Street-smart?

Huston Street is certainly better than this gasoline crew no doubt about it! Whenever I see Hansen or Delcarmen stroll in from the pen with men on base my instinct is to turn the television set off! I am sure I am not alone with this impulse. My guess is though that Billy Beane will ask for the moon and the stars and Theo would be unwilling to pull the trigger on such a deal. This year is feeling more and more like '06 without "the Varitek on the DL excuse"! Yikes! What's next, do we offer Javier Lopez a contract to give Kevin Cash some days off from catching the knuckler?!

Huston Street is certainly better than this gasoline crew no doubt about it! Whenever I see Hansen or Delcarmen stroll in from the pen with men on base my instinct is to turn the television set off! I am sure I am not alone with this impulse. My guess is though that Billy Beane will ask for the moon and the stars and Theo would be unwilling to pull the trigger on such a deal. This year is feeling more and more like '06 without "the Varitek on the DL excuse"! Yikes! What's next, do we offer Javier Lopez a contract to give Kevin Cash some days off from catching the knuckler?!

Need a reliever like Radatz or Gossage who weren't babied or weren't aftraid to throw more than 3 innings a week. But this day and age there are none.

After his blown save last night (making it two in a row?), I am not so sure that Street doesn't run into a dead end. What is the solution? I don't know. What I do know is that I generally trust Theo's instincts (the results speak for themselves), but he'd better think long and hard about Street before giving up too much. The last thing we need is another guy with great stuff who can't handle the pressure (be it in the 7th, 8th or 9th inning).

If I had to pick Manny Delcarmen or Huston Street with the game on the line, I'd take Delcarmen still. As bad as he's been lately, he's got better raw stuff overall. Neither one of them can string good appearances together with any consistency. I've got Street on my fantasy team, and I've nearly dumped him several times. If not for lack of closers on the wire, I would have done so a long time ago. Street is no improvement over what we have now (though I agree better than Fuentes).

Better options: George Sherrill, Jon Rauch, Mahay (I'm not on board with your assessment there), My Grandma.

For some reason, I am wary about trading several good prospects for a big-name "proven" reliever. Wonder why that is.

On a completely unrelated topic (no, really), how 'bout that David Murphy?

Mariano Rivera would look great in a Red Sox Uniform . . .

Streets numbers are not good enough to give up anything of value. Clubs that have a deficit tend to inflate the value of what they are seeking. That is when Bean pulls the trigger.
The Sox have a bigger hole at the bottom of their order than in their bulpen, and now at the very top as well.. Addressing that would help alleviate the weaknesses in the Pen.
The road record reflects the Sox more accurately than the overall record. Epstein, like the rest of us, falls in love with his own mistaken ideas. There is only one cure for that--to suffer them to the fullest.

Not a bad idea but Beane will want an arm and a leg.

The Burgmeier comment had me laughing and below that I read it as "Assorted Retards".

I agree this cast of arms is not going to win anything. It is the reason JB was in the game on Sturday when is was clear he was cooked. I say bring a whole new pen.

I have to agree, this problem can not be solved from within at this point. It's as if the entire bullpen (including Papelbon) is just not 100% reliable. Pap has been the best of the group but he's not nearly as unhittable as he was last year for instance. They need to get someone from outside the organization and as quickly as possible. The only problem is they might need two or three arms in the bullpen to settle things down.

For some reason, I am wary about trading several good prospects for a big-name "proven" reliever. Wonder why that is.

On a completely unrelated topic (no, really), how 'bout that David Murphy?

What ever happened to Micheal Bowden in the minors?? That kid was showing some promise...

Amen, brother.

No. Gagne all over again. Except this time, it's a young, injury prone kid from a small time team.

Mariano Rivera would look great in a Red Sox Uniform . . .

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!! RIGHT ON THE MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have to do something. How long do they allow the current crew to continue to blow games?
On another note, can someone explain why Francona sits and uses no gametime strategy like his peers? 1st and 2nd, no outs and no sacrifice to move runners up. Allows Lowrie to hit when he has Casey on the bench. I guess if Tek isn't available to pinch hit he doesn't want to make a move. He may be a great "players coach' but he could sure take some advice from the guy who was across the diamond from him this weekend about game situations.

I couldn't agree more about the need to get help outside the organization.

But Street only takes care of one of the bullpens holes. How 'bout they get Street AND Fuentes before the clip??

I AGREE TITO IS TOO SOFT ON HIS RELIEVERS, HE NEEDS TO MAKE A CHANGE, AND STOP GIVING OUT CHANCES TO HIS FADING BULLPEN.

IF STREET IS AVAILABLE THEN GO GET HIM NOW, IF NOT THEY WILL BE NO PLAYOFFS FOR RED SOX NATION THIS YEAR

Street's a very interesting possibility. I have to agree with your assessment of the bullpen. It's gotten so bad with Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Delcarmen that my 9-year old left the TV room yesterday as MDC entered the game, uttering an "oh noooooo" as he departed for the kitchen.

Why wasn't Elsbury trying to steal after reaching on the error yesterday?
Drew is still non clutch at the plate,and Coco and Veritek are no longer major league hitters.

It was Francona's not using the bullpen this last 2 games that got to me. Losing to close games and all we used was Delcarmen in 1 of the 2 games. If these guys are on the team gotta put them in there.

Yes. Huston Street. Now. He is in the eye of a storm in Oakland, losing all his buddies (Haren, Harden, Blanton, Kotsay, Swisher, etc.) and would thrive in the supportive Boston system and at Fenway. If Masterson works out as expected, we would have Paps, Street, Masterson to close games through October. Without Street (or Fuentes/Rauch/Marte/Sherrill/whomever, I don't think we can repeat. On paper, should be the best in the league, but it simply isn't, and continues to let down a strong but fragile rotation.

Let's not blame it all on the bull-pen. In the second and third game this weekend, the Sox had opportunities to increase their marginal leads.

(1) Runners on first and second, Pedroia up and no sacrifice to move the runners ahead. Result: Pedroia hits into double play. Net - One run.

(2) Ellsbury on first, not attempted steal of second against a Oakland catcher that doesn't throw anyone out. Pedroia singles, Ellsbury ends up on third and dies there when Drew strikes out.

I do agree that the bull-pen is weak. Francona's lack of trust was evident when he sends Wakefield out for the eight inning.

I think Delcarmen may have faired better with a fresh start to the inning. Shadows, etc. in his favor.

We will win more games trading for Matt Holliday than any other trade we can make.

As long as Huston Street doesn't interfere with that trade, I'm all for acquiring him.

Pitching, ptiching, pitching, wins championships, go get Street Theo!

I find questions about the Red Sox bullpen interesting considering the same questions existed last year before the Sox traded for Gagne. Questions abounded regarding Okajimas durability, DelCarmen's experience, etc. Look at the result... they win the WS despite Gagne's choke job at the end.... even with with Coco Crisp struggling at the plate and the offense going trough lulls... Manny did not even have a typical year...

... and they still won the WS. They are in the least as good as last year... probably better due to J.D. Drew, Pedroia, Lester and even Manny having better years. Also, Ortiz is coming back...

The Sox are fine.

Cons:
-Is giving up more longballs this year than he has before.
-K numbers are down.
-WHIP is up.
-DIPS numbers are worst of his short career this year, though it's possible this is largely because he got lucky earlier in his career.

Pros:
-He's only 24.
-His numbers aren't drastically down, suggesting that with a good defense behind him, his luck could turn around.
-He doesn't speak French, as far as I can tell.

Overall, I'd be happy if the Sox pursued him, as long as we didn't give up top-notch prospects. However, as we just saw in the Joe Blanton trade, that's what Billy Beane gets. But I think he'd be happy with guys like George Kottaras and Cris Carter -- who I wouldn't mind giving up.

thank you!!!! Anyone is better than the list of bums they have out there now. This is like 2003 all over again. If they don't make a move regardless as to how Masterson does, this team will still get bounced in the first round, if they make it at all. All the other AL contenders have stellar bullpens - Angels, White Sox, Twins, Yankees and Rays are all head and shoulders above the sox.

And as much as you think using Pap in 2 inning stints or in tie games on the road... look at his numbers in non save situations. He's not that good. And he's already had to be shut down in August due to a dead arm a couple years ago, something they still worry about. They need 2 new arms in the pen or this season is done.

"Is Street the solution???" Um, no. Let's see: a closer with a recently spotty history who can't pitch in anything other than the ninth and has had arm problems along with getting knocked around. No, we don't need "Eric Gagne: The Sequel!!"

Basically, I think it's time to just say "no more cards," and go with the hand that's dealt you. The Sox have been doing that for a long time now (minus Gagne last year-and it wouldn't it be nice to have Gabbard and Masterson in the 'pen right now?) and to blow up that strategy would be stupid.

They didn't want to give up: Lester, Buccholz, DelCarmen or Hansen when they could have gotten a king's ransom for them. And I think they were right to keep them because if they panned out, they'd have had an unbelievable core for years to come that didn't make a lot of money.

Obviously, it hasn't gone very well. Lester looks like he's the blue chipper; Buccholz is still a few years away and looks mentally fragile; Delcarmen & Hansen you got exactly right.

But, they still did the right thing. Imagine if they just kept EVERYONE? No Beckett and no Lowell, but, it'd be and infield of: Youkilis, Hanley Ramirez, Freddy Garcia, and Dustin Pedroia with Jed Lowrie as the utility guy. In the outfield, you'd have something like Moss, Coco, and Ellsbury (with possibly one of those infielders as a hybrid). Papi is your DH.

The rotation would probably be: Paplebon (he'd be a starter with no Beckett); Lester, Buccholz, Wake, and Gabbard.

And Hansen, Lopez, and Delcarmen would sink or swim (probably sink) in the 'pen.

That lineup features one highly paid guy: Ortiz, and Hanley Ramirez on a contract extension. That's it. We're talking like a $40 million payroll, tops. And I think they could win. Not the '07 WS for sure, but down the road if you add a free agent her or there (in the outfield most likely and a closer), you stay way under $100 million, young, fast, exciting, and winning.

I think recognizing this, the Sox went from "trade 'em" to "hold 'em" and you can't change it now. Ride it out, see what happens. Let's not give away batting champs left and right.

After watching Street give up critical 0-2 hits to the Yankees I'm convinced he would not be any more effective than what we have now in the bullpen.

If Buchholz continues to struggle, any chance of him moving to the pen & Masterson goes into the rotation? & why, with four days off and a chance to set the rotation, did Clay open the series v/Angels? Our #5 against Lackey? Sean Casey? No PH opportunities on Saturday late? & Crisp gets two straight starts? Is Moss hurt? Perspiring minds want to know

There's been some buzz about dealing Street amidst the recent A's pitching sell-off.

He's been effective at the end of Oakland's pen for what seems to be a long time and is still young and I assume he still has a favorable contract.

The issue is what you have to give up to get him. Beane would seem to want top prospects in return and not Craig Hansen. We all know how Boston fans feel about trades: Give nothing for everything.

Here's a solution: No more players named Manny.

What would Street cost? I'd certainly take him for two prospects, assuming neither of them were top-level (read: no Lowrie, Bowden, Buccholz). Masterson straight-up for Street would be an interesting decision... I'd probably do it, considering I agree with your assessment Chad that bullpen is really the one area where this team is not championship caliber.

BTW- I'm not so sure Big Papi needed this "rehab" assignment. That guy gets amped up to play -- maybe not quite like Kevin Garnett -- but still. A few homeruns in Anaheim this weekend couldn't have hurt...

C'mon Chad, this is EEI-level commentary. Huston Street will not be in a Red Sox uniform this season. I'd love to see a trade for Damaso Marte and hope Masterson can make the adjustment to reliever. (Speaking of adjustments, would it be outrageous to suggest Delcarmen be converted to a starter, more lower-leverage innings for a pitcher with great stuff.)

The problem is with the way the bullpen is being handled. As great a manager as Tito is, his failing has always been bullpen usage. Yesterday's disaster called for a Jamesian relief ace with the go-ahead runner at second and nobody out. He should have called for Paps, who hadn't pitched since the ASG, in that situation.

How is Street better than what we have?
He has blown numerous saves. His hits, walks, earned runs and HR totals are already higher than the whole of last year, in fewer innings. His ERA and WHIP are the highest of his career, with his ERA more than a full run higher than last year. The Brewers, Cubs and White Sox all took a close look and backed off. I don't see him as an answer for this year.

No we shouldnt go after street,

the sox should trade Manny Ramirez and Craig Hansen for Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes and Ink Holliday to a long term.

No we shouldnt go after street,

the sox should trade Manny Ramirez and Craig Hansen for Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes and Ink Holliday to a long term.

Amen!

I agree that Street is not the answer here. And Beane would make Theo suffer so much, it would make the Gagne trade look good. Beane is a lot smarter than most here give him credit. I say we only give up 2 batting champs per decade for mediocre talent. As a rule.

I'd like to bring in Edes for an evaluation of possible pen help in Pawtucket and Portland before we bet the farm. What's the harm in trying Bowden, Masterson, et al first?

I remember '03. The pen looked shaky all year and then went on a tear late in the season. Their numbers were lights out by the time game 7 of the ALCS came around. But Little was so shell-shocked by the season, that he made the wrong decision. This pen may come around yet. I refuse to panic until Sept.

How is Street better than who we have?
Street has already blown 5 saves, including his last game against the Yanks. His hits, walks, earned runs and HR's are higher than his full season stats from last year, in fewer innings. His ERA and WHIP are career highs, with his ERA more than a full run above last year. The Brewers, Cubs and White Sox have all taken a close look and backed off.
I don't see him as an answer for this year.

"Is Street the solution???" Um, no. Let's see: a closer with a recently spotty history who can't pitch in anything other than the ninth and has had arm problems along with getting knocked around. No, we don't need "Eric Gagne: The Sequel!!"

Basically, I think it's time to just say "no more cards," and go with the hand that's dealt you. The Sox have been doing that for a long time now (minus Gagne last year-and it wouldn't it be nice to have Gabbard and Masterson in the 'pen right now?) and to blow up that strategy would be stupid.

They didn't want to give up: Lester, Buccholz, DelCarmen or Hansen when they could have gotten a king's ransom for them. And I think they were right to keep them because if they panned out, they'd have had an unbelievable core for years to come that didn't make a lot of money.

Obviously, it hasn't gone very well. Lester looks like he's the blue chipper; Buccholz is still a few years away and looks mentally fragile; Delcarmen & Hansen you got exactly right.

But, they still did the right thing. Imagine if they just kept EVERYONE? No Beckett and no Lowell, but, it'd be and infield of: Youkilis, Hanley Ramirez, Freddy Garcia, and Dustin Pedroia with Jed Lowrie as the utility guy. In the outfield, you'd have something like Moss, Coco, and Ellsbury (with possibly one of those infielders as a hybrid). Papi is your DH.

The rotation would probably be: Paplebon (he'd be a starter with no Beckett); Lester, Buccholz, Wake, and Gabbard.

And Hansen, Lopez, and Delcarmen would sink or swim (probably sink) in the 'pen.

That lineup features one highly paid guy: Ortiz, and Hanley Ramirez on a contract extension. That's it. We're talking like a $40 million payroll, tops. And I think they could win. Not the '07 WS for sure, but down the road if you add a free agent her or there (in the outfield most likely and a closer), you stay way under $100 million, young, fast, exciting, and winning.

I think recognizing this, the Sox went from "trade 'em" to "hold 'em" and you can't change it now. Ride it out, see what happens. Let's not give away batting champs left and right.

I agree on your assesment of current pen, however I think you're heading the wrong way on a one way street-- give Masterson a chance and get Manny D and Hansen double time with the team shrink- they have the arms not the heads- yet!

Street could be part of the solution to solving the bullpen "woes". I do, however, think Okajima will straighten out but that still leaves what do you do with Delcarmen, Hansen and Timlin. Street will get you closer to Paplebon with Masterton returning and an prayed for better second half for Okajima. Regarding Holliday or Texeria....who do you need to give up? and...where do they fit in the line-up?

Also relievers have to be able to come in any and all situations . You can't stipulate that Delcarmen and Oki are better of coming in at the start of an inning or without inheriting runners...then they don't deserve to be in bullpen!!! They need to be available when Tito calls!!!

Perhaps the bullpen is only half the problem. When will Francona stop putting Wakefield in for a 3rd go around the line up? I swear I predicted the outcome when he came back to pitch the 8th. While it may not be totally fair, Wake got the loss--NOT the bullpen. Lastly, our bullpen does MUCH better with clean innings than mop-up. I would think Francona would do better knowing that.

I like Gus's idea and parrot the same. I say Manny, Hansen, and prospect (Moss?) for Holliday and Fuentes and definitely ink Holliday long term. Go get 'em Theo. No Youk for Tex but I would do Manny etc (plus cash prob) for Holliday and Fuentes.

As I was putting my 7 year old son to bed last night, Delcarmen was strolling in from the bullpen. I was expecting him to be upset that he had to go to bed before the end of the game, but instead he got right up off the couc, looked up at me and said, "might as well, they're going to lose now anyway." I agree that the bullpen has been horrendous, but that they only need one or two other guys to get hot, which I think could happen. Even if it doesn't they have the starters and the lineup to contend for the rest of the season and the playoffs (assuming Ortiz comes back and is healthy). I'd have no problem with adding Street or Sherrill, but I think we'd have to give up too much and it just won't be worth it.

I don't think Street's the answer any more than Gagne was last year. ERA of 4+ and was very hittable against the Yanks this past weekend.

One thing I've learned over the years living in Atlanta and watching Bobby Cox manage the Braves. You just can't give up on young players that are talented. Francona showed that kind of thinking when he stuck with Pedroia early last year. Look at the kind of player he's become. I still think Hansen and Delcarmen are going to become reliable guys. I really think Hansen has a lot of potential and will ultimately fufill it. I'd hate to see either one of them traded.

All this team need's is to get Big Papi back in the lineup and things will start to look a lot better.

C'mon Chad, this is EEI-level commentary. Huston Street will not be in a Red Sox uniform this season. I'd love to see a trade for Damaso Marte and hope Masterson can make the adjustment to reliever. (Speaking of adjustments, would it be outrageous to suggest Delcarmen be converted to a starter, more lower-leverage innings for a pitcher with great stuff.)

The problem is with the way the bullpen is being handled. As great a manager as Tito is, his failing has always been bullpen usage. Yesterday's disaster called for a Jamesian relief ace with the go-ahead runner at second and nobody out. He should have called for Paps, who hadn't pitched since the ASG, in that situation.

ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN WAHT THEY HAVE NOW I SURPRISED THEY DIDNT TRY TO RESIGN NOMO (LOL) ANYTHING IS A IMPROVMENT THAN WHAT THEY HAVE NOW I REALLY DONT SEE THIS TEAM IN THE W.S. WITH THIS PEN

street is 24
2+ yrs before free agency

do some just ignore his 3+ yr track record of sub 3 eras a top 10 type closer over 1 bad month of pitching?

yes he'd be better than any other reliever options outside of papelbon

and beane is smart he wont give him up easily, and theo should go after him...this is not a similar gagne rental situation, to even compare it. is ridiculous

good luck with that one Gus!

We can't rest on last years laurels. The Sox are not going to win this year with the line-up they have. Everyone who has posted something knows where the problems are. I am sure that the Sox management knows too, whether they do something about it remains to be seen. What worries me is that there have been no rumors about prospective trades. Usually when something is going on there are leaks here and there, but as yet nothing. The next 10 days will tell the story. We need help!

Bring up Masterson and Bowden and any other pitcher in the farm that a decent era and give them a shot. See ya later with Delcarmen and Hansen, trade them both. Gaurunteed runs when they come in the game, trade em. Let the youngs guys pitch and see how they do, Delcarmen and Hansen have had their chances the last few years and they dont make to cut. Our season is on the line here, we need to get rid of these guys.

'EEI-level, Justin? Them's fightin' words. For that, I'm sending OB your way with an endless stack of high school track agate to type in. Hey, I'm not sold on Street, either, and I like the Marte idea. It's all about alternatives to what's out there right now.

Matt Holliday: 4 1/2 big league seasons. 39 homers away from Coors. You'd better be sure of what you're getting, sports fans.

We can't rest on last years laurels. The Sox are not going to win this year with the line-up they have. Everyone who has posted something knows where the problems are. I am sure that the Sox management knows too, whether they do something about it remains to be seen. What worries me is that there have been no rumors about prospective trades. Usually when something is going on there are leaks here and there, but as yet nothing. The next 10 days will tell the story. We need help!

I'm weary of Holiday, look at his number outside of Coors and he's slightly above-average at best.

Why exactly would the Rockies do that trade? This isn't fantasy baseball. Giving up their franchise player and best trade piece for a petulant superstar making $20M and a former stud prospect who's fallen on his face in parts of three of the last four years?

It is borderline idiotic to think the Red Sox can make it back to the Series this season with the pathetic bullpen they now have. Yes, it is tempting to shut off the TV when Lopez, Delcarmen, or Hansen are summoned from the bullpen. Inept is a calm word to describe them.....beats saying they aren't worth a $&!T!!!!!!!! Surely a deal can be made and ship these losers out of Beantown.
And in case you haven't noticed. here come the Yankees!!!!!!!

I would never *ever* trade for a pitcher from A's and Beane.

There's reasons he lets them go.

i've been an oakland a's fan for a long time, but live in the northeast so i watch about every red sox game. i know when you red sox fans heard about this possibility you ran to the computers and checked his stats. true this year hasn't been his strongest year, but he's 24 and he's already had over 230 appearances with a career era of under 2.9. he's younger, more experienced and more proven than anyone in the red sox bullpen with the exception of paps. take a look at his career stats before you inaccurately call him unreliable or inconsistent. he has a career strikeout to walk ratio of 244 to 63, and has given up 18 home runs in 242 innings, by comparison masterson has given up 8 hr in 54 innings this year. so think what you want, but street would be a huge upgrade for the sox pen.

As a Brewers' fan, might I tempt the Sox with a former Cy Young winner, who once saved 84 straight chances, and who knows Fenway better than most.

Ladies and gentlemen - Eric Gagne! Milwaukee would ask for nothing in return. Heck, they'd probably even pick up some of his salary. I know quite a few Brew Crew fans who'd buy him a bus ticket to Boston (one way only).

Red Sox - Brewers in the 2008 World Series!

//How is Street better than what we have?//

Because the grass is aways greener on the other side of the fence.

I love the guy, but he's put an awful lot of stress on that arm at a very young age, and his numbers have been in a steady decline.

Beane is going to want a HUGE trade for Street. (Just as Colorado wanted Buchholz for Fuentes. Hah.)

BTW, it's Buchholz with TWO H's, not two C's. I wish Red Sox fans would learn to spell their own players' names correctly.

As for the "get rid of him!" crowd with young, struggling players, how do you all feel about Lester now?

How is Street an upgrade over who we have? Of our current relievers, only Timlin's numbers are worse than Street's.
He has 5 blown saves, including his last 2 opportunities.
His hits, walks, earned runs, and HR's are all higher than last year's full season totals, in fewer innings. His ERA and WHIP are at career highs, with his ERA more than a full run higher than last year.
I am not seeing the allure here, especially at the potential cost.

Huston Street is certainly better than this gasoline crew no doubt about it! Whenever I see Hansen or Delcarmen stroll in from the pen with men on base my instinct is to turn the television set off! I am sure I am not alone with this impulse. My guess is though that Billy Beane will ask for the moon and the stars and Theo would be unwilling to pull the trigger on such a deal. This year is feeling more and more like '06 without "the Varitek on the DL excuse"! Yikes! What's next, do we offer Javier Lopez a contract to give Kevin Cash some days off from catching the knuckler?!

I cannot believe that Washington just gave up Jon Rausch for next to nothing! This is a guy who could have helped IMO.

To echo what many posters have already said, anyone who thinks Street is going to be helpful has not been watching the A's the past two years. Street is injury-prone and inconsistent. Given how much Beane would demand for him in a trade, acquiring Street is not an option.

//Whenever I see Hansen or Delcarmen stroll in from the pen with men on base my instinct is to turn the television set off!//

Hope you didn't do that Wednesday evening.

We truly are a lucky fan base to have someone like that to root for. Talk about the Anti-ARod.