Help Needed....Ft. Myers or Bust?

The ITM staff members have been spending the holidays eating and drinking way too much, arguing with family members over Boston's off season moves, and conjuring up dates and times that a bunch of us grown adults can go sledding like the good ol' days.

While the holidays are often a time for rest and relaxation, the three of us will be meeting in a few days to discuss a very serious topic...... Are we going to Ft. Myers in March to continue our obsession with Heidi Watney....I mean, the Red Sox?....

Prior to the John Lackey trade, we had blown up the idea of sinking a fair amount of money for a trip to the land of old people....but when we solidified the best pitching rotation in the big leagues (as currently constituted), some interest has returned. Granted, even if we purchase tickets, we reserve the right to be irrationally pissed off about any future off season move and cancel the entire trip out of spite.

This is where we need your help. Should we collectively man up and go to Ft Myers to spend some time (and money) in the sun watching a Red Sox team that we're not entirely sold on, and sink beers with the thousands of old time Irishmen transplanted from Boston? Or should we boycott Spring Training as a result of our general dislike of the Red Sox moves and decide to be fiscally responsible for once in our lives? Vote on the poll above to help us out.

Happy Holidays.... Go Sox

Merloni: Lowell's Cupcake Surgery No Issue

("Thanks, Beautiful")

Is it just me, or is Lou Merloni's mug everywhere these days? From WEEI radio and blogging, to the Baseball Show on Saturdays, to Comcast Sportsnet, you can't go to bathroom in Boston without seeing or hearing from Framingham Lou.

Now, Lou is dropping knowledge as doctor Merloni. On Comcast Sportsnet last night, he was explaining the cup cake of a surgery Lowell is likely to have next week on his thumb. According to Lou, (who has had the same exact surgery), the problem is on the outside of his thumb and Lowell will be back to 100percent in 4 weeks.

Anyway Lou could put that in writing and sing off on the guarantee for Texas???


Either way, it's good news for everyone. Including those who want Lowell out of Boston in 2010. If the Sox expect to have any chance of dealing the third basemen for more than a bag of baseballs, he's going to have to show up to spring training completely healthy, in shape, and absolutely rake for the entire month of March.


Let's face it, the Sox have made no secret about their desire to deal Lowell, they've been making failed attempts to do so since Nam'. Luckily, Mike Lowell is the epitome of class and continues to sacrifice life and limb (literally) for the Sox.

(ITM sidenote, the man does gets paid a ridiculous salary of 12 million a year....pay me that and I'll do anything you ask me to...seriously, anything).

Unfortunately for everyone involved, there is unlikely to be an easy solution and/or deal for Lowell prior to the Ft Myers truck day....even if Lou Merloni says this injury is no worse than stubbing your little toe.

In my mind, the damage is done, there is no chance Lowell comes back to play for the Red Sox....at least in years past they tried to deal him in order to get superstar players in return (Todd Helton and Teixeira)...but now they're looking to dump him for a catcher who can hit but can't catch (...just like Lowell's situation at third), and pay the Rangers 9 million dollars for taking him. Did Mike Lowell kick someone in management's dog or something?

Between his bad luck at staying healthy and Boston's constant desire to move him, Mike Lowell has every right to be pissed....but he won't show it on the field. And he won't show it in a Boston uniform in 2010.

Good Timing, Jacoby

The trade rumors have been swirling for days....scuffles have broken out between best friends (including ITM writers) over whether or not to move Jacoby Ellsbury in a trade for Adrian Gonzalez.... as the days are going by, we're starting to question Jacoby's ultimate ceiling, his arm, and his ability to get on base as a leadoff hitter....

...and then he goes out and gets voted major league baseball's defensive player of the year (according to a vote put together by MLB.com). While I'd never say Jacoby isn't a great defensive player, I tend to think Red Sox Nation must have been out in full force in regards to the award. Jacoby committed just two errors in 2009, the first of his career. He has safely put away his other 772 chances in the big leagues for a fielding percentage of .997. Ells makes an amazing catch every other week and covers the gaps well with his speed....especially since, more often than not, JD Drew is pulling up with a twinge in his hammy as he runs to right center to field a gapper.

That said, Jacoby's arm continues to remind me of Johnny Damon's...although he has a slightly less girly motion to it, the ball itself doesn't travel any faster. Roger Dorn could score from first on a grounder up the middle.

So Jacoby goes out there and gets himself some more ink....maybe this is enough for Jed Hoyer to pull the trigger on a deal that only includes Jacoby and others instead of both he and Buchholz for Adrian....

...in all reality this award means absolutely nothing, and won't have any influence on ultimate decision making, but it's nice to think about....


PS: Somehow, when I clicked on the link and I almost expected to see Derek Jeter's name as the defensive player of the year. That's how brainwashed I believe this country is about that guy. Dumb.

Friday Evening Ramble

For as much bitching and moaning I did all week about Boston's moves (or lack there of) throughout the Winter Meetings, I woke up this morning with a void in my daily activity. There was no ESPN Boston real time blog to follow, no obsessive and witty banter back and forth with my buddies about the latest rumor. Heck, even the Boof Bonser jokes are already dying out.

My frustrations with this time will likely continue, however, without the Winter Meetings, I have less of a sounding board.


The Winter Meetings are over.....and for many, it really doesn't matter...but for me, I'd much rather hear about trade rumors and Adrian Beltre's home/away splits after his "interesting" 2004 season than the alternative. Tiger is a scum bag who cheated on his supermodel wife with diner waitress in Alabama and 78 other women...I get it.....I just can't wait to get back to baseball.

One must believe the Sox will stay active through the holidays, but they have a long way to go in order to get me on a plane bound for Ft Myers in March.

Also, is it a coincidence that the Winter Meetings end and the temperature suddenly goes down to 7 degrees? Someone doesn't like me up there..... At least it's Friday.

Go Sox.

Day Two....I'm Inching Closer to Insanity

Theo is trying to get me to jump out of my window at work, I'm sure of it.

The "little progress" statement he made tonight does little to calm my nerves....All while the Yanks continue to make moves and get better.

It's day two, and we all know it's a long off season, however, being a member of Red Sox Nation allows me to overreact. The members of the ITM staff have already begun trying to convince ourselves that simply signing J-Bay may be enough to keep us thoroughly in the mix and a World Series contender in 2010.

The problem is, J-Bay may very well be playing on the West coast in 5 months, and this team needs more than its returning squad + Scutaro in order to contend with the Yanks (which for all intents and purposes, for 2010, that's all that matters).

Apparently, ITM'ers need to take a note from Tito...who somehow, has learned to take all the questions and stress of an off season in Boston lightly:

"I'm sure when we head down to Fort Myers we'll have a left fielder. We always do. They're really good about that."

Oh Tito, you're getting good at this....but that doesn't help me any....

The good news? According to Jerry Crasnick: The Darren Oliver market is starting to pick up. Among the interested teams: Boston, Tampa Bay, Texas, the Mets and his old club, the Angels.

Awesome, just awesome....gotta love the idea of 48 year-old Darren Oliver returning to Boston to lead us to the promise land.

So sleep tight, continue to search the websites for countless rumors,and hope Theo has a better end to the week than beginning.

I'll be the guy who can't sit still in the office tomorrow....I'm not freaking out yet, I swear.

11:15pm Update: Yes I'm still checking for trade rumors while I should be doing grad school work...or sleeping...so what? Anyways, the real kicker in all this mess is how relaxed J-Bay is....ITM just learned he's currently vacationing in Hawaii with not a worry in the world. Must be nice. Meanwhile I'll be in Boston's financial district talking to anyone who will listen to me about BS trade rumors.

It's the Most Wonderful Time Of the Year

Just hours are left on the MLB trade deadline clock, it's Friday, it's summer....today is a tough day to be productive. It's also one of the best days of the year in my book. Personally, I can't get enough of the trade rumors, expected deals, made up stories, and frank talk that goes on today. It's a baseball fan's second coming of Christmas and I love it.

We all know the names by now, Adrian, Halladay, or Victor.....in just a few hours from now we could all be giggling like school girls if we land one of the studs just mentioned....or screaming in anger that we sold off the farm....or convincing ourselves that making no move was the best move and this team is capable of winning it all as is. I love it.

I'm going to throw it out there and predict we end up with Adrian...a 27 year old stud who has caught fire over the past week or two before the deadline (and possibly driving his price tag up). He knows he needs to get out of the NL and San Diego in order to be taken seriously as a ball player, so what better place than Boston? If the Sox lineup hadn't fallen off the face of the earth over the past month and a half, I'd likely predict otherwise.

I'm not saying that would be my choice (Halladay), but that is what my gut is telling me this morning. So hold your breath....refresh your "go to" sporting news Web site every 7 seconds, and hope Theo provides Red Sox Nation with something to be excited about going into the weekend, and down the home stretch.

In Theo we trust. Go Sox.

Let's Try Not to Hit the Panic Button....Yet

I'm not in panic mode yet, not with the talent and capabilities I know this Red Sox team holds. I am however, a little nervous that the recent run of inconsistent and frustrating play will force the Sox into a panic move come tomorrow at 4pm.

I trust Theo and all, but I continue to feel that this team is of championship caliber as currently constituted. The problem has been the timing of their struggles. The Yankees and Rays went through their problems at the beg ginning of the year while, unfortunately for RSN, the Sox are struggling at the trade deadline. Quality starts from the rotation alongside offensive production has been seemingly impossible to line up.

Clearly this team is better than the level they've produced of late, on all fronts. As with any team, holes and weaknesses remain, but sacrificing the farm for someone other than Halladay may be a stretch. If you look at career numbers, most on the Sox are below their norms, suggesting that, if you believe in the value of historical numbers, an improvement can be expected.

I'll default to that saying of, at the end of the year, the players numbers will be there. I'm just praying this year isn't an anomaly.


Go Sox

(and I bet you thought I'd have a panic-written post this morning.....Nope.......check back this afternoon if they lose though)

Hot Stove

Height of the midseason hot stove and I've been woefully absent from ITM. Then I just woke up this morning sweating baseball. There's just so damn much going on right now.

---Gotta start with the Sox big move of the week. Adam LaRoche. (For a good snapshot of how crazy eccentric baseball used to be, before the corporate/statistical complex took over, check out the wikipedia entry on LaRoche's dad, Dave.) I've been mulling this one over for a couple days now, and I have to say, I don't like it. Maybe I'll eat those words in a few months, but for the time being, I just can't help it. He's a talent, no doubt, but my general impression over his career has been this: he's the infield JD Drew. Pretty swing, lots of potential, lack of passion, ill suited to the spotlight. I could be wrong, but that's what I've gleamed following him vaguely from afar. I know I know about all this 'he lights it up in the second half' stuff, but that implies, if anything, that he hits a stride after a good deal of at-bats. At-bats that he's not going to get playing spot infield. If he's a late bloomer, then he might not bloom at all platooning. And defensively, the Sox are now less diverse. For the next month, the Sox have, essentially, two backups in the infield and one in the outfield. That outfielder? Rocco Baldelli. All that stands between the Sox and a minor league starter is JD Drew and Rocco Baldelli. Read again. Kotsay, while not a great outfielder, could do the job when needed. LaRoche will not. The rest of the comparisons between them don't do much to distinguish, in my opinion. I just don't like the move. Smells of desperation to me. But please, tell me I'm wrong.

---Sounds like Victor Martinez talks are heating up. Sox have reportedly drawn a hard line on Buchholz. But they're listening as the Indians propose various packages comprised of some combination of Bard, Tazawa, Bowden, and Casey Kelley. Here's my fear: the Yankees want Cliff Lee bad. Local reporters here in NYC have written about it everyday this week. Word is Yankees balked at the price, which was going to involve at least one of their two (already big league contributing) studs, Phil Hughes or Joba, plus their top minor league arms. The Indians want pitching. They're hanging onto Cliff Lee because he's an ace and he's cheap. But, if they could fleece the Sox for three top pitching prospects, it seems entirely possible that the Indians would start listening to Yankees trades that involved position player prospects, assets that the Yankees are less reluctant to give up. That is to say, if the Sox give into the Indians demands on Victor Martinez, it's entirely possible that makes Cliff Lee to the Yankees much, much more likely to happen. I really don't want to see that.

---The Sox have also inquired after Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres. (Caveat - since LaRoche, you'd have to think this or the Victor Martinez move are far less likely, but it doesn't sound, from the chatter, like the Sox are easing up at all. This 2-5 skid has put a good scare in them.) Frankly, I liked this move better. Gonzalez seems to me to fit the Sox mold better. His average is down this year, but his OBP and SLG are up. And he's three years younger than Martinez. And reportedly, the Padres weren't just looking for pitching. They would have taken fewer arms in exchange for Lars Anderson's inclusion. I may be the only one in Boston, but honestly, I could care less if Anderson got away in a solid trade. Too bad the Indians aren't interested there.

---My favorite Sox rumor of the week: For a brief, glimmering moment, there was word that the Sox might be after Marco Scutaro. Oh what might have been. The Venezuelan Kevin Youkilis. And what a name.

---Sounds like Halladay is headed to the Phillies, possibly today. The big question is just whether the Phillies are going to let Kyle Drabek go. My guess is they do, despite their claims that he was 'untouchable', but reports today suggest the deal might get done with only J.A. Happ (righty) plus a top position prospect. I have to say, if this deal happens, the Phillies are going to be a scary force in the playoffs.

---I have absolutely nothing to say about Matt Holliday to the Cardinals, except to point out I really think we should all just agree that the guy is just another Colorado bust, and that D Vicino loved him. Loved him. Wanted him for the Sox bad. Sorry, I just had to point that out.

---Preemptive response to D Vicino's opposition: Yes, I know I picked the Oakland A's to win the AL West. I know, all right. But at least I let myself get seduced by the promise of youth rather than just altitude and thin air. Chump.

More from ITM as the weekend goes on. The MLB and even the AL East could look an awful lot different in the cold unforgiving light of Sunday morning.

More Hot Stove

I think we should label this week something along the lines of, "A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned" or "Penny Lane" or "A Penny for your thoughts." There are just too many good options out there, and I can't be bothered deciding on one or making a rational argument as to its significance. I just know Brad Penny is the topic.

So, just a quick update on his value: it's going up.

Penny had his best outing of the season on Thursday night, throwing a gutsy 6 innings (117 pitches) without giving up an earned run to the Yankees. Then there was the Girardi brouhaha, where Penny reminded everyone he was a hard-nosed veteran with a competitive / mean streak (not always the best clubhouse guy, but possibly one you might want in a division dogfight down the stretch).

Then all that got followed up by a slew of injuries and changes of fortune that suddenly have Penny looking like one of the best veteran arms on the market. As John Heyman reported in today's SI, that market severely dried over the weekend, no doubt to the Sox' delight.

First there's Jake Peavey, who the Padres were shopping hard (a deal was a last-minute veto from getting done with CWS, remember), and who is now down for 8-12 weeks with an ankle injury. There's also Erik Bedard, reportedly the Phillies favorite addition, who was scratched from his weekend start due to "stiffness." The caution flags are suddenly raised around him. Heyman reports that Roy Oswalt, who looked like bigtime potential trade bait two weeks ago, is now "all but certain to stay in Houston." Even the last place Indians are finding their division so weak and their ace's stuff so nasty (see no-hit bid this weekend) and reasonably priced, that it would take something huge to pry away Cliff Lee at this point.

All that means that at the end of the week, it might very well be that the Sox are gonna look around the table to see that they're the only ones holding chips and cards. Is it possible that Theo, Clay, Smoltz, Penny, and the fans all somehow come out of this next two week stretch winners?

Check back into ITM.

Report: Wilson Trade Not Likely

According to a recent article out of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzate, the potential trade between the Red Sox and the Pirates for their gold-glove caliber short stop Jack Wilson appears all but dead. For the last few weeks Theo has been shopping around a similar strategy as he took in 2004 where he keyed in on the team's defensive liabilities.

Somehow, Jack Wilson is considered the Pirates prize possession and "franchise player". Apparently, that means they expect some of Boston's best young arms back in return....which I imagine Theo met with a "are you kidding?"....that's just not going to happen. Good for Theo for not making an irrational short term move.

After surprising us all on Saturday with a 4 for 5 day at the plate, Lugo reminded quickly reminded us why we hate him yesterday with another throwing error.....what seems like his 76th of the season at this point. Jed Lowrie is slated to take live batting practice in Lowell today in preparation for an upcoming rehab start this week.

We should consider any offensive output out of the short stop position a plus at this point. Clearly this lineup can hit, so hopefully Lowrie can focus on solidifying the defense up the middle of the field.

Who is this Jack Wilson guy Anyway?

It was the best of times (Saturday) and the worst of times (Sunday) for the Red Sox this weekend, we'll keep it at that. Off the diamond, rumors continue to swirl and heat up in regards to who will be playing short stop for the Red Sox after the trade deadline. One thing is for sure, it will not be Julio Lugo. The Sox have been window shopping for weeks now, but more phone calls are being made each day at this point. One short stop of particular interest is Pittsburgh's Jack Wilson.

Being in Pittsburgh, no one knows a thing about this guy, so ITM figured it would be good to pull a little information on the 31 year old.....who inevitably will suck if Theo acquires him to play short in Boston.....it may be the only thing/position Theo has really struggled with since becoming a god in New England.

Current Stats:
.273 average, 1 hr, 19 rbi, .299 OBP - 5 errors committed

Scouting Report

Assets:
Has an excellent glove at short, complete with soft hands, range and an accurate arm. Hits to all fields and is good at setting the table. Everything Julio Lugo can't do at this point.

Flaws:
Doesn't always hit for a high average or take advantage of his running ability on the base-paths. Isn't great at taking bases on balls regularly (Theo/his staff can change that)

Future Potential:
An average everyday shortstop, solid in most areas without the flash or power of others in his position.

To me, he's what Jed Lowrie likely will be when he gets back from his wrist injury. Perhaps his production numbers increase slightly in a better lineup, but he will also be facing better pitching on a consistent basis in the AL East vs the NL Central. Sure he is slated to make almost 2 million less than Lugo, but I don't see a measured improvement over a healthy Jed Lowrie here.

Parting with a young arm or anyone besides Lugo for Wilson would be a tough pill to swallow. He's a solid ballplayer in a small market, there is nothing wrong with that, I just don't see the true value add of acquiring him at this point.

Bring on the Yanks.

Might the Sox get some Brotherly Love?

Word is that the Phillies are lighting up the switchboards and looking to make a move to shore up their rotation. Brett Myers, the Phillies 28 year old righty, was placed on the 15 day DL this weekend, but is expected to be out something along the lines of 4 to 5 months. The Phillies, with their stacked lineup, know that the principal obstacle to a repeat is their starting pitching, and they're not happy just to plug up the holes with a AAA prospect. They're on the market.



Their reported wish-list, depending on availability and price, is Peavey, Oswalt, Lee, and Bedard, with Peavey likely their number one choice, though it's unknown (he has that no-trade clause, as Chicago will tell you) how he'd feel about a trade to Philadelphia. If they can't get one of those four, they reportedly will focus their efforts on getting an experienced righty to play foil to Hammels.




When you mention sub-elite, high-performing, experienced righties, one name in particular springs to mind: Brad Penny. Despite not really looking all that great, the man is in the top 10 in the AL in wins and winning percentage (the mark of a crafty veteran, the ability to do just enough?) with a 5-1 record. He's been one of the steadier presences for the Sox, and of late has looked particularly effective and comfortable on the mound. But with Smoltz going 7 in AAA and Buchholz pushing perfect games into the 9th, he also looks expendible (knock on wood), as we all know.



The Phillies have some prospects that might interest the Sox, too. Namely 23 year old catching prospect Lou Marson, who projects as an everyday catcher in the big leagues and is an OBP-centric hitter, just the Sox style. The name might sound somewhat familiar because when Buchholz's stock was low this past offseason, there was some talk of a Sox-Phillies trade with those two at the center of some package. Marson's 2009 numbers are down a bit following his 2008 demolition of the Eastern League, but by all accounts, he's got a lot of talent and would fit nicely into the Sox system.



Best guess is that the Phillies make a move for Bedard. They're squawking about his attitude, but likely that's just a negotiating ploy. Bedard has come on strong of late, and no one is denying his stuff. Maybe Peavy is the top of the list, but I'll bet they think Bedard is their most realistic bet.



Here's hoping, though, that realism sinks the Phillies a bit further, and maybe, just maybe, the Sox find that perfect match, that NL hitter-heavy organization in need of a righty. It could be in the stars.