fullcountpitch.com

By Gary Armida

Once again, Theo Epstein hits his mark. Acquiring the veteran Paul Byrd for a player to be named later or for cash is another brilliant move. Byrd does not guarantee the Red Sox a pennant, but he does guarantee some stability for their rotation. With Clay Buchholz struggling, Tim Wakefield on the disabled list, and Josh Beckett seemingly a pitch away from the DL, landing the serviceable veteran was a great move. Immediately, Byrd will settle in to the fifth starter job. The Red Sox acquisition is two fold as not only get one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball, but he does not go to the Yankees who desperately needed his services. With the Rays prime for a collapse, the Red Sox seem to be on their way to another division crown.

While we all sit in awe of Theo Epstein, let’s take a look about what’s making news around the world of baseball…

• The Mets’ bullpen is in shambles. With closer Billy Wagner on the disabled list, the Mets have blown multiple games when they had a four or five run lead heading into the ninth inning. While Wagner seems to be on his way back early next week, Mets brass has discussed the idea of moving John Maine (off the DL today), Oliver Perez, or Mike Pelfry into the closer role for the moment. Usually, I would say that taking out an effective starter to make him a closer is a bad idea. But, since the Mets have a need and have lost some bad games, it would be acceptable. Out of the three, Maine seems to be the logical choice as Perez is far too wild and Pelfry is too young to have his role changed. Maine has the stuff to temporarily fill in, but he is too valuable as the number two starter to remain in the pen. The best choice would be Pedro Martinez. He’s been quite effective in short bursts this season. He could close until Wagner gets back and then serve as a bridge to him, throwing two innings at a clip.
• Gary Sheffield is at it again. This time he is complaining about his playing time and the fact that he is a designated hitter. Although Jim Leyland is overrated as a manager, he handled this situation perfectly. He got ticked off and said that Sheffield has started over 80 percent of the games and is a DH because he can’t make a throw from the outfield. Both arguments are true. Sheffield just likes to hear himself talk and will usually pick a fight after a couple of years in an organization. The big buzz was that he was placed on waivers yesterday. That doesn’t mean he was cut, but it means that he can be traded. Given his surly attitude and poor production, it would be shocking to see someone trade for him.
• Staying in Detroit, the Tigers signed Freddy Garcia. Garcia, a Dewayne ”The Rock” Johnson lookalike, is working his way back from shoulder surgery. He is signed for the remainder of the year so the Tigers have little risk in this signing. One should not expect Garcia to contribute this season, but the Tigers have to take a chance on him with their great need for starting pitching. 
• Speculation in the Arizona papers is that Micah Owings may be included in the Adam Dunn deal. If that’s the case, the Reds take a good shot with Owings as the talented pitcher (and hitter) was having a poor year and fell out of favor. If true, it’s likely that this won’t happen until the offseason as Owings will not clear waivers.
• It’s being reported that Carl Crawford will elect to have surgery to repair his injured hand. That surgery should knock him out for the rest of the season. That is a big blow to the Rays as they have no real alternatives from the system. With Longoria gone too, one must wonder if the Rays are desperate enough to make a Mr. Bonds a contract offer.
• This one is for Harry Doyle (Bill Campione)- What is Joe Girardi’s love affair with Wilson Betemit about? For some reason, Girardi seems to squeeze Betemit in there any chance he gets. Listen, Betemit has value has a utility man; he is poor at the plate. With the offense struggling, Girardi must put the best lineup on the field. That means doing what he did last night–benching Melky Cabrera and putting Johnny Damon back in center field. Also, if Jose Molina is going to catch, Ivan Rodriguez should be in the lineup anyway. The Yankees need offense and Girardi must put out the best lineup that includes Giambi and Damon daily.

That’s it for today. Enjoy the day.