Happy New Year From All Of Us At FenwayNation!

2015—Good Riddance To Another Lousy Red Sox Year

The end of 2015 can't come fast enough for fans of the Boston Red Sox. Bringing us the third last place finish in four years, these past twelve months will never be among our most memorable. Sure, David Ortiz got his 500th HR, sure Pedro Martinez went into the Hall. And, sure the "kids" (Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Blake Swihart) evolved into real stars. But, overall, this year was a real stinker. After missing the 3,000,000 mark in attendance for the third straight year (including one year with a World Series Championship), the NOG ('New Ownership Group') woke up from its European Soccer Stupor, hired a new head of Baseball Operations and made some noise in the off-season. The moves by Dave Dombrowski had better work—or there will be pitchforks and torches on Yawkey Way by October. Count on it.

Don't Ignore Brock Holt's Importance On 2016 Red Sox

Brock Holt

There is an urban Red Sox myth that Brock Holt collapses in the second half of seasons. While it's true that the super utility player doesn't end up with his monster early-season-numbers—his final stats are still pretty darned good. For example, in 2015, Holt had the fourth highest average on the team at .280 (third on the team among those playing in at least 100 games). Looking for consistency? OK, in 2014, he hit .281. So, while he doesn't maintain his mid-.300s average the whole year, you can count on .280 with around a .340 or so OBP. Last year, Holt improved in games played (129 over 106 in 2014), RBIs (45 over 29 in 2014) and OPS (.727 over .711 in 2014). With the inevitable injuries that will occur (we're looking at you Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval), you can be sure that Holt will get significant playing time again in 2016. He is a very important piece to his year's edition of The Carmine Hose.

Ex-Red Sox Infielder Stephen Drew Signs With Nationals

Drew's '13 WS HR (Red Sox Photo)

Well, this story goes to show you that if you can stand upright and put on a uniform, you can get millions of dollars from some team. Former Red Sox infielder (and 2013 World Series Champion—where he hit .158 with a HR) Stephen Drew signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Incentive milestones could add another $1.25 million to the deal. The last couple of years, Drew has been under-whelming with The Bronx Embalmers—hitting .187 in 177 total games. He did hit 17 HRs last year—mostly in the RF bandbox that is The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street. But, still, a possible $4.25 million payout to a soon-to-be 33-year old with little (if any) upside? Wow. Talk about reckless spending in Washington, D.C.!

Red Sox Star Frank Malzone Passes Away At Age 85

(Leslie Jones Photo)

Frank Malzone, six-time All-Star third baseman for the Boston Red Sox in the fifties and sixties, passed away today at the age of 85. In 1957, a young Malzone finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting—hitting .292 with 15 HRs and 103 RBIs. For eight years he was a workhorse at the 'hot corner', playing in at least 148 games (topping 150 in seven of those seasons). Perhaps his best year was 1962, when he hit .283, with 21 HRs and 95 RBIs. He won three Gold Gloves—which in the era of Brooks Robinson—was no small feat. Malzone truly was one of the few elite stars on otherwise awful Red Sox teams. He was a player a young kid could be proud of. Rest in peace, Frank.

Evil Ones To Acquire Aroldis Chapman From Reds

Apparently, the Steinbrenner Brood ('Tweedle-Dumb' and 'Tweedle-Dumber') have no problem with domestic abusers—although facial hair is a taboo. Word is that The Pinstriped Posers are about to trade for Aroldis Chapman. If (former Red Sox reliever) Andrew Miller or Dellin Betances aren't going back in the deal, it sets up a pretty bizarre "end" of the bullpen for The Bronx Embalmers. New York gives up two right-handed pitchers—Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis—along with infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda. Chump change for a chump.

WEEI Formally Hires Tim Neverett For Radio Broadcasts

(Altoona Mirror Photo)

As first reported on December 18th, WEEI (and, functionally, the Red Sox) have formally hired Tim Neverett to join Joe Castiglione in the radio broadcast booth. The 49-year old was formerly a broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates (the last seven years) and the Colorado Rockies (the previous four years). Neverett beat out upwards of 200 applicants for the right to replace Dave O'Brien—who is moving to the TV side. Said Neverett, "For a kid who grew up in New England [Nashua, New Hampshire] cheering for the Red Sox, this is an extremely rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Said Castiglione, "I am excited about having Tim join our broadcast team. I have admired his work with the Pirates and am certain with his experience, New England roots and lifelong knowledge of the Red Sox, it will be a seamless transition to our broadcasts."

Boston Red Sox 2016 ZiPS Projections—We Think

We do not pretend to know what ZiPS projections are, but a lot of guys who do understand baseball stats think they're a pretty good measure of how players will perform. We think ZiPS projections are something like WAR values—which we kind of understand—but not really. In fact, these guys might as well be speaking Shyriiwook (the language of Wookies) for all the sense it makes to us. Anyway, the highly esteemed website FanGraphs.com has laid out the 2016 ZiPS projections for your Boston Red Sox. Not surprisingly, dual 23-year-olds Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts top the list—with "zWAR" values of 5.4 and 3.0, respectively. Dustin Pedroia (2.5), David Ortiz (2.3) and Jackie Bradley, Jr. (2.2) round out the top five position players. Among starting pitchers, David Price leads the way with a "zWAR" value of 4.9, followed by Eduardo Rodriguez at 2.4, Rick Porcello at 2.3, Clay Buchholz at 2.0 and Joe Kelly at 1.3. It all makes sense—in fact, it's exactly what your eyeballs would tell you. Our collective head hurts.

Red Sox Hero Dave Henderson Passes Away At 57

Dave Henderson  (BoSox Club Photo)

Before there was Mookie Wilson, 1986 held great joy for fans of the Boston Red Sox. Our team was playing in the ALCS and poised to return to the World Series for the first time since 1975. Alas, in Game Five of the ALCS, our dreams seemed—once again—about to be dashed. Then, Dave Henderson stepped to the plate. With The Carmine Hose one strike away from elimination, Hendu clouted a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the ninth to send the series back to Fenway and an eventual series win. The image of a gleeful, spinning Henderson as he watched his epic shot leave the yard is an iconic Red Sox moment. Now, we learn that Henderson passed away yesterday at the age of 57 of a heart attack. We mourn his loss and will forever remember his place in our shared baseball history.

Will Hanley And Panda Cripple Otherwise Good Red Sox?

Hanley, Panda

There is a haunting "Ghost Of Christmas Past" issue facing the 2016 Red Sox. Sure, they have significantly upgraded their starting rotation (David Price), bullpen (Craig Kimbrel, Carson Smith) and outfield depth (Chris Young), but their corner infield positions are a disaster waiting to happen. Hanley Ramirez will try to play first base for the first time in his career, and Pablo Sandoval will try to recover from a dismal 2015 in the field and at the plate. Ramriez will be 32 and Sandoval will be 29—so there is a chance they could both rebound with years that more closely match their norm. But, are you confident? The Panda turned in the worst batting average, OBP and OPS of his career last year (.245/.292/.658). Ramirez played in just 105 games and—after one hot month—ended up with just 19 home runs, while hitting .249. If their defense is as porous as we expect, it could negate a big part of the improved pitching staff. They are the twin Achilles heels of this ballclub. Hold your breath!

December 26, 1919—A Day That Will Live In Infamy

Babe In Red Stockings (Library Of Congress)

Ninety-six years years ago today, the owner of the Boston Red Sox made what is arguably the worst transaction in baseball history. On December 26, 1919, Harry Frazee sold the contract of one George Herman Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000 (and a $300,000 loan). Frazee's eerie 'Godfather'-like comment was, "This was an amount the club could not afford to refuse." Yikes! 'The Babe' had asked Boston for a raise, and stated, "When I made my demand on the Red Sox for $20,000 a year I had an idea they would choose to sell me rather than pay the increase, and I knew the Yankees were the most probable purchasers." Ruth was a great starting pitcher for Boston, having helped them win three World Championships in his six seasons with the club. And, in 1919—playing as a left fielder—he had just broken the MLB home run record by clouting 29. Oh, did we mention that he also went 9-5 that year as a starter? Clearly, this Ruth kid was a two-threat, multi-tool athlete. So, get rid of him, right? Well, he hit 54 home runs for The Evil Ones in 1920, and 59 more the next year. Pretty quickly, it became apparent that Harry screwed up. Oh, what could have been!

Fenway Park, Christmas Day, Sixty-One Degrees!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

The 2016 Red Sox Wish List We're Leaving For Santa

NORAD has located Santa somewhere over Karsakpay, Kazakhstan as we write this—so there's plenty of time to compile a 'wish list' for the 2016 Red Sox. While new boss Dave Dombrowski has done a good job so far this off-season, there are still a bunch of additional goodies that Santa could leave under the Yawkey Way tree tonight. Herewith is our list for the Big Jolly Guy—don't worry we're also leaving him three Pepperidge Farm Nantucket Double Dark Chocolate Chunk Crispy Cookies and a glass of lactose-free milk:

1.) A healthy and productive final season for David Ortiz;
2.) A young, controllable starting pitcher in exchange for a reasonable group of our prospects;
3.) The emergence of either Christian Vazquez or Blake Swihart as an elite young catcher;
4.) An easy transition to the Boston area for Astro Price, so his owner feels comfortable enough to win the Cy Young award and throw the final out of the World Series;
5.) A shamrock for the back pocket of Dustin Pedroia to keep him fully healthy and fully nasty for the entire 2016 season.

That's all we ask.

Quincy Native Hassan Signs Minors Deal With Dodgers

Alex Hassan

Alex Hassan was another local kid who almost made a career with the hometown team. The soon-to-be 28 year-old outfielder had a brief cup of espresso with the Sox in 2014 (8 ABs, .125 AVG.), but spent most of his time in the organization mired in AAA. In seven minor league seasons he hit .290 with 44 HRs. Now, Hassan has been signed to a minor-league deal by the Los Angeles Dodgers. We wish Alex the best of luck with The Sons Of Magic Johnson!

Former Sox Reliever Alexi Ogando Signs With Braves

The Atlanta Braves have signed former Red Sox reliever Alexi Ogando to a minor league deal—with an invitation to major league Spring Training camp. Reportedly, the deal is for $2 million, with another $1 million available in incentives. The 32-year-old Ogando was 3-1 with a 3.99 ERA in 65 1/3 innings of work for Boston last year. Most observers believe that Ogando will have a good chance of making Atlanta's Opening Day roster.

Red Sox Appear Four Times On Sunday Night Baseball

The Worldwide Leader announced that the Red Sox will appear four times in the early season bloc of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball games (April 3rd through July 17th). Undoubtedly, Boston will appear several more times in the second half of the 2016 season as well. Of the four early season appearances, three are again The Bronx Embalmers—the other is against the Houston Astros. The games against The Pinstriped Posers will happen on May 1st, May 8th and July 17th. Two of the three match-ups will be at The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street, while the May 1st game will be at Fenway Park. Hopefully, Red Sox legend Curt Schilling will be back in the booth for all of the 2016 telecasts.

Nothing Red Sox-Related Occurs Over 24-Hour Period

In a shocking development, no Red Sox-related news was created over the last 24 hours. This represents the first such non-occurrence since January 25, 1966. Red Sox bloggers and beat writers have had to scramble to find any content that was even remotely related to the team. The result has been a string of saccharine pieces ranging from retrospectives on ballpark food to good deeds done by second-tier Red Sox prospects. Crisis hotlines have been set up to offer writers counseling to get through this bleak period. Red Sox management has hastily scheduled a press conference to announce the placement of new environmentally-conscious urinal cakes in selected Men's restrooms at Fenway. Hey, it's a start.

Red Sox Should Honor Babe Ruth On Right-Field Façade

Back in April of 2014, we argued that—on the 100th anniversary of his MLB debut (July 11, 1914)—the Red Sox should have honored Babe Ruth by retiring his "number" on the right-field façade. Of course, The Babe's tenure with Boston preceded the use of uniform numbers, so we suggested a simple red circle with "BABE". Now that the team has recently retired the numbers of Jim Rice (14) and Pedro Martinez (45) and will soon do the same for Wade Boggs (26), we renew our call to honor Ruth. In his pitching debut in 1914, he went seven innings at Fenway Park and gave up two earned runs on eight hits. This was the start of—arguably—the greatest career in baseball history (including three world championships in Boston). So, once again: John Henry, affix a prominent "BABE" on the right field facade. We should finally honor The Bambino for his vast contributions to the Red Sox. Plus—as a side benefit—it will tweak every fan of The Evil Ones.

FanGraphs Projections Give Red Sox AL East Flag

As reported on ESPN.com, projections by FanGraphs.com indicate that the Red Sox will win the American League East in 2016. The acquisitions of David Price, Craig Kimbrel, Carson Smith and Chris Young result in a win-loss projection of 92-70—a 14-win improvement over the miserable 2015 season. Keep in mind that the same projection system had The Carmine Hose winning the 2015 AL East, so let's not get too excited (to paraphrase Warner "The Wolf" Winston of Pulp Fiction fame). Unfortunately, the projections put The Evil Ones in second place—followed closely by last year's winner, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Red Sox Prospect Kopech Gives Back To Community

Kopech (Greenville Drive Photo)

Michael Kopech was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He's not particularly well-known by most fans, despite being ranked by SoxProspects.com as the fifth best prospect in the entire organization. Guys like Yoan Moncada, Rafael Devers, Anderson Espinoza and Andrew Benintendi get much more attention. But Kopech performed quite well in 2015 at Single A Greenville. He started 15 games for the South Atlantic League Sox affiliate and posted an ERA of 2.63 over 65 innings pitched. He struck out 70 batters and delivered a WHIP of 1.23. This kid has another side to him as well—away from baseball. Back in his Texas hometown for the Winter, Kopech is helping out The Salvation Army as it raises funds for local families. Good work, Michael!

Yo! Alejandro (De Aza), We Hardly Knew Ye!

De Aza (USATSI)

According to multiple reports, former Red Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza is close to being signed by The New York Metropolitans. De Aza had a little more than cup of coffee with The Carmine Hose in 2015—maybe more like a large Dunkin' Donuts Frozen Mocha Coffee Coolatta (with whipped cream). The soon-to-be 32-year-old played in 60 games for Boston, hitting a more than respectable .292 with 4 HRs and 24 RBIs. He complied a .347 OBP and an .831 OPS. Not bad for a fourth/fifth outfielder. He came to the Red Sox in a trade with the Orioles in exchange for the immortal Joe Gunkel. He was then traded by us to the Giants for the equally immortal Luis Ysla. We wish Alejandro the best of luck in Flushing!

Finally, Sox Will Retire Number Of Wade Anthony Boggs

The Great Wade Boggs (Getty Images)

A full decade after he was inducted into the Hall Of Fame, the jersey number 26 of Wade Boggs will be retired by the Red Sox. This long overdue honor will take place on May 26th. Mark your calendars. Boggs was one of the best hitters to ever don Carmine Hose—compiling a career mark in Boston of .338 over 11 seasons. Three-thirty-eight! His on-base percentage in Boston was a ridiculous .428. A 12-time All-Star, Boggs led the American League in hitting five times—all as a member of the Red Sox. Four of those batting titles were in succession (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988). In 1987, he led the league in OPS (1.049). He also led the AL in intentional walks for six straight seasons (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992). He collected over 200 hits seven times. Over his total 18-year career, Boggs hit .328 with a .415 OBP and an .858 OPS. Startlingly good numbers for a guy who bled Red Sox red—remember his reaction in the dugout after the 1986 World Series loss. We have long called for this honor, and we welcome it. Congratulations, Boggsie!

One Last Annoying Reminder On The 2016 FN Calendar

We hate to be a noodge. But, it's for your own good...really. It's now December 21st—the first day of Winter (and the shortest day of the year)—so, you have just nine days to get the 2016 FenwayNation Calendar. Now, this could either be for yourself (you know you need a calendar) or for a fellow Red Sox nut. The calendar is replete with exclusive FenwayNation photos of Fenway Park and its environs. The calendar is only $14.99. You can get it HERE. OK, no more nagging!

Forgotten Freddy Sanchez Was One That Got Away

(Getty Images)

UPDATE: Freddy Sanchez Retires
Freddy Sanchez turns 38 years old today. 'So?', you may ask. Who the heck is he? Well, Sanchez was one of those Red Sox prospects that got away—and had a pretty decent 10-year MLB career. 'Really?', you ask again. Well, for starters, he won the National League batting title in 2006 (hitting .344). He also led the Senior Circuit in doubles that year (53). Not enough? How about making four All-Star teams in that 10-year career? Not enough? How about a .297 career batting average—and pretty darn good defense at second base (.990 career fielding percentage compared to a .983 league average over that span). Who did The Carmine Hose get in return for Sanchez? In a 2003 trade, we got back Brandon Lyon, Anastacio Martinez and Jeff Suppan. Now, Lyon (along with Mike Goss, Casey Fossum and Jorge De La Rosa) did turn into Curt Schilling, but still, this was not a good deal.

POLL: Papi's 500th Surges To Top Story Of 2015

With more votes coming in over the weekend, readers now point to David Ortiz's 500th career home run as the top Red Sox story of 2015. As the chart shows, fully 35% of voters choose Papi's feat, followed by the signing of David Price (22%), the third last place finish in four years (20%), the breakout years by Mookie Betts (and by extension) all of the kids on the roster (14%) and Pedro Martinez's Hall of Fame induction (8%). You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Will Christian Vazquez Be "Mr. 52%" During 2016?

Christian Vazquez

As Christopher Smith of MassLive.com points out, young Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez could be a huge contributor to the 2016 Red Sox. Rehabbing from Timmy John surgery, Vazquez (playing only DH) has hit .272 in Winter Ball in Puerto Rico. But, his offense would just be the cherry on top of the sundae. It's his stellar defense that can make him a star. He will begin throwing to bases in Spring Training—trying to hone the arm that threw out 52% of runners in 2014. If he can come close to that statistic in 2016—and continue to handle pitchers like a veteran—it could go a long way toward making Boston's pitching staff demonstrably better.

Bill James Projects 5 Sox Starters With 10 Or More Wins

The former security guard at a Kansas Stokely-Van Camp's pork and beans cannery, (Bill James) is out with another of his renowned abstracts. Of course, he has been an actual employee of the Boston Red Sox since 2010, so why anyone reads his stuff with objectivity is beyond us. Anyway, James projects five of six members of Boston's 2016 rotation each getting double-digit wins. At the top, David Price is seen as notching 17 wins, Clay Buchholz gets 10, Eduardo Rodriguez is given 10 wins and Rick Porcello is assessed 10 wins. Only Joe Kelly falls below the double-digit threshold at 7 wins. Somehow, James also thinks the sixth starter, Henry Owens, will also get 10 wins. So, if the Red Sox get 64 wins out of their top six rotation slots (compared with 51 last year), it will be a significant upgrade. But, do you believe Mr. Stokely-Van Camp?

Detroit Tigers Sign Ex-Red Sox Infielder Mike Aviles

Aviles With A Fan (FN Photo)

Former Red Sox infielder Mike Aviles was signed to a one-year contract by the Detroit Tigers. In 2011, Aviles came over to The Carmine Hose in a trade with the Kansas City Royals in exchange for forgettable third-base prospect Yamaico Navarro. In his two years here, Aviles hit .261 with 15 HRs. He showed great versatility as well, playing shortstop, second base and third base. He was always a popular player here in Boston and we wish him the best in The Motor City.

Red Sox Are Hit With Third Highest Luxury Tax For 2015

It's a little misleading, but the Red Sox were slapped with the third highest luxury tax in baseball on Friday—$1.8 million. The reason it's misleading is the top team (the Los Angeles Dodgers) were nailed for $43.6 million and the second place team (The Evil Ones) were taxed at $26.1 million. So, Boston's relative "slap on the wrist" is not really a big deal for billionaire Red Sox/Liverpool/Roush Racing/Boston Globe/NESN owner John Henry. The San Francisco Giants came in fourth on the dubious list with a tax of $1.3 million. This is the first time that four teams have had to pay the tax. Boston is the only one of the four with a losing record. The Dodger fine was the largest in MLB history on their payroll of nearly $300 million. This, despite the fact that The Boys Of Magic Johnson have failed to even reach the World Series in almost thirty years (1988). The World Series Champion Kansas City Royals ranked 13th in payroll last year.

POLL: Split Between Price And Papi For Top Moment

Early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll show a near split on what is the top Red Sox story of 2015. As the chart shows, 32% say it was the signing of David Price, while nearly as many (30%) think it was David Ortiz getting his 500th career HR. About one voter in five (21%) opted for a 'third last place finish in four years', while 9% each chose Pedro Martinez's Hall of Fame induction and the breakout year by Mookie Betts. Two readers "wrote in" the view that they favored the emergence of all the young players—Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley, Jr. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

FN POLL: What's The Top Red Sox Story Of 2015?

Top Red Sox Story Of 2015
Which ONE of the following was the top Sox story of 2015?	3rd last place in 4 years Signing David Price 500th HR by David Ortiz Pedro's HOF induction Mookie's breakout year
	Current Results

Brewers Sign Will Middlebrooks To Minor-League Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed former Red Sox third-baseman Will Middlebrooks to a minor-league deal—with an invitation to Spring Training. Middlebrooks joins another former Boston third base prospect, Garin Cecchini, in the Brewer fold. We wish Will and Garin the best in 2016.

Red Sox Are 'Odds-On' Favorites To Win AL Pennant

According to VegasInsider.com, your 2016 Boston Red Sox are the favorites to win the American League Pennant. At 9/2, The Carmine Hose top the Houston Astros at 6/1 and the reigning champ Kansas City Royals at 6/1 as well. The Red Sox are also 9/1 favorites to win the 2016 World Series—presumably in a match-up with the Chicago Cubs (7/2 favorites to take the National League flag). Clearly, these odds mean virtually nothing—but it's better than seeing your team at the bottom of the heap—like fans of the Philadelphia Phillies (170/1 to win the NL Flag).

Allen Webster Is A Cautionary Tale On 'Hot Prospects'

Allen Webster

UPDATE: Webster To Sign In Korea
Allen Webster came to the Red Sox in The Great 2012 Nick Punto Deal as one of the hidden prospect 'gems' (along with Rubby De La Rosa) in the transaction. Webster had been one of the top young arms in the Dodger system. In his two years with Boston, Webster went 6-5 with a 6.25 ERA. He posted a miserable 1.578 WHIP. Needless to say, he was dealt (along with an equally unimpressive De La Rosa) to the Diamondbacks for Wade Miley. Now, Webster has been released by the Pirates (after being DFA'd by Arizona). This is a long way of saying: beware of over-valuing "top" prospects. We all want to keep our young talent, but sometimes, dealing them away for known quantities is the better route.

REPORT: Sox Pick Pirates Announcer For Play-By-Play

Neverett (We Think)

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox are tossing a curve ball at fans—picking a relative unknown to do the radio play-by-play on the team's broadcasts. Current Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Tim Neverett is said to have been offered the job by Sox and Entercom (WEEI) brass. Who, you may ask? Indeed! Frankly, we know very little about this guy—other than that he's 49, is originally from Nashua, New Hampshire and is a graduate of Emerson College. So, he does pass the regional 'street cred' test—but Tim Neverett!!!????. Anyway, he will join veteran Joe Castiglione in the WEEI radio booth.

Merloni Will Not Get Sox Lead Radio Play-By-Play Job

Multiple sources are reporting that former Red Sox infielder (and Framingham native) Lou Merloni will not be the lead play-by-play man on the team's radio broadcasts. These same reports state that a person has already been chosen. Former radio play-by-play man Dave O'Brien is moving over to the NESN television booth to replace the departed Don Orsillo. Speculation points to several possible announcers with New England ties, such as: Dave Jageler, Andy Freed, Aaron Goldsmith, Dave Flemming, Dave Raymond, Gary Thorne (our choice) and Steve Berthiaume. Stay tuned—literally!

Benintendi Is Baseball America's College Player O' Year

Red Sox 2015 first-round draft pick Andrew Benintendi was named College Player Of the Year by Baseball America. Previously, he had been honored as National Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball and SEC Player of the Year. The 21-year old out of the University of Arkansas was terrific at both short-season Single A Lowell and Single A Greenville in his first professional season—hitting a combined .313 with a .416 OBP. In just 54 games as a pro he has 11 HRs and 30 RBIs to go along with a .556 slugging percentage and an .972 OPS. Congratulations, Andrew! We will surely see you soon in the Red Sox outfield.

Dave Dombrowski Settles Into $3.5M Brookline Manse

Dave's New Abode

Hey, you might as well be in walking distance to your new job, right? Apparently that's the approach taken by new Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. He'll be moving into a lovely little 'starter-upper' in Brookline that will set him back a mere $3.5 million. But wait, it does have seven full baths and six bedrooms. And, the little cottage comes in at 7,500 sq. ft. (the average Dunkin' Donuts is between 2,000 and 5,000 sq. ft.). Old 'Double D" will just have to suck it up and try to live comfortably within the borders of The People's Republic of Brookline. One piece of advice, Dave—don't try parking anywhere in your new hometown—it's literally impossible.

Phillies Are On Ex-Sox Signing Binge, Ink Edward Mujica

Edward Mujica

The ink had hardly dried on the Phiilies minor-league pact with former Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey, before they signed ex-Carmine Hoser Edward Mujica to a minor-league deal as well. Before being traded to Oakland last May, Mujica left a forgettable legacy in Boston: 3-5, 4.03 ERA in 73.2 innings over parts of two seasons. He saved a total of 8 games for the Red Sox.

Former Sox Closer Bailey Signed To Philly Minors Deal

(Getty Images)

He was once among the most dominant closers in all of baseball—saving at least 24 games for three straight years with Oakland (2009-11). He was then traded to the Red Sox for Josh Reddick and (due primarily to nagging injuries after thumb surgery) proceeded to pretty much stink since then—including a brief stint with The Evil Ones last year. Now, Andrew Bailey is relegated to signing a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! No details are available yet on the deal, but it has to be a big-time come-down for a guy who was on top of the world just three short years ago. We wish him the best in The City Of Brotherly Love.

Jackboot Yankee Security Nearly Jailed Price And Jays

David Price On His Scooter

There are good reasons why former Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino called the Yankees The Evil Empire. One of them is the Storm Trooper-like security at The Concrete Bunker On 161st Street (AKA, the "new" Yankee Stadium). To that point, last season, new Red Sox ace David Price and a few of his then Blue Jay teammates were nearly thrown in jail by the Pinstriped KGB for riding their EcoReco Electric Scooters around the stadium. Apparently, Price had purchased several of the scooters for his buddies to commute to the various stadia in MLB. Ah, but that didn't sit well with the Bronx STASI. AL MVP Josh Donaldson told Boston's WEEI radio that the "Scooter Gang" chose not to push things, "Then the Yankees security tried to tell us they were going to take us to jail if we rode them at the stadium. We were like,'We don't need to go to jail so let's put them away. I'm not going to jail." So, next time you're in Baghdad-By-The-Hudson, use standard vehicular modes of transportation—or wind up in the hoosegow.

Angels Give Daniel Nava One-Year, $1.375M Contract

The First At-Bat Salami

Former Red Sox IF/OF Daniel Nava was signed to a one-year, $1.375 million contract by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Orange County, California, United States of America, North America, Earth, Solar System, Milky Way, Universe. In his five MLB seasons so far, the soon-to-be 33-year old has batted .265 with 24 HRs, 172 RBIs and a .358 OBP over 455 games. For the Red Sox, Nava hit .267 with 23 HRs and 169 of those RBIs. Of course, in 2010, his storybook first MLB at-bat resulted in a first-pitch grand slam against Joe Blanton—just the second player in baseball history to achieve that feat. Nava's up-and-down career was always characterized by a 'can-do' attitude typified by the following quote, "Quitting’s just not much of an option for me." No, indeed. Best of luck, Daniel!

Indians Sign Mike Napoli To One-Year, $7M Contract

UPDATE: Deal worth $7M—plus $3M in incentives. Multiple reports indicate that former Red Sox first-baseman (and 2013 World Series Champion) Mike Napoli has been signed to a one-year contract by the Cleveland Indians. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but it appears that Napoli may split time at first-base and DH for The Tribe. So, the rumor that Napoli might be a fall-back option for Boston (in event of a Hanley Ramirez first-base melt-down) are clearly unfounded.

Mike Napoli Hit 2015's Longest HR At Fenway Park

(AP Photo)

He's gone, but not forgotten. At least former Red Sox first-baseman Mike Napoli will be remembered for hitting the longest home run at Fenway Park during the 2015 season. It was a 450-foot blast off Angel lefty Hector Santiago. Interestingly, Santiago gave up the most home runs in the American League last year—a whopping 29. All told, Nap hit 13 dingers as a member of The Carmine Hose in 2015—then another 5 as a Ranger. Could Napoli be a "safety valve" returnee if the Great Hanley First Base Experiment goes awry in Spring Training? Stay tuned—this could get interesting!

Sox One Of Twelve Teams Papelbon Can Be Traded To

(AP Photo)

Do you want the good news or the bad news? OK, we'll give you both. There are twelve teams in Major League Baseball that Jonathan Papelbon can be traded to without his permission—and one of them is the Boston Red Sox. The former Carmine Hose closer has a 'no-trade' list that numbers seventeen MLB that he cannot be traded to without his permission—one of which is The Evil Empire. Other notable teams on the "No-Pap List' are: the Dodgers, the A's, the Blue Jays and (another of his former teams) the Phillies. So, is this good news or bad news? We report, you decide.

Papelbon Invokes The Wrath Of Senator Mitch McConnell

Papelbon In 2007 (sittingstill.net)

It's one thing when fans and the sports media give grief to a baseball player. But when the Majority Leader of the United States Senate gets on your case, you've got some real problems. Such is the dilemma of former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon—now of the Washington Nationals. On C-SPAN this morning, Mitch McConnell opined on what his beloved Nats needed to do to recoup from their disastrous 2015 season. Said the Senator from Kentucky, "They need to get rid of Papelbon". Hey, Jon, we think it's about time you put another empty Bud Light case on your head and get out of DC!

Your Old Calendar Is Getting Obsolete, Get A New One!

Okay, we're almost half-way through December. There are few things in life that scream out at you like expiring calendars. "I'm about to go obsolete", they say in that shrill calendar tone we all know and hate. Well, you can do something about it! Just fork over a mere $14.99 and get the 2016 FenwayNation Calendar. Then, you can enjoy the Silence Of The (Mike) Lambs. Sorry. Anyway, you can still order the FN calendar HERE.

NESN Touts 'High-Tech' Toys, Still Has No Super Slo-Mo

In a garbled, confusing puff piece on its own website, NESN bravely announced to the world a "new innovation" (isn't that a tautology?) in video programming. Describing this wonderful new service in language only a Ph.D. in Digital Media could possibly understand, the piece talks about 'multiple LU500 portable transmission units to pilot live “@Home Productions” ' Right, and that benefits viewers how? Unfortunately, the tech-laden text never makes that clear. Maybe this will clarify things, "NESN collaborated with LiveU technicians to develop a system that synchronizes multiple LU500 portable cellular transmission units. The production team at NESN’s control room in Watertown, Massachusetts is able to switch between cameras with no significant latency, eliminating the need for traditional production and transmission methods as well as replacing newer, Internet-based processes. " Uh, no. Still confused. All we know is that NESN is—as far as we can tell—the only regional baseball network without a Super-Slo-Mo capability. But, they do have awesome cooking shows—and whatever the hell LU500 portable cellular transmission units are.

Ex-Red Sox Star Mo Vaughn Turns 48 Years Old Today

(Springfield Republican)

Maurice Samuel "Mo" Vaughn (AKA 'The Hit Dog') turns 48 years old today. Although it's been 17 years since Mo wore Carmine Hose, it's impossible to forget the impact he had on Red Sox teams of the 1990s. Fans adored him and relished his ferocious left-handed, upper-cut swing. He was one of the most feared hitters in the American League during his Boston tenure. In his eight seasons with the Red Sox, Mo complied a .304 average, with 230 HRs and 752 RBIs. In 1995, he was the AL MVP and led the league in RBIs (126). He was also a three-time All-Star. And, he was a damn good defensive first-baseman to boot. His free-agent departure to the Angels in 1999 was a blow—although (partly due to injuries) he never really regained his Boston form (either in Anaheim or in Flushing with the Mets). We wish him a very happy birthday!