Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

AL East stays busy on Prince's big day

The big story of the day was Prince Fielder's nine-year, $214 million blockbuster deal, but the Tigers weren't the only active team. The Red Sox' main three foes in the AL East made significant moves, likely in direct response to Ben Cherington signing 2012 AL MVP candidate Cody Ross. Let's take a look at each move:

The Blue Jays started the day by extending Brandon Morrow, one of their young, solid starters. It's $20 million over the next three years, with a $10 million option thereafter. The Jays have clearly followed Tampa's strategy of trying to build around young, affordable pitching, and it's one of the reasons we'll have to fear them this year. 

Later in the afternoon, they locked down former closer Francisco Cordero for $4.5 million to set up for Sergio Santos. It seems like a pretty good deal considering some of the closer money going around, but you're not going to see me compliment Cordero. 

Meanwhile, the Rays brought back old friend Carlos Pena to play 1B and strike out 250 times. Pena is an excellent fielder and can get on base and hit for power, and I'm sure he'll enjoy playing at the new Yankee Stadium 9 or 10 times. He'll make $7.25 million and Andrew Friedman noted that the team stretched the budget to bring him back due to the impact he can make on the field and in the clubhouse. Great.

It's lesser news, but the Yanks stayed active by agreeing to a deal with Russell Martin, avoiding arbitration. Jesus Montero may be gone, but they'll still get production behind the plate with Martin.

It's getting a little played out to doubt Boston going into this year, because they do still have a lot of talent and we tend to emphasize the holes rather than what's actually there. My concern isn't so much that we're not spending money, or that the clubhouse is poisonous, or even that half of our pitching staff is overweight or hurt. My concern is that the rest of the division looks pretty scary, and seems to either be standing pat (New York) or getting better (Toronto and Tampa).

Yankee's Pineda comes with big red flag

Baseball teams will nearly always shut down their young starters before the season ends to prevent them from seeing a too-big increase in innings pitched over the previous year.  However, sometimes that young pitcher is an integral part of a team's playoff push and simply has to keep on pitching.  According to Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, those extra innings come back to bite the pitcher the following season, where they run a higher injury risk, or simply see a dropoff in production.

Verducci has been tracking this for over a decade, predicting which pitchers are "at risk", and, well, his track record speaks for itself.  Over the past six seasons, 46 of his 55 "at risk" pitchers got hurt or had a statistically worse season.  Some of the players he flagged last year: David Price, Phil Hughes, Mat Latos and Brett Cecil.  Each player lost velocity on their fastball and had their ERA jump by more than half a run over the previous season.  That's not a coincidence.

Verucci has unveiled his 2012 list, and while no Sox are listed, there a few interesting names worth noting.  First and foremost, Yankee's new starter Michael Pineda:

Pineda showed signs of wear last season. He was 2-6 with a 5.38 ERA in his final 13 starts. The Mariners were concerned about his innings, so they dialed back his work in September, giving him just three starts in the month and doing so with six, six and 10 days of rest. That last start - he threw 81 pitches in four innings, then was shut down for the season -- put him over the threshold. Now, after having been traded last week, he will battle the Year-After Effect in a Yankees uniform.

The Mariners did shut Pineda down early last year, but not before he pitched more than the magical 30 extra inning threshold that Verducci uses to assign the red flag.  This isn't to say that Pineda is going to suddenly morph into John Lackey, but if he does struggle a bit in New York, with the weight of the world on his shoulders?  I'm dreaming a little bit here, but I wouldn't mind seeing him flame out.

The other names on the list that have AL playoff implications: Rangers starters Derek Holland and Matt Harrison and Jeremy Hellickson of the Rays. 

This will also have some obvious implications on Bard (73 IP last season) and Aceves (114 IP last season).  While I'm not sure how Verducci's numbers apply to pitchers coming out of the pen, I can't imagine it's too different.  What we're worried about is putting too much of an increase on a pitcher's arm.  Expecting Bard to pitch nearly 3 times as many innings over last season is insane.  We might be seeing a lot more of Silva, Cook and Padilla than we thought.

Your Morning Dump...Where the Yankees snag Kuroda and Pineda

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 New York Yankees made a major push to bolster their starting rotation Friday night, agreeing to terms with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda on a $10 million, one-year contract shortly after acquiring young righty Michael Pineda from the Seattle Mariners.

A person familiar with Kuroda's signing told The Associated Press the deal is contingent on the 36-year-old former Los Angeles Dodgers starter passing a physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because there has not yet been an announcement. Kuroda's deal also includes performance bonuses, according to the person.

Globe: AP sources: Yankees sign free agent RHP Kuroda

I don't know what this off-season has done to me, but I just don't care that Hiroki Kuroda is not coming to Boston. It does suck that a semi-decent and one very highly regarded pitcher are going to the Bronx and the Sox are passing everyone up.

Michael Pineda was acquired by way of trade for the Yankees top prospect, Jesus Montero.

New York sent power-hitting catcher Jesus Montero, the organization's top prospect, to Seattle for the hard-throwing Pineda, according to a person familiar with the deal.

The 22-year-old Pineda was 6-2 on May 21 with a 2.16 ERA and finished 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA. In 171 innings he gave up just 133 hits and struck out 173.

Seems like a pretty fair trade, and one can argue the Yankees came out on top. A 9-10 record and 3.74 ERA on that terrible Seattle team is pretty damn good. A young, hard-throwing pitcher in pinstripes pisses me off. Pineda is going to be an excellent pitcher and has been compared to King Felix...Damn.  

I guess it is Kuroda's age and career 41-46 record that does not worry me, yet he will have a ton of help in New York.  To sum it up, both of these deals make me very upset, more because the reluctance of the Red Sox to not spend money or give any effort to significantly improve the pitching staff. Their 2012 rotation is already a major upgrade from 2011. It's early on a Saturday morning  and waking up to the Yankees making moves rather than the Sox has made me rather grumpy. 

Related links: ESPN Boston: Yanks upgrade rotation; Sox hope for best | Herald: Mariners trade pitcher Michael Pineda to Yankees | Providence Journal: Yanks strike big by adding Pineda, Kuroda in short order

On Page 2: Ryan Sweeney agrees to a 1-year deal with Boston.

Yankees make a dumb move

It's about time someone took Okajima off of our hands. The Yankees have signed Okajima to a minor-league deal after he spent most of 2011 with the Pawtucket Red Sox.

CSNNE:

The Yanks signed Okajima, who turned 36 on Christmas Day, to a minor-league contract Wednesday with an invitation to spring training. As you can by clicking the link, it's been a while since Okajima was an effective big-league reliever; we'll find out if a few months if he can recapture the magic that made him so effective in his first few seasons with the Sox.

This may be, what Scott is calling, New York's retaliation to the Sox scoring on Aceves. The only difference is, Aceves didn't suck in his last 2 seasons with the Yankees. This makes me nothing but happy, because Okajima is finally gone, and the Yankees just got that much worse (assuming they are dumb enough to add him to their roster after spring training).  He has nothing left in the tank and he can consider himself lucky that he has another shot to play in the big leagues with a playoff contender. I just wish the Yankees blew more than a minor-league contract on him. If it doesn't work out, Aaron thinks there may be a shot he can land an usher position at the stadium. I would take it if I were him.

Cashman has little interest in Ortiz

David Ortiz has made some comments following the downfall of the Sox clubhouse. One of them that still remains fresh in our minds was when Ortiz mentioned the good situation in the clubhouse of the Yankees and hinting some interest in playing ball in the Bronx. Papi hasn't said anything about them since and we have now learned that Brian Cashman has no intention to heavily pursue Ortiz.

“Our biggest priority now is pitching,” he reiterated. “We’ll see how the rest of the winter goes, how our conversations shake out with other clubs, trade stuff, but as of right now, our focus is on pitching.”

That, in turn, suggests that the Yankees are unlikely to get involved in the bidding for DH David Ortiz. Cashman did not rule out the possibility of pursuing the longtime Red Sox slugger, who is a free agent for the first time since joining Boston in early 2003.

[...]

“We have internal candidates if we want,” said Cashman. “The bad side is we have some veteran players who could use the breather at that spot. I’d rather have young, high-end, talented guys. But we have older, high-end, talented guys. Those guys could use a blow, whether it’s Alex, Jeter, Cano now, Teixeira, but we also have a young buck, too, in Montero now. We just have to wait and see how the rest of the roster looks and shakes out. That’s why there’s not an obvious need. We’ve got a lot of money spent and committed. With the amount I have left to play with, it doesn’t necessarily make sense for me to pursue things other than pitching right now.”

Cashman does make it very clear that he has his own old guys that he will put in the DH spot over spending more money for Ortiz. So with New York out of the mix, chances are Ortiz will stay put.

Let's take a look at the names Cashman listed for the DH role in 2012, primarily Teixeira. Before I get to that, is he serious with adding Cano to that list? He just turned 29, and he is old? Teixeira is now considered old? He will be 32 in April and has plently left in the tank. This seems like Cashman is just making excuses that everyone is getting old and they need to be put in that DH role. Now, he NEEDS to go out there and get, say, Prince Fielder to relieve the senior citizen at first. I know he said he is focused on pitching, but he wants more big bats in the lineup, it's just the Yankee way.

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!

Your Morning Dump...where Sabathia's weight lays heavy on the mind of the media

 

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 notion of CC Sabathia in Boston doesn't excite either Chris Gasper or Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe.

"I don't think they should," Gasper said Wednesday on 'Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight' when asked if the Red Sox should make a run at Sabathia if the Yankee left-hander opts out of his contract. "You look at his body type and his age, I don't think he's going to be the pitcher he is now, five or six years from now. And they've done too many big money, bad contracts for guys who've underperformed. They've been burned too many times there.

"I would not make a move for this guy. I like him as a player, but I think the cost is going to be prohibitive."

Ryan suggested getting into the bidding to drive up the price for the Yankees . . . but that's all.

"I make a phony move. Have some fun. Why not? That's all," said Ryan. "The Yankees have to have him. And [Gasper is] right. The body type scares you. He has to weigh 325. Has to."

CSNNE:Too heavy of a burden

CC Sabathia has always fought weight issues. He's been a big boy ever since he took the mound. That hasn't affected him in the least bit, especially in the scrutinizing New York media who would take more than a few shots at his weight, despite the fact that he anchored that staff. He can eat all the Cap'n Crunch he wants, he's going out there and being dominant.

He's kept his weight under control enough and the fact that he's considering opting out of a deal even though he has four years and $92 million remaining on it, shows that he believes he can get another seven or eight year deal and that he can keep his body in good enough shape to pitch effectively throughout that contract.

There are a couple reasons for the Sox to not sign him... like the Sox continuing the Steinbrenner approach of acquiring the top free agents, the willingness to even sign him since they paid both John Lackey and Josh Beckett, the potential ego war that could happen between rivals Sabathia and Beckett... but not his weight. He can pitch well in the AL East, and particularly well in Yankee Stadium. Besides if they did go out and sign him... what an eff you to New York. I'd consider doing it just for that!

Rest of the links: Globe:Trade might be the best|Sea Dogs owner passes away|Herald:Jays may target Papi|Repairs start with starters|CSNNE:Too heavy of a burden|Cherington: Sox clubhouse behvior under review|WEEI:Ortiz: Sox "won't regret" it if they re-sign him|No Joe. but maybe Davey|Maddon: Any potential beer ban "asinine"|Maddon: Treatment of Tito almost criminal|

Your Morning Dump... Where the GM situation is nearing its conclusion

  Barton Silverman/The New York Times

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.

Some resolution on Theo Epstein’s situation should be coming shortly.

The Cubs already requested permission to speak to Epstein about their general manager opening, and there were signs out of Fenway Park [map] yesterday that all sides were working cooperatively and without rancor toward a solution.

Whether that meant granting Epstein permission to talk to the Cubs or promoting him/signing him to an extension to stay in Boston remains to be seen.

There’s no question the Cubs job holds some allure for Epstein. Those closest to him believe he’ll take the job, if it’s offered, though it’s by no means a sure thing.

The horrific finish to 2011, however, has at least given Epstein some pause. The last thing he wants is to give the appearance of fleeing a sinking ship, though truth be told, the Sox are in good shape moving forward, thanks to a nucleus that includes Dustin Pedroia [stats], Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury [stats], Daniel Bard and Jon Lester [stats].

Herald - Theo Epstein resolution draws near

Tomase ends the article by stating that we should know more about the situation today.

I hope that means that we either find out if he's going to pursue the Cubs gig, or if he's going to stick it out in Boston.  Everything is virtually on hold until we know who our 2012 GM is going to be.

We won't be able to have a meaningful managerial search.  Tito's still-remaining staff's future hangs in the balance.  Although a new manager will most likely want to bring in his own crew (unless the Sox hire within).  Either way, let's hope we don't see Curt Young hanging around the bullpen ever again.

I've written about the Epstein situation several times, so my feelings on the situation are well known. 

If Theo is going to go after the Cubs gig, it's in everyone's interest that that it gets done quickly.  The Cubs can get their GM and they can start putting their 2012 plan in place.  The Red Sox can start looking for Theo's successor, and in turn a manager.  Everyone wins. 

Except the Yankees... which brings me to Page 2.

Yankees: Too Much Moneyball

 

This probably won't help you sleep tonight, but it may just put a smile on your face.  My favorite line: "What is happening in New York?  Spending all that money is miraculously working out for them."  Then I took a peek at the Red Sox payroll and slammed my nuts in my desk drawer to ease the pain.  It didn't work.

As Norm MacDonald once said: "Laughter is the best medicine.  Unless you're diabetic.  Then insulin is the best medicine." 

Yankee fans take pity on you

Don't be fooled.  This is what Yankee fans are really like.  Every single one ever.

Of all the embarrassing, vomit-inducing things to come from the Sox September collapse, this has to be the worst.

The New York Times has an article about how Sox fans in New York are getting treated so well in their fine city.  Why you ask?  Well, out of pity of course.  And after reading the article a few times, I find it to be completely void of irony. 

This whole article is utter garbage, but entirely worth the read.  A reporter goes to a local NYC bar looking to write a story about how the always-gracious Yankee fans don't have it in them to kick Sox fans while they're down.  Rival fans in the bar are not only not rude to eachother, but are acting like civilized human beings. 

The opening paragraph paints the scene:

Fans of the two teams that constitute one of the oldest rivalries in baseball could be seen shaking hands, giving hugs, and even dancing together.

Queue the requisite "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!" quote from Ghostbusters.

Ricky Cavallo, 42, of Plainville, Conn., a self-proclaimed “true blue” Yankee fan went as far as to buy a Stan’s souvenir shirt for a Red Sox fan, Caitlin Hurley, 29, of Manhattan.

Nearby, another Red Sox fan, Julia Clews, 24, also of Manhattan, danced to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” with a Samuel Adams in hand.

There is nothing more "Bahston" than dancing to Journey while holding a Sam Adams.  Nothing. 

Still holding onto your lunch?  See if this doesn't loosen it for you:

“I almost feel like they’re giving up already,” said Kalin Woode, 29, a nurse who lives in New Hampshire but is originally from the Bronx, where she developed an allegiance to the Yankees.

“Even though I’m cheering for the Yankees, on the inside I’m like, come on Red Sox. Pull it together. Give me a game to watch,” she added.

Ms. Woode also felt compelled to buy Ms. Hurley, also a nurse, a few drinks at Stan’s.

“I got her two Jameson shots and two Jäger bombs and a Corona,” she said. “And I wrote on her Facebook wall, ‘Sorry boo!’ I’m a very nice and cordial Yankee fan today.”

If a nurse from New Hampshire buying her Sox fan friend booze and writing a apologetic message on her Facebook wall doesn't prove how humble Yankee fans are in the face of victory, I'm not sure that anything will.

Even the workers at Yankee Stadium were "kinder than normal" to Red Sox fans.  This is opposed to earlier in the year when Yankee employees would greet Sox fans with a series of roundhouse kicks and nut shots. 

Let's just end this charade now.  Yankee fans are not, nor will ever be, the 'big brother' figure that gives you a nougie and tells you to keep your head up when things aren't going your way.  They will, however, stomp on your ribs until you black out, then steal the wallet from your pants and the Jordans off your feet.  And then go and try to sleep with your girlfriend.  That's who they've always been and always will be. 

No matter how many Sorry's they post on Facebook.