Jason Bay is gone to the lowly Mets. With Adrian Gonzalez nowhere in sight, does this mean that Mike Lowell has a spot on the Red Sox roster in 2010?
There was talk of Lowell going to first so Youk could play third. That would take away some of his defensive issues. Lowell certainly has more pop in his bat than Kotchman. And Kotchman could spell Lowell as needed throughout the season so he doesn't over do it like last April & May.
If the Sox are going to pay Lowell's salary anyways, why not keep him?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Bay's Departure Leaves Offense Weak
Here's the Sox predicted line-up in 2010.
1 - Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2 - Dustin Pedroia 2B
3 - Victor Martinez C
4 - Kevin Youkilis 3B
5 - David Ortiz DH
6 - J.D. Drew RF
7 - Mike Cameron LF
8 - Casey Kotchman 1B
9 - Marco Scutaro SS
I guess if you buy what Theo is selling, better pitching & defense means you need less runs to win. I could see the Sox going from averaging 5 or 6 runs per game down to 3 or 4. That's asking your pitchers to throw a quality game just about every time out.
More than the pitchers, the bull's eye on offense is squarely on Ortiz, Drew & Cameron to produce at a high level throughout the entire year. They're getting paid like big time producers, so let's see if they do.
Assuming no more moves, it will be an interesting line-up to start the season.
1 - Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2 - Dustin Pedroia 2B
3 - Victor Martinez C
4 - Kevin Youkilis 3B
5 - David Ortiz DH
6 - J.D. Drew RF
7 - Mike Cameron LF
8 - Casey Kotchman 1B
9 - Marco Scutaro SS
I guess if you buy what Theo is selling, better pitching & defense means you need less runs to win. I could see the Sox going from averaging 5 or 6 runs per game down to 3 or 4. That's asking your pitchers to throw a quality game just about every time out.
More than the pitchers, the bull's eye on offense is squarely on Ortiz, Drew & Cameron to produce at a high level throughout the entire year. They're getting paid like big time producers, so let's see if they do.
Assuming no more moves, it will be an interesting line-up to start the season.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Bay Is Gone
Subject to a physical, Jason Bay is now a member of the New York Mets. In my opinion this is a lose-lose situation for both Bay & the Red Sox.
The Red Sox lose a potent bat in the middle of the order & 119 RBI. A line-up that was solid (at times) from #1 through #8 last year may only have 5 or 6 sticks for opponents to worry about in 2010.
Jason Bay loses out on playing for a contender. His net gain was $1.5 million per year & the possibility of a 5th year. Bay goes to a team in disarray, but the Mets may have been his only suitor after the Red Sox made their last offer.
Too bad for all. At least Bay is not wearing pinstripes.
The Red Sox lose a potent bat in the middle of the order & 119 RBI. A line-up that was solid (at times) from #1 through #8 last year may only have 5 or 6 sticks for opponents to worry about in 2010.
Jason Bay loses out on playing for a contender. His net gain was $1.5 million per year & the possibility of a 5th year. Bay goes to a team in disarray, but the Mets may have been his only suitor after the Red Sox made their last offer.
Too bad for all. At least Bay is not wearing pinstripes.
Hot Stove Is Cold
Not much going on lately in the free agent or trade market by any MLB teams. It's like they all took a vacation for the holidays.
The Mets made a minor move to sign Kelvin Escobar to a 1-year deal. He is expected to give the Mets a bridge to K-Rod. But that's it.
Most TV & talk show gurus say that the Red Sox deal for Adrian Gonzalez won't be made until after Spring Training or at the trade deadline. If that's the case, the Sox may have their team right now that heads into Spring Training - plus or minus Jason Bay.
With no activity I guess we just enjoy the holiday. Happy 2010 to all!
The Mets made a minor move to sign Kelvin Escobar to a 1-year deal. He is expected to give the Mets a bridge to K-Rod. But that's it.
Most TV & talk show gurus say that the Red Sox deal for Adrian Gonzalez won't be made until after Spring Training or at the trade deadline. If that's the case, the Sox may have their team right now that heads into Spring Training - plus or minus Jason Bay.
With no activity I guess we just enjoy the holiday. Happy 2010 to all!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Bay & Red Sox Talking Again
Jason Bay's agent is keeping in touch with the Boston Red Sox. It appears that Bay is not that interested in playing for the New York Mets, his only other suitor at this time.
The Red Sox have been consistent with their offer of 4-years & $60 million for Bay's services. The Mets have offered $65 million for the same time period & put out a 2nd offer of 5-years for $72 million.
The recent addition of Mike Cameron makes for a log jam in the outfield should the Sox sign Bay. Cameron, Ellsbury, Drew & Hermidia are already heading to Spring Training as outfielders. A Bay signing would mean the departure of one or two outfielders - perhaps for that big trade that hasn't happened yet for Adrian Gonzalez.
If the Sox can find the money, I'd bring Bay back. His signing would set the stage for a big trade that would require big names.
The Red Sox have been consistent with their offer of 4-years & $60 million for Bay's services. The Mets have offered $65 million for the same time period & put out a 2nd offer of 5-years for $72 million.
The recent addition of Mike Cameron makes for a log jam in the outfield should the Sox sign Bay. Cameron, Ellsbury, Drew & Hermidia are already heading to Spring Training as outfielders. A Bay signing would mean the departure of one or two outfielders - perhaps for that big trade that hasn't happened yet for Adrian Gonzalez.
If the Sox can find the money, I'd bring Bay back. His signing would set the stage for a big trade that would require big names.
Friday, December 25, 2009
A Red Sox Christmas
At the holidays I'm sure the Red Sox have asked Santa to bring them the following gifts.
1) A 3rd World Series ring in 2010.
2) The return in 2010 of the David Ortiz of 2004.
3) A Mike Cameron that produces better than expected at his age.
4) A rotation of Beckett, Lester & Lackey that rivals the Atlanta trio of Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz.
5) Sweeps of the Yankees at the beginning & end of the 2010 season.
6) A graceful & professional way to let Mike Lowell leave the club with some dignity.
7) A trade that will bring Adrian Gonzalez to the Sox without giving up a slew of players like Buchholz, Ellsbury & Kelly.
8) A way to bring back Jason Bay & his 119 RBI.
9) A year which sees J.D. Drew, aka Nancy Drew, stay on the field for more games than in his past 3 seasons.
10) A ban on Dice-K ever going back to the World Baseball Classic.
I hope you are surrounded by family & friends at this Christmas. My family & I look forward to another great season of Red Sox baseball in 2010. Merry Christmas to all & Happy New Years!
1) A 3rd World Series ring in 2010.
2) The return in 2010 of the David Ortiz of 2004.
3) A Mike Cameron that produces better than expected at his age.
4) A rotation of Beckett, Lester & Lackey that rivals the Atlanta trio of Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz.
5) Sweeps of the Yankees at the beginning & end of the 2010 season.
6) A graceful & professional way to let Mike Lowell leave the club with some dignity.
7) A trade that will bring Adrian Gonzalez to the Sox without giving up a slew of players like Buchholz, Ellsbury & Kelly.
8) A way to bring back Jason Bay & his 119 RBI.
9) A year which sees J.D. Drew, aka Nancy Drew, stay on the field for more games than in his past 3 seasons.
10) A ban on Dice-K ever going back to the World Baseball Classic.
I hope you are surrounded by family & friends at this Christmas. My family & I look forward to another great season of Red Sox baseball in 2010. Merry Christmas to all & Happy New Years!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Evil Empire Gets Vasquez Back
Javier Vazquez is a New York Yankee - again. Melky Cabrera goes to Atlanta. This was Brian Cashman's answer to the Sox picking up John Lackey.
The Yankees must think that the Vazquez transition from NL to AL will go smoother than his first time around. If you remember, Vazquez was on the mound in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS when Damon took him yard twice. He never seemed to be a big game pitcher, but time will tell.
Let the moves continue.
The Yankees must think that the Vazquez transition from NL to AL will go smoother than his first time around. If you remember, Vazquez was on the mound in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS when Damon took him yard twice. He never seemed to be a big game pitcher, but time will tell.
Let the moves continue.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Mike Lowell Trade Off
The trade of Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers is off for now due to needed surgery of his right thumb. Lowell is expected to miss the first 2 weeks of Spring Training. Once healthy the Red Sox & Rangers could try to reactivate the trade.
I'm interested by the fact that Texas was satisfied with Mike Lowell's progress after hip surgery. If Lowell ends up staying with the Red Sox & is healthy, he could be one of the best trades that never happened. Lowell & Youk can keep their current positions or switch corners, & Kotchman can remain a sub.
It will be interesting as to how the Sox & Lowell approach Spring Training. A little awkward, don't you think.
I'm interested by the fact that Texas was satisfied with Mike Lowell's progress after hip surgery. If Lowell ends up staying with the Red Sox & is healthy, he could be one of the best trades that never happened. Lowell & Youk can keep their current positions or switch corners, & Kotchman can remain a sub.
It will be interesting as to how the Sox & Lowell approach Spring Training. A little awkward, don't you think.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ellsbury + Buchholz = Gonzalez
Talk radio is going at it today with the question of who the Red Sox should trade to get Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres. Would you move Ellsbury, Buchholz & prospects to get Gonzalez?
My thought is I don't think so. Like Casey Kelly, Ells just has too much upside to go in his career. He is a huge disruption, like Carl Crawford, when he gets on base. As a leadoff hitter, his best years are ahead of him.
Buchholz is coming into his own as well. Of the two, however, I would be OK with a package that included Buchholz & perhaps Westmoreland with other prospects to land a legitimate power hitter.
You might just see the whole situation stay on hold until the trading deadline. It would be interesting to see how far the Sox could go with their pitching & defense during the first half without another bat.
My thought is I don't think so. Like Casey Kelly, Ells just has too much upside to go in his career. He is a huge disruption, like Carl Crawford, when he gets on base. As a leadoff hitter, his best years are ahead of him.
Buchholz is coming into his own as well. Of the two, however, I would be OK with a package that included Buchholz & perhaps Westmoreland with other prospects to land a legitimate power hitter.
You might just see the whole situation stay on hold until the trading deadline. It would be interesting to see how far the Sox could go with their pitching & defense during the first half without another bat.
Phillies' Math on Halladay
The Phillies are ready to finalize their blockbuster deal of landing Roy Halladay. Halladay moves from Toronto to Philadelphia & signs a 3-year, $60 million extension with an option for 2014.
At the same time the Phillies send Cliff Lee, their best pitcher in the playoffs, to Seattle as part of a 4-team deal. In essence, the Phillies trade one Cy Young winner to get another. Lee was scheduled to make $9 million next year & is much more affordable over the long run than Halladay.
I guess I'm missing something with the Phillies' thinking. My head tells me that they paid more money & lost 3 prospects for a net gain of zero. They still have only one good pitcher instead of two.
At the same time the Phillies send Cliff Lee, their best pitcher in the playoffs, to Seattle as part of a 4-team deal. In essence, the Phillies trade one Cy Young winner to get another. Lee was scheduled to make $9 million next year & is much more affordable over the long run than Halladay.
I guess I'm missing something with the Phillies' thinking. My head tells me that they paid more money & lost 3 prospects for a net gain of zero. They still have only one good pitcher instead of two.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Red Sox Call Bay's Poker Move
Jason Bay & his agent rejected the Sox latest offer to sign the 30+ HR, 100+ RBI outfielder. The Sox called the bluff & went on the free agent market to reportedly get Mike Cameron as Bay's replacement. Now it's up to Bay to show his cards.
If he & his agent have offers from Seattle, NY Mets & San Francisco, they might want to take them before those teams renegotiate after yesterday. With the Red Sox possibly closing the book on Bay other teams have one less major bidder to contend with. Less demand leads to a falling price. No one is even talking about the Boras client, Matt Holliday.
Both Bay & Holliday & their agents may have played too much of a waiting game. Remember - snooze you lose...
If he & his agent have offers from Seattle, NY Mets & San Francisco, they might want to take them before those teams renegotiate after yesterday. With the Red Sox possibly closing the book on Bay other teams have one less major bidder to contend with. Less demand leads to a falling price. No one is even talking about the Boras client, Matt Holliday.
Both Bay & Holliday & their agents may have played too much of a waiting game. Remember - snooze you lose...
Lackey And Cameron The Newest Pieces
The Red Sox had not made a splash in the free agent market yet, but yesterday was a different story. Multiple reports indicate that the Sox are close to deals with Angels pitcher John Lackey & Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron. This comes on the heels of a report that Jason Bay & his agent rejected the latest offer by Boston.
The Sox get a front of the rotation, bulldog kind of guy in Lackey. In the past Lackey was never much of a threat in the playoffs, but he did turn the corner last year & pitched very well against the Red Sox & Yankees. In a very uncharacteristic move the Sox offered 5-years & $80 million + to Lackey to join the team. Lackey would join Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Buchholz & Wakefield in the starting rotation next year. Not bad...
Mike Cameron is an older outfielder, 37, known for his defense & for a little pop in his bat with 24 home runs last year. He could easily slide into LF at Fenway. The Sox are offering Cameron a 2-year deal. That could bridge the gap until Reddick, Kalish & Westmoreland are ready for the bigs.
Jason Bay may have waited too long - like Nomar did in 2004.
The Sox get a front of the rotation, bulldog kind of guy in Lackey. In the past Lackey was never much of a threat in the playoffs, but he did turn the corner last year & pitched very well against the Red Sox & Yankees. In a very uncharacteristic move the Sox offered 5-years & $80 million + to Lackey to join the team. Lackey would join Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Buchholz & Wakefield in the starting rotation next year. Not bad...
Mike Cameron is an older outfielder, 37, known for his defense & for a little pop in his bat with 24 home runs last year. He could easily slide into LF at Fenway. The Sox are offering Cameron a 2-year deal. That could bridge the gap until Reddick, Kalish & Westmoreland are ready for the bigs.
Jason Bay may have waited too long - like Nomar did in 2004.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Is Bay Gone?
It's 50/50 depending upon which shows you see & which articles you read. Jason Bay is testing the free agent market like he should. As the process continues, some say the chances of Bay returning to Boston get slimmer everyday.
The fact is that not many teams are willing to commit the money to Bay that his agent is seeking. Boston offered 4-years & $60 million. That's where the bar is set. The New York Mets are rumored to have offered 4-years, $65 million to play for a team that has underachieved & is in flux. Supposedly, the Angels & Mariners have backed off & are not interested in Bay. That leaves the Red Sox, Mets & maybe the Yankees.
I think that the Sox have a good chance to re-sign Bay. Let's just let the process play out.
The fact is that not many teams are willing to commit the money to Bay that his agent is seeking. Boston offered 4-years & $60 million. That's where the bar is set. The New York Mets are rumored to have offered 4-years, $65 million to play for a team that has underachieved & is in flux. Supposedly, the Angels & Mariners have backed off & are not interested in Bay. That leaves the Red Sox, Mets & maybe the Yankees.
I think that the Sox have a good chance to re-sign Bay. Let's just let the process play out.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Casey Kotchman or Andrian Beltre?
Based upon the Red Sox website it appears that the last infield position is a 2-man race. Joining Pedroia, Scutaro & Youkilis will be either Casey Kotchman at 1B or Adrian Beltre at 3B.
Kotchman was used as a defensive replacement last year. He has an excellent glove at 1B & is a left-handed hitter who was average at the plate. He came off the bench as a pinch-hitter a few times in 2009.
Beltre is also an excellent glove, but he has long ball power as a right-handed hitter. He is coming off a poor offensive year in Seattle & a shoulder injury. The downfall of Beltre is that he is represented by Scott Boras(s). It will take some big dollars to get him to Boston.
Once the infield is set Theo needs to bring the Jason Bay saga to an end - hopefully a happy ending which has Bay returning to Boston.
Kotchman was used as a defensive replacement last year. He has an excellent glove at 1B & is a left-handed hitter who was average at the plate. He came off the bench as a pinch-hitter a few times in 2009.
Beltre is also an excellent glove, but he has long ball power as a right-handed hitter. He is coming off a poor offensive year in Seattle & a shoulder injury. The downfall of Beltre is that he is represented by Scott Boras(s). It will take some big dollars to get him to Boston.
Once the infield is set Theo needs to bring the Jason Bay saga to an end - hopefully a happy ending which has Bay returning to Boston.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Mike Lowell Traded to Texas Rangers
Mike Lowell is reported to be traded to the Texas Rangers. The Red Sox are eating $9 million of his 2010 salary with Texas picking up the remaining $3 million. This deal is subject to all the usual approvals. The Sox get an upcoming catcher in return.
If this deal for Lowell goes through, Kevin Youkilis officially becomes the everyday third-baseman. Does this mean the Sox are close to a deal for 1B Adrian Gonzalez? No. Jed Hoyer has stated that Gonzalez fits the Padres salary structure perfectly & it would take "a lot" to move him.
Where does that leave the Sox at 1B? Casey Kotchman is still around. How about Johnny Damon at 1B? I guess anything is possible.
I'm still sad to see Mike Lowell go. Maybe he doesn't fit the Red Sox profile any longer, but you won't find a classier guy around - on & off the field.
If this deal for Lowell goes through, Kevin Youkilis officially becomes the everyday third-baseman. Does this mean the Sox are close to a deal for 1B Adrian Gonzalez? No. Jed Hoyer has stated that Gonzalez fits the Padres salary structure perfectly & it would take "a lot" to move him.
Where does that leave the Sox at 1B? Casey Kotchman is still around. How about Johnny Damon at 1B? I guess anything is possible.
I'm still sad to see Mike Lowell go. Maybe he doesn't fit the Red Sox profile any longer, but you won't find a classier guy around - on & off the field.
Yankees Re-Sign Pettitte
Andy Pettitte will be in pinstripes for one more year. The 14-10 lefty was very good in the playoffs & that earned him a $10 million + contract for 2010.
Did the Yanks overpay? Probably. Look at Tim Wakefield. Like Pettitte Wake is an innings-eater who is around .500 most years. Yet the Sox re-signed Wake for about $4 million a year. Must be nice to get that cost of living increase as a player in New York. No other team would commit that kind of money to Pettitte - which is why he signed quickly. Wouldn't you?
Pettitte use to give the Sox trouble, but I seem to remember him giving up 4 or 5 runs per start against Boston last year. Pettitte is part of an aging team where the Posadas, Rivieras & Jeters only have so many years left in those arms & legs.
Maybe old man time will catch-up to the Yankees in 2010.
Did the Yanks overpay? Probably. Look at Tim Wakefield. Like Pettitte Wake is an innings-eater who is around .500 most years. Yet the Sox re-signed Wake for about $4 million a year. Must be nice to get that cost of living increase as a player in New York. No other team would commit that kind of money to Pettitte - which is why he signed quickly. Wouldn't you?
Pettitte use to give the Sox trouble, but I seem to remember him giving up 4 or 5 runs per start against Boston last year. Pettitte is part of an aging team where the Posadas, Rivieras & Jeters only have so many years left in those arms & legs.
Maybe old man time will catch-up to the Yankees in 2010.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Peter Gammons to NESN & MLB Network
After a very long stint with ESPN Peter Gammons decided it was time to come home. Gammons will begin working for NESN & the MLB Network in January. He leaves ESPN after 20 years.
Gammons has great sources & good insight into the game of baseball. He will be a great addition to NESN who have had their share of less colorful color analysts this past season. Who can forget Brian Daubach?
I remember an interview with Peter Gammons from a few years ago after he suffered a stroke. Luckily, he made a full recovery. A reporter asked Peter what he learned from having a stroke. Gammons said that time is short & he now focuses only on the things in life that make him happy.
NESN is lucky to have him.
Gammons has great sources & good insight into the game of baseball. He will be a great addition to NESN who have had their share of less colorful color analysts this past season. Who can forget Brian Daubach?
I remember an interview with Peter Gammons from a few years ago after he suffered a stroke. Luckily, he made a full recovery. A reporter asked Peter what he learned from having a stroke. Gammons said that time is short & he now focuses only on the things in life that make him happy.
NESN is lucky to have him.
Granderson to Yankees
Curtis Granderson, the key piece to a 3-team deal between the Tigers, Yankess & Diamondbacks, will be wearing pinstripes next year. Granderson moves from Detroit to New York & will patrol the outfield where Johnny Damon & Hideki Matsui use to roam.
This was a good trade for the Yankees who now have leverage on Johnny Damon's possible return to New York. Damon was looking for a 3-year deal at age 36. The Yanks may now offer him only two.
For once the Evil Empire didn't overpay. Instead, they traded 2 pitchers with some major league experience & prospects. Granderson, unfortunately for Red Sox Nation, is 28 & a younger upgrade in the outfield with more range. He can also replace Damon as the Yankees leadoff hitter.
OK, Theo. Let's do something more than sign unknown relievers to an appearance at Spring Training.
This was a good trade for the Yankees who now have leverage on Johnny Damon's possible return to New York. Damon was looking for a 3-year deal at age 36. The Yanks may now offer him only two.
For once the Evil Empire didn't overpay. Instead, they traded 2 pitchers with some major league experience & prospects. Granderson, unfortunately for Red Sox Nation, is 28 & a younger upgrade in the outfield with more range. He can also replace Damon as the Yankees leadoff hitter.
OK, Theo. Let's do something more than sign unknown relievers to an appearance at Spring Training.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Teams Lining Up for Bay
Jason Bay is a hot topic at the GM meeting in Indianapolis. Several shows reported that the LA Angels of Anaheim (longest name in baseball!) & Seattle Mariners are very interested in the services of Bay.
Seattle reported signed Shone Figgins to a 4-year deal worth $36 million. Bay would fit as another piece of the puzzle for the Mariners to compete in the AL West against the Angels & Rangers.
The Angels have an aging & often injured slugger in Vlad Guerrero who is a free agent. Bay could take his spot as an everyday player.
My money is still on the Red Sox to offer a 5th year & keep Bay in Boston. Don't rule out the Yankees either who need an outfielder since Damon & Matsui are free agents.
Jason Bay may go the route of Bobby Abreau & wait until February before signing. It's an interesting marketplace.
Seattle reported signed Shone Figgins to a 4-year deal worth $36 million. Bay would fit as another piece of the puzzle for the Mariners to compete in the AL West against the Angels & Rangers.
The Angels have an aging & often injured slugger in Vlad Guerrero who is a free agent. Bay could take his spot as an everyday player.
My money is still on the Red Sox to offer a 5th year & keep Bay in Boston. Don't rule out the Yankees either who need an outfielder since Damon & Matsui are free agents.
Jason Bay may go the route of Bobby Abreau & wait until February before signing. It's an interesting marketplace.
Hot Stove
I had a chance to catch NESN's show from the GM's meeting in Indianapolis last night. A couple of things caught my attention.
Casey Kelly, arguably the #1 prospect in the Sox farm system, has decided to concentrate on pitching for the future. In addition to pitching he played a half-year at shortstop, but came to the conclusion that his future in the Majors is as a pitcher. The Sox agree. Look for Kelly to be in Portland or Pawtucket by the end of this year. He is only 20 years old.
Dice-K will begin workouts in Arizona at API next week. API caters to MLB players looking to gain an edge going into Spring Training. This is a great move for Dice-K who was an non-entity in 2009 after his appearances in the World Baseball Classic.
The Red Sox signed reliever Scott Atchison to a Minor League contract. He pitched in Japan each of the last 2 seasons & is a middle reliever who will be invited to Spring Training.
None of these items are major moves, but they are positive signs for the coming season.
Casey Kelly, arguably the #1 prospect in the Sox farm system, has decided to concentrate on pitching for the future. In addition to pitching he played a half-year at shortstop, but came to the conclusion that his future in the Majors is as a pitcher. The Sox agree. Look for Kelly to be in Portland or Pawtucket by the end of this year. He is only 20 years old.
Dice-K will begin workouts in Arizona at API next week. API caters to MLB players looking to gain an edge going into Spring Training. This is a great move for Dice-K who was an non-entity in 2009 after his appearances in the World Baseball Classic.
The Red Sox signed reliever Scott Atchison to a Minor League contract. He pitched in Japan each of the last 2 seasons & is a middle reliever who will be invited to Spring Training.
None of these items are major moves, but they are positive signs for the coming season.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Welcome to Boston, Marco Scutaro
Last night one sports report indicated that the Red Sox & Marco Scutaro had reached a 2-year deal pending a physical. Today the Red Sox website is also confirming that Scutaro has accepted a 2-year offer from the Sox with an option for a 3rd year. No terms of the deal have been announced.
Scutaro is now the official SS for 2010. He was the best option out there &, should he produce on the offensive end as he did in 2009, the Red Sox may have gotten a good deal. The signing of Scutaro also gives Jed Lowrie more time to heal from his injuries & Jose Iglesias more time to progress in the minors.
One more piece of the puzzle is completed for Theo. Welcome to Boston, Marco!
Scutaro is now the official SS for 2010. He was the best option out there &, should he produce on the offensive end as he did in 2009, the Red Sox may have gotten a good deal. The signing of Scutaro also gives Jed Lowrie more time to heal from his injuries & Jose Iglesias more time to progress in the minors.
One more piece of the puzzle is completed for Theo. Welcome to Boston, Marco!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saito Joins Wagner in Atlanta
The Red Sox website is reporting that Takashi Saito has inked a 1-year deal with the Braves for $3 million. He joins fellow Red Sox Billy Wagner in the Braves bullpen next season as a set-up man.
I thought Saito was excellent during the 1st half of 2009. He closed a few games when Pap needed rest & was a steady 7th or 8th inning reliever for Terry Francona. Saito slumped in the 2nd half & was eventually replaced by Hideki Okajima, Daniel Bard & Billy Wagner. The Sox did not pick-up his option for 2010.
At 39-years old Saito may have a season or two left in his arm. He could very well fill a void in Atlanta & be successful in the National League where he excelled for the Dodgers. Good luck!
I thought Saito was excellent during the 1st half of 2009. He closed a few games when Pap needed rest & was a steady 7th or 8th inning reliever for Terry Francona. Saito slumped in the 2nd half & was eventually replaced by Hideki Okajima, Daniel Bard & Billy Wagner. The Sox did not pick-up his option for 2010.
At 39-years old Saito may have a season or two left in his arm. He could very well fill a void in Atlanta & be successful in the National League where he excelled for the Dodgers. Good luck!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bay, Wagner Offered Arbitration
The Red Sox have offered Jason Bay & Billy Wagner arbitration. Paul Bryd, Rocco Baldelli & Chris Woodward were not offered arbitration.
Since Bay & Wagner are Type A free agents the Red Sox will now receive compensation via prospects if either signs with another club. Bay will certainly decline. Wagner is rumored to have a 1-year deal in place with Atlanta.
In the scheme of things, getting prospects is a small piece to the Red Sox puzzle during this off-season. But something is better than nothing. To me it shows the attention to detail by Theo & staff to be sure even the little things are attended to. Who knows? There may be a budding Youk or Pedroia in those prospects.
Since Bay & Wagner are Type A free agents the Red Sox will now receive compensation via prospects if either signs with another club. Bay will certainly decline. Wagner is rumored to have a 1-year deal in place with Atlanta.
In the scheme of things, getting prospects is a small piece to the Red Sox puzzle during this off-season. But something is better than nothing. To me it shows the attention to detail by Theo & staff to be sure even the little things are attended to. Who knows? There may be a budding Youk or Pedroia in those prospects.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pedroia To Shortstop?
Several news outlets are reporting that the Red Sox have asked Dustin Pedroia to consider a move to shortstop. Most assume that this is a fallback plan should the Sox strikeout in their attempts to land a satisfactory free agent shortstop. Pedroia is willing to make the move if he is asked to.
Shifting attention now to free agent second-basemen, one stands out to me -- Orlando Hudson. Hudson has a pretty good stick & was a Gold Glove winner for 2009 at 2B for the Dodgers. He still has good range & a good arm. If Youk & Lowell switch positions at 1B & 3B, you could see Youk & Petey on the left side of the infield next year. That would be interesting.
In his latest interview Theo said he has plans A, B, C, D, E, F & G. I believe him. Maybe the Pedroia move to SS is plan C or D.
Shifting attention now to free agent second-basemen, one stands out to me -- Orlando Hudson. Hudson has a pretty good stick & was a Gold Glove winner for 2009 at 2B for the Dodgers. He still has good range & a good arm. If Youk & Lowell switch positions at 1B & 3B, you could see Youk & Petey on the left side of the infield next year. That would be interesting.
In his latest interview Theo said he has plans A, B, C, D, E, F & G. I believe him. Maybe the Pedroia move to SS is plan C or D.
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