Papelbon58

I'm not exactly sure how he arrived at that conclusion, but he has said it. It already appeared unlikely that the Sox could grab one of the Rangers' catchers, but it may be getting less likely. Miguel Montero might be the best option going forward.

I don't see the Sox going for Salty now. I mean, it's certainly possible and he is a good option, but he is also very much ready now, and they will most likely try to get a less experienced player so they don't waste two years.

It's essentially a two year deal. The team option seems to show me that the team wanted to have him for two and is just minimizing their risk, such as if he hits below .100 or something catastrophic like that. I still hope they pull the trigger on a deal for a young catcher.

From Massarotti

mlbtraderumors.com and Jon Heyman say 2 year agreement has been reached

If he has to enhance his performance to sign a minor league deal with the Mariners, I don't think he's really going to matter that much.

New information out from Massarotti says Varitek is considering retiring or sitting out the season with the current offer on the table. I also saw that trade talks are being reopened for Saltalamacchia and Miguel Montero, that from mlbtraderumors.com. I think the Sox are giving up on Varitek, letting him walk away. I also think they're confident he won't go elsewhere. Seems like one of the top pitching prospects is about to move, but I think both of those guys would be worthy of trading one of Bowden or Buchholz for. Specifically, I think trading Buchholz may be a decent risk to take.

Um, I'm not an expert on how to answer those questions for you, but, uh, calling them by their real name might help. Baseball teams play spring training games or exhibition games, not preseason games.

This is out on a limb just a bit, but I think Jon Garland could have a significant impact with the D-Backs. Garland is as good a back end starter as there is in that division unless Barry Zito rises from the dead. Not to mention he will get the AL to NL bump that pitchers seem to experience.

Having Jorge with one last (dying from old age) season will not keep them from signing Mauer. Jorge may not even be their everyday catcher at that point. I'd be surprised if he makes it thru this year as an everyday catcher. I don't think the Sox are likely to go for a Mauer. I think they would rather have a catcher who established himself within the last two seasons. I'm back, by the way.

good luck validating somethin in Blacksburg on a Thursday night. Ask Clemson, BC, Miami, Texas A&M, Syracuse when they were good, etc. THe list could go on. I'll be there.

It is Cronin because of the down the middle hair part, thats what I remembered about pics of Joe Cronin. Gotta be him.

in a gay voice Thumper forgets what a caption is, so he writes stage directions.

Everybody needs to realize that it does not matter that Soriano is most definitely a better player right now, and just see that it is terrific that Barry is starting because it is in his home stadium, and is a positive environment that puts Bud in a situation where he cannot rain on the parade.

Here are the standings at the All-Star Break 1. The Kings of Swing 120-75-1 2. BoSox34 116-75-5 3. Greenmonsters 102-84-10 4. Los Montanas Verdes 100-85-11 5. Red Sox 4 Life 100-87-9 6. AgeOfApocalypse 98-87-11 7. The New Black 87-100-9 8. The Pastry Squad 86-99-11 9. Summer Catch 84-108-4 10. Bobbin' Bolivians 82-107-7 11. Wild Terriers 75-108-13 12. B.R.A.S.S. 76-111-9