Red Sox Decline Options On Scott Atchinson and Dan Wheeler

Scott Atchison's option was for the 2012 MLB minimum plus $200,000. He remains on the 40-man roster and is not eligible for arbitration. So the Sox could simply tender him an offer at the minimum or slightly above and retain him.

Dan Wheeler is a Type B free agent. So the Red Sox could offer him arbitration and get a draft pick once he signs with another team.

I was really let down by Dan Wheeler who went 2-2, 4.38 ERA with 39 Ks, but none of these guys will be missed. It's weird with relievers because they can be so good one year and suck the next. I mean Bobby Jenks (although I highly doubt it) could have a really good year next year. I don't know what the Sox are going to do bullpen wise, I'd like to say we are going to get Heath Bell and other bad ass guys but who knows.

Latest On Red Sox Manager Search

Cherington confirmed that the team will begin talking to candidates in the coming days, with Philadelphia Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum set to interview for the job this week. The Red Sox haven't named anyone else, but I am sure there will be more. It is really hard to me to really know who would be better. I don't know anything about these guys really, but I just want this over ASAP. It's not like I can sit here and tell you I knew a lot about Francona before they hired them, so I just have to trust Cherington knows what he is doing.

I am looking forward to the rest of the offseason, and see what the Red Sox do. Who will be their 4/5 starter? Who will be their RF? Is Papelbon/Ortiz coming back? Do we want them back? Can Youk play 3B everyday? If he can't does that mean Ortiz needs to go? All of these things interest me more then the search for the manager.

Red Sox To Pickup Marco Scutaro's Option

There are reports going around today that the Red Sox are leaning toward picking up Marco Scutaro's $6 million option for 2012. I am a big Scutaro fan, but I wasn't so sure about picking up his option. I just felt there are probably better defensive SS out there, but the more I think about it this makes sense.

Iglesias is supposed to be the SS of the future, but even if he is able to come up at some point and take over Scutaro is a good guy to have on your bench. He can play 3rd, SS, and 2nd, and the Red Sox that flexibility. Plus, Iglesias in not a good hitter, so Scutaro is a great replacement for him.

On top of that Scutaro is coming off one of his best year. Has proven time and again that he is tough and will play through injury, and is one of maybe 3 guys that didn't choke in September this year. Plus, it's just a one year deal, so I think it's worth it, because Lowrie doesn't like to play baseball and I'm not sold on Iglesias being 100% ready.

Should We Feel Different About John Lackey?

As I posted yesterday John Lackey needs Tommy John. There is no doubt in my mind that he needed it all year, because Peter Gammons reported it back in June. The question now is, should be now feel different about him?

In a way we should. He battled through this all year, because the Red Sox had already lost Clay and Dice-K. They didn't have any minor league arms to come up, either due to injury or just being awful. Maybe this is the reason we hear every Red Sox player standing up for Lackey. So, for being a "tough guy" we have to give him credit.

Still, he was just such an asshole that I can't just get over it. Ok, let's forgive his on the field issues for a second. That doesn't excuse showing up the other players on the team any time he lets up a hit. It doesn't excuse the way he treats the media. It doesn't excuse his stupid face, and voice. It doesn't excuse leaving his wife while she fights cancer. It doesn't excuse using Fenway as an excuse for his troubles. It doesn't excuse drinking during his off days, and getting fat.

Red Sox fans hated John Lackey for more reasons then just his on the field performances. It's his actions, overall being an awful person, and then being a terrible pitcher.

DP doesn't think we will see Lackey in a Red Sox jersey again. I have to disagree. I fully expect to hear the 2013 John Lackey comeback story, because no one is going to take him till he proves he's healthy, and now the Red Sox (and Lackey) have their excuse of why he was so terrible.

I do agree with DP that this is a victory for the Red Sox tough. With him getting hurt it kicks in the option for Lackey, which adds a year, but he only makes a little over $400,000 that year. So, yes we have Lackey a little longer, but what it does is lower the Red Sox luxury tax. Taxes on team don't just look at what a guy makes over 1 year, but rather the average salary over the course of the deal. Basically, because he makes the league minimum now for the final year his contract his average salary of $15 million/year goes to $12 million/year. Not the biggest victory ever, but when coupled with the fact we don't have to deal with him next year I see it overall as the best thing that could've happened for the Red Sox.

Ben Cherington Is The Fucking Man

Who cares if Ben Cherington had nothing to do with it, Ben Cherington is already proving he is the big dick on the block by disposing of John Lackey for a year. He's not even the GM for 2 minutes for getting rid of this D Bag. Skeptics will say that he had nothing to do with this, or this means we can't get rid of Lackey now, but who gives a fuck, there is no way John Lackey puts on a Red Sox uniform again, even when he is fully rehabbed. Cherington brings us a light in these dark time, brings us passion for the upcoming season, and most importantly brings us hope!

I know one thing from his press conference, we have the best GM in baseball. He told all the media, "Fuck yea I wanted Crawford and he's gonna be fucking sweet next year, calm the fuck down media and John Henry." and he pretty much was the reason we won championships in the past. Theo Epstein was the face, but Cherington was the brains of the GM position.

Cherington has some big tasks and positions to fill this offseason, with Dice K and Lackey gone, he needs to fill 2 out of the 5 spots. If I were Ben I would look for an Edwin Jackson and Mark Buerhle. I know those are names that won't wow you, but they are solid pitchers. I would flirt with bringing Erik Bedard back for a real short contract. Also he has the bullpen issue, I would leave Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves in their as they are way too important in their roles.

Who knows what he will do this off season, but I know one thing, I WILL NEVER DOUBT ANY MOVE HE MAKES FOR THE RED SOX!

Best GM in baseball!

Was Gammons Right About Tommy John For Lackey? (UPDATED - YES)

There was a report that came out somewhere around midseason from Peter Gammons that said the Red Sox were worried that Lackey was going to need Tommy John. The Red Sox and John Lackey both called this report bogus, yet now that the year is over we have already heard from Tek that there was some kind of injury with Lackey, and now we are getting word that John Lackey ‬recently visited Dr. Lewis Yocum in California to have his right elbow examined.

This is very interesting a bunch of different levels. If Lackey does need Tommy John it would mean that his 6th year with the Red Sox would be at the major league minimum ($414,000). Even Lackey acknowledged that the was a preexisting condition, which is why it affects his contract.

Beyond that this could be yet another black eye for the Red Sox medical staff. If he needed this surgery, and it had to do with why he was so bad, why wasn't he shutdown like Dice-K?

Before anyone get excited that the Lackey era could at the very least go away for awhile, think about this. If it was hard to trade this guy before, how hard is it going to be to deal him now that he might need Tommy John? Basically impossible.

If he does need surgery I think the Red Sox owe Peter Gammons an apology, because they made him sound like a crazy old man that just makes up stories.


***UPDATE***

Ben Cherington has confirmed that Lackey needs Tommy John surgery. That means Lackey will be out all of next season. Just when I thought there would be no way we would ever see Lackey in a Red Sox uniform again...

With Lackey out all of next season there is no chance the Sox will be able to deal him, so we can all sit back and look forward to the Lackey comeback story for 2013.

Well, this means a couple things...

1. Red Sox need to fill 2 out of the 5 spots in their rotation (Dice-K's and Lackey's).
2. Peter Gammons was right, and one of the best reporters around.
3. Lackey's last year of his contract will be for the minimum.
4. The Red Sox knew he needed this surgery and let him pitch anyways.
5. Lackey is a tough guy? Ugh, I still hate him and hopes he gets runs over by a bus.

Blue Jays Won't Let Red Sox Take John Farrell

Blue Jays president Paul Beeston and general manager Alex Anthopolous issued a joint statement Tuesday declaring the Jays have altered its policy regarding employees moving to another organization if it is considered a lateral move. The change would seem to be in response to the rumors regarding Toronto manager John Farrell potentially talking to the Red Sox about their vacant managerial opening.

"The Toronto Blue Jays have amended their policy and will not grant permission for lateral moves," the statement read (WEEI).

This is a complete 180 from what he had heard in the past. They would allow anyone to leave if they wanted to without any compensation. I am sure if the Sox gave up enough they could still get Ferrell, but I don't see it happening anymore.

Ben Cherington is being introduced today, so I wouldn't expect any kind of update on the compensation for Theo, or the search for a new manager until after that.

MLB To Ban Drinking

According to multiple reports, the Red Sox are one of 12 major league teams that allow alcohol in the clubhouse. After this controversy, there might be none.

"I want people to understand the nature of, if we do happen to bar alcohol from the clubhouses, you have to understand the intent of this thing and what it looks like," Torre said. "We should be role models for the youngsters and how they behave. Some clubs have done it on their own. It's something we'll certainly look at (WEEI)."

Well, I guess there is going to be 11 teams that really hate the Red Sox if drinking gets banned. I am a little torn on the subject. One one hand if a guy wants to have a couple beers and he doesn't pitch for 5 more days, what's the harm. On the other hand this is a place of work and maybe it's not the best idea to be knocking back casuals. Yea, I think I'm going with that. You get paid millions of dollars to play baseball, not drinks beers.

I don't care about being a role model thing, but I do buy into the professionalism, and that they can really drink whenever they want do they really need to be doing at the ballpark. I don't think so, I think while they are at work they should be doing work. I know, I'm a little surprised I came down on this side of the fence too.

I Guess I Have To Mention Theo Officially Gone

Under Epstein's guidance, Boston went 839-619 (.575) in the regular season and 34-23 in the playoffs. Ben Cherington is the new guy and I'm sure he will do fine as he's probably the same thing as Theo except without the Brookline roots.

Again we have no idea what we are going to get because Bud Selig is a scumbag, but don't expect anything awesome.

I like what the Cubs have done though with their upper management by making Theo the Head of Baseball Operations and Padres GM Jed Hoyer their GM. I think they will definitely change the way the Cubs approach the offseason.

The Red Sox are rumored to bring John Farrell back, which I don't know why Toronto would do that, but that's whats rumored.

Red Sox Pitching Coach Runs Back To Oakland

We talked about it the other day that Curt Young was rumored to be heading back to Oakland, well today it's official. His time here was terrible. He really couldn't come back after all the stories that came out about the Red Sox starting pitching, and how bad they were, especially in September.

The good news for Young is that he gets to now work with a pitching staff that might be better then Boston's, and in a ballpark that is very pitcher friendly anyways. I said it before the Red Sox are better off bringing in a new staff behind whoever is made manager, because after all that has happened you have to do a changing of the guard.

David Ortiz Wants To Come Back

Ortiz says he would like to come back to the Red Sox, and I don't have a problem with it if he does. Ortiz knows the deal, he's a DH and the Red Sox are really the only ones that would give him the amount that would be in his ballpark, I don't think the Yankees would, so as much as he pretends not to need the Sox, he needs them as much as they need him.

I see two options with David, the 1st is re-sign him to a short term 2 year with a 3 year option for about 7 million a year or let him go and start Wil Middlebrooks. I know the Captain was pessimistic about assuming triple AAA players can transition to the minors, but from everything I'm reading he's ready to go. Why not roll the dice with him? If he works out fine, if not, fuck it trade for someone or get someone the following offseason.

I don't believe the Red Sox will be in the Albert Pujols/ Prince Fielder sweepstakes so we can let go of that dream.

But sure, if Ortiz wants to come back, why not, he has good production and seemed to do well batting after AGon.

Padres Talk Trading For Lackey

According to a San Diego source (San Diego Union-Tribune) the Padres have internally discussed the possibility of acquiring John Lackey from the Red Sox if Boston takes on most of the right-hander's salary. We can all dream that maybe we will get something in return (Wells, Rios, Soriano, ect), but in the end it will most likely that they will get nothing (or a players to be named later). The bottom line is that Lackey can't comeback. There is just no way he can be allowed to wear a Red Sox jersey again, because for one he sucks and two fans will riot.

I wonder if Lackey would be decent if he went to San Diego. NL always helps, and that is a pretty big field out there.

Sounds Like Red Sox Pitching Coach Heading Back To Oakland

MLB.com is reporting that the A's have made Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young their "top target" in their search for a pitching coach to replace the fired Ron Romanick. Young spent seven years as the A's pitching coach from 2004-10 before leaving Oakland to join the Red Sox for the 2011 season.

With all that happened with this starting rotation there is really no way the Red Sox can bring him back, and I expect he will go back to the A's. When the Red Sox hire a new manager I feel they are better off on having a entirely new staff as well. I clean slate is basically the best thing the Red Sox can do for themselves at this point, and this is just another domino.

Latest On Theo Epstein Talks (UPDATED)

Last night a Chicago based source (CSN Chicago) said there has been significant progress made on the Theo to Cubs talks. There are no reports on exactly what that means, but it seems as if there could be a deal announced before the end of the World Series (most likely during an off day).

As DP pointed out before the Red Sox are going hard after a pitching prospect named McNutt. He just got lit up his last night out, and you have to wonder if maybe the Cubs caved due to his latest struggle. We can't be sure about that, but it is interesting.

I just want this done, so the Red Sox can start to move on. Boston is not going to be able to move on at all from all this beer and chicken crap until they have something else to report. Trading Theo is step 1, hiring a new manager is step 2, trading Lackey is step 3 (more on that later), and reworking the rest of the roster is step 4. All of that hinges on the Red Sox being able to move on from Theo, and today it sounds like we are very close to doing that.

***UPDATE***

"The Red Sox and Cubs are "finalizing" the deal, according to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com. They're expected to announce the deal tomorrow. It which would not include Brett Jackson, Trey McNutt, Matt Szczur or cash. MLB has told the Cubs they can have a news conference tomorrow, a World Series travel day, according to Levine (MLBTRADERUMORS)."

I wonder what the hell the Sox are going to get out of this deal then. Guess we will kind out tomorrow.

Pretty Sick Of The Beer In The Dugout Story

I'm kind of bored with this Red Sox pitching staff issue, they were led by a lame duck coach that provided no type of leadership, direction or sternness and they took advantage of it. They let down their "friend" in Francona, the fans, the ownership, the organization and pretty much everyone affiliated with any opinion of the Sox. Whatever, it's over, hopefully we can move along and get passed this and find an authoritative coach and that a lightbulb goes off in their head and they start not acting like assholes.

On the Theo fron, it seems as if the ownership are digging their heels in and I love it. We have all the power in these negotiations and we know it, are the Cubs really going to not give up a curse breaker, Savior, great GM, and a guy they already who already signed with them for a couple of prospects or to take part of Lackeys salary.
They definitely will, I am sold that it's not going to until after the World Series.

Either way unless Heidi Watney took nudies last year, I don't care about the past.

Lackey Trade Rumors

Even though the Sox have a lot more to deal with first before moving on to trade John Lackey, it hasn't stopped the rumors. I think we can all agree Lackey CAN'T come back next year. So, with that in mind, what can be done?

We know now that there is 0 chance that he will just be sent with Epstein, but there are rumors the Cubs could trade a bad contract for Lackey. That means either Zambrano, who would seem like a terrible idea with the clubhouse already having problem, or Alfonso Soriano. Even if Zambrano is a terrible idea, I'd probably do it. I wouldn't be happy, but I'd do it. Soriano on the other hand I would be more then happy to take. Sure, he strikes out a ton, but he did have 26 HRs and 88 RBIs, and could add some power to the end of the lineup. He's not good, but we are talking about Lackey, so it's addition by subtraction.

Other guys mentioned are Vernon Wells, Chone Figgins, and Alex Rios. Wells is interesting, because Lackey had a lot of success with the Angels. Wells is coming off a terrible year in which he hit .218 with 25 HRs and 66 RBI, but I'm not sold that he is completely washed up. Put him at Fenway and I wouldn't be surprised to see him bounce back a bit. Remember he is only a year removed from hitting .273 with 31 HRs and 88 RBIs. Of all the trades I would like that one the best.

Figgins is the fucking worst. He is getting older (33), batted .188 last year and only had 11 SBs. It's addition by subtraction, but I hate this guy. Plus, Chone... really?

The last one is Rios. He has basically been a disappointment his whole career, but was decent just a year ago. I would do the deal, but I think there is 0 chance the White Sox would do it. They have a ton of pitching, and the last thing they need is Lackey, because that park is like a HR derby every game.

Sox Wanted Garza For Theo

The Cubs immediately shot down that idea, but at least they are trying. Matt Garza would have been great for our rotation, and even though I'm not a Garza guy, but he certainly be an upgrade to almost everyone in our rotation. Garza last year was 10-10 with 197 Ks and is under team control for 2013.

I don't know really whats going on with Theo, the last I heard they were saying they said no to Garza, they said no to top prospect Brett Jackson and they are arguing over top pitching prospect Trey McNutt. McNutt is good and has top of the rotation stuff, but it can be very hit or miss with prospects.

We probably won't hear anything until the World Series is over, but this is certainly getting frustrating for the fans.

Lester Admits To Beer Drinking During Game

"There's a perception out there that we were up there getting hammered and that wasn't the case," Lester said, according to the Boston Globe. "Was it a bad habit? Yes. I should have been on the bench more than I was. But we just played bad baseball as a team in September. We stunk. To be honest, we were doing the same things all season when we had the best record in baseball (ESPN)."

Basically what I have been saying it all along. What they were doing was wrong, but I don't think it's much different from what they were doing before.

"I love Tito and he did a great job for us when he was here," Lester said, according to the newspaper. "On a personal level I was more than grateful for what he did for me and my family. But there comes a time when your authority is no longer there. You kind of run your course. People knew how Tito was and we pushed the envelope with it. We never had rules, we never that that iron-fist mentality. If you screwed up, he called you on it. That was how it worked.

"I never saw guys purposely breaking rules or doing the wrong thing in front of him and rubbing it in his face. But this particular team probably needed more structure."

One again, more of what we knew. Francona treated these guys like adults, and they couldn't handle it. It's his fault for not putting his foot down, and that's what cost him his job. Yet, we can't sit here and not blame the players. Lester knows better then to be sitting in the clubhouse knocking back beers when the team is fighting for a playoff spot. I think most of us would see that, and for that Lester should be ashamed. What really pissed be off is the "what Tito did for my family" shit. If he really cared about the guy or the team these guy wouldn't have been doing that they were doing. The team lost it's respect, and it cost them a playoff spot.

There are a bunch of people praising that Lester came out and took responsibility, well cool, but fuck that. I feel no different after reading any of this, but the bottom line is you need Lester and there is a very small chance they can deal Beckett and get fair value, so the only hope is they learn from all of this and grow the fuck up.

I am just disappointed, because Lester is my favorite player, and I expect more. Hopefully, he turns it around.

***On the positive side of all of this, he said the beer drinking was called "rally beers", which should give plenty of fantasy/softball teams some great names.***

John Henry Is A Moron And The "Source" Of Red Sox Clubhouse Story

Before I start, read this quote...

"[Crawford was] definitely a baseball signing. In fact, anyone involved in the process, anyone in upper management with the Red Sox will tell you that I personally opposed that," said Henry. "We had plenty of left-handed hitting. I don’t have to go into why. I’ll just tell you that at the time I opposed the deal, but I don’t meddle to the point of making decisions for our baseball team. ... It wasn’t a PR move. Neither was the [Adrian] Gonzalez signing."

The Crawford signing is looking pretty stupid, but you know what? He is a member of this baseball team for the foreseeable future. Probably not a good time to throw him under the bus. Nothing makes a guy feel better then knowing your boss didn't even want you, and the guys who did are gone. Sure, that's great leading into next season.

I don't think any more proof is needed about who was the "source" in that clubhouse story was. Henry cares more about his public appearance that this baseball team. I have no doubt in my mind it was him, and he should be ashamed of himself.

This story really disgusts me. I hope John Henry gets hit by a bus tonight.

Wait A Minute Theo.......

Theo may not be gone just yet as Sox and Cubs hit snag in negotiations. Apparently day 1 of talking to the Cubs for compensation didn't go well. I love what the Sox are doing here, I hope if they don't get everything that they want, they tell Theo fuck you, you aren't going anywhere and staying with the Sox. It doesn't really make a lick of difference figuring the guy who is replacing him Ben Cherington is internal, so it doesn't make a difference if he takes over this year or next.

Anywho since we aren't getting my wet dream Starlin Castro, I looked in Baseball America Prospect Handbook who their top prospects were and who we should demand. First is Brett Jackson, he is an OF prospect that could take over our RF problem and is a 20 hr -20 SB threat. K's a lot but whatever.

2nd is Trey McNutt..... I should just end it with the name, because it's gold. Imagine all the street vendors selling "These McNutts" T-Shirts. Amazing. He is a RHP with front end potential, hard thrower and Ks a lot of people.

3rd is Matt Szczur another OF prospect. Could have went to the NFL and didn't, fast guy.

I want all 3 of those guys and will hold out and be a dick unless I get them. There is also talk that Theo wants some people to go with him. Henry should just tell Theo no and make this process as difficult as possible.

Do you think Theo is negotiating his own trade?