Massarotti On "THE STARTING NINE......."

Tony Massarotti of the Herald wrote an article that appeared in this morning's (Monday) Herald. It addresses some of the most important questions surrounding the 2007 Boston Red Sox. I'd like to comment on three of them, and the entire article is linked when you click on the title of this post. So........

"What is the biggest concern with this year’s club?

That’s an easy one:
The bullpen.
As much emphasis as has been placed on the absence of a closer, the Sox’ problems in this area could run much, much deeper. Among right-handers Mike Timlin [stats], Brendan Donnelly, Julian Tavarez and Joel Pineiro, only Donnelly finished 2006 with an ERA under 4.00. Left-hander J.C. Romero is coming off a miserable year. Lefty Hideki Okajima has never pitched in the big leagues.
The Red Sox also will have youngsters like Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen in camp, but remember: They need reliable middle relievers and set-up men as much as they need a closer. Among teams in the American League East, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and (gasp) Baltimore Orioles all appear to have better bullpens than the Red Sox..."

Peter here, and I've written so much about our bullpen-to-be. This is a good two paragraph analysis.......the bullpen's success will hinge on who has what role, in what inning and with what numbers. And our competitor's pens ARE, at least on paper, formidable. Next.......

"What can the Sox reasonably expect from Daisuke Matsuzaka?

Start with a dozen wins and go from there.
When the Sox formally announced the signing of the Dice Man in December, Sox president Larry Lucchino went out of his way to stress patience. Matsuzaka obviously is regarded as a world-class talent, but he never has pitched in the big leagues and never has lived in the United States. Those are major life changes that will require a significant period of transition."

Peter again.....Daisuke will work as hard as anyone ever has to prepare himself for not only the cultural transition but also for the differences between baseball here in America and baseball as he's known it in Japan. We do not have to worry about that, for his every move will be instantly reported back to his native land and his countless fans. I'm not worried about Daisuke Matsuzaka....he's 26 and will adapt. And we'll be happy......very happy.
Here's the last Massarotti question and answer. Remember, the entire informative article is up there at the title for the clicking....

"How do things stand with Manny Ramirez [stats]?
Same as always:
For a guy who wants out, he sure does produce."

Peter back once more. Haha...great question. Manny, keep making those almost impossible numbers possible. This year there's a big difference. Batting behind you and protecting your back is JD Drew......so go to town!

Thanks everyone, and enjoy your Monday. I did leave out many intriguing questions and answers, and I recommend reading the entire piece as run in Monday's Herald. Take care, as hints of an impending coastal storm for Tuesday night and Wednesday, possibly into Thursday morning depending on the development of a secondary storm soon to form off Florida, traveling up the coast, will soon become headline news here in the northeast. The exact track? Pivotal. Until tomorrow night, the meteorologists will be jumping and guessing. And I'll keep you up to date, right here. Promise. As always, thanks for spending a portion of your Monday right here, with me. And the Red Sox. NICE!