By: Alex Reimer
There is as much excitement around Alex Rodriguez’s 600th home run as there is around tax day. We’re not talking 500th home run, but 600th!
Even with all of the number inflation that’s been seen in baseball since the “steroid era,” hitting your 600th career home run should still theoretically be a big deal. You can still almost count the members of the “600 club” on one hand (Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa, and Ken Griffey Jr).
It’s easy to point at A-Rod’s involvement with steroids as the reason why nobody seems to care. But at last check, Ken Griffey Jr. hasn’t been linked to performance enhancing drugs. Was it earth-shattering news when he clubbed his 600th a few years ago in an empty stadium in Florida? No.
Jim Thome hasn’t been linked to steroids either. He currently sits at 575 career home runs. Will there be frequent live “Sportscenter” cut-ins during his march towards 600? No.
Whatever the case, 600 career home runs means next to nothing to most baseball fans and it likely never will again. In a way it’s sad, but in a way it’s also just an example as to how life evolves.
When the way the game of baseball is looked at changes, the way players are valued has to change as well. The Hall of Fame inductions yesterday served as a stark reminder that the time for deliberation on the “next era” of Hall of Famers is just about out. There are only so many more Andre Dawson’s that can be inducted before the fact that Mark McGwire isn’t even close to getting in will be more than just a side note.
If numbers from this generation of baseball players mean less than the numbers of those before them, then how will we decide on the Hall of Fame? Not voting for anybody is a cop-out and ridiculous. The Hall of Fame is a museum of baseball history. Are we just not going to include a period of 20 years? If that’s the case, the baseball Hall of Fame will have as much legitimacy as the WWE Hall of Fame.
The question, “was this player a dominant player in his era” has always been a consideration. But it should be more so now, as players can really only be fairly compared to their direct peers.
Ask yourself this question, “Can the story of the history of baseball be told without this person?” If the answer is “yes,” then that person isn’t a Hall of Famer. If the answer is “no,” then steroids or numbers be damned, that person is a Hall of Famer.
Maybe that’s too simplistic, but it’s just one component. A new criteria for voting has to be developed. Reading statistics on baseballreference won’t cut it anymore.
Alex Rodriguez will hit his 600th homer soon, and the world will march on. But in order to properly march on, we must come up with a new way to evaluate careers.
There are only so many more stars of the 80’s we can resurrect to delay the inevitable.
Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of “The Alex Reimer Show,” which airs Saturday’s from 12-1 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.
By Eddie Pannone
The 2010 Pawtucket Red Sox offense may be doing better than last year’s, but not much. They are last in many important categories such as average, runs, and hits. But, they have gotten a big key to their offense back. Daniel Nava returned from an impressive stint in Boston last night, and helped end Pawtucket’s 5 game losing streak. Down by 3, Nava blasted a 3-run homer to tie the score. He scored the winning run in the 10th inning and was on base 3 times in the game. Nava, despite his call up, is still tied for the team lead in homeruns and leads the team in RBI. He is also batting an even .300 on the year. With the Red Sox getting healthy again, more and more players will be making their return. Fernando Cabrera, Robert Manuel, and Dustin Richardson have all returned to the bullpen for Pawtucket, which is good because the PawSox bullpen hasn’t been productive recently. With the return of Josh Beckett and Victor Martinez coming soon, it is likely the PawSox will get Michael Bowden and Dusty Brown back as well. While it is great that Pawtucket is finally getting its team back, these returns could cause some problems.
With the return of Nava, the PawSox have 4 outfielders all deserving of playing time, Nava, Kalish, Reddick, and Bell. Nava obviously will be playing. Josh Reddick, though having a poor year, is Boston’s 3rd rated prospect and has been to Boston on multiple occasions. Ryan Kalish is the number 5 prospect and is having great success as Pawtucket’s lead off batter. Kalish is batting .318 with 3 HR in just 29 games. Those three will get the outfield playing time. This leaves all-star Bubba Bell without an outfield spot. He will most likely be the everyday DH after he comes off the DL next week. Bell is 11th in the I.L. in batting average, currently .294. He is also second on the team in RBI. The odd men out are 1B/OF Aaron Bates and INF Tug Hulett. Both have shared time as the DH this year, but with Bell likely taking that position, ABs will be hard to come by. It will be interesting to see how they are used for the remainder of the season. Whoever plays, Pawtucket will need to turn it around quickly. They are 12.5 games out of first place and 9.5 back in the wild card with just 44 games to go.
Over the past two weeks, many rehabbers have played for Pawtucket. Pitcher Josh Beckett completed his rehab assignment, pitching in two games. He had no record and an ERA of 4.50 over 8 IP. Beckett will pitch in Seattle tonight. Clay Buchholz only started one game for the PawSox. He went 3.2 IP, giving up 2 runs, striking out 2. Infielder Jed Lowrie played in 4 games, batting .333 with a HR and 4 RBI. Outfielder Jeremy Hermida only had 8 ABs in his rehab, batting .125. Currently rehabbing is 3B/1B Mike Lowell. The plan for Lowell is for him to play 5 games, 2-3 games at first base or third base, and the rest as the DH. As the DH last night, Lowell went 1-5 with a single in the 10th inning.
Pawtucket begins an 8 game road trip tonight in Columbus at 7:05.
By: Alex Reimer
Now that this NBA free agency stuff is just about over, it’s time to take a step back and analyze what has happened.
Excluding LeBron, the answer is, “not much.” Carlos Boozer will play with Derrick Rose, and Al Jefferson will replace Boozer in Utah. Amar’e Stoudemire received 100 million dollars from the Knicks, and will begin the one-man crusade to lead them to 35 wins.
The Hawks somehow thought it was a good idea to give Joe Johnson more than 100 million dollars. 6th seed in the Eastern Conference for life!
The Nets struck out on every major free agent, so they instead settled and decided to give guys like Travis Outlaw 4 guaranteed years. Life could be a worse if you’re a Nets fan, though. You could be a Timberwolves fan.
The Celtics retained Paul Pierce and Ray Allen because they had no other choice. They signed Jermaine O’Neal to fill the void of an injured Kendrick Perkins and likely to retire Rasheed Wallace.
But that was all before “The Decision.” Something about LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh all teaming up in Miami just comes off as wrong.
It should come off as the utmost act of selflessness. It should come off as three of the best players in the league sacrificing personal gains for the ultimate goal of winning a championship.
But instead, it comes off as a bunch of 6’5 seniors sticking a 5’0 freshman’s head into the toilet. With Mike Miller, Juwan Howard, Udonis Haslem, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas all also heading to South Beach, there are a lot of bystanders, egging the bullies on.
Maybe it’s the fact that LeBron James, the most talented player in the league, was the last major free agent to sign opposed to the first. He came off as a follower, and not as a leader.
This is different than Kevin Garnett, Allen, and Pierce all coming together with the Celtics in the summer of 2007. Those three were in their 30’s and had accomplished every individual goal one could hope to accomplish. Except winning a title.
James, Wade, and Bosh are all in their mid-20’s. Dwyane Wade has his championship, but Bosh and James do not. For those two, this seems like giving up.
For LeBron James, this seems like he feels he can never win it by himself. If he felt he could, why would he give up all of this and become “2nd fiddle” at 25 years-old? Because that’s what LeBron is to Wade. He will never be thought of as “the man.”
This is not a story of LeBron James wanting to give up all personal accolades for a championship. If that was the case, he wouldn’t have orchestrated the embarrassing “Decision” ESPN special.
This is a story of LeBron James going to Miami because it’s the “cool” thing to do. This is a story of LeBron James wanting so desperately to win not because he feels a burning desire to, but because he thinks it’s simply a missing piece to his brand.
If LeBron James had the competitive spirit of a Michael Jordan or even Kobe Bryant, he wouldn’t have gone to Miami to go along with the ride.
He would have started his own ride, somewhere else.
Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of “The Alex Reimer Show,” which airs every Saturday on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. This week (7/17), “The Alex Reimer Show” will air in its temporary time slot of 12-1 PM EST. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.
By: Alex Reimer
George Steinbrenner was a walking paradox. He is credited with developing the YES Network, and building the Yankee brand into the revenue conglomerate that it is today. However, before he forayed into baseball, Steinbrenner was credited with running his father’s shipping business into the ground.
Steinbrenner presided over the Yankee Dynasty of the late 1990’s, resulting in 4 championships. He produced 7 titles in 37 years of ownership. Steinbrenner also presided over arguably the most downtrodden years in Yankees’ franchise history, the 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Steinbrenner hired members of illegal criminal organizations to “dig up dirt” on Dave Winfield, after Winfield sued him for failing to pay Winfield’s foundation the $300,000 guaranteed in his contract.
That resulted in George’s second ban from baseball. The first came after it was revealed Steinbrenner had made illegal contributions to Richard Nixon’s 1972 presidential campaign.
But in the late 1970’s with Reggie Jackson and in the late 1990’s, there arguably wasn’t a more polarizing figure in the sport. Not every owner gets his or her own character on Seinfeld.
There was the “Big Stein” side of George, which fed the media with enough compelling quotes to fill several stories. There was also the side of George that terrorized and tortured Yankee employees, from Front Office personnel to valet parking attendants.
He was a regular donator to the Jimmy Fund here in Boston and personally sent flowers to pitcher Jon Lester when he was recovering from cancer. Steinbrenner also pushed and bullied many, including Yogi Bera, who refused to step inside of Yankee Stadium for years.
With George Steinbrenner’s passing at the age of 80 today, there will be a lot of revisionist history. It’s an American tradition. When somebody dies, you never bring up his or her flaws.
But Steinbrenner had flaws. Prior to his return from his 2nd suspension in 1993, George Steinbrenner was Dan Snyder, Jerry Jones, and to a lesser extent Peter Angelos. He was the classic “deep pockets” owner who took over day-to-day operations of the club and failed miserably. He was never afraid to throw around money, but often threw it around at the wrong targets.
That practice of handing out poor contracts continued into the mid-2000’s, where the Yankees signed Jason Giambi, Kevin Brown, Randy Johnson, and others on the free agent market.
It was Gene Michael who built up the Yankees’ farm system in the early 90’s, by drafting Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and the rest of that Yankee core. These guys were allowed to develop and everybody was allowed to breath without Steinbrenner around.
But through his warts, one thing was for certain. George Steinbrenner always wanted to win. He cared deeply about delivering a quality product to his fan base. As a fan, one knew his heart was always in the right place in regards to his intentions with the team.
Compared to the other extreme, apathy, Steinbrenner’s style should be lauded. What’s the purpose of buying a professional sports franchise if you’re not going to try to win? If you just want to make money, then stay on the board of executives of your exporting company, or whatever you do.
Another thing that’s for certain is that George Steinbrenner simply made baseball more interesting. He was a larger than life figure, the head of the “Evil Empire.” Cursing out Hank and Hal just isn’t as fun. Their father was the perfect villain.
The Red Sox and Yankees rivalry will not be the same with George’s involvement. Players came and went, but Steinbrenner was forever. He was a character.
Ultimately, that’s exactly what George Steinbrenner was. A character. Some good and some bad went with that. But another thing that’s for certain is this. They don’t make’em like George Steinbrenner anymore.
Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of “The Alex Reimer Show,” which airs every Saturday from 4-6 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.
by Joseph Kuykendall
LOWELL, Mass.— After two consecutive division titles (the only two in franchise history) in the past two years, the Lowell Spinners have hit a road-bump to start their 2010 campaign. Going into their series opener against the Jamestown Jammers on Thursday night, the Spinners’ posted an ugly 5-14 record. It is the worst in the Stedler Division, all of the New York-Penn League, and worst start in Franchise History.
Jed Lowrie (pictured), who is recovering from mono, was sent to Lowell for a rehab assignment. Lowrie was a previous member of the Lowell Spinners in 2005, and had a rehab stint with them last season.
Coming in to Thursday Night’s game against the Jamestown Jammers, the Spinners looked to break their current two-game losing streak.
Although the Jammers jumped out to an early two-run lead in the second inning, the Spinners bounced back with two runs of their own in the third inning to even the score at two.
Both teams each scored a run in the fifth inning. The Spinners’ lone run in the fifth inning came via a RBI Single off the bat of Jed Lowrie. It ended up being his last at-bat as he was pinch-hit for in the following inning by Joantoni Garcia.
Lowrie’s final stats for the game were 1-for-2, with one walk, one single, and one RBI.
Although both teams again exchanged a run again in the sixth inning, the Jammers had the last laugh with a lead-off home-run in the eighth inning from their right-fielder Marcell Ozuna.
It seemed as if the Spinners would have one last glimmer of hope when the New York-Penn League home run leader Sean Killeen pinch-hit for Joantoni Garcia in the bottom of the ninth but he ended up striking out.
In the end, the Spinners lost their tight bout with the Jamestown Jammers 5-4 and sent their losing streak to 3 games and now have an overall record of 5-15.
The Spinners look to rebound during tomorrow’s game and Saturday’s game. Saturday’s game is part of the Futures at Fenway. Both games are also against the Jamestown Jammers.
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz defeated Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez 11-5 in the final round to win the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby at Angel Stadium on Monday night. (AP Photo)
By Gethin Coolbaugh
ANAHEIM, CA - Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has won the 2010 State Farm Home Run Derby, defeating former Red Sox prospect shortstop Hanley Ramirez 11-5 in the final round at Angel Stadium.
Ortiz hit 21 home runs combined throughout the first two runs to advance to the finals before defeating Ramirez, who also hit 21 home runs in the first round.
Without much surprise, most of Big Papi’s home runs were sent over the right field wall.
This is the fourth time that Ortiz has participated in the derby but is the first time he has won the event.
With his 11 home runs in the final round, Ortiz became just the second slugger to hit double-digit home runs in the final round.
Now that he has the derby trophy in hand, Ortiz will look to win the All Star game MVP award in tomorrow night’s All-Star game.
Ortiz is not starting, but may be used in a pinch hitting role late in the game.
The last time a member of the Red Sox that won the MVP award was in 2008 when J.D. Drew won the award in the final All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.
Gethin Coolbaugh is the Associate Editor of Boston Sports U18. He can be reached at 774-279-1995 or at gethin.coolbaugh@bostonsportsu18.com. You can also visit Gethin Coolbaugh’s official website and follow Gethin Coolbaugh on Twitter.
Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, sent out a letter to fans ripping LeBron James for leaving Cleveland. Ironically, he was the one responsible for the Cavaliers' demise. (Amy Sancetta/AP Photo)
By Gethin Coolbaugh
By now I’m sure you’ve heard that prized free agent LeBron James will be taking his talents to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat.
The news was met with jubilation in Miami and extreme disappointment in Cleveland.
LeBron’s decision was taken especially hard by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who wrote a steaming letter to Cleveland fans almost immediately after James’ decision.
Instead of simply showing you the letter, I will post Gilbert’s letter in its entirety in italics and give you my thoughts on each section, which will be written in bold.
Here’s Gilbert’s letter…
Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor Never will betray you.
I have no problem with the opening statement, but then Gilbert begins trashing James when he calls his TV spectacle a “several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.”
True, James could have handled his announcement in a manner less embarrassing to his hometown Cavaliers, but in the end, it’s a business, and LeBron knows that. Gilbert should too.
And as for the Cavaliers brass never betraying the city of Cleveland, give me a break, Dan. You betrayed them by not doing your job and placing talent with James in order to compete for a title. Mo WIlliams was a start, but a washed up Shaquille O’Neal and Antawn Jamison were not good enough to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to Cleveland. You’re more at fault for this than James is.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future.
Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
Exciting future, eh? Like what…? Last time I checked, all of the big name free agents are off the market. You’re telling me that you’re going to build a title team with the likes of Richard Jefferson?
You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
Yes, Cavs fans don’t deserve this, and they have given their soul and ten times more to LeBron. But again, it’s a business. If you don’t create an environment in which a player can win, don’t expect them to come home under the same conditions. If you really wanted to keep James, maybe you should have made it a priority to bring in a big name free agent before the King made his decision. It worked for the Heat. And again, Mo isn’t cutting it.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:
“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”
You can take it to the bank.
When I first read this, it made me think that a fourth grader was writing this letter. I mean, come on. All caps?
And on what grounds do you guarantee that you’ll win a title before LeBron does? You don’t seem committed to bringing in another star player to take the place of James. And if you couldn’t win with James, what on earth makes you think that you can win without him? Common sense tells you that LeBron has about a much better shot of winning a ring first.
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
That’s nice, Dan. You want to win a title. That’s what most executives and players want. So did LeBron, and that’s why he left.
Previously unknown and previously never expected levels? I didn’t know that you could just pull motivation out of a hat. You should have tried it when LeBron was there. Oops, too late.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.
So…you want LeBron to die?
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south.
No…Quicken Loans Arena is staying in Cleveland.
And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
No thanks, I’d rather watch a good basketball team. Like that team in Miami. Did you know that they just got three superstars? It’s going to be fun to watch. You should give it a shot!
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….
Yeah, with Delonte West as the new face of the franchise.
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….
I highly doubt it. If you weren’t willing to spend time and money to bring in talent then, why would you do it now? Better start looking through Chad Ford’s top 10 prospects in the 2011-2020 NBA draft, because that’s about where you’ll be picking for a while.
Gethin Coolbaugh is the Associate Editor of Boston Sports U18. He can be reached at 774-279-1995 or at gethin.coolbaugh@bostonsportsu18.com. You can also visit Gethin Coolbaugh’s official website and follow Gethin Coolbaugh on Twitter.
Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James (from left to right) will all sign with the Miami Heat, creating the league's newest super team.
By Gethin Coolbaugh
When LeBron James announced that he would be bringing his talent to South Beach, he completed the super team that is the Miami Heat.
James joins incumbent superstar Dwayne Wade and fellow free agent prize Chris Bosh as the newest members of the Miami Heat.
In doing so, he left the only team he has ever known.
Now that the LeBron, the last big name free agent, is off the market, teams can begin building around their core players.
And of all 30 teams, the Heat have the most work to do. But make no mistake, landing James, Wade and Bosh is no small task.
In fact, Miami’s pickup of the new Big Three puts a cap on the greatest free agent period for any team in league history.
But before you go hailing the Heat as champions next season and beyond, take a minute to remember what James said just after making his highly anticipated announcement.
“A team is not built on three superstars,” James said. ”You don’t become a champion as an individual, you become champions as a team.”
As of now, the Heat have four players scheduled to be on payroll for the 2010-2011 season. That is, the Big Three and point guard Mario Chalmers.
And last time I checked, team’s need five players on the court.
After doling out close to maximum contracts to James, Wade and Bosh, the Heat will be left with an estimated $1.5 million in cap space.
That’s not enough to bring in any proven veteran reserves, let alone middle of the road talent.
That being the case, the Heat will only be able to sign draft picks and bottom-of-the-barrel players, barring a sign-and-trade deal.
We will not be able to effectively predict how Miami will fair in the upcoming season until Pat Riley and the Heat brass fill out the roster.
Once that time comes, we can make our picks for the 2010-11 Finals.
Gethin Coolbaugh is the Associate Editor of Boston Sports U18. He can be reached at 774-279-1995 or at gethin.coolbaugh@bostonsportsu18.com. You can also visit Gethin Coolbaugh’s official website and follow Gethin Coolbaugh on Twitter.
LeBron James (left) sits on the stage at the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, CT. James announced his decision on Thursday night, stating that he will sign with the Miami Heat. (AP Photo)
By Gethin Coolbaugh
GREENWICH, CT - The most anticipated free agent in NBA history has made his decision.
LeBron James will sign with the Miami Heat and will leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, the only team that he has ever known.
“I’m sorry, and I’m going to miss all of them,” James said of his coaches and teammates in Cleveland. “The seven years that we had was like no other.”
James announced his decision at 9:27 p.m. EST on his one-hour special “The Decision,” which aired on ESPN.
“Being along side Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and all the other guys they’re going to bring in, it’s going to be a new challenge for myself,” said James.
Wade and Bosh announced their decision to sign with the Heat on July 7th, building speculation that James would join them and create the new Big Three.
James went as far as to compare his situation with that of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and the 2008 Boston Celtics.
“When those three guys joined that team, they rose their level of play,” James said.
However, James realizes that he, Wade and Bosh can’t do it alone.
“A team is not built on three superstars,” James noted. ”You don’t become a champion as an individual, you become champions as a team.”
After his announcement, fans in Miami bars rejoiced, fans in Cleveland weeped, and fans in Chicago, New York and New Jersey were disappointed.
Even though James knows that he has disappointed some of his fans, he hopes that they will continue to stand by him.
“To my real fans out there, I hope that you continue to support me in Miami,” he said.
Now that James’ decision has been made, the build up to the beginning of the 2010-2011regular season begins.
Gethin Coolbaugh is the Associate Editor of Boston Sports U18. He can be reached at 774-279-1995 or at gethin.coolbaugh@bostonsportsu18.com. You can also visit Gethin Coolbaugh’s official website and follow Gethin Coolbaugh on Twitter.
By Eddie Pannone
Pawtucket currently has seven players in Boston. This is good or bad, depending on how you look at it. It is good because many of the players have filled in nicely for the injured Red Sox. They would certainly be out of contention if it wasn’t for the Navas and McDonalds of the world. But, it is a bad thing because Pawtucket is rapidly falling out of the playoff race. They are currently 11.5 games behind the first place Yankees. What factors have contributed to this? Well, the call ups have been the biggest thing. Without McDonald, who’s been up pretty much the entire season, and Daniel Nava, the PawSox lack a consistent power hitting threat. This leads into their second issue, hitting. Pawtucket is one of the worst hitting teams in the I.L. They have hit the third least homeruns and are last in runs and in average. Down years for Aaron Bates, Josh Reddick, and the trading on Angel Sanchez have triggered this. The last thing Pawtucket will have to do is start winning on the road. They have the worst road record in the league at 14-30, something that obviously needs to improve. If you just look at home record, the PawSox are really good, with a winning percentage of .595. Unfortunately, Pawtucket still has a little under half of its games on the road, so they will really need to improve in order to have any shot at the playoffs.
It is looking like the PawSox will be giving up another player. Pitcher Michael Bowden looks like he will soon be summoned to Boston, as he has been moved to the bullpen. This is not a demotion. Bowden has been outstanding of late, winning 3 of his last 4 starts and putting his early season struggles behind him. But with an ailing Red Sox team, it is likely Boston will need him in their bullpen. So, they want him to feel comfortable in that role. So far, so good for Bowden. In his first relief appearance, he went 2 IP, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout. Another PawSox player that might be Boston bound is recently acquired Rich Hill. The lefty has 5 years of major league experience with the Cubs and the Orioles and it wouldn’t surprise me if he became a lefty specialist out of the Sox bullpen.
International League All-Stars have been announced and Pawtucket has two representatives, Bubba Bell and Robert Manuel. Bell has had a great year for Pawtucket. The outfielder is hitting an even .300, second on the team in batting. He has come a long way this year, being a guy not starting on opening day to an All-Star. Manuel, who is currently in Boston, shared closer duties with Fernando Cabrera. He has the lowest ERA on the PawSox (1.54) and leads Pawtucket in appearances. Possibly All-Star bound next season for Pawtucket is Ryan Kalish. Kalish, the #5 prospect in the Red Sox system has been very good since being promoted. In 19 games, he is batting .304, with 1 HR and 11 runs scored. It is a promising sign to see him doing well at AAA.
In other PawSox news, 2007 ALCS MVP Josh Beckett will be pitching at McCoy Stadium Sunday at 1:05. Beckett is currently on a rehab assignment and this will be his first start. It is unknown how many rehab starts he will make for Pawtucket.
