Sometimes You Just Need A Cookie

Sports Article: Spring Training

Sox Questions Finally Answered?
Greg Walsh
3/21/06
gwalsh861@hawks.rwu.edu


The new faces keep on coming.

The latest chapter in the “Out with the Old, In with the Young” mentality, that Theo and Company have adopted, took place late yesterday afternoon as the Red Sox shipped out the rock star starter Bronson Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for the “raw talent” slugger, as GM Theo Epstien put it, Wily Mo Pena.

This transaction is just one of many the Sox have made over the off-season.

The underground youth movement has begun for the Red Sox. They replaced the 32 year-old Johnny Damon with the 26 year-old Coco Crisp. They replaced the Kevin Millar, 34, with the Kevin Youkilis, 27. They are gearing up to replace Curt Schilling and David Wells (39 and 43 respectively) with the pair of potential aces, Josh Beckett (26) and Jonathan Papelbon (25).

And now with the acquisition of 24 year-old Wily Mo Pena, Trot Nixon, 33 years old just after opening day and in the final year of his contract, will have to watch his back.

The Sox have been gearing up for the future while still maintaining a competitive team. They were forced to take gold glover Mike Lowell, and his large contract, from the Marlins in order to acquire Beckett. Lowell is at least a solid fielder, and he still may add a little pop with his bat every once and awhile.

The signing of SS Alex Gonzalez to a one-year deal, shows that the Sox will be relying heavily on the development of prospect Dustin Pedroia.

This “youth movement” has left the Sox with a whole new infield and a new centerfielder. Just the thought of that raises a few eyebrows.

“Well, they have a lot of questions,” said Peter Gammons as he watched the Sox warm-up at Fort Myers, FL. “If Schilling and Foulke are healthy, the pitching should be strong and defense will take care of itself.”

These questions seem to turning into answers in the form of Spring Training.

On Tuesday March 14, the Sox took on the Dodgers in an exhibition game. This marked the first time former Sox manager Grady Little, now with the Dodgers, faced Boston since he was fired after the 2003 season. Unfortunately for fans, former Sox stars, Nomar Garciaparra, Bill Mueller, and Derek Lowe were no where to be found.

Sox pitcher Matt Clement got his first start of the spring after a rollercoaster season that ended with a forgettable performance in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Against the Dodgers, Clement threw 4 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts and no walks. His success may be attributed to him reinstating the sinker, a pitch that he abandoned last year after it landed him in the hospital courtesy of a liner to the head. Clement only allowed 2 hits, but then again, his defense should be given the credit for that.

Defensive gems by shortstop Alex Gonzalez made Sox fans quickly forget the woeful defense of “E”dgar Rentaria.

In the top of the third, Dodgers 3b Willie Aybar lined a grounder up the middle right at Clement, who just missed it and showed no hesitation at the ball hit directly at him. The ball rolled toward second base as Gonzalez came out of nowhere, slid and snared the ball, spun around and fired a one-hopper to first baseman J.T. Snow, who made a nice scoop to get the runner. This is the kind of play that Boston fans should get used to.

Fellow newcomer Crisp has done everything right so far to replace defector JohnNY Damon. He hustles on every play, made a spectacular diving play in the outfield, and even spends time before the games interacting with fans and signing autographs.

Schilling, who is beginning to look like the Schilling of old, is slated to start the season for the Sox. And the job of closing games out in the ninth, is none other then closer Keith Foulke, who Is looking strong in his first few appearances and has yet to give up a run.

This youth movement by the Sox shows that they are gearing up for the future, but also trying to contend with teams now. Time will tell if this movement pays off for them, but in the mean time, these kids could be a lot of fun to watch, and the potential to be something great.

-END-

Hey guys, that was my sports writing article. I really liked it so I thought I would post it.

Be sure to keep reading, because i did a duel update here. Spring Training Day 1-3 is right below this, so be sure to read it!!

More updates to come.

Keep On Rocking In The Free World!

posted by Greg @ 10:20 AM