Innnnteresting

The Globe has a feature to catch folks up on the offseason possibilities. Here is a poll they offered, and the results:

Is J.D. Drew worth the $14 million per year the Red Sox are reportedly willing to pay him? No, the cost is too high.
	65.0%
Yes...he is the best outfield option available right now.
	35.0%

65% say no! Looks like not everyone is sold on Drew. But look at all the greedy Sox fans (myself included!)..

Which scenario is best for the Sox? Don't trade Manny, sign Drew.
	48.2%
Don't trade Manny, don't sign Drew.
	21.5%
Trade Manny, sign Drew.
	16.4%
Trade Manny, don't sign Drew.
	13.9%

Also, Sox fans are smart: most want to give Pedroia the job at 2nd base (keeping Loretta wasn't an option on the poll) and they realize the bullpen is the top priority.

And most important of all, David Ortiz has been selected as the recipient of the 2006 Thomas A. Yawkey Award as the Red Sox Most Valuable Player. At least he knows he's our MVP.

A Deal is Close

From Boston.com:

"We're continuing to negotiate with a couple of free agents, and they're at different stages of the process," said Epstein. "We may have something done with one free agent before the Winter Meetings. I know we plan to continue talking with another free agent at the Winter Meetings."

The two free agents the Sox have been most linked to this winter are Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo.

So basically, prepare yourself because news is coming!

Also, Luis Alicea will be the first-base coach for the Red Sox in 2007.

Late Post

This is what happens when I get a new job. I can't post until I get home (which is usually late) and then I find a million other things to do before I get online. Well, here it is..better late than never, I guess!

Larry Lucchino decided to take a trip to Japan to show Matsuzaka how serious the Sox are about getting him. He said he made a reasonable offer, and man I just hope Boras takes it.

From ESPN: Hideki Okajima is in serious discussions with the Red Sox about a two-year deal, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports. The 30-year-old left-handed reliever, who was 2-2 with a 2.14 ERA and four saves last season for the Nippon Ham Fighters, is a free agent.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning of the interest in Japanese players. It's only going to get bigger from here on out..

The Yankees also got themselves a Japanese player, a pitcher by the name of Kei Igawa. Well, technically, they won the rights to him. But they'll make a deal.

And lastly, what is so wrong with Jessica Biel that she feels the need to date Derek Jeter?

Life Without Manny

We may just have to get used to life without Manny Ramirez -- and soon. "[One big league official] wouldn't be shocked if the Red Sox traded him by Saturday." Of course, that's assuming we get J.D. Drew by Saturday; trading Manny hinges on the completion of the Drew deal.

The most important thing to consider was said well by a scout: "[David Ortiz] will draw about 200 walks next year without Manny hitting behind him. I don't care who it is who bats fourth instead of Manny -- J.D. Drew, or Wily Mo Pena, whoever -- he won't be as dangerous as Manny was, because Manny can hit good pitching."

They HAVE to find a bat to replace Manny's... and if they can't, don't deal him. Ortiz needs some protection and Manny does it perfectly. Can you imagine what it will be like for Ortiz without Manny behind him? A very scary thought.

Patriots 1, Bears 0

The Patriots/Bears game this afternoon was completely controlled by the defense. It was a really great show by both defensive lines, and it seemed like every time either team would get close to scoring, the defense would intercept a pass, recover a fumble, or block a field goal attempt. I'm telling you, it was a great game to watch.

It looked good for the Patriots with 2 minutes to go; they had the ball with a 17-13 lead. Then they fumbled it and Chicago recovered it with 1:46. All they needed was a TD to win...but the very next play, Asante Samuel made his THIRD interception of the day to give New England the win. Fantastic game! Except for those 8 turnovers, of course.

On a completely different note, someone got to my site by searching under "Dustin Pedroia sucks." And I was the 7th result! Of course the words weren't in the same order, but it's always interesting to see what people search for. Some of the terms that send people to my site...good stuff.

J.D. Drew Signing Looks Close

Though we haven't heard much about it (officially), the Sox are closing in on J.D. Drew. He plays right field, so...it's not looking good for Trot Nixon. It never really was, but it's looking more and more likely that we won't be seeing good old Trot in right field next season. Sad.

Drew reportedly wants a many-year-long contract, something that the Sox FO does not like to give out. He sounds like another Manny to me, with the attitude problem and all. Plus, he is injury-prone, so...can't spend too much money on him.

A Very Black Friday

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I decided to venture out to do some shopping at Best Buy this morning, and did not have a pleasant experience. It was my third time sitting outside Best Buy to buy something on Black Friday, but this year was different. I got there at 11:20 pm and was 87th in line! A couple years ago I arrived around 1 am and was one of the first people, so I was not at all expecting so many people. The first person in line got there at 4:30 pm. That is INSANE! So needless to say, I didn't get the laptop I wanted. Guess I'm stuck with this one (until I find another sale, that is).

No news on the Red Sox front, with the holiday and all. The Patriots take on the Chicago Bears Sunday, who currently have a record of 9-1. It should be 9-2 at the end of the weekend.

Want to hear something depressing? ESPN.com has Boston's closer for 2007 projected as Mike Timlin. We all know what happens when Timlin is left to finish the game..

Suzakinator?

Seriously, Suzakinator is a nominee in the nickname game. The sad part is I like it more than the others, but I can't be typing Suzakinator every time I refer to the man. Still need something...Matsuzaka does seem excited to come to Boston: “I have a feeling I want to come (to Boston) next season and I hope I can be (in Boston) in a good environment.” Hey, sounds good to me!

So Manny is on his way out. Not officially, but he gave a list to the FO of at least 10 teams that he would accept being traded to. Let's just hope he left the Yankees off that list, because...well, the FO would never trade him to NY, but it would be nice to know Manny would never pull a Johnny Damon.

Dan Shaughnessy didn't hide his feelings about Manny in his Globe piece: Face facts, fans: This is not us "running Manny out of town." Manny has run himself out of town. He did not return your love. He wants out. He quit on the Red Sox. He quit on you.

The truth hurts! Manny doesn't want us anymore. Thanks for your years of service, Manny, but not for the last couple months of this season because we all know you didn't really try.

I maintain that we better get one hell of a deal for losing Manny. He is not only great with the bat, but he plays left field really well. Remember all those outfield assists? He knows what he's doing out there, and he will be hard to replace.

AL MVP is NOT Jeter

Everyone is predicting Jeter to win the MVP. Even the Globe. And when a Boston-based paper picks a Yankee to win, you know it's bad.

It's JUSTIN MORNEAU! Wow, huge sigh of relief. I knew it wouldn't be Ortiz, but this is so much better than the alternative..

Tomorrow Will Probably Be Another Disappointment

Today the winner of the NL MVP was revealed - Ryan Howard of the Phillies. He beat out Albert Pujols with a score of 388 to Pujols' 347. I thought I would report this, even though I do not care one iota. I will care tomorrow, when the AL MVP is announced. You know it won't be David Ortiz, even though we all want it to be him. He isn't even listed on the little info page at MLB.com; instead they write, "The MVP mix includes a New York icon, two terrific Twins and one to Dye for." If that fool Jeter wins...oh, words won't be able to describe my disgust and anger.

Let's see...Nomar has a 2-year deal with the Dodgers and Alfonso Soriano's going to Chicago to play for the Cubs. Matsuzaka had dinner with Theo Epstein, John Henry, and Terry Francona over the weekend. If Scott Boras was also there, it's safe to assume that no fun was had.

And the best name Boston.com could come up with for Matsuzaka was Dice-K? You cannot be serious!

Football

The Patriots put on quite a show today. I don't know that actually, because I missed the whole game to play the final match of the fall tennis season, but the score indicates they were quite awesome. 35-0 against the Packers shows me 2 things: the offense is back (with a bang), and the defense was either really good or Green Bay's offense was pretty bad. I'm going to side with New England's defense was great.

I am sad to actually have to write this, but...Donovan McNabb is out for the rest of the season with a torn right ACL. McNabb, one of the nicest guys around, is now out for 8 months to a year. With him out, Philadelphia is effectively out of the running. I love the Eagles, so this kills my dream of a Patriots/Eagles Super Bowl repeat (with the Pats winning again, of course).

No Sox news today. Maybe Monday morning!

Bill Mueller Retires, GONZ IS GONE

Oh, Billy. I loved watching him play third with ease. But knee surgery has killed his career, and he has taken a position within the Dodgers organization. He'll be doing work in the scouting and player development areas. It's too bad he had all those knee problems, I really did enjoy watching him play.

In other Dodgers news, Nomar is close to signing a deal to stay in LA. All those Sox fans who want Nomar back (myself not included) are frowning.

This is Alex Cora smiling because he got a 2-year deal:

Now, I know Cora is a good backup shortstop/2nd baseman, but I really really really wanted the Sox to re-sign Alex Gonzalez. He will now be teammates with Bronson Arroyo in Cincinnati with a 3-year, $14 million deal. I'm the first to admit he's not too impressive with the bat, but the FO basically spent all last offseason building a great defense, and losing the Gonz screws it all up. He was the best shortstop in the American League this year, without a doubt. Speaking of people that don't deserve the awards they get, why am I seeing Derek Jeter when I am trying to watch the Michigan/Ohio State game? Not cool!

Go Michigan (cheering for them because that's where Tom Brady played)!

GONZ!!!!!!!!! I am so upset. I will miss you, Alex. Say hi to Bronson for me.

Oh No....Not My Gonz!

My beloved Alex Gonzalez is packing up.

The Gonz has received a three-year, $15 million deal from an undisclosed team. With Boston's interest in Julio Lugo, I see my Gonz leaving us.

Nomar Garciaparra, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez...we keep getting all these shortstops that I fall in love with, then they take them away from me. The front office is a cruel being.

Don't worry though, ALEX CORA will be back for two years. Priorities?!??

More Matsuzaka

Yes, the Matsuzaka news will not stop coming until he retires. Actually, I just have some quotes that I thought were really nice and show that he is excited about coming here.

Q: How would you react to Red Sox fans "booing"?
Matsuzaka: If you can't perform, you deserve it. I want to get good numbers and hope to get booed at away games.

Q: What is your impression of Boston?
M: Never been there, but it has famous universities, museums and hospitals. I'll like it.

M: Boston is a prestigious team and has produced many great players in the past. The price is higher than expected, and was surprising, but I am glad that they value me that much. I also feel some pressure.

Seibu Lions president Hidekazu Ohta: "It was [Matsuzaka's] dream since he was 10 years old to play in the major leagues. I am glad to help make his dream come true."

In non-Sox news, if Frank Thomas signs with Toronto, the Jays will be even better than this year. Bad news for us in the AL East.

Manny's agent refuses to comment on the trade request, saying only, "There's nothing to say. There's no news." All I can say is if we do trade Manny, we better get a whole lot of awesomeness in return.

A-Rod said again last night that he wants to stay in NY. Why, I don't know, because he gets treated like crap there, but to each his own.

Who's Jealous?

This is today's cover of Daily Sports News:

You can't tell me they aren't the slightest bit disappointed that the (potentially) best available pitcher can now sign with the Sox. Nice try, though!

The NY Post is slightly better:

Theo Epstein is working on getting some bullpen help. He has been talking to Houston about Brad Lidge, Brad Qualls and Dan Wheeler. Apparently, he is considering trading Wily Mo, which is bad news for us (because he has MAJOR potential with David Ortiz as his mentor) but good news for Trot Nixon! Epstein is also talking to the Padres about acquiring some pitchers.

Trading Manny Ramirez may be difficult due to his own actions. Phillies GM Pat Gillick said this yesterday, "I don't know if he's a headache we want to deal with." Ouch.

And by the way, D-Mats as a nickname for Matsuzaka is not okay. Someone think of something better!

What Are You Worth?

Because Matsuzaka is worth FIFTY-ONE MILLION dollars. 51.1, to be exact.

Let the negotiations begin!

News

1. Theo Epstein revealed yesterday that he has made formal offers to two free-agent pitchers, and he wants to make more offers before Thursday. Nick Cafardo's guesses: Gil Meche, Miguel Batista, Mark Mulder, Justin Speier, Eric Gagne, Scott Schoeneweis. So much speculation, so little information.

2. 8 pm tonight = we find out about Matsuzaka. We pretty much "know" the Sox have made the high bid, all we need is confirmation that Boras plans on negotiating over the next 30 days.

3. Dave Wallace is now with the Houston Astros.

4. Apparently, Matsuzaka going to Boston is big news in Japan, since Hideki Matsui is in NY. "The Red Sox-Yankees series will have new meaning to people in Japan because you have one of the best hitters against one of the best pitchers," said Yasuko Yanagita of the Hochi Shimbun sports newspaper. "Boston is a popular team because they won the World Series not so long ago, and if Matsuzaka plays for them and Matsui plays for the Yankees, it will create excitement." And you know what all this means: money.

5. Theo said he has not made any offer to J.D. Drew.

Who is this Free Agent?

(EDIT: Hanley Ramirez is the NL Rookie of the Year. I write this with extreme bitterness, as he should still be on our team!
UPDATE: Sources say the Red Sox bid $42 million for Matsuzaka. More concrete info coming tonight!)

"Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said he made an offer to a free agent, but would not disclose who it was." Interesting. I wonder who the Mystery Free Agent is.

We should solve one mystery tonight: The Seibu Lions' board of directors will meet tonight, then hold a press conference at 8 pm Eastern. Hopefully, we'll find out that the Red Sox now have the right to negotiate a deal with Matsuzaka.

I'm also wondering if the Sox bid on third baseman Akinori Iwamura. We will probably find that out on Friday.

GM Meetings, Patriots, Who We Want, and By the Way

1. GM Meetings: Expect stuff to happen this week, or to at least hear about stuff that might happen. Those in attendance will learn which players are going to be put on the trade market, and preliminary negotiations will be made. Anything can change at any time, however.

2. The Patriots: NE is playing right now, with a 7-6 score not in their favor. It's halftime, they'll work it out. UPDATE: They lost! They were down by 3 with 7 seconds to go, and instead of going for a field goal to tie it (probably ~55 yards), they tried to throw and Brady fumbled it. I tell you, the Patriots offensive line has been downright awful. At one point, Brady was sacked twice in a row! Something needs to be fixed, pronto. We'll see what Belichick and Brady have to say in their press conferences.

3. Who We Want: The Red Sox have expressed preliminary interest in third baseman Aramis Ramirez, outfielder Carlos Lee, infielder Rich Aurilia, starter Mark Mulder and reliever LaTroy Hawkins. All big names, all could help the current situation. I would love to see Mike Lowell next year, but Aramis Ramirez is a great player, and may be willing to come to Boston: his agent said, "They talked to us early and said they had interest. There is a very short list of teams, just three or four, Aramis would play in if he did leave Chicago and Boston is on that list."
UPDATE #2: The Cubs just announced that Aramis inked a 5-year deal with them. There goes that option!

4. By the Way...: Jermaine Van Buren has signed with the Nationals, as has Alejandro Machado. And Matt Clement might be back by the All-Star break. Months from now!

Gary Sheffield to the Tigers

Just heard that Sheffield was traded to the Detroit Tigers for 3 pitching prospects. Sheffield now has a 2-year deal with Detroit.

NYY get Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett. From the AP: The 23-year-old Sanchez was a combined 10-6 with a 2.53 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 123 innings with Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie this year. Whelan, 22, was 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 27 saves for Class A Lakeland. Claggett, 22, was 7-2 with an 0.91 ERA and 14 saves for Class A West Michigan.

Looks like the Yankees got the better end of that deal. They get 3 men of the ages 23, 22, and 22, and the Tigers get Sheffield, who will be 38 in 8 days.

Also, if the rumors are to be believed, the Red Sox may have posted the highest bid for Matsuzaka, which is great. We need a starting pitcher and everyone says he is one of the best.

Jeopardy and the Dodgers

So J.D. Drew of the Los Angeles Dodgers voided his $33 million dollar contract to get out 3 years earlier. Drew's agent, Scott Boras (surprised?!), said that Drew wants to renegotiate his contract with the Dodgers. The GM had this to say: "He moved on and we'll move on. We'll find a player who wants to stay here. Scott broached [the opt-out] and I said if that's what you decide to do ... I'm finished with it." Might the Sox have the same interest in Drew that they had 2 years ago? Of course, it seems he does have some problems: won't play hurt, "lack of intensity"...sound familiar?

I turned on ABC last night to watch Jeopardy, and who did I see? Curt Schilling! He was playing as part of the Celebrity Jeopardy tournament, and he finished with $0. It was funny. He did joke about it, saying about his teammates, "This is going to be an opportunity for them to have material on me forever." You can go here to see some clips from the show, make sure to watch the Rice-a-Roni part!

And here is a picture of Schilling from the show (see, I listen to the commenters!):

Still waiting on any Matsuzaka news. Today is also the Day of Foulke's Decision, so we'll be hearing about that later on.

UPDATE: Foulke filed for free agency. I'm sure he'll go out West and become great again, like every other former Red Sox player does! I'll miss the old Foulke, I always hoped he could get back in top form like in 2004. Maybe he will...just not with us.

Matsuzaka?

Yesterday, the chance to bid on Matsuzaka officially ended. Bidding on human beings is strange, no? Matsuzaka's team, the Lions, have until Tuesday to decide whether or not to accept the highest bid. Then the evil Scott Boras has 30 days to negotiate a deal for his client. All that's left is the wait.

The Red Sox also have interest in the Yakult Swallows third baseman Akinori Iwamura, and the bidding for that man ends Friday. I don't like the interest in a third baseman when we already have a perfectly capable one in Mike Lowell, but that's something else where we just have to wait and see what happens. Keep in mind that Lowell still has one year left on his contract. And he hit all those doubles. I'd love to have him around next year.

More politics, then I swear I'm done (I think): George Allen is in the process of conceding! That means Jim Webb is the new Senator for the state of Virginia, and the Democrats officially control Congress. It's been a long time coming, and it feels pretty good.

From Theo's Mouth

This is what Epstein said the other day about the team's needs: "We need a starting pitcher, a couple of relievers, one lefthanded [reliever]. We need right fielder, a backup catcher. We need a shortstop, then we need to fill out our bench with quality players to compliment the regulars. We need a second baseman as well."

Not liking the whole 'we need a right fielder' thing, because it basically means Trot Nixon is out.

He did say he would like to bring Alex Gonzalez back: "Jed [Hoyer] had a conversation with Alex's agent earlier today. We certainly have an interest in bringing Alex back at the right price. We'll keep the dialog going and see if there is a mutual fit."

Theo also reported on Papelbon, saying his shoulder is fine and he's doing well. He also mentioned Coco Crisp and said he is recovering well and everything is on schedule.

In political news (I know, I know), it is awful being a Virginian right now! The Senate vote is still up in the air, with Jim Webb hanging on by some 8,000 votes with about 99.6% of the votes in. Even with a recount, I believe Webb will win. As will Tester in Montana. Oh man, the House and the Senate. It's like....fantastic!! However, the Marriage Amendment passing is not fantastic. The discrimination disgusts me.

And I am really hungover right now, as George Allen was in the lead for a while last night and I was drinking quite heavily thinking about that future.

News-ish + Foulke

We got some Red Sox action today! Trot Nixon was honored with the Tavilla award, which is given to athletes who show exceptional character and leadership. When asked about his free agency, he said, "I would love to play in Boston this year. There's no question about that, but sometimes players are not in command and control of where they're able to go or not." I'd love to see him back, too.

Looks like John Farrell is making the rounds and getting to know his new pitchers. He's got a tough road ahead of him unless some huge changes are made this winter.

The winners of the Players Choice Awards will be announced tomorrow. Ortiz is a lock, right?

And most importantly, it seems that Alex Cora is close to getting a 2-year deal. He's a good backup, but now it's time to resign the Gonz. Or find an everyday SS....but I really like Gonzalez. I don't think they'll get another SS that is as good defensively as Gonz, but he needs some help with the bat. I say that out of love, you understand.

My cat is being extra nice to me today. Something's up...I wonder what it is..

UPDATE: The Sox have decided not to exercise their option on Keith Foulke, which means he now has 48 hours to decide if he wants to exercise his player option for next season. He would get $3.75 million to pitch for Boston next season. If he chooses not to, the Sox would owe him a $1.5 million buyout. Tres interesting!!

Disappointment Again

Only if you watched the Patriots game last night can you understand the immense disappointment experienced by NE fans across the country. It was brutal. The Colts were up by 7 and about to make it 10 with a FG, but Vinatieri missed his 2nd FG attempt of the night (note: he had a perfect season up until then). So with less than 2 minutes, I'm freaking out because the Pats are about to tie this thing, then...Tom Brady throws his 4th interception of the night (but not according to me, because I don't think those deflected passes should count as interceptions against the QB) and my house is filled with silence. It was just awful.

Now for the Red Sox, because thinking about last night depresses me. There are 6 days left until free agents can sign with a new team, so I doubt we'll hear anything big until that time. Maybe even not until the GM meetings are over (11/17). Gordon Edes over at the Boston Globe has 4 potential Manny trades lined up (he does first note that he wants Ramirez to stay!):
1. The Mets
2. The Astros
3. The Angels (Manny + Vlad = Trouble for the AL)
4. The Phillies

90.1% of the voters at Boston.com agree that Boston is better with Manny. I wonder what the 9.9%'s reasoning was as to how the Red Sox are better without Manny?! However, only 80% say he shouldn't be traded. Hmm..

And finally, I don't normally do this, but...please remember to vote tomorrow! And if you happen to be a Virginia resident, I urge you to vote for Jim Webb. And vote NO on the Marriage Amendment!! It's about more than just gay marriage: If passed, the amendment would deny all legal recognition of any unmarried relationships, gay or straight. It doesn't affect marriage at all, really, as VA already prohibits same-sex anything! It comes down to discrimination. This country always seems to have some group to target at one time or another (women, African Americans, Japanese, "Communists"..) and this time it's homosexuals. Please vote NO!

Slow Weekend

This weekend has been sloooow. No news, nothing interesting. I had a great weekend, though! Went to Washington D.C. yesterday with my family, went to some museums and had a "family day." And I won my tennis match this morning, so I'm anticipating a Patriots win tonight to complete the Weekend of Good.

The Redskins just beat the Cowboys in what can only be defined as fantastic. The Cowboys had a 35-yard field goal attempt with 6 seconds in the game (19-19 tie) and they go for it, but it gets blocked! Washington got the ball and a flag on the play got them 15 more yards plus an untimed down. They went for a 47-yard FG and from the camera angle, I was like "No way is that going in," and of course it curved in and the Redskins won. It was awesome. I hate the Cowboys, hate hate hate them, so it was a perfect ending.

Denver seems to be doing well against the Steelers at the moment, I hope that continues. The Eagles have an off week, so I don't have to worry about them losing again with 0 seconds on the clock (they got robbed!).

Now for the Patriots in a few hours, then hopefully a week full of Red Sox news (that doesn't include trading Trot Nixon) to follow!

Allow Me to Complain

The best shortstop in the American League got screwed. Of course, by best shortstop I mean the Gonz. How did he lose the Gold Glove to Jeter when Gonzalez has superior numbers? Jeter made 15 errors, Gonz made 7. Jeter's fielding percentage was .975 to Gonz' .985. In what way is that the right decision? Help me out, I'm confused.

I'm eagerly anticipating Wednesday, when we find out how much teams bid for Matsuzaka. I'm thinking Boston probably won't be the highest bidder; they'll determine how much they think he's worth, bid that, and another team (NY?) will outbid them. You know things like this don't usually go our way!

Another day I can't wait for: Sunday. Another be there or be square game. The Patriots welcome the Colts and Adam Vinatieri to their city, and the Colts must lose. I imagine there will be boos at the start, but they'll probably dissipate as the game goes on. I just really really hope the Pats win this one..

Also, Bill Haselman, the first-base coach, is expected to be leaving the position due to family considerations. Whatever that means.

Matsuzaka and A-Rod

Hopefully, the two men in the title won't both be on the same team next year.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese star, is available to the highest bidder. His current team, the Seibu Lions, are selling him via the posting system, which basically means whoever makes the highest bid gets him. The Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, and Rangers are expected to be among the bidders, but the Mariners will not be bidding. Bad news comes with this news -- Scott Boras will be Matsuzaka's agent, and Scott Boras seems to steer good players away from Boston.

In other news, the Yankees take on the role of loser boyfriend in saying they don't want to break up with A-Rod, they want him to break up with them. So if A-Rod is going to be traded, he has to make the first move, or else he's there to stay. If I was in the NYY FO, I'd probably keep him around for one more year to see if he improved; if he didn't, I'd have to try to trade him.

A Bunch of News

Halloween is over, and Red Sox news is flowing.

Alex Cora is the latest to file for free agency. Except for the ducking that I will never forget, he is a pretty good infielder. I don't really expect to see him next year, though.

Former Kansas City senior vice president and general manager Allard Baird has been named Theo Epstein's new assistant. I would like to be Theo's assistant, but I guess they prefer someone with a little more experience.

The Players Choice Awards nominees are up, with Ortiz and Papelbon in the mix. Papi is up for Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player, and Jon is up for AL Outstanding Rookie. I think they should both win their respective categories. We'll find out November 8th.

Good news for the future: Boston had the best draft this year according to Baseball America. We have good things to look forward to!