pedro martinez
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News Archive for August 16-20, 2001
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Monday, August 20, 2001
Qualls content with Boston’s prospects
Rob Mueller, Augusta Chronicle
For a third straight season, the Boston Red Sox have assembled an Augusta GreenJackets club that not only is headed to the South Atlantic League playoffs, but also has featured some of the top prospects in the organization. A handful of Boston’s rising young stars, including pitchers Seung Song and Rich Rundles, blossomed with the Jackets in 2001. On the other hand, some of the organization’s highly-touted prospects, haven’t fared nearly as well. … With the season winding down, Boston’s director of player development, Kent Qualls, shared his thoughts on the 2001 Jackets.
Still Time To Salvage The Season — Ax Falls on Williams; Kerrigan Assumes Red Sox Helm
Bob George, bossports.com [August 17]
Jimy Williams. Let’s get one thing straight right here and now: I have always liked Jimy Williams, and always will.
6-4-3: Push Over the Top, Part Three
Gary Huckabay, baseballprospectus.com
Two weeks ago, I asked readers to put themselves in the shoes of the management of the Kansas City Royals, turn back the clock to about a week before the Jermaine Dye trade, and come up with suggestions on how to best run the franchise. … This week, I wanted to take a bit of time to outline what my action plan would be, given the information available to the Royals at that point in time. So, without further delay, here we go….
Sunday, August 19, 2001
Kerrigan is a man with a plan
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Red Sox Manager Joe Kerrigan is preaching the virtues of patience at the plate. In other words, expect Boston hitters — with the exception of Manny Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, Dante Bichette and Carl Everett — to take more pitches during at-bats. …
“We had a meeting with the staff [Saturday] morning,” Kerrigan said. “We’re going to start bringing in guys in groups of three, four and five. We’re going to keep track of other groups.”…
“There are only four guys on the club who have good first-pitch-swinging numbers: Bichette, Nomar, Ramirez and Everett,” said the skipper. “Their history has shown that is their strength. We won’t take that strength away from them. They’re dangerous hitters on the first pitch. But if you’re hitting .270 or even .300, and the league average on first pitches is .340, why would you swing at the first pitch?”
Kerrigan used statistics to emphasize the need for patience to his players. “I checked the other day and saw where Oakland’s [batting] average was actually a few points lower than [their opponents’ average] on the pack of stats,” he said. “Then I checked the runs — they have about a hundred more than their opponents. They have 100 more walks [than opponents].
“It’s the same with the Mariners and the Yankees. The Yankees use that philosophy against Pedro [Martínez]. Make the pitchers work.”
Kerrigan’s command: Take 1st pitch
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
The red light on an 0-0 count was just one of the offensive philosophies the new Red Sox manager laid out in a series of meetings with his hitters before yesterday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.
“I’m left with no other choice but to do it now,” he said. “I’d like to see us track the first pitch a little more. ‘Let’s stick around for the fight,’ as Felipe Alou used to say. They know what the drill is – you have to take strikes. I see (Chris) Stynes swing at the first pitch, I see (Doug) Mirabelli, at 2-0, swing at a pitch. We still have to play the game the way it was set up.”
Martínez is expected to return next Sunday against Rangers
Steven Krasner, providence Journal
If all goes well with Martínez’s simulated game in Anaheim on Tuesday, the Red Sox’s ace right-hander will be on the mound next Sunday night in Arlington for a start against the Texas Rangers. That was the word from manager Joe Kerrigan, who also stated that by pitching him then, the three-time Cy Young Award winner would be in line to face the New York Yankees at home, likely on Saturday, Sept. 1.
Pedro scheduled for simulated game in Anaheim
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Pedro Martínez will throw a simulated game next Tuesday in Anaheim, prior to Boston’s second game with the Angels at Edison Field. Martínez said Friday that he wants to work more on his command before returning to game action and facing live batters.
Martínez threw 60 pitches in four innings during a simulated game Thursday afternoon. The right-hander said he did feel the effects of pitching Thursday, but emphasized it was not abnormal. “There was a little soreness today, but it was a good soreness,” Martínez said.
Pedro’s return depends on final workout
SportsTicker
Struggling to stay in the playoff race, the Boston Red Sox could be getting back ace Pedro Martínez in just over a week. New Red Sox manager Joe Kerrigan said Saturday that Martínez will start in Texas on Aug. 26 if all goes well in a simulated game in Anaheim on Tuesday, when the right-hander will throw between 70-75 pitches. “I’m going to throw there and then we’ll see if I have another rehab (start) or go back into the rotation.” Martínez said.
The A.L. Pennant Contenders
Dan McLaughlin, The Baseball Crank, Providence Journal
At the three-quarters mark, with scarcely more than 40 games left on the schedule and major roster overhauls unlikely, the pennant races are now set: barring injury, teams will either win with who and what they have, or they will lose. Let’s look at how the AL contenders stack up by position grouping similar positions together. I’m rating the players on one simple standard: who would you rather have on the roster from now through October? [In-depth analysis; a must read.]
August 18, 2001
JOE KERRIGAN REPLACES JIMY WILLIAMS AS RED SOX MANAGER
Around the Web and New York papers
Projo — Globe — Herald — MLB — Kerrigan Press Conference
Why ESPN And The Rest Of The Media And New York Suck
Ben, whatcurse.com
As I sat in my hotel room yesterday in midtown Manhattan … I clicked over to ESPN and saw the headline that Jimy Williams, shuffler of shufflers, was fired, and replaced by none other than Joe Kerrigan, the Red Sox pitching coach. Sweet sassy molassy. …
The fully amazing thing about Jimy’s dismissal is the revisionist sportswriting that has occurred both before and after the incident went down. Just a couple weeks ago, I heard people on CNN/SI talking about how Jimy was a master strategist, leading the Red Sox with all the injuries … Jimy surely should not be held accountable for the downturn. That would be like blaming Alan Greenspan for the bubble bursting. In fact, Jimy should be praised for holding the ship together. That’s some crap right there.
Farewell, Mr. Weebles
Ethan, whatcurse.com
Wow. That’s the first thought I had when I heard that Jimy Williams had been fired. I’d be lying if I said that I saw this coming. I didn’t really know what to say. It’s like when your crazy uncle dies: sure he creeped you out at times and was really frustrating to talk to, but hey, he was just doing the best he could with what he had. Just like Jimy.
Williams’ firing inevitable, but can Kerrigan succeed?
Scott Miller, SportsLine.com
The most instructive part of the transition between fired Boston Red Sox manager Jimy Williams and Joe Kerrigan, the former pitching coach turned Crown Prince, came a few moments into Kerrigan’s introductory news conference Wednesday. “Offensively, I’m a guy that likes stability in the lineup,” Kerrigan said. “You always think, ‘If I was king of the world for a day …’ This is my day, and we’d like to have some stability in our lineup.” …
Sports Illustrated reported last month details of a May 5 clubhouse meeting that began with Williams upbraiding some of his players for what he felt was their lack of professionalism. It ended, according to the magazine, with several players shouting profanities at Williams — based mostly on his use of different lineups nearly every day without ever bothering to deliver explanations as to why.
Jimy Williams timeline
SportsLine.com staff
Key events in Jimy Williams’ rocky tenure as manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Alou says manager was job offered to him
Associated Press
Former Montreal Expos Manager Felipe Alou said the uncertain future of the Boston Red Sox led him to reject an offer to manage the team. In an interview published in Friday’s Hoy daily newspaper in Santo Domingo, the 66-year-old Alou said the offer was made to him by Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette at about midday on Thursday.
“Duquette warned me that the team was up for sale and that some things could vary depending on the new management,” Alou told Hoy from his home in West Palm Beach, Fla. “I thanked him,” and said no, Alou said.
Change doesn’t mean problems will go away
Sean McAdam, espn.com
More than once, in the hours after he fired Jimy Williams as his manager and elevated Joe Kerrigan, Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette went out of his way to point out that Williams had been on the job nearly five seasons, placing him among the leaders in tenure among managers.
Williams meets inevitable fate
Jayson Stark, espn.com
How do you explain Jimy Williams? How do you explain how some people in baseball thought he ought to be manager of the year — while about 90 percent of the population of New England thought their waiter at Legal Seafood could manage the Red Sox better than Jimy could?
Another bizarre Fenway chapter
Peter Gammons, espn.com
Jimy Williams guided Boston to the postseason in two of his four full years as manager. Tuesday night, when Carl Everett grabbed his crotch and spit at Seattle Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer as he crossed home plate after hitting a home run, it brought no response from any level of management. There was no Whitey Herzog grabbing Garry Templeton and leading him to the clubhouse. Nothing. Jimy Williams had tried disciplining Everett, and Dan Duquette always took Everett’s side; too tired to fight it, the gesture became the symbol of the Red Sox.
Williams won’t get credit he deserves
Dave Campbell, espn.com
It’s too bad Williams will never get credit for the tremendous heart the Red Sox showed all year. They lost John Valentin for the year, Nomar Garciaparra for four months, Pedro and Varitek for over two months, Carl Everett for a month, and Frank Castillo for close to a month. I’d like to see some other manager do better given that situation.
Forgoing a figurehead might suit Sox
Ray Ratto, espn.com
Jimy Williams said he would never quit, and he was right. He got fired. That, though, isn’t the surprise. Even though the Boston Red Sox are but two games out of the American League wild card lead, even though they are only five games behind the New York Yankees for the AL East lead, even though they have played varying chunks of the season without Pedro Martínez, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, David Cone, Rich Garces, Carl Everett, and most recently Brian Daubach … even though all those things are true, it’s still Jimy Williams’ fault.
K-Corner: Williams firing not really a shock
Karl Ravech, espn.com
For those who suggest Thursday’s firing of Red Sox manager Jimy Williams was a surprise, they truly had no understanding of how unbearable the relationship had become between Williams and general manager Dan Duquette.
What do you think about the timing of the Red Sox firing Jimy Williams?
Joe Morgan, espn.com
I’m surprised the Red Sox fired Williams. I don’t know all the inside stuff that went on up there … Williams has been without a full team the entire season, yet he kept the Red Sox within striking distance of the Yankees. I don’t understand the decision. There has to be more to Williams’ firing than just his record as a manager. Looking at what Williams did, I don’t think he can be faulted.
Now we’ll know exactly how important Williams was
Dave Van Dyck, foxsports.com
So was Williams a magical motivator for having his problem-plagued Red Sox in first place much of the season? Or was he a monstrous mistake who nearly created a mutiny and couldn’t keep the Red Sox in first place? We’re about to learn the truth.
Kerrigan faces tough challenges ahead
Kevin Kennedy, foxsports.com
The “Joe Kerrigan era” began here Thursday night with the Red Sox’ 6-4 win over the Mariners, and a few key moves differentiated this team from a Jimy Williams ball club.
Williams’ firing is no surprise
Kevin Kennedy, foxsports.com
I don’t think it was any coincidence that Jimy Williams was fired the day after the bids for the sale of the ball club were up. Dan Duquette has been waiting to pick his spot because of the disagreements they’ve had in the past, especially last year when Dan publicly backed Carl Everett and Williams came out and said, “If the GM is not gonna back me, then fire me.” It was no secret that Williams was not going to be back no matter what, and the fact is that they’re five games out.
Williams came, saw, was conquered
Leigh Montville, cnnsi.com
Sic transit Jimy Williams. He came. He saw. Along with the rest of the managers of the Boston Red Sox since 1918, he never did get that conquering part down right. He was a curious choice to be a leader of men in this media-heavy time. In his four-plus years on the job, after failing at a similar post in Toronto, he proved himself to be ornery, obtuse and more than slightly aloof. He would explain nothing to the paying public. He would make weird, seat-of-the-pants decisions, then refuse to give the reasons behind them, no matter what the outcome. He had all the public relations charm of a bridge abutment.
Red Sox seek surge with Kerrigan
Mel Antonen, usatoday.com
The Boston Red Sox will try to make the postseason with a new manager, Joe Kerrigan, who has never managed in the big leagues. Kerrigan, 47, was in his fifth season as the Red Sox’s pitching coach, a job he also held for five seasons with the Montreal Expos.
One’s vacation is over, another’s is just beginning
Rod Beaton, usatoday.com
Back from the beach, your humble correspondent is tanned, fit and ready to roll through the rest of a very appealing season. Too bad Jimy Williams will not be part of it. Red Sox GM Dan Duquette was just waiting for the opening to oust his manager. Six losses in seven games did it.
Williams did not have a regular lineup. So what? Williams has done very well with a club devastated by injuries. Duquette will count on the inevitable surge from a team dumping an unpopular manager. In the long run, he might regret the firing. You can be sure Williams will work somewhere next year.
Firing-line fallout Dismissal of Williams a surprise to Piniella, Gillick
John Hickey, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Red Sox fired their manager yesterday, replacing Jimy Williams with his pitching coach, Joe Kerrigan. To a man, the move caught the Mariners by surprise. Williams had dealt this year with the loss of shortstop Nomar Garciaparra for four months. Williams had for two months done without the services of the game’s best pitcher, Pedro Martínez.
Catcher Jason Varitek is out for the immediate future. Center fielder Carl Everett is living on a different planet. Despite all that, the Red Sox came into last night just two games out of the American League wild-card race and five games out in the AL East.
Burden of history falls upon Kerrigan
Art Thiel,Seattle Post-Intelligencer
After Lou Piniella was fired in New York from his first manager job, he had a dream job in mind. “I wanted to come here,” he said as he sat in the cramped manager’s office in Fenway Park’s dankness. “This job (managing the Red Sox) is the one I wanted. I like the city, I like the ballpark, I like the fans.”
Bosox’ panic button: GM Duquette aborts mission
Bob Klapisch, Bergen Record
There’s an army of Yankee-haters who warmly recall the days of Bronx panic — back in the late Eighties, when the Bombers were the laughingstock of baseball executives everywhere. There was no day-by-day blueprint back then, only crisis-to-crisis reaction, governed by the Prime Minister of Overreaction, George Steinbrenner.
Bosox Bounce Williams — Only mystery here is how he lasted this long
Jon Heyman, Newsday
Jimy Williams was always a man of mystery, and it has nothing to do with the missing “m” in his first name (I just assumed he can’t spell). One mystery is how such an ineloquent man negotiated a contract that pays him $1 million annually. Most times, he communicated in grunts. Perhaps Red Sox upper management mistakenly believed he was hiding deep thoughts when they signed him.
Duquette taps pitching coach to take over
Mark Herrmann, Newsday
The new manager of the Boston Red Sox, Joe Kerrigan, spent his first public moments on the job talking about having the chance to “chase away the curse.” But first, he will have to deal with the demons that got Jimy Williams fired.
Red Sox Axing Williams All Too Familiar To Fans of Bronx Zoo
Wallace Matthews, New York Post
After all these years, fans of the Boston Red Sox finally know what it feels like to be a Yankee fan. Not a Yankee fan of the past decade, of course, but a true Yankee fan, of the type that suffered through the ’70s and ’80s, those dark days when vultures perched on the outfield fence, every ring of the telephone reverberated with dread and the manager’s office had a revolving door.
Red Sox Fire Jimy, Turn to Pitching Coach
Andrew R. Tripaldi, New York Daily News
Despite injuries to key contributors, including All-Stars Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martínez, and having to compete with the Yankees in the same division every year, Red Sox manager Jimy Williams could not escape the dark shadow GM Dan Duquette cast over him.
General Nonsense in Boston
Mark Kriegel, New York Daily News
Williams lost his best everyday player, Nomar Garciaparra, for most of the season. His best pitcher — the best pitcher in the game — has been out since June. And it wasn’t just Pedro Martínez. Another starter, Frank Castillo, was on the DL from June 29 through Aug. 8. Carl Everett missed a chunk of the season. There were others, of course. Still, the Red Sox remain in the playoff race, even after coming up against the two hottest teams in baseball. There’s really not much more you can ask for. Unless, of course, you’re a general manager.
Red Sox Fire Williams, Hire Kerrigan
Jack Curry, New York Times
Jimy Williams and Dan Duquette stood five feet from each other before the Boston Red Sox played the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, looking like awkward dance partners. They spoke, but their words were brief and they hardly looked at each other. The men shared a clumsy body language that indicated neither one embraced the conversation.
August 17, 2001
Pedro, Saberhagen close to return
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
The return of Pedro Martínez to the Red Sox rotation could be less than a week away. Newly named Red Sox Manager Joe Kerrigan said Thursday: “He has three options. He could start the second game in Anaheim [on Wednesday], do a rehab start or come back and do another simulated game or [batting practice] session. It depends on how he feels [Friday].”
Texas Return For Pedro?
Jeff Goldberg, Hartford Courant
Martínez said his curve was sharp, and hinted he might pitch in a game as early as Aug. 26 in Texas. He will accompany the team to Anaheim, Calif., and Arlington, Texas, next week. He is scheduled to pitch another simulated game – probably Tuesday in Anaheim. If all goes well, he could return against the Rangers. “If I feel confident and am feeling good, then that’s a possibility – to pitch in Texas.”
This pair of aces set for next step — Saberhagen ‘beats’ Martínez
Dylan Hernandez, Boston Globe
At the end of his 59-pitch, four-inning simulated game yesterday – in which he faced hitters for the first time since being put on the disabled list June 27 – Martínez was still smiling. It wasn’t a real game, but he pitched marvelously, throwing all three of his pitches with command. His fastball danced, his changeup never missed its mark, and his curveball broke sharply. …
Martínez began his workout with a couple of light jogs from center to the right-field foul line. He made 35 long tosses in the outfield, then entered the bullpen, where he threw 48 pitches.
When he was done there, he joined Saberhagen, taking turns pitching to righthanded batter Darren Lewis and lefties Morgan Burkhart and Scott Hatteberg. Before every inning, both Martínez and Saberhagen threw 10 warmup pitches. From the moment Martínez uncorked his first pitch, there was little doubt he was on.
Saberhagen threw 62 pitches over five simulated innings yesterday and Kerrigan hopes he’ll be ready to start Thursday in Anaheim. ”Did I win or lose?” Saberhagen laughed. ”I’m going to say I won. I’m going to call everyone and say I beat Pedro.”
Pedro, Saberhagen may return next week
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martínez, Bret Saberhagen and Hipolito Pichardo each threw batting practice/simulated games yesterday. Kerrigan was on hand to watch. … They saw encouraging signs that could have both right-handers back to stabilize the rotation in the next 10 days or so.
Martínez’s curveball was looking better in his four-inning 60-pitch outing. … Martínez would throw a simulated game, either Tuesday or Wednesday. Saberhagen, meanwhile could be activated in time to start next Thursday’s series finale against the Angels. “They both threw well,” said Kerrigan. “And Pedro’s curveball was nasty.”
Pedro on pace for next weekend
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald
Pedro Martínez took another major step in his recovery from shoulder inflammation yesterday and, afterward, the Red Sox ace gave a tentative thumbs-up. … If everything goes according to plan, and up until now Martínez said that it has, he plans to throw another simulated game while the team is in Anaheim next week … If all goes well in Anaheim on Tuesday, Martínez will take the hill for real next weekend in Texas, when the Sox arrive in Arlington for a three-game set with the Rangers.
Kerrigan named new skipper — Williams fired after four-plus years as Sox manager
Howard Ulman, Associated Press
Joe Kerrigan had an appointment with his chiropractor Thursday when he was called to a lunch meeting with Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette. He soon got the news that shocked him: Jimy Williams was fired as Boston’s manager in the middle of a pennant race and he was taking over.
Kerrigan named new Red Sox manager
Jim Street, MLB.com
A funny thing happened to Joe Kerrigan on the way to his appointment with a chiropractor. He became a Major League manager.
Jimy Williams fired
Patrick Maloney, Boston Herald
Just hours before the slumping Red Sox were slated to take the field against the visiting Seattle Mariners, the Red Sox fired manager Jimy Williams.
Red Sox fire Williams in middle of playoff race; Kerrigan hired as manager
Associated Press
The Boston Red Sox fired manager Jimy Williams today in the middle of a playoff race after the team lost six of the last seven games and replaced him with pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.
Discussion at BaseballPrimer.com
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The firing of manager Jimy Williams was long, long overdue. His bizarre lineups — which changed day-to-day for no apparent reason — even while playing the same 9 men — his poor in-game moves, his benching of hot players, his overuse of the Red Sox bullpen and his failure to communicate with his players (and his admission of same), were all more than enough reason for GM Dan Duquette to hand him his pink slip.
The fact that with Wednesday’s loss to Seattle, Boston fell 5 games behind the Yankees apparently gave Duquette the push he needed to shove Jimy out the door. All I can say is: About Time. In my opinion, Williams should have been fired over last winter.
Joe Kerrigan, the team’s former pitching coach, is the new manager. In his press conference Thursday afternoon, Kerrigan outlined some of the changes he will make. He said Trot Nixon would be the team’s leadoff hitter and Nomar Garciaparra would bat second. When asked if Ugueth Urbina would step in as the team’s closer, instead of Derek Lowe, he said “I’ll have to talk to my players” — which sounded like a new concept in the wake of Williams’s muteness, most recently displayed in his refusal to speak to Carl Everett before benching him; although, in typical Jimy fashion, the benching lasted only one game.
Naturally, it remains to be seen if the Red Sox can rebound from their offensive slump and move past either Oakland in the wild card chase or New York in the AL East. But if the mood in the Boston clubhouse is anything like the mood in the two best Red Sox Internet discussion forums (Your Turn and Sons of Sam Horn), it will be a boost. And speaking for myself, if Kerrigan puts the best talent on the field every night, uses all of his 25 (and soon 40) players wisely and makes sound baseball moves — and still the Red Sox fall short of the 2001 crown — that will be fine. Having a competent manager at the helm is nearly success enough at this point.
August 16, 2001
Pedro hits hill
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Batting practice today should be just as vital to the Sox’ playoff hopes as the ensuing game. Pitchers Pedro Martínez (70-75 pitches), Bret Saberhagen (70-75) and Hipolito Pichardo (30-40) – all on the DL – are each scheduled to face hitters under simulated game conditions. It is expected to be the only tune-up for Pichardo (torn thumb callus) before being activated this weekend. Martínez (rotator cuff) is expected to have one more test – be it in the minors, out of the bullpen or against hitters in BP – before being restored to the active roster at the end of next week. Saberhagen (shoulder) is eligible for activation on Aug. 23.
Martínez on schedule
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Three injured pitchers – Martínez, Bret Saberhagen, and Hipolito Pichardo – are scheduled to pitch in a simulated game this afternoon. If all goes well for Martínez, he’ll make a rehab start or pitch another simulated game early next week, then could be on track to return to the rotation Aug. 26 in Texas. That would put him on schedule to face the Yankees in Fenway Park the following weekend.
August 15, 2001
Pedro set for simulated game Thursday
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Pedro Martínez will take another step toward a return to the Red Sox rotation when he throws a simulated game Thursday at Fenway Park. “Just be healthy, that’s all I want from it,” Martínez said Tuesday. “I want to go from day-to-day. How I do or pitch during these sessions is overrated.” …
Jimy Williams said both pitchers will shoot for five 15-pitch innings during the simulated game. … “Bring in the Bambino for Thursday,” Martínez said, repeating his line from earlier in the season. “Put him up there and I’ll tell you one thing, I’ll drill him in the ass.”
Martínez to toss simulated game
Ron Chimelis, Springfield Union-News
What may be tomorrow’s most glamorous pitching matchup in baseball won’t count in the standings. Pedro Martínez and Bret Saberhagen will take turns pitching in a simulated game at Fenway Park, and it may go a long way in determining when Martínez returns to the Boston Red Sox rotation. …
The simulated game will last approximately five innings. Each pitcher will alternate by throwing sets of about 15 pitches each — a general average per inning. They’ll alternate in an effort to create a pace similar to game conditions. Dana Levangie, the Red Sox bullpen catcher out of American International College, will catch.
Balls and strikes will be called, and Red Sox hitters will bat against each pitcher. There will be no fielders, but batted balls will be judged as hits or outs, allowing the pitchers a chance to work from the stretch at times.
Pedro gears up to pitch simulated game
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
The next stop on Pedro Martínez’s Comeback Tour will take place tomorrow afternoon, in an empty stadium, against some hitters to be determined. Martínez will throw a simulated game, hoping to get through five innings, or approximately 75 pitches. …
Yesterday, for the first time, Martínez hinted that he would be amenable to a rehab assignment. Martínez would prefer pitching for Pawtucket or Trenton sometime early next week rather than traveling to Anaheim for the start of his team’s 10-game road trip. …
Martínez will be opposed by another rehabbing veteran pitcher tomorrow as Bret Saberhagen gets his own work in. “Petey’s going down,” predicted a joking Saberhagen, making sure Martínez could hear him.
Rehab stint likely for Pedro
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
After throwing a simulated game tomorrow, Pedro Martínez’ next step may very well be a rehab assignment in the minor leagues with an eye toward rejoining the Red Sox by the end of this month. Martínez and Bret Saberhagen will each be expected to throw five innings, or 70-75 pitches, against Red Sox batters in a simulated game before tomorrow’s game, a significant tuneup for each pitcher, each battling shoulder injuries.
If Martínez passes his test tomorrow, he said he would probably need one more 70-75 pitch test. … Martínez said that the club is in charge of his rehab schedule – sort of. “If I feel something’s wrong, it’s going to be up to me. I don’t care what Jimy says, I don’t care what Dan says, I don’t care what Joe says, I’m doing what’s good for me – am I being selfish?”
Only a simulation
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
As expected, Pedro Martínez will pitch a simulated game tomorrow at Fenway. He will be joined in the endeavor by Bret Saberhagen, with each going five simulated innings and throwing about 75 pitches. …Martínez gave mixed signals about whether he will return next week. ”If I don’t feel comfortable, I’ll probably go and do my rehab,” he said. ”If not, I will just go straight into a game. But I have to take it day by day. I won’t know until my next test.”
Marvin Miller
David Davis, salon.com
“The owners have almost concealed the fact that Major League Baseball is enjoying its healthiest, most prosperous times,” says Miller, his voice rising. “This is baseball’s golden age. The league has more clubs, more new ballparks, more admission-paying fans and more revenues from sales, licensing and luxury suites. The value of baseball’s 30 franchises is at the highest ever.” Says Miller about the owners’ crying poor: “The word is ‘chutzpah.'”
August 14, 2001
Be fair before you criticize
Bill James, espn.com
Baseball organizations make thousands of decisions every year: A-level decisions, like “Who will be our manager?” and “Should we make a commitment to sign Johnny Damon?”; B-level decisions like “Who are we going to use as a leadoff man?” and “Who is going to be our first-round draft pick?”; and on down to Z-level decisions like “Should we use a pinch-runner here or a sacrifice bunt?” and “Is it time to move Tubby Poholsky up to Double-A?”
It seems to me that if you begin reviewing all of those decisions by a standard of “Is this the way I would have done this?” then you launch into a process that is, by its nature, neither fair, nor logical, nor constructive. Why? Because it is impossible, by doing that, to form a comprehensive picture of what the organization has done. You cannot hold 7,000 decisions in your mind while you think them through, so what you inevitably begin to do is pick and choose those which serve to advance your prejudice.
Outside the Box
Sean Forman, baseballprimer.com
This is a tremendous article by Bill James. I would argue that he strongly repudiates much of what sabermetrics has become. It has become a means to point out how stupid major league management is rather than to study and thoughtfully comment on what is happening. Are we more qualified than Allard Baird to run a major league franchise. In some very specialized ways we might be, but we don’t understand all the significant issues that they have to deal with on an everyday business. Just as stating players will improve or not improve based on age, grossly overstates the very real issues at work on a player-by-player basis. If we scrutinized our past comments as closely as we scrutinized other’s actions, we might gain some humility that is lacking in many forums. … [Plus lots of reader responses.]
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