corngordon

Yes, Tesheria was supposed to be funny. Now I'll be serious - Who is the next answer at catcher?

By now, we should know that Theo and company don't just have a Plan B to replace Plan A (Tesheria). They have Plans B through H, at least. And Brad Penny figured in. Now I'd like to know Plans A through C regarding who is going to start the majority of games at catcher. And what are the thoughts on who's going to catch Wakefield. I hope Tek is in there somewhere. But Boras is taking longer than usual to build "the market" for Tek. Oh brother.

Why isn't Jason Bay a dangerous 30 HR hitter? Because he doesn't, at this point, provide enough protection to Ortiz. I know there isn't another Manny out there (which may be a good thing). Bay hasn't played a full season in the AL, and could he establish himself as protection for Ortiz (my definition of "dangerous?" Sure. Will he? I don't know. Maybe it's my Red Sox paranoia creeping in. And the fact that the AL East is so good. Does Lowell provide protection for Ortiz over a full season? Well, since I'm asking the question....

Lowell, Lowrie, Lugo, Youkilis. With talks with the Tigers cooling off, Lugo needs to be ditched asap. Pay part of his salary. His stock is not going to go up anytime soon. The Sox need a dangerous 30 HR hitter. Texeia would be a great signing, but would also increase the logjam. Ideally, an outfield that is a a more dangerous hitter than Jason Bay woud be ideal. But the Sox will probably not trade Bay, since he is fairly cheap ($7.5 million) for next year. I would say trade JD Drew, but he has to be viewed as damaged goods, despite is All Star MVP aware and clutch post season hitting. Make no mistake, the Sox have their hands tied in more ways than one. I think they'll sign or trade for a 30 HR hitter, then try to make moves during spring training. Look at it this way, Coco was hurt in Spring Training, but keeping him for the year worked out quite well.

Happy Thanksgiving! Yesterday, we had the Vice President of Ticketing from the Red Sox on our show. He provided some great insight into the organization, and revealed that Red Sox Tickets for select games in April, May and September would go on sale in December. Be sure and sign up for the Red Sox Insider Newsletter on http://www.redsox.com under Ticketing, so you don't missout. He also detailed this year's Christmas at Fenway, and provided some great insight on the Sellout streak, Fenway renovations that are in progress, and his having worked with Larry Lucchino since 1991. We are very interested in your comments. We will continue to try to get other guests from the Red Sox, as well as our expert (!) opinions, on future shows. And yes, the Red Sox should land either Derek Lowe or AJ Burnett. Happy Holidays. Regards, Gordon iTunes subcription link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=282085747

I remember when the only rule of thumb was throwing your best pitcher out for game 1, with the intent to pitch him three times, and win three times. Otherwise, the assumption was that you'd lose if the series went seven games. Tito's going with a 4-man rotation, and no one is saying anything. Is it me or are the only people who don't think he knows what he's doing are those from Boston??? Gordon

Though it's too bad the they had to disable Lowell in the ALDS and he is ineligible for the ALCS, I think that this forces Tito to open things up. Obviously Youk will start at 3rd, and Kotsay will start at first, but I would say look for Lowrie to move to third base and Cora to short for some of the time. This gets Cora in the flow. I hate to say losing Mike Lowell is a good thing, but he was hurting so bad that he wasn't able to contribute at the plate. He was in such pain even checking his swing. I hope they can get Casey some at bats too. He could be one of those unsung heroes that gets a big it.

I would have to agree that it would be Lester. If Jason Bay had one more big hit, especially in game 4, it would be a tough choice. If Bay had gotten a big hit in game 4, maybe Lester would have gotten the win... Maybe that would change my mind again!

Dustin is a key to the future of the club. Bring in a good SS. Being strong up the middle is so important. If he were on any number of clubs (Twins, A's, Blue Jays), there would be no talk of anyone else at that position. Ron Gordon Corn, Gordon and Flanagan on the Red Sox (podcast)

Unfortunately, he is a defensive liability. Letting balls clang around the RF corner in Fenway is like giving up runs for nothing. He had a decent stretch in CF, but had some major issues in LF (in Yankee Stadium no less). I'm still a Trot fan, and wish they'd sign him plus a solid fourth outfielder. Of course we all know how Jay Petyon worked out....

I'd like to see they get Michael Young for Manny. The revolving door infield has to stop from my perspective. That's why I am convinced that Dustin Pedroia HAS to be the starting second from the day spring training starts.

I agree that Cora's stats were less than sparkling, though I think he's a good utility guy to have around. The bottom line is that if he is relied on for a significant amount of playing time due to other injuries (like Gonzalez last year), we're in trouble. He will weaken the lineup, which will spell trouble, especially since the AL is so strong these days.

I agree with the fact that signing Manny to an extension anytime before his current contract expires won't happen. If he and the Sox want each other at that point, maybe they could restructure some of the deferred dollars into a current contract, thereby meaning more annual dollars in the next contract in exchange for fewer defferred dollars. Ron Gordon Corn, Gordon and Flanagan - The Best Red Sox Podcast http://corngordon.mypodcasts.net ITunes Subscription: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=109192144&s=143441

Thank you! The Road Show was an experiment, and the willingness of the fans to partipate was amazing, and they made the show. Our next show is Tuesday night.

Look at it this way. Francona is not afraid to mix things up, and if that means bat Youkilis leadoff, so be it. People may say he's a player's manager but that doesn't seem to affect him doing what he feels is the right thing. I am a big proponent of Loretta staying in the two hole, which automatically means Crisp hits down in the order. Ok by me!