a700hitter

So, we can't complain that the FO held onto WMB and Lars Anderson instead of Rizzo? I don't think that you have a solid basis for that one. Can you sell that to yourself?

Are you saying that the FO is too impatient?

Bridge year translates into: We are worried that we are going to stink, and we'd like some more time to get our sh*t together.

Even taking that into account, there was a lot of patience for Bradley at Fenway and in the media. They didn't even address whether he should be sent down until after he was sent down. And what effect could fans that don't go to Fenway have on him?

Fenway isn't a really big place for boo-birds for the hometown guys. Bradley Jr. had probably the worst full season that I have seen a Sox player have offensively, and he did not hear too many boos. There was a lot of patience for the kid. Plus, I think people felt bad for him. Middlestinks also didn't suffer through much negative fan reaction. I doubt that Rizzo's growing pains would have been made more painful by the Fenway faithful.

FO definitely bet on the wrong horse keeping the guys they did and moving Rizzo.

The starters for the 2008 Phillies were: Cole Hamels Jamie Moyer Brett Myers Kyle Kendrick Adam Eaton Joe Blanton Other than Hamels, they were a bucket of garbage. Unfortunately, we gave away the pennant to the Rays that season and did not get a chance to face them. Our hitters would have pummeled that staff.

And neither would Pete Rose.

LOL! Even in 1980's things were still simple-- almost 10 years into free-agency. I found my ticket stubs to Yaz Day in 1983 -- baseline reserved seats cost $6. The scalpers made a killing that day -- I paid $15 each. LOL!

It's a stupid term that was meant to alleviate bad feelings about a down year, and it backfired on him.

I am not familiar with the stats, but my recollection is that the 2008 Phillie Championship team had a bludgeoning offense and very so-so pitching.

Some said 2012 was a bridge year. Some said last year was bridge year. Now, they are saying that 2015 will be a bridge year. I guess that Boston is the Venice of baseball in the New England.

Ignore makes life much easier here when UN is here.

Bard had some kind of arm, but then the wheels came off. It was a shame.

Welcome Kimmi!

I was at game 6 at Fenway and I am very thankful. That doesn't mean that I will suspend judgment going forward. Also, I am not calling anything "complete junk". Cherries just does not inspire me with confidence.

Some people here must think that the FO monitors message boards and reacts to them. You and I know that if they are doing that they shouldn't be running an elite franchise. I do think that ticket sales and TV and radio ratings are factors in their decision making process and they should be as they affect their bottom line.

Trust in Ben? He finished last in 2 of his 3 seasons at the helm. The team is 8 games under .500 in his tenure. I can't remember the last time a Red Sox GM had a sub .500 record over a 3 year period. Seriously, why should we "trust him"? Because he got extremely fortunate in that Lester rebounded to ace status and Buch came out of the gates at 11-0. That is what catpulted the 2013 team. That plus Lackey having a great season after coming off surgery, and dodging a bullett that when Lackey left his 2013 opener cradling his arm that he missed no starts over the course of the season. I don't trust in Ben. I am thankful for the Championship, but I am not convinced that this guy is a top executive. After 2013, it was premature to be singing his praises. He hadn't hit on any model for cost-contained success. It is pretty obvious that he is still striving to figure out how to have consistent success. This year cost-containment is out the window. They are blowing away the luxury cap. If they don't take a big step forward in 2015, he will be a big money flop.

It must be a very confusing off season for Lavarnway and unsettling for his family and loved ones. This type of uncertainty is probably a major reason why fringe players hang up their spikes in their 20's. AAA salaries are good liveable wages in today's economy, but there is just no stability in the minors so they hang them up after they get sick of living out of suitcases and constantly moving.

Wasn't he also nontendered long before the Sandoval signing? If that was the case, claiming Francisco seems to have had no purpose. NM - Just checked and he was nontendered after Panda was signed.

What was the point of the Red Sox claiming him in the first place?

They will get no free ride from me. If this collection of hunches and comeback hopefuls blows up in his face, Ben should find a new line of work.

lol!! That would have been a very strong division if they finished last with 140+ wins.

Ben is reportedly not finished building the bullpen. All is quiet on the starter front. I think we should be prepared to accept that he is done building the rotation and that he is prepared to play with his hand of a pair of 4's, a pair of 5's and a 2/3.

Zimmer threw a punch. He got what he deserved.