Spring Training tidbits...

The Manny Chronicles continue. It certainly didn't take long for Manny being Manny to make an appearance. His reluctance to show up with his teammates isn't a good sign. He's showing up on March 1st. Why? Because the MLB CBA requires him to. Reporting dates are set by the individual teams, but players are not required to show until March 1st. The good news? He's not playing in the WBC, not as of today anyway. The Dominican manager hasn't been able to contact him either. At least he's unresponsive to everyone. And Manny, if you don't want the media attention, pull a Ricky Williams. Otherwise, get to camp, lace up your cleats, and quit your whining. March 1st is going to be "Ringling Bros, Barnum & Manny" time...
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You've got to love Terry Francona. Everyone has different opinions about the day to day decisions (without knowing the circumstances or reasoning behind them by the way), but he doesn't get enough credit. He continues to take heat for his players. Manny is the latest, and Wells is the other. Francona is way too underappreciated in Boston. Here's a perspective:
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Picture walking into a locker room. Your health sucks and it hurts just to walk. You've got salsa music blaring in the background. Manny is only wearing a do-rag and one sock, dancing. Big Papi is dancing but has his back to Manny unaware. Millar is in motormouth mode in the corner talking to the press about not playing. The media is in your face about yesterday's lineup, today's lineup, why didn't you try to steal second, why you didn't bunt, how much they water the infield, when injured players are returning, young players performances in Single A, and expiring contracts. You get "advice" in truckloads of "fan mail". Then Pedro knocks on your office door and wants to go home early for the break. Then Manny wants his day off even though you're short a player. Your team just played like crap at home, multiple injuries occured, and some reporter wants to ask you why everything sucks so bad, during post game interviews. You coach in one of the biggest media markets, have one of the highest payrolls, and get paid near the bottom of the league. You work everyday from 9am to 11pm.
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Holy crap. Who in their right mind would sign up for that? For $350k? What a bargain for the Sox. Oh and by the way, he has a World Series under his belt...
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Georgie Boy just couldn't help himself. In his latest faux-pas, he's declared the Yankees will win the World Series this year. Nothing like heaping more pressure on your own team. Nothing like adding more stress and wear & tear on those aging bodies. So, thanks George. The Nation appreciates your efforts. And special thanks from us - the "YEAR 2000!" campaign continues to gain steam...
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Damon looks good in pinstripes. But not to most Yankee fans. We've heard many commentaries, but there is one that stands out amoung the rest. Referring to Damon's performance in game 7 of the ALCS: "It's like someone sleeping with your wife, then having him marry your sister." Enjoy Johnny everyone!
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The latest Pedro rumors have him missing the initial part of the WBC. We'd actually be surprised to see him pitch at all, especially since he hasn't been able to throw off the mound yet. Very interesting tidbit from last week was that his "toe" has been an issue since the playoffs in 2004. Apparently he was administered cortisone during those playoffs, and it was a recurring issue in 2005. So it sounds like the "special shoe" has been in the works for a while. Surprising that it's only been reported now. Remember too that the Mets shut him down early last year once they were out of it. Makes Sox management look smart by not re-signing him. Not sure he has another 3 years left...
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Special note: Condolences to the family of Curt Gowdy. The sportscasting legend was 86 and will be truly missed.

Signs of Spring, Finally...

Well, it's only a day before pitchers & catchers report. Always get a little excited this time of year. It's very different since the spring of 2004, when "wait till next year" finally evaporated. This will also be a very different spring in that there were so many changes in the offseason. The infield has been completely revamped which will undoubtedly change one of the league's weakest into one of the strongest. The acquisiton of Beckett and the rise of Papelbon makes us giddy just thinking about it, not even considering the up and coming lefty Lester waiting in AAA. The bullpen is very deep and has the potential to be one of the best in the majors.

There are many questions to be answered before the season starts, but overall, this should be an improved club over the 2005 version. Is it good enough to win in October? On paper it is. But as we all know, they have to play the games. Pitching & defense wins championships, and the Sox improved both. Many things will shake out in Spring Training...
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Health:

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Schilling - can he regain the form of 2004? Probably not, but we think he'll be close. According to reports, he's slimmed down & was able to get back to his old routines. Never count out anyone with the amount of determination he has...
Beckett - Will this be his first season of 180-200 innings? Reportedly, he cut his offseason workouts in half. He's only 26, so the ability to bounce back is very high. Frankly, we're more worried about the blisters. We predict around 30 starts & 18 wins...
Foulke - We are not as concerned as everyone else seems to be. Even if he is horrible, you have Papelbon & ultimately Hansen to fill the role. Timlin faired well last year too...
Trot - Similar to Schill, reports say that he is in great shape. If he does stumble, look for Theo to deal him in July as he is in a contract year.
Unknown - There is always an injury. Add in the WBC, along with 7 or 8 Sox starters, and chances have doubled. Let's hope if there is an injury, the depth the Sox have will cover it...
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Offense:
Youkilis - We think he is poised for a breakout year. He's ready. We're projecting .280, 15HR, 80RBI in platoon with JT Snow. If he can put up 5HR & 20 RBI, they're at the top of the league.
Lowell - No telling how he will rebound. We think he'll be better. Remember that Mueller's #'s were virtually the same as Lowell last season. Anything higher is gravy...
Overall - There will be a drop off in production, no question. However, they should still score plenty of runs. A significant drop from last year still puts them in the top 5 offensively. Ask the White Sox how that worked out last season...
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Intangibles:
How will Crisp handle the pressure in Boston? According to reports, he might thrive in it. He apparently likes the big stage. The best part is he's only 26 and will get better. He may be an all- star by year 2.
What is the personality of this club? It will take time to develop. The characters keeping things light are mostly gone. From all reports, the new guys all have solid character. If nothing else, they will be professional. Chemistry will grow from winning, which they should do. They also have Schilling as a lightning rod if things go south.
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Outlook:
You have to be optomistic right now. The offense won't be as goliath as it has been, but that's the bad news. Pitching and defense are both improved, and thats what it takes in Oct. Even if some players don't rebound or meet expectations, this team has enough talent to carry them. Unless they are decimated with injuries, we're in for a good ride in 06. And don't forget the GM mantra:
Assess what you have in April, evaluate until July, and add pieces before Aug. Oh yeah, and "In Theo we Trust"...

Rocket to make final launch in Boston?

Don't count on it folks. But apparently the front office is making the push for it. Supposedly they put together a video of fans pleading for his return, and highlights of his career in a Boston uniform. We wouldn't be surprised if they included the standing ovation he received at Fenway in a Yankee uniform during his last "retirement".
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Does it make the team better with him? Can he pitch in the AL again? We think so. He had a masterful season in 2005. Add 1 1/2 runs to his ERA from last year and he's still only at 3.50ERA. He's pitched 200 innings & 30 starts in multiple seasons with one exception - 2002 with NY. It's safe to predict an ERA around 3 with 15+ wins. A Schilling, Clemens, Beckett trio? Wow.
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Money - There is talk that the Sox would have to jettison payroll to meet a predicted $18M salary. It would put payroll around $150M. Sox would probably bite the bullet here. Adding him would increase the brand name. They probably don't recover the cost in the first couple years, and you are naive if you think they would lose money.
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Golf or baseball? We'll know soon...

Clubhouse - You can just hear Schilling biting his tongue in Arizona. Will Clemens get the same conditions as Houston - no travel unless he's pitching? The only one who won't notice is Manny. Hopefully Theo asked the team before actively pursuing this one...
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Intangibles - Significant buzz would be created wherever he pitched. Fans would line up to see his last start ever at their ballpark. Signing on with Boston would signify he wanted to end where it all started. Imagine the merchandising $ in the Boston fan base alone. They can stick it to the Yankees, and the rivalry is stoked to a new level. What will the atmosphere be like during his first game back at Fenway, and New York? Wow...
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We'd love to see this deal get done. There are several reasons why he should return. Do they outweigh his other options? Doubtful. He's reached every milestone including pitching at "home". Now it comes down to where he wants to end it. Let's hope it's where it all started...

If it wasn't so funny...

We wouldn't have posted it. But the Manny trade talks have resurfaced...
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Apparently the front office is making sure that Manny thinks they are really trying hard to move him.
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The latest uh, um, "deal" with the Angels would have the Sox send Manny for the following:
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1) Ervin Santana - 23yr old rising star (remember 5+ innings of relief vs Yanks in ALDS?)
2) Chone Figgins - .290, 8HR, 57RBI - one of fastest guys in MLB
3) 2 or 3 of their top 4 prospects - including highly touted SS Brandon Wood (43HR 122 RBI in AAA last season)
4) Most of Manny's remaining salary
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Well, we want Johnny "Don't call me Cash" Damon's new Ferrari, and we'll trade him an NYchoker for it. Our deal has a better chance of happening...
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And don't expect Enrique Wilson to make the squad. He's there as a "binky" to help Manny from being Manny in Spring Training. Especially with Cora, Graffanino, Pedroia, and Machado all ahead of him on the depth chart...
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But here's an interesting twist. Pretend you're the GM for the Angels for a second. Do you seriously consider doing this - with these options:
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1) Angels include Santana, Figgins, and Wood only
2) Sox add Wells (gets his west coast wish), Graffinino, and Delcarmen
3) Sox pick up some salary
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Not so far fetched now?

Spring Training roster is set...

Finally. At long offseason last, the Nation knows what to expect. Well, kind of. There is depth at the middle of the infield, in the rotation, and even in the pen. But with every spring training, there are injuries. Throw in the World Baseball Classic in March, and you've dramatically increased that potential. So, lets talk about depth on April 3rd...

As far as non-roster invitees, check out this link in Boston.com sports:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

There are a few Triple-A players from other organizations who have surprisingly good numbers. However, their old teams didn't keep them for one reason or another.

One of the best internal guys is Dustin Pedroia. If Gonzalez struggles at short, Pedroia will be waiting in the wings, most likely at AAA. Because pitching is so deep this season, Baucher and Seibel (coming off Tommy John in 2004) should start things off in Pawtucket as well.

Also of note is Gabe Kapler, who by early reports will not be ready physically to play until May.

Camp questions:

Health:
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Schilling - we he be back to 2004 form? Close? He is the real key to the season...
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Foulke - did the knee surgeries cure him? Was it his head? Don't agree that the season rests on him. Papelbon would be a good sub until Hansen is ready hopefully by Aug.
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Beckett - Can he go 200 innings without blister or arm issues? We'll take 25 starts...
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Trot - supposedly in the best shape he's ever been in. Will it translate into 150 starts?
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Injuries:
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This is always a GM's nightmare. The WBC isn't helping matters for the Sox that are playing:
Varitek, Timlin, Ortiz, Manny, & Lowell...

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Other issues:
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David Wells - will Theo be able to change his mind about staying in camp? Maybe not. Be if we end up keeping him out of necessity (Schill or other injury), will he be a poison pill? Sox will get more in return if another team has an injury, but what are they looking for in return?

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Graffanino - He's #2 at second, but Sox also have Cora and Pedroia. How many utility guys will they keep? Could be a good chip if another team has an injury...

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2006 Outlook

On paper, this team is better than last years version. Why? Pitching. Probably the deepest in the majors (as of now anyway). Wells will more than likely go, but that still gives you 6 quality starters, also with Lester (supposed to be better than Papelbon) waiting in AAA. The bullpen has 8 or 9 potential solid guys, of which they only carry 6 or 7. Health is the only major concern. Schilling will be better (according to offseason reports) and Foulke can't be worse. Papelbon is a rising star. Defense will finally be an asset, especially up the middle.

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The offense will have a drop off, but not as significant as you may think. They should remain in the top 5 in runs scored. They were so far ahead of the pack the past few seasons, that even a significant drop keeps them that high.

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Pitching wins in October, bottom line. They have enough right now. Defense has been significantly upgraded. The heart of the offense remains. There's an influx of younger talent. There are many reasons to think this team can win 95 games.

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But don't get too giddy just yet. Many questions remain and hopefully can be answered in Spring Training. Health and injuries are the only stumbling blocks right now. During the season, the Jays should put pressure on both the Yanks & Sox. If Tampa finds any pitching, they could be really tough - what a good young team too. So the chance of 3 teams winning 90+ in the same division are slim. Let's hope any mid-season issues can be fixed by July 31st. In Theo we trust, again...