Mazz On Red Sox: Time For Inept Starting Pitchers To Sack Up
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Red Sox return home after what was a disastrous road trip that saw them go 2-4 in Tampa Bay and Baltimore, respectively, culminating in a 18-7 pummeling at the hands of the O's Sunday afternoon.
Boston is barely above .500 at 10-9, but they won't be above water much longer with the outings they've been getting from the starting pitching staff.
On Monday afternoon, 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Massarotti opened their show focusing on the Red Sox starting pitching and how bad it has been.
"This rotation, simply put, has no balls. OK? They have no balls is what it really comes down to, and [manager] John Farrell knows it," Tony Massarotti said to open the discussion.
After yesterday's game, Farrell was asked about his team's overall performance, and generically said they have to get better in every phase of the game. But what he specifically said about the pitchers was particularly revealing:
"Well, there was a ball in the sun and you're able to manufacture a run, and then in the third inning things opened up. The thing I will say just in general is we've got to do better in all phases of the game, and it starts with how we keep the game under control from the mound, and that wasn't the case today."
"You know what that is code language for? Toughen up! Stop caving in every time there are guys on base! We get a couple guys on, and all of a sudden what should be a one-run inning, or maybe a two-run inning, turns into a four or five run inning and the next thing you know we're getting our asses kicked. It has happened repeatedly with this staff," said Mazz.
Felger & Mazz Video: Can The Red Sox Evaluate Pitching Talent?
Mazz then provided some startling numbers to back up his point about just how bad the Red Sox starters have been at minimizing the damage and stopping the bleeding.
"When guys get into scoring position, those are the ones that good pitchers will really stiffen up and get out of. You might give up a run, you might give up two. And with this offense that's fine, because they will be able to bash their way back into the game. In the American League so far this year the overall batting average against with runners in scoring position is .257."
So .257 is the AL average. Well, here is what Red Sox pitchers are allowing:
- Justin Masterson .259 batting average against (BAA) with runners in scoring position (RISP)
- Rick Porcello .278 BAA with RISP
- Joe Kelly .286 BAA with RISP
- Clay Buchholz .364 BAA with RISP
- Wade Miley .538 BAA with RISP
"Those hits are costing you games. It's time for these guys to sack up and start getting key outs in key situations. Because with this offense they shouldn't be letting games get away like this," added Mazz.
"Their starters are walking the fourth most guys in the American League, and that is despite the fact they have been getting knocked out of games early! They're pitching like a bunch of sissies! Nut up and get a big out! These guys are caving in under the pressure when men get on base."
Listen below to the full conversation:
