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As Peter noted earlier today, the Minnesota Twins finally dealt Johan Santana. While at the end of the day I agree with Peter that this move it probably best for Boston (and the Yankees), I do admit I allowed myself to get fired up about the rotation Boston would have had in 2008 had Johan come to Boston. Seriously, it would have been sweet.

That being said, we are looking at Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz in Boston next year (and Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson at Pawtucket). That's not a bad thing, right? This move also finally allows the off-season to resume. Specifically, I fully expect Coco Crisp to be dealt in the coming days and with Spring Training only 15 days away, yes, that's 2 weeks from tomorrow, any other loose ends will fall into place. Did I mention Spring Training starts in 2 weeks? Can you believe it? Enjoy the 2007 World Series win while you can because with the start of the 2008 season, the Red Sox are going to be defending Champs.

So Crisp will be dealt and with Eric Hinske most likely a goner, the Red Sox really only need a utility player. Hinske was useful because he could play the corner outfield spots and corner infield spots, so other than his declining offense, I'm not sure why he isn't going to return. That skillset will be tough to replace. There has been some talk that Trot Nixon could fill that role as he has worked this off-season on his 1st base skills (he will never, NEVER player 3rd, but Alex Cora can), Brad Wilkerson is an idea, although his agent, a guy named Scott Boras, has said he is looking for 3 years - $21mm. Interesting considering his client doesn't have a job and Spring Training starts soon. In all fairness, the 3 year, $21mm rumor came out 2 weeks ago, but Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe said that was nonsense and not his asking price.

If he could play a lick of 1b, Gabe Kapler would have been an interesting idea. A fan favorite to be sure, he is a good OF and a great clubhouse guy but he signed with Milwaukee. Anyway, I'll let Theo Epstein figure out that last spot.

The Red Sox also traded for David Aardsma yesterday. The joy was overwhelming. I do wonder where he'll fit in. Aardsma is 26 and has yet to make an impact in the Majors but he was considered special at one point. His greatest appeal is his K/IP. In the minors and majors, he has been just about a strikeout per inning guy. He has also been a .5 walk per inning guy and therein lies the problem John Farrell is a good pitching coach from all that know and Boston must be hoping he can figure this kid out.

Off-Season summary:

Additions:
David Aardsma

Subtractions:
Matt Clement
Eric Gagne
Brendan Donnelly (non-tendered)
Dr. Charles Steinberg
Tina Cervasio

Pending Subtractions:
Eric Hinske (for now)
Bobby Kielty (an option I had forgotten about

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A rundown what the players wants and what the Red Sox are offering:

Kevin Youkilis: Ask - $3.7mm Bid - $2.525mm
Kyle Snyder: Ask - $1.025m Bid - $725k.

Javier Lopez signed a 1 year, $840k deal avoiding arbitration.

Based on the numbers above, the Youkilis deal has the potential to be the messiest. That is a fairly large gap. Trying my best to take emotions out of it, I would say Youkilis is a good player, but not your protype 1b who hits for a ton of power. His value lies in his defense, his on-base ability and his fundemental play. With his numbers, I would guess Youkilis will never be more than an $8mm - $10mm a year player in this market (i.e. with baseball's crazy inflation, I can't predict the future). So if the Red Sox give him $3.7mm, they are just a year or 2 away from that $8-10mm figure. My guess is that they will tell him here's $3mm, take it or we'll see you in arbitration. I think the Red Sox would win too.

Not much to offer up in the Johan Santana drama. Hurry up and wait.

The Red Sox and MLB did announce the start time for the Red Sox opener: 6:07am(EST) on March 25th.

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Red Sox, according to sources, are close to re-signing Doug Mirabelli to a 1-year, $500k deal which includes incentives that could boost the total deal to $1mm for 2008.

Once this deal is done, I think the Red Sox have assured themselves of...um...another season with really bad hitting from the back-up catcher.

BTW, the sources? The Boston Globe and RotoWorld.

I joke, but at the same time I cry as Mirabelli isn't what he used to be. In the past, he was the guy that could handle Wakefield and could also slug .450 or so, but recently he has been of the sub .400 slg variety. His defense is still there but the time is quickly coming where the Red Sox need to figure out their catching future. Jason Varitek is good, but he is old for a catcher and we cannot expect him to last forever. The problem now is that Boston has not done a good job grooming catchers, even the ones they trade for. George Kottaras has been a distaster since Boston acquired him for David Wells in 2006. Seriusly, the minute he landed in the Eastern time zone, he has stunk.

Boston also has Mark Wagner at A+ ball in Lancaster CA. His stats were great there, but mine would have been too. I was scared of the ball in high school and even I would have had a .800+ OPS in Lancaster. With Wagner likely moving up in 2008, the real test will begin as he had never hit as well as he did in Lancaster prior to arriving there.

I've covered this topic before, but I can't stress it enough, the Red Sox are fooling themselves if they think things will be ok when Varitek finally loses it or gets hurt.

Be well JRT.

Posted by Andy (Red Sox) at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)