Manny Delcarmanized In Denver

The Rockies' short national nightmare is over. The Denver Post reports that the team will non-tender Manny Delcarman on Thursday, ending his brief, disastrous run in the black and purple. Manny went 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA in just 8.1 innings. Hopefully, the kid from West Roxbury will hook on with someone and regenerate his career.

Sox May Be After Troy Glaus

Oh, my. Now, there are reports that the Red Sox are pursuing 34-year old declining third baseman Troy Glaus to back-fill the inevitable loss of Adrian Beltre. OK, OK, Theo—I know we've expressed frustration with the lack of activity this off-season. But, dude. No. Please.

Non-Baseball Ventures Poll

Please vote in our poll on the non-business ventures (i.e., soccer, NASCAR) of the Red Sox ownership group. VOTE HERE

Earth To NOG: Focus!

As Eric Wilbur has courageously pointed out in the Globe, the Red Sox Emperor has no clothes. As we have been saying for a while, the preoccupation with soccer and racing has had a negative impact on what we thought was the NOG's primary mission: baseball. They let their best pure hitter walk for a fraction of the $450 million they unloaded on the Liverpool soccer franchise. They have been the "Stand Pat Sox" this off-season, while the prospects for 2011 look more and more like "Bridge Year II".

The natives are getting restless, but they seem to be blissfully unaware of it (I'll refrain from the obvious political analogy to their heroes in Washington). Moreover, John Henry has sniped at Wilbur from his Twitter account. How clueless are these guys? As Christmas approaches without any significant improvement in an 89-win also-ran club, somebody has got to tell the Emperor he is naked.

Guerrier Changer?

WEEI is reporting that the Red Sox are pursuing Twins reliever Matt Guerrier. He is a workhorse, having logged 70 plus games in the previous three years.

Nishioka Bid Falls Short

The Red Sox were outbid by the Twins for the rights to negotiate with the Japanese phenom SS Nishioka. Reportedly, the Sox bid around $2 million, the Twins around $5 million. Given the faith Boston has in emerging SS prospect Jose Iglesias, it's not surprising that the Sox did not 'overbid' on the posting fee.


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FN Poll—2011 Catchers

Vote in our poll on whether Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek are an adequate catching tandem for 2011.

Waiting For The Other Shoe

Just when you thought the Red Sox picture for 2011 was as muddled as possible, they lose Victor Martinez to the vast wasteland that is 21st century Detroit. We won't debate the merits of that move here (all I will say is I hope the Liverpudlians are enjoying their new shipment of jock-straps). The more important issue is: will this be the theme for the 'Bridge Year Two' Red Sox? And, as a result, should we start calling our GM "Stand Pat" Theo?

From where we sit, there had better be a few more shoes dropping this off-season or tickets will become very easy to obtain for the 2011 campaign. There is a revolt a-brewing and the NOG seems too pre-occupied with soccer and NASCAR to see it coming.

So, where do we start with the tasks that need attention? How about catcher? Does anyone really believe the mutterings from Yawkey Way that Jarrod Saltalamacchia is our starting backstop? By not offering Jason Varitek arbitration, they will likely re-sign him at a sub-$3 million tag and use him as back-up, but is this really enough? Hopefully, Theo is looking at Rod Barajas or A.J. Pierzynski as a "grown-up" everyday option behind the dish. Beyond this, with all the freed-up cash from the actual departure of V-Mart and the likely departure of Beltre, the Sox had better sign or trade for two impact players.

My primary choice would be to deal whatever we have to deal to get Adrian Gonzalez as our first baseman. Moving Youk to third would make for one of the best all-around infields in all of baseball (and after this year, Iglesias at SS will make it even better). Next (assuming Ellsbury was in the A-Gon trade), I would go all out to sign Carl Crawford to join a Kalish/Cameron/Drew combo in the outfield.

My second choice would be to trade for Justin Upton, go with Jed Lowry for a year at third base, and hoard cash for next year's free-agent first base bonanza (A-Gon, Fielder). This is far less satisfying an option, but at least the team gets younger with a potential super-star in the making with Upton.

Choice three would be a classic free-agent "shell-out" that brings Jayson Werth and his powerful (and sorely needed) right-handed power to left-field. This still leaves third base in a quandary, but they could either move Youk and fill in at first with a stop-gap like Carlos Pena or try the aforementioned Jed Lowrie option at third. Either way, not very sexy.

All in all, the Red Sox have got to do something soon to quell the Perfect Storm of fan outrage that is forming just off-shore. Big moves are preferable, moderate ones acceptable, but no action will be met with pitchforks and torches.

V-Mart Lost To Motown

Well, that bridge is looking all the shakier in 2011. The Red Sox were outbid by the (are you ready?) Detroit Tigers for the services of Victor Martinez. So, welcome back Tek!

As a result, we lose the purest hitter in our lineup. Nice going, NOG! Maybe the $450 million you blew on that moronic soccer deal could have allowed you to extend the V-Mart offer to the 5 years that did the trick. We can probably expect the same result on the Beltre front.

Ready to scoop up those tickets, Nation?

Drew Sutton Era Begins!

The Red Sox continued to drive 2011 ticket sales by signing 27-year old career minor league infielder Drew Sutton. Who, you say? Just the guy who has owned Ohio in his short 2-year major league stint—playing for both Cleveland and Cincinnati. Huh, huh? And, Theo must have been bowled over by his career .302 on-base percentage. Get ready, Nation! This team is shaping up!

Ichiro Lite Coming To Hub?

The Red Sox have still not decided whether to "post" a bid for 26-year old switch-hitting SS Tsuyoshi Nishioka. In 2010, he hit .346 for the Lotte Marines of the Japanese Pacific League. His 206 hits make him the first player to get 200 in that league since Ichiro Suzuki.

With word that 35-year old Marco Scutaro is attracting interest from other teams, and with Lowrie and Iglesias still question marks at SS, Nishioka could slide right into to the position. Hey, wouldn't you like to see an Ichiro Lite in the Sox middle infield? If the Sox haven't been soured on the Japanese posting process because of Dice-K, they may actually go out and get "T-Nish"!

Little Pony Captures More Honors

It was a disappointing year for Dustin Pedroia in 2010. Just after his three home run game in Colorado, he broke his foot and—despite a valiant effort to return—could not regain his MVP form. He was, however, recognized as the recipient of the 1st Annual Radbourn Award, which "exemplifies the rare combination of Grit and Greatness in the game of baseball".

The award is named after Hall of Fame pitcher Old Hoss Radbourn, who set the all-time MLB record by winning 59 games in 1884. Congratulations, Caballito!

Go, Adrian!

The Red Sox may be out of the Adrian Beltre sweepstakes if the initial offer to the third baseman is any indication. The Oakland A's have offered Beltre a 5-year, $64 million deal—and this is a small-market team! Once the bidding rises, chances are Theo and The Trio will take a hike and start looking more seriously at the 'A-Gon to first Youk to third' paradigm.

Upton Deal Taking Shape?

The idle rumor is becoming more active. Sports Illustrated is reporting that the Red Sox are the most aggressive pursuers of Justin Upton--offering Jacoby Ellsbury and Daniel Bard as a starting point in exchange. The 23-year old Upton would sharply lower the average age of the Red Sox roster--now the second oldest in all of baseball.


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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Upton Saturday Night?

The latest rumor to emerge from the GM meetings in Orlando is that the Red Sox have inquired about Arizona outfielder Justin Upton—whom the D'Backs have made plain is available in a trade. The Red Sox, for the record, have poo-pooed this as just "due diligence".

UPDATE: EMPIRE NOW IN ON UPTON SWEEPSTAKES

The haul back to the desert would have to be massive—but it would obviate the need to shell out a king's ransom for either Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford. And, you get a 23-year old with nothing but upside for a long time. The problem is if the Sox yield their most precious prospects in this deal, will anything be left for A-Gon? Or maybe, this is why we've been hearing about James Loney at first base. This is why they pay Theo the big bucks.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

A-Gon Shoulder Impacting Trade?

Adrian Gonzalez has told San Diego reporters that his recent shoulder surgery will prevent him from playing until around March 20th. That has got to throw a major monkey wrench into any quick deal by the Red Sox to obtain the franchise first baseman. It also complicates a range of other moves that are interconnected to any move on A-Gon—so this may actually push any acquisition until the trading deadline. Get your bridge tolls ready.

First Ramirez, Now Buchholz

OK, now the NOG is just messing with our collective mind. After completely confusing fans with the dueling Ramon Ramirezes in our 2010 bullpen, now they've picked up another pitching Buchholz! Yes, the immortal (he was actually once a highly-touted prospect) Taylor Buchholz is now a member of the Red Sox. Now, if they sign a guy named Clay Taylor, I'm outta here.

Preparing Us For Bridge Year Two?

Here's a comforting thought to get you through the candied yams and stuffing over the next couple of weeks: how about Pat Burrell and/or Magglio Ordonez in your starting outfield? That's right, our choice could be: the guy who whiffed 11 times in 13 at-bats in the World Series (Burrell) or the guy who played in a whopping 84 games last year (Ordonez). All things considered I'm sticking with the Crawford/Werth option—how 'bout you? The problem is, the NOG may be preparing us for the alternative.

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo Illustration)

It's Crawford Or Werth In OF

We all kind of knew that the Red Sox would have to aim high to solidify a weak outfield. For a while there was talk that they'd go cheap (read: David DeJesus), but now it's clear from reports that one of the two premier free agents—Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth—will be patrolling the Fenway Green soon.

This is a good thing. Both players are good defenders and both are offensive forces in any lineup (Crawford more of a doubles and speed guy; Werth more of a power threat). One or the other is a necessity if we are to contend in 2011. Adding Adrian Gonzalez to either one (assuming Pedroia and Youkilis come back healthy) would make us favorites in the AL East.

Boras Shocker: His Client Is Hot!

Stop me if you've heard this before: a client of Scott Boras is as hot as a pistol in the free agent market. No, really. According to the uber-agent, in his entire career, he has never seen more interest in a player than for Adrian Beltre. Talk about a credible spokesperson!

Sox May Be Eyeing Mets SS Reyes

Reports are surfacing that the Mets are shopping SS Jose Reyes—and the Red Sox are among the top teams that have inquired about the shape of a potential deal. Stay tuned.

Are The Sox Buck-Ing Up?

One of the more under-discussed aspects of the 2011 Red Sox is the catching situation. Is Tek coming back or is he headed to the Phillies as a back-up? Is Saltalamacchia still cursed with Chuck Knoblauch's disease, or is he the apple of the Red Sox eye? And, most importantly, is Victor Matinex going to be a Tiger? Everyone (including this writer) is so focused on the bullpen and outfield needs, that we forget about the backstop crisis.

Enter John Buck. He of the 20 HRs and .802 OPS in 2010 for the Blue Jays. Reportedly, the Sox are hot on Buck's trail in the event that we have no viable catching options soon. Buck is a decent choice, and at age 30 (come July), is a little more serviceable than my choice—Miguel Olivo (age 32 in July).

UPDATE: Dice-K For Kosuke?

UPDATE: Herald source says Red Sox not interested in Daisuke/Kosuke deal.

A report has surfaced in the Chicago Tribune that the Cubs are exploring a multi-player deal with the Red Sox that would involve two popular Japanese players—Daisuke Matsuzaka and Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs outfielder will be 34 in April, and has had a pedestrian MLB career (kind of J.D. Drew-like). The Sox would be on the hook for $13.5 million in 2011. Daisuke's ERA has been north of 4.70 in the last two years, so he's no prize either, but he won't even turn 30 until the end of next year. While we would love to see Daisuke leave for the right talent in return, this purported deal does not smell right.

HOF'er Gammons At BoSox Club

The Hot Stove Luncheon of the BoSox Club was held today at the Newton Marriott. Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons (NESN, MLB Network) addressed the gathering of over 200 Sox fans and talked about the myriad of options the Red Sox will face in this sure-to-be-wild off-season. He revealed that the Yankee brain trust was in Arkansas today wining and dining Cliff Lee and also surmised that the Sox will have their pick of bullpen options among "20 or 30 possibilities" on the open market to fill in behind Papelbon and Bard. Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino was also present to accept a $22,000 check from the BoSox Club to the Red Sox Foundation.

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo by Ernie Paicopolos)

No Gold Gloves, Again

For the second consecutive year, not one Red Sox player won a Gold Glove. How's that pitching and defense working out for you?

Crawford, Werth And Bill James

Excerpts from The Bill James Handbook: 2011 are out and (as you can see from the above chart), James' "run prevention" analysis highly touts both Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth. Not surprisingly, both have been rumored as hot targets of Theo this off-season.

Hopefully, there are other factors being considered—since the run prevention paradigm was such an abysmal failure in 2010. I know, I know, the injuries kept us from from seeing the theory in its full glory last year. But, in 2004, the Red Sox allowed 24 more runs than they did in 2010. The difference is, they scored 131 more runs in 2004 than in 2010. So, maybe some more offense (and a better bullpen) would have given us enough extra wins to make the post-season. Somehow, "run prevention" doesn't seem to be panacea that the geek community thinks it is.

NOG Hob-Nobbing On "Pitch"

John Henry—rumored to be the principal owner of the Boston Red Sox Baseball Club—has been across the pond viewing his newest toy, the Liverpool soccer team in the English Premier League. As his other team (no, not NASCAR) flounders after an also-ran 89-win season, Henry and his wife Linda Pizzuti are the toast of the town (such as it is, after all, this is Liverpool we're talking about). The local "fans" are convinced that the three straight wins for their previously miserable team are the result of Henry taking over. Isn't that special? Hey, John, when you get a chance, could you focus a bit on your little hardball team here in Beantown?

Definitely Werth Pursuing

ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes reports that the Red Sox have contacted uber-agent Scott Boras about Phillies slugger Jayson Werth. If true, it indicates that "dawn has (finally) broken on Marblehead" and the team is going to try and replace the long-lost MannyBat. Don't count out the Empire on this one, as Werth has some specious ties to the Pinstripe Posers. Hopefully, the pursuit of outfield prowess extends to Carl Crawford as well as a potential fall-back.

Happy Birthday, RemDawg!

It was this writer's good fortune to have Jerry as my manager at Red Sox Fantasy Camp in Winter Haven back in 1992 (the final year at that 'dog' of a facility). Jerry had been in the broadcast booth for four years at that point, but he hadn't come anywhere near the cult status he enjoys today. At the time, he was eight years out of retirement, but still in pretty good playing shape (see photo above).

He was a good manager, giving our group of "wanna-be" major leaguers enough rope to hang ourselves on most days. My fondest memory was of him delighting in the ability to get me out in batting practice ("Lefty, huh? I know exactly how to get you—low and inside"). He did. Every time.

At the end of the week, in a game pitting ex-players against one another, Remy went yard to win a game for his team. Not bad, he said afterward, for a guy who only hit out 7 in ten years. Indeed.

Warmest birthday wishes go out from all of us to Red Sox legend Jerry Remy—President of Red Sox Nation.

(Photo by Gail M. Bloom)

A-Gon Trade Now More Likely

San Diego GM Jed Hoyer (he of the "I know every excruciating detail of the Red Sox organization" Hoyers) stated yesterday that his franchise first baseman, Adrian Gonzaelz, will be a free agent after the 2011 season. Translation: He needs to get value back for A-Gon in a trade lest he get nothing come next October.

Earth to Theo: Pounce! This is the moment we have to make the move that will propel the Red Sox into favorite status in the AL East. Trade whomever we need to (various combinations and permutations of Casey Kelly, Jacoby Ellsbury, Anthony Rizzo, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jed Lowrie, or yes, even Jose Iglesias) to get Gonzalez. With Gonzalez anchored at first for 5 or 8 more years (he will need to be signed before the trade), we are instantly improved—dramatically.

With Hoyer a little more desperate to get something in return (now that Gonzalez and his agent have made the news public), we may end up giving up less than we would have a week ago. Go for it.

Papi Is 'Cool' With One-Year Deal

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told the Globe's Peter Abraham that, while they explored a multi-year deal, the team and David Ortiz settled on the built-in one-year extension. According to Epstein, Ortiz is "cool" with the resolution—despite having loudly and publicly decried a one-year solution. We shall see.

Let The Dlugach Era Begin!

Who said the NOG is timid when it comes to making big deals? The Sox announced today the locking up of the immortal Brent Dlugach from the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named later. Not unlike MSNBC's Chris Matthews, we have a tingle going up our leg.

Nation Divided On 2011 Priorities

VOTE HERE

Will Ortiz Become Big Zap-pi?

At the stroke of midnight, the thrilling carriage ride that has been our experience with David Ortiz could turn into the proverbial pumpkin. The Red Sox have until that witching deadline to decide whether on not to pick up the team's one-year, $12.5 million option on Big Papi. Ortiz wants a multi-year deal. Aside from the obvious reasons for making some sort of deal (for example, being christened by the NOG as the clutchest hitter in Red Sox history), his performance in 2010 warrants bringing the big fella back. Few teams have the kind of certainty in the DH spot that Ortiz brings (not counting his last two Aprils). You can pretty much pencil in 25-30 home runs and at or near 100 RBIs for a key spot in the order. And, since we will probably lose both Beltre and V-Mart, this becomes all the more critical. On Papi's side, it's unlikely he can do better than $12.5 million in the open market. So, this should be a win-win compromise (2 years, $9 million a year?). Both sides need to get something done.

Bye, Bye Beltre!

Adrian Beltre declined his $10 million option with the Red Sox and will more than likely find a better offer with another team. So, his one year with Boston was a revelation. His quirky batting style, his aversion to head rubs, his all-around clutch play will be missed in Beantown.

Curt Young Named Pitching Coach

Former Oakland lefthander Curt Young—the A's pitching coach since 2004—was named the Red Sox new pitching coach on Tuesday.

POLL: Greatest Need For 2011 Sox

What do you think is the single greatest need to be addressed by the 2011 Red Sox? Vote HERE.

Ricciardi May Join Sox Front Office

Reports abound that Worcester-area native J.P. Ricciardi may be joining the Red Sox front office—if he is passed over as Mets GM. Ricciardi did a decent job with a cash-constrained Blue Jays organization—going 642 and 651 (a pedestrian .496 winning percentage) over 8 years in Toronto. This is probably a good move, although on the list of things that need to be re-vamped in this organization, J.P.'s employment is just a tad below adding more annoying "Green" police wandering the aisles for plastic bottles (and getting in the way of the action).