Finally the season began and Week 1 has come to an end. Even though the Rochester Red Sox lost their opening series to the Flying Squirrels 6-5-1, good things came from the series. It was a close back and forth battle all week between the 2 division rivals. A final day showdown and great outing from Tim Linecum late Sunday put the Flying Squirrels on top for good.
Offensively the Rochester Red Sox came out swinging. The team combined for 42 runs, 8 HR's, 34 walks and a .302 average. All categories won during this weeks matchup. Suprisingly the Red Sox only had 5 steals which wasnt enough to win the category.
Pitching this week was decent but not strong enough. 4 saves was the only category won by the Red Sox this week. Only 2 wins (1 by a starter) was disappointing. Owner Richard Chase expects the starting pitching to improve in the future. "We werent bad on the mound this week. We just didnt do enough to counter the Flying Squirrels staff."
Offensive Player Of The Week
Justin Morneau - .360BA 7Runs 2HR's 6RBI 6BB's'
Justin Morneau, who came to the Red Sox in an offseason trade, started of the year red hot. Many Red Sox hitters had a very good week but Morneau was head and shoulders above them all. Morneau led the Red Sox to one of the better offensive stats lines in the league.
Pitcher Of The Week
Jon Rauch 2.25ERA 4Saves 3K's 1.25WHIP
What a first week for newly annointed closer Jon Rauch. Rauch was a late offseason free agent pickup by the Red Sox once the news of Joe Nathan's injury hit. Before Rauch was acquired the Red Sox had no closers on the roster. Even when Rauch was picked up the Red Sox never expected such a great start. "We new he could be a very good closer for the Twins. We didn't know he wouldn't get so many chances in week 1.", said Chase. The pick of Rauch as pitcher of the week was simple.
Week 2 Outlook
Rochester Red Sox (5-6-1) vs Gaylord Dingers (1-9-2)
The Red Sox are the favorites going into this series vs the Dingers. Offensively and pitching favors the Red Sox on paper. Unfortuntely paper doesn't decide the outcome of these games. Also unfortunate for the Red Sox, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Gonzalez left their Sunday games early with injuries. Whether they miss time is unknown at this time but one should expect a game or two missed for both.
Jair Jurrjens, Fausto Carmona and Ryan Rowland-Smith lead the Red Sox pitching staff this week with two starts each. Aces Scott Baker and Kevin Millwood will try to make the best of their one start this week. Reliever turned starter CJ Wilson will try to continue a strong start to the season this week vs the Indians.
Trade Bait
Catcher- Carlos Ruiz .364BA 3Runs 4BB's
Shortstop- Cliff Pennington .316BA 3Runs 1HR 3RBI 1SB 4BB's
Starting Pitcher- Nate Robertson 1Win 3K's 0.00ERA 1.88WHIP
Wants
Starting Pitcher upgrade.
Closer/Top Setup man
2B Upgrade Over Dan Uggla
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