Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

A's serious about signing Manny

Assuming it happens, this is going to be fun. 

Oakland A's assistant GM, David Forst, during a Q-and-A session with fans, admitted that his team is interested in possibly signing Manny Ramirez.

Via the Herald:

"We’re open to it," Forst told an announced crowd of more than 7,000 inside Oracle Arena. "We do have other things going on, and we expect other additions between now and opening day. We have never been in a situation where we had too many good players."

And bringing Manny aboard is a surefire way to ensure that streak continues.

Lest we forget, Manny still has that pesky 50-game suspension to ride out before he can suit up.  If he comes to Oakland, he would be eligible to play on May 30th.  His 40th birthday.  There's no way this ends well. 

Your Morning Dump... Where the Sox tried to dump Scutaro

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...

Just because the Red Sox [team stats] have not been able to bring in another starter on a major league deal does not mean they have abandoned hope of doing so.

That is why they are still maintaining contact with the agent for free agent starter Roy Oswalt, an alluring remedy for the club’s starting pitching blues. Oswalt may be amenable to a one-year deal worth roughly $8 million.

The fact the Red Sox have not yet made a bold run to lock up Oswalt at that price could be a sign of how close the team is to breaking the $178 million luxury tax threshold.

That could help explain why word spread from the Rocky Mountains yesterday that the Rockies and the Red Sox had spoken about a deal to send shortstop Marco Scutaro and his $6 million salary to Colorado. A low-cost return would likely have been the Red Sox’ goal but the talks fizzled, according to the Denver Post.

Herald - Red Sox still searching

As Scott mentioned last week, Scutaro and Youk are about the only players whose salary we could dump if we wanted to make a run at Oswalt.  And it appears as though the Sox attempted to do just that by offering Marco to the Rockies.  And while I have no real attachment to Scutaro, creating a new hole to plug another isn't exactly wise.  Sure, you could make Punto the everyday short stop (ugh) or slide Aviles in there, or even hand the reigns over to Iglesias prematurely.  But none of those options are exactly appealing.

This does show us that the Sox are in no way content to head into the upcoming season with the rotation they currently have.  Cherington has to be sweating right now, having the fate of his first season rest on the arm of a Cook, Silva or Padilla; not to mention Bard's successful transition from the pen.  But this trade also shows us that the Sox are serious about needing to dump salary to take on a substantial contract. 

But if Oswalt wants to come to Boston (and I have a good feeling he does.  This really is the best situation for him), perhaps he'll be willing to give us a huge discount.  This is a guy that earned $82 million over his past 6 seasons.  Surely he can afford to pitch for $3 or $4 million for a season before cashing in one last time.  What do you say, Roy? 

On Page 2, Manny may actually get a job

SI's Corcoran doesn't like Sox downgrade in Right

For what it's worth (probably not much) SI.com's Cliff Corcoran isnt a big fan of the Reddick for Baily swap. 

Here's what he has to say:

The Red Sox are serious about Daniel Bard starting, aren't they? I still think that's a mistake on its own merits, and now they've downgraded rightfield to support the experiment, swapping out Reddick for Sweeney. Reddick is only two years younger than Sweeney and has flaws to be sure, most significantly his inability to get on base due to low averages and poor plate discipline, but he's a toolsy player who showed some promise in his rookie campaign last year (after cups of coffee in 2009 and 2010), and could eke out a career as a corner outfielder based largely on his power at the plate and play in the field. Sweeney, meanwhile, has proven himself to be overextended as a starter, particularly in a corner, due to an utter lack of power (.378 career slugging percentage after 1,681 plate appearances) and speed, only middling patience, and a career .233/.306/.289 line against lefties in 362 PA.

Unfortunately, this was part of a Hot Stove Roundup, so Corcoran doesn't have the space to explain why the Bard transition is a mistake.  I don't see it.  Worst-case scenario, he struggles as a starter and we convert him back to a reliever, bolstering the bullpen.  Of course that would leave yet another hole in the rotation, but hey, we've got Pepe Silvia Carlos Silva. Problem already solved.

And I think Corcoran is greatly over-valuing Josh Reddick as well as the Sox need for a right fielder.  We all got caught up in Reddick-fever with his ridiculous start, but all he really did was showcase himself and up his trade value.  Reddick is never going to be Barry Bonds.  And the Red Sox don't need Barry Bonds.  The offense is already a juggernaut. 

They just need someone competent that can put the ball into play and run down some fly balls until Kalish is ready to take over every-day duties (or they bring in someone new).  And between McDonald, Sweeney and Aviles, we should have that capability.  Getting someone to replace Reddick was never going to be hard.  Getting a legitimate closer that can pitch in the AL East?  Not quite as simple. 

Photo: Projo.com

Your Morning Dump... Where Gio isn't walking through that door

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 Red Sox were involved in trade talks with the Oakland A's for lefty starter Gio Gonzalez right until the end -- when the A's opted for the Washington Nationals' package of three pitching prospects (plus a position player) over the Red Sox' offer, which was more titled toward position players, an industry source confirmed.

Gonzalez, 25, was sent to Washington in exchange for pitchers A.J. Cole, Brad Peacock, Tom Milone and catcher Derek Norris.

A deal with the Red Sox, meanwhile, would have required the Sox to part with four prospects -- each a high-level prospect, the source indicated.

It's believed that Oakland was asking for names such as third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielder Ryan Kalish -- among others -- to get a deal done with Boston.

CSNNE - Sox unsuccessful in landing starter Gonzalez

I didn't even know the Sox still had four 'high-level' prospects left on the farm.  I kid.  I kid.

I like Gio Gonzalez.  When it was announced that the A's were putting him on the block and that the Sox were interested, I became slightly excited.  You can't have too many young, left-handed potential aces in your rotation. 

But now that the deal is finalized, I'm relieved we didn't complete the trade.  The Nationals gave up a lot to get Gio.  Two of the players they traded are ranked as their top-five prospects, with another ranked ninth.  The A's were asking Boston to part with their number one prospect, Middlebrooks, who just happens to be the heir to the Youkilis throne.  And a seat we're going to have to fill sooner rather than later. 

We obviously need pitching, but you can't derail your team's roadmap unless you're getting a truly special player.  Gio is good.  And maybe he becomes that caliber of player some day.  But he's not now.  So I'm more than happy to let someone else empty their shelves, hoping he does reach that level.

Of course, this still leaves us with some giant holes in our pitching staff.  Cherington is clearly sitting back, waiting for the pitchers to come to him, asking for a job.  And maybe that plan will work out.  As the winter progresses, price tags lower.  I just hope he doesn't wait too long.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Sox stay patient as SP goes Gonzo again | Cardinals land Carlos Beltran | Globe -  An early look at JetBlue Park at Fenway South | Valentine a big hit with the kids in Allston | WEEI - Depth charge: How Red Sox starting depth is shaping up | Red Sox hit with $3.4M luxury tax bill | ESPN - Red Sox saving bullets for another deal?

Your Morning Dump...where Bailey could handle the hub

Every morning, well most mornings and sometimes in the afternoon, 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.

“This is actually the first healthy offseason I’ve had,” Bailey said. “Everything’s great. I’ve been able to get after it from Day 1, and I haven’t been able to do that in a couple years.”

Bailey has spent his career in the laid-back Bay Area, but he was raised in New Jersey and lives outside of New Haven, Conn., where his wife grew up. He said the prospect of returning to the Northeast would be appealing, not daunting.

“Everyone knows what it’s like to play in the bigger markets, in New York or Boston,” said Bailey, who has a 2.18 ERA, 25 saves and a 1.17 WHIP in 45 career appearances against AL East teams. “Me being from the East Coast and growing up out here, I think I have a good understanding of what’s expected of you from that regard.”

Herald | A's Andrew Bailey ready for anything

If we're really planning on using Bard as a starter, I'd much rather trade for Bailey than Gonzalez. The cost would be cheaper (hopefully just prospects, or at least just Jed Lowrie out of major leaguers) and then we can hang on to the Kalish/Reddick option in right field. 

Bailey seems like an effective pitcher, although obviously there's a lot of variance among relievers, so he could easily fall off. But I like him better than the other external closer options at this point. I don't have any interest in Ryan Madson at his price point, and everybody else with closer experience is pretty old. 

Bailey isn't an overwhelming strikeout pitcher (as far as relievers go), but he's strong enough. It sounds like he has the make-up to handle the job. Let's make a push for him, Cherington.

Herald | Shoppach catches on with Sox | Globe | Shoppach 'excited' to return to Red Sox | CSNNE | McAdam: Varitek's true legacy will shine in time | ESPNBoston | Red Sox, Shoppach agree 

Your Morning Dump...where it looks like Papi will return

Every morning, well most mornings and sometimes in the afternoon, 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.

David Ortiz [stats]’ tenure with the Red Sox [team stats] will last for at least one more season.

With the market for full-time designated hitters shrinking, Ortiz is planning to accept salary arbitration before tonight’s 11:59 p.m. deadline, a source close to the slugger said last night. By doing so, he will be agreeing to a one-year contract worth more than his $12.5 million salary in 2011.

For weeks, Ortiz has been seeking a multiyear deal. And while it’s possible agent Fern Cuza could meet again with the Red Sox before the deadline, it seems unlikely at this point that the sides will agree on a two-year deal for Ortiz’ desired annual salary, according to the source.

Herald | Expect David Ortiz to be back

The various beatwriters seem to be in disagreement (on Twitter) as to whether Ortiz will accept arbitration. Some say he's planning to, some say the decision has been made, some say it has not. But seemingly everybody agrees he will be back.

The major reason is that he wants to return, and the Red Sox still want him. Also important: it looks like his market has dried up. That part amazes me. All you need to create a market is two or three teams (just ask Albert Pujols). There isn't a single team who would offer Ortiz a strong enough two-year offer to make him turn down arbitration and try to get a bidding war going? That may be true, especially considering it takes a first-round pick to sign him.

Most speculation seems to have Ortiz getting around $14 million in arbitration, so it's a no brainer to take it for Papi if the Sox won't go to 2 years, $25 million like he wants. What continues to confuse me about the on-going Ortiz/Red Sox negotiations is how they don't end up meeting in the middle. Why not settle on 2 years, $21 or $22 million and call it a day? We can afford it, he gets his security against a steep drop-off or injury. It's a win-win. Just get it done so we don't have to have this conversation every year.

On page 2, the Sox are pushing for Andrew Bailey.

Sox have eyes for Gio

How would you feel about having another young, left-handed, potential ace in the rotation?  if that thought excites you, you're not alone.  Ben Cherington and the rest of the Sox front office have been discussing going after the Oakland Athletics' Gio Gonzalez.

At least, according to Gordon Edes at ESPN:

Cherington has acknowledged the Sox aren't expected to enter the bidding for high-end free-agent starters C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle, but they are known to be extremely high on Oakland left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who would command a top package of prospects comparable to the one the Chicago Cubs surrendered when they acquired Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays last winter.

Having given up pitcher Casey Kelly and first baseman Anthony Rizzo last December for Adrian Gonzalez, the Sox are likely to proceed cautiously before parting with their best prospects in another deal. But make no mistake, Gio Gonzalez has been a name widely discussed internally by the team.

I don't know that the Sox have what it takes to get Gio.  This is a guy that somehow managed to win 16 games in Oakland last season, striking out 197 batters with a 3.12 ERA.  But perhaps, if they ever manage to get some compensation from the Cubs, it'll be someone with enough potential to entice the A's.

And if they do have to part with some top-prospects, there is a somewhat silver lining.  Maybe more of a grayish lining, really.  They will collect 2 first round picks for letting Papelbon walk.  And, thanks to the new CBA, whoever signs some Type-A free agents (including closers Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and Francisco Rodriguez) will not have to offer compensation.  So we can sign an arguably decent closer (at considerably less than Papelbon's salary) and not have to lose any draft picks over it.

I still don't see Gio pitching at Fenway next season, but it's nice to see Cherington being aggressive. 

So long, Curt Young

We've hated Curt Young from the very beginning of the season, but it looks like he's not going to be our problem much longer.  Curt is applying for his old gig: Oakland A's pitching coach.  Heading back to a town where he doesn't have to deal with, you know, actual expectations.  And, to be fair, the likes of John Lackey.  Or video games.  Or fried chicken.  And it looks like the Red Sox seem pretty eager to let him go.

If you go back to that original story, and read the quote from Tito about how Young "stepped back" from the veterans because "they're used to what they're doing" we should have seen these shenanigans coming long ago.  But that's all in the past now.  Assuming he gets the job, Curt can go back to whittling twigs in the Oakland dugout, where no one will care.

Via The Herald:

Even though he has one more year remaining on his contract, Young confirmed yesterday that he has received permission to talk to the Oakland Athletics about their vacant pitching coach job. If Young departs, the Red Sox will begin next season with their third pitching coach in as many years.

Young served the A’s in that role from 2004-10 before joining the Sox last November to replace John Farrell, who left to become the manager of the Blue Jays.

Under Young’s watch, Sox pitchers combined for a 4.20 ERA, ninth in the AL. And the pitching staff, particularly the starters, faltered badly in the last month. Seven starters notched an overall 7.08 ERA, as the Sox endured the worst September collapse in history.

And the most damning quote of the entire Curt Young era, courtesy of Clay Buchholz:

“They were two different coaches. Hard to compare guys that are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum,” Buchholz said. “I have nothing bad to say about Curt. He talked to me about whatever I needed to talk about. With John it was, I don’t want to talk to him unless I have to because I’m scared of him.”

Just as we suspected all along, Curt was a little too much Oprah, not enough Lombardi.

Good Riddance Best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Welcome to Boston, Conor Jackson

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Well, that's that.  The 2011 World Series is officially ours.  Cancel the rest of the season.  Don't bother with that whole playoff formality.  The Red Sox now have Conor Jackson.  The Red Sox are now unbeatable.

You're probably asking yourself 'How man top-tier prospects did we have to part with to get someone of Jackson's pedigree? Renaudo? Iglesias? Maybe both?!'

Actually, neither.  All Theo handed over to the A's for Jackson was Pawtucket's Jason Rice. 

Here are the details, via RedSox.com:

"It's definitely exciting," Jackson said. "I'm at a little loss for words right now. If you had told me on the 31st at 11:45 I would have gotten traded ... it's just exciting.

"I don't think you could be a guy in my position to ask for anything better, going to a big-market team where there's probably the best fans in baseball."

A right-handed hitter, Jackson is hitting .249 with four homers and 38 RBIs in 102 games and 333 at-bats this season.

The Red Sox have a first baseman who plays just about all the time in Adrian Gonzalez, so Jackson will probably see far more action in the outfield.

"I'll probably have the same role -- coming off the bench against lefties," Jackson said. "But whatever it is, I'll be grateful for it. I think the opportunity to play in October is unparalleled to anything else."

Did you get a look at those numbers up there?  .249 average. Four (4!) home runs.  38 Runs Batted In.  And he did all this in just 333 at-bats. 

Sorry Major League Baseball.  He's ours now. 

On a semi-serious note, it's pretty apparent that Theo is about as happy with our non-Jacoby/Carl outfielders as the fans are.  And with JD experiencing a setback with a sprained finger (Drew getting injured while recovering from an injury?  Who would've expected that?!), Theo at least did something to try to liven up Right Field. 

Oh, and that whole 'facing lefties' thing?  Here is what he's done against lefties this season: 122 at-bats, 31 hits, .254 average, with 10 doubles, 0 home runs and 10 RBIs.  Whip out the party hats, folks.

I don't think Conor Jackson is the answer -- unless the question is: who else can Tito put in Right that won't produce at the plate -- but well, welcome to Boston.  I guess.

Taking Stock: Sox - Athletics Series

After each series, we'll be taking stock in each player's...and maybe manager's...performance. If we like what we see, we're buyin'. If we don't, we're sellin'. Or maybe we'll just hold onto our stock until we see more next series.

Fenway Grounds Crew: No one worked as hard as these guys did on Saturday (although Moscoso was laboring pretty hard on the mound for the A's).  I have no idea if these guys are the best in the business (surely there's a stat out there somewhere to gauge these things), but Sox Nation is lucky to have them.  Also, honorable mention to the thousands of fans that stuck around through all the delays during two less-than stellar games. 

Jon Lester: Another start, another 6 innings of 1 run 3 hit ball.  Yes, those starts came against KC and the A's, and yes, his strikeouts are down (only 7 over those 12 innings), but Lester's job is to put his team in a position to win.  He's doing that and more. 

David Ortiz: Big Papi swung a mighty bat against those Athletics.  8 hits in his 12 at-bats. 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 5 RBIs (at least one each game), with only one strike out.  Clearly this is a man that wants a new contract.  And, well, deserves one. 

Josh Reddick: And Reddick's decline at the plate continues.  1-7 in the series, with that one hit being a pinch-hit RBI double.  So, that's something.  He also drew a walk and scored a run during Saturday's day game. That's about all the nice things we can say about Josh right now.  That, and the fact that his competition in right, Darnell McDonald, has an 18 ERA on the year. 

Tim Wakefield: Poor Tim Wakefield.  He should've had win #200 about 17 times now by my count, but the Sox keep finding ways to snatch it away from him.  This time, the blame lies solely on Wake's shoulders.  4 IP pitched, tagged for 8 runs (although only 4 were earned), surrendered 8 hits, gave up 2 home runs, and just generally wasn't fooling anybody with the knuckler. 

 Erik Bedard: Thanks to the hour-long rain delay, we didn't get to get a complete look at Bedard.  But what we did see what promising: 4 IP, 0 Runs, 2 Hits and 5 K's.  And yes, 4 walks.  Earlier in the week Gammons said that Bedard was turning a corner.  Not that we'd ever dare doubt him, but he might be right. 

Gonzo: To say he cooled a bit from the Texas series would be quite the understatement. We didn't expect a repeat performance, but we also didn't expect him to go 3-13 with 1 extra-base hit (a wall-scraper double) and one RBI.  Probably just keeping a little bit in the tank for the Yankees series.  That must be it.

Scott Atchison: He was called up to help ease the burden of having to play 3 games in a day and a half, and he did that and more.  Relieving Wake in the 5th, he pitched 3 strong innings - allowing 1 run and 3 hits.  Atchison, who was one of the lone bright spots in last season's bullpen, has pretty much been shafted all season long with the Sox.  While I don't expect the Sox to 'hold' him at the majors much longer, I just wanted to give him a little recognition before he fades back to obscurity.