Boston little man Dustin Pedroia won the AL MVP award Tuesday, becoming the first second baseman to earn the honor in nearly a half-century.
Pedroia easily beat out Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau and added to his ever-expanding trophy case. Generously listed at 5-foot-9, the Red Sox star was the top AL rookie last year while winning a World Series ring.
"I'm not the biggest guy in the world. I don't have that many tools," Pedroia said on a conference call from his home in Arizona. "If you saw me walking down the street, you wouldn't think I'm a baseball player."
Nellie Fox was the previous second baseman to become AL MVP, in 1959 with the Chicago White Sox. No position has produced fewer MVPs overall -- just 10 overall since the AL and NL awards were first presented in 1931.
Pedroia drew 16 of the 28 first-place votes cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished with 317 points.
It was a scattered ballot, with five players receiving first-place votes. Pedroia was even left off one ballot, while Morneau and Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis were listed on every one.
Pedroia and his wife originally planned to leave early this week for a vacation in Mexico. But with the MVP vote looming, a Red Sox official suggested he delay the trip by a day or two, just in case. I really didn't know what to expect," Pedroia said. "I wasn't nervous or overly excited."
Pedroia was driving to his daily workout when he got the phone call telling him he'd won. Right away, the calls and text messages from teammates began pouring in.
"It's unbelievable," he said.
Morneau got seven first-place votes and had 257 points, and Youkilis and Twins catcher Joe Mauer each got a pair of first-place votes. Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Angels drew the other first-place nod and came in sixth.
Pedroia led the AL in hits, runs and doubles in helping the Red Sox win the AL wild-card berth. He batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs and also stole 20 bases. Earlier this month, he also won his first Gold Glove.
Pedroia quickly became a fan favorite at Fenway Park with his meaty swings and scrappy approach. In a lineup depleted by injuries to David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew and the midseason trade of Manny Ramirez, Pedroia took his hearty hacks wherever needed -- while he usually batted second, he also hit leadoff and cleanup.
The 25-year-old Pedroia was the fourth second baseman to win the AL MVP award, along with Fox, Joe Gordon (1942) and Charlie Gehringer (1937). Six second basemen have won the NL honor, with Jeff Kent, Ryne Sandberg and Joe Morgan doing it most recently.
"When I first got called up to the major leagues in 2006, I didn't know what to expect," Pedroia said.
"I had to overcome a lot of things to prove people wrong, and so far I've done that," he said. "I have to find a way to have that edge."
Pedroia became the 10th Red Sox player to take the award and first since Mo Vaughn in 1995. He is also just the third player to become MVP the season after earning the rookie of the year award, joining Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard.
Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP winner, hit .300 with 23 home runs and 129 RBIs in helping the Twins reach a one-game playoff for the AL Central, which they lost to Chicago.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rangers-Red Sox deal in making
This makes sense, I just hate trading Pitching.
The Rangers need pitching and have catching to deal, which makes them the ideal trade partner for the Red Sox. Quite simply, there is no better fit. Texas has four catchers on its 40-man roster -- Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, and Max Ramirez -- and one major league evaluator recently suggested that the Rangers would be willing to deal two of them (so long as Ramirez is one of the two). That leaves Laird, Teagarden, or Saltalamacchia as the centerpiece of any deal. Clearly, if the Sox wanted Laird, they easily could get him. The defensively skilled Teagarden (who is also blessed with power) and the hyped Saltalamacchia are more desirable targets that will cost more, though Epstein and his baseball operations staff understand the difficulty in finding good young catching. If the Red Sox ever were to give up a top pitching prospect like Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, or Justin Masterson -- the last is unlikely -- this is precisely the kind of deal that would inspire them to do it.
Coutesy: Boston Globe
The Rangers need pitching and have catching to deal, which makes them the ideal trade partner for the Red Sox. Quite simply, there is no better fit. Texas has four catchers on its 40-man roster -- Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, and Max Ramirez -- and one major league evaluator recently suggested that the Rangers would be willing to deal two of them (so long as Ramirez is one of the two). That leaves Laird, Teagarden, or Saltalamacchia as the centerpiece of any deal. Clearly, if the Sox wanted Laird, they easily could get him. The defensively skilled Teagarden (who is also blessed with power) and the hyped Saltalamacchia are more desirable targets that will cost more, though Epstein and his baseball operations staff understand the difficulty in finding good young catching. If the Red Sox ever were to give up a top pitching prospect like Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, or Justin Masterson -- the last is unlikely -- this is precisely the kind of deal that would inspire them to do it.
Coutesy: Boston Globe
Yankees intend to blow Sabathia away.
Gee, What a shocker.
CC Sabathia does not need the Yankees to flirt with him. He knows their intentions already. All things being equal, Sabathia wants to go home to California and play in the NL, where he can hit. But as a friend of Sabathia's said yesterday, "he is mature enough and realistic enough to know that the Yankees might not make it close. And if it is not close - no matter how much he likes the West Coast and likes hitting - he is not going to walk away from $25 million. This is not rocket science. It is about how much more the Yanks will spend than anybody else." One Yankee executive said, "we have to separate ourselves." Translation: They must divest Sabathia of his dreams of the Pacific and the batter's box by going to a financial region relatively quickly that no other franchise would even consider, especially in this plummeting economy. That means a bid north of the six years at $137.5 million the Mets bestowed last year on Johan Santana. My gut says six years at $150 million sounds about right to force league-wide surrender before the bidding really even gets
CC Sabathia does not need the Yankees to flirt with him. He knows their intentions already. All things being equal, Sabathia wants to go home to California and play in the NL, where he can hit. But as a friend of Sabathia's said yesterday, "he is mature enough and realistic enough to know that the Yankees might not make it close. And if it is not close - no matter how much he likes the West Coast and likes hitting - he is not going to walk away from $25 million. This is not rocket science. It is about how much more the Yanks will spend than anybody else." One Yankee executive said, "we have to separate ourselves." Translation: They must divest Sabathia of his dreams of the Pacific and the batter's box by going to a financial region relatively quickly that no other franchise would even consider, especially in this plummeting economy. That means a bid north of the six years at $137.5 million the Mets bestowed last year on Johan Santana. My gut says six years at $150 million sounds about right to force league-wide surrender before the bidding really even gets
Angels: We're moving on without K-Rod
The Angels feel the they could spen their monet else where. I think that they might try Shields as a closer.
If they lose out on K-Rod & Tex, they might go after Manny.
If they lose out on K-Rod & Tex, they might go after Manny.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Washington's Trade
I think the Nationals made a good move acquiring Olsen & Willingham from the Marlins, who are reducing payroll again.
Olsen is young and a good pitcher. Willingham could either be traded or added to their OF.
This remained quiet because of the Holliday trade, but the Nationals made a nice move.
Olsen is young and a good pitcher. Willingham could either be traded or added to their OF.
This remained quiet because of the Holliday trade, but the Nationals made a nice move.
Holliday Trade
Good move for Oakland?
I think that it will help them.
If they are competing for the playoffs or division, he will give them a great bat in the 3 or 4 spot. When he leaves at the end of the year, they will get 2 draft picks as compensation. Draft picks don't always work out and they gave up some good players, but it could work out.
If they are out of the playoff race, he will be a valuable player to offer at the trade deadline. They should be able to acquire good players in return by the trading dealine.
Good move again Billy Bean!
I think that it will help them.
If they are competing for the playoffs or division, he will give them a great bat in the 3 or 4 spot. When he leaves at the end of the year, they will get 2 draft picks as compensation. Draft picks don't always work out and they gave up some good players, but it could work out.
If they are out of the playoff race, he will be a valuable player to offer at the trade deadline. They should be able to acquire good players in return by the trading dealine.
Good move again Billy Bean!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Today's News
LA offer: Between $22.9m-$27.5 per year for 2-3 years to Manny.
I hope that he resign with the Dodgers or stays in the National League. He would be a nightmare on the Yankees. Shocked the Mets are more interested. They usually wait and then sneak in like with Santana.
Red Sox meet with Boras on Varitek
We love Tek, but his asking price at (four years, $52.4 million), might be too high.
Red Sox unlikely to pursue Fuentes
Would be nice to have another hard throwing lefty in the pen, but will cost too much.
Do the Sox have thoughts on Penny?
The Dodgers declined the $9.25 million option on righthander Brad Penny's contract Wednesday, making him a free agent.
I would like him or take a small risk like Pavano. Make Pavano's contract cheap with incentives based on performance. He has something to prove espacially top the Yankees.
Penny would also help our rotation.
I want lots of pitching.
Sabathia not on Boston's agenda
Let the Yankees have him, but drive up the price. I think he will get injured during some point of the contract. He did pitch with alot of heart for the Brewers. Gained my respect.
I hope that he resign with the Dodgers or stays in the National League. He would be a nightmare on the Yankees. Shocked the Mets are more interested. They usually wait and then sneak in like with Santana.
Red Sox meet with Boras on Varitek
We love Tek, but his asking price at (four years, $52.4 million), might be too high.
Red Sox unlikely to pursue Fuentes
Would be nice to have another hard throwing lefty in the pen, but will cost too much.
Do the Sox have thoughts on Penny?
The Dodgers declined the $9.25 million option on righthander Brad Penny's contract Wednesday, making him a free agent.
I would like him or take a small risk like Pavano. Make Pavano's contract cheap with incentives based on performance. He has something to prove espacially top the Yankees.
Penny would also help our rotation.
I want lots of pitching.
Sabathia not on Boston's agenda
Let the Yankees have him, but drive up the price. I think he will get injured during some point of the contract. He did pitch with alot of heart for the Brewers. Gained my respect.
Redsox Shopping Lugo
A number of clubs have holes at shortstop - including the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants - but Lugo is a tough sell, coming off a season in which he didn’t play after July 11 because of a severe quad strain. Beyond his value, there’s the issue of his contract.
The best bet would seem to be a deal in which the Sox absorb a bad contract in exchange for a team taking Lugo’s remaining dollars. On that criteria alone, the White Sox would seem a good fit, given that they are willing to unload pitcher Javier Vazquez (two years, $22 million) and outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher (three years, $22.5 million).
But as a reliable 200-inning starter, Vazquez will fetch far more than Lugo in return and the asking price on Swisher is also likely to far outstrip that of the shortstop. In some ways, Swisher would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox, since he could serve as a left-handed hitting backup to Kevin Youkilis [stats] at first as well as the team’s fourth outfielder should Crisp be moved. Swisher’s grinding approach at the plate - he saw more pitches than anyone else in the AL last year - dovetails nicely with the Red Sox’ offensive philosophy.
A potentially better matchup could be the Tigers, who would like to unburden themselves of overpriced lefties Nate Robertson (two years, $18 million) and Dontrelle Willis (two years, $22 million).
Boston Herald
The best bet would seem to be a deal in which the Sox absorb a bad contract in exchange for a team taking Lugo’s remaining dollars. On that criteria alone, the White Sox would seem a good fit, given that they are willing to unload pitcher Javier Vazquez (two years, $22 million) and outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher (three years, $22.5 million).
But as a reliable 200-inning starter, Vazquez will fetch far more than Lugo in return and the asking price on Swisher is also likely to far outstrip that of the shortstop. In some ways, Swisher would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox, since he could serve as a left-handed hitting backup to Kevin Youkilis [stats] at first as well as the team’s fourth outfielder should Crisp be moved. Swisher’s grinding approach at the plate - he saw more pitches than anyone else in the AL last year - dovetails nicely with the Red Sox’ offensive philosophy.
A potentially better matchup could be the Tigers, who would like to unburden themselves of overpriced lefties Nate Robertson (two years, $18 million) and Dontrelle Willis (two years, $22 million).
Boston Herald
Yankees chances of landing Padres' Jake Peavy getting better
With the CC Sabathia sweepstakes getting underway next week, the Yankees are also keeping their eye on another former Cy Young winner.
FIXING THE YANKEES FOR 2009
Jake Peavy might not have the Yankees at the top of his list, but as the Padres run into more roadblocks with teams Peavy would approve, the Bombers' chances of acquiring the talented righthander keep getting better. According to a source, San Diego wants at least two pitchers and an outfielder in exchange for Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young winner. The Yankees don't have the prospects to match what the Braves could offer, but as of Wednesday, Atlanta remained hesitant to give up its top minor-leaguers for the 27-year-old Peavy.
The Yankees could put together a package built around Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson, according to a source, although they would likely have to include two or three more players, one of which could be Ian Kennedy. The Padres, according to the source, have no interest in Robinson Cano. Hughes was the closest thing the Yankees had to untouchable last year during the Johan Santana saga, but after the righthander's subpar 2008 season, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Yankees would move the 22-year-old.
THE FANS VOTE: YANKEES KEEP 'EM OR DUMP 'EM
"We hope that piece will play a significant role for this franchise in the future, but that doesn't mean he can't be traded, either," GM Brian Cashman said. "He continues to be a guy who gets asked about quite often, so he must be doing something right despite the '08 season."
Peavy identified the Braves, Cubs, Astros, Cardinals and Dodgers as the five teams he would want to play for if the Padres dealt him, while San Diego GM Kevin Towers said the pitcher has added the Yankees and Angels to that list. Chicago, Houston and St. Louis don't seem to match up well with San Diego, and Towers appears to have no interest in dealing Peavy to another NL West team, which would take the Dodgers out of the mix. Peavy, who has four years and roughly $60 million left on his contract, would apparently accept a deal to the Yankees or Angels if no deal with an NL team works out.
JOBA'S WILD NIGHT
Cashman wouldn't discuss Peavy specifically, but he noted that the Santana situation last winter would have required him to not only deal away four players but also ink the pitcher to a long-term deal.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are preparing to make a huge offer to Sabathia after Nov.14, the first day that teams are permitted to talk terms with all free agents. Two executives said Wednesday at the GM meetings that they believe Sabathia will wind up in New York, based solely on the expectation that the Bombers' offer would easily exceed all others.
The Yankees figure to be in the mix for A.J. Burnett, who opted out of the final two years and $24 million of his contract with the Blue Jays Tuesday. Toronto is doing its best to re-sign Burnett, although it's hard to imagine the pitcher would not test the market. The Bombers are also waiting for Mike Mussina to make a decision on retirement. In what is considered a formality, the righthander officially filed for free agency Wednesday.
Cashman said the Yankees are interested in bringing back Andy Pettitte, although he wouldn't divulge whether he has started to negotiate with the pitcher's agents. The Yankees would likely offer Pettitte a one-year deal in the $10 million range, but the lefthander, who went 14-14 with a 4.54ERA this year, is believed to be looking for a two-year contract.
"Ultimately we'd like to have him back and he'd like to stay," Cashman said. "That's typically two good ingredients to get something done, but we're not there at this point."
NY Daily News
FIXING THE YANKEES FOR 2009
Jake Peavy might not have the Yankees at the top of his list, but as the Padres run into more roadblocks with teams Peavy would approve, the Bombers' chances of acquiring the talented righthander keep getting better. According to a source, San Diego wants at least two pitchers and an outfielder in exchange for Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young winner. The Yankees don't have the prospects to match what the Braves could offer, but as of Wednesday, Atlanta remained hesitant to give up its top minor-leaguers for the 27-year-old Peavy.
The Yankees could put together a package built around Phil Hughes and Austin Jackson, according to a source, although they would likely have to include two or three more players, one of which could be Ian Kennedy. The Padres, according to the source, have no interest in Robinson Cano. Hughes was the closest thing the Yankees had to untouchable last year during the Johan Santana saga, but after the righthander's subpar 2008 season, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Yankees would move the 22-year-old.
THE FANS VOTE: YANKEES KEEP 'EM OR DUMP 'EM
"We hope that piece will play a significant role for this franchise in the future, but that doesn't mean he can't be traded, either," GM Brian Cashman said. "He continues to be a guy who gets asked about quite often, so he must be doing something right despite the '08 season."
Peavy identified the Braves, Cubs, Astros, Cardinals and Dodgers as the five teams he would want to play for if the Padres dealt him, while San Diego GM Kevin Towers said the pitcher has added the Yankees and Angels to that list. Chicago, Houston and St. Louis don't seem to match up well with San Diego, and Towers appears to have no interest in dealing Peavy to another NL West team, which would take the Dodgers out of the mix. Peavy, who has four years and roughly $60 million left on his contract, would apparently accept a deal to the Yankees or Angels if no deal with an NL team works out.
JOBA'S WILD NIGHT
Cashman wouldn't discuss Peavy specifically, but he noted that the Santana situation last winter would have required him to not only deal away four players but also ink the pitcher to a long-term deal.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are preparing to make a huge offer to Sabathia after Nov.14, the first day that teams are permitted to talk terms with all free agents. Two executives said Wednesday at the GM meetings that they believe Sabathia will wind up in New York, based solely on the expectation that the Bombers' offer would easily exceed all others.
The Yankees figure to be in the mix for A.J. Burnett, who opted out of the final two years and $24 million of his contract with the Blue Jays Tuesday. Toronto is doing its best to re-sign Burnett, although it's hard to imagine the pitcher would not test the market. The Bombers are also waiting for Mike Mussina to make a decision on retirement. In what is considered a formality, the righthander officially filed for free agency Wednesday.
Cashman said the Yankees are interested in bringing back Andy Pettitte, although he wouldn't divulge whether he has started to negotiate with the pitcher's agents. The Yankees would likely offer Pettitte a one-year deal in the $10 million range, but the lefthander, who went 14-14 with a 4.54ERA this year, is believed to be looking for a two-year contract.
"Ultimately we'd like to have him back and he'd like to stay," Cashman said. "That's typically two good ingredients to get something done, but we're not there at this point."
NY Daily News
Coco Crisp Drawing Interest
Center fielder Coco Crisp, whom the Red Sox intermittently shopped last winter following the emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury, is again being made available and drawing interest. One executive at the general managers meetings talked to the Sox recently estimated that "five or six" teams have shown a willingness to discuss a deal for Crisp. ... The Chicago Cubs, a team periodically linked to Crisp, don't seem as interested this time around. One Cubs official yesterday said that while Chicago does need a center fielder, the NL Central champion would prefer one with more extra-base power, citing the lack of power shown by current outfielders Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukodome. Other teams with interest in Crisp might include the Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres. At 29, Crisp is in the prime of his career and his remaining salary ($5.75 million in 2009, $8 million club option for 2010 or a $500,000 buyout) is hardly off-putting, even for small market teams.
Boston Herald
Boston Herald
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
'WORST' FIELDER IN MAJORS
A group that tracks every ball hit in the majors says Derek Jeter is the worst fielder in baseball.
Stats guru Bill James, author of the "Baseball Abstract," and a panel of nine other voters, ranked Jeter 22nd among all major-league shortstops, with one calling Jeter "the least effective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position."
Jeter received one 10th-place vote in balloting for the 2008 Fielding Bible Awards, announced yesterday. One panel member comes from Baseball Info Solutions (BIS), a group that ... well, just say they do their research.
"They watched film of every major-league game, and had recorded every ball off the bat by the direction in which it was hit [the vector], the type of hit [groundball, flyball, line-drive, popup, etc.] and by how hard the ball was hit [softly hit, medium, hard hit]," according to James.
In an earlier article that appears on James' Fielding Bible Web site, BIS ripped Jeter.
"They had analyzed the outcomes to determine who was best at turning hit balls into outs," James wrote. "One of their conclusions was that Jeter was probably the least effective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position."
On this year's list, MetsNew York Mets hater and World Series champion Jimmy Rollins topped the list of shortstops, followed by the Brewers' J.J. Hardy, the Braves' Yunel Escobar, the Angels' Erick Aybar, the Pirates' Jack Wilson, the White Sox' Orlando Cabrera, the Cardinals' Cesar Iztruis, the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, the GiantsNew York Giants ' Omar Vizquel and the Mets' Jose ReyesJose Reyes .
With the exception of Vizquel, who has 11 Gold Gloves, the rest of the group has four combined - one more than the apparently defensively challenged Jeter.
Jeter is no stranger to statistically questioned fielding. A Penn University study released in February found Jeter to be the worst shortstop in the majors.
"Maybe it was a computer glitch," Jeter told The Post during spring training. "Every [shortstop] doesn't stay in the same spot, every one doesn't have the same pitching. Every one doesn't have the same hitters running. It's impossible to do that."
Carlos Beltran was the only New York player to take the top spot at his position, finishing tops among center fielders. He can put this nerdy prize next to his two actual Gold Gloves.
Major League Baseball will announce this year's Gold Glove winners this month.
The complete Fielding Bible award winners: P, Kenny Rogers, Detroit; C, Yadier Molina, Cardinals; 1B, Albert Pujols, Cardinals; 2B, Brandon Phillips, Reds; 3B, Adrian Beltre, Mariners; SS, Jimmy Rollins, Phillies; LF, Carl Crawford, Rays; CF, Carlos Beltran, Mets; RF Franklin Gutierrez, Indians.
justin.terranova@nypost.com
Stats guru Bill James, author of the "Baseball Abstract," and a panel of nine other voters, ranked Jeter 22nd among all major-league shortstops, with one calling Jeter "the least effective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position."
Jeter received one 10th-place vote in balloting for the 2008 Fielding Bible Awards, announced yesterday. One panel member comes from Baseball Info Solutions (BIS), a group that ... well, just say they do their research.
"They watched film of every major-league game, and had recorded every ball off the bat by the direction in which it was hit [the vector], the type of hit [groundball, flyball, line-drive, popup, etc.] and by how hard the ball was hit [softly hit, medium, hard hit]," according to James.
In an earlier article that appears on James' Fielding Bible Web site, BIS ripped Jeter.
"They had analyzed the outcomes to determine who was best at turning hit balls into outs," James wrote. "One of their conclusions was that Jeter was probably the least effective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position."
On this year's list, MetsNew York Mets hater and World Series champion Jimmy Rollins topped the list of shortstops, followed by the Brewers' J.J. Hardy, the Braves' Yunel Escobar, the Angels' Erick Aybar, the Pirates' Jack Wilson, the White Sox' Orlando Cabrera, the Cardinals' Cesar Iztruis, the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, the GiantsNew York Giants ' Omar Vizquel and the Mets' Jose ReyesJose Reyes .
With the exception of Vizquel, who has 11 Gold Gloves, the rest of the group has four combined - one more than the apparently defensively challenged Jeter.
Jeter is no stranger to statistically questioned fielding. A Penn University study released in February found Jeter to be the worst shortstop in the majors.
"Maybe it was a computer glitch," Jeter told The Post during spring training. "Every [shortstop] doesn't stay in the same spot, every one doesn't have the same pitching. Every one doesn't have the same hitters running. It's impossible to do that."
Carlos Beltran was the only New York player to take the top spot at his position, finishing tops among center fielders. He can put this nerdy prize next to his two actual Gold Gloves.
Major League Baseball will announce this year's Gold Glove winners this month.
The complete Fielding Bible award winners: P, Kenny Rogers, Detroit; C, Yadier Molina, Cardinals; 1B, Albert Pujols, Cardinals; 2B, Brandon Phillips, Reds; 3B, Adrian Beltre, Mariners; SS, Jimmy Rollins, Phillies; LF, Carl Crawford, Rays; CF, Carlos Beltran, Mets; RF Franklin Gutierrez, Indians.
justin.terranova@nypost.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
Red Sox to make run at Teixeira
Mark Teixeira is expected to draw plenty of interest on the open market. Newsday is reporting the Red Sox are planning to make a push at signing Teixeira this offseason. According to the newspaper, the Red Sox would move Kevin Youkilis to third base while Mike Lowell recovers from hip surgery. Once Lowell is healthy, expected to be mid-March, the Red Sox could then look to move him if Teixeira is in the fold.
Courtesy ESPN
Courtesy ESPN
Movement on Manny coming soon
Manny Ramirez DodgersThe Dodgers' bid to re-sign Manny Ramirez -- or part ways with him without causing a fan uproar -- will start in the next four days, as general manager Ned Colletti is expected to meet with agent Scott Boras for the first time this off-season at the general managers' meetings in Dana Point.
"We owe it to the player and Scott to hear them out and for them to hear us out," Colletti said.
Boras, based in Newport Beach, also represents the Angels' top free-agent filer, Mark Teixeira.
Boras said the 36-year-old Ramirez is worthy of a six-year deal, arguing that his client's value shouldn't be diminished by his age because he hasn't shown any signs of deterioration at the plate.
The agent said he expected Teixeira, 28, to get an even longer deal
"We owe it to the player and Scott to hear them out and for them to hear us out," Colletti said.
Boras, based in Newport Beach, also represents the Angels' top free-agent filer, Mark Teixeira.
Boras said the 36-year-old Ramirez is worthy of a six-year deal, arguing that his client's value shouldn't be diminished by his age because he hasn't shown any signs of deterioration at the plate.
The agent said he expected Teixeira, 28, to get an even longer deal
Redsox Offseason Targets
Varitek - Good leader, I hope they could resign him to a 2 or 3 year deal. We still need a young
catcher to start grooming. Maybe Laird or Saltalamacchia from Texas.
Lugo - Hasn't worked out. We knew that he had a horrible glove, but his bat has also been
subpar. Trade him even if we have to eat some of the $18 million. Sign O. Cabrera or
just go the cheap route with Lowie.
Teixeira - Nice bat, great glove. Would definitely fit the Redsox style of hitter by taking bad
pitches. Stay in the hunt, but don't committ to much. We are still ok with Lowell, who
would have to be moved if we sign Tex.
Coco Crisp - Only move him if the deal will benefit the team.
Starting Pitching - Always the way to win games. Look at Peavy, Burnett, Sheets or others at
the right price. Pitching wins. Right now we have Beckett, Lester, Dice K,
Wake, and most likely Bucholtz.
My opinion is to add another starter and put Wake in the pen for injuries and
long relief.
Tazawa & Kawakami- Stay involved with both pitchers and possibly take a chance on one.
Kawakami's best pitch is cut-fastball and is comparable to Hiroki Kuroda.
Dice K & Okajima have worked out.
Our best move is to remain patient and stay involved with players, but not overpay. We could use a big bat to replace Manny, which Tex or Holliday does offer.
catcher to start grooming. Maybe Laird or Saltalamacchia from Texas.
Lugo - Hasn't worked out. We knew that he had a horrible glove, but his bat has also been
subpar. Trade him even if we have to eat some of the $18 million. Sign O. Cabrera or
just go the cheap route with Lowie.
Teixeira - Nice bat, great glove. Would definitely fit the Redsox style of hitter by taking bad
pitches. Stay in the hunt, but don't committ to much. We are still ok with Lowell, who
would have to be moved if we sign Tex.
Coco Crisp - Only move him if the deal will benefit the team.
Starting Pitching - Always the way to win games. Look at Peavy, Burnett, Sheets or others at
the right price. Pitching wins. Right now we have Beckett, Lester, Dice K,
Wake, and most likely Bucholtz.
My opinion is to add another starter and put Wake in the pen for injuries and
long relief.
Tazawa & Kawakami- Stay involved with both pitchers and possibly take a chance on one.
Kawakami's best pitch is cut-fastball and is comparable to Hiroki Kuroda.
Dice K & Okajima have worked out.
Our best move is to remain patient and stay involved with players, but not overpay. We could use a big bat to replace Manny, which Tex or Holliday does offer.
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