Blog Title: Sox and Pinstripes

Editor's Note: This post represents a daily journal I am writing as a tribute to my 15-year-old cat, Casey. I learned on Tuesday, January 6, that he has advanced leukemia and liver disease and has been given no more than a month to live. The ongoing posts from the journal not only serve as a tribute to Casey ??? and a resource for readers who are pet enthusiasts ??? but they also provide personal therapy during a trying time.

Obviously, this series will not replace the daily baseball posts. After all, the Red Sox, Yankees and baseball are what Sox and Pinstripes is all about, and Hot Stove League action is increasing. Yet, on occasion, we do post personal essays about subjects not related to baseball, but focusing on human interest. If you are a pet enthusiast who understands and embraces first-hand the human-animal bond, I encourage you to read every word. You can read all posts related to this series by visiting the Categories section on the right-hand side of Sox and Pinstripes and scrolling down to "Casey's Tribute." To read my baseball story about Casey, scroll down to the first post, dated January 6.

The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with Rocco Baldelli and John Smoltz, according to Boston.com. As I wrote in yesterday's post, both players will serve valuable roles for the team in 2009, as long as they are healthy.

Baldelli gives the Red Sox a fourth outfielder who has power, produces run, hits for a respectable average and plays solid defense. Baldelli and the Sox hope that his durability will improve now that doctors have correctly diagnosed him with channelopathy, which can be managed by medicine. Baldelli was previously diagnosed as having mitochondrian disorder, which caused severe fatigue and left him not able to play on a regular basis.

As for Smoltz, he is recovering from shoulder surgery, so there is no guarantee that he will be effective, but rehab reports have been positive, and the 41-year-old right-hander is similar to Curt Schilling - a true "pitcher" who knows how to win in October. Smoltz is not expected to be ready until May, and it is uncertain whether he will start or pitch out of the bullpen. The Red Sox like to give each starter in the rotation a mid-season break, so perhaps Smoltz will step in when Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Brad Penny need a breather. Wakefield is 42, and Penny experienced shoulder tendinitis last season, so Smoltz's presence will provide insurance, too.

Yesterday, I also wrote that signing Smoltz would give the Red Sox more depth so they can trade a top pitching prospect (such as Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden) for a difference-making young catcher. Potential trade targets I mentioned were Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden of Texas, Jeff Clement of Seattle, Miguel Montero of Arizona, Russell Martin of the Dodgers, and Brian Schneider of the Mets. VTYanksFan, who seems incapable of writing a comment without a condescending and nasty tone, included this in his response:

"....And, regarding the Red Sox possibly trading for one of those catchers Jeff mentioned...keep dreaming.

Why would the Dodgers, who already have one of the best farm systems in baseball, trade arguably their best, if not one of their best players in Russell Martin? That's ridiculous. And for the Mariners, they don't need pitching as much as they need offense now that Ibanez is gone, so they AREN'T getting rid of Clement. And as for Schneider, go ahead. Give up a top prospect for an aging-by-the-minute catcher with almost worse offensive numbers than Varitek...I implore you to do that."

Well, VTYanksFan, as usual, your comments indicate that you are not completely informed. It is widely known that the Dodgers have been rumored to have interest in trading Martin, who I agree is a talented catcher. The Mariners have also reportedly talked to teams about Clement as have the Angels about Mike Napoli (a name I did not mention yesterday). Martin, Napoli and Clement would require a top prospect in return - likely Buchholz for Martin or Napoli, and Bowden for Clement.

As for Schneider, he would be a short-term alternative to Jason Varitek. Schneider is respected for his game-calling abilities and his defense. His typical season is a .253 average with eight home runs and 56 RBI. Schneider, who is 32, is signed through 2009 at $4.9 million, so his contract is palatable. Schneider would not cost the Sox a top prospect, and Theo Epstein has previously expressed interest in acquiring him.

So my message to VTYanksFan is this: please think before you comment. I mention potential trade targets based on reports I have read suggesting that a player is available, and I do not propose a trade unless I think it makes sense for both teams.

Personally, I would like to see Boston acquire Schneider, which would give the Sox a decent catching tandem in Schneider and Josh Bard. Mark Wagner and Luis Exposito are two highly regarded catching prospects in the Boston organization, and they should be ready within two years. Trading for Schneider would also allow Buchholz and Bowden to remain in the Red Sox organization. Both pitchers have high ceilings.

Rocco Baldelli will never approach Joe DiMaggio's career numbers, as some baseball pundits thought he might when he debuted with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2003. Still, the Boston Red Sox reportedly believe that the Rhode Island native will be healthy enough to serve as a productive fourth outfielder. According to Peter Gammons, Baldelli will sign a contract with the Sox. Gammons writes that the deal will be announced at the Boston Baseball Writers Dinner on Thursday, when Baldelli will be honored with the Tony Conigliaro Award.

Boston.com's Nick Cafardo reports that "Baldelli appears to be inching closer to a deal with the Red Sox" and that last night "sources indicated that John Smoltz was leaning toward Boston's offer, which was said to be somewhere in the vicinity of $5.5 million guaranteed with the opportunity to earn a few million in incentives which could hike the salary up to $10 million."

If the reports are accurate, this is good news for Baldelli, who gets to play for his favorite boyhood team; the Red Sox, who need a fourth outfielder who can help at the plate and in the field; and for Red Sox fans, who will get to watch another player who embraces the concept of a team rather than a "me first" mentality.

Signing Baldelli is definitely a risk. Due to injuries, the sixth overall pick of the 2000 draft by Tampa Bay has recorded only 217 at-bats in 63 games over the last two seasons. Doctors originally thought that Baldelli was suffering from a mitochondrian disorder, resulting in extreme fatigue. Last month, at the Cleveland Clinic, his doctor determined that his fatigue is caused by the less severe channelopathy, which is treatable and can be controlled with medicine. Gammons added that Baldelli completed a series of tests at Massachusetts General Hospital and the "results were positive."

Baldelli's presence would bolster the Red Sox bench, which will need more firepower in 2009 because of the question marks surrounding Mike Lowell and David Ortiz. And there is J.D. Drew, who is productive when healthy, but is likely to require a stint on the disabled list at some point during the season.

Josh Bard can be a solid backup catcher. Baldelli is a run producer who can play all three outfield positions. Now, the Red Sox could use Mark Kotsay, who could serve as a backup first baseman and an extra outfielder. If he does not get the opportunity to win a full-time position elsewhere, Kotsay could return to Boston. The Red Sox are also searching for a utility infielder. Nick Green, who has major league experience and was signed to a minor league deal earlier this week, is likely destined for Pawtucket as infield insurance. Of course, if Theo Epstein cannot find a taker for Julio Lugo, the latter will likely be the utility infielder in 2009.

The possible addition of Smoltz is a low-risk proposition for Boston. If the future Hall of Famer effectively recovers from shoulder surgery, he is expected to be ready by May. Smoltz could help as a starter or a reliever. His presence would be extremely valuable during the stretch drive in August and September, and if the Red Sox return to the post-season.

Evidently, the Red Sox do not plan on signing a free agent starter to a multi-year deal, so it appears they are content with a possible opening day rotation of Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Tim Wakefield and Brad Penny. If this is the case, then it would make sense to keep Clay Buchholz. This would give the Sox Buchholz, Justin Masterson (who will likely open the season as a set-up man), Michael Bowden and potentially Smoltz as starting pitching insurance. There is the possibility of getting a starting pitcher in a blockbuster trade, though.

Let's move on. Enough of the Mark Teixeira talk, Boston media. It is obvious that Scott Boras and Teixeira used the Red Sox to get the best deal possible from the Yankees. That is no surprise. Boras is a man who does not care about integrity. He is solely interested in getting as much money for his client so he can, in turn, get as much money possible for himself, and he does not care who he steps on and/or offends.

At this point, it does not make sense for Boston to do business with Boras, which means that Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe will not be with the Red Sox in 2009. It would be refreshing if a couple high-profile players would step forward and say that they are hiring a more reputable agent because they care about how their image is construed by the public. That is not likely to happen, though Varitek must to outraged with Boras about the advice to reject arbitration and a guaranteed $10 million, or even more. And, whether it is this off-season or next, the Red Sox will surely do business with Boras again. There will be a player who wants to sign with Boston, but Boras will play games and try to convince the Yankees, Angels or some other deep-pocketed team that they have a chance.

As for Boston's lineup, it would have looked much better with Teixeira, but don't be mistaken and think that the Sox will not score a lot of runs in 2009. The lineup is deep, and it will get an upgrade if Theo Epstein signs a catcher who can provide some offense along with his leadership behind the plate. Today on WEEI, Peter Gammons said he believes that Boston would rather Varitek sign elsewhere and get that team's first round pick and a sandwich pick, and acquire another catcher. I like this idea if the Sox bring in one of the Texas catchers, Arizona's Miguel Montero, the Mets' Brian Schneider, Seattle's Jeff Clement or the Dodgers' Russell Martin.

For me, this post has extra meaning - the beginning of a journal that will serve as a tribute to my 15-year-old cat, Casey, my longtime shadow, companion and friend who I learned yesterday has advanced leukemia and acute liver disease and has been give no more than a month to live. The ongoing posts from the journal will not only serve as a tribute to Casey ??? and a resource for readers who are baseball fans and pet enthusiasts ??? but they will also provide personal therapy for me. I find it beneficial to ??? when dealing with a difficult situation ??? express my feelings in words.

Obviously, this series will not replace the daily baseball posts. After all, the Red Sox, Yankees and baseball are what Sox and Pinstripes is all about, and Hot Stove League action is increasing. Yet, on occasion, we do post personal essays about subjects not related to baseball, but focusing on human interest. If you are a pet enthusiast who understands and embraces first-hand the human-animal bond, I encourage you to read every word. If you are a person who thinks, ???He is just an animal, you can get another one,??? I advise you to skip these posts altogether.

Since this is a baseball blog, I will tell you a tale about Casey, the baseball fan. Sometimes ??? about a dozen games a season ??? I see the Red Sox at ballparks nationwide as a spectactor. And there are times when I am on assignment and have media credentials to games. Most times, though, I watch the Sox via my MLB Extra Innings package on my couch in Florida.

My cats have long gotten accustomed to be profanity-laced outbursts when the Red Sox are not playing well, or when an umpire blows a call, and they are familiar with my shouts of exhilaration when all is going well. Since he entered my life, Casey has relaxed with me on the couch when I watch TV, just as he has lounged on the pet bed next to my computer when I am in my office.

Two years ago ??? just in time for the 2007 baseball season ??? I bought my first HDTV and purchased the MLB Extra Innings package. Before, I watched games through MLB.com on my computer. HDTV is much better, an opinion that Casey shared. The first couple games I watched on the HDTV, I noticed Casey staring at the screen, apparently mesmerized by what he saw. I have heard of dogs and cats watching television, but as the days and weeks passed, I realized that Casey only did so when a baseball game was airing. Perhaps it is the colors, the sounds, the movement ??? I???m not sure ??? but he has sat by side or rested on my stomach and gazed at the screen when baseball is on. I thought it was fitting, since he was my shadow, and I am more captivated by baseball on TV than anything else that airs. I never saw him watch a game on my old standard TV, but he sure loves baseball on the HDTV screen.

By my side, Casey has witnessed no-hitters by Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester, the amazing comeback against the Indians in the 2007 ALCS and the subsequent World Series title, last year???s opening day in Japan during the wee hours of the morning, the storybook comeback in Game 5 of last year???s ALCS, and every Red Sox-Yankees game that I didn???t watch in a sports bar. I like to think Casey is a Red Sox fan, since that is the team that he has watched the most. Baseball will always be a passion of mine, but the games I watch at home this year just won???t be the same without Casey by my side.

My tribute to Casey continues in a journal that I started on Tuesday, when I found out about his illness. I will keep writing a daily journal up to the day he takes his last breathe.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Today, I learned that Casey has leukemia. Not feline leukemia, my veterinarian explained, but the type of leukemia that humans get. Simple put, feline leukemia is a transmittable virus. The leukemia that Casey has cannot be spread to other animals, and it is related to bone marrow. I never realized that cats could get that type of cancer. I though that "feline leukemia" was the only kind of leukemia that cats could contract.

I had a feeling that something serious was wrong. Until now ??? for all of his adult life ??? Casey has been a long and big cat. At one point, he weighed 20 pounds, but when I took him to the emergency veterinary clinic two days ago, he was down to 10.6. I figured the gradual weight loss was age-related because Casey is 15 and he did not show any signs of illness until Sunday, when he strained while trying to relieve himself, and vomited several times.

A decade ago, I was editor and publisher of a regional pet care magazine, so through the multiple articles I wrote, I became familiar with many diseases and conditions that afflict cats and dogs. Based on his symptoms two days ago, I figured that Casey was suffering from a urinary tract infection, which is common in male cats.

I was stunned when the veterinarian told me that he has leukemia, and a severe liver condition. As expected for a cat who is 15, Casey???s prognosis is grim. Dr. Holder told me that he likely has no more than a month to live, and that from the point forward it will be a day-to-day situation of monitoring how he is feeling.

Today, Casey is walking gingerly, but he still has an appetite, and he is still following me around every room ??? and lying next to my computer when I am working, and at the foot of my bed when I???m sleeping ??? as he has his entire life.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Today, I am finding it extremely difficult to concentrate knowing that I will soon be without a longtime, dear friend who has been there is good times and bad since I took him in as a stray when he was one year old.

Since I was old enough to remember, I have shared a love for cats and dogs. I would frequently bring home strays, and when I think about my childhood, the images of playing wiffle ball in the backyard, baseball at the park and my family???s two dogs are my fondest memories.

My childhood dogs lived long lives. I was 26 and 28 respectively when each one died. As an adult, because of my schedule in the communication field ??? and my spontaneous nature ??? I have preferred cat. I have been the caregiver to five, two of which have passed away in the last five years, and Casey (who, as I mentioned, is 15), Cody (who is 15, and Amber (who was named by my girlfriend???s niece; and is six). They are all former strays.

The story of how Casey entered my life is amusing. I have dated the same woman on and off for a long time (over 15 years). We were best friends before we started dating, and we have remained best friends ??? even in periods over the years when we have not dated seriously (I know, it???s strange, and a subject for a post down the road if we ever get married). Anyway, she is like me ??? prone to taking in strays and either keeping them or finding them homes.

One day, back in 1995, she told me about a gray, declawed cat that was apparently abandoned by his owners and roaming her neighborhood. At the time, we both lived in the Wright-Patterson AFB area, and unfortunately there are times when military families get pets and then irresponsibly leave them behind when they are transferred to another base. Perhaps Casey was one of these left-behind animals.

Mandy lived in a small house then, and she already had two cats, and didn???t have room for another. I had two cats as well, but I was willing to add another. So, one afternoon while Mandy was at work, she arranged for me to meet her brother at her office parking lot, and get the cat. I expected a tiny, energetic kitten. Instead, out stepped a long, massive animal that looked more like a bobcat than a typical house cat. I later learned from the veterinarian that he was 1, but he looked older because of his size. I would soon learn that he was a gentle giant ??? the type of cat that follows me everywhere I go in the house, greets me at the door when I get home, treats even people he sees for the first time like a longtime friend and does not hesitate to sit in my lap or lie on my stomach when I am relaxing on the couch.

As for Casey???s condition today, he remains lethargic. He spent hours resting in one spot, only to get up when I opened a can of food. To spare his energy, I carried him to the pet bed I keep on one side of the L-shaped desk in my home office (which is a converted third bedroom) while I worked. To keep his appetite active, I bought several cans of albacore tuna. He partially ate the cat food, but cleaned out the plate of tuna.

At this stage, the veterinarian says that what I feed him doesn???t matter. His dual conditions are advanced. The objective day by day now is to keep his appetite healthy, and do all I can to make sure his pain is minimal. I hope, when it is his time to go, he passes away peacefully and naturally. But I will not let him suffer, so if necessary I will call a veterinarian to the house for euthanasia, which is a difficult decision I have faced before, but one that is the last act of love a pet owner can make for his beloved friend.

Welcome back, Jason!

Everybody's favorite pitching machine, Jason Johnson has been signed by the Yankees as an insurance policy to an insurance policy's policy. You might remember him from such comedies as the Boston Massacre Part II, when Johnson helped pitch in a double header which saw Yankees' hitting destroy Boston pitching en route to a five game sweep and a virtual ending of Red Sox playoff hopes in 2006.

 No, seriously, it's always nice to have an extra arm in any system, so having Jason ready as a spot starter in the event of two or three injuries at once in the rotation against weak-hitting teams was a necessary move for the Yankees. Especially with their luck the last few years.

Johnson is an example of a low-risk, mediocre-reward signing which Brian Cashman ignored last season and then had to settle for guys like Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner and Carl Pavano, which I consider Johnson to be a step up from.

The insurance policies now include: Alfredo Aceves, Johnson, Phil Coke (who will be preparing for spring training as a starter), and Ian Kennedy. It will certainly be interesting to see how Coke, Aceves and Kennedy perform next season and in what capacity. Phil Hughes figures to be the fifth starter since Andy Pettitte rejected the Yankees' offer for one year at $10 million dollars, unless New York decides to take a route towards Jon Garland or another back-of-the-rotation innings' eating veteran. Johnson, by that description, fits this category. With the front end all set up with Wang, Burnett and Sabathia, and Chamberlain figuring to pitch like a 1-3 guy, the Yankees have plenty of weapons on their pitching staff, it will truly be a matter of having enough arms to get through the times when inevitable injuries happen.

On that note, and not that it matters much, Sergio Mitre will be suspended for the first 50 games of the regular season after testing positive for PED's with the same excuse as JC Romero. Unlike Romero, however, Mitre will not factor into the Yankees' regular season plans since he would have been injured until around June anyway, so not much of a loss there. I'd be curious to see if they were in any way related to his injury whether it was trying to recover quicker or if there was a legitimate misunderstanding.

Joe, a fellow blogger and a regular on Sox and Pinstripes, does not agree with my opinion that the Red Sox should trade for Texas shortstop Michael Young. He cites Young's age (32), glove and range (which are both average) and salary ($16 million per season for five years starting in 2009) as his reasons for avoiding the perennial all-star. Joe also believes that Boston should not part with young players like Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie and Clay Buchholz.

I partly agree with Joe. The Red Sox should carefully contemplate any prospective trade that involves a prospect. Boston could have landed Johan Santana last off-season, but it would have cost them Lowrie, Masterson, Ellsbury and/or Lester among other names. While it is true that Santana would have given the Sox two extremely dominant aces, where would the team have been in 2008 without Lowrie stepping in for Julio Lugo and Mike Lowell, Lester emerging as one of the best left-handed starters in baseball, Ellsbury stealing 50 bases and playing exceptional defense and Masterson contributing as a starter and a reliever?

Talented depth is a key reason why the Red Sox won it all in 2007 and came within one game of returning to the World Series last season. Talented depth is a key reason why the Red Sox will once again be a serious contender for a World Series title in 2009, even without Mark Teixeira.

That said, a deep farm system is not only a resource to produce homegrown players that contribute at the major league level, but it is also a means to acquire difference-making veterans via trades. Though Theo Epstein would never have signed off on the deal that sent Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez and other prospects to Florida for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell - the transaction was made during his brief hiatus as general manager - the trade was worthwhile. Beckett remains one of the best starters in baseball, and Lowell was the 2007 World Series MVP. Both players will be instrumental to Boston's success in 2009.

Simply put, when you execute a trade, you gotta give up something to get something. Unlike most franchises, the Red Sox have a track record (at least under Epstein's tenure) of minor leaguers producing when they are called up to the big leagues. Other teams notice this, so they are understandably enamored with Red Sox prospects. Remember, not only have guys like Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Lester, Masterson, Lowrie, Ellsbury and Buchholz helped the Red Sox, but names like Hanley Ramirez, Freddy Sanchez, Kelly Shoppach, David Murphy, Brandon Moss, Cla Meredith and Kason Gabbard have contributed to the teams where they were traded. 

This leads me to the reason why I disagree with Joe about Boston surrendering prospects to acquire Young. He is a run producer who is consistent at the plate and adequate - not spectacular, but adequate - at shortstop. At 32, he is far from past his prime, and he should significantly contribute during the full period of his five-year contract. Young is a difference maker who would bolster the Red Sox lineup, thus the reason he is worth giving up a couple top prospects and a mid-level minor leaguer for.

Apparently, Joe and the other Sox and Pinstripes readers who disagree with me on this topic need not worry. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported that Boston is not interested in Young. Evidently, they are intrigued about journeyman catcher Gregg Zaun and injured reliever Takashi Saito, but not Young. If Epstein believes that Young is too old and not worth a five-year, $80 million commitment, I hope that he is still working the phones to find a young slugger in Hanley Ramirez's category. Or, if Epstein is content with the starting lineup as is (aside from the open catcher's spot), hopefully he builds a strong bench that includes names like Eric Byrnes and Mark Kotsay, who both can step in and contribute as starting position players, if needed.

Make no mistake. I am ecstatic that the Red Sox have placed a commitment on developing their farm system. Not only is the team willing to spend big money on high school and college draft picks, but they are signing high-profile international free agents in Latin America countries, Asia (Japan and Taiwan) and even Australia (remember the names Mitch Dening and Boss Moanaroa).

Now that most of Boston's highly regarded prospects at the Triple-A level have graduated to the big leagues, a bulk of the next crop of top minor leaguers can be found at Double-A Portland and at the Single-A affiliates. By 2009, some of these guys will make their way to Pawtucket. This is why the Red Sox can afford to trade one or two of Buchholz, Bowden, Lowrie, Ellsbury or Josh Reddick for a big bat or a talented young catcher. It is the benefit of having such a well-stocked farm system.  

Besides considering the Chargers legitimate contenders after defending their home turf (I'll still see how they do on the mean fields in Pittsburgh), the game opened up a whole other set of issues which become Baseball related.

First and foremost, since his Super Bowl ring and MVP, Peyton Manning has been ousted in the first round two more times. Before his ring, he failed to get past the division round in his career, despite always having great receivers and a highly competitive team. I engaged into a debate with one of my Sox fan friends (who also happens to be a Patriots fan) and we discussed "choking."

If you are labeled a "choker" (Peyton Manning, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez) and then you win a championship and play a vital role (Manning's Super Bowl MVP, Clemens' two rings with the Yankees, A-Rod if he wins a World Series and does well) how long is the statute of limitations? If Peyton Manning chokes the next two years, how does he get a free pass with his one championship? Clearly this has to be broken down into some sort of chance and success ratio. For instance, if Alex Rodriguez never leaves Seattle, or becomes injured after game 3 of the 2004 ALCS with the Yankees, and then gets traded and never plays in the postseason, he is all of a sudden a pretty solid playoff performer.

He also would have had four less opportunities to choke, which in this case, he took full advantage of by being terrible in his next 17 games. Now if A-Rod wins either an ALCS or World Series MVP and the Yankees get a ring during his tenure here, is he still a choker? What if he does it next year and then the Yankees go another eight years without winning and he does terrible in all of the postseasons they reach? Why hasn't there been an official "choke" stat?

When you get down to it, considering someone a "choker" is stupid to begin with because it can change so easily. Not to mention, in baseball, it can change in a single moment. Josh Beckett is considered the complete opposite of a choker in big games, but injured or not he was God awful in the postseason in 2008, now nobody is going to label him a choker, but it's a clear example of how having "clutch" players doesn't always matter. Jon Lester was terrific in all of his starts except one last year in the playoffs, but his one loss was probably the most important game of the entire postseason for the Red Sox. He ended up losing game 7 to a better starter, and he lost a pivotal game three which turned the entire series around with Tampa making a statement against the Red Sox at Fenway.

So now does anybody out there have their own formula? I myself still haven't reached a conclusion, but we both decided if Peyton Manning continues to choke away games, his choker label gets "restored" and we also decided if Alex Rodriguez were to leave the Yankees and do well in the playoffs, it's an atmosphere thing and not a pressure thing. Of course, best case for him would be getting it done in a big way in the Bronx and shaking the label forever, which I believe in his case, playing in a more individual sport, would be enough.

The game also made me hate Philip Rivers. What a punk. I'll be rooting whole-heartedly for James Farrior to crush his southern, sharp-tongued body to the cold tundra in Pittsburgh.

The final revelation was in regards to NFL overtime. I know there are NFL purists just like MLB ones, but this overtime system makes no sense whatsoever. When you play to a tie after 60 minutes, the mindset right now among NFL "experts" is that you should have taken care of the other team in regulation and then you have an opportunity to "stop" the other team if you lose the 50-50 coin toss.

My response is, why? Why should one team have to face that challenge by losing to an arbitrary coin? Didn't both teams, regardless of how the game worked out, deserve to be in that situation? Shouldn't they both have a chance to score on the other team's defense? Why is only one defense being placed into the gauntlet? Sure they can succeed and have great field positioning and then that will benefit the offense and then the offense can score and they will have truly "earned" their win, or whatever that means, but look at the stats. Last I checked something ridiculous like 80 percent of teams that started with the ball in overtime won their games. How is that fair? Clearly a defense is pretty exhausted after regulation, so both defenses should have to defend just like in college.

The one thing I would change is where an offense starts, I do believe the NFL overtime shouldn't be sudden death, especially since it isn't in: soccer (shootouts after two halfs), basketball (an extra period), hockey (five minutes of sudden death but then shootouts which last three rounds and then become like baseball and partial sudden death), baseball (home team gets last licks regardless), or any other major sport. In football, most of all, I think it makes the most sense to give the other team a chance.

So naturally it should be something like college, but in college they start at the opponents' 30 yard line, which would be too easy in the NFL. Therefore, if I had to recreate an overtime system in professional football, I'd make it full posessions where anything can happen. Kick it off, make a drive, the whole nine yards. Once a team scores a higher amount of points than the other in a drive, the game is over. Both teams had a chance, with equal ability to win, and you truly tested all facets of the team, just like in regulation. This also would eliminate the dreaded "tie" opportunity where Donovan McNabb gets confused.

Finally, congratulations to the New York Knicks! They won their version of the NBA championship (at least until 2010) by making a notch in the Celtics' "loser" bed post with a win at the Garden against the defending champs and major powerhouse last night. In my lifetime, there has been little to truly root for with the Knicks. We got stuck with the Miller Pacers, The Jordan Bulls and the Mourning Heat before the championship for most of the years of my Knicks-fan-competitive-team-watching lifetime. Both times New York managed to beat all of those teams, they lost the championship to the Olajuwon Rockets and the Duncan/Robinson Spurs (by the way, was calling them the "Twin Towers" in the 1999 championship a bad, bad, omen?) So honestly, unlike any of my other professional sports teams, the Knicks have let me down every single time.

As a result of such abuse, I'm stuck remembering extremely random games where I truly felt fulfilled. Last night's 100-88 victory was one of those times. While Reggie was having "Miller Time" and Jordan was dropping 55 at the Garden, or now the Knicks are mediocre and LeBron, Wade and Garnett led teams are dominating in the conference, I'm thinking about a random 104-72 beating on the Bulls somewhere around 15 years ago. So this, probably the only time in the next two years I'll speak of such things, is where I congratulate the Knicks on their victory.

Had I been able to get to this web site, I would have said the Cardinals would beat the Falcons three days ago. It was one of those games where I went from absolutely confident about Atlanta to deciding they had no chance of a victory. All you had to see was the early Matt Ryan mistake and Cardinals touchdown to know they were going to win. Give a non-confident team confidence right off the bat, at home, and you need something dramatic to turn the tides. Nothing dramatic happened. As the week went on I thought more and more about Matt Ryan and his slow decline as a rookie all year along with starting on the road in his first playoff game (where QB's are 0-6) and knew the "Buzz Saw" was going to pull it out.

Then I rooted for the Vikings.

Minnesota, for my money, outplayed the Eagles. If Brian Westbrook doesn't return one to the house, and the Eagles don't get another long play, that game is very different. You knew with two prematuraly bald coaches the game was going to be poorly managed, but you didn't think the Vikings would quit at home, down 16-14. Philadelphia is a clear-cut different team on the road, and beating the Giants twice in a month at the Meadowlands with one of the worst strageical coaches against one of the best adjustment coaches in the NFL will be difficult.

On the flip side, division rival division games can always go either way, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a spread favoring the Giants by 1 point, and at most 2.5. It's going to be close. New York will have to shut down Westbrook just like the Eagles shut down Peterson. The first team to score and keep a lead should be in a pretty solid position with both teams having lethal running games and a sure cold and windy climate. If Brandon Jacobs is fully healthy, I think the Giants pull it out, even with no Burress.

As for the Dolphins, is anybody surprised? Anyone? Anyone at all? This was the perfect follow up to my theory of giving a non-confident team confidence at home early. The Dolphins picked up the early turnover from a rookie Quarterback on the road (The Flacco handoff fumble) but despite starting with the ball in Ravens' territory, they managed just a field goal.

When your defense is able to cut the field in half and you manage just a field goal, that's almost a point for the other team. In this case, the Dolphins had a chance to get an early Touchdown at home, and instead the Ravens' defense made a statement. Then it continued to make statements for the rest of the game with Ed Reed seemingly blindfolding Chad Pennington throughout.

Colts-Chargers is the only game where I truly changed my opinion of a team. Not because the Colts lost, if you paid attention to my preview, you know that I didn't believe much in Indy, though I did expect them to pull this one out on the road. It's the Chargers who scare me a lot more now, especially with no New England in the postseason. I had no idea their running game would be that good with a banged up LT, but they have a legitimate two-man rush and that could be trouble with Philip Rivers behind center. The offense was much more explosive and the defense was efficient in holding Peyton Manning to passing yards but not a lot of scoring.

Chances are that Theo Epstein is not content with the Red Sox lineup as it is currently composed. He reportedly inquired about Hanley Ramirez, but Florida is not interested in trading the face of its franchise. Carlos Beltran seems like a good fit, but the New York Mets are a legitimate World Series contender, and they are not strapped for cash, so they have no need to trim payroll. Trading Beltran would weaken the Mets lineup. If Epstein wants to acquire a big bat, he should contact the Texas Rangers about Michael Young.

Last night on MLB Network, Jon Heyman said that the Rangers have two promising shortstop prospects, and they might consider shedding Young's five-year, $80 million deal, which is set to begin in 2009. Young signed the contract last March and Texas picked up his $5 million option for 2008 as part of the deal.

Last month, I first wrote about my desire to see the Red Sox trade for Young. Bringing in the 32-year-old shortstop would not only give Boston a consummate professional who had 200-plus hits per year from 2003-2007 (he collected 183 in 2008), but it would also allow the Sox to use Jed Lowrie as a utility infielder who could spell Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Young and Mike Lowell since he can play all four infield spots. Boston could get Young without having to surrender Lowrie since the Rangers have Elvis Andrus poised to take over at shortstop.

The cost in prospects would be high. Texas would undoubtedly require Clay Buchholz, and likely Daniel Bard. A third prospect like outfielder Josh Reddick, or even a third pitcher (Nick Hagadone?) might have to be thrown in. The deal could be expanded to include Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden - the two Rangers catchers who are drawing interest from several teams. Maybe Chris Carter, who would thrive as a DH, would also interest Texas, which expects to lose a productive bat in Milton Bradley to free agency.

I disagree with people who say that Young is declining - that he is getting too old. Young turned 32 last October 19. At the end of his five-year deal, he will be 36. A player is in his prime from 28-32. From 32-35, a talented player is still very productive. Middle infielders start to lose their range in their mid-30s. Young is well worth the money because of his professionalism, work ethic, strong arm, adequate glove and consistent bat. The last two years of his contract, he should still be a productive major league hitter, even if his range will be diminished. When his deal expires at the age of 36, let him sign elsewhere. As for 2009 (and even 2010 and 2011), there is no reason to doubt that he will not remain an all-star caliber player.

I like Buchholz, and I believe he will become a top of the rotation starter down the road. However, Boston could use another productive bat, and the depth that Lowrie would provide as a utility player. The Red Sox would still have Michael Bowden as a major league ready starter, and I have a feeling that Justin Masterson will eventually make the transition from reliever to full-time starter, as Derek Lowe did. Speaking of Lowe, if Boston does deal Buchholz, it would be ideal to sign Lowe (if he would accept a three-year deal) since Brad Penny's shoulder is a question mark. The Sox must maintain starting pitching depth.

Personally, I like the idea of Young in a Red Sox uniform so much that I would make the deal just for him - without also acquiring one of the Texas catchers. Then the Sox could resign Jason Varitek, or trade for Brian Schneider, to share duties with Josh Bard. Prospects Mark Wagner and Luis Exposito are promising, and it might be worth waiting for them to develop into major league ready catchers.

It is obvious that Epstein is exploring a blockbuster trade since the Sox did not land Mark Teixeira, the Mets are unlikely to deal Beltran or Jose Reyes, and the Marlins are understandably clinging to Ramirez. Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is another ideal target, and there was discussion earlier in the Hot Stove League that LA might consider trading him. Young, though, appears to make the most sense.

If you don't like the idea of the Sox trading for Young, make your opinion known, but also make an alternative suggestion.

Who will be the 2009 version of Jonathan Papelbon, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson? The aforementioned players attended Boston's annual rookie development program in the winter and during the regular season made their major league debuts and significantly contributed to the Red Sox.

The program - which started today and continues through January 16 at Boston College - is a 13-day camp where Red Sox major league and minor league coaches instruct highly regarded prospects about life as a big leaguer. The prospects learn about the physical and mental requirements of Major League Baseball, and the pressures and challenges they can expect playing in Boston.

As published on SoxProspects.com, "According to WEEI's Alex Speier, the thirteen players who will participate in this year's rookie development program are 1B Lars Anderson, RHP Daniel Bard, OF Zach Daeges, RHP Dewon Day, SS Argenis D??az, LHP Felix Doubront, LHP Kris Johnson, RHP Richie Lentz, RHP Wes Littleton, RHP Adam Mills, OF Josh Reddick, LHP Dustin Richardson (who also participated in last year's program), and C Mark Wagner. With the exceptions of Day (AAA), Doubront (Hi-A), and Littleton (MLB), all of this year's participants finished up the 2008 regular season in AA Portland."



Of the aforementioned players, Bard, Lentz and Day are the most likely candidates to start the 2009 season in the minor leagues and get summoned to the Red Sox at some point during the year. Bard, who was Boston's first round selection out of the University of North Carolina in 2006 and is a right-handed power reliever, has been mentioned in trade rumors, but if he remains with the Sox, he should get a chance to contribute as a set-up man at the big league level if member of the bullpen suffers an injury or is ineffective. Lentz, a 19th round pick out of the University of Washington in 2006, is another right-handed power reliever who could make his big league debut in 2009. In 2010, Boston's bullpen could feature homegrown arms Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen, Bard, Lentz and the left-handed Richardson. Next year's rookie development program will likely include Kyle Weiland, Stephen Fife and Bryan Price - all high draft picks out of college in 2008 and all promising arms.



Day is not a Red Sox draft pick. The 28-year-old right-hander was a 26th round selection of Toronto in 2002, but he reached the big leagues with the White Sox in 2007. He will start the 2009 season at Pawtucket, but he could see time with the Red Sox at some point. As for Littleton, he is out of options, so he will either make the team out of spring training or be exposed on the waiver wire. The right-handed reliever was ineffective in 12 games and 18 innings with the Rangers last year, but he posted decent numbers in 2006 and 2007. Though he is not a rookie, the Red Sox staff likely wants him to participate in the program to get a head start on learning about the Red Sox mania he will experience beginning at spring training.

Regarding the other players who will participate in the program:

• Lars Anderson is Boston's top position player prospect. The left-handed hitting first baseman is the main reason why Red Sox fans will eventually not be disheartened that Mark Teixeira signed with the Yankees. The 21-year-old Anderson will likely open 2009 at Double-A Portland before moving up to Pawtucket. He could make his major league debut when rosters expand on September 1.
• Zach Daeges is 25 and plays the corner outfield spots. He is average at best in the field, thus the reason he will likely make it as a starting outfielder. He can hit, though, and he possesses exceptional plate discipline. He could help as a fourth outfielder or a DH at the big league level, but probably not in 2009.
• Argenis Diaz is the anti-Julio Lugo. Some scouts believe that the 21-year-old Diaz would win a Gold Glove right now as a major league shortstop, but his bat is not as advanced as his defense. Diaz has no power and little speed, which makes him less attractive as a starting shortstop than Yamaico Navarro. At the least, Diaz has a chance to be an effective utility infielder at the big league level, or a starting shortstop for an American League team with a stacked lineup.
• Felix Doubront is one of my favorite Red Sox pitching prospects. The 21-year-old left-hander was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2004. A starting pitcher, he will likely open 2009 at advanced-Single A Salem (Va.).
• Dustin Richardson participated in the rookie development program last year, and he is back in 2009. The 6-foot-6 left-hander was a sixth round selection out of Texas Tech in 2006.  He has been a starter in his first  three minor league seasons, but he will pitch out of the bullpen in 2009 after exhibiting a solid performance as a reliever in the Hawaiian Winter League. Boston does not have many promising left-handed relievers - Hunter Jones, who will open 2009 at Pawtucket is about the only one - so Richardson could ascend to the Red Sox by 2010.
• Like Richardson, Kris Johnson's long-term future as a pitcher will likely be in the bullpen. A first round pick in 2006 out of Wichita State, Johnson is a left-hander has similar stuff to former Red Sox prospect Kason Gabbard, who regrettably was sent to Texas in the Eric Gagne trad.
• Adam Mills is less heralded than many of the other relievers drafted out of college by the Red Sox, but the eighth round selection out of UNC-Charlotte in 2007 is effective at inducing grounders. The right-hander will open 2009 at Portland.
• While Anderson is the top infield prospect in the Red Sox organization, Josh Reddick is the team's most promising outfield prospect (at least at the advanced levels of the farm system; Ryan Westmoreland and Pete Hissey are highly regarded 2008 draft picks out of high school). The 21-year-old Reddick could be Boston's future right fielder. He is solid on defense and has a strong arm. At the plate, he hits for power and average. The Red Sox are teaching him to be more patient, so he still needs to improve his plate discipline. Reddick needs more seasoning, as his .184 average in the Arizona Fall League suggests, but he is definitely a name that Red Sox fans will become more familiar with over the next two years.
• If both remain in the Red Sox organization, Mark Wagner could be the backup catcher in Boston by 2011, and Luis Exposito could be the starting catcher. The Angels have two young catchers sharing duties in Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis, so why not the Red Sox? The 24-year-old Wagner calls a good game and is proficient behind the plate. Last year, he had a bad year at the plate (.219 in 342 at-bats) at Portland, but he hit .288 with four home runs and eight RBI in 59 at-bats during the Arizona Fall League.
  
  

Editor's Note: Dave Fernandes' humorous stories related to the Red Sox and baseball first appeared in the comments section on Ian Browne's Brownie Points blog. Dave will periodically write his comedic columns on this site throughout the off-season.

Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was a huge fan of Pete Rose, so when it came time for a hunting trip, Paps felt elated to have the all-time hit king join him in the woods of Maine with his twin brothers - and of course his famous dog that ate the ball that won the 2007 World Series. They met at Paps' house in Mississippi.  Pete came in and immediately found himself showing Paps the prizes of a lifetime.  As they sat on the couch, Pete described each one.

???This is the bat that got me hit number 4,192 to break Ty Cobb's record.  Nothing like it in the world.  Priceless. I normally don???t ever bring it out but you were such a fan of me???well???hold it.???

Jon felt the hard ash bat and took a swing.  As a reliever in the American League, he has forgotten to hit, and that was apparent from the hard bruise on Pete???s head after taking a swing???but Jon thought ??? history is made every day.

???OK Jon, this is the ball that I slugged for that hit. That my friend???is something that I cherish???so don???t throw it! ???

Pete then took a sigh and grabbed another ice pack.

???And of course??????

Jon held his breath as the jersey that was Pete Rose???s was held up to the light.

???That, Jon, was the exact jersey that I wore when I got 4,192.  Those three things???are what I hold onto in my exile.  It keeps me going Jon.  Anything ever happened to them???I think I???d kill myself.???

Jon ignored Pete???s moaning and cursing and instead felt the history in his place.  Suddenly baseball has an appeal that he never appreciated.

???OK???so why don???t we leave this stuff here and bring the dogs and go hunting???OK!???

Jon jumped from his seat.

???Jon???

It was the first time Pete yelled since getting slugged with a bat.

???Jon???I know you???re excited and all but???the dance???we can avoid that right????

???Oh???ya???sure, ???said Jon suspecting that Pete feared he might get hit in the head with a leg kick.

Anyway, the trip was fun, so much fun, that Pete Rose decided to stay another three days but Jon was tired and went back home.  His large dog fell into the house and hit the sofa.  Jon smiled.

???Now don???t you touch Mr. Rose???s stuff OK! Remember what you did to that baseball???but???oh, we all make mistakes. ???

The dog barked and Jon felt relieved. 

???I???ll be in the shower if you need me.???

Jon left and climbed into the shower.  He heard some growling in the background but ignored it.  The warm water was so refreshing during the blustery cold of the January winter.  He felt the tingle of warmth return to his hands.  Hunting wasn???t fun.  The deer were absent???perhaps it was Jon doing the dance and it ended up with just two days of frozen bodies -- but Pete loved it. 

Jon got up and dried off.  He put on his clothes and stretched his body.  Tonight was popcorn and a movie.  He walked to the living room. Jon looked around.  Where was Pete???s stuff?  Where was the priceless, irreplaceable stuff? 

His dog barked???then Jon noticed the brown trail of dung that fell on the floor.

???No!??? shouted Jon.  He ran over and saw Pete???s jersey.  It was covered in poo and yellow stains.

???Boy???How you could do this!  I told you after 2007 to never do that again and you promised me!???

We realize that it is intellectually impossible for a dog to make a promise like that but try to explain it to Jon. 

Jon took a breath.  He knew it just needed a wash???with lots of bleach.  Ya???bleach would fix it all and give it a new shine.

???Oh crap???where???s his number????

Jon then noticed the entire back of the jersey was torn to shreds and littered all over the living room.

The phone rang.  Bad timing.  This was not a good time.  Jon ran to it.

???Hey Jon.  You won???t believe it.  Bud Selig called me on my cell phone.  He says that he???d like to see my stuff.  He???s flying down in two days.  See you then!???

Jon stood there like a zombie.  He stepped in some material and sprung his leg up.

???How do I...that???s wood.  That???s???AHHHH???

Jon limped into the kitchen from the splinter on his foot trying desperately to avoid the landmines of dung littering the floor via a large amount of hopping and ran to the kitchen to see Pete???s priceless bat shredded up with splinters of wood on the floor.

???Hot glue???just need some hot glue???oh no.???

Jon knew the situation.  The ball.  The ball that Pete valued so much???just like the ball he valued so much in the 2007 World Series.

???Where??????

Jon couldn???t describe the heart-stopping shock to his system.  He was about to throw up but realized his dog had already done it???all over what was left of the baseball.

???Wash???hot glue???lots of glue.  I can fix that ball???and I can Pete's name. I can fix the jersey???I can fix the bat.  Ya???a grinder???that???s all I need???oh I am so dead!???

The phone rang.

???Hello.???

???Jon???you won???t believe it.  Bud Selig said he???d reinstate me to baseball if I???d donate these supplies.  Can you believe it!  He???s planning a big ceremony. This is big! Isn???t that great!???

???Oh???that???s???just great.???

 ???Jon???my stuff???s OK right????

???Oh???ya???everything is fine???ah???take some more days???weeks if you need too," said Jon while barely clinging to his sanity.

???Great???see you tomorrow.  I???m coming home early.  I got my life back!???

Jon hung up the phone.  He circled the room and tried to capture some semblance of a plan.

???I can???I can sand the bat.  Pete will never notice it.  I???ll reshape it???and the ball ??? hot glue???and the jersey???I can sew???everything???s going to be fine. I just ruined Pete Rose???s life!  Oh you dumb dog. ???

Jon sat down due to the fact his splintered foot was starting to swell. 

???Crap???gotta wash the couch too.  OK.  I can deal.???

Jon walked further getting splinters of wood in his feet trying to get to the washing machine before sliding on material and landing on his head.

???Boy???don???t you dare lick me!  I know where that mouth has been.  Oh man???I???m Julio Lugo!???

Jon was a wreck.  He hadn???t slept all night.  It was a day later when Jon had completed his repairs.  Jon was drenched in sweat.  He had used two tubes of hot glue, sandpaper, a rasp, an orbiting sander, a new baseball, a sharpie, sewing needle, thread and a prayer book.  The jersey looked like Frankenstein in drag, the ball was replaced with a new one with a rough signature of Pete Rose and the bat was sanded down and broke in half during the process???grinders are much tougher a tool to control than Jon realized.  Duct tape and glue somehow felt all wrong including the pink paint job (it was the only color on hand) to hide it.

The phone rang.

???Hey Jon.  Pete here.  T.V crew coming over.  Going to be a big event.???

???Ya, big event all right, ???said Jon falling into disarray.  He had never eaten so much food in his whole life.

???OK???talk to you in a minute.???

Jon sighed.  He heard the crew roll up the driveway.  ABC was there???but nobody else. 

???I thought relief pitching was tough."

The door swung open and as promised, Bug Selig, Pete Rose and an ABC news crew setup in his house. On top of that there was Johnny Bench and Terry Francona.  Jon felt lightheaded as if he had given up 35 runs to Bucky Dent.

???Oh???hey???hi!???

Pete smiled and hugged Jon.  ???Jon???you look awful.  Been doing the C.C. Sabathia diet????

???Oh???ya???that???s it all right.???

???I agree, you should get some sleep," said Bud Selig introducing himself.  Jon felt Johnny???s hand.

???John???so glad to meet you.  Big fan.???

???Oh???I???m sure you have strong feelings for me.???

Pete said, ???OK???where???s my stuff????

This was the moment all right.  The moment where Jon felt his stomach collapse into his feet.  There was his dog next to him???the blasted dog that had ruined his life. 

???Oh???I put it away???to protect against the???ah???dog???ya.???

Pete sighed.

???Smart move Jon and here I was worried that your dog was gonna do something.???

???Oh???dog???good dog???ya???dog good.  Well go get it!???

Pete had a smile on his face but Jon only felt shaking in his feet.

???Ya???I???m sure everyone will be really glad to see your stuff.???

???Jon???nothing happened to it???did it????

???Oh???no???everything is???just great.???

Jon then ran off.  He could hear the cameras rolling out, the lights falling from the ceiling.  ABC was going to hang Jon by the neck.  Jon sighed and grabbed the bag. He walked back into the room.

 ???Jon???open the bag.  ABC is here!???

Jon saw the impatient stares. 

???Well, we can all see it from here???and we don???t want it damaged or anything, ???said Jon.

???No, I need to touch this material and feel it, ???said Bud Selig.  ???I mean???this is history.???

???Ya???history a good word right now???ya???it???s history all right.???

Jon sat down and pulled the ball out of the bag.  He hoped that would be enough.  He nervously handed the ball to Selig.

???Pete Ross? Hey, Pete, I know you're not the brightest bulb on the tree, but can't you at least correctly spell your last name?"

???Oh crap???I???m dead!???

???Wow, ???said Johnny.  ???Had no idea your jersey had so many stitches on it.???

Jon now felt a warm fluid drain from his entire body down to his toes.

???Jon???what happened to my bat, ???screamed Pete Rose now boiling with Cincinnati red all over his face.

???Jon???did your dog??????

???OK, ???shouted Jon.  He could take it no more. 

???I tried???oh man I tried.  I mean I tried hot glue and sewing and???oh man my dog did it all.  Please Pete???I???m sorry.???

Jon never realized how many tears fell from his eyes at that moment.  He felt the humiliation of the dog and right now wanted to crawl under a rock.  Instead, he heard a busting of laughter from the entire troop.  He looked up in dismay and confusion.

???What???s so funny????

???Jon, ???said Pete.  ???Do you honestly think I???d give you the originals of these items but when Terry Francona came up with this???I couldn???t resist.  You should have seen the look on your face!???

Jon got up and the tears filled with rage.

"This???was a joke!???

???Totally, ???said Johnny.  ???Now how bout some beer and a movie. ???

Jon, who was never known for a good memory said, ???Oh???ya???sounds good.  TV.???

Tito sat down and said, ???Joke???s not over yet Jon.  The ball was the real deal.???

Jon felt blood drain from his face,

???Ok, just kidding.  You know how we have fun on the team.???

Jon felt the jaw drag on the ground and said, ???ya???real funny.  Oh Jon can take it.  He???s tough.  Ya???Jon can take it.???

It was just then that Jon stepped in yet another pile of manure.  The laughs poured out from the room.  Another day in the life of Jonathan Papelbon.  

Editor's Note: This is the fifth column in an off-season series detailing the best Red Sox players from A-Z, one letter at a time. Each column includes tidbits about some of the players whose last names start with the respective letter, not all of the players. At the end of the series, I will compose the list and you can vote on the all-time Red Sox team. To review the previous columns, go to the Categories section on the right side of the site and click on "Best Red Sox Players: A-Z."



Dennis Eckersley is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and deservedly so. He started the trend of the one-inning closer and accumulated 390 career saves, most with the Oakland A's. During Eck's tenure in Boston, he was a starter who had two superb seasons (20-8, 2.99 ERA in 1978 and 17-10, 2.99 ERA in 1979. His last full season with the Red Sox (9-13, 5.61 ERA in 1983) was forgettable, and he was 4-4 with a 5.01 ERA when he was traded to the Cubs in 1984.



Simply put, though Eckersley is one of the game's best all-time closers, he was a marginal starter in five of his seven years with Boston, thus the reason he is not the best all-time Red Sox player whose last name starts with "E." That honor belongs to - no surprise, here - Dwight Evans.

The consummate professional baseball player, Dewey (as he was better known) was a force at the plate and in right field. Evans slugged 385 home runs in his 20-year career (1972-1991), and he also earned eight Gold Glove awards. He was one of the most skilled outfielders of his era, and with Jim Rice and Fred Lynn, he formed what was arguably the best outfield in the 1970s.

Only Carl Yastrzemski (3,308) played more games than Dewey (2,505). Evans hit .300 just once (when he batted .305 with 34 home runs and 123 RBI in 1987), but he finished with a respectable .272 career average to accompany 1,384 RBI. In the 1980s, Evans hit more home runs and extra base hits than any other American League player.

One of the most beloved figures in modern Red Sox history, Evans wore the number "24" during his career. Unlike Manny Ramirez, who helped Boston win two World Series titles but quit on his team multiple times, Evans exemplified the grit and spirit of a true ballplayer, much like Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell on the current team.

Because he did not hit 500 home runs and was not close to a .300 career average, Evans numbers are not good enough to gain induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he was named to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000.

Perhaps Jacoby Ellsbury will one day eclipse Evans as the best all-time Red Sox player whose last name starts with "E." I find it amusing that critics claim that the 25-year-old center fielder was a disappointment in 2008. True, he did not hit .353, as he did in 115 at-bats in 2007. However, Ellsbury did steal 50 bases and bat .280 with nine home runs in 554 at-bats. He accomplished this while having his playing time periodically interrupted by Coco Crisp.

Ellsbury's name has recently been included in rumors involving a blockbuster trade to bring another big bat to Boston. If he remains with the Red Sox, expect a breakout full season for him now that Crisp is in Kansas City and Ellsbury is the full-time center fielder. Ellsbury has the potential to not only hit .300-plus every season, but he could also add more power. And, like Crisp, he plays an exceptional center field.

Overall, there are only 20 Red Sox players whose last name starts with "E." You know about Dwight Evans, but are you aware of Bill Evans and Al Evans? Both played for Boston in 1951. Bill Evans was a pitcher who had no record and a 4.11 ERA in nine games in his only year with the Red Sox. He was 0-1 with 4.98 ERA in 13 career appearances over two major league seasons. Al Evans had a more substantial career. He was a backup catcher for the Washington Senators from 1939-1950 and retired after 12 games and 24 at-bats (.125) for the Sox in 1951.

Alan Embree was an effective left-handed reliever for Boston from 2002-2004 and then seemingly forgot how to retire hitters in 2005, when he went 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA before he was let go and claimed by the Yankees. Now 39, Embree remains in the game after rebounding with decent years with San Diego and Oakland from 2006-2008. He signed with Colorado in the off-season.

Remember Carl Everett, the volatile slugger who played for the Red Sox in 2000 and 2001, when the team did not care who it placed in the clubhouse? Everett had 34 home runs and 108 RBI with a .300 average in 2000, but he would definitely not fit in with the current team concept in Boston.

Nick Esasky had a brief tenure with the Red Sox, but it was successful. He hit 20-plus home runs twice in six seasons in Cincinnati, but never saw more than 413 at-bats because played for the Reds during the same time that Pete Rose returned as a part-time first baseman and manager. Esasky was shuttled around the infield and outfield, never given a full-time position.

Boston acquired Esasky for Todd Benzinger after the 1988 season. He had 30 home runs and 108 RBI with a .277 average with the Sox in 1989. That off-season, the free agent Esasky cashed in with Atlanta by inking a three-year, $5.6 million contract, which was a lot of money for a baseball player at the time. He only played nine games for the Braves, though, after developing vertigo from an inner-ear infection. In 35 at-bats as a member of the Braves, he had six hits, no home runs and no RBI. He was just 30, but he could not recover from vertigo and never played another major league game.

Staying home tonight? If so, you can mildly alleviate your severe case of baseball withdrawal with two programs on MLB Network.

At 8 p.m., World Series Highlights will feature the 2004 fall classic between the Red Sox and Cardinals. At 9:30 p.m., Red Sox Memories: Part 1 (which MLB Network describes as "A Five Part Series Looking Back at the Greatest Players, Teams and Moments from Red Sox History" will air. The same shows can also be seen at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., and 2 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.

I rarely believe anything I read in the New York Post, which is the major metro newspaper world's version of the National Enquirer. After all, sportswriters for the Post are under pressure to fill the pages with outlandish stories that capture readers in a city with three more reputable publications - the New York Times, Newsday and the New York Daily News. That said, Joel Sherman's column in today's Post makes a whole lot of sense. Simply put, Sherman writes that the Red Sox are pursuing a hitter via trade to bolster the lineup.

It is evident that Boston was counting on adding Mark Teixeira, but since that did not happen, Plan B has been initiated. What is Plan B, you ask? Sherman believes it involves acquiring a young veteran. I will take the scenario a step further. The Red Sox are interested in trading for a young veteran who can step in at center field or shortstop.

Before I continue, let me state that I believe in Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie. I think that both players will evolve into All-Stars. I am comfortable with the Red Sox keeping both. However, I understand if Theo Epstein chooses to add a more established bat at either position. As it is currently composed, Boston's lineup is formidable - as long as Mike Lowell and David Ortiz remain healthy. Ellsbury and Lowrie are the only projected starters who are not established, so it makes sense that center field and shortstop are the two positions that can be upgraded. Sure, the Red Sox could acquire a first baseman (like San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez), but then they would have the issue of trading Lowell. Boston could even upgrade the offense at catcher by attempting to get Joe Mauer, but chances are the Twins will not deal a Minneapolis-St. Paul product who is the face of their franchise (even more so than Justin Morneau).

Sherman suggests a deal involving Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jacoby Ellsbury for Carlos Beltran. This proposal is laughable. Boston has one of the best 1-2-3 combinations in baseball with Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Dice-K. If anything, the Sox need to add one more starter (such as Derek Lowe or Ben Sheets), even after signing Brad Penny, whose durability is questionable.

I am an advocate of keeping top prospects, unless you can deal a couple to get a difference-making, young veteran. The trade that brought Beckett and throw-in Lowell for Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez and Harvey Garcia is a perfect example. It was difficult to part ways with Ramirez, who is one of the game's best young players, but Boston would not have won the 2007 World Series without Beckett, who is one of the game's most dominant starting pitchers.

Boston's farm system is loaded, and Red Sox prospects in the Epstein era have a history of performing well at the major league level. Though it would be tough to part with two or more of Buchholz, Ellsbury, Lowrie, Michael Bowden, Daniel Bard and even Josh Reddick, it would be worthwhile if Boston could get someone like Hanley Ramirez, Josh Hamilton or Lance Berkman in return.

Here are some thoughts regarding a potential blockbuster deal involving the Red Sox:

• If the Sox do trade Buchholz - and it seems like they are willing to do so, as the alleged offer to the Marlins for Ramirez suggests - they will need to sign another starting pitcher as insurance, or acquire another reliever so Justin Masterson could step into the rotation, if needed.
• Should Boston acquire a shortstop, that does not necessarily mean that Lowrie will be dealt. He is versatile - he can play every infield position - so he would make an exceptional utility man.
• Masterson and Lars Anderson should be untouchable, in my opinion. Masterson has the potential to be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter, or a reliable set-up man, and Anderson could eventually make Boston fans forget that Teixeira signed with the Yankees.
• If Boston does not make a blockbuster trade, it is important that the bench is strong. This is why it would be ideal to get Miguel Montero and Eric Byrnes from the Diamondbacks, and sign Mark Kotsay. Montero would serve as a frequently used backup catcher. I still believe that the Red Sox could acquire a young catcher and resign Jason Varitek. I do not think that Josh Bard is  a sure thing to make the team. Byrnes would serve as the fourth outfielder who would see playing time at all three outfield positions. Kotsay would serve as the backup first baseman and an extra outfielder. The Sox would still need a utility infielder. Julio Lugo is not the answer. Juan Uribe is one option.
• If Epstein decides to make a blockbuster deal, I would rather see a center fielder than a shortstop. Hanley Ramirez would be moved to center field if he was brought back to the Boston organization. Hamilton would look nice in a Red Sox uniform, though it would be surprising to see Texas trade him since Milton Bradley is a free agent and not likely to resign with the Rangers. I also like the idea of Beltran in Boston. Perhaps the Mets would be interested in Ellsbury, Buchholz and a Single-A prospect.

This year, I hope to see the following things happen:

The Red Sox sign a power hitter to take some of the pressure off David Ortiz.  I suggest Manny Ramirez, who is a free agent.  It's been almost six months since they've had someone that opposing pitchers (and traveling secretaries) genuinely fear on their roster.  And Ramirez can be had for cheap, only around $20 million.  There are no buyers.  So Boras has lost his leverage and now the Red Sox can underpay Manny as revenge for overpaying J.D. Drew.  So it's a perfect fit.  Oh, sure I've heard Manny can be a bit of a loner, but I'm sure with the chemistry already in place in the locker room, he won't be a problem.  Youkilis, especially, will be a good influence on him and I can see them being best buds.

And I'd like to see the Red Sox re-sign Jason Varitek, but preferably the Jason Varitek from four years ago.  I think a four-year, $10 million deal for that Jason Varitek is quite fair for all involved.  I can see that Jason Varitek, with a contract rewarding his value, feeling rejuvenated and motivated to become one of the best catchers in the league.  That Varitek would also be a great mentor to any young pitchers on the rise and as long as they listen to him, I can see him calling some pitching gems bound to be recorded in the annals of history. 

I want to see the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry re-ignite (on the field, not at New Hampshire bars where drunk Yankees fans are allowed to get behind the wheel).  And with the money being thrown around by the Yankees, I expect that to happen as long as the 4-8 starts Burnett makes on average per year come during the pennant race.  It's not as much fun (and by fun, I mean heart-palpitating nausea) when the race isn't close.  It's even worse when you have to try to battle Tampa Bay fans. 

Of course, I don't want the Yankees to actually win the World Series, but given that they've never won by buying up all the free agents and only been victorious when they've built from the farm up, I feel pretty good about seeing them collapse again. 

I'd like to see the Red Sox pick up a fleet-footed reserve outfielder to mentor and spell Jacoby Ellsbury.  Outside of Kansas City outfielder Coco Crisp, I would suggest going right to the enemy and making a deal for Johnny Damon.  He still has a few good years left in him as long as he plays in only about 40-60 games and has some very clutch hits on his resume. 

And as long as the Red Sox are stock-piling their roster with former Marlins after their signing of Brad Penny, I would like to see them add two others from the championship team of 2003.  Pitcher Carl Pavano is available and could be had for probably only $10 million or so, which given his legendary durability, will average out to only $10 million per start over the length of the contract.  And as the Red Sox need a shortstop, perhaps former All-Star and Marlin great Edgar Renteria.  He's been the starting shortstop on two World Series teams and the starting shortstop for one defending World Series champion.  Quite a pedigree. 

I realize I won't get everything I want in 2009, but as hope is the prevailing emotion of the day, I can only ask and see what happens.  Enjoy the rest of the hot stove!

Boston native Andy Wasif studied sports journalism at Syracuse University and then spent a couple of years traveling the country performing stand-up comedy. Now he resides in Los Angeles where he is focusing on his screenwriting. His literary works include "How to Talk to a Yankee Fan" and "Red Sox University" (which will be released in spring 2009). For more information, visit www.dirtywater.tv.

A spectacularly special salutation during this calendar reset to you, my dearest friends, family, community organizers, home owners, former home owners, Mormon polygamists against gay marriage, bailout recipients, Clients 1 through 8, Ponzi scheme investors, Joe the Plumber, Rod the Corrupt Politician, Bristol the Unmarried Pregnant Teen, Orenthal the Prisoner, and Obamagirl:

With the smell of Christmas wafting throughout my domicile ??? baked ham, green bean casserole, and Mom???s homemade meatloaf ??? invading my olfactory senses only to be greeted as a liberator, I???m struck with amazement as to how they created candles with those aromas ??? and priced them on sale, no less!  It really brings me back to my childhood when we had none of those foods in my house.  

As has been the habit these past few years, the holiday season inspires me to take stock of the year that was and share it with you in this unsolicited manner.  The past twelve months have flown by so swiftly that I wonder if it wasn???t merely eleven months dressed up by the Chinese to make them look like twelve.  Either way, it certainly was a year of historical firsts made up of 31,622,400 seconds, sliced into thirds like apple pie on July Fourth, the day I pounded a fifth of gin in a sixth the time it took to place my bet on the seventh race at Hollywood Park.  (My horse, Henry the Eighth, came in ninth, sadly, and I left with a tenth of the dollars I arrived with.) 

 Why, by the expiration of the third lunar cycle, I had already accomplished several personal achievements, the most impressive of which, outside of my finally being able to distinguish between yams and sweet potatoes without hyperventilating, was etching my name alongside bowling immortality by rolling a perfect game.  (The alley owner remarked that I was the first person he???s ever seen, adult or child, throw 20 gutter balls in a row and suggested that I use the bumpers next time.)

 But the dominant light source illuminating our consciousness in 2008 was powered by the political current surging through the airwaves.  Grasping the immense immensity of the pending election, I became engrossed in the battle waged by both worthy presidential adversaries and immersed myself in their literature reading, first, Barack Obama???s manifesto, ???The Audacity of Hope,??? and then McCain???s manifestisimo ???The Audacity of ???That One??? Thinking He Deserves the Presidency Over Me.??? 

So swept up in the rip tide of political action was I, that I took to running for political office myself.  Starting small (as anyone not named Kennedy or Bush should), I opted to campaign for head of my neighborhood watch committee.  But I quickly was introduced to the brutal nature of politics.  I felt private lives should be off limits, but my opponent held to a different philosophy, uncovering my recent charge of pet abuse.  (They don???t call her Edna ???The Hammer??? Plotznick for nothing.)  Though it haunts me every day, I have come to grips with that day in January when I was babysitting my goddaughter???s favorite Webkin and neglected to feed or play with him enough. 

 No, I didn???t win, but in a show of bipartisan unity, though, I was appointed head of the subcommittee.  Modesty aside, I believe I was the most qualified since my apartment overlooks the Quizno???s.  I took my duties seriously and made sure each neighborhood watch meeting had enough hoagies and grinders to go around.

 August was a time for hosting old acquaintances.  I was so excited to hear that my hometown friend Gustav would be blowing through town.  I cleaned the apartment, prepped the guest room, cleared my schedule, and planned a fun itinerary.  Sadly, he stood me up leaving me with two gallons of unopened guacamole.  Even more sadly, my college classmate, Ike, did show up, unannounced, two weeks later, and trashed the place.  I don???t like Ike.

 Early November expanded my horizons with my invitation to a very unique California wedding.  Midway through the ceremony, they stopped it.  Then, without missing a note of the ???Bridal March,??? it was relocated to Connecticut where it finished hitch-free.  Neither groom seemed fazed by the hiccup in the midst of their special day.  And the flowers were simply fabulous.

On the calendar, the new year officially begins when the clock strikes midnight this evening. For me, though, 2009 will not debut until that day in February when Red Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Speaking of the new year, instead of writing resolutions in a baseball column, I think it would be more appropriate to type my Red Sox-related expectations for the upcoming season.

For classification's sake, I will write each expectation and accompany it with a prediction in the categories of Thanksgiving and Festivus (that beloved Seinfeld holiday created by Frank Costanza that involves the airing of grievances about those who have disappointed you). Players placed in the baseball Thanksgiving category will have obviously met expectations while those dumped into the baseball Festivus classification will have stopped short (yes, another Seinfeld reference).

Here is my list of expectations for the 2009 Red Sox:

1. Josh Beckett will return to 2007 form. I'm not a gambling man, but if I was, I would be willing to wager a substantial sum on this one. Beckett was never fully healthy in 2008. I think it was due to a lack of proper off-season conditioning. The ace will not make that mistake for the 2009 season. Expect Beckett to have a dominant year and be THE premiere starter in the American League. Beckett's season will be remembered during baseball Thanksgiving.
2. Jon Lester will win 18-20 games. Lester emerged as not only one of the top young left-handers in the game, but one of the top starters in the American League in 2008. He is poised beyond his years. The Red Sox are fortunate since they have two starters who are aces - and when I say "aces" I mean pitchers you want on the mound in a key game during the regular season and in October. Lester will be mentioned in the same breath with Beckett at baseball Thanksgiving.
3. Daisuke Matsuzaka will follow Jon Lester's example from 2008 and become more economical with his pitches. Man, would it be nice to watch a Dice-K start without feeling mentally drained by the fourth inning. That is unlikely to happen. Though it is inaccurate to write that Matsuzaka cannot complete six innings - 16 of his 29 starts last season were at least six full frames, and nine of those lasted seven or more innings - it is correct to say that does not consistently pitch deep into games. Regardless, you can't argue that Matsuzaka is a winner. He was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 2008, and he allowed just 128 hits in 167.2 innings, which is a remarkable stat. Put Dice-K in the baseball Festivus category for the heartburn he will cause, but add him to the baseball Thanksgiving classification for another season that sees the Red Sox win most times Matsuzaka steps onto the mound.
4. David Ortiz will post 30 home runs, 100 RBI and a .290 batting average. Big Papi turned 33 in November. For a DH, that is far from the rocking chair. Even with a severely injured wrist, he belted 23 home runs and knocked in 89 in 416 at-bats in 2008. I think 30-plus dingers, 100-plus RBI and at least a .290 average is a probable line for Ortiz in 2009. This will place Big Papi in the baseball Thanksgiving category.
5. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis will match their 2008 offensive numbers. It would be unfair to expect Pedroia to hit over .320 every season (he batted .326 in 2008), and it is unrealistic to think he will deserve MVP consideration every year, yet there is no reason to doubt that the future Red Sox captain will consistently hit .300, rip 15-20 dingers and knock in 75-80 runs. I believe that Youkilis has the ability to consistently hit 25 home runs, drive in 100 runs and hit .300, so his numbers could be a little down from 2008, but they will be in the same vicinity. If you're set on Pedroia duplicating last season's batting average, you can place him in the baseball Festivus category. However, Pedroia and Youkilis can be counted upon to hit for average, produce runs and provide leadership by example, which is why you will laud them at your baseball Thanksgiving.
6. Boston's bullpen will be a strength in 2009. If the Red Sox had a reliable bullpen last season, Tim Wakefield would have fared much better than 10-11, Dice-K would have won 20 games and Lester would have had a chance for 20. Aside from Jonathan Papelbon, and the innings that Justin Masterson provided, Red Sox relievers were that shaky. It will be a different story in 2009 because of Papelbon as the closer; and Hideki Okajima, Masterson and newcomer Ramon Ramirez in key set-up roles. This will allow Terry Francona to use Manny Delcarmen in the sixth and/or seventh, and Javier Lopez as a situational reliever.  If Masterson is kept in the bullpen and not inserted into the rotation, there will only be one opening. David Aardsma (who is solid when healthy), Wes Littleton (who was acquired from Texas) and promising Rule V draft pick Miguel Gonzalez are among the candidates. Daniel Bard could work his way to Boston at some point in 2009 if he is not traded before opening day. I am confident that the bullpen will be recognized at baseball Thanksgiving, The pen will determine if Boston wins it all, or falls short like 2008.
7. J.D. Drew will avoid the disabled list in 2009. This one will be the keynote grievance at the baseball Festivus. I do think Drew will produce runs from the No. 6 or No. 7 spot in the order, and you can count on him to deliver in October, but since he is so fragile, Theo Epstein needs to bring in a fourth outfielder who can play solid defense and help with the bat for an extended period, when needed. And, believe me, that fourth outfielder will be needed. Oh, will he be needed.

There are more expectations I could add - such as whether Mike Lowell will recover from hip surgery and have a productive 2009 season (I think he will), will Clay Buchholz prove himself at the major league level (yes), can Brad Penny give the Red Sox 160 or more innings (I think 125-140 is more realistic) and will Tim Wakefield record 175 or more frames (I don't see why not) - but seven is my lucky number, so I'm stopping there.

It is difficult to make accurate projections in baseball. We can debate whether traditional scouting or sabermetrics is a more reliable form of determining how a player will perform, but the bottom line is that some players will exceed expectations, some will flop and others will remain consistent.

Now that Mark Teixeira is a Yankee, it appears that Epstein may still not be content with Boston's lineup. This is evident with the multiple media reports that the Red Sox approached the Marlins about Hanley Ramirez. Maybe Epstein has a blockbuster up his sleeve, but if the Sox open the 2009 season with its current starters (of course, there is that catching situation to address), they will be just fine, even if nobody exceeds expectations.

Jacoby Ellsbury will be a tablesetter in the leadoff spot. Pedroia will get key hits and knock in runs. Ortiz (at No. 3) and Jason Bay (at either No. 5 or 6) can be counted upon for at least 30 homers and 100 RBI. J.D. Drew is a guy who can give the Sox 20 home runs, 80 RBI and a .280 average. Youkilis can approach and even match Ortiz and Bay in run production while hitting over .300. And, though he is an unknown factor, Jed Lowrie has the ability to hit .280 with 8-10 home runs and 70-75 RBI over a full season from the No. 8 or No. 9 spot. The catcher's spot in the order will be more productive with someone like Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Jason Varitek would be the lone Achilles heel at the plate.

Simply put, from top to bottom, Boston's lineup as it is currently composed is not spectacular, but it will still be among the major league leaders in runs, batting average and OPS. Since the Red Sox rotation is so deep and talented, the bullpen is improved and the defense is superb, the offensive production will be enough to seriously contend for another World Series title.

Most importantly, Boston has a well-balanced team - a roster featuring guys who know how to play the game the way it is meant to be played. That is a cliche, I know, but sometimes cliches are appropriate and accurate. This cliche is why I like Boston's chances in 2009.

New Year's Eve is tomorrow, but my holiday travels are over. After an enjoyable six days visiting family in southwest Ohio, I am back in warm and sunny central Florida, awaiting the start of spring training. Until then, I will at least have the debut of the MLB Network to stave off my severe case of baseball withdrawal.

If you haven't heard, the MLB Network hits the airwaves tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET with the first broadcast of Don Larsen's no-hitter in the 1956 World Series since it actually happened.Sox and Pinstripes regulars know that I am an ardent fan of baseball history - even if that history involves the Yankees. I have a feeling that - even though the Yankees spent about a half-billion dollars on CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira - they will still fall short of the playoffs in 2009 if they head into the season with their current roster.

That is topic for a future post, though. Recent history has not been kind to the pinstripers, but yesteryear was a fond period for the franchise. At the very least, Yankees fans will be able to see their team in the Fall Classic from more than 50 years ago in what was an amazing feat, especially considering that Larsen was a journeyman pitcher with an 81-91 record in 14 seasons.

On January 12, the MLB Network will broadcast the announcement of who will head to Cooperstown this summer. Hopefully, Jim Rice's name is called.

The MLB Network is expected to be the largest launch in cable television history when it immediately appears in approximately 50 million homes. That sure puts the NFL Network to shame. Unlike the game of the week on the NFL Network, viewers will actually be able to witness games televised on the MLB Network. It will be interesting to see how the presence of this new network impacts ESPN's coverage of Major League Baseball.

It remains to be seen who will occupy the catcher's spot when the Boston Red Sox make their debut on the MLB Network. Josh Bard's deal is non-guaranteed, so it is not a given that he will even make the team as the backup catcher. Tony Massarotti's column on Boston.com suggests that Bard will catch Tim Wakefield if he does earn the backup backstop role. This is puzzling since Bard looked lost attempting to corral Wakefield's knucklers in a brief stint in 2006. Also, as Massarotti pointed out, Bard is more effective as a right-handed hitter than he is from the left side. Jason Varitek is also effective from the right side but woeful from the left side (at least he was in 2008). So, simply put, Varitek and Bard would be automatic outs against right-handed pitching. 

If Varitek returns, and the Red Sox acquire a young catcher, there will be no room for Bard. However, if the Sox acquire a young catcher who hits better as a left-hander (such as Jarrod Saltalamacchia), Bard could stick. Saltalamacchia could catch Wakefield, sparing Bard of further embarrassment. Of course, Varitek would be a better mentor to Saltalamacchia. Which catching combo would you prefer next season?   

Welcome to the Hot Stove League, Boston, it's nice to have you. I still have some outlandish yet realistic ideas of trading Matsui, signing Manny and trading for Figgins or signing him next year and moving Jeter to left concepts, but for now I'll be happy knowing the Yankees took drastic measures to get over the hump. This was the first week I truly started to feel Baseball withdrawel, and hopefully the MLB Network will help me out. Seriously though, enough talk, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett can be argued forever, and Penny and Bard are non-signings in all likelihood, so I'm ready for some actual games.

Quick note on the Sox deals: I doubt Bard is the starter, but he did hit well in a canyon against lefties, so in a platoon or as a backup who starts verse lefties and doesn't catch Wakefield, he could be effective. As for Penny, five million is a drop in the bucket for a guy who put up the numbers he did (even if it was in the NL in the worst hitting division in a pitcher's ballpark) in 2007. Penny is the 2008 Bartolo Colon with the same health risks, but it certainly beats a David Pauley taking his place. A Mark Kotsay and some more role players and the Sox are good for battle, whether it's good enough or not remains to be seen.

As for the Yankees, we know their deal. Ideally I'd like one more pitcher if for nothing else than to play it safe, but nevertheless a year of Hughes being older, Joba being a starter and Burnett's new health regimen sure beats expecting Kennedy Hughes and Chamberlain to stay healthy AND produce simultaneously, and then having Ponson, Pavano, Rasner, Karstens and Igawa as insurance policies. The Yankees have more than enough pieces to probably cover all pitching situations except both Sabathia and Wang missing long periods of time, even then who knows how much improvement Chamberlain and Hughes are capable of, certainly more than last season, especially in Hughes' case.

As for Football, it's helping me cope too. This was a fantastic day in the NFL. I saw the Cowboys get embarassed, destroyed and cancelled and their whole circus, drama, girly fest will go with them. The best part is I feared them (putting it together at the Meadowlands on January 11th) far more than the Eagles, who barely squeaked by beating Hixon in his "all alone" role when it was new, and an unhealthy Jacobs who will be on three weeks rest by the time the two meet again. Those two factors alone will be reason for concern to fear the Giants' offense, and the defense will be ready to play even without Sam Madison, who was their 3rd or 4th best Cornerback.

The Eagles are clicking, but in this case I think the Giants' rest will outweigh the Eagles' momentum, and I'll take a Coughlin and coordinators' approach over Andy Reid any day of the week, including Sunday.

I bring up that matchup because in my mind, it's a guarantee. Why? Let's review all the matchups:

Eagles at Vikings: The Vikings almost lost to the entire second string of the Giants. While the Giants are the deepest team in the NFC, it's still telling that a team fighting for their playoff lives with arguably the most explosive player on either side, at home on the final day of the season needed a field goal with no time left to win. The Vikings are weak, and the Eagles have had the tougher schedule. I have no doubt Philly wins on the road, but asking them to do it twice in a row against a rested team who split with them in the regular season is asking a lot. They simply aren't the same team away from home.

Falcons at Cardinals: I'm much too lazy to look it up, or care all that much since this isn't Baseball, but I'm fairly certain this is the first time all five and six seeds will play division round games. There's no chance the Falcons don't throttle the Cards in Arizona. None. They may have barely beaten the Rams, but the Cards are shot, they didn't even build momentum today, they have an old quarterback (older ones seem to get worse more easily late in the season), a lack of a running game, and no defense. No defense and no running game equals no winning and the Falcons are my dark horse.

The Rest of the NFC:

I can't see a rematch of Carolina and New York as a championship game, that's too "by the script". I'm thinking Atlanta upsets Carolina on the road and becomes the stud pick to make the Superbowl as a five seed with a rookie behind center. I more consider them like the 2006 Saints, an excellent story, going from a bad to a good situation way ahead of time with inspiring football, and then getting smacked in the mouth right before the Superbowl. This will be the first time in my life I have faith in the Giants in must-win games, so rightfully you should all understand if this backfires on me and I'm found two weeks later in the fetal position with a Tito Wooten jersey on.

In the AFC, the Dolphins immediately became my favorite by turning in a real-life Hollywood movie script. Seriously, this is if Angels in the Outfield came to life, minus the Angels and Chili Dogs, and replacing that with Tony Sparano and Chad Pennington. It should already be in the works with Hollywood and the 'Fins don't even have to win the Superbowl. They just went from 1-15 and arguably the worst team ever to not only having last year not matter because of the Lions now, but also going 11-5, making up a 15 game disadvantage to edge the Patriots along the way, winning 11 games and being set up as the most exciting offense for the future with all their trickery and formations.

I can tell you firsthand South Florida loves this, the Dolphins are really the only team who fans adore regardless of their success, so it's nice to see a loyal fanbase get their due, especially when it involves Pennington beating an overrated Hall of Fame hired gun on his own turf with the season on the line. I know I wrote about Favre being among the best ever last year right around this time, but upon further review the guy almost single handedly ruined his legacy today. Just retire. Please. Go, you're done, finished, you're not a good decision maker and you don't have the arm to make up for it anymore.

The Patriots had an enviable run without Brady, who by the way might miss next season too with surgery complications. Their season isn't so much Hollywood as it is the same exact script already created by ESPN during the one season run of their hit show, Playmakers. That show was shut down by the NFL. The Patriots have been shut out of the playoffs (just like the fictional team in the show). They really showed heart and some depth to come this close, and yet miss the playoffs one year after they won their first 18 games.

Honestly, I would tip my hat to this team except, oh wait, what's that? The Patriots play in New England? Boston fans? The same fans who say injuries don't count and can't be made as excuses? Oh, well way to choke away the season New England, boohoo you lost some key players, you should have had the depth and foresight to adjust, you should have beaten the Dolphins that first time you played, after all every game counts, even in the beginning of the season, Losing essential players down the strtetch doesn't matter, my Giants had injuries, they're 12-4 and the best in the conference, maybe even in Football. The Patriots don't play like a team, they're a bunch of primadonnas looking to earn their paycheck, how do you lose a division to the Dolphins? They are sort of like the Tampa Bay Rays, just terrible. What's that? You won three rings recently? You HAD a dynasty and now it's long gone? Well we play in the present and presently your season is over becaused you couldn't compensate. Season failure. Sound familiar? Good. Let it sink in nice and slowly Pats fans, you have now become Yankees fans.

In all seriousness, how similar are the two franchises? Just think about all they have in common, it really is crazy, not to mention Bill Belichick and Brady are both Yankees fans.

Anyway, Here's your AFC matchups:

Ravens at Dolphins:

It's certainly poetic justice that the Dolphins play the one team they beat last year, but that won't help their chances this season. After seeing clueless Eli march through the playoffs with a superior running game which didn't perform as well as people think, I don't have much stock in QB's making a difference unless they are Peyton caliber. Therefore, I can't hold it against the Ravens that they have Joe Flacco when they are playing a team simply not as talented as they are, especially on defense. Flacco will take care of the football, as will Matt Ryan, in fact the only QB's who I see as a burden on their team are Kerry Collins and Kurt Warner because one is old with a bad playoff history and the other only plays in warm weather and is also old. Big Ben is a liability if he's hurt by then too, but I don't see that happening.

Anyway, back to my point, the Ravens defense is going to slaughter all this trickery because they won't allow it to develop, and on paper this isn't a matchup. The Dolphins have beaten nobody but New England and now a pathetic Jets team this season, and the Ravens went toe-to-toe with the Eagles, beat Dallas in a game they had to win and beat New England in their stride. Then again, don't doubt the power of a good Cinderella story. Either way, I'm going with logic and taking the Ravens.

Colts at Chargers:

Peyton Manning cannot be stopped and after seeing Cutler break 20 against the Chargers, I have no doubt Manning and the Colts score at least 40. This is going to be like those old Colts/Broncos wildcard games where Indianapolis just doesn't need to punt. Manning is hot, but then again the Chargers have won four games in a row, but that was to finish 8-8.

Let it be known right now I am not an advocate of the Colts as a dark horse, I think the Ravens have a much better chance. The Colts have no running game and against solid teams a suspect defense, but they certainly have their swagger back and as I stated before, Peyton is the only QB who can literally change a game by himself. I think the Colts pull this one out in a barnburner.

Ravens at Titans:

I'm not a Kerry Collins fan, and I don't believe in the Titans. Beating the Steelers was impressive, I'll give them that, but I've seen this team fall flat on its face while still being relatively healthy and I just don't see much depth there. I will always remember what the Ravens did to Collins in the Superbowl (which is another nice little storyline for the Ravens throughout the postseason) so I will not trust the man, even if he has found peace and is on a fundamental team or whatever.

Point is, this Titans team has played in close games all year, and they've pulled them out. In playoff times, I just don't see Tennessee defen