Just announced! John Lackey apparently is becoming a Red Sox member! I say apparently because there are a number of news flashes from a variety of places hitting the web, all pending an official annoucement by the Sox. They all agree that it's a five year deal, but vary on how far over $80 Mill it is. Assuming it's true, speculation has Theo putting Bucky out for trade or Halladay now going to the Phils. We'll see.
Peter
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Newest Member of Silver Slugger Team
Dad --
Did you hear? Jason Bay won the Silver Slugger Award this year.
While several Sluggers are repeat offenders, this was Bay's first time receiving the award. And it's about time. Did you know the '09 season was his fourth straight year getting 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs.
Not that they needed proof, but this is just one more reason why Theo and his Band of Merry Men should resign the left fielder.
Jenn
Did you hear? Jason Bay won the Silver Slugger Award this year.
While several Sluggers are repeat offenders, this was Bay's first time receiving the award. And it's about time. Did you know the '09 season was his fourth straight year getting 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs.
Not that they needed proof, but this is just one more reason why Theo and his Band of Merry Men should resign the left fielder.
Jenn
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
We Don't Have to Say Goodbye
Dad --
Thankfully, we spoke too soon.
When the Red Sox decided not to pick up the catcher's five million dollar team option on Monday, I, like you, was sure that was the end of the Varitek era. But thankfully after two long days of deliberating, the Captain has decided to exercise his three million dollar player option.
Although Victor Martinez will take over as the primary catcher in the 2010 season, Varitek will stay on in both the Captain roll and as the backup catcher. While it pains me to use Varitek and backup catcher in the same sentence, his .209 batting average and his decline in defense made that the only reasonable choice.
Although Varitek will be watching a majority of the games from the dugout, his presence will do wonders for team morale. I can't tell you how happy I am the Captain will be donning his C for another season.
Jenn
Thankfully, we spoke too soon.
When the Red Sox decided not to pick up the catcher's five million dollar team option on Monday, I, like you, was sure that was the end of the Varitek era. But thankfully after two long days of deliberating, the Captain has decided to exercise his three million dollar player option.
Although Victor Martinez will take over as the primary catcher in the 2010 season, Varitek will stay on in both the Captain roll and as the backup catcher. While it pains me to use Varitek and backup catcher in the same sentence, his .209 batting average and his decline in defense made that the only reasonable choice.
Although Varitek will be watching a majority of the games from the dugout, his presence will do wonders for team morale. I can't tell you how happy I am the Captain will be donning his C for another season.
Jenn
Monday, November 9, 2009
Captain, My Captain--Farewell and Thanks--Peter
Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Jason Varitek, one of the longest serving members of the Sox teams of the 21st century got his walking papers today. It wasn't a free pass, but it had become very predictable. One of the best handlers of pitchers in the majors almost since his arrival, and the man who drove in 85 ribbies in 2003, the Captain had steadily seen his skills with the stick erode to the point that the past two seasons were arguably his worst by far at the plate. Yes, he still showed occasional bursts of power and could effect a game's outcome by his control of whoever was on the mound, but with the bat slowing down, and now his defensive skills starting to follow, it was time to cut the tie.
In my 62 years of watching the Sox, I've seen all types of players wearing the tools for the Sox, and, in my humble opinion, Tek was one of only two worth remembering (Pudge Fisk is the other). Tek not only had all of the instincts you want in a catcher, he had guts. Regardless of the situation or the opponent, he wasn't ever afraid to face his challenger. Whether it was standing in on 95+ mph heater, or standing up to someone on the other team who was a little too full of himself (hello, A-Rod), Tek never gave an inch. He protected his teammates and played the game. More than that no-one can ask.
Good luck, Tek. I miss you already.
In my 62 years of watching the Sox, I've seen all types of players wearing the tools for the Sox, and, in my humble opinion, Tek was one of only two worth remembering (Pudge Fisk is the other). Tek not only had all of the instincts you want in a catcher, he had guts. Regardless of the situation or the opponent, he wasn't ever afraid to face his challenger. Whether it was standing in on 95+ mph heater, or standing up to someone on the other team who was a little too full of himself (hello, A-Rod), Tek never gave an inch. He protected his teammates and played the game. More than that no-one can ask.
Good luck, Tek. I miss you already.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Best Fifth Possible!--Peter
Well, fellow Sox fans, just as a week or so ago, we have another Fabulous Fifth to fondly remember. Today is the fifth anniversary of the Sox finally breaking the Curse. Yes, five years ago today, Johnny Damon parked one in the cheap seats on the game's fourth pitch and Derek Lowe made it count as the Hose won the game, three zip and the Series in a four game sweep of the Cards. Yours truly didn't get to enjoy the entire game (stuck with a client who just HAD to see one more house), but I was tuned in for the final three innings or so, following pitch by pitch on the computer for the final out and the Sox victory. Here's hoping next year will get us back there one more time.
Meanwhile, we'll still be here for important signings and other Sox news in the offseason as they occur.
Meanwhile, we'll still be here for important signings and other Sox news in the offseason as they occur.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fifth Anniversary--Just as Wonderful Now!--Peter
As regular followers of this blog already know, I also keep up with things Sox during the offseason. Today is a special place in Red Sox lore. It's the fifth anniversary of the completion of the Sox comeback from three games down to the Yankees (never been done before or since by anyone)to win the ALCS and go on to the World Series, where they ended the Curse in four straight. The final victory over the Stripes was 10-3, Sox. He may have been with the Stripes, but I'll always remember how Joe Torre, the Yanks' manager at the time, took off his cap and saluted the Sox as they won. Very classy.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Ultimate Blown Save
Well Dad, as the song goes... "the party's over..."
Not that this post season has been much of a party. Today's game was beyond depressing. I mean, we were at Fenway. Buchholz pitched a pretty 5+ innings and had his eye not only on his first start in the post season, but his first win. And then Papelbon took the mound.
This is the guy who I had a shirt made for a couple years ago - "Papelbon Saves". Not today! And I suppose it's no surprise, since this season has not been a good one for the closer. He walked more guys this season than in the past and every time he took the mound I, and a lot of Red Sox Nation, had heart palpitations.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this season I'm used to Paps giving up a run or two, but then hunkering down and closing out the game for the win. Today Paps wasn't so lucky. All he needed was four outs. That's all. And unfortunately he couldn't get them. It was sad to watch, but even worse, it was painful to hear.
I don't think I've ever heard Fenway so quiet. The Nation's faithful were shocked by the turn of events. You could hear a pin drop in the stadium when Fuentes got the final out of the ninth signaling the end of the Red Sox's season.
Dad, you're right. It's time for Theo to take a good, hard look at his team, and make some tough cuts for next year. I agree Tek and Lowell should be on that list. But I'm not ready to lose Papi just yet.
On the bright side, Aidan got to a game and as I said last night, at least now I can focus all my attention on the Patriots and what will hopefully be a winning NFL season.
Jenn
Not that this post season has been much of a party. Today's game was beyond depressing. I mean, we were at Fenway. Buchholz pitched a pretty 5+ innings and had his eye not only on his first start in the post season, but his first win. And then Papelbon took the mound.
This is the guy who I had a shirt made for a couple years ago - "Papelbon Saves". Not today! And I suppose it's no surprise, since this season has not been a good one for the closer. He walked more guys this season than in the past and every time he took the mound I, and a lot of Red Sox Nation, had heart palpitations.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this season I'm used to Paps giving up a run or two, but then hunkering down and closing out the game for the win. Today Paps wasn't so lucky. All he needed was four outs. That's all. And unfortunately he couldn't get them. It was sad to watch, but even worse, it was painful to hear.
I don't think I've ever heard Fenway so quiet. The Nation's faithful were shocked by the turn of events. You could hear a pin drop in the stadium when Fuentes got the final out of the ninth signaling the end of the Red Sox's season.
Dad, you're right. It's time for Theo to take a good, hard look at his team, and make some tough cuts for next year. I agree Tek and Lowell should be on that list. But I'm not ready to lose Papi just yet.
On the bright side, Aidan got to a game and as I said last night, at least now I can focus all my attention on the Patriots and what will hopefully be a winning NFL season.
Jenn
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