JimEdHOF2009

Here is my list of guys with better "stuff" than Burnett. I do include control... as control is a very important component of stuff. More times than not, if you cannot get great "stuff" over the plate consistently, hitters will pick up the rotation of the ball and just let it go. Here is my list. (INPO....not sure if there is an official internet-speak word for "In no particular order", but if there isn't, there should be;) Peavy Rich Harden John Smoltz Sabbathia Josh Beckett Felix Hernandez Zach Grienke Roy Halladay Johan Santana Chris Carpenter Tim Lincecum Brandon Webb Erik Bedard (when healthy) Cole Hamels Carlos Zambrano Roy Oswalt Edinson Volquez Possibly Scott Kazmir Definitely Matt Garza Dan Haren Jon Lester I also think some would argue Dice-K though Burnett has displayed better control.

Tis' a fine list of Yankee-loving douchebags(2) you have compiled. I do concur. I also agree that Gom seems cool enough.

Too bad Abreu had to waste such solid years playing for chokers like the Yankees. Had Philly traded him to Boston, he'd have a World Series ring.

Jacksonian March..I think I speak for the entire board...and if I don't, I should be... "Get lost" if you cannot come up with more than your usual hiedously biased Yankee Ballsuckery. I would be shocked if you could actually construct one post remiss of some form of Yankee fellatio. Jacksonian March sez.."Aces like CC and AJ Burnett!" HHAHAH! I have to get to bed...tomorrow that gem^ becomes my signature!

FANBOY alert! Are you really this simple? Don't bother replying, the answer is blatantly obvious judging by the aforementioned post of yours. In what world is or was A.J. Burnett ever an ACE??? And "to some degree" Sheets? Sheets, although oft-injured, puts up better numbers than Burnett when healthy. Get a clue-- Yankee douchebag.

I think the Sox will definitely trade for a catcher--question is will it be Montero or one of the Rangers backstops? The Sox will have to give up much less in prospects if it is Montero--assuming Byrnes is packaged with him. This also solves the Sox 4th OF'er conundrum. I also think there is a good chance that the Sox sign Sheets or Penny. You can never have enough starting pitching depth and i wouldn't hurt Clay or Bowden to spend some time in AAA. Masterson should be in the pen giving the Sox the deepest pen in baseball. If they don't sign Montero I see the Sox trading for Tegarden or Salty with Bowden being the main player going to Texas.

My take on this is Henry and Co. went down to Texas to sign Teixeira. Boras told them to make their best offer and also informed them the Yankees would have the chance to match or beat their offer. Henry realizes that he cannot compete with the Yankees. The Yankees would have gone to $200 mill plus to secure Tex and Henry was not willing to go there....nor should he have. They were willing to trade Lowell in the event that they landed Tex but I feel they made the correct choice in not getting into a bidding war they could not win---not to mention they have a kid in Lars Anderson who may be ready to start next year or at least start when Lowell's contract is up. Lester and Youkilis should be TOP priority. I expect them to be locked up before sping training....Sure I was disappointed the Sox didn't get Tex but this is by no means a death sentence for the 2009 Red Sox. Going forward I have amended my wish list. 1. Ben Sheets. He pitched 180 innings and would have almost reached 200 if not for the forearm strain late in the season. 2. Trade for Teagarden, Montero, or Salty. I believe Montero is the most likely given Tex's asking price and the AZ's willingness to rid themselves of the Eric Byrnes contract. 3. Sign Juan Cruz and or John Smoltz for bullpen and starting pitching depth. 4. Javier Valentin to back up Montero/Tea/Salty in the event Varitek is not resigned. Assuming these moves are made.. Ellsbury Pedroia Ortiz Youkilis Drew Bay Lowell Lowrie Montero/salty/Teagarden Beckett/Lester/Dice-K/Sheets/Clay or Wakes Bullpen Paps/Okie/Masterson/MDC/Ramirez/Lopez/Smoltz/Juan Cruz I know there are some if's and buts in there...but IF some semblance of that lineup is rolled out on opening day..There is not a more balanced team in baseball.