Each of these guys has had some role in this team's success so far this season, but who's contribution has been the most valuable so far?

 

I think the field gets narrowed to Iguchi, Hernandez, Pods, Hermanson, and AJ. I personally will vote for El Duque because adding a good fifth starter (not in the "fifth starter"'s role, per say, but rather, just getting a fifth major league pitcher) makes a huge difference from last season. We aren't just losing 20% of our games because we can't field a whole team.

So far, I would vote for AJ, with zero second thoughts. He has made this pitching staff instantly better.

I was between Gooch and AJ...went with Tadahito...he helped us short up the defense up the middle....we now are solid...AJ, Tad, Uribe, and ARow.

Iguchi and AJ

No love for Pods?

So far, I would vote for AJ, with zero second thoughts.  He has made this pitching staff instantly better.

Ditto. AJ is the most valuable pickup for sure, he's great at handeling the pitching staff, blocks everything in the dirt, gives good offensive production from th catchers position and I believe is great presence in the club house. Not to mention the fact that he's becomming a fan favorite, at least in my heart.

I'm actually going to go with Pods...

He fits exactly into the style of play that Ozzie sees for this team. He has done a good job getting on base even when he's not hitting. Lets hope we can keep it up.

So far, I would vote for AJ, with zero second thoughts.  He has made this pitching staff instantly better.

 

I went with AJ also for those reasons. Each new Sox on that list has made significant contributions to the team. Wouldn't be where we are without all of them.

easy, Goooooooch.

I think the pitching staff has to be partly credited to AJ. So I voted AJ

I went with Podzilla here. He is the definition o the new direction we are trying go in.

I'm voting for Gooch. But, and this is a great problem to have, one could easily make cases for Pods, AJ, Hermy, or even El Duque, so basically an "all of the above" choice would've been my vote.

So far, I would vote for AJ, with zero second thoughts.  He has made this pitching staff instantly better.

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Yep my thoughts exactly.

I'm voting for Gooch.  But, and this is a great problem to have, one could easily make cases for Pods, AJ, Hermy, or even El Duque, so basically an "all of the above" choice would've been my vote.

not if dye is on that list :banghead

HERMEY!!! now we have TWO closers.. most teams dont even have ONE coughflubscough :finger

El Duque...not only is he pitching out his ass right now...but he's helping Contreras. It's a lot easier when you have a friend and countryman on the same team. Although they all deserve dap.

I went with AJ but nearly everyone mentioned has made a significant contribution to the cause. KW really did have himself a kickass offseason this time around.

When you are 12-3 in 1 run games in your first 28 games it goes without saying that your RBI leaders are your most valuable players.

He's not on the list but Everett's 25 RBI's have played a MAJOR role in the 21-7 record. He should be on the list as he is our MVP right now. W/out Everett we are likely on the short end of the 1 run game record & trailing Minny. Even with the good pitching were getting.

 

But since he's not on the list, Iguchi is the next obvious choice. Offensively his .337A speaks for itself. He's top 4 in RBI, & tied w Pods for lead in R. But what gives him the biggest edge is his defense. He's been a big part of the DP's & he shown terrific range near 2B. So his stellar D & stellar average make him an obvious choice.

I picked El Duque. He hasn't just solidified the 5th spot. He's served as a mentor an calming influence on El Conde.

 

Is it a coincidence that Contreras has been throwing better with El Duque in the dugout? I don't think so. I've seen him drop down side-arm and throw a variety of pitches from that arm angle. Who do you think is in his ear telling him to do that? It's not AJ or Coop, that's for sure.

 

I don't think there was a better fit for this pitching staff than El Duque.

I picked El Duque.  He hasn't just solidified the 5th spot.  He's served as a mentor an calming influence on El Conde.

 

Is it a coincidence that Contreras has been throwing better with El Duque in the dugout? I don't think so.  I've seen him drop down side-arm and throw a variety of pitches from that arm angle.  Who do you think is in his ear telling him to do that?  It's not AJ or Coop, that's for sure.

 

I don't think there was a better fit for this pitching staff than El Duque.

 

Especially at the price we got him at, considering what others were getting.

 

I think I'd have to go with Duque too. The guy is pitching decent, he solidified the rotation, is helping to fix Contreras, and has done all this while being the oldest person in the dugout.

Um....Jon Garland's talent...

thats easy tadahito iguchi, not to be rude but who was the dumbass who picked widger, he hardly plays, come on, although pierzynski has really brought along our pitching staff

AJ since he seems to have improved the pitching staff. Tad would be a close second. Wow, I know there are some KW haters, but I'm still in awe of this past off season. Good job KW.

thats easy tadahito iguchi, not to be rude but who was the dumbass who picked widger, he hardly plays, come on, although pierzynski has really brought along our pitching staff

widger lol

In addition to all the other reasons mentioned, AJ's attitude is paramount to the early success of the team. He brought a cockiness, a brashness, a chip on his shoulder that seems to be contagious to the rest of the team. The lack of that has always been our downfall in the past. AJ!