Bleacher Report - Boston Red Sox

Déjà Vu: Mike Lowell May Be on Red Sox's Trading Block

Jeremiah Graves — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:16:52 -0500

The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring a marquee first baseman.

The club is reportedly interested in San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.

If either one is acquired in a trade, the Red Sox would move incumbent first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third base on a permanent basis.

Sound familiar?

It certainly does to Mike Lowell.

“I figure I am no stranger to trade rumors,” Lowell said. “I understand the team’s desire to always look to upgrade.”

The Red Sox third baseman was in a similar situation a year ago when the club was looking to acquire All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira.

The difference between now and then is that Lowell, for the most part, is healthy.

A year ago, Lowell was recovering from hip surgery, and it was likely that he would spend spring training rehabbing with Boston, simply to showcase himself for potential suitors.

Lowell is now a full year removed from surgery and figures to head into spring training healthier than he has been in two seasons.

He was used sparingly down the stretch last year to rest his hip and because the additions of Victor Martinez and Casey Kotchman created a logjam for playing time.

If the Sox are able to acquire Cabrera or Gonzalez, Lowell would have considerable value on the trade market.

He is still an above average defender at third base, despite hip-related limitations on his range, and he can still hit.

Despite struggling through lingering pain, Lowell posted a solid .290/.337/.474 line with 17 home runs and 73 RBI in 419 at-bats last season.

If inserted into a lineup that can get runners on in front of him consistently, Lowell could be a major offensive force.

He did much of his damage in 2009 with runners in scoring position, posting an outstanding .313/.359/.516 line with seven home runs and 57 RBI coming in those situations.

Lowell will be 36 next season and has one year at $12 million remaining on his contract.

That number may be too steep for many teams to take on, but the Red Sox could easily absorb some of the monetary hit to facilitate a deal.

There are a number of teams with a vacancy at third, and Lowell could be just the man to fill that hole.

Personally, Lowell has made it clear that his preference is to remain in Boston, but he also understands the nature of the business and would not combat a potential trade.

“I treat this offseason like any other and maintain how much I like Boston, but this is a business and there are certain things I cannot control,” Lowell said. “I am focused on enjoying my family, working hard, and getting ready for a successful 2010 season.”

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Boston Red Sox: Farewell George Kottaras, We Hardly Knew You

Sean Kennedy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:01:46 -0500

The Red Sox released Kottaras today. The 26-year-old catcher was out of options and couldn't be sent to the minors again.

Kottaras hit .237 last season in only 93 at-bats, an exceptionally small sample size.

Playing once a week as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher gave him no chance to develop a rhythm and prove himself.

Then Kottaras was placed on the disabled list on August 2, after suffering back spasms.

That happened to coincide with Wakefield going on the DL and the arrival of Victor Martinez. In truth, it was more than coincidence; the club needed to make room on the 25-man roster.

And that's what Kottaras was up against again this time; not enough room on the 40-man roster.

It's still unclear how Kottaras would fare over a full season at the Major League level, and what kind of hitter he might yet become. The scouting report on Kottaras notes that he has "20-home run power potential and good plate discipline," and that he is a "hard worker."

Kottaras will likely find a job elsewhere, as catchers are in short supply at the Major League level.

If you remember, Kottaras was the player the Sox got from the Padres in exchange for David Wells. Kottaras was highly regarded in the Padres' system, and the Red Sox thought they were getting the catcher of the future, the heir apparent to Jason Varitek.

It's doubtful that Kottaras' release will change the Sox interest in any catcher outside the organization this year. They've already got $10M invested in two catchers (Martinez and Varitek) for the 2010 season.

If they need a third catcher, they'll turn to either Dusty Brown or Mark Wagner, who are already in their system.

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Jason Bay and Matt Holliday: What are They Worth?

Bill Mckillop — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:46 -0500

Matt Holliday formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals and Jason Bay formerly of the Boston Red Sox are the prize hitters in the 2009 – 2010 free agent market. They are both looking for someone to “show them the money,” to steal a line from Jerry Maguire. Holliday, according to his agent, is looking for Mark Teixeira money in the range of $22.5 million per year, and Bay is rumored to be looking for about $20 million a year (good luck to both camps on getting that kind of money).

What are these players worth in today’s market?

These players are only worth what someone is willing to pay and there are very few teams who can hand out $20 million contracts. Obviously the Yankees have the revenue streams to sign who they feel can get them over the top, but I don’t see the Yanks going after these players either. With 2009 MLB attendance down about 7 percent from the previous year, there seems to be less dollars available this year for the top players. Teams seem a little more concerned about controlling expenses and that includes payroll. Below are some of the larger contracts and the stats of the player before the deal was signed. (The Batting Average is the players career batting average as of the end of 2009)

The Yankees overpaid Mark Teixeira based on numbers alone but they are one of the few teams who can afford to and it does not impact their major league depth. The Soriano, Lee, Cabrera, and Beltran contracts have not excatly helped drive the team they signed with to October glory. The best player on the list, Albert Pujols, was signed early and at a face of the franchise discount. Can Bay or Holliday anchor a lineup or did they benefit by the players around them? If you have to pay $20 million plus for Bay or Holliday would it not be wiser to trade for another big bat?

I look for Bay to sign somewhere for about the 15 million dollars the Red Sox’s are allegedly offering him. Last I heard it was 4 years $60 million and I think that maybe the best deal he is going to get if he wants play in October. Maybe the Mets or Giants will overpay for Bay.

I see Holliday signing for somewhere around $17 million per season and he should stay as Albert’s protection. I don’t see the Yankees jumping in to drive the price up this year but the Mets could make him an offer if they don’t get Bay.

What would you pay either Holliday or Bay if you were the GM of your favorite team? And what team do you see them playing for next year and why?

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Yaz a BIG Hit With Fans at Personal Appearance in Woburn

Jeffrey Brown — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:29:42 -0500

Anxious fans congregated on the third floor of the Boston-Woburn Hilton early on Saturday morning in anticipation of meeting one of the true heroes of Boston sports. At approximately 10:45 AM, a large round of applause greeted the man of the hour…

Carl Michael Yastrzemski was in the house!

The rare personal appearance by Yaz delighted a diehard crowd who braved the torrential rains that enveloped New England on Friday night and throughout Saturday morning… some fans had ventured to greater Boston from as far away as Connecticut and Maine just to get a glimpse of the man who once helped make baseball relevant again in Boston.

(Older members of Red Sox Nation remember the mid-1960s when Fenway Park was often near-empty, even on Opening Day)

Yaz’ appearance was made possible by the marvelous folks at Dick Gordon Sports…and I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the efforts of Dick, Gloria, Wes and all of the folks at DGS who put together the event.

They attended to all of the details that make a successful event—from being attentive to the needs of fans who require special assistance to arranging for the services of PSA (a critical consideration for a rare event such as Yaz’ appearance)

In spite of everything that went well throughout the morning, the experience nonetheless left me with a feeling of melancholy.

Yaz was gracious with those in attendance. He shook hands and frequently took pictures with fans, but the truth of the matter is that he appeared tremendously fatigued. When taking pictures he was largely unable to muster a smile.

So the experience was truly a mixed bag for me. While I was excited to be able to meet and talk with one of my boyhood idols for a few minutes, it saddened me that he appeared fatigued.

Here’s to you, Yaz! Thank you for a wonderful career. Thank you for coming to Boston and making the effort to meet with the members of Red Sox Nation this weekend. We will always be indebted to you.

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Red Sox Shortstop Situation Is a Big Deal

Amanda Bruno — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:15:00 -0500

This is nothing new to Red Sox fans.

Ever since fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra was traded away in 2004 on the final day of the trading deadline, the shortstop position has been a revolving door.

Here is a list of players (in alphabetical order) who appeared in at least one game at shortstop since 2004:

1. Orlando Cabrera
2. Royce Clayton
3. Alex Cora
4. Cesar Crespo
5. Nomar Garciaparra
6. Alex Gonzalez
7. Nick Green
8. Ricky Gutierrez
9. Jed Lowrie
10. Julio Lugo
11. Alejandro Machado
12. Hanley Ramirez
13. Pokey Reese
14. Edgar Renteria
15. Ramon Vazquez
16. Gil Velazquez
17. Chris Woodward

That's right, 17, count them. Seventeen. It appears there is a serious problem.

Jed Lowrie was supposed to fix the problem in 2009, but injuries got the best of him. Now it's even being questioned if he can handle being the everyday shortstop.

Lowrie only played in 32 games and batted a miserable .147, with two home runs, 11 runs-batted-in, six walks, and 20 strikeouts.

After playing for Boston in 2006, Alex Gonzalez was brought back into the mix in 2009. He not only had a defensive answer, but also made an impact on offense, which was an added bonus.

The Sox declined Gonzalez's $6 million option, but that doesn't mean he can't still be the starting shortstop in 2010. According to Tony Massarotti's article in The Boston Globe, after Gonzalez files for free agency, general manager Theo Epstein can start discussions for a new contract that won't cost as much.

Gonzo batted .284 in 44 games with five HRs and 15 RBIs. He didn't fare as well during the postseason as he only went 1-for-6 with a walk and a strikeout.

Should Gonzo be brought back as the everyday shortstop? He certainly proved during his brief time that he's capable of handling it.

The answer is right in front of Epstein. Now that J.J. Hardy discussions are long gone, he should do the right thing and not overthink the situation.

If not, who else is there to fill in the role?

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Should the Boston Red Sox Look into Ryan Doumit?

Anthony Emerson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:45:09 -0500

Today, the Pittsburgh Pirates were rumored to be trying to trade their catcher Ryan Doumit. Teams mentioned were the Tampa Bay Rays, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners.

When the regular season hot stove was heating up, I thought that Ryan Doumit might be a good fit at catcher for the Boston Red Sox. I even wrote an article about the potential of him coming to Boston.

Doumit, ultimately, stayed with the Pirates.

But with the Pirates apparently shopping Doumit around, he might head to Boston. Doumit hasn't been rumored to the Red Sox, but Theo Epstein has already pulled off a seemingly surprising move by acquiring Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins.

If the Red Sox go after Doumit, it would be another seemingly surprising move.

Despite the Red Sox acquisition of Victor Martinez on Trade Deadline 2009, the Red Sox catching situation is still up in the air.

Martinez can't play everyday, and the Red Sox' current backup catcher is Captain Jason Varitek, who has been abysmal at the plate since 2008. V-Tek is still valued as a defensive and pitching asset, but .

Behind Varitek is George Kottaras, who previously caught knuckleballer Tim Wakefield but is even worse than Varitek at the plate.

Doumit's numbers aren't spectacular, but they're better than Kottaras's. Doumit hit .250 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 75 games this season. Kottaras hit .237 with one home run and 10 RBI in 45 games for the Red Sox this season.

Varitek hit .209 in 2009, with 14 home runs and 53 RBI.

Doumit would be a better offensive option than Varitek or Kottaras. If Doumit was acquired, he would be the backup to Martinez, with Varitek being the third string catcher, working almost exclusively with the pitching staff.

It could only take some low-to mid-level prospects to pry Doumit away from Pittsburgh, because he's coming off an off year.

Is Ryan Doumit the future second string Red Sox catcher? What do you think, Red Sox Nation?

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Introducing BostonSportsWoman.com

Amanda Bruno — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

A couple of months ago I was contacted by Absolute Broadcasting General Manager Mike Winn about a new website targeted at active, sports minded women in the surrounding Boston and New England Area.

Winn represents multiple radio stations in Nashua, New Hampshire including WGAM Radio, 1250 AM Manchester, WGHM 900AM Nashua, and WSMN 1590 AM Nashua.

With that said, say hello to BostonSportsWoman.com, the only online magazine dedicated to female sports fans in the Boston area.

I'm one of five featured bloggers, a group that also includes fellow Red Sox blogger Kayla Chadwick of Off the Monster. I encourage everyone to check it out and pass the word around.

The site promotes Boston sports, health and fitness, and events, including charity fundraisers.

You can become a fan on Facebook and follow BSW on Twitter .

Like what you see? Follow me on Twitter

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Bigger Impact for the Boston Red Sox: Matt Holliday or Adrian Gonzalez?

Amanda Bruno — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:50:00 -0500

With trade rumors swirling away, a couple of big names are being thrown around that Boston Red Sox fans are very familiar with.

Left fielder Matt Holliday of the St. Louis Cardinals and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres.

If Theo Epstein can't lock up Jason Bay to a long-term deal, the Sox need to find someone to replace the 2009 Silver Slugger award recipient.

Holliday, 29, struggled when he played in the American League with the Oakland Athletics.

In 93 games with the A's he hit .286 with 11 home runs, 54 RBI, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 12 stolen bases, 46 walks, and 58 strikeouts.

In 63 games with the Cardinals, Holliday batted .353 with 13 HR, 55 RBI, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 2 SB, 26 BB, and 43 strikeouts.

Though he totaled 27 HR and 109 RBI and a .313 BA, would Holliday again struggle if the Sox signed him to play in a tougher AL?

Gonzalez, 27, batted .277 in 160 games with 40 HR, 99 RBI, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 119 BB, and 101 strikeouts.

Now with Jed Hoyer as the new Padres General Manager, there are speculations that a trade could be more likely between them and the Red Sox.

With Victor Martinez as the every day catcher, Gonzalez could play first base, Kevin Youkilis would move across the diamond to third, and perhaps Mike Lowell could become the designated hitter/third baseman.

David Ortiz is a question mark, but he is clearly not the answer as the every day DH.

If Epstein can re-sign Bay and also plant Gonzalez, Boston's lineup could finally match up to the New York Yankees.

Who would Sox fans rather see? Holliday or Gonzalez?

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2003 Hundred: The Forgotten Story of the Spartan Red Sox

Lewie Pollis — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:42:43 -0500

Everyone knows that Zac Snyder's epic war film "300" was based on real events. Unfortunately, very few people actually know what events the movie portrayed. Elitist historians will tell you that "300" is the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, the beginning of the second Greco-Persian War, fought between Xerxes' army and a token force of a few hundred allied Greek soldiers intended to give the Athenians time to evacuate their city before the Persians arrived. That's a lie. In reality, the movie was based on the Spartan Red Sox and their fearless king, Grady Littlidas. Here are some excerpts from what would have been a much more accurate representation of these events.

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Red Sox Potential Free Agent Signings, Resignings and Trades:

Anthony Emerson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:35:42 -0500

The Boston Red Sox are certainly in for an eventful offseason. Already there's been the seemingly surprising move of acquiring Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins. But there are still many decisions to be made regarding players. In this article, I'll breakdown a few of the players rumored to be heading to, or from, the Red Sox. If you think I've left any player off this list, leave me a comment. This article is in no particular order.

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