Pats Win, Get Bye

The Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins yesterday 28-0 &, coupled with a Houston Texans defeat, the Pats reached the #2 seed with a record of 12-4. They & #1 seed Denver Broncos get byes while the Ravens host Indy & the Texans host the Bengals next weekend in the wild card round. It was nice to see Gronk back out there, even though he heavily favored his left arm. Considering that teams like Pittsburgh, New Orleans, New York, Chicago & Philly are nowhere to be found in the playoffs, it's a testiment to the Pats that they are playoff bound again. You might say that the Pats consistency in football reminds you of the Yankees making the playoffs every year in baseball. Yes, I said Yankees.

Is Napoli Out & LaRoche In?

Honestly, Adam LaRoche had 1 good year before his free agency & it happened to be last year. Chances of 33 HR's & 100 RBI are not likely again. At 33 years old do the Sox want to give LaRoche another Victorino-Napoli deal of 3 years, $39 million? I hope not. The Sox need to finalize Napoli as the right-handed hitter behing Ortiz. We don't need another lefty in the lineup. Right now protection for Ortiz is either Pedroia or Middlebrooks, neither of which is a #3 or #5 hitter. This is one short-term deal that I hope does not happen.

Hanrahan Official & He's the Closer

As soon as the Sox sent 4 players to Pittsburgh to get 2 in return, the word was made known that Joel Hanrahan, not Andrew Bailey, is the Sox new closer in 2013. I guess that takes the wondering out of the equation. If Hanrahan takes his walks per 9 innings back to his historical 2 versus last year's 5, he can be a beast of a closer. Bailey was a gamble that didn't pay off last year, but the Sox can still use him in a set-up role or as trade bait in a package of players to obtain a front-line starter. I still believe Ben has been stockpiling players to pull a big name deal via trade. Great to get Hanrahan though!

2013 Red Sox

My friend Bill caught up with me at a holiday party. He said, & I quote, "what the hell are the Red Sox doing overpaying by millions of dollars for these average players." I said to Bill the same thing I said awhile ago in a post on this year's hot stove. The Sox philosophy was no long term deals. That put them out of the running on Hamilton, Greinke & more recently Swisher & Jackson. Next, you can't look at the money because it's ridiculous for every signing. Is Victorino or Napoli worth $39 million? No, but that was the going rate for a contract limited to 3 years. Over the next couple of years you can expect to see several key additions to the big team from players now in the minors - Bogaerts, Bradley Jr., Brentz, de la Rosa, et al. The option for the Sox brass was to rush the kids up to majors or let them perculate a year or two longer so they are better prepared to stay when they arrive. Look at Middlebrooks. He took over for an injured Youk & never left. Every addition this year - Dempster, Gomes, Ross, Uehara, Victorino, Napoli, Hanrahan - they are all place holders until the kids come up. Don't forget the impressive dump of Beckett, Gonzalez, Crawford (& Punto!). The Sox need another year in 2013 to turn things around. As injuries crop up, as trades are made at the deadline in July & as the September call-ups occur, we will get a chance to see the future stars of the Sox for 2014 & beyond. I'm looking forward to seeing the transition.

Pats Squeak By Jags 23-16

It is easy to win when everything is working. If a pitcher has all of his pitches & can throw them in good spots for strikes, the hitters are in for a long day. But when everything is not perfect, when you struggle through a game, that's when you find out who you are. And Tom Brady & the Pats found out that they were able to win when they were not at their best. Not all teams have that ability. The Jags gave New England all they could handle, right up until the last play of the game. But the Pats were able to come away with a victory. You can expect Brady & Co. to be much better from here on end.

Merry Christmas!

A wish for happiness. A wish for peace in your lives. Be thankful for all the special people you know. And be good to others. Merry Christmas!

Swisher to Indians

I'll take Jonny Gomes for 2 years & $10 million versus Nich Swisher at 4 years & $56 million. Tito & the Indians shelled out big for the former Yankee 1B/OF. The deal includes a vesting option for a 5th year at $14 million. Not a bad payday for Nick Swisher. There is no recession & no concern about the fiscal cliff in MLB.

Hanrahan Deal Almost Done

The Sox are in the midst of finalizing a deal for Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan. The Sox will get Hanrahan plus one other player from the Pirates in exchange for 4 prospects from the Sox, all of the B caliber. Stolmy Pimental, a pitcher with potential, is the biggest name that the Sox give up. Working backwards the Sox can end games next year with Hanrahan, Uehara, Bailey & Tazawa. That certainly looks better than Aceves & Bard from last year. Good move, Ben. Now pull the big trade for a front line starting pitcher, would ya'!

Cody Ross to Arizona

Won't we miss that big smile from Cody Ross! One & done with the Red Sox. Ross signs a 3-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for $26 million. It gives him security, so why not take it. The Sox earlier signing of Jonny Gomes at a cheaper rate may give the team the same production in the outfield. With Jackie Bradley, Jr. & Bryce Brentz in the wings the Sox did not want to go 3 years with Ross. So good luck, Cody! We enjoyed your short stay in Beantown.

Jackson Gets 4 Years, Garza May Be Traded

I look at Theo's signing of Edwin Jackson to a deal of 4 years, $52 million with the Cubs as a sign that Matt Garza may be up for sale. The Cubs commitment to Jackson, like every deal this year, is overpriced & ties up a bulk of their dollars. Garza will not resign with the Cubs when his deal is up, so Theo may move him via trade to stockpile up & coming talent. As long as the Sox don't have to part with a Jackie Bradley, Jr. or Xander Bogaerts, I'd do it. Garza is as close to a #1 starter as is still available.

Sox Interested in Joel Hanrahan

Yes, this would be a significant move if the Sox could pry all-star closer Joel Hanrahan out of Pittsburgh for guys like Aceves & Morales. That would also pave the way for extra parts like Iglesias, Saltie, Lavarnway, Bailey, Kalish, Nava, et al to be packaged into a trade for a front-line pitcher like a Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee or Matt Garza. Other than Kyle Lohse, most other free agent pitchers have found homes & are off the market. Trade is the only way to upgrade at this point. Go for Hanrahan, Ben, then pull a big trade.

No News On Napoli

Mike Napoli has yet to attain finalized status as an official member of the 2013 Red Sox. Was it an issue with his physical? Probably, since the other signings of Victorino, Drew & Uehara went smoothly after their physicals. Most think that contract language is being worked out & that Napoli's deal will be final before the 1st of the year. Let's get 'er done.

Jets Eliminated

The J-E-T-S are out. A horrible loss in Tennessee ends their season after week 15 with 2 games left to play. Couldn't happen to a better group of mouthy underachievers. See you later, Rex!

Funerals Begin in Newtown

As funerals begin in Newtown, CT the questions surrounding the mass shootings continue to be debated. Should we reinstate an assault rifle ban? How about the parents? Why did the mother take her ill-adjusted son to the firing range to become proficient in shooting guns? Why were weapons not secured in the home? Why so many weapons in the first place? Where is the father in his son's life? Do we need an armed security guard at every school in the US? Can mental illness be addressed in a way that carries less of a stigma so parents & kids seek more treatment? All these questions are resonating throughout the country. And while crazy is still crazy, and no one can forsee every tragedy, I believe that President Obama was right in saying we just can't give up. We need to better protect our kids through a combination of any or all the above. It's time to act.

Sox Sign Stephen Drew

1-year, $9.5 million is all it took to sign Stephen Drew to play shortstop for the Sox in 2013. Another short-term deal to give Xander Bogaetz a chance to develop in the minors for one more year. Drew helped solidify the middle infield for the A's pennant run last season. What does this mean for Jose Iglesias? I think it means, Iglesias, along with Saltie, Lavarnway, Kalish, Nava & others may be available for a multi-player trade to bring Matt Garza or Felix Hernandez to the Sox rotation. If so, I like the signing of Drew.

Pats Give Away Game

3 plays down the stretch foiled a great comeback from 31-3 to 31-31. A poor cover job by the kickoff team. A poor tackle by Kyle Arrington. And a poor on-side kick with less than a minute left. Pats lose 41-34 & folks today have to be thinking that the 49'ers are for real. If I were the Pats, I would be anxious to get a 2nd shot at San Fran & see how things go without the multiple turnovers on offense. You can't give a good team freebies & that's what the Pats did.

R.A. Dickey to Toronto?

Who would of thought that the Toronto Blue Jays would be the team doing most of the wheeling & dealing in the AL East? New rumor is R.A. Dickey from the Mets going to Toronto for the Jays top prospect & others. It would be a 3 for 4 deal if it gets done. I'm not sure who is calling the shots over there, but you have to question some of the personnel that they are spending big bucks on. R.A. Dickey is 39 & coming of a Cy Young year which he will be hard pressed to repeat. Other signees from the Marlins are coming off injuries or have off-field &/or clubhouse issues. Good luck!

Athletes With Guns, Kids With Guns

The NFL has had its problems with football players & guns over the years. The murder-suicide tradegy in quiet Kansas City just 2 weeks ago is the most recent example. Now small Newtown, CT is the latest community hit by the ravages of guns (plural) in the hands of a disturbed young person. I can't imagine how life would change for my family without my 9-year old grandson. Or how life would change if my daughter who teaches would have been killed. Why does a part-time teacher purchase 2 hand guns & an assault rifle? Why does her 20-year old son feel the need to kill his mother & take away innocent lives at an elementary school? There are all kinds of questions that horrific incidents like this bring up. Gun control. Gun locks. Dealing with kids & their anger. We add the tradegy in Newtown to those events from Aurora & Columbine. Things need to change. I think it starts with parents setting an example & being responsible parents to their kids. I also think it's athletes setting an example for all the kids that look up to them. If we wait for the politicians in Washington to take action, we will be waiting a long time. And we can't afford another Newtown because it may be our community next.

Sox Moves Thus Far

Did you want to pay $125 million for Josh Hamilton? Did you want to pay $147 million for Zack Greinke? No. Absolutely not. So stop the hating! I'm tired of every sports columnist & every Boston reporter throwing crap all over the Red Sox's moves this hot stove. Call me the Freddy Smerlas of Red Sox Nation. And let's review what's happened. We got rid of dead weight & big money last year by jettisoning Beckett & Co. to Lalaland. We need a year or two to get the young prospects up to the major league level. We need place holders until the kids get here. Thus, David Ross, Jonny Gomes, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino & Ryan Dempster come to town so far. If you are looking for the Sox to win the World Series next year, you will be disappointed. But from 2014 onward we should have a young & talented roster to compete for several years. Of course Ben can't come out & say we are bridging the gap in 2013. But anyone with an IQ higher than 10 knows that. By mid-season or during the September callups we should get a glimpse of Jackie Bradley, Jr., Xander Bogaetz & other talented youngsters. Give it a chance, people. Use your brain. Say it with me - 2013 is a bridge year. 2013 is a bridge year.

Rumor: Sox Sign Dempster

Rumors abound after the Shane Victorino press conference today that Ryan Dempster agreed to a 2 year, $26 million deal with the Red Sox. A friend of Kevin Millar's, Dempster is another one of those good clubhouse guys who can throw 180 to 200 innings a year. I'm OK with this signing because of the length. I'd still like to see Ben trade for a Gavin Floyd or another starting pitcher.

Rumor: Hamilton to Angels

One outlet has reported that Josh Hamilton is heading to the LA Angels for 5 years, $125 million. Looks like the Angels are trying to keep up with big brother LA Dodgers in their spending. No other team wanted to go more than 4 years, maybe even 3, due to Hamilton's durability issues & off-the-field issues. If this rumor is true, the Angels are taking a big gamble. We'll see if it pays off in World Series rings.

Sox & Dempster Talking Again

Sure. Right after I call Ryan Dempster a chicken to pitch in the AL the Sox are talking with him again. Maybe Milwaukee wasn't all that interested in Dempster after all. Cut your offer, Ben. You're in the driver's seat if he came back to you.

What's With Napoli?

The Red Sox have scrubbed 2 press conferences to announce the official signing of Mike Napoli. Speculation abounds that Napoli may have not passed his physical. Perhaps his contract is getting some additional medical wording added into it. Or maybe it's nothing. If his official signing isn't announced by end of week, you can bet that the Boston press will turn up the heat. More to come. There's always drama in Boston.

Youk A Yankee

Kevin Youkilis gave many years & many body parts to the Boston Red Sox during his career in Beantown. He was hit by pitch about 20 times per year. He played hard &, as a result, had different body parts bruised, broken & repaired. Youk was not the easiest guy to be around, but all in all gave a good effort whenever he stepped onto the field. Should Sox fans boo Youk next year? No. Will they? Sure. Unfortunately for Youk, the Yankees were one of the few teams who needed his services next year & he signed a 1-year deal for $12 million with the pinstripers. In fact, the Yankees took a page out of the Red Sox book by overpaying for 1-year until A-Rod's drug-infested body can recover from hip surgery. It's a 1-year gamble by the Yankees because Youk has not played a full season over the past 3 years due to his own injuries. Good luck, Youk, just not against the Sox.

Pats Stomp Texans

42-14 was the final, but the game was effectively over by halftime. Pats offense beat the heralded Texans defense & JJ Watt. Pats defense beat the Texans offense & Matt Schaub. Watt & his teammates could not rattle Tom Brady who picked them apart. The Texans did get pressure on Brady, but he stood tall & delivered. There was so much confusion on the Texans D that an uncovered Aaron Hernandez walked into the endzone vitually untouched after a hapless Houston defender left him unaccounted for in the red zone. And Matt Schaub was rattled & off his game all night, particularly after throwing a pick early in the game. You might say he choked. The Pats, now 10-3, control their own destiny as the current #2 seed. Nice job, Pats. Nice job.

Ellsbury for Cliff Lee

Wouldn't that have been interesting? Jacoby Ellsbury to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Cliff Lee. Lee had a down year in 2012 which means he will probably bounce back in 2013. He has 3 years left on his contract which fits perfectly for the Sox new philosophy. Lee can beat the Yankees as he showed when pitching for Texas. As Felger & Mazz said, good for the Red Sox for dangling Ells for good pitching. If Ben decides to leave shortstop by committee this year, pitching & perhap one more outfielder are the other key elements to rebuilding this team. Cliff Lee would have been an excellent fit. Maybe Ben should have thrown in a couple of extra catchers too.

Dempster to Milwaukee

Cluck, cluck, cluck! Chicken to pitch in the American League & turning down a 2-year, $25 million deal from the Red Sox Ryan Dempster is about to sign with the NL Milwaukee Brewers. Don't you want to challenge yourself & go against the best? Not if it means bad stats & less money. It's always about money. With Dempster chickening out now the Sox can turn their attention to guys like Jackson, Lohse, & other free agent arms, as well as look for trades for Dickey, King Felix & Garza. Let's be piggy & get two starters instead of one.

James Shields to KC

In a 7 player swap James Shields, ace of the Tampa Bay staff, will now be toiling the mound in Kansas City. Tampa was ready to part with their ace while the Red Sox decided not to part with Jon Lester. The soundness of this trade will depend how Wil Myers performs for Tampa at the big league level. If he's a Bryce Harper or Mike Trout, then the Sox missed out on trading for someone special.

Greinke to Dodgers

The bottomless money pit that is the LA Dodgers add free agent Zack Greinke to their roster for 6 years & a mere $146 million. Money can't buy you love, but the Dodgers are spending like the Yankees of old to buy a winning team. Let's hope that your TV money doesn't run out anytime soon with these multi-year player deals. Just ask the Yankees if they would do the A-Rod deal again.

Who's At Short?

Is it Jose Iglesias? Is a trade in the works for Stephen Drew? Will they bring up Xander Bogaetz? How about a utility guy like Pedro Ciriaco? The shortstop position has been & continues to be a hot potato for the Red Sox on an annual basis. This year will be no different. My preference would be Bogaetz for his bat (if he can hit at the big league level) & then Iglesias or Ciriaco for defense late in the game. I don't see the Sox overspending for this position when they have so many options internally. I'd rather have Ben focus on starting pitching. I still think there is a big trade out there that would include the addition of a quality starter. How many catchers do we need??

No Home Yet for Hamilton or Greinke

The 2 biggest free agents are homeless as of today. Josh Hamilton is reportedly involved in talks with the Rangers & Mariners, & probably several other teams. Zack Greinke is rumored to be heading to the LA Dodgers or Washington Nationals, & probably others as well. I take the hesitation on both guys to represent doubts about their durability, physical & mental make-up. Devoting $180 million over several years is a big gamble - as we know via Carl Crawford. Hamilton has crazy skills, but he also has personal demons with drugs & alcohol. Greinke is good, like a B+ grade, but he's not the A+ dependable starter that Sabathia & King Felix are, yet he will command that type of money. It will be interesting to see where these guys end up, how much & how long.

Sox Sign Bullpen Arm in Uehara

Koji Uehara has signed with the Boston Red Sox. He brings an experienced, late-innings bullpen arm to the mix. Uehara is 37 & he has pitched in the playoffs each of the last 2 years. It makes me wonder if Uehara & Tazawa are the 8th-9th inning guys & the Sox perhaps move Andrew Bailey as part of a big trade which includes Saltie & Ells. I think there are more big moves via trade to come.

Youk Gets $12 Million Offer from Pinstripes

Gotham is calling Kevin Youkilis. With A-Rod out for most of next season the Yankees have made a $12 million, 1-year deal to Youk to play 3B. Risky proposition for the Yanks as Youk himself has been often injured over the past several seasons & his numbers were down last year after a horrible start with the Sox. Maybe he will bounce back, but the Yankees continue to be stacked with 30 & 40 somethings on their roster. Can't you just see & hear Youk's first at-bat in Fenway as a Yankee!

Sox Get Flyin' Hawaiian

Shane Victorino becomes the newest Red Sox with what is becoming the standard Sox free agent contract - 3 years, $39 million. Victorino brings speed, defense, is a switch-hitter & can play Gold Glove center-field. This signing - like that of David Ross - begs the question of whether a big trade is in the works that would involve Saltie & Ells. The Sox don't need 4 catchers & 2 CF's. However, Victorino can also play right & could bring speed to the top of the order with he & Ells batting 1 & 2. Everyone is overpaid, but I consider this signing a good one. Now onto shortstop & pitching, Ben.

A-Rod To Get Surgery

As the dominos start to fall at the winter meetings, the Yankees reveal that A-Rod is getting hip surgery & will miss 2-3 months of the 2013 season. With 5 years & $114 million left on his contract A-Rod will be a major drain on the Yankees ability to attract the better free agents & to put together a contending team. Thank God the Red Sox unloaded their $260 million to the Dodgers!

Mike Napoli Signs With Sox

Mike Napoli is a Red Sox. He brings good OPS, versatility & power from the right side. The Sox identified Napoli early on & now they get him for 3-years. Good that they didn't have to go 4 years. This was a good move by the Sox who also keep Napoli out of pinstripes.

Pats Good Enough

Not a great game, but a win & another AFC East division championship. Pats did just enough to eke out a win 23-16 in Miami yesterday. Brady & Co. saved the best for last. Instead of the usual 3 & out when they need to sustain a drive & kill the clock, the Pats offense finally put together a 10+ play scoring drive to ice the victory. It was a good win on the road, especially since the Ravens lost. As one sports reporter said, early in the year maybe this turns into a loss. But the Pats are improving to the point now where they will be a serious playoff contender.

Jovan Belcher - NFL Player, Murderer

Domestic violence that ends with guns & murder. We see it on the news everyday. On Saturday Jevon Belcher of the Kansas City Chiefs shot & murdered a 22 year old woman who was his girl friend & the mother of his 3 month old daughter. Belcher then shot himself at Arrowhead Stadium, ending his own life at age 25. Now this baby starts her life with no parents. What a shame! Life is a gift. Walk away. Cool off. Talk to a friend. Get counseling. Stop the bloodshed.

David Wright Latest $100 Million Man

You might say that David Wright won Powerball, except that multi-year player contracts for a value of $100 mil plus are getting to be an everyday occurrence in MLB. Wright's deal is worth $138 million over the next 8 years. He will be 38 years old when this contract expires. I guess no one learned from the Red Sox mistakes with Carl Crawford, John Lackey, Josh Beckett & Adrian Gonzalez. Good luck to the Mets!