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:
- NY
- Tampa
- Boston
- Toronto
- 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?
