mar_022

thanks jsinger

sorry, this is gonna sound dumb, but....how exactly does the 40-man roster work? Doesnt it have something to do with immunity from the rule V draft?

1) Cordero is signed for 07 2) No way does the FO land schmidt AND matsuzaka, and even if they could, they wouldnt spend that much money 3)This lineup is way too similar to this past year's lineup...too many role players i do like your pen though, minus cordero, i'd take borowski or mike gonzalez as closer (preferably gonzo)

Oh, i agree completely, i was just sayin Youk is an everyday player. you're right, you cant have both because you need some CI production, which is why i've been advocating the trade of lowell and signing of Aramis Ramirez. This way, youk stays (which is better than lowell staying because of salary and age), and we have a slugger for a corner infielder, something the sox havent seen in awhile

Close call The Cardinals look like geniuses for seeing the potential of Albert Pujols, whom they selected in the 13th round of the 1999 draft. But the Boston Red Sox were among the other clubs that almost nabbed Pujols earlier. "I remember (then-scouting director) Wayne Britton telling me a couple of years later, `Darn, we could have had Albert Pujols,''' former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette said. "Ernie Jacobs was our scout and liked him. That's what I know about Albert Pujols." Jacobs, who was in his first year as a full-time scout, had recommended the big shortstop from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. He got a call from the Red Sox before the 10th round, telling him they were about to take Pujols. "They called and told me they were going to draft Albert for me," Jacobs told the Boston Globe. "But there were a couple of stipulations. First of all, can he play third base for (Class A) Lowell? I told them, `Sure, he can.' Then they said, `He has to be a quick sign.' I said, `We may have a little issue.' I remember the kid saying he wanted to sign for $100,000 or $150,000. I had a feeling that it wasn't going to take that, but it might drag out all summer." Jacobs called Pujols. Deidre Pujols, his wife, answered and said Albert wasn't home. An hour and a half later, Pujols still couldn't be found - and by then it was too late. St. Louis selected him and eventually signed him for $60,000. "The Cardinals took him three rounds later, and the rest is history," Jacobs said. "That was my guy. I should have had him." FROM:http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15760531.htm I realize that this kind of thing happens, but i just figured i'd post it because i found it interesting, and maddening

fuk off

Red Sox reporter Ian Browne wrote today that all reports on Jon Lester are optimistic as he undergoes chemotherapy, and said "Lester will hopefully be able to make a full recovery and return in 2007". While i wouldnt count on lester, he could potentially be a great surprise and boost to the team, and its just great to hear that he is recovering

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xsptUfnhVcc video of matsuzaka, nasty splitter that i didnt know he had...he's growing on me, but the price may still be too exorbitant also...the video of supposed gyroball, but i thought it broke away from righties, so idk what this is for sure

Schill amended his comments a couple days ago...i read an article that said the "if" slipped...he said he'll100% be back next year...sorry i dont have the link

i've heard that from multiple sources...but i doubt he's done...probably just slipped a word in, was misunderstood by the media, or is sending a message to the FO to step it up this offseason to get him to come back

how can you say that looking solely at the lineup...with a rotation of Schill Beckett Paps Santana Wake (and this is w/o any FA aquisitions) i dont think there is any way this team takes third place. this would be a much more balanced team, with a more solid lineup top to bottom

trade manny for santana and wood, then trade for jones (this is the tough part...working out that deal) and sign aramis ramirez. sign Gonzo for 2 years til wood is ready. youk pedroia papi jones ramirez wmp tek coco gonzo obviously farfetched, but i truly think the FO could pull this off, and overall this is a pretty young lineup, which the FO would love...not to mention the acquisition of wood

i really hope the FO goes after a solid closer (or two and put one in SU role) like Joe Borowski and Frankie Cordero (if available). There are a lot of options out there...Kerry Wood, Eric Gagne (i'd love an incentive-based deal for him)...and i bet the FO would like the cheaper price for many of these guys since there is such a demand. plus, i want paps in the rotation. my pen: gagne borowski speier corey MDC hansen tavarez breslow

I live in milwaukee, and i agree completely with KSUSHI...Frankie Cordero would be a great acquisition. He has been lights out here since he was given the closer job...i think he just needed a change of venue. He can really get out of jams too...i saw him save the game with todd helton on 3rd with no one out...struck out the side...i'd love to see him...he could even close if Paps moves into the rotation, which seems to be a growing possibility and likelihood, at least according to him

There are two problems here: you cant even count lester at this point, and although i agree snyder could be a solid enough no 5, as soon as injury strikes, then what...you need 5 deep rotation with two long men who could start (ie Gabbard, Snyder, Tavarez)

the thing about tavarez is that as a starter he keeps the team in the game...there is a little more room for error as a starter. He can give up 3 runs in 6 innings, but as a reliever he gives up 2 runs in the 7th and blows the lead etc. I'd like to see him as a long man and possible 5th starter if he shines in ST or when someone gets hurt

no one KNOWS hes as good as Zito...and i dont see the point of getting him if we can get Zito where u know what you're getting. Hideki Irabu was supposed to be a good pitcher too true, if he does turn into a dominant star, us fans will say the FO shouldve gotten him. But if we spend the money on him and he busts, fans dont feel the pain of paying him 15 mil a year, but the FO does, therefore they have to take that into serious consideration

i love the idea of a young stud that throws an unknown pitch like matsuzaka, but im not sure you can throw zito money at him (after paying to negotiate) for someone who has no guarantees. Japanese competition (other than WBC), elbow problems from never being on a pitch count, etc. I know he dominated WBC, but major leaguers often have trouble the first few times they see a pitcher

IMO, the pitching staff had more to do with this year's downfall than the lineup did. For more than half the year, our lineup was plenty potent, although it wasnt perfect. Yet, there were only one or two consistent pitchers, and even those couldn't stay perfectly healthy. I believe the FO will make some significant moves, and they should. Here are two scenarios i would be happy with Rotation: Schmidt/Zito (not matsuzaka as ace...too many ?s) Schilling Beckett Wake Cheap FA that is historically healthy (GIl Meche etc) LESTER after recovery, but cant rely on this Pen: LR-Gabbard (insurance policy 5th starter) LR - Tavarez MDC Hansen SU-FA FA Lefty Paps - CL OR the FO could go this way if they find a very solid CL in the FA Market Schmidt/Zito Schill Paps Beck Wake Same bullpen but with FA Closer Now i doubt they'll be able to find a closer better than paps on the market, but the offseason activity will dictate the FOs plans. Either way we need a Schmidt/Zito...preferably Zito IMO because of his relative youth compared to Schmidt. Lets not turn this into a Paps for SP vs. CL argument, but rather suggest FA to fill the spots and pick apart my pitching staff

does george kottaras (acquired from the Pads) have much potential...i read somewhere he is one of their most highly regarded position prospects

wow thats funny...at least i can have some comic relief other than what the sox are doing out there tonight