Media Roundtable

Welcome back to the fourth and final hour Dennis and Callahan an annual rite of whispering if we yeah -- Bob -- visit to spring training every year. Is are up media roundtable on the last day in the last hour. A joining us through the broadcast like -- Heidi what they welcome all the Loria. Good jump and you guys -- into that though do you prefer the story -- camp tranquility that is Fort Myers or would you prefer. The turmoil that is Tampa and the roiling the rod story I moved to Tampa. -- in a perfect world somewhere in between him and -- yeah not quite as. Not quite is Vanilla as it is here and yet not quite as hectic as it is in Tampa but. You know those guys don't run out of things to write about I think we're dangerously close to having them happen here there is not an issue there's not a controversy there's nothing -- on the front or the back -- who delegates -- and you could say is. Who's gonna win the shortstop job and I think we know the answer that I.

I think that some that's competition in name only. I think that. Well I'm I'm not sure how you guys feel it I think it's going to be Lugo because I think it works out better for them I think you could make the argument that -- Might be the better player certainly the steady your player but I think it's easier for them if Lugo has a good camp starts playing. As a high profile. Perhaps has a good couple months and maybe they can find some -- you need to shortstop in a couple months knowing that while worries there and can step and and of course Lowrie can do things Lugo can meaning move around your -- someone's going to take Lugo -- if you can. Jerry if you can get the equal money back I mean nobody's going to be you know it's the sliding scale if you're gonna move eighteen million dollars salary you're either going to -- You know if you pay off that money they get something back if you do trade money for money you get someone else's problem back. I I think that there may be. I need of some injury comes up that some -- will take them but you gotta.

You know he's got to do a little better than he's done I mean let's face it he has no strengths in many doesn't. Hasn't fielded well hasn't hit well he can't be the utility guy 'cause I can even --

They're out and -- or mindset and I don't think he can do it and nobody wants to which is another reason why I think he's going to ultimately win the spot. Because Lowrie is more versatile and can do more things and won't complain while doing it when Lugo did in the second half of June 6 or seven things I he's pretty much.

Promising that he will be a squeaky wheel if he doesn't -- he's pretty much to guarantee you it that's fine -- won't -- what -- quietly. Which is which is fine I mean he's he's got more personality than most guys out here though he's out here leading. A chorus of of happy birthday the crowd singing happy birthday to Michael. And he's like -- it is and yeah he's he's not quite with that program the it could -- cookie cutter keep but they'll keep it brutal on Andy and robotics. -- plan that most these guys seem to be fitting into nicely.

Now obviously is the other breaks down -- without question very scared -- watch -- mean even when he was at his -- in Tampa -- We did use it does you're Theo point two he was still very -- unity -- defensively especially. Offensively he's never gotten lower and we have still what he saw in him yeah. I don't think he quite remembers now have gone a long time ago that you say it's always only play well against us when he went well yeah and and you know I think that was what he you know we played well against -- but we'll against the Yankees and -- thought. Even I was pulling for bad -- team at the time he was AL east tested. But you know sometimes it can be lol look this season when he stares at the pitcher does that mean that they like -- That that look. But early -- but just occasionally get a hit that to be effect yeah. The one thing that they probably hope happens is having added some muscle in the offseason that he drives the ball is not going to be a point five home run guy. The beacon banks and doubles off the wall and give a little bit of extra base production that that makes up for the fact that he's erratic in the field then strikeout.

Deficit that working with -- say that was not good for him is actually that for real try to change too much of the the way he went about doing things any statement. Happy working with Bogart so perhaps that it has something to do with his defensive -- last year. And overall he seems to be a better hitter than -- although Larry has more upside in my opinion and he's still about me but.

And the thing we don't know about -- is how limited was he by that risks -- in the second half when he really could not hit from the left side of the plate he's healthy now. And it is the rush would just Lowery he's young Evelyn to control is -- your service time so if he. You know if if if fiesta wait a year for the job to open or they find another solution at shortstop I mean that's been the revolving door position on this franchise since Theo took over. Then they'll do about later.

I I've asked this question pretty much everybody we sat -- talked with this week in the and the results are split pretty much 5050 of the two pitching entities starting rotation in the bullpen which one a year from now we're sitting at this picture to picnic table. Will we look back and -- they did something really special 2009. The bullpen for the rotation. -- able but I feel I really do I think this is I mean it's our the world document is the best bullpen that hadn't been a very long time but I think the way. It is structured now in baseball your starter you get him to five you know through six and then turn it over. It's whoever's best after that point I mean we saw that Tampa Bay in years past if you give the starter out of the game besides last year anyway. You that you don't win that game against Tampa Bay and I feel like -- you can sure that up which they have done them in this kind of depth is amazing I think you be more impressed by that I think that I the bigger impact on the season.

We'll petty said he yesterday came over after six -- comes out after six they know with this -- but they've got they can shut them down every single night and that is something. You know these guys can get plated runs off of other -- but of marbles and Jenna down the reds are both and then I think that it's also going to be especially -- man.

You know we get criticized and you guys -- just forget about Manny let it go let them anything -- when you're in there. In the clubhouse and talk and these guys and we talked to a bunch of them. There seemed determined to prove that they can win when they can score with a Manny hit without Manny play with a man I think it's become a team. In this among this thing maybe privately. But. Aggressive plan out.

When he -- and as we we are not going to miss many at all he said at all night I think it is a point of pride that that particularly some the veterans who were offended by his behavior in the middle of the season and and in talking to Theo Epstein told him sent the message. We need to make a change here. I think that they're there is something to prove that as good hitters -- is and let's face it the guys one of the two or three best. Right handed hitters of the modern error release -- 25 last point five years or so but there's there's also. A feeling that they want to show it's not a one man.

Is Ortiz caught in the middle there I mean he. Said that you know you he wonders with the protection in the line -- come on and before the words rather dismal Mike Lowell is and we talked about we get. Day and and through and and me and and get Pedroia and funny union Youkilis was in the second. Well that guy who -- Youkilis who did everything anyone asked of him in the cleanup spot. I think they do you think they took offense to Ortiz.

I think they might have but I think everyone really understands that Ortiz and Manny or close in more than just the B 34 guy he's still talks to that all the time. He still going to be friends with Annie and not only did he have that protection want to but I think it was more mental because you know like -- a member of the guys instead they've got five legitimate guys who can hit more than twenty home runs. And Jason they have 31 last year he's going to be productive again this year. Mike most he's healthy he can hit thirty home runs Kevin Youkilis has shown that kind of power Dustin Pedroia and they've got they've got a lot of pop in the lineup if everyone's healthy you know.

Admiral and usual -- and -- never heard this little success -- who led the 98 Yankees in home runs. And Whitley and O'Neill Tino Martinez. To see you don't know the and they score of 120 pocket came exactly. Then no thirty homer his right and -- and I think that this will not be you know and and net Terry Francona has said this on more than one occasion. They're not gonna have as many three run homers. But as he likes to say keep the line moving lots of doubles lots of on base grind out at bats and they did people also forget this fact. They did average more runs per game right from August 1 on than they did with -- and the other thing people for and -- people look back and say. Many had this great year here no we didn't. He had a great two months and then a great October for the Dodgers he had a very averaged four months for me any while here so what does that they're trying to replace the form once they got out of them. Or the amazing two and a half months that everyone soft -- 3000 miles away.

Entertainment value this people's minds and what about who's going to. Entertainment's. Jason Bay is just the professional guy planned. You know quiet unassuming boring John asked that question or not but how many times do think anything and -- and a half a year. And now spring training is as Terry Francona said. You know here's where -- you say what's the.

You know bad economic summit that is what democratic you know aren't perfect whatever they say is every day Jason back there all those people or -- in the and I agree -- all that but none of them and Manny Ramirez none of those guys matters -- you put in my together collectively as a group. But it produces much yet but I mean and I understand Ortiz point of view and yeah like 98 Yankees brought analogy fails we -- well well it's one that if these guys out Paul O'Neill Tino Martinez lot of -- it's close these and it's something that's all I agree but as -- lineup. From mental standpoint I understand Ortiz because he's -- and from that you look last year mentally he was right all you because of the risk that he never really got over Torre. And the fact that Manny was not there I really feel impacts him and I know coming into this you may say the right things but also know he still feels like he needs a Manny behind.

Well let's look at it this way meant a David Ortiz has never had a great season without Manny Ramirez and apart that's timing. I mean Ortiz came here and blossom on his own in 2003 and then. 4567. And then as John points out he has a mediocre year last year which was certainly affected by the injury. But in his mind he's never had a great year that was get over the he's got -- he does everything I sit -- on the right that that's in his elbow DM VP sitting in front of them -- finished third in the MVP he's hitting behind him defending going to bring it on my sinker is. There is that mental hurdle that Ortiz has clear.

That's exactly it it's a mental hurdle. They've got that they've got enough production around Ortiz to be good but it's a mental hurdle brand that he doesn't have many -- he's looking. And he's seen pitches differently for a -- talked about why I I have to walk more lap mark. But he's he's not swinging at stuff that he used to.

He sees a bad pitches is that there that's it that's the reason manners isn't it behind isn't that hapless battles lost -- opening as you utility an excuse to -- and more often look the grab on excuse it is already thinking he's you know he's he's two strikes depth to the fun. That sort of two strikes out -- commitment approach here I think the one thing is here though is he's looking that you read a lot of the stuff during the offseason he read it he digress you know the big man. -- My reflexive. Answer for everything. Now now which some talking to John earlier. They don't know what criticism is they have not have to go and do this or has a fairly charmed life this Red Sox that there's no criticism.

Of ownership of the general manager of the manager. Which used to be sport in this town right and the stars of this team are basically untouchable in the wind pick about it. The DO and David Ortiz and the other -- You know if there are some questions about you know how much longer he can do this but he doesn't know criticism if you think it's gotten you know.

That's just it I mean that they have no reference point -- and the slightest bit of criticism. It feels like an Avalanche of criticism because they don't and that you know they've they've led the charmed life and.

Which comes with two World Series a given that. But Pedroia it was complainant. And I think in these guys -- too -- and he won a rookie of the year and MVP your article you are he adored by Red Sox Nation. I think people been pretty positive about Dustin Pedroia and all these guys for the most.

Other all the catchers change and this team this year I was -- ball. Well a lot of it's going to be tonight. When we see proud. Barred catches Tim Wakefield for the first time certainly there's it's all eyes on that there's not a lot other from the shortstop to. To look at and people want to see if -- can do a better job than he did last time around certainly he has to if he doesn't. The -- look at other options. But George guitarists would seem to be stretched to be your backup guy -- that he use out of personally I think -- going to be fund and I think he's going to Allegra to learn that mean and you can just throw guy in -- That's an -- while he will tell you that he was fine in spring training within three years ago and that on the eve of his first start. In Texas catching Wakefield some and said. You know what. He should look at some -- take into a heated and that got in his head and asserts that ought. -- belly does this and I've been doing that well on your -- Cottam for bunch of years he he knows batter and he change he forced himself to change because someone said. Take a look at some videotape that what what your -- that he was not himself. People forget he was find out here he was fine and Florida but when the bell rang he had looked at your ability videotape and started. -- that's not.

I was very tax mental state -- He hasn't come on with us please hasn't missed the opportunity to pick up little pebbles and -- the -- all the guys who come on -- which is kind of strange and is he over the what he's it to me Jason Varitek over the offseason.

His my time's going to be determined by Jason Varitek and then he comes on and gets back to where he was a couple of years ago. Is offensive problems take care of I see him in his role as he has been in the past if he continues to do what he did last year do you see a lot more --

what everybody else NC I don't think it will ever seen catch 130 games -- even though he comes out -- offensively I think they know with his body they've got to rest the more. Guys break down. And if they you know with Kevin Cash was not going to -- here you did find catching Wakefield and that was a blessing for them because they didn't have that. But I think if Bard can hit at all that he could start you know maybe sixty games since that it just the thirty Texas for Wakefield.

It certainly had been in the Varitek at this point that Korea's right when do you think when do you think Lars Anderson planned first and you courses planned to -- I think could be as early as next year next year this time we could I think that as long as he progresses as long as he hits AAA and doesn't have much of -- speed bump there. I would expect that they'll probably have a mop in September when rosters expand not the play necessarily but they like to get their feet -- well those guys yeah -- This is what the big leagues like cannot complain much you know you'll you'll play once we clinched or. You know four out or whatever but. Just the experience of being around the league knows what to expecting doesn't have to come in here cold -- But give Anderson is who they think he has the quote Dennis Green. Then than he could be you know that they could move.

And he's red as lobster alright crushed yesterday I just -- it's really that there's insults sun screen I don't know brand that's onscreen I have them here fell nicely yesterday SPF sixty -- started off really about it yes so we'll do. Lost these two though that that Tony -- in the column yesterday talking about the waning level of interest. -- The Bruins did do some regard also deepened and how did not run down when you win a World Series and -- and last year topped that. Yeah minutes it's hard and I would say but I 20% that's the pretty shot that's it's pretty good chunk of -- I had nothing to do now.

He just you know again and I -- the first year wasn't a lot yeah that's just the Sox -- the Specter that it stays -- it right now and thought that everyone has come to expected -- you know 2014007. And it's one of those things like -- little bit of attention in the season will really pay attention come September I think that have something that. Ratings are structured. Change slightly at yours at just the breakdown habit and it its way to technical offered. Eighty about it but that changed that that for the.

On my numbers and visually huge and I got. Like the or so it's pretty corporation offering Ellis still carrying -- yeah they're all yeah years say a quick question around the table here a year from now -- we look back Ellis while never saw that amazingly. Tremendous season coming from that particular. Position -- Padilla pitcher. I think so long as he's healthy and that's addicting I think -- he's -- is that Louisiana you have a huge impact vote tonight. In the seventh and eighth inning and also. Because he has the experience on days and nights when Papelbon is not available he's closed you don't have to worry about him any -- including me know weekend. That elbow holds up -- think you'd be demonstrable and gone Jacoby Ellsbury I think he's going to have a huge year I think last year was very tough for him but I think this you can be very -- you know there aren't many choices that how. I mean side delegates but he's a middle reliever -- Charlotte and I think Jason Barack I have.

Brad Pitt could be had a big surprise and coming back healthy and working with a shoulder program here with Red Sox that's going to help them a lot. But I think that it is J. D. -- struggles with a back injury like he has in the past that Rocco Baldelli could be a guy that with his change in diagnosis and new you know medication and whatever he's doing for that. He says he stronger he feels good and he could come back and really blossom if he easy.

12123. In the division. You guys ready for this -- and ever wins by the way. -- holes out right all of us and Metallica. Would get elected to on this Bobble head at all yet ignorant. Red Sox. Honestly yankees' first with ninety wins first. Real you don't think this is going to affect them and him. You know what you read -- she's -- yet as he can put aside your -- he thrives on the field and really sense -- that that you can't just throw things together has to be some can't chemistry I agree I think the one thing they have working against them.

Is Girardi be honest with I mean Watson will set up last year yeah. I mean every you know -- tutorial but they'll never miss Torre did more than now yeah -- and -- As a deflect her as the guys did that offers the criticism and who knows when to push when to prod. -- Girardi as a drill sergeant mentality. Is up Titans paranoid the wrong guy for that market I thought I thought that when they hired him. And I think it even more now because the ball they're dealing with can agree more I I say. That said. I say Red Sox Yankees Tampa I think the race take a step backward their bull pens going to be an issue I would for the reds on them.

Because it's a tough division. 9590s was the same save this we always lose and I don't know where you don't -- I don't know.

I -- and we had to give our predictions about a month ago I said the same thing Red Sox Yankees rays and I can say it's tough division everyone's going to beat each other out but. I think the Red Sox are going to come out on top they've made a lot of additions that people can get healthy stay healthy. That there are better team overall and then the other two and the rays you know I think they're going to have a setback.

Their starters all had career years last year and I didn't without citing his Jersey -- in the mills and you -- him to the vital pat -- and whose world but it was a matter guaranteed. I think. I think it's guys like Holland now for the take you know they had they came out and -- journeyman guys in the late twenties and early thirties who have career -- years that as a setup guy simply better -- price have a huge the questions about the starters during their rotations good young powerful prices is going to help them but how about innings 79. And they've got great years out of those guys they still know who's going to close there. I think that I don't think -- gonna go to like 75 wins back to where they work but I can see him when an 8889 and missed the --

Sort of a six surely -- they could spare I mean -- but they have they have too many right now while many resident on the I can't find. Team wantonly on a match play breakdown we're bigger eccentric match play fancier. -- you know she owns a big golf management at where is that. -- planned as you us. They gotta take we got every. -- I know George hearing we're gearing toward the masters track and it was a great win. I don't I just come up with a arbitrary reasons to root for guys in the scenic one Nancy. You constant right first -- Good reason. I root for me came up huge very clutch it was a lot of fun is that going to propel him to bigger and better than I know past Jack Nicholas on the all time earnings list.

also one of only five players to win. Two tournaments before they turn thirty he's 27 years old. So. He's a very good player -- I've heard a lot of you know good feedback about and he works really hard -- nicest guy in the world is he but analysts who say that Greg is he's a fan not to easily my enroute from -- every week he's great he's great I am actually that going to take off the -- series. I have thought that dot com and go watch the masters myself that Obama command off not getting into when you walk the grounds -- there won't -- at Augusta oh my gosh I'm I'm so excited it's just being a sports fan in general like that you had last night that. I am not good enough to play in front of people but without.

Close thanks very much -- get a -- solo Heidi want to thanks for -- the -- we appreciated unless you're spring done here thank you Allison Keller will continue as we wrap it up from Red Sox spring training.