Friday, January 30

Sox and Varitek Agree on a Deal


The Red Sox have agreed to a 1 year $5 million deal with the captain, Jason Varitek according to Tony Mazz of the Boston Globe. The deal also has a club option for $5 million, or if the Sox decline the club option Varitek has a player option for $3 million in 2010. Tek can also earn an additional $2 million if he starts 80 or more games in the option year.

Personally, I am thrilled this saga is finally over. The Red Sox have their starting catching for the 2009 season; even if he hits .220 we still have one of the best game callers catching today. A lot has been made about Tek's ability behind the plate and whether or not he's over valued. I tend to think he's not, and with the strength of the Red Sox looking like it's going to be pitching this year, it makes sense to go with a catcher that knows the staff, and the pitchers trusts.

The next question is will Theo trade for a young catcher Tek can mentor, or will Josh Bard be the #2? I don't think that deal will be done before spring training, if it's done at all, that's just a guess though. I think Theo is hesitant to deal Buchholz before seeing how he performs early in the season.

Word on Yawkee Way is the Diamondbacks would trade catching prospect Migeul Monteiro for Michael Bowdin straight up, so that has a possibility of happening. The Sox have a lot of pitching and the flexibility to move one of their young arms, I'm just not sure a deal gets done right away.

Plenty more about this needs to be discussed, including the Boras angle. We'll have more as this story develops.

Thursday, January 29

'Tek Considering Retirement? Or Just More Boras Bull?

Scott Boras might as well be holding his breath and stomping his feat right now.....he's trying anything to get what he wants, but the Red Sox don't appear to be budging. With a reported deadline of tomorrow morning, Jason Varitek needs to make a decision to either take or reject Boston's offer, and needs to make it soon.....

But according to a "baseball source" 'Tek is now seriously considering sitting out 2009 or just retiring from baseball all together....because you know, if you can't get what you want, you quit. Apparently Boras and 'Tek are not especially excited about the Red Sox one-year, 5 million dollar offer that has a dual option at the end of 2009 resulting in 8 million dollars of guaranteed money (keep in mind 'Tek is going through a divorce so essentially those numbers could/can be cut in half). This appears to be their last ditch effort to get more money out of the Sox, but with no other suitor on the market for 'Tek, they're running out of time and options.

Far be it for me to assume, especially since I don't know 'Tek personally, but this seems to be sincerely out of character. I don't expect him to retire nor sit out the 2009 season. I think this is just Scot Boras being Scot Boras. It's time for him to admit that he has embarrassed himself and his client in this negotiation process. The Sox may have "hurt your feelings" 'Tek...but take the deal, stop letting Boras ruin your character and take the deal.

Tuesday, January 27

John Updike, dead at 76

John Updike died today at age 76. There's a lot that could be said about him here, but the best ITM can do is to direct you to the man's own writing. And since we are who we are here, we'll direct you to what is, without doubt, one of the finest pieces of sports writing around: Updike's 1960 New Yorker piece entitled "Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu." We trust our readers won't need any more than that title to know the topic.

To give you a taste and to encourage you to read more, here's how it opens:

"Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ballpark. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg. It was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1934, and offers, as do most Boston artifacts, a compromise between Man's Euclidean determinations and Nature's beguiling irregularities. Its right field is one of the deepest in the American League, while its left field is the shortest; the high left-field wall, three hundred and fifteen feet from home plate along the foul line, virtually thrusts its surface at right-handed hitters. On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28th, as I took a seat behind third base, a uniformed groundkeeper was treading the top of this wall, picking batting-practice home runs out of the screen, like a mushroom gatherer seen in Wordsworthian perspective on the verge of a cliff. The day was overcast, chill, and uninspirational. The Boston team was the worst in twenty-seven seasons. A jangling medley of incompetent youth and aging competence, the Red Sox were finishing in seventh place only because the Kansas City Athletics had locked them out of the cellar. They were scheduled to play the Baltimore Orioles, a much nimbler blend of May and December, who had been dumped from pennant contention a week before by the insatiable Yankees. I, and 10,453 others, had shown up primarily because this was the Red Sox's last home game of the season, and therefore the last time in all eternity that their regular left fielder, known to the headlines as TED, KID, SPLINTER, THUMPER, TW, and, most cloyingly, MISTER WONDERFUL, would play in Boston. "WHAT WILL WE DO WITHOUT TED? HUB FANS ASK" ran the headline on a newspaper being read by a bulb-nosed cigar smoker a few rows away."

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/articles/hub_fans_bid_kid_adieu_article.shtml

Updike was lately a resident of Beverly Farms, Mass. He will be missed.

Monday, January 26

Talking Tek

Local radio station WEEI is reporting that the Red Sox have offered Jason Varitek a 1 year deal worth $5 million with a club option for a second year valued at $5 million or a player option for $3 million.

The Sox have apparently set a deadline for Tek and Boras to accept the offer, however no date has been reported.

The Red Sox are holding all the cards in this negotiation. No other team is going to give up a 1st round draft pick and then pay Tek $10 million/year. Typically Boras plays every card in the deck claiming there are multiple offers on the table and mystery teams, however everyone knows that is not the case this time. Theo is fine sitting quietly waiting for an answer.

In my opinion this is a great deal for a 37 year old catcher on the downside of his career, especially offensively. To expect Jorge Posada type money, 4 years $52 million, wasn't realistic. The Yankees aren't even sure if Posada will be able to catch this year coming off shoulder surgery.

Sunday, January 25

Offer on the Table

According to multiple outlets, the Red Sox have made a formal offer to Varitek. The Sox are waiting to hear, but if, as reports indicate, the deal includes a guaranteed second year, or even incentives that could yield a guaranteed second year, then it's difficult to imagine 'Tek turning them down again.

News is expected soon. This appears to be a firm offer, not a jumping off point for negotiations. Frankly, the Sox are in a very good negotiating position and 'Tek is probably just hoping for an offer that allows him to save some face out of this debacle. Pitchers and catchers is right around the corner, and both sides are eager to have this behind them.

Much more from ITM on the Sox catcher situation as the story develops.

Saturday, January 24

Varitek Talks Continue....No Deal in Sight.


According to the Boston Herald this morning, discussions between the Red Sox, Scott Boras and Jason Varitek continue, however there is no potential deal in sight. According to super agent (and super chooch) Scott Boras; “(Red Sox general manager) Theo (Epstein) and I are talking and we are exchanging offers." Theo himself declined to comment at all....and so the saga continues.

Boras has clearly dropped the ball on the Varitek negotiations, after declining arbitration that would have likely paid the 37 year old captain 10-12 million this season, no other serious offers have come in from around the league. With no significant offers out there in the market, the Red Sox appear to be holding strong in not increasing their offer. Regardless of how it plays out and what uniform he is wearing come April, Varitek will be taking a significant pay cut this year.

The Red Sox appear to be willing to take their time in resolving perhaps their last remaining issue of the off season. Their efforts to acquire a young, talented catcher have been slowed by high demands. The Sox are loaded with young pitching prospects but Theo seems unwilling to part with more than one for any potential catcher. Most in Red Sox Nation favor acquiring Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Salty) as he holds the biggest offensive upside while being solid defensively. Plus, the guy has an awesome name, married one of his high school teachers, and is only 23 years old...what's not to love?

My opinion remains strong on this one, bring back Tek at a reduced (but acceptable) rate, and if it takes sacrificing two of your young arms to bring in Salty, do it. A talented and young catcher carries far more value than a young arm these days. Split Salty and Tek's time over the 2009 season to keep Tek fresh and Salty on a steep learning curve......but maybe that's too much to ask.

To be perfectly honest, I'm sick and tired about writing about this topic, either put negotiations on hold until spring training when you can reassess your young pitchers or get something done in the near future so ITM can move on. Do it for us at this point will ya?

Thursday, January 22

Who's Hall Worthy?



It's been a slow few days in Red Sox Nation so I thought I'd go off on something that boggles my mind, the Hall of Fame. More specifically, what makes a baseball player's pro career Hall of Fame worthy.

In the history of the Hall of Fame (HOF), no player has received 100% of the vote; only 75% is required, but you would think a handful of players deserved the 100% vote right? Names like Ruth, Williams, DiMaggio, Marris, Cobb, and Musial come to mind, however that's not the case. Babe Ruth got a total of 215 of a possible 226 votes in 1936 for 95.13%. Possibly the greatest player in the history of the game, who hit 714 home runs with a lifetime average of .342 wasn't unanimously voted in. Who were those 11 sports writers who did not vote for Babe Ruth?

I see two main problems with deciding who is HOF worthy, the format of deciding and the writers themselves. In my opinion, some writers are not qualified to vote on baseballs' highest honor, I only need to point to the 11 guys who thought Babe Ruth was over rated.

This year Jim Rice was finally inducted into the HOF in his 15th and final year on the ballot. Those of us in Boston have heard the story that Rice was a huge dick to the media and every year that costed him votes.

Mickey Mantle was a drunk and a womanizer from all accounts and I can only assume that is why he only received 88% of the vote when he was finally voted into the HOF. Let's throw out his 534 home runs and 20 all star games and chalk it up to the fact that he liked the sauce. So 12% of the Baseball Writers Association of America didn't like that Mantle had a night life? I never saw most of the guys in the HOF play, however when you look at their numbers I can't begin to fathom how someone doesn't vote for them.

Ted Williams hit 525 home runs, with a career .344 average and an on base percentage of .482, he only got 93% of the vote. I'd also point out this guy flew fighter jets in World War II (during his prime), what does a player have to do to impress these guys?

Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn are my favorite examples because I saw them both play and have vivid memories of both. Ripken had 3,184 hits, 431 home runs and played in 2,632 straight games; Gwynn had 3,141 hits and a career batting average of .338. What percentage of the vote did they receive you ask? Ripken received 98.5% and Gwynn 97.6%...

I've heard and read that no player has ever received 100% of the vote because no one is more pure then the game itself. I've stayed up entire nights trying to figuring out what that means and still can't wrap my head around it.

Today Jeff Kent retired from the game of baseball and the question is already being asked, is Kent deserving of the HOF? I'm going to guess that in 5 years when his name first appears on the ballot he won't get the 75% he needs. Ryan Sandberg is in the Hall, he had 2,286 hits, 282 home runs and a career average of .285. Kent is a career .290 hitter, with 2,461 hits and 377 home runs, the most of any second basemen in the history of the game; if Sandberg is in the hall Kent has got to be as well.

Tim Kurkchin said that he thinks Jeff Kent gets into the HOF, but not in his first year of eligibility, I guess his numbers will get better after each year he's retired? I hope Kent makes it to Cooperstown one day, not because he's the best player I've ever seen but because of his numbers. I don't have a better way to decide if players should be in the HOF, not yet at least, but I think we can all agree that the system in place now makes about as much sense as bringing in Heathcliff Slocumb in relief.

Wednesday, January 21

Going Around the Horn...


Far be it for the Boston Red Sox to do anything quietly. The Red Sox will pack all their equipment up for Spring Training on Friday February 6 for what has become to be known as "Truck Day". No players are expected to be in attendance, and why would they, however this event has attracted fans in years past.

Walley the Green Monster and other Red Sox staffers will see the equipment truck off from Fenway Park. With the most recent unemployment figures Red Sox officials expect attendance to be up at this years Truck Day.

The truck is scheduled to arrive in Fort Myers on Monday, February 9, pitchers and catchers are expected to report Thursday, February 12, 3 days later.

ITM News and Notes:

-Tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale this Saturday 1/24. Prices have stayed the same this year however I still maintain the best seat is in your living room, unless you're fortunate enough to get Green Monster tickets (which aren't on sale this Saturday anyway).

-The Sox traded pitcher Dave Pauley to the Orioles for relief pitcher Randor Beird. Beird was 0-2 last year with a 4.91 ERA in 29 appearances. Personally I'll miss Pauley spot starts, no one got called up from Pawtucket quite like him!

-David Aardsma was traded to the Seattle Mariners for left handed pitcher Fabian Williamson. Williamson is 20 years old and has only pitched in the minors, however he has struck out 144 batters in 124 innings so perhaps the Red Sox scouts see something there.

-Finally, Curt Schilling is going to do more then just blog for local radio station WEEI. Schilling is scheduled to join the Big Show with the Big O live in studio once a month, as well as interviews via the phone with multiple shows on the station. I like the baseball knowledge Schill brings to the table but to hear him spout his opinion makes me want to drive off the highway sometimes. As far as for the rest of the talent on WEEI its probably best if I reserve comment.


Tuesday, January 20

Pap Avoids Arbitration, Gets a One Year Deal



Theo has somehow managed to avoid player arbitration yet again. According to Sean McAdam, Papelbon has agreed to a one year deal worth $6.25 million. The Red Sox also reached an agreement with reliever Jaiver Lopez for $1.35 million.

I've got to give it to Theo on this one, I personally thought Papelbon could be the one player who got past Red Sox management and went on to salary arbitration. In recent weeks Cinco Ocho has articulated his intent to help "set the bar" for fellow closers in the game. Other media sources were reporting as recently as this morning that arbitration could be the only way through a potential agreement, but things obviously changed quickly this afternoon.


Pap's deal is undoubtedly a large increase over last year's salary of $775,000, but falls short of making him one of the highest closers in the game. The agreement places Pap as the 11th highest paid closer in baseball, based on average annual pay.


Javier Lopez also saw a significant pay increase, he was paid $840,000 in 2008 (yes, more than Pap).


Without doing much research I believe this locks down all salary arbitration-eligible players on the Red Sox.....now if we could only address that situation behind the plate.

Six Degrees of Obama (to the Red Sox)

ITM can't deny it---today is one day where the Sox are playing second fiddle. This day belongs squarely to President Obama. But that doesn't mean we can't bring our boys into the conversation.

So, a little game for ITM. Six degrees from Obama to the Red Sox. Comment here with your best connections. And don't give me weak ones like "Obama attended a Sox-Sox game in 2001." I want real connections, and better yet obscure ones.

I'll kick it off with one out of my field: Obama's reputed "top" (in quotations because who really knows) choice for the Supreme Court is Harold Koh, who was in a Yale Law study group with...Larry Lucchino.

That's a nice-and-tidy three-way, but I'd like to see something more intricate if you can.

Sunday, January 18

Lars Anderson: So Who is This Guy?

Many of us have read a lot about some guy named Lars Anderson this offseason. From expectations to be the next Mark Teixeira to admissions he is still just a young prospect, there are varying degrees of excitement for this guy. The issue is, not many of us have actually seen him play or have even heard him speak. He is perhaps the biggest jewel in a Red Sox farm system chalk full of talented prospects.

Personally, given the right situation, I'm usually in favor of taking the proven player over prospects. However, after doing some additional research on Anderson, this is one guy I may deem untouchable...too many memories of the Jeff Bagwell come to mind. Here is a summary of some of the information I've dug up over the last few days:

ITM Spotlight: Lars Anderson
Born: Sept. 25th, 1987, Oakland California
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210lbs
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Drafted: 18th round, 2006

Attitude:
Anderson is a California surfer guy through and through. At such a young age and with so much pressure on his shoulders, he retains the "i'm just having fun attitude". He understands he has the skills to be special and according to his coaches, puts in extra work to make sure he reaches his really high potential. Work ethic is certainly not an issue here.

Hitting:
According to Soxprospects.com, he has a great hitter's fram with an "elite power ceiling"...I love typing the phrase. The Red Sox have had many good prospects come up through their system lately, but none have had the same level of power of Anderson. Many fear an upcoming lack of lineup power over the next few years for the Red Sox, but Anderson could change all that. His smooth and fluid swing is said to be "tailor-made" for Fenway Park as he has great opposite field power. Anderson has great plate discipline and high OBP numbers, something Boston management surely loves. He swings and misses a little too much, especially against off-speed pitches, but that is something the Sox can both deal with and try to fix as he matures.

Fielding:
At 6'4", he's a big target at firstbase, but has limited range as a result of his size. Overall position presence is solid with good hands and the ability to digg out many low throws coming across the diamond. While he has played firstbase throughout his short time in the Sox farm sytsem, he played the bulk of his high school baseball in left field, so while unlikely, that has not been ruled out as a possible location should firstbase be blocked in the long term.

Future:
Most basball scouts compare Anderson to Justin Morneau, nothing wrong with that. Most expect to see Anderson up with the big league club this season when the rosters expand in September. That said, injuries or an explosive year from Anderson in double A could push things along faster than expected.

After writing this I have to remind myself that he is still just potential, that's all, nothing proven, nothing etched in stone....but it's tough not to get excited about this guy.

Saturday, January 17

Varitek: Meeting went "Okay"

Sources report this morning that no resolution was reached in yesterday's meeting between Sox owner John Henry and (is he still the Captain in limbo?) Jason Varitek. Varitek indicated only that the meeting went "okay" and suggested that the ball is now in the Red Sox court.

One tidbit out of the meeting --- when asked by Henry if he wanted to return to the Sox for 2009, Jason Varitek responded with a clear "Yes." Henry reportedly did not return the compliment. But, you know, that's not completely unexpected.

Our principal owner just doesn't strike me as the smoothest guy. I'm picturing Henry and Varitek in a beat-up Oldsmobile parked at Lover's Point and after a heavy petting session, 'Tek turns with the moonlight on his cheek and tells Henry, "I love you," and Henry just freezes. "I think you're great, you know that, 'Tek...I gotta talk to Theo. Let me get back to you." Then he starts tapping randomly on his blackberry hoping that the awkward moment will just pass.

That, and Henry has been burned this offseason. 'Tek pulled an A-Rod (by way of Warren Buffett, apparently) and called this meeting without Boras, who is in Atlanta for the Lowe announcement. But that doesn't mean Henry might not be pleased to see 'Tek and Boras squirm a little. Particularly as the longer 'Tek has to wait, the more he comes to resent the agent who told him arbitration is for the birds.

All in all, we have the makings of a weekend soap opera. I think I speak for everyone here at ITM, though, when I say we'd rather it end quickly and professionally. In the end, I think that's how it'll turn out.

Any predictions on what 'Tek gets for an offer (if anything) and by when?

I'm saying a 2 year deal for slightly less than arbitration money is on the table this afternoon, after the early college bball games and before the Conference championships tomorrow. Sandwich it between those events and you've got a very, very short news cycle. Which is exactly what 'Tek wants, the less time for Sportscenter to throw his contract up on a chart next to Posada's.

Friday, January 16

Varitek and Henry to Meet in Atlanta

Red Sox owner John Henry and free agent Jason Varitek plan to meet tonight in Atlanta in what many believe is an attempt to work out an agreement for the catcher to return to Boston.

Sources say that Varitek request the meeting and that Scott Boras will not be in attendance. No word as to whether or not Sox General Manager Theo Epstein will accompany Henry. I don't think it's likely a deal would be agreed to without Epstein present, however certainly the foundation could be laid.

Recall Boras and Varitek turned down salary arbitration earlier this off season, however have not received any other offers of substance from another team. If a team was to sign Varitek they would lose their first round draft pick in the 2009 draft, not a likely scenario considering Tek's age and declining skills.

Personally I hope Henry and Tek come to some sort of agreement tonight, Mazz and Schilling both wrote today about the importance of having a good catcher to work with the staff and I'm inclined to agree with them. I've also thought all along Tek would be back this season at a reduced price.

If the strength of the Sox is setup to be pitching in 2009 it makes sense to have someone behind the plate we all trust, and if he hits .225. (that was painful for me to type)

An ITM Review of: Bleacher Bar


Last weekend, while ITM was attempting to cover Baseball's HotStove Cool Music event, we made a few pit stops in between the round table discussion and the concert at Paradise Rock Club.....and by pit stops I mean we went to a few bars in and around Fenway Park. As I'm sure many of your know, Bleacher Bar recently opened inside Fenway Park, giving Red Sox Nation (and the just plain thirsty) a new spot to sink some beverages and take in a game. We thought it might be interesting to provide ITM readers with some of our thoughts and opinions on the bar.

I'll put this disclaimer in early, we entered the bar only a few hours after meeting and chatting with Heidi Watney, so you could have put us in the middle of Roxbury and we would have been delighted. That said, there was a light crowd that Saturday night, we assumed between the snow storm and the off season, this was about normal (which was confirmed by our waitress). The bar's claim to fame is the view it provides onto the field via an opened garage door in left center. Contrary to some of the rumors out there, the door stays open for all games, providing patrons lucky enough to get a seat in the area with a spectacular view of the game (ITM note: In order to get one of those precious seats you would likely have to show up at 4pm for a 7pm start). You almost feel as though you are on the field, and for just one second, it made me wish Manny was back falling all over himself in left, just to see his reaction to having fans so close (see picture below).

The bar itself is smaller than you would expect, with limited draft beers and prices that fit right in with other bars in the area (i.e., pretty expensive). In addition, it was lacking in a very important area...the "TV to drinker" ratio....ITM believes in a 1/2...maybe a 1/3 ratio....Bleacher Bar pulled in around 1/50 (only a few TV's). We were also disappointed to learn that the food menu only includes appetizers and they did not offer sandwiches, burgers, dogs etc.

Perhaps even more interesting than the view onto the field, is the view from the bathroom (I feel weird just typing that). The men's room is located upstairs, and above the urinals is a window that looks out into the bar.....so basically everyone sees your face while you're at the urinal....it gets really weird..especially when people are staring at you when they're doing what they're doing in there.

Without getting into more detail, ITM felt that Bleacher Bar would be great if you have the right seat for a game. Otherwise it gets very crowded on game days, much like Game On! or the Cask, but without the bar space. All in all, we stumbled out of the bar and headed to the Paradise Rock Club agreeing we would come back, but if it wasn't for the view of the field, we would visit many of the other area bars before stopping by Bleacher Bar again.



Bleacher Bar:
82A Lansdowne Street (inside Fenway Park)
Boston, MA
(617) 262-2424
  • Open Year Round
  • Opened May 16, 2007

Thursday, January 15

Red Sox and Youk Agree on a Deal



Peter Gammons is reporting that the Boston Red Sox and Kevin Youkilis have agreed on a 4 year $40 million deal with an option for a 5th year. Today was the deadline for players to file for arbitration; General Manager Theo Epstein has never gone to arbitration with any player.

Last year Youk, who will be 30 when the season starts, hit .312 with 29 homeruns and 115 RBI's under a deal that paid him $3 million.

This deal seems like Youk took a home town discount, considering that he put up similiar numbers to Mark Teixeira across the board and Teixeira is making $23 million/year for the next 8 years.

Do you think Youk took a discount to play in Boston? Let us know your thoughts in our comments section.


Clay Buchholz, Now or Never?


Talking with a buddy of mine last week about the Red Sox catching situation we wondered if the Sox are going to attempt to trade for a young catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia of Texas was our focus. After signing Brad Penny and John Smoltz for this year the Sox have pitching depth, however all we ever hear is that Theo Epstein is hesitant to deal his young starting pitchers. That prompted my buddy Chris to pose the question; "Is Bucholz more Jon Lester (be patient and he'll become what we expect) or more Craig Hansen (young, looks great but just not gonna get there)?"

Jon Lester was drafted in the second round by the Red Sox in 2002. Lester quickly moved threw the minor league system, being called up in June of 2006. Lester pitched well in his rookie year starting 15 games, winning 7 and losing 2 with an ERA of 4.76. Lester's biggest problem was throwing strikes, I distinctly remember a lot of full counts and early exits for him. In 2007 Lester averaged 5.25 innings/start and in 2006 it was 5.4.

In 2008 Lester started 33 games, with a 16-6 record and a 3.21 ERA. Lester pitched 210 innings, averaging 6.4 innings/start with 2 complete games. He figured it out.

Craig Hansen was drafted by the Red Sox in 2005 with the 26th pick overall, first round. He made his major league debut later that season, going on to make 4 appearances. In June of 2006 Hanson was called up to help a struggling bullpen; Hansen did little to add any 'relief' to the situation, ending the season with a 6.63 ERA . In 2007 Hansen spent the entire year in Pawtucket with an ERA of 3.86, however he was never called up to pitch for the big club.

Hanson was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with Brandon Moss as part of the deal that sent Manny Ramirez out of town at the 2008 trade deadline. Hansen never figured it out.

Clay Buchholz is staring his Red Sox future in the face as he enters spring training this season. Buchholz is a highly revered prospect and his name swirls with any trade discussion, however to this point Theo has yet to deal him.

Everyone remembers Buchholz's no hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in September of 2007, the game was a look at the future ace of Boston's pitching staff. However 2008 was not a good year for Clay, he started 15 games with a 2-9 record and an ERA of 6.75. The Sox were 3-12 in games Buchholz started, and the synopsis of his season was a late August start against the same Baltimore team he no hit; Buchholz only lasted 2 1/3 innings and was sent down to double A Portland after the game.

Like Lester and Hanson, Buchholz was drafted early by the Red Sox. (Buchholz was the 42nd pick overall, a sandwich pick the Sox received for losing Pedro Martinez to free agency.) Is this the year when Buchholz figures out what he's doing wrong on the mound and adjusts to the hitters in the major leagues?

Francona admitted that perhaps the Sox rushed Craig Hansen in the big leagues, Lester was given time to work through his control problems and turned into one of the best pitchers in baseball. Will Buchholz recover from the change in his release point and remember how to throw his lights out change up again?

It's been rumored the Texas Rangers want Buchholz for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Does Theo sell high on Buchholz and hope Saltalamacchia develops into one of the best catchers in the game to replace Jason Varitek; or does he wait to see how Buchholz performs to start the season and move him at the trading deadline? Option 3 would to keep Buchholz, continue to develop him and hope he finds his no hitter form again.

I don't know what's going to happen with Buchholz, but from everything I've heard about Saltalamacchia, he's got the potential to be the real deal. I suspect if Theo hasn't pulled the trigger on a deal for him yet involving Clay, Theo and his boys must still be really high on Buchholz coming into this year.

Regardless of what happens Buchholz is looking at a fork in the road. Is he going to follow Craig Hanson down the road of pitching mediocrity or take the road traveled by Jon Lester and become one of the aces of the Red Sox?

Wednesday, January 14

Catching Up On Some Hot Stove Items

-Rob Bradford of WEEI is reporting that Alex Cora is close to a 1 year deal worth $2 million with the New York Mets. Unless Theo can get real creative it looks like Julio Lugo is going to be splitting time at short stop with Jed Lowrie. The thought of having to watch Lugo play baseball again this year makes me want to do things I can not type here. Just give the guy his $18 million and tell him to go home, if we trade him I suppose we could get some batting practice balls and a fungo.

-Michael Young, shortstop of the Texas Rangers, requested a trade last week. Young is apparently unhappy about being moved to third base this season to make room for a highly coveted prospect Elivs (that's right, Elivs) Andrus. Young will enter the first year of a 5 year $80 million dollar deal, couple that with the fact that the Sox would have to trade 2-3 prospects of their own and Young will be 36 when the deal ends, I think you can put this in the category of unlikely.

-Former Red Sox legend Derek Lowe signed a 4 year $60 million dollar deal with Hotlanta. After losing out on AJ Burnett and Smoltz signing with the Sox the Braves were desperate for pitching. This isn't a bad pick up at all, Lowe keeps the ball in the park, avoids the DL, and his era was 3.24 last year with the Dodgers.

-Tony Mazz wrote yesterday that the Arizona Diamondbacks
(I call them the Snakes for fun) would be willing to deal catching prospect Miguel Montero straight up for one of the Sox young studs. The deal is apparently out there if Theo wants to pull the trigger, my hunch is that he's waiting for Tek and Boras to come crawling back for $2 million/year. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sox deal for a catcher come spring training when other teams take inventory of their pitching. Peter Gammons actually said that, but it's definitely a thought I could have come up with on my own given enough time.

-Another note from Mazz, the Sox "have every intention" on attempting to sign Jason Bay to a long term deal before the start of the season. Bay is in the last year of his contract that pays him $7.5 million. The Sox could be waiting for the market to develop fully on outfields, thus waiting for Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu to sign deals allowing them to judge Bay's worth to them.

Monday, January 12

Rickey Henderson, It's Your Day Too


In order to truly honor Rickey Henderson, the best lead off hitter of all time, ITM was forced to share some of the best stories/quotes you will ever hear (or in this case, read). I've read through this three or four times and it never gets old. Congrats to Rickey, we're all looking forward to your introduction speech......



Enjoy:


1) Rickey… on referring to himself in the third person:“Listen, people are always saying, ‘Rickey says Rickey.’ But it’s been blown way out of proportion. People might catch me, when they know I’m ticked off, saying, ‘Rickey, what the heck are you doing, Rickey?’ They say, ‘Darn, Rickey, what are you saying Rickey for? Why don’t you just say, ‘I?’ But I never did. I always said, ‘Rickey,’ and it became something for people to joke about.”

2) In the early 1980s, the Oakland A’s accounting department was freaking out. The books were off $1 million. After an investigation, it was determined Rickey was the reason why. The GM asked him about a $1 million bonus he had received and Rickey said instead of cashing it, he framed it and hung it on a wall at his house.

3) In 1996, Henderson’s first season with San Diego, he boarded the team bus and was looking for a seat. Steve Finley said, “You have tenure, sit wherever you want.” Henderson looked at Finley and said, “Ten years? Ricky’s been playing at least 16, 17 years.”

4) This could be the best one of all....he called San Diego GM Kevin Towers and left the following message: “This is Rickey calling on behalf of Rickey. Rickey wants to play baseball.”

5) This one happened in Seattle. Rickey struck out and as the next batter was walking past him, he heard Henderson say, “Don’t worry, Rickey, you’re still the best.”

6) Rickey once asked a teammate how long it would take him to drive to the Dominican Republic.

7) Moments after breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record, Henderson told the crowd – with Brock mere feet next to him – “Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest of all-time.”

8) Henderson once fell asleep on an ice pack and got frostbite – which forced him to miss three games — in mid-August.

9) A reporter asked Henderson if Ken Caminiti’s estimate that 50 percent of Major League players were taking steroids was accurate. His response was, “Well, Rickey’s not one of them, so that’s 49 percent right there.”

10) Henderson broke Ty Cobb’s career record for runs scored with a home run. After taking his usual 45 seconds or so around the bases, Rickey slid into home plate.

11) On being Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout: “It gave me no chance. He (Ryan) just blew it by me. But it’s an honor. I’ll have another paragraph in all the baseball books. I’m already in the books three or four times.”

12) San Diego GM Kevin Towers was trying to contact Rickey at a nearby hotel. He knew Henderson always used fake names to avoid the press, fans, etc. He was trying to think like Rickey and after several attempts; he was able to get Henderson on the phone.Rickey had checked in under Richard Pryor.

13) This is priceless, it really is.The morning after the Sox finished off the sweep against St. Louis last October, Henderson called someone in the organization looking for tickets to Game 6 at Fenway Park.

14) The Mets were staying in a hotel less than a mile from Cinergy Field in Cincinnati. While some players walked, most took the team bus. A few minutes after they arrived — again it was less than a mile – the last players off the bus noticed a stretched limo that had just pulled up.Of course, Rickey emerged from the back seat.

15) A reporter once asked Rickey if he talked to himself, “Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I’m trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?”

16) OK, I know everyone has been waiting for it. Alas, according to both parties involved, it’s not true. I wish it were. In fact, both Rickey Henderson and John Olerud have said they wish it were true. But it just didn’t happen.The story went that a few weeks into Henderson’s stint with the Mariners, he walked up to Olerud at the batting cage and asked him why he wore a batting helmet in the field. Olerud explained that he had an aneurysm at nine years old and he wore the helmet for protection. Legend goes that Henderson said, “Yeah, I used to play with a guy that had the same thing.”Legend also goes that Olerud said, “That was me, Rickey.”Henderson played with Olerud on the Blue Jays and the Mets.

17) Rickey was asked if he had the Garth Brooks album with Friends in Low Places and Henderson said, “Rickey doesn’t have albums. Rickey has CDs.”

18) During a contract holdout with Oakland in the early 1990s, Henderson said, “If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego.”

19) In the late 1980s, the Yankees sent Henderson a six-figure bonus check. After a few months passed, an internal audit revealed the check had not been cashed. Current Yankees GM Brian Cashman – then a low-level nobody with the organization – called Rickey and asked if there was a problem with the check. Henderson said, “I’m just waiting for the money market rates to go up.”

20) In June 1999, when Henderson was playing with the Mets, he saw reporters running around the clubhouse before a game. He asked a teammate what was going on and he was told that Tom Robson, the team’s hitting coach, had just been fired. Henderson said, “Who’s he?”

21) Perhaps an all time great...Rickey was pulled over by a San Diego police officer for speeding. As the officer was approaching Rickey’s car, the window went down a few inches and a folded $100 bill emerged. The officer let Rickey and his money head home without a ticket.

22) When he was on the Yankees in the mid-1980s, Henderson told teammates that his condo had such a great view that he could see, “The Entire State Building.”

23) During one of his stays with Oakland, Henderson’s locker was next to Billy Beane’s. After making the team out of spring training, Beane was sent to the minors after a few months. Upon his return, about six weeks later, Henderson looked at Beane and said, “Hey, man, where have you been? Haven’t seen you in awhile.”

24) To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, “Ricky’s the best,” for several minutes.

25) In the last week of his lone season with the Red Sox, Chairman Tom Werner asked Henderson what he would like for his ‘going-away’ gift. Henderson said he wasn’t going anywhere, but he would like owner John Henry’s Mercedes. Werner said it would be tough to get the same make and model in less than a week and Henderson said, “No, I want his car.” Turns out the Sox got Henderson a Red Thunderbird and when he saw it on the field before the last game of the season, Rickey said, “Whose ugly car is on the field?”

...Put this guy and Manny in a room together and it would be endless entertainment.

This Time, It Counts....Rice Gets Into the Hall

Finally, Jim Rice will get his well-deserved day. Rice, who batted .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBIs from 1974-89 was elected into the baseball Hall of Fame this afternoon after getting a yes vote on 76.4 percent of the ballots. 75 percent is required for induction, Rice received just seven more votes than the minimum amount needed (412 out of 539).

This was Rice's last chance to be voted into the Hall of Fame by the baseball writers. His attempts started back in 1995 where he was only receiving 20-30% of the votes....but with the steroid era forcing many writers and analyst to reevaluate Jim's numbers, Rice's yes votes continued to climb over the last few years. Last year, he received 72.2 percent of the vote, just 16 shy of the amount needed to get in. Many pointed to his troubled relationship with the media and a sharp drop off in numbers at the tail end of his career as key factors keeping him out of the Hall. Well that all changed today, and I for one am very happy to see him get in. Congrats Jimmy, you deserve it.


Induction ceremonies for will take place Sunday, July 26, in Cooperstown, New York. I can not wait for his speech, it is sure to be interesting, possibly bitter, and make no sense at all at times. That said, Rickey Henderson, who was elected on his first ballot today, is likely to have the speech of all speeches.....I hope he refers to himself in the third person the entire time.

Saturday, January 10

Recapping the Round Table at Fenway; Part 2

After the round table discussion I spoke with Mike O'Malley, who did an amazing job hosting the event, getting the crowd to bid on some items up for auction. O'Malley joked that his show "My Own Worst Enemy" was already cancelled and that he had pretty much been reduced to a professional charity MC in the Boston Area. I asked O'Malley what strikes him most at an event like this. "Seeing the players and Theo participate is really great, this is their off season and these guys are still showing up and making a difference."

The highlight of the day for us was meeting Red Sox sideline reporter Heidi Watney. After posing for a few photos I asked Heidi if she thinks she is a celebrity in Boston now, she said Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo are the celebrities.

We also asked her what her favorite part of the job was, Heidi answered, "I'm part of the Red Sox organization, I travel with them and I love to travel. I get to know the guys really well and they'll all great guys." Hedi is looking forward to the 2009 season and is excited to leave for Spring Training in February.

Later in the night we made our way to the Paradise Rock Club for the "Cool Music" portion of the evening. O'Malley hosted and had Theo and Peter Gammons on stage for some baseball talk in between music. Lady luck was on our side again as we chatted with Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons for a few minutes.


Overall, I'd say the event was a resounding success. I don't have the actual dollar amount raised for The Foundation to be Named Later, however judging by the crowd and auction items I'd say they did pretty well. I'd encourage everyone to attend this event in the future, the day is for charity and talking with the Gammons, Epstein, Heidi and others is an experience no Red Sox fan can pass up. Definitely a top 5 day in my book.

Recapping the Round Table at Fenway; Part 1



Earlier today ITM went down to Fenway Park to take part in the Hot Stove Cool Music Round Table Discussion. The panel included baseball writer Peter Gammons, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein, Manager Terry Francona, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, pitcher Justin Masterson and from the Tampa Bay Rays Fernando Perez. CC Sabathia was available by phone for the first few minutes; Harold Reynolds and Torri Hunter were scheduled to be on the panel as well however, inclement weather stranded them at Airports. Mike O'Malley MC'd the event and the lovely Heidi Watney was on hand as well.

The event allowed fans to ask the panel questions and raised money for The Foundation to be Named Later; the charity that Theo started to help children in and around the Boston area. Gammons spoke highly of Theo, the Red Sox and Sabathia's tireless efforts to be positive influences on youths, providing support for parents and children.

ITM was fortunate enough for the opportunity to ask 2 questions during the event. I asked Peter Gammons what were the biggest differences between the current Red Sox ownership and the past, specifically his opinion on why the Red Sox have won two World Series titles since the new ownership took over. Gammons first pointed out the Red Sox ability to find new revenue streams which allows them to have one of the top 5 payrolls in baseball every year. He also pointed out that Theo has done a remarkable job as General Manager, especially the organizations ability to "draft and develop players", referencing Pedroia and Masterson.



Fellow blogger D Vicino asked Theo Epstein how the current economic conditions has affected the game as well as strategy for the 2009 season. Hearing Theo speak about this topic was really impressive, he pointed out that "The season ended before the economy really bottomed out.", however he expects that the game as a whole could be hit really hard. Theo also spoke about the Yankees contract commitments, near $1 billion while the Red Sox have around 20% of that . "We (the Red Sox) have a number of short term deals that allow the us increased flexibility."

Answering other questions, Epstein spoke about stockpiling pitching saying "you can never have enough pitching throughout the year", and having all these arms puts them in a position to hold onto their young prospects at the trading deadline.



(Fenway construction)



Peter Gammons stated that if Josh Beckett was healthy the Red Sox will win the World Series; Terry Francona agreed if gives them a really good chance.


Tampa Bay outfielder Fernando Perez spoke about how far the Rays came last season and what it was like to be on the field celebrating after defeating the Sox in game 7 of the ALCS. Pedroia jumped in half way though his answer telling Perez, "Don't get use to it!"


Keeping with the theme of the event, athletes getting involved in their communities, Francona spoke about how his dad who was a pro baseball player worked as a recreation park director in the off season to make ends meet. Certainly athletes today have a greater opportunity to be positive influences to children in their communities. Theo added every guy on the roster has the ability to help out the less fortunate.


Justin Masterson spoke about how he helped some of the Latin players in the rookie development league who didn't speak English very well. Masterson joked that his Spanish sucked, so he used that to get the Latin players comfortable speaking English.


The last question asked of the panel was for their best Manny Ramirez story. After some hesitation and nervous laughter Tito told a gem. In the 2004 World Series Manny was up at the plate and yelling back and fourth with the catcher. Tito ran out before umpire Chuck Merriweather could throw Manny out of the game, Tito heard Manny jawing in Spanish with the catcher. Apparently Manny was being accused of stealing signs, to which Tito told the umpire, "Chuck, Manny doesn't even know our signs!"


Overall the event was very successful, check back tomorrow for our interviews with Mike O'Malley and Heidi Watney (including more photos). Yes, we were able to string together coherent sentences when talking with Heidi.

Sox Bolster Bullpen Even Further, Sign Saito


In another low-risk, high-reward gamble, the Red Sox have just signed free-agent reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract which includes a club option for 2010 according Fox Sports.

The deal was completed after Saito passed his physical on Friday. The deal includes a guaranteed base between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, and Saito will have the chance to earn more than $7 million if he reaches all of his incentives.....let's just hope those incentives are lofty (see Baldelli's incentive of reaching 600 at bats...no way).

If healthy, Saito could become a late-inning complement to closer Jonathan Papelbon. There is the natural NL to AL concern, and Saito (who turns 39 in Feb) is coming off some elbow trouble, but the upside potential is there. It is my belief that this signing allows for Justin Masterson to move into a starter role if injuries require it during the season. With that, it may allow to more easily part with either Bowden or Buchholz in order to secure a young catcher (Salty).

Apologies for the quick post..... ITM is headed to Fenway out for the baseball round table discussion....more to come from that..

Friday, January 9

Peter Gammons Chat Wrap

Peter Gammons stopped by Boston.com to chat with sports fans about all things Red Sox. Below are some of the highlights.


- With the additions of Smotlz and Penny the Sox have one of the best rotations in all of baseball.:

Gammons: "Obviously Josh Beckett has to be healthy and I think they really improved the set up crew in front of Papelbon with the addition of Ramirez, and Masterson and Okajima. Obviously they should have three really good starters, the alternatives with Wake, Smoltz, Penny, Buchholz, and Bowden could be potentially the deepest staff in the league. I lovve the Smoltz signiing. Both John Farrel and Ben Cherington went to Atlanta to watch him throw and were very impressed. And Smoltz is one of those rare players who thrives on pressure and crowds."

- About young catchers on the Sox radar screen:

Gammons: "There's a difference between wish list and realistic wish list, but right now, they seem to be focused on Miguel Montero from Arizona, with Saltamacchia in Texas a possibility. Early in the fall, they tried to make a run at Russel Martin of the Dodgers and Mike Napoli of the Angels, but without success. They can have Montero if they'll trade Michael Bowden but thus far the Red Sox have refused to trade him."

- Why the Sox are leaving Masterson in the bullpen instead of starting him:

Gammons: "There's still a chance that Masterson will start, but until he blossomed late in last season, the 7th and 8th innings were serious problems for the Red Sox. I agree that 600 outs are worth more than about 200 outs, but the Red Sox do need a strong bullpen and his learning to finish games could make him a better starter two years down the line."

- Will MLB teams consider sign and trades to avoid losing 1st round draft picks, as in the case of Jason Varitek:

Gammons: "That is a great question. I think it's a possibility and I only think it's fair. Scott Boras can explain to Varitek why he turned down arbitration. And Boras has to understand that Florida will never give up their first draft choice to sign a 37-year-old catcher. Considering the depth of the Fla. farm system, the Red Sox probably could get the equivalent of a sandwich pick if the Marlins are willing to give Varitek $5 million."

- The status of Clay Buchholz:

Gammons: " I still think he can be a No. 2 starter in the big leagues. There were front office people from the Marlins nad Dodgers who saw him in Az. and believe he can be a No. 1 starter. My guess is they'll send him down to begin the season and let him prove that he has enough command of his fastball to make his changeup and curveball that much better."

- Do the Sox need another big bat to hit behind Ortiz?

Gammons: "What they need will depend on the health of both Ortiz and Mike Lowell. Ortiz's 190 point decline in OPS wasn't because of who was hitting behind him b/c Manny Ramirez only batted behind Ortiz in 7 games of 2006 and 2007, and in '07 Ortiz led the major leagues in Sept. OPS. I do think that the economy is going to force some teams to have to unload salary in June and July and the Red Sox are so under budget that they're going to be in a great position to acquire a contract when they know exactly what they need. For instance, if J.D. Drew is hurt come the middle of June, a player like Magglio Ordonez may be available because of the economy in Detroit, and that contract would only cost them for a season and a half."

- Are there any trades for Theo to make before the season starts?

Gammons: "If they make a trade, I still believe it will be for a catcher. And that might not happen until spring training when teams like the Rangers, D'backs, and Angels have had the opportunity to assess their pitching."

A reminder that Peter Gammons presents Hot Stove Cool Music tomorrow, for tickets and information vist www.hotstovecoolmusic.org. ITM will attend the Hot Stove round table discussion at Fenway Park and we'll have our thoughts and hopefully some pictures for those who could no attend.

Thanks to Peter Gammons and Boston.com, the full transcript can be seen on boston.com.

Kotsay Coming Back in 2009

Boston Herald's Sean McAdam is reporting that the Red Sox and Mark Kotsay have agreed to a 1 year $1.5 million deal. The Sox claimed Kotsay off waivers from the Braves last season after their July 31st trade deadline.

Kotsay only batted .226 with 12 RBI in 22 regular season games, however he he showed his versatility in the playoffs playing first base after Kevin Youkilis moved over to third due to Mike Lowell's injury.

If you've been keeping up with the blog you know I've been hoping that Theo would bring back Kotsay as he can play all 3 outfield positions and first base. It was rumored that Kotsay was looking for a starting job somewhere, however with the health questions surround Mike Lowell, JD Drew, and Rocco Baldelli, Kotsay could see significant playing time, if not starting once or twice a week.

Thursday, January 8

Rocco to Rock # 5: I love it

The signing of Rocco Baldelli became official today. The Red Sox 2009 roster is finally starting to fill out (save for the catching position).....but I think I'm more excited about the fact that Rocco will be sporting good old number five this season. The picture above just looks right doesn't it?

Nomar and Rocco have many similarities... in my opinion they kind of look alike, they both seem to have a special place in the hearts of Red Sox Nation (or in Nomar's case, "had"), both have not entirely lived up to their hype (I'll give Nomar his credit while in Boston, he was an amazing hitter and "interesting" fielder but he has simply not been the same player after leaving), and both seem to struggle staying healthy. There is also some kind of intrinsic value within having a good baseball-chant name, both Nomar and Rocco succeed in this area.

In regards to health, RSN is being told that the Red Sox have done thorough due diligence, yielding optimistic results. Baldelli was tested at MGH which resulted in news the Red Sox wanted to hear and encourage them to sign the 27 year old Cumberland native....I trust MGH and everything, but I still have guarded optimism in regards to his play this upcoming season. To expect a return to "the next Joe DiMaggio" would simply be asking too much, but adding value to a limited Red Sox bench could be a key role, especially down the stretch of a long season.


Solid number choice Rocco, go get em....



ITM Notes:

-Rocco was voted the winner of this year's Tony Conigliaro Award because of he's Italian and from Rhode Island....jokes (I think), it is actually presented to a major league player who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.


-ITM will be taking part in a baseball round table discussion at Fenway Park on Saturday, we'll be sure to share some pictures (if I can find my camera) and insight into topics discussed.

Clay Buchholz, Now or Never?


Talking with a buddy of mine last week about the Red Sox catching situation we wondered if the Sox are going to attempt to trade for a young catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia of Texas was our focus. After signing Brad Penny and John Smoltz for this year the Sox have pitching depth, however all we ever hear is that Theo Epstein is hesitant to deal his young starting pitchers. That prompted my buddy Chris to pose the question; "Is Bucholz more Jon Lester (be patient and he'll become what we expect) or more Craig Hansen (young, looks great but just not gonna get there)?"

Jon Lester was drafted in the second round by the Red Sox in 2002. Lester quickly moved threw the minor league system, being called up in June of 2006. Lester pitched well in his rookie year starting 15 games, winning 7 and losing 2 with an ERA of 4.76. Lester's biggest problem was throwing strikes, I distinctly remember a lot of full counts and early exits for him. In 2007 Lester averaged 5.25 innings/start and in 2006 it was 5.4.

In 2008 Lester started 33 games, with a 16-6 record and a 3.21 ERA. Lester pitched 210 innings, averaging 6.4 innings/start with 2 complete games. He figured it out.

Craig Hansen was drafted by the Red Sox in 2005 with the 26th pick overall, first round. He made his major league debut later that season, going on to make 4 appearances. In June of 2006 Hanson was called up to help a struggling bullpen; Hansen did little to add any 'relief' to the situation, ending the season with a 6.63 ERA . In 2007 Hansen spent the entire year in Pawtucket with an ERA of 3.86, however he was never called up to pitch for the big club.

Hanson was trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with Brandon Moss as part of the deal that sent Manny Ramirez out of town at the 2008 trade deadline. Hansen never figured it out.

Clay Buchholz is staring is Red Sox future in the face as he enters spring training this season. Buchholz is a highly revered prospect and his name swirls with any trade discussion, however to this point Theo has yet to deal him.

Everyone remembers Buchholz's no hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in September of 2007, the game was a look at the future ace of Bostons pitching staff. However 2008 was not a good year for Clay, he started 15 games with a 2-9 record and an ERA of 6.75. The Sox were 3-12 in games Buchholz started, and the synopsis of his season was a late August start against the same Baltimore team he no hit; Buchholz went 2 1/3 innings and was sent down to double A Portland after the game.

Like Lester and Hanson, Buchholz was drafted early by the Red Sox. (Buchholz was the 42nd pick overall, a sandwich pick the Sox received for losing Pedro Martinez to free agency.) Is this the year when Buchholz figures out what he's doing wrong on the mound and adjusts to the hitters in the major leagues?

Francona admitted that perhaps the Sox rushed Craig Hansen in the big leagues, Lester was given time to work through his control problems and turned into one of the best pitchers in baseball. Will Buchholz recover from the change in his release point and remember how to throw his lights out change up again?

It's been rumored the Texas Rangers want Buchholz for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Does Theo sell high on Buchholz and hope Saltalamacchia develops into one of the best catchers in the game to replace Jason Varitek; or does he wait to see how Buchholz performs to start the season and move him at the trading deadline? Option 3 would to keep Buchholz and continue to develop him and hope he finds his no hitter form again.

I don't know what's going to happen with Buchholz, but from everything I've heard about Saltalamacchia, he's got the potential to be the real deal. I suspect if Theo hasn't pulled the trigger on a deal for him yet involving Clay, Theo and his boys must still be really high on Buchholz coming into this year.

Regardless of what happens Buchholz is looking at a fork in the road. Is he going to follow Craig Hanson down the road of pitching mediocrity or take the road traveled by Jon Lester and become one of the aces of the Red Sox?

Smoltz Deal on the Horizon


Looks like the Red Sox and veteran pitcher John Smoltz are close on a 1 year deal worth $5.5 million guaranteed, and incentives could make the deal as rich as $10 million. Smoltz is recovering from season ending shoulder surgery from 2008, but would likely be ready to pitch by June.

Smoltz has pitched for the Atlanta Braves for 20 years both as a starter and in the bullpen. His career record is 210-147 with an ERA of 3.26 including the NL Cy Young in 1996. Make no mistake about the Sox are not signing the same pitcher won that that Cy Young, however I like this signing if it goes through.

The Sox have a history of managing their pitching staff very carefully, so finding a spot for Smoltz won't be a problem. By June or July giving Beckett or Lester (or any of the 5 starters) an extra day off or skipping them in the rotation can pay great dividends down the stretch run and into October. Smoltz is a warrior and a tremendous post season resume, nothing wrong with adding a guy like that to your roster.


Wednesday, January 7

Sox Close to Signing Baldelli...

Peter Gammons is reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing free agent outfield Rocco Baldelli. Tonight is the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner and Gammons thinks an announcement could come at the dinner where Rocco is being honored.

My initial thoughts are this guy can't run from here to there without getting tired, but a recent round of tests at Mass General Hospital yielded encouraging results for the Rhode Island grown talent.

Baldelli has missed 331 games the last 3 years due to mitochondria disorder, which makes him feel like he just ran the Boston Marathon after a simple workout. I have heard rumors that a new diagnosis/treatment has allowed Baldelli to make tremendous progress so perhaps he's on the road to playing as many games in a year as JD Drew.

Obviously I'm skeptical about this deal; with Drew pretty much penciled in for a DL stint and back stiffness the Sox will need a fourth outfielder who can be ready to play at a moments notice. I was hoping Theo would find a way to bring back Mark Kotsay, but he's rumored to be looking for a starting job somewhere else.

Baldelli played in 28 games for the Tampa Bay Don't Call them Devil Rays last season, batting .263 with 4 homeruns and an OBP of .344.

Suspicious Movements in Yankees Outfield

According to recent reports coming out of SI, the NYY may be looking to move corner outfielders. Specifically, they are looking for offers on Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady. The former is no surprise after the Teixeira signing. The latter became a fast fan-favorite in NY, but the Yankees may believe that last season's performance was a ceiling and are looking to sell high.

That would leave the Yankees with Damon, Matsui (no-trade clause), Cabrera, and Gardner for their outfield. Considering the health concerns of Damon and Matsui, the Yankees would much prefer them to at least begin the season in a DH/outfield platoon. As for Melky and Gardner, clearly the team thinks they can do better. Which begs the question that has lit up Yankees blogs this afternoon...

Are the Yankees making room for Manny? With each day that passes, it's more and more of a buyer's market on Manny, and if the Yankees are in fact interested in moving both Swisher and Nady (and not one or the other), then it would seem quite plausible that the Yankees are situating themselves to make the signing.

And come on, let's be honest, Sox fans, you've pretty much assumed for the last four or five months that this was how it would all end, didn't you?

Boras and the BoSox

Yesterday the New York Yankees finally introduced Mark Teixeira to the media yesterday and Scott Boras was at his side. From all accounts it seems that Teixeria was going to sign with the Yankees all along. Multiple reports site that Boras was stringing the Sox along in the final days while he finalized the details of the contract with the Yankees. The way everything went down it was certainly a surprise, but I'm left wondering if the relationship between Boras the the Red Sox has been fractured.

The Red Sox will do business with Scott Boras again, they have no choice, he just represents too many players. They can't afford to act like 6th grade girls and give Boras the silent treatment. Theo knows this, he's a lot smarter then me.
However this isn't the first time Boras and the Sox have butted heads in negotiations. Recall Johnny Damon bolted for New York and Boras never called the Sox with the opportunity to make a counter offer (not that they would have in my opinion). The Dice K deal almost never happened at all, and what was the name of that guy who wanted a new contract in the middle of the season, Manny? I firmly believe Boras' hands were all over that one.

Looking ahead, Boras also represents Jason Varitek. Curious that Tek is still unsigned with about 5 weeks until Spring Training, do the Sox want to bring him back? Personally I think Theo and Boras are about 2 years and 30 million dollars apart on a deal, and Theo isn't blinking. There is no market for Varitek and I still think he ends up back in Boston, Josh Bard is not your 2009 starting catcher.

With all that said, what is the relationship between Boras and the Sox? I think the Red Sox Brass trust him a lot less then they did before the Teixeira deal, how much the trusted him before is another matter. Certainly Boras was working the Yankees the entire time and used the Sox to get his client $180 million. The Red Sox Brass will never say so, but I think a cell phone or two was broken after this one.

I'm not an insider, but I would imagine the next time Theo and Boras are in a room together Theo is going to remember the Teixeira negotiations quite vividly.

ITM News and Notes

- The Giants have reportedly walked away from the Manny Ramirez table, too rich for their blood. Personally I would like Manny Ramirez to take the year off and go full time on the show "who's line is it anyway." Imagine a skit involving Manny giving commentary on baseball game from the view point of a pigeon, just Manny being Manny.

- Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, Bobby Abreu and plenty of other good players looking for big deals are still on the market, there might be something to this recession thing.

- Peter Gammons presents the Hot Stove Cool Music this Saturday in Boston. During the day Gammons, Theo Epstein and many others will have a round table discussion on baseball at Fenway Park. Later that night at the Paradise Rock Club Gammons and many others will rock out for charity. Visit http://hotstovecoolmusic.org/ for more details.

Tuesday, January 6

Rays Sign Burrell, Continue to Quietly Improve

The Tampa Bay Rays may not be getting the same amount of ink that the Red Sox and Yankees are, but they are quietly getting better and filling their holes this off season. Yesterday, the Rays signed outfielder Pat Burrell from the Phillies. The deal is worth 16 million over 2 years, fitting right into the Rays payroll limitations and could be considered a discount over the current market rate of outfielders with power.

Burrell played mostly left field for the Phillies in their championship run last year, but figures to be the Rays full time DH in 2009. Burrell hit .250 with 33 homers, 33 doubles, 86 RBIs and 102 walks in 157 games in 2008. The increased pop will surely deepen an already explosive Rays lineup, although it remains to be seen how well Burrell hits against tough AL East pitching. Regardless of your thoughts on Burrell, the Rays are undoubtedly (on paper) an improved team after reaching the World Series last year.....



Projected Rays 2009 lineup:
1. A. Iwamura
2. B.J. Upton
3. C. Crawford
4. E. Longoria
5. C. Pena
6. P. Burrell
7. M. Joyce
8. D. Navarro
9. J. Bartlett


...I was hoping they would end up with a declining Jason Giambi....but it appears he'll be headed to Oakland.......The AL East will without a doubt be the best division in baseball (as usual), and incredibly fun to watch.....


.....a little less than a month until pitchers and catchers report......

Thursday, January 1

ITM's 2009 Wish List


While most of red sox nation is trying to figure out how many beverages they consumed last night, ITM put together a quick wish list for some of the Red Sox members in 2009. While most of the list is merely wishful thinking, we expect all of you to read this, knock on some wood, take your hulk hogan vitamins, and pray that 25% of them come true.....


Josh Beckett: Get healthy, get in shape, revert back to the JB of 2007 and in a word: Dominate.


Jon Lester: Prove to the world that you're here to stay and establish yourself as one of the best lefties in the game. You'll see amazing money as a result.


Dice-K: Don't throw out your arm by tossing 30 innings in 4 games for Japan during the WBC. I'm impressed with the pride, but let's think long term here. I would be happy with a repeat of the 2008 season (minus about 100 walks).


Tim Wakefield: Continue to eat innings, stay healthy, and use Just For Men.


Brad Penny: Lose the beer gut and get back to your 2006/2007 form. Be a solid number 4 starter and reach those contract incentives.


Manny Delcarmen: Turn your flashes of brilliance into consistent play. Make Hyde Park proud.


Pap: You're a father now, don't go soft.....I expect more stupid quotes, strikeouts and dancing.


Tek: Turn back time....for a lot of reasons.....and teach the hell out of a young catcher who is yet to be acquired.

Ortiz: Less jewelry, more taters....and maybe a few new handshake routines with Pedroia.


Youk: Keep improving....Mark Teixeira is your new best friend (for the money you'll get) and your worst enemy (as a Yankee and fellow all-star first basemen).


Pedroia: Keep yelling ridiculous things at anyone and everyone (including Jerry Remy). Move into the team captain role as Tek continues to lose it. Is wishing for back to back MVP awards from someone who is 4'7" completely ridiculous?


Lowrie: Keep Lugo off the field by any means necessary: play flawless defense and hit over .200 (well, if we're wishing, hit over .300, but .200 and good defense will keep Lugo off the field)


Lugo: Be happy that you're ridiculously overpaid.


Lowell: Get healthy and show us all why we should have been happy keeping you all along. (hit .285 with 25 home runs and 100 rbi)


Jason Bay: Keep doing what you're doing and sign a long term deal to stay in Boston. Put up .300, 30 and 110 to keep this offense moving....and the pressure off of Theo to sign another bat.....and strike out less for god's sake.


Jacoby: No pressure...just make the appropriate adjustments and return to the Jacoby we saw in the 2007 playoffs....no pressure.


JD: Stay healthy so we don't have to use our non existent 4th outfielder too much. Become a back to back threat with Bay....and develop a personality so Pedroia can make fun of you more.


Theo: You're smarter than all of us, we trust you. Don't give us a reason to question that.



All that said, here's to a good 2009....one that is sure to keep ITM busy.
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