Jason Varitek remains a Red Sox for 2009 & 2010. See blog article below (D-Day for Varitek) for all the particulars. It was the right thing for both parties.
The Red Sox can now open the season with a projected lineup of: Pedroia, Youkilis, Ortiz, Lowell, Drew, Bay, Lowrie, Varitek & Ellsbury.
If the Sox feel that the crew of back-up catchers is inadequate, they can always trade prospects for a young catcher like Saltalamacchia or Moreno.
We're ready for Spring Training now.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
D-Day for Varitek
Today is the day. Jason Varitek gets to say yes or no to a 2-year deal to return to the Red Sox. The Sox offered 1-year at $5 million with a club option for 2010 at $5 million. If the Sox choose not to pick-up the option year, Varitek can activate the option for $3 million.
I think the Sox have made a reasonable offer to a long-term veteran at a demanding position. It's time for Varitek to step back as his playing days wind down & accept a new role of part-time catcher & full-time mentor to his successors. Bard, Baker & Kotteras can learn a lot from him.
Varitek, like long-timer Wakefield, have deep roots in the Bostom community. Both have charitable foundations that help disadvantaged kids. Both are model citizens on & off the field. It's hard to imagine that Varitek would not accept the offer. But with Boras, who knows.
I, like everyone else, will remember Varitek for the A-Rod fight which changed the whole season & brought a World Series Championship to Boston in 2004. I hope he re-signs.
I think the Sox have made a reasonable offer to a long-term veteran at a demanding position. It's time for Varitek to step back as his playing days wind down & accept a new role of part-time catcher & full-time mentor to his successors. Bard, Baker & Kotteras can learn a lot from him.
Varitek, like long-timer Wakefield, have deep roots in the Bostom community. Both have charitable foundations that help disadvantaged kids. Both are model citizens on & off the field. It's hard to imagine that Varitek would not accept the offer. But with Boras, who knows.
I, like everyone else, will remember Varitek for the A-Rod fight which changed the whole season & brought a World Series Championship to Boston in 2004. I hope he re-signs.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
World Baseball Classic
As MLB tries to go global (remember the Red Sox opening series in Japan last year), we again have the messed up Spring Training schedule in 2009 to accomodate the World Baseball Classic.
Is this a good idea for players important to their teams with multi-million dollar contracts? Position players need to ramp up their preparation to face live pitching. Pitchers need to accelerate their throwing program to pitch more innings sooner. I remember Mike Timlin being hurt for most of the season last time he played in the Classic.
Youk & Pedroia are playing for Team USA. Ortiz may play for DR if his wrist is healthy. (How many Sox fans are happy about that?) Lowell will skip playing for PR to continue rehabbing his hip. Thank you, Mike.
MLB owners may regret this beauty pagent for extra merchandising dollars if enough big names get injured.
Is this a good idea for players important to their teams with multi-million dollar contracts? Position players need to ramp up their preparation to face live pitching. Pitchers need to accelerate their throwing program to pitch more innings sooner. I remember Mike Timlin being hurt for most of the season last time he played in the Classic.
Youk & Pedroia are playing for Team USA. Ortiz may play for DR if his wrist is healthy. (How many Sox fans are happy about that?) Lowell will skip playing for PR to continue rehabbing his hip. Thank you, Mike.
MLB owners may regret this beauty pagent for extra merchandising dollars if enough big names get injured.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Where's Manny?
There are no 4-year deals on the horizon for the duo of Ramirez & Boras. Where's all that interest that Boras promised Manny after he left the Sox?
Wouldn't it be great if Manny couldn't find an offer better than the 2 option years with the Red Sox? $20 million a year looks pretty good now.
According to Boras, so take this with a grain of salt, both the Dodgers & Giants are willing to offer multi-year deals. Per Boras, he thinks a deal will get done before Spring Training.
For a normal person, this would be a wake-up call that a dugout fight with a teammate & shoving a ticket manager over 60 years old are not tolerated by any team. Let's not forget the fact that Manny quit on the Sox & could not be counted onto play. Then there's the no hussle to first base & staring at balls instead of running. Again, a normal person would be thinking about changing his ways.
Don't count on any changes, though, because Manny is a prima dona. It's his world & we just live in it.
Wouldn't it be great if Manny couldn't find an offer better than the 2 option years with the Red Sox? $20 million a year looks pretty good now.
According to Boras, so take this with a grain of salt, both the Dodgers & Giants are willing to offer multi-year deals. Per Boras, he thinks a deal will get done before Spring Training.
For a normal person, this would be a wake-up call that a dugout fight with a teammate & shoving a ticket manager over 60 years old are not tolerated by any team. Let's not forget the fact that Manny quit on the Sox & could not be counted onto play. Then there's the no hussle to first base & staring at balls instead of running. Again, a normal person would be thinking about changing his ways.
Don't count on any changes, though, because Manny is a prima dona. It's his world & we just live in it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pap Gets the Green; Varitek Gets a Deadline
Jonathan Papelbon is getting his money as the closer for the Red Sox. Pap inked a 1-year, $5 million deal for the 2009 season. Cinco Ocho is happy to go year-to-year on his contract to maximize his purchasing power. Given the lack of longevity for most closers, one has to wonder if this is a good strategy. Time will tell...
Meanwhile, the Sox are ready to turn the page on Jason Varitek & Scott Boras. Varitek has a deadline to respond to the latest Sox offer which reportedly has an additional year tacked on. You would think that the Red Sox are in the driver's seat on this negotiation. Number 33 is worth more to the Sox than any other team.
Even though the Northeast is preparing for another major snow storm, Spring Training is only weeks away. We need something positive to think about.
Meanwhile, the Sox are ready to turn the page on Jason Varitek & Scott Boras. Varitek has a deadline to respond to the latest Sox offer which reportedly has an additional year tacked on. You would think that the Red Sox are in the driver's seat on this negotiation. Number 33 is worth more to the Sox than any other team.
Even though the Northeast is preparing for another major snow storm, Spring Training is only weeks away. We need something positive to think about.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Varitek Still MIA
It's about one month away. Pitchers & catchers will report to Fort Myers in mid-February. As of now, however, no sightings of Jason Varitek.
Theo & Co. have been shrewd in their public statements & have not dismissed a return to the team in 2009 by the Captain. It's obvious, however, that the Scott Boras client & Red Sox management are not in the same salary ballpark. So the saga continues.
It wouldn't surprise me if at least one everyday catcher comes to Boston via the trade route. Saltalamacchia is the name you hear most. After the Teixeira disaster with Boras the Red Sox may just wait him out.
Like Smoltz, it would be ashamed if Varitek had to finish his career with a team other than Boston. I hope the Sox & Boras can agree to a reasonable contract & bring Jason back.
Theo & Co. have been shrewd in their public statements & have not dismissed a return to the team in 2009 by the Captain. It's obvious, however, that the Scott Boras client & Red Sox management are not in the same salary ballpark. So the saga continues.
It wouldn't surprise me if at least one everyday catcher comes to Boston via the trade route. Saltalamacchia is the name you hear most. After the Teixeira disaster with Boras the Red Sox may just wait him out.
Like Smoltz, it would be ashamed if Varitek had to finish his career with a team other than Boston. I hope the Sox & Boras can agree to a reasonable contract & bring Jason back.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Smoltz Official
John Smoltz did not want to end his career with an arm injury. Today he became an official member of the Boston Red Sox.
His career accomplishments with the Atlanta Braves is enough to get him into the Hall. But Smoltz wants to go out on a winning note & the Sox were the most aggressive pursuers for his services. Even if he is not ready until June, John's presence on the bench will help & inspire his younger teammates.
Smoltz has the ability to start or close, so the Sox can use his services wherever he can best help the team. Smoltz's teammates can't say enough good things about his competitiveness & his rigorous training to keep in shape.
This is a great signing for the Red Sox. In another sense, though, it's a shame that Smoltz couldn't finish his stellar career in Atlanta. It's their loss!
His career accomplishments with the Atlanta Braves is enough to get him into the Hall. But Smoltz wants to go out on a winning note & the Sox were the most aggressive pursuers for his services. Even if he is not ready until June, John's presence on the bench will help & inspire his younger teammates.
Smoltz has the ability to start or close, so the Sox can use his services wherever he can best help the team. Smoltz's teammates can't say enough good things about his competitiveness & his rigorous training to keep in shape.
This is a great signing for the Red Sox. In another sense, though, it's a shame that Smoltz couldn't finish his stellar career in Atlanta. It's their loss!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Jim Rice Finally In
On his last year of eligibility Jim Rice hit a home run with the sportswriters & he will finally enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. After garnering 72% of the vote last year Rice finally made it past the 75% figure needed for entry this year.
I was a teenager when Jim Rice played for the Sox. He had the quickest wrists on his swing that I had ever seen. He also looked so fit (in the age before steroids) that, if he ran into the Green Monster, I thought the wall would come tumbling down. His fellow two outfielders comprised the Lynn-Rice-Evans trio which may never be duplicated again. What an outfield!
Congratulations to Jim!
I was a teenager when Jim Rice played for the Sox. He had the quickest wrists on his swing that I had ever seen. He also looked so fit (in the age before steroids) that, if he ran into the Green Monster, I thought the wall would come tumbling down. His fellow two outfielders comprised the Lynn-Rice-Evans trio which may never be duplicated again. What an outfield!
Congratulations to Jim!
Saito & Kotsay Join the Team
Takashi Saito, a set-up man, & Mark Kotsay, a versatile performer through the end of 2008, were added to the Red Sox roster this week.
Saito has a nasty breaking ball & looks to rebound from an elbow injury in 2008. The Sox have an option with him for 2010 as well. Saito joins Ramirez as an additional bullpen arm.
Kotsay joined the Sox in mid-season last year & showed a lot of versatility in the outfield (mostly RF) & at first base. He will be a left-handed bat off the bench to compliment Baldelli from the right side.
You only need to look at the Tampa Bay Rays to see that money isn't a cure-all for winning the AL pennant. Yankees spent big on 3 players. Red Sox went with safety in numbers & spent low. We'll see if either the Yankees or Red Sox did enough to displace the Rays.
Saito has a nasty breaking ball & looks to rebound from an elbow injury in 2008. The Sox have an option with him for 2010 as well. Saito joins Ramirez as an additional bullpen arm.
Kotsay joined the Sox in mid-season last year & showed a lot of versatility in the outfield (mostly RF) & at first base. He will be a left-handed bat off the bench to compliment Baldelli from the right side.
You only need to look at the Tampa Bay Rays to see that money isn't a cure-all for winning the AL pennant. Yankees spent big on 3 players. Red Sox went with safety in numbers & spent low. We'll see if either the Yankees or Red Sox did enough to displace the Rays.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Baldelli & Smoltz Coming to Boston?
NESN reported last night that the Red Sox are close to finalizing deals with Rocco Baldelli & John Smoltz.
Baldelli will take over the 4th outfielders spot & is a right-handed bat. He can compliment Ellsbury & Drew, both lefties, when they need a rest. Baldelli made a comeback from a rare muscle fatigue disorder with the Rays last year. He replaces former players like Eric Hinske, David Murphy & Coco Crisp for that extra spot in the outfield.
John Smoltz is coming off arm surgery. He has been a premier starter & closer for the Atlanta Braves in the past. Similar to Brad Penny, the Sox can use 5-10 wins from Smoltz as a 5th starter to bolster the pitching staff. Smoltz & Penny will back-up starters Beckett, Lester, Dice-K & Wakefield.
The Baldelli & Smoltz additions would be two more pieces to the puzzle.
Baldelli will take over the 4th outfielders spot & is a right-handed bat. He can compliment Ellsbury & Drew, both lefties, when they need a rest. Baldelli made a comeback from a rare muscle fatigue disorder with the Rays last year. He replaces former players like Eric Hinske, David Murphy & Coco Crisp for that extra spot in the outfield.
John Smoltz is coming off arm surgery. He has been a premier starter & closer for the Atlanta Braves in the past. Similar to Brad Penny, the Sox can use 5-10 wins from Smoltz as a 5th starter to bolster the pitching staff. Smoltz & Penny will back-up starters Beckett, Lester, Dice-K & Wakefield.
The Baldelli & Smoltz additions would be two more pieces to the puzzle.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Burrell to Tampa Bay
Pat Burrell changes uniforms from Phillies red to Rays blue for the next 2 years. The Rays pick up a proven power bat in Burrell to supplement an offense that was hot & cold throughout the season. Tampa Bay was 13th in offense last year, but their young pitching got them to the World Series.
The AL East will be the premiere division in baseball again this year. The Rays & Yankees have improved in the areas which needed strengthening. The Red Sox, if healthy, should be right there with them.
It looks like the Red Sox are done dealing. Additions of Ramirez, Penny & Bard along with the departure of Coco are their only moves this off-season. Jason Varitek remains the odd man out to this point, but all sides expect that deal to get done.
It will be interesting to see if the Yankees spending on Sabathia, Burnett & Teixeira outperform the less expensive moves by the Rays & Red Sox.
The AL East will be the premiere division in baseball again this year. The Rays & Yankees have improved in the areas which needed strengthening. The Red Sox, if healthy, should be right there with them.
It looks like the Red Sox are done dealing. Additions of Ramirez, Penny & Bard along with the departure of Coco are their only moves this off-season. Jason Varitek remains the odd man out to this point, but all sides expect that deal to get done.
It will be interesting to see if the Yankees spending on Sabathia, Burnett & Teixeira outperform the less expensive moves by the Rays & Red Sox.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Red Sox Too Quiet
No blockbuster free agent deals. No major trades. Is it too quiet at Fenway Park?
The Yankees have made 3 big splashes in the off-season. Tampa Bay is talking to Ken Griffey, Jr. Our biggest news so far is Brad Penny & Josh Bard. And Varitek is still out there somewhere.
It's been too quiet an off-season, a "cold" stove if you will, for me.
The Yankees have made 3 big splashes in the off-season. Tampa Bay is talking to Ken Griffey, Jr. Our biggest news so far is Brad Penny & Josh Bard. And Varitek is still out there somewhere.
It's been too quiet an off-season, a "cold" stove if you will, for me.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Bard Is Back
The Red Sox sign Josh Bard to a non-guaranteed contract & bring one catcher into the fold for 2009. Still no word on Jason Varitek.
Bard is not the answer to the Red Sox catching needs, but like Brad Penny, he can help in certain situations. I like the fact that Bard is ready for the challenge of catching Tim Wakefield & others. He mentioned doing things "his way" this time around, instead of trying to mirror Doug Mirabelli's style of catching Wakefield. He did that last time with no success.
It's a long season & you need every player -- both starters & role players. Let's hope Josh Bard can contribute to a few wins this year.
Bard is not the answer to the Red Sox catching needs, but like Brad Penny, he can help in certain situations. I like the fact that Bard is ready for the challenge of catching Tim Wakefield & others. He mentioned doing things "his way" this time around, instead of trying to mirror Doug Mirabelli's style of catching Wakefield. He did that last time with no success.
It's a long season & you need every player -- both starters & role players. Let's hope Josh Bard can contribute to a few wins this year.
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