Tag: Ted Williams Page 4 of 5

We haven’t touched on these two clubs since the very start of the season, when Houston visited Homestead in Series I and Memphis hosted Birmingham in Series III.

#Memphis Red Sox

Memphis is struggling. They come into series XII 10 games below .500 at 20-30, but only 6 games out in the Bill James Division.

They have really had issues across the board, with some recent hiccups in the bullpen calling what had been a strength all season into question.

There are some bright spots: Ted Williams is a likely all-star, slashing 291/381/542 and Reggie Smith has been on a tear, bringing his line up to 307/368/513. Those two, along with Mookie Betts and Bill White have been quite dependable all season.

The biggest concern offensively is probably Wade Boggs, who has been removed from the 2-spot in the lineup given his 244/362/327 slash line. Still, the OBP is solid and the Memphis faithful are convinced he’ll bounce back. The bigger question is how the sextet of recently promoted players, especially infielders Claude Ritchey and Wayne Causey, will perform at the WBL level.

On the mound Jon Lester leads the staff in wins at 5-3 with a quite solid 3.91 ERA. Roger Clemens, who has shown real flashes of brilliance, has little to show for it, at 0-4 with a 5.56 ERA to date. The other starters–Dean Chance, Tim Wakefield and Nixey Callahan–have been perfectly fine, but little more.

Joe Beggs has 7 saves and is yet to allow a run over 13 innings, and Jonathan Papelbon has been fantastic setting him up. Getting to Papelbon via Turk Farrell and Heath Bell has been bumpy at times, but overall the bullpen has been solid for the Red Sox.

So, it’s a team in need of better starting pitching and hoping the changes they have made offensively might all click.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Houston is who they are: currently 25-25 and 7 games back in the Cum Posey Division. They’re a solid team across the board, lacking power and suffering a bit in their bullpen, but just … solid. Which is almost a compliment.

Jim Wynn, Jeff Bagwell, and HR Johnson have been their best players offensively. Wynn, slashing 293/402/467, leads the team in OBP and SLG, and Johnson at .324 in BA. Wynn and Johnson have combined to steal 33 bases in 42 attempts, making the top of their lineup dangerous on the basepaths. Bagwell has 7 homeruns to lead the Colt 45’s and his 27 RBIs trail George Brett by 1.

The most obvious need is for one or more of Tony Gwynn, Craig Biggio, or Carlos Correa to break out of OPS’ hovering roughly around .700.

The starting pitching has been anchored, as expected, by Roy Oswalt at 5-2, 4.21. But the contributions of Toad Ramsey and Stubby Overmire have been totally unexpected, and if Bret Saberhagen‘s recent starts are indicative of him getting back on track, the rotation could be significantly better than average.

In the bullpen, Brad Lidge leads with 6 saves, but his 9.35 ERA has moved him out of the closer role, which now falls to Billy Wagner, who has impressed with a team low 2.38 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. It’s not clear how much longer the team will stick with Leon Day, Dock Ellis, or Bones Ely at the deep end of the bullpen.

#Series Matchups

Memphis’ starter listed first. Nixey Callahan (3-5, 4.91) @ Stubby Overmire (0-2, 3.58); Tim Wakefield (2-3, 4.33) @ Stephen Strasburg (2-3, 3.81); Roger Clemens (0-4, 5.56) @ Bret Saberhagen (3-3, 5.29); Jon Lester (5-3, 3.91) @ Roy Oswalt (5-2, 4.21).

It’s hard to argue that Memphis has the edge in any of the matchups: maybe, if Clemens puts together all the parts of his best starts and maybe Lester over Oswalt.

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview – Right Fielders

By mknn

On August 5, 2021

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

{ The All-Star game is about a month away. We’ll post occasional articles about the contenders for participation in the mid-season classic. These are written “as of now,” so the final selections may vary dramatically, but hopefully these will add to the ongoing flavor of the league. }

#AL Right Fielders – Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions

The problem in the AL is there are four must-haves.

It took a little while for Detroit’s 20-year old wunderkind Ty Cobb to force his way into the starting lineup, but he’s slashing 348/385/607 and clearly deserves consideration here.

Memphis’ Ted Williams has been rock solid for the Red Sox at 304/391/567 with 10 homeruns and 34 RBI.

Shoeless Joe Jackson is slashing 343/440/614 with 11 homeruns and 38 RBI for Chicago.

And, Kansas City’s Stan Musial is at 361/422/600 with 9 homeruns and 35 RBI.

You can really stop the discussion there.

If I were limited to three, I would drop Cobb due to his having significantly less playing time. But he’s an everyday player now, and I would gladly sacrifice elsewhere to include all four of them.

The AI agrees, picking all four to the summer classic.

#NL Right Fielders – Effa Manley & Marvin Miller Divisions

One of the surprises of the league has been the superlative performance of Cleveland’s Ron Blomberg, who is hitting 335/411/615 with 11 homeruns and 35 RBIs. The starting RF is either Blomberg or San Francisco’s Reggie Jackson, who is chugging along at 362/483/623 without showing any signs of a slump.

There is a gap, then, to the Black Yankees’ Mickey Mantle (who has seen more time in RF than CF so far) at 297/421/436 and Miami’s Jose Canseco (296/370/456).

It’s a bit of a conundrum. Roberto Clemente of the Grays has been the best defensive RF, maybe, but at 276/300/411 just hasn’t produced enough.

So, Blomberg and Jackson are shoo-ins, and if I had to pick someone after them, it would be Mantle, unless Canseco ends up being Miami’s only representative?

The AI cheats, picking Jackson’s teammate, Bobby Bonds, who is really a CF, as the 3rd right fielder.

TWIWBL 11.1: Series IX Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hank Aguirre had pitched well all season, but had only a 1-3 record to show for it. Here, he combined with Mike Henneman on a 3-hit shutout of Houston, figuring the only way to win was to ensure the opposition didn’t score. Hank Greenberg was 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs in the 3-0 victory.

Si Johnson lasted less than 2 innings before leaving his start injured, but it was long enough to give up 5 runs and take the loss in a game the Wolverines dropped to Houston, 6-3. Johnson was put on the 10 day DL after the game, with Mickey Lolich called up to Detroit to take his place and Johnny Marcum taking Johnson’s place in the rotation.

Tom Brookens‘ stay in Detroit was short, but going hitless in 15 ABs will do that. The 33-year old veteran was out of options, so the Wolverines waived him, freeing up a spot on their 40-man roster as well. 1B Greg Brock was recalled, adding some power to their bench.

#Los Angeles Angels

Armando Benitez made 4 appearances for the Angels, none of them good. He’ll be given another 12 games to see if there’s anything worth salvaging–having made it clear he’s unwilling to go to the minors, the Angels will then be faced with the choice of releasing or trading Benitez.

#Memphis Red Sox

Where did that come from? Nothing Eddie Cicotte had done yet indicated ha had this in him: 7.1 innings of shutout, 6-hit ball against Chicago, easily the hottest offense in the league. Mookie Betts, Ted Williams, Vern Stephens, and Bill White all went deep as the Red Sox eased to a 10-0 win. Williams was 3-for-4 with 3 runs and Betts was 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs.

Pete Runnels was moved to AAA, with Claude Richey being recalled. 1B George Scott would have joined Runnels, but refused the demotion, potentially signaling the end of Boomer’s time with the Red Sox.

#New York Gothams

Despite walking 3 in the top of the 9th, Sad Sam Jones tossed a complete game, 4-hit shutout against the mighty Black Yankees. Jones moved to 2-3 on the year, with the key hit being a 2-run homerun by Eugenio Suarez. Willie Mays added 3 hits for the Gothams.

Al Mays‘ recent struggle cost him his rotation spot, with Gaylord Perry taking his place.

#Wandering House of David

C.C. Sabathia spun a 5-hit shutout against Brooklyn to raise his record to 5-2. The Royal Giants’ Don Drysedale–who gave up a grand slam to Ernie Banks in the first inning before delivering a very Drysedalesque performance–lost his first game of the year. Banks, George Stone, Pete Browning, and Mark McGwire each had 2 hits for the House of David.

Gabby Hartnett and Frank Grant were both sent to AAA (sub .500 OPS will do that), with Frank Chance being promoted to serve as Elrod Hendricks‘ backup at catcher. The House of David reached down to AA for Grant’s replacement, recalling Bunny Downs, who had been hitting 360/436/472 for Albuquerque.

TWIWBL 10.1: Series VIII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On July 3, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hal Newhouser may be the spark Detroit has been searching for: while he didn’t figure in the decision, in his second start back from the DL, Newhouser delivered a sparkling 7 innings, striking out 8 and giving up only 2 unearned runs. A Hank Greenberg triple keyed a come-from-behind, 3-2 victory over Miami with Gene Conley getting the win, moving to 2-1 on the year, and Mike Henneman picking up his 4th save with a scoreless 9th.

#Memphis Red Sox

In a difficult roster position, the Red Sox waived Mel Parnell to bring Eddie Cicotte up to the WBL for a start. It did not go well, with Cicotte giving up 8 runs in 3 innings and likely earning himself a trip back to AAA in short order.

Nixey Callahan finally caught some breaks as another decent performance (3 runs in 6.1 innings) brought Callahan his 2nd win of the year. Reggie Smith and Ted Williams had 3 hits each, with Williams going deep twice, and Dustin Pedroia drove in 4 as the Red Sox took the opening game of a doubleheader in a rout, 13 to 4 over Portland.

Memphis swept the twin bill, using a timely 3-run homerun from Bill White to triumph 5-4 in the second game. Jon Lester got the win, improving to 3-2; Roger Clemens, in a relief appearance necessitated by a worn out bullpen, got a hold; and Jonathan Papelbon picked up his 3rd save of the year.

#New York Gothams

DH/OF Wally Berger will miss about 6 weeks with a fractured cheekbone, clearing the way for Yasiel Puig, who is tearing up AAA at a 327/420/604 clip, to make his WBL debt. Matt Thornton was released to make room for Puig.

TWIWBL 7.1: Series VI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On June 5, 2021

In TWIWBL

{With the day off on April 25th, it was a time of roster moves and lineup and pitching adjustments. As such, there are a few more notes for each team than usual.}

#Detroit Wolverines

Bob Bailey had four hits including a HR and Hank Greenberg added a grand slam, powering the Wolverines over the New York Gothams.

To clear room for Hal Newhouser‘s return from a rehab stint in AAA, Long Tom Hughes was demoted. Justin Verlander was moved into the starting rotation as well, despite some recent struggles.

Ty Cobb‘s 397/453/655 line is demanding more playing time, despite a crowded Detroit lineup.

#Los Angeles Angels

RP Larry Anderson, highly effective in 6 appearances, will miss a couple months with a sprained ankle. Armando Benitez was recalled from AAA to take his roster spot.

Doug Rader had two HRs including a grand slam to lead Los Angeles to a 10-inning 11-6 win over Ottawa. Rader drove in 7 in the game on 3 hits.

The Angels left a dozen runners on base in the final game of their series with Ottawa, losing 5-1 despite 12 hits, 11 of which were singles.

The C platoon of Brian Downing and Jim Stephens is really not working out, but options aren’t terribly available. OF Rusty Staub‘s 151/252/237 start did earn him a trip to AAA Las Vegas with 3B Tim Wallach joining the Angels.

#Memphis Red Sox

The Red Sox turned five double-plays in the final game of their series with Homestead, en route to a 6-2 victory. 2B Dustin Pedroia was part of each one, 3B Wade Boggs had 4 hits, and Ted Williams and Bob Brenly both went deep in support of Dean Chance, who moved to 4-1 on the year.

Tim Wakefield‘s consistent bullpen performances have warranted his move into Memphis’ starting rotation.

OF Freddie Lynn and C Billy Bryan are destroying AAA pitching, but there is no room for them in Memphis as of yet.

#New York Gothams

Both C Buster Posey‘s 14-game and OF Willie Mays‘ 12-game hitting streaks came to an end in the same contest, but–perhaps surprisingly given that–it was a dramatic victory for the Gothams, 12-8 over Detroit in 10 innings. New York scored 4 runs in the top of the 9th to tie it and 4 more in the 10th to win. Johnny Callison had 3 hits, scored 4 times, and drove in 5 only to be outdone by Pinky Higgins who had 6 RBIs on his 3 hits.

RP Marcel Lachemann was sent to AAA to clear room for Carson Smith‘s return from a rehab assignment. SS Art Fletcher was released–he refused to go to AAA, despite hitting 224/250/318–setting up a platoon between Eugenio Suarez and the newly-recalled Brandon Crawford.

#Wandering House of David

When Jerry Mumphrey was sent up to pinch-hit for Sammy Sosa with the bases loaded, the House of David were hoping for a hit to get them back in the ballgame. Instead, Mumphrey wrapped Cory Gearrin‘s pitch around the right field foul pole for a grand slam, and a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the 9th against Cleveland. The lead held, and the House of David emerged victorious.

IF Frank Grant and C Gabby Hartnett are both struggling, but the House of David wants to wait before making any moves. 3B Jung Ho Kang was promoted to take the place of the recently injured George Gore.

Series VI Featured Game: Memphis Red Sox @ Homestead Grays, Game 1

By mknn

On June 3, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

Two WBL debuts with vastly different results, and a turn on the mound from the Splendid Splinter.

The opening game of Memphis‘ visit to Homestead saw a WBL debut from the Red Sox’ Mel Parnell as he faced off against Homestead’s Carlos Zambrano.

Zambrano gave up a run in the top of the 2nd, but the wheels fell off the following inning when the Red Sox’ Reggie Smith hit a solo HR, Wade Boggs drove in 2 with a single, and Jim Pagliaroni hit a 499 foot, 3-run bomb to put Memphis ahead 7-0.

Parnell gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd, on RBI’s by Pops Stargell and Josh Gibson, and a wild pitch that scored Stargell. And, when he couldn’t get out of the bottom of the 4th after an RBI double from Andrew McCutchen and a 2-run single from Gibson, Memphis gave in to Ted Williams‘ constant demand to be given a chance on the mound.

It did not go well.

Williams gave up a sacrifice fly and two singles before getting out of the inning, which ended with Homestead having grabbed the lead back, 8-7.

Zambrano couldn’t stand the good fortune, giving up 2 hits and a walk before being relieved by Hal Carlson. He gave up a 2-run single from Pagliaroni and a 2-run double by Dustin Pedroia, putting Memphis back on top, 11-8.

Williams wouldn’t survive the next inning, giving up four consecutive hits before giving way to another Memphis debutante, Joe Borowski. At the end of the inning, the game was tied at 11.

And suddenly, the pitchers remembered how to throw the ball, and the game stayed scoreless until the top of the 8th, when Eddie Rosario brought in Manny Ramirez on a sacrifice fly, giving Memphis a 1 run lead.

Jonathan Papelbon gave up a couple hits, but escaped the bottom of the 9th unscathed, allowing Memphis to escape with the victory despite having given up leads of 7 and 3 runs.

Gibson went 3-for-5 with 4 RBI’s for Homestead, but wasn’t around for the end, having been tossed from the game for arguing a strike call in the bottom of the 7th. Stargell and McCutcheon added 3 hits each for the Grays.

For Memphis, Pagliaroni had easily the best game of his career, going 4-for-5 with 6 RBIs.

Once Zambrano was gone, the Grays’ pitchers did alright, with Carlson, Daniel Hudson (who took the loss), and Michael Jackson combining to allow 2 runs (1 earned) over 5 innings. But they couldn’t overcome Zambrano’s 10 earned runs in his 4 innings of work.

Still, Zambrano’s game score of 8 was higher than Parnell’s of 6. Williams, who gave up 6 hits and 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning, may not see the mound again, but both Borowski and Papelbon were good, closing the game out with 5 innings of scoreless ball, and making Borowski a winner in his WBL debut.

MEM 12 (Borowski 1-0; Papelbon 2 Sv) @ HOM 11 (Hudson 1-3)
HRs: MEM: Pagliaroni (1); R. Smith (2)
Box Score

TWIWBL 6.1: Series V Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On May 23, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Bob Bailey hit 2 HRs and drove in 5 to lead the Wolverines to a 7-2 victory over Chicago. The win went to Johnny Marcum, who threw 4 hitless innings in relief of Hank Aguirre. Marcum moved to 2-1 on the season.

Hal Newhouser began his road back to Detroit with a rehab assignment at AAA.

#Memphis Red Sox

Trailing 6-2 after four innings, the Red Sox looked unlikely to end their 8 game losing streak. But, behind two HRs and 5 RBIs from Manny Ramirez and 4 hits from Mookie Betts, Memphis came back against Ottawa, scoring 9 unanswered runs en route to an 11-6 victory.

Ted Williams kept the streak going, leading off the bottom of the 15th inning with a HR to RF off Monk Dubiel, giving Memphis a 6-5 win likely to decimate both bullpens for a while.

The Red Sox will need more bullpen help before their next series, though, as the 15 inning game was followed by an even longer one as they were pushed to 18 innings in the season finale against Ottawa. Heath Bell, Eddie Cicotte, and Tim Wakefield combined for 9.1 scoreless innings, with Wakefield being particularly impressive. But Turk Farrell gave up 2 runs, and Memphis dropped the marathon game, 5-4.

Afterwards, Sadie McMahon and Cicotte were sent to AAA, with Mel Parnell and Joe Borowski joining the major league club.

TWIWBL 3.1: Notes from Series II

By mknn

On September 12, 2020

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Frank Robinson went 9 for 19 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs as Baltimore took 3 out of 4 from Chicago.

#Birmingham Black Barons

The Black Barons remain winless on the season after dropping 4 to the New York Black Yankees … Warren Spahn and Scott Baker have both been torched in their 2 starts. Both are 0-2, with Spahn’s ERA ballooning above 20 … Dale Murphy is hitless on the year, starting the season 0 for 14; while Eddie Mathews and Chipper Jones went hitless for the series … Gene Tenace at 286/400/714 is about the only bright spot for Birmingham offensively.

#Chicago American Giants

RP Ken Sanders has yet to allow a hit over 4 appearances … Shoeless Joe Jackson hit .500 in the 4 game series against Baltimore.

#Cleveland Spiders

The Spiders sent SP Hardie Henderson to AAA to make room for Bill Steen‘s return from the DL, but the injuries kept coming as OF Rowland Office will be unavailable for the next 2 weeks and SS Bill Dahlen was put on the 10 Day DL … Rick Burleson was recalled to take Dahlen’s place … Larry Doby–considered a key to the Spiders’ success this year–went 3 for 18 in the 4 game split with Los Angeles … looking for some more flexibility, the Spiders recalled Tom Brookens from AAA, sending down Robby Thompson.

#Houston Colt 45’s

3B George Brett went 9 for 19 with 5 RBIs in a 4 game series with Homestead, but Houston only managed a single victory.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

With Joe Morgan out for 10 days, the ABC’s recalled Lonny Frey from AAA … Hal Morris continued his hot start, going 7 for 15 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs as Indianapolis swept a 4 game series from Memphis.

#Kansas City Monarchs

The Monarchs relievers have been fantastic, with Frank DiPino, Craig Kimbrel, and Adam Wianwright combining for 7 scoreless IP out of the pen and Jeff Pfeffer has 3 saves … Albert Pujols led the Monarchs to 3 victories in 4 games against Houston with 9 hits in 15 ABs, including 3 2Bs and a HR.

#Los Angeles Angels

Larry Anderson and Chuck Finley have been great out of the bullpen, each going 1-0 without giving up a run in a combined 10.2 IP, placing Finley in line for the next spot start … Don Buford had a rough series, going 1 for 14.

#Memphis Red Sox

When David Bush went on the DL, the Red Sox had to scramble a bit, resulting in Tim Wakefield and Eddie Cicotte joining the WBL roster and Derek Lowe being sent back down to AAA … Joe Beggs, Dean Chance, Turk Farrell, and Wakefield have combined for just shy of 20 bullpen innings, giving up a total of 8 hits and 0 runs, which you would think would result in better results than being swept in 4 games against Indianapolis … 3B Wade Boggs, Vern Stephens, and Ted Williams combined to go 5 for 46 (.109) in the 4 games.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Eustaquio Pedroso has been absolutely rocked in 2 starts, giving up 13 hits and 9 runs in only 4 IP and–not surprisingly–going 0-2.

#New York Black Yankees

The Black Yankees scored 42 runs in sweeping a 4 game series from Birmingham … Babe Ruth went 9 for 18 in the series, which is nothing compared to Eric Davis‘ 7 for 16 with 3 HRs and 12 RBIs.

#Ottawa Mounties

The injury to Gary Peters–and general overusage of the bullpen–led to the Mounties’ recalling Felix Hernandez for a start, then sending him down in exchange for Monk Dubiel. Hernandez did well, giving the Mounties 7 decent innings, keeping him in line for future promotions. Dubiel was better, keeping the Mounties in the final game of the series, allowing 3 runs in 7.2 IP … Old Hoss Radbourn has been spectacular in 3 relief appearances covering 8.2 IP, putting him in line for a start in the near future … there was plenty of blame to go around as Ottawa was swept by Philadelphia in a 4 game series, but much of it goes to 1B Carlos Delgado and OF Terry Puhl, who combined for only 4 hits in 25 ABs.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Jack Clark struggled in a series against the Wandering House of David, managing only 2 hits in 17 ABs … at the other side of the spectrum, Bobby Bonds is on fire, going 8 for 13 with 5 RBIs in the same series.

#Wandering House of David

The House of David’s bullpen has been pretty fantastic, with Tom Niedenfuer, Joakim Soria, Bruce Sutter, and Dick Tidrow combining for 11 IP without giving up a run and Rollie Fingers managing a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 IP … Elrod Hendricks cooled off significantly as the House of David took 3 out of 4 games from San Francisco, managing only 1 hit in 12 ABs.

Season Preview: Memphis Red Sox

By mknn

On August 23, 2020

In Team News

Memphis, like many teams, will go as far as their SP can carry them. There is great potential here, especially with 23 year old Roger Clemens at the back of the rotation. But all of their starters are under 25, and its not clear that Sadie McMahon, David Bush, or Nixey Callahan are really cut out for the WBL. The offense features 20 year old emerging star Ted Williams along with a host of talent in the OF. The key may be if Reggie Smith can produce enough to be respectable in CF, and if Dustin Pedroia and Vern Stephens can become a reliable combination in the middle infield.

Final Roster

SP: Sadie McMahon, David Bush, Jon Lester, Nixey Callahan, Roger Clemens.
RP: Dean Chance; Turk Farrell & Heath Bell; Jonathan Papelbon & Derek Lowe; Joe Beggs.

C: Bob Brenly; Jim Pagliaroni
1B: Bill White & George Scott
2B: Dustin Pedroia; Pete Runnels
3B: Wade Boggs
SS: Vern Stephens; Nomar Garciaparra
LF: Eddie Rosario
CF: Reggie Smith
RF: Ted Williams; Mookie Betts
DH: Manny Ramirez

Notes

The biggest news from the final week of Spring Training is a devastating injury to closer Eddie Watt that will cause him to miss the entire season. Joe Beggs slides into the closer role, with Jonathan Papelbon and Derek Lowe setting him up … the battle of young OFs between Manny Ramirez (24), Tony Conigliaro (21) and Mookie Betts (22) ended with Ramirez out-hitting the other 2 and Betts’ defensive versatility preserving his position and sending Conigliaro to AAA … the final cut is risky for Memphis, as the struggling Eddie Cicotte was sent down, leaving them with only 11 arms on the pitching staff … Boomer Scott and Bill White form a platoon at 1B, and essentially Eddie Rosario and Betts are platooning, although they are rotating with Ted Williams and Ramirez in LF, RF, and DH … Look for the Red Sox to find lots of ways to get Pete Runnels into the lineup v RHP and Nomar Garciaparra against LHP.

At 35, Nomar Garciaparra is the veteran of the roster, while 20 year old Ted Williams is the youngest of the Red Sox.

The scouts still hold high hopes for 20 year old RP Luiz Gohara, who flamed out during the Spring. 2B Claude Richey is also at AAA if reinforcements are needed. 17 year old OF Willie Crawford and 20 year old 2B Ozzie Albies are the most heralded prospects at AA.

Spring Training Preview: Memphis

By mknn

On June 21, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

The back of the rotation is pretty open, with 2 spots up for grabs and a competition between Len Barker, Dean Chance, and Jon Lester.
- With Barker out for quite some time, and with literally no SP performing even adequately, this is wide open. Look for David Bush to be considered as well.
  - Bush and McMahon are the only SPs showing much promise. Assuming they make it, the other 3 slots are between Chance, Nixey Callahan, Eddie Cicotte, Roger Clemens, and Lester (all of whom have had highly mediocre Springs). The shock here is Clemens, who came in as the presumed #1 starter. Tim Wakefield has been sent back to AAA.
Luiz Gohara looks to be the closer, with Heath Bell and Derek Lowe behind him. It’s not clear beyond that, with Joe Beggs, Jonathan Papelbon, and Eddie Watt all in the running.
- Gohara has lost the inside track on the closer job, with Papelbon and Watt now competing for it.
  - Watt–yet to allow an earned run–will close for now, with Papelbon and Beggs setting things up for him.
  - Ellis Kinder has been called up for some bullpen depth.
None of the IF jobs are up for grabs, although it’s not clear if Dustin Pedroia or Pete Runnels will backup Claude Richey at 2B, and Vern Stephens, Wayne Causey, and Nomar Garciaparra are all trying to make case to be Francisco Lindor‘s backup at SS.
- 2B got more interesting, as Ritchey is mired in a horrible slump while Pedroia is hitting .500. Lindor is playing fine, but Causey, Stepehns, and Garciaparra are all playing better at this point. Something has to give here, with 3B Bill Melton the odd man out right now.
  - Pedroia has earned the starting nod right now, but none of the 2B are performing terribly.
  - Bill White would be the starter at 1B right now, with George Scott struggling to stay on the roster, given the other players who could fill in at 1B.
  - The SS situation hasn’t really changed. Stephens is doing best right now, and Lindor has to improve quite a bit to make the roster at all.
There may be 2 roster spots open for David Justice, Eddie Rosario, Joe Kelley, Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans, and Manny Ramirez to compete over.
- Kelly, Ramirez, Mookie Betts, and Lynn are playing themsleves out of consideration while Tony Conigliaro and Rosario are moving up the chart.
  - The OF is pretty dire. Conigliaro and Rosario are hitting best. The assumption is that Ted Williams will come around, but aside from that it’s wide open. Right now, Lynn has been sent to AAA, and Justice is in danger of missing the roster cut for sure.
Jim Pagliaroni is hitting well enough to lay claim to the starting C job, with Bob Brenly‘s defense giving him the edge over Billy Bryan as the reserve.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Sadie McMahon	David Bush	~~Len Barker~~ Nixey Callahan Roger Clemens Dean Chance Jon Lester Eddie Ciccotte
Middle Relievers			Heath Bell Derek Lowe Luiz Gohara Turk Farrell	Ellis Kinder
Setup		Jonathan Papelbon Joe Beggs
Closer		Eddie Watt
C			Jim Pagliaroni Bob Brenly Billy Bryan
1B	Bill White		George Scott
2B		Dustin Pedroia Pete Runnels	Claude Richey
3B	Wade Boggs		Bill Melton
SS		Vern Stephens	Wayne Causey Francisco Lindor Nomar Garciaparra
OF	Ted Williams	Eddie Rosario Tony Conigliaro	Reggie Smith David Justice Dwight Evans Mookie Betts Joe Kelley Manny Ramirez