The Official Thread of the 2006 Boston Red Sox

[Blackout]

yup and Hanley's had a good start (offensively) for Florida (not sure if that's been mentioned?)


well, here's the deal with H-Ram, he's an athlete. If he gets on base, he can steal with the best of them. He can play solid D. The problem will be getting on base. When he is going for the gaps and trying to hit doubles, he's great. When he gets impatient and swings for the fences, he's not. My guess is he will be up and down average-wise all year, and will end up hitting about .260-.280 with maybe 10 HR, maybe 55 RBI. I do expect him to steal 30+ bags though, and play solid D.

Oh, and what prize do I get for saying Pap would close way before Timlin? Can someone get me a beer?? how does that work? :D

[nubobcat]

Foulke got to be closer for a game?

[kennedy]

In Papelbon I trust. Joe and Jerry used the phrase "totally overmatched" talking about Wilkerson in that last at-bat.

[NUJerseyJohn]

In Papelbon I trust. Joe and Jerry used the phrase "totally overmatched" talking about Wilkerson in that last at-bat.
Well if Joe and Jerry said it, it must be true. :p :D

[Haunted]

Foulke got to be closer for a game?
:confused:

Who knows. Man, did Papelbon look sharp.

Also, that was a nice "ball's not coming now" look 'Tek gave Teixiera as he lumbered around 3rd. He's got a pretty quick tag. And for all Manny's gaffes, he's got a strong arm.

[kennedy]

Has anyone seen the new ESPNMag? The one with Huston Street on the cover? They did that thing where they ask someone's wife and best friend questions to see who knows them better, with Manny. When asked what Manny's biggest career thrill was, his wife guessed 'winning the world series'.....


...and was wrong. Manny's answer was hitting three home runs in a game against Oakland. :confused:

[Haunted]

Has anyone seen the new ESPNMag? The one with Huston Street on the cover? They did that thing where they ask someone's wife and best friend questions to see who knows them better, with Manny. When asked what Manny's biggest career thrill was, his wife guessed 'winning the world series'.....


...and was wrong. Manny's answer was hitting three home runs in a game against Oakland. :confused:
That's an odd choice. But then, Manny's an odd guy.

[Terrierbyassociation]

Good move by Francona tonight, I was genuinely shocked when Papelbon came in there.

[Pal]

I was surprised, too. I figured Foulke would be given an actual save chance before getting passed over...

[Blackout]

:confused:
And for all Manny's gaffes, he's got a strong arm.

Manny is a tremendous athlete. think about it, a guy with his demeanor playing that well? he's all athlete. He's pretty jacked, and works in the weightroom and on teh field a ton. He just has his lapses.

If you put Pujols or Teixeira's head on Manny's shoulders, it would be a freak of nature (and they're pretty good athletes too).

[JohnB]

I was surprised, too. I figured Foulke would be given an actual save chance before getting passed over...

Apparently Francona has about as much confidence as I do in Foulke - thank god for that small miracle.

Glad he's a little more rational then most of the cheerleading squad around these parts that had Foulke ready and "returning to 2004 form" bwahahaha.

So now what? Looks like Foulke will get opportunities in non-close situations for a bit to prove himself - a wise move indeed for Francona.

Hopefully Papelbon will be consistently strong - at his age I'll have some concerns until he blows a save or two to see how he handles the mental pressure of a let down or two (but I do believe Papelbon is going to be awesome - just concerns w/ age and experience that it could change if confidence takes a hit).

Although Papelbon is the best decision to go with as your closer this sure it does create some fear with having a backup alternative if/when Wells or Beckett is injured and/or the second half when Clement goes to hell in a handbasket.

I predict the impact Francona's decision will have on Foulke's already tender and sensitive mental state will be sure to cause a complete implosion in any future appearances by him. Gonna be a pricey head case to carry on payroll.
Guess my prediction of 3 appearances and blown saves will happen in the 7th and 8th innings and be blown games rather then saves :D

[UMO Better Blues]

Foulke is saying all the right things this morning in today's Herald (http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=133847&format=text)

“(Sox manager Terry Francona) said that I could be throwing the ball better and that Papelbon’s throwing the ball great and do what you’re told,” Foulke said. “The team comes first. You have to do what’s important for the team, not for yourself.”
“You guys are always talking about me being the closer - I tell you what, I don’t wake up in the morning and go to the grocery store and say, ‘I’m the closer,’ ” said Foulke, who was shaky in Monday’s opener when he allowed two hits and one run in one inning. “He’s the manager of the Boston Red Sox, he’s not Keith Foulke’s dad. (Papelbon’s) been throwing the ball great.”


If Foulke is willing to step aside gracefully that could save the team a big headache. Man, did Paps look good last night. Not that I'm eager to see him blow a save, but I think he has excellent make-up to bounce back the next day. The word you hear a lot with him is "bulldog." I think that's appropriate. I've listened to a number of interviews with him and he sounds like a real confident kid with a good head on his shoulders. AS far as his age goes, he's only 6 or so months younger than Beckett. They just need to roll him out there and get him the experience.

[Pal]

Foulke doesn't strike me as the type of guy who would get to upset about this, as long as it doesn't affect his paycheck.

[Blackout]

Foulke doesn't strike me as the type of guy who would get to upset about this, as long as it doesn't affect his paycheck.


pretty much right from what I can tell. The guy sees pitching as his job, not closing.

Remeber when he was with San Fran they shipped him back from the rotation to pen a few times I think.

[North Star]

****! The BoSox are not returning to Arlington. So much for wanting to see them in person.

[Gibber]

****! The BoSox are not returning to Arlington. So much for wanting to see them in person.
http://crystal.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/crybaby.jpg

[NUJerseyJohn]

****! The BoSox are not returning to Arlington. So much for wanting to see them in person.
If only there was a way to know where each team would be during the course of the season.....

[Blackout]

****! The BoSox are not returning to Arlington. So much for wanting to see them in person.

maybe they could play in Houston??


:D :D

[kennedy]

Well, if anyone has bullpen worries, maybe there's help on the farm. Four hitless innings for the PawSox bullpen tonight, and the starter (Alvarez) only gave up two in five innings.

[North Star]

I could not see them this week anyway. I had 2 exams going on.