Schilling Pulling 41.5% Of Public HOF Voting

Thanks to BaseballThinkFactory's Darren Viola (by way of NBCHardBallTalk's Craig Calcaterra), we now know where Red Sox legend Curt Schilling stands in publicly-released Hall of Fame balloting. With about 14% of the total vote in, Schilling is pulling 41.5% of the vote—well below the 75% threshold needed for enshrinement. Thus far, four players would make the cut—Greg Maddux, Billerica's Tom Glavine, Frank Thomas and (somewhat surprisingly) Craig Biggio. Former Red Sox closer Lee Smith is getting just 23.2% of the public vote.

The Evil Empire Is Not Signing Stephen Drew

Drew Goes Yard In World Series Game 6

According to Hall Of Fame sportswriter Peter Gammons, the Yankees are not signing free agent shortstop Stephen Drew to a contract. Reportedly, Bronx Embalmer GM Brian Cashman stated yesterday that the team will not ink the World Series-winning shortstop of the Boston Red Sox. Despite the folderol dished out by Uber-Agent Scott Boras, the market for Drew is shrinking big time. As Gammons points out, the Red Sox need to delicately persuade Drew that his best course of action is a one-year "pillow" contract with his old team. This will allow Drew to showcase his talents next year and test free agency again in 2015.

First Annual 'Under The Radar' Award To Nava

This year, FenwayNation is inaugurating a new award—the FN Under the Radar Award. Each year, we will name a Red Sox player who made significant contributions to the success of the team—but didn't get a lot of media and fan recognition for it. Obviously, the 2013 World Champions got a lot of key contributions that weren't necessarily expected—but most of the players involved got due recognition for their deeds. While we may not have expected a lot from John Lackey, Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Mike Napoli and Koji Uehara—they certainly got a considerable amount of praise for their efforts. In our view, one player was a consistent contributor in multiple ways—but didn't really get a lot of ink. That player was Daniel Nava. Consider this: he played in 134 games, hitting .303 (eighth in the AL) with 12 HRs and 66 RBIs. His on-base percentage was .385 (fifth in the AL) and his OPS was .831. And, he gave manager John Farrell maximum flexibility by playing five positions (RF 69 games, LF 63 games, 1B 19 games, DH 5 games and CF 1 game). Nava never complained about his modified platoon role with Gomes—who was electrifying fans more off the bench with his MLB-leading four pinch-hit HRs. Nava played in the infamous World Series Game Three (ObstructionGate), but no one really noticed his two RBIs in the frustrating losing effort. On April 8th, he replaced a slumping Jackie Bradley, Jr. and delivered a three-run HR to pace Boston to a 3-1 win over Baltimore. And, of course, he hit another three-run HR on April 20, 2013—giving the Red Sox a win in the first home game after the Boston Marathon bombings. And this is a guy who was DFA'd from the 40-man roster in 2011. For all he did for The Carmine Hose in 2013, we bestow the 2013 FN Under the Radar Award to Daniel Nava.

'E-Mail-Gate' Shames Both A-Rod And Yankees

(Photos By Getty Images)

New York Magazine has released a string of email communications between disgraced Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez and the team's President, Randy Levine. The emails go all the way back to 2011 and culminate in a nasty series of charges in 2012 by The Fraudulent One toward the team he's supposedly "loyal" to. But the exchanges reveal a larger issue—that (in our opinion) reflect badly on both parties. For example, in July and August of 2012, Levine makes two comments that he later characterized as "bad jokes" about Robinson Cano and steroids. Here they are:

"July 30, 2012
Levine: How r u feeing [sic] since u left Robby [Cano] under 200, he needs some steroids fast!

August 21, 2012
Levine: Hey, what’s up with Robby. This guy must not be using the liquid."

For the President of an MLB team to even obliquely "joke" about performance-enhancing drugs—especially with a guy widely viewed as using them—is an outrage. We've known what Rodriguez was all about for a long time—now we have to wonder about a top official of The Pinstriped Posers.

Red Sox Are #1 GOOGLE-Searched MLB Team

The World Series Champion Red Sox were the most searched MLB team in the country on GOOGLE this year—and David Ortiz was the eighth most searched player. Interestingly, the Pittsburgh Pirates were #2 on the GOOGLE search list, followed by the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays. Missing from the Top Ten? The Pinstriped Posers! Globally, the Boston Marathon bombings were the #1 most-searched event, with #Boston the top GOOGLE+ hashtag. Tom Brady was the #4 most searched NFL player this past year, but the New England Patriots did not even show up in the Top Ten of NFL teams (the Jacksonville Jaguars made it!). The Boston Bruins finished second on the NHL team list—behind the team that beat them in the Stanley Cup Finals. On a more mundane note, 'Luke' was the most searched boy name and 'Fallon' was the top girl name people in the US searched for in 2013.

POLL: Almost Six Ten Favor Going For Tanaka

Early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll indicates that almost six in ten readers favor the Red Sox "aggressively" going after Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. As the chart shows, 58% support the pursuit of Tanaka, while almost four in ten (39%) oppose it. A scant 3% are unsure. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Pavano Revival Brings Good Duquette Memories

On November 18, 1997, the Red Sox traded young pitching prospect Carl Pavano to the Montreal Expos for Pedro Martinez (a month later they threw in Tony Armas, Jr.). For those of you who like to berate former GM Dan Duquette—how did this trade work out for us? The reason we bring this up is because multiple reports suggest Pavano is making a "comeback". After suffering a scary ruptured spleen injury, he is 'building up arm strength' to showcase for MLB teams. Since the trade, Pavano has gone 108-107 with a 4.39 ERA. Not horrible—but sure as hell not Pedro. Armas, Jr. had a ten-year career in the bigs—going 53-65 with a 4.65 ERA. Again, mediocre at best. By stark contrast, in Pedro's seven seasons in Carmine Hose, he was 117-37 (a ridiculous .760 winning percentage), with 2.52 ERA. He won the Cy Young Award in 1999 and 2000. And, we're not even talking about getting Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe for Heathcliff Slocumb. Can we end the Duquette-bashing please?

Poll: Should Sox Aggressively Pursue Tanaka?

Red Sox And Tanaka?
Should Red Sox aggressively pursue Masahiro Tanaka?	Yes No Not Sure
	Current Results

D'Backs Brass Flying To Japan To Woo Tanaka?

Don't assume that The Evil Ones are a lock to sign Masahiro Tanaka. The Arizona Diamondbacks are planning an all-out effort to convince the 25-year old phenom to take his talents to 'South West'. Reportedly, D'Backs brass are planning on boarding a flight to Tokyo to personally make the pitch to Tanaka. The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are also rumored to be hot on the right-hander's trail, so The Bronx Embalmers may be forced to pay a lot more than they expected—if they get Tanaka at all.

FN Trivia Contest: Name The Red Sox Manager

UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

MARTINA RICHARD
CHARLOTTETOWN
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
CANADA

ANSWER: GRADY LITTLE

Thanks to Lionsgate Home Entertainment, a lucky FenwayNation reader will receive a copy of the Official 2013 World Series Film on DVD. The film provides comprehensive highlights, exclusive access and interviews, and breathtaking footage capturing the thrilling story of the Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series championship!

QUESTION:
Name the former Red Sox manager whose .552 career winning percentage (358-290)—places him ahead of Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa.

The first correct answer submitted via email to: fenwaynation@comcast.net will win the DVD! 

NOTE: If you have won a FenwayNastion-sponsored contest in the last 12 months, please let someone else win.

Mets Still Talking To Drew, But Deal Is Unlikely

(Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

The New York Metropolitans need an upgrade at shortstop. Of course, they also need an upgrade in the city they play in. But that's a whole different issue. Anyway, multiple reports suggest that the Mets will stick with under-performing young SS Ruben Tejada (.202 last year) rather than seriously pursue free-agent Stephen Drew. Although New York is still talking to Uber-Agent Scott Boras, they really don't want to sacrifice the supplemental draft pick attached to any signing of the World Series-winning Drew. Expectations are that—like Michael Bourn last year—Drew will wait to the bitter end and (unlike Bourn) re-sign with his old team for the $14.1 million qualifying offer.

'At Fenway' Crooner Sues Red Sox Over Video

The 'Crooner'

Brian Evans, the Sinatra wannabee who (in our humble opinion) made a horrifically bad music video called 'At Fenway' in 2012 is now suing the team. Evans claims that—after first authorizing the video— team ownership worked to undermine its success. The video is bad enough on its own, but cameos by William Shatner (as the umpire) and Ernie Boch, Jr. (as Red Sox manager) make it epically dumb. Then there are tortured lyrics like, "No matter where you sit, you're in heaven for a little bit." Mr. Evans claims things got bad after the death of his mother at a Merrimack Valley hospital owned by Steward Health Care. Evans began a public campaign against Steward, which he believes triggered the negative actions by the Red Sox—who had marketing relationships with the hospital company. Who knows? This could be the next big trial for Nancy Grace, et al.

Are Sox Looking To Add Another Arm In Crain?

(John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)

Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe hinted that free-agent reliever Jesse Crain might be an interesting option for the Red Sox. Last year, Crain pitched just 38 innings for The Pale Hose, but posted a 0.74 ERA—making the All-Star team in the process. Over his 10-year MLB career, the Toronto native is 45-30 with a 3.05 ERA. He has given up just 449 hits in 532 innings pitched. He also has experience with current Red Sox pitching coach Juan Nieves, and could slot in nicely to an already solid bullpen line-up.

Sox Should Pursue Tanaka For Many Reasons

(Photo: KYODO)

Now that Masahiro Tanaka has been set free by the Rakuten Golden Eagles, the question comes as to whether the Red Sox should pursue him. In 2006, Boston shelled out a total of $103 million for Daisuke Matsuzaka. And, while he was frustrating to watch in his final years, he did contribute  mightily to the 2007 World Series Championship. Was it worth $103 big ones for one ring? It's hard to say 'no' to that one. For this reason—and many others—Boston should enter the bidding for Tanaka. While the team's starting pitching depth is impressive, we all know how quickly that cushion can evaporate. Jon Lester is coming up on an extension decision, John Lackey is not getting any younger and Clay Buchholz is still "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" (with apologies to Sir Winston Churchill). Moreover, all the kids on the farm who have 'limitless potential', are crapshoots at best. Lastly, anything Ben Cherington can do to drive up Tanaka's price for The Evil Ones, Dodgers, Angels or Rangers is a good thing. So, we say, go for it! Bring in a 25-year old who might make it a little easier to get one or two more rings. Hey, it's not our money—at least until season ticket money is due.

Tanaka Likely To Command $17M Yearly Salary

(Photo: KYODO)

According to USAToday's Bob Nightengale, newly posted Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will fetch a contract of at least $17 million a year from the team than wins his negotiations. Thus, in addition to the $20 million posting fee, a five year deal would project out to a $105 million outlay. Of course, given the weak field of free agent pitchers, the contract numbers are likely to top $17 million—especially with the desperate Pinstriped Posers leading the charge. A deal has to be consummated by 5PM ET on January 24th, or else Tanaka is remanded back to the Rakuten Golden Eagles for the 2014 season.

Babe Ruth Sale Was 94 Years Ago Yesterday

It's just as well we missed the actual anniversary on Thursday. On December 26, 1919—94 years ago yesterday—the Red Sox sold George Herman Ruth to The Evil Ones (who had yet to become The Evil Ones) for $100,000. The price would translate to about $5.5 million today—still an amazing bargain for a 24-year old who in his first year as an everyday player (and final year in Boston) knocked out 29 HRs along with 114 RBIs. He also hurled 166 1/3 innings in 1918—going 13-7 with a 2.22 ERA. But Harry Frazee needed the cash (not it turns out for No! No! Nannette). In any event, Ruth spent the next 15 years with the Yankees—hitting .349 with 659 HRs in pinstripes. And yet, The Babe collected three rings in his six years in Carmine Hose—just one fewer than he won in the Bronx. Still, yesterday has to be a day to forget in Red Sox history.

Teams Can Post $20M Bids On Tanaka Today

(Getty Images)

Right on schedule, the Rakuten Golden Eagles allowed their star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka to be posted and available by all MLB teams. The $20 million posting fee is refundable if a team doesn't sign him, so the Red Sox might just jump in to make life more difficult for The Evil Ones—who need him desperately. In fact, given the much lower entry fee, several teams are likely to play—making the eventual total signing package well in excess of $100 million. The process begins today and must end 30 days from now. Let the bidding begin!

A-Rod Could Get Nailed Right After New Year's

(Photo: Sports Illustrated)

According to a report by Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Herald (and you know how many Pulitzers that fine northern New Jersey publication has garnered), the decision on Alex Rodriguez's suspension appeal could come right after the New Year. It's been a little over a month since the hearings ended, and arbitrator Frederic Horowitz should pretty much know by now how to rule—after all, this isn't exactly Marbury v. Madison. There are basically three possible outcomes: 1.) the full 211-game suspension is upheld; 2.) the suspension is overturned; 3.) the suspension is reduced to something less than 211. The Evil Ones, of course, are hoping he gets the 'full monty'—which would technically free-up a crap-load of cash. If he is exonerated, he (along with his ridiculous contract) would be back on the roster and presumably healthy for 2014 action. So, either way, it's pretty much a "win-win" for Red Sox fans.

Jerry Sands Is A Reminder Of Prospect Inflation

(AP Photo)

Back in October of 2012, Rubby De La Rosa and Jerry Sands were sent from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox to complete The Great Punto Deal from the previous August. De La Rosa is still a legitimate star in the Sox pitching constellation. Sands was considered by some to be an "X Factor" in the Sox organization—not just a "player to be named". However—barely two months after donning Carmine Hose—he was shipped to Pittsburgh (along with others) to fetch the immortal Joel Hanrahan and Brock Holt. This year, Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon liked him so much, they snatched him off waivers from the Bucs to play in Tampa. The point is that this once-hot prospect has been a human game of musical chairs over the last few years—briefly touching four different organizations in barely fourteen months. And what are the 26-year old's MLB stats? He's hit a robust .244 in 70 games in The Show. In the minors? How about .276 with 128 homers? He did hit 35 HRs in 2010, and then produced 29 dingers in 2011 at Triple A. Moreover, he was also supposed to be a speed demon on the bases, but none of the hype ever materialized in the real world. So, as we talk about the rich vein of prospects in the Red Sox organization—let's pause for a moment and consider the case of Jerry Sands.

Merry Christmas From FenwayNation!

(Original Photo: Delores Handy/WBUR)

Papelbon's Velocity Drop Makes Trade Difficult

(Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images)

Back in Spring Training of 2005, my then 9-year old son and I were attending a BoSox Club event in Fort Myers featuring two Red Sox stars of the future—Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon. My son wanted to weave through the big crowd and get their autographs. "Nah, let's go", I said. "Neither one of these guys will make it". Fast forward to Game Three of the 2009 ALDS at Fenway. In the top of the ninth, with Boston up 6-4, Papelbon gets the first two outs. Here we come, Game Four! Then, the Curse of Eric Aybar kicked in—single, walk, double, walk, single. Game and season over. My then 13-year old coldly stated, "Papelbon is dead to me". After a couple of more decent seasons (in his Red Sox career he converted 88% of his save opportunities), Pap fled to Philly in free agency. After losing a full five miles per hour on his fastball last year, he is serious trade bait. But the $26 million he is still owed is a huge impediment to any reasonable transaction. Rueben Amaro, Jr. will have to hypnotize some other GM to move Papelbon. My oh my, how times have changed!

Texas Claims Sox Alex Castellanos Off Waivers

Photo: Albuquerque Isotopes

WEEI's Gerry Callahan must be bummed. The guy the Red Sox got back when Callahan-favorite Jeremy Hazelbaker was dealt (Alex Castellanos) was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers. Castellanos came to the Carmine Hose in an unheralded October trade that sent Halezbaker to the Dodgers. So, basically, Boston ends up with nothing in the transaction—as Castellanos could have provided organizational depth at AAA for the infield and the outfield. Oh, well. Win some, lose some. By the way, Castellanos had two brief cups of coffee with the Dodgers in 2012 (16 games) and 2013 (8 games). Come to think of it, they were more like two small cups of espresso.

POLL: Most Want Shane Victorino To Lead Off

Early results to our latest FenwayNation POLL show that nearly six readers in ten (59%) think Shane Victorino should be the team's 2014 lead-off hitter. Just over one voter in five (22%) would opt for Jackie Bradley, Jr. in the leadoff spot, followed by Daniel Nava (15%) and Dustin Pedroia (4%). You can still vote in the poll HERE.

A 'Beards-Eye' View Of World Series Clincher

POLL: Who Should Hit Lead-Off For Sox In '14?

Leading Off For The Red Sox?
Who should hit lead-off in 2014?	Bradley, Jr. Nava Pedroia Victorino
	Current Results

Boras Trying To Get Mets To Sign Stephen Drew

In a feeble attempt to mitigate the reduced market value of Stephen Drew, Uber-Agent Scott Boras is trying to get the New York Metropolitans to sign the shortstop who helped the Sox to a World Series title. Reportedly, he is also trying to foist Kendrys Morales on The Fabs Of Flushing. When the Red Sox extended a qualifying offer to Drew, it tied draft-pick compensation to the soon-to-be 31-year old. That has drastically reduced interest among several teams. Most observers think Drew will end up re-signing with the Red Sox— allowing a shift to third base by Xander Bogaerts and open up the possibility of a trade of Will Middlebrooks.

Tanaka Annoucement May Come Christmas Eve

Masahiro Tanaka (Photo By KYODO)

Multiple reports suggest that the crafty owner of the Rakuten Golden Eagles may be delaying his decision on highly-touted pitcher Masahiro Tanaka to maximize the hype—and the number and size of the posting fees. While Tanaka has asked to be posted for availability by MLB teams, Rakuten's owner has sent mixed signals about his intentions. The Golden Eagles just signed former Red Sox icon Kevin Youkilis to a one-year deal and are coming off a Nippon Professional Baseball league championship. The latest word is that the decision could come down on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day—partly to enhance the eventual dollar-to-yen exchange rate on the (minimum) $20 million posting fees. The Evil Ones are poised to overpay both Rakuten and Tanaka as they desperately try to bolster their AAA-like rotation.

A Great Last-Minute Gift Idea For Red Sox Fans!

UPDATE: Get It At Area Barnes & Noble Stores
If you just can't find a parking space at the Rockingham Mall (in tax-free Salem, NH), you might consider an alternative gifting strategy for that Red Sox fan in your life. How about the hot new book by Greg Pearson that features your own FenwayNation Editor-In-Chief (who also wrote the Foreword to the book)? 'Fenway Fanatics: 50 Boston Red Sox Fans Tell Their Stories' also chronicles the stories of several other Sox fans who are a bit more famous than your humble scribe. Like Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun and even Babe Ruth's granddaughter! We're absolutely sure any fan of The Carmine Hose will love reading it! Maybe even a few Yankee fans. Order it on Amazon HERE.

Jenny Dell And Will Middlebrooks Are An 'Item'

Jenny (Pre-Will)

UPDATE: Jenny To FOX Sports1?
According to multiple sources, Red Sox sideline reporter Jenny Dell and the team's third baseman Will Middlebrooks are 'girlfriend and boyfriend'. Who knew? The tantalizing tidbit was first revealed—almost off-handedly—in last Sunday's Boston Globe. Hopefully, Will will be sticking around The Carmine Hose and not get traded in some big Giancarlo Stanton deal. Think of the angst! Dell was just offered a contract extension by NESN. Reportedly, the couple have actually gotten to the point of moving in together. Way to go, Will!

Youk To Join Rakuten Golden Eagles In Japan

(AP Photo)

Can you imagine the first time the Rakuten Golden Eagles visit Fenway in 2014? Will fans mercilessly boo Kevin Youkilis, or give him a warm welcome back to the venue he grew up in? Wait a minute, never mind. The Rakuten Golden Eagles (the same team that doesn't want to post Masahiro Tanaka) has reportedly signed Youk to a contract to play in Japan. Youkilis spent a miserable season in pinstripes last year—hitting .219 with two HRs in action limited by injuries. How do you say "Yoooouuuuuuk" in Japanese?

Boston College To Play Notre Dame At Fenway

Patriots (Pre-Flying Elvis) At Fenway Park

In their never-ending effort to squeeze every last dime out of their 101-year old stadium, the Red Sox owners have OK'd a college football game at Fenway Park. The Boston College Eagles will face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on November 21st, 2015 at America's Most Exploited Ballpark. Well, at least the baseball playing surface can't get ruined—as it has been during moronic in-season music events at Fenway. As one who actually attended Boston Patriots games at Fenway in the 1960s, I can tell you that it stinks as a football venue. This is yet another dumb idea for our so-called "cathedral of baseball"—getting abused yet again for a cheap buck. Way to go, NOG.

1B David Chester Coming Through Sox System

(SoxProspects.com)

There's been a lot of talk lately about the riches in the Red Sox organization—and justifiably so. This is particularly true on the left side of the infield (Xander Bogaerts, Garin Cecchini, Deven Marrero, Rafael Devers) and behind the plate (Ryan Lavarnway, Dan Butler, Blake Swihart, Christian Vazquez). But, the urgency to re-sign Mike Napoli was indicative of a concern about the future of first base. One solution might be the emergence of a young player who is still in A ball—David Chester. Drafted back in 2011, Chester will turn 25 in March—playing college ball at the University Pittsburgh before signing with Boston. Between Greenville and Salem last year, he clouted 19 HRs and knocked in 85 in 123 games. At 6'5" and 270 pounds, he has the classic frame of a slugger. The kid may be hitting his stride at the right time—last year making the South Atlantic League All-Star team. And perhaps in a couple of more years, Chester might be a potential solution at first base in Fenway.

Are Sox Planning Giancarlo Stanton Mega-Deal?

Giancarlo Fever Gripping Hub?

Despite denials from both sides, rumors persist (and we stress they are still in the rumor stage) about a potential blockbuster trade between the Red Sox and Marlins. The current configuration being floated is for Boston to send third baseman Will Middlebrooks, center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. and dynamic starting pitching prospect Henry Owens to Miami in exchange for Giancarlo Stanton. It's an interesting proposition. The Red Sox could move Xander Bogaerts (one of their few 'untouchable' prospects) to third and put Stephen Drew back at shortstop (of course, his re-signing via Scott Boras would actually have to happen). Stanton would go to right and Shane Victorino could move to center. The real sacrifice would be losing Owens, who could emerge as a dominant Number 1 or Number 2 starter in the not-too-distant future. Baseball America lists Owens as the organization's number two overall prospect—just behind Bogaerts. Of course, with Stanton, Boston would get a 24-year old budding superstar—a guy who actually slugged .608 in 2012, with 27 HRs. In 2013, he 'slumped' to .480 slugging and 24 HRs. He has been injury-prone in his young career, but a healthy right-handed hitting Stanton would be a 'monster' (no pun intended) in the middle of the Red Sox lineup for years to come.

Rakuten Golden Eagles May Not Post Tanaka

Masahiro Tanaka

Several reports out of Japan suggest that the Rakuten Golden Eagles may not post star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka—instead offering to double his current salary to the equivalent of $7.7 million if he stays with the NPB champions. While this pales in comparison to what he could get in the States, it would make him the highest paid pitcher in the history of Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite expressing his desire to play in America, Tanaka also said this, "If the team tells me, 'We're not going to post you. Please stay,' the professional thing to do is give it your all and get back to pitching. I'm ready to do that." Of course, if Tanaka is not available to MLB teams, the most devastated would be The Bronx Embalmers—who basically need three starters. Even if you assume that their "number one" (CC Sabathia) is better than his pathetic 2013, The Evil Ones can really only count on soon-to-be 39-year old Hiroki Kuroda to anchor their staff. Sweet.

Red Sox Avoid Luxury Tax; Empire To Pay $28M

By the hairs of their chinny-chin-chins (a margin of just $225,666), the Boston Red Sox avoided MLB's luxury tax in 2013. By contrast, The Evil Empire has to shell out $28.1 million for exceeding the threshold yet again. Since the penalty began in 2003, The Bronx Embalmers have shelled out $250 million—88.6% of all the tax payments made. For the 15th straight year, The Pinstriped Posers finished with the highest payroll in all of baseball ($237,018,889), yet finished out of the playoff picture. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of guys.

Actually, For Once, Dan Shaughnessy Is Right

The 'CHB'

Don't get us wrong, there have many occasions when Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy has made us want to set our hair on fire. He is often a contrarian for the sake of being contrary. He routinely looks down his nose at fans, bloggers and anyone who doesn't exhibit his congenital cynicism. Having said all this, he is a columnist—not a beat reporter. We should want him to offer something more than the PR pablum that oozes out of Yawkey Way and Foxboro. In that light, the visceral negative reaction to Shaughnessy's Wednesday column astounds us. Essentially, all he's saying is that good sports columnists shouldn't shill for owners, "These are high times in Boston sports. We have seen eight Duck Boat parades since February 2002 and all four of our pro teams seem to be in good hands. We are the envy of sports fans in America. But not everything is always great and it’s OK to point this out now and then." Damn straight! Shaughnessy comes from a tradition that valued skepticism. As he points out, "It was not a crime against humanity if you suggested the Patriots or Red Sox might not win the championship, or perhaps might not be serving the best interests of their fans. It was OK to occasionally poke fun at Haywood Sullivan or Billy Sullivan." Or the NOG, perhaps? I hate to admit it, but when he's right, he's right. Lay off the CHB!

Sox Trade Franklin Morales For Infielder Herrera

(Getty Images)

Well, the Red Sox did trade a pitcher for infield help—just not a starter. Today, Boston dealt left-handed reliever Franklin Morales back to the Colorado Rockies for infielder Jonathan Herrera. Morales spent three years in Carmine Hose—going 6-7 with a 3.90 ERA. The soon-to-be 28-year-old Venezuelan coughed up fewer hits (256) than innings pitched (281.1) during his stay in Boston. He began his career as a starter for the Rockies—pitching disastrously in the 2007 World Series (3 innings pitched, 7 earned runs). He threw just 1 1/3 post-season innings for the Red Sox last year—giving up two hits and one run. Morales showed flashes of brilliance from time to time during his stay here, but not enough to justify a major role. Herrera can provide solid back-up on the left-side of the infield—hitting .292 last year with a .364 OBP.

Shin-Soo Choo Turned Down Evil Empire's Bid

Es-CHOO-Ing The Empire

Hey, maybe Scott Boras isn't so bad after all. Multiple reports suggest that The Evil Empire offered Boras client Shin-Soo Choo a seven-year, $140 million contract—which the player turned down. The Boras-Choo team even asked for "Jacoby Ellsbury" money (7 years, $153 Million), after which the powers that be at The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street abruptly cut off negotiations. The Bronx Embalmers ultimately signed Carlos Beltran for $45 million over three years.

Sox 'Checking In' With Teams Needing Starters

Peavy And Dempster

Multiple reports suggest that—as we have urged—the Red Sox are shopping their surplus of starting pitching to teams known to need that commodity. With Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Demspter, Jake Peavy and Felix Doubront all on board for 2014, Boston can clearly deal from strength to get infield or outfield help back. Demspter and Peavy are the most likely to go—although both Lackey and Doubront would probably fetch more talent in return. However, as FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal points out, Lackey's team-friendly contract (2015 at the MLB minimum) would probably obviate any move of the veteran righty.

Red Sox Sign Submarine Reliever From Japan

Shunsuke Watanabe

The Red Sox signed 37-year old pitcher Shunsuke Watanabe to a minor league contract—with an invite to Spring Training. Watanabe is a submariner who pitched mostly as a starter for the Chiba Lotte Marines (of course, he's a submariner!) in the Nippon Professional Baseball League (0-4, 4.62 ERA in 2013). He will be asked to work out of the bullpen in the Red Sox organization. The Red Sox also released the contract of Chris Carpenter (who came over in the Theo Epstein exchange) to the Yakult Swallows of NPB.

Evil Ones Sign Matt Thornton Away From Sox

(USATSI Photo)

File this one under: "Yawn". The Evil Empire signed former Red Sox left-handed reliever Matt Thornton (for whom we gave up 23-year old Brandon Jacobs) to a two-year, $7 million deal. Boston declined Thornton's one-year, $6 million option and didn't even use the declining lefty in the post-season—although he did post a 3.74 ERA during the regular season. Still: "Yawn".

'Baseball America' Sees Sox Depth For Years

As the authoritative Baseball America points out, the surprising World Champion Red Sox were able to go from worst to first by adding seven free agents without sacrificing one chip in their stellar farm system. That may be Ben Cherington's lasting 2013 legacy—a ring and an intact organization. The publication goes on to list the top ten prospects in Boston's system—headlined by Xander Bogaerts, Henry Owens and Jackie Bradley, Jr. The team's organizational depth is impressive at nearly every spot on the diamond—but starting pitching, catching and the left side of the infield (which allowed for the Jose Iglesias deal) are particularly rich. Kudos to Cherington (a guy whose tenure preceded this ownership group) for setting up this franchise for both short and long-term success.

Brian Roberts To Don The Dreaded Pinstripes

Frankly, we always kind of liked Brian Roberts. Until now. ESPN.com is reporting that Roberts has signed a one-year, $2 million dollar incentive-laden deal with The Evil Ones. The 36-year old second-baseman has spent his whole career with the Baltimore Orioles, and has missed huge chunks of the last four seasons due to various nagging injuries. He's a gamer, however, and—if healthy—will help fill the huge hole left by the departure of Robinson Cano. The Bronx Embalmers have also brought in Kelly Johnson as insurance at second and third base (in case A-Fraud gets banned).

Shane Victorino Has Successful Thumb Surgery

(Associated Press Photo)

Red Sox right-fielder Shane Victorino underwent successful thumb surgery yesterday in Cleveland. (EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of the rare times you will see the words "successful" and "Cleveland" in the same sentence.) Victorino injured a nerve in his right thumb during a game in September and missed a couple of starts. The Red Sox fully expect Victorino to be ready for Spring Training. The Flyin' Hawaiian' was a major cog in the World Championship wheel, slugging 15 HRs while hitting .294 and winning a Gold Glove.

MLB, NPB Reach Formal Posting Agreement

Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball announced a formal agreement today on the process for "posting" Japanese players. Essentially, once a Japanese player is made available to MLB clubs, a maximum posting fee of $20 million will be set. Any MLB club willing to pay the fee can negotiate with the player for a contract. Teams who fail to reach a contract agreement can withdraw the posting fee. It's still unclear whether this year's premier Japaneses player—Masahiro Tanaka of the Rakuten Golden Eagles—will be posted by his team.

Could 'Oakland A's' Become 'Montreal Eh's'?

In 2005, Les Expos left Montreal for Washington, DC. Until recently, no one has ever seriously considered a return of America's National Pastime to Quebec. Now, however, a group of Montreal businessmen has revealed a study concluding that a team could be viable in the land of (failed) separatism and (alleged) rudeness. The assumptions under which the study makes its conclusions are: "a modest but competitive payroll, average ticket prices in line with league averages, (and) a local broadcasting rights deal in line with other similar MLB markets." Former Expo Warren Cromartie founded the group that sponsored the study which estimates a total project cost of $1.025 billion — $525 million to buy an existing team (presumably the floundering Oakland A's) and $500 million to build a new stadium. Of course, the team could be called The Montreal Eh's.

Top 10 Second Basemen In Red Sox History

by Larry Shiman, FenwayNation Board

Second base has been a position of stability and strength for much of the existence of our home town team. Unlike first base, where the Sox have had a revolving door year after year, the second basemen generally stick around a while. As a side note, Jose Offerman did not quite make the list, despite his cherished on base skills.

10. Del Pratt (1921 – 1922): Unlike the other guys on this list, Pratt played second base for only a short period, at an undistinguished time. But the man could hit. After coming over from the Yankees, Pratt hit .324 and drove in 102 runs his first year with the Sox, and followed it with another .300 season with lots of doubles and RBI in his second year as well. By the way, the trade with the Yankees, like so many of them, wasn’t worth it. We gave up Hall of Famer Waite Hoyt and catcher Wally Schang to get him.

Marlins May Have Middlebrooks On Their Radar

With their primary third base target—Juan Uribe—scooped up by the Dodgers, the Miami Marlins may be scrambling to settle their hot corner problem. According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, one of the potential solutions is trading for Boston's Will Middlebrooks. Before that could happen, the Red Sox would have to re-sign SS Stephen Drew—which would allow Xander Bogaerts to move to third. In fact, many talent evaluators have stated that Bogaerts is better-suited to third base—and even his old teammate Jose Iglesias thinks so. If Drew does come back to the World Champs, and the Marlins have not yet solved their problem, this trade just might happen.

Bradley Looks Set As Sox 2014 Center Fielder

Now that most of the viable options have been passed over (e.g., Curtis Granderson and Matt Kemp), it appears more and more likely that Jackie Bradley, Jr. will be the 2014 starting center fielder for the Boston Red Sox. And that is a very good thing. Despite struggling after his call-up last year (.189 batting average), he showed tremendous promise in Spring Training and is still regarded as a 'can't miss' major leaguer by most scouts and talent evaluators. The departure of He Who Shall Not Be Named to the Bronx will clearly put more pressure on Bradley—but everything we know about him suggests he will handle it well. Get ready for the Jackie Bradley, Jr. Era.

Are "The Two Ryans" Headed Out In A Trade?

(Photo By Brita Meng Outzen)

Your 2013 World Champion Boston Red Sox (we can't write that enough!) are in pretty good shape financially. They are likely to be under the $189 million luxury tax threshold (unlike The Evil Ones), and even have a little more room to make additional off-season moves. Boston is particularly deep in two spots—major-league level starting pitching and overall organizational catching. They could unload, say, Ryan Dempster and his $13 million salary in a trade for help on the left-side of the infield. With Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, Jake Peavy and Felix Doubront still here (and multiple "kids" near readiness in the minors), this would be a prudent move. Or they could "package" Dempster and Ryan Lavarnway to fetch even bigger prey in a trade. With David Ross and A. J. Pierzynski set for 2014 (and Christian Vasquez, Dan Butler, Blake Swihart and Jon Denney all surging from below), losing Lavarnway would not be a big blow. So, don't be surprised if the champs get even stronger soon via a strategic trade.

Jose Iglesias Rooted For His Old Team In Series

(USA Today)

Even though it was partly for selfish reasons (i.e., getting a ring), Jose Iglesias rooted on his former teammates in the 2013 World Series. After being traded to Detroit in July, Iglesias settled in to his new team and role and performed well. But, he still has a special place in his heart for the organization that brought him to the big leagues, "This was my first organization. I've got a great memory of the organization that built the player that I am and the player that I will be. Later on, when my son says, ‘What team did you used to play for, daddy?’ I'll say, 'I played for the Red Sox. Hey, look, I got a ring from the Red Sox.' I feel a big part of that win, as well, because I helped the team a lot." Indeed he did, hitting over .300 and playing like a wizard in the field.