It's Halama Time

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Didn’t see the game last night, but there are some things in the box score that stuck out in my mind. First off, Renteria continues to press, committing two errors. If there was a tenth spot in the order, he’d probably be hitting there right now. Millar goes hitless once again, and with Mirabelli delivering a Salami sandwich, the Big Show guys on WEEI are already talking about the possibility of moving him to first base against lefties. I don’t see that idea so far-fetched.

Adding to that, Halamamamama brought out his balls of steel in a spot start and was great. We got past the Gonzalez-Halama experience with a split, something I definitely hoped for on the road against a solid Detroit team. Now we get Wake, Arroyo and Clement (actually in the opening day rotation) the next three days. I guess anything is better than being the Yankees right now and Kevin Brown, who got his ass handed to him by the Devil Rays last night. He gave up eight earned, a boatload of hits and prompted Mel and Torre to vomit all over the mound. Robinson Cano and Some Guy Named Haan were called up today. Fun time to be a Yankee fan.

As I didn’t see the game last night due to those friggin Celtics, I’ve decided to look at two big moves Theo made in the off season and see what has transpired so far this season:

Shortstop:

Addition: Edgar Renteria: .238, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .298 OBP, .352 SLG, .947 Fielding, $8 million
Subtraction: Orlando Cabrera: .253, 3 HR, 9 RBI, .321 OBP, .410 SLG, .985 Fielding, $6 million

This is looking like Theo’s worst decision in the off season. You’ve got a star and an outspoken team leader in the palm of your hands, a guy who loved his stay in Boston, played a massive role in your championship run, but you let him slip away. They instead pursue Edgar Renteria for more money, and they’re getting much less than the amount the Red Sox owe him this season. He’s behind in almost every offensive and defensive category to Cabrera. He’s one of the worst statistical players on the team with runners in scoring position. Sure, I’ll give him some more time, but right now it looks as if Cabrera was the better choice.

#2 and #3 Pitchers:

Additions: David Wells and Matt Clement (combined): 5-3, 8.91 ERA, 55.1 IP, 78 H, 32 ER, $10.5 million
Subtractions: Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe (combined): 5-3, 4.47 ERA, 84.1 IP, 57 H, 21 ER, $17.8 million

It’s really amazing when you look at those numbers. Not only is Wells on the shelf, but Pedro and Lowe combined have given up 19 less hits in almost 30 more innings than Clement and Wells, including an ERA more than four total points less. But it’s not all about statistics, and we all knew the Red Sox could not sign both of those guys for that amount of money. Lowe’s ERA is extremely small compared to his lifetime showing with the Red Sox, and Theo was not ready to hand over 44 million to Pedro over four full seasons. Overall, Pedro and Lowe are much better pitchers, but Clement and Wells will be just fine in Boston.

And breaking news as I finish this article: Wade Miller looks to start Sunday!