A lot of sports shows are bantering around Clay Buchholz's name as trade bait. One report had Hanley Ramirez coming back to the Red Sox from the Marlins in exchange for Buccholz & possibly Ellsbury. Is that a good deal?
Where young pitching is such a scarce commodity I would hold onto Buchholz. The kid did pitch a no-hitter in 2007, so you know his stuff can be electric. During last year Farrell & Co. changed Clay's delivery mechanics. Any coach will tell you that it takes about 3,000 repetitions done correctly to build muscle memory before a change becomes habit & a player doesn't have to think about it. Buchholz did pitch well in the Arizona Fall League to get his total innings up for the year.
Hanley Ramirez would add more offensive pop to the line-up. But Hanley did not blossom as expected in his first stint with the Sox. What's to say it would be different this time?
Let Youk, Pedroia, Bay, Ortiz , Drew & Lowell do the heavy lifting when it comes to offense. Ellsbury & Lowrie can contribute as they figure things out in the big league. That should be enough offense to get into the playoffs where it's all about pitching.
I'm for holding onto Buccholz.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Brad Penny Coming to Town
The Red Sox are ready to ink a low-cost, incentive-laden deal with pitcher Brad Penny. Penny was injured for the Dodgers most of last season, but was a 15+ wins & 200 innings arm when healthy. He is also an ex-teammate of Josh Beckett from his days with the Marlins.
Penny can be a good insurance policy or a number 4-5 starter for the Sox. Similar to Batolo Colon last year, he may contribute to some valuable wins over the course of a 162-game season & allow some mid-season rest to the pitching staff. Penny will have to make the transition from NL to AL as he has spent his entire career in the National League.
Since the Red Sox were unable to add a big bat they are doing the next best thing by getting pitching help. An extra reliever & an extra starter can't hurt.
Penny can be a good insurance policy or a number 4-5 starter for the Sox. Similar to Batolo Colon last year, he may contribute to some valuable wins over the course of a 162-game season & allow some mid-season rest to the pitching staff. Penny will have to make the transition from NL to AL as he has spent his entire career in the National League.
Since the Red Sox were unable to add a big bat they are doing the next best thing by getting pitching help. An extra reliever & an extra starter can't hurt.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Patriots End Season Like Red Sox
Just one more win.
One more win & the Patriots make the playoffs. One more win & the Red Sox are back in the World Series.
Both teams saw their rosters go through key injuries during the season. The Patriots lost Tom Brady in the first game against Kansas City. The Red Sox never saw one pitch from Curt Schilling & Josh Beckett was hurt most of the season. The DL & IR lists were littered with many name players from both teams -- Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Adelius Thomas, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, JD Drew. Given all the injuries, both teams performed well above expectations.
Other players were given their chance to step-up & took advantage of it. Cassel, Mayo, Merriweather are now recognizable Patriots. Youk stepped into the clean-up spot. Lowrie became an everyday shortstop. Ellsbury became a base-stealing threat. And Lester became a starting ace.
Both teams have a lot to look forward to in the next campaigns. It's fun to be a New England fan these days as the Patriots, Red Sox, World Champion Celtics & Bruins are winning with regularity.
One more win & the Patriots make the playoffs. One more win & the Red Sox are back in the World Series.
Both teams saw their rosters go through key injuries during the season. The Patriots lost Tom Brady in the first game against Kansas City. The Red Sox never saw one pitch from Curt Schilling & Josh Beckett was hurt most of the season. The DL & IR lists were littered with many name players from both teams -- Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Adelius Thomas, David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, JD Drew. Given all the injuries, both teams performed well above expectations.
Other players were given their chance to step-up & took advantage of it. Cassel, Mayo, Merriweather are now recognizable Patriots. Youk stepped into the clean-up spot. Lowrie became an everyday shortstop. Ellsbury became a base-stealing threat. And Lester became a starting ace.
Both teams have a lot to look forward to in the next campaigns. It's fun to be a New England fan these days as the Patriots, Red Sox, World Champion Celtics & Bruins are winning with regularity.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Extreme Home Makeover in the Bronx
The Yankees continue their own bailout plan spending as they ink an 8 year, $180 million deal with Mark Teixeira. Teixeira joins the new money given to CC Sabathia & AJ Burnett. The Yankees better sellout that new stadium to pay for these guys.
I was OK either way with how the Sox persued Teixeira. Now that it's over, I hope that Mike Lowell returns to health & has a monster year. Keep JD Drew & Big Papi healthy as well & we can compete with anyone in the AL East.
Sometimes the deals that don't get made are the best ones.
I was OK either way with how the Sox persued Teixeira. Now that it's over, I hope that Mike Lowell returns to health & has a monster year. Keep JD Drew & Big Papi healthy as well & we can compete with anyone in the AL East.
Sometimes the deals that don't get made are the best ones.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Boras Losing His Magic?
Scott Boras has free agents stacked up like planes at Logan in a snowstorm. Maybe Scott the super agent has started his descent.
Number 1 big commission free agent -- Mark Teixeira -- hasn't signed with any team yet. Lately, teams like the Red Sox & Angels have withdrawn their offers. They had enough of the Boras act of playing one team against another. They called his bluff.
Number 2 big commission free agent -- Manny Ramirez -- is backseat news. No team is going to offer multiple years for a 36-year old troublemaker who wants A-Rod money. Sounds like Manny has been all expense & no income so far.
Jason Varitek is somewhere way down the line in the Boras plan of triage. Again, no takers on Varitek yet.
Has Scott Boras lost his luster? Maybe the MLB GM's have had enough of his methods to get overpayment for players he represents. A recession is a good way to weed out the poor performers. So far, no one is buying what Boras is selling. No salesman of the year award.
Number 1 big commission free agent -- Mark Teixeira -- hasn't signed with any team yet. Lately, teams like the Red Sox & Angels have withdrawn their offers. They had enough of the Boras act of playing one team against another. They called his bluff.
Number 2 big commission free agent -- Manny Ramirez -- is backseat news. No team is going to offer multiple years for a 36-year old troublemaker who wants A-Rod money. Sounds like Manny has been all expense & no income so far.
Jason Varitek is somewhere way down the line in the Boras plan of triage. Again, no takers on Varitek yet.
Has Scott Boras lost his luster? Maybe the MLB GM's have had enough of his methods to get overpayment for players he represents. A recession is a good way to weed out the poor performers. So far, no one is buying what Boras is selling. No salesman of the year award.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Red Sox Call Boras' Bluff
It's time for Scott Boras to show his hand. John Henry & Co. called his bluff Thursday night & let the media know that the Sox were out of the Teixeira sweepstakes. Maybe Teixeira was educated to the art of negotiation as he was present at the meeting.
No matter where Teixeira ends up, he will be set financially for life. On the other hand, like you, I have family and friends who are just hoping to hold onto their jobs until after January 1st. Athletes (and their agents) live in a different world.
I applaud the Red Sox for drawing a line in the sand. Enough is enough. The Red Sox exodus may actually bring the price down now for Teixeira.
No matter where Teixeira ends up, he will be set financially for life. On the other hand, like you, I have family and friends who are just hoping to hold onto their jobs until after January 1st. Athletes (and their agents) live in a different world.
I applaud the Red Sox for drawing a line in the sand. Enough is enough. The Red Sox exodus may actually bring the price down now for Teixeira.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Red Sox Bid On Teixeira
According to various sources, the Red Sox have formally offered a bid on Mark Teixeira for at least 8 years. The Nationals & Angels have also offered 8 year contracts, while the Orioles have remained with their 7- year offer. No bites from the Yankees at this point.
I think Teixeira would be a great addition if the Sox get him. If not, I think Mike Lowell will do a great job at 3B for the next 2 years.
Health was more of a culprit last year than not having the right players. If Lowell, Drew & Ortiz are healthy, you have veteran players that know how to win in the playoffs.
Add the coming-of-age of Youk, Pedroia & Bay with newcomers Ellsbury & Lowrie and we have a solid starting line-up. You have to assume that Varitek will be back for another year or two.
We are good either way the Teixeira deal goes.
I think Teixeira would be a great addition if the Sox get him. If not, I think Mike Lowell will do a great job at 3B for the next 2 years.
Health was more of a culprit last year than not having the right players. If Lowell, Drew & Ortiz are healthy, you have veteran players that know how to win in the playoffs.
Add the coming-of-age of Youk, Pedroia & Bay with newcomers Ellsbury & Lowrie and we have a solid starting line-up. You have to assume that Varitek will be back for another year or two.
We are good either way the Teixeira deal goes.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
New Red Sox Logo
Do we need a new Red Sox logo consisting of 2 red socks?
Maybe we do if it will spur more merchandise sales so we can afford Mark Teixeira & others.
Red Sox merchandising paved the way for the $100 million needed to bring Dice-K on board. Our new Japanese friends of Red Sox Nation - both in the US & abroad - are helping to pay the freight. How else can we compete with the Yankees when old Fenway hold 34,000 + versus the newer, bigger stadiums seating 50,000 & 60,000?
Most fans think this new logo is much to do about nothing. The current ownership, however, knows better.
Maybe we do if it will spur more merchandise sales so we can afford Mark Teixeira & others.
Red Sox merchandising paved the way for the $100 million needed to bring Dice-K on board. Our new Japanese friends of Red Sox Nation - both in the US & abroad - are helping to pay the freight. How else can we compete with the Yankees when old Fenway hold 34,000 + versus the newer, bigger stadiums seating 50,000 & 60,000?
Most fans think this new logo is much to do about nothing. The current ownership, however, knows better.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
No Catchers Yet
Jason Varitek is still unsigned. Kevin Cash was let go yesterday. Who's going to catch this year?
Actually, you could see both Varitek & Cash back with the Sox. Varitek is not finding much of a market out there for an aging catcher who has offensive issues. Cash may still re-sign a minor league deal & be available for duty with Tim Wakefield.
It's interesting to see the way that Theo is approaching this crucial position. Maybe he is keeping the checkbook open for Mark Teixeira first, then dealing with the catching situation afterwards.
Actually, you could see both Varitek & Cash back with the Sox. Varitek is not finding much of a market out there for an aging catcher who has offensive issues. Cash may still re-sign a minor league deal & be available for duty with Tim Wakefield.
It's interesting to see the way that Theo is approaching this crucial position. Maybe he is keeping the checkbook open for Mark Teixeira first, then dealing with the catching situation afterwards.
Burnett Joins Yankees Rotation
AJ Burnett is the latest multi-million arm to join the NY Yankees rotation. Burnett is now featured in a rotation that includes CC Sabathia, Joba the Hutt & Chen-Ming Wong. Quite an imposing 1-2-3-4 -- assuming everyone stays healthy.
The Yankees starters are now posed to match-up with the staffs from Boston & Tampa Bay. The Steinbrenner boys are spending what they need to get back to the playoffs. It would be sad to begin the new Yankee Stadium in the same way as the left the old one -- out of the playoffs.
Other than the Orioles, the AL East will be a battlegound division in 2009.
The Yankees starters are now posed to match-up with the staffs from Boston & Tampa Bay. The Steinbrenner boys are spending what they need to get back to the playoffs. It would be sad to begin the new Yankee Stadium in the same way as the left the old one -- out of the playoffs.
Other than the Orioles, the AL East will be a battlegound division in 2009.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Sabathia to the Yankees
The AL East will be even more competitive next year as the Yanks shore up their starting pitching with the signing of CC Sabathia. It remains to be seen if Sabathia will perform to the level of his $160 million contract.
Next up for the Yankees rotation could be a signing of AJ Burnett or Derek Lowe. They may makes offers to both in the hopes of getting one.
In the meantime, the Red Sox focus is on the re-signing of Jason Varitek. They are also very involved in the 4-team Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. Besides the Sox, it looks like the Angels, Nationals & Orioles are all making offers for Teixeira's services.
I can't see the Sox going for more than 5-year deal under the present ownership, but you never know. Some reports say the length of contract for Teixeira could be 8 to 10 years at a minimum of $20 million per year.
Regardless of Teixeira, with more pitching the Yankees will be a threat again in the AL East.
Next up for the Yankees rotation could be a signing of AJ Burnett or Derek Lowe. They may makes offers to both in the hopes of getting one.
In the meantime, the Red Sox focus is on the re-signing of Jason Varitek. They are also very involved in the 4-team Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. Besides the Sox, it looks like the Angels, Nationals & Orioles are all making offers for Teixeira's services.
I can't see the Sox going for more than 5-year deal under the present ownership, but you never know. Some reports say the length of contract for Teixeira could be 8 to 10 years at a minimum of $20 million per year.
Regardless of Teixeira, with more pitching the Yankees will be a threat again in the AL East.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Winter Meetings Start
Where do you stand on the Sox roster? Do they need to make a move?
I know there is talk about Teixeira coming & Lowell going. Not that Lowell isn't making a good salary, but he did stay with the Sox for 3-years instead of signing somewhere else for 4. I seem to remember a World Series MVP award in 2007 too.
When the Red Sox are healthy they have as good a starting 9 as any team -- Ellsbury, Pedroia, Ortiz, Youkilis, Drew, Lowell, Bay, Lowrie, Varitek. It wouldn't both me if Theo made no moves.
Even with pitching, at some point you have to give the young arms in the minors a chance. Wakefield is a nice insurance policy, but Buchholz is one arm for the future. There are 2 or 3 other Pawtucket & Portland arms ready to contribute this year to go along with Beckett, Lester & Dice-K.
The Sox have a nice mix of old & young with playoff experience. The Red Sox will be a contender for several years, whether or not they pull the trigger on a Teixiera, Peavy, Sabathia, Lowe or other free agents.
I know there is talk about Teixeira coming & Lowell going. Not that Lowell isn't making a good salary, but he did stay with the Sox for 3-years instead of signing somewhere else for 4. I seem to remember a World Series MVP award in 2007 too.
When the Red Sox are healthy they have as good a starting 9 as any team -- Ellsbury, Pedroia, Ortiz, Youkilis, Drew, Lowell, Bay, Lowrie, Varitek. It wouldn't both me if Theo made no moves.
Even with pitching, at some point you have to give the young arms in the minors a chance. Wakefield is a nice insurance policy, but Buchholz is one arm for the future. There are 2 or 3 other Pawtucket & Portland arms ready to contribute this year to go along with Beckett, Lester & Dice-K.
The Sox have a nice mix of old & young with playoff experience. The Red Sox will be a contender for several years, whether or not they pull the trigger on a Teixiera, Peavy, Sabathia, Lowe or other free agents.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Boston Is Home to Pedroia
The Boston Red Sox & Dustin Pedroia will be together for the next 6 years with an option for a 7th. The $40.5 million deal keeps Dustin in a Red Sox uniform through the 2014 season. Both sides are happy, a "win-win" if you will.
Any baseball fan has to love the little guy & his style of play. He is excellent on both sides of the ball & has shown himself to be very durable through a long 162-game season. It's great to see that his hard work has paid off with a big contract. Pedroia is an excellent example of a positive role model to kids of all ages.
Depending upon what happens in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, I hope the Sox do the same type of deal for Youk.
Any baseball fan has to love the little guy & his style of play. He is excellent on both sides of the ball & has shown himself to be very durable through a long 162-game season. It's great to see that his hard work has paid off with a big contract. Pedroia is an excellent example of a positive role model to kids of all ages.
Depending upon what happens in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, I hope the Sox do the same type of deal for Youk.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sox Set to Sign 3rd Japanese Pitcher
Junichi Tazawa may become a teammate of Dice-K & Oki in the Red Sox organization. The 22-year old pitcher from Japan is another young arm that may pay future dividends. As we have seen, to win a World Series it's all about pitching.
You have to applaud the Red Sox scouts for finding these young prospects. A friend of mine mentioned that he knows a scout that wrote 1000 reviews on individual prospects last year. These guys are the true unsung heroes.
You have to applaud the Red Sox scouts for finding these young prospects. A friend of mine mentioned that he knows a scout that wrote 1000 reviews on individual prospects last year. These guys are the true unsung heroes.
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