By Chris Cue
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

From a starting rotation in 2011 that mainly consisted of Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Wakefield, Buchholz & Miller through much of the season, do you know how many times a Boston pitcher went 7+ innings in a game?

I’ll lay it out for you starting with Beckett.

J. Beckett – 30 starts, 193IP, went at least 7 innings 13 times
Jon Lester – 31 starts, 191.2IP, went at least 7 innings 12 times
J. Lackey – 28 starts, 160IP, went at least 7 innings 5 times
Wakefield – 23 starts, *154.2IP, went at least 7 innings 7 times
Buchholz – 14 starts, 82.2IP, went at least 7 innings 4 times
A. Miller – 12 starts, *65IP, went at least 7 innings 0 times

(*- Does not represent IP as a starter since this pitcher was also used out of the Bull Pen)

There it is. Out of the 138 games started, 847IP, these 6 guys were able to complete or get past the 7th inning 41 times.

41 times

That’s a percentage of 29.71%. That’s not quite 1/3 of their starts as a group. Are we asking too much if we say that’s not good enough? Good question, let’s find out. As a comparison, let’s see how the 2009 Red Sox starting staff did. (no, this isn’t cherry picking. Remember, this is the year we had the Brad Penny, John Smoltz experiment.)

2009 Boston Red Sox Starting Pitchers

J. Beckett – 32 starts, 212.1IP, went at least 7 innings 17 times
Jon Lester – 32 starts, 203.1IP, went at least 7 innings 12 times
B. Penny – 24 starts, 131.2IP, went at least 7 innings 0 times
Wakefield – 21 starts, 129.2IP, went at least 7 innings 6 times
Buchholz – 16 starts, 92IP, went at least 7 innings 4 times
Matsuzaka – 12 starts, 59.1IP, went at least 7 innings 1 time.

Out of the 137 games started, 828.1IP, these 6 guys were only able to complete or get past the 7th inning 40 times.

40 times

That’s a percentage of 29.19%. The difference between 2009 & 2011 is 0.52%

The similarities are striking. Just to jog your memory, the 2009 starting rotation wasn’t considered very good either. In fact, the pitching staff as a whole posted a 4.35era and a 1.409whip. Compare that to the 2011 staff which posted a 4.20era and a 1.308whip and you could argue that 2009 was worse than 2011. I shouldn’t have to remind you that 2009 was a disappointing year. The difference between that year and this year is we were swept in the 2009ALDS. In 2011 we were one game away from making it to the playoffs at all. So, maybe someone is thinking it wasn’t the pitching that let us down at all? You and I both know that would be incorrect. It was the pitching in both season’s that let this team down and I shouldn’t have to lay it out month to month for you to know when that occurred. In each case, the pitching dropped off in the 2nd half of the season. Pitchers going deep into games happened much more frequently in the 1st half compared to the 2nd half of each of those seasons. “So what? That seems normal.” you might say, well stop and think about what that does to the bullpen for one thing. And no, there is nothing normal about a winning team who’s rotation is less dependable in the 2nd half compared to the 1st half of a season, In fact, you could say that winning teams have a combination of pitchers who are just as, or at least close to being as dependable in September as they were in April. We haven’t seen that in a while.

Sure injuries and fatigue are factors on an individual basis, but what the team has to call up or bring in to make up for those guys is the difference maker. Think back. In 2007 the Red Sox had a guy named Jon Lester to call up in the 2nd half to take the place of an injured Curt Shilling and an inconsistent Julian Tavarez. Granted, Lester wasn’t exactly lights out posting a 4.57era and a 1.460whip, but who did we have this year to replace Clay Buchholz and injuries to Beckett in the 2nd half? The answer is a combination of Andrew Miller and Kyle Weiland. Combined, they posted and ERA north of 6.50 and a whip above 1.700. In 2007 Lester threw 63IP. In 2011 Miller/Weiland were needed to throw 89IP. That adds up to more work for less talented players. Not exactly a winning formula.

Just to keep the comparing years consistent here, the 2nd half pitcher in 2009 the Sox counted on to take the place of an injured Matsuzaka was a kid named Buchholz. Clay made 16 starts and threw 92 innings during the 2nd half of that season posting a 4.21era and a 1.380whip.

A look at the teams win pct when these guys took the mound might put things in a clearer perspective.

2011 with Miller/Weiland – The team won 10 of the 17 games started resulting in a win pct of .588

2009 with Buchholz – The team won 11 of the 16 games he started resulting in a win pct of .687

2007 with Lester – The team won 9 of the 11 games he started resulting in a win pct of .818

While neither Lester in 2007 nor Buchholz in 2009 were Ace material yet, they both proved to be more helpful than the Miller/Weiland combo we endured this past season. So, while injuries and fatigue can and do set into starting rotations by the 2nd half, who the team has to call upon is crucial to making a run down the stretch. In 2011, we didn’t have that kind of talent to call upon and that my friends is on the General Manager not the guy who had to pencil those names on a lineup card.

Issues in the clubhouse, out of shape players and malcontents, while certainly a problem were not the downfall of the 2011 Red Sox. We didn’t have the September we just witnessed because people were in a bad mood. No, we had that September because we had bad pitching…period, exclamation point and end of story.

We have to have improved options in 2012 if we hope to do better than a 3rd place finish…again.

By Chris Cue
Feb. 07, 2011

     Football is OVAH and now all eyes in New England will turn to the Sawx. So, how does this version of the Old Town Team stand up? You’re sure to hear two schools of thought on this….maybe even a third, but for the sake of addressing the extremes (which is pretty much the nature of things surrounding this team), let’s take a look at the positive point of view and then counter that with an equal amount of negativism just to keep things *balanced.

     (*- “balance” refers to what you’re likely to hear from the vocal minority which resides on either side of this fence. The truth be told, the majority of this fan base occupies that third point of view mentioned earlier. That point of view recognizes that not all things are going to be peaches and cream, nor does it expect everything to do with the team will be flushed down the Charles river by August.)

     The optimist says, “Man, the Sox are loaded. We have Agon. We have Crawford. We’ve got a healthy Pedroia, Youkilis & Ellsbury coming back. Our bullpen has Jenks, Wheeler, Bard and not to mention a closer in Papelbon who we know is going to perform in a walk year. We also have help in that department ready and waiting in the minors with Doubront,
Bowden, Coello, Tazawa and even Pimentel not to mention all the guys
getting spring training invites with minor league deals attached to
their contracts. Our starting pitching can’t be touched in the AL East. Lester, Buchholz, Beckett, Lackey and Matsuzaka have to be considered the rotation to beat in this division. Our starting pitching is 8 men deep with Wakefield, Doubront and Bowden ready to go if needed.

     We have positional depth just in case one of the regular guys gets hurt. We’re not talking about warm bodies that can just fill in, we’re talking about guys that can not only fill in, but also perform at a high level. Our outfield depth consists of Cameron, McDonald and even Ryan Kalish who’s expected to be getting ready in Pawtucket next season. We have the infield covered with Jed Lowrie and a veteran backup catcher with Jason Varitek.

     I just don’t see how this team can be anything except the favorites to win the division this year.”

     The pessimist says, “Pedroia say’s his foot is still giving him issues. Ellsbury has to be rusty having not really played in almost a year….let alone the questions about if he’s tough enough to play the whole year. Youkilis is moving across the diamond to a postion he hasn’t played on a regular basis since 2009. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has yet to have a full season in the majors. Heck, last year he had problems throwing the ball back to the pitcher never mind throwing anyone out at second base and he’s our starting catcher?  What if he doesn’t cut it? Are we going to have to rely on Varitek’s bat to produce? Geez, Adrian Gonzalez is coming off shoulder surgery and even JD Drew has already started to complain that his hamstring is still giving him problems.

     Our Pitching? Don’t even get me started. Outside of Lester, who do we really have that we can count on? Sure, Buccholz had a fine season last year. Do you really think he’s going to be able to repeat that again this year and go a full season with an ERA under 3.00? What about Beckett? He had a horrible season last year as did John Lackey for what we’re paying them. Matsuzaka?……Please. I’m willing to bet I’ll be able to count the number of games he makes it to the 7th inning on one hand this year. While I do like some of the guys we picked up for the bullpen, if anyone thinks that what we have out there compares to what the Yankees have, you’re nuts!

     I’m sorry, I’d love to be wrong, but considering all of that I’m just hoping we’ll be able to grab the Wild Card this year.”

     So, who’s right and who’s wrong? Suffice it to say, there are definitely things to be encouraged about. There is also an number of things that should give you some pause before you crown this years team the winners of anything.

     The humorous aspect to this whole debate is that this year really isn’t any different than recent years past. There are questions that need to be answered and there are any number of things you can feel safe with when it comes to expectations. But this year, just like years past…..the Red Sox have to play the games. All 162 of them. If you’re looking for one thing that you can be assured of it’s this……The team that starts on opening day will look different from the one you’ll see in September. Just keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t look TOO different. If we can make it all the way to October with the majority of the team intact, that will mean our guys have remained healthy. Don’t let anyone fool you because if there is one very important key to success, that one would be the most basic.

Cheers and Go Sox!

 

By Chris Cue
January 30, 2011

    

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A couple of years ago I wrote a piece on the
trials and tribulations of attempting to purchase Red Sox game tickets at face
value. I’ve re-vamped that initial writing to better portray the experience
encountered this year and to hopefully aid those that may wish to undergo this
yearly ritual when 2012 rolls around. So, buckle in and prepare for what was an
interesting ride.

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     Oh boy, the Red Sox ticket buying experience. I’m tellin’ ya, there’s nothing else like it and for that, you can THANK GAWD!
If you’ve never attempted to buy Red Sox game tickets at face value,
well….let me clue you in and attempt to help you out (as if that’s possible). First,
let’s start with the supplies you’ll need heading into this adventure. Yes,
much like a camping trip to upper Maine, you’re going to need to be well
equipped and well prepared to handle the task ahead of you. So, in case you are
thinking about going on this excursion next year, I’ve put together a handy
dandy checklist for you. It includes advice, physical items you will need and
some tips to keep you from losing your freakin’ mind.

Here
you go….

The Red Sox Ticket Buying Checklist

Before
tickets go on sale

1). 
A good nights sleep. I know, it’s normally a Friday night and you want to
party, but this is a must.
2).  An alarm clock set to wake you up no later then 8:30am (this is the reason for #1).
3).  Coffee…..lots of Coffee. No trips to Dunkin Donuts….there won’t
be time.
4).  At least 2 working computers with access to the internet
      (wireless internet and at least 1 laptop will
come in handy).
5).  1 telephone equipped with speed dial.
6).  2 helpers. These can be friends, family members or just people off
the street looking to get out of the cold (One will act as a “2nd buyer” and
the other works as a “runner”).
7).  2 comfortable chairs to sit in (one for you and one for the
“2nd buyer”).
8).  The web site address (book marked into your “favorites”)
for ticket purchases via the virtual waiting room.
9).  The phone number to call (pre-programmed into the phone) to purchase
tickets from the box office.

10).
A pre-determined plan of attack. This includes a prioritized list of dates,
times and games you hope pray to get tickets for.
11). A good luck charm. A religious item blessed by no less then a Bishop may help. Don’t use a rabbits foot (this should be obvious since it can’t be from a lucky rabbit).

     If you are well prepared, it should now be around
9-9:15 and you have time for breakfast. I’d suggest cold cereal since it
doesn’t take long to prepare. However, if you’re really on top of your game,
you may have time for eggs & bacon as well as an english muffin or toast, but leave
time for a bathroom break. You’ll want to be at you computer no later then
9:30am. At that time, using both computers, you and the “2nd buyer”
will want to attempt to purchase tickets on line. I know, the tickets don’t go
on sale until 10am, but you’re hoping for a head start by getting into the
“virtual waiting room” ahead of everyone else.

(this actually doesn’t
work, but fooling yourself into thinking that you got in ahead of everyone else makes you
feel good about your chances which is important to your sanity.)

     It’s also
important that you have your “prioritized list” of games you want to
see handy. Your first attempt should be clicking on the game you most want to
attend. Now, once you’re in the “virtual waiting room”, you have from
that time until 10am to do what ever you feel necessary. I’d suggest putting on
every article of Red Sox clothing you own just for good karma. Doing so also
proves to the computer that you’re a “Die Hard Sox Fan” and deserving
of good fortune.

(again this doesn’t really work, but it helps build your confidence and bolsters the rationalizations you’ve made and need to endure the upcoming marathon.)

     OK, so now you’re set. You’re ready for the bell to
ring so you can come out fighting. Your heart is all a flutter with the
anticipation of getting Field Box Seats. Your confident in your chances and
proud that you’ll be getting tickets at face value. That’s right, this year you
won’t need a second mortgage on the home. You tell yourself that you can
afford premium seats by purchasing them this way. It’s exciting! You can see
yourself sitting right behind the Sox dugout and shaking hands with Tito prior
to the start of the game. You’ll have the opportunity to make suggestions to Dice-K
that will ensure he makes it past the 5^th inning. You’ll arm wrestle
with Pedrioa and rub Youks baldhead. Ahh, you can see it now. This is going to
be GREAT!

HEY Snap out of it! The clock just struck 10am!

     You spring into action by hitting redial
on the phone and watch the computer screen as the waiting room counts you down
from 30 seconds to zero. You have high hopes of getting placed in the front of
the line. In the mean time, the other end of the phone rings busy, so you hang
up and hit redial again. You’re underway. The race has begun and you’re
confident that you’re ready for anything. While all of this is going on, you
and the “2nd buyer” will want to use that “runner” to
gather up all the needed things you’ll have to have handy for the marathon you
could very well now be running in. Here’s the list of things that the
“runner” should now be equipping you with….on an hourly basis.

Hour
One: When Field Box Seats and your dreams are a certainty

1). 
A child’s sippy cup filled with Coffee. You’ll have to drink fast between busy
signals and hitting redial…. plus, you won’t want to spill any of it on the
keyboard. You may feel silly, but it beats watching your keyboard short circuit
just as you’re asked to type in how many tickets you want.

2).  If you smoke, you’ll need a lit candle. This prevents you from
wasting time with a lighter, which could slow down the “hit redial” process.


Hour Two: When Field Box seats are gone and Loge Box are now acceptable

1).  A small pillow to rest your elbow on. Supporting your chin while
looking at the computer screen can take it’s toll on the old elbow.

2).  Medicated lotion. I suggest Ben Gay. It may smell bad, but it does
loosen up your hand so you can continue hitting redial without cramping up too
much.

3).  Some Visine may or may not be needed at this time to keep your eyes
moist. You should have it handy just in case. Dry eye syndrome (if there is
such a thing) won’t help as you continue to watch the screen count down for 30
seconds to zero and then start over again.

Hour Three: When Grandstand seating looks pretty darn good

1).  The “runner” should now be providing you and the “2nd
buyer” with a motivational speech. The Martin Luther King “I Have A
Dream” speech seems to work well for me.

2).  More Ben Gay.

3).  A sedative because “Holy S**T!!!” you’ve finally gotten
through on the phone.

4).  Another motivational speech because half way through your ticket
order, the automated voice tells you “We’re sorry, the system is
currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please hang up and try again“.

5). 
Ear plugs for any children standing by are now needed so they won’t hear the
words coming out of your mouth. Both “dial” and “tone” are 4 letter words, but those aren’t the words you’ll be saying.

6).  It’s past noon, so a shot of Jack Daniels may not be inappropriate.
The “runner” should have one standing by.

Hour Four: When you tell yourself that the Bleacher seats can be fun

1).  Duct Tape. It’ll help keep your eyes open and you’ll want to put the
Visine in.

2).  Some bug spray to kill the spider that is building a cob web on you.

3).  The runner should now go to a store and buy a speaker phone….let’s
face it, the Ben Gay is probably gone and you’re unable to lift anything at
this point.

4). Another shot of Jack just to keep the juices flowing…


Hour Five: WTF? Standing room only…PLEASE I’m Begging Here!  

1).  A bucket. Mother Nature is probably calling, but you don’t dare leave
your seat. (this item isn’t necessary if you have wireless internet and a
laptop. Just don’t attempt to balance the computer on the side of the tub. It
always falls and that gets expensive.)

2).  Another sedative. Because you’re sure to be heard saying, “Well it’s about Freaking Time!!” You’ve managed to get through on the phone again. (the virtual waiting room has
you half way up the line and it’s still counting down from 30 seconds to zero
with no hope in sight)

3).  Another shot of Jack Daniels is needed now to calm your nerves so you
don’t screw this up.

4).  Some praise for you from the “runner” is warranted at this point
for your dogged determination. A reference comparing what
you’ve now accomplished to what the 1980 USA Gold Medal Hockey team did sounds about right.

     You’ve done it! You got the tickets to the game you
wanted to see. Who cares if they’re standing room only tickets? You’ve
accomplished something here. Face value tickets and it only cost you: A missed
Friday night party, an early wake up time on a Saturday morning, a few pounds
of Coffee, 3 packs of smokes, a tube of Ben Gay, some Visine, 1/2 bottle of
Jack Daniels, a new speaker phone, a Prozac prescription, duct tape and some
bug spray. You’ve won bragging rights to your friends. You have beaten down the
competition and won the privilege to buy tickets to a ballgame!!

Good for you!!

Congratulations!!

Now, you can start all over again and go to work on the other games you want to
see.

OR

You now begin to see the value of giving Ace Tickets a call.