I received an interesting comment from a relative today about whether or not the Sox management has the gusto to spend $15 mil - $17 mil for one front-line, impact player versus spending $8 mil each for 2 mid-level players to come in 2nd or 3rd. His conclusion is the best talent usually wins. Interesting thought...
Since the deal for Mark Teixeira fell through in 2008 the Sox have added guys like Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro & Mike Cameron. Although Beltre had a career year in 2010, none of these 3 players would be considered front-line. Can they add a Carl Crawford or Adrian Gonzalez? Time will tell.
If you are going to have the 2nd largest payroll in baseball, you might as well get a couple of first-rate studs & get your money's worth. That may entail money &/or prospects. I'd do it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Rex Ryan Running His Mouth Again
Since there is no movement on the hot stove with the Red Sox I thought it appropriate to comment on the 12 days of Rex Ryan.
A good friend of mine said once that it's not bragging if you deliver what you spout off about. So far the Jets have escaped 3 near losses with last minute wins. They could easily be 6-5 in the middle of the pack. But they are 9-2 like the Pats & Falcons. Ryan has delivered - so far.
However, like playing cards in Vegas, you may win for awhile but the longer you play, the odds are against you. And Ryan's mouth with catch up with him at some point in the season. We all hope it's next Monday night.
A good friend of mine said once that it's not bragging if you deliver what you spout off about. So far the Jets have escaped 3 near losses with last minute wins. They could easily be 6-5 in the middle of the pack. But they are 9-2 like the Pats & Falcons. Ryan has delivered - so far.
However, like playing cards in Vegas, you may win for awhile but the longer you play, the odds are against you. And Ryan's mouth with catch up with him at some point in the season. We all hope it's next Monday night.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Jeter & Yankees Feuding
Derek Jeter is Mr. Yankee. At 36 years old he would like to finish his career as a Yankee.
Hank Steinbrenner & Brian Cashman have decided to save their public face. Instead of continuing their contract discussions with Jeter in private, they went public to let everyone know about the 3 year, $45 million deal that was offered & rejected. The New York Post had a picture of Jeter in a Red Sox uniform with Hank's quote of let him look elsewhere.
I know it's the Yankees & we all enjoy turmoil in the Yankee camp. But guys like Jeter, Posada & Rivera are the last of the original Yankees who we hated all through the 90's. To go public on a re-signing of your captain is pure positioning for the media. I think Jeter deserves better from his employer.
Hank Steinbrenner & Brian Cashman have decided to save their public face. Instead of continuing their contract discussions with Jeter in private, they went public to let everyone know about the 3 year, $45 million deal that was offered & rejected. The New York Post had a picture of Jeter in a Red Sox uniform with Hank's quote of let him look elsewhere.
I know it's the Yankees & we all enjoy turmoil in the Yankee camp. But guys like Jeter, Posada & Rivera are the last of the original Yankees who we hated all through the 90's. To go public on a re-signing of your captain is pure positioning for the media. I think Jeter deserves better from his employer.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Give Thanks
Today is Thanksgiving & we all have many different things to be thankful for -- family, friends, good health, football & turkey among them.
From the Red Sox perspective I am thankful that:
1) We beat the Yankees during the last weekend in September, making them the AL Wild Card & not the AL East champs. I'd like to think that, in some way, our wins contributed to their demise in the ALDS to the Rangers.
2) A-Rod struck out for the final out in the ALDS that landed the Rangers in the World Series. There's poetic justice for you.
3) Mike Lowell hit a home run in his first at-bat off the DL coming back to Fenway. It was quite a memorable moment.
4) Daniel Nava hitting a grand slam in his first Major League at-bat.
5) Jason Varitek getting a standing ovation in his last game as a Red Sox. He caught 3 no-hitters & was an instrumental part of the 2004 & 2007 World Series championships.
Moving away from the Red Sox, I always think of our service men & women who will not be home for Thanksgiving. We owe them much for their sacrifices for our country. Be safe. Come home soon.
Enjoy your turkey & the Patriots today!
From the Red Sox perspective I am thankful that:
1) We beat the Yankees during the last weekend in September, making them the AL Wild Card & not the AL East champs. I'd like to think that, in some way, our wins contributed to their demise in the ALDS to the Rangers.
2) A-Rod struck out for the final out in the ALDS that landed the Rangers in the World Series. There's poetic justice for you.
3) Mike Lowell hit a home run in his first at-bat off the DL coming back to Fenway. It was quite a memorable moment.
4) Daniel Nava hitting a grand slam in his first Major League at-bat.
5) Jason Varitek getting a standing ovation in his last game as a Red Sox. He caught 3 no-hitters & was an instrumental part of the 2004 & 2007 World Series championships.
Moving away from the Red Sox, I always think of our service men & women who will not be home for Thanksgiving. We owe them much for their sacrifices for our country. Be safe. Come home soon.
Enjoy your turkey & the Patriots today!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Victor Martinez Signs With Detroit
The 2nd piece has fallen into or out of place for the Red Sox plan of 2011.
Victor Martinez returns to the AL Central as he accepts a 4-year, $50 million deal to be the Tigers everyday catcher. That leaves a big offensive hole in the middle of the Sox lineup.
With the departure of Martinez, does that mean Adrian Beltre has more hope of re-signing with the Sox? Who knows!
Theo & Co. obviously have a strategy in place. Defensively, the loss of Victor Martinez does not pose a problem. Saltie & a back-up can perform as adequately there. Maybe Victor's departure means thatJason Varitek gets re-signed & stays another year to mentor Saltie.
But Victor's move to the Motor City does heighten the need for a middle-of-the-order bat. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth & Ryan Braun are possible newcomers. If the Sox sign an outfielder, it may mean the end of Jacoby Ellsbury in a Red Sox uniform.
Personally, I'd rather see the Sox sign a corner infielder versus another outfielder. Beltre or Gonzalez are the 2 most talked-about choices. I still like Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, of the Nationals.
Victor Martinez returns to the AL Central as he accepts a 4-year, $50 million deal to be the Tigers everyday catcher. That leaves a big offensive hole in the middle of the Sox lineup.
With the departure of Martinez, does that mean Adrian Beltre has more hope of re-signing with the Sox? Who knows!
Theo & Co. obviously have a strategy in place. Defensively, the loss of Victor Martinez does not pose a problem. Saltie & a back-up can perform as adequately there. Maybe Victor's departure means thatJason Varitek gets re-signed & stays another year to mentor Saltie.
But Victor's move to the Motor City does heighten the need for a middle-of-the-order bat. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth & Ryan Braun are possible newcomers. If the Sox sign an outfielder, it may mean the end of Jacoby Ellsbury in a Red Sox uniform.
Personally, I'd rather see the Sox sign a corner infielder versus another outfielder. Beltre or Gonzalez are the 2 most talked-about choices. I still like Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, of the Nationals.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Report Card for John Lackey
Since a lot of kids are coming home with report cards this time of year I thought it would be fun to grade some of the Red Sox players. First up is John Lackey.
Attitude: A
John is very competitive. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound & never wants to be taken out.
Workmanship: A
John is a 200+ innings guy. He will carry his share of the load throughout the season.
Effectiveness: C
John's competitive attitude worked against him by going one too many innings. He often returned to the mound in the 7th or 8th innings only to blow leads. He needs to shut down the opponent when he has the lead. That's what good pitchers do.
John also put too many runners on base via hits & walks. His WHIP was way too high for a pitcher with his ability.
Accepts Responsibility: D
John whines too much. Many a post-game interview was littered with his comments about cheap hits & how he didn't really pitch that badly. John needs to own up to both his good & bad performances. Stop making excuses. Stop blaming others.
Overall: C-
John needs to mature into an AL East pitcher in 2011. He has the stuff. He can do it.
We are all counting on Lackey to act like a #2 starter in 2011, not a #4 or #5.
Attitude: A
John is very competitive. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound & never wants to be taken out.
Workmanship: A
John is a 200+ innings guy. He will carry his share of the load throughout the season.
Effectiveness: C
John's competitive attitude worked against him by going one too many innings. He often returned to the mound in the 7th or 8th innings only to blow leads. He needs to shut down the opponent when he has the lead. That's what good pitchers do.
John also put too many runners on base via hits & walks. His WHIP was way too high for a pitcher with his ability.
Accepts Responsibility: D
John whines too much. Many a post-game interview was littered with his comments about cheap hits & how he didn't really pitch that badly. John needs to own up to both his good & bad performances. Stop making excuses. Stop blaming others.
Overall: C-
John needs to mature into an AL East pitcher in 2011. He has the stuff. He can do it.
We are all counting on Lackey to act like a #2 starter in 2011, not a #4 or #5.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Cy Young Honorable Mentions
Two Red Sox pitchers will get several votes from sportswriters for the Cy Young Award which will end up going to Felix Hernandez of Seattle or David Price of Tampa Bay.
Clay Buchholz emerged as an elite pitcher in 2010. He finished #2 in ERA at 2.33 & amassed an overall record of 17-7. Not bad for a guy who was trade bait each of the last 2 years. Each of his 4 or 5 pitches can induce an out, most notably his change-up. Because he pitched to contact Clay's strikeout numbers are down.
Jon Lester turned in a stellar year after a very slow start in April. He finished #9 in ERA at 3.25, had a 19-9 record, completed over 200 innings & struckout over 200. A real power pitcher in the mold of the 2007 Josh Beckett, his cutter is devastating to hitters from either side of the plate. He reminds me of a young Andy Pettitte.
Both Buchholz & Lester deserve a lot of credit for coming through in a year where they, in reality, became the #1 & #2 starters. We can expect both to continue to shine in 2011.
Clay Buchholz emerged as an elite pitcher in 2010. He finished #2 in ERA at 2.33 & amassed an overall record of 17-7. Not bad for a guy who was trade bait each of the last 2 years. Each of his 4 or 5 pitches can induce an out, most notably his change-up. Because he pitched to contact Clay's strikeout numbers are down.
Jon Lester turned in a stellar year after a very slow start in April. He finished #9 in ERA at 3.25, had a 19-9 record, completed over 200 innings & struckout over 200. A real power pitcher in the mold of the 2007 Josh Beckett, his cutter is devastating to hitters from either side of the plate. He reminds me of a young Andy Pettitte.
Both Buchholz & Lester deserve a lot of credit for coming through in a year where they, in reality, became the #1 & #2 starters. We can expect both to continue to shine in 2011.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ellsbury's Big Comeback in 2011
That could be a big headline when the 2011 season is over. Jacoby Ellsbury is a big part of the Sox offensive engine & that engine never got going in 2010.
Especially against the better pitchers in the league, the ability to manufacture a run is critical in tight games. Look at what the Texas Rangers did to their opponents in 2010 by playing small ball. The Sox never had that ability last year & it cost them.
50+ steals. 100+ runs scored. Several infield hits. OBP of .350 or higher. Plus covering a lot of ground in the outfield. That the Jacoby Ellsbury that we need in 2011.
Forget all the other drama about his injuries. If Ells is healthy & in the starting lineup, he will produce.
Especially against the better pitchers in the league, the ability to manufacture a run is critical in tight games. Look at what the Texas Rangers did to their opponents in 2010 by playing small ball. The Sox never had that ability last year & it cost them.
50+ steals. 100+ runs scored. Several infield hits. OBP of .350 or higher. Plus covering a lot of ground in the outfield. That the Jacoby Ellsbury that we need in 2011.
Forget all the other drama about his injuries. If Ells is healthy & in the starting lineup, he will produce.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thanksgiving, 2003
One of the best Thanksgiving's in Red Sox history had to be the 2003 signing of Curt Schilling. Theo & owners went to Schilling's home in Arizona & signed him. Schilling would go onto win 2 World Series during his tenure - including the curse breaker in 2004 with the famous bloody sock.
I wonder if there are anymore fireworks scheduled for this Thanksgiving? I'm not so concerned about adding a Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford to a crowded outfield. I am interested in an Adrian Gonzalez or Adrian Beltre to solidify the infield. I would also trade our best prospects to get Ryan Zimmerman from the Nationals as well.
To me the infield has priority over the outfield. I include Victor Martinez as part of the infield.
I wonder if there are anymore fireworks scheduled for this Thanksgiving? I'm not so concerned about adding a Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford to a crowded outfield. I am interested in an Adrian Gonzalez or Adrian Beltre to solidify the infield. I would also trade our best prospects to get Ryan Zimmerman from the Nationals as well.
To me the infield has priority over the outfield. I include Victor Martinez as part of the infield.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Andrew Miller for Dustin Richardson
The Sox & the Marlins made an exchange of left-handed pitchers. Andrew Miller comes to Boston. Dustin Richardson goes to Florida. On paper it's a bit of a wash with neither player having made an impact at the Major League level yet.
Miller was a very high draft pick in 2006. His career has been plagued with wildness & injuries. Maybe a Red Sox scout saw something that makes the team think that Miller would be an asset to the Sox. We do need left-handed pitching to beat the Yankees.
Other than the signing of Ortiz, the Sox still have to address majors needs via the futures of Victor Martinez & Adrian Beltre.
Miller was a very high draft pick in 2006. His career has been plagued with wildness & injuries. Maybe a Red Sox scout saw something that makes the team think that Miller would be an asset to the Sox. We do need left-handed pitching to beat the Yankees.
Other than the signing of Ortiz, the Sox still have to address majors needs via the futures of Victor Martinez & Adrian Beltre.
Big Patriots Win in Pittsburgh
The New England Patriots beat their AFC rivals Pittsburgh Steelers in the Steel Town last night. This win comes on the heel of a terrible loss by the Pats the previous week in Cleveland.
Brady & the offense scored enough points to win. Wilfork & the defense disrupted Big Ben throughout the game. It was a great road victory which keeps the Pats tied with the Jets at 7-2.
Every game of their last 7 is a big one now.
Brady & the offense scored enough points to win. Wilfork & the defense disrupted Big Ben throughout the game. It was a great road victory which keeps the Pats tied with the Jets at 7-2.
Every game of their last 7 is a big one now.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Veterans Day & Ted Williams
With the current conflicts in the mid-east this Veterans Day reminded us of the sacrifices made in the past, in the present &, unfortunately, in the future by our men & women in uniform. We owe a lot to those who serve & protect the freedoms we all enjoy in our country.
I thought back to Ted Williams who gave up prime years of his baseball career to become a Marine pilot. He served his country proudly, as did many athletes of his era, & always spoke about his time in the Marines as a highlight of his life.
Finally, I also think about his cruel ending & the family that put his body into cryogenics for the future. It's just not a fitting end to a hero & a Hall of Fame athlete.
I thought back to Ted Williams who gave up prime years of his baseball career to become a Marine pilot. He served his country proudly, as did many athletes of his era, & always spoke about his time in the Marines as a highlight of his life.
Finally, I also think about his cruel ending & the family that put his body into cryogenics for the future. It's just not a fitting end to a hero & a Hall of Fame athlete.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sox Talking to Jayson Werth
According to the Red Sox website, the Sox have contacted Scott Boras about Jayson Werth. Werth has a power bat, hits for average & is a 20/80 HR/RBI kind of player. He can play a corner outfield position & has playoff experience with the Phillies.
Werth & Carl Crawford are the 2 premiere free agent outfielders on the market this year. Last year it was Matt Holliday & Jason Bay. Both Holliday & Bay signed big contracts for big money in the $16 million to $17 million per year range.
Personally, I don't see the Sox shelling out that kind of money. The interest in Werth may just be a show to drive his price up & keep him away from the Yankees.
Werth & Carl Crawford are the 2 premiere free agent outfielders on the market this year. Last year it was Matt Holliday & Jason Bay. Both Holliday & Bay signed big contracts for big money in the $16 million to $17 million per year range.
Personally, I don't see the Sox shelling out that kind of money. The interest in Werth may just be a show to drive his price up & keep him away from the Yankees.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Iglesius, Lavarnway Look Good in AFL
Jose Iglesius had 2 hits & a sac fly. Ryan Lavarnway had 3 hits including a solo HR. Both players had a nice afternoon for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League.
On defense Iglesius is fast, covers a lot of ground & has a quick, accurate release at shortstop. He reminded me of Omar Vizquel. Lavarnway makes for a big target at catcher at 6'5" & he blocked several balls in the dirt.
As an added bonus, 2 pitchers from the Yankees farm system, playing for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, gave up a combined 9 runs in the 6th. As I told one fan, we enjoy beating up on the Yankees at any time of year.
Baseball in November is a tease for Spring Training to start. But it's a great way to spend an afternoon.
On defense Iglesius is fast, covers a lot of ground & has a quick, accurate release at shortstop. He reminded me of Omar Vizquel. Lavarnway makes for a big target at catcher at 6'5" & he blocked several balls in the dirt.
As an added bonus, 2 pitchers from the Yankees farm system, playing for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, gave up a combined 9 runs in the 6th. As I told one fan, we enjoy beating up on the Yankees at any time of year.
Baseball in November is a tease for Spring Training to start. But it's a great way to spend an afternoon.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Atchison Back, Hall & Lopez Out
The Red Sox picked up the option on Scott Atchison to return him to the bullpen with Daniel Bard. Atchison was one of the better, more reliable members of the pen last year which saw Manny Delcarmen & Ramon Ramirez get traded to NL clubs late last year. Bullpen help is a major issue for Theo to address in 2011.
The Sox declined options on Bill Hall & Felipe Lopez. Hall had a great year offensively, but was a liability in the field. Lopez doesn't really fit in the infield with Pedroia coming back & Jed Lowrie playing the utility role.
Slowly, the Sox are putting together their 2011 roster. Free agents Victor Martinez & Adrian Beltre are the next major pieces to the puzzle.
The Sox declined options on Bill Hall & Felipe Lopez. Hall had a great year offensively, but was a liability in the field. Lopez doesn't really fit in the infield with Pedroia coming back & Jed Lowrie playing the utility role.
Slowly, the Sox are putting together their 2011 roster. Free agents Victor Martinez & Adrian Beltre are the next major pieces to the puzzle.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Ortiz Back in 2011
One question answered - David Ortiz is back.
The Red Sox exercised their 1-year option to bring DH David Ortiz back for the 2011 season at an annual salary of $12.5 million. Ortiz could have gotten a multi-year deal somewhere else on the free agent market, but not at his current salary level.
I think this is a good signing for a couple of reasons:
- It's only 1-year which means Big Papi will be out to prove his worth to everyone. He is incentivized to have a big year.
- It keeps him away from the Yankees.
- It gives the Sox more time to plan around him should they decide not to bring Ortiz back in 2012. Conversely, it gives the Sox management more time to discuss a future deal with Ortiz at less money.
Even though Big Papi's salary is above average, I like the fact that it's just 1-year.
The Red Sox exercised their 1-year option to bring DH David Ortiz back for the 2011 season at an annual salary of $12.5 million. Ortiz could have gotten a multi-year deal somewhere else on the free agent market, but not at his current salary level.
I think this is a good signing for a couple of reasons:
- It's only 1-year which means Big Papi will be out to prove his worth to everyone. He is incentivized to have a big year.
- It keeps him away from the Yankees.
- It gives the Sox more time to plan around him should they decide not to bring Ortiz back in 2012. Conversely, it gives the Sox management more time to discuss a future deal with Ortiz at less money.
Even though Big Papi's salary is above average, I like the fact that it's just 1-year.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Yankees Want Cliff Lee
The big New York pinstripe pocketbook is ready to open wide for Cliff Lee. The Yankees website says management will put a hard charge on for Lee as the latest free agent addition to their up & down pitching staff.
I've said for the last 2 years that if CC Sabathia goes down to injury, the Yankees are just a middle-of-the-pack AL East team. Even with CC as their stopper, the Yankees couldn't get the job done in 2010 & were eliminated from the playoffs.
The Red Sox won't be part of the Cliff Lee bidding war. We spent our dollars on Beckett & Lackey who need to have big comeback years in 2011 to validate their pay. Let's hope they do return to their past winning ways. Beckett was a force in 2007. Lackey had a big year in 2009. They can be dominate.
The Texas Rangers & Nolan Ryan are the only hope of keeping Lee out of New York. They are open about wanting Lee to return to the Rangers ballclub in 2011. If the dollars are close, Lee may feel he is a better fit in Texas versus the big city lights of New York. But money always talks.
We may not have to wait long to get an answer as to which uniform Lee will be wearing next year.
I've said for the last 2 years that if CC Sabathia goes down to injury, the Yankees are just a middle-of-the-pack AL East team. Even with CC as their stopper, the Yankees couldn't get the job done in 2010 & were eliminated from the playoffs.
The Red Sox won't be part of the Cliff Lee bidding war. We spent our dollars on Beckett & Lackey who need to have big comeback years in 2011 to validate their pay. Let's hope they do return to their past winning ways. Beckett was a force in 2007. Lackey had a big year in 2009. They can be dominate.
The Texas Rangers & Nolan Ryan are the only hope of keeping Lee out of New York. They are open about wanting Lee to return to the Rangers ballclub in 2011. If the dollars are close, Lee may feel he is a better fit in Texas versus the big city lights of New York. But money always talks.
We may not have to wait long to get an answer as to which uniform Lee will be wearing next year.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Curt Young New Pitching Coach
John Farrell has gone to Toronto. Curt Young now replaces Farrell as the Sox new pitching coach in 2011.
Young should be a very good fit. He is use to working with a "young" staff in Oakland for the past several years. (No pun intended.) He will bring a different philosophy & different points of emphasis to each pitcher. Young mentioned that he wants to review the work regime of each pitcher in-between starts & after use in the bullpen.
I like the pick of Curt Young.
Young should be a very good fit. He is use to working with a "young" staff in Oakland for the past several years. (No pun intended.) He will bring a different philosophy & different points of emphasis to each pitcher. Young mentioned that he wants to review the work regime of each pitcher in-between starts & after use in the bullpen.
I like the pick of Curt Young.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
2010 Season Is Over
Congrats to the San Fran Giants! Anyone who placed a bet in Vegas on you to win the World Series won a lot of money.
Congrats to the Texas Rangers as well. You beat the Tampa Bay Rays & New York Yankees. All of Red Sox Nation was pulling for you.
On Saturday teams can start signing free agents. This should be a very active off-season for several teams, including the Red Sox. Will Cliff Lee be in pinstripes next year? What about Victor, Beltre & Ortiz? Lots of questions that should get answered soon.
Congrats to the Texas Rangers as well. You beat the Tampa Bay Rays & New York Yankees. All of Red Sox Nation was pulling for you.
On Saturday teams can start signing free agents. This should be a very active off-season for several teams, including the Red Sox. Will Cliff Lee be in pinstripes next year? What about Victor, Beltre & Ortiz? Lots of questions that should get answered soon.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Patriots Keep Winning
It's like watching a magic show with smoke & mirrors.
The Patriots beat the Vikings, knock out Brett Favre & end up in first place due to a Jets loss at home to the Packers. Quite a day's work.
The Pats' defense is porous. Their offense is struggling to score points. But they just keep winning.
The next 2 opponents - Pittsburgh & Indianapolis - will be a good test of exactly where the Patriots are as a team. For now we can enjoy being #1.
The Patriots beat the Vikings, knock out Brett Favre & end up in first place due to a Jets loss at home to the Packers. Quite a day's work.
The Pats' defense is porous. Their offense is struggling to score points. But they just keep winning.
The next 2 opponents - Pittsburgh & Indianapolis - will be a good test of exactly where the Patriots are as a team. For now we can enjoy being #1.
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