Entries Tagged 'off season' ↓

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.

<startbitch>

My computer died this morning. Twice. It’s only 9:51 as I start this post.

In the hour or so that I was working on it peacefully, I put a tremendous amount of effort into what I was doing, only to lose it all when the temporary cache bit the big one for reasons unknown. All I know, after contacting Apple for the third time in six days, is that even though my computer is under warranty and has been replaced already, I’m stuck with an issue they don’t know how to fix.

</endbitch>

HOF NOMS

ok - So I’ve had a few years of discussions with friends about whether or not Jim Ed Rice belongs in the Hall of Fame. My take, still, is that he does not. Pre-steroid era, threatening and incredibly powerful as he was, Jim Rice is not a hall of fame player.

My recent feeling about the voting process for the BBWA is that even though we don’t like it, it’s still probably the most fair personal recognition system around. If you want to put up a case for changing the system, doing only statistical analysis on a Bill James-induced computer model, then go for it. It won’t give you a fair and accurate picture. Do you know why? Because the game of baseball is not only played with physical prowess; it’s played mentally, just like any other strategy-laden game.

I wish Jim Rice the best of luck tomorrow. The deal is, if he gets a phone call in the morning from the HOF (around 8 AM, I’m told), then he’ll be in. If he is still sitting around at lunch waiting for the caller id to show him some love, he’s out of luck.

MANNY Retardirez

If I were in a situation where I had a guaranteed deal for roughly 22.5 Million per year for two years, plus a team option of even more money… I’d … well, I’d shit myself.

Manny has twice rejected a salary of above $20Million dollars this year, most likely thanks to his inability to understand the financial components of a down economy, and otherwise thanks to his ridiculous wanna-be baseball player agent, West-Side Scottie B.

Manny Ramirez will not have a problem getting a job, and Scott will look like a genius when all is said and done. He’ll either go back to LA or go up north to put some fans into the seats of the incredibly beautiful SF Giants stadium (name withheld due to my frustration with name-sponsoring company).

RECLAMATION NATION

Is it Duquette-ish to have as many retreads coming into Boston on those “high-risk, high-reward” deals? I believe so. Even though many would not doubt the leadership in the front office to previous success (see: 2004, 2007), I can’t stand loading up on the one-year, injury crew. I see the team starting out a little weak and JUST missing the wild card by 3 games. I’ll bring this back into the fold at the end of the year if I’m right. If I’m not, I’ll be happy to ignore it. Please feel free to join me in my blissful ignorance.

Happy Sunday. I’m going out to clear 7.5″ of freshly-fallen snow. I can’t wait! (This is me being positive about the record number of times I have to shovel before the calendar hits January 15).

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?

Wow, am I ever stressed out.

We’ve just gone through the worst 8 day stretch of Winter Hell I can remember (not including ‘78 when I truly didn’t care) and the schools will AGAIN be closed tomorrow. Tomorrow! They don’t even know how the roads will be tomorrow, and yet, they’ll be closed. Hooray for snow days. The kids will essentially be going to school until mid-August, at which time lawsuits will be a plenty due to overheating and dehydration.

In baseball news… I’m relatively sick to death of hearing whether or not Mark Texeira will accept a bajillion dollars to grace our presence in Boston.

Know what? Give me 9 Perdroias and a couple Welkers and I’ll take my chances.

Here’s an idea: Lower the price of a ticket and grow better players that may have a bat to bring to the party.

Diminutive, power-hungry infielders aside, we truly need to see some heavy production come out of the minors. (Lars Anderson, anyone?)

I’m busy at work and especially busy with the holidays mixed in for good measure, which is great, but if they keep closing school my child will end up with four weeks off between December and the “Christmas” break. SHEESH!

Let’s hope for no more snow days… it’s not even officially Winter yet.

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.