This is a quick entry because I have too much work in the real world today and because the focus here should be on Aviv's fantastic post on Hank Greenberg. If you have not read it, do so now.
This would be the point where, if I wanted to scream "I told you so!", I would. Billy Wagner came on in the ninth in a 3-3 game last night, gave up a walk and a hit, and allowed the winning run for the Angels to come across. The 4-3 loss broke Boston's seven-game winning streak and trimmed a half-game off Boston's wild-card lead over the Rangers.
I'm not doing it because Wagner hasn't been that bad for the Sox. In 8 games and 7.1 innings of work with Boston, Wagner has 12 strikeouts and three holds, a 1-1 record and a 2.46 ERA to go along with a 1.09 WHIP. Those are not bad numbers at all. Compare that to this line:
2-2, 6.75 ERA, 18.2 IP, 14 ER, 1.875 WHIP, 3 BSV
That is Eric Gagne's line from 2007. Comparing Wagner to him at this juncture would be ludicrious. So while I am not eating my words just yet...I am getting the silverware out.
Buchholz takes the mound down in Baltimore tonight. He owned the Orioles the last time he faced them, going seven innings and getting the win in a 10-0 Boston romp. Here's hoping the new and improved Buchholz has a repeat performance tonight.
3 comments:
C'mon Dave! You know the issue with Wagner isn't going to be his overall numbers. Those have always been impressive. His trouble has always been how he does in the big spot, in high leverage situations with a lot riding on the game. Ultimately, how he does in those spots is going to be how everyone judges that trade.
True. And he has done well for the Sox in a couple of those spots. The overall point being that Wagner has been more positive than negative thus far for Boston.
Man, you really want me to lay into him, don't you? :)
I can't wait for him to blow up against the Yanks! ;)
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