Entries Tagged 'Front Office' ↓

Well, I’m sure this wasn’t what Varitek had planned as he headed into free agency.

Varitek had arbitration coming and at least a $10 Million payday for the next year. That’s IF the Sox didn’t give him a little bump (let’s say, $11 M) based on their disgust for any arbitration. As a matter of fact, Theo Epstein has not yet had a player reach an arbitration hearing in his years as General Manager; he intends to keep it that way.

But not only does Varitek miss out on the lucrative salary he probably needs, quite a bit more now that he’s been through a divorce, but he doesn’t even do it with as much dignity. You see, arbitration would not have secured him the multi-year deal he desired, but it would have at least been given to him without having to call John Henry to meet with him in his off-season hometown of Atlanta with his tail between his legs.

Varitek wants to retire as a Red Sox. He wants to get a couple final years to end his career with a little money in the bank.

The Red Sox have apparently given him a formal offer that allows for both the first year (with many, many incentives, I’m sure) and the second year option (who knows what the details are like at this point).

Is he worth it? Who will he work with to transition this incredibly pivotal role? Will it be a trade with Texas? Will it be someone coming from Arizona?

Whatever the case, the Sox caught Varitek with his guard down. Not a horrible place to be if you’re the Red Sox brass trying to ensure you get the best of both worlds.

This is going to be a painful off-season unless something takes shape soon.

You see, it’s not just about getting the right parts secured early because you want to be best prepared for your season, it’s also about the players who will move / sign / get traded that should be afforded the courtesy of getting adjusted to their new digs.

My list for what I’d like to see in 2009 will fall on completely deaf ears down on Yawkee Way, but here goes:

Catcher
2008: Jason Varitek, 2009: Jason Varitek for 2 year deal, bring up George Kottaras if he can stay defensively stable during Spring Training.

‘Tek brings a lot to the table. He’s just fine defensively and he’ll be the best thing for the pitching staff. At 11 Million a year (or 12 if they splurge), ‘Tek is still a bargain for a seasoned and defensive catcher who is beloved by his pitchers.

Kottaras should at least get his last shot before they kill his career. This kid has potential, but they may not see him as a viable option… ever. If that’s the case, cut him or trade him. He could definitely go somewhere and get a major league deal, even if it means one more year in the minors. Kelly Shoppach, anyone?

Fourth Outfielder
2008: Coco Crisp (traded to KC), 2009: Mark Kotsay

With Coco out of the mix, the Sox had better hope that the chick-magnet Ellsbury can get his stick together. Otherwise, he’ll be mid-year trade bait. Mark Kotsay is a great defensive player who can still stroke a couple doubles and he’ll even take 1st if something were to happen with Youk.

Another option: Rocco Baldelli  - I’m less intrigued by him since his announcement of mitochondrial disorder came out. He’s not as durable and he might not even be ABLE to play 75-100 times. Too much risk.

Short Stop
2008: Julio Lugo / Jed Lowrie, 2009: Jed Lowrie

Look, the offensive force of Papi and Manny is gone and the best we’re going to do without the likes of a Texeira or Mauer is hit a lot of doubles and steal some bases. Lowrie should be able to take a few bags and Lugo is probably still going to become a super-sub with about 30 Million in guaranteed money coming to him (unless they can get a sucker team to take him).

Lowrie had his moments of brilliance last year and I actually think that with a full year under his belt he’d be more consistent and have fewer gaffes. He’s not any worse (no, really, not ANY worse) than Lugo would be.

Third Base?
2008: Mike Lowell / Kevin Youkili / Jed Lowrie, 2009: Lowell / Lowrie?

Here’s a weird issue: The Sox don’t actually know that Mike Lowell will come to Spring Training 100% ready for the season. If he doesn’t, I’m sure Lowrie will start off there with Lugo filling in (at least temporarily) at Short.

I’m not convinced that Lowell will be 100%. I actually believe he’ll be 80% and try to get through the season without killing himself. What this means, of course, is that we shouldn’t count on his bat for a hell of a lot of production until we SEE a hell of a lot of production. He can sing-song all day long about how great he feels and that he’s just a little rusty, but if the pop is gone, this could get ugly. His expectation from management is a good, solid 25 homers. We’ll see…

Season Expectations

I’m not the first person who has said this about the Sox for ‘09, but I don’t see them getting higher than 3rd in the AL East unless they can get some offensive help. Of course, they’ve pretty much killed a lot of hope by the fans with the overpaid Texeira going to NY, but can they milk Joe Mauer out of the Twin Cities for a couple hot players? Masterson and Buchholz? Masterson, Lugo and some money?

Right now, the AL East projects to be:

1. NY
2. Tampa
3. Boston
4. Toronto
5. Baltimore

Let’s see how this works… I’m sure once Spring Training is over I’ll feel different. Especially if they’re actually out there making moves.

Only 8 weeks until pitchers and catchers report. Who will report in the latter category?

So, here we are in the first (turkey) leg of the holiday/off-season with the Hot Stove in full effect. Let’s take a very quick look at what the hell is happening (or not) in the front office:

Derek Lowe

We currently hear grumblings that the Yankees and the Red Sox are “battling it over Derek Lowe”. Wow… wait… the rubber arm with the newscaster girl is really and truly ready to head back to the East? Is he currently medicated enough to handle the stress that he says he craves? We’ll see… Either NY or BOS will most certainly offer it.

Reports out of Dodgertown are that he’s in the best (mental) shape of his life.

Prediction: He comes to Boston on a three-year, $45Million deal and suffers his first-ever season-stopping elbow injury after the All-Star break in his second year.

Jason Varitek

Captain Varitek needs to decide how the last great contract of his career should be structured. Is he looking to break the bank on a team that desparately needs his defense and preparation? Will the Sox offer a mediocre two-year deal with a club option to make him stick it out for a “hometown discount”?

Prediction: He bolts for either Detroit for a three-year deal or plays in Boston for one more year as a full-time catcher, while training a AAA talent To Be Named and act as the backup for ‘10-’11.

A. J. Burnett

Burnett “should not” come to Boston based on simply his injury history. He’s currently the J.D. Drew of the pitching free agents. He had a tremendous year in Toronto last year (18 wins), but until 2008 he was barely a winning pitcher (69-66). He needs to probably take the most money he can find, which will not come from the Sox.

Prediction: He ends up signing with the Mets and falling apart after the ‘09 season.

Mark Texiera

Markie boy is going to be one rich … insert expletive. He’s a talent and he’s worth good money, but not the obscene money he’ll be offered by different clubs. There are a ton of people in the mix for this guy and he can sit back for the next month while people throw just about everything including the marketing rights for his own television show and plush doll.

Prediction: He signs with the Yankees for 8 years, $210Million and pisses off A-Rod every time he wakes up in the morning, and every night when he goes to bed.

The ‘09 Season

It’s World Baseball Classic time, folks, and you never know what will happen to people during Spring Training. Personally, I like the WBC. A lot. It gives people REAL baseball to watch and it gives talented players a chance to play for their home country. It’s not about money. It’s about pride.

Regardless of which players are “allowed” to play (including an upcoming disagreement between Matsuzaka and the Sox Brass), the WBC will have a lesser impact during it’s Sophomore campaign. I’d expect a fair number of Sox players to sit back and watch, but don’t be surprised if a couple players (Lowell for P.R., Papi for D.R., and even Youk) get involved early.

As far as the season, it’s going to depend a lot on how one of the most expensive free-agent markets in years shakes out. Clearly, the Yankees have about $300 Million dollars at their disposal, but they also have a new leader in 40 year-old, somewhat level-headed Hal Steinbrenner.

Prediction: It’s going to be a long summer, but the Fenway Faithful will watch the Sox in the playoffs once again, riding the pitching rotation of Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lowe, Masterson and Wakefield.

This site, along with my desk, my back problem and a number of filing chores have been neglected while I take on additional responsibilities with both the American Marketing Association and UX Professionals.

Oddly enough, the Sox have not needed my help. Or have they?

At this point, it’s moot to go over what the last month has been like for the Sox with the exception of the following:

• Mike Lowell could end up hurting the Sox in the long run if he doesn’t shut it down soon.
• Paps better learn to use that cutter more often and stop being a fastball putz.
• Pedroia is my MVP. Not because he plays for the Sox, but because he has done the most in my opinion without any injury to assist a team in making the playoffs when their two hot-shot power hitters were down or out. (20 home runs regardless of a wrist injury has totally killed the Sox, Mr. Papi.)
• Epstein, it appears, will not have to don a gorilla suit come Halloween.
• Lucchino has been totally press-absent. THANK YOU.
• Orsillo got an extension at NESN (love it).
• Remy has not done as MUCH self-serving advertising as in previous years.

I am gunning for the Sox to take the Wild Card. Screw the Division Title. Get those four wins and then go get your team a) rest and b) pitching order. You don’t think Anaheim is a good idea for the Sox in the first round? I think it’s GREAT. They need the challenge. They need to have the drive. They need to get over themselves and win, win, win.

By this weekend we’ll know where they stand. Hopefully, regardless of the standings, they will have their duck boats in a row.

• Buchholz had a really rough outing yesterday giving up hits to the first five batters he faced (he came in the game in the third). He’s competing with a rejuvenated Colon who threw a bullpen session yesterday and had “good movement and a fastball that reached 90 a few times”. This could get really interesting, folks.
• Terry Francona has decided that Pedroia is a moron and told the Boston Globe they could print it. The comment came after watching Pedroia “Dance With the Stars” for Mike Lowell’s charity.
• Curt’s going to have surgery. Just a gut feeling. This year is probably toast for him.
• Big Papi wants to ride it out in Boston for the next big contract. I don’t know how they’ll avoid paying him a ridiculous amount of money unless he gets hurt or has a crap year.
• Varitek will get a three year, $36 Million dollar deal. Just my guess. We’ll see if I’m right. Also, the Sox don’t seem to do this (publicly anyway), but they should give ‘Tek a Personal Services contract.
• Next stop on the rumor mill? Nowhere. It’s been unrealistically quiet this year (no problem there). Good feelings will occur when real games begin.
• Theo is the next one up for a big administrative contract. He’s rumored to currently pull in $1.8 Million/year. I think he’ll get a sizable bump; how can they not?
• Not too much noise on the center field competition, is there? Must be something happening with Crisp that we don’t know about…