As the weather starts to slowly warm up and the crisp winter air morphs into a faint smell of spring, I can’t help but daydream about the impending rollercoaster ride that the Sox are destined to take me on in 2008.
They are undoubtedly a nasty team, and it’s only the first leg of the 162-game marathon, but I am truly irked about the way the staff has been throwing. I mean, if you aren’t, you’re nuts. They have combined to allow a grand total of 36 runs over five of their last six contests. The supernatural arms of the “kids” have been so-so at best and the bullpen is starting to resemble a backyard barbecue wiffle ball pitching performance by an overly intoxicated family member. Worried? Yes! Distraught? Not yet.
I live and breathe sports in this town and I remember far worse starts by this team. It’s just watching the guys that were supposed to be included in the acquisition of newly anointed New York Mets ace Johan Santana throw and not succeed that bothers me. Not to mention, Jacoby Ellsbury has been reduced to a part-time player and he’s not happy, you can see it in his face.
So yeah, “maybe someday” these kids will be elite. But when you have a chance to trade for the best pitcher in the game, pull the dang trigger. Nothing held the Sox back when they acquired Pedro, Schilling or Beckett. What the heck stopped them this time? Plus, if we did trade those guys and they became awesome, Minnesota most likely wouldn’t be able to retain their services anyways and the Sox could sign them again.
Take note of who I threw on this list. This is MY top-10, I’m sure some of you will have differing opinions, but we shall see what reality brings by the end of the season.
Of course, there are very talented pitchers outside my top-10. For instance, I think that Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez is in for a breakout season, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher Jered Weaver will shine bright and Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano will finally throw consistently.
Once again, my apologies for the late rankings this season, it won’t happen again. But I was in pretty rough shape after I got my spine shaved and a herniated disc surgically repaired.
I know I’ve thanked you before Dr. B, but thanks again.
Good luck guys, here are MY rankings.
Home Cooking
Daisuke Matsuzaka (SP) Boston Red Sox
The Japanese import ranks in the top-25 starting pitchers without a doubt, but his inconsistency at times last season leaves a lot to be desired in 2008. Next week he opens up Boston’s season in Japan, what a show it will be. In 2007, he notched a 15-12 record with 201 strikeouts, 80 walks, a 4.40 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP in 204 2/3 innings. At times he was electric and at times he was pathetic. But hey, do you remember Beckett’s first season with the Sox? I do! Yeah, a 16-11 record with a 5.01 ERA comes to mind. Expect “Dice-K” to rebound in 2008 with an 18-win season. Just watch.
