riverside sluggers

true about them being drafted rather than signed right away. Keep in mind for the past 7 out of 8 seasons they have finished dead last in the AL East division, as well as up to 2004/2005 they have been one of the worst teams in the MLB. Just like the NFL draft, the team with the most losses gets the #1 pick and then goes gradually up the ladder. The surplus of #1 picks given to them is a big gift. EDIT: What compensatory pick will the Red Sox get from the Yankees since they signed Damon after he denied arbitration?

damn Seahawks, this is not your game Favored by 9 points you say?

oh god is that Tony Siragusa still doing the FOX sideline reporter gig? blah, he brings nothing to the table, well except for food that is

I dont think so, the Padres are trying to dump Williams on us because they know we are in a bind currently. Also they want to get rid of his contract as well.

WEEI Pedro won't pitch in the WBC, as is the case when he's selected to the All-Star games. His toe is still bothering him so he's more than likely going to opt out and prepare himself for the 06 season.

IMO there are better options than Dave Roberts, in Coco Crisp and Jeremy Reed. Roberts is my boy, but he's not likely to have a productive season. Lets keep that stolen base as the last impression of him in our minds. Take note that the 2005 season of hitting .275 with 8 Hrs, 38 RBIs, .365 OBP is all career highs. The Padres want to give up Williams for Wells because they kinda have a surplus of starting pitchers as it is. Jake Peavy Chris Young Chan Ho Park Woody Williams Shawn Estes Dewon Brazelton Tim Stauffer Again, its no sure thing that Damon wouldve chosen the Sox over the Yankees if they came close to matching that offer.

I have to agree. The Devil Rays, I believe, are looking at Crawford & Baldelli as the faces of their franchise. They just both signed them to 5/6 year contracts, so there you go on that. What stands out is giving up Lester, he's strictly untouchable and will be a big part of the young hard throwing rotation for 2007 along with Beckett and Papelbon. Quality for Quality sure. But remember the Sox FO balked at Arizona asking for Lester in return for Schilling and recently balked at Lester for Beckett. As well as Manny has no inconsistencies as a player, even when he's not happy, he will still give 40 Hrs/130+ RBIs. Currently the center field trade possibilties (1) Coco Crisp- Longshot since Guardians want Lester or Papelbon to go along with Marte. Sox are said though to be trying to work with Cleveland, most likely offering Clement or Arroyo to go with a mid-level prospect. (2) Jeremy Reed- Good chance since Seattle is said to have high interest in Arroyo (3) Jay Payton- Rumored 3 way trade with Boston, LA and Oakland that would send Wells to the Dodgers. Their prospects to the A's. Jay Payton back to Boston (4) Dave Roberts- Much loved by RSN for the biggest stolen base in Red Sox History. The Padres are willing to work with boston if they take on erratic 40 year old starting pitcher Woody Williams.

There's a difference there, Ellisbury has faced pitchers who are just coming out of college and might not even make it to the majors. Taveras has actually proven himself in the majors after spending more than 1 season in the minor league system. I think its best to not rush him so quickly, and have him gradually climb the ladder. Trot Nixon was a center fielder in Single A but had later made the transition to right field. Maybe Ellisbury could so the same.

Well this came somewhat of a surprise to me. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7428 As you can see from his stats, he had made a fine debut in the majors. It would be interesting if Boston were to sign him to a minor league deal. 123 games with Triple A Ottawa, hit .288 with 13 Hrs & 81 RBIs 14 games with Baltimore, hit .303 & .378 OBP with 1 HR & 3 RBIs

um, Boston Herald is reporting that its getting closer to the possibility that Wells could not be traded by the day that pitchers/catchers report, since they cant find an acceptable trade. The co-GMs had mentioned there were no indications on their part that Wells is making threats of not reporting to spring training or retiring if not dealt. They said the new center fielder will be from outside of the organization. How do they plan on making a trade if a Wells trade might be going nowhere, and they have stopped shopping Clement to other teams? It has also been said that the Sox have offered Arroyo a 3 million contract. Perplexed more than ever. The Current 2006 pitching staff Starters Curt Schilling Josh Beckett David Wells Jonathan Papelbon Matt Clement Tim Wakefield Bronson Arroyo Bullpen Lenny DiNardo Guillermo Mota Rudy Seanez Mike Timlin Julian Tavarez Keith Foulke http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=121163

The Padres have added on another former member of the 04 Red Sox to go along with Mirabelli and Bellhorn.

For the Sox: Manny, Papi, and Varitek will talk part in the WBC

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5240854 Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer talking about how the Manny discussions are still alive. My opinion, its all just talk. There's just nothing good out there for the Sox to get in return. Doesnt anyone see his threat of not reporting to spring training, pretty much null and void? Considering the World Baseball Classic, which he is going to be a part of, takes place from March 3 - 20. All in all, that could be his spring training right there. So no worries. Also in the article: Im glad to hear a Sox FO exec state that they are prepared to go into the season with Cora as the shortstop. I hope this puts the rest the Lugo to Sox rumors.

Im perplexed, but will say Payton for now as he could be a stopgap until Ellisbury is ready for the majors, like 2007/2008

The Packers have hired the former offensive coordinator of the 49ers McCarthy to take over the reigns as the head coach. He was Favre's quarterback coach in the late 90s, though that was a couple of bad seasons Brett had endured during that time. Another coach gone Not much of a surprise here...

Im just saying time will tell how he will do in his debut season. A big factor in my mind had been the struggles he had on the road away from Fenway. Im not trying to rip on Millar, he's my boy. And I intend on getting tix for his first game back so I can give him a standing ovation.

and that .221 batting avg is against the Orioles pitching staff, not actually been the elite in the past 3 seasons. Have they?

Thats what the staff was missing last season, no pitcher's intimidation (aside from Papelbon). We need a Pedro like pitcher who isnt afraid of going high and inside to make the batter not too comfortable. Im not asking Tavarez to knock anybody out or anything, just a simple pitch that makes the batter fall on his back can change directions. Like example Matsui becoming null and void on offense in the 04 ALCS after Pedro gave him a present.

Lets see first if Millar can improve on his .221 batting avg at Camden yards first of all. Lowell does have an advantage of coming to Fenway Park, his 2005 spray chart had shown most balls he hit were towards left field. Take into account that half of his games were played in the biggest pitcher's park, you pretty much have to say hello mr. green monster. Lowell will also have surrounding him a much better hitting team than the core of the Marlins offense was.

an article that has an interview with Marte. Recently assistant GM had visited him in his home country and asked if he were willing to play left field... But still as we know, Manny will be in a Red Sox uni on opening day and wont be packing up his place he has in the green monster http://www.ecnnews.com/cgi-bin/05/snstory.pl?-sec-Sports+1k589g0+fn-martesn.0112-20060112-

His fellow running back, Reggie Bush has just officially declared himself eligible for the 2006 NFL draft.

Though it wont be a full time job he'll have, you guys know that they will almost but certain have him start in the games at Fenway Park where he still hits good. 226 career games at Fenway 243 hits in 787 at bats (.309 batting avg) 67 Doubles, 30 Hrs, 139 RBIs (.386 OBP)

no offense, but why are people now bringing up to trade DiNardo? --He's our only lefty in the bullpen --As far as we know, there's not that much spoken interest in acquiring him.

Thats what the general concensus is. But man our bullpen will be sick if Foulke comes any close to his 2004 form.

Gordon Edes is reporting he will have a role in the bullpen as middle relief/setup man. The Sox had signed Tavarez after a David Wells for Yency Brazoban trade had fallen through