AP: Sox, Bobby V. Agree To Terms

Now that the Associated Press has weighed in, it must be official. The AP confirmed what the rest of The Nation has known for almost 24 hours—the Sox and Bobby V. have agreed to contract terms (undisclosed). It looks now like the big introduction will be on Thursday at Fenway Park.

New HOF Class Is Lackluster

The 2012 Hall of Fame ballot was announced today, and is comprised of mostly "B"-list players. Only Bill Mueller has any substantial ties to the Red Sox—and while he's one of our favorite all-time Carmine Hose, he's no Hall of Famer. The likely effect of this weak class is that Barry Larkin and Jack Morris (both of whom missed last year, but got over the 50% vote threshold) may be the the two inductees next year.

A Former Met Fan Views Bobby V.

by Larry Shiman, FN Board Member

When I first heard that the Sox were thinking about Bobby Valentine, I was surprised. I think of his personality as the opposite of the managers we have seen around here for a long time. Jimy Williams, Terry Francona, and the other guy I don’t like to think about were all pretty low key guys. They were calming presences, and didn’t stir up controversy. Even in other sports, the guys who seem to thrive here are the guys who don’t go out of their way to create controversy (Belichick has attracted his share of controversy, but it wasn’t his outgoing personality that led to it). Bobby V, on the other hand, loves to talk, and becomes part of the story. I think of him more like Rick Pitino and Bill Parcells, neither of whom lasted long in this town. Given the collapse at the end of last year, however, maybe it’s what they need right now.

Looking at Valentine’s record, the first thing you notice is that he doesn’t wear out his welcome too fast. He’s only had two managing gigs, and they lasted a long time. He may be emotional, but I don’t remember too many battles between him and his players – he’s no Billy Martin (or Rick Pitino, or Bill Parcells) in that regard. In New York, his tenure precisely overlapped with the years that the Yankees were most dominant, and the Mets were kicked off the back pages of the tabloids, so he didn’t get as much exposure as you might think. In Boston, he’ll get all the attention he wants.

His first gig was with the Rangers, from ’85 to ’92. He took over a team that was terrible – the Rangers finished last in ’84, and were 9-23 in ’85 when he took over. The only guys with any real talent were over 30. It didn’t take long for them to improve, in a big way. While they continued to struggle in the rest of ’85, they took a major step forward in ’86, finishing 87-75, in second place. He immediately put in a bunch of young players, got rid of the dead wood, and it paid off. Among his regular players that year were Pete Incaviglia (age 22), Oddibe McDowell (age 23), Ruben Sierra (age 20), Ed Correa (age 20), Bobby Witt (age 22), Jose Guzman (age 23), Mitch Williams (age 21), and Steve Buechele (age 24). The Rangers had a lot of young talent, and by God, he was going to give them a chance. However, they weren’t the real reason the Rangers improved so much. They improved because the veterans that were left all had terrific years – Pete O’Brien, Scott Fletcher, Larry Parrish, and Charlie Hough in particular.

After the glorious first full year, the Rangers were considered one of the hot young teams in baseball. And then they collapsed. 87 losses in ’87. 91 losses the next year. By ’89, they finally found their footing, and were pretty good for a few years, before management got tired of being pretty good, and Bobby V. was gone by midseason of ’92. Looking at those teams, they scored runs – a lot of them, but their pitching was never very good. Most of the young pitchers didn’t develop under Valentine, and they were carried along by Kevin Brown and an ancient Nolan Ryan for a few years. But still, he never stopped giving a chance to the young guys, including starting Juan Gonzalez at age 20, and a 19 year old catcher name Ivan Rodriguez, and it paid off more than it didn’t.

His second chance came in New York. Once again, he took over a team that was pretty bad, but then again Dallas Green was the manager, who I distinctly remember had no business running a major league baseball team. And once again, they almost immediately improved—from 71 to 88 wins in his first full season. And it should be noted that he won 88 games that year with a starting rotation of Rick Reed, Dave Mlicki, Bobby Jones, Mark Clark, and Armando Reynoso. This time they consolidated, winning 88 games the next year, 97 the year after that, and made it to the World Series the year after that.

To be fair, they did get Mike Piazza, along with Al Leiter for the pitching staff, but the talent on those clubs was not overwhelming. In one way, he did the opposite in New York as he did with Texas, tending to play the veterans, rather than young guys, but then again, he had more old talent and less young than he did in Texas. Eventually, the strategy stopped working – our old friend Mo Vaughn, along with Roberto Alomar, were pretty bad, and the team collapsed, but for a few years, he did a hell of a job.

So what does this all add up to? First, he seems to have a pretty positive impact at the beginning. Although he played a lot of youngsters in Texas, it’s interesting that he got some terrific performances out of veterans that just weren’t that good during the rest of their careers. I don’t think his teams were overwhelmingly talented, but they still won, at least for a while. Several veterans who were good performed even better under Valentine than they had in the past. Second, he’ll go with young guys when they look real promising, even at a very young age, but if not, he’s happy playing veterans as well.

Finally, I think the extent to which he’s an emotional manager is a bit overblown. Emotional managers don’t tend to last for several years at each stop. Nor do guys who have problems with their General Managers or ownership.

It’s a good record. In my opinion, he’s never really had the horses, even in New York, especially when it comes to pitching. The more I look at his record, the more I think they made the right choice.

Nakajima A SS Option For Sox?

One of the supposed benefits of hiring Bobby Valentine was a greater access to prime Japanese players—since he's considered an icon over there. With that in mind, we saw that 29-year old shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima was just posted by his Japanese team—the Seibu Lions. Given the need for a young, steady, all-around shortstop on the Red Sox, maybe Bobby can pull some strings. Nakajima has a .313 lifetime average and a career .385 OBP. He's also clouted 75 HRs in just four years. He's known to be a target of the Evil Empire, but, then so was Dice-K.
(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Bobby V. Presser Thursday/Friday

The Herald's Michael Silverman reports that—since Valentine is still winging his way back from Japan—the introductory press conference will happen no sooner than Thursday, or even Friday.

The Remaining Red Sox Agenda

Now that the manager is out of the way, there are only about a half-dozen other critical decisions that have to be made before Spring Training.

1.) Let's start with a pitching coach. Curt Young took the first flight out of Logan as soon as Black September wrapped up. He's back in Oakland. Former Red Sox pitching coach Dave Wallace served under Bobby V. for two years with the Mets, so he is a logical hire. Do it!

2.) Next, we need a closer. We think the Red Sox made a big mistake not re-signing Jonathan Papelbon, but that's Bud Light under the bridge. We need Heath Bell to be signed as soon as possible—before the Blue Jays scoop him up. Put Bard in the starting rotation.

3.) How about a right-fielder? The most logical choice to replace the "worth more than $14 million" J. D. Drew is Michael Cuddyer. He's tough, he's durable, he's got a .343 career OBP, and he's available. Go get him!

4.) Then there's the two open slots in the starting rotation. Putting Daniel Bard in the starting rotation (after Beckett, Lester, and Buchholz) leaves only the fifth spot open. Assuming Wake is not coming back, we would suggest going after a filler option like Roy Oswalt. This also allows us to keep Alfredo Aceves as a set-up 8th-inning guy.

5.) OK, now Designated Hitter. If Papi is allowed to walk to Toronto or Baltimore, we should sign Aramis Ramirez to play third and make Kevin Youkilis the DH. This would also bring Boston into line with the overall trend of making DHs rotatable among two or three players—giving more rest to all. One could see Youk, Ramirez and A-Gon rotating roles to give a "blow" to each one as needed.

6.) Penultimately, catcher. Assuming Jason Varitek is wearing Oriole black and orange in 2012, we think Jarrod Saltalamacchia should be backed up by Ryan Lavarnway. Let the kid play—if he clicks, he could be the number one catcher next year.

7.) Finally, shortstop. I know, I know—Marco Scutaro is signed to be our everyday guy. However, at 35, he's not the best option. Jed Lowrie can't be counted on to be a healthy back-up either. If they can deal Lowrie (there is interest), then the Jose Iglesias Era should begin. First, as back-up, and, if he clicks, as the mid-season starter.

It's not that complicated. The Red Sox just need to do it.

A CT Met In King Henry's Court

So, our long national nightmare is over. Bobby Valentine has been selected as the 45th manager of your Boston Red Sox. He's from Connecticut. Plus. He managed the Mets—whose fans are the only ones who might just hate the Yankees more than we do. Plus. He will probably not tolerate Popeye's and Bud Light in the clubhouse. Plus. He invented the wrap sandwich. Uhh....jury is still out.

From where we sit, Valentine was the only logical choice from the final two. Gene Lamont is undoubtedly a good guy, and he probably would have been a fine manager. I'm sure he also enjoys long walks on the beach. But he is boring and his "kick-ass" bona fides are unknown. The collective yawn from The Nation that his hiring would have induced would be deafening.

There is a clear loser in this hire. Ben Cherington did not get his first choice, so the first impression we have is that he was out-maneuvered by Larry Lucchino. His power is in roughly the same proportion as Dmitri Medvedev's is to Valdimir Putin's. For those of you unfamiliar with Russian politics, let's just say it's not good for BenCher.

Time will tell whether Bobby V. can whip this talented but tainted club into championship form. Let the honeymoon begin—until May 1.
(Photo / Stamford Advocate)

Looks Like Valentine's Day!

UPDATE—Mike Lynch Of Ch. 5: Verbal Agreement Reached

ESPN's Karl Ravech is tweeting that Gene Lamont is out of the running for Red Sox manager. By process of elimination, it looks as if Boston will name Bobby Valentine its 45th skipper soon. Stay Tuned.

DeMarlo Going To Fenway South?

The Baltimore Sun reports that Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale may follow Papi and Varitek to Fenway On The Inner Harbor. Former Boston GM Dan Duquette may finally be exacting some revenge on his 2004 summary dismissal by bringing down as many Sox as possible to Baltimore.

Pedro In Town For Dana Farber

Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez will be on hand to collect toys at HomeGoods in Bedford, MA for the benefit of Dana Farber pediatric cancer patients. The event will also benefit underprivileged kids in the Dominican Republic through the Pedro Martinez and Brothers Foundation. The toy drive will be held on Sat., Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at HomeGoods, Great Road Shopping Center, 309 Great Rd. (Route 4, next to TJMaxx) in Bedford, Massachusetts. Attendees who donate two new, unwrapped toys during the event, will receive one autograph from Pedro Martinez who will be signing in person at the event. Attendees should bring their own items to be signed and no photographs please. For more information about the toy drive please contact Scott Shuster, Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston at 617-393-2311.

Sox Malaise May Cost Them Bell

Jonathan Broxton and Joe Nathan are both gone, and, while the Red Sox snooze, they are likely to miss out on Heath Bell as well. The inability of Boston to pull the trigger on their manager's search is now materially affecting the quality of the 2012 roster. Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun is reporting that the Jays are heavily after San Diego closer Heath Bell—the most logical remaining choice for Boston. But why would any rational player go to a team that can't even decide on their field manager without a navel-gazing, 60-day meditation fest? Disgraceful.
(PHOTO: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Dust Mites: Fenway Under Seige?

The notoriously unreliable website Boston Dust Mites (BDM) is reporting that an angry mob of Red Sox fans in approaching Yawkey Way. Considering their record for accuracy, we would urge you to dismiss the report. But, here it is anyway.

Gotham Reporter Rips Valentine

Consider the source. Murray Chass is a New York sports reporter—need we say any more? By his own admission, he doesn't like Bobby Valentine (due mostly to their run-ins when the V-Man managed the Metropolitans). Nevertheless, it's worth at least considering his opinion on the likely new manager of the Carmine Hose. Here is his blog post from yesterday.

What Are The Sox Waiting For?

10:45 AM UPDATE: Franco Still Dead, Sox Still Undecided.

When the Red Sox are in the midst of the three-game June road-trip to Wrigley, no one will remember that we didn't have a manager until the first of December or so. We get that. Nevertheless, it's infuriating to read that the Kansas City Royals—the Royals—are locking up closers (Jonathan Broxton), while we continue to lolly-gag our way through Indecision 2011. This is ridiculous. No matter who the choice is, we need to see the white smoke flowing from the chimney on Yawkey Way now.

Dueling Tweets On Sox Mgr. Hire

OK, now Indecision 2011 is just getting silly. After Joel Sherman tweeted that the Red Sox would pick their managerial choice today (Tuesday), Sean McAdam is now tweeting that Sherman's report is "inaccurate". Your Boston Red Sox are getting downright embarrassing.

Sox Will Pick Manager On Tuesday

According to a Tweet by Joel Sherman, the Red Sox will announce their new managerial choice tomorrow, Tuesday. Apparently, Bobby Valentine will be winging his way back from Japan and therefore, could be back in time for a press conference on Wednesday. Gene Lamont is probably lurking at Twins Souvenirs ready to pounce. Finally, the white smoke will emerge from Yawkey Way.

Turning Around Japanese?

If Bobby Valentine is chosen as the next manager of your Boston Red Sox, he'll have to quickly hustle back from a charity event he's currently attending in Japan. Maybe the Forbes List Billionaire will send over his private jet to wing Bobby back to Boston for the big announcement press conference. Pardon the V-Man is he yawns during the Q&A session.

Sox May Venture Into 'Garza' Strip

The Globe's Peter Abraham speculates (based on a Buster Olney Tweet) that Matt Garza could present an interesting fix for the Red Sox. If Boston threw in a couple of prospects, getting Garza back could solve the Great Theo Compensation Conundrum. Moreover, getting Garza (an experienced AL East hand) in a trade would obviate the need to spend big bucks for a free agent starter like C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

It's Official! No Manager Decision!

Only the Red Sox of 2011 could make news by not making a decision. According to the Herald, the team has 'officially' confirmed (though an un-named team source) that the managerial field really is down to two—Bobby Valentine and Gene Lamont. Well, I guess it is news for the now jettisoned Torey Lovullo. Oh, and by the way, the "source" says they'll likely make the choice between the two 60-somethings "towards the end of this week". What's the rush, right?

BirdsOFeather For Papi Together?

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald is reporting that yet another team may be interested in David Ortiz. Previous speculation centered on the Blue Jays as a likely landing spot for Ortiz—and the Orioles have already acknowledged interest. Hey, if the Cardinals show interest in Papi to replace Pujols at first base, it would be a ornithological tri-fecta.

Red Sox Drift Continues: Day 58

It's been almost two months since Terry Francona said 'bye-bye' to the Carmine Hose, and they still don't have a replacement. According to ESPN's Gordon Edes, neither of the two finalists have been told anything as of last night. As the Red Sox stumble—un-dead-like—through the off-season, every other team in Major League Baseball is making trades, lining up free agents, tweaking their rosters, getting their new managers into the organizational flow. Boston? Hey, we might pull the trigger early this week—maybe not. Go Liverpool!

Do We Really 'Wandy' Rodriguez?

Reports are surfacing (and will likely be submerging soon) that the Red Sox have interest in Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez. While the soon-to-be 33-year old has had flashes of excellence, he is one of those guys Boston tends to overpay for after achieving minimal success in a crappy division. Wandy is basically a .500 pitcher (73-75 lifetime) with a career ERA of 4.07. Can you say "a left-handed John Lackey?"

Power Test On Manager Selection

BenCher has had a rough start to his tenure as Red Sox GM. Facing major holes at manager, right field and in the rotation—he's done virtually nothing to date. And looming over his shoulder is the ominous presence of Sith Lord Lucchino ready to sap his powers. Now, according to SI's Jon Heyman, the managerial hire may be the first major test of BenCher's power (or lack of it). According to Heyman, Valentine is the choice of ownership (and, of course, the Sith Lord), while Cherington was highly impressed by Lamont and wants to hire him. Fasten your seat belts.

Two Red Sox Icons For The Birds?

The Gobe's Nick Cafardo hints that both David Ortiz and Jason Varitek may be sporting black and orange in Camden Yards this coming year. Cafardo states that Big Papi is 'still very much in play' for former Sox GM Dan Duquette and opines that he 'could envision' Jason Varitek backing up Matt Wieters for the Orioles. This would certainly make trips to 'Fenway At The Inner Harbor" all the more interesting next summer.

Sox Kick The Tires On Ayala

Stealing an effective player away from the Evil Empire is always a good thing—even if it doesn't actually happen (see Mariano Rivera in 2010). According to FOX's John Morosi, the Red Sox have looked into acquiring free-agent reliever Luis Ayala. The 33-year old righty was 2-2 with a 2.09 ERA with the Bronx Embalmers last year—with 39 strikeouts in 56 innings.

Bobby V. Landslide Over Lamont

Respondents to our latest FenwayNation Poll overwhelmingly supported Bobby Valentine over Gene Lamont as the next Red Sox manager. Valentine garnered 76.5% of those casting a vote compared with only 23.5% for Lamont. You can still vote in the poll by clicking HERE.

FN Poll: Valentine Or Lamont?

If Poll Not Visible, CLICK HERE

Butch Hobson's Choice

Well, folks, you've got two briefcases left to choose from—Number 61 and Number 64. Bobby Valentine or Gene Lamont. Mr. Excitement versus Mr. Comatose. Sizzle versus Steak. Apple versus Windows. The 'nationwide' search is complete and this is what we're left with? You have to hope that Grand Master Flash (Larry Lucchino) has set his secret plan into motion. Having failed to pry John Farrell from The Great White North, he's content to ride out the next two years (dare we call them 'bridge' years?) with The Back Up Plan. Then, in 2014, when Farrell can fly the Blue Jay coop, he makes his triumphant return. Yikes!

It's Come To This With The Sox

Your Carmine Hose are in such a state of suspended animation that the only news we can report today is that their AAA hitting coach was stolen away right under their noses. Oh, the humanity! So now, Chili Davis—who never even played a day in a Red Sox uniform—heads to the Oakland A's. Hey, maybe he's a precursor to the big Gio Gonzaelz deal.

Why The Sox Can't Afford a "Gio"

No, not the cheap little Chevy roller-skate, but Gio Gonzalez—the hard-throwing young left-handed starter of the Oakland A's. Gonzalez, just 26, struck out nearly 200 in 2011 and also won 16 games—sporting a 3.12 ERA. But, as has been extensively reported, the A's are looking for a 'motherload' of prospects in return—similar to the haul they got for Dan Haren (5 good young players). No matter how much BenCher lusts after Gio, the Sox don't even have 5 prospects who would qualify. And don't look for Boston to move anyone on the major league roster—except maybe Kevin Youkilis. Bottom line: this deal is not going to happen.

Jays Asked For Clay To Get Farrell

In what could be classified as the boldest move of the off-season, Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos decided to shoot for the moon in the John Farrell sweepstakes. When Boston came a-courtin' for the services of the former Sox pitching coach, Anthopoulos said "sure, just give us Clay Buchholz." After BenCher picked himself up off the floor, he politely ended the "negotiations" and Boston turned its lonely eyes toward Bobby Valentine and (saints preserve us!) Gene Lamont.

Heath Bell Is Logical Closer Choice

For a number of reasons, San Diego free-agent closer Heath Bell is the logical closer choice for the Red Sox. First, he will not cost Boston a first-round compensation pick—thanks to Selig's big-market friendly CBA. Second, he's looking for a deal in excess of the two years the Padres have offered. This is something the Red Sox can afford—just on revenues from Liverpool swag alone. Third, Bell would not cost the Red Sox more prospects from their depleted farm system in a trade. So, barring a commitment to Daniel Bard as closer (which they are clearly uncomfortable with), it's Heath Bell. The 34-year old righty brings another plus to the table—he's almost as flaky as Papelbon (see photo).

Red Sox Are Left-Over Turkey

Indecision 2011 rolls on. No manager. No closer. No right-fielder. No relevance for your Boston Red Sox. The Bruins are unbeatable, the Patriots carve through their sub-.500 opponent schedule, and the Carmine Hose? Uh, well, Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Thrilla In Vanilla. Roush Fenway's exploits are being re-played over and over on NESN and the fans of Boston baseball are left lusting after Gene Lamont. Bottom line: This Black Friday (not to be confused with Black September) the Red Sox are left-over turkey.

Papi: 28 Million Thankful Things?

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman is reporting that an un-named agent believes that David Ortiz could command $16 million in arbitration for a one-year deal. A two-year pact could reach as high as $28 million (or an average annual haul of $14 million). Believe it or not, the agent characterized these numbers as "reasonable". Folks, we all live in a very different world.

A Lot To Be Thankful For Today

A holiday like Thanksgiving puts into perspective the silly little obsession we all have with our beloved baseball team in Boston. Today, we celebrate the unimaginable bravery of a band of religious outcasts who cared enough about their freedom to sail across an unknown abyss to an unknown land. The culmination of their quest is the greatest nation in human history—one in which we are all privileged to live. Managers, closers, DHs—they are all fleeting concerns. Today, let's simply be thankful for our heritage and eat.

NH Court Upholds NYY Fan Ruling

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Yankee fan who ran down a Red Sox fan with her car—resulting in the death of Matthew Beaudoin. The ruling will likely result in the woman, Ivonne Hernandez, serving at least 20 years in prison. The confrontation took place back in 2008 between Hernandez (who displayed a large NYY logo on her car) and a group of Red Sox fans in a parking lot. Hernandez, the court ruled, ran down Beaudoin with her car.

Sox Offer Papi Salary Arbitration

The Red Sox offered salary arbitration to David Ortiz before the 11PM deadline on Wednesday. If Ortiz accepts arbitration by December 7th, he will return to Boston. If he declines and signs with another club, the Red Sox will receive two draft picks in compensation. Boston also offered arbitration to Dan Wheeler, but denied it to Jason Varitek, Erik Bedard, Trever Miller, Tim Wakefield, J.D. Drew and Conor Jackson.

Arbitration Clock Ticking On Papi

The Red Sox have until 11PM tonight to offer David Ortiz salary arbitration. As the Globe's Peter Abraham points out, the Red Sox likely will make the offer—insuring that they will get two draft picks if Papi declines. If he accepts, a mediator would likely award a 1-year deal that would be a modest increase (relatively speaking, of course) from the $12.5 million Ortiz got in 2011.

A Young Reporter Gets His Story

A week or so ago, I had the pleasure of covering a fundraising event in Vermont sponsored by ESPN's Buster Olney. The event—to help that state's farmers who'd been ravaged by Hurricane Irene—featured Theo Epstein, Brain Cashman and Pirates GM Neal Huntington. Also on hand to cover the proceedings was 11-year old sports reporter Jasper Goodman. Jasper is actually an on-air personality for WDEV radio in Waterbury, Vermont. Of course, he's a Red Sox fan—but he doesn't let it get in the way of his journalistic mission. One of the nicest moments of the evening was Theo Epstein setting aside a few moments to give Jasper an exclusive one-on-one interview (see photo). Jasper handled it with total professionalism. I'm sure he'll grow up to become someone everyone in The Nation will follow for years.

El Tiante Turns 71 Today

Talk about things to be thankful for this time of year! The great Luis Tiant turns 71 years old today. Luis spent eight seasons with the Red Sox compiling a 122-81 record and a 3.36 ERA. In his career overall, he was 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA and 2,416 strikeouts. As has been said many times, it's a travesty that this man is not in the Hall of Fame. Your humble scribe had a momentous interaction with El Tiante—getting a cheap groundout RBI off him at Red Sox Fantasy Camp in 1992 (see weathered photo). It is my enduring legacy. Happy Birthday, Luis!

BenCher Assembles His Own Team

The Red Sox announced a series of personnel moves that reflect the vision of new General Manager Ben Cherington. The primary promotional moves were the elevation of both Mike Hazen and Brian O'Halloran to the title of Assistant General Manager. This is not an earth-shattering re-shuffling of staff, but it does allow BenCher to put his unique imprint on the people he needs to rely on day-to-day. Hey, any activity by the Carmine Hose this off-season has to be regarded as positive.

Sox Seek 'Street' Credibility

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman is tweeting that the Red Sox are among several teams that have expressed interest in Huston Street. The reliever had 29 saves in 2011 for the Rockies—although he gave up more hits than innings pitched. He did strike out 55 in 58 1/3 innings. This would allow the Sox to move Daniel Bard to the rotation—similar to what Texas is doing with Feliz after signing Joe Nathan to close.

New CBA Is Chock Full Of 'Stuff'

The new MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement ushers in at least five more years of labor peace for baseball fans. In addition to the big issues already revealed in the agreement (hGH blood-testing, two more Wild Card teams, full-time inter-league play), there are a bunch of interesting little items tucked away in the entrails of this puppy. One that jumped out at us was the still open possibility of Wild Card expansion in 2012—a decision that needs to be made by March 1st. Another was the apparent expansion of Instant Replay to "fair/foul calls" and "trapped" balls. One can imagine the raging controversies this new wrinkle will cause—not to mention delays. Then there was this odd one: "Active Roster limits will be expanded to 26 for certain regular or split doubleheaders." OK, makes sense I guess. The minimum player salary goes to $500,000 in 2014. Maybe the weirdest of all provisions was this: "All Players will be subject to a policy governing the use of Social Media." Of course, there was mention of said policy, but the players sure have to adhere to it. Maybe Bud will "tweet" it to them.

'No Jay Way' On John Farrell

As reported here last Saturday, the Red Sox did indeed try to pry John Farrell away from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays actually changed their personnel policy on lateral moves specifically to prevent Boston's tampering with their manager—who is signed through 2013. Farrell was probably the ideal choice for manager, given his knowledge of the pitching staff and his familiarity with how things work in The Nation.
(PHOTO: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE)

Who Is This Guy Exactly?

As Bobby V.'s inevitable hire draws near, it's instructive to try and figure out who the heck this guy is. Is he the tough disciplinarian that whipped a young Ranger team into shape or the clueless skipper who watched the Good Ship Met sink in a cloud a marijuana smoke in 2002? And, to paraphrase the great Bob Ryan, is he an 'old math' manager (instincts and hunches?) or a 'new math' guy (WAR and Pieces of Data?). Did he invent the sandwich 'wrap' or is he a slick ballroom dancer—or both? Is he an insufferable control freak who goes to battle with GMs or is he a mellow collaborator who can take advice?

The problem is he has been described as all of these at one time or another over the years. He is a masked man (literally) and 'a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma' (with apologies to Winston Churchill). Hey, at least he won't be boring.
(PROVIDENCE JOURNAL PHOTO / BOB BREIDENBACH)

2011 Best O' Nation Media Awards

FenwayNation today announced their annual "Best O' Nation" Media Awards for 2011. The Providence Journal captured best "Sox Newspaper Coverage" this past year. The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham was named best "Baseball Writer", while that same paper's Bob Ryan got the nod for best "General Sports Columnist". WEEI.com's Alex Speier was chosen as best "Web Columnist", while best "Web Blogger" honors went to the Boston Herald Clubhouse Insider's Scott Lauber. Best "Play-By-Play" kudos went to WEEI/ESPN's Dave O'Brien, while best "Color Analysis" went to NESN's Jerry Remy. WEEI's Michael Holley was the choice for best "Local Radio Sports Personality" and WBZ-TV's Dan Roche was selected as best "Local TV Sports Anchor". Congratulations to all of this year's recipients!

DAY 53: Still No Skipper

Generalissimo Francisco Franco (pictured here) is still dead—and the Red Sox still don't have a manager. As the estimable Alex Speier of WEEI.com points out, 'Indecision 2011' does not necessarily speak badly of BenCher, the new GM. As much as we all want to point to the overbearing presence of Larry Luchhino in the process, Cherington has a history of deliberate accomplishments (particularly in the Sox minor league system) and survival (he was hired by Dan Duquette, not the NOG).

Nevertheless, you do get the sense that things are passing the Red Sox by—they still have huge issues to address after the white smoke rises from Yawkey Way and Bobby V. gets anointed. They need a closer, two starters and a right fielder. And maybe even a shortstop. Oh, and they have to pull the trigger on Ortiz (one way or the other). Yikes. Get it going, BenCher!

Chorye Spoone Is 'Sox Best Name'

In a move overshadowed by the Bobby Valentine LoveFest, the Red Sox signed RHP Chorye Spoone to a minor league free-agent contract yesterday. Spoone was immediately awarded "Best Name In The Organization" honors—edging out Cody Kukuk.

Valentine: 'Growth Experience'

Man, is this ever a train wreck waiting to happen. Bobby Valentine said he'd be open to the use of statistical analysis in his managerial routine—viewing it as a "growth experience". READ: "I don't know the first thing about using statistical analysis in a managerial routine." Want more bad news? Gene Lamont is still in the mix—coming back to interview this week. But Sandy Alomar, Jr. is out. Hey, but John Henry (according to his tweets) is thrilled at the big Liverpool win over Chelsea and the fact that his Roush Fenway Racing team won something or other and his NASCAR driver won something else nobody cares about. We're all thrilled for John!
(CSN New England Screenshot)

Sox Open Against NU Huskies

The Red Sox released their 2012 Spring Training schedule today—opening against the Northeastern Huskies on March 3rd at 1:35 PM. Home games will be played at the brand spanking new JetBlue Park at Fenway South (we kid you not, that's the moniker they stuck on this baby). Surprising no one, the first MLB Spring game is against the Minnesota Twins (yawn), although they do play the World Champion Cardinals in Jupiter on March 8th and the Evil Ones twice (once in Tampa and once at JBP@FS). The full schedule can be viewed HERE.

Dallas 'Sportswriter' Does It Again

Once again, Dallas Morning News "baseball writer" Evan Grant has helped mess up an MVP ballot. You may remember Grant as the Einstein who left Dustin Pedroia off the 2008 MVP ballot entirely. This year, he decided to put Jacoby Ellsbury in the fifth spot on a ten-vote ballot for MVP, contributing to the centerfielder's second-place shortfall. But Grant didn't select Justin Verlander as his first choice—oh, no. Michael Young got his first place vote. Are you kidding me? Moreover, Miguel Cabrera and Curtis Granderson were higher on Grant's ballot than Ellsbury. Does anyone police this voting process? Grant is completely incapable of making a rational assessment of these issues. Shameful.