Laser Show

After all the hype about Scutaro's "great year" dies down, the fans will notice that he was a liability at SS. B-R has his oWAR at a respectable 2.5, but his dWAR at a -1.1. I'm starting to lean more towards seeing if Iglesias can handle the everyday duties.

Salty get's 2 ABs in your 10 man lineup. Cheater!

Where the hell was Jeter? I wanted to see them try and justify yet another undeserved GG. Here's hoping Ellsbury can hit his own trifecta. GG, SS, and MVP.

Oh I know. The Dodgers would be insane to ever let him leave

All the hitting they're discussing doesn't even begin to help our major weakness, SP. We were arguably the best hitting team in the Majors, and even without Ortiz, we will be right around the same place.

I wouldn't argue a Beltran signing as long as it's not to a JD Drew-like deal. We do need a RH bat, and he proved last year that he still has it. If we can rotate him through the DH spot too, it might turn out into a good signing. I just don't see Beltran going for a 1-2 year deal.

I fully agree. But we have no say in what goes on in the FO, which is a reason to discuss these rumors. If they sign Sizemore, then they very well may be discussing a trade for SP help involving Reddick, Kalish, or even Ellsbury. Thing is, we don't know.

We have 2 in the wings, if really doesn't matter if we get another. A RH RF would obviously be better, but an upgrade is an upgrade. Do we move Reddick or Kalish if we sign Sizemore? I was a huge fan of Sizemore when he first came up. I thought he'd be about where Kemp is now. If he can even get to being a .280/25/25 guy I'd be happy. I just don't know how much of his speed (his best asset) has been sapped. Also, Beltran is no longer a Boras client, so who knows what happens there.

Once again, the Yankees outbid themselves. I guess I will be changing my avatar.

If Pujols stays, it very well may be more coveted. If he goes, then I think the Sox position would be more wanted. The allure of coaching a sure-fire HoFer is very very strong.

I suggested him earlier and everybody seemed to hate the idea. I think he's worth the risk though.

I've been following the Yankees stories this offseason on ESPN NY, and there are some fans with unbelievable pipe dreams! One guy: "Resign CC for whatever he wants. Go after CJ Wilson and Buehrle to get 2 lefties in the rotation. Then see if you can get King Felix for Montero, one of the kller B's and a lower tier player."

Wow, I didn't see that coming. I thought he had a few more seasons left in him. This might signal something about Pujols as well.

I was worried that Cherington would try to do something crazy, like sign Rollins or even Reyes. Picking up Scutaro's option is a great move, he performed very well last season and I for one breathed a sigh of relief knowing we won't be crippling ourselves with one of the aforementioned SS. I think having Lowrie/Aviles on the bench is perfect for us. They can both play 2B/SS/3B pretty well, and Youk can spell Gonzo at 1B when he needs a breather. All I ask now is PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT resign Papi. I'd thank him for his service to the club, but regrettably, as the season drags on, his offensive production is outweighed by the fatigue of the position players. Personally, I feel our offense is set. I wouldn't try to move any of them unless we can strike a deal for an elite SP such as Felix. I'm 90% sure that won't happen though. I'd go into the season like this as our every day players along with the backups I'd give the most PT to. C- Salty/Lavarnway 1B- Gonzo/Youk 2B- Pedroia/Lowrie/Aviles SS- Scutaro/Lowrie/Aviles 3B- Youk/Lowrie/Aviles LF- Crawford/Kalish CF- Ellsbury/Kalish RF- Reddick/Kalish DH- Lavarnway I'd put Iglesias in Pawtucket for 2012, and only call him up if there is a serious injury or during September call-ups. 400 more ABs in the minors should be enough for him, and it will give us a better idea of what to expect for 2013. *If he can't improve on his .235 BA from AAA, then I'm not too certain that I want him starting at the MLB level. *If Scutaro's 2012 numbers are equivalent to his 2011, then I look to sign him for 2013 if Iglesias isn't ready. *Think about Bogaerts as the SS of the future, being ready for the MLB level in 2014.

So Youk leading off might be ideal for us?

One problem about player threads like the Lackey or CC one is that people get to talking about other players due to the nature of them. People want to talk replacements or whatnot.

We need a serious disciplinarian with a passion for "25 players, 1 bus" (or whatever the saying is). Maddon would be my #1 choice, bar none. There is not a single manager in the majors that encompasses all aspects of the game. He is great at smallball, keeping problem players in line, maintaining the clubhouse, not letting stories about fried chicken and beer get out there, having a sense of humor, and making the team a family. After him, I'm not sure, there's a plethora of top-tier managerial talent out there, but we need to find someone who is successful and can also mold the clubhouse around him, not the other way around. Also, we need someone that's fairly young. The Cox's, LaRussa's, Torre's, Piniella's need not apply. I'd prefer someone in their early 40's, but anything under 60 is fine. We need someone who will be there for a long time, and bring stability and order.

Vin Scully, Jerry Remy, and I don't know he has gone overlooked, but the greatest of all time, Bob Uecker!

I know we'll see CJ Wilson tonight. He was ready to go for Game 6, why wouldn't they pitch him at some point if Game 7 is within reach? You don't leave your best pitcher on the bench even when he hasn't been pitching well.