Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

CC stays with New York

Brian Cashman made sure no one had a chance to tempt CC Sabathia to leave New York, re-signing his ace through 2016, with a team option for 2017.

Via SI.com:

CC Sabathia decided to stay with the New York Yankees rather than test the free-agent market, agreeing Monday to a new deal that adds $30 million to his existing contract and will pay $122 million over the next five years.

The 31-year-old left-hander had until midnight to opt out of his current agreement, which had $92 million remaining over the next four years in $23 million annual salaries.

The new deal adds a $25 million salary for 2016 and gives the Yankees a $25 million option for 2017 with a $5 million buyout, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Yankees had not yet announced the deal.

The option becomes guaranteed if Sabathia does not end the 2016 season on the disabled list because of a left shoulder injury, does not spend more than 45 days of 2016 on the DL with a left shoulder injury or does not make six or more relief appearances in 2016 because of shoulder issues.

In 2017 the Yankees could owe A-Rod and CC a combined $45,000,000.  Yes, six years from now (6!) the Yankees will owe these two elderly gentleman more money than the entire Rays 2011 payroll.  This makes me giddy.

Wisely, the Yankees have a $5,000,000 buyout should CC breakdown in 2016.  More importantly, what are the odds that he doesn't breakdown by 2014?  But the Yankees had no choice but to re-sign him.  And, let's be honest, if he does fall apart and they're paying him to sit at home and eat cheetos, I don't think it'll hurt their bottom line too much.

The good news in all of this is that CC is now off the market, so we don't have to worry about Henry doing something stupid and chasing the shiny object (well, at least where CC is concerned). 

Congrats today, Yankees.  Your good, but overpaid pitcher is now even more overpaid.  Also, you've re-signed Cano for $14 million for next season and you've decided to pay Nick Swisher $10.5 million dollars next year to act like an idiot in right field for 2012. 

What do you call it when the Yankees allocate $50 million to three players?  Give up?  Monday!

Hey-yoooooo!

Red Sox decline options on two relievers

The (not-so-) lucky guys? Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison. But both could be back, says the Globe's Peter Abraham.

Atchison's option was for the 2012 MLB minimum plus $200,000. He remains on the 40-man roster and is not eligible for arbitration. So the Sox could simply tender him an offer at the minimum or slightly above and retain him.

Wheeler is a Type B free agent. So the Red Sox could offer him arbitration and get a draft pick once he signs with another team.

My personal feeling is that we should bring Atchison back for next to nothing. Unless I'm mistaken, he can be optioned to Pawtucket, so he's flexible. (If I'm wrong about that, it's only Scott Atchison -- wouldn't be the end of the world if we lost him.)

I'd offer Wheeler arbitration, too. His ERA was in the mid-4s this year, but he did have a tidy 1.11 WHIP. If he takes arbitration, fine, he'll be relatively cheap free agent reliever with whom we're already familiar. If he declines, we get a draft pick. To me, it's an easy decision.

Cross La Russa off the list

(Photo by Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images)

Well, those Sox fans that had some hope left in Tony La Russa proceeding Terry Francona in Boston can permanently kill that dream. After 33 seasons of managing, La Russa announced his retirement today.

via stltoday.com

La Russa said he told owner Bill DeWitt and the players Sunday evening of his decision. He said he actually made his decision to retire in August, and informed general manager John Mozeliak at the time.

"There isn't one (factor) that dominates (my decision)," La Russa said at the news conference. "They all just come together telling you your time is over.

"We went through the season and I felt that this just feels like it's time to end it and I think it's going to be great for the Cardinals to refresh what's going on here.

"I'm looking forward to what's ahead. I'm ready to do something different."

If La Russa chose not to retire, odds were he would have stayed in St. Louis. The thought of him in a different combo of red and white was nice, but most of us knew it was not going to happen.

I tip my cap to La Russa, going out on top with his third World Series victory (2 - STL, 1 - OAK). Now, La Russa has to look forward to waiting in line at the social security office.

Projecting the Red Sox 2012 opening day lineup

The Marco Scutaro option being picked up marks not only Ben Cherington's first move as Sox GM, but also the first move of the 2011 offseason. Everybody has a different opinion as to what moves will follow, and the Ted's Army offices are no different.

I asked the other writers (Ben, Aaron, and head honcho Nick [RAS]) for who they think will comprise the Red Sox starting lineup on opening day 2012. We included opening day starter and closer, since many Sox fans are calling for a shakeup to the rotation, and the closer situation is possibly the most important decision Cherington has to make.

On the next page, the Ted's Army opening day lineup predictions, starting with me.

Your Mid-Morning Dump... where Dale Sveum is also getting interviewed

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Already, the Red Sox’ managerial search has produced some raised eyebrows. After Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin interviews on Monday, the next man in the queue will be one whose name comes with a degree of infamy in Boston: Dale Sveum.

Sveum spent two years as the oft-scrutinized third base coach of the Red Sox in 2004-05 before departing for Milwaukee, where he spent the last six seasons as a third-base coach, bench coach, interim manager and hitting coach. As much as he was second-guessed while a third-base coach with the Sox, the question is natural: Why is he on the short list as new Boston GM Ben Cherington conducts his managerial search?

Interestingly, the very traits that put him under a microscope at times while a third base coach might represent assets as he is considered for the job of Red Sox manager. Sveum has experienced the scrutiny of Boston, yet was unfailingly accountable when runners he waved home got thrown out at the plate.

He put in the necessary preparation to make snap decisions -- studying outfielders’ throwing arms, assessing their throwing positions and the speed of his runners as well as the game situation -- and if he was wrong, he nonetheless had the courage of his convictions while explaining the thought process. He knows what it is like to make mistakes in the public eye in Boston and to live with them. Fear did not guide his decisions.

WEEI:Could Sox send for Sveum?

Well well well... interesting to see Sveum's name on Cherington's short list for manager.  A quick breakdown...

Pros: Good work ethic, respected in clubhouses, accountability, not afraid to take risks, can take heat from Boston media 

Cons: infamous in Boston (the fine folks at Sons of Sam Horn have a lovely wiki page on him.), will take one risk too many, won't get fair shake because of the previous two reasons.

People like risk takers... just not as a third base coach. He would take accountability for every risk he takes and he'll believe that it was the right move, maybe go and give us a quality Belichick "we just failed to execute" line every now and then. Is he the manager we want? Not exactly but he'll probably be the one we get.

The links: Globe:Mackanin, Sveum first up|Sox activate 2012 option for Scutaro|Herald:Ortiz, Papelbon file for free agency|CSNNE: Sox exercise Scutaro's option|Ortiz and Papelbon file for free agency|WEEI:Could Sox send for Sveum?|Eight Red Sox file for free agency

 

Silverman: Sox bring back Scutaro

The Herald's Michael Silverman tweeted last hour what many were speculating. Ben Cherington's first move as GM was to keep some organizational certainty at a position that has been problematic for Boston.

Scutaro had a .781 OPS (up 60 points on the prior year) in 2011 playing in 113 games. Of course, his health will be an issue as he is going into his age 36 season. The alternatives weren't great. Some thought Jose Iglesias would take the reins in 2012, but he couldn't even crack a .600 OPS at Pawtucket at age 21 this year.

Jed Lowrie can't be counted on to walk to the ballpark without injuring himself, so he's not a realistic option. And free agency? I'd rather not pay for an old (Jimmy Rollins) or brittle (Jose Reyes) option at eight figures a year.

Re-upping Scutaro wasn't a glamorous move, but it was a sound one.

Your Morning Dump... Where we know who the Sox are interviewing

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Red Sox fans finally have a name to go with the Sox' managerial search - Pete Mackanin.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Red Sox are scheduled to interview the Phillies' current bench coach on Monday.

Mackanin has never been a full time manager in the major leagues, but has held the position on an interim basis, twice. In 2005 he took over the Pirates’ job from Lloyd McClendon, going 12-14. In 2007, he took over the Reds’ job from Jerry Narron, going 41-39.

Mackanin, 60, managed in the minors for 13 seasons. In 1995 he was named the Sporting News’ minor-league manager of the year. He began his major-league coaching career in 1997 with Montreal as third-base coach, and was later a bench coach with the Pirates. Mackanin has also been a scout for the Yankees and Reds.

CSNNE - Red Sox to interview Mackanin

Pete Mackanin = Phillies Bench Coach

See that fancy equation up there?  That's everything I previously knew about Pete Mackanin before reading this article.  Hopping over to Wikipedia, I've since learned that Mackanin took over the skipper job for the Peoria Chiefs from Joe Maddon in 1985.  So, there's that.

I don't expect the search to end with Mackanin, but it's nice to finally know someone who could be our manager next season. 

And in player news:

According to a major league source, the Red Sox have yet to make a contract offer to closer Jonathan Papelbon, who will be eligible to become a free agent once the Sox' exclusive negotiating period ends at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. (The negotiating window lasts for five days following the completion of the World Series.)

When asked about the prospects of reaching a deal with either Papelbon, or potential free agent David Ortiz, within the Sox' exclusive negotiating period new Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said, "Within the window? Tough to handicap. My impression is that Pap will probably get into free agency. I’m not ruling anything out, but that’s my impression."

WEEI - Source: No offer yet from Sox to Papelbon

I'm with Scott.  I think you need to bring Papelbon back (unless the price is obscene).  Bard was wildly inconsistent last year, so I wouldn't feel comfortable with him taking over (nevermind all the 'convert to starter' talk).  We threw a ton of money at the bullpen last year, and it was a disaster; so I don't think you can back-fill the bullpen in free agency again.  And there aren't too many potential shut-down closers hanging around the minors.

Unless Papelbon's agent is reading this.  In which case, can you believe how many people we have willing and able to fill Papelbon's shoes?  It's ridiculous.  Might as well re-name Pawtucket the "Potential Closers".

Rest of the links:

WEEI - How David Freese almost became a member of the Red Sox | Herald - Cubs have a new Theocracy | Red Sox looking for leaders | Sox unlikely to go with the same ol' plan | Globe - In Red Sox lineup, he's the toughest out | Larry Lucchino Says There Are Currently No Front-Runners for Red Sox' Managerial Opening, But List of Finalists Evolving

Your Morning Dump...where the offseason begins

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The celebratory bubbly barely had time to dry last night in St. Louis when the free agent field started taking shape. For the next five days, eligible players may negotiate only with their most recent team. By Thursday, though, the overwhelming majority will be free to seek offers from other clubs.

Jonathan Papelbon has been waiting for this moment.

The Red Sox [team stats] closer has long stated his willingness to pitch under a string of one-year contracts, risking injury and other depreciation to his value, until he reached free agency. Now, at age 31 (next month) and coming off a dominating season, he’s finally able to test his worth on the open market.

Herald | Open market for Red Sox closer

Considering we're dealing with needing a new GM and manager, not to mention questions about 3B, DH, and RF -- and that we hate most of our starters -- it may be odd to mention Papelbon as the first piece of business.

But I do think it's the most important thing we have to decide.

If we bring him back, we're committing a lot of money -- 8 figures a year, certainly -- to a player at a position that the Red Sox don't historically value. 

With a lot of money already on the books for Gonzalez, Crawford, Lackey, Beckett, Lester, Pedroia, Youkilis, and Matsuzaka, it further limits any other potential free agent spending.

And it brings us to a head with Daniel Bard. Do we continue rolling him out in the 8th, or do we look into transforming him into a starter, as has been rumored?

If we let him go, we're losing a lock-down closer who is doing things statistically speaking that have only done by Mariano Rivera. He's a proven commodity in the pressure cooker of Boston, despite a misstep or two. We also likely commit to Daniel Bard as the closer, because it's nonsensical that the Red Sox would be unwilling to spend on Papelbon, yet would then spend free agency money on another big-name reliever. (And don't get me started on Bobby Jenks.)

This is a major decision for Ben Cherington; in my mind, it's bigger than the manager. I've gone back and forth as to how I feel, but I'm pro-Papelbon right now. I wouldn't bring him back at any cost -- certainly not if his agent reaches for the stars like I speculated in August -- but if they could settle on 4 years at about $15 million a year, I'd sign. Consistency is hard to ensure in baseball, and Pap has been as consistent as you can be at that position.

And, of course, congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals for beating what I'd consider to be a better team. I'm happy for their fans, particularly considering they may have a very difficult offseason in front of them (if Albert Pujols fails to re-sign). It's always best to go out on a good note.

Herald | Cardinals win World Series, beat Rangers in game 7 | Brian Cashman closing in on extension with Yankees | Globe | Larry Lucchino defends John Henry, Josh Beckett | How the Red Sox almost had David Freese | Selig may need to intervene | CSNNE | Lucchino/Epstein relationship may have prompted Theo's move | ESPNBoston | Red Sox to start manager interviews next week | Bud Selig may settle Epstein deal

Your Morning Dump... Where Youk may be on his way out

(Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Amidst speculation that the Red Sox could use third baseman Kevin Youkilis as a trade chip this offseason, multiple sources inside and outside the Sox organization suggest that it is unlikely that the Sox will deal the 32-year-old.

While the Red Sox will explore the trade market to address offseason needs -- including the need to fill two spots in the rotation -- Youkilis is not expected to be dealt for a number of reasons. While 2011 was a down year for him, he nevertheless remained one of the most productive offensive third basemen in the game. There are few, if any, third basemen available either internally or externally who could match the three-time All-Star’s lineup impact.

Youkilis led major league third basemen in virtually every offensive category in the first half of the season but faded dramatically in the second half, when he struggled with a series of injuries before he was ultimately rendered unable to play by a sports hernia that required offseason surgery.

WEEI - Sources: Sox don't expect to deal Youkilis

The "Trade Youk" movement has me torn. I can make just as compelling case to keep Youk as I could to trade him.  Both sides of the coin make the same amount of sense for the Sox.  But I still think he'll be shipped off at some point this winter for two reasons.

First, our new GM is going to want to place the Ben Cherrington stamp on the franchise.  No matter how much the new regime resembles the old regime, he's going to want to do 'something' big to make the team in his own.  And if you can't fork over the hundred million dollars it'll take to sign someone like CC (and let's all hold hands and pray that he doesn't) your other option is to trade an established star.  And when your team has an attitude problem, and you ship off one of the problem players, others will get the message.

Thanks to the collapse, there are a few candidates that would make sense to be shipped off, but most of the others are on the pitching staff.  Which brings me to point number two:  With Lackey out, we have two spots in our rotation open.  Sure, we could trade Beckett (which some people want for selfish, near-sighted reasons) but that would leave us with 3 open spots.  Pretty much the opposite of ideal. 

So I fully expect Ben to ship Youk off for some pitching help.  With his recent injuries, I'm not exactly sure what Youk is worth on the open market.  But when he's healthy, he's one of the best hitting third baseman in the league.  And while his glove slipped a bit last year, I imagine he could switch back to first and play at a high level.  Or, if healthy, with a little more time at 3rd he should be fine. 

The free agent market for pitchers isn't shaping up to be bountiful.  We don't need another 'Ace', so we may be able to fill our final two spots that route.  But if we can exchange Youk for a pitcher that can help us for the next 3-4 years, and sign a veteran to keep Lackey's spot warm until he's back (or whatever we decide to do with him), I wouldn't argue with that decision.

What we do with thirdbase at that point is another discussion altogether. If Lowrie can stay healthy (and consistent) I'm OK with him at 3rd until Middlebrooks is ready.  But it's a be premature for that.  First, let's just make sure we have 5 pitchers heading into Spring Training.

Also, in the CSNNE links below it appears as though the Sox may pursue Carlos Beltran.  Again.  Ugh.  The more things change...

Rest of the links:

CSNNE - Mazz: Farrell-to-Sox 'definitely not dead' | Report: Sox could make run at Beltran | WEEI - No time to get chippy: Why Red Sox are unlikely to trade Kevin Youkilis | Sporting News - Red Sox might have to make a trade to upgrade rotation | Globe - It's all behind him | Herald - Job’s more than handful

Herald: Toronto may pursue David Ortiz

Scott Lauber reports that the lone major league team north of the border may make a run at Papi:

Coming off an 81-81 season and with money to spend, the Jays “will not rule out” making a serious push for Ortiz, a major league source said yesterday. In fact, he could conceivably be a good fit north of the border.

Ortiz would be a lefty-hitting, middle-of-the-order complement to fellow slugger Jose Bautista, for whom he has come to have great respect over the past few seasons. He also has familiarity with Blue Jays manager John Farrell, the former Red Sox pitching coach whose input is valued greatly by general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

[...]

Two factors figure to give the Jays pause, according to the source: “Age and position.” Ortiz will turn 36 next month, and his status as a full-time DH limits any team’s lineup flexibility.

Other than a non-committal sentence from a vague source, this is mostly speculation. But still, it's something to consider. Ortiz will soon file for free agency, and each time that happens the likelihood that he leaves the Red Sox rises.

Another reason he may interest the Jays is that he'd certainly give them a little more national attention. Toronto is stuck firmly as the 4th most interesting team (thanks to the Rays' resurrgence) in its own division, despite having the best hitter in the game the last two years. Many have speculated that with an up-and-coming rotation, Bautista in his prime, and a handful of other improving young players, the Jays may only be a piece or two away from making a Tampa-like run. Perhaps a high-profile figure like Ortiz could be one of those pieces.

I wouldn't be surprised if David leaves, although I didn't think he'd be back this year, given Theo Epstein's comments that Ortiz meant a great deal to ownership. I always took that as a veiled cover-up by Theo -- sort of the same thing John Henry did about Carl Crawford in his interview with Felger and Mazz earlier this month.

This decision will likely be one of the first that tells us something about Ben Cherington. If he stays, it says that either A) ownership is still making the call or B) Cherington doesn't feel the need to distance himself from all the players of this year's collapse. If he goes, it probably refutes those ideas, or speaks to Cherington's faith in Ryan Lavarnway.