Papelbon hurt?
Posted by Michael.
Given that Jeremy and I both came to this concern/conclusion independently, I’m afraid we might be on to something, esp. given that he’s not being used tonight (and he’s well-rested). Like I/we said yesterday, I don’t like how his velocity was down (a loss in velocity usually indicate shoulder problems/loss in control = elbow problems). Timlin would likely serve as closer but now he’s going on the DL, so who stands to get the ball in save situations? Okajima should close, but convention says that lefties don’t close and plus Francona has stated that he’s worried about overworking him. So, that leaves Piniero? or possibly Donnelly except he hasn’t been as consistent as you’d like.
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:39 pm Using
Follow-up: well, Romero closed out the ninth, which doesn’t clarify anything since Okajima was officially off limits. Remdawg did says that he was surprised they didn’t use Piniero to finish upvs righties, but Romero was throwing well enough that leaving him in wasn’t a bad idea.
anyway, just curious what peeps think, not that this is a very Sox- or baseball-heavy blog.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:52 am Using
I think that Okajima will close, as he’s clearly the best option available. If Francona is concerned about keeping his innings down, he shouldn’t bother to bring him in to start the 9th with a three run lead, and use some of the other guys for these lower leverage situation.
PS: My new favorite baseball turn of phrase – Okajima is putting up wiffleball numbers.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:27 am Using
That a good point, using Okajima in 1-run situations and then Piniero/Donnelly/Romero for larger/less dangerous situations. Really, as long as they bullpen is mentally ok with being a “committee” it could work out fine.
P.S. your mom puts up whiffleball numbers.