Boston Red Sox 2013 Start
 

Hello, everyone. Boy, it's been years since I wrote a thread like this, I figured it was a good time to try it again. I am LOVING OOTP 14 and I decided to fire up the All in One MOD.

A lot of the settings I am using I took from an online league I am in. All rating scales are 1-10. TCR is set to 30. I am using the scouting and coaching settings.

Trades are set to "Hard" and suspensions are set to "off." Everything else is left up to the game to decide.

I really hope you enjoy my thread. MOST of it will be written in the form of press releases and news articles. I'll be throwing in some commentary and stats as I see fit and am able.

Anyway, I have about six pages of stuff, so I am going to start so without further delay, here we go!

Kier named new GM of the Boston Red Sox.

Ben Sherrington is out, Scott Kier is in. Kier, the team’s assistant General Manager for the past two years will take over for his boss, and rumor has it his reach will extend into the dugout as well.

“John (Farrell) and I are committed to winning. And we feel that we need a team approach to be able to accomplish this. John will tell me what he needs and I will try to fill those needs and I will find players for John that I think will fit, and he will be expected to put them to good use.”

“It is a proactive approach to General Managing.” Said Red Sox owner John Henry, “We are giving Scott the reins, and we expect him to get the job done, and help us raise another banner here in Boston.”

Kier wasted no time in adding some players to the Red Sox roster. Signed prior to opening day were former San Francisco closer Brian Wilson who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be available to pitch sometime in May. Wilson was signed to a two year deal worth approximately $4 million. The second year is a team option.

Also signed was former Dodgers left handed pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo put his John Hancock on a 1 year $490,000 deal. He will serve from the team’s bullpen and will act as their left handed specialist.

Opening Day Roster Announced; Bradley Optioned to AAA Pawtucket

When the Red Sox released their opening day roster, one notable rookie was missing: Jackie Bradley Jr. The highly regarded prospect will start the year in Pawtucket, the team’s AAA affiliate. “We want him to play every day,” GM Scott Kier told the Boston media at a press conference. “He’s a talented kid, and we feel that spending some time in Pawtucket with our staff there will help him grow as a player.”

With David Ortiz and Stephen Drew starting the year on the disabled list, the door was opened for a few of Pawtucket’s top players to spend some time with the major league team. Joining the Red Sox roster for opening day are the slick-gloved SS Jose Iglesias and 1B Mark Hamilton who will start the year as the team’s backup first baseman.

Mike Napoli will be the team’s every day DH to start the year until David Ortiz is healthy and Iglesias gets the chance to be the team’s starting SS, an opportunity many thought he should have had long ago. When asked about his philosophy with starting a lesser bat at SS, Kier had this to say:

“John Farrell and I feel that offense can be sacrificed for defense at two positions: SS and C. With Jarrod’s (Saltalamaccia) bat, putting Jose’s glove in the field will make a huge difference for this team.

The Red Sox start their season against their rivals: the New York Yankees on April 1st.

April 1, 2013

No April Fools Joke: Red Sox Dominate in New York

The Sox got off to a great start this season powered by a home run by LF Johnny Gomes and 7 innings of great pitching by Jon Lester. Lester struck out 8 and gave up 6 hits over 7 innings to give the Red Sox the protection they needed to secure a 7-3 victory.

April 6, 2013

Napoli Parks 3, Sox Cant Capitalize

Mike Napoli tied a Major League record with 3 home runs in one game against the Toronto Blue Jays last night. Napoli was 4-4 on the night adding a single to his three solo shots. Even though the Sox put up seven runs, a disastrous first three innings put the Sox down 14-0. The final score of the game was 16-7. The Red Sox record dropped to 1-4.

April 10, 2013

Sox Struggles Prompts Trade

With RF Johnny Gomes landing on the Disabled List, the Red Sox decided to add another bat to their roster. Acquired from the Texas Rangers was 1B Mitch Moreland. Sent down to Texas were a pair of minor leaguers: Drake Britton and Pedro Beato.

“With Gomes on the DL, Mike Carp will see more time in the Outfield creating a need for a better option at 1B for when Napoli needs a break.” Kier told the press, “I got on the phone with Jon (Daniels, Texas GM) and found out that Moreland was available. The deal was a no-brainer for us.”

Moreland will join the team at home for Saturday’s game in Boston against the Devil Rays.

April 12, 2013

Drew, Ortiz Activated; Drew Optioned to Pawtucket

A very unhappy Stephen Drew will start his year with the Pawtucket Red Sox. With the emergence of young SS Jose Iglesias, Drew became all but expendable. Although he did not have a comment for the press, rumor has it he is being actively shopped around the majors.

David Ortiz rejoined the major league team and will DH while Mike Napoli moves back to 1B. Napoli has been on a tear as of late, hitting .400 with 3 HR and 9 RBI so far this season. Adding Ortiz behind him in the order will create some protection for him and 3B Will Middlebrooks giving the team a potent 4-5-6 combination. The search still continues for a more solid #3 hitter. Although
Dustin Pedroia has been filling the roll nicely, complete with an AL Player of the Week award, he has traditionally hit better as a #2 hitter, a spot in which Shane Victorino has struggled in this season.

April 16, 2013

Moreland Injury Means Bradley Gets His Chance

Rookie Jackie Bradley Jr got his chance to start for the Red Sox just 16 games into the season. With backup 1B Mitch Moreland landing on the Disabled List with a hyper extended knee suffered while sliding into 2B on a 1st inning double in Monday’s Patriot’s Day 1-0 victory against the Devil Rays, Bradley joined the team for their trip to Cleveland for a 3 game series against the Indians.

Bradley played a strong game defensively, but went 0-4 at the plate. In the sixth inning, he reached on a fielder’s choice, made it to second base on a passed ball, and then scored on a Jose Iglesias single. Unfortunately though he left a game high 4 runners on base.

“It’s his first time out, I was very happy with how he played,” John Farrell told the Cleveland press after the game. “Jackie is a solid prospect, and I am excited to see what he can do for us.”

The game was Farrell’s first trip to Cleveland, where he spent the first four years of his career. It was also the first game against Boston for former Red Sox manager Terry Francona. Francona’s career ended after the controversial Fried Chicken incident at the end of the 2011 season that also led to the eventual departure of Josh Beckett in the blockbuster trade to the Red Sox involving Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, and Nick Punto during a 2012 season that most of the city of Boston would love to forget.

April 17, 2013

Stephen Drew Out; SS Heading to Houston

The Stephen Drew era, while extremely short lived, and marked more by the player’s absence from the team than his presence has come to an end. Drew was sent packing on Tuesday to the Houston Astros in a package deal that nets the Red Sox a couple of low-risk high-reward prospects.

Joining Drew as part of the 7 player deal were a number of prospects, the most notable being Allen Webster the team’s second highest pitching prospect. Along with Drew and Webster, 3B Garin Cecchini, SS Tzu-Wei Lin, and SP Brian Johnson will pack their bags for Houston.

Coming to Boston were minor league 1B Jonathan Singleton, who is currently serving a suspension after HGH was discovered in his blood stream during a random test, and SP Michael Foltynewicz, an A-Ball pitcher who is ranked #56 on Baseball America’s Top-100 prospects.

The trade comes on the heels of failed negotiations with St. Louis that were rumored to land SP Adam Wainwright in Boston in a deal that also involved Jacoby Ellsbury. The sticking point though was Wainwright’s contract which will pay him $19 Million through 2019.

Kier’s only comment about Drew during today’s press release was: “We wish Stephen the best, and hope that things work out for him in Houston.” He was more focused on the acquisition of Singleton and Foltynewicz who he feels have a great chance of making a difference with this team at the major league level someday.

Singleton’s suspension has been appealed for an undisclosed reason. It is expected though that he will serve out the rest of it and join the Sox Salem A-Ball team late May.

April 18, 2013

Red Sox Hottest Team in Baseball

After a 1-5 stumble at the start of the season, the Red Sox have put together a 9-1 record in their last ten. Mostly led by a solid bullpen that has been able to hold leads, the Sox swept the Indians on a 3 day trip to Cleveland.

Closer Joel Hanrahan has been lights out with three saves in 5 games. He’s pitched a total of 5 innings, striking out 10, and walking just 3 while not giving up a single hit. Hanrahan is in a contract year and is playing to increase his value in the Free Agent market if things do not work out here in Boston.

In other Red Sox news, Andrew Miller was optioned to AAA Pawtucket, and Franklin Morales was activated from the DL and added to the team’s Major League roster. Miller has struggled this year walking 6 and striking out 4 in 4.2 innings while putting up an ERA of 9.64.

April 19, 2013

Lackey Shuts Out Kansas City

He’s been the butt of many jokes in Boston over the last couple of years, but John Lackey proved his worth as a number 5 starter Friday as he shut out the Royals 5-0. Lackey gave up six hits and walked just one while striking out two.

“I felt good,” Lackey said during an early morning interview with WEEI’s Mikey Adams, “Everything just came together. Salty (Jarrod Saltalamacchia) called a great game, and we were in sync on every pitch. John Farrell has been working with me a lot on my delivery, and that hard work has really paid off.”

“John looked great,” Farrell told the press after last night’s game, “ Our bullpen has been working hard this week, and got a much deserved night off too.

Lackey missed the entire 2012 season after having Tommy John surgery. In two years prior with Boston, he put up a 26-23 record in 61 starts. This season he is 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA in three games, two of them starts. The Red Sox have given up 6 runs in 6 games this week, shutting out Tampa Bay on Monday 1-0, Cleveland on Wednesday 1-0, and Kansas City last night 5-0.
Dustin Pedroia’s 13 game hitting streak came to an end as well. Peedy went 0-4. He is now hitting.359 this season with a .427 OBP. He has knocked in 10 runs and scored 14.

In other Red Sox news, Brian Wilson who was signed this off season will reportedly take an additional 2 weeks to come off the Disabled List after Tommy John surgery last season.

April 20, 2013

Sox Keep Streak Alive; Bradley Gets First Hit

Jackie Bradley Jr broke his 0-12 streak this season, and Jose Iglesias scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th on a two out single by Shane Victorino who has shown life as of late going 4-5 in Saturday’s 4-3 win against the Kansas City Royals.

Joel Hanrahan gave up his first hit of the season and improved his record to 2-0 as he struck out 2 in the 9th after Koji Uehara was charged with a blown save for giving up the tying run in the 8th. The Red Sox record improved to 12-6. They have now won 8 in a row.

Elsewhere in Major League Baseball, Texas Closer Joel Nathan recorded the 300th save of his career. Nathan, another Tommy John “survivor” missed the entire 2010 season after the suergery, but has performed well this season for Texas with two saves in 9 games, striking out 15 over 10 innings. In Atlanta, Tim Hudson posted his third win of the season, which was also the 200th of his career.

April 26, 2013

Sox Win 10-3 As Nava Knocks in 6

Many remember him as that kid who was never supposed to make the majors who hit a grand slam on the first pitch he faced in the Major Leagues. Well, since then, Nava has maintained a presence with the Sox, and Friday, he was the reason the team beat the Astros 10-3. Nava went 2-3 with a home run and 6 RBIs to lead the team to yet another victory this season.

Jon Lester has struggled on the mound, but has had the run support he has needed. His astronomical 6.50 ERA is surprising considering his record is now 5-1. Lester went 7 innings and struck out 5 to record the victory.

The Red Sox improved their record to 16-8, lengthening their lead in the AL East to 3 games over the second place Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays swept the Red Sox in their first 3 game series out scoring Boston 33-13 in the series. Since then, the Red Sox are 15-3.

April 27, 2013

Bradley Hits First HR; Ortiz to DL

Jackie Bradley Jr hit his first Major League HR off of good friend and former team mate Allen Webster, traded to Houston in the Stephen Drew deal, to power the Sox over the Astros 11-7.

“It’s a big accomplishment, and I am glad I got the ball!” Bradley Jr said. The fan who caught the ball in his Monster Seat tossed it back down to the field for Bradley Jr to keep.

Ryan Dempster struggled, but his offense did the job, allowing him to improve his record to 2-4. The Sox wrap up their four game series with Houston tomorrow as Clay Bucholz (3-1) faces Erik Bedard (2-0). Boston will have to make it through their first two weeks without David Ortiz. Big Papi suffered an intercostal strain that will keep him out for 2-3 weeks.

To fill his roster spot, the Red Sox recalled 1B Mark Hamilton. Mike Napoli will pack his glove up and move back to DH for a little while, and red hot Mike Carp will get more well deserved playing time at first base. All of this could change though with Mitch Moreland coming off the DL in three days.

The big unknown is what will the Sox do with Jackie Bradley Jr? Will he stay with the big league team? He’s struggled so far, hitting just .150 with 1 HR and 5 RBI but his glove has given the Red Sox arguably the best defensive outfield in the majors with Bradley Jr, Victorino, and Ellsbury.

Kier refused to comment when asked about Bradley Jr’s fate, saying that he and Manager John Farrell will be talking it over later this week. Many believe though that Ortiz’s injury could mean the youngster could see more Major League time.

April 30, 2013

Boston Finishes April 18-9

After an abysmal 1-5 start, the Red Sox very quickly turned their April around, posting a 17-4 record for the remainder of the month. They finished April though with a 6-1 loss to 2nd place Toronto, reducing their AL East lead to 3 games.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia continues to carry a hot bat, maintaining a 15 game hitting streak, and posting an AL best .366 average. Jacoby Ellsbury and Jose Iglasias have been hot on the base paths, stealing 9 bases each. John Farrell has taken a very aggressive stance with base running with players like Ellsbury, Iglesias and Shane Victorino. The team has more speed this year than at any time in the 2000’s.

On the mound, John Lester leads the AL with a 5-1 record, however his 6.50 ERA is rather lackluster. Although he has not had many save attempts, Joel Hanrahan has been incredibly reliable going 4-4 in save opportunities, posting a 2-0 record and surrendering just one hit and no runs in 7 innings through the first month of the year.

Clay Bucholz surprised everyone when he was named as the AL pitcher of the month for April. Bucholz has posted a 4-1 record with a 2.45 ERA. His 0.93 WHIP and 2 CG’s were the driving factor in his winning of the monthly award.
With Mitch Moreland coming off the DL, a major question was answered for the team. Jackie Bradley Jr will remain with Boston a little while longer. Mark Hamilton was optioned to AAA Pawtucket, as was RP Craig Breslow who was recently activated from the DL and cleared waivers.

May 2, 2013

Nats Continue National League Domination

The Washington Nationals are the hottest team in baseball. Riding a 14 game winning streak, the team has posted a 23-6 record so far this season behind the pitching of Stephen Strasburg (5-0) and Jordan Zimmerman (4-0). They will, however, be without their offensive leader Bryce Harper for at least another five weeks, as he is on the DL with a groin injury.

Making up for Harper’s absence, Ryan Zimmerman has posted a .325 average, and 2B Danny Espinosa is second in the National League with a .374 average.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, the closest they will get to the Nationals this season will be when they visit the Orioles. Unless a post-season meeting ends up being in the cards for these two power house teams.

May 14, 2013

Turbulent Week in Boston

Injuries and activations off the DL shook up the Boston organization this week. Highly regarded prospect Rubby De La Rosa landed himself back on the 60 Day DL with an inflamed pitching shoulder just two batters into his first Major League start this season. A planned call up, De La Rosa started against the Blue Jays when the decision was initially made to push Jon Lester back a day.

Coupled with a minor injury early in a game a few days prior to John Lackey, Jon Lester was then forced to come out of the bullpen to relieve De La Rosa negating his day off.

The biggest blow was the loss of Will Middlebrook. Out for 3-4 weeks with a strained back, the decision was made to reach out and acquire Cesar Izturis from the Cincinnati Reds. Izturis and Pedro Ciriaco will share the 3B duties until Middlebrook returns.

In unrelated news, David Ortiz was activated from the Disabled List. Due to the hot bats that Mitch Moreland and Mike Carp have been swinging, the decision was made to send Jackie Bradley Jr to Pawtucket. Bradley Jr hit .185 in 18 games. He hit 3 HRs and stole 3 bases while walking just four times and striking out 19. It was an admirable debut for one of the organization’s top prospects.

The Red Sox leave today for Tampa Bay for a three game series with the Rays.

May 23, 2013

Red Sox Solidify Bullpen

Living by the adage of “you can never have enough pitching” the Red Sox made another move to add a much needed left handed bullpen piece. With the Hong-Chih Kuo experiment deemed a failure, GM Scott Kier sent Alfredo Aceves who has spent the last month at AAA and utility outfielder Daniel Nava to San Diego for Reliever Joe Thatcher and OF Mark Kotsay.

Aceves had a solid year pitching in the majors putting up a 1.17 ERA in 9 appearances. The arrival of Brian Wilson, however, made him expendable. Daniel Nava has been a key utility player in the Sox outfield putting up a .395 average in 14 games.

Mark Kotsay is making his second trip to Boston having spent parts of the 2007 and 2008 years with the team. He can play all three outfield positions as well as first base, offering more versatility than Nava could, but sacrificing some fielding ability.

Joe Thatcher has been a solid pitcher against lefties this season. In 14 games he has a 2.95 ERA in 18 innings. He joins a bullpen that already has quality pitchers such as Andrew Bailey, Joel Hanrahan, and Brian Wilson.
Both players are expected to be available for tonight’s game against the Cleveland Indians.

May 27, 2013

Ciriaco to the DL, Sutton Recalled

With Will Middlebrooks on the DL already, the Red Sox suffered another setback to their ailing infield. Utility man Pedro Ciriaco landed on the disabled list yesterday after hitting his knee on the Indians' Nick Swisher as he slid into 2B to break up a double play.

"The diagnosis is a knee contusion," John Farrell told the press after the game. Ciriaco was down on the turf for about five minutes before being assisted off the field by trainers.

To fill the open roster spot, the Red Sox recalled IF Drew Sutton. Sutton, on his second go around with the red sox, was hitting .299 at AAA Pawtucket where he served as their starting 3B. He will backup Cesar Izturis at 3B.