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Protecting the Shields -- The Nick Cafardo Thread
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Somebody must've told Nick that people use computers.
In the tradition that brings us "Apropos of Nothing" (emphasis on nothing), we get "a few thoughts." (neither few nor thoughtful)
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/a_few_thoughts_2.html
Like the Red Sox, Nick likes to score early:
Nick: I'm writing for computer-reading persons. I don't need complete sentences ("Really do") OR sentences that make any sense ("talent around broadcasters")
In the tradition that brings us "Apropos of Nothing" (emphasis on nothing), we get "a few thoughts." (neither few nor thoughtful)
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/a_few_thoughts_2.html
Like the Red Sox, Nick likes to score early:
This could by my peeve alone, so apologies in advance, but Nick, "Tampa Bay" is a body of water. Unless you flew on one of those planes with skis, the chances are pretty good that you actually flew from "Tampa" or maybe "St. Petersburg." (yeah, yeah, yeah, maybe he was referring to the baseball team, not the city. Then he's just kinda sloppy; not really sloppy.)
I "believe" the reigning Miss Universe "belongs" in my bed. And I'm right. She does. But right now, she has a restraining order against me.
This sentence quietly sums up Nick Cafardo's transition into the 20th century.
Nick: I'm writing for computer-reading persons. I don't need complete sentences ("Really do") OR sentences that make any sense ("talent around broadcasters")
???????
Well he does.
It's useless info of course, but Nick's right on the case to point it out to us.
Gah.
It's useless info of course, but Nick's right on the case to point it out to us.
Gah.
This isn't Cafardo's fault but:
This is on Nick:
Would be nice if there was a link so that we could.
This is on Nick:
Ever? This year? I would guess it's the former.
And that's why they pay Nick Cafardo the big bucks. Do you think that just anyone would say that the Red Sox should do everything in their power to get the National League's best shortstop? What a radical thought.
I'm not a fan of Nick's but I think that the suggestion that the sox should do everything in their power to acquire Reyes is indeed pretty radical.
Consider:
- whatever the Sox would have to pay on Reyes' $11 mm 2011 contract (and this should be the least of it);
- what Reyes would cost in prospects going back to the Mets, especially in light of the Adrian deal which already depleted the prospect cupboard;
- that Reyes would be a one-year rental unless the Sox found a way to extend him (not at all a sure thing); and
- the fair argument that given their demonstated teamwide ability to score runs and catch the ball without a talent like Reyes in the line-up, and the issues they have in the rotation -- two of their top three starters are on the DL, Lackey's inconsistency, Wake's age, Miller's unproven record and how much an unknown Weiland is -- make getting a starter a more pressing need than upgrading SS
I guess that I can see your point Theo, but Cafardo doesn't write that. He makes it sound like the entire world is against him on this and I don't think that they are.
Are there bigger priorities than a shortstop right now? You bet: starting pitcher, relief help and a RHed outfield bat to name three, but acquiring a shortstop is probably the fourth thing the Sox need to do. And if they get one that can hit a bit, then that might be able to take some pressure off finding a good-hitting outfielder.
As far as the money goes, there's a lot of big contracts coming off the books after this season. The Sox can afford Reyes.
Are there bigger priorities than a shortstop right now? You bet: starting pitcher, relief help and a RHed outfield bat to name three, but acquiring a shortstop is probably the fourth thing the Sox need to do. And if they get one that can hit a bit, then that might be able to take some pressure off finding a good-hitting outfielder.
As far as the money goes, there's a lot of big contracts coming off the books after this season. The Sox can afford Reyes.
Okay, this made me laugh at my desk today while the boss man was the next cube-block over. Credit where credit's due.
Cafardo likes Dustin Pedroia.
He also likes writing columns that take absolutely zero effort.
Today's piece revealed nothing, contained no inside knowledge and is pretty much a waste of his time and ours. The entire thing boils down to: Pedroia had two great games and he's a good ballplayer.
The Boston Globe claims they have the best sports coverage in Boston but you wouldn't know it from reading Nick's latest.
He also likes writing columns that take absolutely zero effort.
Today's piece revealed nothing, contained no inside knowledge and is pretty much a waste of his time and ours. The entire thing boils down to: Pedroia had two great games and he's a good ballplayer.
The Boston Globe claims they have the best sports coverage in Boston but you wouldn't know it from reading Nick's latest.
Agreed that Cafardo way overstates his isolation on this.
And sure, they can afford Reyes (this year and going forward), but it's not a slam dunk that he'll want to sign in Boston or that they'll be able to strike a deal with him, particularly if he signs with Boras, as has been rumored.
I don't expect the Sox to address more than one or two of their perceived needs during the 2011 season, and last night's Wake start reinforces my belief that getting another starter is currently a much bigger need than all of the other priorities combined. To be clear, I'd think that even if Wake had pitched a gem against the Os, but seeing the Trick and Treat Wake, with Weiland and Miller on deck, makes everything else pale in comparison.
Hopefully, Lester and Buck will come back strong and all of the areas of need will go back to looking like relatively even priorities. Until that happens, Nick's idea will remain pretty radical in my eyes. Like most of his ideas.
Amalie got married and wanted off the beat, probably to start a family.
So, the Baseball Notes column was a usual piece of dreck today, but I'll give Nick credit: his comparison of Lavaraway to Mike Napoli is actually a pretty good call and for once he brings some focus on a guy many of us have debated here on he board.
So, the Baseball Notes column was a usual piece of dreck today, but I'll give Nick credit: his comparison of Lavaraway to Mike Napoli is actually a pretty good call and for once he brings some focus on a guy many of us have debated here on he board.
SJH - came here sort of to post the same thing. Well, different take. I read the Lavarnway/Napoli comment I think on this board or maybe Fangraphs in the last couple days. It isn't his. Or it's a coincidence. But this again is where this man's total and complete lack of intellectual curiousity is just a killer.
I know this is a notes column and supposed to be quick-hitting, but he has no interest whatsoever in actually thinking. It is incredible.
Of the stupid things he says, I think the dumbest (and I don't take that likely) was:
This team still has weak spots - LH reliever, backup infield, RHH outfielder...you deal prospects to fill them in unless the minors offer them. Not sure what the hell he even means above.
The apropos covers Tampa Bay which doesn't even qualify anymore as an unoriginal thought. It's just common knowledge. He might as well have made the apropos "John Henry takes a dump every day". It would be as thoughtful a comment. We also learned that the AL and NL don't compete very hard because apparently they don't have a president overseeing things, demanding they play harder. We learned that Eric Wedge apparently has some sort of gassy feeling. Yes, I know Nick wants us to understand Wedge, who is likely a source, is really a great manager even though his teams stink. But this would actually make sense to evaluate SINCE THEY ARE IN TOWN AND HE COULD TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THAT ORGANIZATION.
We learn that Mike Stanton has the power of a player most people know as the greatest running back in video game history. OK, so that's a little rough. I just think the comparison is odd. There are actual current baseball players you could compare him to.
And Lavarnway/Napoli. OK, here's the rub. Ignoring the fact I know he read this elsewhere, they both are slow fat catchers with good power but don't catch that well. But here is the question about Lavarnway - given that his bat is ahead of his glove, does he project to be able to fill the backup catcher role in the bigs and get say 250 AB in the DH/1B/PH role in the major leagues? Point is, you can articulate Lavarnway's value. Or you can give a throwaway comment with no real followup, and basically I learn nothing.
I learn nothing reading this man. Given his resources, it's embarrassing.
I know this is a notes column and supposed to be quick-hitting, but he has no interest whatsoever in actually thinking. It is incredible.
Of the stupid things he says, I think the dumbest (and I don't take that likely) was:
Now, he had referred to valuable prospects the paragraph before, so I maybe can blame this on an editor. But it is not a "shame" to trade mid-level prospects to garner bench depth or grab a situational reliever. Dave Roberts showed up for a minor league outfielder in 2004. Alan Embree showed up for a minor leaguer or 2 in 2002. Unless impact means "on the 25 man roster", this statement makes no sense. Not every trade is for Adrian Gonzalez.
This team still has weak spots - LH reliever, backup infield, RHH outfielder...you deal prospects to fill them in unless the minors offer them. Not sure what the hell he even means above.
The apropos covers Tampa Bay which doesn't even qualify anymore as an unoriginal thought. It's just common knowledge. He might as well have made the apropos "John Henry takes a dump every day". It would be as thoughtful a comment. We also learned that the AL and NL don't compete very hard because apparently they don't have a president overseeing things, demanding they play harder. We learned that Eric Wedge apparently has some sort of gassy feeling. Yes, I know Nick wants us to understand Wedge, who is likely a source, is really a great manager even though his teams stink. But this would actually make sense to evaluate SINCE THEY ARE IN TOWN AND HE COULD TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THAT ORGANIZATION.
We learn that Mike Stanton has the power of a player most people know as the greatest running back in video game history. OK, so that's a little rough. I just think the comparison is odd. There are actual current baseball players you could compare him to.
And Lavarnway/Napoli. OK, here's the rub. Ignoring the fact I know he read this elsewhere, they both are slow fat catchers with good power but don't catch that well. But here is the question about Lavarnway - given that his bat is ahead of his glove, does he project to be able to fill the backup catcher role in the bigs and get say 250 AB in the DH/1B/PH role in the major leagues? Point is, you can articulate Lavarnway's value. Or you can give a throwaway comment with no real followup, and basically I learn nothing.
I learn nothing reading this man. Given his resources, it's embarrassing.
Classic Nick today, arguing with himself about a pretend CC Sabathia rumor he made up out of laziness. The Gollum-like voices in his head have officially taken over his column.
What if The Red Sox tried to offer a deal to CC?
They tried it with Mariano!
It's hard to imagine...
...but maybe!
CC's great, would he fit in w/Beckett?
...hard to say, but maybe he would!
He's signed to a big deal, would any team dare step up and sign him?
...'hmmm, maybe the Sox could do it!
Wait, do the Sox really need him?
...probably not.
...But maybe!
What if The Red Sox tried to offer a deal to CC?
They tried it with Mariano!
It's hard to imagine...
...but maybe!
CC's great, would he fit in w/Beckett?
...hard to say, but maybe he would!
He's signed to a big deal, would any team dare step up and sign him?
...'hmmm, maybe the Sox could do it!
Wait, do the Sox really need him?
...probably not.
...But maybe!
quote : of all the stupid things he says (and I don't take that likely):
A minor nitpick but I think you meant to say I don't take that lightly not likely.
A minor nitpick but I think you meant to say I don't take that lightly not likely.
I have no specific insights, but I would venture to guess that the Notes column is viewed as something of a pre-Internet relic, and thus, less important to have a top-notch guy on it. If that person has anything that remotely qualifies as new news, that shit goes on Boston.com and/or Twitter.
I'd rather read Cafardo than the other trash they roll out. Mazz? Shank? Gasper? Who are you guys reading at this paper? I can't even read much more than some Extra Bases posts. If you are interested in what is actually going on with the team and how the players feel, what the manager thinks, then I have no idea why you would read this paper. Their only articles are heaps of praise and scorn for good/bad weeks. The whole operation is terrible.
I read Projo if I actually want to read about the Red Sox and not the people covering the Red Sox. They don't have as much money but they have actual *baseball reporters* who actually do interesting interviews with players. I'm amazed every time I read them at why this information isn't in ANY of the Boston papers. It's because they're shit, that's why.
The Globe is the newspaper equivalent of Joe West. So sad what they've done to it. I'll even take Edes back at this point.
"Who are you guys reading at this paper?"
Chad Finn. Does he qualify? How bout Bob Ryan? Gary Washburn? Greg Bedard? Those writers are at least somewhat adaquate. I agree however that Nick should have been put out to pasture many eons ago.
[quote name='richgedman'sghost' timestamp='1311547935' post='3649482']
"Who are you guys reading at this paper?"
Chad Finn. Does he qualify? How bout Bob Ryan? Gary Washburn? Greg Bedard? Those writers are at least somewhat adaquate. I agree however that Nick should have been put out to pasture many eons ago.
[/quote]
How many columns do these guys get to write though in comparison to the above mentioned? Are their articles linked from the main Sox page? I rarely even see Ryan's columns anymore (who along with Finn are pretty tolerable). They've got the hacks doing all the baseball writing; Ryan just kind of writes about whatever. He doesn't seem to be convering the team so much any more. I stand by my statement that the Globe is trash now. I'd rather read Projo or anyone on EEI (Spier is fantastic).
How, in this town, do people like Gasper and Mazz have jobs writing anything? They're not even talented ot interesting writers, nevermind the baseball part of the equation.
"Who are you guys reading at this paper?"
Chad Finn. Does he qualify? How bout Bob Ryan? Gary Washburn? Greg Bedard? Those writers are at least somewhat adaquate. I agree however that Nick should have been put out to pasture many eons ago.
[/quote]
How many columns do these guys get to write though in comparison to the above mentioned? Are their articles linked from the main Sox page? I rarely even see Ryan's columns anymore (who along with Finn are pretty tolerable). They've got the hacks doing all the baseball writing; Ryan just kind of writes about whatever. He doesn't seem to be convering the team so much any more. I stand by my statement that the Globe is trash now. I'd rather read Projo or anyone on EEI (Spier is fantastic).
How, in this town, do people like Gasper and Mazz have jobs writing anything? They're not even talented ot interesting writers, nevermind the baseball part of the equation.
That's because he's a general columnist who has been at the paper since 1969. By definition, his job has a lot of latitude. His tenure gives him even more.
That's not true.Gasper and Maz are generall columnists like Ryan but are more comfortable with football and baseball respectively.
Cafardo on MLB Network just now: "The Sox need a pitcher, because Clay Buchholz probably isn't coming back."
No reason. No explanation. Just throws it out there like it's common knowledge, despite every report being to the contrary. So two possibilities. One, he's just assuming it, but reporting it as if it's fact. Two, it's true, but something the Sox have tried to keep quiet for trade leverage. Either way, professional move Nick.
No reason. No explanation. Just throws it out there like it's common knowledge, despite every report being to the contrary. So two possibilities. One, he's just assuming it, but reporting it as if it's fact. Two, it's true, but something the Sox have tried to keep quiet for trade leverage. Either way, professional move Nick.
I was going to post the same thing. He said it on NESN and on MLB Network twice. Nothing to back it up, no mention of how he knows it...just Nick being Nick.
The horrible and evil part of myself that I hate wishes the Red Sox hadn't landed Bedard just so Nick would be unquestionably wrong.
Unless I missed something (and it's very possible), he pretty much said "I don't think Buchholz is coming back this season, that's why they're really pushing for so hard for another starter". On MLB Network he stated, "Buchholz probably isn't coming back this season" - I listened back and heard that specifically one of the two times he was on. I just don't know how he can get away with that without elaborating or at least just saying it was a hunch on his part. Maybe I'm just being too critical...
I saw him on NESN saying something to the effect of "Buchholz doesn't look good to come back this season; they had to send him to another specialist after the last bullpen session." Not great, but more than when he was on MLB Network.
The most recent info makes it sound like he might have been right, but seriously, maybe a few words in the way of explanation?
The most recent info makes it sound like he might have been right, but seriously, maybe a few words in the way of explanation?
http://twitter.com/#!/nickcafardo/status/98147575974211585
Only Nick would think to ask whether the Red Sox would be interested in a LH-hitting 1B/DH (because, apparently, Boston doesn't have those slots covered) who was just DFA'd by the offense-impaired Pirates on the presumption of how he hit AGAINST Red Sox pitching would make him of interest in the first place
Christmas in August
Not even a whiff, sniff, glance or refernce to "Well, Jim, seeing as how Bowden is now a relief pitcher, not sure how he'd help the rotation."
My favorite part of that article was when someone asked him who he thought was going to be the RF next year, and he said that the Sox might try to go hard have Jose Bautista.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Not that I enjoy defending Cafardo, nor do I think that it would happen, but there were reports that Epstein was all over Bautista last offseason pretty much begging the Blue Jays to deal him. Again, I doubt that it would happen, but there was a bit of truth to that answer.
Typical drivel from Nick today. Lede sentence:
Nope, just another rambling argument with himself over whether the Sox need another bat or not. Whether they are truly good or not. Whether the opposing pitcher is good or not. Then wraps it up coming to no clear conclusion. What was your point again?
He sounds like a bad politician in a debate repeating the question then running out the clock with talking points so he can avoid actual thought.
Okay, cool. End column, then?
Nope, just another rambling argument with himself over whether the Sox need another bat or not. Whether they are truly good or not. Whether the opposing pitcher is good or not. Then wraps it up coming to no clear conclusion. What was your point again?
He sounds like a bad politician in a debate repeating the question then running out the clock with talking points so he can avoid actual thought.
I did appreciate Nick hyping his boy Ricciardi for a GM opening and anonymously quoting him in the same column. That was fun.
It was outstanding. Only slightly less difficult than a Hidden Pictures game in a copy of Highlights
Lavarnway
Nick's other gem this week is his continual insistence that all the Red Sox have to do is ask, and the Blue Jays will trade Bautista to Boston
Theo did everything but drug Anthopoulos and use his unconscious hand to forge his signature on the paperwork to send him over, yeah?
I'm glad he's asking JP rather than Theo about the state of the Red Sox.
I'm glad he's asking JP rather than Theo about the state of the Red Sox.
Nick goes way out on a limb here.
Just freaking say it, Nicky. Don't use the mealy mouthed "could."
This link could work
Just freaking say it, Nicky. Don't use the mealy mouthed "could."
I feel bad for the limb.
Batting Varitek in the 8th was tough to watch...but Francona didn't "have" him swing. I think the sign, loosely translated is, "you can swing if you get a good pitch to hit, but since its 3-0, I dont recommend that you swing at a pitch that's over your head."
Does Nick know if Reddick knows how to bunt/ has ever done it before?
I used to play a game with Peter May's NBA notes column which was "which 80s Celtics player did he call this week?"
There were, on average, 3-4 quotes or references to the discussion, all described slightly differently so it wouldn't be totally obvious what he did for the column was call one guy and talk to him for 20 minutes. But I was sure that most weeks this was what really happened.
Francona's plans to rest regulars and give Lester a longer leash to avoid the main pen guys with offdays coming up to get Lester extra rest on the back end was a good one. But since it didn't work, maybe it wasn't so good.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/08/11/reserving_judgment_on_bench_moves/
The whole thing reads as though he wrote it while convinced the Sox would win -- and thus praise for the manager -- and then had to quickly rush the updates when they didn't win -- and thus questions questions questions. He simply has no ideas of his own.
I'm not sure if Nick is Chauncey Gardner or Leonard Zelig.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2011/08/11/reserving_judgment_on_bench_moves/
The whole thing reads as though he wrote it while convinced the Sox would win -- and thus praise for the manager -- and then had to quickly rush the updates when they didn't win -- and thus questions questions questions. He simply has no ideas of his own.
I'm not sure if Nick is Chauncey Gardner or Leonard Zelig.
This article is a fascinating look at Nick having an argument with himself. He seems to have an opinion but is scared to voice it or claim credit for it, perhaps because he thinks Tito won't talk to him again if he actually comes out and plays Monday morning quarterback. "One could argue this, but then one could also argue that. Oh, I give up." is about all this is.
The craziest thing about the article is that Cafardo ends it by questioning giving Pedroia a rest, when Aviles played for him and reached base his first 3 plate appearances, and Pedroia even got into the game in a high leverage situation against a lefty. Of all the things that happened last night, Pedroia not playing is ridiculously low on the "reasons they lost" list. Off the top of my head:
- The pen was taxed from the previous couple games and Tito wanted to stay away from Albers, Bard, and Paps
- Lester didn't have very command all night, which especially came back to bite him in the 7th
- Crawford forgot how to play Gold Glove defense this offseason
- Aceves didn't have it
- Tito left Aviles in the game in right field after he pinch hit with Pedroia, when putting in McDonald might have been a better play for defensive purposes
- The offense didn't do shit against Nick fucking Blackburn (no fault of Aviles)
- The pen was taxed from the previous couple games and Tito wanted to stay away from Albers, Bard, and Paps
- Lester didn't have very command all night, which especially came back to bite him in the 7th
- Crawford forgot how to play Gold Glove defense this offseason
- Aceves didn't have it
- Tito left Aviles in the game in right field after he pinch hit with Pedroia, when putting in McDonald might have been a better play for defensive purposes
- The offense didn't do shit against Nick fucking Blackburn (no fault of Aviles)
You didn't like the unprovoked shot at Manny "Non-HOF person" Ramirez?
Cafardo is a petty bitch.
And the unnamed Mets source was Riccardi. I'd bet my house on it.
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