The deadline for ballclubs to offer their free agents arbitration passed as of midnight last night, and the Red Sox had six eligible free agents on the table.

As expected, the Sox offered arbitration to relief pitcher Mike Timlin. Although Timlin reportedly already received a contract offer for one more year from the Sox worth $3 million (a $300,000 raise from his 2007 salary), the exact terms of the contract have not yet been finalized. Theo Epstein confirmed Friday that the Sox were on the verge of re-signing one of their free agents, and it appears the player he was referring to was Timlin. Timlin is a Type B free agent, so by offering him arbitration the Sox guarantee a compensatory draft pick if contract negotiations somehow fall through and he declines arbitration and signs with another club instead.

The CBA which governs the arbitration process underwent a revision in 2006. Previously, if a club failed to offer arbitration to its eligible free agents, the club lost the right to negotiate with that free agent and couldn't resign him for 5 months (until May 1st of the following year). However, under the current CBA arrangement, clubs can continue to negotiate with their free agents-- whether they offer arbitration or not. Essentially, the incentive to offer arbitration is now purely for the compensatory draft picks-- it makes little sense to offer arbitration to any free agents who do not rate a Type A or Type B classification, outside specific contractual advantages.

So, it's no surprise, then, that the Red Sox did not offer arbitration to Matt Clement, Bobby Kielty, Eric Hinske or Doug Mirabelli, as none of these players garnered a Type A or Type B classification. However, Kielty and Mirabelli, in particular, are players the Red Sox are still believed to have interest in retaining.

The Sox did offer arbitration to Eric Gagne- a Type B free agent. Reportedly, it is highly unlikely Gagne will accept the offer- he wants to be a closer, and that opportunity is not available to him in Boston- so the Sox protected their ability to get that compensatory draft pick. However, there is always the risk that Gagne would accept the arbitration offer- and if that happens, he is considered "signed" and will be a member of the '08 Red Sox... it just becomes a matter of the amount he will be paid. And per the terms of the CBA a free agent who accepts arbitration can be subject to no greater than a 20% paycut of what he made the previous year (in Gagne's case, $6 million for 2007).

Timlin and Gagne have until Friday, December 7th to accept or decline the arbitration offers extended by the Red Sox.

The arbitration boys
Timlin is trying to explain to Gagne what the small, white spherical object is.

Here's a quick rundown of what some other MLB teams did with their arbitration-eligible players... with the more interesting players (in my opinion) bolded.

Astros: Mark Loretta, Trever Miller
(did not offer Craig Biggio, Jason Jennings, Mike Lamb, Brian Moehler, Orlando Palmeiro)

Athletics: Mike Piazza, Shannon Stewart
(did not offer Jeff Davanon)

Blue Jays: (did not offer Sal Fasano)

Braves: Ron Mahey
(did not offer Andruw Jones)

Cardinals: (did not offer David Eckstein)

Diamondbacks: Livan Hernandez
(did not offer Tony Clark, Jeff Cirillo, Bob Wickman)

Giants: Pedro Feliz
(did not offer Barry Bonds, Ryan Klesko, Mike Matheny, Russ Ortiz)

Indians: (did not offer Chris Gomez, Kenny Lofton, Trot Nixon)

Marlins: (did not offer to Armando Benitez, Aaron Boone, Byung-Hyun Kim)

Nationals: (did not offer Robert Fick)

Padres: Michael Barrett, Mike Cameron
(did not offer Milton Bradley)

Phillies: Aaron Rowand
(did not offer Freddy Garcia)

Pirates: (did not offer Tony Armas, Shawn Chacon)

Rangers: (did not offer Jerry Hairston Jr., Sammy Sosa, Brad Wilkerson, Jamey Wright)

Reds: (did not offer Eddie Guardado, Eric Milton)

Royals: David Riske

Yankees: Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, Luis Vizcaino.
(did not offer Roger Clemens, Jose Molina, Ron Villone)

The White Sox opened up the home and visitor's clubhouses at U.S. Cellular Field this weekend as part of a merchandise sale for White Sox Charities. They very cleverly hung the merchandise up for sale actually inside the guys' lockers, so you were shopping inside the clubhouse- pretty nifty little idea. I went on Saturday with friends of mine who are big White Sox fans, born and raised. Any baseball contact is welcome relief -- and I always have had a soft spot for the Palehose.

1. Breathe in the (imagined) stench of the air- it still smells like A.J. Pierzynski** in there. Realize that, as you might expect, AJ smells like Ben Gay and vomit. Realize AJ might be MADE of Ben Gay and vomit- it would explain a lot of his behavior problems.

2. Try and figure out which empty locker belonged to Scott Podsednik. Briefly contemplate how awesome it would be to have been that locker. Shed a tear at the loss of his sweet ass from the diamond in Chicago.

3. Try and figure out which empty locker belonged to Jon Garland. Notice that Cabrera's new name plate is not up yet. Wonder whether his old locker will be automatically assigned to Cabrera, and if they'll just put some masking tape up and write CABRERA in Sharpie on there.

4. Test the door leading directly out into the dugout... just in case. Find it is locked.

5. Watch a friend write your name, and your friends' names, on the giant starting lineup whiteboard on the wall. None of the White Sox people stop you. See that your friend is batting you in the 3-hole. Congratulate self on being a power hitter. Leave your names up there.

6. Ponder who on the team is a Florida Gators fan, and therefore responsible for the giant Gators football helmet on top of the flatscreen TV. Realize it's AJ Pierzynski. Hate Florida even more than you already do.

7. Ponder who is the Steelers fan and the Eagles fan on the team, responsible for those helmets next to the TV. Wonder why only 3 guys get their football helmets up there.

8. Notice a tiny Stanley Cup replica trophy. Awww, hockey is so cute!

9. Watch some of the Army-Navy game on the players' big flat screen. Wish you had a beer.

10. Cautiously approach AJ's locker. Your friend somehow convinces you to get inside the locker with her for a picture, with that big AJ PIERZYNSKI nameplate over your heads. Attempt to fight back the bile rising in your throat as you touch the locker. Wonder when that photo is going to show back up as blackmail material. Notice that two girls can fit comfortably inside his locker. Decide this is probably not the first time a ballplayer's locker has had two girls inside it.

11. Restrain your friend from leaving her name and number tacked to the players' bulletin board.

12. Go into the visitor's clubhouse and think of all the players that have been in there. Wonder whether you could hide in the back room until April.

** Except A.J. Pierzynski. There are three guys in baseball I hate: Barry Bonds, A-Rod and A.J. Pierzynski. I very (not) cleverly call him "A.J. Peniszynski". I also write that name in on my White Sox friends' scorecards when they're not looking.

The Twins have pushed, prodded and cajoled the Red Sox from the get-go in the Johan Santana negotiations to include Jacoby Ellsbury in the Sox trade package. Initially, the Twins wanted Jacoby and Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester - the Sox flat refused to include two of those three players in the same trade. Instead, the Sox offered Lester, Coco Crisp and two minor leaguers-- never indicating Ellsbury or Buchholz were off-limits, but reserving both of those guys back.

The Twins stuck to their guns, continuing to ask for Jacoby- which may have finally paid off, as Buster Olney is reporting that the Sox' latest offer now includes Jacoby Ellsbury (to counter the Yankees' latest offer of Phil Hughes)-- taking Lester back off the table (and, presumably, Coco as well) and perhaps also sweetening the mix a little by adding Justin Masterson. The Sox continue to stick to their guns as well, and still refuse to include both Lester and Ellsbury in the same trade.

Per both Buster Olney and the New York Times, the Yankees' latest offer is believed to have a pretty strict time limitation- the Twins will need to take it or leave it by Monday.

First up, there has been a report that there will be a very cool bobblehead on sale at Modell's -- Jonathan Papelbon, in a kilt, doing his now-famous Irish jig. There's no announcement of this item over at Modells.com yet, but I can guarantee you they'd sell a ton of those.

Daisuke Matsuzaka arrived back in Japan before Thanksgiving, and was - of course- immediately accosted by a horde of reporters and photographers. He held a quick little Q&A session, during which he disclosed that he was disappointed in his personal performance during the playoffs, and needed to improve on his command for next season. He also indicated he wanted to be with his wife for the birth of his second child- but hoped things worked out so that he could play with the Sox in Japan for next season's opener.

Back home in Georgia, Jason Varitek (along with local Braves boys Andruw Jones and John Smoltz) participated in a charity golf tournament in Atlanta to help raise money for survivors of domestic violence. The Fairway Affair Gala and Golf Tournament raised over $280,000.

Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Curt Schilling, Manny Delcarmen and Tim Wakefield, as well as prospects Justin Masterson, Caleb Clay and Michael Bowden, all were at Fenway Park at the end of November for workouts and visits with pitching coach John Farrell and other members of the Red Sox staff. Per Curt:

We got together this morning to go over where we are, and where we need to go as pitchers and a staff for the upcoming season. I think that the average age, were it not for my presence, was about 11...

Buchholz has also been hard at work on his offseason strength and conditioning program - and has been working out at a facility down in Pensacola, Florida. Coach Farrell indicated Clay is "making great gains", and that he is targeted for 180-185 innings for the 2008 season. Clay and the rest of the Sox rookies will all return to Fenway in January for the Sox rookie development program.

While waiting to see if he stays in Boston, or needs to look for a house in Minnesota, Jon Lester was in Brighton on Tuesday the 27th, autographing copies of the brand spankin' new World Series Film on DVD, and posing for pictures with little kids.

I particularly enjoy this photo- "Here, Jon- I'm going to set my baby on the table next to you, and then you have to smile for a picture while my baby ignores you."

Manny Delcarmen and the 2007 World Series trophy were in Manchester, NH on Saturday for the Manchester Monarchs-Rockford Icehogs hockey game. Manny and the trophy were part of a pre-game rally on the plaza of the Verizon Wireless Arena and a pre-game on-ice ceremony and puck drop. There was also a charity auction of special Monarchs game-worn jerseys with a specialty Red Sox 2007 World Series Championship commemorative patch, benefiting both the Monarchs Care Foundation and the Red Sox Foundation, that raised $10,000 for the Webster House.

David Ortiz took part in a food drive in Plainville, Mass. -- on his 32nd birthday, no less -- to benefit victims of Hurrican Noel back in his native Dominican Republic. Reportedly over 1,000 folks showed up to the Plainville Stop & Shop Supermarket and donated food and money, and got to listen to Big Papi make a touching speech- which was followed up by a serenade of "Happy Birthday" from the crowd.

"One thing in my hometown, the Red Sox are the No. 1 team over there," Ortiz added. "From the bottom of my heart, this is huge. This is a wonderful thing and it's going to help a lot of people. You cannot imagine. You have no clue about the people that are going to be helped."

"You guys are going to make me cry, I better stop," Big Papi said, drawing sympathetic sighs from the crowd.

Jonathan Papelbon was also out in Mansfield, Mass. yesterday at the Shaw's Supermarket, helping to collect food and money as part of a food drive for the hungry throughout the region. Shoppers can continue to support the food drive through December 16th at all area Shaw's and Star Market stores. Apparently, some folks were a little disappointed- because Jonathan didn't stick around to greet fans or sign autographs. "I've got to go feed the hungry," Papelbon said, offering reporters a two-minute chance to ask about baseball before he left the crowd of nearly 100.

During Saturday night's Arizona State-Arizona football game, Dustin Pedroia was honored by his alma mater ASU- and was announced at the stadium as "the greatest baseball player in Arizona State history." Which is both awesome and hilarious- because Barry Bonds is an ASU grad as well. Dustin received a maroon football jersey with his name and No. 15 on the back- and I really wish I had a picture of this to share, but sadly, I do not.

I do, however, have a different college football picture. Reader Shannen tipped me off to this picture of Josh Beckett from last week's disastrous Texas-Texas A&M game. I am happy to report, however, that Josh's girlfriend went to Texas- so even if he walks around in A&M gear, we all know that he really prefers Longhorns. As he should. So, Josh- I guess I'm not mad at you anymore.

Curt Schilling has been all over the place -- he and his family were at Gillette last weekend to watch the Patriots take on the Eagles, then he headed to California to speak at the Consumer Technology Innovations conference, and then was back in Mass. to give a pep talk to the Medfield High varsity football team in their gymnasium on the eve of the high school Super Bowl.

Mike Lowell may have done it first, but Doug Mirabelli was honored on November 23rd by Walt Disney World when he served as the grand marshal for the Magic Kingdom parade. His wife and daughter also rode in the parade with him.

The Lowell Spinners annual Alumni Dinner went off without a hitch over the weekend- and Jonathan Papelbon was on-hand at the DoubleTree in Lowell to receive the Dick Berardino Distinguished Alumni Award. Jonathan's twin brothers Joshua and Jeremy (both pitchers in the minor leagues)- as well as Gabe Kapler and the '07 World Series trophy- were also all in Lowell for the event.

"Josh (his brother) likes to kid me that he had a better ERA in Lowell than I did," the Red Sox closer told a sold-out audience of 375. "But I like to tell him I got to pitch in the World Series."

Love this picture- he TOWERS over that little old lady.

The dinner raised $28,500 for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the disease that killed Spinners co-owner Joann Weber a year ago. Here's some video of Jonathan speaking to the NESN team from Lowell- and I'll be good goddamned if they didn't ask him about the ball. Again. And again he provides them with another sarcastic, silly response- all told with a (fairly) straight face.

I did have it. And then I left it on the table one day-- and my dog plays with baseball as toys-- my dog chewed it up, and I had to throw it away. It's gone. It's in the garbage somewhere in Florida somewhere.

They also ask him about Santana- and the possibility of obtaining him, and what it would cost the Sox to make that happen. It's a pretty interesting little interview- minus the stupid ball question, of course.

video courtesy of NESN

Upcoming Events:
Dec 07: Jacoby Ellsbury - DVD signing
Dec 08: Clay Buchholz - autograph signing
Dec 08: Jacoby Ellsbury - autograph signing
Dec 12: Curt Schilling - SHADE fundraiser
Jan 17: Boston Baseball Writers' Association Dinner

Jacoby Ellsbury will be at the FYE in Boston (411 Washington Street) on Friday, December 7th to sign copies of the World Series DVD-- but you'll need to call the store and reserve a space. Jacoby will then be at Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro, Mass. on Saturday, December 8th from 1-3 pm to sign autographs, contact the Mall for details.

Clay Buchholz will be signing autographs in Portsmouth, RI on December 8th at the Your Sports Memorabilia Store. Prices and more details here.

In order to help out with all the hot stove discussion that's sure to heat up over this week- and maybe beyond- I've added a link in the sidebar that will always take you direct to the latest post and thread discussing hot stove and trade matters. That way, it's easy for everyone to find the newest thoughts and conversations-- and everyone can continue discussing any news or rumors they hear even if a new Hot Stove post has not gone up.

Feel free to post in the comments of any hot stove post any links to rumors or articles you run across, or discuss any trade thoughts or possibilities - Red Sox or otherwise. I'm always interested in hearing everyone's takes on the latest developments.

Thank god we have Bob Watson out there, fighting the good fight and protecting the citizens of the U.S. (and Toronto) from the harm caused by this foul, odious danger:

Yes, that's right- it's the NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM. It may look like an officially licensed MLB thermabase sweatshirt, that is issued to every player and coach and readily available for purchase on MLB.com (and that Tito wears because he has a health issue)-- but Bob Watson knows it is really a NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM. And Bob Watson has nothing more important to do with his time than to guard the sanctity of baseball from the noxious danger that is the NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM.

"There's going to be, for lack of a better term, a 'Francona Rule,'" said Bob Watson, Major League Baseball's Vice President of Rules and On-Field Operations. "You can only wear your uniform top or jacket. You can't wear your night-shirt, or whatever it is. You can wear it before games, or after games, but not during games. You have to have your uniform top at all times."

Bob Watson, or as he is sometimes called the "Nightshirt of Doom Slayer", attempted to thwart the growing threat of the NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM back in August at Yankee Stadium when he so bravely sent one of his lackeys in to the Red Sox dugout, and forced Tito to prove he was wearing his uniform top under the NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM. But now he has finally vanquished the threat and outlawed the NIGHTSHIRT OF DOOM completely.

I am so thankful that in these trying times, Bob Watson knows what is really important, and has rightly focused on so crucial an issue. Singling out Francona by labeling this, in public, as the "Francona Rule" is just the classy cherry on the top of Bob Watson's awesome sundae.

Continue reading »

All the good stuff happens late at night.

Steinbrenner's huffy ultimatum he spoke about to the media yesterday reportedly raised the hackles of the Twins' front office, prompting thoughts about filing a complaint alleging tampering and most assuredly pissing off Twins' personnel. Cashman took a much wiser route by refusing to go on record and give his thoughts. The Yankees' offer "deadline" passed at midnight, so presumably that means they are done with negotiating for Santana, right? Just like they said they wouldn't negotiate with A-Rod, or that they wouldn't give Posada more than four years, or that they wouldn't offer Phil Hughes in trade- I'm sure this "deadline" is not just ill-advised and hollow blustering. Everyone who believes Steinbrenner when he sets a "deadline" like that, raise your hands. Anyone? I suspect we'll see the Yankees back in this again.

Whether he meant it or not, it may be too late either way-- SI reported that the Twins and Yankees reached what one person called an "impasse'' shortly before midnight. As talks with the Yankees broke down, the Globe reported that talks between the Sox and the Twins intensified, going until the wee hours of the morning. Even more telling: the Sox and Twins have exchanged medical information on Jon Lester and Johan Santana... indicating that a deal may already be in place. No official announcement yet, but the reported first line package for the Twins is: Jon Lester, Coco Crisp, Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie. If the Twins like what they see in Lester's medical records, reportedly they will take that 4-man trade. If not, or if they change their minds, Jayson Stark indicated it would turn into a 3-man trade for Jacoby Ellsbury, Masterson and Lowrie.

One source who spoke with the Red Sox delegation told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Red Sox group was just sitting around their suite Monday night, watching the Patriots-Ravens game, when Smith called and asked to see Lester's medicals.

That got those teams' wheels turning again -- and did so, coincidentally, at the same time the Yankees were almost simultaneously beginning to talk themselves out of this trade.

Per Tim Brown, "a Red Sox official said he was "cautiously optimistic" the club could complete the deal for Santana".

Other Hot Stove happenings:

Great news: after the contract offer last week, and the arbitration offer backup on Saturday, it's now being reported that Mike Timlin's one-year deal will be announced as soon as he passes his physical.

Jacoby Ellsbury has reportedly dropped his agent Joe Urbon-- and has hired mega-agent/Satan's spawn Scott Boras. Unbelievable that this guy is still getting new clients after farking up the A-Rod trade, and getting shoved out of negotiations by Kenny Rogers. Jacoby, dear, I cannot support this decision.

The Sox have received inquiries on Julian Tavarez from at least two teams- no word on who those two teams might be. Any guesses as to who could use a Freddy Krueger lookalike?

There's also interest from the Sox in Rockies relief pitcher Brian Fuentes- and Colorado would reportedly be interested in Jed Lowrie in return. Obviously that possibility cannot play out unless and until it's sorted whether Lowrie is headed to Minnesota.

Curt Schilling also weighed in on the Santana sweepstakes:

A rotation featuring Beckett, Santana as the top two is pretty much as good as it can get. The thought of pitching behind these guys has to fire ya up. That being said I look at it like this.

If we make the move we'll have done so with Theo knowing whatever he had to trade to acquire him he can restock those spots either from within, or via trade. How much is too much when you're talking about trading for the best left handed pitcher in the game? How much is too much when you consider what he and Josh could do over the next 5-6 years.

Whatever is too much I am more than confident that we won't get there. Based on the offers I know are out there I can't see anyone out bidding us talent wise. The second part of this deal is the one that really narrows this down to a few suitors at most. Whatever contract Johan negotiates God Bless Him. If you were going to set a record for a contract with a starting pitcher this guy and about 3-4 others in the game would be the best bets.

I don't see any of the other players holding this deal up from either NY or Boston. Neither team will let him slip through their hands because they want to hold onto a AA or AAA potential star. I think it's going to come down to the value Minnesota places in Philip Hughes/Melky Cabrera vs the top 2-3 players in this deal from our side.

While we wait out Day One Billion (give or take a few) in the Santana sweepstakes (Herald is reporting that the Twins want the Santana deal done today)...

Congratulations are in order for David Ortiz, Terry Francona and Josh Beckett, as Sox personnel continue to fill up the club's trophy cabinet.

David Ortiz was unanimously selected by major league baseball as the winner of the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award- for the fifth year in a row. Chicago's Jim Thome finished second, while Toronto's Frank Thomas and Cleveland's Travis Hafner finished tied for third. Big Papi's fifth consecutive win ties him with Edgar Martinez himself for that distinction. MLB has given away the DH Award since 1973.

Terry Francona snagged the Baseball America Manager of the Year Award for 2007, and will pick up the prestigious award in person at a banquet in Nashville later this evening.

"You know what? I'm really honored," Francona said. "But when the manager gets an award, I think it's a reflection of ownership getting some awesome players -- providing us with the means to get some awesome players, a front office that does a great job, coaches that work about 18 hours a day, and fabulous players. When that happens, a manager gets rewarded. But I'm honored though."

Meanwhile, Josh Beckett has been nominated for the 2007 Athlete of the Year, given away by USA Today and MSNBC. Even better, you can help vote to make him the winner HERE - he's facing stiff competition from Brett Favre, Roger Federer, LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods and, yes, Tom Brady. Best of all, this gives me an excuse to post this illustration from the brilliant Cubby Blue:

Trade bait and newly-minted Boras client Jacoby Ellsbury checked in with Joe McDonald to talk about all the trade rumors swirling around.

I'm been trying not to pay too much attention to it. But it's hard when all your friends, my parents and brothers are calling me because they want the inside scoop on everything. It's tough just knowing that I have no control over where I play or anything like that. It's something I hope gets done sooner rather than later and I'm sure Johan feels the same. I'm just working out here in Oregon and staying in shape for anything possible. Where ever I go I'll obviously give them my 100 percent.

Sox fans have been reeling from the news he might be traded- but does Jacoby want to stay in Boston?

Definitely. Definitely. Coming through the minor-league system, winning the World Series and with the team we have coming back, I want to be a part of that next year. I would love to come back but unfortunately I don't have any say, whatsoever, where I end up next year. Where ever I do I will definitely give 100 percent, but I would like to stay a Red Sox.

As to be expected, the Twins reportedly had a bit of a freakout on learning Jacoby had been swayed by the dark side-- and signed on with The Man That Killed Baseball, Scott Boras. They, like many front offices, don't necessarily have a good working relationship with Boras- although obviously there is no such animosity with Theo. Jacoby indicated he had spoken with other clients of Boras, including some of his fellow Sox players, before making the decision to switch. Apparently Boras had contacted Jacoby as far back as his college days at Oregon State.

This wasn't a rash decision. A lot of thought has gone into it. Theo (Epstein) and Scott have a very good relationship and I was basically looking for the best representation available to me. Going with Scott allows me to be the best player that I can be. [Now] I can just go out there and play and not worry about too much. We've talked for a while.

Other hot stove happenings:

Julian Tavarez's market demand is under assessment by the Sox. The Phillies and possibly the Rockies, among other clubs, have reportedly expressed interest.

Doesn't look like the Sox will be getting their hands on reliever Brian Fuentes anytime soon. The Sox interest in him goes back to the summer- they were looking to acquire him right before the trading deadline, and then he was injured. Reports about renewed interest again started circulating this week-- but it appears that's not likely to happen, for several reasons: (a) the Rockies would want starting pitching in return, (b) his salary (which could exceed $6 million), and (c) Fuentes, like Eric Gagne, fancies himself a closer... and that ain't happening in Boston.

Jason Varitek could land an extension soon, according to Sean McAdam- who reports the Sox front office would like to get a deal done with him before spring training. Tek is a Boras client, and we all know that Boras never met an advance contract extension that he didn't hate.

John Heyman thinks the Red Sox might have some interest in acquiring top Japanese League outfielder Hiroki Fukudome -- but everyone else thinks the Cubs are the frontrunners on him by far.

It's high time for another installment of Random Sox Theatre- and this time, we've got a clip from 2006 of Josh Beckett and Coco Crisp... behind the counter at a Dunkin' Donuts. I suppose if the whole major league thing doesn't work out, at least they'll have something to fall back on.

And speaking of Mr. Beckett - we've heard from Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury and Curt Schilling about the hot stove madness... what does Josh think about it all? About the Santana rumors, and the sky-high contract Santana is sure to command?

It doesn't matter to me. It makes no difference. There are a lot of people who make more money than me who I had better years than. I'm happy where I'm at. I make plenty of money. I'm starting Opening Day, though.

Sweet Jesus- that, right there, is exactly why I adore him so much. Frank and honest, acknowledging his good fortune, not moneygrubbing for more- and yet 100% confident that his rightful place, no matter what, is to be the #1 Ace. Josh, with that quote right there, you just cemented yourself as my baseball boyfriend. You've earned it.

But he's not done yet. He's about to get downright sentimental.

You know how much I care about Jon Lester, but at the same time it's a business and we're in the business of winning baseball games. Jon Lester has a lot of stuff in front of him. They have to make that decision. I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions because I'm the type of personality where I would let those emotions get in the way, and hold on to a player because I like them. We have people who make those decisions who obviously don't have the same personality that I do.

Everybody has to understand that this is a business and the Red Sox are in the business of winning. It doesn't matter who it is. If they think of trading someone everybody has to understand that. I'll still talk to Jon Lester. I'm not saying I want them to trade Jon Lester for Johan Santana, but if the Red Sox think that's what they need to do to put themselves in the best position to win, that's what they need to do.

Well, Josh Beckett- I do declare! You've awful sweet beneath all that bluster. Once we get you out of the press room, you're a regular teddy bear. I adore the bonds the guys on this team share- and the obvious big brother role Josh has taken on with Jon is priceless.

The New York Times has a fascinating, in-depth look at the real estate empire and charities run by Alex Rodriguez. Not surprisingly, for a guy so focused on money, he has a reputation of being stingy (even heartless) and inept. To wit: A-Rod owns 16 apartment complexes around the nation, 6 in the Tampa area- and the Times took a look at one of those, the Newport Riverside apartments in Tampa.

Some residents here tell tales of roaches overtaking kitchen cabinets in a bumper-to-bumper crawl to the corn flakes, of carpets stained in the 1990s and quick-trigger evictions.

"My mom comes here and she ain't no rich person, but she thinks I live in the projects," said Miguel Ruiz as he sat on the second-floor landing of Building 2-A on a recent Sunday afternoon. "She's scared to come over here, for real."

As Ruiz spoke, he pulled a boy named Elijah from a gap in the railing that opened when yet another piece of the banister rattled loose and fell to the ground.

"See, stuff like that, with kids around, it's messed up here," Ruiz said, adding, "Honestly, I was raised in a ghetto and I was brought up a little better than this."

The Times then delves into A-Rod's charitable giving history, and the fascination he has with money- and centering his identity around getting as much as he can. His donations seem to center around very public vanity gifts-- the kind that put his name on baseball fields at the University of Miami, not the kind that put money back into the neediest segments of the community.

Money is A-Rod's identity, engraving his social standing...

Rodriguez has earned nearly $200 million over the past decade, but, according to 990 tax records dating to 1998, he is a cheap tipper to his foundation.

In eight years of available documents, donations averaged $30,000 a year and gifts distributed to the community averaged $13,000 a year. In 2002, A-Rod did not contribute more than $5,500. In 2006, the foundation did not give away more than $5,090 despite a fund-raiser that collected $368,000.

Compared to other athletes making the kind of money he does- even his own teammates, like Derek Jeter, A-Rod comes up more than a bit short:

He isn't on the platinum level of athlete donors. Tiger Woods has seeded his foundation with millions. And he isn't on par with his teammates. Derek Jeter may have his I.R.S. issues, but he has given a total of $2 million to his Turn 2 Foundation since 1998.

It's an interesting read, to say the least.

Hat tip to Yanks Fan/Sox Fan.

It's the holiday season- and what better way to celebrate than with a Sox-ified Christmas carol? Thanks to Gerry Goldstein, now you can do just that...

"O Papelbon"
sung to the tune of "O Tannenbaum"
click play below to listen to the normal song, sung by Nat King Cole

O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thy fastball does amaze us. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, To new heights does it raise us. When it's hard and letter-high, It hums in tight and buzzes by. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thy fastball does amaze us. But Papelbon, O Papelbon, How sorry is thy dancing. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Improve that awful prancing! On the mound thou comes up big, But spare us, please, that Irish jig. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, How sorry is thy dancing. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, We love thy boyish smile. But Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thou needs to change thy style. Please kindly lose that fat cigar, And put away thy air guitar. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, We love thy boyish smile. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thy pitches do sustain us. But Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thy wardrobe it does drain us! With other teams all wilted now, We're forced to see thee kilted now. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Thy pitches do sustain us. O Papelbon, O Papelbon, Despite this carping carol, O Papelbon, O Papelbon, No matter thy apparel! For all that we could care, Pitch in thy underwear! O Papelbon O Papelbon,Thy fastball does amaze us!

And if that's not enough for you, how about this little ditty, created by Kyle Andree? (hat tip to: Bryanna via Ladies...)

"Don't Trade Jacoby" by Kyle Andree
click play below to listen

Hey Theo I got something to tell ya, about a certain trade with Minnesota, Yeah Johan he's the man, and to get him do whatever you can. But there's just one player that just cant go, and I'll give you one hint he's a Navajo. Don't trade Jacoby to Minnesota, please don't say that I never told 'ya.. When he's a Hall of Fame center fielder, Yeah Theo Epstein you're gonna feel dumb. Who cares about the Twins these days, now that Torii Hunter went to L.A. All they got now is Delmon Young, soon just like his brother he'll be a bum. We can't send Jacoby to the Metrodome, because Fenway Park is his true home. Don't trade Jacoby to Minnesota, please don't say that I never told 'ya. When he's a Hall of Fame center fielder, Yeah Theo Epstein you're gonna feel dumb. In 33 games he hit 3 home runs, it's better than our resident right field bum, And at the tender age of 24, he's a better looking version of Grady Sizemore. Give em Lester, Lowrie, and Coco, but our boy Jacoby just cannot go. But if he does go I'll always know, that by stealing second base, He won me a free taco, so I could stuff my face. Don't trade Jacoby to Minnesota, please don't say that I never told ya When he's a Hall of Fame center fielder, Yeah Theo Epstein you're gonna feel dumb.

Joba Chamberlain (retch) is this month's coverboy on ESPN the Magazine (double retch), and the accompanying story online by Buster Olney contains a series of text messages sent by Joba to Buster. Boy howdy does Joba love him some exclamation points, to wit:

I text A LOT. About 100-200 a day!

It was awesome!

It's just so complex in all areas of training!

I've thought about it!

Sounds good. I will be ready!

Once you get past the plethora of exclamation points, there are a couple of interesting tidbits. First, Buster asked Joba which big league hitter had the best swings against him last season. His answer? "Mike Lowell was the toughest hitter for me. Sliders and fastballs. I couldn't get him out!" (note the exclamation point)

Then, Buster asked Joba about the rumor that he texted Clay Buchholz the night of Clay's no-hitter back in September. Reportedly, Joba and Clay struck up a friendship at the Futures Game over the summer, and have been texting buddies ever since. So what did Joba tell Clay that night? "I texted Clay that day! Before the game, actually. I just wished him good luck. Then after the game I wrote, "glad u got that out of your system."" (exclamation point)

OK, even I have to admit that's kind of cute.

I still don't like you, though, Joba, no matter how nice you are to Stickbug.

Adios.
Sayonara.
拜拜.
Auf wiedersehen.
Arrivaderci.
مع السلامة.
Aloha.
Do svidanija.

Au revoir, beeyotch.

Welcome back, Mike. Now that you've finally (FINALLY!) signed on the dotted line, I can officially celebrate your return to the fold. First Wake, then Schill, then Lowell- and now the final puzzle piece is in place. (and the extraneous Canadian piece that never fit to begin with is gone)