Elktonnick

The Sox appear to be in a stare down with the Phillies over Hamels. So there is a possibility that the Phils may decide that something is better than nothing and come down in their demands. The Scherzer market may not be as hot as Boras previously thought. Teams appear to be resisting his demands. While Boras is still the best agent at getting his clients what they want, he doesn't seem to be as successful as he has been in years past. In any case, I agree that the longer this goes on without a deal for either Hamels or Scherzer the more likely one could end up in a Boston uniform. For that matter, the same goes for Shields whom I think is the least desirable of the three.

Can you imagine Peter Angelos letting him go without making Toronto pay through the nose?

The sprinter never won a marathon. The road to the playoffs in MLB is a marathon not a sprint.

I don't think the lux tax is a major factor in their thinking at this point, at least not for 2015. I believe the Sox would be willing to either trade or acquire a another front line starter for the right deal. As for free agents. I think the hold up is the years not the yearly salary. I don't think the Sox want to be in a position that the Yankees or Phillies find themselves or they themselves were in when they had a lot of aging high priced veterans with very expensive long term contracts. I think the Sox would make the Hamels or Zimmerman trade if it involved the right players currently controlled by Boston. Clearly both Philadelphia and Washington want more then the Sox are willing to give up. The cold facts are given the weakness of the ALE, there really is no reason to make any major trade deal involving their young players and prospects before the All Star Break. If the Sox are in playoff contention at that time then, they can decide how to retool their team to make a title run. At least that the way I see it.

Yes the O's are better than the rest of the pack but the loss of Miller and Markakus will be felt here in "Charm City" I just don't see the O's are that formidable.

That is the way I see it as well although I doubt if Owens will be up as early as June. IMO the FO has decided that their pitching prospects are better values 2016 and beyond then any purported nbr 1 currently available. Unless they can get some one short term or on really favorable trade terms they are prepared to play at least through the All Star break with what they have and get the lay of the land then. The ALE is weak. I don't see any team projected to win 90 games or run away with a huge lead by the ASB. So I suspect the Sox brass are adopting a wait and see approach which is understandable given the overall situation.

LOL, This reminds me of Kremlinology way back when, judging who held the real power by the lineup on Lenin's tomb.

While I don't necessarily take Cherrington at face value when he says that the Sox aren't looking for a nbr 1 starrter, I think the FO believes that their pitching prospects are better long term values in 2016 and beyond then any of the big name starters currently available. Unless they can pull off a deal involving either Zimmerman or Hamels that doesn't involve giving up their cherished prospects I guess we have what we have. If both the Red Sox and Yankees are really done shopping then both Shields and Scherzer may have to settle for less then they hoped. Now would that be a delightful development.

Happy New Year to all, Fred and I have been discussing baseball on various boards since 2004. While we may not always see eye to eye his baseball judgment and eye for young talent is second to none. BTW I have had that "user" person on ignore for two years because I came to the conclusion nothing he posts is ever worth reading.

Teams are on to Boras's MO now. I don't see the Sox going after Sherzer in any case

This isn't going to decided by the highest bidder in dollar terms . This is going to be about where Lester feels the most comfortable. The fact that Lester informed the Giants they were out before he heard their additional offer told us that. If in fact it is between Chicago and Boston as we are now told then it will be about how much playing for John Farrell really means to Lester.

Both the Dodgers and Red Sox suffer from outfield glut, making peddling Cepedes for a decent return a challenge. Nevertheless it must be done in my view

The Sox have plenty of money available in 2016 and beyond not to worry about the the Lux tax. I agree that Cepedes won't be on the books come spring training.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Cepedes for Iwakuma deal possibly with others thrown in to even out the mix.

If Victorino is healthy, I think the Sox would be better served with a starting outfield of Castillo, Betts and Victorino. Cepedes just could be the odd man out.

I certainly agree with your comments regarding XB. I haven't seen evidence that his head is in the game. He seems a bit overwhelmed by it all on the field.

In baseball like poker you play the cards your dealt. Scoscia is a micro manager. In my opinion his style of over management hurts his team especially in the playoffs. His catchers are constantly looking over the dugout for signs from him. I doubt if he would have done any better regardless of which team he had, KC SF etc.

My hunch is that the Sox don't trade Owens. They steadfastly refused to trade either Lester and Buchholtz back when they were in a similar situation. Re Scioscia one wonders if the micro manager finally has worn out his welcome in the Big A.

How about a spin as well

I don't see the Sox trading Owens under any circumstances just like they resisted trading either Lester or Buchholtz under similar circumstances years ago.

Victorino is one of the straws that stirs the drink for the Sox when he plays. The only question is can he stay healthy. If he is healthy then I agree he is my starting rightfielder.

You mean Dr Jeckel or Mr Hyde. It all depends on how he feels on a given day. Buchholtz is the most neurotic picture I've ever seen. Relying on him to be your ace, is like relying on Barney Fife to be sheriff. The AL East isn't Mayberry.

One of my pet peeves is when a pitcher walks the leadoff batter. If it were permitted, I'd fine every pitcher $1000 who does so.

If I were Middlebrooks and read that statement, I'd be packing my bags knowing that I'm not coming back to beantown. Godfather Lucchino did everything but give him il bacio della morte.

(Funny aren't you the one who said there are no absolutes) I certainly agree that he has been struggling all year. From what I saw, however, one of the reasons was he was taking too many fastballs getting behind in the count quickly. Early in the year he was trying the pull the ball virtually every time up. So he was taking pitches that weren't in his power zone. Remember this is the kid who said strike outs didn't bother him. He was up there to hit home runs. Recently he has begun to use the whole field with some success, but it may be too late. I think it is fairly clear that the FO has soured on him because of his announced refusal to play winter ball, among other things. BTW, I have long considered WMB one of the dumbest players on the team. I was told that he was fitted for contacts but refuses to wear them. After that I watched his at bats more closely. I, and others on another forum, noticed he was squinting waiting for the pitcher to release the ball. I just wonder how much of his problem could be fixed either with lasik surgery or contacts In any case I'd be surprised if he is on the 25 man roster next April unless he changes his attitude and is more cooperative with the team's wishes.