From Felix Doubront to Darnell McDonald, each call-up has chipped in one way or another.
The latest addition, outfielder Ryan Kalish, has been an instant hit. While his call-up surprised many — himself included — the Sox couldn't be happier, even though the club opted to bring him up and option a healthy and experienced Jeremy Hermida.
Although he's been in the Sox system since 2006, Kalish hadn't made it past Single-A until last season, when he played 103 games for the Double-A Sea Dogs. After batting .293 with eight homers and 29 RBIs in 41 games for Portland this season, he got the nod to Pawtucket, where he hit .294 with five homers and 18 RBIs in 37 contests.
Since joining the Sox on July 31, the 22-year-old left fielder has posted a .538 batting average.
Was Ryan Kalish’s call up a surprise to you?
–Erin Kurland, Mayberry, Ill.
Yes it was for sure. I
think because of the importance for him to play every day, his elevation
did not happen sooner. I was surprised the Red Sox designated for
assignment Jeremy Hermida. I did not see that coming. I know he was
struggling after returning from the DL, but he was a proven major league bat
and had such a good start. With the injuries in the outfield, I guess it
provided the opportunity for Kalish to move up and play on a regular
basis here right now. He certainly looks comfortable and not at all in
awe of the situation. I think it is in line with the rumored arrival of
some of the other prospects on the pitching side for the pen. If the
decision was not to move some of these prospects I guess the thought is
now to see what they can do here.
Victor Martinez did not rehab before returning. Why do some players opt not to?
—J.J., Marblehead, Mass.
Some guys would rather not. I would think that live pitching somewhere that did not count would be advantageous. There are many guys who think it puts you in a tough spot as a hitter. You are trying to get better and find your timing while everyone who is in the park is there to see you do big things. The fans expect you to dominate because you are a major leaguer facing Triple-A pitching. The biggest issue is that a lot of these major leaguers have never seen the Triple-A pitcher they are facing and it can be an advantage to the pitcher. Some also feel they worked so hard to get out of the minor leagues that they do not want to return in any form under any conditions. I think, though, it has proved to work for guys over the years, even if it is not for an extended period of time.
Does the lack of moves for the Sox at the deadline concern you?
—Danny, Cambridge
Not especially. I think the competition for what they were looking for was very steep and costly. The major need for the Sox was the bullpen and asking prices must have been beyond outrageous. Tampa Bay felt the same needs and they got a borderline reliever that has had a bad year. The last few years, the trade deadline has appeared to mean less than before, based on the movement that has taken place afterward with the waiver-wire deals. I think the return of the Red Sox' injured players still proves to be the biggest of acquisitions, and the younger prospects may help the pen strengthen down the stretch. Or maybe they will get more help through the waiver deals later.
What do you make of the length of time Jacoby Ellsbury has been out?
–Kate Hollister, Baltimore
This one is always hard. People are quick to jump on J.D. Drew and some others for perceived softness. I really think you cannot fairly do this. I think every player is different — some just will not perform the way they are up to unless things are right physically. It is probably in your best interest as a team to wait it out as the Red Sox have. When Ellsbury returned briefly the first time, he was not right yet and did not play well. He has fallen under some criticism for being away from the team while others stayed every day. It was his thought that working out in Arizona was going to be more beneficial and he was limited with the injury to do much baseball activity. I do think you have to be careful when we really do not know how he feels.
Are you surprised by John Lackey’s inconsistency?
–Hank Derby, College of Charleston
Yes. When we watched him as the ace of the Angels he was dominant and went on many streaks where he would reel off several wins in a row. He really has not found his stride here. His home record has been strong and it appears he generally pitches better in the second half of the season. The Sox have been able to rely on him to make all of his starts, which has been big, but he is still trying to find consistency. On Monday, he was as good as he has been all year the first time through the order with lots of K's and looked on his way to a great outing for the fourth consecutive outing and then bam! — things happened fast and it all changed. I do expect him to go on one of those long runs of wins and maybe at the most important time for the Sox.
