Royle Surges In Jenny Dell Replacement Poll

A surge of voting for Jen Royle places her slightly ahead of early leader Jamie Erdahl in FenwayNation's Jenny Dell Replacement Poll. As the table shows, Royle now leads the voting with 44%, followed closely by Erdhal at 39%. Finishing third and fourth, respectively are: Kelly Malone at 10% and Abby Chin at 8%. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Nationals' Move To City Of Palms Put On Hold

Sox Spring Home From 1993-2011

City of Palms Park in Fort Myers—the perfectly good facility the Red Sox abandoned for jetBlue Park in the same city—will not be the Spring Training home of the Washington Nationals. At least not for a while. The nascent plans for the Sons of Bryce Harper to move from Viera to Fort Myers were quashed when the developer of the property refused to foot the bill for the team's demand of $36 million in upgrades. So, Stephen Strasburg and the boys will have to tough it out for at least another year on the dismally-boring "Space Coast" of The Sunshine State. Too bad, three franchises in Fort Myers would cut way back on those moronic Alligator Alley bus rides.

Erdahl Leads Jenny Dell Replacement Poll

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll suggests that Jamie Erdahl is the clear choice to replace the departing Jenny Dell as the new Red Sox sideline reporter. As the table shows, Erdahl garners more than two-thirds of the vote (67%), followed by both Kelly Malone (13%) and Abby Chin (13%). Jen Royle trails the field with 7%. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN POLL: Who Should Replace Jenny Dell?

Who Should Replace Jenny Dell?
Which of our four nominees would you choose to replace Jenny Dell?	Jamie Erdahl Jen Royle Kelly Malone Abby Chin
	Current Results

Erdahl Heads List Of Jenny Dell Replacements

(L to R: Erdahl, Royle, Malone, Chin)

Word is that NESN is actively looking for a replacement for "re-assigned" Red Sox sideline reporter Jenny Dell. In our view, this city already has at least four substantive, talented women who could fill that role. Our suggestions are: Jamie Erdahl of NESN; Jen Royle of Boston Herald Radio; Kelly Malone of WBZ-TV/TV38; and Abby Chin of CSNNE. Our first choice would be Erdahl—given her actual experience in the job last year—but we're sure that any of these four can do the job.

Sox Fan Wins New Zealand Cricket Beer Contest

Michael Morton, a Red Sox fan attending a cricket match in New Zealand, won $83,000 by catching a ball in a beer-sponsored contest. Cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan launched the blast into the crowd and Morton—sporting his Red Sox hat—made a leaping one-handed catch. Spectators who wore t-shirts sponsored by the beer company were eligible to win. Folks, you just can't make this up.

NESN Pulls Jenny Dell Off Sox Sideline Duties

Jenny Dell With A Fan

Although it's been expected for a while, NESN has officially removed the popular Jenny Dell from her duties as sideline reporter on Red Sox broadcasts. Dell has publicly acknowledged a romantic relationship with Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks—which clearly led to the re-assignment. According to a NESN spokesperson, Dell is now "anchoring NESN Sports Today and handling other assignments for NESN". Dell replaced the also-popular Heidi Watney. Luckily, NESN already has a talented replacement on staff in Jamie Erdhal—who has handled the Bruins sideline gig extremely well this year. Erdhal subbed for Dell a fair amount last year on Red Sox broadcasts and was both substantive and entertaining. She should get the job.

Sox May Attend Madson's Workout On Feb. 7

Sox Attending Madson Workout?

Multiple reports indicate that the Red Sox will likely be one of a few teams who'll attend the 'full public workout' of former Phillies hurler Ryan Madson. The 33-year old Madson has not pitched in the majors since 2011 due to a series of injuries—including Tommy John surgery.  He's expected to be back in top form—a form which delivered a 2.45 ERA over 113 2/3 innings during 2010 and 2011.  As the Phillies closer for a while in 2011, Madson had 32 saves and an ERA of 2.37. If truly healthy, he would be a nice "insurance" piece at the back end of the Red Sox bullpen—in case Koji Uehara fails to follow-up on his miraculous 2013 effort.

David Ortiz Only Looking For 1-Year Extension

(Al Bello/Getty Images)

In a classic case of asking for more than you really want, David Ortiz is now saying that he only wants a one-year (not multi-year) extension of his contract. Ortiz is signed for $15 million for the 2014 season. In an interview with WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, Ortiz said, “I’ve got a contract for this year. I was asking for a one-year extension for next year. We had a conversation, they’re outlining what they plan on doing and they’re going to come back to me with their answer at some point. Everything is going well. We had a great conversation. They are happy about what we talked about. I don’t even know why people are spreading bad rumors.” Of course, the "bad rumors" came directly out of his Sunday night interview with WBZ-TV's Steve Burton. In any event, it looks like Papi's strategy has worked and John Henry will eventually give in and tack on the extra year. Count on it.

Ex-Sox Bronson Arroyo Still Looking For A Job

(AP Photo)

He will forever be remembered as the guy who had the ball "slapped" out of his grasp by The Fraudulent One. Later that same year, he helped Boston to its first World Series Championship in 86 years. But, now, Bronson Arroyo can't get arrested. As Spring Training rapidly approaches, Arroyo is jobless. As he says, "I don't even have an offer to turn down. So I might still be sitting here on March 1. I have no idea." And yet, over the last nine years, no one has started more games in the major leagues than Arroyo (297-tied with Dan Haren). And he's hurled at least 199 innings in each of those nine seasons. With the general state of starting pitching these days, Arroyo will surely get work—but, for now, it's frustrating the heck out of him.

Editor Mark Lawrence Weighs In On David Ortiz

by Mark Lawrence, Down-Under Editor
Sydney, Australia. Long time readers of my stuff here at FenwayNation - if there's any of you left - will know that I've long been a booster for David Americo Ortiz Arias a player deservedly admired and beloved by Red Sox Nation.  It goes without saying that Papi's contribution to the team has been integral in securing three World Series trophies, as well as providing hours o' fun to baseball fans across the world.  He has involved himself deeply with his local communities, both in Boston and in the DR, always striving to do what he can to help.  And, most memorably in the aftermath of that senseless tragedy, Ortiz galvanized the Fenway Faithful with plain yet defiant words that'll resonate for a long, long time.  The guy may be from the DR, but he's more than earned his Bahston Citizenship.  The only vaguely bad thing I've ever seen him do is beat the hell out of that dugout phone and that was both mildly entertaining and a teeny bit unnerving, if only because it showed that the Big Guy could get angry and frustrated and lose it occasionally - just like the rest of us.

POLL: Four In Five Support Extension For Papi

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll indicates that four out of five readers support the idea of giving David Ortiz a multi-year extension covering the years after 2014. As the table shows, fully 80% support this view, while just 20% are against giving the 2013 World Series MVP an extension now that would go beyond 2014 (for which he is signed at $15 million). You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Red Sox Sign Bob Brenly's Son To Minors Deal

(Photo by Stephen Green)

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox have signed 27-year old catcher Michael Brenly (the son of former big-league manager Bob Brenly) to a minor league deal. The younger Brenly has spent most of his 6-year professional career in the Cubs organization. He reached the AAA level last year in the D'Back's farm system. He's a .249 career hitter in the minors and has thrown out 28% of runners. With the unusual depth the Red Sox enjoy at catcher, this signing seems a bit odd—unless deals are in the works involving one or more of Boston's sought-after catching prospects.

Drew Apparently Not Becoming A Metropolitan

(Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson couldn't be much more direct about his team's interest in free-agent Stephen Drew,"We haven't ruled it out, but I think doing anything is unlikely." Since Ben Cherington has 'poo-pooed' any interest in re-signing Drew, and since the Mets are out, it looks like Scott Boras should call up Tweedle-Dumb and Teewdle-Dumber over in the Bronx. Otherwise, don't be surprised if Drew returns on a one-year 'pillow' deal in Boston—setting up a third-base battle between Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks.

Are Lee County Rivals Vying For Suk-Min Yoon?

(Photo by Chung Si-chong)

UPDATE: Boras Says Sox Interested
Multiple reports suggest that there are two teams battling for the services of Korean pitcher Suk-min Yoon—and those two are likely the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. The two clubs—who both train in Fort Myers, Florida—each covet the 27-year-old righty. Yoon is considered to be the second best arm to come out of Korea—after the Dodgers' Hyun-jin Ryu. Yoon was the 2011 MVP of the Korean Baseball Organization, and has experience as both a starter and a reliever. Regarded by many as a cheaper (and less talented) version of Japanese free-agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (who signed with The Evil Ones), Yoon will likely get a two-year deal in the vicinity of $10 million.

POLL: What To Do With Big Papi?

What To Do With Papi?
David Ortiz is signed for the 2014 season. Should the Red Sox offer him a multi-year extension now for the years beyond 2014?	Yes, should offer No, should not offer
	Current Results

POLL: Sizemore Edges Out Bradley For CF Role

In a surprising development, voters in our latest FenwayNation Poll marginally support newcomer Grady Sizemore over Jackie Bradley, Jr. as Opening Day center-fielder for the Red Sox. As the table shows, a slim majority (51%) support Sizemore, while nearly as many (49%) side with Bradley, Jr. It should be stressed that the question wording stipulates that both are healthy and performing well prior to Opening Day. Nevertheless, the steady surge of Sizemore support was an unexpected phenomenon.

ESPN's Law Ranks Red Sox Farm System #5

ESPN.com's Keith Law published his ranking of the 30 MLB farm systems and the Red Sox are pegged at #5. (full article access requires subscription). For what it's worth, Law places the Houston Astros in the #1 spot, while The Evil Empire rests comfortably at #20. Here's what Law says about your Carmine Hose:"5. Boston Red Sox. They rival Houston for the best top 10 of any team, with as many prospects on the top 100 as the Astros have, and while they don't have Houston's depth, Boston's system is pretty deep, with at least a half-dozen pitching prospects who reasonably project (that is, not just pie-in-the-sky forecasting) as No. 4 starters or better. And that ignores the part about their best prospects being position players who hit and most of whom play very good defense. When a defensive whiz like Christian Vazquez, a catcher who can hit a little, can't crack your top 10, you're doing a lot of things right."

Good News: O's Fans Hate Us Less Than Empire

These days, you take what you can get. As reigning 2013 World Series Champions, you have to think that fans of most of the other 29 teams despise us. Fortunately, the New York Yankees exist to pick up the hate burden for us. According to a poll in The Baltimore Sun, a solid majority of Orioles fans (59%) hate The Evil Ones more than they hate us (41%).  Of course, part of this dynamic may be due to the fact that one of Baltimore's signature franchise players—Brian Roberts—recently fled to The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street. I think we can all relate to that. So, the next time you get shouted down at Camden Yards, know that they'd rather be shouting down a fan of The Pinstriped Posers.

MLB OKs Optional Use Of Pitcher's Head Gear

Major League Baseball has approved a pitcher's protective head gear product for optional use this coming season. The gear—which looks like an ordinary baseball cap—is made by the 4Licensing Corporation subsidiary of isoBlox, and will be offered to pitchers for spring training use this February. According to the manufacturer, the caps are only one-half inch thicker in the front and one inch thicker at the temples than a typical on-field cap. The new protective cap can take a frontal impact of up to 90 MPH and a side impact of up to 85 MPH. The soft padding on the inside is made of 'plastic injection molded polymers combined with a foam substrate'. Hopefully, the fact that this gear is not too dissimilar from ordinary caps will encourage a majority of pitchers to use it. Good move, MLB!

Jerry Remy On Return: "I'll See How It Goes"

(Getty Images)

One day after announcing that he would return to the broadcast booth for 2014, Jerry Remy made an appearance on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan Morning Show. A somber-sounding Remy recounted the process that led to his decision to return to the broadcast booth—acknowledging that it took a major effort from family and friends to turn around his initial resistance to a comeback. He was also asked how he would approach his re-entry into broadcasting. In a resigned voice Remy stated that he would do his best and "see how it goes". He stated that he was surrounded by smart people at NESN and the Red Sox and they would know if things were working out. Anyone listening to this interview could clearly hear the anguish in Jerry's voice. It will be a long—and sometimes tough—road back. But he is back.

Jerry Remy Will Return To Red Sox Broadcasts

(AP Photo)

In a long and emotional press conference with a small group of reporters, Jerry Remy announced today that he will return to the Red Sox broadcast booth in 2014. Remy said his wife and three close friends convinced him to reconsider his initial decision not to return. After the first of the year, he changed his mind and decided to re-unite with NESN's Don Orsillo. This will be Remy's 27th season as a Red Sox broadcaster—taking the last month and a half off last year after his son was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend. Said Remy, "I don’t intend to be a quitter. Don’t intend to be one now. It’s what I do. It’s what I know. It’s what my comfort level is. It’s where I feel I belong and I feel I’m going to do so as long as possible. I hope in no way that my decision to come back to do games has a negative impact on the Martel family. I’m quite certain they understand I have to make a living, and unfortunately mine is in the public eye. I’m quite certain they understand that." We wish Jerry all the best and eagerly anticipate his return to the broadcast booth.

NESN Faces Two Major Decisions On Talent

As pointed out by Ken Fang of the must-read AwfulAnnoucing.com, New England Sports Network (NESN) has two critical decisions to make—and it needs to make them quickly. With just eleven days until the Equipment Truck rolls out of Fenway for jetBlue park, there is still no decision on the fate of either Jerry Remy or Jenny Dell. NESN committed to making a decision on Remy before the start of the 2014 season—which is just about upon us. The beloved RemDawg took off most of 2013 after his son Jared was charged with the alleged murder of his girlfriend. After Will Middlebrooks and Dell made their live-in partnership public, there were calls to pull Dell off the Red Sox sideline reporter gig. There has been no word from NESN on this score—although they have a more than adequate back-up in Jamie Erdahl. Stay tuned, sports fans!

Yankees' 'O-Rod' Arrested For DUI In Florida

Maybe The Evil Ones should just stop signing guys named Rodriguez. Or at least they should prevent them from ever visiting the state of Florida. Yankee prospect Omar Luis Rodriguez (let's call him 'O-Rod') was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Friday morning in Tampa. The 21-year old—who fled Fidel Castro's 'Socialist Paradise'—signed with The Pinstriped Posers in 2012. Not surprisingly, The Bronx Embalmers had no comment on the arrest of 'O-Rod'.

Harrris Poll: Again, MLB A Distant Number Two

For the thirtieth straight year, NFL football is the most popular sport in America. Major League Baseball languishes in a distant second place—trailing by a full 21 points (35% to 14%). A new Harris Poll once again shows that baseball is only marginally ahead of college football on the popularity list (just a three-point edge). For all the talk of how retiring Commissioner Bud Selig 'saved' the sport, the truth is that since the devastating 1994 strike, baseball has been an 'also-ran' in the hearts of Americans. Demographically, baseball supporters have a greater tendency to make over $100,000 a year in household income. In general, America doesn't. Thanks, Bud!

Lucchino: Seen This Evil Empire 'Movie' Before

(wrongsideofthecamera)

Goodness knows, we've often been critical of the NOG (New Ownership Group) for a number of reasons. But, on top of the obvious achievement of three rings in ten years, they can also warm the cockles of our heart when it comes to their relationship with The Evil Empire. This is particularly true of one Lawrence Lucchino. Credited with first slapping the 'Evil Empire' moniker on The Pinstriped Posers, he never lets an opportunity pass to tweak The Bronx Emblamers. Case in point: When asked about New York's record off-season spending, LL responded, "I've seen this movie before." Lucchino went on to stress that the NOG is just as committed to winning as the Steinbrenner Brood (Tweedle-Dumb and Tweedle-Dumber), but, in Larry's words, it does not mean "crazy expenditures that might be commonplace in New York." Sweet!

Kevin McGill & Craig Breslow Are Boston Proud

POLL: Sizemore Catching Up To Jackie Bradley

The ever-tightening race to pick a starting Red Sox center-fielder got even tighter in our latest FenwayNation Poll. As the table shows, as of this morning, 53% support Jackie Bradley, Jr. but a surging 47% opt for newly-acquired Grady Sizemore. The poll stipulates that both are healthy and performing well come Opening Day. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

'Triple Trophies' Wow 2,300 In Bangor, Maine

Let's face it, you can never have too much celebration of a World Series Championship. On Sunday, 2,300 Red Sox fans turned out at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine to gawk at not one, not two, but three World Series trophies (take that, LeBron). On hand for the celebrations were Red Sox third base coach (and Maine native) Brian Butterfield and Wally The Green Monster (origin unknown). As a highlight of the event (sponsored by Stephen King's foundation), military families in the area were granted special access to the bling. Now, as we have said before, the Red Sox have to announce that they will wear a championship patch on their uniforms for the entire 2014 season—as did the Giants in 2013. Hey, why not?

David Ortiz Throws Down The Contract Gauntlet

Ortiz With FN's Editor-In-Chief

In an interview with WBZ-TV's Steve Burton on Sunday, World Series MVP David Ortiz said he wants to retire in Carmine Hose—but. And, it's a big but. He also said if the team does not offer him a multi-year contract after this year (in which he makes $15 million), then "it's time to move on". While we can certainly understand Papi's desire to insure a dignified end to a potential Hall of Fame career, we think this demand is—at best—ill-timed. With The Nation still reveling in the 2013 ring—and getting set to enjoy the start of Spring Training—the last thing they want to hear is one of their heroes griping about money. This is especially true of an icon they have revered since the day he stepped into the Red Sox clubhouse. When asked how long he might play, Ortiz made the following ill-advised (and inaccurate) response, "It can be two years, it can be three years, it can be 10 years. You never know." Asked about donning other laundry, he said, "...if I have to, I've got no choice, I'm not going to quit." Papi, Papi, Papi. Come on!

NY Metropolitans Lock Up A Japanese Starter

Not to be outdone by their cross-town competitors, the New York Metropolitans signed a Japanese pitcher just days after The Pinstriped Posers signed Masahiro Tanaka. Unfortunately for Mets fans, the pitcher is former Red Sox hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka—who was inked to a minor-league deal. You may recall that Boston signed Dice-K with a total outlay of $103.11 million. He did have two good years with the Red Sox—helping them win the 2007 World Series Championship. In his last four starts of 2013 for the Mets, Matsuzaka was 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA. He now joins a staff with another ex-Red Sox pitcher—Bartolo Colon.

POLL: Jackie Bradley-Sizemore Gap Narrows

The gap between those wanting Jackie Bradley, Jr. to be the starting center-fielder on Opening Day and those who prefer Grady Sizemore in that role has narrowed. As the chart shows, while 57% still opt for Bradley, 43% now support Sizemore. The current 14-point gap is down from the 34-point separation earlier in the balloting. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Sox Feature Nine Prospects In MLB.com Top 100

Your Boston Red Sox dominate the Top 100 Prospects list for 2014—as compiled by the folks at MLB.com. There are a total of nine players in Carmine Hose on the list—with Xander Bogaerts slotted in at the #2 overall spot. Big left-handed starter Henry Owens shows up next on the list at #30, followed by Jackie Bradley, Jr. at #33, Allen Webster at #46, Garin Cecchini at #57, Blake Swihart at #61, Mookie Betts at #62, Matt Barnes at #86, and Trey Ball at #96. The Red Sox have the most players on the list of any organization in baseball.

Evil Empire Is Re-Setting Its Sights On Drew

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Apparently, forking over a half-billion dollars this off-season isn't quite enough for the Steinbrenner Brood (Tweddle-Dumb and Tweedle-Dumber). Now they want to give Stephen Drew a multi-year deal to shore up the left-side of their pathetic infield. The party line is that Drew can play second base—and slide over to shortstop if (read: when) Derek Jeter breaks something else. Their third base option (assuming Eduardo Nunez is finally shipped off to oblivion) is the immortal Kelly Johnson—who hit .235 for Tampa last year. Supposedly, sources indicate the Red Sox have also offered a multi-year pact—although that would seem out of character for Ben Cherington. Stay tuned!

Lester Makes Clear His Desire To Stay In Boston

(FenwayNation Photo)

In a refreshingly candid admission, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester stated yesterday that the wants to stay in Boston—and is willing to accept a 'hometown' discount on a new contract extension to do so. As agents all over America went into apoplectic shock, Lester stated,  "I want to be here 'til they rip this jersey off my back. It's like Pedey. He left a lot of money on the table to stay here. That's what he wanted to do. I understand that. That's my choice, that's his choice. I understand that to stay here, you're not going to get a free-agent deal. You're not going to do it. You can't. It's not possible. You're bidding against one team. I understand you're going to take a discount to stay. Do I want to do that? Absolutely." Larry Lucchino's response? "Love it". The Red Sox exercised the $13 million option on Lester for 2014—the last year of his five-year pact.

POLL: Better Than Two-Thirds Favor Bradley

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll shows that—by about a two-to-one margin—readers favor Jackie Bradley, Jr. over Grady Sizemore as the Opening Day center-fielder. As the table shows, just over two-thirds (67%) would choose Bradley, while one-third (33%) would select Sizemore to play center field—assumming both were healthy and performing well in Spring Training. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Why Tanaka Really Cost NYY A Quarter-Billion

As pointed out by the brilliant Tom Verducci of SI.com, the real acquisition price of Masahiro Tanaka is not $175 million ($155M + $20M posting fee), but rather $252.5 million. Why? Because the signing pushed The Evil Ones over the $189 million luxury tax threshold—the budgetary discipline they adhered to last year that saw them miss the playoffs. Verducci calculates that (since passing the threshold triggers taxing any excess at 50%) Tanaka's salary gets taxed to the tune of $77.5 million. Add that to the $175M and—voilà—you get to that quarter-billion dollar mark. So, for an unproven, 25-year old pitcher with lots of mileage on his arm, The Bronx Embalmers paid out a king's ransom—returning to fiscal insanity.

POLL: Jackie Bradley Or Grady Sizemore In CF?

Bradley Versus Sizemore
If both are healthy and performing well in Spring Training, who should be the Opening Day CF?	Jackie Bradley, Jr. Grady Sizemore
	Current Results

Will 'Band Of Bearded Brothers' Shave For '14?

Clearly, the whole beard thing was a unifying force for the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. Whenever we think of the unexpected ring of '13, it will come with images of our hirsute heroes. However, 2014 is a new year. And it needs a new theme. Jonny Gomes and David Ross agree—they have already committed to putting blade to face. Said Gomes, "The beard's coming off. Oh, yeah. The baseball season is not like a cookie cutter. You can't win last year. I mean, it's a clean slate, you know." When news of this development reached Mike Napoli, however, he was outraged. Via TWITTER, the undoubted winner of The Best Beard Competition said, "Whoaaa Saaaaay what?! Can't cut this thing!!!!" So, what will transpire once they all congregate at jetBlue Park in a few short weeks? The plot—and maybe the fuzz—thickens.

Red Sox Medical Staffer Clinched Sizemore Deal

Dyrek And Big Papi (MGH Photo)

UPDATE: Reds got skunked
According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the coordinator of sports medicine service for the Red Sox was the key player in landing new Boston outfielder Grady Sizemore. This is big news—after all, Red Sox medical personnel have not exactly acquitted themselves well over the last several years. The 31-year old Sizemore was "seconds" away from signing with one of many other suitors, when Dan Dyrek showed up to talk with him at the former Indian's rehab facility in Arizona. Dyrek convinced Sizemore that his rehab program—unlike any other—could get the three-time All-Star back on the field and healthy. Dyrek was so convincing that when Boston's offer finally arrived (one-year, $750,000 base; $6 million if incentives are hit), Sizemore jumped at it. This story has many of the same elements (minus the turkey and cranberry sauce) as the 2003 Thanksgiving Heist (also in Arizona) that netted the Red Sox Curt Schilling. History repeating?

Red Sox Sign Grady Sizemore To One-Year Deal

(AP Photo)

The Red Sox added outfield depth on Wednesday by signing Grady Sizemore to a one-year major league contract. The deal for the oft-injured center-fielder features a modest base salary of $750,000—but that could balloon to $6 million with performance incentives. Sizemore could provide back-up and/or competition for Jackie Bradley, Jr. The 31-year old Sizemore has had seven surgeries since the end of 2009—and missed the entire 2013 season due to microfracture knee surgery. Sizemore was one of the most dynamic players in the American League before his string of injuries. In parts of eight seasons, he's hit .269 with 139 HRs (including 33 dingers in 2008). He's also stolen 134 bases. This is a great low-risk signing by Ben Cherington—one FenwayNation first advocated for way back on August 13, 2013.

Book: A-Rod's Steroid Use Goes Back To HS

A-Rod To Play A-Rod?

The New York Post has acquired a copy of a proposal for a new book (and possible movie) about the Alex Rodriguez-Biogenesis fiasco. One of the bombshell findings of the book is the allegation that A-Rod's steroid abuse dates back to his days at Westminster Christian High School in Miami. The book-and-movie proposal—titled "Bad Blood"—is written by Miami New Times reporter Tim Elfrink, who first broke the story a year ago. The floor is open for suggestions about who plays The Fraudulent One in the movie (of course, we think he has to play himself). In a related story, The Centaur is planning his own book about the vast conspiracy by the nearly-80-something Bud Selig.

Metal Detectors At All MLB Ballparks In 2015

(Photo: David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)

Major League Baseball has announced that metal detection devices will be in place at every one of the 30 MLB ballparks starting with the 2015 season. Either walk-through magnetometers or hand-held metal detectors will be mandatory. The Seattle Mariners announced that they would implement the enhanced security measures in the 2014 season. Said an MLB spokesperson, "This procedure, which results from MLB's continuing work with the Department of Homeland Security to standardize security practices across the game, will be in addition to bag checks that are now uniform throughout MLB."

Red Sox Sign RHP Jose Valdez To Minors Deal

Jose Valdez At AAA

According to Matt Huegel of SoxProspects.com, Boston has signed former Houston right-handed pitcher Jose Valdez to a minor league contract. The 30-year old Valdez was originally signed by The Evil Ones, and spent all of last year at AAA. In 24 games for the Astros, Valdez posted a 5.88 ERA, giving up 29 hits in 26 innings of work. Last year, in 39 innings for the Oklahoma City Red Hawks, Valdez was an underwhelming 3-3, with a 5.72 ERA in 35 relief appearances.

BenCher: No Progress On Stephen Drew Talks

Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington said last night that, while the team has continued to talk with representatives of free agent Stephen Drew, there are no signs of agreement on a new contract for the shortstop. Cherington participated in a panel moderated by Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons as part of the Hot Stove/Cool Music event for Theo Epstein's Foundation To Be Named Later. Joining Cherington were John Farrell, Craig Breslow, Assistant GM Mike Hazen, Farm Director Ben Crockett, and the legendary Bob Ryan. Cherington also said that the team expects to "add a player or two" before the start of Spring Training—although he did not elaborate on the types of players he's looking at.

Masahiro Tanaka Joins Evil Empire For 7 Yrs.

Well, the wait is over. The Evil Ones have abandoned all hope of getting under the luxury tax threshold by over-spending on Japanese hurler Masahiro Tanaka. According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the deal is for seven years and worth $155 million. There is an "opt-out" after four years. Let's hope this deal cripples The Bronx Embalmers financially for years to come. The total expenditure by The Pinstriped Posers—counting the $20 million posting fee that goes to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles—is $175 million. That's the most ever spent on a free agent pitcher in the history of baseball.

Players Wanted To Bounce A-Rod From Union

According to Jeff Passan of YAHOOSports.com, major league baseball players wanted to throw Alex Rodriguez out of their union after The Fraudulent One decided to sue them. In a 90-minute conference call, virtually all the players participating urged that the MLBPA kick The Centaur out. Even after being told that it was not legally possible to purge A-Fraud, players persisted in their outrage—with not one player defending Rodriguez. As one player said, "We wanted to get on this call and not let him back. [To say,] ‘This is our game and we don't want you in it.'" A different player player took it to another level, "When he gets up to bat, you can hit him and hit him hard. That's what I'd do. He sued us. Jhonny Peralta and Nelson Cruz screwed up. You know what? They owned up to it. They took their medicine. [Rodriguez] needs to be scared of coming back and facing people he sued."

Tanaka Deciding Between Cubbies & Evil Ones?

UPDATE: Cubs blowing away field
Multiple reports now suggest that Masahiro Tanaka has narrowed the field down to two teams: Theo Epstein's Chicago Cubs and The Evil Empire. In the interest of helping him decide—and maybe broadening his options—we offer the following:

1.) While it is true that Chicago currently has the highest murder rate in America, New York's new Mayor Bill de Blasio (real name Warren Wilhelm, Jr.—no kidding, you could look it up) will rectify that in short order. Boston is much safer than both—just sayin';

2.) While New York-style pizza is far superior to Chicago deep-dish—the pizza at Regina's in Boston's North End beats both by a country kilometer;

3.) While Theo used to be brilliant, his 'smart genes' have mystically been transferred to Ben Cherington. The Yankees' Brian Cashman? Feh!;

4.) Criminal masterminds: Chicago—Al Capone; New York—John Gotti; Boston: Whitey Bulger. Only Bulger still survives.

The choice is clear, Masahiro!

New Storm Hits Hub With Truck Day 17 Days Off

Apparently, The Farmers Almanac is a lot better at projecting the severity of New England winters than the local gang of "meteorologists". As yet another Winter storm bores down on Boston, the locals can take solace in the fact that Truck Day is just 17 days into the future. Pitchers and catchers report on February 15th, with the first workouts on February 17th. The Northeastern Huskies and Boston College Eagles face off against The Carmine Hose on February 27th. The next day, February 28th, Boston hosts the first Spring Training game against (who else?) the Twinkies. Opening Day is March 31st—with the Fenway opener four days later on April 4th. Hang in there.

Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa & 'Sweet Caroline'

Red Sox Photo Via TWITTER

The meeting between World Series champions Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa and US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy took place Tuesday. Kennedy—the daughter of President John F. Kennedy and the inspiration for the Fenway anthem 'Sweet Caroline'—posed with the 2103 World Series trophy. Said Kennedy, "This is a great event. Last fall's victory would not have happened without these two players here tonight. You and your players — past and present — are ambassadors of goodwill to millions of fans here in Japan. Thank you for continuing the great legacy of baseball diplomacy between our two countries."

Will Rings & Countrymen Lure Tanaka To Hub?

It's clearly a longshot, but there's no reason to believe that Masahiro Tanaka wouldn't at least consider signing with the Boston Red Sox. As MassLive.com's Jason Mastrodonato points out, Boston is the only team with three World Series titles in the last decade. Moreover, the fact that two Japanese players—Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa—were integral parts of last year's championship can't hurt. Plus, as a right-handed pitcher, would you really want to face left-hand hitters with the stupidly-short porch in Yankee Stadium (AKA, The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street) at your back? And forget about Chavez Ravine—which has about as much character as a Kardashian family outing. Wrigley and the curse? Nah. So, why not take your talents to the 'lyric little bandbox' on Yawkey Way? You never know, folks, you never know.