A "can of corn" is a can't-miss high fly ball, an easy catch an outfielder can (and should) make without any trouble.
Around here, a can of corn contains all the can't-miss posts I've run across during the week- great links that you can (and should) check out.
For everyone who wasn't lucky enough to be there, Beth writes about the parade celebrations so eloquently, you'll feel like you were. [Cursed To First]
Manny is a Gemini Sun and Capricorn Moon? This explains everything. [Pine Fresh Shenanigans]
Ah, to have been a fly on the wall during the Sox plane ride back to Boston from Denver. It could not possibly have been more fun than imagined by Kristen. [Basegirl]
Friday marked the home opener for the Boston Celtics- and the hometown men in green honored the hometown men in red during the pregame festivities.
The Celtics played a video tribute to the World Champion '07 Red Sox on the jumbotrons above the court, before bringing owner John Henry and president Larry Lucchino and several of the Red Sox - including Tim Wakefield, Manny Delcarmen, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz - and the championship trophy out to center court. Of course they couldn't close out the occasion without playing "Sweet Caroline" over the PA for everyone to sing along to.
I've got more pictures, all courtesy of the AP, Getty Images, the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald (with a hattip to jollygreenpear!) after the jump...
Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz have all done their part and made the rounds in the Sox post-victory media maelstrom... and tonight it was Mike Lowell's turn to take one for the team. Like Papelbon and Doug Mirabelli on QVC this past Wednesday, Mike appeared on the Home Shopping Network earlier this evening to hawk some Sox World Champions merchandise.
Surely this eclipses the MVP Award, the champagne celebrations and the victory parade through Boston as the highlight of Mike's post-World Series activities.
To his credit, and unlike Papelbon and Mirabelli, Mike manages to keep a straight face and not dissolve into giggles when the outrageous prices of the merchandise are announced. And in the fifteen minutes of discussion with the HSN host, you really get to hear a lot from Lowell about the World Series, and his thoughts on his teammates and the MVP award.
Here's the first video- the second half is after the jump.
The general managers' annual meetings started today in Orlando, and reportedly the biggest buzz so far has centered around A-Rod (no surprise) and Coco Crisp (slightly surprising). The market for outfielders is apparently going to be a hot one this offseason, and Nick Cafardo reports that Coco's name seems to be the one everyone is talking about. There are a number of clubs rumored to be interested in Coco- including the Astros, Rangers, Braves, Padres, White Sox, Phillies and the Twins- who may be looking at him as a cheaper alternative to Torii Hunter.
Curt Schillingwas in Philadelphia yesterday to watch the Eagles-Cowboys game, as a guest of the Eagles' owner Jeff Lurie. Lurie is also a lifelong Red Sox fan. No word on whether Curt was in town purely for the football-- or if he also had contact with the Phillies while he was there.
you BOTH look much better in the Boston unis, guys
The Boston Herald points out that the Red Sox are expected to inquire about Twins pitcher Johan Santana and Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera. Rumors on Miggy Cabrera are that the Marlins would be asking for hefty compensation- like at least two out of the group of Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury.
And while there are rumors about the Sox looking at the Marlins' third basemen, fans in Florida want to know if the Marlins are looking at the possibility of acquiring the Sox third baseman. Mike Lowell is likely way, way out of the Marlins' price range - but Mike is reportedly down in Orlando now... possibly to take a meeting with Tito Francona and Theo Epstein?
Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald is reporting that Curt Schilling and the Red Sox are close to reaching a deal that would bring him back to Boston next season. From the Herald:
The deal is believed to be incentive-laden and, according to sources, might be simply contingent on a final physical.
Schilling, when reached by phone last night, said that things "gathered momentum and if they continued to progress like they did (yesterday) something could potentially get done."
Talks with the Red Sox are moving. Theo and I have spoken multiple times daily over the past week and given the current situation I am feeling very confident that we will be able to finalize a 1 year contract to allow us a chance to finish our career as members of the Red Sox organization.
There are some things to iron out and details that must be finalized for both sides but barring something unforseen or outrageously odd happening I feel very comfortable that I will finish my career here.
1986, Redux
Back in August, I (along with one of my blogging partners at Ladies..., J-Money) accepted an invitation from The Sporting News to participate in a special project the magazine was putting together: a Strat-O-Matic recreation of the 1986 baseball season, with various sports bloggers managing each of the MLB teams. Basically, the two of us would be given a team to manage throughout the 1986 season- day-by-day, game-by-game, with the players from the 1986 roster, to trade or bench as we chose -- and we'd be going head-to-head against other sports blogger folks.
At the time, we didn't know what team we would be assigned to manage, or who would be managing the other teams -- but with the prospect of a long and empty offseason stretching out over the winter, we jumped at the chance to participate. Hey- it's The Sporting News! You don't say no to The Sporting News. My co-manager J-Money is also a huge Sox fan, and we tend to have similar baseball philosophies, so we were quite thrilled to step back in time and take the reins of a major league ballclub.
It would also give me great joy to rewrite the history books for that particular year, because 1986 was the year of my first sports heartbreak... twice over. I was just a kid, but I can recall clear as day sitting cross-legged on the floor inches away from the TV in my parents' house in Houston watching the Mets dismantle the hometown Astros for the NL pennant (I cried!), and then watching the same hated Mets roll on to devour the Red Sox. 1986 is regarded as one of the best years in baseball, but it's always been the year that broke my heart. So I'm happy to wipe the slate clean and get a do-over.
We found out about a month ago that we'd be managing the Blue Jays. Which is great because (1) the Jays had a very solid team in 1986, one that could definitely compete for the division (remember, this was back when there were only four divisions, and the Tigers, Indians and Brewers (!) were all in the AL East), and (2) the Jays are also a current divisional opponent of the Sox, which adds a nice little twist- we're switching roles, and gunning to take down the Red Sox. Barfield, Bell, Whitt, Fernandez, Henke, Clancy, Key, Steib, Eichhorn- yep, this is going to be fun.
If nothing else, our team knows how to rock a mustache. FEAR THE STACHE.
his name is RANCE MULLINIKS... we win
Imagine my (pleasant) surprise when we were introduced to the other managers involved in the project-- and discovered that not only were we the only females involved, but that there were some real heavy-hitters participating. Including... Will Leitch, Doug Glanville, Dan Shanoff and Curt Schilling. So we're managing the '86 Blue Jays, and we're competing against Curt Schilling's '86 Red Sox. I'm thinking he might know just a tad about the game and how to manage a roster. Just a tad.
My current plan is going to be to bombard Mr. Schilling and the other opponents in our division with a deluge of silly and/or ludicrous trade requests. You know, the old "bury them in a mountain of paperwork" trick. Except instead of paper, they'll be buried in emails. For example: "Hey, Curt- I will trade you Rance Mulliniks for Roger Clemens." With a plan this genius, it is only a matter of time before my fellow AL East managers crumble under the pressure- and then it will be JAYS TIME, BABY.
Opening Day was yesterday- but our Jays had a day off, so our first game is today, against the Rangers. I've got my retro '86 Jays ballcap, the Roger Clemens poster I had on my wall in 1986 (for luck!), and enough stats and research on the '86 season to fill a few binders. We'll see how much good that does me. If nothing else, it's gonna be one hell of a fun time.
I'm accepting any and all roster moves, trade possibilities or other suggestions- because we're going to try our damnedest to beat Schilling and the Red Sox. And please, baseball gods, whatever happens... just don't let the Mets win. Please?
Sox On The Town
It doesn't sound like the guys are taking it easy in the offseason- they're out and about in Boston (and otherwise) enjoying the spoils of victory.
Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon both made appearances at Modell's in Medford, Mass. last week to pick up some Sox gear and sign some autographs. (more on Jonathan's appearance later...)
I noted earlier that Curt Schilling was in Philadelphia on Sunday night for the Eagles-Cowboys game, but before heading out of town he held his annual reception on Saturday afternoon for supporters of his Pitch for ALS charity. And afterwards, on Saturday night, Curt also helped throw a 40th birthday bash for his wife Shonda at the Children's Museum. The party had an 80's theme, so guests (including Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek, Jonathan Papelbon, Doug Mirabelli, Mike Timlin and their respective wives) all partied in head-to-toe 80's gear. Varitek rocked a mullet wig and parachute pants, Papelbon rolled with a fanny pack and headband. And naturally, several of the guys (Schilling, Wakefield, Mirabelli, Timlin and Papelbon) joined the party's Journey cover band onstage to belt out "Any Way You Want It". The coolest part isn't the outfits or the singing, though- the coolest part is that as a birthday gift, Curt reportedly donated a nice chunk of money to the local high school in Medfield in Shonda's name for the refurbishment of the baseball and softball field (which will now be named the "Shonda Schilling Field" in her honor).
Clay Buchholz attended the One Night Only event at Gypsy Bar, with DJ A.M. (yep, that DJ A.M.), DJ Vice and DJ Aoki. Isn't he just the little clubkid! He's throwing the peace sign and everything.
And Kevin Youkilis's charity Hits For Kids is having their "Crackin' It Up" function at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT this Saturday night. There will be a silent auction of Sox memorabilia, cocktail reception and dinner, and a comedy sketch written by SNL's Seth Myers in the style of the Newlywed Game-- which will feature Youk and his fiancee as well as other Sox players and their significant others. Tickets for the event are $500 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster- and Youk's website has all the details.
Images and reports courtesy of the Boston Herald and NJ.com
Own A Piece Of History
Forget QVC and HSN; for the coolest (by 'coolest' I mean 'most disgusting') World Series memorabilia, head over to eBay and pick up this one-of-a-kind gem:
2007 WORLD SERIES GAME USED CHEWING TOBACCO BY FRANCONA
Yep- someone picked a wad of chewed bubblegum and tobacco up off the floor of the Red Sox dugout at Fenway, and is now selling the wad on eBay.
"YOU ARE BIDDING ON A VERY UNIQUE PIECE OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA. THIS IS AN ACTUAL GAME USED PIECE OF CHEWING TOBACCO CHEWED BY RED SOX MANAGER TERRY FRANCONA DURING GAME 1 OF THE 2007 WORLD SERIES AT FENWAY PARK VERSUS THE COLORADO ROCKIES. THE PIECE OF TOBACCO IS INTERTWINED WITH A PIECE OF BUBBLE GUM. SEVERAL PICTURES ARE POSTED BELOW AS PROOF OF THIS ITEMS AUTHENTICITY. THIS ITEM WAS TAKEN RIGHT FROM THE SEAT OF TERRY FRANCONA".
The seller includes pictures of the wad with the auction (which I refuse to post here, for fear of gagging). Even worse, there are three bids on the auction. I would love to know who would bid on an auction like this, why in the world they'd want to pay money for a chewed wad of tobacco and gum, and what kind of memorabilia display case they'd put that in.
Oh, but wait- the seller wants you to know that, "A PORTION OF ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE JIMMY FUND." Ah, yes, right.
And it's good to know that this particular wad is "game used". I don't want a wad that was chewed up and spit out during batting practice or anything.
No worries, though- if you win, the seller will be insuring it for shipment. Whew- what a relief! I just don't know how they'll be able to set a value for insurance purposes. Can you write in "priceless" on an insurance form?
Youk Picks Up A Gold Glove
Congratulations to Kevin Youkilis, who just snagged his first ever Gold Glove- and it was well deserved. Youk didn't record a single error this season, in 1,080 total chances (that's 135 errorless games), and also nabbed 990 putouts. Youk is the first Sox player to snag one of these prestigious defensive awards since Jason Varitek in '05.
Youk is one of five first-time AL Gold Glove honorees this year- including Johan Santana, Placido Polanco, Adrian Beltre and Grady Sizemore. The AL list includes two Tigers, two Mariners, two Twins, and one player from each of the Red Sox, Indians and Angels. No Yankees made the list (Derek Jeter lost his slot to the Angels' Orlando Cabrera). The NL list includes two players from each of the Phillies, Braves and Mets, and one player from each of the Padres, Dodgers, Cubs and Diamondbacks.
Here's some interesting history on the awards, courtesy of the Phillies (congratulations also go out to Philly's Aaron Rowand, who snagged his first Gold Glove today):
The idea of awarding Gold Gloves to the game's top fielders hatched in 1956 when Elmer Blasco, the Rawlings Sporting Goods public relations/sales manager, discovered during a Spring Training survey that 83 percent of MLB regular players used Rawlings gloves or mitts.
He noted that Hillerich & Bradsby, the Major League's leading baseball bat supplier, awarded "Silver Bats" to the game's top hitters, so Blasco reasoned that Rawlings ought to sponsor some sort of fielding award.
After his idea was accepted by Rawlings' management, Blasco contacted the Brown Shoe Company of St. Louis and obtained a hide of gold lame-tanned leather used to make ladies formal slippers. A glove was crafted from the hide, laced and stamped as a regular fielder's glove, and attached to a metal fixture on a walnut base with an engraved plate. Thus was born the Gold Glove Award.
The Oct. 2, 1957, edition of The Sporting News featured a full-page announcement: "Recognizing the importance of superior individual fielding performance to the advancement of baseball as America's national game, Rawlings has established the annual Gold Glove Awards beginning with the '57 season."
A committee selected by The Sporting News voted from 1957-64; MLB managers and coaches took over the voting responsibility in 1965.
Hot Stove Update
The time has come: Mike Lowell and Mike Timlin both officially filed for free agency today, rounding out a group of 8 Sox players total who filed for free agency. Reports are that Lowell's agents arrived in Orlando today, and met with Theo Epstein- it's unclear if he filed for free agency before or after any of those meetings. The Sox have exclusive negotiation rights with Lowell until Nov. 12th. Earlier today, Theo had again expressed his focus on re-signing Lowell:
"With respect to third basemen, signing Mike is our clear priority," Epstein said. "We're going to work hard at that and really hope to get something done. I hope this doesn't come to pass, but if he eventually signs somewhere else, then we'll explore other options, but really, right now, we're focused on trying to sign Mike."
Previously, Theo discussed his philosophy on disclosing details of his negotiation process in general- and Mike Lowell in particular:
"I don't usually like to talk about contract negotiations in any type of detail unless the player wants to or does so first. In this case, I think we have a better chance of getting a deal done in relative secrecy or confidentiality. I just answer it in general terms and say we're working at it and making progress."
Theo also noted that he had not spoken with A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras-- and that the bandied-about notion of signing Lowell to play third and then signing A-Rod to play shortstop is not up for consideration: "We have a shortstop," Epstein said.
The Boston Herald also reported that the Sox held their "initial discussions" with Mike Timlin on Monday. Mike will be 42 at the start of next season, so in addition to the possibility of sailing the free agent waters, the Admiral could be sailing on off into the sunset of retirement.
WE MUST RE-SIGN THE MIKES.
While everyone is focusing on Lowell, no one can seem to find Julian Tavarez. The Sox picked up the option on his contract last week- but apparently Theo doesn't know Julian's thoughts on the matter, because they haven't been able to make contact with him. Any guesses on what he's doing?
Theo told the Globe's Nick Cafardo that they're not really looking to pick up any more pitchers on the free agent market in the wake of re-signing Curt Schilling.
"We're probably out of the free-agent market unless there's a real value there, as far as the trade market is concerned if we have a chance to add a real good young, controllable pitcher, sure but we're pretty happy with our depth right now. What we needed was quality to protect the remainder of the rotation."
Maybe they'll change their tune on that if Julian Tavarez doesn't ever bother to surface.
And both Bobby Kielty and Doug Mirabelli were specifically mentioned by Theo as possibles for returning to the Sox roster. Although the Herald noted that Rangers catcher Gerald Laird interests the Sox as well. Kielty needs to be re-inked immediately- and ol' Dougie Fresh will likely be re-signed as well (in my totally speculative and not-at-all-expert opinion).
Curt Schilling Talks With Dennis Miller
Following close on the heels of his announcement today that he was returning to Boston (hooray!), Curt Schilling made an appearance on the first episode of Dennis Miller's new Sports Uncensored show on Versus. Curt was relaxed and at ease, and who wouldn't be after locking down a multi-million dollar contract and solidifying your legacy in a town that worships you?
Curt talked candidly, as always, about all kinds of Sox stuff. Dennis asked him to spill some of the details about his brand new contract, and Schill responded, "I got a shit ton of money to play back in Boston, the city that I love." Excellent. Not enough people use the phrase "shit ton", I heartily approve. And I also appreciate a pro ballplayer recognizing that the minimum $8MM he'll get is, indeed, a shit ton.
He joked about some words Dennis had used earlier in the broadcast ("I'm actually trying to figure out how I can fit 'eternal priapism'- I think that's the term you used earlier. How did you get somebody to laugh at that? I don't even know what it means.") and also joked about the fear he feels before his starts, saying: "I don't think I'm any different than most people when it comes to the big game. You couldn't pull a pin out of my ass with a tractor."
Curt also talked about some of his teammates and coaches, including the prospect of signing Mike Lowell ("I think they're going to make a serious, serious effort to get it done."). He first joked about manager Tito Francona: "He sucks at cribbage. he's a horrible fantasy football manager. Doesn't really know the game very well- if he didn't have Brad Mills, he probably would be scouting for Modesto or something." And then, more seriously, "Phenomenal guy. Phenomenal manager. Phenomenal human being. A hell of a guy to play for, and a very close friend. "
The highlight, however, was Schill talking about Josh Beckett- I think that pair probably have a very mercurial relationship. They've got a lot in common, and I bet they alternate between being either the best of pals, or they get so sick of each other, they can't stand to be around one another. On Beckett, Schill said:
"I enjoy [Josh's] press conferences more than anything. I mean, his f-bomb to quote ratio is right up there with anything Eddie Murphy ever did.
He's intense. But beyond all of it, he has a deep-seated desire to be great and to be better than everybody else. And when you throw the ball 98 miles an hour, you got Nolan Ryan's curveball and a Frank Viola changeup, that's not a real bad mix."
Here's full video of the appearance:
video courtesy of Versus
As Promised, Beckett Did Dance
Amidst the champagne-soaked celebrations following the Red Sox pennant-clinching win over the Indians in Game 7 of the ALCS, one Mr. Joshua Patrick Beckett made a solemn promise (video- the "Fox, part two" clip):
"I told [Papelbon] I'd dance with him if we won the World Series."
When the victory parade rolled through the streets of Boston, and Josh was tucked away on a duckboat with Wakefield and Schilling, while Papelbon, Timlin and even Okajima jigged on a flatbed, everyone wondered: where was that dance Beckett promised?
There was speculation perhaps he attempted to fulfill his promise by dancing with Jonathan at the afterparty in Denver, but folks didn't feel that fulfilled the spirit of the promise. They wanted a public dancefest from Josh.
Lo and behold, on the Red Sox Report this Sunday, footage shot by NESN on the diamond at Coors Field during the on-field celebrations that night shows... Beckett did indeed dance.
Now, granted, it wasn't a jig- it was more of a Texas two-step, er, one-step kind of deal. And he didn't dance with Papelbon. But considering Josh's disdain for calling attention to himself in public, I gotta give him credit for at least busting out this dance- and for recognizing that he did make a promise to dance that he had to keep. I only wish they would have showed more of his dance moves- they're awesomely awful.
video courtesy of NESN
On The Occasion Of Roger Clemens' Retirement
The news broke earlier tonight that Roger's pitching days are likely over. I wrote more about this over at Babes Love Baseball, but essentially, Roger told the Astros' front office that he'll be kicking off the first year of his 10 year personal services contract with the team this coming 2008 season.
Yeah, I know- with Clemens, no retirement is safe. But this time, it feels different. It feels pretty certain. I think starting down the consultancy road is turning a big corner for Roger, and it would take something serious to reverse paths and go back to pitching. ("something serious" = Pettite coming back so the both of them can play in Houston?) After this season, with his injury issues, and his performance issues, I think Roger finally saw the writing on the wall: a power pitcher at the age of 45 is just not going to be able to push through the wall anymore. Curt Schilling reinvented himself as more of a finesse-type pitcher; I don't see that at all in the cards for Roger.
So now is the part where I get a tad misty-eyed, which will confound most Red Sox fans who hate him. Because... Roger Clemens is a god to me. I've written before about how growing up as a baseball fan in Texas, I was raised by my father to revere the twin Texas boys Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens above all else. I was destined to love Roger Clemens, way back before he even played for the Red Sox, because of this:
The burnt orange trumps all- and make no mistake, Roger Clemens is way more burnt orange than he ever was Red Sox red or Yankee blue. He is as big of a Texas Longhorns homer as I am, maybe more-- and that's saying something. Roger pitched for my beloved University of Texas, and not only that, he won us a National Championship. For that, no matter what he has done or will do over the rest of his life, Roger Clemens has my undying devotion. The fact that he's one of the best pitchers to ever play the game just cements him in my pantheon of sports heroes.
So unlike the vast majority of Red Sox fans who first loved Roger Clemens because he was a Red Sox player, I first started to love the Red Sox because Rogers Clemens was on the team. The love I have for the Red Sox today can be directly traced back to 1984-86, when he first started making waves in Boston. If there had been no Roger Clemens, I likely would never have become a Red Sox fan.
And like Craig Biggio, who I also grew up idolizing as a kid in Houston (and who has been the subject of my mushy ramblings on more than one occasion), I've never known baseball without Roger. As long as I can remember, Roger's been on the pitcher's mound, and Craig's been roaming the field. And now I'm waving farewell to both of those guys in the same year. The thought of a new baseball season starting up in the spring without Craig and Roger breaks my heart in a way I don't think I can even fully contemplate yet. How do you turn the page on an entire life watching baseball? Because Roger Clemens and Craig Biggio ARE baseball to me.
In a way, I guess it's almost poetic to close this chapter in my life as a baseball fan this year. This summer was the summer of baseball for me- I left a high-stress, high-workload job, and essentially just traveled around going to baseball games all summer (78, to be precise). I was in Houston the weekend Craig hit his 3,000th- missed getting to see that milestone by one game (!), but I got to sit out at Minute Maid for the four games after that enjoy watching my childhood hero play again. And I was in New York, at Yankee Stadium for my first time ever, to see Roger pitch against Josh Beckett-- passing the torch from my childhood hero to my adult favorite pitcher. I suppose if they have to exit stage right from the game of baseball, there's really no better parting gifts I could have asked for than to be a part of their last hurrahs.
So if this is really it, if we never see Roger pitch again, I have to thank him for this:
Texas wins the Natonal Championship
And for this:
Roger gets 20 K's
And for this:
Roger and Craig celebrate winning the first NL pennant for Houston
And even for this:
Roger Clemens vs. Josh Beckett showdown
I have to thank him for everything- even the Blue Jays years- because without Roger, baseball would not be as sweet for me. He helped me fall in love with the game, and that's a gift of priceless value.
Thanks, Roger.
Buy Manny's Car
Manny Ramirez tried selling his grill on eBay, but the auction was shut down due to an onslaught of phony bids. David Ortiz tried selling his car on eBay, but that auction was also derailed by phony bids (that time from his fellow Sox teammates).
Manny apparently keeps a stable of "only" four cars: the Chrysler, a Mercedes, an Escalade and a "project car" that he's restoring. So in order to make room for that 1958 Chrysler Imperial he talked with Jay Leno about, he's got to unload the 2006 Chrysler.
The listing for the car ("It has a lot of custom features, 22-inch wheels, chrome, a custom grill. It was Manny's personal drive.") will go up on the auction site on Thursday night. And in addition to the car, the winning bidder will receive a bundle of goodies direct from Manny: "The lucky winner will get a trunk full of autographed items, a jersey, bat and ball, four tickets to a future Red Sox game and a meet-and-greet with Manny to talk about the car."
Price tag? The car is worth approximately $35,000, and bidding will start at $5,000, but the West Roxbury Motors folks expect it to go for about $50,000.
Hot Stove Update
The general manager meetings concluded today in Orlando, and Theo Epstein and the other GMs have departed town and headed home. Unfortunately, the meetings concluded without a deal for Mike Lowell in place (which was not too surprising, considering this report- but there are positive signs that negotiations are progressing (and the Sox still have exclusive rights to speak dollars and cents with Lowell through November 12th).
The Sox extended a three-year guaranteed offer to Lowell before they departed Orlando- an offer described by a club source as "really strong". Reportedly, the Sox believe that the offer made to Lowell "is competitive enough that if Lowell truly wants to re-sign with the Sox -- which the club believes and which the club wants to happen -- then their three-year offer is significant enough to make him want to stay." The market, however, may offer Lowell a four-year contract- one nameless National League GM told Nick Cafardo, "He'd get four years on the open market. No question." But the word on the GMs' street also apparently is that Lowell will most likely return to the Red Sox: the Yankees manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman both have reportedly thrown in the towel on the possibility of bringing Lowell to New York.
"I personally believe the player's preference would be to stay in Boston," Cashman said. "I believe that's probably accurate."
re-sign this man. NOW.
And despite what some folks are still talking about, Michael Silverman reports that if Lowell does not sign on the dotted line, the Sox are NOT likely to try and sign Miguel Cabrera. In that case, the Sox are exploring three alternatives: (1) a "non-blockbuster" trade for a low profile 3B, (2) move Kevin Youkilis to 3B, and trade for a low-profile 1B, or (3) fill the 3B hole internally, possibly utilizing new 1B Chris Carter and SS prospect Jed Lowrie to patch the void left by Lowell.
In Scott Boras news, Theo Epstein took a meeting with the notorious superagent yesterday to run through the list of Boras clients (which includes Alex Cora, J.D. Drew, Eric Gagne, Devern Hansack, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Julian Tavarez and Jason Varitek). Theo has been careful to classify this meeting as a routine one, not one meant to discuss A-Rod-- though Theo reportedly had to listen to Boras's pitch extolling the value of A-Rod (complete with charts and graphs). One Boras client who most certainly will not be returning to the Sox is Eric Gagne; Theo said, "He's not a great fit for our bullpen right now", and Boras indicated Gagne is pursuing a closer's role... meaning he's almost assuredly long gone from the Fens.
don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you
Brendan Donnelly will reportedly be invited back to the Sox. Donnelly had Tommy John surgery in August, and likely won't be available to pitch until late in the season next year. Theo said, "He might be ready to pitch toward the end of next year; we're talking to him about working something out so he can come back next year."
However Matt Clement's days in Boston are apparently over. All sources say there are no talks going on between the Sox and Clement- and Theo remarked yesterday that, "given the Sox' pitching depth, that Clement 'probably has better options elsewhere'." Clement is garnering interest from the Royals and Padres.
trade bait
Much speculation still surrounds Coco Crisp- including interest from the Twins and the Rangers. The Twins would likely be looking for a Lester/Buchholz and Crisp trade for Johan Santana- but as I mentioned before, Theo has said the Sox are not looking on the free agent market for more starting pitching. The Rangers, on the other hand, have two viable catchers in Gerald Laird and Jarrod Saltalamacchia that could help the Sox out. Of course I'd prefer Saltalamacchia... for obvious reasons.
Final note: longtime baseball veteran Royce Claytonfiled for free agency yesterday-- the only ballplayer to do so. This means twelve Red Sox were on the free agent market this offseason- and three of those (Wakefield, Tavarez, Schilling) have re-inked with the Sox.
Where Is Tavarez?
Earlier this week, Theo Epstein mentioned that since picking up Julian Tavarez's option for 2008, no one from the Sox front office had made contact with him... and they weren't really sure where Tavarez is.
So now it's time to play the game... WHERE IS TAVAREZ?
click to enlarge
My guesses?
Alligator wrestling outside Lafayette, Louisiana.
Living on a riverboat on the Amazon.
Working as a department store Santa in Duluth, Minnesota.
Carnival barker in Romania.
Running around New Orleans in a Godzilla costume.
Still hungover in Denver from the World Series.
Big Papi Notches Another Silver Slugger
Big congratulations go out to Big Papi, who collected yet another Silver Slugger Award today- the fourth in a row for him (tying him with Paul Molitor and Edgar Martinez for the most all-time awards for a DH). No DH had ever won the Silver Slugger three times in a row until Papi did it last year- and now he's rolled on to a fourth.
In addition to congrats on the Silver Slugger, I also want to throw a quick "Get Well" to Papi- he successfully underwent knee surgery this week, will start rehab immediately, and should be back and ready to go in spring training.
I also have to shout out my Philly boys Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins- Rollins won a Gold Glove earlier this week, and now added the Silver Slugger to his collection. (MVP! MVP!)
American League Silver Sluggers 2007
C: Jorge Posada, NYY
1B: Carlos Pena, TB
2B: Placido Polanco, DET
3B: Alex Rodriguez, NYY
SS: Derek Jeter, NYY
OF: Magglio Ordonez, DET
OF: Vlad Guerrero, LAA
OF: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
DH: David Ortiz, BOS
National League Silver Sluggers 2007
C: Russell Martin, LAD
1B: Prince Fielder, MIL
2B: Chase Utley, PHI
3B: David Wright, NYM
SS: Jimmy Rollins, PHI
OF: Carlos Beltran, NYM
OF: Carlos Lee, HOU
OF: Matt Holliday, COL
P: Micah Owings, ARI
Dustin discovered he had cracked the hamate bone in his left hand during an MRI back on September 10th- though who knows how long he was playing with it broken before that. This type of bone fracture is fairly common amongst hitters- as well as golfers (the club rests against that bone) and even football players. Dustin had surgery on Tuesday to remove the bone (David Ortiz, Eric Hinske and Wily Mo Pena have all undergone the same surgery), and when the surgeon went to remove it the bone "crumbled".
hamate fracture on a golfer; the grip is somewhat similar
From the Herald article:
"Some days I would wake up and it would be hard to grip a bat," Pedroia said. "I changed my grip a little bit on the bat and went from there. It was just one of those things you know you have to take care of after the season, but you have to play through. A lot of guys have done that. You definitely don't want to shut it down and have surgery during the whole thing. We just had to find a way to fight through it."
He also noted that the pain was exacerbated by cold weather- and was at its most intense during Game 3 of the ALCS (versus Jake Westbrook):
"I struck out, checked my swing and was like, 'Oh my God!' " Pedroia said. "You just try and have the adrenaline take over, and take a lot of Tylenol. That seemed to help."
Immediately after the check swing against Westbrook
Dustin's in a soft cast now, and won't be able to use his left hand again until late this month or early December- but it will not affect him reporting to spring training.
"It won't affect my offseason workouts at all," he said. "I'll be coming in 100 percent and ready to roll."
Wonder how much longer that tiny, fragmented bone would have held up under the stress of Mighty Mouse's swing before crumbling inside his wrist before a surgeon could get to it? One reason it's good the World Series was a sweep and didn't extend out to seven games.
Next up for Dustin: taking batting practice with a torn ACL, shagging balls without the use of his right eye and baserunning with an amputated left foot.
Resolved: The Red Sox Rule
Shortly after the Red Sox swept the Rockies to claim the 2007 World Championship, bills were introduced on the floors of both the U.S. House and Senate containing resolutions honoring the team's achievements. The House resolution was authored by Rep. Michael Capuano [MA-8], and co-sponsored by Representatives from 25 different states and principalties... not among them: Colorado. The Senate resolution was authored by Sen. Ted Edward Kennedy [MA], and co-sponsored by nine other Senators from MA, CT, VT, RI, NH and ME (Senator Kerry tried to introduce his own version, but that died out in favor of Senator Kennedy's bill).
Normally, reading through the text of a Congressional bill is a guaranteed snoozefest- but these two bills are short and sweet, and make for a fun read (for Sox fans, at least).
From the Senate bill (note they worked the cancer angle in there, of course- I think it's a requirement that everytime someone mentions Jon Lester's name in print, they must also refer to the cancer):
Whereas Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and Daisuke Matsuzaka delivered masterful post-season pitching performances, and Curt Schilling demonstrated again why he is considered to be one of the most dominant post-season pitchers in baseball history;
Whereas Jon Lester exhibited incredible courage and determination and provided inspiration to many by pitching 5 2/3 shutout innings in game 4 of the World Series, just 1 year after undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma;
Whereas Mike Lowell, who led the Red Sox with 120 runs-batted-in during 2007, batted .400 during the World Series, with 6 runs scored and 4 runs-batted-in, to earn the most valuable player award;
Whereas pitching phenomena Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima have helped produce close ties between the people of New England and Japan with their extraordinary play this year;
But the House bill reads like a fan-written love letter to the Red Sox, albeit in very formal tone-- and gets in mentions of every single guy on the playoff roster (even Eric Gagne), Clay's no-hitter, Lester's "adversity", Dice-K's gyroball, and a whole paragrah gushing about Josh. It's like reading a post on Ted Kennedy's livejournal.
I noticed back when I posted all the Rolling Rally footage that there was a videographer on the flatbed truck with Papelbon, Timlin and Okajima who was filming all the craziness up close and personal. Thanks to a tip from boston_princess, I've located some of that video shot by On The Hook TV on-board the flatbed:
video courtesy of On The Hook
And another gem I located from the Rolling Rally: that sign Tito Francona picked up from the crowd and stuck on his duckboat- showing a little baby Pedroia held by Big Papi:
