Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Breen

Boston Red Sox's Hot Stove Should Be Lukewarm

Matt Breen — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:50:54 -0500

The Red Sox's offseason "hot stove" has been heating up with burning urges to sign, trade, and eat salary. While rumors are certainly only rumors, I believe the Red Sox should be relatively steadfast and make very few moves.

After all, this is a team coming off an extremely successful season. Here is what I think needs to be done.

1. Sign Mark Teixeira

I've debated for a while whether the Red Sox really need Teixeira or not, but more and more, I think they do. Perhaps this year there is not a dire need for another big bat (though that is more than debatable), but in the following season, the free-agent class for sluggers is meager including Holliday who's splits away from Coors Field is certainly not elite, Glad Guerrero (See Ortiz/decline), and Andruw Jones, not even going to comment.

The other option would be highly regarded prospect Lars Anderson, but , realistically speaking, he is 21 years old and the Red Sox have no reason to rush him to the show after half a season in Portland.

In my mind, Anderson is the replacement for Ortiz, whom I think will rebound nicely this season but in the next several years I have to admit is likely on the steady decline.

Sadly this means the end to either Ortiz, Lowell, or Youkilis. Trading Youkilis teeters on mental illness, and Ortiz despite injuries was second on the team with RBI. So, if you can find a home for Lowell, unfortunately, I think you have to move him to make room for the future (a.k.a. Mark Teixeira).

Fill in Teixeira and you have a almost fantasy lineup that includes:

CF J. Ellsbury

2B D. Pedroia

DH D. Ortiz

1B M. Teixeira

LF J. Bay

3B K. Youkilis

RF J. Drew

SS J. Lugo/Lowrie

C ???

I'm sure you can draw your own conclusions on that lineup.

2. Be very selective on arms

Trading Coco Crisp for Ramon Ramirez looks to be a great trade adding stability to the most overlooked blame for the playoff lost, the bullpen. With that being said, a bullpen consisting of Papelbon, Okajima, Delcarmen, Ramirez, Masterson, and Lopes sounds pretty solid to me.

The rotation also appears solid to me with Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Wakefield, and a competitive fifth spot between Buchholz, Masterson, and Bowden. I feel as if a Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, or Brad Penny signing would be an unnecessary commitment when there is such depth and successful in the Red Sox system.

But regardless you can never have too many arms. I say no big signings, let the kids get their chance.

3. Play hardball with Varitek

If the Red Sox did offer that rumored one-year deal, they are certainly negotiating effectively. This puts the ball in the other teams' court as now to land 'Tek, a team will need to offer a two-year deal which the Sox would likely be willing to match.

If someone does sign him, the Red Sox receive a first-round draft pick, and can then focus on a replacement. I'm sure every possible package will be examined to pry Jarrod Saltamacchia or Taylor Teagarden from the Rangers.

Which ever direction the Red Sox choose this offseason, they are in a great position to stay highly competitive in the increasingly competitive A.L. East.

Red Sox-Yankees: Alex Rodriguez Lifts Boston Past New York

Matt Breen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:20:08 -0400

Three-time MVP and all-around "might be best player once its all said," Alex Rodriguez, sucked last night and was booed hardcore by the New York faithful. While A-Rod is pretty much the man, he was terrible last night, posting the beautiful line of: 0-for-5, 2 K, 2 GIDP(one with bases loaded), and 7 LOB. Don't forget his error, either.

Although A-Rod sucked, I've got to give some serious credit to Justin Masterson, who is too legit to quit. The guy has come out of Pawtucket and done everything asked of him, switching to the bullpen seamlessly. He's pretty much the anti-Buchholz right now.

But getting back to A-Rod, seriously, Yankees, if you don't want him, I'd love to see him in Boston. And I'm sure he's OK, he probably slept on some nice stripper breasts last night.

Wakefield had a very Dice-K-like night, going five innings and securing the win, which is more than I expected from his elderly ass.

The Red Sox are either close or have already picked up Kotsay from the ATL today, which is good news. Safer than trading for Gary Sheffield and signing Barry "Bail" Bonds, they played it safe and got a guy who kills Fenway Park to pick up for J.D. Drew's frail self.

In other good news, Beckett will be back Friday. If Beckett is healthy, the Red Sox should be OK, as he is godly in postseason play. I don't care if he sucks from this point until the playoffs, because you know he will be lights out like always in the playoffs.

Tonight is the battle of two of my least favorite, ugliest pitchers in baseball: HGH, born-again Christian, battling porn addiction Paul Byrd vs. "Fat kid" Sid "I ain't drunk" Ponson. I pick the porn star, Paul Byrd over the bloated and fiending Ponson.

One last thing, isn't it great the Red Sox are erasing New York from the playoff picture> I mean, I'm over the whole "Yankees Suck" thing, but it's still pretty cool. Peace NY!

(As seen on Tha Youka)

Time for Red Sox to Man Up

Matt Breen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:40:44 -0400

(Pictured Above: Pedro Martinez Throwing Joba's Father From His Wheel Chair)

4.5 games out and flying into Yankee Stadium one last time, its really becoming time for the Red Sox to man up. While playing relatively well over the past month, the Rays, Twins, and White Sox have been hauling ass and show absolutely no sign they will slow down. Going into NY seems like a big series, but really the Sox should own NY. This is an NY team that lost Wang, Joba, and their dignity half way through the season.

What's hurting the Sox however is the loss of Drew, Lowell, Aardsma, and Beckett. But luckily Lugo is still hurt and the Red Sox are likely to lie to him about the results of his MRI than let him back out on the field in September.

The pitching match up is as the following:

Wakefield vs. Pettitte
Depends on what Wakefield shows up fresh of the DL. I predict a loss.

Byrd vs. Ponson
Wow battle of the scrubs. I'll take Sox because I never bet on Ponson. Ever.

Lester vs. Pussina
Even though Pussina is having hell of a year, I don't trust his old ass. I'll go with Lester on this one, he's pissed after screwing up the last outing.

(As seen on Tha Youka)

Daisuke Matsuzaka's Dual Nature

Matt Breen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:16:30 -0400

Daisuke Matsuzaka is perhaps the most unique pitcher in baseball, from his seven different pitches, to his living legend status in Japan. However, his bizarre stats this season are perhaps the most perplexing:

10-1, 2.65 ERA, 65H, 26ER, 57W, 1.38WHIP, .328OBA in 88.1 innings

First off, he has an amazing record (league leading winning percentage) and a low ERA for the American League. Based on those two stats alone Daisuke would look like a certified ace.

However, his 57 walks in 88.1 innings are alarming to say the least. To make a long story short, Matsuzaka walks a ton (almost six per nine IP) and gives up a decent amount of hits but they usually amount to nothing.

Watching Daisuke on a regular basis, it is apparent he has the ability to turn it on when it matters. It is not uncommon for Matsuzaka to walk two batters in a row and get out of the jam without giving up a run.

Daisuke nips around the corners, rarely getting close calls, and more commonly walking the batter. It seems as if he'd rather give up a walk than a hit.

As a result his pitch count sky rockets and he frequently leaves the game in the fifth or sixth inning. This poses the question, should Daisuke be allowed to pitch more innings?

Consider in Japan his pitch count was often significantly higher, ranging from 130-160 and sometimes more. However, this was with five games rest and would be detrimental to his health in the United States.

While Daisuke has walked a thin line and seen success throughout the first half of the season, he must throw more strikes to continue to be efficient. He definitely needs to throw more fastballs and (obviously) more first pitch strikes.

It's hard to imagine his success continuing with his walk ratio, but he has gotten this far with his unorthodox method.

Red Sox: Early Offseason Moves

Matt Breen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:17:39 -0400

It's only halfway through this exciting 2008 season and there is plenty to look forward to. However, like many Red Sox fans I can't help myself from looking towards the future.

Boston is in excellent shape for the future with one of the highest payrolls in the MLB, and a vast pool of talent in the minor leagues. Although a number of variables can change from now and next season, and thinking about moves for next season this early is probably inappropriate, allow me to share a few offseason moves I'd consider making as of July 15, 2008.

1. Let Varitek go. I love Jason Varitek but unfortunately, this is his stop in the line. Offensively he has come to a screeching halt posting a dismal .218 AVG and an embarrassing .299 OBP which is sac-religious to Theo and Bill James's scouting.

I am all about his variables such as amazing pitch caller with the most no-hitters called, and is basically a second pitching coach, but with Boras as his agent and no offense productivity, I feel the Red Sox have no choice but letting the captain go.

While sentimentally we will miss him dearly, look back on Pedro, Nomar, and Trot Nixon who we all let go and haven't done a whole lot since. Who takes his place? I'm not sure. Texas has an overabundance of young catchers, but it doesn't matter, the average AAA catcher can hit better than Varitek at this point.

2. Let Alex Cora go, move Lugo to the bench, and start Lowrie. With a Julio Lugo trade highly unlikely, even with Boston eating a significant amount of his contact, its time to move Lugo to the bench making him the most expensive utility player in the game.

Cora's two million dollar contract expires at the end of the season, which Boston will not need to extend. Lowrie, appearing major league ready should start.

3. Sign Ben Sheets. This is the Boston Red Sox. They can spend some money, as we all know. Starting pitching is the most important aspect of baseball, especially playoff baseball.

Imagine a rotation of, Beckett, Sheets, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Lester. That is a MLB wet dream. Just releasing Cora, Varitek, and Schilling (remember him?) frees up almost $20 million which can be thrown at the NL starting pitcher, Ben Sheets.

Hell, they can even move Wakefield to the bullpen and let Masterson or Buchholz start, but we can talk about that at another time.

4. Exercise the option on Manny Ramirez. I may change my mind on this one by the end of the season but Manny is Manny. Highly regarded as one of the best right handed hitters ever, this guy has a lot of hitting left in his career.

Letting Manny walk leaves a gaping hole in the Red Sox lineup which cannot easily be filled. He's not worth $20M but it's better than paying an unproven free agent in Boston such as Adam Dunn. I say as of now, bite the bullet, it's only for one season. Besides who wants to see Manny in pinstripes anyways?

Red Sox: Fear and Loathing in Boston

Matt Breen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:58:13 -0400

The Red Sox suffered a dismal road trip through Houston, Tampa Bay, and New York and have reached their lowest point of the season now falling to five games back in the divison. With the white hot Twins coming to town, things are looking bad, but don't worry the Red Sox will be okay.

1. David Ortiz

David Ortiz is a couple weeks from returning and that is exactly what this Red Sox team needs. The Sox have been fielding lineups consisting of Varitek, Lugo, Crisp, Moss, Cash, and Cora who at any time have collectively looked completely lost at the plate. Having a 7-8-9 of any of these players is a tremendous liability; evident in the past few games where the Red Sox have left men on due to the terrible bottom of the order. With Ortiz back in the lineup, Manny can go back to left field to allow either Crisp or Moss to chill on the bench where they belong.

2. Starting Pitching

The Red Sox strongest aspect is starting pitching and it will only improve in the second half. Jon Lester has stepped up to the player the team expected him to just in time. Daisuke Matsuzaka while still unpredictable, has a 9-1 record and, besides walks, has solid numbers. Justin Masterson has filled the number five hole perfectly. Don't forget Bucholtz is sitting in Pawtucket ready for a phone call and Colon will be back in the next week or two.

3. More home games

Since the season opener, the Sox have spent a lot of time on the road including three ten-game road trips. The Red Sox have turned that corner with 39 home games remaining and only 31 road games left. The Red Sox sport one of the best home records in the league at 31-10.

4. Big Payroll

With the trade deadline aproaching it is more apparent than ever the Red Sox will be active as usual. Depending on David Ortiz's health, Mark Teixeira will be on the radar along with a number of relievers including Brian Fuentes.

5. Ray's inexperience

While the Rays certainly look like the real deal, they are mostly inexperienced and young which can be costly down the stretch. While I believe the Rays' youth is not much of an issue, it should still be considered.

Dr. Strangestach or: How I Learned to Stop Hating and Love Jason Giambi

Matt Breen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:35:03 -0400

Like all Red Sox fans, and probably a lot of Yankee fans, I hated Jason Giambi. I mean I'm not a huge hater, I don't hate all the Yankees or anything immature like that but I hated Giambi with a Passion.

What's not to hate? He juiced hardcore to get a fat paycheck with the Yankees, got cancer, people felt bad for him? sucked, recovered won comeback player of the year!? and overall resembles a recovering alcoholic with his profuse sweating and slicked back hair.

But this year I've learned to put the hate behind me and like Jason Giambi.

I love the mustache. It's so ugly and moronic, I can't hate on it, I like it! Seriously, it has asshole written all over it.

I love the thong! This guy wears a thong on the field, admittedly and is proud. It's not weird, or gay; it's unique!

I mean, who wants pantylines in pinstripes anyways?

He even shares it with his teammates. Let's hope he washes it after Jeter and A-Rod use it or else there'll more crabs in there than Baltimore.

The whole steroid thing? Hey, everyone else does it. This is America! Get that money any way you can!

Basically what I'm saying is I hated Giambi because he was a tool. Now that he is officially the biggest tool in the MLB, I can't hate on him, I actually like him.

Don't shave the mustache.

Don't wear traditional male undergarments. Don't stop abusing performance enhancing drugs. Stay classy Mr. Giambi. I love you.

Manny Ramirez Made a Big Mistake—Get Over It

Matt Breen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:31:35 -0400

"In the clubhouse, this is a family and whatever happens in the clubhouse, it stays in the clubhouse," Ramirez said. "Me and Jack, our friendship is good and he's going to continue being my friend yesterday, today, and tomorrow," he says of the incident.

"I just want it to die. It's over. He apologized. That's it. I want us to get back to our winning ways,'' Jack McCormick responded.

By the sounds of these second hand sources—which I may add are our sole source of information regarding this critical situation—things are reconciled and both parties are ready to move on.

If you want to question whether the two parties are serious in their statements, you must also question the details of the altercation all together. We weren't there; we don't know their past or differences. We must accept the information that we are given.

The only two people that this incident regards are over it. Which begs the question, if Manny and McCormick are over it, why can't sports fans get over it?