Some updates on guys who've left the Sox in the past year or so (as well as on one legend and one "guy that go away"):
- Nick Swisher has cooled after a fast start (sound familiar), his average around .244. But he continues to hit the occasional homer and get on base. Will he ever put it all together? Who knows, but I think it's clear that Swish is a productive big leaguer who's multiple positions and great attitude make him an asset, as of course does his 30 HR power and 100-walk ability. But these days, maybe not an asset worth the multi-millions he was getting paid. Still, I think the Sox might miss the energy and spark Swish brought, and wish that Ozzie realized part of his role as manager was to keep even his most temperamental players focused in the right direction. I think it was bad form for Ozzie to throw Swish under the bus when he pouted after a late season demotion - that's Ozzie's job to keep his guys in the right mindset, through thick and thin. It only hurts the Sox when he can't keep these types of players in the fold.
- Jerry Owens picked up with the Mariners and is tearing it up for AAA Tacoma, hitting .316, getting on base at a .400 clip, and stealing bases left and right. Not surprising - the kid is talented. But can he thrive in the bigs? Seattle might be a perfect spot for him, as they have openings and JO won't be under much pressure. A chance to learn from Ichiro also won't hurt.
- The OC has really struggled in Oakland, hitting a meager .229 with a .278 OBA and .291 SLG. Cabrera never was a pure stat guy, but those numbers are brutal. I'm sure his defense is solid, but he's definitely one of the reasons the As offense is so atrocious. But my guess is that he'll be traded to a contender mid-season and be a real valuable pickup.
- Mike MacDougal apparently got picked up by the Nats and now is in their pen. His first two outings - 1.0 IP, 2 hits, a walk, and 1 K. I'll keep an eye on him, but I don't think he'll ever put it back together again. So weird - the guy was a solid closer for a few seasons, then fought his way back from a major injury, was strong for a couple more years for the Sox and Royals, and then just totally lost it. How does that happen?
- Javy Vazquez continues to be Javy Vazquez, even in a new league. A sparkling 3.58 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 86 Ks in 70 IP. Pretty great stuff, right? Yeah, he's 4-4. The guy just isn't a winner. Some of it is his approach, some of it is bad luck, some of it is inconsistency. But you can't deny he just doesn't get it done in the one category that matters most.
- Nick Masset, traded for Grif Jr. last summer, has found a home in the Cincy pen. He was fairly strong in limited work last year, but this year has been lights out, 1.00 ERA and .78 WHIP in 18 IP. Could he ever have done this for the Sox? Who knows. The Sox would argue they gave him tons of chances, but I disagree. Burying a guy in that garbage long relief, spot duty role is not a chance. You need regular work - as either a starter or a reliever - to show what you can do. That spot/long role should be reserved for guys with no upside, such as middling prospects or journeymen vets. It shouldn't be where you send capable prospects to prove themselves. Cincy has given him a chance and so far he looks pretty damn good. Now I can't be too upset with the Sox, because as much as I hated Grif Jr., they did win the division with him, and who knows if they would have otherwise. But I hope the Sox learn their lesson and quit ruining their prospects in that long/spot role.
- Joe Crede started horribly for the Twins, but had a great month-long stretch beginning in late April, where he batted .275 with 8 HRs and a slugging percentage up near .700. However lately he's been missing games with a bruised hand and a foul ball off his knee. Is Crede starting to find his mojo after a bunch of time off and a move to a new team, or is he always gonna be inconsistent and injury-prone? Very curious to see.
- Juan Uribe is on a bit of a hot streak and has his average up to .313 in 83 ABs. He's played mostly 3B, but has 10 games in the middle infield as well. Given the struggles of Lillibridge, the recent demotion to AAA of Betemit, and the inconsistent play of both Getz and Fields, it makes you wonder if the Sox couldn't have used Uribe's great defensive glove and occasional hot spurts this season. No question Juan was a HUGE part of that division title last year - his respectable offensive production and great D at third when Crede went down kept us in the hunt.
- Boone Logan has looked solid but unspectacular for the Braves' AAA affiliate. He should get called up at some point, but it's not clear he'll ever live up to the promise he showed in coming out of nowhere and dominating Spring Training in 2006.
- Horacio Ramirez is back on KC, where the Sox first found him, and continues to suck, just like he did with the Sox. At one point this kid looked like another in a long line of strong young Braves starters, but now it's clear he lost whatever he once had.
- Chris Young, the CF on Arizona who was the lone Sox trade piece to ever make Kenny Williams look bad, is hitting .172. After a rookie year in which he hit 32 jacks and stole 27 bases, he was looking like the one that got away (even if we did get a highly valuable and productive Vazquez in return, one valuable enough to net us a highly touted catching prospect). But CYoung saw his HR and SB total go down last year, while his K numbers went up. This year it's gotten even worse. Can he be salvaged? Sure, Young's still only 25. But when this is the "best" prospect Kenny has ever given up in his years of wheeling and dealing prospects for vets, it's high time everyone in baseball respects that Kenny knows his stuff.
- Finally, apparently the Sox have made overtures to Big Frank about retiring with the team. Not sure if this would mean a September spot on the roster or just a ceremonial re-signing before an immediate retirement ceremony. Word is that Frank is waiting until the All Star Break or so until he officially gives up on coming back and retires. I do hope that he does so with the Sox - he really is one of the few true baseball legends the Sox have ever had. His place in history is tough to gauge, as he'll get knocked for being a DH and his absurd early career won't be remembered like it should. But few guys ever hit as well as Big Frank did, and if he actually was one of the few clean players of this era, he deserves all the more appreciation for it. Personally, I can't wait until Frank Thomas night, when they retire #35. I've never seen one of a player I followed for his entire career have their jersey retired - it'll be cool to finally experience that.
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