mosox

Management should have offered the 4/44 mil last spring, and this might have been avoided.

It makes you really appreciate Tom Brady.

I really wonder how many teams are able to take on Miggy's salary. The Angels have shopped OC but no deal was made and the Mets would have to shed salary. The Orioles would have to at least seriously consider a Sox offer.

I think this is a great deal for the Sox, but it may cost them more than just Manny. This possible trade is apparently still possible according to the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/10/AR2005121000284.html

This wild off season may get even wilder. Buster Olney has been writing about Theo having second thoughts and then I listened to Gammons on WEEI Thursday say Theo is behind some of these trades and he believes Theo will be back as GM of the Sox. Here is the link to WEEI archives and the Gammons interview: http://www.weei.com/audiovault.asp

Here we go again with a new second basemen. This is obviously a great deal for the Sox. Time now to find a catcher for Wake.

There's no way he can cover center in that stadium and make sidearm throws. It's clear they're going with Crosby in center, at least to start the season.

According to the Bergen Record, the Sox now have a shrink to talk Manny into staying: Sunday, December 4, 2005 By BOB KLAPISCH Until now it's been baseball's open secret, knowing who'll be the most sought-after commodity at the winter meetings (Manny Ramirez) and what the Red Sox will be asking for in return (the meter drops at everything-you've-got). Boston's CEO Larry Lucchino assumes Manny's serious about not reporting to spring training, as he's been threatening since October. And the Sox seem ready to comply, telling the Mets they'll meet face to face this week in Dallas. But a below-the-radar hire in Boston may indicate a shift, if not a complete about-face, regarding Ramirez's future at Fenway. The Sox have retained the services of noted sports psychologist Don Kalkstein, who had worked for the Rangers and Dallas Mavericks before signing a lucrative three-year deal with Boston. "One of the best in the business," is how one baseball executive described Kalkstein. That could explain why the Sox pursued Kalkstein so aggressively, and why they've made Manny his first assignment. Can Ramirez actually be coaxed out of demanding a trade by someone who specializes in performance enhancement? It's a gamble, considering Manny's friends say his unhappiness has nothing to do with playing for the Sox. Instead, it's a lack of privacy in greater Boston, as well as family issues, that have soured him. Still, the Sox figure it's worth a shot, especially if the field of suitors, which has swelled to five teams, thins out. The Mets? They're still interested in Ramirez and one Met official repeated Saturday "no one in our organization is untouchable" in any potential deal. That means hot prospect Lastings Milledge, too. Ultimately, the Mets will (or won't) acquire Manny based on how much (or how little) he costs.

This is a great trade, especially for a team with no GM and was supposedly behind in personnel moves. Sanchez may very well become a good major league pitcher, but Beckett is a very good one right now. I wonder if the Lowell salary means Manny is definitely going to be traded.

I really have no problem with a-rod winning. The issue here, is why writers don't judge who is best for their position. The DH is a position created by MLB, not Ortiz or the Sox. It is a position, and old school sportswriters need to accept that fact. If you believe the argument that a third baseman does more work than a DH then consequently a catcher does more than a third baseman. I don't agree with discounting Ortiz from the MVP because he is a DH anymore than I agree with discounting Rivera from the Cy Young because he is a relief pitcher.

I think it's down to a Gang of Three, since Peter Woodfork has left for Arizona. Shipley, Hoyer and Cherington aren't deep in experience, but Bill Lajoie is back and can help guide them. I don't think the Sox have a choice here. They obviously don't like Bowden and Beattie, since there was no second interview. What a mess.

Finally, some good news in the off-season.

Judging by Theo's comments, he doesn't sem burned out and seems ready to jump into another team. LA might be a good fit for him. Strong minor league system, good competition from an interleague rival across town and a franchise that is starved for winning.

WEEI reported that Henry spent all night trying to turn Theo around. Theo revealed all the things that weren't the reasons for leaving. More puzzling and depressing than the day before.

I wonder what Byrnes is thinking now? It's obvious when he decided to leave Theo told him he was staying.

Then he should get rid of his downtown condo, stop making shoe commercials and go live in the 'burbs with Schilling. As he said, "you make your own destination."

If he did that he'd be cutting his own throat. No one would want him in a trade and his value would sink.

If he does see action by mid season next year, that may mean some of the pitching problems on this team have not been solved. A good year by the big club means Lester gets the Triple A starts he needs and not have to be rushed up to Boston.

Can anyone imagine what a car wreck the Sox would be today if McCourt had bought the Sox three years ago?

That is a great hire by the D-backs and a loss for the Sox. Theo now has a new trading buddy.

I expect Manny will change his mind several times over the winter. I actually see the Sox in a strong position. If they can't work out a deal the team likes then let Manny try to be T.O. and sit out. He obviously didn't pay attention to how well it worked out in Philly.

Certainly looks like Theo will not be the one to blink here. This is shaping up to be a public relations disaster for the Sox.

Coming out and recommending Clement have surgery kills any hope of a trade. And with Wells on the way out, I don't see dealing Arroyo either.

So much for the suspense of whether he stays. The Sox are very accomodating when players want to leave. If his only concern is being "close to home" rather than helping to make the Sox a winner then he can take his incentive checks and wave goodbye. This time, not bargain deals, like Payton for Bradford.

I realize Cards fans have many memories of this place, but mine has to be October 27, 2004, sitting in section 334 and watching the Sox. I still don't really see the need for a new stadium in St. Louis. Busch Stadium is/was a great place to watch a game. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cards ownsership puts the team up for sale after the new place is open.