Bellhorn04

We don't necessarily need a team full of goody two shoes either. Aceves obviously has issues but I don't think he's a threat to team morale. Let's see if they can get him under control.

Based on the story I copied & posted about Cherries' meeting with Aceves' agent, I think it's pretty clear he's on a short leash now.

It's being reported that the biggest cheques the Mets have to write to outfielders this year are to Jason Bay and...Bobby Bonilla.

Cherington tells Aceves' agent team won't tolerate incidents February 18, 2013, 6:57 pm Macadam FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A day after Alfredo Aceves seemed to be testing the Red Sox patience with his decision to throw live batting practice at half-speed, his agent visited Red Sox camp and had a conversation with general manager Ben Cherington. Tom O'Connell, who represents Aceves, chatted with Cherington. Cherington told the agent that the Sox value Aceves and want him to be a part of their staff, but also made clear that incidents like the one that took place Sunday won't be tolerated. Aceves has a history of issues with the Sox, dating back to last season when he once refused to hand the ball to Bobby Valentine on the mound. Later in the season, upset at not being called on in a save situation, Aceves had an angry confrontation with Valentine in his office that resulted in the pitcher slamming the door and later receiving a three-game suspension. A source indicated Sunday that the Sox believed that Aceves was "absolutely" testing new manager John Farrell. Aceves is believed to prefer to start; the Red Sox will stretch him out in the spring in case some depth starters are needed, but plan to use Aceves primarily out of the bullpen.

Look, we didn't hear about any problems with Aceves in 2011. Whatever there was, Francona handled it and kept it in the clubhouse. And while the rest of the pitching staff was melting down, Aceves had an ERA of 2.28 in July, 1.15 in August and 1.80 in September. All he did in 2011 was pitch his ass off. So it's not unreasonable to think that another manager can handle him.

And what exactly are the real life chances of Aceves being traded for Duda? The Sox already have Overbay and are trying out Nava at 1B as well.

I agree. And the Red Sox have undoubtedly been guilty of this on a few occasions. But I really think the perception is being blown out of proportion to the reality.

That vibe started the minute he hired Boras. And Boras's name kept popping up in Ellsbury's 2010 long-running rib injury drama.

Seriously? Playing in Pawtucket is more dangerous physically than playing in Boston?

He's as gone as a player still under contract can be. I just hope it motivates him to have a big season.

Yes, Youkilis is the one guy I agree on. But that was back in 2005.

The guys you mentioned are all pretty low-tier. I thought we were talking about bigger prospects than that. Wilson's WHIP at Pawtucket last year was 1.50. Not exactly lights-out.

TwitterPete Abraham @PeteAbe If there is a baseball god, Jose Iglesias will hit. He's putting on a show in the infield this morning.

Encouraging results for Napoli February, 16, 2013 10:05 AM ET By Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli got positive results from Thursday’s hip MRI and now he’s able to slowly begin baseball activities. Prior to the Red Sox officially signing Napoli during the offseason, it was discovered during a physical that he had avascular necrosis, which is a serious hip condition. He arrived at camp earlier this week and had another MRI taken on Thursday to make sure his hip did not get worse. “Nothing got worse, it stayed the same. It’s what we wanted,” Napoli said Saturday morning. Before this condition was discovered, Napoli was originally slated to sign with the Red Sox for three years and $39 million. He ultimately settled for an incentive-laden, one-year deal worth $5 million. On Saturday, he said he’s not nervous about his situation. “Not really,” he said. “The doctor showed me that this medicine is going to work and I felt good about it and it did everything we thought it would.” Even though he’s been cleared to play, he’s not going to rush back. “I’m not gonna just get out there and have a full go,” he explained. “I’ll progress into things. I’ll increase my treadmill work, start taking ground balls and go from there.” Napoli added he’s relieved the condition did not worsen and he’s looking forward to playing with the Red Sox. “It’s exciting,” he said. “I want to get out there and do what everyone else is doing out there. I still have a long way to go. I’m going to take my time and get ready.”

Likewise.

Give me an example of a prospect who kicked ass in Pawtucket and got stuck there.

Lavarnway's offensive numbers in minor league ball are the reason.

I think Dice K's arm got blown out in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He was decent in 2007 and 2008 and after that 2009 WBC, which he was MVP in, he was injured or garbage for 4 years. We got double-screwed by Japanese baseball on that one.

If a prospect kicks ass at Pawtucket he's going to get the call up. But there really haven't been too many legit prospects kicking ass at Pawtucket in recent years. And Lavarnway and Iglesias just didn't show enough when they got their opportunities last year.

The discussion on Papelbon is actually pretty interesting. It suggests that he might be worth that kind of money if his value was maximized by his manager.

Possibly...but this is not a team that even likes to hint that it's throwing in the towel on the year...they wouldn't even do it last year till they were stone cold dead in August.

I'm not getting the feeling that the Sox are committed to Iggy being the future shortstop at all. We heard rumors that he was involved in the trade talks with the Pirates.

Heh...there isn't much actual baseball news these days but people can still find things to argue about and get pissed about.

Maybe, maybe not. He hasn't started a game since June 21, 2011.

Somebody has to get worse though, right? I think you could make a case that the Yankees and Rays got worse, and that the Orioles did nothing so their record should be worse this year, considering all the one-run wins last year.