Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump...Where Napoli is ready for the regular season

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.

“They cleared me after all that, and I’ve been going at it like any other year,” he said Saturday. “I feel great.”

Napoli will get an MRI every three months to determine whether the condition — avascular necrosis — has advanced.

“That’s really it,” he said. “I’ll just go one day at a time. I’ll play as much as they want me to play. I’m taking care of my body and I’ll go from there.

“Going into it, it felt like there was nothing wrong. But hearing everybody talk about it, they kind of put it in my head that there was something wrong. But once I got out there and starting running around, I let it go.

“I just play the game and play hard. Just play.”

Globe: With concerns behind him, Mike Napoli ready for Red Sox season to start

I have to make today's dump short and sweet.

Good for you, Mike, I hope your hips don't break down in 3 months.

On Page 2, Sox officially release Sweeney.

Your Morning Dump... Where Kalish is out, Sweeney is back

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.

Kalish will have another surgery on his troublesome right (non-throwing) shoulder next week, and would be sidelined throughout spring training and miss a chance to earn a spot on the Red Sox’ Opening Day roster, a major league source said last night.

The exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed, but it’s related to Kalish’s ongoing shoulder problem, the source said. The 24-year-old outfielder has dealt with continued weakness since undergoing surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum nearly 15 months ago.

Herald - Ryan Kalish to have shoulder surgery

In the aftermath of news that oft-injured Ryan Kalish will undergo another shoulder surgery, the Red Sox have signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney to a minor league contract, a major league source said Friday night and later confirmed by Sweeney via Twitter. 

"So excited to be back with Boston!" Sweeney wrote. "Thanks to the Red Sox for the opportunity to play there again."

Herald -  Red Sox sign Ryan Sweeney to minor league contract

Some disappointing 'Ryan' news this morning.  Well, not the Sweeney part (I liked him), but Kalish needing surgery.  I was really hoping to see Kalish get a decent amount of playing time this year.  That's not happening now. 

The first article above states that Cherington is looking for another lefty outfielder who can also play first.  I'm not sure if the Sweeney signing calls off that search, but don't be surprised to see another retread veteran brought in to compete for a job.

As far as Sweeney's return, I'm happy about that.  To be honest, I had forgotten about him this offseason.  I'm a bit shocked to see that nobody offered him a contract up to this point.  He's no future Hall of Famer, and his stats kinda sucked, but he had a few bright moments last year.  If he does make the major league squad, hopefully he'll be a bit more comfortable in his second year with the team and be a little more consistent at the plate.

But with this news, prepare yourself for a whole lot of Jonny Gomes.  Who knows, maybe that won't end up being such a bad thing.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Injury helped Andrew Miller find new relief role | Globe - Francona book excerpt: The 2004 ALCS | CSNNE -  Lovullo working on 'hectic' task of preparing spring training |  Bradley Jr. on maturity, pride and finishing his college degree | Cashman: A-Rod may be sidelined all season | WEEI - Sox add Sweeney on minor league deal

Ryan Sweeney out eight weeks

Turns out Ryan Sweeney's punch is extremely poorly timed, as he's likely out for the rest of the regular season. Ryan Kalish is widely expected to join the team in his place, though it hasn't yet been announced officially.

Tough break for the Sox, who were spoiled by their outfield depth. Losing Sweeney means losing the ability to trade Sweeney or Cody Ross, and probably Daniel Nava. When you factor in the likelihood of Carl Crawford or Jacoby Ellsbury missing more time, a trade of an outfielder now sounds unwise. It doesn't sound like the Sox are missing out on much. The Dodgers have pounced on Shane Victorino and the Giants on Hunter Pence, but the pitching market appears to be thin.

As of now, it still looks like the best bet for a trade is Kelly Shoppach for some minor prospects.

Your Morning Dump...where it could be a quiet day

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 Boston Red Sox will not trade Josh Beckett before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline, a team source said late Monday night. And while the club fielded numerous inquiries about the availability of outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, the MVP runner-up who is eligible for free agency after the 2013 season, the club has no plans at this time to trade him.

[...]

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino, general manager Ben Cherington, his top aides and the team's doctors all met in manager Bobby Valentine's office following Monday night's game. Reporters were ushered out of the clubhouse before the meeting, which lasted at least a half hour, ended. At this point, the team source said, the Red Sox are not expected to make a major deal before the trade deadline.

ESPNBoston | Source: Red Sox won't deal Beckett by deadline

It's looking less and less likely that the Sox will do anything major. Now, maybe they're playing possum. Maybe they're putting misinformation out there. But when you look at the roster, and specifically the guys mentioned in possible deals, it's just not easy to see something happening.

There's a certain stable of players that just isn't being traded. Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and Will Middlebrooks are, as they say, part of the solution, not the problem. Meanwhile, there are plenty of big contracts that would be nice to unload, but that would be too burdensome for another team to take on: Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, John Lackey, and even Daisuke Matsuzaka (expiring, but since he will probably produce exactly zero the rest of the way, he's still overpaid) lead the way on that.

Jacoby Ellsbury is fun to talk about, but since he's been hurt all year it's hard to imagine the Sox getting full value for him. Same, obviously, for the aforementioned Lester and Crawford. 

It's equally hard to see the Sox dumping any of their major prospects, either.

If any deal happens, it's probably one of the minor guys -- Kelly Shoppach, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Mike Aviles, any of the extra outfielders, Aaron Cook. Restock the farm a bit, call up one of our young guys (Jose Iglesias, Ryan Lavarnway, or Ryan Kalish) to replace whoever they deal, and move on.

But who knows, maybe they'll surprise us. Maybe they'll double down on their commitment to overpaid pitchers and bring in Cliff Lee.

One other thing worth mentioning: Beckett and the other overpaid players could always be moved in August if the Sox really do fall out of contention. Any of those contracts should slide through waivers will no issues, and the Sox wouldn't be upset if some team pounced and just removed the cap number anyway.

On page 2, why Ryan Sweeney is no longer part of trade talks.

Your Morning Dump...Where Sweeney's diving catch is all the buzz

(Photo: The Associated Press)

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.

“It was awesome,” right fielder Adrian Gonzalez said. “It was the first time I’ve seen a play like that. It was an incredible play. I was telling guys that he knew the guy in right field wasn’t going to get there, so he had a straight line to it and nobody was going to get in his way. It was an incredible catch.”

Not only that, it altered the course of the game. Without Sweeney’s catch, the Red Sox merely slug four homers in defeat. Without his catch, three double plays and two nice catches by Gonzalez become footnotes. Without his catch, we’re wondering why Jon Lester couldn’t pitch better with a lead.

But he made it and the Red Sox survived to claim a rousing victory.

“They were just happy,” Sweeney said when asked to describe his dugout reception. “It changed the game right there. If that ball falls, I don’t know what the score would’ve been, but it would’ve been pretty close.

“To have the momentum and have everyone happy that we got out of that inning gave everyone a boost for the rest of the game.”

Herald: Ryan Sweeney on center stage

That was one of the best grabs that I have seen from a Sox outfielder in a while. Sweeney kept the Sox alive with the diving catch and reassured everyone that he has what it takes to play center.

On top of that, Gonzo made a couple of nice grabs in right, especially the excuse me pop-up slide catch in foul territory. I think the Sox will be just fine when Interleague play comes around again in June.

Last night's game had comeback written all over it for the Phillies and the Sweeney catch was a huge speed bump in their effort. Bobby Valentine was sure it would be a top 10 play and it made #2 in the prestigious Sports Center Top 10.

Related: Globe: Sweeney's grabs attention | Providence Journal: Each in his own way, Gonzalez and Sweeney shine in the outfield | CSNNE: Defensive gems save Red Sox

On Page 2, Cody Ross receives good news on his foot

Your Morning Dump... Where we check in with Crawford

Elsa/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.

If Crawford returns on the team’s timetable, he’ll be back by late June or early July. That would leave him half a season to salvage 2012 before it becomes more lost than 2011.

“It’s tough,” he said. “You definitely want to be out there feeling good, swinging the bat well, feeling strong. I’m feeling the way I want to feel and then to have this setback is definitely disappointing. But it’s something you can’t control. It’s not like it was your fault. It just happens and you’ve got to live with it.”

History is littered with players who struggled through injuries or ineffectiveness around age 30 and then regained their All-Star form. Think Larry Walker, Darren Daulton, or closer to home, Carl Yastrzemski.

“That’s definitely how I’m thinking,” Crawford said. “I just feel like when I do come out of this, I’m going to be stronger and healthier than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t want to look back after that.”

Herald - LF Carl Crawford craves return to Sox lineup

At the very back of my mind I truly believe that when Crawford returns (whenever that may be) that he's going to be huge for the Red Sox.  He's no Carl Pavano.  He didn't sign that huge contract and then decide it was time to take it easy.  He had been working as hard as ever to prove last season was a fluke before this setback.  This injury is only going to fuel him more.

While having an All-Star caliber player like Crawford patrolling left would surely help the Sox, we have no reason to complain about his (and Ellsbury's) replacements. 

I mocked Marlon Byrd's signing at the time, since he was coming to Boston with a .070 average after 43 at-bats in Chicago.  Well, he's had 37 at-bats with Boston, and his average is a solid .297 during that span.  Quite the turnaround, (even though he's only produced a single extra-base hit).  While he leaves a bit to be desired at the plate, he's not an instant out and he's been solid in the field.  For an emergency replacement, I'm pleased.

The Cody Ross - Ryan Sweeney duo has been one of the most pleasant surprises for the Sox as well.  Sweeney is batting .361 after 21 games with 12 doubles and a triple.  Ross is at .268 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs (all better numbers than Gonzalez).  Both have had their fair share of clutch hits this season, too. 

While I'd love to see Crawford back in the lineup tonight, his return isn't nearly as pressing as it seemed back in March. 

On Page 2, the worst is confirmed for Mo

2012 season preview: The outfield

The Ted's Army crew has created a series of collectors items to write home about. To preview the 2012 Red Sox season, we have created player cards that you can collect and trade with your friends over a nice tall glass of iced tea. Sit back and enjoy the final part of our season preview, the outfield.

Jacoby Elssbury stunned us all when he casually accumulated 32 homers last season and a slugging percentage of .552, both good for team highs. We expect him to come back to earth a little but still have a great season. Scott took a fastball to the head while playing some pick-up baseball before making his prediction of Ellsbury, so his numbers are a little skewed.

Your Morning Dump...where we wonder if there really are position battles

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...

“We like (competition) for spring training,” general manager Ben Cherington said Monday night atFenway Park [map]. “We’ve had years where we haven’t had a ton of competition for the team. I think some level of competition is healthy and it gives (new manager) Bobby (Valentine) and the staff a chance to evaluate players a little bit more of a legitimate setting.”

There is no question that some uncertainty about who will be playing where is an advantage for a team with a new manager. As Valentine gets to know his team and vice versa, the best icebreaker could be sheer effort and dedication on a baseball diamond.

“My overall philosophy on that is I wish the roster were extended through April so we could have real competition under the lights and real atmosphere, and not in this sunny park morning baseball/afternoon baseball atmosphere,” Valentine said. “But I think it’s always good for guys to feel they have a chance to work and to make the team, so they work a little harder because the more you work and practice, the better foundation you have to last the entire season. I think it’s a real tough place to compete.”

Herald | Red Sox camp to sport new look

I'm a little surprised to see the story skewed this way (and ProJo took the same angle). It seems to me that these "competitions" -- namely shortstop, catcher, and right field -- will ultimately be platoons.

We've heard all offseason how Punto has no bat and Aviles has no glove, so it's unlikely one or the other will win out at short. There might not be a true platoon (other than if they have Punto play short for more ground-ball-type pitchers), but I can't see either dominating that job.

Salty is going to get the bulk of catching duties, with Shoppach mopping up. (A big spring from Lavarnway could throw a kink in those plans.)

Right field should be a true platoon. All we've heard since the Sox became interested in Cody Ross was that he dominates lefties and can't hit righties. Sweeney is a good defensive outfielder and a left-handed hitter...which slots him in nicely against righties.

The most competition -- and the only true competition -- will be the pitching staff. Of course you have the last two starting spots going to some combination of Daniel Bard (who seems very likely to get one of them), Alfredo Aceves, Aaron Cook, and possibly Carlos Silva, with guys like Vicente Padilla, Michael Bowden, Felix Doubront, and Cy Clay Mortensen hoping to get a chance. Beyond that, there will certainly be competition for various bullpen roles. The only ones that are likely settled are closer (Andrew Bailey), set-up man (Mark Melancon, until Bard reaches his starting pitching innings limit), and LOOGY (Franklin Morales).

But hey, at least I had something to write about other than the Cubs' compensation for Theo. 

CSNNE | Yankees' Granderson excited about Kuroda, Pineda additions | Matsuzaka throws off mound for first time since surgery | Globe | Ask Nick: When will Sox get their compensation? | ESPNBoston | Daisuke Matsuzaka throws bullpen | ProJo | This year, spring training won't just be fun in the sun | Cherington adopting different free agent approach | Image: Redsox.com

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox spend some of the Scutaro money

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...

Boston had maintained an interest in Ross throughout the signing season, but pounced after his asking price dropped significantly -- initially, he was seeking a three-year deal -- and after left fielder Carl Crawford underwent surgery last week to address an arthritic condition in his left wrist. 

They also acted after trading infielder Marco Scutaroand his $6 million salary to the Colorado Rockies, which freed up the money they privately said they needed to have before making additional upgrades. 

Ross’s signing does not mean the Sox have abandoned their pursuit of adding another starting pitcher. They remain in discussions with free agent Roy Oswalt, though a team source cautioned they are exploring other options as well. Barring a trade for someone like White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd, there does not appear to be another option as attractive as Oswalt, who could prove a bonanza if he stays healthy. 

ESPNBoston | Sox add OF with White House experience

First, the pluses.

Cherington got Ross at an apparent bargain of one year, $3 million. With the thriftiness being shown on Yawkey Way, this has to be considered.

Second, Ross appears to be someone who can be flexible, as he will be expected to platoon with Ryan Sweeney in right, and then play possibly even less when Ryan Kalish is ready.

But there are some minuses to this deal as well. For one, if we freed up $6 million of Marco Scutaro to improve other places, is it really smart to spend half of that on essentially a 4th outfielder? Ross comes with the reputation of a lefty masher -- he has a lifetime .912 OPS against southpaws -- but last year he was under .700 against them. Is this an aberration, or are his skills starting to deteriorate?

Alex Speier pointed out yesterday that the Red Sox actually gained $8 million in breathing room for luxury tax purposes (I won't bore you with the math; go read his article about it). In that case, we theoretically have another $5 million to spend. I have trouble believing Roy Oswalt would sign for that, and I don't know that there's anyone out there who's all that valuable beyond Roy.

So now the $170 million team has two platoons at very important defensive positions (at Fenway), an injured left fielder, about 15 question marks in the starting rotation, and a very much unsettled bullpen. Meanwhile, the Yankees and Rays are set for repeat seasons, and the Blue Jays are quietly terrifying. I'm not trying to take this all out on Ross -- he'll probably be a perfectly adequate addition -- but the Sox don't appear to be solving their biggest problems. I would have rather seen them take their chances with a Sweeney/Darnell McDonald platoon for a few months and have more money to flash at Oswalt than potentially eliminate themselves from his bidding just to get the slight upgrade that Ross represents over Darnell.

ESPNBoston | Cody Ross, Red Sox agree | Herald | Cody Ross agrees to sign with Red Sox | Globe | Cody Ross says hello, Red Sox fans | CSNNE | With money to spend, Red Sox sign Ross, target pitching

 

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.