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| Bay scores winning run | Monday 10/6, 11:23 PM CT |
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Jason Bay scored the game winning run on a single by Jed Lowrie on a close play at the plate as the Sox defeated the Rays to move on to the ALCS against the Rays. Bay had two hits in the contest and batted .412 in the four game series.
Our View: Bay isn't Manny Ramirez, but every time someone brings that up he inserts himself right into the middle of the action with some solid work. On his headfirst slide into the plate his hand was stepped on by Mike Napoli, so keep an eye out to see if there are any lingering effects when he swings the bat. |
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| Pedroia finally breaks hitless streak | Monday 10/6, 11:20 PM CT |
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Dustin Pedroia broke a 19 AB playoff hitless streak with a double in four trips to the plate in Game 4.
Our View: Given that Pedroia had just one hit in four games and the Red Sox still moved on one would have to think Sox fans are feeling pretty good about their chances in what figures to be a heated playoff series with the Rays. |
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| Teixeira hitless for Angels | Monday 10/6, 11:18 PM CT |
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Mark Teixeira hit .467 in the Angels four game series loss to the Red Sox though he went 0-for-2 with two walks in Game 4.
Our View: Was this the last game for Teixeira in an Angels uniform? Tex is looking to strike oil this off-season as the top free agent hitter on the open market. The bidding will likely start at $100 million and head north so it will certainly be interesting to see who backs up the truck to the bank vault for the slugging first baseman. |
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| Hunter comes through in clutch | Monday 10/6, 11:15 PM CT |
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Torii Hunter went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the Angels 3-2 loss to the Red Sox in Game 4.
Our View: Hunter went 5-for-11 with RISP in the series while the rest of the Angels only had three hits with RISP. Hunter's first season in Anaheim ended like many of his efforts in Minnesota, that is with a crushing playoff loss. |
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| Lackey, Angels fall to Red Sox | Monday 10/6, 11:14 PM CT |
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John Lackey hurled seven solid innings allowing just two runs to the Red Sox though it wasn't enough as the Angels eventually fell in the ninth inning by the score of 3-2.
Our View: Lackey had a 2.63 ERA in his two starts but the Angels lost both games as Jon Lester was simply better each time out. This is certainly a disappointing end for the only team in baseball that won 100 games this season. |
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| Lester helps lead Sox to second round | Monday 10/6, 11:11 PM CT |
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Jon Lester dominated the Angels for seven scoreless innings though his reward was a no-decision. However, the Red Sox came back to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, 3-2, to move on the the ALCS against the Rays.
Our View: The matchup everyone wanted to see will occur. The Rays can't be looking forward to facing Lester who simply pounded the strike zone tonight in a dominating effort as he outpitched John Lackey for the second time in the series. |
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| Schilling might play half season | Monday 10/6, 10:58 PM CT |
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Curt Schilling (shoulder) might be willing to return for just half of the 2009 season, according to Slam Sports. "I won't come back for a full season, that much I know. If I do decide to come back I would work to the point I was ready and somewhere around May 1 let the teams know I wanted to pitch the second half," he said.
Our View: Schilling said the rough plan would include him pitching in the minors in June and then hopefully returning to the hill right around the All-Star break. Even if he does somehow make it back to the mound next season Schilling is far from even a fair bet to be productive. |
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| Cabrera ends season with a whimper | Monday 10/6, 9:05 PM CT |
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Orlando Cabrera went 0-for-4 on Monday night to finish his 2008 playoff experience with a .125 batting average after going just 2-for-16 against the Rays.
Our View: Certainly not the type of effort Cabrera was looking for heading into an offseason of change. Overall this year he hit .281/.334/.371 to almost exactly match his career performance (.274/.322/.721), and he also finished the year with his third straight effort of 90 runs and 19 steals. |
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| Howell continues playoff domination | Monday 10/6, 8:56 PM CT |
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J.P. Howell worked 1.1 scoreless innings in Game 4 to run his line in the ALDS to 4.1 innings with two hits allowed, six strikeouts and nary a run allowed.
Our View: Howell, who posted the third best regular season ERA of any hurler who threw at least 80 innings, baffled White Sox hitters all series long with solid stuff and excellent control. |
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| Pena pounds three hits | Monday 10/6, 8:50 PM CT |
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Carlos Pena had three hits and two RBI in the Rays Game 4 victory over the White Sox.
Our View: Pena ended the series with a 5-for-10 line and two RBI in his three games of action. He can be pitched to, but if a pitcher makes a mistake and leaves one out over the plate, he rarely misses hitting it hard. |
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| Konerko homers | Monday 10/6, 8:48 PM CT |
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Paul Konerko hit his second home run of the playoffs on Monday night though it wasn't enough as the Sox fell 6-2 to the Rays to end their season.
Our View: Unfortunately for the Sox Konerko produced only two RBI in the four games. Konerko will enter 2009 undervalued because of his down overall numbers (.240-22-62) though he would appear to still have some thunder left in his stick. |
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| Sonnanstine leads victory | Monday 10/6, 8:45 PM CT |
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Andy Sonnanstine allowed two runs in 5.2 innings to the White Sox as he emerged victorious for the Rays in Game 4. Sonnanstine allowed only three hits, though two were home runs, while walking just one batter.
Our View: Sonnanstine continues to be the least imposing of the Rays top-4 starters, but no one can argue with his effectiveness as he continues to pound the strike zone while avoiding free passes. Tonight's effort produced his 14th victory of the season. |
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| Floyd hit hard in short effort | Monday 10/6, 8:42 PM CT |
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Gavin Floyd lasted just three innings on Monday night as he allowed the Rays to scored four runs as the White Sox were eliminated from the playoffs.
Our View: Floyd was taken deep by B.J. Upton twice in the outing as he regressed to the merely average hurler he was for most of the month of September before that great final outing against the Tigers. Floyd just didn't have it tonight, but that doesn't detract from a truly solid campaign (17 wins, 3.84 ERA, 1.26 WHIP). |
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| Upton takes Floyd deep twice | Monday 10/6, 8:39 PM CT |
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B.J. Upton hit two home runs of of Gavin Floyd as the Rays defeated the White Sox 6-2 to wrap up their ALDS matchup on Monday.
Our View: Upton has homered three times in the last two games after hitting just three home runs over his final 55 regular games. We guess the extra juice from being in the playoffs has allowed Upton to work with that injured shoulder in a highly efficient manner. He appears locked in on high fastballs. |
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| Beckett physically OK | Monday 10/6, 8:31 PM CT |
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Josh Beckett claims that despite an average effort in Game 3 that he is physically healthy despite his recent oblique strain, according to The Providence Journal.
Our View: Beckett needed 106 pitches to make it through five innings as he was inefficient, and he worked exceedingly slowly during the game which certainly didn't help his defense to stay on their toes. If the Sox advance it will be interesting to see what Beckett does in his next appearance. |
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| Papelbon available for Game 4 | Monday 10/6, 8:24 PM CT |
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Jonathan Papelbon will be available to pitch in Game 4 despite throwing 31 pitches in Game 3, according to the Red Sox Official Website.
Our View: Papelbon is clearly the best arm in the Sox pen, and with the season on the line who else should be on the mound at the end of the game? |
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| Quentin takes another round of BP | Monday 10/6, 7:16 PM CT |
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Carlos Quentin (wrist) took BP on Monday for the second straight day and even did some light throwing, according to the Associated Press. “Yesterday it felt great and today I threw long before BP, and it felt really good,” he said.
Our View: The majority of Quentin's fly balls fell short of the wall on the warning track, but the fact that he is swinging as well as throwing is a great sign that his wrist has greatly improved. Still, he hasn't played since September 1st and wrist injuries are notorious for sapping hitters pop, so it remains to be seen if he will be activated should the Sox move on. |
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| Masterson uncertain of role | Monday 10/6, 7:12 PM CT |
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Justin Masterson is firmly in the Red Sox plans for 2009, though the club isn't quite certain as to which role he will be asked to fill, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Masterson went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in nine starts this season while his work out of the bullpen was even sharper (2-2, 2.36 ERA in 27 appearances). With his stuff, he is primed for success in either role. |
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| Lowell taken off playoff roster | Monday 10/6, 7:04 PM CT |
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Mike Lowell has been removed from the ALDS roster due to complications with his injured hip, according to The Providence Journal. He has been replaced on the roster by infielder Gil Velazquez.
Our View: Lowell won't be eligible to return until the World Series, if the Sox can make it that far. Given his struggles of late, even if the team makes it to the Fall Classic, we wouldn't be counting on much from one of the teams most important RBI bats. |
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| Bard becomes free agent | Monday 10/6, 7:00 PM CT |
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Josh Bard cleared waivers on Monday and decided to become a free agent, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Bard missed about two months due to an ankle injury and later in the year also missed time due to a strained right triceps. At the plate he was atrocious hitting just .202 in 178 AB, this after hitting .305 in 2006-07. He should rebound somewhat with health, but playing time could be hard to come by. |
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| Estes becomes a free agent | Monday 10/6, 6:57 PM CT |
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Shawn Estes cleared waivers on Monday and decided to become a free agent, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Estes only made it out to the hill for 43.2 innings due to a couple of injuries, and even when healthy his performance was less than ideal (4.74 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). He will likely latch on with someone because he is left-handed, but don't look for anything more than you saw from him this season. |
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| Lowell out for Game 4 | Monday 10/6, 6:24 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Mike Lowell will not be in the Red Sox lineup in Game 4 on Monday because of his injured hip, according to the Associated Press. "We’ll get him looked at," manager Terry Francona said. "We have some decisions to make. Maybe one decision is to do nothing. Some of it is going to depend on what the doctors say what we needed to do with him."
Our View: The Red Sox may have no choice but to shut Lowell down if they move on in the playoffs as it's tough to waste a roster spot on a guy if he is limited to just pinch hitting. Kevin Youkilis will continue to play at third with Mark Kotsay filling in at first. |
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| Wade performing exceedingly well | Monday 10/6, 4:16 PM CT |
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Cory Wade doesn't get the press of Takashi Saito and Jonathan Broxton but he has done a tremendous job nonetheless, according to Fox Sports. "He never tries to do more than what he can do," one scout says. "He knows that if he keeps his fastball out of the middle of the plate, he can pitch up and down with his curveball and get hitters out all day long."
Our View: Wade posted a 2.27 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and a 2.83 K/BB ratio this season and was a tremendous source of production out of the bullpen in NL-only leagues. Keep his name in mind in '09. |
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| McLouth to remain with Pirates | Monday 10/6, 4:13 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth will not be be traded to the Yankees for Robinson Cano as reports have been speculating, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Our View: The Pirates are more likely to move Nyjer Morgan given that they would easily replace his production with youngser Andrew McCutchen. The team could also look to move Adam LaRoche, but McLouth is almost certain to remain put. |
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| Dye could be moved this offseason | Monday 10/6, 4:10 PM CT |
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Jermaine Dye could end up being traded this offseason as the White Sox will likely look to get a bit younger and more athletic, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Our View: Dye is coming off a .292-34-96-96 effort and is under contract for $11.5 million next season with a $12 million mutual option in 2010. If the Sox do indeed decide to go in another direction, Dye would certainly be an attractive option for a team looking to add some pop to their lineup. |
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| Crawford hit by bat | Monday 10/6, 4:06 PM CT |
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Carl Crawford took a bat to his face in batting practice on Thursday but he is still expected to play in Game 4, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Apparently Crawford was walking around the batting cage and wasn't paying attention when he got clipped on a swing from Dioner Navarro. It's been a rough year for Crawford, but he keeps battling through everything. |
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| Votto named NL Rookie of Month | Monday 10/6, 3:41 PM CT |
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Joey Votto has been named the NL Rookie of the Month for September, according to the AP. Votto batted .309 (29-for-94) with nine home runs and 20 RBI over 25 games in the month.
Our View: Votto hit .297 over 151 games, with 24 homers and 84 RBI, and has a bright future ahead of him in Cincinnati. He should challenge .300 and 30 homers in 2009, potentially making him a solid starting first baseman for mixed-leagues. |
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| Lewis named AL Rookie of Month | Monday 10/6, 3:37 PM CT |
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Scott Lewis has been named the AL Rookie of the Month for September, according to the AP. The 25-year-old Lewis went 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA over four starts this past month, with 15 strikeouts.
Our View: Lewis won his Major League debut against the Orioles on September 10, and never looked back on his way to earning the monthly honor. |
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| Bedard set to start rehab | Monday 10/6, 12:55 PM CT |
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Erik Bedard is slated to start his rehab from his shoulder surgery Tuesday, according to The News Tribune. He said, "They cleaned up the fraying on my labrum and took out the cyst. I start rehab tomorrow."
Our View: Tuesday is only 12 days after he underwent surgery. What happens next depends on how Bedard’s rehab progresses, and he’ll return to Seattle this winter before picking up a baseball again. But by spring training, he’s been told he should be close to 100 percent.
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| Sheets may leave Milwaukee? | Monday 10/6, 12:49 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets will keep the option open, but ultimately does not expect to remain in Milwaukee when he enters free agency, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Sheets has put in eight year's of service with Milwaukee, while maintaining a 3.72 ERA. He is dealing with a muscle tear near his elbow, but will still likely generate solid interest on the free agent market. |
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| Weeks undergoes surgery | Monday 10/6, 12:08 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks underwent surgery today to remove torn cartilage from his left knee, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The doctors said he had a "debridement" of the meniscus in that knee.
Our View: The procedure was performed by team physician William Raasch at Froedtert Medical Center. Weeks will begin therapy at home later in the week and is expected to be ready to go by spring training.
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| Backe arrested | Monday 10/6, 9:56 AM CT |
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Brandon Backe has been arrested early Sunday morning (along with at least a half-dozen bystanders) after a fight broke out in Galveston, according to MLB.com. Backe was accused of resisting arrest, search and transportation by using force against an officer. He was released on bail and released the same day. The Astros stated, "We're aware of an incident involving Brandon. We have spoken with him regarding his his version of the event. Seeing this is a legal matter, any further comment on our part would be inappropriate."
Our View: Backe was attending a wedding celebration at the H2O bar in San Luis Resort when an incident involving a 19-year-old reportedly turned into an altercation between police and bar patrons. Backe struggled through a poor season with a 9-14 mark over 31 starts, with a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. |
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| Percival works in instructional league | Monday 10/6, 9:50 AM CT |
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Troy Percival threw an inning in an instructional league game Saturday and likely will do so again Monday, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He is recovering from a back ailment.
Our View: Manager Joe Maddon noted that Percival felt pretty good after the session, and the reliever is hoping to return in a later round of the postseason. |
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| Riggins hopeful to return | Monday 10/6, 9:34 AM CT |
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Shawn Riggans, who underwent knee surgery in September, is hopeful to return to the diamond if the Rays advance to the ALCS, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: The Rays say he could be ready, but is yet to get into a full squat. Riggans would serve as Dioner Navarro's backup if slated for the ALCS roster. |
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| Quentin could be ready for ALCS? | Monday 10/6, 9:29 AM CT |
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Carlos Quentin could be ready for the ALCS if the Sox can get past the Rays, according to the Chicago Tribune. He looked good while ripping line drives Sunday in pregame batting practice.
Our View: He is recovering from a broken right wrist, which is still painful, but would try to play through it if the Sox advance. He would provide a boost as he hit 36 homers over 130 games in the regular season prior to going down. |
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| Cabrera on Twins' radar? | Monday 10/6, 8:03 AM CT |
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The Star Tribune indicates that shortstop Orlando Cabrera is on the Twins' list of off-season targets.
Our View: He has won two Gold Gloves, but will turn 34 in November. The Twins like his intensity, and letting him go would allow the Sox to move Alexei Ramirez to shortstop. The source suggests the odds of him heading to Minnesota are 5-1. |
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| Buehrle top candidate for Game 5 | Monday 10/6, 7:52 AM CT |
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Manager Ozzie Guillen is leaning toward starting Mark Buehrle in the event of a Game 5 against the Rays, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Guillen wants to employ as many left-handed pitchers as possible against Tampa Bay, as they have several dangerous left-handed hitters, such as slugger Carlos Pena. Chicago currently trails 2-1 in the best-of-five series, and are set to go with Gavin Floyd in tonight's Game 4 at U.S. Cellular Field. |
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| Lowell still ailing | Monday 10/6, 7:32 AM CT |
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Mike Lowell could barely walk as he came into the clubhouse after Game 3, according to the Boston Globe. He had difficulty putting on his pants and when asked if he would play in Game 4, he answered, "I don't know. We'll see Monday."
Our View: Lowell has looked sluggish while roaming third base, and has also looked overmatched at the plate. |
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| Richard could crack 2009 rotation? | Monday 10/6, 7:00 AM CT |
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The Chicago Sun-Times suggests that Clayton Richard could crack Chicago's rotation out of spring training in 2009.
Our View: If Jose Contreras is healthy enough to return, he could work as a reliever, giving his rotation spot to Richard. The youngster held a 6.04 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 47.2 innings with the Sox this season. |
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