Bleacher Report - Articles by Lana Ballard

RED SOX: The FIRE Down Below...

Lana Ballard — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:07:11 -0400

One thing you will find in the eyes of a winner is fire that burns to win.

Last night as the Red Sox struggled against the Angels, we saw defeat and discouragement in their eyes. Although there were some bad calls, at-bats, and pitches, it cannot extinguish the fire for the Red Sox.

They know what it will take to make it to the World Series. It will take a raging fire down below to come through this series.

There are so many opinions out here that say: It’s all about the pitchers, it's offense or it's defense, and no matter what you think, it takes every element of the game to get a team into the World Series.

Everyone must do their jobs and do them above and beyond what is expected. It is up to everyone on the team to do their part from John Henry and Theo to the batboy.

When Tito determines the starting lineups, it is the beginning of the first steps to win. He takes the work that Theo contributed and begins to mold a team that can go all the way. In the last part of the season we have seen Tito mixing it up, trying to find the right mix and balance for our offense and defense (If you ask me, he should’ve left well enough alone).

But for Tito’s sake, his intensions, I believe, were to stretch the team as far as he could in preparation for a long season, planning for the possibility of players needing rest and/or injuries. The Red Sox without a doubt have a deep lineup. Their farm leagues have produced some of the best players in the game today.

Now that we are down to Game Two with our 25 players for the ALDS, it is time to put some gasoline on the fire. It is not time to put your heads down in frustration or be discouraged.

We have a long way to go boys, and you can do it. Red Sox Nation demands a lot from you all throughout the season and we demand more in the post-season.

Why? Because we are that 10^th player on the field at all times. We are doing our part as well. We can be tough, but we already know you are the best, and now it is just time for you all to prove that you are the Champions we know you are.

Let the Angels of Anaheim see that FIRE tonight. Let’s detonate a charge so powerful that the Yankees fill it in New York.

Tune in to TBS tonight at 9:37pm (EST) and watch this series HEAT UP!

Boston Red Sox: The First Sign of Spring for the Great White North

Lana Ballard — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:33:11 -0500

Everyone in the Northeast looks forward to February for only one reason, and it is not for ice fishing, skiing, or more frigid cold weather; it is because the boys are heading down to sunny Florida.

It is a sure sign that Spring is just around corner, even though we may not see a blade of grass for another twelve weeks. Now Red Sox Nation is asking what is in store for the Red Sox this year. We, of course, are hoping for victory.

Let’s get down to tactics. Terry Francona and all the coaches are looking for a strong and determined line up to get our season underway. Tito knows the key to making it deep into the season is keeping our players healthy. It is the No. 1 priority.

That means that Tito needs to have a strategy of breaking down playing time.

Let’s take a look at the infield, starting with the catchers. With Jason Varitek back with Boston we can rest assure that the bullpen is far better off. Varitek has a lot to prove this year as far as his offense but we can be comfortable knowing that 'Tek will be behind the plate to help prepare and guide our pitchers.

Understanding that Tek will be 37 years old in April, Tito will need to play Josh Bard, Kottaras and Brown to allow Tek to rest.

Bard’s play time will be determined by his abilities. But don’t be surprised if Theo may be still looking for a young apprentice such as Saltalamacchia or Teagarden from Texas. This may be why we may not see Buchholz playing for Boston this season.

The pitching staff seems to be a solid group. I am anxious to see where Tito and Farrell will place Masterson. I believe he is going to have a great season no matter where he ends up.

Starters, Lester and Beckett will be a constant strength and Manny Delcarmen and Okajima will continue to support the middle but I am not so sure about our closers…not sure how Papelbon will do this year.

It remains to be seen how Wakefield will help out but if he has as good of a season as he did last year it will help. Also we can look forward to our new veteran pitchers such as Smoltz and Siato. I am sure we will see Buchholz as long as he is not traded for a new catcher.

I believe there is no question of who is playing second base. Yes, our amazing Dustin Pedroia. Need I say more? Although Lowrie and Lugo will be fighting for playing time it appears the shortstop position is secure. I think we will see Jed Lowrie break out this season. Set himself above Lugo.

Now it comes down to First base, which of course belongs to our energetic Kevin “Yooouk” Youkilis. His willingness to shift to third helped us tremendously last year and even though we signed Wilkerson due to Kotsay’s back surgery, I believe you may see an up and coming star name Lars Anderson.

I believe Mike Lowell will play and benefit the Sox this year but I do not see him coming off this injury 100 percent. The odds are against him but there is a lot say about his leadership in the dugout and I believe he will have a positive influence on our young players.

Moving onto the outfielders with Jason Bay at left, Jacoby at center and JD Drew at right I am very confident that we are covered, that is to say, as long as they stay healthy. I am looking forward to see Rocco Baldelli in a Red Sox uniform. I believe his bat will greatly benefit us.

It is my understanding that Baldelli has a better handle on his condition and as long as JD stays healthy I believe Rocco is the answer to our relief in the outfield. When Kotsay recovers from his back surgery he will be able play infield or outfield for us and this is a great benefit.

I would like to see Jacoby work on his bunting to increase his on base percentage.

Confident in JD’s beautiful swing I believe he is due to have a great season. Jason Bay will be right at home. Getting a taste of Boston last year and seeing how great the fans can be Bay’s bat will not disappoint us.

In conclusion we can’t forget our Big Papi. I am hoping to see him come back swinging hard and accurate. He will need to keep his wrist strong and be aware of over stressing it. This can be accomplished with less pressure on our designating hitter.

Yes, it is Papi’s job but I have found that the Red Sox play their best when everyone is pitching in and doing their jobs at the up most of their abilities. I would not be surprised to Rocco helping out as a designer hitter.

I can’t wait to see the start of Spring Training on Feb. 12. NESN will have all day coverage. GO SOX!!!

Jason Varitek: Boston Red Sox's Backstop Action Plan

Lana Ballard — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:03:58 -0500

There is no disputing that an aging Jason Varitek is a concern for the Red Sox's organization. They are asking themselves, "How can we buy youth without trading experience? How can we maintain a perfect balance between the youngsters, like Jacoby and Lowrie, and veterans such as, Lowell, Wakefield and Varitek? How do we put together a winning team and raise another flag on Yawkey Way?"

Theo Epstein knows every decision has a consequence. Determining what decision will be made at this time will determine success or failure. He also knows it IS crucial for the Red Sox to maintain a perfect balance of youth and experience. At this point, there must be an excellent action plan for each position on the field. The backstop position is no exception.

Let’s ask ourselves what Theo’s action plan could look like. Let’s look for what has often been referred to as the “computer” behind the plate! Jason Varitek.

Step One: Purchase Catcher (PC). Determine requirements. Catcher must be respected among peers and a good fit for the Red Sox clubhouse. Bring in a good strong offensive bat and be willing to share the load with one of the most respected catchers in Red Sox history.

Solution: While with the Sox in 2006, Josh Bard earned respect in the clubhouse and with team manager Terry Francona. After trade in 2006, Josh Bard hit .338 with nine homers in 231 at-bats. The following year the switch-hitter posted a .285 average with five homers and 51 RBI. Theo has said, “Let’s right this wrong”. Sign catcher, Josh Bard. Check.

Step Two: Renew Support Contract. Re-sign Jason Varitek. For time served and respect he has achieve in Boston. Give Captain Varitek a two-year contract for $10 million plus one-year option. Guarantee the Captain will start 60 percent of all games. Added Note: Consider amending contract to state a possible option for a coaching position within the Red Sox organization.

Solution: It is no secret that Jason Varitek wants to retire with the Red Sox. The respect he has earned in Boston is like no other. The Captain has never failed to stay the course and unfortunately this year the storms blew the ship around a bit. He will make the adjustments needed. He will not disappoint us. He will re-sign.

Step Three: Computer Download. To achieve download, Josh Bard must start at least 40 percent of all games. Varitek needs to be able to guide and teach his young apprentice, focusing on his great defense and his preparation for each game.

Solution: During Computer download phase cohesiveness must come and the willingness to learn from the team Captain. Preparation, patience and attention to winning are a must.

Step Four: Balance. The fourth step includes the coaching staff and players. Francona must always consider for all positions, how to keep them all healthy throughout 130+ games in a season. Keeping the young rooster challenged by increasing playing time AND he must keep the older rooster rested and healthy.

This perfect balance is the key to a winning team. When everyone plays their part 100 percent, we will once again be able to hang a championship banner on Yawkey Way.

Solution: Only time will tell.

I know everyone in Red Sox Nation has their own action plan for the Red Sox. We all have very unique approaches to America’s favorite pastime. Hopefully, sometime soon, we will see if my hypothetical “Boston Backstop Action Plan” will come true.

Happy New Year Red Sox Nation!

The first exhibition game with Boston College starts Feb. 25 in Fort Myers, FL. GO SOX!!!

Jason Varitek: Can The Ship Sail Without a Captain?

Lana Ballard — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:03:20 -0500

Decisions will be made soon whether or not Jason Varitek will remain in a Red Sox uniform. The general question is, should we keep him? My question is, can we win without him?

We expect the clairvoyant Theo Epstein to look into the future and determine what crew is required to take this ship into battle. I ask the seer, can we sail the ship without a Captain?

Let’s look at the Captains log.

Since 1997, the Captain has competed in 1,330 games with 4,401 at bats. His career batting average is .263 with 654 RBIs. He has successfully reached home 573 times. His at bats included 1,156 hits, 266 were doubles and 13 triples. He crushed 161 home runs in various ballparks and his on base percentage is an honorable .346.

I don’t think it’s a stretch by stating that Varitek’s offense has always been mediocre. His batting average has never been above .300 and yet Red Sox have found it necessary to keep him for 12 years.

Do you see where I am going? Yes, it’s what he brings behind the plate. He has been and remains to be, a great defensive player. His opponents know not to underestimate how prepared Varitek is for their at bat.

For 1,330 games played, the total chances 9,080, Tek putout 8,555 with 463 assists and only 62 errors. This calculates to be an excellent fielding percentage average of .993, an average that has not fallen below a .988, since 1998.

Did I mention he has caught four no-hitters?

So, it is understood for a ship to reach its destination, there are a few components that are required: a compass for direction, and a rudder for control, and a Captain for leadership. Without a compass you could follow the stars praying for clear weather, without a rudder you will sail wherever the wind blows but without a Captain you have chaos.

Sign the Captain, his crew is waiting to sail.

Jason Varitek: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

Lana Ballard — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:21:43 -0400

Anyone that follows the Red Sox is well aware that the Captain, Jason Varitek, became a free agent when they lost Game Seven of the ALCS. There are hundreds of blogs out there whining about his offensive season; personally, I find difficult to read.

Let me plead my case.

Yes, Tek had the worse season ever. I cannot disagree with that. A .220 hitting average is bad, really bad. It was a disappointing offensive season for Tek to say the least.

But for a player who spends hours with his nose in scouting reports, who squats a couple feet from home plate and catches a ball flying upwards of 97 MPH for a 130+ games, for tens of thousands fans...Are we really looking at the whole man when it comes to re-signing Tek?

Is a baseball player just his bat? I say no way; no more than it takes one player to win a game.

As I conclude, I have to say that Jason Varitek is an incredible asset to the Red Sox and to Red Sox Nation. If we fail to sign Tek, there will be a very large crack in the team's foundation, causing great instability in the Red Sox.

For all you bloggers that think Tek should go, be aware. Theo has a soft spot for the good old boys.