Red Sox: Sunday Quick Hits
Some Spring Training stories worth noting:
- It’s interesting that Nick Cafardo writes some MLB executives are expecting “dramatic changes” in player performance with the improved PED testing that is taking place. What Cafardo left unsaid with the expectation of lower power numbers is that baseball executives believe there is a significant level of “cheating” (by using PEDs) still in the game. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.
- It continues to be a bumpy road for Tigers rookie closer Bruce Rondon. Like the idea of Boston targeting a starter like Rick Porcello (can never have enough quality, young arms) in a deal involving Andrew Bailey, if Detroit looks for other bullpen options.
- Keep an eye on Tyler Colvin of the Rockies – as a potential David Ortiz (short-term, hopefully) replacement with Big Papi’s injury woes continuing. Colvin is a lefty hitter best suited for a platoon situation. Also, he can play first base and outfield. The Rockies are going nowhere this season so would be looking for young talent in return. And looks like we can cross Manny Ramirez off the potential replacement list – he is headed to Taiwan to play.
- Red Sox backup catcher David Ross walked through the best pitches he has caught. There are a couple of Eric Gagne references (fastball, change-up) – showing clearly Ross was a Gagne teammate in Los Angeles and not part of Gagne’s disastrous Red Sox career.
What has caught your eye this week in Spring Training?
Albie Jarvis
Papi missing time is disastrous for sure. Carp/ Gomes DH platoon with Nava as the LF would be ok for a minimum,IMO. I like the way the team is shaping up, injuries worry me since we have a full roster of DL guys. If it stretches past two weeks with Papi, it may be time to see what Bradley or Lavarnway could do.
Sean
March 10, 2013 at 10:47 pm
The fact that Ortiz had an entire off-season to get healthy and has not been able to get on the field is troubling for the season.
Albie Jarvis
March 11, 2013 at 7:31 am