He has been handed a great opportunity in a great situation. He learn from a classy guy like 'Tek, does not have to feel pressure to hit with the lineup the 'Sox have on paper, and on a team that needs a young catcher. Can he put it all together this year?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Washington believes in Saltalamacchia - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jason Bay's Injury Woes Continue As Outfielder Could Start Regular Season on Mets' DL - New York Mets - NESN.com
Though I thought his asking price for a long term deal was high, I was a big supporter of Jason Bay though he was not a super defensive OF. I hated to see him leave Boston via free agency. I believe that the 'Sox had concerns as to Bay's long term health. It appears that their concerns were valid. I wish him well and hope that he gets healthy. Jason Bay's Injury Woes Continue As Outfielder Could Start Regular Season on Mets' DL - New York Mets - NESN.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Biggest Questions Marks Going In?
I would say the following:
1. Is Salty an everyday catcher or will 'Tek end up catching more games than Salty?
2. Will Pap bounce back? If not, how long does Tito stay with him and who steps up: Bard or Jenks?
3. Will Beckett and Lackey earn their big bucks this year?
4. Will Buchholz perform like last year?
5. What can we expect from Dice-K?
To me, these are big question marks. Of course, the injury bug, like for all teams, is lurking out there like Allstate's mayhem man.
1. Is Salty an everyday catcher or will 'Tek end up catching more games than Salty?
2. Will Pap bounce back? If not, how long does Tito stay with him and who steps up: Bard or Jenks?
3. Will Beckett and Lackey earn their big bucks this year?
4. Will Buchholz perform like last year?
5. What can we expect from Dice-K?
To me, these are big question marks. Of course, the injury bug, like for all teams, is lurking out there like Allstate's mayhem man.
Buck apologized
To his credit, Showalter called Theo. I am glad that he did. Are you listening Rex Ryan?
Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox center fielder - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
In scrolling through the photo gallery of those who patrolled CF in Fenway, I was really impressed with the quality of players. The gallery did not cite Rick Miller who had a great glove but just an average bat. Reggie Smith was on the "Impossible Dream" team in '67. My favorite was Fred Lynn. He had to be one of the most graceful players I had ever seen. I saw him once turn his back completely on a hard hit ball to the "Bermuda Triangle" and turn around just as the ball landed safely into his glove. He had such a smooth, made-for-Fenway inside-out swing. He used the Monster to his advantage. Johnny Pesky called Lynn about one of the most talented players he had ever seen. I saw him when Boston came to the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The ball jumped off his bat. He played CF with the reckless abandon of the Brooklyn Dodgers' Pete Reiser often crashing into the wall and diving for fly balls. It broke my heart when they traded Lynn to the Angels, thinking he would not re-sign to stay in Boston. The goes that he had a football scholarship to USC and played safety. During a practice session, he decided to up and take on Sam "the Bam" Cunningham on a goal line stand drill and suffered a serious concussion. Afterwards, he asked Athletic Director John McKay if he could switch his scholarship to baseball. I still recall hawking the boxscores in '75 to see how he and Jim Rice did. How many teams' farm system can produce rookies such as Lynn and Rice? They truly were the "Goldust Twins" and "Thunder and Lightning" as Bob Watson once called them. It is such a shame that his career was hampered by injuries and his career numbers will not enable him to get into the Hall of Fame. I think he made a good choice switching to baseball. Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox center fielder - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox left fielder - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
I voted for Yaz. His '67 September performance was immortal in my mind. He batted over .500 in September '67 and practically carried the team on his shoulder having just lost Tony C to that terrible beaning. Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox left fielder - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
Showalter apologizes to Epstein - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
I am glad that he did apologize as opposed to dancing around the "taken out of context" excuse. Showalter apologizes to Epstein - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Blame it on the old "out of context" thing, Buck. "Come on, man!" as they say on "Monday Night Football". You ripped our GM. Now you say you were kidding or was misunderstood? That's almost as bad as that "I smoked but did not inhale" uttered in 1992 election. Be a man, Buck, and admit you got caught in the emotion of the game, envying the deep pockets of big market teams (one of which you once managed), and wanting to win. I have more respect for that passion for winning than the back-pedaling and "out of context" excuse.
Now, Buck, if you had said that, like most good GM's, Theo has made some good moves and bad moves, you would have been on sound ground with the Redsox Nation. But, don't rip our GM who built teams that won the World Series in 2004 and 2007. By the way, Buck, when was the last time the O's won it all? early 80's with Joe Altobelli at the helm?
Buck, I just hope you don't end up as the TV analyst for any of the networks during the postseason. You have lost objectivity in my book. Hope you enjoy your first trip to Fenway as the O's skipper. Bring your ear plugs so that our fans' reaction to you won't be taken out of context.
Showalter: Epstein rip out of context
Now, Buck, if you had said that, like most good GM's, Theo has made some good moves and bad moves, you would have been on sound ground with the Redsox Nation. But, don't rip our GM who built teams that won the World Series in 2004 and 2007. By the way, Buck, when was the last time the O's won it all? early 80's with Joe Altobelli at the helm?
Buck, I just hope you don't end up as the TV analyst for any of the networks during the postseason. You have lost objectivity in my book. Hope you enjoy your first trip to Fenway as the O's skipper. Bring your ear plugs so that our fans' reaction to you won't be taken out of context.
Showalter: Epstein rip out of context
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Rex Ryan has a kindred spirit in Buck Showalter
Nothing like a few fire works before the season starts. In recent years the O's have had good, young players. Historically, they have been a pain in the side of the 'Sox. Maybe this is his way to draw interest and more fans into Camden Yards.
Orioles manager Showalter rips Epstein
Orioles manager Showalter rips Epstein
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Gonzalez agent, Theo meet - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
This deal needs to get done in April. Otherwise, the Boston Press will have a field day all season with the speculation, second guessing, and blame game. All this will serve as an unnecessary distraction.
Plus, it would be awful to have trade 3 top prospects to "lease" Gonzalez for one season.
Gonzalez agent, Theo meet - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Plus, it would be awful to have trade 3 top prospects to "lease" Gonzalez for one season.
Gonzalez agent, Theo meet - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Boston Red Sox - Gonzalez’s agent Boggs wades right in to Red Sox camp - The Boston Globe
Within this article is another instance in which Pap struggled again. His fastball is clocking at 91 mph and he seems to be struggling with his other pitches. Call me a worry wart, but I would not have him in the closer's role until he can work through these issues. Tito has other options with closers.
Boston Red Sox - Gonzalez’s agent Boggs wades right in to Red Sox camp - The Boston Globe
Boston Red Sox - Gonzalez’s agent Boggs wades right in to Red Sox camp - The Boston Globe
Monday, March 21, 2011
Boston Red Sox - Lineup is starting to fall in order ... sort of - The Boston Globe
On paper, it is a very strong lineup. Not sure what Big Papi and Drew will provide this year as to power and RBI's.
Boston Red Sox - Lineup is starting to fall in order ... sort of - The Boston Globe
Boston Red Sox - Lineup is starting to fall in order ... sort of - The Boston Globe
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox left with a decision - The Boston Globe
This will be a key decision. Having a LHP out of the pen is a key component to a championship team. In 2004, we had Alan Embree; Okie in 2007.
Sentimentally, I would like to see the re-emergence of Okie. But, Theo has brought in several lefties to preview in Spring Training.
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox left with a decision - The Boston Globe
Sentimentally, I would like to see the re-emergence of Okie. But, Theo has brought in several lefties to preview in Spring Training.
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox left with a decision - The Boston Globe
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Yearly Box Scores For Boston Red Sox: 1958-2004
Here is really nice link for when you have hours to spend just looking at boxscores from the past.
Baseball Boxscores > Yearly Box Scores For Boston Red Sox
Baseball Boxscores > Yearly Box Scores For Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox shortstop - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
I will never understand why Theo did not sign Cabrera. Not only was he a sure-handed, Gold Glove SS but also an aggressive and clutch hitter during the 2004 stretch. After that memorable season, Theo did not even try to re-sign him.
Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox shortstop - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
Boston Red Sox - Pick your most beloved Red Sox shortstop - Boston Dirt Dogs - Boston.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Boston Red Sox - Out of spotlight, Yastrzemski stays in game his way - The Boston Globe
Great story one of my all-time favorite 'Sox players: Yaz. Nice words on Tony C., too.
Boston Red Sox - Out of spotlight, Yastrzemski stays in game his way - The Boston Globe
Boston Red Sox - Out of spotlight, Yastrzemski stays in game his way - The Boston Globe
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Red Sox Live Blog: Red Sox Pitching Fuels 2-1 Win Over Yankees - Boston Red Sox - NESN.com
I keep telling myself that it's only Spring Training, that these games do not count. It is just nice to see a team playing so well as it prepares for opening day. The expectations for this team are high. Injuries from last season have healed. Theo went out and added more power and speed to the lineup. And, he has re-stocked his bullpen.
About two weeks until opening day and counting!
Red Sox Live Blog: Red Sox Pitching Fuels 2-1 Win Over Yankees - Boston Red Sox - NESN.com
About two weeks until opening day and counting!
Red Sox Live Blog: Red Sox Pitching Fuels 2-1 Win Over Yankees - Boston Red Sox - NESN.com
Monday, March 14, 2011
Another prospect making noise - Lars Anderson
Admittedly, I was not too impressed with his showing via September call-up. But, this Spring Training, he is drawing favorable comments from Tito. One problem though: the 1B job is locked up with Gonzales, Youk behind him, Big Papi (maybe), Lowrie as well.
Who knows, he might be a good trade bait to package with Dice-K.
Who knows, he might be a good trade bait to package with Dice-K.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Dice-K, Drew, and Pap
Definitely walk years for the latter two. Just discovered that Dice-K was signed to a 6-year deal -- yikes! see below.
Major League Baseball careerOn October 25, 2006, Scott Boras was announced as Matsuzaka's agent to represent him in any contract dealings in the Major Leagues. On November 2, Matsuzaka was officially granted permission by the Lions to pursue a career in Major League Baseball via the posting system.
On November 14, the Boston Red Sox won the bidding rights to Matsuzaka with a bid of $51,111,111.11, outbidding the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees.[11][12][13] The enormous figure — two[14][15] to three[16] times the Lions' payroll — astounded both Japanese and American baseball executives.[16] The Red Sox had 30 days to sign Matsuzaka to a contract. If a deal could not be reached, Matsuzaka would have returned to the Lions, nullifying the bid. Scott Boras refused to consider the posting fee as part of the contract negotiations, while Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein recalled, "We tried to come up with a total number, for the post and contract, that made sense."[17]
On December 11, Epstein, Red Sox owner John W. Henry and CEO Larry Lucchino boarded a plane to "[take] the fight directly to [Boras]".[18] Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe asserted that Boras, by refusing to negotiate, was using Matsuzaka as a protest or "test case of the posting system."[18]
On December 13, Matsuzaka and Boras joined Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, CEO Larry Lucchino, and Chairman Tom Werner on a private plane owned by Red Sox owner John Henry headed for Boston. During the flight—which was followed by both the Boston and the Japanese media[19]—the group agreed to terms on a contract. Journalist Nobuhiro Chiba characterized Japanese reaction to the signing: "I think the people are relieved to send Daisuke to the Boston Red Sox."[19] In Boston, Matsuzaka passed his physical and signed the six-year, $52 million contract, which could be worth as much as $60 million if he fulfills incentives. The details of the contract include a $2 million signing bonus with a $6 million salary in 2007, $8 million in each of the following three seasons (2008–2010), and $10 million in each of the final two years (2011–2012).[20] He also has a no-trade clause, specially constructed by the Red Sox to fit Matsuzaka's contract.[21]
Major League Baseball careerOn October 25, 2006, Scott Boras was announced as Matsuzaka's agent to represent him in any contract dealings in the Major Leagues. On November 2, Matsuzaka was officially granted permission by the Lions to pursue a career in Major League Baseball via the posting system.
On November 14, the Boston Red Sox won the bidding rights to Matsuzaka with a bid of $51,111,111.11, outbidding the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees.[11][12][13] The enormous figure — two[14][15] to three[16] times the Lions' payroll — astounded both Japanese and American baseball executives.[16] The Red Sox had 30 days to sign Matsuzaka to a contract. If a deal could not be reached, Matsuzaka would have returned to the Lions, nullifying the bid. Scott Boras refused to consider the posting fee as part of the contract negotiations, while Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein recalled, "We tried to come up with a total number, for the post and contract, that made sense."[17]
On December 11, Epstein, Red Sox owner John W. Henry and CEO Larry Lucchino boarded a plane to "[take] the fight directly to [Boras]".[18] Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe asserted that Boras, by refusing to negotiate, was using Matsuzaka as a protest or "test case of the posting system."[18]
On December 13, Matsuzaka and Boras joined Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, CEO Larry Lucchino, and Chairman Tom Werner on a private plane owned by Red Sox owner John Henry headed for Boston. During the flight—which was followed by both the Boston and the Japanese media[19]—the group agreed to terms on a contract. Journalist Nobuhiro Chiba characterized Japanese reaction to the signing: "I think the people are relieved to send Daisuke to the Boston Red Sox."[19] In Boston, Matsuzaka passed his physical and signed the six-year, $52 million contract, which could be worth as much as $60 million if he fulfills incentives. The details of the contract include a $2 million signing bonus with a $6 million salary in 2007, $8 million in each of the following three seasons (2008–2010), and $10 million in each of the final two years (2011–2012).[20] He also has a no-trade clause, specially constructed by the Red Sox to fit Matsuzaka's contract.[21]
Ells is having a nice spring training
He seems to have pushed aside the painful memories and hurt feelings from last year. I look for him to have a breakout season. With Crawford in the lineup, 'Sox could easily exceed 100 SB's this season provided they both stay healthy and get on base in running situations. That kind of speed on the base paths coupled with the potential power could be a potent combination.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox’ Papelbon has rough outing - The Boston Globe
I have to remind myself that this Spring Training. Yet, an implosion like yesterday is a reminder of Pap's 8 blown saves last season. In 2007, he was dominant, almost unhittable.
This is Pap's walk year and it seems that Theo is not committed to him long-term. I would think that Pap would be motivated about becoming a free agent and testing the waters for a lucrative long-term deal that other teams may offer him.
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox’ Papelbon has rough outing - The Boston Globe
This is Pap's walk year and it seems that Theo is not committed to him long-term. I would think that Pap would be motivated about becoming a free agent and testing the waters for a lucrative long-term deal that other teams may offer him.
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox’ Papelbon has rough outing - The Boston Globe
Thursday, March 10, 2011
RedSox Prospects site
To see a complete list and analysis of these palyers, visit
http://www.soxprospects.com/
http://www.soxprospects.com/
Ryan Lavarnway - another prospect
I have seen the names of these players for a few years and it is exciting to see them standout in Spring Training.
Boston Red Sox - Ellsbury, Red Sox split squad beat Cardinals 8-7 - Boston.com
Boston Red Sox - Ellsbury, Red Sox split squad beat Cardinals 8-7 - Boston.com
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Catching up with Lou Merloni
My biggest memories of Lou Merloni was that he was a good friend of Nomar Garciaparra, was a good utility player, and complained about being on the I-95 shuttle between Boston and Pawtucket. He was not a star but a good player to have around due to his versatility.
Boston Red Sox - Merloni is finally a lineup regular - The Boston Globe
Boston Red Sox - Merloni is finally a lineup regular - The Boston Globe
Cameron a hot trade commodity? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Though I like reading about the young talent 'Sox have been seeing thus far in Spring Training, I would be reluctant to trade Cam at this point. I understand that he is a good influence in the club house.
Cameron a hot trade commodity? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Cameron a hot trade commodity? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Friday, March 4, 2011
Good news on Beckett...
glad he averted serious injury and that the coaching staff are exercising caution with him. Despite the scare, I believe I would have had greater concern if something similiar had happened to Lester or Bucholz. For me right now, those two are the anchors of the starting five. Beckett, Lackey, and Dice-K, to me, are big question marks coming into the season.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Juan Carlos Linares | SoxProspects.com
Here is a player who is off to good start in Spring Training. You never know about Spring Training as to who might emerge. I recall in 1997-98 when 2 young players acquired from Seattle, Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe, raised eyebrows with the 'Sox coaching staff. Varitek pretty much displaced free agent signee Jim Leyritz at the catching position.
Juan Carlos Linares SoxProspects.com
Juan Carlos Linares SoxProspects.com
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