I thought it would be useful to have a thread to keep coming back to throughout the year. It would be interesting to see what kind of takes people are producing throughout the year and if they match up with Soxtalk's thoughts about Tony at the end of the season.

My first thoughts are that Tony had a good opening series. Bringing Hendriks in was the right decision even though it didn't turn out. My only critique would be that he possibly didn't give Hendriks enough time to get warmed up before entering in the 8th. Being quick to go to the bullpen instead of forcing starters into more innings was a good decision as well. Trusting the rookies turned out to be a great choice and will help the health of our bullpen overall. 2 and 2/3rds innings for Graveman is the only outlier for inning count.

I'd give Tony an A grading for bullpen usage in the opening Detroit series. He did what the situations warranted and didn't have anyone throw too many pitches.

With starters only going five max, lot of bullpen usage coming.

No issues thus far...

the only big question I had so far was why he used his long guy for two innings with Vince Velasquez about to go on the home opening day.

You should change the title to TLR and Katz.  Katz will have a great if input on these moves.

Honestly, with the injuries the Sox have to their staff and the late start, I'm thankful we have TLR helming the ship right now as this is undoubtedly something he has had to deal with before.  

1 hour ago, ptatc said:

You should change the title to TLR and Katz.  Katz will have a great if input on these moves.

Typically, I would believe more in this, but after hearing the story about Tony overruling his coaches on a rule interpt, I don't think this is the case as much, especially if Tony has a different thought.

1 hour ago, southsider2k5 said:

the only big question I had so far was why he used his long guy for two innings with Vince Velasquez about to go on the home opening day.

Banks used to be a starter, there’s other options. Hell, even Foster can go multiple.

Just now, CWSpalehoseCWS said:

Banks used to be a starter, there’s other options. Hell, even Foster can go multiple.

That was kind of my point with Banks.  If VV goes 2 or 3 innings, it would be nice to back him up with a guy who can go 4 to 5 innings of work to fill in the gap and not fry the pen in game 1 of a series.

1 minute ago, southsider2k5 said:

That was kind of my point with Banks.  If VV goes 2 or 3 innings, it would be nice to back him up with a guy who can go 4 to 5 innings of work to fill in the gap and not fry the pen in game 1 of a series.

Who do you use in those innings? I like where our bullpen’s innings totals are at by having Banks throw 2. It gives another pitcher a day of rest and gets Banks acclimated to pitching multiple innings a game in the majors. I know Banks is an experienced starting pitcher but I wouldn’t peg him as a 3-5 inning reliever at this point because he has made changes to increase his velocity.