Lowell Bites the Bullet

Yesterday, Mike Lowell did what was expected of him, he took surgery to heal a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb. Lowell's trade to Texas was called off earlier this month because of this surgery. This year, Lowell had a very good offensive year as he batted at a .290 clip, 3rd on the team, along with 17 bombs and 75 RBIs in 119 games. He has been plagued by a nagging injury after the Red Sox went on to win the World Series in 2007. Lowell had a sparkling year that year as he had an MVP-caliber line of .324, 21, 120 as he did better than many of the Red Sox stars, leading the team in RBIs and batting for a higher average than the Red Sox' current star, Manny Ramirez. If this surgery works out for Lowell, and he is healthy in 2010 he could be a very productive batter and he could be the big bat they need after Bay's departure. Happy New Year to all!!!! I have loved blogging this year to all of you. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

New York is a Rich City

You all have probably heard by now- Jason Bay (2009 Sox.Rox Player of the Year) signed with the New York Mets. For quite a while, the Mets were the only New York team that I liked (I disliked the Yankees, Giants, Jets, and Knicks) and it's not like I dislike them now, but I... like them less. Bay signed a 4 year, $66 million deal with an option to make it a 5 year, $80 million if he wants to stay for less. They outbid the Red Sox for the greatest peice of their 2009 Wild Card team although they are still a great team. Now- as I have said in a previous post, "Maybe it's time for the Holliday season." Personally, I think the Red Sox did the smart thing, however, Bay is not a great player; sure, he can hit for power, a respectable average, and a respectable fielder and runner, but he is not great. I'm going to tell everyone one thing right now- DO NOT HATE THE METS. This is just the baseball business, everyone tries to outbid everyone and the Sox didn't budge, it looks like we're going to see Cameron in left next year. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

Red Sox Add Conditional Option to Lackey

For the past two seasons ('08-'09), John Lackey has been bothered by a nagging elbow injury. He has made 27 starts this last year, and 24 in '08 after making 33 starts from 2003-2007. Now the Red Sox have taken awareness about this and have set up a conditional offer. This offer states that if Lackey gets injured for "a significant amount of time" the Red Sox can pay him the MLB minimum of $400,000 a year. This option also holds Lackey through 2015, if he gets injured. The normal deal gives Lackey $18 million in 2010, but slacks off to $15.5 million for 2011-2014. It may be kind of a risk, but I am personally thrilled at having Lackey on the Sox. Happy Holidays! Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

Bay Rejects Sox

The Red Sox have been sticking beside their 4 year, $60 million offer to Jason Bay. Apparently, other teams have been making better offers (or it could be the old Scott Boras trick where he makes the fake offer). The Mets, on one hand, gave Bay a 4 year, $65 million offer, but Bay wants a 5 year deal, reportedly. Bay has insinuated that he does not want to play for the Mets, in their cavernous Citi Field. A mystery team, however, has given Bay a five-year contract, this could be the Boras trick, however. The other suitors for Bay have been the Angels and Mariners, but I haven't heard too much about them. The Angels definitely have the salary room, as they lost expensive free agents John Lackey and Chone Figgins. The Mariners are trying to build on a team that has been working hard to get their team better with several powerhouse acquisitions over the offseason. Bay has apparently rejected the Red Sox' offer. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

(At Least) One More Year of Mike Lowell

You may have heard of a highly publicized deal of sending Mike Lowell down to Texas for minor league catcher, Max Ramirez. This trade would have sent Lowell and $9 million to Texas for Max Ramirez (I guess they think Ramirez is pretty good). This trade has been called off because Lowell is going to need thumb surgery over the offseason because of a nagging injury that gave him some bench time at the end of last season. Lowell flew down to Texas yesterday so the Rangers' doctors could look to see if the injury was still bothering him; they decided it was, so Lowell is back through 2011, unless they trade him before that. Last year, Lowell had a very good year, hitting at a nice .290 clip (fourth on the team) along with 17 homers and 75 RBIs, even though it was a far cry away from his 2007 stat line, it was better than his '08 one. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!

Maybe It's Time for the Holliday Season

It looks like the Red Sox' hopes on re-acquiring Jason Bay are close to dead, but it is time to move on. According to some reports, the Red Sox have made a contract offer to free agent left fielder, Matt Holliday. Holliday is probably the #1 free agent this year as he split the season between the Oakland A's and St. Louis Cardinals, going for a great line of .313, 24, 109 as he was great after moving to St. Louis after a disappointing stint in the AL. In 2007, Holliday led the NL in average, going for an MVP-caliber line of .340, 36, 137. Accordingly, the Red Sox' contract offer to Holliday was for $82.5 million over 5 years, the same contract they gave to John Lackey. This contract averages out to around $16.5 million a year. I would personally love to see Holliday with the Sox, but I doubt it will happen. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!

Hello Cameron and Lackey, Welcome to Boston

Today the Red Sox welcomed fellow free agents John Lackey (top) and Mike Cameron (bottom) to the Sox for good. The Red Sox signed John lackey to a contract worth $82.5 million over 5 years, plus a signing bonus of $3.5 million, so the 31 year old will be with the Sox for quite a while, through 2014! Lackey went 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 2009; a respectable year, but he has had much better years. Lackey may not be with us if not for his wife; who grew up in New Hampshire and had been a lifelong Red Sox fan. Cameron signed a 2-year deal worth $15.5 million for the 36-year old outfielder. Cameron batted .250 last year, along with 24 home runs and 70 RBIs for the aging outfielder. Cameron's fielding, however, has not diminished with age; he is still a Gold Glove bet in center field. His last Gold Glove came with the Padres in 2006. Unfortunately, what Cameron's stay in Boston could mean is that, this, plain and simple: Bay is probably not coming back. On a brighter note; Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!!!

Boston's New Ace Comes Around

Sometimes, it's kind of nice to be wannabe Yankees, and that's what the Red Sox were when they signed John Lackey to a 5-year deal. John Lackey, who the Red Sox had been pursuing free agent pitcher, the Red Sox are on the verge of signing to a 5-year, $85 million deal. This is (I think) the Red Sox' highest contract on their current roster, as it averages $17 million a year. I really like Lackey, as he is a very good pitcher who dominated the Sox in Game 1 of the ALDS this year with 7.2 shutout innings. Lackey did not have his best year in '09, as he went 11-8 with a respectable 3.83 ERA. This was not his best season, however, 2007 was, when Lackey went 19-9 with an AL leading 3.01 ERA. This news is bittersweet however (I mean, it's really not, but its side effects are) because the Angels were pursuing Jason Bay, but they said Lackey was their top priority. Now that the Sox have Lackey, it should be open season on Bay. I hope lackey pulls a 2007 on us! Go Sox, all the way!!!!!

Sox Make Use of Non-Tender Deadline

Last night was the Non-Tender deadline and if you're like me (who ust figured out what that was this morning) than it is basically offering longer contracts to the players who do not have them, or offering contracts period. The Red Sox "offered contracts period" to Casey Kotchman (right), Jeremy Hermida, and Boof Bonser. They offered longer contracts to Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima, and Ramon Ramirez (senior). The Red Sox did, in fact, pass by on signing Brian Anderson who we will not see in 2010. Arbitration can happen between January 5-15 so some of these players still may not be with the team in 2010 (Kotchman, Hermida, and Bonser) but the rest will. I think they are going to sign Kotchman, Bonser, and Hermida because of the roles they stand for. Kotchman and Hermida will be important bench players while Bonser may be useful if a starter gets injured. Go Sox, all the way!!!!!!!!!

Red Sox Make Another Low-Risk High-Reward Deal

The Red Sox continued thier cautious ways by signing yet another player who can be good and bad at times. They acquired right handed starter Boof Bonser (right) from the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later. Bonser missed the 2009 season after having arthroscopic surgery in February to deal with tears in his labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Bonser pitched for the Twins in 2006-2008 after being drafted in the first round by the Giants in 2000. Bonser had a good rookie season in '06, going 7-6 with a 4.22 ERA. Then in '07 and '08, his career went in rapid decline. In '07, he went 8-12 with a 5.10 ERA and in '08 he went 3-7 with a 5.93 ERA. His surgery may have helped this strugling pitcher, as the Red Sox boosted their farm system as they have been doing over this offseason. Today was also the last day of the Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

Double Vision

Today the Red Sox claimed righty reliever, Ramon Ramirez (right) off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. There is an interesting twist to this however, the Red Sox already have a right-handed reliever named Ramon Ramirez. Therefore I am calling the new Ramon Ramirez, Ramon Ramirez Jr. and the old one, Ramon Ramirez Sr. Ramon Ramirez Jr. was acquired by the Rays after the seasons end after going 0-0 with a 3.65 ERA in 11 games with the Cincinatti Reds. The Red Sox also claimed lefty Fabio Castro who pitched in Toronto's AA and AAA systems in '09. Castro last pitched in the majors in '07, when he went 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA as he probably needs a little bit of seasoning in the minor leagues before he comes back to the bigs. I think this is crazy though, two Ramon Ramirezes on the Red Sox, are you kidding?

The Red Sox Use Day 1 Wisely

Today was Day 1 of the Winter Meetings that are being held from December 7-10 in Indianapolis. Today the Red Sox used their time to ink a short, 1-year minor league contract with releiver Scott Atchison. Atchison's best season came in '04, when he went 2-3 with a 3.52 ERA in 25 relief appearances in his rookie year with Seattle. Atchison pitched 6 more games in '05, also with Seattle, going 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA as he was not nearly as good. Then, in '07, he pitched for the Giants and went 0-0 with a 4.11 ERA in 22 relief appearances. Atchison then went to Japan, where with the Hanshin Tigers, he went (over two years) for a much improved 2.77 ERA so he may be better. We might see Atchison in 2010, but I doubt that we will see much of him.

Nomar--Your Curse is Satisfied

Ever since 2004, when the Red Sox traded Nomar Garciaparra on July 31st, the Red Sox have not had a solid shortstop. They have gone through Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie, and Nick Green. Alex Gonzalez and Jed Lowrie (in '08) were probably the most solid of these because of their defense. Now the Red Sox may have killed this curse in one felled swoop, by signing Marco Scutaro. Now it looks like Pedroia isn't going to have to move to shortstop. For all people who do not think that this is a good move I would like to tell you the trades I did approve: Manny Ramirez for Jason Bay, prospects for Jeremy Hermida, Justin Masterson for Victor Martinez; which have all been great for the Sox. Scutaro batted .282 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs this year, which, it is true, was his only good season, but now he's playing for a contender, so he may pick his game up a notch.

It is One Solution for Shortstop

If nothin else, the Red Sox have one plan for shortstop next year which they will not need to make a blockbuster trade to get. The Red Sox have asked star second baseman Dustin Pedroia to play shortstop for them in 2010. Pedroia responded, "They've asked me if I can play shortstop. They've put it out there, and I've told them I'm all for it. I can do it." Pedroia won a Gold Glove at second base along with an MVP and Silver Sluger in 2008 in easily the best season of his career. This season may have been not quite up there with his hihg standards, but he was still a consistent performer with a line of .296, 15, 72 but he did lead the league in runs scored for the second straight year. Pedroia could move to shortstop, the only question is, who would play second in that situation. The Red Sox may try to acquire (if Pedroia did switch) throuh trades Dan Uggla and Brandon Phillips, two free agent second basemen are Orlando Hudson and ('09 Gold Glove winner) Placido Polanco.

Shortstop Problems Continuing for Red Sox

As we all know, our shortstop Alex Gonzalez was not excersized in his mutual $6 million option for 2010, now he is totally out of reach, as he has signed a 1-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Luckily, the Red Sox have a little friend waiting for them, Marco Scutaro (right) the former Toronto shortstop who is now a free agent and probably is feeling a little betrayed by the Jays. Scutaro had the best season of his 8-year career this year, and lucky for him, it happened just before free agency. Scutaro hit .282 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs as he is a great leadoff hitter, he reaches base a lot, with his .379 OBP. Scutaro has had a few suitors in need of a shortstop including the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners, and Rangers. Scutaro has said that he would prefer to join the Red Sox or Dodgers, because he would like to play in the playoffs. Come to papa, Marco, we need a shortstop!

Sox Make Trade for Backup Infielder

Yesterday, the Red Sox made a trade for minor league infielder, Tug Hulett. Hulett is a minor leaguer who may see some time in the major leagues as a backup, as he has had some seasoning. In 2008, Hulett played 30 games and had a line of .224, 1, 2 but then was acquired off waivers by the Kansas City Royals last offseason, where he played in 1 games and had a terrible line of .111, 0, 1 although you have to consider he could become a good player with some stints down in Pawtucket (AAA) or Portland. (AA) The Red Sox acquired this 26-year old in a trade with the Kansas City Royals that sent a player to be named or cash over o Kansas City. We may or may not see Hulett next year.

Red Sox Trying To Acquire Halladay

The New York Daily News recently reported that the Red Sox are making a "full-court press" to get Halladay. Halladay is currently on the Trading Block as he is the ace of the Blue Jays. Halladay finished 5th in AL Cy Young award voting this year as he went 17-10 with a 2.79 ERA as he was very good, especially early on. Unfortunately, as usual, the Yankees are also making a "full-court press" as they are always in contention for a $20 million contract. Speaking of which, I am going to start the "Made-of-$" saga in which I blog about each huge contract the Yankees succeed in. If the Yankees acquire Halladay, they would have to give up Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, plus a top prospect. The Red Sox would have to give up Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly (a top prospect) who may be better than what the Yanks have to offer. Go Sox!!!!

Red Sox Finalize Coaches For 2010

Yesterday, the Red Sox decided what their coaching staff was going to look like after the departure of Bench Coach Brad Mills (now Astros' manager) but it looks like they have finally figured it out. They gave their big promotion to bench coach to DeMarlo Hale (right) as he has now stopped as their 3rd base coach, the position he has been in since 2006. They also promoted Ron Johnson, the AAA Pawtucket manager for 5 years running, to play their first base coach and moved Tim Bogar to 3rd base. This will be next year's coaching staff.
Hitting Coach: Dave Magadan
Pitching Coach: John Farrel
1st Base Coach: Ron Johnson
3rd Base Coach: Tim Bogar
Bench Coach: DeMarlo Hale
Coaching Assistant: Rob Leary

Sox Restock Pawtucket with RHP

Today the Red Sox claimed Mariners prospect Robert Manuel off waivers. The Mariners traded Wladimir Balentien for Robert Manuel on July 29th, but Manuel did not make an appearance in Seattle. In 3 relief appearances with the Reds this year, Manuel threw 4.1 innings allowing no runs and a .294 average against. After Manuel went to the Mariners AAA Tacoma Warriors, he went 1-1 with 4 saves and a 3.32 in 15 relief appearances there. Before, with Cincinatti's AAA Louisville Bats, he went 3-4 with a 2.70 ERA and 10 saves in 36 appearances in his stint. Manuel is a talented prospect who we may or may not see in 2010.

One Too Many Catchers In Boston

With the options for Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek exercised, the Red Sox had a catcher they did not need in George Kottaras. Accordingly, Kottaras asked for a release and the Sox gave it to him, as only hours after his release, he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 45 games in '09, Kottaras hit .237 with 1 homer and 10 RBIs as he mainly caught Tim Wakefield in the first half then he was caught by the injury bug. If Kottaras was not released by the Sox, he would have not caught much between the absences of the fairly consistent Martinez and Varitek. We wish Kottaras well in Milwaukee to satisfy the Brewers' catching needs!

Red Sox Express Interest in Lackey

Free Agents can not meet with other teams than their previous ones until November 20th, but that doesn't mean teams can't be interested in them. The Red Sox are interested in John Lackey, a 31 year old righty who is becoming a free agent this year. Lackey had respectable stats with an 11-8 record and 3.83 ERA in 26 starts, but he has been better, like in 2007 he captured the ERA title at a stingy 3.01. The Red Sox and Brewers are the main teams trying to ensnare Lackey (other than the Angels) ad any sane person would want to go to the Red Sox out of those two teams. (Sorry, Brewers fans!) Lackey would be a great acquisition for the Sox, but it would be weird to see him away from the Angels.

Jason Bay Earns First Silver Slugger

Today, Jason Bay earned an award that he definitely... earned! Bay had a great season as you will discover if you read the posts I have made over the course of the year, as he went on to win my Player of the Year Award for the Sox. He set career-highs with his 36 homers as he led the Sox with a .267, 36, 119 line with great stats in every category. Bay also fielded very well as he fell short of a Gold Glove (as did all Red Sox) but he did have a tie for the league-lead in outfield assists with Nick Markakis of the Orioles. So you'd think, we have a Silver Slugger, we're rolling, but let me make something clear.

WE DO NOT HAVE A SILVER SLUGGER, yes, what am I talking about? I am saying, there are no guarantees that we will see Bay gain in '10, don't get scared, but it's true!

Red Sox Free Agents Deciding, One Decides

While many of the Sox' players file for free agency, Jason Varitek, the Red Sox' long-time catcher has decided to accept a $3 million option for 2010. Varitek took his career down a notch when the Red Sox traded for the flashier Victor Martinez from the Indians. This year, in 109 games, Varitek had an unspectacular line of .209, 14, 51 as he hit for the lowest average in his career. Other Red Sox who continue to file for free agency include Billy Wagner (1-1, 1.72, 26 in 17 games this year) has accepted arbitration for Boston. Nick Green and Joey Gathright have refused minor league options for '10, but we may still see them back in a Sox uniform. I am happy to see Varitek back with the Sox.

We Got Options

Today the Red Sox picked up two no-brainer options, for Victor Martinez and Tim Wakefield. Tim Wakefield (top) went 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA this year in 21 starts and 129.1 innings pitched, he has been resigned for a two-year deal. Victor Martinez (bottom) split '09 between Cleveland and Boston, and hit a combined .303 average with 23 bombs and 108 RBIs, although he is not a top notch catcher, he is such a good hitter that he can make up for that fact easily as since he came to Boston he had a fantastic line of .336, 8, 41 in 56 games after the Trading Deadline. With Victor back for sure in 2010, the Sox can focus on resigning the man who wears a C on his chest, as they declined Varitek's $5 million option for 2010, I don't know whether there will be more negotiations or if they will let him slip by. All I'm gonna say is, "We got options."

A-Gon- Maybe Gone?

Today the Red Sox declined Alex Gonzalez's 2010 mutual option for $6 million. Despite the fact that the Sox declined the shortstop's option for 2010, it is reported that they still have an interest in the 32 year old shortstop, only for a smaller salary. In 112 games this year split between the Reds and Red Sox, A-Gon hit for a .238 average while hitting 8 homers and 41 RBIs while playing his usual slick defense at shortstop. In 44 games with Boston this year, Gonzalez made a remarkable 1 error in that time period. The Red Sox' defense was not the best this year, but with Gonzalez in for 2010 it might improve, they do not need another hole at short this year (Nick Green played in 103 games!!!!) but if they do not sign Gonzalez that may happen with the injury-prone Jed Lowrie.

Sox Improve Stability on Bench

On the day after the World Series ended, the Red Sox went right to work in this offseason, acquiring outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. Hermida is a solid outfielder with a good, healthy bat. Hermida was one of the players that the Red Sox were trying to acquire in a trade for Manny Ramirez in the summer of '08, instead they got Jason Bay. Hermida is only 25, but he still has had some very good seasons, as in this season his line was .259, 13, 47 but the outfielder has had better years, like in '07 his line was .296, 18, 63. His numbers have much remained the same since then, except for his average, as from '07 to '08 it dropped .047 points in a disappointing season. I think that Hermida was a bargain for the Red Sox, as he is a good hitter, but he has not come into his own quite yet. This is the beginning of an interesting offseason for Boston.

Bite My Lips and Close My Eyes

Why me? Why me? Why me? Why is this happening now? How did this happen? Noooooooooooo!!!!! The Yankees have won the 2009 World Series. If you see a Yankees fan and they start rubbing it in, shake their hand, tip your cap, and call the Yankees the best team in baseball... Until next year!!!! You gotta have spirit, the Sox couldn't win in 86 years once, that curse is broken... twice! There is always next year for us, next year we will kill the Yankees, win the AL East, (Yankees get Wild Card) sweep in the ALDS, sweep the Yankees in the ALCS, and win the World Series, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Sox Propose to Bay

It has been reported that the Red Sox have offered Jason Bay a contract for $60 million over four years, giving Bay a salary of $15 million over four years. The free agent left fielder has been in Boston since his midseason trade in '08 and has fit right in. Bay put up great numbers this year like .267, 36, 119 with career-highs in homers and RBIs while playing in a hitter-favored ballpark like Fenway. Unfortunately, the Sox have competition as obviously other teams are looking at this great player, the main other two are the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants. I think that the Red Sox' to-do list this offseason includes: Resign Bay and Gonzalez, sign Beckett and Martinez, sign free agents Rich Harden and John Lackey, and trade for Adrian Gonzalez and Felix Hernandez. Let's hope they do that!

Yankees Even Series 1-1- Head to Philly

In the first two games of the World Series we have had one-sided dominant pitching. In Game 1, Cliff Lee hurled a 1 run complete game with 10 strikeouts to dominate C.C. Sabathia and the Yankees in a 6-1 win. A.J. Burnett in Game 2 threw for 1 run in 7 innings to beat Pedro Martinez (a former Sox) and the Phillies 3-1. This has been a very interesting World Series, what with its being tied at 1, but they are going into Philadelphia, and the Yanks have not been nearly as dominant on the road. In the first game, Chase Utley homered twice against Sabathia and got the party started for a rally in the 8th. In the second game, trailing 0-1, Mark Teixiera jacked to tie it at 1, how it remained for some time before Hideki Matsui's go-ahead homer in the 6th inning to give the Yankees the lead for the first time in the World Series. I hope the Phils can pull through!

From Padres to Astros

Today Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills (right), who has served on the Sox for 6 years, and ihas been coaching for 11 years has been signed by the Astros as their new manager. The Astros went 74-88, fifth place in the NL Central, and fired manager Cecil Cooper because of it. Since the Astros made the World Series in 2005, they have not made the playoffs since then. 10 others interviewed for this job, including Red Sox' first base coach Tim Bogar. We will be sad to see Mills on the Astros, but coaching is not as important as playing when it comes to baseball. 2010!!!!!!!

World Series All Wrapped Up

I know, this does not have particularly much to do with the Red Sox, but I feel it is my duty to write about the World Series, and this one is Phillies-Yankees. I think that this will be a great matchup, but I'll bet all our friends from New York will be saying, "Oh! We're gonna get #27," but really you can't count the Phillies out just yet. Yes, The Yankees have C.C. Sabathia (19-8, 3.37, 197) starting Game 1, but the Phillies have Cliff Lee (14-13, 3.22, 181) who is better than his numbers show and has been unstoppable in the postseason. Then there's the hitting, New York does have better all around offense, but the Phillies have some very timely hitting, and they have home run power in Howard, Werth, Utley, Rollins, and Feliz. You also have to remember the fact that yes, New York has won 26 World Series (16 ahead of anyone else) but they have also lost 13 World Series (3 more than anyone else has won) which means that they are not neccessarily consistent in World Series games, as they have lost their last two ('01 and '03) so all you Red Sox fans, root for Philly!

One Step Closer to Adrian Gonzalez

Recently, the San Diego Padres have hired a new GM, Jed Hoyer. Jed Hoyer has served in the Red Sox organization since 2002, this could definitely make negotiations much easier. The main reason I am blogging about this is that, with Hoyer in San Diego, the Red Sox could much easier negotiate with him for Adrian Gonzalez. The Red Sox heavily pursued Gonzlez before the Trade Deadline, instead the picked up Victor Martinez. Gonzalez has numbers too good to ignore, however, his amazing line was .277, 40, 99 as Gonzalez' numbers would probably jump even more playing in Fenway Park rather than the pitcher-favored PETCO park in San Diego. If the Sox got Gonzalez, could hold on to Bay and Alex Gonzalez, and maybe sign a strong starter, they could win the World Series next year!

Wakefield- Maybe Next Year

After having back surgery yesterday, Tim Wakefield has had his herniated disk removed in a successful surgery. After going 11-3 with a 4.31 ERA, he finished the year 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA, in only 4 starts because of his gimpy back. The 43 year old does intend to play in 2010, but it might be his last year, he says. Wakefield does have a $4 million option for 2010 for the Red Sox to exercise, but Theo Epstein (Red Sox GM) says that until the surgery has done its job, neither side will make a move. Wakefield is going to start training for Spring Training in rehab so he will be fit once Spring Training comes. I hope the Sox can resign "Wake" as he can be a great pitcher.

Do Not Break a Leg!

Tim Wakefield already is getting back surgery, the last thing we need him to do is break a leg, if you know what I mean. In the first half, Wakefieldwent 11-3 and made the all-star team, in the second half, however, he went 0-2 in 4 starts. Hopefully Wakefield's gimpy back can be helped by this surgery as he needs to get a herniated disk repaired in his back on Wednesday. (10-21-09) Hopefully Wakefield will be able to pitch again in 2010, as the Sox will try to exercise his $4 million contract for next year. (not good to have $4 million go down the drain) If you have done the math, you have realized that Tim Wakefield went a respectable 11-5 to finish the season. The problem was the ERA at 4.58, and the WHIP at 1.44, other than that he had very good stats to finish the year. Sox can win it all next year!

Sox Keep Coach!

After much talk about John Farrell, the Red Sox' pitching coach leaving Boston to be the manager of the Cleveland Indians. Not so fast, Farrell has still got a contract through 2010 with the Sox. Farrell led the Sox pitching to a 66-50 record and a 4.59 ERA, while leading the bullpen to a 3.84 ERA, 3rd in the AL. The Indians, merely a shadow of their former self, skidded to a 65-97 fired manager Eric Wedge, and are obviously looking for candidates to replace him. Say goodbye to Farrell on that list though, as he is going to stay right in the Sox' dugout for at least one more year. Too bad the Sox got knocked out in a sweep, but oh well, there's always next year.

The Song is Over

The Red Sox lost-need I say anything else?

Not the Start we Were Looking at

Now the games really count-the Sox have lost the first two games angainst the Angels and have their backs against the wall here. The only good news is that their injured souls go back to Fenway Park for games 3 and 4! The Red Sox had the 2nd best home record this year, behind the Yankees who had, well, the best record this year. In the first game the big blow was a 3-run homer by Torii Hunter, and in the second game it was a 2-run triple by Erick Aybar. The Sox really need to pull it together, I can't deal with an ALDS loss, maybe an ALCS loss, but definetly not this. Clay Buchholz starts in Game 3 against Scott Kazmir. The Sox have seen enough of Kazmir over the years, as he was traded from the Rays this season. PULL TOGETHER SOX!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Baldelli Not Sure About Postseason

This Monday, Rocco Baldelli had an MRI after previously injuring his hand after slamming against the wall in a game against Toronto. The Red Sox are still unsure about putting their backup outfielder on their post season roster. They are not sure about Baldelli yet, and they are sure, that Manny Delcarmen is not on their post season roster and Jed Lowrie and Paul Byrd (presumably out of the bullpen) will be on their roster. The Sox would love to have Baldelli because of how good he is against lefties, and lefties Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders start in Games 3-4. Terry Francona says that Baldelli is still tender but he hopes to have him back for games 3 and 4. Red Sox play Angels tomorrow and the next day for Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS!

Yearly News

How fitting is it, that when Trevor Crowe flew out to end the Red Sox' season, closer Jonathan Papelbon, who has established himself in the Playoffs, was pitching? Also, Kevin Youkilis won the Player of the Week Award, giving him 6 to end the year. He had 2 homers, and 7 RBIs this week, leading the Sox to a 4-3 week. Since Youk won the Player of the Week award, you are probably wondering why you are seeing Bay on your right. You're seeing him because he has won the Player of the Year Award, winning 8 Player of the Week awards and having a marvelous season. He finished this year with a line of .268, 36, 118. In a little more than a month, I wonder if I'll be posting about him winning the AL MVP Award. He and the Sox coasted to a 95-67 season for the second straight year, and won the Wild Card, for the second straight year. The Red sox are going to be off to Hollywood to play Game 1 of the ALDS on Wednesday or Thursday. These Sox have had a great year, I hope everyone who reads this blog will celebrate my first baseball season of blogging. Thank you, GO SOX!!!!!!!

What a Turnaround!

The Red Sox beat the Indians yesterday, 3-0, snapping a 6 game losing skid. At the helm was Jon Lester, who struck out 7 and gave up no runs through 6.1 innings. This was his last start of the season also, as maybe you remember when he was 3-5 with a 6.07 ERA, well, he finished the season 15-8 with a 3.41 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, he finished third in the league in strikeouts. Lester is in line to be the ace of the Sox when they go to LA for the Playoffs. But it this game, Lester pitched well but they had some offense too, so I'm going to start talking about that! In the first inning, Kevin Youkilis got a sacrifice fly that drove in Jacoby Ellsbury for the first run. Then in third David Ortiz and Victor Martinez (playing in his first game against his old team) each got their respective RBIs. If the Sox can sweep the Tribe, they will equal last year's record.

Thank You, May I have Another?

The Red Sox lost their 5th straight game yesterday, but the Rangers lost too, making the red Sox the AL Wild card winners! Right is Scott Feldman, the Rangers best pitcher wiping himself as the Rangers went down. The Red Sox also have a very good record at 91-66 because the Phillies for example, are 91-66 and are 5 games ahead of the Braves. The Red Sox a 91-66 and are 10.5 games behind the Yankees. (but it doesn't matter now) Tonight, Tim Wakefield (11-4) goes up against Roy Halladay. (16-10) Despite the fact that he is a Cy Young candidate, the Red Sox have had their way with Halladay for most of this year. Halladay has also gone only 5-7 since the All-Star Break. The Red Sox really need to pick it up though, they can beat the Blue Jays!

Weekly News

Papi is inching closer and closer to winning the Player of the Year Award as he is now just one away at 7 and if he wins next week, he and Bay will tie! He got 3 homers and 10 RBIs this past week, but it did not help as the Red Sox had an awful week, going 2-5. Papi is now hitting .235 with 27 Hrs, and 94 RBIs. The Yankees clinched the AL East title today when they recorded a sweep of the Sox. The Sox are currently at 91-64 at 8.5 games behind the Yankees, but still 6 games ahead of the Rangers for wild card. The Sox play a 3-game series and a 4-game series aginst the Blue Jays and the Indians to conclude the season. Next week at this time, I'm going to be writing the Yearly News, so the Sox had better play well!

Papi, Buchholz Dominate to Split Series

Last night, the Red Sox defeated the Royals 10-3, earning them a split series after losing the first two. David Ortiz and Clay Buchholz dominated in this one. Ortiz hit a homer, along with 3 RBIs, in the last game, Big Papi hit a homer and 4 RBIs, he is on a roll right now. He currently is hitting .237 with 26 homers, and 91 RBIs, which is amzing after the way he started the season. Buchholz was another top story as he threw 6.2 scoreless innings while striking out 8, he is now 7-3 with a 3.21 ERA and 58 Ks, he started out the season 1-3, but has not gotten a loss in quite a while. This was his first win against any team not in the AL East. The Sox square off at Yankee Stadium tonight as they look to beat the Yanks with Lester going to the hill tonight.

Wakefield Returns to Rotation in Tough Loss

Last night, the Red Sox suffered an awful loss to the Royals, squandering a 6-run lead in a 9-12 loss. One bright spot in this loss, was Tim Wakefield finally got to pitch after his first start being on September 5. He did not suffer the loss, but he did not pitch well, allowing 4 earned runs through five innings while walking 7. He is now 11-4 with a 4.33 ERA. He has only made 3 starts since the All-Star Break after starting out the season amazingly. Luckily for the Sox, the Yanks lost as well as Joe Saunders baffled them for 8.1 innings. Unforunately the Rangers won, pushing it to a still comfortable 7 game lead. Still, the Sox need to go right at this wild card position, or First Place, that would work too!

Weekly News

Well, it looks like Bay is going to be the Player of the Year, unless David Ortiz wins the next two, which would result in a tie, Bay wins! This was just another great week for Jason Bay, he won his eighth award, with 3 homers and 8 RBIs. He led the Sox to another 5-1 week, as they are now 9-1 in their last ten games. They are 89-59 and 5.5 behind the Yankees at the moment. Bay is now batting .266, with 35 homers, and 110 RBIs, a spectacular season. He is in the running for AL MVP, but Kevin Youkilis is 3rd in the league in MVP voting, he is hitting .309 with 25 jacks, and 86 RBIs. Youk was also third in MVP voting last year, so these would be back-to-back awesome years! The Sox are surging towards the playoffs, as they are 7.5 ahead of the texas rangers in the Wild Card, and only 5.5 behind the Yanks for 1st Place, if the Yankees win today they clinch a postseason spot.

Sox Start Roadstand on Good Note

Last night, the Red Sox beat the Orioles 3-1, giving Clay Buchholz his 6th win of the season, as he is 6-3. Buchholz has been amazing, especially against the AL East, as he is 6-1 against the AL East, and 0-2 against everyone else. Last night, Buchholz pitched 6 innings, giving up 1 run, and striking out only 1. The one run he gave up was a majestic homer off the bat of Luke Scott in the bottom of the second. But the Sox had already gotten an RBI single by Casey Kotchman, then Bay answered Scott with a crushed homer to left, before leaving the game in 5th because of sickness. His replacement, Josh Reddick (a rookie) got a single and scored a run on an Ellsbury single, to make it 3-1 in the sixth. The Yankees lost last night on a majestic, 2-run walk-off homer by Ichiro Suzuki, giving the Mariners the 3-2 win. The Sox are 87-59, 6 back from the AL East, and 7 ahead of the Rangers.