And Now At the Hot Corner....-Peter

Well, it's now official. He signed his contract today. Adrian Beltre has come to Boston from Seattle. Excluding last year's injury dulled season, he's a solid fielder who produces good power, with about 25 HR's / yr for the rest of his career. Unfortunately, this likely means the end of the line in Boston for a great team member for the past 5 years or so, Mike Lowell. Good luck, Mike. Welcome, Adrian.

At Least He Won't be Wearing Pinstripes

Dad --

Well, it's official. As of yesterday, January 4th, Jason Bay is now a Met.

In a press conference today, Jason donned his new jersey and stated that he "wouldn't have signed the contract if I didn't want to be here... It's a big day for me. I'm very, very excited to be here."

I'm sad to see Gary's doppelganger go. He quickly learned how to play the monster and seriously helped in the hitting department with a nice .281 and 45 homers.

I guess the Sox just weren't willing to pony up the money Bay clearly felt he deserved. The Sox offered $60 million for four years. But New York offered more - $66 million with an option for a fifth year. While I agree Bay should've gotten a raise, I'm not sure I agree with the $66 million he's gonna get. But as I said in the title, better the Mets than the Evil Empire.

He was a wonderful replacement to Manny Ramirez, just when we needed him. Unfortunately, now he's gone. Jason Bay, you will be missed!

Jenn

We Don't Lack Lackey--Peter

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

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

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

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.

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.