Theo Epstein - 2012

"Theo Epstein 2012" with that kind of interview right? 

While I tend to agree that the bullpen will be ok in the long run, lately, it's tough to be a believer.  That said, Theo shows his stuff here, just calming things down and building optimism.  It's a marathon, not a sprint, and it's just Theo being Theo.

ITM Note:  Theo absolutely needs to put this kind of spin and political tone on his discussion of the bullpen, it's primarily his self-constructed baby and looks shaky at best.  Surely it's the most volatile and interchangeable aspect of the team, but it's also something that, coming into this season, Theo painted as a pillar of strength based on his off season moves.

Signing Studs and Bashing Cashman, Theo Can Do No Wrong

 

It's just Theo being Theo.  Dominating the Winter Meetings while making fun of Brian Cashman (who currently has crap in his pants) while yucking it up with Millar.

You can see it in his face, he's on fire, and probably half in the bag from sinking two bottles of champagne in his hotel suite.

Quote of the winter meetings:  "[Bleeping] Theo," one GM said of Boston general manager Theo Epstein. "What a brilliant move."

I can't say I'm as on board with the current offer to Russell Martin (a more expensive Salty....with similar unknowns and concerns?).  Regardless, Theo dominates!

Also, random fact of the day:  The last time Carl Crawford was thrown out by the Red Sox when attempting to steal? 2004. That's right, 2004.  Tail is wagging.

Let the Average Joe GMing Begin

You can blame injuries, the bullpen consistently throwing up all over their own feet, and/or Beckett and Lackey not living up to their huge contracts......choose one, or all of the above, either way, the 2010 Red Sox season is over.

As a result, we've officially transitioned. Summer has turned into fall. Football is in full swing....and sure, the Patriots looked surprisingly good in the 2nd half last night, but this remains a baseball town.....and the off season Average Joe GMing has become a true art form of the winter months.

From signing Prince Fielder to overpaying for Carl Crawford in order to have two 50+ base stealers in the lineup to resigning Rocco Baldelli..... the off season rumors/arguments/irrational thought process is both a lot of fun, and borderline insanity.

Just yesterday Joe Murph and I spent a solid 20 minutes debating if Crawford would be more productive batting lea doff or in the two hole here in Boston. It's a fun game, vicariously playing with someone else's money......and it's started already.

Theo himself said it just the other day, there could be larger than normal changes to our beloved Red Sox by the time ITM is sinking beers down in Ft Myers in March.

So while we continue to come up with witty nicknames and phrases for Patrick Chung ("You've been Chunged", "big trouble in little China", etc), Bostonians will also be spending Theo's money all off season.

I gotta think Theo will be shooting five hour energy drinks for the next 5 months or so.....things should get real interesting, real soon.

Theo on the Cape, Scouting Anthony Ranaudo

This is an absolute "get me over fastball" type post as I get ready for another business trip across the pond. I've been tied up with moving and traveling of late, hence the lack of posts. However, I was told yesterday that our friend T Murph will be coming off the bench over the next few days to pinch hit while I'm gone...we'll see how that goes. Current odds are 2 to 1 that I come home to a lawsuit.

Anyways, I got this picture from my cousin who was celebrating the 4th of July at a Bourne Braves Cape Cod League baseball game. Our good friend Theo was on the Cape celebrating America's birthday by scouting one of his top draft picks - RHP Anthony Ranaudo.

Now that's a dedicated owner. If I was Theo I would have been on a yacht somewhere lighting off fireworks, but I guess that's why he's the GM and I'm not.

Aside from having an awesome name, Ranaudo has a bright career ahead of him. He stands at 6-7 and weighs 230 pounds. The right hander throws in the mid 90's and has dominated thus far in the Cape League. Remember that name folks, you're likely to hear more of it over the next few years.

Kid is a stud.

For more info on Ranaudo and his night in Bourne with Theo watching, check out the full count blog over at WEEI.

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

Sure, you probably have a case of the Mondays right now.... but one of the most exciting weeks of the baseball offseason is upon us. The Winter Meetings.

General Managers, their crew of nerd analysts, and super agents all converge on a Marriott in Indy to truly get the off season moving. Why they chose Indy in December as a location is beyond me (outside of its central geographic location). Anyways, the Winter Meetings are like the Comic-Con Festival for normal people, an exciting four days of trade rumors, contract talks, and straight up lying. I love it all.

Inevitably, the majority of the talk we hear of is just that, talk. That said, it would still surprise me if the Sox don't, at the very least, make a few additions to their roster this week. The new-found but expected holes in the bullpen provide Theo with some low level deals to pursue. The general consensus is that those holes could be filled quickly given the thin market for bullpen help.

We don't have to go into all of Boston's needs, that wouldn't be considered good for our collective health on a Monday morning. However, the Sox have started out active this offseason, whether you like it or not, and have provided us with every indication they'll remain so this week. Keep your fingers crossed that we address so of our organizational needs appropriately.

So be ready, put your mouse on the refresh button, freak out over every trade rumor which was likely completely made up by either an agent, or the guy in the cube next to you, and hope Theo provides us with an early Christmas present.....or at least a news story to get our minds off of the Patriots. Awful.


Go Sox.

By Far the Worst News of My Day....

According to Boston.com...

Marco Scutaro, a free-agent shortstop who could potentially fill Boston's void at the position next season, worked out for the Red Sox earlier this week, sources told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Scutaro worked out for Allard Baird this week near Scutaro's home in Florida, according to the report. Baird is an assistant to Sox GM Theo Epstein. The workout was reportedly held to help alleviate concerns the Red Sox had over a heel injury that sidelined Scutaro for the final two weeks of 2009.


According to another report, Scutaro told Augusto Cardenas, a reporter for the Venezualan newspaper Diario Panorama, that the Red Sox have asked for Scutaro's medical records.
"The people of Boston called again and asked for my medical report, and [we] are working on it," Scutaro told Diario Panorama. "I have to go to a doctor to confirm that I am OK about the injury I had at the end of the season."


Scutaro hit .284 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs for the Blue Jays last season. He was offered salary arbitration by the Blue Jays this week, meaning Toronto will receive draft picks if another team signs the shortstop.


The Sox, of course, are in need of a shortstop following the departure of Alex Gonzalez. While Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has said he'd be open to switching positions, allowing the Sox flexibility to go after either a shortstop or a second baseman this offseason, Pedroia's position switch is likely not the team's first option."



And down goes Theo!...let's face it, the man can draft players, but when it comes to staffing a shortstop, you might as well have the bearded guy from The Hangover running the team. Talk about being over leveraged. on a 19 year old Cuban ballplayer who has yet to play single A ball. Terrible.

Before you go to bed tonight, say a prayer that this isn't true....because awesome name or not, we'll be overpaying for a class A free agent past his prime and career .265 hitter. But I'm sure Theo will be quick to tell us his OBP was 3rd among AL shortstops last year on cloudy days with an above average temperature against AL West opponents. Yes, you read that right.

12/4 Update: I was hoping I would wake up this morning and it would all have been a bad dream. At last it isn't....it's true, Theo pulled the trigger and now I've been spending my morning thinking of an annoying nickname I can call him from the bleachers. I hope to Christ he proves me, and every other angry Bostonian I've talked to today, tremendously wrong.

Big Papi the GM?

David Ortiz is in fairytale land and playing GM again. The just turned 34 year old spoke out yesterday, providing the media with his thoughts on Boston's off season needs:

“Everybody was looking at me like I was a clown,’’ Ortiz said yesterday at Fenway Park, dropping an expletive to make his point. “I said we needed another 30-home run hitter. Everybody was talking trash. There you go. Now what?’’.....

“You want to compete with those guys across the street? You better bring it. Period,’’ Ortiz said, referencing the Yankees. “We always need help. We need guys capable to produce. Not only us, everybody. That’s what everybody chases in the off season, guys that can come in and provide power, RBIs....

“This is a team that plays in the [American League] East division. Everything is powerful right here. You saw the world champions in the East. You have Tampa Bay in the East. You have the Blue Jays getting stronger every year in the East. You have Baltimore that you don’t know if they’re going to come and kick your [butt] all year along in the East.

“This division is hard to play. You need to get stronger.’’

And finally, in regards to landing either Adrian Gonzalez or King Felix...

“If I can get both of them, I bring them in,’’ he said. “Problem solved.’’

So there you go, it's that easy. Apparently, Ortiz has all the answers, I'm sure Theo is taking notes as he reads this. Seriously, do you think Theo reads stuff like this and shakes his head with a chuckle? Or does he sink whisky, fire a junior analyst, rehire him, and then break his glass by throwing it against the wall? I'm going with the latter.

Is it time for Spring Training yet?

and PS: it's been confirmed that Theo hates Jed Lowrie....hates.

Buster Onley: Sox may stay quiet

The Busta Bust is grabbing the torch from Peter Gammons and running with it. Not that I equate the two, but this guy is waiting in the wings, ready to pounce on the title of "the god of baseball knowledge". Olney makes a few quality points here, and even goes so far as to suggest the Sox will stay quiet this off season in preparation to land some big time names next off season when the free agent market is better (think Mauer) and the economy has recovered (God willing). I'm not entirely sold on the economic significance within this theory, but there is growing talk that the Sox will take a similar road as last off season and look for low risk, high reward type players.

Names like Erik Bedard and Justin Duchscherer are currently being tossed around.

Call me crazy, but this theory doesn't seem to match up wtih Theo's recent comments in Chicago while at the GM meetings. He's not saying anything definitive, but indicated the desire to push the payroll envelope this off season if it makes sense. We know the money is there, bad economy or not, go out and get it done Theo. While you're at it, keep taking a little out of the ol' pay check for Mauer in 2011.

Pap in a Nutshell

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein looked to put an end to the Papelbon brouhaha earlier today. There's not much to this story, but you gotta appreciate it anyway.

According to WEEI, Theo brought Pap in for a long chat regarding his comments on newly-acquired reliever Billy Wagner. Pap, as well all knew, was generally dismissive of the man, comparing him to Eric Gagne and vocalizing some concerns as to bullpen chemistry.

After the chat, Theo put the word out the Wagner-Papelbon enmity is a non-story, and summed up the Papelbon summit this way: "I think Pap feels he was misunderstood. He's not a Rhodes Scholar to begin with. When I talked to him directly about it he couldn't have been more excited."

There's Pap in a nutshell. Not a Rhodes Scholar. Wicked excited. All is well in the bullpen. Gotta love him.

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.

What to do about Buchholz....

Clay Buchholz has done everything right this spring. He's been lights out on the mound to the tune of a 0.45 era, he's worked hard both mentally and physically to get past the nightmare that was last season, and he's played well with the media, answering each question with Patriot-like responses focused on the greater good. So the queation becomes, what do you do with the 24 year old?

Buchholz (outside of my boy Daniel Bard), has been the most impressive arm for the Sox this spring. He's put in the time at the gym and on a shrink's couch to prepare himself for a successul run at the big leagues. But simply put, the red sox, right now, don't need him in Boston. With Brad Penny most likely in the 5 hole and Smoltz showing signs he'llbe back sooner than later, Buchholz, through no fault of his own, appears to be the odd man out. Which immediatley brings up the topic of value. Save for just after he tossed a no hitter, Clay's value has never been higher, and some in Red Sox Nation think it's time to maximize that value via a trade for a young catcher or perhaps even more.

If I'm Theo, (which would be awesome) I surely explore theopportunity, but the old saying still holds true...you can never have enough pitching. So unless they can somehow land Hanley (with additional specs obviously), Buchholz should spend a significant amount of time in Pawtucket (which is beautiful this time of year), continue to build his physical and mental confidence, and look forward to a bright future pitching at Fenway...which could be sooner than later based on injuries and needs. Buchholz needs to build consistency and efficiency on the mound, something that shouldn't be tested underthe Fenway lights until we're absolutley sure he's ready.

All that said, I want to hear other opinions on this topic, anyone believe we should deal him at a high value for someone like Salty orTeagarden? Do we have enough studly arms on the way up through the farm system that we can afford the risk of moving him? Let's all playTheo for a few minutes....

PS: I just typed this up on my blackberry as I'm currently stuck on a plane facing delays while trying to get to Buenos Aires...that's dedication right there!

Trick Question, Theo is God....

With not much going on within Red Sox Nation, here are some of the better tidbits from Theo's candid conversation on WEEI's Dale and Holley show earlier today:

On the Yanks signing Teixeira:
"We're not building this organization through free agency. I don't think that's an intelligent way to build an organization. We're building it through drafting players, signing players internationally, developing a homegrown core from within, and complementing it with trades and free agents. So I always assume if the Yankees want a player, they're going to get him, so that's why it can't necessarily be a part of our business model to assume we're going to land the big-ticket free agent. With respect to this particular negotiation, I don't think we were swimming upstream because he could always go back to the Yankees again [in the end]. I don't necessarily feel that way, I know it can be interpreted that way."

In a paragraph, Theo articulately details why the Sox have enjoyed recent success, and the Yanks haven't.....but Theo's not trying to tell Hank/Cashman how to do their job or anything...


On the off season signings of Dusty and Youk:
"With Pedroia and Youkilis, we knew that they were among the players that we wanted to sit down and have multi-year conversations with. And, you know, they were really reasonable. And so we were able to work something out. I hope we will look back and say that was an important part of our offseason, being able to lock Pedroia up for the length of time that we did, six years and an option, and then Youkilis for four years and an option. We get these guys through their prime years, get the club option . . . they get a lifetime's worth of security, we get cost-control, affordability, and the knowledge that we'll keep a good part of our offensive and defensive core intact. So it's a win-win there for all sides."

Pretty much saying these guys are real Sox players...putting winning above money. Manny, not so much.

On Youk's ability to be a clean-up hitter:
"Oh, yeah. And it's not my responsibility. I think Tito [manager Terry Francona] is open to hitting him all over the lineup. When people say that Youkilis isn't a traditional cleanup or middle-of-the-order hitter, I think they haven't quite noticed how he's evolved as a player. When he first came up, his clear strength as a player was plate discipline, he had a way above-average walk rate . . . and only had power sporadically, only on certain pitches he could drive. He's really changed, you've probably noticed, over the last couple of years, last year in particular. He's still got an above-average walk rate, he's still got above-average plate discipline. But he's sacrificed a little bit of that patience to drive the ball earlier in the count. He's adjusted his approach where there are a number of different places in the strike zone he can drive the ball."

Well said and great point in regards to sacrificing patience to establish early in the count power. I don't know why Theo continues to impress me, he is our GM, but he manages to do so every time.

On Mike Lowell's health:
"..he’s started swinging the bat and doing some agility work so he’s on schedule to be available by the end of spring training. And that’s really what we’re focused on, what he’s going to look like at the end of spring training rather than the beginning."

Can't help but be encouraged by this news, alongside Ortiz, Lowell is the biggest offensive question mark going into the season.

On any other off season moves:
"I think we’re probably done. There is always something else that might fit as we round out our spring training roster and there’s always trade discussions as well, so I wouldn’t rule anything out. But nothing is that hot or active right now. I think most teams are packing up and heading down to spring training seeing what they have the first few weeks of camp then trade discussions will pick up from there."

I think we all know how ITM feels about acquiring a long term catching solution, but like we always say, in Theo we trust.

To see the entire transcript from today's meeting click here.

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.

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.

The Day After...

Well Mark Teixeira is going to be playing first base for the New York Yankees in 2009, that much has sunk in within the last 24 hours. No matter how you are reacting to this, the Sox got burned on this one. Make no mistake about it that Teixeira was the Sox top off season priority, so to lose out on him certainly stings.

Tex going to the Yanks sucks for two major reasons; first the Sox have to see him 19 times during the regular season when the play the Yankees. Secondly the Red Sox line up remains a bit of question mark. If Lowell and Ortiz both come back healthy the Sox will be in great shape, however if not the hole left by Manny Ramirez will be talked about, especially after failing to sign Teixeira.

To complicate things in Red Sox Nation Kevin Youkilis' agent said a long term deal will not be reached between his client and the Sox this off season. Youk can either go to salary arbitration or sign another 1 year contract, I'd guess he'd make about $11 million next year either way.

In my opinion this isn't as big of a deal as others are making it out to be. The Sox are probably offering a contract similar to Pedroia, where the last years are back loaded with money. Youk is seeing dollar signs in his head as Teixeira just signed for $180 million; why would he sign a home town discount and why would the Sox offer him a truck load of money when they still control his future for another two years.

Secondly, I've heard some people say Youk is worth Mark Teixeira type money. I have to disagree with that at his point in both players careers. Youk has 3 full seasons under his belt and in that time is averaging 19 home runs, 90 rbi, and a .292 average. Tex is averaging 36 home runs, 121 rbi and a .290 batting average in his 6 year career.

I'd also like to point out Tex's on base percentage has been .400 the last two season, he gets on base 40% of the time. Hopefully Youk can continue to improve and put up numbers in the 4 hole, however 2008 was his first complete season statically speaking.

Now that the ink has dried on Tex's contract it's time to move on as Sox fans. The 2009 team is definitely going to compete with starting pitching and reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia. As far as who is the division favorite now it's hard to say; the Yanks are certainly better after spending $424 million and the Rays are bringing just about everyone back.

The Sox still have a few moves to make in regard to a 4th outfielder and another starting pitcher. Theo and the Brass also need to address the catching situation. Until then 2009 is shaping up to be another highly competitive year of baseball, which is what we all really want anyway, whether we realize it or not.

Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for reading.

Theo Has a New Deal

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein has a new contract according to owner John Henry, however details have not been released about the length of the deal, only that it goes beyond this season.

Epstein is regarded as one of the best GM's in baseball and is a large reason why the Red Sox have won 2 World Series in the last 4 years. Some of his more notable trades have brought Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling to town, as well as shipping Manny Ramirez out to sunny Los Angeles.