Okay, let's see where the hat decides to go again...

I was wondering when one of these two would come up...

Boston Red Sox

Boston finished a dismal third place (in their opinion) after they collapsed so late in the season and failed to make any moves at the deadline.  So, after complaining that they weren't able to compete with the Yankees financially, they went out...and outspent the Yankees, earning the praise of Peter Gammons, who congradualted Boston on recognizing their financial superiority.

I subsequently cancelled my ESPN The Magazine subscription out of disgust for that comment.

I'm also very much disappointed by Theo Epstein, who wanted to build a team from the farm up, the promptly gutted that farm in trades.  As of right now, only four Red Sox were actually drafted by the club, and Schilling, one of those four, didn't even debut for the club until years later.

But enough about that.  The bottom line is, did all that spending make a difference for the Red Sox?  Let's see.

Starting Rotation

1. Curt Schilling (RHP) – Last year, Schilling showed that he was mostly recovered from his leg injuries of 2005.  He's also evolved as a pitcher and has learned to depend on his secondary pitches, allowing him to outmanuever and trick hitters into swinging and missing.  Schilling enters the season as the ace of the staff and should be good for 12 to 15 wins, provided that he stays healthy.
2. Josh Beckett (RHP) – Beckett had a odd year last year.  For starters, he was able to pitch for a full season without being placed on the DL and looked good at times.  Unfortunately, Beckett also collapsed down the stretch as he was figured out and teams took advantage of his high 90's fastball, which has almost no break.  Part of his collapse is also attributed to his competitive nature, where he continues to want to challenge hitters and doesn’t want to concede contact.  Beckett will have to learn to pitch smarter or continue to get rocked.
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka (RHP) – Matsuzaka was the subject of a six team bidding war for his services, in which Boston bid a staggering $51,111,111 to secure his services, then signed him for 6 years, $52 million.  Matsuzaka has excellent stuff and is viewed to be no worse than a number two.  He'll have to be, as he'll be thrust into one of the most heated rivalries in the world.  Depending on how the rotation sorts out in Spring Training, Matsuzaka will likely be placed in the third spot, where he won't be put under the pressure of a number one or two.
4. Jonathan Papelbon (RHP) – After one of the best rookie outings in years, Papelbon will move back into the rotation, a role her prefers and may be better long term, due to shoulder problems possibly caused by the workload needed to enter in consecutive days.  Papelbon has got great stuff, enough to be a solid number two starter, but he’ll probably struggle as he adjusts from a frequent workload to a larger one.  It depends on how well he does.  For the record, I checked PETCOA on Papelbon:  they aren’t high on him.
5. Tim Wakefield (RHP) – Injury derailed Wakefield’s 2006 campaign, perhaps an indicator of things to come, but I think Wakefield’s got at least one more good year left in him.  And if there isn’t, there are options down in Pawtuckett.

Bullpen

• Joel Pinero (Closer) – I’m chalking Pinero in as the closer only because of the contract terms in his contract offered by Boston that include bonuses for saves.  Pinero was rather solid as a reliever, but Seattle was unwilling (and out of patience with him) to give him a contract and released him.  Pinero could be a solid closer, as his stuff is enough to where he could be a serviceable bullpen option, but having the ability to function in the role and actually doing so are two totally different stories.
• Mike Timlin (Setup Man) – Timlin is a solid closer that faltered last season due to his overuse during the World Baseball Classic and when the bullpen and rotation imploded last season.  Timlin should be ready after an off-season of rest and can spot close when necessary.
• Manny Delcarmen (RHP) – Delcarmen doesn’t have closer’s stuff like Hansen, but he’s still a solid big league bullpen arm and will likely enter the season with the big club.
• Julian Tavarez (RHP) – This reliever is as talented as he is nuts.  Tavarez was rather average in Boston, but he also showed a lot of heart and determination when he filled in on the rotation and during rough innings when he battled.  Tavarez isn’t good enough to be a suitable closer anymore, but he’ll make a solid 7th inning option.
• Brendan Donnelly (RHP) – Brought in to help bolster the bullpen, Donnelly has been solid over the past few years.  He’s not going to be a part of the closer mix that Boston is trying to put together, but he can still be an effective setup man, provided his stuff doesn’t suddenly decline sharply. 
• J.C. Romero (LHP) – Romero was a solid lefty that didn’t quite fit in over in LA.  It’s possible that he could bounce back to become an average lefty reliever.
• Matt Clement (RHP) – The signing of Matsuzaka has effectively pushed Clement to the bullpen, where it’s hoped he can regain some of his former luster and be a solid starter again.  Boston hopes that Clement has an impressive spring training so they can trade him, because otherwise he’s a hell of an expensive swingman.  He’ll also be a part of Boston’s closer competition, but to tell the truth, I’m no longer as high on his bouncing back as I once was.

Projected Lineup

1. Julio Lugo (SS) – Lugo was one of the better shortstops in the AL (with only Young, Tejada and Jeter ahead of him) before he was dealt to the Dodgers and promptly faded into obscurity.  Lugo returned to the AL when Boston signed him to be their latest replacement for Nomar and should lead off.  Lugo has some good doubles power as well as the ability to take a walk and has some speed on his wheels.  Defensively he’s not Alex Gonzalez, but he’s not bad either.  Lugo should return to his former prominence this year with a new team and his old position back.
2. Coco Crisp (CF) – Crisp had a off year, mostly due to injury, but also due to the adjustment to the psychos in Boston.  Crisp really isn’t fit for the leadoff role, but he’s a great number two.  With Ortiz behind him in the lineup, the two play very well off year other, with Crisp’s speed and contact abilities allowing him to play hell on the bases and giving Ortiz a extra runner to drive home on a homer.  However, Crisp won’t be long in Boston, due to the presence of Jacoby Ellsbury (see Down On The Farm...)
3. David Ortiz (DH) – One of the most feared hitters in the game, Ortiz is always a RBI threat, be it a homer or a double and can draw a fair amount of walks as well.  He’s a terrible defender, but he only blows the dust off the glove during interleague play, so it’s not really a factor until then.  Ortiz is in his prime as a hitter and should remain a force in the lineup in Boston for the life of his contract…provided he has protection.
4. Manny Ramirez (LF) – Not every team has a pair of 40 home run threats hitting back to back (okay, so the Yankees do, but I haven’t done their preview yet!)  Ramirez can still hit the hell out of the ball and can draw the walk when he needs to, but the defense is brutal and the mood swings maddening.  Still, Boston should shut up and put up with him, as he’s one of the best hitters in the game and protects their best bat in the lineup.
5. J.D. Drew (RF) – The Red Sox loved Drew’s solid OBP numbers and his stats, but they seemed to overlook his tendency for landing on the disabled list.  Drew should be a monster in this lineup, where his power numbers will play very well and his athleticism will vastly improve the right field defense, but I think he’s going to wind up missing a lot of time, making this deal a bad one (and possibly triggering the opt out clauses in Drew’s deal.)
6. Mike Lowell (3B) – Lowell did well last season and proved that he still had some life left in his bat while provided excellent defense at third.  But he’s going to be 33 and like it or not, the questions will arise again if he can keep it up.  Fenway will continue to help him as far as any park related benefits go, but the power is dropping fast and his plate discipline, though still solid, won’t be able to offset it for much longer.
7. Kevin Youkilis (1B) – Youk lacks the power you typically look for in a first baseman, but his defense is good and his plate discipline is such that the walks make up for the lack of pop.  He’ll post a good batting average and be a reasonable threat in the back of the order, but power numbers are not, and have never been a part of his game.
8. Jason Varitek (C) – Blame the World Baseball Classic and the injury all you want, Varitek was due for a breakdown.  He’s 35 and like it or not, that’s typically the age when catchers being to wear down.  I had trouble figuring out how well Varitek would do, so I asked PETCOA.  Signs look good for some solid production, but he’s not going to his .281 average or 21 homers of 2005 ever again. 
9. Dustin Pedroia (2B) – Rather than overbid for a existing second baseman on the market (there were several), Boston chose instead to give Pedroia a shot.  Pedroia has great contract skills, some doubles power and a excellent glove.  His work ethic is also unquestionable and reminds me of David Eckstein when he first started.  However, Pedroia isn’t going to get much more power and as a result, some of those doubles will be turned into double plays.  He still should be an average second baseman, but that’s about it.  But, taken into context with the rest of the lineup, and that’s all Boston will need.

Bench

• Eric Hinske (IF/OF) – Hinske is a useful bench player, able to play either the infield or outfield corners.  He hits for reasonable power and he’s a pretty good lefthanded bat off the bench.  The strikeouts are killer, however, but he’s a good option off the bench, provided he doesn’t start for any long duration of time.
• Wily Mo Pena (OF) – Why Boston traded for Pena, then signed J.D. Drew is a mystery to everyone outside of the Red Sox offices on Yawkey Way.  Pena has awesome power in his bat, but his long swing results in loads of strikeouts.  His defense is also substandard, making him a DH or destined to play at a shorter outfield corner.  With Drew in Boston, Pena will ride the pine, waiting for Drew’s numerous Operation Pieces to act up.  But with the potential for power numbers, Pena could also be traded at some point next season. 
• Alex Cora (IF) – Cora can play both of the middle infield positions well, but his bat is too inconsistent for him to be a starter.
• Doug Mirabelli (C) – Wakefield’s personal catcher will only catch Wakefield, as that bat is killer (and not to the other team.)

Farm System

With all the promotions and the trades, Boston’s once mighty farm system isn’t as stocked as it once was, with most of the heavy players down in the low minors.  However, there will be some talent available to draw on, plus some guys that are not prospects, but solid enough to give the big club options in times of need.

• Jon Lester (LHP) – Lester was having a solid campaign until he was shut down thanks to lymphoma.  Lester’s cancer is supposedly in remission at the moment, so that’s good news.  But even with the scare, it was obvious that Lester wasn’t ready for the majors, as the league was catching on.  Lester should spend most of the year in Triple A, unless one of the starters lands on the DL. 
• George Kottaras (C) – Obtained from the Padres for David Wells, the Red Sox obtained the successor for Jason Varitek in a steal.  One of the best catching prospects in the minors, Kottaras is a natural hitter with good plate discipline, developing power and a solid glove behind the plate.  His arm strength is good, but scouts say that he has a slow release.  Still, he’s a solid prospect that could be in Boston as soon as next year, depending on if and when Tim Wakefield ever retires and the Red Sox have no need for Doug Mirabelli.
• Craig Hansen (RHP) – Hansen was one of the top relief prospects in the game, but his stock has dropped fast and far after a terrible performance at Triple A and in Boston.  He’s got two great pitches with a mid-90s fastball and darting slider, but the slider has fallen off a bit and his command is slipping.  Simply put, Hansen isn’t the pitcher he was in college and is beginning to look less like a closer and more of an average reliever.  He should and likely will, begin the season in Triple A. 
• Dale Murphy (OF) – It was hoped that Murphy could turn into a solid power hitting outfielder, but he never developed his body to that ability and now looks to be a fourth outfielder at best.
• Clay Buchholz (RHP) – Boston’s top pitching prospect, Buchholz dominated the low minors, though his numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, as he was a bit older than the competition.  Stuff wise, he’s got three plus pitches in his fastball, curveball and his filthy changeup.  The Red Sox will likely promote him to High A, but he could also be challenged by being promoted to Double A in an effort to get him into the rotation sooner. 
• Jacoby Ellsbury (CF) – Ellsbury is the reason why the Red Sox won’t pursue a major free agent addition as far as centerfield goes or why Coco Crisp won’t be traded yet.  Ellsbury is clearly the centerfielder of the future for Boston.  He projects similar to former Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon as he’s a quality defender with good bat speed and pitch recognition that has good range in the outfield and has enough speed to make him a threat on the bases.  Humorously enough, both also lack strong arms.  The only real difference between the two is that Ellsbury won’t have the power that Damon has.  Ellsbury will likely be pushed soon, as the Sox are getting impatient, so we could see Ellsbury start to challenge Crisp for the starting job as soon as next year.

In Conclusion

The infield is a huge offensive question, depending if they can get solid seasons out of Pedroia and Lowell, and Drew's durability is very much in question.  The rotation is mostly solid and the bullpen is slightly improved.  If this were two years ago, Boston would likely win the Wild Card.  Now, they're staying home.

Final Standing:  Second in the American League East

Here’s part two of the team previews.  Let’s see what comes out of the hat this time.

Damn it, I just finished this one.

Los Angeles Dodgers

LA was in control of the division until a combination of injuries and implosions led for them to wind up being the Wild Card (and be subsequently bounced from the playoffs in a sweep.)  Despite having one of the most flush farm systems in baseball, the Dodgers lacked the help to replace J.D. Drew, who unexpectedly opted out of his contract and signed with the Boston Red Sox.  With little options (and not willing to pay the price of talent from Boston, who demanded a king’s ransom for Manny Ramirez), the Dodgers went out and brought in Luis Gonzalez, plus improved the starting rotation by acquiring Jason Schmidt and Randy Wolf.  With the division doing little to improve itself outside of Arizona, LA should rule this year.

Starting Rotation

1. Jason Schmidt (RHP) – A solid ace, Schmidt has always done well in Dodger Stadium.  The questions about his durability will always remain, but Schmidt has logged in 170 or more innings the last five years.  His stuff is still very much intact, and he’s not at an age where it’s going to start declining.  Plus, Schmidt has impressive 2.93 ERA in his career at Dodger Stadium, and he's probably in better shape for this and next year with the Dodgers, who stand a better chance at contending than the Giants. Schmidt's always a worry to battle mild injury issues, but the move to L.A. should help slow down any career decline.
2. Derek Lowe (RHP) – Lowe was solid last year and was the ace of the Dodgers in the second half after Brad Penny crashed and burned.  With Schmidt now in LA, Lowe will make a solid number two guy in the rotation.
3. Brad Penny (RHP) – There is little doubt that Penny has ace quality stuff, but injuries have kept him from fulfilling that potential.  To his credit, he has been increasing his workload as time goes by, but the addition of Randy Wolf, plus the Dodgers’ desire to move Hong Chi Kuo into the rotation, have made Penny expendable for the Dodgers.  His contract is extremely affordable and teams have been asking about his value, but there hasn’t been any offers serious enough for the Dodgers to make a deal.  So, Penny will stay in the rotation, but he’s also staying on the block for now.
4. Randy Wolf (LHP) – A bargain if Wolf is able to bring his command back one year after TJ.  Wolf agreed to a one-year deal with the Dodgers for a reported $8 million, plus a buyout (value unknown) on a 2008 option. Wolf showed good velocity and a plus curve in his first season back from TJ, so again, if the command comes back, this deal is a steal.
5. Chad Billingsley (RHP) – This young pitcher has the potential to become a solid middle of the rotation guy.  Billingsley has a sinking fastball in the mid-90s and throws a overpowering slider that is one of the best sliders in the LA System.  Billingsley also is developing the durability needed to last as a starter, which is also important.  Command occasionally escapes him, which results in the tendency for the long ball, but he’s young and should work it out in time.  Oddly enough, Billingsley was on the trading block during the winter, which I find odd, to say the least.

Bullpen

• Takashi Saito (Closer) – This 36 year old rookie dominated once he stepped in as closer, converting 24 of 26 and earning himself an extension in the process.  With his impressive second half dominance (1.98 ERA), Saito should probably be a solid option again to dominate, as I don’t think the league has caught up with his stuff yet.
• Jonathan Broxton (Setup Man) – Broxton has closers stuff, as seem by his hard sinker, which is almost unhittable when he cranks it into the upper 90s.  Clubs, most notably Boston, tried to acquire this young arm via trade, but the Dodgers have made it clear that even though Saito is the closer for this year, Broxton will almost certainly get the job next year. 
• Brett Tomko (RHP) – Tomko was far better as a reliever than he was as a starter last season, earning him a spot as a long reliever/setup man.  Tomko has expressed a desire to become a closer, which is unlikely in LA due to the presence of Jonathan Broxton, but a strong start to the season could encourage a closer-less team to trade for him to give him a shot.
• Hong-Chih Kuo (LHP) – Kuo was impressive during a limited stint as a starter last season, and wasn’t bad during the playoffs.  The Dodgers love his upside and would like to give him a shot as the fifth starter, but Penny is in the way.
• Elmer Dessens (RHP) – Dessens was acquired more to get rid of Odalis Perez than anything else.  Dessens was, to be blunt, medoicre at best after being acquired from Kansas City and will likely remain in the bullpen, as he’s still under contract.  He’ll be okay out of the pen, but not stellar.
• Joe Beimel (LHP) – This lefty finally fulfilled some of the promise that many had forseen with him by putting up career highs in appearances and in ERA.  Beimel will likely make the team, giving the Dodgers a very solid combination of left handers in the pen.
• Mark Hendrickson (LHP) – The Devil Rays unloaded Hendrickson in time before he imploded.  At the time of the trade, Hendrickson was 4-8 with a 3.81 ERA.  Afterward, he went 1-7 with a 5.32 ERA before posting a 1-0, 0.84 ERA in the pen over 6 apperances.  Hendrickson will likely enter the season in the bullpen, serving as a swingman. 

Projected Lineup

1. Rafael Furcal (SS) – Furcal did well after a slow start, hitting consistently in the leadoff spot.  He’s not going to hit for much power, but he makes contact thanks to a quick bat and has reduced his strikeouts over time.  He’s also a good threat to steal bases as well.  Defensively, Furcal has got some solid range at short, but he tends to make some boneheaded throws from time to time.  He’s a constant threat on the bases and should strikeouts the past two seasons.   Still, all things considered, you can’t get much better than Furcal on this team, except for when Nomar was in his prime.
2. Juan Pierre (CF) – Why, oh why, oh why did the Dodgers go after this overrated player?  Pierre has trouble drawing walks, strikes out a lot, and he’s really not that great of a base stealer, as he gets caught a lot.  He’s okay in center, relying mostly on his speed to get to the ball, but his arm is weak and thus limits his effectiveness.  He really should be hitting farther back in the order, but he’ll likely be hitting second thanks to his undeserved reputation as a leadoff man.
3. Nomar Garciaparra (1B) – Nomar is not longer the player he was, but with the Dodgers needing power, he was a solid option to bring in as far as leadoff.  He hit a solid .300 with some power, but that second half fade is worrisome.  He also adapted well to first base.  The biggest flag with Nomar is his durability, as he missed about 40 games last season and will surely miss time again this year.  He should be a DH after this latest stint with LA is done.
4. Jeff Kent (2B) – Kent should be declining in this stage of his career, as he is 38 years old.  But he did post a high batting average (.292) and some good power last year.  Kent also should that he lost some range defensively, making Furcal work harder to cover for his deficiencies.  I think he should be able to provide some solid cleanup options, but nowhere near what is expected from his spot in the lineup.
5. Luis Gonzalez (LF) – Gonzalez left the Diamondbacks after it became clear that he was not wanted back, which Eric Byrnes taking his spot.  Gonzalez then expressed a desire to play for an NL West contender, to allow him to be able to haunt the Diamondbacks and make them regret letting him go.  As melodramatic as it sounds, LA didn’t mind, signing him to help replace some of the pop they lost in J.D. Drew’s defection.  Gonzalez doesn’t have the power that he used to, but he does have enough to contribute in the fifth spot.
6. Russell Martin (C) –Statistically speaking, he compares favorably to former Dodgers catcher Paul Lo Duca, making consistent contact, using the whole field and hitting for a high average but without big power numbers. Still, don't forget that Martin will only be 24 next opening day, meaning he's young enough to learn to get better lift on the ball, helping make him a 15-20 homer hitter. This could be a bit of a high ranking, but he cracks my top 10 because his average won't hurt you and he's got quite a bit of upside.
7. Wilson Betemit (3B) – Betemit was acquired to replace Bill Mueller after injuries finally claimed his career.  He was more than capable of helping LA and enters the season again as the third baseman.  Betemit has the ability to hit for average with at least some gap power.  He’s got average speed and his range is limited, but he’s got soft hands and a strong arm and has years of service time available for him. 
8. Andre Ethier (RF) – Ethier had a very nice rookie year, hitting .308 with 11 homers and 58 RBI’s, all while playing some solid defense.  His bat doesn’t have as much power as one would hope from a corner postion. 

Bench

• Mike Lieberthal (C) – Leiberthal put up backup catcher quality numbers and can still catch.  He’ll likely do well in LA where he’ll spend time mentoring Russell Martin.
• Jason Repko (OF) – Repko is a useful fourth outfielder that can play all three outfield positions
• Ramon Martinez (IF) – Martinez is a useful utilityman that will get some playing time depending on the health of Kent.  He makes decent contact with his bat, but not a lot of power.
• Olmedo Saenz (IF) – Saenz is a good power bat off the bench and can play the infield corners.  With Nomar’s health, he’ll also get some playing time as well.
• Matt Kemp (OF) – Another fourth outfielder rounds out the bench.

Disabled List

• Yhency Brazoban (RHP) – Brazoban is recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction and he won’t be a factor until midseason at the earliest.  The Dodgers hope that he can help out as far as the bullpen is concerned, but because of the command problems that occur with TJ, he won’t be of any use until September, at the latest.

The Dodgers’ farm system is still one of the top systems, even with all of the graduations that have been done in recent years.  With several prospects continuing to try and break through the major league barrier, the Dodgers seem to be poised to continue their challenge to win the division for quite some time.

• Andy LaRoche (3B) – Adam’s little brother, Andy’#### at almost every stop he’s been at.  He’s got a great combination of strength and bat control (though Adam possess more power), and walks more than he strikes out.  His glove isn’t the greatest, but his defense isn’t so bad that he needs to be moved.  He’s slow, but he’s good enough to be an All-Star, by all indications.  He’ll likely be in Las Vegas to start, but could make Betemit a valuable trade chip.
• James Loney (1B/OF) – Loney has a sweet swing and is a solid defender at first base and at the outfield.  He’s almost perfect with the exception of power, as many disagree on how high his ceiling is.  Still, he’s a solid player with batting title potential and should receive a call up if someone gets hurt.  There’s also a shot he beats out Etheir for the starting right field job.
• Chin-Lung Hu (SS) – A solid defensive shortstop with great range, arm and the mindset for the position.  The real question is about the bat and whether or not he’ll hit enough to start or become an Alex Gonzalez type of player.  Defensively, he’s ready.  Offensively, he’ll be in Las Vegas for the season.

In Conclusion

As I said, with the Giants spinning their wheels, the Padres lacking punch and the Rockies and Diamondbacks looking promising, but not quite there, LA has this division wrapped up.

Final Standing:  National League West Division Winner

Mail Call, Why Bud Selig Is Pissed At the Red Sox, and more Free Agent Rumblings & Grumblings

Mail Call

I don't normally post email, but I figured that this email would actually be worthwhile to checkout.

Morisato,

I see you talk a lot about how the Rangers’ did on the draft?  Of the first rounders that were taken in 2006, who will be the first to the majors?

Albert.  Alvin, TX

Hmm, well, if you were watching Tigers games this past fall, you would have seen the Tigers’ 2006 First Rounder, Andrew Miller, coming out of the bullpen.  While it was still technically by a contract clause mandated by Scott Boras, Miller owns the honor of being the first of the class of 2006 to hit the majors.

I’m going to post a column in the first week of December about the status of how the Draft Class of 2006 has done this year, so you can check out all the ETA’s I’ve estimated per prospect.  But if I had to say any prospects that would have a shot at cracking the majors next year, it would be a tossup between Devil Rays first rounder Evan Longoria or Giants first rounder Tim Lincecum, both of whom have done well in their first season of pro ball.  Longoria destroyed the minors before stopping at Double A.  Lincecum, easily the best prospect in the Giants’ system, also did a fair job in the minors, coming to rest in the Giants’ advanced Class A affiliate in San Jose.  Longoria could get a few at bats as a DH next season, while Lincecum could crack the rotation, which isn’t far fetched judging by the mess that is the Giants’ rotation, with a solid Spring Training.

Selig Not Thrilled With The Red Sox

The onus is on the Red Sox to sign Matsuzaka, as their large bid has apparently drawn the ire of Commissioner Bud Selig.

Selig apparently did not expect, nor want the bidding for Matsuzaka to become more than $20 million per year.  With the Red Sox placing the huge bid, plus Scott Boras’ complicated negotiations, the cost is sure to exceed that.  And thus Selig is overseeing the negotiations carefully.  The pressure is really on Boras to make this work, as he’s under pressure to get a deal done, as a breakdown in the negotiations could result in Matsuzaka having no choice but to return to Japan, as well as a hit on Boras reputation. 

However, if negotiations do break down, Selig could use his ability to award the negotiation rights to the next highest bidder.  Matsuzaka does not want to return to Japan, and Boston wants this deal to look as if they are making a good faith attempt to sign a promising player, instead of the affair looking like an attempt to block the Yankees.

Free Agency Thoughts And Rumblings

•  With the loss of Bengie Molina, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi spoke with representatives of free-agent catcher Rod Barajas.  Barajas is likely to be much more inexpensive than some of the other options, plus he brings a solid bat to the lineup.  Plus, Toronto would also block the Red Sox from acquiring Barajas, as they are interested in Barajas being Tim Wakfield’s catcher due to Barajas’ ability to catch a knuckleball.  Barajas wants at least a two-year deal. And wants to start, which is why Texas let him go.
• The Red Sox are expressing some interest in bringing in starter Tomo Ohka to serve as a mentor for Daisuke Matsuzaka.  Ohka is certainly good enough to serve as a suitable fifth starter, but this would leave the Red Sox with a rotation of Schilling, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Ohka and Clement.  
• The Texas Rangers, apparently not secure with their outfield, are talking to the Boston Red Sox on a possible deal for Manny Ramirez.  Ramirez has two years left on a contract and may need an option exercised as part of the deal, but Boston would surely pay part of the salary.  The only problem is whether or not the Rangers are willing to pay the price in prospects, as the Red Sox will demand SS Joaquin Arias, RP Nick Masset, SP John Danks or Eric Hurley, plus 1B Nate Gold.
• Outfielder J.D. Drew, who opted out of the remaining three years and $33 million on his Dodgers contract, is expected to sign a two-year, $30 million deal with Boston.
• San Francisco is believed to have made three-year, $30 million offers to center fielders Juan Pierre and Gary Matthews Jr. with the idea that whoever says yes first gets the deal.
• Oddly enough, last year, the Twins had the best offer for Frank Thomas.  However, Thomas said no because he was worried that the FieldTurf at the Metrodome would raise hell with his feet.  Hence why he went to Oakland.  Here’s the problem with that logic.  The Rogers Centre in Toronto, where Thomas is headed, has the exact same surface.

Daisuke Matsuzaka is a great pitcher.  No Doubt.

But was it really wise to blow $51.1 Million just to be able to talk to him?

No.  It wasn't. And I know that more respected people like Peter Gammons and Tom Verducci are lauding this as a wise investment.  But Boston had far more needs that had to be satisfied in order for the team to become a contender next year.  And despite adding the talented right hander, Boston still has a lot to go.

At the very least, the Red Sox need a shortstop that can hit.  Julio Lugo made the most sense, but the Red Sox surely can't afford him now.  Are they sold on Wily Mo Pena, for whom they dealt the dependable and affordable Bronson Arroyo for?  And Coco Crisp, are they sold on him remaining?]

Boston has been linked with J.D. Drew.  In my opinion, this bid for Matsuzaka just made the chances for Boston to land him drop dramatically.

This will be an off-season of gross overspending, similar to the infamous 2000 off-season, in which Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and others got huge contracts.  SInce then, nearly all of those players have been shopped, moved, or are stuck with the teams that signed them.  Only Derek Jeter, who recieved a huge pay raise, remains with his current team with virtually no trade talk linked to him.

Mark my words, it's going to be a wild off-season.  If the Matsuzaka signing is any indication, it's going to be a lot wilder than we ever imaginged.