20 and 10 but still not perfect
Posted in Red Sox on May 8th, 2007 2 Comments »
OK, so the Red Sox have the best record in the American League and appear to be on course for the year many people, including the experts, expected.
I had asked for your concerns — not to be confused with whines — about this team and now we’re going to address them.
The Trouble Bunch said:
“At this point in the season, my biggest concern is Dusty P not producing at the plate. He’s the kind of hole in the lineup that you usually worry about when Doug Mirabelli is behind the plate (though not so far this year, it seems). My suggestion: give the kid another couple weeks, hope he finds his stride. If he doesn’t? Send him back down to Pawtucket to find his bat and his balls, and split the time at second between Alex Cora and Eric Hinske (who’s .385 OBP in 10 games is nothing to scoff at, especially when compared w/ Pedroia’s perfomance).
Besides Dusty P, straighten out Lugo’s glove, and I say we’re good to go!”
I agree with your assessment of Pedrioa’s problems, which may have been remedied over the weekend in Minnesota (5-for-6, including three doubles). At 20-10, there should be no rush to judgement. What we have to understand is that Theo Epstein’s grand plan is to have a legitimate second baseman and the best possible utility infielder in the game. It appears they have the latter in Alex Cora. We’re still waiting for Pedroia. I would wait, as you said, at least a couple more weeks.
On a side note relating to Pedroia, I spoke to ex-Sox manager Joe Morgan last week and he thinks Pedroia will be fine with the bat and he loves his defense. We will be including Joe in Q&A sessions throughout the baseball season.
Joe said:
“I’m concerned about Dice-K. I’m wondering if the pressure of pitching in Boston is too much. Do you agree?”
I believe Dice-K is the real deal. Besides his variety of pitches, he has been groomed his entire life to be in this situation, with the Red Sox or Yankees, on the world’s biggest stage. He is going through some tough times, which really aren’t as tough when compared to the average pitcher’s struggles. I believe he will win at least 17 games and be an ace-caliber pitcher by August.
