For Sox, a full roster of questions

These are "no brainers"....Wakefield is an awful post season performer, a proven loser for years, plus now he is 42 yrs old, and damaged. So Paul Byrd over Wakefield...Bartolo Colon should get consideration. His start agst Toronto, 2 ER in 6 innings, was very solid...great command (1 BB) and hit 93 often. I'd give Colon another start next week, and if he looks very good, he is my #4 starter with Byrd in the pen...If not, than Byrd is #4.....Lugo is a waste, leave him off...Hope JD Drew comes back, more important than Lowell as Kotsay has been awful..Sean Casey at first & Youk at third is good enough, I mean Casey hit .340 and is OK at first, Youk is better than a "hurt" Lowell at third. If Drew can't make it, Id go Bay-Crisp-Ells as starters, Kotsay on the bench.

Timlin? You can't be serious. He can no longer be trusted. I will always be grateful for his contributions in years past but there is no place for nostalgia in this post-season.

Julio Lugo has effectively been replaced. You could make an argument that he becomes the "Dave Roberts" guy off the bench but he is not really that caliber of a baserunner.

I'm not a huge fan of either of Varitek's backups. If Wakefield is used in relief, we are probably getting shelled or in a very long game. I don't think Tim has pitched well enough to claim the fourth starting spot. Byrd has been basically just good enough to keep us in games. Assume the Angels would try to run wild on Wakefield.

In the end, I guess you have to carry Lugo over Ross and pray we never have to use Wakefield. Lowell's injury makes added depth across the infield the priority.

Lugo is welcome to sell peanuts in the stands throughout the playoffs. Does Lowrie remind anyone of a switch hitting Michael Young?

I wonder if the Yankees are having fun reading things like this. Do you really think it's not even worth mentioning as a POSSIBILITY that if the Yanks sweep Baltimore this weekend and the Sox lose three to the Jays, we could be a hiccup or two during the Celeveland sreies from a final wekend in which the Yanks come to Fenway down only 3 games, with a chance to reverse the '04 curse by taking four in a row, including the Wild Card playoff game?

I think you have to go with Lugo over Timlin because of his speed etc.Timlin would be a complete waste of a spot..

I thought Kotsay could not join the team for the playoffs becaue he was signed after the deadline.
Besides that, I agree with the list 100%.

Do we really need Shaky Wakey???

Leave Timlin home!

I'd prefer John Henry on the Post Season roster over Mike Timlin.

Sorry, Timlin. Your season should end when the regular season does. Can't be trusted anymore in a big spot. Hope Tito's loyalty to the veterans doesn't get in the way of making a smart baseball roster decision.

Almost all of the above looks good me me with the exception of Wakefield.... I would flip he and Byrd around. Put Byrd as your 4th starter as he has been WAY more consistent lately and keeps the game relatively close. When Wake is in, you never know what is going to happen. He has the ability to shut everyone down, but he also can put you in a HUGE hole before you can blink. Long relief out of the pen would be a smarter move in my opinion for Timmy.

Even if Wakefield comes out of the 'pen, do they really need to bring in Cash? Isn't Varitek capable or catching Wake for an inning or two?

I understand putting Byrd in the bullpen -- but is he really less of a liability than Wakefield?

I've grown tired of hearing about how many games Wakefield has won: How many bad, that is terrible games does he need to have this year to prove that he is not reliable?

Excellent to go all the way if roster includes Lowell and Drew playing .
A lot of Red Sox fans in this remote winter and Summer Resort in Idaho.

Go all the Way Sox!!!!!!

Timlin? Are you kidding me?
Carry 3 catchers so you can pinch hit for the hapless Varitek
If all are healthy, I agree with the roster by Mazz.

I didnt realize that the Red Sox could be short handed on the bench if Lowell and Drew or one of them cant play.

Well, there are question mark for the 25th guy:
Ross = cant hit, but good idea to have him if Wakefield pitches. Still what if Wakefield struggles, then Tito will end up stop using Wakefield for the rest of the series. It is a waste of these bench player!!
Lugo = nice to have him on the bench case of there are more injuries at the same time Lowell could be out for good. Or can use Lugo for a late defense replacement such as to move someone to third to take out Lowell, and put Lugo at SS just like Tito did with Manny at the OF last year. But the big problem is that he have been out too long where he probably already forgot how to field or hit the ball. Still think he could be a nice PR or PH as a bunter in late inning.
Timlin = why not to use him during blow out game to save bullpen arms for next game?
Bailey = better hitter than Lugo and Ross this year, still he strike out too much. Think he will be on the roster only if both Lowell and Drew are out for good.

Well, here is the order for the 25th guy: Lugo (if he is 100% healthy), Ross (hopefully Wakefield have a good series), Timlin (hopefully he regain his form) and Bailey .

If Lugo's healthy, he needs to be on the post-season roster ahead of Dave Ross. The catcher situation is manageable with only two on the roster. Lugo's biggest value is as a late-inning base running replacement, and gives the team some added infield insurance in light of Mike Lowell's health.

If not, I'd add an 11th pitcher to replace Ross. I understand the sentimental value of keeping the veteran warrior Mike Timlin in what will probably be his last hurrah, but why not use the last week of the season and take a long look at Bartolo Colon ahead of him?? Is Colon eligible for post-seaon play?? Having Colon allows Francona to keep the entire staff on a short leash, potentially keeping games from getting too out of hand.

Julio Lugo better not be on the playoff roster!
He is completely useless and would hurt the Sox if he were to play.

Would Colon not even be a consideration? At this point, putting Timlin on would seem a move out of loyalty for past years of good service.

It's easy for us as fans to recognize that he is finished and shouldn't be there, but understandably difficult for theo to tell a veteran whos been instrumental in past title runs that he is out.

With Colon having almost no bullpen experience his entire career, I suppose that doesn't help his case much, but, is there anyone out there who wouldn't feel more comfortable with Colon on the hill as opposed to Timlin, no matter what the situation?

I don't see the need for 3 catchers....Francona never seems to pinch hit for Varitek anyway, even when he had that long stretch where if he fouled off a pitch, it was a moral victory. I think you carry an extra pitcher instead of Ross just in case you need another long guy or you get an extra inning game. Javy Lopez really should just be a matchup guy in the postseason and an extra arm, even if just for a cushion, is better. Crisp or Ellsbury is your pinch runner since they logically won't both be playing. If Drew can't be on the roster, then you have flexibility to take Lugo who can run. Lugo also might provide insurance if Lowell is down or has to come out of a game for a pinch runner. I didn't think I'd ever see anyone in Mirabelli's speed league, but a gimpy Lowell is close.

They can't win without Drew and Lowell. Lugo should be on the roster. Timlin should not.

I definately would consider Byrd the 4th pitcher instead of Wakefield as evidence how he pitched last season for Cleveland in the playoffs! The injury situation with lugo should eliminate him as a speed factor on the bench. He would be limited from going full speed on the bases. Unless Drew has had at bats prior to the playoffs, why should he be included? There should be no favorites included, like Timlin, unless he is effective---and he hasn't been!

If Sgt. Timlin is put on this roster it will be proof positive that he has pictures of Epstein and/or Rain Man in a safe deposit box.

If Lugo is added, he's hidden the key.

tony should there be some concern re Drew getting/or not, some in - game A.B.'s prior to the playoffs? Secondly, it's interesting to ponder "the clubhouses" take on J.D.(not L)'s continual question mark status, because as Manny glides along in SO CAL, would they(players) prefer jettisoning Drew FOR a player who is not a constant quandry?
John

Its pretty obvious that Lowell is done.Wakefield scares me,he pretty much gives a free pass for baserunners and if hes off is big trouble,Timlin is also a liability any sentimentality about prior playoffs is misplaced [sit him down]!Lugo will never see the light of day at shortstop for the sox unless Lowrie has an injury but that being said is a valuble runner off the bench [can anybody say Dave Roberts].Right now Kotsay is a black hole at the plate the sox need some power production from at least one of the outfielders.Hopefully Drew can come back and produce {could be wishfull thinking]Youk at third and Casey at first isnt a bad thing given more time Casey is a very good hitter, a starter on most teams.Im not feeling overly confident about a repeat at this point,the starters will have to be lights out.

2 comments:
- Can we please stick a fork in Timlin? Is there a baserunner he's inherited this season who hasn't scored? He must be a REALLY good "clubhouse guy"

- A couple of people raggin on Wakefield and his contribution in the post season - while he's had some bad outings. Let's not forget in '03 when they went 7 with the Yanks, the only reason we got that far was because of Wakefield and his knuckler. That series is over in 5 without him. (of course that would've saved us from the car wreck in game 7)

Timlin is a money pitcher in a money game! The playoffs are just that ....money. The Red Sox will go no where with out timlin in their bullpen.

I prefer to see Lugo left off the roster. He does not have the opportunity to get in some at-bats unless it is the final game or two of the seaon where the Sox ' playoffs are set. We all know he cannot play D and is a reckless runner, as Mazz points out. I would stick with the extra player (Ross) in case we need that extra catcher. As much as I hate to say it, we have to leave Timlin off the postseason roster. He has not shown much this yr, regardless of what he showed last postseason.

Although we need Drew in there, I am comfortable with an OF of Kotsay/Ellsbury/Bay/Coco out there. That will provide us with a lot of great defense in the OF that not a lot of playoff teams can match.

colon has a fast ball and is better served to com out of the bullpen then Timlin.
I still think Wake has definetly been more GOOD than bad this yr. Many of his losses were not his doing. Byrd scares the crap out of me. He would be my long relief guy no doubt. No Lugo unless Lowell can not play. I like the OF with Ells/Crisp/Bay. Kotsay as back up. Honestly for the first series anyway DREW is out.

Sox management is clearly considering Colon based on his own comments that he get ready to be used in the pen. Doubltful they would ask this just for 10 games at the end of the season with rosters expanded.

The most obvious thing missing, especially if Lowell isn't well is a RH power hitter. Ross is that isn't he? (I don't believe he hits LH). He would give them that option while having a 3rd catcher. Can he play 1b at all? I thought he did, but again, maybe that's wishful thinking. If Lowell can't go, Casey and Kotsay are both left-handed hitting singles hitters, which means vs. Joe Saunders and lefies in the pen, we are screwed.

So any options there for the 25th man? Chris Carter can flat out hit, but he's another LH. I guess Lugo can play anywhere and hits RH, though he has no power and frankly, he's just been terrible for two years. Can you expect/hope/beg for anything at this point?

Mazz probably has it dead on.

Timlin would be the Eric Gagne of this season - Gagne shouldn't have been on the roster last year. There's no way he would have pitched in a close game unless it was the 14 inning. I am grateful for Timlin's contributions in 2004 and 2007 (remember those huge strikeouts against the Rockies?). I would go with the 3rd catcher which allows for pinchrunning for Varitek.

I know I'll catch heat for some of my picks to be left off but I would say Timlin off. Screw loyalty Colon on. Lugo only as a back up and possible base runner, Kotsay should definitely be there if he can. Here the one I know I get the heat on. Leave Wakefield off. He's not reliable at this point of the season. They are better off with one of their younger pitchers. The Angels, Rays and White Sox have all proven that Wakes Knucklers are not hard to read anymore. My heart sinks every game I see Wakes name. I understand that he's been great for the organization, but this is the playoffs and Wake will not help us win.

Sad to say, but Timlin's done this year. I suppose he could get hot, but that's a roll of the dice.

I like Wakefield in the pen because he can give you long relief or mop up a sure loser. Byrd should start, but only if he can stop tipping his damn pitches. Here's a guy who's been told what he's doing to tip the pitches and somehow can't stop himself. Biiiiiig problem. Give Colon a start or two down the stretch to see if he can handle it. Put Byrd in the pen. I'd even consider Masterson for a start before Byrd if he can't straighten up.

Let's get in the palyoffs first and then worry about who is going to play and pitch and sit on the bench. The last two series against Tampa Bay don't give me a lot of confidence wiht two weeks to go. I hope everyone here is a Twins fan!

MORON ALERT MORON ALERT MORON ALERT MORON ALERT

I wonder if the Yankees are having fun reading things like this. Do you really think it's not even worth mentioning as a POSSIBILITY that if the Yanks sweep Baltimore this weekend and the Sox lose three to the Jays, we could be a hiccup or two during the Celeveland sreies from a final wekend in which the Yanks come to Fenway down only 3 games, with a chance to reverse the '04 curse by taking four in a row, including the Wild Card playoff GAME?

Yeah, SURE!! I could defintely see the Sox losing 3 to the Jays, losing 3 to the Indians and then losing 4 to the Yankees thereby losing 10 of the 11 remaning games. What a moron.

How about Wally instead of Wakefield? I am so down on Wakefield and Timlin I don't even want to think they'll be on the playoff roster. Three catchers? None of them can hit so just carry two...I mean Ross what good is he? Who is that J.D. Drew guy anyways? I didn't know he was still around. Lugo...is there a better option...how about Johnny P. At 80+ he is still better. I am hopeful that the Sox can repeat but I am looking at how Mike Lowell is hurt and the non-factor Drew may derail the chase. Let's hope the pitching staff can keep the scores low. Can Carter be included on the playoff roster? I'd rather see him there than Ross. GO SOX!!!

Tell Lugo and Timlin that the series is being played in Japan...they are both HORRIBLE! Experience this! Neither has any reason being on the playoff roster. One could argue Lugo's speed...but if Drew and Lowell are able to play...we'll have Coco or Ellsbury on the bench...and Kotsay isn't a bad runner. I'd pick Colon or Aardsma over Timlin please.

If there is any one player more misjudged its Wakefield. Even Amalie said today Wake could "winding down" and might squeeze out one more year. Folks, this is just pure dribble. The Sox will take Wake back in a heartbeat at $4M. He's a steal. We paid $4 million to Joel Pinero! Timlin makes at least $3M. And he hasn't slowed down at all. Neikro's pitched into mid-to-late 40s. So did Charlie Hough and Hoyt Wilhelm for that matter. Wakefield isn't done and will be back.

Look at these numbers:
11 7 4.09 35 33 0 0 1 1 202.1 193 106 92 23 12 71 169
2004 Boston Red Sox 12 10 4.87 32 30 0 0 0 0 188.1 197 121 102 29 16 63 116
2005 Boston Red Sox 16 12 4.15 33 33 3 0 0 0 225.1 210 113 104 35 11 68 151
2006 Boston Red Sox 7 11 4.63 23 23 1 0 0 0 140.0 135 80 72 19 10 51 90
2007 Boston Red Sox 17 12 4.76 31 31 0 0 0 0 189.0 191 104 100 22 4 64 110
2008 Boston Red Sox 9 11 4.18 28 28 1 0 0 0 170.0 146 85 79 25 10 59 108

For all of the times he gets in a funk, he also has stretches of being unhittable. At season's end, you are gauranteed numbers that probably rank better than any other #4 starter in the league. Five years, 71 wins, an average of about 180 innings, and a rock solid ERA in the mid 4s. Where in the hell else are you going to get that for $4 million!?!

He'll be on the playoff roster. His flexibility, team-first attittude and proven nerves make this a no-brainer.

It seemed every time I came out to Fenway, Wakefield was pitching, which always disappointed me. I wanted to see Pedro, Schilling, Beckett, Dice K, etc. But it also shows that as so many guys have come and gone, Wakefield is one of the Red Sox stalwarts, a throw-back, a guy who is as valuable to the Sox glory as anyone in the history of the franchise. Not because he's a hall of famer, or even an all-star, but because he have given so much more than his predicted value and payroll for so many years.

The one thing that has to change is Wakefield needs a catcher who can hit, and can be groomed to take over for Varitek, slowly starting next year. That is the one thing the Sox need the most, preferably a guy who hits left-handed so he can Tek can platoon more. Or Tek needs to start being Wake's personal catcher, recognizing he will soon be the one eased out of the starting role.

Wake should be on. Peeps are forgetting that a knuckleballer can throw guys off not only for the night he starts but the next night too. Often it takes teams a few innings to an entire game to get back into the groove after a knuckleballer. In a short series that could make all the difference.

Can't see Wakefield or Byrd as starters; better for long relief and let Colon be #4. Lugo is coming off a quad injury I can't see him even as pinch runner. Crisp, Ellsbury, and Bay in the OF with Kotsay as backup. No to the 3rd catcher 2 will do

Timlin on the postseason roster? Seriously? I know that experience goes a long way, but he has been nothing short of awful the last month or so. I love the guy and he's done great things for us in the past, so i understand the loyalty and respect for Timlin, but the last thing i want in a crucial situation in the ALDS is Timlin on the mound. Just look at the numbers. Opponents are hitting something like .475 against him with runners on.

Carter can hit. Plain and simple. But he's stuck behnid Casey, giving them not much more than he does. At 27 though, this guy is ready for the majors. I'm touting him as next year's Brandon Moss with more power. Can he play 1b? I know he experimented with that and if he can, he's ideal as the extra OF, extra 1b guy.
But I'm betting he gets phased out and either traded or left in the AAA too long that he gets too old and doesn't get his chance. That would suck. His added power this year makes him a real interesting prospect.
But the playoffs, forget it. in one of the few definitive statements Francona has made, we learned all we needed to know. "I'm not going to play Pawtucket in a pennant race."

For the first round I would like to see an extra position player for the first round. I think that the sox relationship with Lugo is completely over. Even if Lowell plays we need some one there just in case. He is in a lot of pain and as tough as he is there is only so much a man can put up with. I would like to see Jeff Bailey. He's got a pretty good bat off the bench and can play 1st and the outfield. I don't see a reason to carry a third catcher.

Assuming the Sox are on the road v. Anaheim, the rotation really shouldn't be as cut & dry as you make it. Check out Lester and Matsuzaka's Home/Away splits this year:

Lester:
H - 2.54 ERA - 0.247 BAA - 1.23 WHIP - 6.9 IP/GS
A - 3.90 ERA - 0.272 BAA - 1.36 WHIP - 5.8 IP/GS

Dice-K:
H - 3.18 ERA - 0.235 BAA - 1.46 WHIP - 5.8 IP/GS
A - 2.61 ERA - 0.187 BAA - 1.22 WHIP - 5.8 IP/GS

I'd be more inclined to throw Matsuzaka in Game 2, and let Lester pitch Game 3 at home. Not to mention what the stats don't show - that I'd rather have a must-win game (which Game 3 could be) in Lester's hands than Matsuzaka's.

As an extension, Wake's numbers @ Fenway have been pretty outstanding this year:

3.08 ERA - 0.207 BAA - 1.08 WHIP - 6.6 IP/GS

Granted these are from a small sample size, and are only one contrast to consider, but there ARE still considerations.

It's absolutely insane not to give Colon at least a start or two before the season ends. He started off great for us (4-0, I believe before losing two in a row).

This guy is a Cy Young winner...of course he's not at the top of his game anymore, but he's a pro. Let's just give him a shot against the Indians or the Yanks and see what happens.

Byrd and Wake scare the hell out of me, although Byrd is clearly the safer bet at this point.

The WHOLE BULLPEN scares the hell out of me. Even Pap doesn't seem to be 100% lights-out anymore. Timlin should be left off...sorry guy, thanks for the memories but unless we have a double-digit lead, I don't trust the guy to get the job done.

If Lowell and Drew aren't healthy for the post-season, all this talk is a moot point anyway. We can't get it done without both of them in the line-up. There are too many holes without them.

well this is fairly easy this year. The line-up will be ellsbury; pedrioa; ortiz; youkilis; lowell; drew; bay; lowrie; varitek the four starters should be becket; lester; matsuzaka; byrd. then you add papelbon as closer, delcarmen as your set-up man. now you add your locks who are lopez and okajima for lefties , masterson, bailey, coco, cora, cash, casey, kotsay, and your last reliever has to be aardsma. colon is a pitch away from being injured again. timlin can't get anybody out. I mean I understand experience counts but why would you take a pitcher into the POSTSEASON when he can't get ANYBODY out. i dont see a need for wake because of the fact that masterson is a starter so he could go multiple innings in a pinch. i put bailey because all these left-handed hitters on the bench you need at least one right handed guy and coco could be that guy but what if you are down a run in the last inning with 2 outs. you want a guy that can tie it in one swing.

Why all the debate? I'll simplify it for you all. There is no way Ross or Lugo are on the ALDS roster. Lowell and Drew will both be last minute decisions based on health and how many AB's they were able to get in before season's end, so why bicker over it now? Timlin gets the nod unless he turns it down. Tito will let him decide if he thinks he can contribute. I guarantee it.

Bartolo Colon is hitting 90 plus consistantly!!! How can he not be in the running for the 4th spot. He definitely needs to be on the playoff roster. Tell me you wouldn't like Colon facinga couple batters in the 6th or 7th innings of a close game with his experience and 90 plus velocity!! Come on! Is there even a question?

I think Colon is the obvious 11th pitcher over AArvaark or Timelonggonelin

Leave Wakefield and Timlin both off the roster please! Neither can perform now in big games. I like Colon out of the bullpen. At least he can throw 95 for an inning or two.

I refuse to read Mazz's articles ever again. He looks like the kind of guy that never played the game, explaining why he has no idea what he is talking about. Boston.com, please get this guy off here!
His last column suggested that playing the Angels in a 3 game series is better than a 7 b/c we have Beckett, Dice-K, and Lester. Mazz, let me remind you of three other names, Lackey, Santana, and Saunders. Not to mention the Angels absolutely rake! Oh, and they also have the all time season saves leader. I don't want any part of the Angels in the first or second round. Let them try to get by Tampa first.

I wonder if the guys in the bullpen would prefer to have Timlin with them. It's not like having him on the roster means having him pitch the 7th and 8th innings every game or something.
I mean, come on, this is the management that has been keeping him on the payroll even though he gets older and older...you really think the only reason they sign him is because of what he did in 04? Seems like you're underestimating Larry and Co.

Lester should go on game 3 at home where he is better and Matsuzaka game to on the road where he is better. If we open at home then I would agree with Lester 2nd. Byrd should be the 4th starter, Wake has been awfull in the postseason and always slows down toward the end of seasons. Timlin should be the 11th guy since he is got lots of experience, is fairly rested and the extra adrenaline should help him. Plus the 11th guy will not be depended on really.
Forget Lugo we have plenty of speed. And forget about a 3rd catcher. I am more interested in giving a guy like Bailey a shot, even over Casey.

I would add a soap dish before I would put Lugo on the roster.

Well since the question was for roster and rotation here goes: rotation first,Beckett,Lester,Dice-K and Colon if needed..Bullpen,Byrd,Delcarmen,Okijima,
lopez,Paps,and Aardsma. Masterson ...Ellsbury,Pedroia,Ortiz,Youk,Bay,Casey,Crisp,Lowrie,tek..Bench Cash,Cora,Kotsay,Bailey,Lowell(if healthy) Drew(if healthy)..with those 2 possibely not able to play You could add Lugo and Carter if Carter is eligible,if not either Wakefield or Timlin or Ross for the 25th spot,,I think this would be the best 25 we have and in the order I placed them...Lets just hope we don't need whoever is in the 24 and 25 spots regardless of who they are....

Great to have you at the Globe... I see that you are a Waltham High grad. You may have heard of the Rando clan. Most of my relatives are a lot older than you, but the name is a familiar one in Waltham. WalLex on Lexington Street is Rando owned. And there is a Rando street for a fallen relative of the Vietnam conflict. Most of the clan emigrated from a small Sicilian Island named Filicudi. I assume you are of the Italian descent so may be familiar with the island. Anyway, just a small diversion from the typical sports talk. But that is the beauty of Red Sox Nation. The inhabitants are real people with many ties to one another besides the Big one of Baseball madness.

I say, let's be like Francona and wait until the Sox clinch a spot....one game at a time...

I'll take a bad Byrd 6 innings and 4 runs over the 50-50 shot of a Wake going 2 innings and 6 runs. Bryd may never go 8 innings and 1 run, but whenever wakefield does it, it's just another nice suprise. That's no way to play in a best of 5 do or die series.

It doesn't matter we aren't going beyond the first round anyways.

I'll take a bad Byrd 6 innings and 4 runs over the 50-50 shot of a Wake going 2 innings and 6 runs. Bryd may never go 8 innings and 1 run, but whenever wakefield does it, it's just another nice suprise. That's no way to play in a best of 5 do or die series.

Colon left the team because he doesn't want to be a reliever. So you people that thought he'd make the postseason roster most likely aren't right. Here's my best guess at what will happen with the team:

Rotation: Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Wakefield. I say Wakefield for the 4th starter (if even needed) because of the catching situation. How do you bring Wakefield in for relief and then have to take Varitek out of the game? I personally think Varitek should get more practice catching Wakefield, but he doesn't get much practice, and I don't want him experimenting catch Wakefield in the playoffs.

Lineup (if everyone healthy): Ellsbury/Crisp, Pedroia, Ortiz, Youkilis, Lowell, Bay, Drew, Lowrie, Varitek
Bench: Cash, Cora, Kotsay, Crisp/Ellsbury, Casey
Bullpen: Paps, Masterson, Delcarmen, Okajima, Lopez, Byrd, Timlin (can't say that I want Timlin, but he'll be on the team).

Power pitching wins in the playoffs. I'd much rather see Colon as the 4th starter w/ Byrd in the Pen, while Wake and Timlin serve as the 40+ year old cheerleaders. Go w/ Lugo over Ross as the 25th guy, only b/c there are no better options and he provides infield depth if Lowell is unable to go.

I strongly suggest everyone waits for the Sox to win THREE and get in the playoff picture before making these long range plans. You can almost be assured the Yanks will destroy Baltimore while Halliday and Burnett are shutting down Boston. God forbid Matsuzaka falters in the 5 innings you can expect from him. Lee of Cleveland is 22-2 with a e.r.a. around 2.40 so add that to the loss column. Are you that convinced the Sox will take the other 3 games? Is Lowell even going to be there? The last thing on earth anyone should want would be to see is the revenge minded Yankees rolling into Fenway with a chance to oust Boston and sneak in to swoop up the wildcard by sweeping them. This race is not over by a long shot. I can't believe playoff rosters are even being discussed at this point.

Byrd gets the nod over Wake Mazz you just can't take the chance in a short series that your outta the game in the 2nd inning

I say this:
Colon is suspended, no need to debate because he's done.

Wake: He is in, and should be because he is the heart and soul. Lets not forget that if you have a fireballer up, then throw wake at them, it really throws the batting chemistry. I'll take Timmeh any time.

Byrd: He stays, and he splits with Wake as the #4/long relief guy. He keeps us in the game. No blow outs.

Timlin: I think he'll raise it up a notch and is OK in the playoffs. Then we wish him the best after the season.

Lugo: He has a quad injury, so he won't be effective as a PR or as a SS. Leave him off.

Cash: a must, need 2 catchers.

Ross: No, not needed unless there is an injury to Tek or Cash.

Carter: Possibly. If we get JD or Lowell for the run, then he gets in. Then the bench will be Cora,Cash,Coco,Carter,Casey.

Kotsay: As anemic as he has been at the plate, if there's no JD, he plays.

First,
Colon is ancient history. He isn't part of the team. Second, there is no way Wakefield is a starting pitcher, with his playoff record. As in years past, he will politely decline (or come up with an injury) to help the team. As Clint Eastwood once said: "A man's gotta know his limitations", and Wake knows his.

Timlin should be part of no one's roster. He will only pitch in total blowouts, and that isn't going to happen with the prospective pitching staff's.

Are the Red Sox in the playoff's? No, not today. They haven't been exactly been lighting up MLB lately. They need to clinch a spot before this talk even begins.

Regardless of who is in the bullpen, Boston has the weakest of bullpens. First round loss, again, like 2005. They will limp into the playoff's, only to be dismissed in the first round.

Let's not get too excited, people. I am more jacked over a Brady-less Patriot's team than a healthy Red Sox team.

For first round, 3-man rotation of Beckett, Lester, Dice-K in that order. Rest Wakefield. Byrd is your swingman, and give Timlin chance to prove himself getting one or two outs here and there pre-8th inning.

No use for Lugo, and no room. With Wakefield out, need only two catchers. Go with six OFs, including Van Every---have a good gut feeling he could excel in prime time in early-round playoff---see what he can do in spots. Start Bay, Crisp and Ellsbury. Keep Drew handy for spot playing to work his way back.

If get past first round, add Wakefield because his upside better than Byrd's upside. Admit it, even with a couple of lackluster starts, Wake still has been impressive more than half the time. Make room by dropping either Timlin, Kotsay or Van Every depending on first round performance.

People who think it's premature to talk about the playoffs...dude, their closest competitor for the wild card into tonight had a magic number of 3 with 10 to play. After the victory tonight, it's 2 and 9 to play. If the Rays and Orioles win tomorrow along with the Sox (who would eliminate the Blue Jays from contention with a victory), the Sox are a lock for October. It's going to be over, at the latest middle of the Cleveland series, unless there's both a stunning comeback and an epic collapse at the same time (it ain't happening...the Sox are too good, the Yankees and Twins too crap).

It's over; the Sox are in.

4-man rotation:
Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Paul Byrd

Bullpen: Tim Wakefield, Javier Lopez, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, Justin Masterson, Mike Timlin

Roster:

1B - Kevin Youkilis, Sean Casey
2B - Dustin Pedroia, Alex Cora
SS - Jed Lowrie
3B - Mike Lowell
OF - Coco Crisp, Mark Kotsay, JD Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay
C- Jason Varitek, Kevin Cash
DH - David Ortiz

Timlin has been an asset in the past but the time has come for retirement. Fourth starter must be a no- brainer. Timmie can be run on and the Angels will take advantage all day long. Sorry Tim. Kotski has been a flop, Bring back Drew. Could be a short series if Drew and Lowell are hurting still.

As much as I like Wakefield and as much of a bargain he is for the full season, I think this time I'd go with Byrd. Truth is, he's a bit mediocre but pretty much guarantees you a chance of winning the game. Wake has been too wild and to flaky in the playoffs to trust, imo. The rest of the list is just fine, although as someone suggested I'd definitely think about exchanging Lester's and Dice K spots given the home/away record. Let's hope that Lowell and Drew are back, that would improve our chances vastly.

I'm with Vermonte. Fans get down on Wake because when he's off, he's disastrously off, and that's a serious, legitimate concern. But he's on considerably more regularly than he's off, and when he's on, no team in either league can hit him AT ALL. In a number four starter, that's a major asset to have. I'm not knocking Paul Byrd; I really like this pitcher, and he's definitely on that post-season roster; he's a true gamer, who usually will keep his team close, giving up 3 runs or 4 over a six-inning start. But teams that make the post-season tend to have pretty powerful hitting lineups that can tattoo a control pitcher who doesn't have lights-out stuff. I really like Byrd as our long reliever out of the pen: he's a much better bet in that capacity than Wakefield, because of the catching issue, and because, if he has to come into the game with runners on base, Byrd can hold them reasonably in check on the basepaths, but Wake cannot. As for the injury situation, I don't know whether JD will be able to play--he's got a famously low threshold of pain tolerance--but Mikey Lowell is a warrior. If he can stand up, he will play third in the postseason. And he'll hit; he may limp around the bases, but he'll drive guys in.

To Left In '76 (and all of the other paranoid haters):

>

And, if everything breaks right, Lehman Bros. has a shot at a comeback. And a 3rd term for Bush remains a possibility.

The Sox are IN, for the 5th time in 6 years I might add.

And, I'll take my chances with Beckett & Lester against any other team's 1-2.

The Sox will be FAVORED IN EVERY ROUND of the playoffs.

The only reason they are not a MORTAL LOCK TO WIN is the absence of a certain guy named Manny.

I mean c'mon - we're debating whether to carry Lugo, Timlin or Ross as the 25TH MAN ON THE ROSTER!!! This sounds like Yankee talk when the fans would wonder who they were going to carry as the 5th outfielder.

Did anyone happen to notice the two ROCKETS Papi hit the other night - and the other three he hit to the track?

ENJOY THE MOMENT! Heck, they still might win the AL East! (Have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the wild card...)

It would have been great to have Bartolo Colon on the postseason roster, but I don't think that will happen now. Too bad he doesn't have a "whatever I can do to help the team" attitude -- he has always been a "me first" type of guy. My most serious concern, however, is Lowell. If he can't play effectively, I think the Sox will be a little weak from the right side and might be vulnerable to good left-handed pitching (their recent assault on Scott Kazmir notwithstanding).

Left in '76 (Comment #4) YOu shuld definitely put that stuff down. While I admire your enthusiasm and hopefullness It's time to give it up. I've had the pleasure of cheering for the Yankees for the first time in my life this year. It was fun because I knew it meant The Yanks were buried in the dirt. A-Rod was up with two men on and I was like "lets go A-Rod!" Fantastic. You see I live in South Florida and I actually LIKE the young Rays. Don't get me wrong I want to CRUSH them in the ALCS. The Yankees have NEVER had my blessing in the post season (although I did really love Guidry way back when). So you may as well begin dreaming of your new stadium. As for the rest of the Yankers, they can blaze in Hades with the rest of Monument Park and enjoy the Fall Classic.

Ive seen enough of Ross and I dont even want to see him in the regular season never minnd post season. And thats that.

1) Anyone but Timlin! He should be released. Lokk at his ERA! The Sox would be in first but for him.
2) Stop knocking Wake. He was the team's best starter in the 2003 ALCS. He's gotten zero run support in most of his starts and the bullpen has blown at least 5 wins for him. He's earned a start. He's has three bad outings all year, and about 12 really good ones.
3) Mazz is right: go with a third catcher.

OK Colon is gone. You have to have Wake as your # 4. The truth of the matter is, most celebrated knucklballers have a 500 record. Wake is a celebrated knuckeballer with experience in the playoffs. You have to figure if you toss him the keys he may just twist a beauty. The odds are 50/50 and you know that sounds pretty good for your #4. Byrd in the pen is a nice safe alternative. If Wake's butterflies are not fluttering in inning 1 or 2 bring in steady Byrd, however, if the ball is dancing it's like throwing Beckett twice!!!!

Hey All, I could make an argument for many postseason roster combo's; so I will leave the hard decisions to Theo and Tito. I believe those two are the best at this and after pushing all the right buttons in "04" and "07" they have earned the right and I will leave the hard stuff to them.

I will add though that whatever is decided the Sox need get the "chemistry edge" back for the 08 post season run. I'm a little worried the Organization does not have that edge right now and I think at the present "feel of things" they could go to Anaheim and get the "S" word put on them... No, not the dreaded "Shank", but the other "S" word, "Sweep"!

But of course I could be wrong; Down 3-0 to the Yanks in 04; WE ALL left them for dead...however last year when they were down 3-1 to the Tribe I saw they still had that edge as did many of you. So it was almost expected they would come back down 3-1. Most of us were not surprised at that comeback.

To wrap it I hope I'm wrong and the Sox are mentally ready for the big push, because all of RED SOX NATION feels we can win the WS every year now. So no matter what roster we put in for the post season lineup we have come a long way in a short amount of time. Go Sox and prove me wrong again...

diamond1rog
Red Sox fan since birth - 1964

1) You bring Lowell on crutches if necessary. He would be a great pinch hitter in a clutch situation. Maybe he'll have a Gibson moment.

2) I would bring Wakefield as a long reliever. Does anyone remember his mop up duty against the Yankess in Game three in 04'. Many players commended his sacrifice. He has had a few rough outings this year, but has been a clutch performer in the playoffs throughout his career.

3) Byrd should be our #4 starter because he has experience, and will get you to the 7th inning.

4) Timlin should be out. He has not recovered well this year, and it's like batting practice.

5) Lugo is horrible in the field, but a streaky hitter, that makes contact. 50-50 as a pinch hitter, but no starts.

6) I would bring Bailey before Ross. Ross has shown nothing, but if Wakefield is left behind, Cash is useless. So maybe Ross at that point.

7) If Drew doesn't make it back, none of this will really matter. I know he seems complacent at times, but deep down he is obviously a gamer. His numbers in the post season last year were very impressive.

Writing from Toronto, Sox have to defer Lester for Game 3 presumingly against the Angels. Dice K's last game in T.O,. showed how well he can pitch on the road.

As great as Lester's season has been, he's deinitely a different pitcher at Fenway Park (10-1 I believe) than he has been on the road. He had his second bad start in T.O. and I noticed in both games he seemed uncomfortable setting his foot on the mound, and subsequently throwing a pitch. His familiarity with the Fenway mound (can you say no hitter ?) makes him the ideal choice for a home Game 3 start.

I would start Byrd instead of Wakefield, given that Wakefield has shown he can come out of the bullpen for a few middle innings, compared to Byrd,.Plus it leave Varitek ot catch all ther games in the first series

Let's use some common baseball sense here, instead of listing these veterans who "deserve" to be on the roster, but have little to no value to the team in reality. The team has a better chance to win with Bye Bye Byrd as the 4th starter over Way Back Walkfield. Having Wakefield on the roster apparently results in the need to carry 3 catchers, which is "ludacris" in a 5 game series, not to mention that it takes away a potentially valuable roster spot for a late inning pinch runner. The pinch runner is of heightened importance due to the poor health and slow feet of several key players. Mike Lowell couldn't beat Babe Ruth's daughter in a foot race right now, for example. Timlin is also a waste of a spot - if he actually is called on to appear in a game, the game presumably would have been over one way or the other. Ditch Wakefield, Timlin and Ross for Bailey (may need a hitter if Lowell/Drew still injured), Lugo (calm down - as a pinch runner only) and Aardvark (would prefer Colon, but that isn't gonna happen).

Mazz
You and I are on the same page! I agree! As the old saying says "Go with who brung ya!"

Beckett in game one: he has been much better on the road this season
Lester in game Two
Dice K in game 3
Beckett in game 4 (if needed)
Lester in Game 5 (if needed) with Byrd or Wakefield for long relief if needed.

As far as the lineup goes (with all healthy)
CF Ellsbury
2b Pedroia
DH Ortiz
1B Youkilis
RF Drew
LF Bay
3B Lowell (move him down to take some pressure off)
SS Lowrie
C Varitek

As far as the bullpen goes: Papelbon, Masterson, DelCarmen, Lopez, Okajima, Byrd, Wakefield. Sorry but Timlin must be left off the roster for the ALDS round.
Bench: Kotsay, Cash, Cora, Casey, Lugo (late inning speed), Crisp That will give them decent speed with Crisp, Lugo and Cora to bring in late innings plus priovide infield depth with Lowell's problematic hip and outfield depth with Drew's back.