Sox Interested In Dempster & LaRoche

NESN reported that Ben Cherington & the Sox are kicking the tires on Ryan Dempster & Adam LaRoche. At his age Dempster might be a good fit for a short 2-year deal. LaRoche had a career year in Washington in 2012 & chances of duplicating his 100 RBI in 2013 is doubtful. However, both would fit the mold of 2 to 3 year guys that Larry told WEEI they are looking to do as deals versus the 7 & 8 years. I'd still like to see the Sox get in on a trade with the Cubs for Matt Garza & also make a 1-2 year offer to free agent Edwin Jackson. Both are 200 innings a year guys & both are younger options than Dempster.

Yanks Resign Pettitte, Mo; Martin Gone

The New York Yankees brought the band back together for another season with the signings of Andy Pettitte & Mo Rivera. Russell Martin, a Red Sox killer, escaped to Pittsburgh of all places for a 2-year contract worth $17 million. It's really mind boggling to see the dollars being thrown around. I'm wondering now if the Sox shouldn't offer $25 mil for 3 to 5 years in an effort to get Josh Hamilton. At least you would get a top producer in Hamilton when he is on the field.

Hall Calling for Clemens, Bonds & Sosa?

You are hearing the arguments pro & con. It should be about talent, not morals. If that was the case, why not let Pete Rose in? Some sportswriters are against ever letting any known or suspected PED user into the Hall. Maybe it should be somewhere in the middle. I don't have an all-encompassing magic answer. Each writer will vote with his or her own criteria & his or her own bias. I'd be surprised if Clemens gets in on his first year of eligibility & I'd be surprised if Bonds & Sosa ever get in.

Winter Meetings Next Week

If your brain works like mine, I have to think that the signings of David Ross & Jonny Gomes - 2 guys with good character & mediocre skills - are part of a bigger trade plan put in motion at the initial GM meeting in Palm Springs this past month. Maybe the groundwork was set to get a Felix Hernandez or a Joe Mauer. Other than Hamilton or Greinke, the Sox are stuck with overpaying for average talent on the free agent market. Examples this week: Jonathan Broxton - 3 years, $21 million; B.J. Upton - 5 years, $75 million. I think Ben & Co. knew that this was a poor free agent class & they did their due diligence to fill several roster holes via trading partners. It wouldn't surprise me if the Sox got 4 or 5 players via trade with a couple of different teams during next week's meetings in Nashville.

One Option: Go Young

I'm tired of seeing & hearing about mediocre players making $10 million or more a year. The Sox have Ortiz & Pedroia back which will bring the usual 3 million fans into an icon of a park, even if the team is rebuilding for another year. Instead of overpaying for a David Ross & Jonny Gomes, here's another option. Bring the kids up early! Why wait until 2014? Let them mature in the big leagues instead of Triple A. Try this lineup on for size: 1B - Mauro Gomez; 2B - Petey; 3B - Will Middlebrooks; SS - Xander Bogaerts; Utility - Pedro Ciriaco; LF - Bryce Brentz; CF - Ells or Jackie Bradley, Jr.; RF - Jonny Gomes or Ryan Sweeney; C - Ross & others. Starting pitchers: Lackey; Buck; Lester; Doubront; Matt Barnes. If we trade Lester & Lackey, try Allan Webster & Rubby de la Rosa. Why spend big money on guys who are place-holders for a year or two? That's my thought for today.

Lester for Myers?

Jon Lester is a starting left-handed pitcher coming off his worst season in the majors. Wil Myers is a young, power-hitting outfielder who tore up minor league pitching last year. Myers clubbed 37 HR's with 109 RBI. Would the Sox trade Lester to KC for Myers & perhaps others? Interesting talk. Myers could join a talented group of Sox prospects scheduled to hit the big team in 2014. Will the Sox opt for a youth movement & add Myers or stand pat & expect Lester to turn around his disappointing stats from 2012? The winds of change are swirling in Beantown. Maybe Ben feels that there are options within & outside the organization to piece together a rotation for 2013. This winter I think any change is good. Unless Lester was packaged up in a trade to Seattle for King Felix, I'd seriously consider this opportunity.

Sox Talking to Swisher

Finally, I heard via NESN that the Sox are having talks with Nick Swisher. As my podcast partner Steve said, "I don't like him." OK. Who does like anyone wearing pinstripes? However, after you get over the dislike, Swisher could be a nice complimentary piece to this team. He plays 1B & OF, 2 positions where we need help. As opposed to Mike Napoli whose possible addition creates a log jam at catcher, Swisher is also a switch hitter & he has played in the AL East. He hit 24 HR's last year, same as Napoli, & Swisher has a higher OPS. If it was my money & my decision, I think Swisher brings more versatility in the field & at the plate than Napoli. Who knows? Maybe Ben will sign both!

Brady Back to Good

At 3-3 I wrote that perhaps Tom Brady's better days were behind him. Now at 8-3 Brady has shown MVP stats over the past 5 wins. While football is a team game & yes, the defense has played better, it's all about Brady. If he is very good - like he has been over the past 5 games, the Pats win. I humbly eat crow. Tom Terrific is not done yet. And just maybe there is another run to the Super Bowl for the Pats with Tom at the helm.

Napoli Wants 4 Years

Sox offered 3. He wants 4. 31-year old Mike Napoli has the Sox, Yankees & Mariners bidding for his services, so why not ask for more. It's crazy that an average to a bit above-average player can command this type of dollars & years in a poor free agent class. But timing is everything. I'd say give it to him if Nick Swisher isn't available. Swisher has a better OPS & is a switch-hitter who can play 1B & OF. Napoli would be another catcher & 1B. Depends on where Ben is going with the rest of his makeover. A Napoli signing would be better than Ross & Gomes to date.

Pats Embarass Jets 49-19

Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan & the entire Jets organization got annihilated by the New England Patriots in front of a Thanksgiving national audience. This loss will be hard for anyone associated with the Jets to bounce back from. Heads should & will roll. The Pats get an extended week to prepare for division foe Miami.

Jonny Gomes Coming to Boston

If you listen to our new podcast (which is up now), you won't hear Jonny Gomes' name. This signing of Gomes for 2-years, $10 million came out of the blue. So far Ben has added David Ross & Jonny Gomes to the 2013 roster. Not stellar additions by any means or measure. But I have faith that there is a bigger plan in place. Maybe we are gearing up for a blockbuster trade to get Felix Hernandez. NESN reported that the Sox are also interested in Kyle Lohse & Stephen Drew. At least I would feel like Ben is getting warmer to players who can help by signing those two guys. I'd be happier with 2 new arms for the starting rotation to join Buck, Lester, Sad Face Lackey & Doubront. We need 5 starters that can eat up more innings & save the bullpen. An ERA under 4.00 would be nice too.

Dominos Starting to Fall

Huroki Kuroda gets a 1-year, $15 million deal & returns to the Yankees in 2013. He was on my radar for Ben Cherington to sign a 1-year deal with to bolster the Sox rotation on a short-term basis. If Kuroda performs close to his 16 wins, 3.34 ERA & 200+ innings next year it would have been a good signing by the Yankees of the 38 year old. And Lance Berkman, a 36-year old first-baseman & outfielder, is being courted by the Red Sox & 3 other teams. Berkman is a switch-hitter, but has been often injured, including last year. Berkman was on Steve's list of possible candidates for the Sox to acquire during our latest podcast yesterday. I think that a younger version of Berkman would be Nick Swisher. Swisher is 31, a switch hitter & plays 1B-Of. I hope Ben is kicking the tires on Swisher as well. Finally, I wouldn't give up just yet on Mauro Gomes at 1B. He has a nice swing & there is always room for a hitter in the lineup. But the dominos are falling. If Kuroda was on Ben's list, it's time to go to Plan B. Jackson, Haren & Garza are still out there.

New Podcast

I think this will be one of the most fun podcasts we have ever done. For your holiday pleasure please listen to our new podcast which is being taped today. Gaff, Steve & I will play Ben Cherington & go through the trades & free agents that we will bring into Beantown for the 2012 roster. It should be uploaded to the blog, thanks to our tech guy Dave, by Turkey Day. Enjoy & have a great holiday!

Pats Win, Gronk Lost

It was a costly route of the Indy Colts as Tom Brady & Co. hung 59 points on the Colts D. Gronk fractures his left arm on an extra point & is out 4-6 weeks. This is a big blow for the Pats offense, but they should get Aaron Hernandez back for the Thanksgiving matchup against conference rivals the Jets. That will help, but the tandem of Rob & Aaron have seen limited time together on the field this year. Jets won on Sunday, so it will be another tough conference game in the Meadowlands.

Old Versus New

Tom Brady is the seasoned vet. Andrew Luck is the rookie sensation. Both meet for the first time today as the Pats host the Colts in a late afternoon game. Both teams are 6-3 & these QB's will make the game quite entertaining. There should be a lot of offense as neither defense has been consistent in stopping opponents. It will be Brady using multiple weapons to pick apart the Colts D versus Luck looking for big chunks of yards over the middle & going long on the Pats subpar secondary. Should be a fun afternoon. Edge to the Pats at home, winning 35-27.

Ben to Spend

Ben Cherington told a radio show yesterday that he expects the Red Sox to have one of the higher payrolls in baseball in 2013. He said the Sox will compete to keep arbitration-eligible players, add through free agency & take on salary via trades. With only $45 million committed to 2013 as of today that's a big statement & it indicates that there will be several additions to the roster in the near future. Ben needs to add a starting pitcher, corner outfielders, a first baseman & a shortstop. Please, Ben, just no long-term deals for Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke.

Jason Bay Coming Back?

I have heard a few reports that the Red Sox are kicking the wheels on a return to Boston by Jason Bay. This guy has been a huge, I mean huge, disappointment for the New York Mets over his 4 years there. Injured much more than healthy. Let's not go backwards to go into the future. I'd rather see the Sox look into bringing both Upton brothers to Boston to play the outfield.

Toronto, Detroit Making Noise

Toronto Blue Jays, of all teams, take on huge payroll from the Marlins by trading for Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson & Jose Reyes. Johnson is the centerpiece of this trade & he has been injured. Big leap of faith for the Blue Jays ownership. I wouldn't spend that kind of money for these guys. And the Tigers reportedly have a 2-year deal with Torii Hunter. I guess Hunter wanted to go to a contender & he feels the Tigers are more of a playoff team than the Sox. I'm sure there are still plenty of average players like Hunter & Buehrle out there that the Sox could overpay for for a few years. However, Adam LaRoche is not one of the players I would like to see the Sox overpay for. I'd rather see a right-handed bat to compliment Ortiz.

Dodgers Interested in Youk

Why not? A big part of the 2012 Red Sox roster is already in Dodger blue. Why not add Youk to the mix? You have to wonder about the Dodgers money man spending top dollar for guys who may have their best years behind them. Their brass must need brand names in Lalaland to put people into the seats at Dodger Stadium. With big Albert over in Anaheim the Dodgers seem hell bent to spend & overspend on veterans. Thanks, Magic!

Mike Napoli Getting Looked At

Free agent Mike Napoli is getting looked at by both the Boston Red Sox & New York Yankees. So goes the current story from ESPN News. Both teams are doing their due diligence with background & medical evaluations on this versatile free agent. Napoli has a career batting average over .300 at Fenway Park. He can DH, play first & catch. His name surfaced early (with Torii Hunter) as a guy the Sox could sign for a few years until their minor leaguers matured. Napoli also has playoff experience with the Rangers. Seems to be a good fit. Go get him, Ben!

Pats Escape Close Call

One more completion by Ryan Fitzpatrick & it's a loss. Instead it was a miscommunication & a pick by Devon McCourty on a ball thrown directly to him with 30 seconds left in the game. Pats win 37-31. What's the old saying? An ugly win is better than a pretty loss. I think that line is very appropriate to describe Sunday's win over the Bills. The Bills penalized themselves & fumbled away the 1st half. The Pats defense followed suit in the 4th period with stupid penalty after stupid penalty. In the end it was a final mistake, a pick, that sealed the loss for the Bills. No Pats fans can be looking at this 6-3 record & say that they are comfortable that this team can go far in the playoffs - not right now. Not after Sunday.

Sox Sign David Ross As Backup Catcher

This is a head-scratcher. David Ross, a journeyman backup catcher, gets a 2-year deal for $6.2 million. Small money, but why is Ben going there? This means that either Saltie or Lavarnway will go. I can only hope that there is a trade in the works for a good pitcher or position player that includes one of the current catchers. Otherwise, Ross is a minor acquisition of no consequence.

Tuck Back As Bullpen Coach

Gary Tuck was retained as bullpen coach. It was well rumored that Tuck & Bobby V had no relationship last year. Tuck better go to charm school in the off-season because Farrell won't put up with any crap & it's obvious that Farrell is in charge when it comes to coaches this year. I kind of wish they would have made a clear sweep, but let's see how Tuck & Farrell do.

Juan Nieves Named Sox Pitching Coach

Good! A new name & a new face. Nieves was the bullpen coach for the White Sox for several years. He gets a promotion to pitching coach with the Red Sox. Maybe Lester, Buck, etc. can gain a new perspective from a new guy who worked closely with the White Sox pitching staff. I'm down with Nieves. Now let's sign some players.

D-Backs Looking to Move Justin Upton

Any team that needs an outfielder may want to have a chat with the Arizona Diamondbacks as they are entertaining offers for Justin Upton. Upton had a great 2011 & a so-so 2012. He has power & a good arm. His contract runs through 2015, so it would be a 3-year commitment. The Red Sox are one team looking to see how much they would have to give up in a trade. Other suitors include the Yankees, Rangers & Tigers. Upton might be an interesting guy for Ben to consider if Cody Ross & Torii Hunter do not materialize into a Red Sox uniform.

GM's Meeting in Palm Springs

It's like the start of a game, first inning, feeling each other out. At the GM's meeting this week Ben Cherington says he will begin conversations & start feeling out other GM's about players available via trade & what the Sox would have to give up in return. In addition, there will be several free agents & their reps peddling their wares to see how much interest they can garner from several teams. The initial talks here will help finalize deals at the winter meetings in December. Since the class of 2013 is not stellar maybe Ben will pull the trigger quickly & get a Torii Hunter, Cody Ross or Mike Napoli into the fold quickly. Hard to tell how the pace will go. But money talks & the Sox have plenty of cash.

Elections Over

I'm going off script here, but who isn't happy to see the elections over & all those TV ads finally done. No show was off limits, including sports shows. Now we can return to the usual ads for drugs & cars.

Sox, Ortiz Finalize Deal

2 years. $26 million in salary. Incentives which could push the deal to $30 million. Sounds like a win-win. It's done. Good business for both sides. Now it's time to acquire free agents &/or trade for better pitching. Boston's farm scouts will be under scrutiny to let management know when the next crop of youngsters will be major league ready. Probably 2014 by most accounts.

Glory Days Past Brady & Manning?

Tom Brady. Peyton Manning. 2 QB's synonymous with excellence at their position. But are their best days behind them? 4th quarters use to be the time that they excelled. Now, maybe 50% of the time, they just can't reach that extra gear to pull games out like in the old days. Can they get a team to the playoffs? Sure. Can they win it all in another Super Bowl? Maybe. It's not a lock anymore. We can still appreciate a good performance by both. Just seems like time & injuries have taken a step away from each of them. Little brother Eli has eclipsed both Brady & big brother Peyton in the past few years by delivering (lucky or not) when he needed to late in big games.

Dan Haren Waived By Angels

Here's another starting pitcher on the market. Dan Haren was owed $15.5 million which the Angels declined. A day after Ben Cherington said he would like to add a 5th starter from outside the organization along comes Haren. Lots of experience. Often injured. Maybe a 1-year deal with a club option for a 2nd at a modest price would do it. Don't forget Braden from the A's is available as another starter as well. This should be an interesting week. As a reminder, we also have the 2 starters from the Dodgers trade who may crack the rotation by mid-year. There are lots of possibilities. Ben just needs to sort them all out & add the best guy money-wise & for the shortest length of contract. Don't forget thay Kuroda & Jackson are coming off 1-year deals with the Yankees & Nationals too.

Ortiz Gets His Multi-Year Deal

Some outlets are reporting it's a done deal. Others are reporting that it's subject to a physical. But all outlets are reporting that David Ortiz has signed back on with the Boston Red Sox for 2 more years at $26 million. Big Papi gets his multi-year deal after 2 1-year deals. The Sox have their #3 or #4 hitter for a couple more years before finding his replacement. It's a win-win. This will certainly be #34's last contract with the Sox & he gets a 2nd year with no strings attached. That's respect for you. I hope Big Papi keeps his mouth shut now about no respect for the remainder of his time in Boston. Good job by Ben & Co.

Free Agency Starts Today

Today by 5 PM is the last day that clubs can tender offers to their free agents. Even the Sox don't have David Ortiz & Cody Ross back in the fold yet. After the 5 PM deadline today the players have until Wednesday to evaluate & accept any offer made by their current club. You would have thought that the Big Papi deal was a no-brainer, but talks will continue even after the deadline. The Sox need Ortiz more in 2013 than they did in 2012 with the departure of Adrian Gonzalez. I find it odd that something hasn't been worked out that is mutually acceptable to both sides.

More Relievers Are Available

Injuries to Joakim Soria (Royals) & Ryan Madson (Reds) led to the former closers being let go by their current teams. Neither pitched this year due to arm surgery. And Rafael Soriano (Yankees) - who closed in place of Mo Rivera this past year - declined his 3rd year with the pinstripes in search of a multi-year deal. Any of these guys could be late-inning bullpen relievers in addition to or in place of Andrew Bailey. I'm not sold on Bailey staying healthy for a whole year, so his closer's position (like everything else) should be reviewed by the Sox for an upgrade. Soria & Madson will be cheaper than Soriano due to their injuries. Just more names for Ben to consider this year.