Francona haters

[REDSOXIN2004]

This article is for the people who cursed Terry and gave him hell for the way the team was playing in the first two thirds of the year. Blaming most of the Sox problems on him. Wanting Grady "cant pull Pedro" Little back. Now that the team has turned it around and is the hottest in the league no one even mentions his name. Give him some credit folks. There was even an article on this site mentioning him as one of the worst managers of the year. And don't forget the numerous amount of injuries he's had to deal with. This team is playing really well right now. This run their making is pretty amazing. Twelve of thirteen. Eighteen of last twenty-two. Only 4.5 back.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal...ge_is_sharper/

[twentyquestions]

Another poster on here, Rich, has said that this year's Yankees may be Torre proof.

Are this year's Sox Francona proof?

[scull567]

wow, and coming from CHB, suprising

[Jersey Yankee]

Someone on another board mentioned that in the past, the team wasn't encouraged to play small ball. Now that they're doing this, the team is winning. Manufacturing runs, as CHB said.

Is that why they're winning, or just playing a Detroit team that's already waved the white flag before the plane took off, much less landed?

[Dooley Womack]

Originally posted by Jersey Yankee
Someone on another board mentioned that in the past, the team wasn't encouraged to play small ball. Now that they're doing this, the team is winning. Manufacturing runs, as CHB said.

Is that why they're winning, or just playing a Detroit team that's already waved the white flag before the plane took off, much less landed?

Ding Ding Ding.

I'm telling you, some of the Sox are incredibly fickle. I'm talking week by week.

[Prickly Pete]

Originally posted by Dooley Womack


I'm telling you, some of the Sox are incredibly fickle. I'm talking week by week.

Just curious, but have you noticed any change in the tenor of the comments by Yankee fans lately on this very board?

[NYYFAN]

He will be as good as his last move...remember Grady...?

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by NYYFAN
He will be as good as his last move...remember Grady...?

Francona has been 100 times better than Little this year, and I give Francona a C+ so far.

Little had numerous "Gump" moments well before the ALCS last year.

[FoulkeLore]

Originally posted by NDBoston


Francona has been 100 times better than Little this year, and I give Francona a C+ so far.

Little had numerous "Gump" moments well before the ALCS last year.

Do you credit the Sox success last year to the team itself and not Grady? Besides his numerous lineup changes, I liked him and maybe I'm paying a bit more attention to the coaching this year after Grady being fired but I feel like Grady did a better job-your thoughts?

[ryanm1058123]

Sox fans are incredible. When Francona starts winning, he's obviously a good manager. But when he was losing, everybody was calling for his head.

At least with Yankee fans, some users like Rich always call for Torre's head when we are winning.

[FoulkeLore]

Originally posted by Dooley Womack


Ding Ding Ding.

I'm telling you, some of the Sox are incredibly fickle. I'm talking week by week.

Dooley-

I think we'll know much more on this by the end of the week. I think you may be underestimating the way that the Sox have been playing. Even with below average competition they have won 4 series in a row, 12 games out of 13, 7-3 in their last homestand followed by a 5-1 roadtrip. If a team is not playing hot, they just don't that many games IMO.

[FoulkeLore]

Originally posted by ryanm1058123
Sox fans are incredible. When Francona starts winning, he's obviously a good manager. But when he was losing, everybody was calling for his head.

At least with Yankee fans, some users like Rich always call for Torre's head when we are winning.

For the record I don't particularly like him. I've yet to post one positive thing about him.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by ryanm1058123
Sox fans are incredible. When Francona starts winning, he's obviously a good manager. But when he was losing, everybody was calling for his head.

At least with Yankee fans, some users like Rich always call for Torre's head when we are winning.

That's funny

Because the Sox are finally playing the way they should doesn't swing Francona's ability one iota in one direction or the other. If you watch him, and the decisions he makes on a game to game basis, he is no better, if not WORSE than Gump.

The playes are the ones deserved for the credit here. Francona is still sending some whacked out lineup out there every day and Sveum is still having runners gunned down at the plate (almost killed Big Poppi this weekend). I don't think the manager has improved, I think the players finally got their heads out of their asses and are playing some 'wickit good' ball. Should be a fun September, but I agree with the sentiment, "he's only as good as his last move"

[1981-1994]

Originally posted by ryanm1058123
Sox fans are incredible. When Francona starts winning, he's obviously a good manager. But when he was losing, everybody was calling for his head.

At least with Yankee fans, some users like Rich always call for Torre's head when we are winning.

Yeah Yanks fans are never Fickle, they would never, say, boo their captain and one of the great players they have ever had b/c he had a tough start to the season.

Very fair and level-headed

[Pomp]

Originally posted by 1981-1994


Yeah Yanks fans are never Fickle, they would never, say, boo their captain and one of the great players they have ever had b/c he had a tough start to the season.

Very fair and level-headed

And judging by your user name and that your location is "The Nation", you seem to be very level-headed also.

[twentyquestions]

Originally posted by 1981-1994


Yeah Yanks fans are never Fickle, they would never, say, boo their captain and one of the great players they have ever had b/c he had a tough start to the season.

Very fair and level-headed

You didn't read his post - he was discussing the manager, not the players, a statement, btw, with which I disagree. SoSH, for example, routinely defended Francona when the team was losing or when he made questionable decisions.

[RhodeyYankee2638]

I really like the way Francona adapted the past 4 or 5 games. I believe that the Sox have gone 4 or 5 games without a long ball, so they resorted to moving runners along, sacs, etc. and it has worked well.

[1981-1994]

Originally posted by Pomp


And judging by your user name and that your location is "The Nation", you seem to be very level-headed also.

I have never booed a star player on my team b/c he was in a slump (ie. Nomar in the playoffs last year)

[1981-1994]

Originally posted by twentyquestions


You didn't read his post - he was discussing the manager, not the players, a statement, btw, with which I disagree. SoSH, for example, routinely defended Francona when the team was losing or when he made questionable decisions.

I did read his post, and I don't think we have to differentiate between players and managers. He was taking a shot at Red Sox fans loyalties and I simply pointed out that Yankees fans shouldn't be throwing rocks.

I don't disagree that fans of both teams can be quick to critize our teams/managers. But it is very rare, if ever that you would hear us boo someone on the level of Jeter

[REDSOXIN2004]

Like when he left burkett in too long in game 4 against oakland and almost lost the game. Just a small example.

Originally posted by NDBoston


Francona has been 100 times better than Little this year, and I give Francona a C+ so far.

Little had numerous "Gump" moments well before the ALCS last year.

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by FoulkeLore


Do you credit the Sox success last year to the team itself and not Grady? Besides his numerous lineup changes, I liked him and maybe I'm paying a bit more attention to the coaching this year after Grady being fired but I feel like Grady did a better job-your thoughts?

Here's what I said about Gump last year in July

"Grady makes a bad situation worse with slow hooks on the starters, choosing the wrong bullpen player at the wrong time in many game situations...and not having a "feel" or sense of when a particular reliever doesn't have "it" on a particular day."

I can only think about 2 games where Francona had a "slow hook".
Toronto with Schilling and Arroyo about a month ago. Anyone who thinks Little did a better job wasn't watching much baseball last year IMO. Don't forget how injury free the Sox were in 2003 too.

I have no big isues with Francona. Sveum on the other hand.....

[Pomp]

Originally posted by 1981-1994


I have never booed a star player on my team b/c he was in a slump (ie. Nomar in the playoffs last year)

When was this a discussion about your individual fan etiquette? And by the way, your dates are wrong. The Yanks were in the World Series in 1981.

[Pomp]

Originally posted by NDBoston


I have no big isues with Francona. Sveum on the other hand.....

I think Francona is very poor at organizing lineups. I have been watching alot of their games recently and I definitely question some of his batting order decisions.

I have seen lineups with Cabrera hitting 3rd and 5th, Dave Roberts leading off and hitting 2nd, Damon hitting 3rd, Bellhorn hitting last....

Doesn't make much sense to me...

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by Pomp


I think Francona is very poor at organizing lineups. I have been watching alot of their games recently and I definitely question some of his batting order decisions.

I have seen lineups with Cabrera hitting 3rd and 5th, Dave Roberts leading off and hitting 2nd, Damon hitting 3rd, Bellhorn hitting last....

Doesn't make much sense to me...

He only had Damon hit 3rd once and Roberts hit first and second once (they won all those games) and Cabrera was hitting 3rd or 5th during Ortiz being out on the suspension along with injuries to Youk and Bellorn. I wasn't crazy about it, but he didn't have many choices at that time.

[BoSox37]

Originally posted by NDBoston


"Grady makes a bad situation worse with slow hooks on the starters, choosing the wrong bullpen player at the wrong time in many game situations...and not having a "feel" or sense of when a particular reliever doesn't have "it" on a particular day."

Last year we did not have Foulke, and at that point in the year, we did not even have Williamson. It did not really matter who Grady sent out late in the game, they were going to fail. Theo deserves the blame for the bullpen failing in the beginning of the year, "closer by comittee" was one of the few maistakes he has made. You can blame Grady for game 7, but not for the bullpen's lack of effectiveness early in the year.

[twentyquestions]

Originally posted by 1981-1994


I did read his post, and I don't think we have to differentiate between players and managers. He was taking a shot at Red Sox fans loyalties and I simply pointed out that Yankees fans shouldn't be throwing rocks.

I don't disagree that fans of both teams can be quick to critize our teams/managers. But it is very rare, if ever that you would hear us boo someone on the level of Jeter

Criticizing managers is usually a different process from criticizing players, though. Sometimes managers make stupid decisions that "work" because the players perform, e.g., insisting on bringing in an overworked Paul Quantrill in RISP situations when, statistically, he's much worse in those situations. Although the last time that decision worked...I don't know.

And sometimes managers just make stupid decisions, such as using an overworked Rivera in the 9th inning to record a save after the offense had scored 9 runs in the top of the 9th. Or routinely using Paul Quantrill, who leads the AL in appearances, in games that could be termed blowouts or laughers. And while the Yankees won those games, the manager still collected criticism.

On the other hand, criticizing players is all about performance. It can't be said that this is the same thing for managers, since the performance of players is almost defined as their intention (to simplify the game and to decrease the importance of luck). In a game where hitting 1/3 of your appearances at the plate is considered godlike, players are also cut severe slack so that only prolonged underperformance prompts jeers (unless you're in, say, Toronto!)

Although, recently, Yankee fans have justifiably criticized Jeter for bunting on 3-1 counts. These "bad intentions" of players are far rarer than those of managers, the express job of whom is to "out-think" their opponents by optimally using their players. Joe Torre hasn't done this this year, which is to what ryan referred.

Some would argue that Francona hasn't either (I'd be one) but, as I said previously, Sox fans on SoSH defend him often, so labeling Sox fans as fickle when it comes to Francona seems incorrect.

[twentyquestions]

Originally posted by NDBoston


He only had Damon hit 3rd once and Roberts hit first and second once (they won all those games) and Cabrera was hitting 3rd or 5th during Ortiz being out on the suspension along with injuries to Youk and Bellorn. I wasn't crazy about it, but he didn't have many choices at that time.

I, and many Sox fans to whom I've spoken, would have put a hot Millar or a strong Varitek in the 3rd spot (which is what Terry eventually did against Tampa Bay on 8/9).

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by BoSox37


Last year we did not have Foulke, and at that point in the year, we did not even have Williamson. It did not really matter who Grady sent out late in the game, they were going to fail. Theo deserves the blame for the bullpen failing in the beginning of the year, "closer by comittee" was one of the few maistakes he has made. You can blame Grady for game 7, but not for the bullpen's lack of effectiveness early in the year.

I can blame Gump for the way he used Kim in July last year causing him to pitch like crap in August.

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by twentyquestions


I, and many Sox fans to whom I've spoken, would have put a hot Millar or a strong Varitek in the 3rd spot (which is what Terry eventually did against Tampa Bay on 8/9).

Varitek wasn't hot at the time. He was in his "striking out on a high fastball" mode.

[PippyPinstripes]

Originally posted by 1981-1994


I have never booed a star player on my team b/c he was in a slump (ie. Nomar in the playoffs last year)

Neither have most Yankee fans.

Man oh man some of you are bitter. The posts just reek of it.

[Pomp]

Originally posted by NDBoston


He only had Damon hit 3rd once and Roberts hit first and second once (they won all those games) and Cabrera was hitting 3rd or 5th during Ortiz being out on the suspension along with injuries to Youk and Bellorn. I wasn't crazy about it, but he didn't have many choices at that time.

Whether or not they won, I really don't see any excuse for putting Cabrera in the 3rd or 5th spot or Roberts hitting that high in the order. If you are playing the percentages, you have basically put outs at the top of the order with Manny coming up.

Damon has hit 3rd twice this year.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by Pomp


Whether or not they won, I really don't see any excuse for putting Cabrera in the 3rd or 5th spot or Roberts hitting that high in the order. If you are playing the percentages, you have basically put outs at the top of the order with Manny coming up.

Damon has hit 3rd twice this year.

yes this is correct. Damon has hit 3rd more than once. I will take this argument one step further. Dave Roberts should not be hitting at all! I don't know about you guys, but I feel that DR is a utility, Damian Jackson, comes off the bench kind of guy.

[WakefieldsCrewSox]

Francona has been a better manager (and a different manager) since we traded Nomar, because the Red Sox have become a different team. We are less strictly power focused, but with the addition of guys like Minky and Cabrera, who are mostly singles/doubles hitters, and Roberts, who is a speed guy, the Sox have suddenly become candidates for small ball. All of a sudden we're being more aggressive on the basepaths, stealing, and we're moving runners along, instead of just waiting for the big hit/inning. Francona does deserve credit for that. The overall team offensive philosophy has changed along with the personnel.

As far as Dale goes, yeah- it looks bad, but the majority of the time we are having guys thrown out on absolutely perfect throws. And at least lately, when we lose runners, its with a lead when there are two outs and a guy trying to score from second. That is an acceptable risk IMO.

[WakefieldsCrewSox]

Originally posted by I_Suffer


yes this is correct. Damon has hit 3rd more than once. I will take this argument one step further. Dave Roberts should not be hitting at all! I don't know about you guys, but I feel that DR is a utility, Damian Jackson, comes off the bench kind of guy.

While he doesn't hit for much average, I think Roberts has been a valuable addition. He is a versatile guy who is a definite threat when he gets on base, in addition to playing very good defense in the outfield. I have no problem working him into the lineup regularly. In the case of him leading off and Damon batting third, thats because Manny has been out. In general, I would prefer to see Johnny lead off as well.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by WakefieldsCrewSox
Francona has been a better manager (and a different manager) since we traded Nomar, because the Red Sox have become a different team. We are less strictly power focused, but with the addition of guys like Minky and Cabrera, who are mostly singles/doubles hitters, and Roberts, who is a speed guy, the Sox have suddenly become candidates for small ball. All of a sudden we're being more aggressive on the basepaths, stealing, and we're moving runners along, instead of just waiting for the big hit/inning. Francona does deserve credit for that. The overall team offensive philosophy has changed along with the personnel.

I would be hesitant to credit Francona with any "philosophical changes". That comes from upstairs, the guy was brought in to obey orders, not to change philosophies down the stretch run. The way I see it, Theo and the Trio realized that this team as was pre-Nomar to the Cubs, was not going to even make the playoffs, never mind win a WS. The players were playing uninspired baseball, nobody was taking the reigns, and we were very sloppy night in and night out. So, we take this "blue-chip" and we trade it for a couple of whites. The whites, while not as good talent-wise, more than make up for it with dedication, work ethic, and selflessness. This inspires the team, and all of a sudden we're winners of 18/22. The front office supplied the 'spark' needed to get this team going. Tito looks pretty much the same to me, although some of his pitching staff decisions look to be better than in the first half. It seems he finally got the memo that Swilly won't be back for awhile and we need somebody to fill that gap.

QuanGorMo & TimBreeOulke in 2004!

[BoSox37]

Originally posted by WakefieldsCrewSox
As far as Dale goes, yeah- it looks bad, but the majority of the time we are having guys thrown out on absolutely perfect throws. And at least lately, when we lose runners, its with a lead when there are two outs and a guy trying to score from second. That is an acceptable risk IMO.

Sveum has been terrible recently. As for the perfect throws, Sveum needs to know who the OFers are. Baldelli has a great arm, he can make a perfect throw almost everytime. Sending runners from 2nd with two outs is olay if it is going to be a close play, but not if the runner is going to be out by 30 feet. When Mueller was thrown out on Snyder's hit last week, he was out by 30 feet. Yesterday, the play should not have been close, but the throw was way off line. Inge still had time to catch the ball and come back and tag Ortiz out. The LF had the ball before Ortiz touched 3rd yesterday. It is only a matter of time before Sveum gets another player hurt. A lot of his recent decisions have been awful, if you have been watching the games, I do not know how you can defend him.

[WakefieldsCrewSox]

Originally posted by I_Suffer


I would be hesitant to credit Francona with any "philosophical changes". That comes from upstairs, the guy was brought in to obey orders, not to change philosophies down the stretch run. The way I see it, Theo and the Trio realized that this team as was pre-Nomar to the Cubs, was not going to even make the playoffs, never mind win a WS. The players were playing uninspired baseball, nobody was taking the reigns, and we were very sloppy night in and night out. So, we take this "blue-chip" and we trade it for a couple of whites. The whites, while not as good talent-wise, more than make up for it with dedication, work ethic, and selflessness. This inspires the team, and all of a sudden we're winners of 18/22. The front office supplied the 'spark' needed to get this team going. Tito looks pretty much the same to me, although some of his pitching staff decisions look to be better than in the first half. It seems he finally got the memo that Swilly won't be back for awhile and we need somebody to fill that gap.

QuanGorMo & TimBreeOulke in 2004!

Whether there was any philosophical change from upstairs or not, the point is that its Francona who tells the guys when to steal or bunt, and this small ball has played a part in success. I don't care who came up with the idea, whether it was him, Theo, or the hot ball girl who I think works for the PR department, point being that the team's new style of play has brought success, and Francona has done a fairly good job of picking the situations to steal, sacrifice, etc. So I will give him credit for that.

[WakefieldsCrewSox]

Originally posted by BoSox37


Sveum has been terrible recently. As for the perfect throws, Sveum needs to know who the OFers are. Baldelli has a great arm, he can make a perfect throw almost everytime. Sending runners from 2nd with two outs is olay if it is going to be a close play, but not if the runner is going to be out by 30 feet. When Mueller was thrown out on Snyder's hit last week, he was out by 30 feet. Yesterday, the play should not have been close, but the throw was way off line. Inge still had time to catch the ball and come back and tag Ortiz out. The LF had the ball before Ortiz touched 3rd yesterday. It is only a matter of time before Sveum gets another player hurt. A lot of his recent decisions have been awful, if you have been watching the games, I do not know how you can defend him.

I only vaguely remember the Mueller play- was it with 2 out? All I'm saying is that if we have a fairly sizable lead (lets say 2 runs or more), and we have a guy in scoring position with 2 out, I am okay with sending him on a base hit. Because while it does seem that we've had a hell of a lot of good throws against us, I've seen enough bad relays in my time to feel that its a risk worth taking.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by WakefieldsCrewSox


Whether there was any philosophical change from upstairs or not, the point is that its Francona who tells the guys when to steal or bunt, and this small ball has played a part in success. I don't care who came up with the idea, whether it was him, Theo, or the hot ball girl who I think works for the PR department, point being that the team's new style of play has brought success, and Francona has done a fairly good job of picking the situations to steal, sacrifice, etc. So I will give him credit for that.

Agreed, he does deserve that credit.

Also, the Sox employ TWO smokin ball girls, but they aren't always there. There was one game, early in this homestand, where both 3rd and 1st base line were treated to some mighty fine foul ball action!

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by I_Suffer


yes this is correct. Damon has hit 3rd more than once. I will take this argument one step further. Dave Roberts should not be hitting at all! I don't know about you guys, but I feel that DR is a utility, Damian Jackson, comes off the bench kind of guy.

Check out the numbers with Kapler against RH pitchers and then look at Roberts.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by NDBoston


Check out the numbers with Kapler against RH pitchers and then look at Roberts.

ND -
check out Kapler's numbers PERIOD in his last 30 starts. .330 BA, 4 HR's, and shoot, I forget how many RBIs. I suppose you could argue that is because he's hitting against lefties, but I think this is one of those guys who wants to be here and plays balls out all the time, and that's what I want out there while our starter's nursing his quad. I honestly believe this right-hand vs left-hand idea is overrated. Kapler has been playing lights out lately and he should be playing in right. Not to mention that everyone in the dugout loves the guy and thinks he's one of the best teammates you could have.

And if this RH pitch vs LH pitch is all the rage, how come Millar was never benched in May or June or half of July?

[Euclis]

ND -
check out Kapler's numbers PERIOD in his last 30 starts. .330 BA, 4 HR's, and shoot, I forget how many RBIs. I suppose you could argue that is because he's hitting against lefties, but I think this is one of those guys who wants to be here and plays balls out all the time, and that's what I want out there while our starter's nursing his quad. I honestly believe this right-hand vs left-hand idea is overrated. Kapler has been playing lights out lately and he should be playing in right. Not to mention that everyone in the dugout loves the guy and thinks he's one of the best teammates you could have.

And if this RH pitch vs LH pitch is all the rage, how come Millar was never benched in May or June or half of July?

Kapler doesn't play against righties because....HE CANT HIT RIGHTIES! He has a .592 ops against righties, .859 against lefties. He should never bat against righties if it can possibly be avoided. Roberts has the opposite, he can't hit lefties: .506 ops against lefties, .734 ops against righties. Platoons have been successful in the past, and they are working now, too. Why doesn't millar sit against righties? Because he doesn't have any signficant lefty/righty splits: .779 ops against lefties, .861 ops against righties. He wasn't benched earlier because francona was waiting for him to get hot, which he finally did.

I have absolutely no problem with Damon hitting 3rd when Manny is out. He's 3rd on the team in 2 out RBI, and he's great at getting on base. Boston has many players capable of putting up a high OBP, so its not difficult for them to find other players capable of hitting 1st and 2nd. The Red Sox are again the highest scoring team in baseball, and Francona's lineup construction is at least partially the reason. Last year, there was the big four (manny/ortiz/nomar/nixon), then a bunch of guys having 'career years.' Now, no Nomar or Nixon, and yet the Red Sox are scoring just as many runs as last season. Francona's worked the lineup perfectly, and we still have good players coming back. Francona's done a fine job over the last few months.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by Euclis


Kapler doesn't play against righties because....HE CANT HIT RIGHTIES! He has a .592 ops against righties, .859 against lefties. He should never bat against righties if it can possibly be avoided. Roberts has the opposite, he can't hit lefties: .506 ops against lefties, .734 ops against righties. Platoons have been successful in the past, and they are working now, too. Why doesn't millar sit against righties? Because he doesn't have any signficant lefty/righty splits: .779 ops against lefties, .861 ops against righties. He wasn't benched earlier because francona was waiting for him to get hot, which he finally did.

Ok thanks for clearing that up, didn't realize the discrepency was that large. But I still think there is something to say for 'play the guy with the hot hand' over 'well he's a lefty and so is the pitcher and his OPS.... yada yada' Agree or disagree?

[scull567]

While the red sox appeared to be anti-small ball at the beginning of the season, that wasn't the case, they simply did not have the personell to play that kind of game. Now that the personell has changed some, there are more options, and its easier to execute small-ball tactics. With that said, I don't feel that there ever was a philisophical change because the red sox more times than not play for the big inning and don't give up outs.

[Euclis]

But I still think there is something to say for 'play the guy with the hot hand' over 'well he's a lefty and so is the pitcher and his OPS.... yada yada' Agree or disagree?

I agree to an extent, but there is a flip side to that argument. If Kapler is hot, the quickest way to cool him down would be to run him out against a decent righty. He's likely to go 0-4, which could kill his hot run. Either way, Kapler's been hot for a few months now, playing sporadically; I'd say Francona's handled his situation perfectly, given the fact that he continues to succeed with limited playing time. If he gets PT over Millar/Mientkiewicz/Roberts/Nixon when a decent righty is on the mound, I'll be disappointed, because that's tempting fate. Kapler will never be an everyday player, because he can't hit righties. His hot streak may not even be a streak...he may really be this good, only against lefties. Back a few years ago with Texas, Kapler was a mega-prospect, everyone thought the guy was going to be a star. He's got the talent and the drive, he just can't hit righties. He's the poster boy for a successful platoon.

[I_Suffer]

Originally posted by Euclis


I agree to an extent, but there is a flip side to that argument. If Kapler is hot, the quickest way to cool him down would be to run him out against a decent righty. He's likely to go 0-4, which could kill his hot run. Either way, Kapler's been hot for a few months now, playing sporadically; I'd say Francona's handled his situation perfectly, given the fact that he continues to succeed with limited playing time. If he gets PT over Millar/Mientkiewicz/Roberts/Nixon when a decent righty is on the mound, I'll be disappointed, because that's tempting fate. Kapler will never be an everyday player, because he can't hit righties. His hot streak may not even be a streak...he may really be this good, only against lefties. Back a few years ago with Texas, Kapler was a mega-prospect, everyone thought the guy was going to be a star. He's got the talent and the drive, he just can't hit righties. He's the poster boy for a successful platoon.

ahhh, very good points. But I had this question last year when Little would NEVER let Trot hit against lefties. If you don't give him the in game experience, how will he ever be able to do it? A lot of the lefty-righty arguments are rooted in the fact that righties see the ball better from LHP and vice versa. If Trot or Kapler got more looks, wouldn't they theoretically at least, be able to hit their resepective sides? I would say probably not, but just something to think about.

[NDBoston]

Originally posted by I_Suffer


ahhh, very good points. But I had this question last year when Little would NEVER let Trot hit against lefties. If you don't give him the in game experience, how will he ever be able to do it? A lot of the lefty-righty arguments are rooted in the fact that righties see the ball better from LHP and vice versa. If Trot or Kapler got more looks, wouldn't they theoretically at least, be able to hit their resepective sides? I would say probably not, but just something to think about.

Kapler isn't Trot. He's a 4th outfielder.

Ortiz has been better against lefties this year, but he's still batting .250. against them. When Kapler can kill lefty pitching like Ortiz and Nixon kills righty, than he will see more at bats when the numbers say Roberts should be in.

[Euclis]

ahhh, very good points. But I had this question last year when Little would NEVER let Trot hit against lefties. If you don't give him the in game experience, how will he ever be able to do it? A lot of the lefty-righty arguments are rooted in the fact that righties see the ball better from LHP and vice versa. If Trot or Kapler got more looks, wouldn't they theoretically at least, be able to hit their resepective sides? I would say probably not, but just something to think about.

Game experience is a good thing, but at a certain point, you know what a player can and cannot do. Trot is 30. From 2001-2003, his ops against lefties was .644, in 317 ABs. That's not a very small sample size, that's half a season. In the same time, his ops against righties was .946 in 1191 ABs, so he was playing well over those years. Nixon has never hit against lefties at the major league level, and more looks probably won't have much affect. I'm glad that we have had managers who have accepted this fact. Kapler's lefty/righty splits prior to this season are less severe than they are now, but he's gotten his chances against righties this season. He's had 136 ABs against righties, 104 against lefties. Most of those ABs were early in the season when the sox had no alternative, and it isn't a coincidence that Kapler's cold spring came during the same period when he was facing a lot of righties.

[FoulkeLore]

Originally posted by NDBoston


Here's what I said about Gump last year in July

"Grady makes a bad situation worse with slow hooks on the starters, choosing the wrong bullpen player at the wrong time in many game situations...and not having a "feel" or sense of when a particular reliever doesn't have "it" on a particular day."

I can only think about 2 games where Francona had a "slow hook".
Toronto with Schilling and Arroyo about a month ago. Anyone who thinks Little did a better job wasn't watching much baseball last year IMO. Don't forget how injury free the Sox were in 2003 too.

I have no big isues with Francona. Sveum on the other hand.....

While I do agree that Gump had no handle on our BP until the end of the season, I don't know he had many options at the time. We added a couple of guys at the trading deadline to shore things up (Sauerbeck and Williamson along with a starter to help our staff) so at that point he needed to try a few new things. Some worked and some didn't.

The thing I don't like about Fancona is that he's too reactive as opposed to pro-active and frankly sometimes his moves don't make much sense to me (of course I'm not a baseball manager though). For example (details will be short but will suffice I think)

Foulke was unavailable due to back stiffnes, we were'nt aware of it until Remy and Orsillo mentioned it, Francona brings out Timlin to start the 9th (3 run ballgame Im thinking?). Anyways, Timlin gives up back-to-back hits leading to a runner on 1st and 3rd. Timlin K's the next guy and THEN Francona gives him the hook. Why then? Even Timlin looked surprised as he sort of turned back to give Francona a look when exiting the mound?

The entire RSN has been begging for the Sox to be more aggressive on the basepaths (umm....not you Mr. Sveum) and we wait what, two weeks before Roberts first SB?? I'm sure I'm off on the time period there but the point is, we brought him here for his speed and his defense while Nixon is out. Now, we're running and getting guys in position but everything seems like a step late with Francona....just MO of course.

I'm not rebutting your points, just picking your brain.

I did watch quite a bit of baseball last year by the way. I think I've been more attentive to our coaching staff this year due to the spotlight of a new coach in a "This is the Year" campaign. Added that with Mike Cubbage hardly making mistakes last year, I may be over-analyzing the situation.

[cubswin]

Originally posted by I_Suffer


... If you watch him, and the decisions he makes on a game to game basis, he is no better, if not WORSE than Gump...

in your opinion, that is. I've seen virtually every game over the past 3 years, and I think Francona is a better game manager than Little. Little frequently pulled Ramirez, Ortiz, etc. for pinchrunners in close games, even though the likelihood speed would come into play was far less than the possibility of them coming up again. Several times late in close games, the lineup was decimated by Grady. And Sveum is not good, but on the other hand, how many times did Little order hit-and-runs that led to strike-him-out/throw-him-out double plays?