RSSNotes From the Cheap Seats: Check Out the Rookies
Sep 05
Sports baseball, Rookie Comments Off
It has been since 1975, when Fred Lynn and Jim Rice arrived on the scene, that a Red Sox team has gotten the kind of contributions from rookies that they have in 2007. And anyone who knows any Red Sox history knows that 1975 was a very special season, with the team (thanks to the legendary Fisk homer) coming within inches of a World Championship. Among recent contending major league teams, only the Atlanta Braves of 2006 stand out as having more impact from rookies than this year’s Red Sox, using 18 in a single season while managing to stay contention into the fall.
Towards the end, even their streak of consecutive division titles, dating back to 1991, couldn’t save them from a 3rd place finish in the NL East. Here in Boston, with 5 playoff appearances since 1998 (all as a Wild Card entry, finishing behind New York in the AL East, which is about to change in 2007,) none of those five teams were marked by significant rookie contributions. Trades and free-agent signings were key, most notably Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz. But, other than some late season bullpen help from Jonathan Papelbon in 2005, it has been a veteran-led decade. That has begun to change here in 2007.
It’s stretching the terminology a little to consider both Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima as “rookies” this year, both having played many years professionally in Japan (Okajima is over 30 years old.) But, in terms of MLB definitions, they both count. And for rookies, they have both produced astoundingly well. Granted that Dice-K is being compensated like no rookie in baseball history, but he has been a solid starter for the team with the best record in baseball. And Okajima’s dominance has garnered him quite a bit of attention this summer, carrying an ERA of less than 1.00 for most of the year. He quickly became the primary setup man for closer Papelbon, and with his “no look” pitching motion (he looks down at the ground when he releases the pitch instead of looking at the plate, where he’s throwing), my wife isn’t the only member of Red Sox Nation to fall in love with Okajima.
But, the real and true rookies, the 23 year-old cocky kids, have really added the spark, much of it coming here towards the end of the season, when it’s needed the most. Leading the charge has been Dustin Pedroia. After many of us thought Alex Cora should assume the starting second base job when Pedroia struggled in April (are we all willing to admit how stupid that sounds now?) the brash and scrappy rookie has hit over .350 since May 1st and is hovering around .330 for the season, an average that places him in the top 10 in the American League. He’s the odds on favorite for Rookie of the Year. He’s been great in the clutch, solid on the bases, and has impressed with his defense, which included a miraculous play to preserve last week’s no-hitter.
And that brings us to Clay Buchholz. After a meteoric rise through the minor leagues, including a glamorous match-up against Roger Clemens while the Rog-father slogged his way through the minors on his way back to the Yankees (where he is amassing a mediocre record and getting injured,) Clay has appeared for two spot starts in key situations and has won them both. Most recently, he won last Saturday night against the Orioles to end a four game losing streak. Oh, and that game was a no-hitter, making him the first Red Sox rookie ever to throw one.
Jon Lester has also provided an emotional lift after returning from cancer. Despite some inconsistent performances, he’s taken over the 5th starter role and has yet to lose, at 3-0. And let’s not forget the gigantic boost that Kason Gabbard provided before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the July 31st trading deadline. In 7 starts, he was 4-0 with an ERA under 4.00. In this age, that’s remarkable for any pitcher, let alone a rookie who came to the team with much less fanfare than the other two. Combined, the three rookie starters are 9-0 for the Red Sox in 2007.
This past week, we have also been treated to our second helping of Jacoby Ellsbury, the lightning fast outfield prospect. In his return, he has hit .500, stolen bases, hit two homers and a triple, and made two incredible diving catches. He has simply lit a fire under the entire team. Every time he’s played, he’s had an impact. Terry Francona’s compliment was that Jacoby “shrinks the field,” meaning the base paths seem smaller and the outfield seems smaller with the amount of ground he can cover in so little time.
With all this success from young players, it’s become fashionable to look at the 2007 Red Sox as a prime example of how a big market team can intersperse inexpensive talent up from the minors in with more costly veteran free-agent acquisitions. If Theo Epstein hadn’t very recently made over $100 million in commitments to free-agents who have struggled mightily, in Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew, it might ring true. As it looks now, the team may end up getting better and younger at the same time in 2008, but only if the rookies continue to thrive and a few of the veterans either get sold out of town or live up to their salaries better than they have this season. But, there’s no doubting that the Red Sox are drafting and developing players who can impact the major league team much better than any other time in the recent past.
More Notes from the Cheap Seats
Though he was traded to Texas along with Kason Gabbard on July 31st, you can’t help but continue to root for David Murphy. He was clearly below both Ellsbury and Brandon Moss on the Red Sox minor league outfielder depth chart, and there was never going to be room for him to play. Everyone liked him and believed he would be a solid big leaguer, but not in Boston. Since being traded, he spent 10 days in Oklahoma (Texas AAA team) and was then called up on August 11th. He’s played in just over 20 games and hit .400 for the Rangers.
One new name that ardent fans have gotten to know this summer is Justin Masterson. Though not quite ready for the big leagues, the Sox unwillingness to trade Masterson is reportedly the reason why they couldn’t acquire Jermaine Dye from the White Sox at the trading deadline. The 22 year-old pitcher, who stands 6’6″ tall, has shown flashes of brilliance, but has been inconsistent. He went on an undefeated stretch mid-summer (in time to catch fans’ attention before the trading deadline,) but has fallen back since then. He’s had an ERA of about 4.30 at both Lancaster (Single A) and Portland (Double A), where he is now. Expect him to start next year at Portland and continue to improve.
Another rising star is 23 year-old Jed Lowrie. After a .260 season in 2006, he’s hit .300 at stops in both Portland and Pawtucket (Triple A), and has shown reasonable power, hitting 13 homers in 500 at bats. The scouting report is that his defense still needs work. Right now, there is no place for a shortstop on the roster. But, considering Julio Lugo’s struggles after signing a 4 year, $36 million contract, and the recent merry-go-round at that position in the past few years (Garciaparra, Cabrera, Renteria, Gonzalez, Lugo…), you never know what will happen next.
