New Manny Rumor...

[krazeebrainz]

Abreu for Manny trade, even if Rollins is in the picture, obliterates the Sox lineup. Figure Abreu would have 90 RBIs...Where are the other 50-or-so going to come from? The bottom line is that the Sox need to keep Ramirez.

 

Ramirez can talk all that he wants, but the bottom line is that Manny knows that he has to produce. I he has a sub-par season, it all but eliminates the potential for being traded later this year or in the future. Who is going to take a chance if his numbers greatly decline? Given the price tag on his contract, another team interested in Manny is going to need to be positive that he is still the RBI machine that he has been in the past. With this said, Manny hits...

 

On a sidenote, picking up Tavarez works out well with regard to Manny. Apparently the two of them were fairly close when they both played for Cleveland...

-krazeebrainz

[guapo34]

The truth is that we need to fill our gaping holes at SS, CF, and a leadoff hitter. My opinion is that we trade one Clement and Cash for Jeremy Reed, because he's a proven defensive player and will be a great hitter as well. After that we fill David Well's trade demand and spin him off to the Dodgers for JD Drew and Cash, because he's a great hitter and we can put him in LF to protect him from injury. True the the Dodgers broke off talks with the Sox for Wells, but if we can take the vast majority of the 4 years/44 million they have, maybe 4 years/36-40 million, I'm sure they'll start talking again. Then we make a major blockbuster if all these rumors are true, here it is;

 

Phillies Get:

Bronson Arroyo-P

Manny-LF

Trot Nixon-RF

Lenny DiNardo-P

 

Boston Gets:

Robinson Tejada-P

Bobby Abreu-RF

Jimmy Rollins(we'll have him for 5 years during his prime)-SS

 

Boston's Lineup

 

Rollins-SS

Loretta-2b

Abreu-RF

Ortiz-DH

Drew-LF

Lowell-3b

Tek-C

Youk/Snow-1b

Reed-CF

 

Beckett

Wake

Schilling

Tejada

Paps

 

Foulke-CL

Mota-SU/MR

Seanz-SU/MR

Taveraz-SU/MR

Timlin-MR

Hansen/Declarman-MR

Lester-Long Reliever, Lefty out of Pen

 

Cora/Graff-2b/SS(add one of them to the trades to get them done)

Marte-3b/1b

Stern-4th OF

Ellsbury-4 OF

Flathery/Shoppach-C

 

Good and Young

 

I don't think any one of your three trades are realistic. If we could trade Clement and Cash for Jeremy Reed it would be done by now. The only reason it wouldn't be is because the sox think they can get a better player instead.

 

JD Drew for David Wells makes no sense for LA. They need Drews bat in the lineup and Wells doesn't add enough to their team to make it worth it.

 

Rollins isn't going anywhere in a Manny trade if Abreu is involved too.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

If Bobby Abreu was hitting 3rd or 4th in the Red Sox order where most of his games are at fenway and players are always on base I will guarantee he has more than 90 RBI. He would have around 110-120. Not to mention the protection he would have behind him.

 

Plus Bobby Abreu would have somewhere in the means of 30-40 stolen bases....not so sure Manny Ramirez can provide any of those.

 

You won't get 40 HRs out of Abreu but at Fenway Park and protection in the lineup you can probably get 35 HRs. Add that to a lineup who will hit more HRs together this year as opposed to last and we are in fine shape.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

I think the Tejada thing is a lost cause...and, to be honest, I think dealing Manny is kind of a lost cause too. I don't really see what the big deal with that is. Manny demands a trade every single year, and then goes back on it, then goes ahead on it, then goes back on it...this is something we've seen year after year. But, the fact of the matter is, weather he hates Boston or loves Boston, he still puts up sick numbers. I'm happy to keep his Sox Red...the real issue at hand here is second base, shortstop, and center. Am I the only die-hard Sox fan who doesn't feel comfortable going into a season with Alex Cora at SS? Maybe it's an outside chance...but is there any talk at all of the Sox making a run at Soriano? He could stay at 2nd which he's repeatedly said he wants to do...and fill the GAPING hole we have there. I love the idea of bringing Pokey back to and sticking him at SS...guy is a sick defensive player. Also...a bat like Soriano's in the lineup could lessen the boom on Ortiz if Manny is to be dealt. (which, like I said, I still doubt) He (Sori) asked for 12M from the Nationals...the Sox have the money, and maybe the Dominican influence of Ortiz and ManRam would entice him? Aaaaaaaaaaand, as if we need more reasons...the dude can run. Fast. This current Sox team is going to look like a bunch of geriatric patients on the basepaths... Any thoughts?

[ORS]

Maybe it's an outside chance...but is there any talk at all of the Sox making a run at Soriano? He could stay at 2nd which he's repeatedly said he wants to do...and fill the GAPING hole we have there.

I stopped reading right there. Gaping hole at 2B? Mark Loretta and Tony Graffanino scream, "Hello!"

[MC Hammer]

I stopped reading right there. Gaping hole at 2B? Mark Loretta and Tony Graffanino scream, "Hello!"

Yeah, not to mention soriano would actually create a gaping hole at 2B with his horrible fielding.

[riverside sluggers]

Not to mention he seriously lacks plate patience.

[elsrbueno]

I think the Tejada thing is a lost cause...and, to be honest, I think dealing Manny is kind of a lost cause too. I don't really see what the big deal with that is. Manny demands a trade every single year, and then goes back on it, then goes ahead on it, then goes back on it...this is something we've seen year after year. But, the fact of the matter is, weather he hates Boston or loves Boston, he still puts up sick numbers. I'm happy to keep his Sox Red...the real issue at hand here is second base, shortstop, and center. Am I the only die-hard Sox fan who doesn't feel comfortable going into a season with Alex Cora at SS? Maybe it's an outside chance...but is there any talk at all of the Sox making a run at Soriano? He could stay at 2nd which he's repeatedly said he wants to do...and fill the GAPING hole we have there. I love the idea of bringing Pokey back to and sticking him at SS...guy is a sick defensive player. Also...a bat like Soriano's in the lineup could lessen the boom on Ortiz if Manny is to be dealt. (which, like I said, I still doubt) He (Sori) asked for 12M from the Nationals...the Sox have the money, and maybe the Dominican influence of Ortiz and ManRam would entice him? Aaaaaaaaaaand, as if we need more reasons...the dude can run. Fast. This current Sox team is going to look like a bunch of geriatric patients on the basepaths... Any thoughts?

 

Just one thought, actually.

 

NO.

 

The only thing you said that I agreed with was that Soriano can run. He's faster than most of the players on the Red Sox' team.

 

Some other things you said that I disagree with:

1. That we have a gaping whole at second base. Like ORS said, we have 2 second baseman in Graffanino and Loretta, PLUS Pedroia and even Alex Cora (if a shortstop is acquired). We're all set at second.

2. Soriano worth $12 million? No thanks.

3. Pokey Reese just signed a 1-year deal with Florida, which means he can't be traded until mid-season anyway.... and even if he could be acquired, is he a better solution than Alex Cora?

[HeadOfSoxNation]

I don't feel confident with Graffanino at 2nd...let's be honest here, he played really well for the Sox last year, but he's by no means a .310 hitter. There's simply no way. I'd say .260, .275 at best. I loved what he did last year, but you're ignorant if you're already expecting the same thing this year. And as far as Loretta goes, I like what I've seen thus far from him, but who knows how he's going to handle the big market exposure of Boston? I'm pretty sure you don't get the kind of scrutiny in San Diego, Milwaukee, and Houston that you do in Beantown, where as Soriano started off in the only market in the League bigger than Boston. As far as his plate discipline, it is definitley something that needs to be improved...but he strikes out less than a lot of power hitters in the league, and is a prototypical 30/30 guy...and potentially 40/40. Which again leads me to reiterate, that the Sox have NO SPEED. I like the idea of Loretta in the lineup, at least giving him a shot...but I feel like the Sox would greatly be improved with Soriano at 2nd, and shifting Loretta to fill the hole at short.

[riverside sluggers]

Lets also remember the last time "soriano to boston" was brought up in the news, it was reported that Washington would be seeking pitching, pitching, pitching

 

We're not talking Wells, Clement or Arroyo

 

The Nationals were moreso along the lines interested in Beckett, Papelbon or Lester. Thanks but no thanks Washington.

 

------------------------

other reasons to avoid Soriano

 

Soriano at 2nd base would harpen the new & improved defense the Sox is going towards

5 past seasons has commited 104 errors, and overall has a horrid career .969 fielding percentage

 

He also doesnt like to connect that bat with the ball when there are men on base

2005 stats

RISP- (.235 avg)

RISP/2outs- (.181 avg)

[elsrbueno]

I don't feel confident with Graffanino at 2nd...let's be honest here, he played really well for the Sox last year, but he's by no means a .310 hitter. There's simply no way. I'd say .260, .275 at best. I loved what he did last year, but you're ignorant if you're already expecting the same thing this year. And as far as Loretta goes, I like what I've seen thus far from him, but who knows how he's going to handle the big market exposure of Boston? I'm pretty sure you don't get the kind of scrutiny in San Diego, Milwaukee, and Houston that you do in Beantown, where as Soriano started off in the only market in the League bigger than Boston. As far as his plate discipline, it is definitley something that needs to be improved...but he strikes out less than a lot of power hitters in the league, and is a prototypical 30/30 guy...and potentially 40/40. Which again leads me to reiterate, that the Sox have NO SPEED. I like the idea of Loretta in the lineup, at least giving him a shot...but I feel like the Sox would greatly be improved with Soriano at 2nd, and shifting Loretta to fill the hole at short.

 

While I agree that his strikeouts aren't his biggest problem, he doesn't strike out "a lot less" than other power hitters who hit 30-ish homers, but he's about average in that respect.

 

His on base percentage frankly scares me, if you compare him to players in his power bracket (30-40 homers), he's at least 50 points lower on base-wise than anyone else on that list. Granted, for a second baseman he's an offensive powerhouse and a 30-30 threat. I'm one of the few statheads on this site who actually LIKE Soriano (most guys would sooner throw him off a bridge) but if you consider that he was just 27 last year (just turned 28) the fact that he's fast AND just now entering his prime years in intreaguing.

 

A few things to note:

 

His .972 fielding percentage was WORST among regular second baseman. His range factor (4.88) and zone rating (.810) are both below the median. I am willing to excuse lower fielding percentages if it's a player who gets to more balls-- but really based on these numbers prove that's just not the case.

 

Granted last year Mark Loretta (.987/4.58/.818) wasn't a whole lot better at getting to balls, but he caught a LOT bigger percentage of them when he DID get there. If you consider that Loretta was bothered by injuries last year and take 2004 as a defensive sample, he was significantly better defensively than Alfonso: (.987/4.97/.832)

 

Last I heard, the Washington Nationals were asking for a ton for Soriano. Another thing to consider.

 

If he could be acquired cheaply, I'd take Soriano and throw him in centerfield because that's probably a much better position for him. However, since he's flat-out refused to play the outfield, I don't see him having a position with the Red Sox.

[jimmycarter05]

I don't feel confident with Graffanino at 2nd...let's be honest here, he played really well for the Sox last year, but he's by no means a .310 hitter. There's simply no way. I'd say .260, .275 at best. I loved what he did last year, but you're ignorant if you're already expecting the same thing this year. And as far as Loretta goes, I like what I've seen thus far from him, but who knows how he's going to handle the big market exposure of Boston? I'm pretty sure you don't get the kind of scrutiny in San Diego, Milwaukee, and Houston that you do in Beantown, where as Soriano started off in the only market in the League bigger than Boston. As far as his plate discipline, it is definitley something that needs to be improved...but he strikes out less than a lot of power hitters in the league, and is a prototypical 30/30 guy...and potentially 40/40. Which again leads me to reiterate, that the Sox have NO SPEED. I like the idea of Loretta in the lineup, at least giving him a shot...but I feel like the Sox would greatly be improved with Soriano at 2nd, and shifting Loretta to fill the hole at short.

 

 

WOW another guy that likes Soriano.

[jsinger121]

the red sox don't need soriano. he will cost too much in terms of prospects and he is not the red sox type of player. he is not going to get better as he pretty much has reached his potential. i would never give up lester, papelbon, marte, or hansen for soriano.

[schillingouttheks]

I don't feel confident with Graffanino at 2nd...let's be honest here, he played really well for the Sox last year, but he's by no means a .310 hitter. There's simply no way. I'd say .260, .275 at best. I loved what he did last year, but you're ignorant if you're already expecting the same thing this year. And as far as Loretta goes, I like what I've seen thus far from him, but who knows how he's going to handle the big market exposure of Boston? I'm pretty sure you don't get the kind of scrutiny in San Diego, Milwaukee, and Houston that you do in Beantown, where as Soriano started off in the only market in the League bigger than Boston. As far as his plate discipline, it is definitley something that needs to be improved...but he strikes out less than a lot of power hitters in the league, and is a prototypical 30/30 guy...and potentially 40/40. Which again leads me to reiterate, that the Sox have NO SPEED. I like the idea of Loretta in the lineup, at least giving him a shot...but I feel like the Sox would greatly be improved with Soriano at 2nd, and shifting Loretta to fill the hole at short.

So, guys like Schilling, Damon *gasp*, Manny and Papi are supposed to suck just because they can't handle pressure in Boston? They were proven players before they came (with exception to Papi), and they exploded even more in Boston. Schilling had next to no protection in Arizona. Damon, none in KC and not too much in Oakland. Manny from Cleveland? Not to mention Papi wasn't doing too well in MINNESOTA. But when tehy come to Boston, they explode.

 

You also make it sound like Graffanino is the everyday starting 2B. RELAX. He's not. I honestly have to ask if you have a brain if you're THAT concerned about having Loretta at 2B. He has a career .301 average...

 

Your post above speaks way too much of Graffanino. Let's remember, you're criticizing a BENCH PLAYER. Graff will not start over Loretta. And Soriano won't be here either. And NO, the "Dominican influence" on this team will not influence his opinion.

 

But anyway, just because he's from San Diego and hasn't been at a big market exposure yet, doesn't mean anything. Anybody can crack under any pressure. Renteria thrived in a HUGE baseball city in St. Louis, but led the league in errors and didn't have his best year at the plate either, with us.

 

Lay back, take a chill pill, and enjoy the moves being made. Manny's staying most likely, and his numbers will kick ass once again. If we get a decent CF (Reed or Crisp) that can defensively play well, then yes, Cora at SS will work. But we have Theo back now, and look for something to be done.

[jimmycarter05]

So, guys like Schilling, Damon *gasp*, Manny and Papi are supposed to suck just because they can't handle pressure in Boston? They were proven players before they came (with exception to Papi), and they exploded even more in Boston. Schilling had next to no protection in Arizona. Damon, none in KC and not too much in Oakland. Manny from Cleveland? Not to mention Papi wasn't doing too well in MINNESOTA. But when tehy come to Boston, they explode.

 

You also make it sound like Graffanino is the everyday starting 2B. RELAX. He's not. I honestly have to ask if you have a brain if you're THAT concerned about having Loretta at 2B. He has a career .301 average...

 

Your post above speaks way too much of Graffanino. Let's remember, you're criticizing a BENCH PLAYER. Graff will not start over Loretta. And Soriano won't be here either. And NO, the "Dominican influence" on this team will not influence his opinion.

 

But anyway, just because he's from San Diego and hasn't been at a big market exposure yet, doesn't mean anything. Anybody can crack under any pressure. Renteria thrived in a HUGE baseball city in St. Louis, but led the league in errors and didn't have his best year at the plate either, with us.

 

Lay back, take a chill pill, and enjoy the moves being made. Manny's staying most likely, and his numbers will kick ass once again. If we get a decent CF (Reed or Crisp) that can defensively play well, then yes, Cora at SS will work. But we have Theo back now, and look for something to be done.

 

 

I think there's a "Domican Influence" on every MLB team.

[schillingouttheks]

Did you read what he said before? He thinks Soriano would come to Boston just because Manny and Papi are here and they're Dominican. That's not the case.

[jsinger121]

getting soriano is not the red sox priority nor should it be. who cares if he is dominician. he is overrated as a player would cost too much in a trade.

[example1]

I don't feel confident with Graffanino at 2nd...let's be honest here, he played really well for the Sox last year, but he's by no means a .310 hitter. There's simply no way. I'd say .260, .275 at best. I loved what he did last year, but you're ignorant if you're already expecting the same thing this year. And as far as Loretta goes, I like what I've seen thus far from him, but who knows how he's going to handle the big market exposure of Boston? I'm pretty sure you don't get the kind of scrutiny in San Diego, Milwaukee, and Houston that you do in Beantown, where as Soriano started off in the only market in the League bigger than Boston. As far as his plate discipline, it is definitley something that needs to be improved...but he strikes out less than a lot of power hitters in the league, and is a prototypical 30/30 guy...and potentially 40/40. Which again leads me to reiterate, that the Sox have NO SPEED. I like the idea of Loretta in the lineup, at least giving him a shot...but I feel like the Sox would greatly be improved with Soriano at 2nd, and shifting Loretta to fill the hole at short.

 

Their defense would continue to suck if Soriano went to 2nd. The entire reason they got Loretta this year was to start him at 2nd. Not as a backup, not as a shortstop, but as a starting second baseman. I believe that the red sox have had some of the league's better 2nd basemen the last few years and they were all experienced, relatively slow, but patient hitters who had some pop and who made good plays in the field. Loretta has the chance to be a gritty player in the mold of Mueller IMO.

[riverside sluggers]

I tried to find who had proposed this trade idea recently but I could find it to give the respected poster props.

 

LA Times: The Boston Red Sox also made another strong push to trade disgruntled slugger Manny Ramirez to the Angels this past week, but talks bogged down again, with the Angels balking at Boston's asking price. As for Ramirez, who would provide a considerable boost to a power-starved Angel lineup, the chances for a deal still seem remote despite negotiations between the teams —rekindled by the Red Sox — this week.

 

Boston was believed to have asked for at least four players — Santana, utility player Chone Figgins and two or three of the Angels' top four prospects, a list that includes shortstop Brandon Wood and second baseman Howie Kendrick. The Red Sox also wanted the Angels to assume virtually all of the $57 million remaining on Ramirez's contract, which runs through 2008.

[eZ_d0eS_iT]

Well I don't know if anyone else mentioned that proposal, but I posted last week that I had heard on the local sports talk radio XTRA in LA, that deal was rumored to have been on the backburner while the FO was publicly still trying to pull Crisp out of Cleveland. And because of the steep price of a 4 for 1 deal, not to mention being on the hook for an extra 20 mil a year for 1 player, Anaheim obviously got cold feet.

 

While Figgins and Santana would be good additions, I think keeping Manny away from the Angels (who had been predicted to have the second worst offense only to KC-per FSN.) will help when it comes to the playoffs. Let's face it, Oakland and Texas both made moves to get better in the offseason while they pretty much nothing outside of pursuing Konerko. We'll see how desperate they become if they can't seem to get their offense on track and Texas or oakland are able get an early lead.

[elsrbueno]

I tried to find who had proposed this trade idea recently but I could find it to give the respected poster props.

LA Times: The Boston Red Sox also made another strong push to trade disgruntled slugger Manny Ramirez to the Angels this past week, but talks bogged down again, with the Angels balking at Boston's asking price. As for Ramirez, who would provide a considerable boost to a power-starved Angel lineup, the chances for a deal still seem remote despite negotiations between the teams —rekindled by the Red Sox — this week.

 

Boston was believed to have asked for at least four players — Santana, utility player Chone Figgins and two or three of the Angels' top four prospects, a list that includes shortstop Brandon Wood and second baseman Howie Kendrick. The Red Sox also wanted the Angels to assume virtually all of the $57 million remaining on Ramirez's contract, which runs through 2008.

 

 

Getting Santana, Figgins, 2 or 3 prospects, AND the financial relief of Manny's contract? Yes please.

 

Call me crazy/stupid, but I'd take on Darin Erstad in this trade to help balance out the contracts. I'm pretty sure Erstad is signed for only one more season, albeit at a huge price, but I'd take on Erstad and throw him in center (shifting Crisp to left). Darin Erstad is the kind of guy Boston fans would love. He runs through walls (ala Damon) for your team and he's athletic enough so he won't be a drag on the lineup. YES, he's declining (which is strange because he's only 31) but to me he's like Mike Lowell in that he's a guy you HAVE to take on to get the talent you want, he'll be good defensively, and anything you get offensively will be a bonus.

 

How's about Manny Ramirez and Graffanino (replacement utility guy) for Erstad, Santana, Figgins, and two of the following (Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales)?

[riverside sluggers]

and two of the following (Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales)?

 

Arent those 3, second baseman/shortstop type prospects? If so just need one of them since Pedroia is set to be the Sox shortstop for 2007 if not sooner. Just a thought top of my head, its fun to speculate

 

Red Sox- Santana, Figgins, Kendrick

Angels- Manny, Wells, Graffanino, prospect Jed Lowrie

[elsrbueno]

Arent those 3, second baseman/shortstop type prospects? If so just need one of them since Pedroia is set to be the Sox shortstop for 2007 if not sooner. Just a thought top of my head, its fun to speculate

 

Red Sox- Santana, Figgins, Kendrick

Angels- Manny, Wells, Graffanino, prospect Jed Lowrie

 

Yes it's fun to speculate.

 

I think you're giving up way too much for too little in that deal though. The thing with prospects is that not all of them develop into what they're supposed to be, so depth (IMO) is important. Kendrick is a second baseman yes, Morales is an outfielder I believe, and Wood is a shortstop. Personally I see Pedroia as a second baseman down the road, so here's my idea along those lines:

 

Red Sox-- Erstad, Santana, Figgins, Wood, Morales (RH Power)

Angels -- Manny, Wells, Graffanino

[jsinger121]

wood can move to third i heard. the angels have talked about moving him there. if we ever got kenrick and wood, then pedroia wood move back to short to make room for kenrick at second.

[guapo34]

Arent those 3, second baseman/shortstop type prospects? If so just need one of them since Pedroia is set to be the Sox shortstop for 2007 if not sooner. Just a thought top of my head, its fun to speculate

 

Red Sox- Santana, Figgins, Kendrick

Angels- Manny, Wells, Graffanino, prospect Jed Lowrie

 

We can't trade Lowrie yet. Theres a rule you can't trade a player until a year after the draft, and I'm not sure but it might even be a year after they sign. Rotoworld speculated that the Red Sox knew the Angels would never give up that much for Manny and just made the offer in order to show Manny that we're still trying. The last problem I see here is the money. We'd have to send a ton of it to the Angles in a deal like this. Theres no way the Angels can add $25 million in payroll this year.

[riverside sluggers]

i was of course "speculating" and shooting the s***, doesnt actually mean I think it will 100% happen

[Americal Man]

I agree that it is the FO showing manuel that they are trying to do the right thing for him. .part of the annual ritual. he'll smile and do the .300+, 40, 125 thing once again. Then, they'll do it again next fall just to keep him happy.

[riverside sluggers]

I wouldnt mind now if they were to have enrique Wilson (over Willie Harris) on the opening day roster on the bench. (1) Of course that will get manny very happy (2) Sox Nation wont be only ones seeing a loved player of theirs switch uniforms

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Erstad, Figgins, Wood, Santana, and Kendrick.....holy crap!

 

This is hard to imagine but the Angels would have to at least THINK about it. The Red Sox saved some money this season, I would help them take care of Manny's contract if they gave us those players. It would certainly hurt us for this season but just thinking of a rotation involving Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and Ervin Santana...I would make an attempt to get Jared Weaver involved too (you just never know).

 

If by some miracle this happened...the Red Sox should turn around and deal one of those young pitchers and another player to Baltimore for Miguel Tejada.

 

Really this sounds like too many moves this close to spring training..but I wouldn't put it past the great Theo Epstein.

[elsrbueno]

Erstad, Figgins, Wood, Santana, and Kendrick.....holy crap!

 

This is hard to imagine but the Angels would have to at least THINK about it. The Red Sox saved some money this season, I would help them take care of Manny's contract if they gave us those players. It would certainly hurt us for this season but just thinking of a rotation involving Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and Ervin Santana...I would make an attempt to get Jared Weaver involved too (you just never know).

 

If by some miracle this happened...the Red Sox should turn around and deal one of those young pitchers and another player to Baltimore for Miguel Tejada.

 

Really this sounds like too many moves this close to spring training..but I wouldn't put it past the great Theo Epstein.

 

I'm kind of a pessimist by nature, but the way I see it a bunch of things have to go RIGHT for the Red Sox to be competitors this year anyway:

 

1. Schilling back to ace form

2. Beckett healthy and at least a 15 game winner

3. Clement closer to the first half of 05 than second

4. FOULKE HEALTHY and EFFECTIVE

5. Lowell rebound

6. Loretta healthy

7. Crisp makes a smooth transition

 

I'm not worried about Schilling, Loretta, or Crisp, but the rest of them concern me. Especially Clement and Foulke.....

 

Not that I'm advocating giving up on the season before it starts-- but if we're a third place team already, why not stock up for 2007 in the process and be a slightly less fearsome 3rd place team?