beck72

If Wright doesn't work out as a starter, I don't think many people are saying to trade him. Danny wouldn't have much value anyway. He would be tried in the 'pen first.

Santana was having trouble throwing strikes with his changeup. My guess is he'll find his groove soon. We've seen what happens to Scott Schoeneweis when he can't get his breaking pitches over. Same probably with Santana. One thing to think about, even if Minn keeps winning like the Sox. An AL Central team could challenge for the wildcard. Esp. if KC stays down and Det. goes back to normal. With Bos and NY slugging it out, and Balt and TB improved, both teams won't find many easy games within their division.

I don't think its just a matter on concentration why Danny has had trouble as a SP. He has only 2 pitches he can throw for strikes. That can work once through the lineup. But as hitters see Danny the 2nd and 3rd times up, they tee off on him. Fatigue may also be a factor, as he doesn't hit his spots after a few innings. Most bullpen guys who were starters were moved because they didn't have a quality 3rd pitch. Wright fits in this category. Danny could be great in the set up role. He can throw his big curve for a strike, even when behind in the count, ala Flash Gordon, LaTroy Hawkins. And he can air out his FB for a batter or two, reaching back for something extra as he doesn't have to conserve himself for 5, 6 innings. Wright could have a long career in the bullpen. As a SP, though, I think his days are numbered.

In addition to Jose's LHP power, his baseball smarts are needed. Especially on the bases and at bat. I just about died when Olivo bunted w/ a runner on 3rd with only 1 out. He could have made the score 7-4 but didn't. The Sox don't need to tell Jose to get the ball into the air to score the runner. Jose's not going to hurt the Sox in ways young guys and C. Lee will. The Sox are fine with Jose this year at SS. Uribe is probably the long term solution there though. Juan should continue getting AB's at 3b, SS and 2b until he cools off. I saw an interestign stat re: Willie Harris. In Sox wins, Harris is hitting like .340. In Sox losses, he's hitting like .140. Whatever happens w/ Willie, the Sox need a table setter at the top of the lineup [preferably 1 + 2, like Uribe is doing] to get on base and have speed for the power guys to hit in.

' "Stuck" in Second Place ' was the original title. The quotes were dropped somewhere along the way.

Doing a little research, I looked up Miguel Cabrera's stats from last year. Cabrera was called up to the Marlins after 69 games in AA, Carolina of the Southern League. He hit .365, with a .429 OBP, and a .609 SLG. Jeremy Reed finished 2003 in AA, in 66 games, with a .409 avg, .474 OBP, and a .591 SLG. [Also in the Southern league] Reed is two years older than Cabrera, and probably would hit for a higher avg and better OBP, though less power, than Cabrera did for the Marlins in 2003 [Cabrera hit like .269 with a .329 OBP] Reed has continued his hot hitting to start 2004. Reed probably is ready. And he could fit the most glaring need for the Sox--a LH batter who can hit close to .300 and get on base vs. RHP for the sox power hitters. Timo Perez may be a decent 4th OFer. But not much more. Some how the sox should find a way to get Reed to Chi. A trade might not be needed. [Maybe someone can get some rest on the DL] But Reed should get a look and a shot.

That's a good point. But I'm not sure if Perez is able to be sent to AAA. Unless he comes down with an injury and sent for rehab. Giving Reed a shot playing vs. RH and being the 4th OF would give him semi-consistent playing time.

To be clear, I'm not advocating a trade of Rowand or Lee. I just sense something's afoot. Anyone who would get traded this early, though, would clearly be in Ozzie's doghouse, and someone who Ozzie deems replaceable. One thing is clear though is the Sox need a lefty hitter who can bat .300 and get on base. The Sox are too RH to go far in the playoffs. Some changes may have to made even to make the playoffs though.

The Sox anemic offense vs. RHP may warrant moves. Seeing how the Sox made today's D-Rays SP look like Cy Young, having more games like this into June certainly would necessitate a move. I'm not saying or advocating a move now. But if the O doesn't pick vs RHP some moves would have to be made. I guess a key to any move would mean getting value and filling a glaring need. As most have said, a glaring hole isn't visible. Yet. But some holes are showing through.

Uribe certainly looks to be in the Sox future plans at SS. But if you're talking about 2B Jose Vidro, now that could be a possibility. Harris will likely get two months to prove he can play everyday. Uribe is likley a short term solution at 2B.

The Sox should know by early to mid May how the 5th starters spot and Lee and Rowand are doing. A few months from now is too long IMO. The 5th spot can't a "hope and a prayer" like last year.

Is it just me, or does something seem in the works designed to get Jeremy Reed up to the Sox? The only two spots Reed could take would be for Carlos or Aaron. While Aaron would seem the most expendable, Carlos is dangerously close to reverting back to his 2002 form. Though he's been slowed by a groin injury, the 2002 Lee wouldn't fit with this years Sox. [no speed, low avg, poor baserunning]. The Sox need a .300 hitter, preferably from the left side. Getting on base vs. good RHP's [Vasquez, Paul Abbott! even] has been a chore. Reed could hit for a high enough avg. [.280 +] coupled with his good batting eye to draw walks, that would make one of these two expendable. The only reason I see Lee possibly moving is if the Sox think he could be sliding backwards. Lee also hasn't seemed to grasp "Ozzie ball", hitting behind the runners, moving them over, poor baserunning. I love the 2003 version of Lee, but I want no part of the 2002 version where he was overweight and out of shape. The key would be getting a 5th pitcher. [Or a guy who could be a 3rd or 4th starter]. Aaron by himself may not warrant a solid starting pitcher, unless another pitcher would be thrown in to balance it. No team would want prospects at this point, only guys who could help now. Maybe a Jon Adkins with Rowand might get a SP. I would keep Wright for the 'pen should we get another SP. Then Danny could take Adkins' place. Thoughts?

I think Danny Wright was warming up in the 'pen. Maybe they got the two confused.

At least the Sox weren't shut down by a rookie pitcher making his MLB debut. Teeing off on Tues. on Graman and Proctor erased a few demons from last year. Now they have to find ways to score on tough pitchers, esp RHP.

Frank said as much that this is Maggs' team, by him giving up the #3 spot. Didn't Frank even say that Maggs was the Sox' best hitter when the issue came up?

I agree w/ Yasny about not overusing Cotts this series. He might be needed w/ the LH batters and w/ SS going Sat. Also, the Sox needed to see if Shingo could get outs with runners on base. Cotts getting the team out of the 4th inning jam should be all the confidence he needs. Cotts has pitched great so far so I don't see him reverting back to his 2003 form anytime soon.

It's impossible to have two or three guys match up exactly on Wrights' schedule though. Rauch, Grilli and Diaz would all have to be plausible options, and would get the call based on performance.

Rauch would seem to be the leading guy if a starting pitcher is needed. I'd send Takatsu to AAA and have Wright in the 'pen.

I don't think they're mutually exclusive. A team that plays with heart should also have bullpen guys who can get outs late in games.

IP H R ER BB SO HR CHARLOTTE J Rauch (W,2-0) 6 3 2 2 1 4 1 From 4-13 My numbers were off a bit. But I like a WHIP less than 1.00.

Rauch won his last game, and is now 2-0. I think he went 6 or 7 IP with only 1 run, 1 BB and like 6 k's. It's always good to have options w/ starting pitching.

I voted for Koch. He'll be given a few more opportunties until other guys are tried. Politte should be the first choice, as he's throwing the ball the best. Marte needs time but given a shot if Politte fails. If Koch gives up the closers spot, he'll be in set up. By season's end, Danny Wright should be in the 'pen as well. He'll then be given chances in different positions, probably short set up first. He could eventually close, but I like him in Politte's role now, the 7th and 8th. Nothing by way of bullpen help is coming until late June, early July. No team is going to trade away players unless they're going to write off the season. The only options are in house, on the roster or the minors.

If the Sox can maintain a .500 record on the road throughout the year [they were 11 games under .500 last year], the Sox should win the division. 11 more wins on the road, and the same home record, would give the Sox a 97-65 record.

You're being sarcastic, right?!

Thanks Jim. I think if Maggs can sign for close to what Vlad got for 3, 4 years, the Sox should be able to lock him up. Why go elsewhere if the money isn't much different? [The Sox probably could afford him, w/ clauses such as deferred salary on contracts and all] The only position players the Sox would want as a FA might be a SS or 2b. Yet there are no guarantees with anybody. Maggs is almost a lock for .320, 30 HR and 100+ RBIs. Why mess with success?