In Between the Sheets

Well Sox fans, crisis averted. Ben Sheets didn't sign with the Yankees, or the new potential powerhouse Mariners or even the pitching detrimental Rangers, he decided to go with the A's. Great Business move on his part, but I question his inner winner.

The A's are traditionally a great pitching ball club going back to the likes of Lefty Grove, Satchel Paige, and Don Sutton to the new school trio of Mulder, Hudson and Zito in their prime. Their ballpark is conducive to pitchers. And they normally have decent team defense. As good as Ben Sheets is, he does not put this team over the hump. After not playing in all of 2009 he garnered 10 mil a year, and if he pitches well gets to hit the market next year for another big contract.

I'm not sure however, what this means to his competitive nature. The A's do NOT have the offense to support these wings out there. This is the quintessential team that's following the pitching and defense mantra. But they don't have ANY offense. When Jack Cust is the only threat in your lineup, you may need to invest in some sort of offense because right now there's nothing.

As Red Sox fans everyone thinks that they should have spectacular defenders that hit .320 and drop 30 taters a year. So when you complain about our offense think about what Oakland has to deal with and then relish the problems you have. So let me get this straight. You want a team full of Hanley Ramirez's 1-9? Good bid, but not gonna happen. Corner positions (infield and outfield) SHOULD be your power positions, and up the middle (C, SS, 2B, P, CF) you have to be strong on the pitching and defense side. I'll give you that Catching is suspect, and I more than anyone hear you. But his offense will make up for ANY shortcomings he has behind the dish. But also look for him to be better than last year at throwing out runners. Gary Tuck is the best in the business with catchers, and he's going to get the hitch out of his arm so that he no longer throws like Ellen DeGeneres. (For all intents and purposes she has a weak arm. But she's a Lezzie so she could have a cannon)

As a quick side note, for all of you regular BOTNers, the fundraiser on Saturday night is NOT 21+. So if you were upset that you couldn't go because you couldn't put away drinks (legally), fret no more. But if you do decide to come, please bring some dough and donate to this fund. This should be a fantastic event, with great people, and for an even better cause. Saturday night from 6-11, that's where I'll be. See you there? I hope so.

Stay Tuned

Ryan