Boston Red Sox

ALL
OUTSIDER

Using xBABIP and IF/F to predict some Sox's 2009 numbers

By Evan | January 7, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

Big Papi should make a triumphant return -- Samara Pearlstein

A month ago, Chris Dutton and Peter Bendix collaborated together to come up with a new statistic -- xBABIP. For batters, a .300 BABIP is not a reliable benchline (as it is for pitchers), nor is there one standard benchline across all batters. They have to be personalized, which Dutton and Bendix did.

David Ortiz looks to be in line for a monster regression to the mean... except in this case, regression is a good thing. You can expect a .300 average as a reasonable forecast next year for Big Papi.

Check out the numbers behind the reasoning for Big Papi, plus some interesting numbers on Jason Bay, Julio Lugo and others...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB

Battle for the Bench: Mark Kotsay and Alex Cintron

By bottomlinesox | January 6, 2009 | The Bottom Line

Mark Kotsay - Eric Kilby

This is part two of Battle for the Bench. Click HERE to read the other entries. Mark Kotsay 1B/OF The injury bug ravaged the Red Sox roster throughout 2008. Keeping Coco ended up helping the Red Sox, but Theo didn't chose to keep him, they just couldn't trade him. One key move that Theo did make was picking up Mark Kotsay at the All-Star break. With Mike Lowell, Sean Casey and JD Drew all hitting the DL in the second half, Kotsay's versatility made an instant impact. He bounced back and fourth from the outfield to first base while hitting .293 through August. Kotsay had a rough September batting just .206 on the month, but his defense at first base in the playoffs made up for the slump. That's why I wouldn't mind seeing Kotsay back in Boston in 2009. Kotsay hit .289 with Atlanta in the first half...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Alex Citron, Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox, Jeff Bailey, Julio Lugo, Kevin Youkilis, Mark Kotsay, Mike Lowell

Yankees keep sticking it to Red Sox

By Evan | January 6, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

It started with Jose Contreras as the first strike then moved on to Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree... it graduated to Johnny Damon and Carl Pavano... then they whisked away Mark Teixeira and made sure we couldn't bring Kevin Cash back by bringing him aboard too... and now they've signed... JASON JOHNSON!

When will this madness ever end! Johnson, an ex-Red Sox had an 0-4 record with six starts for the Red Sox during 2006 where he also played for the Cleveland Indians and Cincinatti Reds. His ERA in those starts? 7.36. Curse you, New York! Who will you take from us next?

Read more | 8 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB, New York Yankees

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: MLB

Kevin Youkilis and the Curious Case of Selective Aggression

By Tim Daloisio | January 6, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

Not holding back anymore - flickr (BostonWolverine)

In Kevin Youkilis' recent Q&A with MVN's The Bottom Line, I found one particular answer particularly interesting.

For someone who has been given the moniker "the Greek God of Walks" and seemingly backed it up with a superior batting eye and tremendous patience at the plate, Kevin Youkilis accounted some of his success in 2008, specifically in the power department to being more aggressive at the plate.

Read more | 9 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Kevin Youkilis, MLB

Weekend Update: Catching up...

By bottomlinesox | January 5, 2009 | The Bottom Line

Jason Varitek - Bosoxs

Incase you spent most of the weekend recovering from a New Years party hangover, here are a few tid bits you might have missed: The Providence Journal is reporting that the Red Sox have rekindled talks with Scott Boras about Jason Varitek and a two-year deal may be on the table. Boras is still hoping to get Tek a four-year deal and around $10M per year, but with no other suitors, the Sox can afford to wait for reality to sink in. That said, I'm not too keen on using a combo of Bard/Brown/Kottaras in 2009, so I hope the Sox either re-sign Varitek or bite the bullet and trade Buchholz for a young catcher like Saltalamacchia or Montero. * * * * Gregg Zaun told the Boston Globe he would love to play for the Red Sox: "I'd love it. My agent has had ongoing talks with Boston and I...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Doug Mirabelli, Gregg Zaun, Jason Varietk, Los Angeles Angels, Mark Teixeria, New York Yankees, Scott Boras

Rays nab Pat Burrell

By Tim Daloisio | January 5, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

Now on deck for the Rays: Pat Burrell - flickr (Scott Ableman)

*hat tip MLB Trade Rumors, from Ken Rosenthal*

"According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rays are close to signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16MM deal. It'd be a solid move, as the Rays can increase his value by not using him in the field. The '08 Rays struggled against lefties (.726 OPS) and Burrell crushes them (.952 OPS in '08)."

This is a strong move for the Rays for whom Burrell and his 2.8 win value in 2008 will replace the sub 1.0 Cliff Floyd as the Rays primary DH. As MLB Trade Rumors notes, Burrell's fielding woes will be mitigated and he'll help the Rays woeful performance against left handed pitching. Very underrated, but very strong move by the Rays.

The A.L. East keeps getting tougher.

Read more | 33 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB, Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays

MLB Top 10: Best Offseason Acquisitions to Date

By Jaymes Langrehr | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Oakland won the Matt Holliday sweepstakes in November -- bryce_edwards/flickr

It's hard to believe that baseball's offseason is nearly over, but pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over a month. A struggling economy and penny-pinching GMs have led to a somewhat slow offseason, but that doesn't mean good deals were made. With all the publicity the Yankees' spending spree is getting this winter, it's easy to lose track of some of the better deals that flew under the radar. Here are 10 smart transactions (made at a sensible cost) that you may have forgotten about.10. Jeremy Affeldt to the Giants -- signed for 2 years, $8 millionThe first free agent signing of the offseason wasn't very glamorous, but it's turned out to be one of the better (read: sensible) signings of the offseason. Affeldt may not light the world on fire, but he's a very solid lefty reliever that will make San Francisco's bullpen better. Give credit...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Top Ten, Washington Nationals

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

Read more | Discuss | Tags: MLB

MLB Top 10: Best Offseason Acquisitions to Date

By Jaymes Langrehr | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Oakland won the Matt Holliday sweepstakes in November -- bryce_edwards/flickr

Top Fits for Andruw Jones

By Evan | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Andruw Jones - kla4607/Flickr.com

With word that the Los Angeles Dodgers have restructured outfielder Andruw Jones' contract to an affordable $5 million deal (with the rest of the $15 million deferred over the next six years without interest) and a pledge by the Dodgers to release or trade Jones so he can land with a new team, which teams seem like fits for Jones?There are a couple criteria that need to be met to fit for Jones. One is that Jones is primarily a centerfielder, although we won't let that play too much into our fits -- outfielders, centerfielders most notably, tend to move around the outfield corners more often than infielders do.Secondly, Jones has expressed a desire to start and will control his fate if he is released. Only through the trade market would a team be able to secure him as a fourth outfielder if they promised to give him ample playing...Read more

Read more | 4 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers

MLB Top 10: Baseball's Best Stories in 2008

By Jaymes Langrehr | December 29, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Evan Longoria - Keith Allison/Flickr.com

We're just a few days away from ringing in 2009, so it's time to look back on the year that was 2008. Major League Baseball provides us with tons of memories every season, but only so many can make it into a Top 10 list -- here are the Top 10 moments from this past year in Major League Baseball. Feel free to share your own in the comments section.10. This is the game that never ends...The final All-Star Game played at Yankee Stadium lasted nearly 5 hours (4 hours, 50 minutes), and would have lasted longer if Justin Morneau wasn't able to beat Corey Hart's throw home on a sac fly by Michael Young. The game tied the record for innings played in the Midsummer Classic, matching the 15 innings played in the 1967 affair. With so many innings being played, a number of records fell -- the 2008...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

Winter Meetings Report: Sabathia disappoints with NYC money grab; Mets dominate closers market; Big bats still available

By Brandon Rosage | December 12, 2008 | MVN Outsider

One host couldn't hide his disdain for the plot twist CC Sabathia supplied for baseball's off-season storyline, while the other host can't get enough big market spending. In this "Winter Meetings Report," The Pitch hosts Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage bicker about the affect Sabathia's signing has on the off-season market, as well as the business of entertainment for Major League Baseball. Discussion also moves to the New York Mets' acquisition of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to solidify their bullpen, and the latest developments regarding Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez' future. Plus, the show gives some time to the Red Sox' new logos and added rumor mill sorting. Join the discussion, listen in and participate via e-mail (thepitch@mvn.com) or in the comments....Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals

Winter Meetings Primer: Hudson and Crede top values on IF; How to assess pitching market; Rumor mill

By Brandon Rosage | December 5, 2008 | MVN Outsider

With four days until the start of baseball's Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, The Pitch assesses the market at each key position. Hosts Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage start with the pool of free agent infielders, ranking Orlando Hudson, Joe Crede and Casey Blake highly above sluggers demanding more dough. Moving past Manny Ramirez, the discussion moves to good-value outfielders, like Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu. The show sorts through the overrated and underrated hurlers on the pitching market, including praise for Oliver Perez, Derek Lowe, Randy Johnson and Jon Garland. Join the discussion, listen in and participate via e-mail (thepitch@mvn.com) or in the comments....Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants

Top Prospect Profile: Lars Anderson

By Evan | December 4, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Lars Anderson - Red Sox first baseman Age: 21Height: 6'4"Weight: 210Bats: LeftPosition: First BaseRelevant Statistics: Anderson, the Red Sox's best positional prospect, was promoted to Double-A Portland midway through the year and amassed 133 at-bats. He hit .316/.436/.526 with 5 home runs and many scouts feel he could play in the majors immediately. Scouting Report: Anderson possesses the classic power hitter's frame and has unlimited power potential. Some scouts have said that he will be a perennial 40-homer guy. He has an excellent eye at the plate but whiffs a bit too frequently, although he has made slight improvements in that area. There is no true drawback to his game. He runs as well as can be expected and holds his own in the field. Resume: Anderson was picked out of high school and bonus demands allowed the Sox to scoop him up in the 18th round of 2006. At...Read more

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB

Hot Stove report: Bay Area lures Sabathia, Pedroia builds case for big money, free agent predictions

By Brandon Rosage | November 21, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Just a few weeks away from Major League Baseball's winter meetings, "The Pitch" fans the flames of the Hot Stove by shuffling through all of the latest CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixera and Jake Peavy reports. Hosts Joe Aiello and Brandon Rosage also evaluate the MVP and Cy Young Awards and how the winners might be affected in the market today and down the line, including Boston's rising star Dustin Pedroia. Listen in and participate via e-mail (thepitch@mvn.com) or in the comments. And don't miss Brandon Rosage's new web video talk show "Boom, Outta Here," which spends its latest episode discussing Pedroia's shot at a new Red Sox deal....Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals

MVN: Most Valuable Network