model for success includes; a strong farm system, maximizing stadium revenue, Moneyball approach in drafting and signing players, Bill James' statistical analysis, and spending money on advanced scouting. Other teams are trying to keep up with the way in which ownership has set up this franchise for success.
Regardless of how this year's playoffs turn out, there is no better time to be a Boston Red Sox fan than today. Let us enjoy the ride and not take this run for granted.
We are currently enjoying the Golden Age of the Red Sox. I realize that from 1912-1918, the franchise won four World Series but, the number of teams have doubled since then and the game has become more far balanced (i.e. free agency).
The team and its players are more popular now than either has ever been. Four hundred fifty consecutive sell outs at Fenway. For the second consecutive season, the team has led all of baseball in road attendance. The team also leads the league in buying power. More Red Sox hats, jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts are sold than any other team in Major League Baseball.
The franchise's successful management style is the model for all other teams. The model for success includes; a strong farm system, maximizing stadium revenue, Moneyball approach in drafting and signing players, Bill James' statistical analysis, and spending money on advanced scouting. Other teams are trying to keep up with the way in which ownership has set up this franchise for success.
Regardless of how this year's playoffs turn out, there is no better time to be a Boston Red Sox fan than today. Let us enjoy the ride and not take this run for granted.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Down the stretch they come ....
Last night's win leaves the Sox percentage points behind the Rays. The next two games of the series more than likely will end in a split (Beckett vs Sonnastine and Garza vs Wakefield) leaving the teams deadlocked.
The Sox would have 10 games remaining (@Toronto for three, Cleveland at home for four and the Yankees at home for three) while the Rays would play 12 games (Minnesota at home for four, @ Baltimore for four and @ Detroit for four) in 11 days. The schedule definitely favors the Red Sox.
The more I think about it the more I like the idea of going all out (with in reason) for the division. The AL East Champ would have home field advantage and draw the White Sox. This is a far better match up than going out west and playing Angels. If the Sox could outlast the Rays they could have home field throughout the playoffs (Angels lose in divisional round, AL won the All Star game so the AL has home field in the World Series). While the biggest concerns are to set the rotation and be healthy (think Lowell and Drew) for the playoffs, the Sox are aiming for the division.
Last night was a breeze. I think the next two games are going to be like playoff games.
The Sox would have 10 games remaining (@Toronto for three, Cleveland at home for four and the Yankees at home for three) while the Rays would play 12 games (Minnesota at home for four, @ Baltimore for four and @ Detroit for four) in 11 days. The schedule definitely favors the Red Sox.
The more I think about it the more I like the idea of going all out (with in reason) for the division. The AL East Champ would have home field advantage and draw the White Sox. This is a far better match up than going out west and playing Angels. If the Sox could outlast the Rays they could have home field throughout the playoffs (Angels lose in divisional round, AL won the All Star game so the AL has home field in the World Series). While the biggest concerns are to set the rotation and be healthy (think Lowell and Drew) for the playoffs, the Sox are aiming for the division.
Last night was a breeze. I think the next two games are going to be like playoff games.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Just What The Doctor Ordered
I'm better now.
Wakefield gave the team a huge lift after back to back discouraging losses. After his last performance fans had to be wondering if Wakefield had lost it. Wakefield continues to amaze.
Six games left with Toronto, who is on fire, and three versus the Rays. Best record in the league is still within reach but seems unlikely. I like the fact that the team is trying to win the division (and a match up with the White Sox).
BTW ....
Wakefield gave the team a huge lift after back to back discouraging losses. After his last performance fans had to be wondering if Wakefield had lost it. Wakefield continues to amaze.
Six games left with Toronto, who is on fire, and three versus the Rays. Best record in the league is still within reach but seems unlikely. I like the fact that the team is trying to win the division (and a match up with the White Sox).
BTW ....
- The pick ups of Byrd and Kotsay have been huge. The Sox lost nothing except low level prospects fro each and some cash. Byrd just seems to keep the team in the game long enough for the bullpen to take over. Kotsay has played more than even he thought. Don't expect either to be with the team next year.
- Timlin is done. He has been great in the past but we must put a fork in him, done. He shouldn't be on the postseason roster.
- Saw Brian Daubach at the game on Tuesday. He was in the standing room only section I was in. WEEI's box must have been crowded. Dauber just blended in. So much for one of the original Boston Dirt Dawgs
- Whatever happened to Doug Mirabelli? Surprised no team picked him up. That's a joke people. We gave up Josh Bard and Cla Meredith for him to catch a knuckle ball every fifth day. Sounds like a Tek and Lowe for Heathcliff deal to me.
- Great line from ESPN's Around the Horn - Manny loves L.A. He gets to show up in the third and leave by the seventh.
- Playoff rotation -- Beckett, Lester, Dice K, Byrd. Wakefield makes the roster as insurance and a long relief guy. Make sure Tek catches him beforehand. Remember 2004, Game 5 vs Yankess at Fenway?
- Is Tom Brady really the face of the NFL? Is the league going to redo the logo to put his likeness on it? Sort of like Jerry West and the NBA. My vote is for Ray Lewis' imagine during pregame intros to go on the logo. That represents the NFL more than Giselle's boyfriend and that actress' baby's daddy.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Arrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh
While in attendance last night, I was able to feel the full spectrum of emotions. Frustrated with the fact that Dice-K refuses to challenge hitters, relieved that the bull pen held the Rays in check, elated when Bay hits the go ahead homer, surprised that Papelbon threw only one pitch other than a fastball and mystified as to how the manager handled the bottom of the ninth inning.
Disclaimer: I am not playing Monday morning quarterback. My buddy who was at the game with me heard me saying these things well before they happened.
Down one run, Kotsay leads off with a walk. The struggling Varitek is up next with Ortiz (who pinch hit earlier) on deck. THIS IS NOT A BUNT SITUATION. We want Ortiz up with a chance to tie the game. By sacrificing Kotsay to second this allows the Rays to intentionally walk Ortiz and win the game by getting Crisp and Lowrie out. I do realize that Maddon would be walking the go ahead run but there is no way he would let Ortiz beat him. NO WAY.
So Francona decides to have Varitek sacrifice. If you have made up your mind that you are giving up an out, why not pinch hit Cora or someone else who is more skilled than Tek to bunt? I don't want to hear anything about hitting for a guy who you need to play defense in the top of the tenth inning. You need to get there first. Regardless ...
The baseball gods are smiling on us. Percival's first pitch is up (he is trying to get a pop up) and Tek takes it for a ball. On the pitch, the Rays show that they are playing an aggressive bunt defense by charging the corner infielders. So now Francona can have Tek take a pitch, sacrifice again, square and take the pitch, hit away or hit and run. Options 1,3,4 and 5 are all better than 2. Two falls right into what the Rays want: a chance to pitch around Ortiz. Naturally, Tek squares at a pitch headed for his abnormally sized quads and nips the ball with his bat on an attempt. Options one, three and four would have resulted in a hit batsman or ball. Option five gets you a stolen base, hit, foul ball or ground out that results in the advancing of the runner. With the corners up so far (and charging on the pitch), the call should have been for a hit and run. The shortstop would have to cover second and the second baseman would have to be shaded towards first in case of the expected bunt. All Tek needs to do is get on top of the ball and hit it on the ground. A foul ball (likely scenario) would tell the Rays the bunt is not certain and they would not be able to play so aggressively trying to cut the runner down at second base.
The one ball, one strike count goes to 1 and 2 after Tek feebly fouls his next bunt attempt back. He then takes a called third strike (how can you not attempt to put the ball in play in the situation?) on a backdoor slider. Ortiz pops up after being ahead 3-0. With two outs Ellsbury runs for Kotsay (great move, Ellsbury did not run earlier because Francona wanted to run for either Tek or more likely Ortiz -- tying run) and steals second and goes to third on an overthrow. Crisp pops out. Ballgame.
Blame may go to Papelbon, Dice-K or even Ortiz for not doing what is expected of them. My ire is reserved for the manager for not making the right moves.
Disclaimer: I am not playing Monday morning quarterback. My buddy who was at the game with me heard me saying these things well before they happened.
Down one run, Kotsay leads off with a walk. The struggling Varitek is up next with Ortiz (who pinch hit earlier) on deck. THIS IS NOT A BUNT SITUATION. We want Ortiz up with a chance to tie the game. By sacrificing Kotsay to second this allows the Rays to intentionally walk Ortiz and win the game by getting Crisp and Lowrie out. I do realize that Maddon would be walking the go ahead run but there is no way he would let Ortiz beat him. NO WAY.
So Francona decides to have Varitek sacrifice. If you have made up your mind that you are giving up an out, why not pinch hit Cora or someone else who is more skilled than Tek to bunt? I don't want to hear anything about hitting for a guy who you need to play defense in the top of the tenth inning. You need to get there first. Regardless ...
The baseball gods are smiling on us. Percival's first pitch is up (he is trying to get a pop up) and Tek takes it for a ball. On the pitch, the Rays show that they are playing an aggressive bunt defense by charging the corner infielders. So now Francona can have Tek take a pitch, sacrifice again, square and take the pitch, hit away or hit and run. Options 1,3,4 and 5 are all better than 2. Two falls right into what the Rays want: a chance to pitch around Ortiz. Naturally, Tek squares at a pitch headed for his abnormally sized quads and nips the ball with his bat on an attempt. Options one, three and four would have resulted in a hit batsman or ball. Option five gets you a stolen base, hit, foul ball or ground out that results in the advancing of the runner. With the corners up so far (and charging on the pitch), the call should have been for a hit and run. The shortstop would have to cover second and the second baseman would have to be shaded towards first in case of the expected bunt. All Tek needs to do is get on top of the ball and hit it on the ground. A foul ball (likely scenario) would tell the Rays the bunt is not certain and they would not be able to play so aggressively trying to cut the runner down at second base.
The one ball, one strike count goes to 1 and 2 after Tek feebly fouls his next bunt attempt back. He then takes a called third strike (how can you not attempt to put the ball in play in the situation?) on a backdoor slider. Ortiz pops up after being ahead 3-0. With two outs Ellsbury runs for Kotsay (great move, Ellsbury did not run earlier because Francona wanted to run for either Tek or more likely Ortiz -- tying run) and steals second and goes to third on an overthrow. Crisp pops out. Ballgame.
Blame may go to Papelbon, Dice-K or even Ortiz for not doing what is expected of them. My ire is reserved for the manager for not making the right moves.
Monday, September 8, 2008
"Let's Get It On"
Sox vs Rays never sounded so enticing. 1.5 games separate the two teams that will represent the AL East as the champion of the division and the AL as the wild card entrant. Got to hand it to the Rays for literally challenging the Sox and Yanks this year.
In Spring Training the Rays brawled with the Yanks over a hard slide at second base. Earlier in the regular season, the Rays and Sox brawled when Coco Crisp rushed the mound after a hard slide the game before. Credit the Rays, particularly Joe Maddon, for not backing down to the established "bullies" in the division.
Let's not put too much stock in this series and the upcoming series vs Toronto and the visit to the Trop. The winner of the division will play the White Sox and the wild card gets the Angels. Traditionally among the "big three" sports, home field advantage matters least in baseball. In 2004 the Sox went to Anaheim and New York to win series. We would love to play as many games at Fenway as we can but considering how well the team has played on the road of late, it is not crucial.
It will be fun to see how the Rays react after struggling of late. This is their first true significant series. The home team has swept the visitors each time this year.
Bold predictions for the series:
In Spring Training the Rays brawled with the Yanks over a hard slide at second base. Earlier in the regular season, the Rays and Sox brawled when Coco Crisp rushed the mound after a hard slide the game before. Credit the Rays, particularly Joe Maddon, for not backing down to the established "bullies" in the division.
Let's not put too much stock in this series and the upcoming series vs Toronto and the visit to the Trop. The winner of the division will play the White Sox and the wild card gets the Angels. Traditionally among the "big three" sports, home field advantage matters least in baseball. In 2004 the Sox went to Anaheim and New York to win series. We would love to play as many games at Fenway as we can but considering how well the team has played on the road of late, it is not crucial.
It will be fun to see how the Rays react after struggling of late. This is their first true significant series. The home team has swept the visitors each time this year.
Bold predictions for the series:
- Ortiz is ready to go on a tear
- The Rays pen will falter as the season gets into crunch time
- Lester (I jinxed him last time) will pitch well tonight
- Rays win Tuesday night Kazmir over Dice-K
- Beckett wins Wednesday over Sonnanstine
- Toughest out for the Sox will be Pena
- Maddon will walk Ortiz at least twice intentionally
- Varitek will struggle against the entire series
- Lowell will one game by knocking in the winning run
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Beckett's back
Beckett's back!
Thanks to those that took part in the poll. I certainly feel better about our postseason chances after watching last night's game.
The best sign of last night's performance was the fact that Beckett was allowed to throw eighty pitches after the team said his limit was to be 50 - 60 pitches. Beckett did spot his pitches well and also changed speeds effectively. I liked the fact that he was not trying to blow the ball by the Ranger hitters. He topped out last night at around 93. In contrast he is usually in the 95-96 mph range. As he begins to trust his elbow more that velocity should return.
As another sign that the team's main goal is to make the playoffs rather than win the division (they want to win the division but will not sacrifice the health of the team to do so) is the fact that they allowed Beckett to take his time returning. Getting two weeks off is a great way to be refreshed for the playoffs. Obviously, management did not want this to happen but the time off allows the batteries to get recharged, especially for a pitcher. Jon Lester was given extended rest at the all star break, Wakefield was given a couple of weeks for a tired shoulder, Schilling was given extra days last year.
Do you think Lowell, Youkilis and Drew aren't chomping at the bit to get back on the field?
Scary realization but the Red Sox seem to be peaking and getting healthy at the right time.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Pedroia Paranoria Part II
On April 23rd I posted about the incredible start Little Dusty was having. At the time he has leading the league both with 11 doubles and batting at a .365 clip. Believe it or not, not much has changed over the past five months.
He's leading the American League in batting (.330), hits (188), multiple-hit games (55) and runs (108) and third in doubles (43) and total bases (283). He has knocked in 22 runs in his last 19 games, is batting .600 over his last seven games, and has nine hits in 14 at-bats in the cleanup spot. -- this was taken off of Boston.com -- Pedroia also has 17 homers, 17 stolen bases and 76 runs batted in.
Can he actually win the MVP of the American League? I mentioned earlier that Youkilis had no shot. I'm not too sure about Pedroia the Destroia. Numbers aside, he is making a lot of noise at the right time of the year. Batting clean up will help his chances. Defensively, Lustin for Dustin is an above average fielder.
His competition for the award comes from White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin (36 hr's, 100 rbi's) and Francisco Rodriguez (54 saves chasing the major league record of 58).
Willie Hernandez (1984, 32 saves, 9-3 record, 1.92 era) and Dennis Eckersely (1992, 51 saves, 7-1 record, 1.91 era) are the only relievers to ever win MVP awards. K-Rod's free agent year has been outstanding (2-2 record, 54 saves, 2.43 era). He would be my choice as the Cy Young winner over Cliff Lee. If Pedro Martinez did not win the MVP in 1999 because some New York writer refused to include him in the top ten of his ballot because Pedro was a pitcher, I don't think K-Rod will get consideration. Saves are an overrated stat.
Quentin has come out of nowhere to have an outstanding season and has to be considered the favorite. He has turned it up since the all star break hitting 14 home runs.
The best thing about the Duster is that he is the opposite of Robbie Cano. Cano is more concerned with the idea of looking cool while attempting to do his job. While Peds just wants to be successful and will do anything to do that. How many times have you watched the Red Sox second baseman dive in the 4-3 hole? How many times for the Yankee guy? Cano is far more talented but does not get the most out of his ability while MVPredroia gets every ounce out of what he has. I truly think Cano would like to swing and miss and look good while Dustin Pedroia only cares about getting the job done.
Monday, September 1, 2008
What to look for this week
What I called a crucial stretch is over. The Sox went 5-2 over those last seven games. I'm not complaining but if we didn't give that last game of the series to the Yanks, we would have been 6-1. With the Rays on absolute fire, our best bet may be to hold onto the wild card.
This means not rushing Drew (just got an epidural), Lowell (taking bp today), Beckett (scheduled to start on Friday), Casey (neck getting better) and Youkilis (day to day with the flu) back into action before they are ready. The problem with this is a three game lead in the loss column over Minnesota is not a done deal. The remaining schedule definitely favors the Red Sox. The Twins, because of some meaningless convention in the dome, are finishing up a road trip. They still have thirteen road games remaining. While the Sox play in Fenway for seventeen of their last twenty-six games.
We get Baltimore for three starting on Monday and then after an off day Thursday travel to Texas for three. This two teams are very similar in the fact that they are not strong on the mound but have some serious offensive weapons. The Sox should score some runs but will have to pitch well.
Let's be conservative and hope for a 4-2 week. Asking the team to sweep one of these teams may be too much to ask when considering the amount of injuries the club is trying to overcome.
A couple of player notes:
Jacoby Ellsbury is starting to get it going. He is stealing bases again after being in a drought. This is some seriously good news.
Dustin Predrioa continues to amaze. Ozzie Guillen said he intentionally walked Big Brown's jockey. Good stuff. As far as batting him fourth, neat idea but let's get Youk back.
Manny Delcarmen has looked dominant of late. This could be a good sign. I'm still not sold.
Mark Kotsay has looked refreshed since his arrival. I like him more than Brandon Moss. I did not realize he was this good.
Jed Lowrie has been solid offensively but I'm very impressed with his defense at both third and shortstop. He makes all the routine plays.
This means not rushing Drew (just got an epidural), Lowell (taking bp today), Beckett (scheduled to start on Friday), Casey (neck getting better) and Youkilis (day to day with the flu) back into action before they are ready. The problem with this is a three game lead in the loss column over Minnesota is not a done deal. The remaining schedule definitely favors the Red Sox. The Twins, because of some meaningless convention in the dome, are finishing up a road trip. They still have thirteen road games remaining. While the Sox play in Fenway for seventeen of their last twenty-six games.
We get Baltimore for three starting on Monday and then after an off day Thursday travel to Texas for three. This two teams are very similar in the fact that they are not strong on the mound but have some serious offensive weapons. The Sox should score some runs but will have to pitch well.
Let's be conservative and hope for a 4-2 week. Asking the team to sweep one of these teams may be too much to ask when considering the amount of injuries the club is trying to overcome.
A couple of player notes:
Jacoby Ellsbury is starting to get it going. He is stealing bases again after being in a drought. This is some seriously good news.
Dustin Predrioa continues to amaze. Ozzie Guillen said he intentionally walked Big Brown's jockey. Good stuff. As far as batting him fourth, neat idea but let's get Youk back.
Manny Delcarmen has looked dominant of late. This could be a good sign. I'm still not sold.
Mark Kotsay has looked refreshed since his arrival. I like him more than Brandon Moss. I did not realize he was this good.
Jed Lowrie has been solid offensively but I'm very impressed with his defense at both third and shortstop. He makes all the routine plays.
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