Brad Penny is surprising me. I really didn't expect that much out of him. I figured between him and John Smoltz, maybe you get lucky with one, maybe not. But, I have to say he's throwing the hell out of the ball. He looks motivated and seems to get a bit stronger each time out. And, he's pitching tough with runners in scoring position. The velocity is coming back, first few starts he was at 89-90, now the heater is 95 consistently. Certainly, I think there is something to the shoulder program that many of the Sox pitchers are on. Now, if they can only get Dice K on it.
Speaking of Dice K, this was the perfect way to handle the situation. Send him somewhere (preferably not too close to McDonalds) where he can get his arm, body and mind in shape. They do not need him right now. I figure we won't see him at all until August 1 or beyond. By then, we'll know where we are with Smoltz and Clay Buchholz is waiting in the wings if anyone falters. I really think it's put up or shut up time for Matsuzaka. There's a lot of mileage on that arm. He is a tremendously gifted pitcher, but I'm not sure he ever really bought into the American way and better yet, the Red Sox way. The Sox are lucky in that their strength and conditioning team and John Farrell are top notch. There is more to pitching than just throwing tons of pitches each day. Let Dice take all the time he needs to get everything going.
It has been impressive to see the Sox winning consistently with Youkilis, Bay, Pedroia and Varitek all struggling at the plate. David Ortiz has picked it up and Ellsbury and Green have contributed a ton. It's only a matter of days when Julio Lugo is handed his pink slip. Green has earned his spot and is making Sox fans forget about Alex Cora.
Finally, it appears that Manny Ramirez will take the next 10 days or so to get back in playing shape by appearing in Triple A games. I understand that there's no rule against this, but there should be. It's a disgrace that he gets to play minor league ball while suspended from Major League ball. I understand that Albuquerque will prosper from this at the box office, but it's still a farce. Manny should not be allowed on a pro field until his suspension is up, then it's up to him and the team on how they get the rust off.
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Exhibit A was highlighted last night on why the Sox have not and will not ever be interested in Adam Dunn unless strictly as a DH. Every time a ball went out to left field, he simply picked up the ball and lobbed it into second. I counted at least 3 times where the Red Sox took the extra base on Dunn. The one time he made a throw to third to try and get Youkilis, Jason Bay simply moved up to second on the throw. "Moneyball" talked about less emphasis on defense and more on OBP, but Dunn and Nick Johnson (who would both be "Moneyball" guys) are leading the Nationals to a likely 105-110 losses.
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