April 28, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Andrew Bailey (40) pitches during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The 28-year old right hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6 with a strained right biceps. Skidding shortly after Bailey’s injury, Boston’s bullpen recovered admirably with Junichi Tazawa and, to a lesser extent, Koji Uehara closing out games. Bailey’s 1.46 ERA and five saves in 13 appearances should bolster the rebounding Boston pen. With just two more games in Chicago Bailey will be needed more then ever as the Sox next cruise into Cleveland to play Terry Francona‘s hot Indians club.

“Physically he came through it fine,” Farrell told MLB.com’s Patrick Donnelly on Sunday morning after Bailey’s tuneup appearance on Saturday. “He showed consistent velocity pre-injury. He’ll rejoin us [Monday]. He’ll get checked on, as anyone would in a situation like his, but he came out of last night feeling good physically.”

Bailey’s teammate in Oakland, Craig Breslow, said, ”Bailey was throwing as well as he has in the last five years,” So as long as he can come back and just be himself, I feel like we’re going to be in really good shape.”

May 4, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) bats in the 4th inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers beat the Red Sox 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

One of my first posts here at BSI was in regards to Will Middlebrooks and his likelihood of succumbing to a sophomore slump. For those that didn’t read the piece or are just too lazy to go back and read it now, I basically concluded that Middlebrooks was set up for failure this year because he likely would not get on base enough to buoy his inevitable drop in his batting average on balls in play (BABIP). (See quote below)

For those that haven’t yet figured it out yet, what scares me the most regarding Middlebrooks’ sophomore campaign is that he won’t hit for a high enough average to maintain an even acceptable on base percentage. By now, most understand the importance of on-base percentage in today’s game and even with secondary skills such as power and strong defense, a player can lose a ton of value if he cannot get on base at a decent clip. For some, Middlebrooks is expected to be an all-star and anchor for a lineup that could be without David Ortiz for some time. This year I just don’t see that happening.

This year has obviously not gone as planned for Middlebrooks, as he has simply been one of the worst regulars in baseball this year. Offensively, defensively, you name it, Middlebrooks has been subpar. Contrary to what his strong, 6’3″, 220 lb frame would suggest, Middlebrooks has hit more like an emaciated middle infielder with his .205/.239/.417 slash line. This disastrous start has caused some to clamor for acquiring a potential upgrade through trade while others have demanded an outright demotion for the Texas native.

So what stands as the reason behind Middlebrooks’ struggles? The most obvious culprit is his absolutely dreadful walk rate. Middlebrooks walks at a clip of 3.9%, eleventh worst in the majors right now, which is even lower than noted free swingers Josh Hamilton (5.4%) and Pablo Sandoval (5.6%). While this certainly is true and deserving of the blame, there happens to be more issues at hand than just his phobia for walks.

At Fangraphs.com (I highly recommend the site; I am a huge fan of its analysis and wealth of information), every Major League player’s plate discipline stats can be found and compared relative to his peers. When glancing over Middlebrooks’ statistics, his inability to lay off pitches outside of the strike zone and his swing percentage as a whole unsurprisingly both rate as above average. These are both expected to be seen from a free swinger such as Middlebrooks.

However, the numbers that jump out the most are those that highlight his inability to even make contact with the baseball. Looking at Middlebrooks’ O-Contact% (contact with pitches outside the strike zone), Z-Contact% (contact of pitches inside the zone) and Contact% (contact percentage in general), all show well below average marks. For example, here are the league averages for each of these statistics, with Middlebrooks’ numbers in parenthesis.

O-Contact%: 68% (50.5%)

Z-Contact%: 88% (84.5%)

Contact%: 81% (73.4%)

Clearly, Middlebrooks has trouble even just putting the bat on ball, which can also be seen in his absurd 28% K rate. That probably isn’t news to many, as it becomes quite apparent for anyone who watches a Sox game that Middlebrooks strikes out a lot. But the part that I find extremely troubling is that for someone who chases pitches out of the strike zone at an above average clip, he makes contact on those pitches much less than the average player (17.5% to be exact). Simply, he continues to chase pitches that he will never hit to begin with, putting himself in situations he is likely to fail (such as falling behind in the count) or K outright.

May 18, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

This dangerous combination of walk avoidance and inability to make contact does not bode well for future success. Players that tend to succeed with poor walk rates at least make enough contact to support solid batting averages, something that I alluded to in my first Middlebrooks article. Without a change in approach or a sudden improvement in hand-eye coordination, Sox fans should be worried about the future for their young third baseman. His BABIP fueled rookie campaign disguised some of the underlying plate discipline and contact issues, which unfortunately are just now rearing their ugly head.

It is worth noting that just as Middlebrooks probably experienced good luck last year in terms of his average on balls in play, his .240 BABIP definitely isn’t doing him any favors either. With that said, even the likely improvement in this category still should make Sox fans question whether Middlebrooks will be manning the hot corner in the upcoming years. Players that strike out in 30% of their plate appearances quite simply, have trouble staying in the majors without acceptable walk rates or more well-rounded skillsets.

Middlebrooks’ career is far from written in stone. He’s still learning to tap into some of that plus power and has been profiled as a solid defender most of his career, even with this year’s struggles (6 errors, -7 defensive runs saved). There was a reason he was a highly touted prospect for years and was absolutely one of the few bright spots on an otherwise catastrophic 2012 season. This year, the game of baseball has made an adjustment to him, and has succeeded in exposing him thus far. Now, it’s time for Middlebrooks to make an adjustment of his own.

May 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) misses a ground ball during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After a lapse in leadership in 2012 – publicly sniping with then manager Bobby Valentine and sporting a sub par (for him) slashline of .290, .347, .449, .797 – Pedroia is back in fighting form in 2013.

As of Friday night’s tilt against the Twinkies in Minneapolis, Pedroia’s slashline was a gaudy .340, .429, .421, .851. Among MLB players, he is eighth in average and sixth in on base percentage. True, his pop hasn’t been present this year – a bizarre single home run after averaging 13 per year in his first six seasons – but in all other regards the guy has been killing it.

He leads all second basemen in batting average, on base percentage and walks (25) and is in a five way tie with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

Then there are intangibles. His intensity, never say die attitude and gritty dirt dog playing style have not abated throughout his career and 2013 is no different.

The Red Sox have had plenty of good second basemen over the years; Mike Andrews, Jerry Remy, Marty Barrett, Billy Goodman and Jody Reed. With the exception of the great Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr, none of them could hold Pedey’s jock.

We have been spoiled by his consistently superior play. Don’t take it for granted. Relish his time on the field and savor the level of excellence he achieves day in and day out. Boston has him under contract through 2015 when he will turn 32. At this rate and given good health, Pedroia should be able to finish his career in Boston and be paid handsomely to do so.

Bobby Doerr’s Career Stats:
Played for Boston: 1937-1944, 1946-1951 (13 years)
Boston Stats: 1,865 G, .288 BA, 223 HR,1,247 RBI, 2,042 H, 1,094 R, 381 2B, 809 BB

Dustin Pedroia Career Stats to Date:
Played for Boston: 2006-Present (6.25 years – almost exactly 1/2 of Doerr’s career)
Boston Stats: 897 G, .304 BA, 91 HR, 426 RBI, 1079 H, 586 R, 255 2B, 374 BB

Pedroia’s Projected Stats (over the same 13 year career)
1,570 G, .289 (based on 5% drop in average in last half of career), 159 HR, 746 RBI, 1,888 H, 1,026 R, 446 2B, 655 BB

April 20, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) pitches during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 7, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Combined, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are 9-0 with a 1.73 ERA. Their stat lines are so similar as to be nearly indistinguishable from one another. Lester has been very, very good. Buchholz has been dominant. Lester’s 28 strikeouts, 1.11 WHIP and 10 walks rank him among AL league leaders in pitching efficiency. Buchholz’s 39 Ks – second only to a surprisingly high 43 for Ryan Dempster, 1.01 WHIP and 13 walks and one additional win currently gives him the edge over Lester.

In the AL, Buchholz is tied with the Rays’ Matt Moore, who is also 5-0, for most wins. Moore has an even better ERA of 1.13 and WHIP of 0.88. Buchholz and Lester are in the top 20 in nearly every statistically significant category. When combined, they are ranked 1 and 3 respectively in the AL.

It’s true that this can’t keep going forever but their combined quick starts have been an oh so pleasant turnaround from the 2012 season. Keys for success going forward for Buchholz will be continued health, unlike his injury-plagued season last year. Lester has always enjoyed good health. Key to keeping it going for him will be staying focused, even in the face of bad calls, that last year led to mental letdowns and resulting shellings.

Yes, Dan, Lester and Buccholz are wrecking your fantasy league but right now they’re making my real-time watching delicious.

Apr 16, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino (18) wipes his face before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. A Red Sox jersey with the Boston area code was hung in the dugout along with a note from a Cleveland fan. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Manager John Farrell has said he wants to give the situation a chance to work itself out through Boston’s off day on Monday. If Victorino doesn’t come around by then he’ll likely head to the disabled list. The ironic twist in all of this is that if he does go on the DL, Boston’s only available outfielder on the 40 man roster is Jackie Bradley, Jr. Alex Hassan is out of Triple A Pawtucket’s lineup with a calf stain.

Boston can also exercise an option for any outfielder not on the 40-man roster but they’d have to make a move with another player to make room for them. Franklin Moralez, who recently strained a pectoral and has been shut down, might be a DL option for say Bryce Brentz or Jeremy Hazelbaker. Both Brentz and Hazelbaker are righties. Boston has a lefty option with Justin Henry, also on the Pawtucket triple A team.

With the exception of the 27-year old Henry, the Sox would want regular playing time for the other younger potential call-ups.

The left-handed hitting Hazelbaker has been crushing right handed pitching (.388) this season but is struggling against lefties (.158). Brentz, a righty, is much the same story, although he has gotten off to a slower start this year than last, Brentz is hitting .304 against righties but is batting just .167 against lefties.

Apr 22, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (12) hits a grand slam home run in the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Napoli is leading the majors with 25 runs batted in and is currently hitting nine points above his career average. While his batting average of .268 is satisfactory, it’s what Napoli is doing with men on base that is giving the Sox such a lift. He’s hitting .320 with runners on base, .357 with runners in scoring position. In short, Napoli is Boston’s early season Captain Clutch.

While he continues his not entirely unexpected bashing ways at the plate, the bonus Boston is getting is in the field. There were doubts after his acquisition that Napoli could be Boston’s every day first baseman and that even if he filled the role he would be solid defensively.

Once he knew catching would essentially be off the table due to both the hip injury discovered during his physical and the acquisition of former Braves backup catcher David Ross, he worked hard during spring training to focus on first base. Manager John Farrell noted that he was impressed early on with Napoli’s work ethic and footwork around the bag. Napoli’s professionalism and hard work are paying off.

To date, Napoli’s fielding percentage is a snappy 1.000. He has dug a number of errant throws out of the dirt and athletically leaped to get balls wide and high while applying sweep tags to get the runners. Napoli’s solid start has been a big part of Boston’s early success. When you consider that Jonny Gomes, Will Middlebrooks, David Ross, Stephen Drew and Jackie Bradley Jr. are all batting less than .200 (some way less than .200) his contributions are further amplified.

Now, about that one year deal…

Apr 3, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (44) is hit by a wild pitch during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The more thrill-seeking and fan oriented camps, myself included on this one, said reward him for flat out raking, turning away all competitors and inspiring Red Sox Nation to have more than just hope at the dawn of the 2013 season. Emotion and going with the gut carried the day. At least for now we’re witnessing a rookie who is struggling mightily with that decision.

After an improbable 0-2 opening day against the Yankees in which he walked three times and scored twice Bradley has looked every bit a rookie at the plate. He’s strayed from the plate discipline that allowed him to work his way into hitter’s counts.

Specifically, Bradley has faced a lot of good left handed pitching and since the start of the season has been unable to get a hit in the bigs off a lefty. That’s right. A goose egg.

Bradley appears to be handling it like a big leaguer, again impressing Red Sox management with his maturity. ”It’s one of those periods every hitter goes through,” Bradley told MLB.com’s Jason Mastrodonato. Since getting an RBI in each of his first three major league games, Bradley has gone 0-11 with five Ks and two walks. And it’s about to get more interesting.

David Ortiz is due to be activated April 19 and Daniel Nava is mashing it (currently hitting .421, right about what Bradley hit in spring training). If Bradley continues to slump the Red Sox will have to make a decision.

If Bradley does end up going down, the silver lining is that if he goes down for 20 days Boston will be able to reclaim their 2019 player control year that was lost when he was promoted to the starting lineup to start the season.

Manager John Farrell is also seeing what I have been seeing; Bradley is getting jammed down and in. “They’ve probably exploited the inside part of the plate on him a little bit more,” Farrell said of Bradley’s struggles. “The one thing that has shown up a little bit is that in Spring Training or even the first series of the year, early in the count when he swung the bat, he was getting his pitch and he was squaring some pitches up. Now those pitches are being fouled back.”

I still the think the kids has got the goods. At least for now, the goods may not yet be on the top shelf.

August 24, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) bats during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

SI.com reported that Ortiz told reporters before the game, ““When it comes down to hitting, I haven’t played in a while, so you just want go back to that zone that everybody knows you need to be able to dominate once you get to the bigs, because otherwise, it’ll give you a hard time,” Ortiz said, according to ESPN.com. “On the other hand, I want to make sure my foot is doing well.”

Thursday night he reportedly ran without pain. As reported by the New York Daily News, Ortiz said, “I feel fine. That’s the important thing, to be able to run around the bases and be able to move around and be able to do that with freedom — without hesitation.”

Mar 15, 2013; Sarasota, FL, USA; A Boston Red Sox players hat and glove is seen in the dugout before the start of a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Sox Sellout Streak Ends at 820
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/red-sox-sellout-streak-ends-820-games

Stephen Drew Makes Sox Debut
http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/04/stephen_drew_finally_makes_debut

Papi Gets Two Hits In Extended Spring Game and Farrell Says To Expect Mid-April Return
http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/04/09/david-ortiz-gets-two-hits-franklin-morales-works-an-inning-in-extended-spring-games/

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2013/04/10/john-farrell-david-ortiz-still-on-track-to-return-mid-april/

This Day in Red Sox History
1907: Boston’s AL team plays its first game with the name Red Sox. They beat Philadelphia 8-4.

February 28, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) in the dugout during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

I learned that, even though Lackey had me miffed – well more than that and it sorta rhymes with miffed – for coming to Boston essentially injured and wasting two years and a lot of money, I ended up pulling for him this year. It’s the underdog in me. It’s the scrawny runt that actually was me who was told as a kid that I was too small and too skinny to play sports. The kid with the brace on his leg that everyone thought was going to be permanently crippled. Well Forest Gump me right out loud, that isn’t the way it turned out. I played a lot of sports and got pretty good at a couple.

With that kind of life experience, I set out this spring in earnest to impose my will on Lackey’s comeback. And it was working to perfection. I played all the what if scenarios that had John Lackey playing a meaningful role in an improbable Boston turnaround. Saturday it felt just like my dream might come true. Then came the 78th pitch of Lackey’s 2013 season and reality pushed back – hard. A pitch or two before it happened, Lackey had stepped off the mound, took off his glove and slowly windmilled his arm. As soon as he released the pitch that injured his bicep the ball arced wildly and he grabbed his right arm, winced and contorted in pain. It took one minute for the Red Sox trainer to walk to the mound, make a quick assessment and quickly escort Lackey from the mound.

It looked ugly. Lackey’s arm hung limp and lifeless. It was hard to tell if he was clutching his elbow or his bicep as he walked to the Red Sox dugout. I expected the worst. But an MRI performed on Sunday in Boston revealed no structural damage. While the Sox have not set a recovery timetable for his return, manager John Farrell is not ready to say Lackey is heading to the DL.

“He’s improved,” Farrell told MLB.com’s Ian Browne and Jason Mastrodonato. “He’s still in a 48-to-72-hour recovery period. There’s no roster move to announce of any kind right now. The most encouraging thing is that following the MRI, it showed some inflammation in the biceps. That’s been it. He’s set for re-exam today. After we get that information, we’ll map out our plan of attack going forward.”

Lackey and Red Sox have a little wiggle room before making a decision. Boston has an off-day on Tuesday so they don’t need a fifth starter until Sunday, which would likely be Alfredo Aceves if Lackey isn’t ready to go. Boston won’t  put lackey on the DL until they know for sure that he’s going to need a couple of weeks to recover.

Until then I continue to impose my will. John Lackey will be good this year.

Apr 7, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias (10) throws out Toronto Blue Jays baseman Mark DeRosa (not pictured) at the Rogers Centre. Boston defeated Toronto 13-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

As of Sunday’s trouncing of the Toronto Blue Jays Iglesias was batting .529 with a .556 on base percentage. Since mid-way through spring training on through the first week of the  regular season he continues to exceed expectations and in doing so may force John Farrell’s hand. Friday night after getting hit in the elbow in an at bat in Toronto he made a stunning backhand stab and submarine strike off his back leg to Dustin Pedroia to get an improbable force out at second base. I’ve watched a lot of baseball. This play stuck with me all weekend.

Proponents of the hardcore business aspects of the decision say that Boston has 9 million reasons to insert Stephen Drew into the lineup. They cut a deal in the offseason to make him Boston starting shortstop and Farrell says he intends on honoring it.

Those who support Iglesias say that he’s ready and is doing exactly what the Red Sox have asked him to do, namely start hitting to complement his stellar field play. From a financial perspective the Red Sox have nearly as much tied up in Iglesias as they do Drew. Including his $6.5 million 2009 signing bonus and salary since the signing, Boston has approximately $8.5 million invested.

After over 100 votes, our poll showed that 90% of you thought that Boston should either keep playing Iglesias and insert Drew once he cools off of stick with Iglesias even if he cools off. Only 10% of you thought that Drew should be inserted into the lineup when he was ready and that Iglesias should be sent back to the minors. Our readers have spoken. Now it’s time for the BSI staff writers to weigh in.

Join the the commentary. This is a juicy one.

July 15, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts in the dugout after they scored against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Reports today indicated that David Ortiz‘s ailing heels are feeling better. “More stable” is how Papi characterized it. He also revealed just how frustrating and “weird” he felt not being in the Opening Day lineup against the Yankees on Monday.

Ortiz, who is currently on the 15 day disabled list, ran on Monday without pain and hopes to play in minor league or extended spring training games as early as next week. There is no timetable for his return as Boston is opting to take it slow and ensure that when he comes back they give him every opportunity to make it for good. In a story published by the AP on Tuesday, Ortiz said, ”Feeling good, very good. I’m at the point right now that it’s more stable than what it used to be. That’s good, seems like we’re moving forward.”

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) connects for an RBI single in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In other Red Sox injury news, the Boston Globe reported today that shortstop Stephen Drew was cleared to resume play and made three plate appearances in an extended spring game on Tuesday in Florida. Drew’s replacement, Jose Iglesias, went 3-for-5 with an RBI on Monday in Boston’s opener against the Yankees.

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March 24, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Daniel Bard (51) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Bard had to have a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach this spring. In eight Grapefruit League appearances, he clocked in with a chubby 6.75 ERA over just eight innings of work. Wednesday’s outing against the Florida Marlins – 3 hits, 3 runs and walk in an inning of work – sealed his fate. In the end Bard once again struggled mightily and lost – at least for now. Today the Red Sox sent Daniel Bard to the AA Portland Seadogs. Clayton Mortensen now gets the nod and fills the roster spot.

We’ve all had that feeling. It’s that feeling before you get sent to the Principal’s office or when your dad is waiting up for you because your missed curfew by an hour. Only this screw up means your reputation and potentially your livelihood. You did it yourself and you know you’re in for it.

It could not have been a comfortable meeting that Bard had with Sox manager John Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves on Thursday. What he is left with, just as a he did last year, are what ifs and where do I go from here moments. He’s a good guy. He works hard. He just can’t seem to get his mojo back.

Stephen Drew, who sustained a concussion on March 7, was placed on the seven-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Drew’s return to the lineup will be important since feather weight hitting SS Jose Iglesis won’t be able to hold on for long.

Bard and Drew were the bad and ugly. Perhaps Boston’s projected Opening Day lineup with (drum roll please) Jackie Bradley in left field will be the good.

Boston’s projected starting Opening Day lineup against the New York Yankees and CC Sabathia:

1. CF: Jacoby Ellsbury
2. RF: Shane Victorino
3. 2B: Dustin Pedroia
4. 1B: Mike Napoli
5. 3B: Will Middlebrooks
6. DH: Jonny Gomes
7. C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia
8. LF: Jackie Bradley Jr.
9. SS: Jose Iglesias
SP: Jon Lester

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Hey Sox Fans: Get Hip! Chat It Up in the Bosox Injection Fan Room, free and available right now.

Mar 11, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I was working through some Sox statistics yesterday and and noticed how great both Jon Lester‘s and Clay Buchholz‘s numbers looked so I decided to bump those up against other MLB pitchers. The top of Boston’s rotation has quietly put together a killer one, two punch that fans should pray carries through to the regular season. Lester and Buchholz combined over 38.2 innings, have an 0.93 ERA and a sick 0.68 WHIP. Heading into the last 10 days of spring training that makes Lester and Buchholz numbers one and two in major league baseball.

Yes, spring training stats are essentially meaningless but the trends, especially for pitchers, cab be important signs for things to come. Ask Roy Halladay about mechanics, adjusting throughout your career and health and what all those components mean to momentum heading into the regular season. The normally dominant Halladay started to falter during the second half of the 2012 season, posting a 4.93 ERA during that time. This spring he has not been right. Both his velocity and swing and miss ratios are down. He has battled a stomach virus that has caused him to lose 10 pounds and some of his stamina. It shows. Halladay is not the same and that is cause for concern for Phillies fans.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With the exception of Buchholz’s freak hamstring tweak on the first day of camp, both pitchers have been the picture of health – both mental and physical – and have simply kept the opposition in a hole. They are a combined 5-0 with 16 strike outs each. Opponent have batted 0.92 and .167 respectively against the duo.

Compare that with their 2012 spring numbers:
Lester: 3.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 2-1 record, .250 opponent batting average, 14 Ks, 7 walks
Buchholz: 5.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 2-2 record, .228 opponent batting average,  15Ks, 3 walks

This translated to 2012 regular season numbers:
Lester: 4.82 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 9-14 record, .273 opponent batting average, 166 Ks, 68 walks
Buccholz: 4.56 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 11-8 record, .263 opponent batting average, 64 walks, 129 Ks

They are two different guys this year. Credit goes to each player as well as new Red Sox pitching coach and manager Juan Nieves and John Farrell. They have kept the tone low-key and professional, a far cry from reports of Bobby Valentine‘s spastic dashing about from field to field during the 2012 spring training season, which apparently wore him out and rendered him unable to perform…well, except for the mouth.

Staying healthy, staying focused and just playing baseball is all Red Sox Nation needs this year from each player. Lester and Buccholz are providing that leadership so far.

And I’m one step ahead of the shoe shine 
Two steps away from the county line 
Just trying to keep my customers satisfied, 
Satisfied.
- Keep The Customer Satisfied, Simon & Garfunkel 

March 20, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (74) in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome Sox fans to the first of a regular installment called Red Sox Roundtable. Each week you and the Bosox Injection writers get to kick around a hot topic of the week. This week’s question is Should Jackie Bradley Junior Start The Season in The Bigs?

I published a piece on Monday suggesting that Bradley not only should start the season with the Red Sox but should be in the starting lineup. I’m tired of the intellectual and business discussions regarding Bradley. I get that by putting him in the starting lineup up in 2013 his service clock starts ticking a year earlier than the Red Sox had expected. I understand that Boston wants to give him another year of seasoning and maturity. I also feel it in my baseball bones that if the Red Sox are serious about competing this year you gotta play this kid.

What do you think? The commenting period is now OPEN!

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) stands near second base during a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Drew had surgery on the ankle and labored through a difficult rehab only to have the D’Backs give up on him and send him to Oakland on August 21 last season. His signing with the Red Sox felt like a new beginning; a chance for him to return to form and health.

On March 7th Drew was hit in the head and started experiencing concussion symptoms. The affects of the injury lingered to the point where Drew and the Red Sox sought a concussion specialist’s opinion after Drew was not only unable to return to the lineup but also baseball activities in general. Today Drew got some good news.

Dr. Michael Collins, a concussion specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, cleared Drew to resume some limited baseball activities. The Major League baseball program that concussion athletes return to generally consists of stretching, the start of a throwing program and hitting in a cage. If this regimen is successful, defined as player not experiencing a recurrence of concussion symptoms, they can return to the field. For Drew that will not include an opening day start.

The Red Sox are expected to keep Drew out of any further Grapefruit League play since doing so will preserve their option of backdating his tenure on the disabled list so that he can be activated as early as possible. If he opens the year on the seven-day DL mandated for players who incur concussions, Drew’s time on the sidelines would have to be at least three days.

Don’t let yourself go 
Everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes
- Everybody Hurts, R.E.M.

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September 26, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco (top) forces out Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) at second base during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Satisfaction with World Championships garnered in 2004 and 2007 should not be enough. Professional sports is about being the best of breed, period, no excuses. If the Sox are timid and “professional” in their approach they run the risk of squandering an opportunity to light a fire that could ignite New England this summer. One need only look to the Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels to see that, as youth has been served, so have exciting pennant races and emerging stars emerged.

Yesterday I made the call that Jackie Bradley should start in left field with Jonny Gomes and either Lyle Overbay /Mike Carp/Ryan Lavarnway (don’t make me more depressed by trying to justify this trio) as the lefty/righty combo to fill in for Boston’s injured DH David Ortiz. Bradley has by a long shot been the best player in Boston’s lineup this spring. Play him dammit! Compete now.

It is for similar logical reasons that I’m supporting Pedro Ciriaco as Boston’s opening day shortstop. It’s not going happen but I’m sticking to my guns.

Jose Iglesias has been offensively challenged his entire career. Yes, he’s a human vacuum cleaner at shortstop – a wizard really – but guys that bat their hat size at this position in the modern era are a dying breed. While it’s true that Ciriaco faded at the end of the 2012 season it’s also true that he batted .293 in 76 games and had some electrifying moments.

Meanwhile Iglesias batted .118 in 25 games with Boston. Iglesias over the past two seasons is a career .981 fielder. Ciriaco is a career .932 fielder. OK, so the defensive edge definitely goes to Iglesias. Still, when shoved into a corner I’d take Ciriaco at .49 less in fielding but a whopping .175 batting average increase in a New York minute. If Iglesias gets the start on opening day and becomes the every day SS until Stephen Drew can return to the lineup from his concussion it’s going to be his last hurrah. He won’t produce offensively and it will hurt the Sox as they try to get off to a fast start. I hope I’m dead wrong. I think I’m dead on.

Ciriaco could be very good for a stretch of games until Drew is ready to return and is also more flexible at a number of infield positions than is the one trick pony Iglesias.

I’m feeling it. Comment and prove me wrong Nation.

Baby give it up or turn it a loose 
Uh ha baby gives it up or turn it a loose 
Starting over again 
Baby, give it up or turn it a loose 
Oh ha baby, give it up or turn it loose 
Oooooh all right
- Give It Up or Turnit Loose, James Brown 

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Send your questions to  bosoxinjection@gmail.com and Earl will publish the questions and answers on the Bosox Injection site, ensuring that you get your 15 minutes of fame.

February 28, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. (74) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jackie Bradley has been the best player in Boston’s lineup this spring – and not by a little. Of the 20 players in Boston’s lineup who have had 20 at bats or more, Bradley (39 at bats) is first. His team leading .436 batting average is 91 points higher than his nearest teammates Jarrod Saltalamacchia and J.C. Linares, both with 29 at bats. On base percentage, same group, number 1. Slugging percentage, same group, fourth. On base plus slugging percentage, same group, number 1. Runs scored? Number 1. Hits? Number 1. Walks? Number 1. Strike outs? Number 15. Come on, the kid is a machine. Fill that engine with fuel and yank the cord.

Let’s get away from the stats for a minute and get emotional. Jackie Bradley is the most electrifying prospect the Red Sox have had since Jacoby Ellsbury came up. He looks like a baseball player. He acts like a baseball player. Ben and John, he’s walking the walk and talking the talk here.

Now let’s get practical. Papi is down. Today he was scheduled to get back in the batting cage but was scratched when he said he didn’t feel ready. This is going to be a long, hard road back for him if there ever is a road back. There’s a reason Jonny Gomes is a career platoon player. A .982 fielder, he’s a defensive liability who can’t hit righties, period (career .223 BA). He can DH against lefties since he’s a .284 hitter against southpaws. The best one-two DH punch would be Gomes against lefties and Mike Napoli against righties but manager John Farrell has already nixed the Napoli notion, saying that he’s progressed nicely at first base and that Napoli will be Boston’s every day first baseman. If between Ryan Lavarnway (doubtful), Mike Carp and Lyle Overbay a DH platoon can be fashioned or the Sox go out and pay for a thumper then Bradley patrolling left field makes even more sense and packs even more punch in the lineup.

Do you think for a minute that the Angels regret fast tracking Mike Trout or that the Nats felt they brought Bryce Harper along too quickly? Feed the beast. Take that chance. Roll those dice. The time is now. Choose to compete. Play Jackie Bradley.

Oh, put me in, Coach – I’m ready to play today 
Put me in, Coach – I’m ready to play today 
- Centerfield, John Fogerty

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Send your questions to  bosoxinjection@gmail.com and Earl will publish the questions and answers on the Bosox Injection site, ensuring that you get your 15 minutes of fame.

Will Papi ever be right this season? Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox announced that David Ortiz will be sidelined for at least five to seven days after an MRI revealed that his right heel, injured in July of 2012, is still inflamed and balky. Papi’s achilles injury has been more than a curiosity. How can an injury that wasn’t even a rupture still be giving him so much grief nine months after the fact?

I have a friend, Lew, who lives in New Hampshire. Without revealing all the particulars, let’s just say that Lew’s got 20+ years on Papi. He was talking to the doctor who did his rotator cuff surgery and asked him what he thought was up with Ortiz. Lew also ruptured his achilles tendon a couple of years ago. He rehabbed it and continues to run 10-15 miles per week in addition to officiating high school basketball games.

Lew’s doc said he’d heard through the grapevine that the injury is actually in a spot where the tendon meets the heel of Ortiz’ foot, an area that gets almost no blood flow and often never heals correctly.

I have first-hand experience with injuries in places that get no blood flow. In my twenties, strangely enough while playing basketball with Lew, I was floored by a much larger human being after setting a pick during a lunchtime basketball game. The collision threw me backward and in an attempt to break my fall I broke the navicular bone in my wrist. When I went to the doctor he said I would have been better off breaking the whole wrist because this tiny bone got very little blood supply and would take a much longer time to heal. I was casted for six weeks instead of four and after many months of rehabilitation I was able to resume normal sports activities and play my guitar. You know, all the things that make life truly worth living. A few conclusions can be drawn from this experience:

1. I sustained this injury in my twenties and it still took me months to recover from it.
2. I don’t walk on my hands.
3. As evidenced by Mike Napoli‘s recent diagnosis of avascular necrosis, bones that get poor blood supply either don’t heal well or die.

August 24, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) prior to a game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While all this is interesting, the elephant in the room begs the $26 million question. How did this come to be and why wasn’t it discovered prior to Papi’s new contract offering? The doctor said that it’s an often mis-diagnosed injury because the pain is disguised in the achilles tendon. Still, it’s hard to imagine that a medical staff accustomed to managing high-ticket athletes not examining all the possibilities before the Sox pulled the trigger on a new contract with Ortiz.

The Red Sox medical staff has a new Director this year. The organization made further changes in the medical staff as well. Still, the nagging questions regarding diagnosing and managing athletes persist. Jacoby Ellsbury‘s ribs and back and Dustin Pedroia‘s foot in 2010 are just two recent examples of either really bad luck or suspect medical diagnoses and subsequent management.

As I said at the outset, I’m not a doctor. I’m just a fan who expects expert diagnosticians, skillful courses of treatment and, in the case of Ortiz, solid recommendations when it comes to the financial investment the organization makes in aging athletes. While it’s true that Boston pockets $4 million if Ortiz is out more than 20 days this season due to the achilles injury based on a protective clause in his contract, the Red Sox may have been better off not re-signing Papi and driving the dollars into what may still become Plan B in 2013. It pains me to say that. It also pains me to think about a season without a real DH in a Red Sox uniform.

Grab your lunch pail check for mail in your slot
You won’t get your cheque if you don’t punch the clock
Bus rider.
-Bus Rider, The Guess Who 

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NOTE: Got a Baseball Question? “Just Ask Earl”

Just Ask Earl is a new feature that Bosox Injection is pleased to present. Esteemed BSI Senior Writer and certified baseball junkie Earl Nash will answer your questions related to baseball: rating prospects, fantasy trade advice, baseball cards, history, pitching techniques, strategy, rules, Red Sox issues, HOF candidates, MLB policies–you name it. If you can think it up, Earl will answer your questions.

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June 09, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Baseball glove and balls on the field before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Once one of Boston’s most promising prospects, Westmoreland announced his retirement today after two brain surgeries for a cavernous malformation growing on his brain steam left him unable to perform at the level demanded of a professional athlete.

“With a clear mind and heart, as well as the unwavering support and friendship of my family, friends, agent(s), doctors, therapists, and the Boston Red Sox, I have decided to voluntarily retire as a professional baseball player,” Westmoreland said in a statement e-mailed to New England media outlets.

Westmoreland attended Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. In 2007 and 2008, he made the Rhode Island All-State team and was named Rhode Island Player of Year.

Although committed to Vanderbilt, the Red Sox drafted Westmoreland in the 5th round in 2008. He signed with Boston, received a $2 million signing bonus and was assigned to the single A Lowell Spinners where he  batted .296 with seven home runs, 35 runs batted in (RBIs), and a .401 on-base percentage in 60 games during the 2009 season.

Following his 2009 season with Lowell he complained of dizziness and numbness that prompted follow ups with Doctor’s who diagnosed the potentially fatal condition.

After surgeries in 2010 and again in 2012 after a setback in this rehabilitation, Westmoreland decided to pull the plug on his professional career. His words say it all:

“Although it is a very difficult decision for me, it has become clear that the neurological damage caused by the most recent cavernous malformation and surgery leaves me with physical challenges that make it impossible to play the game at such a high level,” Westmoreland said in the statement.

“In my heart, I know that I have worked as hard as one possibly could to overcome the obstacles presented by this unfortunate series of events. It is with that confidence that I am comfortable turning the page.”

Best of luck in all your future endeavors Ryan Westmoreland.