Sox Start Manager Search As Free Agents File

The Sox start their search this week for a successor to Terry Francona. Like him or hate him, Tito is the skipper who guided the Sox to 2 World Series titles with an 8-0 record. The post-Francona era starts with assistants from the Phillies & Brewers (old friend Dale Sveum) getting the first 2 interviews.

At the same time, players begin filing for free agency this week. The biggest names on the Red Sox list are Jon Papelbon & David Ortiz. The Sox have a $3 million option on Dan Wheeler which they need to decide upon as well.

Let the fun begin.

Sox Pick-Up Option on Scutaro

Marco Scutaro will not get to test free agency as the Red Sox bring him back for a 3rd year at the club option price of $6 million. Scutaro could have activated his player option for $3 million, if needed, but would have probably tested the market for his services.

When healthy - like his infield partner Jed Lowrie - Scutaro has been a very serviceable player. He is adequate at short & hit better than average from the bottom of the order.

In addition, his signing gives the Sox another year of seasoning for upcomer Jose Iglesius who has not matured into a big league hitter yet. Iglesius is the shortstop in waiting that we keep hearing wonderful things about.

Scutaro's signing is a good one in my book.

Pats Lose 25-17

The Pittsburgh Steelers were the better team by far today.

Pats defense couldn't stop the Steelers pass attack. It was nice to see Mayo back on the field, but he certainly wasn't at 100%. The secondary got exposed when the front line couldn't get any pressure on Big Ben. They did make the Steelers settle for field goals which kept the score close for most of the game.

Pats offense couldn't get any momentum going against the Steelers D. They had so few plays in the first half that it was as if the offense only played half a game. A few non-calls & a bad call that disallowed a TD in the 4th took an extra 2 minutes off the clock. But it wasn't to be as Brady got striped at the end of regulation.

Talk about a bad game. How about Stephen Gostkowski. Missed field goal. Botched on-side kick. Botched free kick. This was not his finest game. His missed field goal from 42 that hit the cross bar really hurt.

Like I said, Pittsburgh was the better team today. If we see them again, it will be in the playoffs - assuming the Pats improve over the next 9 weeks.

St. Louis Wins

Another wild card team who got hot at the end of the year ends up winning the World Series. Congrats to the Cardinals & local NH native Chris Carpenter for outplaying the Texas Rangers in the last 2 games to win the World Series in front of their hometown fans.

At the same time it has to be very frustrating for the Texas Rangers to make it to the World Series 2 years in a row, a fete in itself these days, only to lose twice. They were 1 strike away a few times in Game 6, but it was just not to be.

2011 is officially over, something that couldn't happen soon enough for Red Sox fans. Now it's on to 2012.

Righties Needed in the Lineup

How about a right-hand hitting DH & a right-hand hitting right fielder? That would even out a very left-handed lineup from 2011. Not that scoring runs was a problem in general last year, but they came in bunches which really skewed the numbers.

Who's out there? How about Cory Hart from Milwaukee? How about the guy from Houston that signed mid-season with the Phillies? If Big Papi doesn't re-sign, we have Ryan Lavarnway in waiting or perhaps a rotating spot at DH. If he does resign, maybe Big Papi is platooned & hits against right-handed pitching only.

It would be nice to see a more balanced line-up in 2012.

Who's Going to Bid on Pujols & Fielder?

The World Series is almost over. Free agency is about to begin. The 2 biggest names out there are Albert Pujols & Prince Fielder. Which teams will make offers on these two guys?

Not the Red Sox or Yankees. Teixeira & Gonzalez are firmly entrenched for years as first-basemen for these 2 clubs.

Which other teams would spend the big cash? Maybe Theo & the Cubs. Maybe St. Louis will try to keep Pujols. Milwaukee doesn't have the money to keep Fielder, but they might pony up after this year's playoff run.

Other possibilities might be LA Angels, Chicago White Sox if they move Konerko to full-time DH, NY Mets, Atlanta Braves.

There may not be that big a market with the Red Sox & Yankees out of it. It's very possible that both guys will stay put.

Who Comes Back - Big Papi or Pap?

Ben Cherington & Co. have a big to-do list in this off-season. On that list are what to do with free agents David Ortiz & Jon Papelbon. Can the Sox sign one or both?

It depends. Money & length of contract are always an issue. I think it is very possible that we could see both Big Papi & Pap in different uniforms next year.

The Sox may offer Ortiz a 1-year deal in the $5-$7 million range (a la Vlad with the Orioles) with a club option for 2013. That may not fit what Ortiz is looking for or what he might get on the open market. The Sox also have to figure out if they want an everyday DH or if they want to leave it as a rotating position.

Pap will be the harder signing just from a dollars standpoint. He made $10+ million through arbitration last year & the Sox may not want to spend that kind of money for a closer. Heath Bell & other closers will be more affordable & in the market.

If we keep Big Papi or Pap or both, I'm OK with that. If we lose both, I'm OK with that too. I'm ready for change.

Cherington In, Lackey Out

Ben Cherington was introduced as the new GM of the Sox today, just as Theo was introduced to the Cubs fans as their new President.

But leave it to John Lackey to upstage the Cherington announcement. News broke that Lackey will undergo Tommy John surgery & missed the entire 2012 season. What a break!

Now Cherington can go out & find some young talent to fill-in as the #4 & #5 starters behind the beer, chickin' & biskit boys of Beckett, Lester & Buccholz. Maybe those 3 will have taken enough heat by Spring Training to actually work hard next year.

Pats, Steelers Should Be A Good one

Brady versus Ben.

The Patriots travel to the Steel City this weekend to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh won last week at Arizona while the Pats enjoyed their bye week.

Same old keys - offense needs to score 30 or more, defense needs to give up less than 30. Maybe the bye week helped the Pats D to plug some of their holes over the first 6 games.

Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh will be a good test to see where the Patriots are as a team.

Has Sox Value Dipped?

If John Henry were to put the Red Sox franchise up for sale, do you think the 2011 season impacts the asking price? I think so.

Mr. Henry & his fellow owners have taken a deep hit to their deep pockets. Plagued by quarrels between ownership, management & players, one would have to think that the franchise value of the Red Sox has gone down. Only the 2012 season will tell if fans continue to lavish their support on a team that failed to return their respect to fans in 2011.

Once the World Series concludes later this week the 2012 season will start to come into focus. For John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino & now Ben Cherington there are a lot of bridges to mend with the fans. It starts with putting together a roster of players that will work hard & play as a team to get back into the playoffs. Talent is only one ingredient as we saw last year.

Epstein Deal With Cubs Finalized

Theo Epstein is officially gone. He will be introduced by the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday as their new president of baseball operations.

Congrats to you, Theo. No one in Boston will ever forget the misery of 2003 followed by the curse-reversing year of 2004. The mid-year trade of Nomar was the key piece to winning the World Series. And that took guts.

Not all personnel changes have been winners. But look at Theo's counterpart in New York, Brian Cashman. He's had his share of big money duds, like Kevin Brown, Javy Vasquez twice & let's not forget A-Rod who has disappeared in every post-season except 2008.

I hope Theo can bring a World Series to the Cubs in the future. Our 86 years is nothing compared the 100+ years of suffering by the Cubs fans.

Big Papi Still Posturing for 2012

There was a Big Papi sighting at the World Series last night in St. Louis as David Ortiz won the Roberto Clemente Award for humanitarian service. Big Papi has done a lot for charity in his native Dominican Republic, including a new children's hospital, & he should be commended for his work.

When asked about his Yankee comments Big Papi backed off the rhetoric from earlier last week & said he is still a Red Sox & would like to remain a Red Sox. That's just good PR to keep both teams in the conversation. Remember - it's all about the money.

Vlad Guerrero got a 1-year contract from Baltimore last year for about $7 million. Isn't that about what the Sox should offer Ortiz? Or maybe we take the Ortiz money to help ship away John Lackey & give a newcomwer like right-hand hitting Ryan Lavarnway a chance to balance out the lineup?

I'm OK this off-season with anything that happens - as long as we put 9 guys out there in 2012 that try hard & give it their all everyday. No more prima donas. We've been there, done that.

Enough Already!

I've had enough now.

I can read one more article about beer, chickin' & biskits by the Boston Globe. I can't turn on ESPN & see Gordon Edes & Dan Shaughnessy discussing the collapse anymore. I think the Red Sox & September have been beaten to death.

Let's get back to:

- finding a new manager

- finding a right-hand hitting right fielder

- finding a way to get part company with John Lackey

- finding a way to retire Big Papi, Wake & Varitek

We'll have time to re-visit beer & chickin' gate in Spring Training.

Let's change the dialogue for the next few weeks. Please...

St. Louis Versus Texas in World Series

The Rangers start on the road in St. Louis to begin the 2011 World Series. That's because the All-Star game means something now. How dumb!

The series should have started at The Ballpark since Texas had the better season record. But the NL did win the All-Star game, so the Cards benefit from home field advantage during the series.

Ratings will be down since there are no big east coast or west coast teams in the finals. But it should be an entertaining series between 2 teams who got there much differently. Texas had a consistent season start to finish with a little pitching, a good bullpen & lots of hitting. The Cards pulled a Tampa Bay Rays act by finishing strong in September while the Atlanta Braves faded like the Sox in September.

I hope Nolan Ryan & the Texas Rangers win their 1st World Series. He & his ownership group have put together 2 great back-to-back seasons to reach the World Series twice.

Occupy Fenway Park

We the people have decided to finally protest big corporations running our lives. Politicians, in lock-step with their major corporate contributors - contributors that get them elected every year, have been accused of governing for the top 1% of this country versus the 99%. What started as "Occupy Wall Street" in New York has now spread to every major city in the U.S. & it has gone further to become a global phenomenon.

In that same sentiment I think the fans can send a great message to Red Sox management & players if Red Sox Nation decided to boycott the first home game of 2012. We could call it "Occupy Fenway Park." Instead of going into the park, let's stay outside & let NESN show an empty park on TV.

The only thing that management & players understand is money. So let's hit them where it hurts - in the pocketbook. One game with no ticket money, no concessions, no souvenirs, no TV ratings would embarass this organization into doing the right thing. The right thing is to work hard, to play hard & to never cheat your fans into caring more than our players do.

Don't ever pull a LeBron James statement on us again. We are the 99%.

Pats 20, Cowboys 16

It came down to the last possession by each team.

Dallas had a 3 point lead (16-13) with 3+ minutes left in the game. They were unable to get a first down, went 3 & out, & had to kick it away after taking very little time off the clock.

The Patriots got the ball back with 2+ minutes left. They marched down the field on pinpoint passes & ultimately scored the game-winner on a short TD pass to Aaron Hernandez. Pats win 20-16.

Brady & the offense were frustrated most of the game. But Brady saved his best for last & was money at the end. That's why he's Tom Brady.

The Pats D came up with a huge 3 & out to give the offense one last chance to win the game. They held the Dallas offense to 3 field goals in 4 attempts within the red zone. Don't forget thaty Mayo is out, so this was a solid effort by the Pats D.

Dallas had their chance & blew it. We made the most of ours. Game over.

Patriots - Cowboys At Foxborough Today

If Tom Brady's hair was an issue in New England, how about Tony Romo's inability to win games down the stretch? Not only does he not win, Romo turns the ball over in ugly ways. The drama surrounding Jerry Jones' Cowboys takes flight this afternoon in Foxborough, MA.

These 2 teams haven't met in 4 years. As I listen to a few reports, it seems that the Pats D needs to get to Romo & take away Jason Whitten, his favorite target. The Pats O needs to keep Brady on his feet & be aware of LB Jamarcus Ware.

The Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, who built a stadium in Dallas like the 8th wonder of the world in admiration to himself adds to the circus atmosphere that surrounds the former "America's team." I bet Troy Aikman is glad to be retired after watching his alma mater these last few years.

On the field it's the same story every week. The Pats need to score 30+ points because their defense is going to give up about 30. Should be a fun game.

John Henry & Terry Francona

The soap opera that is the Boston Red Sox continues on this off-season.

John Henry had to call into WEEI's broadcast to state that it was not him who threw Terry Francona under the bus by revealing aspects of his personal life. That was done by "club officials" who are anonymous.

It came to light that Francona had ended his 30 year marriage & was living in an apartment most of this season. He also needed to seek out a 2nd medical opinion about the use or overuse of painkillers for his 5 knee operations. He also had a son or daughter in the military that was called up to active duty to serve in Afghanistan.

No one deserves to have their personal laundry aired out in the media. But in this age of no responsibility & "don't point the finger at me," John Henry is insulating himself as to why they - the ownership - let Tito go. It may have been the right call anyways, but don't make it personal.

David Ortiz & His Yankees Comments

Big Papi has gotten more press talking in October this year than playing in October in past years. Ortiz now says that he doesn't need the drama in Boston any longer & would like to go to a "good" team like the Yankees.

C'mon, David. How utterly stupid do you think the fans in Boston & New York are? Do you think no one sees through this attempt to get a bidding war going for your services in 2012?

Just another example of "it's all about me."

Where was the talk in the clubhouse by a 9-year vet who could have provided some leadership? And how about the childish interruption of Francona's press conference to bitch about an RBI? Maybe a little more work & less talk would have helped Big Papi contribute more than 1 HR & 8 RBI in September. How about talking about that!

Maybe the Red Sox should let Big Papi walk without making him any type of offer for next year. Most NY papers are saying that Ortiz would have to accept a low-ball deal like Eric Chavez or Andruw Jones to join the Yankees. Big Papi would go from a beloved player in Boston to one of the hated - like Johnny Damon. I don't think his restaurant would do too well either.

This reminds me of the movie "Contagion" which I just saw. There must be something in the clubhouse water that infected everyone into developing the disease of individualism over teamwork.

Ben Cherington Next in Line

A member of the Red Sox front office since 2002, Ben Cherington seems to be in line for Theo Epstein's old job as GM. Cherington is very familiar with the player personnel in the Sox minor league system. That should be a big help as the Sox look to re-establish their farm & add 1 minor leaguer to the big roster every year.

Once compensation between the Cubs & Red Sox is ironed out & Theo is officially gone I would think that Cherington will finalize a new manager within 30 days. Personally, I'd like to see them give the job to an assistant-type, like a John Farrell. Get someone hungry to make his mark & who will put the work in. I'd also like to see someone with an intimidating presence as manager, like a Jim Rice, who could stand toe to toe with any bad apples & let them know what behavior will not be tolerated.

Cherington will be a good pick as GM. We'll see how his first decision - to pick a new manager - works out.

Attitude & Effort

OK all you coaches out there. This article is for you. After reading all the stuff that went unchecked within the Red Sox clubhouse I thought it might be good to go back to basics.

It doesn't matter what sport you coach. It doesn't matter if you are a life coach. The following saying has always rung true to me.

"There are only 2 things that you can control on the field - or in life. That is your attitude & effort."

A poor attitude brings other players, co-workers or family members down. It allows others to join into the negativity & bad attitudes grow like a cancer. I've seen it first hand as a coach as many of you have.

Giving less than your best effort cheats your teammates, your co-workers & your family, but - most of all - a poor effort cheats you. When we were coaching together, my buddy Gaff would say that he had favorite players - the ones who came early, worked hard & stayed late. Hard work is its own reward.

In its simplest terms this is what caught up to the Red Sox organization in September. Bad attitude by some. Bad work ethic & effort by some. The result was inevitable.

Theo Going to Cubs

At least 2 outlets have reported that Theo Epstein will be leaving his GM job in Boston to go to the Chicago Cubs.

Wouldn't that be something for Theo to get a World Series winner in another city that has waited longer than 100 years?

This move may be good for Theo & I believe it will also be very good for the Red Sox organization. Ben Cherrington is more than an adequate replacement. A new start for both the Boston & Chicago organizations may be exactly what's needed.

Let's start the hype of a Red Sox - Cubs World Series in 2012!

Padres Interested in Lackey?

One stray comment that I ran across said the San Diego Padres are interested in acquiring John Lackey.

Put a bow on him & send him first class mail!

What Did We Learn This Year?

You think that you get smarter as you get older, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Remember the banter from sports shows in August as to who the Sox starter in Game 3 of the playoffs would be. Haven't we learned anything from past history?

Here's the things that I learned in 2011 & I hope I never forget.

1) Statements made in Spring Training mean nothing. Example - Josh Beckett predicts a 100 win season in March.

2) It a long grind through a 6 month, 162 game schedule. Results in April, May, June, July & August mean nothing. As a team, all you have to do through the first 5 months is stay within striking distance for September. This year that was staying within 9 games of the Red Sox for the Tampa Bay Rays.

3) Statistics showed the Red Sox had a 97% probability of making the playoffs. Unless the math tells you it's 100%, don't trust it.

4) Injuries happen. Usually the team with the healthiest pitching staff goes to the playoffs.

Like I said, I hope I don't forget these things in the future.

Pats 30, Jets 21

A 4th quarter Patriots drive that ate up the clock, spearheaded by the running attack of Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis, that ended in an all-important field goal by Goskowski led to a Pats win & a 3rd straight loss by the New York Jets.

In a back-&-forth game which featured way too many penalties by the Pats there were fortuitous calls on 2 challenges by Bill Belichick. Both could have been game-changers had they gone the other way.

But the last drive of the game salted away a hard-fought victory. The Pats keep pace at 4-1 atop the East with the Buffalo Bills & drop the Jets to 2-3.

Bravo Diamondbacks!

I spend time in Arizona & foolow the D-backs when I'm in town. They had quite a run in the regular season & playoffs this year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks exceeded expectations by coming within one run of moving onto the NLCS. New manager Kurt Gibson mixed in several youthful players with some veterans & mid-season acquisitions to get to the top of the NL West & within 1 run of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.

Gibson is known as a no-nonsense guy & he got the most out of a team of mostly unknown players. Ian Kennedy had a career year, similar to Jacoby Ellsbury. An injury to SS Stephen Drew was plugged adequately by Willie Bloomquist. And J.J. Putz was a better-than-average closer.

The D-backs may have lost, but they gained the respect of their fan base for leaving it all on the field. Why don't we get 9 players like that?

Pats Welcome Jets

Can Tom Brady & the offense help a struggling Pats defense to contain the Jets today? We'll find out in a few hours.

Even though the Jets have not looked very Super Bowl-ish in their last 2 consecutive losses, don't expect them to lay down against their arch-rivals.

Big boy coach Rex Ryan of the Jets has been pretty quiet lately. Let's keep it that way. A win would put the Patriots 2 up on the Jets.

Henry & Lucchino Interview

John Henry & Larry Lucchino did nothing to answer two of the hottest questions out there after the Red Sox collapse in September.

1) Is Theo Epstein your GM in 2012?

Sorry, can't comment due to privacy concerns.

2) Was there drinking in the clubhouse before games?

We're checking into it.

Well, I guess that interview won't end up on 60 Minutes. Both Henry & Lucchino were in damage control mode. No revelations about the search for a new manager either.

What are great, hard hitting interview by Dennis & Callahan! It was anything but...

Phillies Out Like Yankees

Fox TV won't like the fact that the big market cities of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago & LA are nowhere to be found in this year's Championship Series or World Series. The team with the best record in baseball, the Phillies, lose 1-0 at home to the Cardinals & exit the playoffs this year.

It's an all mid-west final round between Texas, Detroit, Milwaukee & St. Louis. Like I said above, I'm sure that Fox is scratching their heads trying to figure out how the big west coast & east coast teams didn't make it at all or didn't make it further in the playoffs.

But that just proves anything is possible in round 1. Let's keep that in mind next year.

Red Sox in 2012

Are you buying the article on the Red Sox website that the Sox are back on top in 2012?

This article goes through a position by position assessment. In my humble opinion, howver, the Sox need 2 major things to happen:

1) Key players need to stay healthy for the full season.

2) A culture of entitlement needs to be replaced with a lunch pail work ethic. We need 9 Dustin Pedroia's & Jacoby Ellsbury's on the field.

Fix those 2 things & yes, I believe we have enough talent to be on top in 2012.

Thank You, Detroit Tigers!

The Motor City boys came through for all of Red Sox Nation. They get a big "thank you" & we wish them good luck in the ALCS.

While the beer-drinking Red Sox hit skid row in September, the New York Yankees with the 2nd best record go down in flames in the ALDS this October, not even reaching the Championship Series this year. Jeter played a little older. A-Rod did his disappearing act once again. Teixeira was cold. And even CC was not as overpowering as he was in the past. Joe Girardi is catching hell for his use of pitchers.

All is right with the world!

Game 5's Abound

New York & Detroit. Philadelphia & St. Louis. Milwaukee & Arizona. All 3 of these series are going to a Game 5 to see who moves to the Championship Series. Only Texas lays in waiting for their next opponent.

I think this shows that anything can happen once you get to the playoffs. And it's too bad for the Boston fan base that we were let down by our players throughout the month of September.

I'm having a hard time to put on my Red Sox gear lately.

Adrian Gonzalez - Year in Review

While God may not have wanted the Red Sox to win per Adrian, his first season in a Red Sox uniform was a tale of 2 halfs - the half before the home run derby & the half afterwards.

Overall, from a statistical viewpoint, Adrian put up the offensive numbers that you thought he would - about 30 homers & about 120 RBI. He also hit for average, producing over 200 hits like teammate Jacoby Ellsbury. Good year, right?

But stats don't tell the whole story. In the 2nd half of this season Adrian was not the same power hitter. And while he continued to chip-in hits at a .300 or so clip there were no big hits, no big RBI down the stretch drive in August or September. That's where his stats are deceiving.

It wouldn't surprise me if Adrian got follow-up surgery on his shoulder after this season. No one can go from the best swing in baseball in the 1st half to so many swing & misses in the 2nd half. Like Dice-K & the World Baseball Classic, Adrian needs to be a non-participant in the All-Star home run derby from now on.

Remember the saying about stats - they are for players who can't win. Let's focus on T-E-A-M next year & winning. The stats will take care of themselves.

Texas Rangers Ride Beltre to ALCS

Once again the Texas Rangers are in the ALCS. They await the winner of the New York / Detroit series which is going back to NY for Game 5.

Texas may have been under the radar this year, even though they are the reigning AL champs from 2010. The Rangers have just enough starting pitching, a very deep bullpen & an offense that can hit with any other team.

Don't be surprised if the Rangers make it to the World Series again. Congrats to Red Sox alum Adrian Beltre for his 3 home run performance last night.

Theo to Cubs?

No official word yet, but the rumor mill is buzzing about Theo Epstein being granted permission to talk with the Cubs about their GM position.

Doesn't it make sense that Theo would follow Tito out the door? What's left in Boston for Theo when his contract expires next year? Should a new GM pick the new team manager?

Theo's reign in Beantown is just about over.

Tim Wakefield Wants to Break Record

Along with David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield wants to be back in a Boston uniform next year. Why? Because Wake thinks fans want to see him break the all-time wins record. Hey Tim, how about fans want a team that hustles & wins!

Just like the beer video, the timing of Wake's comments is way off base. The Sox collapse is barely in the rear view mirror. Getting to win #200 took him 8 tries - along with 7 losses. And setting a personal goal is most inappropriate after the beer video & talk that the next manager needs to change the atmosphere of entitlement among players.

There is no T-E-A-M in a personal wins record.

Ill-Timed Beer Video

When you win in Boston, the whole world is with you. When you lose, it's like have CSI review every possible trace of evidence as to why you failed.

A country video featuring Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz & Tim Wakefield has surfaced. The song in the video is "I love beer." Obviously, this is poor timing as rumors of clubhouse drinking before & during games by the Red Sox starting pitchers has come under scrutiny.

If the Sox had kept up their winning ways when the video was shot in July, no one would care. But timing is everything. And the Sox players are in uniform which means someone in the front office had to approve it.

Poor timing for sure. But also poor judgment to promote beer.

Balanced Attack by Pats Sinks Raiders 31-19

The New England Patriots made the most of their red zone chances & the Oakland Raiders did not as the Pats win 31-19 on a day where both the Pats' division rivals Buffalo Bills & NY Jets lose their games. Pats & Bills are tied at the top now with 3-1 records.

I'm not a football insider, but a couple of things seemed odd to me. Why is Tom Brady still in the game in the 4th quarter with the game in hand? Why is the Pats offense not running the ball on every play to eat up the clock instead of going for more points? I don't get that aspect of running up the score.

Wes Welker had another big day with several receptions for 150+ yards. Deion Branch catches a TD pass. Stephen Ridley scampers for a nice 30+ yard TD, his first as a pro. And big Vince gets another pick with a rumblin', stumblin' return.

Each team amassed about the same yardage. Oakland had to settle for a field goal on their 1st possession. Then penalties & picks at crucial times sealed their fate. The Pats defense did give up a TD towards the end of the game due to poor effort & poor tackling.

Also, it was a costly win as the Pats lose Jerod Mayo for 5 to 6 weeks with an MCL injury. Mayo's loss comes at a time where the defense is bending & sometimes breaking. Mayo will probably miss big games against the Jets (twice), Giants, Cowboys & Steelers.

Onto the Jets next week at home.

David Ortiz Wants to Stay

David Ortiz wants to remain a member of the Red Sox. Here are the variables to bringing Big Papi back in 2012.

1) Was he one of the entitlement players down the stretch who didn't set the right example in the clubhouse?

2) How much less than $12 million will he accept on a 1-year contract?

3) What is the negative impact to the team of playing Ortiz in the field during interleague games & possibly the World Series?

I think the Sox would like him to return if the asking price is $5 - $6 million. Multi-years or more than that $6 million salary may knock them out of contention.

How would you replace Ortiz & his 30/100? Take part of that $12 million salary & get a better-than-average right-hand hitting outfielder (Cory Hart, for example). Use Youk, Gonzo, Ells, Crawford & Pedroia as revolving DH's to give each player a day off in the field.

For the right price David Ortiz comes back to Boston. With endorsements & other off-field money available to him in Boston he would be crazy not to end his career in Beantown.

A Few Observations

After listening to various opinions on what should & shouldn't have happened or will happen to the Red Sox team I'm offering a few thoughts of my own.

1) Hard Work.
Every player must have worked very hard to get to the major leagues. There is a saying that "the harder I work, the luckier I get." In order to erase a slump players need to work harder than before to overcome a bad stretch of games. It appears that such a work ethic was not put forth by a few players down the stretch.

2) Cancer.
Cancer starts by infecting one cell. Same thing applies to a sports team. It only takes one player to sink the culture of a team. I've seen it as a coach & I've witnessed it as a player. Whether it was Josh Beckett or John Lackey or David Ortiz or someone else who felt entitled to slack off down the stretch - shame on you. You let your team, your organization & your fans down.

3) Change.
Change can be good or it can be bad. The next manager will need to set ground rules of acceptable behavior & enforce whatever rules are established. Without enforcement, however, you have no rules. There must be consequences & it should be financial. He will need to instill a sense of pride in wearing the blue & red uniform & remove the atmosphere of entitlement.

4) Youth.
As I mentioned at the end of the new podcast, I hope the Sox of the future will incorporate the philosophy of the Tampa Bay Rays. Sign & even overpay for the best young talent. Get 5-6-7 years of hustle & improvement as these players work to get to free agency in their late 20's. Then, let them go for $20+ million a year as 30-somethings & start over. Youthful exuberance makes for an intangible, positive effect on a team.

5) Finally, I still say that Dustin Pedroia & Kevin Youkilis are the heart of this team going forward. We need to find 7 more starters like those 2 who will give it everything on a daily basis. If you bust your hump & give it your best, we can live with the results.

Let me know your thoughts.

Terry Francona Gone

The tenure of Terry Francona is over after 8 years. 5 playoff appearances, 2 World Series & 1 monumental collapse.

Francona's watch as Red Sox manager will be remembered most for the 2 world championships. The miracle year of 2004 & the repeat in 2007 will forever be his lasting mark on this franchise.

I think it's a good time for a change. Terry's message was falling on deaf ears this year by certain Red Sox players. The Boston media is zeroing in on the starting pitchers as the group who decided to make their own rules. Unfortunately, that entire group is back next year for Francona's replacement to deal with.

Who gets the lucky job? Lots of names out there - Tony LaRussa, Bobby Valentine, Tony Pena, Jim Hickey, Demarlo Hale, Eric Wedge, Joe Torre. Whoever it is he will have to be a disciplinarian to clean up the country club atmosphere.

We need to get back to a hard-working team that leaves it all out on the field - win or lose. We can take losing when you give your best.