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Incredibly frustrating game. Multiple chances to win, no clutch hits. No bench. Lester looked mediocre at best. It's a good thing the rest of the ALE isn't very good right now. Bottom 13th, do they have any life?

Everywhere I've looked lists Iglesias's contract as 4 years (2010-2013). If it is a minor league contract, what happens after the 4th season? Free agent? Arb 2-3?

Even for MLB intl FAs? For instance, of the Sox signed DiceK to a 4 year MLB contract he would be a FA after rather than arb2 and arb3 right?

Does anyone know Iglesias's contract status? Wasn't he signed to a 4 year MLB contract? Does that mean that the usual 6 years with arb and arb2 etc., don't apply? If so, he could be a FA in a year or so, right? I could be completely wrong on this.

It has been said numerous times (including by me) but that guy is a f***ing class act. His quiet leadership over the years in such a big market makes that obvious, but his first concern is the well-being of the team even when his body has broken down on him. They could put him in the Hall of Fame this afternoon and I wouldn't be upset by him jumping to the front of the line. As much as I've wished ill-will on Mo in the past, it's a sad day for my baseball watching career to see his career end with such little fanfare. I would feel the same way if Jeter were to have the same problem. I can only imagine the pain that Yankees fans must be feeling and I'm actually sorry for them... as fans. On the field, I'm super thrilled that the Red Sox will never have to face Mariano Rivera again. The Yankees will have to deal with the problems that regular teams deal with in the 8th and 9th innings. This could easily add an addition 3-5 losses for the Yankees in a GOOD season, and much more in one of those tragically bad season that most teams go through when their closers s*** the bed.

This is an interesting topic to me. I work in mental health with Medicaid recipients. I've seen numerous individuals and families affected by suicide. All of my clients are close to the federal poverty level. With any trauma like this (a significant loss, in this case) there is nothing that takes away the pain. There will be times in each relative or loved-ones lives where they are unable to shake the feelings of guilt or anger or loss that a suicide leaves--it won't help them to think "hey, I have a million dollars so it is okay..." That said, having a lot of money does offer opportunities to those affected people to open doors to do things in life that are fulfilling, meaningful and which could ultimately re-instill a sense of purpose if it was lost by the loss of a loved one. My clients who are struggling in all areas of life have more to worry about and the associated depression from the loss becomes a chronic life-state, often wrapped up with numerous other losses (divorce, homelessness, etc..,), getting to the point where the losses has been so numerous that you can't locate the reason for depression or PTSD back to any particular 'event'. I guess to summarize, I would say two things: 1) The money could mitigate some of the potentially negative results on his family members because it is an additional resiliency factor. All things being equal, I would hope someone affected by a parental suicide would have money, rather than living in poverty. If his kids find that nothing in life makes them happier than golfing, or model trains, or traveling, or cooking good food, then they will be better able to access those activities because they have money. It's pretty simple. however... 2) Depression is contextual and happiness acts as a drug. Happiness is the result of neurotransmitters acting on our brains. A lack of, say, Serotoin, will make you literally feel depressed whether you are wealthy and famous or down and out. Status doesn't matter. People who think he should have been happy because of his status are missing the neurological mechanisms behind depression.

That could be it for his career, honestly. We all know that's possible here. It's a long road back for someone at his age who was thinking about retiring soon anyway. Not how anyone envisioned this happening I'm sure.

Just out of curiosity, who do you think would trade for Salty? I don't disbelieve you, just interested where you see the potential.

Time for this kid to get his own thread. 22 year old CF, 1st round pick in 2011 from University of South Carolina. Battled injuries in 2011 season with SC, but was the College WS MVP in 2010 and was a critical anchor and leader on the team, which won two consecutive CWS titles. He doesn't have nearly the same speed as Ellsbury, but he's probably a better defender and likely a better hitter at this point. Ellsbury's speed made him an elite offensive weapon and I'm not sure if Bradley will get there, but he could be very good. I bring up the comp because both were NCAA standout CFs on teams that made runs deep into the CWS. He's got a 1.000+ OPS at this point, which means he's probably not long for Salem.

I have come to really like Rivera despite him being a Yankee. Class act all the way, With that said, it's about f***ing time. The guy is basically a robot all these years and the Yankees don't need both the biggest payroll and a bionic pitcher who might be the best of all time. If the operate they might find wires and batteries where ligaments usually are. Sorry Yankee fans. Things still might be ok.

I'm not saying they will win the World Series. they will just be an interesting team for a few years.

Shocking. The FO apparently was able to navigate the icy and danger-laden waters of minor league contracts. The lack of faith that some people here have is comical. I understand concerns about Free Agency and player evaluation (that stuff is hard) but decisions around things that amount to the basics of human resources should be assumed to be within their competency.

Why wouldn't they sustain it? They have some really good young players.

Welcome to the board.

I'm not sure what to make of their choice to start him there. The Sox are usually very aggressive in starting their top prospects pretty high. Perhaps they wanted to build confidence in him early, or maybe they perceived a roadblock of good pitchers at A+ (though I don't see it). It's interesting.

Nothing wrong with a Bard thread. Just not one Bard thread for each Bard-related thought we have. Either do a catch-all Daniel Bard thread, or... or... no, just do a catch all Bard thread. That said, I'm glad to see him finding a bit of success as an MLB starter.

Barnes has a 14.6 K/9 and a .6 WHIP this year. If he "continues his dominance" as he moves through the system he will be top 100 easily. It's not hard to make that claim either way.

Balfour is a 34 year old middle reliever currently pretending to close. Beane isn't attached to REAL closers, let alone solid middle relievers. I think Beane would bite at Youk and an A-level prospect for Balfour and logic says Bean wins that trade with the unpredictable nature of relievers.

If the Sox could just get a legit closer, 97 mph Aceves would be a nice setup option...

That was a win they needed. A much needed sweep.

They are even if you have an actual closer. Aceves really doesn't evoke much in the way of confidence with me or my household.

Sigh...

Hard to trade a guy for anything if there's MRIs going on. There has to be a team willing to take on Youk with his option, right?