A future dynasty: A fictional Red Sox story

[BelgianBomber]

Rumors have been ongoing for a while now, but today we finally received a statement from the representatives of both the players association and MLB team owners.
In an effort to make baseball more attractive and competitive again, all players will be released by their teams. A massive draft will take place and will change the landscape of the MLB for good.
Players will keep their contracts, but will get paid by their new teams.
Every team has the opportunity to start from scratch and can start heading into a new direction.
This should give each and every team an equal chance to succeed in the new MLB.
This story will focus on the Boston Red Sox.

[BelgianBomber]

As the Red Sox prepare for the 200 round long draft there are a couple of guidelines that are being put in place to make sure the team goes in the right direction.

Here are the guidelines that should help shape the roster:

1. Focus on the farm: Draft as many high upside prospects as possible. A constant flow of young talent should help keep the team competitive in the long run.

2. Pitching, pitching, pitching: A strong rotation is a must for a team that wants to compete for a chamionship. Draft starting pitchers early and stock up on young, talented arms.

3. Defense wins championships: Offense is awesome, but if we can combine great pitching with a great defense, we should be able to keep the opposition from putting up runs.

[BelgianBomber]

#1: Justin Verlander, RHP, age 30, 4.5 star rating (drafted: round 2, 55th overall):
The 5-time All-Star will be the ace of the rotation. Verlander is a great pitcher, he is capable of dominating the opposition. He'll rack up a lot of K's and he doesn't give up many home runs.

#2: Adam Wainwright: RHP, age 31, 4.5 star rating (drafted: round 3, 66th overall):
Wainwright is a second ace. He knows what he's doing on the mound and will simply get the job done. Good repertoire of pitches, with solid movement and great control. Wainwright has established himself as a local icon with his personality, dedication to the team and hard-nosed play. We hope he can bring that influence to our team.

#3: Trevor Cahill, RHP, age 25, 3.5 star rating (drafted: round 6, 175th overall):
Cahill will be a steady presence in the middle of the rotation. He can get a lot of Hitters out, although he will have his struggles here and there. Cahill should do really well with a good defense behind him, because he is more of a contact pitcher.

#4: Matt Harvey, RHP, age 24, 4 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:
round 4, 115th overall):
In time, Harvey will compete for the number 1 role. Headed for the upper echelon of strikeout pitchers. Combines great stuff with aggressiveness. Matt is able to get solid movement on his pitches. Right now he will probably walk some batters, but he has room to improve his command.

#5: Joe Kelly, RHP, age 24, 1.5 star rating (2.5 star potential) (drafted: round 14, 415th overall):
Kelly doesn't stand out in any way, but I feel there is a pretty solid pitcher in there somewhere. Gets a lot of groundballs (64%), which should play well with a solid defense behind him.


Rotation review:
I think the rotation is certainly a strength for this team. Verlander and Wainwright are aces that should give the team a chance to win every time they pitch. Harvey has the makings of becoming a third ace and should be able to hold his own in the bottom of the rotation for now. Cahill should be a solid number 3 and if Kelly can surprise (as I think he can), we should have one of the best rotations in the MLB.
The only knock on the rotation is that we don't have any left-handed starters right now.

[BelgianBomber]

MR: Randy Choate, LHP, age 37, 4 star rating (drafted: round 58, 1735th overall):
Choate is an above-average pitcher and a pretty good option to have in the pen. Decen ability to camouflage his above average pitches. Does give up too many walks. Randy will be the lefty specialist.

MR: Kyuji Fujikawa, RHP, age 32, 2.5 star rating (drafted: round 60, 1795th overall):
Fujikawa is graded as an average reliever who should get his team through the middle innings. Changes speeds effectively, which can make his stuff hard to hit. Gets good movement on his fastball and displays pretty good control and command. Works hard to be as good as he can be.

MR: Kyle Farnsworth, RHP, age 36, 2.5 star rating (drafted: round 59, 1746th overall):
Farnsworth should be a solid contributor in the bullpen. Has shown in the past that he can be counted upon in the late innings. Doesn't have an elite pitch in his repertoire, but mixes up his pitches well. Has late sink on his fastball and keeps Hitters honest. Throws a decent number of strikes.

MR: Jeremy Affeldt, LHP, age 33, 4 star rating (drafted: round 50, 1495th overall):
A quality left-handed reliever. Affeldt will give his team quality innings in relief. Effective fastball and decent off-speed pitches. Natural sink on his pitches that will help him keep the ball in the park. Does tend to walk too many batters.

MR: Brad Ziegler, RHP, age 33, 4 star rating (drafted: round 57, 1686th overall):
Ziegler is a pretty good option out of the pen, but probably not suited for anything more than middle relief. Not one stand out pitch, but is able to pitch to contact and get a huge amount (74%) of groundballs. He should do very well with a good defense backing him up.

MR: Heath Bell, RHP, age 35, 4.5 star rating (drafted: round 54, 1615th overall):
3-time All-Star closer who is coming off his worst season yet. If Bell can regain his All-Star form, he should be a dominant part of our bullpen. Heath has solid stuff and can rack up a good number of strikeouts. Gets nice motion on his pitches. His command isn't elite, but walks aren't normally a big issue. He could push for the closer role.

CL: Chris Perez, RHP, age 27, 3.5 star rating (drafted: round 37, 1086th overall):
2-time All-Star closer who can get the job done when he is called upon. Does a good job of limiting walks and can put up some nice strikeout numbers. Perez should be the anchor of the bullpen for years to come.



Bullpen review:
Age is the big concern here, as there is only one player younger than 32. On the other hand, we do have a ton of experience here. We pretty much know what these guys will be able to give us when we call on them. Combined with our strong rotation, these guys should be able to keep our opponents from putting up runs.
I don't see our bullpen is a true strenght, but it's not like it looks like a weakness either.

[BelgianBomber]

C: Russell Martin, bats right, age 30, 4 star rating (drafted: round 8, 235th overall):
Martin is an excellent, if not an elite, offensive player. A .250/.330/.440 year isn't out of the realm op possibility. He has good power (especially for a catcher) and can go yard if a pitcher makes a mistake. Good patience at the plate and will draw walks. An excellent defensive player who works well with his pitching staff. A team leader who is well-respected by his teammates.

1B: Justin Morneau, bats left, age 31, 4 star rating (drafted: round 11, 306th overall):
If (and that's a big if) he can stay healthy, he should be a big contributor to the lineup. A .270/.350/.500 statline with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs isn't out of the question. Very athletic first baseman, but we will try to rest him when possible, as his bat is more important.

2B: Dustin Ackley, bats left, age 25, 2 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted: round 9, 246th overall):
Ackley has average offensive ability and will use his tools to put out an honest effort. A star by no means, more of a dirt dog. A pretty solid player in all aspects. He should do particularly well in the lower half of the lineup.

SS: Jimmy 'J-Roll' Rollins, bats switch, age 34, 4 star rating (drafted: round 7, 186th overall):
3-time All-Star, 4-time Gold Glove winner. Rollins might not be the player he used to be, but he can still be productive. He is able to limit his strikeout number and when he gets on base he is always dangerous. Should also give our time excellent defense.

3B: Michael Young, bats right, age 36, 2 star rating (drafted: round 26, 775th overall):
At age 36, Young is still a decent offensive player. Does a good job of getting on base, while hitting for a decent average. If he is protected by good Hitters, he should put up some very nice numbers. Not the best fielder, but could be worse.

RF: Bryce Harper, bats left, age 20, 5 star rating (drafted: round 1, 6th overall):
The Phenom. What more needs to be said about this kid. He can do it all. Plus-plus contact potential with tremendous power. Won't swing at anything bad. Very patiend and draws plenty of walks. Excellent defender at either corner outfield spot. He has plus speed that will put pressure on defenses. The face of the franchise!!!

CF: Angel Pagan, bats switch, age 31, 3.5 star rating (drafted: round 12, 355th overall):
Stroke is short to the baseball, which allows him to hit for average. Is willing to take a walk and gets on-base at a good rate. 30+ stolen bases should be possible at the top of the lineup. Pagan has solid hands and fields his position well. Not a star, but a very reliable player.

LF: Matt Holliday, bats right, age 33, 4.5 star rating (drafted: round 5, 126th overall):
The 6-time All-Star is an offensive force that teams must pitch around or game-man against. Holliday can be the anchor of any team's lineup. Just needs to have enough other Hitters to protect him. In a typical season, might go .310/.380/.570. Plus contact hitter who can go deep every time he comes to the plate. Knows the strike zone and will take a walk if there's nothing that he likes. He might never win a fielding award, but he's been okay at left field defensively throughout his career.

DH: Carlos Lee, bats right, age 36, 1.5 star rating (drafted: round 35, 1026th overall):
His best days might be well behind him, but Lee should still be able to give this team some decent production. Does very well to limit strikeouts and works opposing pitchers hard. He won't be counted upon to carry the offense, but could be very good value in the lower half of the lineup. Could spell Morneau at 1st from time to time.


Lineup review:
I think we have to be pretty happy with this starting lineup. The defensive alignment looks really good. Martin is a great gamecaller and defender behind the plate. Ackley and J-Roll should be a good combo in the middle infield. Our outfield looks solid with Harper a potential Gold Glove winner.
If we look at offensive potential, this team has a little bit of everything. Rollins, Pagan and Harper should provide speed on the bases.
At least 4 players should be able to hit 20+ home runs, while adding a ton of extra base hits.
Our team OBP should be pretty good and with this lineup, getting on base is always dangerous for our opposition.

[BelgianBomber]

C: Eli Whiteside, bats right, age 33, 1 star rating (drafted: round 68, 2035th overall):
Whiteside is a below-average hitter in every regard. He won't contribute much on offense, but he is a very good defensive catcher and knows how to work with his staff. It is that ability that makes him interesting as a back-up option.

1B: Matt Hague, bats right, age 27, 1 star rating (drafted: round 80, 2395th overall):
Hague probably won't do much damage at the next level, but his numbers in the upper minors show that he does have some ability. As long as he isn't counted upon for long periods of time, I think Hague could be a useful player to have around.

2B: Jamey Carroll, bats right, age 39, 1 star rating (drafted: round 67, 1986th overall):
Veteran presence who can be counted upon to serve as a backup option or pinch-hitter. Has shown the past couple of years he can still play at a pretty high level from longer periods of time. Good defense at second base. Does a good job of posting a respectable OBP.

SS: Clint Barmes, bats right, age 34, 2 star rating (drafted: round 66, 1975th overall):
Excellent defender at either MI position. Barmes is a below-average hitter, but could be a decent option to take over when injuries strike. He could benefit from the protection the rest of the lineup can provide.

3B: Danny Valencia, bats right, age 28, 1 star rating (drafted: round 133, 3966th overall):
Valencia is a well below-average hitter across the board. He won't strike fear into the pitchers he faces. He is a pretty solid defender and will hold his own at the hot corner.

LF: Sam Fuld, bats left, age 31, 1.5 star rating (drafted: round 79, 2346th overall):
Fuld is a very capable defender and will go for the steal when he gets on-base. While he won't hit for much power, he should be able to put up a respectable batting average.

CF: Franklin Gutierrez, bats right, age 30, 1.5 star rating (drafted: round 63, 1866th overall):
Former Gold Glove center fielder. Gutierrez once was regarded as one of the best young center fielders in the game, but injuries took a toll on him. Gutierrez still is considered to be a premier defender, but he does lack the offensive ability to start at the highest level.

RF: Daniel Nava, bats switch, age 30, 1 star rating (drafted: round 65, 1926th overall):
A tick below-average as a hitter, but Nava will work hard to contribute in any way he can. Has shown in the past that he can be counted on when needed. Decent enough fielder so that he isn't a liability.


Bench review:
These players will battle it out for the bench spots. While we don't expect these guys to battle for a starting spot, they should be able to step in for a short period of time and take over when a starter is hurt. But if we do lose a key player for a long period of time, we will probably need to look outside of the organisation for help.

[BelgianBomber]

#7: Byron Buxton, CF, bats right, age 19, 1 star rating (5 star potential) (drafted:round 23, 666th overall):
Looks like a natural out there, and the game comes easy to him. Could be one of the best in the league at his position. Projects to be an above-average contact hitter,with plus power potential. Very patient approach, will draw walks. Pretty good fielder who can make all the routine plays. Top-of-the-scale speed.

#12: Carlos Correa, SS, bats right, age 18, 1 star rating (5 star potential) (drafted:round 25, 726th overall):
Should be under discussion for the top spot on any prospect list. Potential to be a .310 hitter. Power is more a projection right now, but he’s got average to plus power potential. A solid, yet unspectacular eye. Could become a solid to above-average defender.

#15: Javier Baez, SS, bats right, age 20, 1 star rating (5 star potential) (drafted: round 24, 715th overall):
Consensus premium talent. This guy should go places. Showing contact ability which should translate into a solid batting average. He’s got tremendous power potential.Poor plate discipline, and hasn’t shown signs of improving. Will really be an Achilles heel if he can’t start to change his approach. Should be a capable defender at the shortstop position.

#16: Miguel Sano, 3B, bats right, age 19, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 16, 475th overall):
It’s easy to dream on this kid. Makes the game look easy, and should have a long career ahead of him. He has a decent swing and can adjust quickly to the pitchers he faces. Projects to have above-average contact ability. Outstanding power potential and very patient approach. An average fielder at best.

#17:Jameson Taillon, RHP, age 21, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 13, 366th overall):
An ace in the making, one who should challenge for the Cy Young Award year after year. Above-average stuff for a kid his age and should improve with time. Top-notch movement on his pitches, his breaking stuff is particularly hard to handle. Shows really good command and probably won’t walk too many.

#20: Albert Almora, CF, bats right, age 18, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 36, 1075th overall):
Love this kid’s tools, and I think he’ll learn how to use them. If he does, he could be a star. Projects to hit around .290 and has above-average power potential. Solid batting eye. He’s a natural defender, with very few nights off. He has plus speed that will put pressure on defenses.

#21: Kyle Zimmer, RHP, age 21, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted: round 19,546th overall):
If his repertoire develops as everyone expects, he’s going to be afront-of-the-rotation starter for years to come. You can tell he knows how to pitch. Nice breaking stuff and shows really good command.

#23: Kevin Gausman, RHP, age 21, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted: round 15,426th overall):
Gausman is loaded with front-line starter potential, and should be among the league leaders someday. Has the sort of control that could give him a long career. Rarely gives up a walk. Well above average breaking stuff. Above-average stuff for a kid his age, with plenty of room for improvement.

#25: Mason Williams, CF, bats left, age 21, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential)(drafted: round 17, 486th overall):
Could be an offensive force, with some refinement. Showing contact ability which should translate into an above-average batting average. Williams has plus raw power potential and has the chance to be a run producer. Solid batting eye. Able to make most plays and is a solid defender. He has excellent first-step quickness and acceleration, which should translate into one of the league’s better basestealers.

#27: Kris Bryant, 3B, bats right, age 20, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 45, 1326th overall):
Bryant has a really high ceiling He still needs to refine his game to reach it, but if he does, he should be a star. Project to be a very good contact hitter. Great power potential, clean-up hitter in the making. Solid, yet unspectacular eye. Kris is an average fielder and his speed grades out as below average.

#28: Archie Bradley, RHP, age 20, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted: round 18, 535th overall):
A guy who will challenge for many pitching awards and anchor a rotation. Has the potential to improve his 3 pitches and all of them should be well above-average. Gets good movement on his pitches but will give up the occasional long ball. Shows really good command and picks his spots well.

#34: Clint Frazier, CF, bats right, age 18, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 47, 1386th overall):
Looks like a natural out there, and the game comes easy to him. Could be one of the best in the league at his position. Future looks bright as a contact hitter. Top-notch power potential. Superior bat speed, solid batting eye. His speed grades out as well above-average. Right now, he does not have the defensive skills to be a starting center fielder.

#36: Jorge Soler, RF, bats right, age 21, 1 star rating (5 star potential) (drafted: round28, 835th overall):
Jorge has the potential to become one of the best hitters in the league. Projects to be a.310 hitter with plus power potential. Needs to improve his plate discipline. Struggles to draw walks and often swings at bad pitches. Soler is a very athletic right fielder and shines in that aspect of the game.

#38: Reese McGuire, C, bats left, age 18, 1 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted: round43, 1266th overall):
Reese McGuire is a superior offensive player who is consistent and has a great approach to hitting. Learns quickly and has few holes. Top-notch pitchers still give him some trouble, but he’s still improving. Should be able to hit for a high average with plus raw power. He has plus hands behind the plate and is already very good calling the game.

#39: Ryne Stanek, RHP, age 21, 0.5 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted: round 22, 655th overall):
Stanek has the makings of a top-flight starter. His stuff shows respectable potential. Is able to generate solid movement on his pitches. Has the sort of control that could give him a long career. Rarely walks people and finds the plate consistently. You can trust him not to give away too much.

#40: Josh Hart, CF, bats right, age 18, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 48, 1435th overall):
Hart makes the game look easy and should have a long career ahead of him. Project to be a.290 hitter with plus power potential. Very patient approach at the plate, and will draw walks if he doesn’t see anything he likes. Josh has above-average speed and grades out as average overall defensively.

#41: Andrew Heaney, LHP, age 21, 0.5 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted: round 20, 595th overall):
Heaney should one day emerge as a top-of-the-rotation guy. You can tell he knows how to pitch. Uses his entire repertoire effectively, with consistent above-average stuff. Generates good movement on his pitches and shows good command. Picks his spots well and probably won’t walk too many.

#45: Addison Russell, SS, bats right, age18, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential)(drafted: round 27, 786th overall):
Russell has a really high ceiling. Bright future as a contact hitter. Solid power potential for a middle infielder, should hit somewhere around 25 home runs a season. Very patient approach at the plate. Right now he is an average fielder, so a move to another position could be a possibility.

#47: Austin Meadows, CF, bats lets, age 17, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted: round 51, 1506th overall):
Has a decent swing and can adjust quickly to the pitchers he faces. A young player with top-notch power potential. Superior bat speed, and equally good at turning on inside and outside pitches. Very patient approach. Below-average defender with good speed. A move to a corner spot is most likely.

#48: Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, age 20, 0.5 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted: round 21,606th overall):
Guerrieri has the making of a top-flight starter. Nice stuff for a young kid. Will give up the long ball occasionally. Shows really good command of his pitches and picks his spots well. Should do very well in the middle of a rotation.

#49: Dominic Smith, 1B, bats left, age 18, 0.5 star rating (4.5 star potential)(drafted: round 46,1375th overall):
Smith shows solid contact potential and projects to be a .310 hitter. Plus power potential.He is not disciplined enough at the plate and will strike out often. Struggles to draw walks. Dominic has solid hands and fields his position well.

#52: Max Fried, LHP, age 18, 0.5 star rating (3.5 star potential) (drafted: round 30, 895th overall):
His talent,instinct and desire to make it as a big leaguer translate into mid-rotation potential. Nice stuff for a young kid. Has the sort of control that could give him a long career. Well above average breaking stuff.

#60: D.J.Peterson, 1B, bats right, age 21, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 61, 1315th overall):
Peterson has a really high ceiling. Projects to be a .290 hitter. Plus raw power and has the chance to be a run producer. Very patient approach at the plate, and will draw walks if he doesn’t see anything he likes. Adequate first baseman.

#63:Gregory Polanco, CF, bats left, age 21, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential)(drafted: round 33, 966th overall):
Gregory Polanco is a superior offensive player who is consistent and has a great approach to hitting. Learns quickly and has few holes. Top-notch pitchers still give him some trouble, but he’s still improving. Plus power potential. Is not disciplined enough at the plate. Struggles to draw walks and strikes out often.Polanco is seen as an average fielder. Well above-average speed and knows how to put it to good use.

#71: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, age 17, 0.5 star rating (3.5 star potential) (drafted: round40, 1195th overall):
Conservative guess: a future number 3 starter. Definitely should have a solid big-league career. His stuff shows respectable potential. Has some decent sink on his fastball down in the zone. Shows really good command and picks his spots well.

#73: David Dahl, CF, bats left, age 19, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted: round32, 955th overall):
Probably won’t top any prospect lists, but should be under discussion for the next tier down. Not quite an elite prospect, but close. Projects to be a .270 hitter with extra-base power. Very patient approach at the plate. Solid speed. Dahl is an average fielder at best.

#84: Robert Kaminsky, LHP, age 18, 0.5 star rating (3.5 star potential) (drafted: round 39,1146th overall):
His talent,instinct and desire to make it as a big leaguer translate into mid-rotation potential. Above-average stuff. Has some decent sink on his fastball down in the zone. Probably won’t walk too many, as he shows good command.

#85: Gary Sanchez, C, bats right, age 20, 1 star rating (4 star potential) (drafted:round 31, 906th overall):
Some scouts are predicting stardom for Sanchez, while others think he’ll be only an average regular. I’d split the difference on those projections. Plus power potential and projects to hit around .290. Solid, yet unspectacular eye. Decent ability behind the plate.

#87: Alen Hanson, SS, bats switch, age 20, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 29, 846th overall):
Consensus premium talent. This guy should go places. Doesn’t project to hit for a very high average. More of a line-drive hitter, but he does have some raw power.Plus-plus speed. Gets an incredible jump and will win the battle against all but the strongest catchers. Average fielder at best

#89: J.P. Crawford, SS, bats left, age 17, 1 star rating (4.5 star potential) (drafted:round 53, 1555th overall):
A really valuable property that any team would want to have. Projects to be an impact player. Potential for plus contact. He might never hit for big-time power, but could be a 20 home run guy down the line. Decent defender with above-average speed. Won’t kill you at the plate, but won’t wear down opposing pitchers either.


Prospects review:
A strength for sure. We have by far the strongest farm system in the league and we will invest a lot of money on player development. We will give our prospects time to develop and will bring them along accordingly. The foundation should be here to build a team that should compete for years to come.

[BelgianBomber]

On the schedule for the day were 2 meetings. One with owner John Henry and the other with Manager John Farrell.

The first meeting of the day was with Mr. Henry. He wanted to talk about his expectations for the upcoming season. He had already made it clear that he wanted the team to be competitive from the start. He confirmed this today, as he told me that he expects the team to reach the playoffs. Anything less would be disappointing to him.

If we can believe the predictions of most of the experts, the playoffs should be well within reach for our team. They are predicting us to finish with a 94-68 record, good enoug for a tie with the Yankees at the top of the division.

I told Mr. Henry that I agree with him and that the playoffs should certainly be our goal this season.

We shook hands and I left his office, heading straight over to the lockerroom, where I would be meeting John Farrell.

John told me that he is very excited to get the season started with his new team. I told him that I would give him carte blanche to choosing his ideal lineup. I will only interfere when I feel the team isn't living up to it's potential. I am a student of the game afterall and will try to work with John so that we are able to put the best possible lineup on the field.

We open the season next week with a roadtrip: 3 games @ the Yankees followed by 3 game @ Toronto.

[Jabez54]

Sheesh .... Mgr. Farrell, is salivating over this season crop ... did you actually drafted these players ... Wow ...

[BelgianBomber]

3 games @ Yankees, 3 games @ Toronto

Record: 5-1
Standings: 1st (1 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 49 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 24 (t-7th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .728 (5th in AL)
Power Rankings: 155 (4th in MLB)
Owner mood: Worried, Fan Interest: 100


-04/01/2013: BOS 7, NYY 1: Holliday (BOS) 4-5, HR, double, 2 RBI, 2 Runs
-04/03/2013: BOS 11, NYY 1: Wainwright (BOS) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K
-04/04/2013: BOS 6, NYY 4: Holliday (BOS) 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, BB
-04/05/2013: BOS 10, TOR 5: Holliday (BOS) 3-5, HR, 4 RBI, Runs
Pagan (BOS) 4-6, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 SB
-04/06/2013: TOR 10, BOS 8: McKenry (TOR) 2-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 Runs
-04/07/2013: BOS 7, TOR 3: Harper (BOS) 3-5, HR, Double, 3 RBI, 2 Runs

Next week: 3 vs. Baltimore (4-2), 4 vs. Tampa Bay (3-3)

[BelgianBomber]

Yeah, I did in fact draft all of these guys. Did the whole 200 rounds of drafting myself. Don't think I have ever had a draft that produced this kind of farm system. The potential is there, but we do still need to develop it.

[BelgianBomber]

3 games vs. Baltimore, 4 games vs. Tampa Bay

4-3

Record: 9-4
Standings: 1st (2.5 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 85 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 57 (t-8th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .685 (8th in AL)
Power rankings: 120 (6th in MLB)
Owner mood: Worried, Fan Interest: 100


-04/08/2013: BOS 12, BAL 6: Boston offense: 15 hits, 6 BB, 3 K, 2 doubles, triple (everybody got a hit in the game)
-04/10/2013: BOS 3, BAL 2: Cahill (BOS) 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K
-04/11/2013: BAL 10, BOS 7: Dirks (BAL) 3-4, HR, Double, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, BB
-04/12/2013: BOS 5, TBA 2: Kelly (BOS) 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K
-04/13/2013: TBA 3, BOS 2: Kennedy (TBA) 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K
-04/14/2013: TBA 10, BOS 7: Gillespie (TBA) 2-5, HR, 4 RBI, Run
-04/15/2013: BOS 5, TBA 4: Ackley (BOS) 2-4, RBI, Run

We had our first bad new of the season. Bryce Harper is out for about 4 weeks with chronic back soreness. He is placed on the 15-day DL and we called up Daniel Nava to take over in right field.
Adam Wainwright will be out for 3 months due to rotator cuff inflammation. We have a couple of days to decide what to do, but we will probably have a look at the market to see if we are able to get a decent starter.
Jimmy Rollins will miss about 2 weeks with a herniated disc, he won't go on the DL.


Next week: 3 @ Cleveland (8-5), 3 vs. Kansas City (6-6)

[BelgianBomber]

3 games @ Cleveland, 3 games vs. Kansas City

4-2

Record: 13-6
Standings: 1st (2.5 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 110 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 84 (6th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .687 (8th in AL)
Power rankings: 126 (2nd in MLB)
Owner mood: Undecided, Fan Interest: 100

-04/16/2013: BOS 4, CLE 1: Pagan (BOS) 4-5, 2 Doubles, Run
-04/17/2013: BOS 4, CLE 1: Morneau (BOS) 3-5, HR, 2 RBI, Run
-04/18/2013: BOS 4, CLE 3: Morneau (BOS) 3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, BB, Game Winning 2-Run HR in the 9th
-04/19/2013: KC 7, BOS 4: Kemp (KC) 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, Run
-04/20/2013: KC 11, BOS 0: Flowers (KC) 3-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 Runs, 2 BB
-04/21/2013: BOS 4, KC 0: Harvey (BOS) 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 11 K


Next week: 3 games vs. Oakland, 4 games vs. Houston

[BelgianBomber]

3 games vs Oakland, 4 games vs. Houston

5-2

Record: 18-8
Standings: 1st (4.5 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 143 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 106 (6th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .678 (9th in AL)
Power rankings: 125 (2nd in MLB)
Owner mood: Normal, Fan Interest: 100

-04/22/2013: BOS 5, OAK 3: Nava (BOS) 3-4, Double, Run
-04/23/2013: BOS 4, OAK 3 (14): Verlander (BOS) 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 14 K
-04/24/2013: BOS 3, OAK 2: Cahill (BOS) 7.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 10 K
-04/25/2013: BOS 12, HOU 5: Barmes (BOS) 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs
-04/26/2013: BOS 4, HOU 0: Harvey (BOS) 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 6 K
Perez (BOS) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 5 K
-04/27/2013: HOU 4, BOS 3: Young (BOS) 2-4, HR, RBI, 2 Runs
-04/28/2013: HOU 5, BOS 2: Lavarnway (HOU) 3-4, 2 RBI, Run


Next week: 3 games @ Toronto (11-15), 3 games @ Texas (15-11)

[BelgianBomber]

My first month running the Red Sox is now officially in the books. And boy, am I looking forward to the future. I'm happy to be able to say that the first month has been a real success. We have a league best 19-8 record and the team is playing really well. We have battled some injuries to key players, but we have the depth to overcome those injuries.

I figured that strong defense and starting pitching would be the key to this team's success, but after the first month, it is the offense that is carrying the team. We lead the AL in runs scored, batting average and OBP, while ranking fifth in home runs and stolen bases. Our starters rank 10th in the AL with a 4.19 ERA. But there are positive signs, as Matt Harvey is coming on strong after two terrible starts and Joe Kelly seems to be able to hold his own at the back-end of the rotation.

I have already been contacted by the agents for Jimmy Rollins, Clint Barmes and Russell Martin to talk about extension for their clients. I'm not really sure I want to start talks this early in the season, as I want to get a better picture of our upcoming talent in the minors. At some point I will certainly be looking at an extension for Martin, as he is only 30 and provides stability at a crucial position.

At the end of every month I will be handing out some award to our key players of the month.
Batter of the month: Matt Holliday (.347 BA, .427 OBP, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 20 Runs, SB)
Pitcher of the month: Chris Perez (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, 14 IP, 5 H, 4 BB, 27 K, 1 Save)
Minor League player of the month: Byron Buxton (.354 BA, .393 OBP, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 Runs, 4 SB)

[BelgianBomber]

3 games @ Toronto, 3 games @ Texas

4-2

Record: 22-10
Standings: 1st (6 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 173 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 124 (5th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .685 (t-6th in AL)
Power rankings: 127 (1st in MLB)
Owner mood: Normal, Fan Interest: 100

-04/30/2013: BOS 6, TOR 2: Morneau (BOS) 3-4, Double, 3 RBI, Run, BB
-05/01/2013: BOS 8, TOR 1: Dickson (BOS) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K
Pagan (BOS) 3-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs
-05/02/2013: BOS 8, TOR 6: Young (BOS) 2-3, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 2 BB
-05/03/2013: TEX 2, BOS 1: Verlander (BOS) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K
-05/04/2013: TEX 4, BOS 2: Lilly (TEX) 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K
-05/05/2013: BOS 5, TEX 3: Cahill (BOS) 8.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K



Next week: 4 games vs. Minnesota (17-13), 3 games vs. Toronto (11-21)

[BelgianBomber]

4 games vs. Minnesota, 3 games vs. Toronto

4-3

Record: 26-13
Standings: 1st (8 game lead over Baltimore)
Runs scored: 204 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 155 (5th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .682 (8th in AL)
Power rankings: 119 (1st in MLB)
Owner mood: Good, Fan Interest: 100

-05/06/2013: MIN 8, BOS 4: McCutchen (MIN) 2-3, HR, Double, 2 RBI, 3 RUns, 2 BB
-05/07/2013: BOS 5, MIN 3: Young (BOS) 2-4, HR, Double, 3 RBI, Run, GWRBI
-05/08/2013: BOS 3, MIN 2 (10): Verlander (BOS) 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K
-05/09/2013: MIN 5, BOS 4: Ackley (BOS) 2-4, Double, Triple, 1 RBI, 2 Runs
-05/10/2013: BOS 4, TOR 3: Gutierrez (BOS) 2-3, 3 RBI, Run
-05/11/2013: BOS 6, TOR 3: Martin (BOS) 2-4, Double, Triple, 2 RBI, Run
-05/12/2013: TOR 7, BOS 5: McKenry (TOR) 2-5, HR, Double, 1 RBI, 2 Runs

Transactions:
Daniel Nava out for 3 weeks (fractured foot), Sam Fuld called up from AAA to take his place.
Matt Holliday out for 4 weeks (fractured foot), Franklin Gutierrez called up from AAA to take his place.
Kyle Farnsworth (9.82 ERA) designated for assignment. Chase Whitley (0.00 ERA in 10.1 IP) called up from AAA.

Next week: 3 games @ Tampa Bay, 3 games @ Minnesota

[BelgianBomber]

3 games @ Tampa Bay, 3 games @ Minnesota

2-4

Record: 28-17
Standings: 1st (5.5 game lead over New York)
Runs scored: 233 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 179 (5th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .684(8th in AL)
Power rankings: 109 (3rd in MLB)
Owner mood: Good, Fan Interest: 100

-05/14/2013: TBA 6, BOS 5: Federowicz (TBA) 2-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 Runs
-05/15/2013: TBA 4, BOS 3: Kelly (BOS) 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 7 K
-05/16/2013: BOS 6, TBA 1: Cahill (BOS) 8.2 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K
-05/17/2013: MIN 4, BOS 2: Morrow (MIN) 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 9 K
-05/18/2013: BOS 9, MIN 2: Young (BOS) 3-5, HR, 4 RBI, Run
-05/19/2013: MIN 7, BOS 4: Lee (BOS) 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs

-Dorrys Paulino named Carolina League Player of the Week. He batted .429 (12-28) with 1 home run and 7 RBI.


Next week: 3 games @ White Sox, 4 games vs. Cleveland

[BelgianBomber]

3 games @ White Sox, 4 games vs. Cleveland

3-4

Record: 31-21
Standings: 1st (5 game lead over New York)
Runs scored: 269 (1st in AL)
Runs against: 221 (6th in AL)
Defensive efficiency: .671 (12th in AL)
Power rankings: 104 (3rd in MLB)
Owner mood: Normal, Fan Interest: 100

-05/20/2013: CHA 10, BOS 4: Martin (CHA) 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, BB
-05/21/2013: BOS 9, CHA 5: Lee (BOS) 3-5, Double, 5 RBI, Run
-05/22/2013: BOS 5, CHA 4: Young (BOS) 3-5, Double, RBI, Run
-05/23/2013: CLE 4, BOS 3: Morneau (BOS) 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, Run
-05/24/2013: CLE 8, BOS 4: Rosario (CLE) 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs
-05/25/2013: BOS 8, CLE 5: Heisey (CLE) 3-4, HR, 3 RBI, Run
-05/26/2013: CLE 6, BOS 3: Kipnis (CLE) 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, Run



Next week: 4 games @ Philly, 3 games @ Yankees