Pokey

Former Red Sox infielder Pokey Reese has just inked a one year deal with the Florida Marlins.

It is unfortunate that the Red Sox did not pursue Pokey, at least as a temporary solution. They are currently without a shortstop (yes I know Alex Cora is their official position player at the moment, but lets face it -- he's worthless) and they desperately need help in that department. Pokey could have been a solid fielder even if he had a slightly below average bat. He also would have most likely been a step up from the blunder of the 2004-2005 off-season, Edgar Renteria.

The Red Sox are not aggresively pursuing the players that they need, and unless they shape up, they might not make the postseason for the first time since 2002. It is a dissapointment to see a team like Toronto become a World Series contender while the Red Sox Management sits idly.

WHY?

In another spectacular move, Red Sox management has contacted Scott Boras in order to possibly add Kevin Millwood to the organization.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2270571&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

Remember that Kevin Millwood is a starting pitcher. Remember once again...the Red Sox ALREADY HAVE seven starting pitchers (John Papelbon, David Wells, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Bronson Arroyo, Josh Beckett, Matt Clement) and do not need more (unless its Roger Clemens). What they need is a shortstop, a center fielder, and also to address the trade desires of one David Wells, and the possible but unlikely move of Manny Ramirez.

The Red Sox organization is in shambles, and they have made too many poor moves.

In a related story, the Blue Jays are close to dealing Miguel Batista and Orlando Hudson to Arizona for Troy Glaus. Glaus was long thought of as a contingency plan for Boston before the Beckett/Lowell deal. If Glaus goes to Toronto, chances that the 2006 Red Sox will make it even to the playoffs are in danger. The Blue Jays could be the Wild Card team next season. The new face of the Jays may be too much for the Red Sox to overcome.

Remember...Trey and Jon are still available.

-J

Exodus

CF Johnny Damon signed with the New York Yankees late Tuesday night. The deal is reported to be 4 years, 52 million. Why did Damon not resign with the Red Sox? Did the Red Sox match the Yankees offer?

Almost as stunning as Damon's decision to sign with Boston's storied archrival was that the Red Sox did not learn of Damon's decision until they were contacted by reporters last night. Boston Globe

Could it be that Damon saw the Red Sox in chaos? Sounds like the new co-GM's have some explaining to do. A Red Sox press conference is scheduled for 2pm.

Return of the Jedi?

Rumor has it that Theo Epstein could be returning to the Red Sox organization in a GM role without the GM title. This comes on the same day that the organization announced co-GMS Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer, both individuals who worked with Theo in before his departure.

Larry Lucchino may also have a slightly reduced role if this were to occur.

If Theo were to return our hopes of getting the GM position would be dashed, but I think we would voluntarily step down as contenders so as not to hurt Mr. Epstein's chances of regaining the title of General Manager for the 2007 season.

In relation to the previous post, if the Rocket were to return and end his career in Boston, Theo is the man who can make it happen.

Blast Off?

How's this for a different look...

The Rocket, perhaps the greatest pitcher to go through the Red Sox system (and arguably the greatest ever) has expressed interest in returning to Boston.

The Red Sox have contacted Clemens' agent and the agent indicated that Roger was eager to meet with Red Sox management. Much of the bad blood between Clemens and the Red Sox came during the Dan Duquette GM era, and he was replaced after the 2001 season.

This could potentially make up for Doug Mirabelli not being on the team.

-J

Happy Trails

Happy trails... Edgar Rentaria. The Red Sox made my last post 30 mins ago useless by trading SS Edgar Renteria for Atlanta Braves minor leaguer 3B Andy Marte. There is some speculation that the Red Sox will sping Marte to Tampa Bay for IF Julio Lugo, but I doubt it. From all accounts, Marte is a can't miss prospect.

This reiterates the title of my last post, the Red Sox are being gutted. But, I am excited to get another young player to be excited about. Could this mean the Red Sox will spin Mike Lowell to someone else. Just when I thought I had figured things. Does anybody else get the feeling the Red Sox don't have things figured out either?

Gut the Red Sox

It's just hitting me that the 2006 Red Sox are going to look fairly different, with the potential to look drastically different. I'm assuming the Red Sox will re-sign Damon. The Manny situation is up in the air and to be honest, the more I think about it, we should keep Manny. It appears that there is not a balanced trade out there right now. Maybe there will be this July, but right now it doesnt appear that the Red Sox see good value out there right now.

As of 11AM this morning, here is your 2006 Red Sox Lineup Projection:

1. Damon CF
2. Loretta 2B
3. Ortiz DH
4. Manny LF
5. Nixon RF
6. Varitek C
7. Lowell 3B
8. Renteria SS
9. Youkilis 1B

Loretta seems to slide into the #2 hole fairly easily. Intelligent is the word that comes to mind. He should hit .300-.310 and have .390-.400 on base. He has a good eye, will take pitchs, runs the bases very well, altough not very fast. I can see him hitting 30+ doubles and 15+ homers.

Without spilling any secrets or drinks, suffice it to say that Red Sox insiders don’t seem to know any more than your postman about who’s going to be the next GM of the Red Sox. -Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald

Trey and Jon should be GM's of the Red Sox.

Douggie

There is an 80% chance that Doug Mirabelli will go to San Diego and be their full time catcher in exchange for Mark Loretta coming to Boston to play second base. I am thouroughly displeased with this. He was one of my favorite players and the team will not be the same without him. More in depth if the trade becomes final.

-J

Renta

Our prayers may have been answered. Trade talks involving the Devil Rays, Braves, and our friends in Boston indicate that Mr. Renteria, the highly disappointing shortstop in 2005 could be headed to Atlanta in exchange for minor league prospects and Julio Lugo from the Devil Rays. Excellent.

-J

Olerud

I would like to congratulate John Olerud on his distinguished career, and thank him for his contribution to the 2005 Red Sox. Olerud announced his retirement today.

I find it odd, however, that he retires on the same day Grady Little comes back to baseball. The only thing I can think of is that John Olerud was so disappointed that Grady was back that he decided he could no longer give his heart and soul to the game.

Thank you John Olerud...may your swing stay sweet.

-J

Canada in the Series?

Wow. Apparently our neighbors up north have decided to open the purse a little bit and spend some serious loot. They are bolstering their pitching staff with the likely addition of A.J. Burnett, along with their recent addition of B.J. Ryan. If Ted Lilly can shape up a little they may have a super nasty 1-2-3 with Halladay, Burnett, and Lilly. Their relief isn't looking half bad either at this point. They have a decent defensive infield, and they worked on scoring some runs they could go big. I just hope they don't have the same luck against the Red Sox that they had during the 2005 season.

-J

P.S. The Yankees were in the hole $85 million this year. How sweet it is...

P.P.S. In a related story...the Marlins 2006 Payroll is currently $22,000,000. Just for comparison -- Barry Bonds made $22,000,000 for playing in fourteen games this season.

Fish

The Florida Marlins are a joke. They are in the midst of a "market correction" right now in which they are gutting the team. Trades happen all the time, and yes I understand some trades are motivated by cutting payroll. That is fine, baseball is a business. But I dont even know what the Marlins are anymore. You've gotta feel bad for Miguel abrera and Dontrelle Willis. They are the only two players who I know for a fact will be there next year. I'm sure they are excited to play losing baseball for the next few years. It's a shame that one of baseball's best young hitters will hit 40 home runs next year and one of baseball's best pitchers will post another sub 3 ERA and do it for a team that will struggle to get to 50 wins next year.

Olderdude

Essentially, Red Sox management needs to resign John Olerud. He is a valuable, inexpensive player, and could be used either as a an excellent mentor to the currently favored replacement for Kevin Millar (Kevin Youkilis) or an excellent backup first baseman. John Olerud still can play Gold Glove caliber defense, and his swing is still smooth.

-J

Minky

Lets get this started off on the right foot. Doug Mientkiewicz needs to give the ball back.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2243408

The former defensive first baseman of the Sox is being sued by the organization to give the ball which he caught for the final out of the 2004 World Series back. Who does this guy think he is? He thinks that he can save this ball and retire by selling it at auction in five years? This is ridiculous, he needs to give back the major part of Red Sox history, given that it was the final out after eighty-six years of waiting. I wish the Red Sox organization luck in this suit.

-J

Day One

With the letting go of Theo Epstein, the Boston Red Sox need a general manager. They currently cannot decide on one right now, so we have come up with a solution. Hire Trey and Jon. We know the Red Sox. We know what is best for the future of the Red Sox. This site will provide commentary on the Red Sox GM search and hopefully will be your window to our thoughts when Trey and Jon are hired to run the Red Sox.