SchillingIsTheNatural

I would love to get Ben Sheets and everything....but I want Santana somehow. I don't know if there would ever be a way to get him...but he is the ultimate pitcher.

Overall I think both teams are making the playoffs in 2005. Oakland is no longer a contender to be a wild card team. Texas still lacks pitching, Cleveland may still be a year away, the rest of the east is average at best, and the White Sox lost some serious offense. So lets look at the power house teams: 1. J. Damon 2. E. Renteria (upgrade at #2 spot) 3. M. Ramirez 4. D. Ortiz 5. T. Nixon (healthy) 6. K. Millar 7. J. Varitek 8. B. Mueller (healthy) 9. M. Bellhorn (possibly the best OBP for #9 hitter) vs. 1. T. Womack (downgrade from Cairo but can lead off) 2. D. Jeter 3. A. Rodriguez 4. G. Sheffield 5. H. Matsui 6. B. Williams 7. T. Martinez (I think Giambi will be too much of a distraction) 8. R. Sierra 9. J. Posada I'm going to give the upper hand to the Sox on the offensive side. Yanks have a lot of power hitters. 1. C. Schilling (the ultimate competitor) 2. D. Wells (a downgrade from Pedro even though Pedro got it done with a 3.9era) 3. M. Clement (has the run support to get more victories) 4. B. Arroyo (can he repeat?) 5. W. Miller (could be the #2 pitcher, and just needs to do better than Lowe's 5.2era) 6. T. Wakefield (great depth, also have Halama if needed to start) vs. 1. R. Johnson (one of the best and a matchup against Curt) 2. M. Mussina (getting older but can be effective at times) 3. C. Pavano (more expensive than Clement but is he better?) 4. K. Brown (will get hurt again and be a distraction) 5. J. Wright (we will see what he can do in the AL) 6. ? (better hope nobody gets injured/ how old is Randy, Moose, and Brown?) I think this is pretty even, both have veterans and younger talent BUT...in order for Wells and Miller to make any kind of money they need to make starts. Those Yankee pitchers will get there money no matter what (Kevin Brown knows it). Despite all of this...Yanks will probably finish first with the Red Sox right behind (could be different now that the Sox won a world series). Both will meet each other in the ALCS again. This time the Sox may do it in less than 7 games since most of this Yanks team will be injured.

I've got an insight for the Yankee fan. You lost out on Beltran and now your CF sucks. Randy Johnson will be pitched too much and get injured. Kevin Brown will get injured cause he always does. Mike Mussina continues to go downhill. Jeter and A-Rod become more upset with each other. Sheffield and Giambi will not be the same players because of the steroids situation. You will find out Jaret Wright actually sucks and Pavano was the third top pitcher from the Marlins after Burnett and Beckett; while his ERA climbs from his best year in the NL. Last, Brian Cashman will get fired after you make the playoffs but lose again because of the injury toll your team will take. Giving out the World Series rings on openning day will only be the start of the Yankees issues this year.

As a catcher he is a good hitter. How many other catchers are out there that are better? Varitek is in the top 5. Plus its not the hitting or the stats. He makes the pitchers better and calls a great game. Plus, you know all the players were happy when they saw him re-sign and he gives the team a push. Much of baseball is emotion and motivation which Varitek certainly brings to the table. I hope he kicks A-Rods ass again this year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1952658 The Boston Red Sox are close to re-signing catcher Jason Varitek. The catcher has agreed in principle to a four-year, $40 million contract, but there are details to be worked out, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Scott Boras, Varitek's agent, had told other teams he would not discuss Varitek until negotiations with Boston had been exhausted because the catcher wants to return to the Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Houston Astros pitcher Wade Miller. Miller, who was 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 starts before going on the disabled list June 29 with a season-ending rotator cuff injury, passed a physical exam Wednesday in Boston and agreed to a contract with a $1.5 million base salary and $3 million in incentives. Agent Bob Garber said the deal will be finalized on Friday. Los Angeles, Arizona, Oakland, Texas, Florida, Detroit, Kansas City and the New York Mets were among the other clubs that expressed an interest in Miller, who has a 58-39 record in five big-league seasons. "The Red Sox were right on it from the beginning," Garber said. "They flew him to town and made him feel welcome. That's what Theo Epstein does. He makes players feel wanted, and they want to come here." Garber said that he expects Miller to be ready to pitch by Opening Day. If that's the case, Miller will join Curt Schilling and new free-agent signees David Wells and Matt Clement at the top of a revamped Boston rotation. However, I really like Wade Miller so that rules. I feel a little better about our rotation. Now we just need a catcher. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1951927 you think we will still get Randy Johnson now with 6 starting pitchers? Granted you can move Wake to the bullpen but if you get Johnson you need to trade Arroyo. What a mess but thats why Theo is the GM and not me.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1951927 The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Houston Astros pitcher Wade Miller. Miller, who was 7-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 starts before going on the disabled list June 29 with a season-ending rotator cuff injury, passed a physical exam Wednesday in Boston and agreed to a contract with a $1.5 million base salary and $3 million in incentives. Agent Bob Garber said the deal will be finalized on Friday. Los Angeles, Arizona, Oakland, Texas, Florida, Detroit, Kansas City and the New York Mets were among the other clubs that expressed an interest in Miller, who has a 58-39 record in five big-league seasons. "The Red Sox were right on it from the beginning," Garber said. "They flew him to town and made him feel welcome. That's what Theo Epstein does. He makes players feel wanted, and they want to come here." Garber said that he expects Miller to be ready to pitch by Opening Day. If that's the case, Miller will join Curt Schilling and new free-agent signees David Wells and Matt Clement at the top of a revamped Boston rotation.

Why do you have Halama in there? No way he is going to be a starter. How about: Schilling Burnett Wells Arroyo Wakefield vs. I'll even give you what you think you will get: Johnson Pavano Mussina Wright Brown? since you will deal Vazquez It will all come down to the playoffs again if both teams have those rotations. But I like Schilling in the big game and Burnett has more talent than Pavano.

Now that we got Renteria I think the Sox will trade for Burnett. Forget the injury problem, he pitched great at the end of last year and was hitting 97 mph. This guy has some sick pitches and will be the next great Red Sox pitcher for years. I'm sure Curt Schilling would give him plenty of insight into pitching, Wells would give him insight into drinking.

You would take Derek Lowe over AJ Burnett? Burnett has one of the best young arms in baseball and could be dominate. If there were no injuries he would be the best pitcher on that staff which included Pavano, Beckett, and Willis. Let the Yanks get Pavano and I'll take Burnett to start against him anyday. I do like Bronson and we might not have seen everything from him. That was his first year starting and I would like to keep him. But again, if I had to choose between Burnett and Arroyo I am taking Burnett everyday of the week.

According to the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins have spoken with seven teams interested in Burnett: the A's, Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, Tigers, Diamondbacks and Orioles. One proposal involving the Red Sox had right-hander Bronson Arroyo coming to Florida, with Burnett helping fill a rotation void with Pedro Martinez's departure for the New York Mets. I think Burnett would be awesome once fully recovered from that injury. He was throwing around 97 at the end of last year. If healthy I would have no problem adding Burnett over Pedro. But moving Arroyo would leave us with only 4 starters. That could mean looking into Matt Clement, but am I the only one who thinks he would get killed in Fenway?

I hear Theo is talking a lot to Delgado's agent. Would he be good for the Red Sox? He has had an incredible career and his OBP is fantastic. I'm not sure of his career stats in Fenway but I'm sure he would be nasty there. Doug would certainly be traded if that were to happen. Probably Millar as well even though I'm not sure who would want him or what we can get for him. One more stat for those who say Wells sucks in Fenway. You do have to remember he had to play against the Red Sox in Fenway everytime he played there. I bet he has a good season. At least I hope so now that Pedro is gonna be gone.

Schilling Martinez Wells Arroyo Wakefield Foulke Embree Timlin Mantei Kline (hopefully) Damon Renteria Ramirez Ortiz Nixon Varitek Meintkeiwicz Mueller Bellhorn

Wells is the replacement for Derek Lowe. If we cannot sign Pedro then Pavano is his replacement. Mantei is supposed to be the replacement for Williamson. The best part about signing Wells is that he is a lefty, has playoff experience, and he was cheap enough that the Red Sox will go after Edgar Renteria to replace Orlando Cabrera. Sounds good to me. Now we just need to resign Varitek. I highly doubt the Red Sox will get Martinez and Pavano even though Pavano has made no secret he would love to play with Curt Schilling.

I agree 100%. 1st base is one of the Red Sox strong points between Millar, Meintkewicz, and Ortizzle. Go after more pitching help like Kline and dump Embree then get two more decent starters or one and keep Pedro.

I'll take Gagne any day of the week. 80 something straight saves....you need to do more than play well in a few postseason games for me to take someone over that.

Go past what he did last year...Zito has great talent. Possibly more upside than any of the three. All pitchers are up and down. Hudson gets blasted too as does Mulder who died toward the end last year. So many teams want Derek Lowe as their #1 starter....you gotta be kidding me....Zito would be tops on all those teams. He had a tough year but a lot of pitchers have bad years....The Red Sox have a good defense and will give him plenty of run support. Zito could be the ace of the Red Sox for years. What you may find with young pitchers is a change can do them a lot of good. Zito may find his groove under the pitching coaches in Boston and working with (hopefully Varitek)

I know how you feel. I've been blasted for every idea and feeling I have about the Sox. I have come to realize one thing....almost all of the people that post here don't want any changes in this team....Manny, Trot, Carbrera, Pedro, V-tek, etc. Nobody wants to see them go and I agree. However, it seems few are open to reality that they are not all coming back....its impossible. So some of you....be more open minded and explore potential moves. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but please....think in a larger range than just the team we have now. btw- Nixon for Zito would be a good trade for us. Especially if we can lure Pavano too.

So your telling me Mike Piazza can't be a catcher anymore? Did he forget how? And he has moderate power? Jesus this is Mike Piazza buddy. Are you going to tell me Jason Varitek is a better hitter than Piazza? You surround Piazza with the Red Sox batters and lets see how he does. He blends perfectly with the Red Sox. He would be a great 5 spot hitter behind Ortiz. But I understand Ordonez. I mean all the guy does is bat .300 every year with 100+ RBI and 30+ HRs. Huge downgrade from Manny plus its hard to lose Manny's glove in the outfield. Not to mention it would be horrible to move his rediculous contract over to another team. I think Ordonez could handle the 3 spot in front of Ortiz. Less strikeouts a year and 3 errors in the last 3 years. Manny has 16. I dunno I thought it sounded like a good idea.

So this is what I heard.... The Mets are interested in picking up Manny in a trade. I don't want to see Manny go but this might work out since we would free up some money. Mike Piazza's name has come up a few times. If some team is stupid and offers Varitek a 5-6 year contract then the Red Sox will probably lose him. Whatever team does that would be retarded for offering a catcher that long of a contract when he is over 30. Everyone knows Mike Piazza has a good bat and would probably do very well in Boston. Next would be filling Manny's spot in the outfield. With the money saved the Sox would go after Beltran or Ordonez. Lose Manny.....add Piazza and Ordonez/Beltran. Hell works for me! ....I have not heard Cliff Floyd mentioned anywhere and no way in hell Theo would be that stupid.

Just the clinchers? I got every win by the Sox in the playoffs. Eveything from Game 1 against Anaheim to Game 4 against the Cards. Just gotta convert from VHS to DVD which I'm in the process of.

Without question this team showed up to play in the world series. They had a tremendous postseason and obviously I would like to see them come back. However, other pitchers can come in to Boston and have the same success. The defense was up and down but Varitek can take a lot of credit for the great pitching performances. Again its about the money with them in the end. "They understand the business side of baseball." I do agree with moving Wake to the bullpen. I would also look for Arroyo to really break out this next year. Remember this was his first year being a full time starter. He really started getting it half way through the year so I think he will be fantastic in 2005. I also agree with the Williamson and Foulke combination. Is there a good lefty out there to bring in?

I completely agree. As long as you have top pitching you are always competitive. The question would be where do we get it. I think Pedro is not worth the money he will want since he can only last 6 innings. D-Lowe has looked great in the post season but lets not forget what a flake he is. There are some good free agents out there but nothing that knocks your socks off. Pavano is my favorite off the list. You think its possible that Schilling retires if the Sox win the World Series? As much as i would hate that....what an amazing way to go...leave as a baseball god and one of the greatest stories of all time.

Well I won't lie....it was fun but talk about a sloppy game. Manny needs to get his head out of his ass. Hate it when Red Sox fans act like Yankee fans. I got news for you.....there isn't a TON of difference. On top of that I'm saying the top priority is to keep the players we have. Signing Varitek, Cabrera, Mueller, Williamson, etc. My opinion was that Pedro and D-Lowe are gonna want more money than they are worth. They are going to have to be replaced and that is where Epstein will take the most time to make the rotation even better. I guarantee he won't look for someone to just "fill in" for the two. No more posts here unless you have something other than criticism. I started this to see brain storming ideas on what direction the Sox should go. Not everything will work obviously, I'm not the GM of the Sox but its fun to talk about.

Well you know the Yanks are getting some of the big name players. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Beltre is not worth the money he is going to want. Thats all I'm saying. The Yanks probably wont get him cause he is most likely to stay in LA. Even if they were to get either Beltran or Beltre....that doesn't fix their problems. I would rather they blow their money on players that are not pitchers. If not Santana you can guarantee Epstein will find someone. Its what he does. If I told you last October we are going to get Schilling and Foulke, most people would have thought thats crap. Pavano is more realistic to go to Boston and replace Lowe in the rotation but Epstein wants a strike out pitcher in the mold of a young Pedro. Santana is certainly not untouchable because of the team he is on. The Twins always lose players. Another team is Oakland. Don't be suprised if there are rumors flying around about Zito. I'm not sold Beltre would hit 48 HR next year.