Renteria is just one of many examples of big-name acquisitions who have performed below expectations in their first year in Boston. In the last 2 seasons we have 5 of them: Price, Kimbrel, Porcello, Hanley and Pablo.
I think you're right that he complained. The players association wanted to change the deal, but it was only about 12 million more we had to pay if I recall correctly.
I don't think so. The Sox FO simply balked at the extra amount they had to pay over what the original deal was, according to all reports. They probably figured they could revisit it. They weren't expecting Aaron Boone to injure himself playing basketball and for ARod to be willing to play third base. Like I say, pure luck. The baseball gods had finally decided to give us a break.
It was pure luck that the ARod deal fell through. I believe we only had to come up with another 12 million or something like that and he was ours.
What's sometimes forgotten is that we were also going to be trading a pitching prospect to Texas, a lefthander named Lester.
All I meant was that the team can't be affected by negativity in the fanbase and the media if the team doesn't seem to be playing up to expectations. Dojji thinks that's a potential problem for this team.
Fans usually are a weakness.
In 2004 fans were freaking out as the team played .500 ball for a 3 month stretch.
In 2007 fans were freaking out as our lead in the division was slipping and Tito was still using Eric Gagne in important spots.
The team has to rise above the fans, frankly. If they're not stronger than us, they are indeed in trouble.
If we can duplicate last year's run differential of +184, that's about all you can ask for. +184 is a big number.
Some other notable run differentials for past Sox seasons:
2013 +197
2007 +210
2004 +181
2002 +194
1986 +98
1978 +139
1975 +87
1967 +108
1950 +223
1946 +198
Cot's provides 2 separate sheets now, one for actual salaries and one for tax purposes. There are 2 separate click lines in the top left corner of the screen.
It's a good question why the players accepted it. I guess they're feeling pretty fat and happy the way things are and didn't want to kill the golden goose.
You could e-mail Alex Speier about it. I think he knows the tax rules as well as anybody. I've e-mailed him a couple of times and he's answered me.
alex.speier@globe.com
The Dodgers trade was a piece of extreme luck that came about because of the Dodgers' change in ownership. Full credit to Henry and Lucchino for seizing on the opportunity.
If the details of the story are accurate, Cherington's role in the transaction basically boiled down to getting us Rubby de la Rosa and Allen Webster, and doing the administrative work.
"Chemistry" and "identity" are shaky concepts to be sure. I believe that there are real psychological factors like motivation and confidence, but trying to measure any of it is voodoo science.
It's notable, though, that the Guardians were able to succeed in spite of losing their #2 and #3 starters to injuries. It might have been harder for them if they had lost Andrew Miller instead.