Marco Scutaro Next For Sox

A column in the local newspaper today indicates that Marco Scutaro will be Theo's pick to fill the annual void at shortstop for the Sox in 2010. The columnist indicated that Scutaro's offense included a low percentage of swings at balls out of the strike zone - which would fit in with the Sox's grind-it-out philosophy. (Is there anything that we don't have a stat for these days?)

The paper could be right though. Scutaro would be as good a pick as is out there. I know Michael Young's name was bantered about by a Boston writer, but he would be too expensive for the Red Sox taste. Hanley Ramirez coming back to Boston would be too expensive as well.

If it is Scutaro, I hope they get the deal done soon.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

During this weekend of Thanksgiving I'm thankful for many things, but here's a few on the top of my list.

- I'm thankful that this 3nohitters blog has been a way for my family & friends to stay connected through a love for the Red Sox.

- I'm thankful to my blog reader for Mountain View, CA who faithfully logs on every week.

- I'm thankful for all my podcast partners who added a new dimension to the blog this year.

Now if we can just re-sign Jason Bay as a Christmas present.

Happy holidays to all.

Gonzo Is Gone

Alex Gonzalez is no longer an option for the Red Sox for 2010. Gonzo signed a 1-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for $2.75 million with an option for 2011.

An addition to the team at the trade deadline, Gonzalez helped the Sox reach the playoffs in 2009 with his steady play at shortstop. His offense was also better than expected. But the Red Sox chose not to activate his $6 million option, thus making him a free agent.

It's a case of deja vu all over again. We keep looking for a new shortstop every year, so why should 2010 be any different. Nomar, Cabrera, Renteria, Gonzalez, Lugo, Lowrie & Gonzalez are the names since 2004. I have heard the name of Marco Scutaro tossed around for 2010, but I hope we find a better option than him.

I trust that Theo had a plan for shortstop when he didn't re-sign Gonzo. We just don't know what it is yet.

Sox Working to Land Halladay

The Red Sox website is reporting that the Sox are working full speed ahead to finalize a major trade for Roy Halladay. Is that a good idea?

News of the Sox efforts to land Halladay will spur the Evil Empire to get into the bidding war for his services as well. Names like Buchholz, Chamberlain & Hughes are rumored to be part of these trade talks.

Personally, I think Buchholz has a young arm that can benefit the Red Sox for many years. Halladay has a lot of miles with several seasons of 200+ innings per year to his resume. How many pitches are left in his arm?

I'd stay young & spend the extra money to keep Jason Bay.

Theo Getting Lots of Help

Theo Epstein can't turn on his computer or radio without getting friendly advice from Red Sox Nation about what moves to make this off-season in preparation for the 2010 season. Here's a few of the most frequently discussed scenarios that I've come across.

1) Re-sign Jason Bay since we know Bay can handle playing in Boston. Get a shortstop for less than $6 million by, hopefully, bringing back Gonzo for one more year at less than his option price.

2) Trade Clay Buchholz plus lesser prospects to the Padres for Adrian Gonzalez. Then sign John Lackey to take Buchholz's spot in the rotation.

3) Switch Mike Lowell to first base & leave Kevin Youkilis at third.

4) Trade as many as needed to acquire Miguel Cabrera from the Tigers.

The names & scenarios go on & on. You can't say that Red Sox Nation is not interested in this off-season.

Everyone should assume that Theo & Co. are looking into every possibility. It will be interesting to see the 25-man roster as the Sox break camp from Spring Training in Fort Myers.

Red Sox Dangling Lowell

A Boston talk show mentioned that the Sox are dangling Mike Lowell out to other teams by offering to pick-up $6 million of his $12 million contract for 2010. Might they get some offers? Sure, especially if an AL team has a DH role in mind.

I like Mike Lowell a lot. He is a classy guy, a good teammate &, when healthy, is an excellent 3B & #5 hitter. Look back to 2007 when he was the MVP of the World Series.

But, like most of us, Lowell has a job where it's all about what you have done now. Forget the past. And 2009 was minimally successful due to hip surgery in the off-season. Mobility in the field was limited & the rotation game came into play once Victor joined the team. Lowell is someone who needs regular at-bats. He showed what he could do at the plate during the first half of 2009 before his hip gave out.

I hope both sides can work something out. If Lowell is healthy, I'd like to see him finish out 2010 as a Red Sox.

Buchholz On Trade Block Again

If you believe a late night sports show, Clay Buchholz may be on the trading block again this off season as bait to land a premiere hitter. I can't say that I'm for that.

Buchholz finally arrived in the 2nd half of last season. If it were not for an implosion by Papelbon, he would be 1-0 in the playoffs. I think Buccholz has a lot of innings left in his arm & good young pitching is hard to find. Look at Tommy Hanson in Atlanta. Usually by age 30, pitchers like Beckett & Lackey have had arm issues which makes them less dependable for the grind of a full 34 starts plus playoffs.

The talk is that Buchholz would be the centerpiece of a deal that brings Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. The Sox would then sign Lackey to take Buchholz's spot in the rotation. Nice theory. What happens with Lowell & Ortiz? Due to current contracts the Sox are a year away from re-negotiations, or not, with Lowell & Ortiz. That's a lot of money to sit & play part-time. No other team would want their big salaries for a year.

I'd like to think that Theo will keep Buchholz & look for a different way to attract an adequate offense in 2010. In 2011 the team could lot a lot different.

Red Sox Are Team of Pedroia & Youkilis

I have been watching all the names that are bantered around talk shows & TV as to how the Red Sox can improve their roster for 2010 to compete with the Yankees. Today, instead, how about looking at two players who will be in a Red Sox uniform for the next several years?

The team of Curt Schilling, Manny Ramirez & David Ortiz is now the team of Dustin Pedroia & Kevin Youkilis. Both were signed to multi-year deals in last year's off season. Along with Jon Lester, these two everyday players are now the equivalent of Derek Jeter for Boston. You can expect both to be in the lineup on a daily basis (something J.D. Drew could learn) & both to hussle, get dirty & give it their all. Petey & Youk, like Jeter, are throwbacks to an age where you ran out all your hits & tried your best until the last out.

We are lucky to have both players on the team for the next several years.

Free Agents or Trades for 2010 Roster

When you look at the free agent class for 2010 there are very few big names available. Jason Bay's 119 RBI would be attractive to any team. But other than Bay, Holliday & perhaps Lackey this class is void of numbers.

Most other players going through free agency are older vets who are prone to breakdown. Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Marco Scutaro, Ty Willingham & others are towards the end of their careers.

Trades may be the way this year to bolster a roster without spending a lot of cash. Rising stars like Adrian Gonzalez & Felix Hernandez might be traded for the right combination of players & prospects. Roy Halladay was dangled by the Blue Jays with no success in the 2nd half of last season.

The Sox have a number of roster players from last year that could help acquire a seasoned hitter like Gonzalez or another arm like Halladay or Hernandez. Manny Delcarmen, Michael Bowden, Junichi Tazawa & others could be attractive to teams looking for pitching. I'm a fan of Mike Lowell, but he could be moved to a team looking for a DH.

I think trades are a big part of Theo's game plan this year. However, everything hinges on the decision by Jason Bay to stay or go.

Free Agency Begins Friday

Let the craziness of free agency begin.

Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, John Lackey, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui & Co. - get your bags packed. It may be a wild ride between Thanksgiving & Christmas as free agents field offers from many teams.

This year's crop of free agents are older, 30's players who may or may not command the high salaries of the past. Bay & Holliday are younger 30-somethings who will be looking for multiple-year contracts. Guys like Damon & Matsui may only be able to get 2 or 3 years at their age.

Besides the Yankees & Red Sox, who will open their pocketbooks & take a chance on a seasoned veteran? A 162 game schedule wears you down. Look at Pedroia who just completed his 3rd year in the bigs. It seems like he's been the Sox second-baseman forever. Lots of free agents have many miles on their arms & legs.

For the Red Sox the off-season starts with Jason Bay. If he re-signs, they go in one direction for the rest of the pieces. If he doesn't, they go in another. Given the less-than-average years for Big Papi & Mike Lowell, Bay couldn't have timed his free agency any better. The Sox really need to be aggressive & get him back in uniform.

George Kottaras to Milwaukee

George Kottaras was a dependable back-up catcher who was able to corral Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. With the recent signings of Victor Martinez & Jason Varitek for 2010 Kottaras asked for & received his release from the Red Sox. He was immediately picked up by Ken Macca & the Brewers.

Kottaras was a Doug Mirabelli-type who was there primarily to catch Wake. He has an excellent arm & is a good receiver. Not much with the bat, however, which made him expendible now that Victor can handle Wake.

Still in his 20's Kottaras has a chance to find more playing time in Milwaukee with the Brewers as primary catcher Jason Kendall ages. It's one of those moves that is good for everyone.

Good luck, George. Watch out for the sausage race between innings.

Is AL East the Best in Baseball?

Not withstanding the Orioles & Blue Jays, the AL East winner has gone onto the World Series for each of the past 3 years. The Red Sox won it all in 2007. The Rays lost to the Phillies in 2008. And the Yankees are once again World Champs in 2009.

The AL East is a murderous division that is known for offense & pitching. If Baltimore & Toronto were in any other division, they may be playoff bound teams as well. Every year the combined stats of wins by the AL East versus other divisions is favorable. It's a war every time the Sox, Rays, Yankees, Jays & Orioles play each other. (OK, not so much the O's last year.)

The AL East is the Cadillac of baseball. It should be no different in 2010 as 4 other teams figure out how to de-throne the boys in pinstripes.

Belichick Pulls A Grady Little

Game 7 of the ALCS in 2003. Grady Little leaves Pedro Martinez in there too long against the Yankees. Result - a stunning loss. Last night, with 2 minutes left in the game, Bill Belichick left his offense out there to convert on a 4th & 2 on their own 28 against the Colts in Indy. Result was the same - a stunning loss.

Grady cost the Sox a trip to the World Series. Belichick may have just cost the Patriots a trip to the Super Bowl. When does risk-taking become irresponsible coaching? I think these are both good examples of the latter & a display of poor judgment.

After the game Belichick said he was trying to win the game on that play & was confident that the play would be successful. I'm not buying his logic. Neither did Steve Burton, Scott Zolak or Steve DeOssie. As Zolak put it, that was the worst coaching decision in the Bill Belichick era & it was a total embarrassment. Very true.

After the 2003 season Grady Little said he would make the same decision if he had to do it all over again. He got fired. Belichick was asked last night if he would punt if he could do it all over again. He said he had confidence in the play. Maybe it's time for a new Patriots head coach. Arrogance is no substitute for logic.

Interest in John Lackey

A Boston talk show indicated that the Red Sox were meeting with the agent for free agent pitcher John Lackey. Lackey was the #1 starter for the LA Angels for the last several years.

I agree with the talking heads on radio who felt that this was not a crucial need for the Red Sox. How about addressing the offense first? How about meeting with Holliday's agent or talking to old buddy Jed about a trade involving Adrian Gonzalez?

With Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Buchholz & Wake we have a pretty solid starting 5 with back-ups in Triple A. The only reason I see to talk to Lackey is if one or two of those starters (for example, Buccholz & Dice-K) will be used as trade bait to get a Holliday or Gonzalez.

Ben Sheets or Dan Haren may be a less costly way to get an additional starter. Maybe we can save enough on Sheets & Haren to bring back Jason Bay & his 119 RBI. I would offer Bay a club option for a 5th year with a large buyout if the Sox decide not to exercise it.

Bay is the key to the hot stove this season. All other moves will be determined by whether or not he comes back.

Bay or Holliday?

Seems like a lot of sports talk lately is asking the question of whether the Red Sox will keep Jason Bay &, if not, then will they sign free agent Matt Holliday.

If it's a question of Bay or Holliday, I'm not much of a risk taker. Bay is a proven commodity -- as a player who made the switch from NL to AL & as someone who can produce under the media & fan scrutiny in Boston. Holliday is not.

If it comes to adding a 5th year to the contract, I think it is possible to see Bay at age 37 become a productive DH instead of an everyday LF. The Sox are reluctant to go more than 4 years with most players, but it's a possibility with Bay. Other than a lifetime NL player like Holliday, there are no real big name outfielders on the free agent market.

C'mon, Theo. Let's keep Bay.

Varitek Returns As Back-Up

Jason Varitek activated his player option for $3 million & will return to the Red Sox roster as a back-up catcher to Victor Martinez in 2010. Martinez & Varitek make a formidable tandem behind the plate to guide the Red Sox pitching staff next year.

A threat of injury during the season is always present. Should Martinez go down for any reason, Varitek can step right into the starting spot once again. His familiarity with the Sox pitchers is a huge plus. You can bet that Varitek will be mentoring Victor throughout the season.

Good for Varitek that he will be finishing his career with the Red Sox. Good for the Sox that they keep a valuable resource as a back-up. Win-win in my book.

Victor & Wake Back, Varitek Maybe

This is a week in the baseball season where club options & player options are acted upon. The Red Sox picked up their option on Victor Martinez & re-negotiated a 2-year deal with Tim Wakefield. The Sox declined their option on Jason Varitek.

Victor Martinez will officially become the #1 catcher in 2010. He combined for 20+ HR's & 100+ RBI between Boston & Cleveland last year. As a switch-hitter, he is a perfect middle-of-the-order guy that you can't pitch around & he provides protection for Pedroia & Youkilis. This was a no-brainer, but I say good signing & let's get an extension done.

Tim Wakefield will be back for 2010 & finish his career as a Red Sox in 2011. Instead of the usual $4 million per year, Wake has $5 million guaranteed over the 2-year span with incentives that can net him a total of $10 million. For someone as old as Wakefield, not a bad deal for both sides.

Jason Varitek has 5 days to pick-up his player option for 2010 & return to Boston as a back-up catcher for the first time in his career. The Sox declined their $5million club option, but Varitek can activate his player option for $3 million. Will Jason take a back-up role? I think so. Like Wake, I look for Varitek to finish his career in a Red Sox uniform.

Is Gonzo Gone?

In somewhat of a surprise move the Red Sox declined to exercise their club option for 2010 of $6 million on SS Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez was acquired mid-season from the Cincinnati Reds. He returned from injuries to solidify the Red Sox infield & hit over .280 from the #9 spot. There is still an opportunity for the Sox to re-sign Gonzo at a lower salary than $6 million, but he is now eligible for free agency.

In 2009 Jed Lowrie was slated as the starting SS as the club broke from Spring Training, but another injury-plagued season kept Lowrie from fulfilling the starting job. Nick Green was a capable replacement for a few months, but he ran out of steam during the stretch & was also sidelined with an injury. Gonzalez provided much-needed stability to help the Sox fight off the Rangers for the AL Wild Card.

Shortstop has been a rotating black hole for the Red Sox since the departure of Nomar in 2004. Gonzalez filled the job in 2006 for 1 year. Other past SS's include Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria & Julio Lugo.

Who else is out there? I don't know. Casey Kelly & Jose Iglesia are too young yet to move up from the minors. If Theo can save a little & bring Gonzo back for 1 more year, I would do it.

Jeremy Hermida Coming to Boston

Hunter Jones & Jose Alvarez are out. Jeremy Hermida is in. The Sox picked up the 25-year old outfielder from the Marlins in exchange for the two pitchers.

Hermida looks to fill the role of 4th outfielder, maybe 3 1/2 if you count the number of games that J.D. Drew misses. He could also be looked at as a replacement for Jason Bay if he does not re-sign. Hermida was a 1st round pick of the Marlins in 2002. Maybe a change of scenery will do him well.

Theo & Co. have the wheels turning early this year. I think that's a good thing. We have a lot of tinkering to do if we are going to compete with the Yankees & Rays in 2010.

Mesa Solar Sox

On the day the Yankees won the World Series I had a chance to see some future stars for the Red Sox play in the Arizona Fall League.

The Mesa Solar Sox is a team comprised of prospects from the Red Sox, Angels, Marlins, Twins, Blue Jays & Cubs. Red Sox players include pitchers Randor Bierd, Richard Lentz, Chris Province, Dustin Richardson, catcher Luis Esposito, infielders Jose Iglesias & Casey Kelly, & outfielder Ryan Kalish.

I got to see Casey Kelly play SS. He is smooth in the field & appears to be a line drive hitter. If I were to guess, I feel that the Sox will use him as a full time pitcher next year.

Ryan Kalish played LF. He was impressive in the field & at the plate, even taking an extra base on a heads up throw from the outfield that got away. If not for the Sox, he will be a solid Major League outfielder for another big league team.

I thought I would see Jose Iglesias play as well. However, when he grabbed a helmet it was to coach 1B. He sat yesterday's game out.

Randor Bierd pitched the first 3 innings. He was cruising for the first 2, then ran into trouble in the 3rd. Like any young pitcher, he has good stuff & needs to master where his pitches are going.

Overall, it was a great way to spend a day in November.

Yankees Win

It's finally over. The 2009 World Series goes to the New York Yankees.

For the past decade the Yankees outspent every other team in baseball in search of another championship. This year it worked after several failed attempts, including the infamous 2004 collapse to the Red Sox.

Now we can get on with the free agency period & hot stove in the coming months. Bring on the 2010 season.

Pedro Martinez Back At Yankee Stadium

For all Red Sox fans it has to be ironic to see Pedro back at Yankee Stadium, even if it's the new Yankee Stadium, once again pitching against the Yankees. Pedro will start Game 6 tonight against Andy Pettitte.

I can remember the 2-1 win against Roger Clemens years ago when Trot Nixon took Clemens yard & Pedro outpitched him in a classic matchup. How about the "who's your daddy" cheer in the 2004 ALCS. We don't even want to remember the Grady Little situation in 2003 when he left Pedro in too long. Then there was the classic throw-down of Don Zimmer at Fenway Park. Lots of history between Pedro & the pinstripes.

On the Red Sox website a fan asked if the Sox would have any interest in signing Pedro for 2010. Ian Browne seemed to think Pedro would prefer to stay in the National League. I think so too.

Pedro pitched well in Game 2, but was beaten 3-1. It should be interesting to see how this chapter of Pedro vs. Yankees turns out. One thing is for certain - it's never dull.

World Series Getting Interesting

The Phillies win last night moves the World Series back to New York for Game 6 & a possible Game 7. Could the Yankees blow a 3-1 lead in similar fashion to their 3-0 ALCS lead against the Sox in 2004? I just have to say it one more time -- the biggest collapse in history. Boy, did that feel good...

I have been saying all year that the bull's eye has been squarely on the Yankees since Spring Training. The new stadium. The free agent signings for huge money. They need to win this World Series so much more than the Phillies to prove all the money on players & their surroundings is worth it. Anything less will be failure for the Steinbrenners.

If the Yanks do end up winning, I can accept it for the long time players like Jeter, Posada & Riviera. Everyone else - A-Rod, Damon, etal. - is just a hired gun.

The Phillies, on the other hand, could be the first team to repeat as Series champs since the '75-'76 Cincinnati Reds. It would be quite a fete in today's free agency market. Cliff Lee was a huge signing at mid-year. Too bad we couldn't have gotten him with Victor.

I haven't been able to watch any games yet. I'm not a fan of the Fox announcers & I'm not really interested in the Yankees. But I just may have to take a peak at Game 6 -- with the sound off.

Several Contracts Up After 2010

There are some big name players whose current contracts with the Red Sox will be expiring at the end of the 2010 season.

Josh Beckett could test free agency for the first time. Once Beckett came over to the Red Sox Theo quickly tied him up for additional years. Other than his tremendous year in 2007, leading the Sox to another World Series, Beckett has fought injuries & consistentcy issues. He is still one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball. I think Theo will re-sign him, maybe before the year is over, to a 3 or 4 year extension.

David Ortiz is coming off an injury plagued season in 2008 & a 2009 year where he was non-existent for the first 2 months. He was also linked to steroids which he denied - in New York of all places. Big Papi was able to put together 3 good months to end up with 25+ HR's & 99 RBI. He will be motivated to do whatever extra work is necessary to get back to form & play for his next contract. I think Theo takes a wait & see as to whether or not they exercise a club option in 2011.

Mike Lowell was the 2007 MVP of the World Series & took a hometown discount to sign a 3-year deal with the Sox. Since then 2008 & 2009 have been injury-plagued due to his hip. Throw-in trade rumors last year if the Sox would have landed Teixeira & it shows you how quickly things change for any player in the bigs. If Lowell is healthy this year, he like Ortiz will be motivated to play for that next contract. I don't see the Sox re-signing Lowell after 2010 & there is talk that they may try to move him to another AL team as a DH.

There is no question that the 2011 Red Sox will look a lot different than the 2010 Sox.