Entries Tagged 'off season' ↓

So we’re 12 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting and they don’t seem to have their bench worked out.

While I realize this should be (and apparently is) the least of their worries, Theo’s minions should be trying to land a left handed bat pretty soon. I’m sure Hinske is still available…

Regardless of who they find, my guess is that it’ll come together as part of a Coco trade. Keep your eyes on a hot, Triple A prospect or someone’s veteran fourth outfielder to go along with the pitching they’d be looking to grab (you can never have enough pitching).

Side note not related to this topic: Picking up David Aardsma might actually be a solid decision. He is injury-free and even though his numbers were downright atrocious before he went back to Triple A, he may be young enough to shake it off and do a nice job as a middle reliever.

I feel somewhat torn over the potential resigning of Doug Mirabelli.

His production and his defensive skills are in sharp decline and he’s going to be 38 this year. For 90% of his career, he’s been a backup, so I’m sure there isn’t nearly as much wear and tear on him. The deal calls for $550,000 with incentives to go up to a million. If he hits over .260 with 5 home runs they got their money’s worth.

However, don’t expect him to play any special role with the team if he stinks it up before the All-Star break (Kottaras will likely get the nod at some point this year just so they can see what he has).

Wow, what a week. And it isn’t even over yet.

Peeling away from my 17″ MacBook Pro this week is a challenge and a half. The only reason I decided to is because of numerous emails stating that I’m “pouting” over Rice not making the Hall. This is entirely untrue. As a matter of fact, I’m not so sure he’ll ever make it, nor was I ever sure he completely deserved it.

The Rocket / McNamee spectacle is in a three day rut. What gives, Rocket? No push back or countersuit from McNamee? Jeez. And I thought we were going to get a show.

What the hell is going on with the front office? Basically, this is the longest I’ve seen inactivity from the baseball ops people in quite some time. No word on Santana unless you’re the walking contradiction that is Hank Steinbrenner (maybe we want him, I’m not sure, is anyone buying this?). I’d like to see Theo move Tavarez simply because it’s been stated by his agent that he’s disgruntled that the Sox had the nerve to pick up his option. Yeah, Julian. It must totally suck to get a guaranteed four million dollars even if you never pitch again for the rest of your life.  All the NFL people out there, shout out to Julian and let him know how terrible it is that baseball players get guaranteed money.

I’m sure I’m not the only fan out there that will find it very odd to see Joe Girardi take the field manager’s post come next season. (34 days until pitchers and catchers, people). I do, however, think that Torre will do a fine job with the Dodgers.

Is it just me, or does Joe Girardi try too hard to look perfect? He may just end up being the perfect manager or the worst one for A-Rod depending on how much you believe the opposites attract adage.  A-Rod tries way too hard to be taken seriously. There has to be something to this seeing how Joe G. has won Manager of the Year and A-Rod is a multiple MVP.

Let’s see how the team responds to the trip to Japan. I believe this will be an endless season for some of the older folks. They’ll feel it come September.

Francona should get an extension. Anyone who wins two World Series titles in four years for ANY team deserves a big contract, let alone one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.  Give him four years and see if he can’t get one more before his contract is over.

Varitek is getting older and he’s going on the final year of that deal he signed. Better see if someone can kick Kottaras’ butt into gear with that bat.

Will Mirabelli make it back? I don’t think so. I think Timmy boy and Belli are calling each other weekly to discuss how great it was to work together. They’ll be friends for life, but I don’t see Doug coming back to the Sox next year.

34 days…

I haven’t been able to sit and collect my thoughts about all things baseball lately, and I can’t now either. I hope you have a great day off, whether or not you choose to celebrate this holiday or any other this month.

May the powers that be bless you and yours.

It looks like good ‘ol Gabe Kapler is heading back to the Senior Circuit, taking a back-up job in the outfield with the Milwaukee Brewers. Nice to see him go back to playing for a couple years. He deserves a couple more million.