The Lenny DiNardo Blog

Theo on Lenny, WMP trade

Theo's Comments Post-Arroyo-Trade (thanks to Chris from Westboro for the heads up):

We like Lenny DiNardo, Jonathan Papelbon, and Jon Lester, who may be ready to help us at the end of the season. I still think we have enough pitching depth but don’t hold me to it if we’re scrambling for bodies in June.

The SOSH Boards are buzzing about Lenny's new role as well (you're going to have to go through the threads to find these...):

I think this is an excellent point and I completely agree. I was very impressed with what little I saw of DiNardo last season and I think he would be fine as an emergency/spot 7th starter. I bet every team in the majors would love to have someone of his caliber as their 7th starter.
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PECOTA projected Arroyo for a 4.47 ERA this year, and DiNardo for a 4.78. That's not a huge gap, especially considering DiNardo's projection probably has a higher variance due to his GB tendencies--the IF defense behind him makes a big difference.
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As others have mentioned, I also like the idea of opening a spot for Dinardo and adding a versatile lefthander into the bullpen mix. He is an ideal swingman.
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I also agree that it may leave more room for DiNardo to make the squad if one of the relievers does not cut it. Like most, I would like at least one lefty in the bullben.
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I also think that Dinardo could be Bronson Arroyo from the left side (he was similarly recovered from the scrap heap). Wells and Dinardo give the Sox needed lefty balance on the pitching staff too.

Lefty Toss-up: Wells or Lenny?

Chris from Westboro forwarded this article from the T&G (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) in which Big Bill Ballou suggests that a Wells trade would create a lefty vaccuum, with Lenny as the main beneficiary.

With David Wells iffy due to his recovery from an injury, and his desire to be traded, the Sox don’t have a left-hander on the staff as currently comprised. Boston has to open the regular season with at least one, so if Wells isn’t on the team, DiNardo probably will be.

I hope this would be right. First, it seems like Wells will not be convinced to stick around (even with his gaudy Fenway numbers over the last three years: 2.79era / 9-1 / 100 innings / 13bb / 63so)). But second, having Lenny fill Wells' Wells's shoes seems like a longshot - especially with Jon Lester showing good stuff this spring. Hey, whatever it takes for him to get in there, I'm for. Make it happen.

NOTE: Thanks to Mike from Nashua for the reminder on the singular possessive. Merely an oversight...

The Quotable DiNardo II

Chris from Westboro came across this choice quote from Lenny back in April 2005.  This is from an interview by Red Sox Nation with the man himself. (I know...I gave RSN a hard time for their recent interview with Lenny...this one is a pretty good interview).  Here, Lenny was talking about how great it had been to work with so many veterans who gave him advice:

Pedro was another.  He came up to me in the outfield once, and told me to taste the ball with my fingers.

Good stuff. Thanks for the find, Chris!

Youkilis Syndrome

Chris from Westboro sends this blurb over from Over the Monster:

Edes also thinks Lenny DiNardo will be the lefty of the 'pen.  Dinardo has been a victim of KYS (Kevin Youkilis Syndrome. Formerly known as LMS, Lou Merloni Syndrome), but not to the degree of others.  His time in the big leagues has been short, but he's pitched well in those innings.  I think he deserves a full-time job.

Couldn't agree more!  This year is the "year" for a lot of guys to prove themselves on the major league level -  Youkilis, Lenny, Paps...maybe even Hanson, Hansen, Delcarmen, and Lester, if they get a shot.

UPDATE: MmmBop.