Abraham On Toucher & Rich: Inconsistencies With Red Sox Rotation An Issue
The Red Sox were swept over the weekend by the Washington Nationals and fell two games below .500.
Peter Abraham covers the Red Sox for the Boston Globe and he joined Toucher & Rich to discuss Daniel Bard, trading Kevin Youkilis and the inconsistencies of this team.
The Red Sox moved starter Daniel Bard down to Pawtucket after a disastrous start in Toronto earlier this month. Bard lasted just 1 2/3 innings while walking six batters and hitting two others. Is this issue mental or is there something physical that's bothering him?
"I think it's completely in his head, I don't think it's physical at all."
When he does return to the Sox what role will he play?
"It's going to be interesting to see whether he comes back as a starter or a reliever, but whatever it is he just needs to get back to pitching well."
The Sox were above .500 and doing well until Baltimore and Washington came to town and they lost five of the last six to fall back under .500. What are some of the inconsistencies in their game that have played a part in their issues winning games?
"The starting rotation, those five guys have an ERA that's close to five and that's a problem and you're not going to get too far as a team when your starters have that kind of ERA."
Carl Crawford started the season on the disabled list recovering from surgery on his left wrist. Are we ever going to see him play this season?
"Crawford is getting pretty close to, you know starting to probably play minor league games. It might only be a couple of weeks away from that."
They also discussed the Red Sox trading Kevin Youkilis and how long they might wait before they move him if they do. What could the Sox be looking to get in return for Youkilis?
