Fenway West - The Boston Red Sox Western Home

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Roger* May Want To Pitch Again For Boston

According to Newsday, Roger Clemens' friends say he will not want to go out on a low note and will try to pitch again for the Red Sox or Angels. The article goes on to say that Boston would be interested in him it the Yankees get Santana. That is where the article if flawed; the Red Sox do not need another starter if they fail to get Johan. Roger would not add any value to the solid rotation Boston already has and if he does not admit his steroid use nobody will support him. Message to Roger: your chance to come back to the Sox and help them win the World Series and retire a Boston sports hero is gone. That ship sailed last season. If you are looking for something to do with your free time why don't you join Mark McGuire in educating kids about the dangers of steroids(he seems to need some help) or join OJ in his search for Nicole's killer.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Pettitte Admits HGH Use....Now What Roger*?

Andy Pettitte made the following statement today through his agent; "If what I did was an error in judgment on my part, I apologize. I accept responsibility for those two days.'' He did the right thing and now baseball can forgive him (even if he is a Yankee.) Will Roger Clemens* follow his lead? I doubt it, but this is not going to make many people believe he didn't do steroids.

Don't Believe the Hank

The Yanks are back in the Santana sweepstakes even if Hank Steinbrenner said they were done. Much like his false statements about A-Rod, Hank has done a 180. Dan Haren was traded to the Diamondbacks yesterday taking away one pitching option for New York. The Yankees do not have a true ace and their staff consists of two aging veterans; Mussina and Pettitte.* They do have 3 solid pitchers in Wang, Joba, and Hughes but one of them will have to be included in a trade to the Twins. Boston keeps coming up as the "front-runner" to land Santana but it does not seem like they are willing to move away from their earlier offers. New York might be become desperate now that there is not much of a fall-back if they don't get Johan. The Yankees had been rumored to be in talks with Minnesota long after the Hank deadline, now it looks like they may be the front-runners.

Can The "Clean Generation" Save Baseball?

Dustin Pedroia was interviewed about the Mitchell Report by the Providence Journal today and said that his generation is clean. Here is a quote from the article, "Pedroia was also quick to point out all the young talent within the Sox’ organization — all of whom are 26 or younger — are all of sound mind and body. Players such as Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Brandon Moss, and Pedroia, consider themselves fortunate to be part of a new and cleaner game." It was this group of young players that gave a huge lift to the Red Sox this season and have a future so bright that Boston does not want to part with them in trade deals. The Mitchell Report made two clear points; steroids were a major part of the game in the 90's and now we need to move forward. The Steroid Era did not end with the Mitchell Report but maybe the group of young stars on the Red Sox can bring baseball out of it.

Friday, December 14, 2007

A-Rod Denies He's a Juicer

Jose Canseco has called the Mitchell Report "laughable" because Alex Rodriguez was not mentioned in it. So far Canseco seems like the only honest person in the game. His book Juiced is a lot more accurate than people gave him credit for. (Dan Duquette and Jose Canseco credible...who would have thought?) A-Rod will appear on 60 Minutes in an interview with Katie Couric where he says he is clean and the reason he is not in the Mitchell Report is because he has never used steroids. The 60 Minutes interview airs this Saturday and you can view a preview here. Before you take A-Rod's word remember he cheated on his wife with a stripper, he tried to slap the ball out of Bronson's hand during the ALCS and he yelled "mine" to interfere with a play in Toronto. I never thought I would say this but I am going to believe Canseco.

Schilling and the Mitchell Report

Curt Schilling was asked by George Mitchell to speak about steroids in the game for the investigation because he has been outspoken about the issue and had testified in front of Congress. Schilling declined to participate in the investigation because he "would have nothing to offer other than personal opinion and hypotheticals." Schilling posted in his blog on Wednesday that the report was the biggest thing baseball has had to endure since the Black Sox Scandal. He has said he is still digesting the report but does believe it. Schilling is never one to be short on opinions so I would expect he will write extensively on the report soon.

Congress Wants Another Swing At Baseball

Congress wants leaders of MLB to testify at hearings once again. The hearings are scheduled for Tuesday with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and Jan. 23 by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. MLB has a legal monopoly which can be taken away by Congress. Cliff Stearns (R) Florida has called for Selig's resignation. Even President Bush has weighed in on the steroids investigation saying, "I love the sport. I love the game. Like many fans, I've been troubled by the steroid allegations. I think it's best that all of us not jump to any conclusions on any individual players named." Not that Bush did anything about steroids as owner of the Rangers. The last hearings brought some entertaining television and memorable moments from Mark McGuire and Rafael Palmeiro.

Don't You Mean 22 Rings?

Donald Fehr Fails His Clients

MLB Players Association Director Donald Fehr responded to the Mitchell Report yesterday in a press conference and through a released statement. It is his job to protect his player clients but it is also his responsibility to ensure the integrity of the game. If you read his statement and watch the press conference you realize how he failed to protect the integrity of the game which in turn hurts his players in the long run. Fehr would better serve his players if he put his full effort into ridding baseball of steroids instead of constantly throwing up roadblocks to progress. George Mitchell put it best when he said, "The principal victims . . . are the players who don't use those substances," Mitchell laments. "Their careers and livelihood are put at risk. There's a lot of discussion in the media of the integrity of the game, the effect on the fans and sports generally. All of which are important. But to me, the real issue is the effect on the competitors and the competition, and those who play by the rules and don't use these substances."
The MLB Players Association has chosen to represent the cheaters at the expense of the honest players. Donald Fehr has let his clients down and he has let baseball down.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Clemens Misses Yet Another Chance To Make The Right Choice

How many times have baseball fans given Clemens a pass? Sox fans gave him a "standing O" during his several "last" games at Fenway. Yankee fans welcomed him back after giving him a car on his farewell tour. Astro fans gave him a pass for not going on the road with the team. The media gave him a pass when he threw a bat at Mike Piazza. After all of this Red Sox management produced a slick video to try to bring him back to Boston. But he once again picked the Yankees causing Yankee announcer Suzyn Waldman to nearly pee herself. Clemens thinks you are going to give him another pass. He has already released a statement through his lawyer saying he never used steroids. Whenever Clemens has the chance to do the right thing he always disappoints. He could have apologized and taken some responsibility for the state of baseball. He did not. Don't give him a pass on this one, don't vote him into the Hall of Fame, don't feel sorry for him. Clemens has let you down in the past and has made his bed. Now let him sleep in it.

Sox Don't Give Donnelly New Contract

At 12:03 this morning, the Sox announced that they would not be offering reliever Brendan Donnelly a new contract, making him a free agent.

The Sox announcement came less than 24 hours before the Mitchel Report named Donnelly as a player implicated in the use of performance enhancing drugs.

A Red Sox spokesman said that they did not have advance notice of the names in the Mitchell Report.

Red Sox Front Office Comments on Mitchell Report

The Red Sox Front Office released a statement this afternoon on the Mitchell Report.

In their statement, the Sox said that they "supported and fully cooperated with this investigation initiated by Commissioner Selig and conducted by Senator Mitchell." They also commended Senator Mitchell and his staff for conducting the report.

The Sox go on to say that baseball should, "do everything we can to eliminate them (performance enhancing drugs) entirely from the game of baseball." They continue, the"Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the toughest in all of professional sports, will also result in helping to achieve this goal."

Yankees response: "We are reviewing the report and have no comment." the evil empire is alive and well.

Bud Selig Press Conference

Commissioner Bud Selig held a press conference about the Mitchell Report today where he announced he will act to rid the sport of steroids by doing these 3 things:

1. No 24 hour test notice for players

2. Selig will deal with active players and club personnel in the Mitchell Report. Discipline will be made on a case by case basis.

3. Selig will be proactive in finding new ways to test for steroids.

MLB will work with the NFL for a test for HGH and will hold an HGH summit.

In questioning he says he will take action to protect the integrity of the sport. He will not comment on records or achievements by steroid users. When asked if he is at fault for steroid use in baseball he avoids a direct answer to the question. He also said he has not read the entire report yet.

Not much new here, I wouldn't put too much faith in his efforts.

Red Sox and Yankee Players in Mitchell Report

No current Red Sox on the list but several former players.

Josias Manzanillo
Jeremy Giambi
Clemens
Mo Vaughn
Chris Donnels
Mike Lansing
Kent Mercker
Mike Stanton
Eric Gagne
Brendan Donnelly
Steve Woodard
Chris Donnels

Yankees on the list:
Hal Morris
Andy Pettitte
Chuck Knoblauch
David Justice
Glenallen Hill
Denny Neagle
Todd Williams
Kevin Brown
Daniel Naulty
Gary Sheffield
Ron Villone
Jason Grimsley

the complete list of players is here

All of the players listed in the Mitchell Report took steroids more than 2 years ago and more than half are no longer playing.

not as harsh for Sox as it could have been....Clemens is going to be hurt the most from this report....according to the report Clemens began using steroids with Toronto after leaving Sox.

"McNamee injected Clemens in the buttocks four to six times with testosterone from a bottle
labeled either Sustanon 250 or Deca-Durabolin that McNamee had obtained from Radomski.
McNamee stated that during this same time period he also injected Clemens four
to six times with human growth hormone he received from Radomski, after explaining to
Clemens the potential benefits and risks of use."

The Bomb is About to Drop

The report is under an hour away and could chance the way we look at several players in the game. The news conference will be streamed live on mlb.com but I would bet it will crash due to the number of people watching...remember the Rockies attempt at online ticketing? A second news conference is scheduled for 4:30 pm EST. The questioning of Bud Selig could get interesting in that one. We know that Clemens and Pettitte will be on the list. I'll keep posting updates about the report as soon as I get them.

UPDATE: As speculated yesterday, Tejada is on the list...Merry Christmas Astros. Former Yankee players Mike Stanton, and Chuck Knoblauch are also on the list.

UPDATE 2:Read the entire report here after 2pm EST

Sox sign Kevin Cash to a Minor League Deal

Cash has re-signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox. He could become Wakefield's personal catcher but the Red Sox will most likely continue to look for a backup for Tek or re-sign Doug Mirabelli.

CNBC Posts List of Players on the Mitchell Report

I don't know how accurate this is but take a look. Players with Sox connections: Nomar, Gagne, Trot,Clemens, Damon, Offerman, Tek, Mo Vaughn, El Guapo, Carl Everett, and Tavarez. This would be very bad for the Nation if it is true.

Update: The validity of this report has been disputed by MLB...CNBC has now taken down the list. It would be hard to believe that El Guapo juiced.

UPDATE 2: THIS LIST IS NOT ACCURATE for an accurate list look here.

Clemens Will Be Named In Mitchell Report

As I speculated yesterday, Roger Clemens will be listed in the Mitchell Report. Sox fans who have been shunned by The Rocket and his choosing the Yankees will now they get a little payback. Clemens* may join Bonds* as the face of the steroid era. This may only be temporary if any Sox players appear on the Mitchell Report.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Mitchell Report to Expose "Top to Bottom" Drug Culture

It's about to hit the streets...and the earlier reviews aren't good for Major League Baseball. The Mitchell Report on steroids in baseball is going to name names including some of baseball's MVP's and All-Stars.

The 304 page report is likely to bring a dark cloud over what has been a stellar year (at least for the Sox), and raise further questions about Bonds* and the home run craziness of recent years.

So far the Associated Press has yet learn any of the names in the report.

Stay tuned...tomorrow promises to be a grim one for baseball. The full report will be available on MLB.com

Theo Becomes a Dad

Theo's wife gave birth to a baby boy they named Jack. Don't expect a Santana deal today.

Bill Richardson Looks For Help From Red Sox Nation

Earlier this week I posted about Curt Schilling's aid for John McCain in New Hampshire. The power of the Red Sox Nation voting block is now being targeted by Democratic Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson who is having Luis Tiant campaign for him in the Granite State. Richardson had previously said his dream job outside of politics would be playing center field for the Yankees. Richardson has said before he grew up as a Yankee fan but started liking the Sox after going to Tufts for college.

Tejada Is Out of The American League

The O's traded Tejada to the Astros today for Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and Michael Costanzo. Without Tejada Baltimore should continue to reside in the basement of the AL East and be a cheaper source of tickets for traveling Red Sox Nation. Tejada is one of the players rumored to be included in the Mitchell Report.

Mitchell Report Will Be Released At 2 pm EST Thursday

The long awaited Mitchell Report is almost here and the leaks are starting. According to the New York Times there are 50 players named in the report, Bloomburg says as many as 80. There will be a news conference at 2 pm EST in New York (11:00 out here) on Thursday followed by the release of the report. Union officials and MLB Execs looked at the report yesterday to ensure it did not violate any collective bargaining agreements. One person who read the report felt it was "harsh." Let the chips fall where they may.

Update: Is Clemens in the report? From NY Daily News: "Brian McNamee, a former Yankee trainer whose most famous clients have been Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, has already shown up in news reports about one investigation into the use of illegal substances."

Update 2: Curt Schilling would not be surprised if a member of the Red Sox is listed in the report.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Mitchell Report May Be Released on Thursday

It is almost unfair that we have to have the Mitchell Report interrupt the holiday season and the continued Red Sox Championship off-season. If Santana arrives before the report no one will even pay any attention to it. However, it may be the first big step to cleaning up baseball. I have heard every argument about why it is the worst thing to happen to baseball to why it is not a big deal. I am on the side that it is cheating and that the MLB Players Union and the worthless commissioner Bud Selig have done nothing for too long. I am hoping the Mitchell Report will be used to clean up baseball from here forward but dragging names through the mud will not help much (unless it is a Yankee player.) Judging from the poll on this site it seems that most believe the Sox are above the steroid cloud....I can only hope you are right.

More News On Santana

The latest has the Red Sox and Twins still talking with Ellsbury, Lowrie, Masterson and a yet to be determined 4th player in exchange for Santana. If the 4th player is not Buchholz or Lester the Sox will have pulled off a major trade without giving up too much. Jacoby will have a hard time getting Twins fans to shell out $125 for an autograph.

Papelbon Wins TYIB Closer of the Year

Jonathan Papelbon joined Josh Beckett in winning a TYIB award. Today the fan's selection was announced as the Red Sox closer. Boston started spring training with Joel Pineiro as the closer but by the end of spring training Papelbon went back to the bullpen as the best closer in the game.

More Red Sox Christmas Gifts

If you still have not found the perfect Red Sox gift you can buy the 2nd DVD released about the World Series this year. NESN started selling "Champions Again" on their website late last week. Early review say it is good and has more focus on the regular season than the Matt Damon DVD. If you want a one of a kind gift, a Danvers bakery created an edible version of Fenway Park that they are selling raffle tickets for. The proceeds will go to the Red Sox Foundation.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Red Sox Players Continue to Give

I doubt there is a team in baseball that has more players who donate time and money than the Boston Red Sox. This is well know with the Jimmy Fund during the regular season but the team giving does not end with the baseball season. I posted earlier about Julio Lugo and David Ortiz helping victims of flooding in the Dominican Republic. This week Doug Mirabelli organized a coat drive for charities in Michigan and Boston. Julian Tavarez, Kyle Snyder, Brandon Moss and Bryan Corey spent today visiting hospitals with the World Series Trophy. It is nice to see players who don't even know if they will be with the Red Sox next year helping out the Boston community.

Beckett Wins This Year In Baseball Award

Josh Beckett was the fan's choice for the This Year in Baseball Starter of the Year Award. Its not the Cy Young but at least he is being recognized for his great achievements in '07.

Schilling Continues To Help McCain

Curt Schilling has been busy helping Arizona Senator John McCain during the past 2 weeks. He has traveled to New Hampshire, site of the January 8 Primary, to try to get members of Red Sox Nation support John McCain. In addition to this Schilling posted information about his support for McCain on his blog. Today the McCain campaign released a new ad featuring Schilling. You can watch the ad below.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Another Japanese Pitcher For The Red Sox?

Boston was unable to sign Kerry Wood for bullpen use next season and Eric Gagne is off to the Brewers. With the pen still needing a solid short reliever the Red Sox are once again looking at Japan. Last year the Red Sox benefited from Okijima as much as they did from Dice-K so they may try to go to the well again. The pitcher in they are looking at is Kazou Fukumori. The Japanese pitcher had a 4.74 ERA last season before having season ending surgery on his elbow. He is healthy now and looking for a 2 year deal in the U.S. The Yankees, Nationals, Rockies and Pirates are also interested in Fukumori but I wouldn't count on Colorado, Washington nor Pittsburgh to win a bidding war.

Santana Talks Keep Going

The buzz continues around a deal for Johan Santana but at a much lower level. The Sox are reportedly talking more with the Twins than the Mets or Yankees lately but there are no indications that Boston has changed their offer significantly. The Twins want to get a deal done soon to restructure their team and Boston needs to figure out what is going to happen with Coco. Crisp's agent told the Herald this week that he will not accept a backup role in '08. I don't think he would have much of a choice if he is not traded; Ellsbury has won the job.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

The Real Tavarez

When Julian Tavarez joined the Red Sox I was sceptical. He had a reputation as being a hothead and he did not do much in his first spring training to dispute that. (Remember the Devil Ray fight?) Ever since that moment Julian proved to be a quiet and fun-loving member of the Red Sox. He handled the booing by fans in the middle of the '06 season when his setup role did not work out well. He became a solid starter at the end of that season and then filled in when a stater was needed this year. Tavarez did whatever the team needed him to do. He was not on the post-season roster but you could always see him on the top step of the dugout with a smile on his face cheering on his teammates. The Providence Journal had a great article today that shows the real Tavarez; the one the fans will miss if he gets traded. Here is a quote that shows you what kind of a guy he is: “I gave my best energy to the team,” he said. “I was keeping the team awake and cheering for the guys. I was really happy how things ended because that’s something you’re always working for in your career — to be a champion. A lot of guys play 17 years and never get a ring, so it’s my first one in 14 years and I’m just happy how things went in 2007.”

Gagne Going To Brew Crew

Eric Gagne will pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers next year according to the Journal Sentinel. Too bad he won't remain in the American League so the Red Sox could have a chance to hit against him. Gagne decline arbitration with Boston yesterday so the Red Sox get a supplemental draft pick because he was a Class B free agent. If he would have pitched well he could have been a Class A free agent but we all know how he pitched last season.

Anybody But Klesko

The Providence Journal listed a few players the Red Sox might be interested in to replace backup corner infielder Eric Hinske. One of the player on the list was Ryan Klesko. I lived in Atlanta during Klesko's tenure with the Braves and watched him out here on the Giants last year so I know how bad a player he can be. He strikes out way too often; last season for 21.7% of his at bats. He no longer has any power; 6 HR's in 362 at bats and his defense is not good. He is Jason Giambi Lite and I would not be surprised if his name ended up on the Michell Report. Klesko is 36 years old and will not be getting any better. If Boston wants someone with a solid bat to replace Eric Hinske they are not going to find him in Klesko. They are much better off re-signing Hinske or looking for a young player to fill in where needed.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Rangers Say No To Gagne

Midnight has come and gone on the East Coast with no word about Gagne's arbitration decision. However, there is word from the Rangers that they are no longer interested in Gagne for next year. It appears that Scott Boras overplayed his hand on this one.

UPDATE: Gagne declines arbitration...Good Riddance!

No Sox In ESPN's NEXT

The walk down the driveway took gruesome turn when I glanced down at the new copy of ESPN the Magazine I had just picked up from the mailbox. Joba Chamberlain was on the cover. This was ESPN's annual Next edition where they showcase the upcoming athletes in various sports. The article was not bad, although it did not mention Joba's bug induced choke in Cleveland, but the next few pages were what bothered me. Not one of the Red Sox young players was listed. Where's Jacoby? If any player showed he belongs in the bigs more than Ellsbury I 'd like to know who it is. I was getting ready to cancel my subscription to the magazine until a few pages latter I read a tidbit on how someone came up with a formula on balls infielders should have reached. According to the new stat Jeter is the second worst fielding shortstop in the league. At least they got 1 thing right.

Could Matsui To Giants Spell Trouble For Sox?

The San Francisco Giants have been interested in trading for Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui. This does not seem like something that would concern the Red Sox because Matsui is declining but still plays well against Boston. However, if recent reports are true that the Yankees did not make another offer for Santana due to financial reasons, dealing Matsui would free up a lot of cash. Matsui will make $13 million next year. The Giants have some money to spend and no longer have a left fielder now that Barry* is gone. The Giants also have some young starters like Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum they could trade for Matsui. It would be a terrible move for San Francisco but they don't usually make good choices in the off-season. Boston can not let the Yankees get Santana and Hank can't be trusted to not get back in the race. If the Giants get Matsui look for the Santana race to heat up again.

Barry Bonds* Pleads Not Guilty

Barry* was in federal court to answer perjury charges today and pled not guilty. This means its going to be "All Bonds All The Time" on the local news out here for the next few months. The only thing that may give us a Bonds* break is when the Mitchell Report comes out this month and adds some new juicers to talk about. The A's are rumored to be interested in Bonds* to DH for them in '08 so Sox fans may get the first chance to boo him next year in Japan assuming he is not in the stir or suspended by MLB like Gibbons and Guillen.

Sox Add A Catcher But He's Not Ready

The Red Sox aquired cather Juan Apodaca from the Dodgers for cash. He has only played 2 games in AAA and 3 games in AA. Apodaca hit .259 with 8 HR in 58 games in Single A ball last season. He was hitless in his 3 game is Double A ball. Boston is in need of a backup catcher for this season and the future but Apodaca is not ready to fill in yet. His signing makes it more likely that the Red Sox will re-sign Doug Mirabelli for one year. Mirabelli is 37 and will help with Wakefield in what most likely is his last year.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

The Uncertainty Begins

One of the hardest things about being a baseball fan in the off-season is the lack of a schedule. From April-October you know there will be at least 5 Red Sox games a week (except for the All-Star break when you watch Manny and Big Papi.) You know who's pitching each game, you can get live updates on your fantasy team stats, and Baseball Tonight will wrap up the day for you. Now that the Winter Meetings are over we enter a time of uncertainty. We don't know when the next Sox deal will come, when all single game tickets will go on sale, nor when Manny will be Manny again. Everything fell into place at the beginning of the off-season so there is no need for a frenzy of activity but we Sox fans want more. Boston played as far into the post-season as you can go and they begin next season in first game for all of MLB but it is still a long time before pitchers and catchers report. That's why the potential for the Santana deal was so cool. Sox vs. Yankees again...deadlines...a new Steinbrenner to hate. The off-season will still have plenty of excitement; we just don't know when its going to come.

Where Will Coco End Up?

Now that the Santana negotiations have stalled, the Red Sox need to find a deal for Coco Crisp. Here are the teams that need a center fielder:

Twins: without getting Santana it is unlikely the Sox will deal Coco to the Twins unless he is part of a deal for Nathan.

Braves: Now that Jones is gone they need someone at CF but they don't have much to trade for.

Rangers: Missed out on Torii Hunter but still might go after Rowand or Fukudome. They have depth at catcher: a need for the the Sox .

White Sox: They have MacDougal or even Joe Crede as trade bait. Crede could be the corner infielder the Sox are looking for but could he handle a backup role? He may be too expensive (another Boras client)

It will be interesting to see how long Theo holds onto Coco and what they can get for him.

Gagne Might Accept Arbitration

The role of the dice on Gagne by Theo and the boys might not work out so well. Boston offered Gagne arbitration so they could get a supplemental draft pick next year when he signs with another team. It has looked like Texas is interested in having him come back to close for them in '08 but that is not a given. Gagne should be able to get more $ on the Free Agent market and could get a chance at closing but the Winter Meetings have come and gone without a team picking him up. The Herald is now reporting that sources say he may want to accept arbitration and return to the Sox. He was awful last year in the setup role for Boston but it is possible he could regain his form and be a solid arm in the bullpen. Gagne has until tomorrow to decide. I can hear the boos already.

Theo Has Left The Building

Theo has left Nashville, he did not need the gorilla suit to escape the media because there was no big news to be had. Nashville was filled with rumors about Santana...it's close...the Yankees are in front...Angels want him..etc. But in the end it was fairly quiet. The Tigers and Marlins made the big news of the week and by today the only real news that came out of Nashville was Andruw Jones to LA for $18 million/year...kinda makes J.D. Drew look like a bargain. Theo went to Nashville not having to make a deal but with the wish to get Johan if he could. The Santana story does not end with the Winter Meetings; it will continue until he is traded or the trade deadline passes next season. The rumor mill will slow down but the Yankee/Red Sox pursuit of Santana will continue to make headlines. Theo will soon be forced to make a decision about Coco Crisp. How long can he wait on the Twins before Coco's value goes down? Also, time is ticking for Eric Gagne to accept arbitration, tomorrow is the deadline.

Another Night And No Santana

Boston seems to have given their best offer to Minnesota and the Twins are not going to accept it right now. Twins GM Bill Smith may feel he will not get better offers and may still accept it at a later date. Other reports have Santana staying with the Twinkies but I don't think that is Smith's plan. For the time being everything is fine for the Red Sox but almost every reporter in Nashville believes the Yankees are still after Johan. The only potential snag with the Santana deal taking so long is Coco stays on hold. The Red Sox might miss some potential trades with teams like Chicago or Texas by waiting too long. The Sox still need a backup catcher, another reliever, and a corner infielder. Boston has a solid team for '08 with 6 quality starters, Ellsbury in center and Big Papi with a fixed knee. Even without a blockbuster trade the Red Sox are still the best team in baseball. The Yankees are still in the rear view mirror but the Tigers look like they are coming up fast.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Just When I Thought I Was Out......

It appears the Sox are going to go for another ride on the Santana roller coaster this evening as negotiations appear to be back on. Some of the buzz is that the Red Sox were very close to a deal and could not pull the trigger, this was followed by several teams getting back in the race but the latest says the Mets have no chance and the Yankees appear to be out. Can Theo stick to his guns and still get the deal done? Get back on the ride for the last evening and day of the Winter Meetings.

Back Where We Started With Santana

All of the news coming out of Nashville is that no deal is likely any time soon and that several teams are interested including the Yankees, Mets, Sox, Dodgers, Mariners and possibly the Angels.
The Santana roller coaster ride has come full circle.

Billy Beane has said the 3 team trade rumor is totally false.

Haren and Santana In The Same Deal?

If the rumor is true that the Mets, Twins, and A's are involved in negotiations for a mega deal that would explain why its been so quiet in Nashville on the Santana and Haren front. This deal would be good for Boston: it would take Santana out of the American League and keep Haren away from the Yankees. Boston would keep their young players and win the East again. Short of Santana coming to the Sox for cheap this is the best case senario.

Winter Meetings Update

Fox Sports is reporting that the Mariners are interested in Santana and that the Sox and Twins are still talking but "not matching up right now."

Met's manager Willie Randoph said his team "not out of the picture" on Santana.

The Rockies are not interested in Tavarez as was reported earlier.

Boston Herald thinks Santana is not going anwhere. Same with Gammons.

The Twins have not announced they are done shopping Santana so this could keep going even after the Winter Meetings. The wait continues.....

UPDATE: Baseball Prospectus is saying there will be no deal. ESPN says they are still talking.

UPDATE 2: Twins may be involved in a 3 team deal for Santana.

Are the Sox Interested In Fukudome?

SI has reported that Boston may be interested in Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Why might they want another outfielder? The only possible reason is they might include both Ellsbury and Crisp in a deal to the Twins. JD and Manny are not going anywhere and if the Sox keep Ellsbury he is going to stay in center. Boston does not need to go after a high price outfielder unless they have an opening at that spot. If they get Santana will they have any cash left?

Cold Feet?

New buzz has the Twins balking on a deal with Boston and looking for new offers from the Mets, Dodgers, and Angels. Not real solid rumors but at least its something new. It seems to me they are trying to see if they can get any last big offer before they pull the trigger on the deal with the Sox. The Angels are the only team I think that may make an offer now that Cabrera is gone.

UPDATE: More buzz that Boston may just be in this to raise the price for the Yanks and that both the Sox and Twins are sticking to their goals.

UPDATE 2: Twins and Red Sox are still negotiating. This deal is going to get done. SI confirms that the 2 teams are negotiating but that the Mets are getting back in the race.

Schilling thinks Sox offer is better than Yankees and a deal is going to happen in the next 24-48 hours.

Ellsbury wants to stay in Boston but does not know what is going to happen.

Tavarez Is On The Trading Block

The Red Sox are taking offers for Julian Tavarez at the Winter Meetings. He could be a good fit as a 5th starter for many clubs that need pitching. So far the Rockies have expressed interest in landing him. The Rockies have Fuentes who was rumored to be included in a trade deal for Lowrie earlier in the week so they could get together with the Red Sox on a deal. Boston is still in need of a right handed relief pitcher, a backup catcher and a backup corner infielder to replace Hinske. If they are shopping Tavarez that could me that Coco will not be available to trade for those needs. No news on Santana yet.

Latest On Santana

The only thing new this morning is coming from the Boston Herald saying the Red Sox told Kalish's agent his name never came up in negotiations with the Twins. However, they told him that before the late negotiations started. The Herald is also reporting that the Twins may take their time on the Santana issue. As I posted earlier, no news is good news for the Sox. I would not put too much in the Herald if you look at the morning of Lowell's signing when they said no deal is coming soon. 2 hours later the news broke that he had returned to Boston. I am still in the camp that Santana is coming to Boston and soon.

Its beginning to look like that Simpson's episode with Kamp Krusty where everyone waits around for Krusty the Clown and then they all go home. Don't forget, Krusty does show up in the end as will Santana. Here's a clip to keep you entertained as you wait for more news on Santana.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Other Happenings In Nashville

As we wait for more info on the Twins/Red Sox negotiations here is some other news coming from the Winter Meetings:

The Diamondbacks and A's did not get far in the negotiations for Haren so the Yankees and Sox still could come calling.

Several sources have reported the Rangers spoke with the Twins about Santana but I would not take it very seriously, they have tried to play with the big dogs before (A-Rod) and we all know how that turned out.

The Tigers became a big market team today with the addition of Cabrera and Willis; their payroll could jump to $110 million. Tito's reaction to the trade:"Wow, there's a lot of American League pitchers (and teams) that just got real nervous. And we're one of them. That's quite a lineup."

Theo and the group will resume trade talks with Twins after midnight. Get out your Ipod for some Eric Clapton.

No News Is Good News

The Santana deal is a very complicated for Boston and includes negotiating a long term contract for what could be the highest pitcher salary in baseball. In addition to this, information has to be exchanged on at least 4 players coming from the Red Sox. This outline of this deal should be worked out tonight but it will go into the later hours. The beauty of living on the West Coast is I won't miss a thing...stay tuned. Don't worry Sox fans...Santa..na is coming.

Theo just met briefly with reporters and said negotiations would go well into the night.

Twins Clear Roster Space....Trade Coming?

The Twins sent Chris Bassak to Rochester clearing another spot on their 40 man roster. That would leave them with 2 open spots. This is usually something that happens before a trade is announced.

Baseball Prospectus is saying "the deal (between the Twins and Sox) is all but done"

UPDATE: The Globe is reporting the Angels are not in the Santana sweepstakes...this has become a one horse race...its just a matter of time before the deal is announced. Get the milk and cookies ready; Santa is about to bring the Red Sox a big present.

Big Papi Wins Martinez Award

David Ortiz won his 5th Edgar Martinez Award today. The award that was started in 1973 goes to the best DH in the game each season. In 2004 the award was named after Mariners DH Edgar Martinez who won the award 5 times. Big Papi is the first player to win it 5 years in a row. He should be able to keep the streak going with a repaired knee in '08.

Sox and Twins Are Meeting Now

Representatives from the Twins and Red Sox are meeting now in Nashville to discuss the details of a trade for Santana. The latest reports have the Twins possibly throwing in another player to get the Red Sox to give a little more. Also the Angels are reportedly getting back into the mix with a Jered Weaver offer. Things are moving fast and the Red Sox executives are not talking which usually means a deal is close. The bad news for Sox fans is Jacoby may be gone but Buchholz will stay. Ellsbury agreed to have Scott Boras represent him yesterday making him more expensive in the long run; this may make Jacoby's departure a little easier if the deal gets done. If Boston gets Santana they will have the best rotation in baseball with Beckett, Santana, Schilling, Dice-K, and Buchholz. The good times could keep coming in Boston. By the way, the Pats are still undefeated.

UPDATE: Peter Gammons is reporting that a 5th player has been added to the Sox offer: Ryan Kalish. That would put the offer at Lester, Coco, Masterson, Lowrie and Kalish for Santana.

UPDATE 2: The Boston Herald is reporting the Twins want the Santana deal done by the end of today.

Its Starting To Look Like Santana Is Coming To Boston

All of the buzz right now from Nashville seems to be around a deal of Johan Santana coming to the Sox for 4 players: Lester, Coco, Lowrie, and Masterson. However, once the Twins accept a deal the Red Sox will have 72 hours to negotiate a long term contract with Santana. The contract could be close to $20 million a year for 5-6 years. Theo has not backed down from his plan to not deal Ellsbury and Lester together. This transaction is the best case senario for the Sox and will be a major victory over the Yankees if Theo can pull it off.

Update: The Red Sox might be adding Brandon Moss to the offer this afternoon to seal the deal for Santana. In addition the Herald is reporting that Haren may be going to the D-Backs leaving the Yanks without an ace.

Update 2: The Boston Globe and Providence Journal are both reporting that the Twins are deciding between a 3 player deal including Ellsbury or a 5 player deal without him. Neither deal will include pitcher Clay Buchholz.

Tito and the New Uniform Rule

Terry Francona can't wear his signature top anymore thanks to a new rule by MLB for the '08 season.

The Latest From Nashville

The Hank deadline ended without any action and the Yanks negotiations with the Twins are "probably off." The Red Sox are now the solid front runner in getting Santana and may be able to do so for a cheaper price. The latest report says Jacoby Ellsbury is not in the current offer to the Twin which includes Coco, Lester, Masterson, and Lowrie. Theo has sent no deadline for acceptance of the offer and can afford to sit back and wait. The Twins have to make a choice to deal Santana now or keep him for the entire '08 season and watch him walk. They still need a center fielder so the Red Sox may have an offer they can't afford to refuse. Everything else in Nashville seems to be on hold until the Santana deal is worked out.

UPDATE: The Boston Herald is reporting that serious negotiations are taking place right now and a deal is in the works. The Globe says teams are exchanging medical info on Lester and Santana indicating that a deal may be close.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Brian Fuentes to Sox?

The Rockies reliever is being discussed in Nashville as part of a trade for Red Sox SS prospect Jed Lowrie. Boston is still looking for bullpen relief but they really need a righty. You may remember Fuentes as the guy who gave up the gopher ball to Kielty in the 8th inning of game 4 of the World Series. Fuentes had a 3.08 ERA this season with 20 saves.

Time Is Running Out For New York, Theo Is In No Hurry

With just a few hours left in the Hank imposed deadline for the Yanks it is very quiet in Nashville. Theo said he has no ongoing discussions with the Twins and no deals are being held up by waiting for Santana. If the Yankees are truly out of the picture (doubtful when you look at Hank Steinbrenner's short track record) the Red Sox chances of signing Santana are pretty high. Meanwhile things are getting a little uncomfortable in Baltimore as the Ravens just took the lead in the third quarter.

UPDATE: As the clock continues to tick ESPN is reporting that neither the Twins nor the Yankees budged on their offers and New York may drop the idea of getting Santana altogether. On the football front Tom Brady just marched the Pats down the field to take the lead with under a minute to play and stay undefeated.

UPDATE 2: Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports is reporting that a Red Sox official said the Yankees and Twins are "very close" to a trade deal for Santana.

Looks Like Its Gonna Be A Late One

Brian Cashman did not arrive in Nashville until this afternoon. The Twins have scheduled talks with the Red Sox and the Yankees this evening so it may not be until halftime of the Pats game(they should have a solid lead by then) before we know what's going on with Santana.

Ben Sheets Might Be The Fallback

With both the Twins and A's asking a high price for their #1's the Sox might look elsewhere for a starter. The Red Sox do not need a starting pitcher for the '08 season but when top tier players become available they have to take a good look. Ben Sheets has been a solid pitcher in the past for the Brew Crew but he has had his share of injuries. Papers have been reporting that Sheet will be up for negotiation in Nashville this week and Boston has already contacted Brewers GM Doug Melvin. Sheets is in the final year of his contract so the Red Sox would only take him if they can negotiate a long term deal because they will need starters next year when Schilling and Wakefield are gone. The Brewers don't need a left fielder but Coco could play left for them so he could be included in a trade. However, this could all be Theo's way of bringing down the price for Santana or Haren.

Today Is The Day For Santana

Since Andy Pettitte announced that he will pitch for the Yankees next season it is doubtful that the Yankees will change their offer for Santana. Yesterday they said that today is the deadline for the Twins to accept their offer. The Yankees are not as desperate for a starter as they were before so if the Twins don't take the offer today it is very likely that Santana will end up on the Red Sox. Since Santana is not going to allow a trade during the season and has said he will only accept a trade to the Red Sox or Yankees, a deal will happen soon. Although no one likes when the Yankees improve their pitching, the Pettitte news is good for Boston on the Santana front. The Winter Meetings have started and the countdown for the Yankees deadline has begun. If Santana's agent is not negotiating a long term deal with the Yankees by midnight he will most likely be on the Red Sox by the end of the week.

The A's reportedly want the same high price for Haren as the Twins are looking for Santana: Lester and Ellsbury or Buchholz and Ellsbury. If Boston is going to go after a starter for that price it would likely be Santana who is the better pitcher.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

The Winter Meetings Begin

Nashville is the center of the baseball universe for the next week and there is sure to be some big news. By the end of the week we should know about Santana, Haren, Miguel Cabrera, and Tejada with a possible other big surprise deal. The Red Sox do not need to make any deals this week but it should still be a busy time for Theo who is always looking to improve the team. MLB.com has a special section on the Winter Meetings here. After the Santana news clears look for Boston to try to sign a backup catcher and a corner infielder.

Johan Puts In His 2 Cents

Johan Santana told the Twins he will not waive his no trade clause during the season. If the Twins want to trade him they have to do it soon. If they don't trade him now they risk having him leave as a free agent at the end of the season. This puts more pressure on Bill Smith to accept one of the offers on the table and makes the price a little cheaper for the Red Sox or Yankees. I would be he will be a member of an East Coast team by Friday. Maybe Santa will bring Boston an early Christmas present.

UPDATE: Hank Steinbrenner's 2 Cents: "I'm not going to be played against the Red Sox. That's not something I'll do. That's not something the Yankees should ever do, and that's I think what they're trying to do now," "So if they want the best offer that has been offered to them, then they need to make up their minds." -What a tool. Bill Simmons is right, he is Spalding Smails.

Santana Update

Most sources have Boston staying firm in their Lester, Coco, and Lowrie offer while the Yankees have added Hughes to their package. The Twins still want more from each club. The Yankees may have put a deadline on the Twins to accept their offer while Red Sox do not need to rush into a deal. It looks like the Twins have their best offer from both teams and have to make a choice which could include waiting until July to trade him. Since the A's are willing to trade Haren both teams may turn their attention away from Santana leaving teams like the Mets and Mariners in the mix. The Yankees have money and young talent to trade for Santana but they know that going after All-Star veterans does not guarantee anything. Randy Johnson, Jeff Weaver, and Javier Vasquez did not live up to the hype in New York. Maybe Hank or as Bill Simmons calls him "the Spalding Smails of his generation," knows more than George but it is doubtful after watching the A-Rod events. The winter meetings will tell if Twins rookie GM Bill Smith has overplayed his hand and at the same time brought about the wrath of Twins fans.

UPDATE: According to Buster Olney the Sox have changed their offer by substituting Ellsbury for Lester and adding pitcher Justin Masterson.

Its A Win-Win Situation For Boston

If you wake up tomorrow and read the Globe and the headlines tell you the best pitcher in baseball is coming to the Sox you are going to be thrilled. Even if they had to give up Buchholz or Ellsbury they will be a better team than last year. To be honest, how much value did you give to Buchholz or Ellsbury last May compared to Santana. But lets say this doesn't happen and the Yankees get Santana. They will have given up a great deal of young talent for a pitcher who's numbers were down last season and their payroll will continue to be far above every other team. When they lose to Boston next year it will be that much better, especially when Ellsbury wins Rookie of the Year. It is easy to spin the Santana deal any way but no matter how it turns out the Red Sox will be ok. And the Haren sweepstakes will be just starting.

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