Friday Afternoon Boston Sports Thoughts - June 19

[DarrylStingley]

1. It was nice to see the Bs rack up three awards last night. And the speeches were good. Humble guys who all would have rather had the Cup than the individual awards. But damn, the mere fact that the Bs picked up three trophies underscores just how good this team was and much this really could have been the Bs' year.

2. If the Sox play on Saturday night (it's going to be raining, supposedly), the Fenway fans better give Derek Lowe a thunderous and long ovation. Love the D-Lowe. I can't complain too much about them not bringing him back but, in all honesty, I'd love to have him on the team right now. He was frustrating at times, but that guy was a warrior in the 04 playoffs and has pitched very well since then, though admittedly in the B league.

3. Paps says he might go to the Yankees. The Yankees are looking at Pedro. Teixeira probably wouldn't have been on the Yankees radar unless the Sox were about to sign him (after they spend big on Fat CC and Trailor Park AJ). The Yankees scouting mantra is "sign former Red Sox, guys the Sox want and the free agents who will ask for the most money."

4. If Luis Castillo wasn't such a dipshit, the Yankees would have lost two of three to the Mets and Nats, after getting swept by the Sox. And they were lucky in the Aybar game and the first game of the Nats series. Girardi looked resigned to losing last night in the post-game show.

5. I can't get that upset about Paps saying he'd sign in NY. If he does, he'll be dead to me. But the Sox aren't showing him big long-term money and the guy is one of the best closers in the game. I'm not convinced the Sox are doing the wrong thing by not pre-emptively signing a guy with Paps' profile, either.

6. Threre hasn't been much buzz about Galloway and Lewis, has there. We read a lot about how Brady was working out with Moss, and some about how Brady and Welker were working out. But it's been pretty quiet about the other two. That's a bit, and only a bit, worrisome as we know from experience that some receivers (like Donald Hayes) just never click into the Pats system, and we sort of need one of those two to get it.

7. Ben Watson is such an enigma. The guy looked like he was going to be one of the elite players in the NFL after the 2005-6 season and playoffs. That catch and run against Jax remains one of my all time favorite Pats plays. Just amazing. I like it much more than the play on Bailey that gets more ink. But the guy drops so many balls, fumbles and then goes missing. Of all the things we ring our hands about regarding SB 42, we never mention how little positive impact Watson had on that game.

8. I wouldn't trade Rondo if I were Danny. At the same time, if he does, I'm not going to have kittens. What I mean is that Rondo is a rea

9. It's hard for me to articulate how much pleasure it gives me to see Derek Jeter fail to come through in the clutch. His ground ball to SS last night with the bases loaded in the 7th was off the charts. Suck it, Jeets.

10. Bill Simmons' column on Kobe was really, reall, really good. If you like the NBA, you really should read it if you have not.

11. Baseball games should not be called after 5 innings. It makes no sense. That's why they have a new rule in the playoffs against that. I acutely feel this in the wake of a Red Sox five inning loss, but it wouldn't make sense if the Sox won. The natural flow of a baseball game is 9 innings and the Sox pen advantage would have likely played a role in a one-run game last night. To be sure, the Marlins played better over the first 5 and Lester was not his dominant self. Nolasco was quite good. Still, it seems odd to have a game end at the half-way point.

12. I'm almost rooting against Dice K tonight. Not really. But of the 8 or 9 guys in the mix, he's the one I like the least. A little birdy told me that his teammates aren't crazy about him, either.

13. Toronto just swept the Phillies in Philly. Yes, the AL East is a bear.

14. Being a Mets fan must be painful. They blew playoff spots in each of the last two seasons, Beltran took strike three to end the 2006 NLCS, Luis Castillo handed the MFYs a game, the MFYs pounded their ace 15-0 and they just saw their closer blow a game to the Orioles. A few months after the 1986 WS, a group of my friends from NY surrounded me in NY and started chanting some pro-Mets nonsense. So yeah, I'm enjoying this Mets suffering. Not like yankee suffeirng, to be sure, but it's all good.

15. I almost want Plaxico to go to the Jets. One of the NY teams should have a scum bag of his proportions.

16. I get why the Sox held Smoltz out until the Nationals series. The Braves would have been this big psycho drama. But damn, it's too bad. It would have been fascinating to watch Smoltz against the Braves, it really would have.

17. It would be good if Pedro did not sign with a team in the AL. Having to face him as a Ray or a Yankee would not be that much fun, in my view. How amazing is it that when a pitcher of his cache is available, the Sox have absolutely zero need for him? Not to sound like Lou Gorman, but what the hell would they do with Pedro Martinez?

Have a great weekend, boys and girls.

[3 Point Stan]

I really don't think they're trying to trade Rondo. But if discussing his name is the gateway to conversations that could lead to other deals, I am all for it.

I do not expect Rondo to be playing elsewhere next year.

[O.Z.O.]

I missed the first game of the Nats/Skanks series but watched the last 2. I really enjoyed the Mensa society today (NYYFans.com) bitching about how they got beaten by minor league pitching. Lannan is in his second season and on his way to being a damn fine ML starter, and Martis and Stamen are both rookies with big-time arms who've had the misfortune of having to turn games over to an abysmal bullpen . Also enjoy how Skank fans are penciling in Nick Johnson as their mid-season pick up to take over the DH role...they seem to forget that you have to have something of value to trade for value. Anybody the Nats trade is going to be moved for prospects, something the Skank farm system is decidedly lacking in.

[TommyD420]

I needed me some Sports thoughts, DS. Thanks.

1. It was nice to see the Bs rack up three awards last night. And the speeches were good. Humble guys who all would have rather had the Cup than the individual awards. But damn, the mere fact that the Bs picked up three trophies underscores just how good this team was and much this really could have been the Bs' year.
The Bruins are the Indianapolis Colts of Hockey.

2. If the Sox play on Saturday night (it's going to be raining, supposedly), the Fenway fans better give Derek Lowe a thunderous and long ovation. Love the D-Lowe. I can't complain too much about them not bringing him back but, in all honesty, I'd love to have him on the team right now. He was frustrating at times, but that guy was a warrior in the 04 playoffs and has pitched very well since then, though admittedly in the B league.
-They don't win in 04 without Derek Lowe
-I REALLY wanted the Sox to make a play for him in the offseason
-If he doesn't get a monster ovation I will absolutely bitch about the Pink Hat Fans again.

3. Paps says he might go to the Yankees. The Yankees are looking at Pedro. Teixeira probably wouldn't have been on the Yankees radar unless the Sox were about to sign him (after they spend big on Fat CC and Trailor Park AJ). The Yankees scouting mantra is "sign former Red Sox, guys the Sox want and the free agents who will ask for the most money."
D, they're a fundamentally flawed franchise from top to bottom. They'll contend for the playoffs each year, but the 25 players/25 cabs thing doesn't get you very far. And these players AGE, and they have no farm system. Then they're stuck with a CC for 7 more years or whatever. I mean, does anyone really expect CC to do ANYTHING in 2016?

In other words, don't worry about it. You worry too much about the Yankees.

4. If Luis Castillo wasn't such a dipshit, the Yankees would have lost two of three to the Mets and Nats, after getting swept by the Sox. And they were lucky in the Aybar game and the first game of the Nats series. Girardi looked resigned to losing last night in the post-game show.
They got SHUT OUT in that BANDBOX by the worst team in baseball.

The Sox have a 3 game lead even with all their injury problems and essentially 2 black holes in the lineup.

You worry about the Yankees too much :)

5. I can't get that upset about Paps saying he'd sign in NY. If he does, he'll be dead to me. But the Sox aren't showing him big long-term money and the guy is one of the best closers in the game. I'm not convinced the Sox are doing the wrong thing by not pre-emptively signing a guy with Paps' profile, either.
Especially not when his replacement is waiting in the wings. Why would they? If Cinco Ocho wants to stay, the Sox will offer him a fair contract. If he's out for the big pay day, "we'll be fine without you".

6. There hasn't been much buzz about Galloway and Lewis, has there. We read a lot about how Brady was working out with Moss, and some about how Brady and Welker were working out. But it's been pretty quiet about the other two. That's a bit, and only a bit, worrisome as we know from experience that some receivers (like Donald Hayes) just never click into the Pats system, and we sort of need one of those two to get it.
I hate June. This is like a Brady's Body Language discussion.

Galloway is a consummate professional and will be fine in any system. Lewis is a ST guy first, but I'm sure he's been spending time working out with the QB.

Both these guys are far smarter and more talented than Donald Hayes was. Hayes was a reach due to an very pressing need. The Patriots WR situation is NOT a pressing need right now.

It'll be fine. Hurry up Preseason.

7. Ben Watson is such an enigma. The guy looked like he was going to be one of the elite players in the NFL after the 2005-6 season and playoffs. That catch and run against Jax remains one of my all time favorite Pats plays. Just amazing. I like it much more than the play on Bailey that gets more ink. But the guy drops so many balls, fumbles and then goes missing. Of all the things we ring our hands about regarding SB 42, we never mention how little positive impact Watson had on that game.
Watson's useless. I know your BORs and AWTEs disagree, but if he can't catch he's useless. I don't care how well he can block and how fast he is. He can't catch. He's useless. That's why Chris Baker is here. Chris Baker can at least catch.

Watson has incredible raw talent, but just can't catch the ball. Dunno if he'll ever get it. I'm glad this is the last year we have to witness "the paddles" in person.

8. I wouldn't trade Rondo if I were Danny. At the same time, if he does, I'm not going to have kittens. What I mean is that Rondo is a rea
This was cut off, but I'm going to assume where you're going here.

Rondo is the best PG in the Eastern Conference and is on the books CHEAP for another couple years.

Trading him is beyond retarded.

Rondo is only going to improve, as he's shown each year he's been in the league he works hard in the offseason. What if he comes back this year with a mid-range jumper? You still gonna want him gone?

Trading Allen, I understand. I don't like it at all, but he's an expiring contract, so I understand.

If Danny Ainge trades either of these players for a Draft Pick, he should be fired immediately.

9. It's hard for me to articulate how much pleasure it gives me to see Derek Jeter fail to come through in the clutch. His ground ball to SS last night with the bases loaded in the 7th was off the charts. Suck it, Jeets.
You worry too much about the Yankees :)

Jeter is a great representation of the Yankees' fatal flaw. He's 2 years past his prime, is the worst defensive SS in the AL, and is on the books for ANOTHER 2 years after this one.

10. Bill Simmons' column on Kobe was really, really, really good. If you like the NBA, you really should read it if you have not.
3 reallys covers how good it is.

11. Baseball games should not be called after 5 innings. It makes no sense. That's why they have a new rule in the playoffs against that. I acutely feel this in the wake of a Red Sox five inning loss, but it wouldn't make sense if the Sox won. The natural flow of a baseball game is 9 innings and the Sox pen advantage would have likely played a role in a one-run game last night. To be sure, the Marlins played better over the first 5 and Lester was not his dominant self. Nolasco was quite good. Still, it seems odd to have a game end at the half-way point.
Playoff games are one thing, but if you think they're changing this after 150 years or whatever, you're nuts. Costas and Will and all the other moron "purists" won't hear of it.

12. I'm almost rooting against Dice K tonight. Not really. But of the 8 or 9 guys in the mix, he's the one I like the least. A little birdy told me that his teammates aren't crazy about him, either.
Do they not LIKE him, or do they just not hang out with him? I mean, he speaks almost no English at all.

Even if Matsuzaka has a GOOD start he won't go more than 5 1/3, so really what good is he when he burns out your bullpen every time he pitches?

He needs a "DL" stint.

13. Toronto just swept the Phillies in Philly. Yes, the AL East is a bear.
They're gonna end up with 4 teams over .500, and Baltimore will flirt with 75 wins.

14. Being a Mets fan must be painful. They blew playoff spots in each of the last two seasons, Beltran took strike three to end the 2006 NLCS, Luis Castillo handed the MFYs a game, the MFYs pounded their ace 15-0 and they just saw their closer blow a game to the Orioles. A few months after the 1986 WS, a group of my friends from NY surrounded me in NY and started chanting some pro-Mets nonsense. So yeah, I'm enjoying this Mets suffering. Not like yankee suffeirng, to be sure, but it's all good.
Mets fans are about ready to jump off a bridge. Ask them about their medical staff and what their procedure is for sending a guy onto the DL is. They might cry.

15. I almost want Plaxico to go to the Jets. One of the NY teams should have a scum bag of his proportions.
I honestly don't care where he goes. The Jets are going to be terrible, and their fans are in denial about it. I love it.

16. I get why the Sox held Smoltz out until the Nationals series. The Braves would have been this big psycho drama. But damn, it's too bad. It would have been fascinating to watch Smoltz against the Braves, it really would have.
Hey, if he's any good, there's nothing saying he can't do it next year.

17. It would be good if Pedro did not sign with a team in the AL. Having to face him as a Ray or a Yankee would not be that much fun, in my view. How amazing is it that when a pitcher of his cache is available, the Sox have absolutely zero need for him? Not to sound like Lou Gorman, but what the hell would they do with Pedro Martinez?

To me it would be sad to see him lit up at the hands of the Red Sox. Which is exactly what would happen.

Have a great weekend, boys and girls.

See ya, DS.

[DarrylStingley]

A. The Bruins are the Indianapolis Colts of Hockey.

B. If he doesn't get a monster ovation I will absolutely bitch about the Pink Hat Fans again.

C. You worry too much about the Yankees.

D. I hate June. This is like a Brady's Body Language discussion.

E. Do they not LIKE him, or do they just not hang out with him? I mean, he speaks almost no English at all.

F. To me it would be sad to see him lit up at the hands of the Red Sox. Which is exactly what would happen.

A. If that means the Bs will win one cup during a period of being highly competitive, I can live with that. Give me a Cup, please. But I don't want Adam Vinatieri on the Bs.

B. Lowe will get a monster ovation. This will definitely happen.

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.

D. I'm not worried about Galloway and Lewis. I just look forward to reading about how well at least one of them is clicking with Brady. Because even with Gaffney's big drop against the Colts, that guy was a mamor contributor.

E. They don't like him. His tendency to go only five innings, nibble incessantly and take forever to pitch are some of the reasons. It's not the language thing. They like Oki.

F. I wasn't at all sad to me when the Sox lit up Pedro in 2006. If the Sox play Pedro again at Fenway and I am there, I will give him a huge standing O and then hope they rake the living shit out of him.

[Brady's Bunch]

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

[DarrylStingley]

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

Well that settles that. Good.

[TommyD420]

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

That's an awfully big assumption. Especially when they have younger closers in the pipeline.

[Fully Tilted]

Rest assured Papelbon isn't going anywhere

Want to make a friendly wager on this? I don't see the Sox locking him up long term at all. And it also won't surprise me if he flames out prematurely like 99% of closers do.

[Brady's Bunch]

I just don't think they'll take that risk. They already have a sure thing in Paps who has proven he can pitch in the big games. I think they recognize how important the position is after the stupid closer by committee failure.

[TommyD420]

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.
That's the thing; I don't know that they DO have the wherewithal. Is Nick Johnson going to help them THAT much? Joaquim Soria might, but it's not like they have ANY minor league pieces to trade. They can trade Melky (which if they were smart they would do now; he's playing way over his head) or they can trade Phil Hughes, and I don't think teams are dumb enough to think Hughes will ever be anything. Hell, even if they get Halliday I don't know that THAT helps them that much.

The Yankees had their run already. They'll have one more, but it will be way too late by then.

You worry about the Yankees too much :) I follow the Sox and ignore the Yankees for the most part.


F. I wasn't at all sad to me when the Sox lit up Pedro in 2006. If the Sox play Pedro again at Fenway and I am there, I will give him a huge standing O and then hope they rake the living shit out of him.

Oh of course, but I can't help but remember everything he did here. It's not like Clemens where he left on bad terms or whatever. Of course I want the Sox to win, but I'd also like to see Pedro go 7 innings of shutout ball with 12Ks in the process.

[Fully Tilted]

They can trade Melky (which if they were smart they would do now; he's playing way over his head)

Yes. Agreed.

or they can trade Phil Hughes, and I don't think teams are dumb enough to think Hughes will ever be anything..

WAY too early on the kid to call him a flop or not. He's what? 22? 23?

EDIT: My point is, teams will still value him as a solid cost-controlled prospect, IMO.

[O.Z.O.]

C. Maybe but they have the wherewithal to fix problems with cash, or at least try to, and for all their flaws, they are only three games back. Plus, experience tells that they have a way of hanging around, like some freaking Jason.



this is a myth perpetrated by the idiots in the national sports media. After the 2000 season, King George started his annual quest of self-flaggellation by signing Mussina to a big deal. The following year it was Giambi. And so on, and so forth...

What they do not have is-

1). a good system for drafting and developing players
2). young players who are ready to step in and make significant contributions
3). team chemistry
4). prospects to make trades in-season for impact players


I could go on, but you get the picture.

And as far as them being "only" 3 games back, that might as well be 13 games, or 30 games. Barring a long stretch of shitty play by the Sox coupled with a long stretch of outstanding play by the Skanks (and believe me, they're not going 16-4 over a 20 game stretch again this season), the Skanks need to be more concerned with holding off Toronto and Tampa then they do with trying to catch the Sox. Consider this-

Wang continues to suck, thereby forcing Hughes into the rotation. This leaves a big hole in the bullpen because Wang isn't exactly going to be picking up the high leverage innings that Hughes has been throwing.

Dice-K continues to suck. The Sox can do one of the following-

- replace him with Smoltz in the rotation
- move Masterson back into the rotation
- bring Buchholz up and move him into that spot

all the while not missing a beat and maintianing depth and talent both in the rotation and the bullpen.

Dude...you worry about the Yankees too much. Don't, they ain't going anywhere...

[jaychamp]

I'd like to see Paps stay but they've got control of him through 2011. They still have time to try and sign him or get a replacement. He's taking a huge risk by not signing now

[O.Z.O.]

I'd like to see Paps stay but they've got control of him through 2011. They still have time to try and sign him or get a replacement. He's taking a huge risk by not signing now


He's being a jackass. That talk of going to the Skanks is nothing more then him trying to force the Sox to cough up a big money deal. If he wents the dollars, a good way to get them would be to stop playing that bullshit Mr. Excitement game that he's gotten into the habit of playing

If he wants to walk, let him walk. In a couple years he'll probably be washed up anyway, which, when you think about it, would make him perfect for the Skanks to throw 75M over 5 years at.

[TommyD420]

WAY too early on the kid to call him a flop or not. He's what? 22? 23?

EDIT: My point is, teams will still value him as a solid cost-controlled prospect, IMO.

He's already got that Craig Hansen look about him. He is teh dun.

[TommyD420]

this is a myth perpetrated by the idiots in the national sports media. After the 2000 season, King George started his annual quest of self-flaggellation by signing Mussina to a big deal. The following year it was Giambi. And so on, and so forth...
Oh my brotha...testify!

What they do not have is-

1). a good system for drafting and developing players
2). young players who are ready to step in and make significant contributions
3). team chemistry
4). prospects to make trades in-season for impact players
*nods in approval*

I could go on, but you get the picture.

And as far as them being "only" 3 games back, that might as well be 13 games, or 30 games. Barring a long stretch of shitty play by the Sox coupled with a long stretch of outstanding play by the Skanks (and believe me, they're not going 16-4 over a 20 game stretch again this season), the Skanks need to be more concerned with holding off Toronto and Tampa then they do with trying to catch the Sox.
Totally true. Regardless of what fans/media say, they had their "big run" this season. They're good for an 8/10 or 9/10 stretch maybe in September, but that's it. And by then, it won't matter.

They got SHUT OUT at HOME by the NATIONALS.

Consider this-

Wang continues to suck, thereby forcing Hughes into the rotation. This leaves a big hole in the bullpen because Wang isn't exactly going to be picking up the high leverage innings that Hughes has been throwing.
Best case scenario is that Hughes doesn't suck as bad as Wang does. I'm not ready to concede that yet.

Dice-K continues to suck. The Sox can do one of the following-

- replace him with Smoltz in the rotation
- move Masterson back into the rotation
- bring Buchholz up and move him into that spot

all the while not missing a beat and maintaining depth and talent both in the rotation and the bullpen.
It's so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes. This isn't even mentioning that this is the best bullpen they've had probably ever.

Dude...you worry about the Yankees too much. Don't, they ain't going anywhere...
THIS :)

[Fully Tilted]

He's already got that Craig Hansen look about him. He is teh dun.

I certainly hope so. :shrug:

[TommyD420]

I certainly hope so. :shrug:

I'm more curious to see how long it takes JOBA to get hurt once they take the training wheels off.

I get limiting pitch count early in a career...but this is his 3rd season in the bigs already.

[Fully Tilted]

I'm more curious to see how long it takes JOBA to get hurt once they take the training wheels off.

I get limiting pitch count early in a career...but this is his 3rd season in the bigs already.

I guess I haven't paid close enough attention but are they really still limiting his PC? It's really only his second season in the bigs. He pitched all of 25 innings in 07(?) What I don't understand is the complete loss of velocity with him.

While he went to College and got seasoning there, he was shot out of a cannon through the minors (under 100 IP).

Him and Hughes are both still relatively young and wet behind the ears. Either one or both could make the jump over the next few seasons.

[DarrylStingley]

Oh of course, but I can't help but remember everything he did here. It's not like Clemens where he left on bad terms or whatever. Of course I want the Sox to win, but I'd also like to see Pedro go 7 innings of shutout ball with 12Ks in the process.
First, Pedro was a little bit of a bitch when he left. Remember his first press conference with the Mets?

Still, I love the crap out of him.

Still, I'd want the Sox to hang 10 runs on him. Hammer every pitcher they play, I say.

[O.Z.O.]

I guess I haven't paid close enough attention but are they really still limiting his PC? It's really only his second season in the bigs. He pitched all of 25 innings in 07(?) What I don't understand is the complete loss of velocity with him.

While he went to College and got seasoning there, he was shot out of a cannon through the minors (under 100 IP).

Him and Hughes are both still relatively young and wet behind the ears. Either one or both could make the jump over the next few seasons.

at this point, Joba has a better shot at then Hughes. Hughes got prison toyed last year in the Skank rotation and, because of their lack of rotation depth, was forced to make more starts then he should have. Won't help his psyche long term. One good shelling should be enough to drive him back into his shell. Joba's walking that tightrope, though. Cracks me up to hear all the bitching about how he was throwing in the upper 90's out of the 'pen but only low-mid in the rotation...amazing how little people know and understand.

Oh, and btw...for all the morons in the national sports media that just can't get a grip on why Wang has blown this year-

he has pitched WAY over pythag the last few seasons, and it's starting to catch up to him. Heard something real funny the other day on BBT- the fools on there were talking about how the season wasn't so imporatnt for Wang, it was having him back for the postseason. 2 things-

1). the postseason isn't a guarantee for the Skanks, it's a probability.

2). Wang's postseason record-

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wangch01.shtml

not exactly what you would call pretty

[DarrylStingley]

Dude...you worry about the Yankees too much. Don't, they ain't going anywhere...
I hope you're right. That said, I still see them as a serious threat because they are loaded with stars and have the money to buy talent at the deadline. Remember when they essentially bought Bobby Abreu in 2006?

To be abundantly clear, I think the Sox are better. I think we have a better coaching staff, better pitching and a better line-up.

But notwithstanding that fun fact, the Yankees are still within sight and one hot streak by them -- which they have shown they are capable of -- or one slump by the Sox.

It's easy to say "chill out, DS, you worry too much about the Yankees." It sounds good and John Wayne-ish.

But I've seen the "Yankees come charging back" too many times, and I've seen it in years when they looked equally as screwed as they do this year, to be as sanguine as you are about this.

But, as I said, I hope you're right.

[EasyBigFella*]

I just looked into my crystal ball, and what I saw is this: In three years, Jonathan Papelbon will be the biggest villain in Boston sports after he signs with the Yankees and proceeds to bash the Sox for not 'respecting' him with a contract he deserves.

File this one for a few years...

[tommysgirl]

I just looked into my crystal ball, and what I saw is this: In three years, Jonathan Papelbon will be the biggest villain in Boston sports after he signs with the Yankees and proceeds to bash the Sox for not 'respecting' him with a contract he deserves.

File this one for a few years...

FullyTilted beat you to this one a while ago..................we'll see.

[EasyBigFella*]

FullyTilted beat you to this one a while ago..................we'll see.

Sox cannot let this guy get to free agency. I'm not saying they sign him either, they need to develop Bard and trade this guy at next year's deadline. If he wants to play in NY, so be it, but they can stock up some prospects with a guy like this.

[DarrylStingley]

I just looked into my crystal ball, and what I saw is this: In three years, Jonathan Papelbon will be the biggest villain in Boston sports after he signs with the Yankees and proceeds to bash the Sox for not 'respecting' him with a contract he deserves.

File this one for a few years...
Very plausible.

If it happens, Theo will have a plan for dealing with it and it will be a good one.

[EasyBigFella*]

Very plausible.

If it happens, Theo will have a plan for dealing with it and it will be a good one.

The plan is "Daniel Bard". The timing should be perfect. Let Bard pitch middle relief this year, set up next year, and close in 2011 when Papelbon leaves. I think that Bard shows he's ready next spring, Paps is gone at the deadline for (hopefully) a haul.

[Deus Irae]

Papelbon's picking the wrong city and the wrong economy to get greedy for every last dollar, and the "respect for relievers" theory isn't going to change that.

[TITAN126]

1. It was nice to see the Bs rack up three awards last night. And the speeches were good. Humble guys who all would have rather had the Cup than the individual awards. But damn, the mere fact that the Bs picked up three trophies underscores just how good this team was and much this really could have been the Bs' year.
It's disappointing, but it's comforting to know that the team is really headed in the right direction under Chiarelli and Julien. They've gotten better every year, and even though they probably won't have Kessel, they still should be one of the top teams in the East.

5. I can't get that upset about Paps saying he'd sign in NY. If he does, he'll be dead to me. But the Sox aren't showing him big long-term money and the guy is one of the best closers in the game. I'm not convinced the Sox are doing the wrong thing by not pre-emptively signing a guy with Paps' profile, either.
It pissed me off. They'll be plenty of time in the offseason to focus on contracts. Why do it in the middle of the season? It's just a distraction. Hey Pap, how about focusing on that ugly 1.34 WHIP instead of bitching about your contract? And it's one thing for him to say that he'd consider signing elsewhere next season, but saying that he'd sign specifically in NY pissed me off.


7. Ben Watson is such an enigma. The guy looked like he was going to be one of the elite players in the NFL after the 2005-6 season and playoffs. That catch and run against Jax remains one of my all time favorite Pats plays. Just amazing. I like it much more than the play on Bailey that gets more ink. But the guy drops so many balls, fumbles and then goes missing. Of all the things we ring our hands about regarding SB 42, we never mention how little positive impact Watson had on that game.
Ben Watson is, in my opinion, the biggest disappointment of the BB era. When he was drafted, I thought he was going to be an absolute BEAST. He has all the physical tools to be an elite TE, but for some reason it just hasn't materialized.


12. I'm almost rooting against Dice K tonight. Not really. But of the 8 or 9 guys in the mix, he's the one I like the least. A little birdy told me that his teammates aren't crazy about him, either.

I guess part of the problem is they don't really know what to do with Dice. He can't be sent to the minors or traded without his consent, and they don't really need another arm in the bullpen right now. Sending him to the DL is a possibility, but he's not hurt and has already been on the DL. The only thing they can do is keep him in the rotation and hope he straightens things out. But I think everyone's patience is growing thin...it's getting to the point where it's almost a guaranteed loss whenever he takes the mound.

14. Being a Mets fan must be painful. They blew playoff spots in each of the last two seasons, Beltran took strike three to end the 2006 NLCS, Luis Castillo handed the MFYs a game, the MFYs pounded their ace 15-0 and they just saw their closer blow a game to the Orioles. A few months after the 1986 WS, a group of my friends from NY surrounded me in NY and started chanting some pro-Mets nonsense. So yeah, I'm enjoying this Mets suffering. Not like yankee suffeirng, to be sure, but it's all good.
I hate the Mets and their fans, so I hope they continue their current trend of choking when it's all on the line.

15. I almost want Plaxico to go to the Jets. One of the NY teams should have a scum bag of his proportions.
I don't, because they are a significantly better team with him. Having Plax makes Sanchez's/Clemens' jobs a lot easier.

17. It would be good if Pedro did not sign with a team in the AL. Having to face him as a Ray or a Yankee would not be that much fun, in my view. How amazing is it that when a pitcher of his cache is available, the Sox have absolutely zero need for him? Not to sound like Lou Gorman, but what the hell would they do with Pedro Martinez?
It is pretty amazing, but I don't see him signing anywhere. Last year, his fastball was topped out at 90 MPH, and he finished the season with a 5.61 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. You'd have to be pretty desperate to want those stats in your rotation...