Mid-Season Report Card
Well, here we are again, already halfway through the 2005 season, and, what do ya’ know, the Red Sox are at the top (barely) of the A.L. East! That’s right, Sox fans; the hometown heroes have managed to come into the break with a respectable 49 and 38 record, hovering two games above the surprising Orioles, and 2 and half ahead of the suddenly surging Yanks. So how has your favorite player fared? Here’s how I grade ‘em!
The Starters
The Rotation
David Wells - He’s like a big, fat, drunk, rollercoaster, but, when he’s on, he’s one of the best in the game. When he’s off, however... Grade: C+
Matt Clement - With the help of Jason Varitek, a change of scenery, and a creepy looking Abe Lincoln beard, Matt Clement (10-2) has become the clubs defacto ace in the absence of Curt Schilling. To think, we almost got Carl Pavano instead! Grade: A
Bronson Arroyo - Teenage girls love him, right-handed batters fear him. Arroyo continues to get better, nastier, and deeper into games, and, besides Clement, has been this year’s most consistently effective starter. The only downside is that the guy likes Creed. Grade: B+
Tim Wakefield - The elder-statesmen of Red Sox Nation, Wakes continues to dominate the Yankees, but has stumbled at times this season; most notably when battery mate Doug Mirabelli went on the DL for a wrist injury. However, once Dougie returned, so did Wakes magic knuckleball. Grade: B
Wade Miller - This guy has nasty stuff, but has had problems getting out of the early innings. Once he’s locked in, though, he’s got one of the most brutal curves in the biz, and can be light’s out. Problem is, by the time he gets comfortable, we’re already down by four runs. Grade: C-
Overall: The Players
Jason Varitek - Captain Clutch has worn the big C on his jersey with pride, played with gusto, and tamed the formerly wild beast known as Matt Clement into one of the A.L.’s most dominating starters. Meanwhile, his offensive numbers are even better than last year’s “breakout” season, posting a .301 average, with 13 dingers, and 36 RBI! Grade: A+
David Ortiz - The Dominican’s answer to Babe Ruth has opposing pitchers stymied. They simply cannot find a pitch that this guy can’t hit, and despite posting career numbers last season, Ortiz is on pace to better those yet again! Grade: A+
Manny Ramirez - What slump? Sure, Manny seemed a bit…well…off early in the season, but he’s over it now! While his average is uncharacteristically low (for him), the power numbers are as strong as ever, and, while he’s not the media maven he was in 2004, we have yet to see any major Manny controversies (so far). Grade: B+
Kevin Millar - Terry Francona’s patience paid off last year when he waited for the slugging cowboy to put up numbers as big as his mouth, but even Tito’s patience is wearing thin this year. With a measly four home runs, and an OPS nearly 150 points lower than last year, it’s no surprise to see that “back-up” first basemen John Olerud has been getting more starts of late. And Millar’s off the field comments, including a reported request to be traded, isn’t winning over the fans, either. Expect to see less of Millar in the second half; that is, if he isn’t traded! Grade: D
Johnny Damon - See Johnny hit! See Johnny run! See Johnny in another television commercial and I’m gonna hang myself. With books, endorsements, and talk show appearances up the wazoo, Johnny Damon is officially over-exposed. While the superstar centerfielder is having a fantastic offensive season, his off the field antics have been...well...offensive! Grade: A+ (on the field) / F (off the field!)
Bill Mueller - Hey, remember this guy? He’s the quiet rock in the corner of the infield, making fantastic plays, hitting in clutch situations, and being the consummate professional? Sure, he’s not hitting like the batting champ of 2003, but he’s still one of my favorite players, and has one of the best work ethics in the game. Grade: B+
Trot Nixon - Speaking of great work ethics, here’s the epitome of “dirt dog”. This is a guy who plays hurt, does what he’s told, and keeps it all either on the field or “in house”. I don’t expect any tell-all books from this guy down the road, but damn if I don’t wanna know what that mold is growing on his cap! Grade: A
Edgar Renteria - Edgar started cold, got hot, got cold again, and then, quietly, got..well…sort of average. He’s playing decent ball (despite leading all shortstops in errors), but is he playing $10 million dollars worth of decent ball? Eh, not so much. Grade: C-
Mark Bellhorn - He is what he is. Bellhorn currently leads the league in strikeouts, but is also second in walks. He’s also near the top in pitches per plate appearance, on base percentage, and has played a very solid second base. Expect more of this through the second half of the season, and, if you have to, simply close your eyes when he comes up to the plate. Grade: C
Overall: The Pen
Mike Timlin - This guy is a warhorse. I know Schilling’s coming in to help him close out games, but I’d hand the ball to Mike everytime. I just wish he was more consistent with inherited runners... Grade: A
Alan Embree - Speaking of inherited runners, here’s the guy who leaves them there for Timlin. That is, unless he gives up a gopher ball to clear the bases before Francona can get him out of there. Embree used to throw gas. Now he throws batting practice. Grade: F
John Halama - Can you say “Designate for Assignment”? I knew you could! Grade: F
Mike Meyers - The only other brightspot in the Sox pen in the first half. This guy is brutal on lefthanders, and, if the reported trade for Oakland’s Chad Bradford goes through, we’ll have a submariner righty who will be a great compliment to Meyers style. Grade: A-
Matt Mantei - You are the weakest link... Goodbye! Grade: F
Keith Foulke - Poor Foulkey, where has the magic gone? The struggling closer went on the DL after finally succumbing to his aching knees. Too bad he refused to have them operated on when he was asked to address the issue in Spring Training! And, like Millar, Foulke’s gum flappin’ has eaten up the last of the goodwill fans had toward him for last year’s dominance. Grade: D-
Overall: The Bench
Doug Mirabell - Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher always seems to bring a little offense in his limited appearances. He’s also a great clubhouse guy, and could be a starter on just about any other team. He’s a bit of a free swinger, but when he connects, look out! Grade: B+
Jay Payton - If I could give grades for being a whiney little bitch boy, he’d get a solid A+, but, to be fair, he’s too good of a player to ride the pine. Now that he’s gone, our bench isn’t as deep. Grade: B
Kevin Youkilis - Youk, Youk, Youk, Youk! In limited play, the kid’s shown that he’s got the makings of an everyday player. However, with the logjam at first and Mueller at third, I gotta wonder if he may be better off seeing more playing time at AAA? Grade: B
John Olerud - With a swing like butter and gold glove caliber defense, is it any wonder Kevin Millar feels threatened? Ol’ helmet head runs like he’s got cement shoes, but in nearly every other facet, he’s an improvement over Millar. Grade: A
Management
Terry Francona - Last year pundits suggested we won it all in spite of him, but, with a much more aggressive media stance, clubhouse controversy, and (mostly) expert management of what little bullpen help he has, Francona has this team in first place without its ace, and that’s proof positive that this guy is the man to manage this team. Grade: A
Theo Epstein - Young Theo may have hit a belated sophomore slump this season, as previously prized acquisitions like Matt Mantei, David Wells, and Edgar Renteria haven’t exactly lived up to their billing. Still, we can thank him for the core of this team; folks like Varitek, Nixon, Damon, Manny…huh? Oh, those were Duquette’s signings! Ummm…well he did bring us Papi! Grade: C+
Make sure to check back for the final report card in November! After last year, of course, the learning curve is a little high, but, with a little luck?
Well, here we are again, already halfway through the 2005 season, and, what do ya’ know, the Red Sox are at the top (barely) of the A.L. East! That’s right, Sox fans; the hometown heroes have managed to come into the break with a respectable 49 and 38 record, hovering two games above the surprising Orioles, and 2 and half ahead of the suddenly surging Yanks. So how has your favorite player fared? Here’s how I grade ‘em!
