As always, though, there are questions about the team, and we'll start with closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Can Jonathan Papelbon return to being lights-out as closer?
–Mark, Hopkinton, Mass.
I think he deserves a lot of credit for making adjustments, even as a
veteran. Sometimes people who have great success do not easily make
adjustments or make changes. He has done both.
Early in the spring, he
worked hard at developing his secondary pitches, throwing many more sliders and
split-fingered fastballs. He has transitioned into the season and has
successfully used all of his pitches. Last year, he was so fastball-heavy
that hitters had to only worry about one pitch, and they could either
gear up for it or foul it off. It took a lot more work for him to put
guys away. Now just having the other pitches for a hitter to even think
about has changed everything. In New York on Monday, for some reason he went back to just fastballs.
But to answer the question directly, Papelbon will be lights-out again if he continues what he started.
Mike Lowell expressed some frustration before the series finale
against the Yankees. Do you think the Red Sox would ever release him?
–Glen, Portland, Maine
I am not sure of anything. I was very surprised when they attempted to
trade him and eat $9 million. I have made no secret of my backing of
Mike Lowell. Throughout all of this, he has continued to hit, even when
his hip was the most painful. I did not see in spring training where he
fit on this roster as it was constructed. They kept saying that he would
be a big part of this team, yet I could not figure out how.
I understand his frustration and do not hold anything against him for
answering questions as he did in New York. I think there are members of
our media contingent who have asked him daily what his thoughts are,
sort of hoping that Lowell would go off. He does understand that this is
a business but as this has gone along, his frustration has multiplied,
especially on the days when the Red Sox face tough lefties that he has
had success against.
Are you surprised by the production of Jason Varitek?
–Shayna, Harwinton, Ct.
I am. I guess those who felt that he would benefit from less catching duties and fewer games played were right. He has been as good as he was early in his career, and with more power. It has been very impressive on many fronts, especially considering that despite his minimal playing time, he has been able to keep his timing at the plate.
I am happy for him, as he has struggled so mightily over the past few years. You could see it really wearing on him. He is proving to the baseball world that he is not done by any stretch. I guess the statistics have been consistent in that in the seconds halves of seasons, his hitting success has gone down, and maybe it was because of the wear and tear of daily catching more than anything else. He also looks as if he has totally simplified his approach at the plate and shortened his stroke.
How is Terry Francona dealing with and up and down season to start?
–Lynn, Boston
So far so good. The manger has stayed positive. If you have ever been around him, you know that he will stay that way. I think it rubs off on his players and the clubhouse in general. He is very good at communicating and whether it's good or bad news, you get both from Francona. I think his players respect him for that.
It has to be very challenging for him this year, dealing with many veterans who are used to playing every day but are not getting the chance. He is trying to keep them fresh and keep their spirits up as well. Also, in-game stuff has been a challenge. So far, the bullpen has been very inconsistent, so every time he goes to the mound to make a change, he is unsure of what lies ahead.
Jeremy Hermida has produced in his short time in a Red Sox uniform. Does he deserve more playing time?
–Tom, Somerville, Mass.
I think Jeremy Hermida was a very good addition. He is one of those guys you see from afar and think that maybe in the right lineup and on the right stage, he could take his game to a new level. He has done that and has been huge late in games. I think with the injuries to Mike Cameron and Jacoby Ellsbury, he's gotten more playing than anticipated, which has helped his production. I am not sure with those guys coming back if he will get the playing time consistently that he has already his season.
