*2009 MLB Thread*

PeteSB75 · 06-15-2009, 11:41 AM

I'm not trying to start an argument or put you on the defensive. I am a Boston fan myself. I was just pointing out the difference in fan treatment of the two.

In Ortiz's case, he has obviously been frustrated and pushing for most of this season. He's had a few homers and a few hits, but he's not close even to his form of last year, which was down quite a bit from the year before. I would let him rest for a week or two and maybe play a week or two at the farm teams before bringing him back up and seeing where he stands. He's the DH, with no contribution to the team but his hitting, which is just not doing it. He'll get some rest anyway over the next few weeks with inter-league play, but I would put Lowell in the DH spot and get another bat in there.

In Daisuke's case, between the language issue and the fact that no-one in the US media or fan base bothers to even try to spell his name, can you blame him for being distant? I guess I don't have a problem with him being stubborn and shaking off Varitek. Tek is good, but he's obviously not always on the same wavelength as Masuzaka. He's also struggled this year, mostly due to overwork during the WBC. I'd let him rest on the DL for a bit. With Smoltz back from surgery shortly and Buchholz and Masterson both waiting in the wings and able to start, they can definitely spare him.

It's a long season, and a few weeks off won't hurt either guy when they need him to perform at his peak, in September and October, not June.

VTDragon · 06-15-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteSB75

In Daisuke's case, .... I'd let him rest on the DL for a bit. With Smoltz back from surgery shortly and Buchholz and Masterson both waiting in the wings and able to start, they can definitely spare him.

I agree about Matsuzaka, but think they should keep Papi in the lineup as much as possible. Hey, 3 HRs in the last 7 games ..maybe he is coming out of it

.... hmmmm, I guess that proves your first point.

PeteSB75 · 06-15-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTDragon

I agree about Matsuzaka, but think they should keep Papi in the lineup as much as possible. Hey, 3 HRs in the last 7 games ..maybe he is coming out of it

.... hmmmm, I guess that proves your first point.

Ortiz has also been hitting about .320 over the last 10 games, (9 hits in his last 28 at bats) so I think this discussion would have more meaning a week or two ago, but still. I think he would have gotten back to good form sooner had he had time on the bench sooner. Francona only sat him for what, 3 games?

VTDragon · 06-15-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteSB75

I think he would have gotten back to good form sooner had he had time on the bench sooner. Francona only sat him for what, 3 games?

You may be right, though I read a report (in the Herald I think) that it was his father coming to visit him that lifted him out of his funk.

Who knows? All I know is that the Sox have been a lot of fun to watch so far this year.

kelmac07 · 06-15-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTDragon

You may be right, though I read a report (in the Herald I think) that it was his father coming to visit him that lifted him out of his funk.

Who knows? All I know is that the Sox have been a lot of fun to watch so far this year.

Ortiz was homesick??? Is that what a reporter wrote??? I've heard it ALL now.

VirtualSmitty · 06-15-2009, 06:31 PM

Yankees had a good weekend. First win was a gift, second win was an absolute beat down. I think that was easily the worst start of Santana's career so far.

I have tickets to Thursdays game against the Nats, hope the freakin' rain lets up for a bit.

Bruins Fan · 06-16-2009, 06:21 AM

Conspiracy or Not?
Clay Buchholz gave an interview were he basically came out and said bring me up or trade me.
Clay was supposed to pitch last night in Pawtucket,
The game was rained out but it did not rain?
At game time there were a few sprinkles but the rain system had already passed?

06-15-2009, 11:41 AM	#1
PeteSB75 Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: CT Posts: 1,674 Trading: (18)	Re: 2009 MLB Thread I'm not trying to start an argument or put you on the defensive. I am a Boston fan myself. I was just pointing out the difference in fan treatment of the two. In Ortiz's case, he has obviously been frustrated and pushing for most of this season. He's had a few homers and a few hits, but he's not close even to his form of last year, which was down quite a bit from the year before. I would let him rest for a week or two and maybe play a week or two at the farm teams before bringing him back up and seeing where he stands. He's the DH, with no contribution to the team but his hitting, which is just not doing it. He'll get some rest anyway over the next few weeks with inter-league play, but I would put Lowell in the DH spot and get another bat in there. In Daisuke's case, between the language issue and the fact that no-one in the US media or fan base bothers to even try to spell his name, can you blame him for being distant? I guess I don't have a problem with him being stubborn and shaking off Varitek. Tek is good, but he's obviously not always on the same wavelength as Masuzaka. He's also struggled this year, mostly due to overwork during the WBC. I'd let him rest on the DL for a bit. With Smoltz back from surgery shortly and Buchholz and Masterson both waiting in the wings and able to start, they can definitely spare him. It's a long season, and a few weeks off won't hurt either guy when they need him to perform at his peak, in September and October, not June. __________________ Formerly Malik23

06-15-2009, 06:31 PM	#6
VirtualSmitty WiP!? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joe Location: The Evil Empire Posts: 2,084 Trading: (0)	Re: 2009 MLB Thread Yankees had a good weekend. First win was a gift, second win was an absolute beat down. I think that was easily the worst start of Santana's career so far. I have tickets to Thursdays game against the Nats, hope the freakin' rain lets up for a bit. __________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid - Benjamin Franklin

06-16-2009, 06:21 AM	#7
Bruins Fan Hooper drives the boat. Join Date: May 2009 First Name: John Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,359 Trading: (0)	Re: 2009 MLB Thread Conspiracy or Not? Clay Buchholz gave an interview were he basically came out and said bring me up or trade me. Clay was supposed to pitch last night in Pawtucket, The game was rained out but it did not rain? At game time there were a few sprinkles but the rain system had already passed? __________________ Here's to swimmin' with bow-legged women.