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| Wednesday, July 12 | ||||||||||||||
| Red Sox fans give midseason report | ||||||||||||||
| We told you what we thought of Boston's first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the Red Sox have to do in the second half:
A team that traditionally scores more than Wilt Chamberlain at a post-game party has simply been unable to score consistently over the last five weeks. (If you discount the series against the Twins, who are responsible for giving away more runs that Montezuma's revenge.)
Ben Whitney Boston
The additions of Ed Sprague and Bernard Gilkey were frivolous and purely cosmetic. Due to their left-handedness, Jeff Fassero and Pete Schourek have been over-rated for much of their careers. A string of solid starts from both early in the season helped boost perception as well. Not much more should be expected of them, but GM Dan Duquette has put the team in a position where it needs to depend on both of them to improve in the second half.
Fred Hurlbrink
When talking about Pedro Martinez, you have to remember the name of one, J.R. Richard. Richard, a flame thrower who flamed out well before he suffered a career ending stroke. With Pedro's health in question, and an overachieving yet still average lineup, this team needs sorely to acquire new talent, or it'll be in for the same disappointments as the first half of the season. I guess this team just has the "Sports Illustrated Jinx"
Jason Sleik
Taunton, Mass.
The first half of the Red Sox's 2000 season saw the the team get something that they have missed since the final curtain call of No No Nannette -- good luck. Pedro went on the DL, Valentin is out, O'Leary is not exactly repeating his 1999 performance, the starting pitching (after Pedro) has been a big disappointment and all this culminated in a 9-18 June. Pre-2000 Red Sox and the Beantowners would start talking about the Sox's chance in 2001. But wait, to go along with the Red Sox sub-par performance the Yanks have not exactly lived up to their dynasty of all dynasties reputation, and the Blue Jays have added some parity to a division that finds the Bosox in the hunt. Neal Devlin Pittsburgh
Matt Englander
To be a playoff contender this year, they have to reach into wallets and spend a little money on free agents. They need another powerful bat, either Juan Gone or Moises Alou, would be great for the Sox. They need a No. 2 starter worse than another bat, and there's plenty of starters available. So Duquette if you read this, you have the power to end the curse, just spend a little more money! Jeremy MorganProvincetown, Mass.
I think overall Dan Duquette has done an excellent job and has shown excellent judgement acquiring low risk/ high upside players like Brian Daubauch, Tim Wakefield, Ramon Martinez, Rheal Cormier, Troy O'Leary, etc. (All players nobody else wanted). He has also done in excellent job with trades in acquring young talent (Lowe, Varitek) and making trades for stars on the rise (Martinez and Everett) (just before their prime) instead of players on the downside of their career like in the past (Jack Clark, Andre Dawson, etc.) And by the way, don't let Duquette read this. The only downside I think he has as a general manager is his ego, and I don't want him getting too high-and-mighty unless he brings a championship to Boston. Then he can brag all he wants.
Ken Batt
The biggest disappointment in my eye is the Sox pitching staff. After Pedro they have nothing but question marks, and funny nicknames ("Way back Wasdin" "Not so Shourek"). They need to do a makeover after the All-Star break. Let's get rid of the guys who have not produced anything but enormous ERAs, and bring in the "best" from Korea and other areas of the Far East. The Sox also need to go get another big bat. Ed Sprague is certainly not the answer at the plate, and his defense is questionable at best.
Kevin Sullivan II
People in New England wonder why the Sox seem to be underachieving. The truth is that the Sox may not be talented enough to win. After Pedro Martinez, the rotation is very inconsistent. Wakefield has pitched well recently but more importantly will be how Ramon Martinez and Jeff Fassero pitch in the second half. Bret Saberhagen aims to be back soon also. The welfare of these three aged pitchers will decide if the Red Sox will go to the postseason for the third straight year or be an ordinary .500 team.
Dante Carnevale I think that the underacheiving of the Red Sox in the first half of 2000 should fall squarely on the shoulders of the man who never seems to get any blame for what goes wrong - Dan Duquette.
Lou DiMuzio
I think that rookie 1B/DH Morgan Burkhart will be a great addition to the Red Sox lineup. I had the chance to play professional baseball with Morgan on the Richmond Roosters in the Frontier League. He is an outstanding hitter and I believe he will be a very consistant in the Sox lineup.
Ryan Jacobs
The Sox will only go as far as Izzy Alcantara will carry them. I respect Jimy Williams for not playing that big, lazy stiff.
Shawn Graham | ALSO SEE Midseason report: Boston Red Sox MLB midseason reports | |||||||||||||