beck72

QUOTE(Steff @ May 26, 2005 -> 01:46 PM) QUOTE Guillen is hesitant to put rookie Brandon McCarthy in the bullpen once Hernandez is activated because of the lack of innings provided for the Sox's long relievers and the need to keep McCarthy as a starter. "I think this kid has to go back to the minor leagues and keep throwing," Guillen said. Curious to know what "pattern" and "track record" your referring to as well.. Cotts and adkins last yr for bullpen guys when they were SP's. Ozzie also has given chances to guys to fill the roster in Gload, Burke, Ozuna, Widger when other choices could have been made. Ozzie has "spoken" on this issue. It looks dead

Except BMac is a key to the Sox getting to the playoffs and possibly the WS this year, as insurance in case of injury. So he wouldn't be traded, as they'd need him for Aug, and Sept.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ May 26, 2005 -> 12:03 AM) He might pitch less but you can learn so much more just being on a major league sometimes than pitching in AAA. "being on a major league team". But well said. If Bmac doesn't have much to learn in the minors, he'll learn the rest being in the majors, even in the bullpen

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ May 26, 2005 -> 12:03 AM) I keep repeating myself it seems, So Ill say it again... When Buehrle and Garland were brought up both started in the bullpen, now they are our best 2 starters in so far the best rotation in the AL.... So you think B-Mac cant do the same? He might pitch less but you can learn so much more just being on a major league sometimes than pitching in AAA. The thought pattern and track records of KW and Ozzie would seem to suggest BMac sticking in the bullpen.

QUOTE(TaylorStSox @ May 25, 2005 -> 11:34 PM) The question isn't whether McCarthy can succeed in the pen. He can. The question is what the best thing for his development is. He moved to AAA and struggled with the long ball. He had a 4.72 ERA down there. Obviously, there's things to work on. His change, while having a great motion, tends to stay up in the zone. His curve, at times a snap dragon, has the tendancy to hang. He gave up 9 long balls in 8 AAA starts. He needs to work on consistancy with the hook and keeping the change down. His development will be hindered by pitching sporadically in the majors. We can use him every now and then and it may hurt him. Or, we can have him pitch every 5th day and continue to develop. What if he gets hammered while pitching in Coors east off a good hitting MLB team? They'll dominate if he makes the same mistakes he made in AAA. The win now attitude is fine and all. But, not if it's at the expense of a 21 year old kid who might be a CHEAP top of the rotation starter for the next 5 years. No thanks. Cotts is doing fine. We'll see. But if the Sox see BMac as someone who can help them win games from the bullpen [which seems to be the case], his "development" [whatever that means, because each pitcher is different] can wait. I think BMac is far more "developed" than most AAA pitchers, let alone 21 yr olds, [ie, more polished, knows how to pitch not just throw, attacks hitters and the zone, etc.] But seeing how Ozzie wanted Cotts and Adkins last year in the pen [both starters], and got him [and did far better than most people thought they would] chances are BMac will stick

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ May 25, 2005 -> 07:13 PM) I don't think comparing a BMac with a 27 year old ex-prospect helps your case any. Oh well.

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ May 25, 2005 -> 07:07 PM) I'd like to see his fastball get faster unless he starts pulling the strings like Shingo. Well let's hope the Sox organization makes the right decision and puts him back in AAA. Here's two examples of relievers used as spot starters and starting the next year or started that same year that I could think of. Buehrle - Did good Juan Cruz - failed so far Danny Haren - failed so far Jon Adkins - failed so far Wilson Alvarez(though he's already older) - decent, but he's already older; just threw him in there so people don't think I'm trying to be biased Danny Graves - failed I can't think of anymore right now, but so far most of them failed. If BMac has the talent to be a #3 SP in this league, then he has the talent to pitch in the pen. These guys didn't suck [or do well] because they first pitched in the bullpen. They suck because they can't get guys out/ throw too many meatballs/ give up too many walks. If BMac has the talent most people think he does, then a stint in the bullpen won't hurt him.

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ May 25, 2005 -> 06:53 PM) Yes, but not for an extended period of time. It was just supposed to be a 2 game thing at most. Bmac got a below average offense out. Let's see him when he faces a Yankee lineup(similar to what Neal Cotts went through a couple of years ago) and see if his s*** isn't shaken. I could understand if one of our starters has been doing piss poor, but we have the best starting staff in the league and I doubt that BMac could do any better than what our starting staff is doing now(as in ERA and wins which is all that matters). I'd like to see him develop one more pitch in triple A and get his fastball together, else you're just setting him a year back if you have him pitch in the pen this year. Again, what you or I would like to see happen with Bmac doesn't matter. If he can get outs, he'll stick around. My guess is he'll be able to get outs in the sox bullpen, unless someone goes down to injury. As far as "setting him back a year if he pitches in the bullpen", I don't see how it sets him back. And if BMac sticks with the sox in the pen, the professionals in the sox org. don't see it either. And his fastball is fine. He has 3 solid pitches

QUOTE(thomsonmi @ May 25, 2005 -> 06:46 PM) If in his next couple starts it becomes apparent that he has things to work on then we send him down for further development. What better way to judge if BMac can handle the pressure of being a major league pitcher than put a bug in his ear that he may stay in CHI if he does well? Sounds like a test for BMac

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ May 25, 2005 -> 06:41 PM) Bronson was a starter last year after the first month of the season because Derek Lowe was sucking big balls and Wakefield became injury prone. And there's a difference, the Red Sox needed Bronson. The White Sox don't need BMac right now. Why rush him up to do mop up duty?? I rather have him pitch in triple a and let him start, learn how to get out of jams, refine his pitches even more and allow him to become an ace. We need to stop rushing pitchers. Let them come at their own pace. The sox needed Bmac to fill in for El Duque. If Bmac shows he can get major league hitters out [like he did in his 1st start--a tough, tough spot to make his debut in], I don't think the sox will listen to everyone saying send him back down to AAA. The Sox aren't rushing Bmac. Rushing him would have meant starting in CHI instead of AAA. And he's coming on at his own pace.

QUOTE(Chisoxrd5 @ May 25, 2005 -> 06:24 PM) He needs to throw every fifth day because his future on this team is as a SP. He has the stuff and mindset to be a starter, and at this young age there is no reason for him to be up here for mop up duty. Neal Cotts could go on to be a starter but there is/was a need for another lefty reliever and he has filled in adequately in that role. Injury should never be a factor when making a decision like this. You dont place your players on certain teams b/c they have less of a chance getting injured. He needs to start on a consistent basis, plain and simple in my opinion. I really wish this wasn't even an issue as I see no reason for him to be in the bullpen. His future is as a SP. But with 5 solid SP's, his present could be in the pen. BMac can get outs at the major league level. That's why the sox look like they'll keep him around. It looks like they don't think Bmac's future will be harmed by having him pitch in the pen. BTW, didn't Bronson Arroyo do pretty well in the Red sox pen last year, and it didn't hurt his development as a SP?

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ May 25, 2005 -> 05:11 PM) Let's go with a 6-man rotation Don't let your affection for a player get in the way of a rotation that is producing. Ask yourself this. Is BMac going to do any better than Freddy G, Buehrle, Garland, Contreras, or Hernandez is doing now??? The question is, could BMac throw better than some guys in the bullpen, ala Walker, cotts, Vizcaino and even Shingo? Probably yes.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ May 25, 2005 -> 04:35 PM) No doubt about it. #1 it takes away our top insurance policy against injury, and #2 it stunts the work that his young arm needs to get him prepared to be a major league starter. #1: He's also more likely to get injured himself throwing in AAA. All those pitches in AAA may take a toll on his arm. #2-most people believe he's prepared to be a major league SP now. What other work [besides throwing 80-90 pitches a game to AAA hitters] does BMac need? If BMac sticks with the Sox, it's because he could give the major league team the best chance to win games in 2005. Even if one of the SP's went down, Bmac would likely be ready to step in very soon and give the sox 5 innings. Given the choice, which would BMac choose--being in AAA or on the Sox? Few players would choose AAA. I don't think BMac would either.

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ May 25, 2005 -> 03:57 PM) Put me in the camp that endorses sending McCarthy back down to stay in that starter's role. This guy needs to pitch ever fifth day. I ain't budging. Just curious, why does he need to throw every 5th day? Is to keep Stretched out? He's already had all his work and able to throw 5, 6 innings as it is. If he threw on the side by being in the pen and coming into games, he'd throw a lot of pitches to stay strong. Is it to learn how to pitch to AAA hitters? Cotts learned how to pitch last yr in the pen. Another thing people haven't talked about--is BMac more likely to get hurt throwing in AAA as a SP, or in the pen in the majors? Seeing how he's not a fireballer, but a guy who relies on location, BMac won't overthrow in relief. He's less likely to get hurt by being in CHI.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ May 25, 2005 -> 03:12 PM) BMAC isn't quite there yet. I'd want Cotts in that long relief role. If BMac isn't "there yet", I love to see him pitch when he is. Cotts could then be used in short relief, and some long relief as well on days after Bmac throws

It sounds like the Sox want another guy who can get outs in the pen, and who can go multiple innings, like Hermanson was looked at to do before settling in as closer. BMac can give the Sox alot of outs, w/o hurting the team by giving up walks. This is all about winning in 2005 and getting the best pitchers out there.

It's a good chance to see if Ozuna can give the sox a little spark. And see if he can play solid SS

QUOTE(sayitanitso @ May 25, 2005 -> 12:39 PM) Didn't Buehrle come up with the Sox and stay in long relief for a year or so, and look how he turned out. Guys who throw strikes and attack hitters have a future in the majors. BMac seems to have the same mentality as MB. If he can help the sox get outs [which he can] the sox can use him this year, no matter what role

you should turn in for tonight's game. Washburn is due to get lit up, their 2 top bullpen guys have been used, and the Angels aren't hitting.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ May 25, 2005 -> 11:24 AM) I ask this question. Would you deal Sean Tracey for Placido Polanco straight up? Or do you want the Phillies to pay the majority of his deal for the rest of the season? I think the sox could sweeten the offer like add a bullpen arm [like a Diaz] or have them take Timo, in order to get Phil. to pay some of his salary/ offset the added increase in salary

From today's Tribune: ------------- Guillen is baffled by the struggles of Uribe and Crede, who had a career-high 14-game hitting streak earlier this year. "Everything is mental," Guillen said of their woes. "I think they have the tools to be good offensive hitters. They have everything they have shown in the past. I don't know why they don't keep at same level almost every day. Some days are good, some really bad. I wish they could stay more consistent." --------------- Tell me Guillen and KW wouldn't like to have a guy who can give the sox some consistency at 3b and SS to rest these guys a bit. Neither would be traded. But someone like Polanco could be brought in to give the bottom of the order someone who could give the sox better at bats

QUOTE(RockRaines @ May 25, 2005 -> 02:30 AM) I'll tell you what I would do. I would Trade BMAC, Anderson, Sweeney, etc for Roger Clemens right now, and pay his salaryl. no thank you. anyways, Clemens will be going to the yanks

I would definitely be for it. BMac would give the sox their best chance to win games by his throwing strikes. It won't hurt his long term development, and he could get stretched out if he needed to start. Do it Sox.

QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ May 24, 2005 -> 07:01 PM) maybe he's just lost at the dish? I don't think accusing him of steroid use is really fair. I also doub that getting of steroids would be largely responsible for a BA drop of over 100 points A cleveland writer did accuse 3,4 indians of taking steriods this offseason. While he didn't name names, players with a huge drop off in power/ production [which Martinez certainly fits into both categories] will be suspected. Martinez's power all came last yr. He wasn't a HR hitter before

QUOTE(sircaffey @ May 24, 2005 -> 10:55 PM) Does anyone else recall that when KW was talking about Hudson/Mulder with Beane, that Beane wasn't interested in BMac? I thought I remembered that... That was correct. Most people thought that BMac wouldn't be ready for the majors in 2005 so Oakland didn't look for guys a yr away. But after his stellar spring, things changed