Bottom of Sox lineup, one month in
So, before the season started, I expressed concerns about the bottom of the Sox lineup - though I was far from the only one. I specifically said that Coco might not hit his weight, Varitek may not outhit Mirabelli, Pedroia may not be ready for prime time, and Lowell will have a nice first half and a horrible second half (again). Gonzo assured me (and everyone else) that I was nuts.
Let’s see where these concerns stand one month in, shall we?
Coco Crisp - weighs 180 lbs, hitting .236. Thanks to a very nice last week of the month, he is *finally* hitting (more than) his weight. Course, .236 (with a .282 OBP and a .333 SLG) isn’t exactly getting it done, now is it? For the record, I like Coco a lot and I really want to see him succeed here - but I’m just not sure he’s going to.
Jason Varitek - 225/309/338. Doug Mirabelli - 353/421/706. What the hell was I talking about, right Gonzo? Does this mean I think Mirabelli should start, or even play more than the 20% of the time he does now? Nope. It means that Varitek is simply no longer a consistent offensive contributor. Lori and Cody love him. He’s their favorite player. But he’s not a good hitter any more. Facts is facts.
Dustin Pedroia - I believe Gonzo’s quote was something like, “How can you base your analysis on ABs during a September callup?” Well, cuz that’s what we have to go on, first of all - and I actually watched many of those ABs. But you’re right, and I’m wrong. I was foolish to think that Pedroia would do as well in 2007 (.172) as he did in September 2006 (.191). I love Alex Cora. He is officially my new favorite Red Sox player (which means he’ll soon be hurt or traded). I don’t think Cora should start, but rather should maintain his current status as a guy who plays 2-3 times a week filling in and coming off the bench. As I said, I would’ve kept Loretta for one more year, personally.
Mike Lowell - 315/376/539. Off to a very nice start. He’ll likely continue this pace to some time in mid-July, and then he’ll fall of a cliff. Over the past three years, he averages almost 100 pts less in OPS after the ASB vs. before the ASB. Feel free to set your proverbial watch by it.
Gonzo, do us all a favor and maintain your focus on the team that had to use Chan Ho Park in its rotation, even if only for one start (to Danny’s obvious delight) - and leave me and Jakes to advise on what to expect from the Olde Towne Team.
Oh - and that Pounder for the Varitek/Mirabelli bet is much appreciated.
Okay, I’m done now.
May 2nd, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Well, considering there are still 135+ games to go, you’ll forgive me if I concede nothing quite yet.
May 2nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Understand. And clearly I don’t anticipate Mirabelli maintaining this .300 average - but he will end up hitting better than Varitek, as promised.
Speaking of Loretta, over 15 games and 44 PA, he’s hitting at 366/409/415 - and probably playing a very reliable 2B in the process. Clearly he’ll back off that somewhat, but I just wish the Sox had stuck with him one more year rather than rush Pedroia throug as the designated “organizationally developed prospect” now that Hanley Ramirez won his ROY in another uniform last year.
Regarding Loretta, looks like he’s starting consistently now - but didn’t start the year that way. Anybody know why?
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:59 am
Most likely because it is very hard to win when you have several players who are well below replacement level hitters in the same lineup.
Adam Everett is not in a slump, but is still hitting just .217/.301/.325
Brad Ausmus is actually having a huge year at .286/.370/.365
Chris Burke was hitting .227 with no power, before they finally benched him
Morgan Ensberg is hitting a robust .247 with 2 HRs
Berkman is hitting fine, but Carlos Lee despite his 22 RBIs only has on OBP of .304 (Adam Everett territory)
Loretta should be playing every day. He is an OBP machine, rarely strikes out, and is an excellent situational hitter. He can also play 2B, SS, 3B, and as the season progresses, I think he will play more and more.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:06 am
What’s the skinny on Adam Everett’s defense? I hear that while he’s not Ozzie Smith (who is?), he’s as good defensively as, say, Mark Belanger - and like Belanger, he’s so good defensively, that *any* offensive contribution is considered a bonus.
And for those of you scoring at home, Everett started in the Sox organization and was traded in the famed Everett/Everett deal - with the Astros getting slick-fielding Adam, and the Sox getting enigmatic Carl.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Adam Everett’s defense is unbelievable. Garner has suffered through .220 or lower to have that kind of a shortstop in the field. He’s the best shortstop in the NL, as Danny would offer up quickly. Defensively, btw.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
But… he hasn’t won a Gold Glove yet (at least I don’t think he has) - so he must not be good defensively. Recall that Jeter’s multiple Gold Gloves are frequently trotted out by Yankee fans as clear-cut evidence that he’s obviously a terrific defensive shortstop… well, the Gold Gloves and the rings (sic).