A Red Sox Dynasty: 1995-????

[Moriarty9]

Red Sox acquire Avila, prospect
Front office pulls off two trades
Sunday, June 13, 2010

BOSTON - The Red Sox today made a pair of trades - one that will boost the big league club's lineup and another that has added another young arm to the minor league system.
The big story is the acquisition of Gabriel Avila, a quiet 26-year-old rookie firstbaseman who had been with the San Diego Padres. Avila hit .278 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI in 62 games with the Padres this year. He hit .303 with six homers and 29 RBI in 36 games with San Diego last season. Avila is slim at 6'1", 198 pounds, but is a very slow runner who relies on his strong bat to put him into scoring position.
Boston's other acquisition is Joe Blain, a 20-year-old starting pitcher acquired from the New York Yankees farm system. Blain, a native of Toronto, had gone 7-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 13 starts with the class AA Trenton Thunder before the trade. He will be assigned to the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston's AA affiliate.
In exchange for Blain, the Red Sox dealt infielder David Eckstein to the Bronx Bombers. Eckstein, 35, has spent 10 of his 11 seasons in the big leagues with Boston. In 76 at bats over 30 games this year, Eckstein hit .211 with six RBI and seven runs. He has spent much of his time in the field at first base this season but has also played each of the other three infield positions this year. It is expected that Eckstein will be used primarily as a pinch hitter and defensive replacement off the bench for the Yankees.
In order to acquire Avila from the Padres, Boston dealt away minor league shortstop Dale Fraser. The Red Sox acquired Fraser off waivers from the Texas Rangers and quickly dealt him to San Diego. The 23-year-old hits left-handed, is a fine baserunner and an excellent defender. In 52 games at the AAA level this year, Fraser hit .338 with two home runs, 24 RBI, 37 runs and nine stolen bases. In his five-year minor league career, Fraser has hit .282 with six home runs, 190 runs and 52 stolen bases in 403 games. Although he has no big league experience, the Padres will reportedly give Fraser the starting shortstop job upon his arrival. If that he happens, he would replace Cesar Izturis at shortstop. Izturis has hit .208 with two RBI and five runs in 55 games.

[Moriarty9]

With more than 1/3 of the season come and gone, a number of teams have already found themselves as serious contenders while a few have already been forced into the "wait 'til next year" mode.

In the American League East, the Boston Red Sox have surprised many by holding onto the division lead once again. The team - which lost Ryan Howard and Victor Martinez to free agency while Matt Kemp and Ichiro Suzuki were lost to injuries - has put together the second best record in baseball at 40-24. The New York Yankees sit 9 games back at 31-33, the Baltimore Orioles 9 1/2 games back at 31-34, the Toronto Blue Jays 10 1/2 games at 30-35 and the last place Tampa Bay Rays are 11 1/2 back at 29-36.

In Boston, the lineup has produced better than many expected. The team has put together a .286 batting average (best in baseball), hit 73 home runs (5th most in baseball) and scored 361 runs (2nd most in baseball).
Miguel Cabrera is the star of the Red Sox lineup. Through June 17, Cabrera has hit .390 with 15 home runs, 42 RBI, 54 runs and nine stolen bases. He leads the AL in batting average, on-base percentage (.469), slugging (.679), OPS (1.147), hits (96), extra base hits (38) and total bases (167).
Nick Markakis has also been huge for Boston, hitting .343 with 14 homers, 47 RBI and 48 runs scored in 62 games. Manny Ramirez has also performed well, hitting .292 with 13 HR, 46 RBI and 46 runs in 62 games.
The team's pitching is just as responsible, if not moreso, than the offense for Boston's success. The Red Sox staff has put together a 3.79 ERA (2nd best in the AL, 5th in baseball). The starters have a 3.84 ERA while the bullpen has put together a 3.66 ERA.
Roy Oswalt has been the pitcher the Red Sox thought they had traded for last season. The 32-year-old has gone 8-3 with a 2.76 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 13 starts so far. Johan Santana has been the victim of poor run support (he has three 1-0 losses) but has pitched well. Santana is 5-6 with a 3.44 ERA and 101 strikeouts in his 13 starts. Scott Kazmir has also performed well, going 6-3 with a 3.53 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 13 starts.
In the offseason, Boston acquired three closers to replace closer Joe Nathan. Patrick Misch, picked up from the Detroit Tigers, won the closer's job in spring training and leads the league in saves. Misch is 2-2 with 17 saves and a 3.00 ERA in 24 games. Jonathan Papelbon is working on an All-Star type season as a middle reliever, going 2-1 with a 1.45 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 18 appearances. Manny Delcarmen has adapted well to the role of setup man, going 0-2 with a 2.19 ERA in 20 appearances, picking up five saves. Hong-Chih Kuo has also performed superbly as a setup man, going 1-0 with one save and a 1.69 ERA in 19 games.

In the Central division, the Cleveland Indians are in the lead with a 35-29 record. The Detroit Tigers, at 32-32, are 3 games back, the Twins are 4 games back, the Chicago White Sox are 4 1/2 back and the 30-35 Kansas City Royals sit 5 1/2 games behind the Indians.

In the West, the Texas Rangers have a strong division lead. The Rangers own baseball's best record (42-23) and hold a 10 1/2 game lead over the second place Angels (31-33). The Oakland Athletics, 29-35, sit 12 1/2 back while the Seattle Mariners are 13 1/2 behind at 28-36.

In the National League East, there's a three-team race for the division crown. The Philadelphia Phillies, owners of the NL's top record at 40-26, are two games ahead of the 38-28 Mets and 2 1/2 ahead of the 37-28 Washington Nationals. The Atlanta Braves (32-33) and Florida Marlins (33-34) each sit 7 1/2 behind the Phillies.

In the Central, the 39-27 St. Louis Cardinals are 4 games up on the 34-30 Chicago Cubs. The Cincinnati Reds, 30-34, are 8 games behind, the Houston Astros, 29-35, are 9 games back, the 28-37 Milwaukee brewers are 10 1/2 behind and the 27-38 Pittsburgh Pirates are 11 1/2 back.

In the NL West, its a tough race with all five teams within three wins of each other. The 33-32 Colorado Rockies are clinging to a 1 1/2 game lead over the 32-34 Los Angeles Dodgers. At 31-35, the Diamondbacks and Padres are 2 1/2 behind while the Giants, 30-36, sit 3 1/2 back.

[Moriarty9]

AL wins Midsummer Classic
Season at unofficial halfway point
Tuesday, July 13, 2010

DETROIT - The American League will have the homefield advantage in the World Series after the Junior Circuit's All Star team topped the National League's squad 6-4 at Comerica Park.
The AL lineup pounded out three home runs off NL hurlers in the contest while Chase Utley of the New York Mets hit the lone homer for the Senior Circuit. Robinson Cano of the Cleveland Indians hit a three run homer off Chris George of the Mets while Grady Sizemore of the Kansas City Royals and Garrett Atkins of the Indians hit solo homers.
Fans were able to see three triples hit in the contest at spacious Comerica Park. Bill Hall of the Colorado Rockies and Gary Matthews Jr. of the Atlanta Braves each tripled for the NL while Joe Mauer of the Baltimore Orioles legged out the AL's lone triple. Mauer and Matthews led all players in hits with two each.
Johan Santana of the Boston Red Sox had a spectacular performance, pitching three perfect innings to start the game, striking out five NL hitters. The National League's starting pitcher, Carlos Zambrano of the San Diego Padres, pitched well - giving up one run on five hits and a walk, striking out two over three innings.
George was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs on two hits and two walks in 2/3 of an inning. Boston's Patrick Misch gave up one run in his lone inning of work but was credited with the win. Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Garland earned the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out one. Garland's lone save in his career came with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2004.


*******


Red Sox send five to All Star Game
Santana named to 6th straight All Star team
Sunday, July 11, 2010

BOSTON - The American League All Star team roster was announced today and the Red Sox will have five representatives in the exhibition matchup.
Pitchers Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana and Patrick Misch will join third baseman Miguel Cabrera and outfielder Nick Markakis in Detroit for this year's All Star Game.
Santana will start the game while the other four will be eligible to come off the bench. It is the seventh All Star selection in Santana's career, the sixth straight season with the honor. He is 10-6 with a 3.05 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 18 starts thus far.
Oswalt is now a four-time All Star, having been selected for the game in 2000, 2006 and 2009. He is an early Cy Young candidate at 11-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 18 starts.
The left-handed Misch was named to the All Star team for the first time in his career last season with the Detroit Tigers. He is 2-3 with 23 saves and a 3.64 ERA in 31 appearances this year.
Cabrera has become a regular face at the All Star Game, with this year being his seventh selection in eight years. In 86 games so far, Cabrera has hit .373 with 19 home runs, 63 RBI and 69 runs scored, drawing 46 walks.
This year marks the third straight season in which Markakis has been honored with an All Star selection. Markakis having a career season, on pace to set several career highs. In 82 games, he has hit .344 with 16 home runs and 65 RBI.
These All Star players are just five of the reasons the Red Sox have put together the best record in baseball at 58-29, good enough for a 14 1/2 game lead over the second place Baltimore Orioles.

[Moriarty9]

Hometown hurler sent packing
Front office makes bullpen changes
Sunday, July 25, 2010

CHICAGO - With the team in the Windy City to wrap up its series with the White Sox, the Boston Red Sox made two trades today that have dramatically changed its bullpen.
Boston native Manny Delcarmen, acquired in the offseason, has been sent to the St. Louis Cardinals where he will serve as the setup man for former Red Sox closer Joe Nathan - who was dealt to the Cards over the winter.
Delcarmen had been spectacular for the Red Sox, going 1-2 with 7 saves and a 1.59 ERA in 28 appearances. He is owed more than $2 million this season and is arbitration eligible in the offseason. By all accounts, Delcarmen was happy pitching in his hometown and had not asked to be dealt away. Some analysts believe the move is a penny pinching one, although others believe that is not the case based on the marketability having a hometown ace reliever like Delcarmen could have brought the Red Sox throughout New England.
In return for Delcarmen, Boston acquired three minor leaguers - pitcher Ramon Sousa, catcher Steve Robinson and first baseman Reynaldo Zuniga. Sousa, 23, had gone 13-4 with a 2.26 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 23 starts with the AA Springfield Cardinals. Robinson, 23, is a fine defensive catcher with little power. In 84 games with the Cardinals' AAA affiliate in Memphis, Robinson hit .254 with a pair of homers and 25 RBI. Zuniga, 23, is a left-handed hitter that scouts believe can become a Mark Grace type of hitter. In 104 games with Springfield, Zuniga hit .298 with 7 home runs and 60 RBI.
Boston also acquired first baseman Conor Jackson and reliever Manuel Corpas from the New York Mets today. Jackson, 28, had a career season with the Mets in 2008 when he hit .272 with 22 home runs and 105 RBI in 160 games. This year, he has hit .263 with 9 HR and 58 RBI in 97 games with New York.
Corpas, 27, will take Delcarmen's spot in the bullpen and manager Kevin Kennedy expects to see a smooth transition from Delcarmen to Corpas, who has gone 1-1 with 3 saves and a 2.10 ERA in 46 outings this year. Corpas is signed through next season at $1.96 million annually.
In exchange for Jackson and Corpas, Boston dealt 32-year-old Devern Hansack, a career minor league pitcher. In 23 starts with the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston's AA affiliate, Hansack went 8-12 with a 4.80 ERA. He lost his only start of the season with the Class A Lowell Spinners, giving up three runs, one earned, over 6 1/3 innings.
As a corresponding roster move, Boston optioned 26-year-old firstbaseman Gabriel Avila to AAA Pawtucket. Avila was acquired from the San Diego Padres earlier this season but has struggled mightily since coming to the Red Sox. In 62 games with the Padres, he had hit .278 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI. In 34 games in Boston, however, Avila has hit .180 with one homer and 11 RBI.

[Moriarty9]

Red Sox claim division title again
Santana tosses 3-hit shutout in win
Sunday, September 19, 2010

BALTIMORE - With a number of Boston fans making the trip down to Camden Yards, Johan Santana led the Red Sox to a 2-0 victory over the Orioles, securing the team a return trip to the playoffs.
Santana threw a complete game three-hit shutout for Boston, winners of the American League East. The lefty took a no-hitter into the fifth inning before it was broken up with a leadoff single by designated hitter Derrek Lee. Santana gave up three hits, walked two and struck out nine in the ballgame, picking up the victory to improve to 16-11 on the season.
Offensively, it was George Avila that came through for the Red Sox. Boston shortstop Hanley Ramirez led off the sixth inning with a walk and, after a Miguel Cabrera flyball to right, advanced to second on a Nick Markakis single to left. Ramirez and Markakis executed a double steal, putting two men in scoring position in what was still a scoreless game when Avila doubled to left field, scoring Boston's only two runs of the ballgame. It was Avila's only hit in the contest. Cabrera had two hits, including a third inning double, while Markakis picked up three hits.
This division title is the 13th in 16 seasons - and the 10th consecutive time - with the Red Sox for manager Kevin Kennedy.
"This never gets old," Kennedy said during the team's celebration in the visitors' clubhouse. "Every year presents new challenges and this year is certainly no different. We had to overcome some big injuries and losses to the lineup but we were able to do it. I'm proud of these guys."
The team is likely to celebrate long into the night with an offday tomorrow before opening up a series at home against Tampa Bay.
Veteran first baseman Todd Helton, who has two World Series rings and has been on 11 AL East champion teams since joining the Red Sox in 1997, was 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the ballgame but said he was "thrilled" to be giving it one more shot at another World Series.
"We've fought long and hard all year long and its paying off," Helton said. "We'll continue to work through the rest of the season and then step it all up for the playoffs, whoever we end up facing."

[Moriarty9]

Red Sox re-sign shortstop Ramirez
Contract could run through 2017, $134 million
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

BOSTON - The Red Sox announced today that shortstop Hanley Ramirez has signed a six-year contract extension with a team option for a seventh season.
The deal is for a guaranteed $114,140,000, with the possibility of an additional $20 million in 2017. Ramirez had been awarded a 2010 salary of $7.775 million through arbitration prior to the season.
"I'm very happy to know that I'll be here at Fenway Park for quite awhile, hopefully for the rest of my playing days," Ramirez said at a press conference announcing the extension. "I want to thank the Red Sox for making this commitment and putting their trust in me for the next several years."
Ramirez, 26, has spent all but 95 of his 851 big league games in a Boston uniform. He came up with the Texas Rangers in 2005 but was traded to the Red Sox in exchange for shortstop Rafael Furcal, whom the Red Sox had decided they could not afford to re-sign at that season's end.
Ramirez, a 2008 American League All Star, is a .298 career hitter with 1,026 hits, 63 triples, 90 home runs, 606 runs scored and 219 stolen bases. This season, he has hit .275 with 45 doubles (matching a career high set in 2005 and 2006), 12 triples, 20 homers (matching a career high set in 2006), 93 RBI, 104 runs and 30 stolen bases in 148 games so far.
Ramirez may be the only noteworthy potential free agent signed by Boston before the winter comes due to fiscal constraints. The team's payroll is more than $136 million at this time.
The Red Sox would like to re-sign leftfielder Manny Ramirez, 38, but the future Hall of Famer is reportedly looking for a multi-year deal worth almost $18 million guaranteed annually. Manny is hitting .303 with 31 home runs, 100 RBI and 103 runs in 146 games and has been a member of the team since 1996. He has 2,596 hits in his illustrious career, along with 565 home runs and 1,752 RBI.
Veteran Todd Helton is also a potential free agent. Helton, 37, has played all but 87 games of his big league career with the Red Sox. A two-time AL MVP, Helton's skills have noticeably diminished in recent years and is in the final season of a five-year, $88.35 million contract. He has hit just .187 with two homers, 27 RBI and 28 runs in 54 games this season, taking home $18.5 million. He is a lifetime .319 hitter with 1,962 hits, 342 homers and 1,253 RBI.
Boston is not expected to make an offer to its only other big leaguer eligible for free agency, back-up catcher Josh Phelps. Making $500,000 this season, Phelps has hit .214 with two home runs, 17 RBI and 26 runs in 85 games.
"Certainly, we'd like to retain a lot of the players we've developed or that have made significant contributions to the team but we have to work within our budget," Red Sox GM Shaun Moriarty said. "We already have $76 million on the books for next season, not counting the arbitration induced salaries."
Boston must also decide on what action to take with outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. The team holds an $8 million option for 2011 on the .321 lifetime hitter. Suzuki appeared in just 17 games this season before rupturing his Achilles tendon and being placed on the 60-day disabled list for the remainder of the year. The Red Sox are expected to decline the option if they feel they can sign him to a new contract at a lower payrate. Missing the entire season will not help Suzuki's cause in getting the most amount of money possible.
He also noted that while Ramirez, Helton and Phelps are free agents this year, the team must also budget for the potential free agent group at the end of next season as Roy Oswalt and Miguel Cabrera become eligible.

[Moriarty9]

Pitcher-by-pitcher review of 2010 regular season

Terry Allen, LHP (2-0, 5.74 ERA, 34 G, 42 1/3 IP, 20 BB, 39 K)
The Red Sox were slightly disappointed by Allen's performance after he had pitched so well in 2009 (2-1, 1 save, 2.79 ERA), but overall couldn't complain with his efforts. Allen struggled in April, posting a 7.71 ERA in four appearances, before settling down for much of the rest of the season. He did struggle in August, however, posting an 11.70 ERA in 10 innings of work that month.

Erik Bedard, LHP (14-11, 3.78 ERA, 29 G, 195 1/3 IP, 73 BB, 177 K)
Bedard had a good season, putting together his fifth consecutive winning season and fourth straight with 13 or more wins. The 2008 AL Cy Young winner was at his best down the stretch and hopes to carry his momentum into the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians, whom he went 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings over two games against the Tribe.

Manuel Corpas, RHP (2-0, 1 Sv, 12.75 ERA, 15 G, 12 IP, 8 BB, 8 K)
Acquired in July along with firstbaseman Conor Jackson, Corpas was a major disappointment in Boston. After going 1-1 with 3 saves, a 2.10 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings with the New York Mets, Corpas was dealt to the Red Sox and struggled in almost every single appearance. He only faced one Indians batter this season, striking out Hunter Pence in a 5-4 loss. Boston has not yet announced its playoff roster and Corpas may not be on the pitching staff.

Harvey Garcia, RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 G, 2/3 IP)
Picked up off waivers in September, Garcia only made one appearance with the Red Sox, retiring the only two batters he faced. Prior to coming to Boston, Garcia pitched well for the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings.

Josh Johnson, RHP (11-9, 5.93 ERA, 31 G, 150 1/3 IP, 86 BB, 134 K)
Johnson fought through a personally difficult season, posting the highest ERA of seven-year big league career - he had never had an ERA higher than 3.97 entering the season. Despite the high ERA, Johnson was able to put together a winning record for the seventh time in his career. He began to pitch like the Johnson of old at the end of the season, going 4-1 with a 2.19 ERA in his final six starts of the season.

Scott Kazmir, LHP (12-7, 4.18 ERA, 32 G, 200 IP, 62 BB, 202 K)
Kazmir did exactly what the Red Sox expected him to do: win more often than lose, eat up innings and pick up strikeouts. He started off with some difficulty (1-2, 5.91 ERA in April) before righting the ship for much of the season. He had a dreadful August, going 1-1 with a 8.10 ERA in six starts that month. He made two starts against the Indians this season. On July 7, Kazmir was hit with his sixth loss of the season after giving up six runs on eight hits and a walk over 7 1/3 innings in a 6-3 loss. He pitched better in his other outing against Cleveland on August 31, but the team's result was the same. Kazmir gave up three runs, one earned, on eight hits and a walk over 7 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss.

Hong-Chih Kuo, LHP (4-0, 6 Sv, 1.52 ERA, 50 G, 41 1/3 IP, 18 BB, 44 K)
Kuo was arguably the game's best setup man in 2010 as he shut down the opposition before handing the ball to closer Patrick Misch. He was especially effective in his 1 1/3 innings over three appearances against the Indians, giving up one hit and striking out one in those games.

Jon Lester, LHP (0-1, 4.15 ERA, 3 G, 8 2/3 IP, 4 BB, 4 K)
Lester has proven he deserves a shot to pitch in the big leagues but has been blocked by Boston's strong starting rotation each of the last few years. This season he made three appearances - two of which were out of the bullpen. He had 2/3 scoreless innings with just four pitches thrown in his first appearance of the season during an 8-3 win over the New York Yankees. In his second outing, Lester pitched a perfect inning of relief against the Baltimore Orioles. In his final appearance, a start in Detroit, Lester gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits and four walks in 7 innings of work.

Gary Majewski, RHP (0-0, 10.13 ERA, 13 G, 10 2/3 IP, 9 BB, 6 K)
Majewski has been a disappointment in his limited time in the Boston bullpen, spending much of his Red Sox career in Pawtucket due to his poor performance. He posted a 19.29 ERA in four appearances last season and has perfomed poorly in spring training each of the last two years. He is arbitration eligible at season's end and may find himself looking for a job elsewhere.

Eric McAllister, LHP (1-0, 4.11 ERA, 4 G, 15 1/3 IP, 3 BB, 13 K)
Part of the trade that sent Dan Uggla to Cincinnati and Manny Delcarmen to Boston, McAllister was a monster with Pawtucket, going a ridiculous 22-1 with a 1.69 ERA in 27 starts. In four games with the big league club, including two starts, the 20-year-old McAllister pitched effectively and showed glimpses of why he dominated so in AAA. He retired the only two batters he faced in his big league debut on September 7 against the Indians before picking up his first win in his first career start on September 17 in Baltimore. He gave up three runs in six innings on September 26 against the Tigers and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief against the Orioles on September 30. He looks to be a big part of the Red Sox rotation in the future.

Patrick Misch, LHP (3-4, 37 Sv, 3.56 ERA, 50 G, 48 IP, 11 BB, 38 K)
Misch was one of the game's top closers this year and left few fans grousing about the trade of former closer Joe Nathan. The All Star hurler did struggle, however, against the Indians, going 0-2 with 2 saves and an 18.00 ERA in four games against Cleveland this season.

Roy Oswalt, RHP (18-10, 3.09 ERA, 33 G, 241 2/3 IP, 44 BB, 190 K)
Having struggled after being acquired at the trade deadline last season, the Red Sox got what they had dealt for in Oswalt this season. The 33-year-old put together a run for a second Cy Young award with his pitching this season. He had a remarkable month of June, going 5-0 with a 0.89 ERA in five starts that month. He pitched well against Cleveland this season, although he did not get much help. In three starts against the Indians, Oswalt went 1-2 with a 1.90 ERA. He hopes to better that record in the playoffs, where he went 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA last season.

Jonathan Papelbon, RHP (7-4, 1 Sv, 2.70 ERA, 47 G, 73 1/3 IP, 23 BB, 60 K)
Papelbon had his finest season of the last few years, working as a setup man for closer Pat Misch. Opponents hit just .219 off Papelbon this year. He is a post-season monster, posting a 1.08 ERA and .179 opponents average against in 16 2/3 innings in 19 playoff appearances.

Chris Ray, RHP (1-0, 7.15 ERA, 24 G, 22 2/3 IP, 13 BB, 22 K)
Ray has struggled since a fantastic rookie season (2006: 4-0, 3 Sv, 2.24 ERA, 43 G) and 2010 was no different. Getting his most work at the big league level since his rookie season, Ray was beat up by the opposition - especially the Indians. On September 7, his only appearance against Cleveland, Ray was hit for five runs in just 1/3 innings work.

J.C. Romero, LHP (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 3 G, 2 IP, 2 K)
Romero has had few opportunities in the big leagues since coming to Boston several years ago, pitching in just 14 games over the last four seasons.

Johan Santana, LHP (17-12, 2.66 ERA, 33 G, 240 1/3 IP, 46 BB, 266 K)
If he had much run support throughout the season, Santana would be a lock for a third Cy Young award. In his losses, the Red Sox averaged just 2.33 runs scored. Boston was shutout in four of Santana's losses. For the sixth straight year, Santana picked up 17 wins and struck out 225 batters. The All Star only faced the Indians once this season, getting hit for six runs on 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-5 loss. He is one of the game's greatest post-season pitchers though, going 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA in his 29 playoff starts.

Victor Waddell, RHP (0-1, 1 Sv, 3.75 ERA, 4 G, 12 IP, 4 BB, 10 K)
Having gone 24-8 with a 2.82 ERA with Pawtucket the last two years (42-12 with a 2.61 ERA in last three minor league seasons), the 22-year-old Waddell most certainly deserved a big league opportunity this season. He made his big league debut at Yankee Stadium on September 10, giving up four runs, three earned, on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeout in 7 1/3 innings of work as the Red Sox lost 4-3. He was credited with a save on September 17 in Baltimore after throwing three scoreless innings of relief in a 10-4 win over the Orioles.

Jered Weaver, RHP (5-3, 2 Sv, 6.01 ERA, 32 G, 97 1/3 IP, 38 BB, 87 K)
Although he entered the season with a 53-19 lifetime record in 138 games (103 starts) in the big leagues, Weaver found himself as the sixth starter, working primarily out of the bullpen as a long reliever and mopup man. He struggled in the new role but did make a six starts over the course of the season, usually replacing Josh Johnson in the rotation for a couple games.

[Moriarty9]

Player-by-player review of 2010 regular season

Antonio Andres, OF (.277, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 32 R, 11 SB, 206 AB)
Acquired after Ichiro Suzuki went down for the season with an injury, Andres served primarily as the fourth outfielder for the Red Sox. He performed well in his limited playing time, often working as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. Andres played well against the Cleveland Indians, whom Boston will face in the ALDS. In his five at bats against the Indians, Andres picked up two hits - a triple and a home run - stole a base, score three times and drove in two runs.

George Avila, 1B (.211, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 17 R, 190 AB)
Avila was acquired in late June to provide some pop to the Boston batting order but failed to do so and was eventually demoted to AAA Pawtucket before being recalled in September. Avila had hit .278 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI in 62 games with the San Diego Padres but seemingly left his bat behind in southern California.

Miguel Cabrera, 3B (.352, 32 HR, 112 RBI, 125 R, 9 SB, 622 AB)
The AL batting champion may have won himself a third MVP with this season's performance. Cabrera hit .300 for the eighth time in his nine-year career, topped the 30 home run plateau for the fourth time and the 100 RBI mark for the fifth time. He excelled against the Indians this season, hitting .429 (12-for-28) with five doubles, a triple, three RBI and two runs.

Ben Dixon, 3B (.133, 15 AB)
Dixon has had three trips to the Major Leagues the last three seasons but has yet to show any sign of ability at that level, hitting .179 in 65 big league games. This year was no different as he collected two singles in his 15 at bats with the Red Sox.

Todd Helton, 1B (.182, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 23 R, SB, 154 AB)
Once one of the premier players in the game, Helton, 37, has found himself hanging onto a job in the big leagues in large part to the $18.5 million owed to him this season. Given the starting firstbaseman's job to start the season, Helton struggled, hitting .163 in April and .158 in May before suffering an ankle injury and later a back injury.

Nick Huggins, INF (.571, 2 RBI, 2 R, 7 AB)
Huggins was part of a minor trade made in September but performed well in his limited time with the Red Sox. An excellent defender, Huggins has the chance to go to camp with the club next spring.

Chris Iannetta, C (.245, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 45 R, SB, 327 AB)
The leader of Boston's catcher-by-committee, Iannetta performed well for his playing time and position. He did allow seven passed balls and threw out 22.5% of would-be baserunners.

Conor Jackson, 1B (.289, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 26 R, 180 AB)
Acquired in late July after George Avila had failed to produce, Jackson played well for the Red Sox in his two-plus months with the team. He finished the year with a .272 average, 15 homers, 79 RBI and 79 runs in 151 games between Boston and the New York Mets.

Howie Kendrick, DH/2B (.293, 10 HR, 85 RBI, 87 R, 593 AB)
Spending much of the season batting second as the DH, Kendrick performed well and has made a case for the Rookie of the Year. He played well against the Indians, hitting .282 with five RBI in nine games.

Nick Markakis, OF (.315, 26 HR, 108 RBI, 91 R, 7 SB, 574 AB)
Markakis set a career high in RBI and was one homer shy of his career high this season. He has quietly become a big key to Boston's success. Although he has never hit well in the playoffs (.214 average in 30 games) and struggled against Cleveland this year (.172 average in 9 games), the Red Sox hope he can continue his 2010 success into the playoffs.

Kazuo Matsui, INF (.188, 2 RBI, R, SB, 16 AB)
Matsui has struggled in his time at the big league level the last two seasons after being a strong contributor off the Boston bench in 2007 and 2008. Eligible for arbitration in the off-season, he may be looking for work outside of Fenway Park next year.

Kendry Morales, 1B (.294, HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 17 AB)
Morales' late season callup puts him in a strong position to fight for a big league job next spring.

David Murphy, OF (.286, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 13 R, SB, 133 AB)
Murphy has been a fourth outfielder with Boston the last couple seasons and continues to play well in that role. The left-handed hitting 28-year-old was forced into the starting lineup for the playoffs last season due to an injury to Manny Ramirez and excelled, hitting .324 with 3 RBI and 7 runs in 10 games. The Red Sox hope he performs just as well this October off the bench.

Dustin Pedroia, 2B (.254, 8 HR, 64 RBI, 73 R, SB, 559 AB)
Given the starting job after Dan Uggla was traded in the off-season Pedroia performed admirably. He seemed to tire in July (.179 average in 84 at bats) but was given sporadic rest and hit well down the stretch (.352 in September/October). The Red Sox need Pedroia to contribute in the playoffs in order to get anywhere.

Josh Phelps, C/1B (.211, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 26 R, 242 AB)
Playing for his ninth big league club, Phelps split time behind the plate but was unable to do anything to show he deserved to be the starting catcher, although he did throw out 38.4% of those attempting to steal off him.

Hanley Ramirez, SS (.272, 21 HR, 94 RBI, 107 R, 30 SB, 624 AB)
Ramirez hit a career-high 21 homers this season and earned a lengthy contract extension in the process. The Red Sox need the 26-year-old shortstop to stay hot (.295 in September/October) throughout the playoffs.

Manny Ramirez, OF (.303, 31 HR, 99 RBI, 105 R, SB, 535 AB)
Having missed a couple weeks with a hand injury, Ramirez missed his 10th straight 100 RBI season by just one, but was able to keep his streak of six straight seasons at .300 or better. A free agent at season's end, Ramirez is hoping for a big post-season to show he deserves a big off-season contract from the Red Sox ... or some other team.

Dale Reed, INF (.368, 6 RBI, R, 19 AB)
Picking up a number of base hits and playing solid defense, Reed opened some eyes as a potential backup infielder for next year's Red Sox team.

Ichiro Suzuki, OF (.258, HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, SB, 66 AB)
Ichiro went down for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon in April, hurting his chances of getting the Red Sox to pick up his $8 million option for next season. His injury forced the team to acquire outfielders Willy Taveras and Antonio Andres - further hindering the possibility of his option being picked up. The team may, however, try to negotiate an extension at a lower payrate.

Willy Taveras, OF (.265, HR, 44 RBI, 65 R, 28 SB, 431 AB)
Acquired to help replace Ichiro Suzuki in centerfield and at the top of the lineup, Taveras performed adequately enough to help lead the Red Sox to the playoffs. He struggled against the Indians, however, hitting .200 (3-for-15), but hopes to perform well in his first time in the playoffs.

Reggie Willits, OF (.305, 6 RBI, 12 R, 9 SB, 95 AB)
Willits has performed well in his limited time in the big leagues the last two years, hitting .305 and stealing 10 bases in 46 games. A fine defensive outfielder, his glove and speed - not to mention his good hitting in limited action - may get him a spot on the big league roster sooner than later.

[Moriarty9]

Ramirez, Santana lead Sox to win
Boston leads ALDS 1-0
Tuesday, October 5, 2010

BOSTON - The Red Sox have taken game one of the American League Division Series with a 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park.
Red Sox starter Johan Santana was strong in the playoff opener, giving up three runs on nine hits and three walks over seven innings, striking out nine. Manny Ramirez led the Boston offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored while second baseman Dustin Pedroia went 1-for-2 with a walk, run and two RBI.
Boston struck first, putting two runs across the plate in the second inning with a RBI single from Conor Jackson and a Pedroia sacrifice fly to leftfield.
The Indians retaliated immediately, however, with a Garrett Atkins two-run home run in the top of the third inning, tying the game at two runs apiece.
Cleveland starter Justin Verlander, six runs, four earned, on five hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, put himself into trouble in the fourth inning by walking the first three batters of the inning, loading the bases with no out for Pedroia. The second baseman grounded out but Nick Markakis scored from third on the play. Boston catcher Chris Iannetta followed with a RBI single, giving Boston a 4-2 lead. The Red Sox added to their lead in the sixth inning with a David Murphy sacrifice fly and a Howie Kendrick RBI single that made it 6-2.
The Indians tried to chip away at Boston's lead with runs in the seventh and eighth inning, making it a 6-4 ballgame when Patrick Misch took the mound in the ninth inning for the Red Sox. Misch had struggled against Cleveland this season, going 0-2 with 2 saves and an 18.00 ERA in four games. This time around, however, was all Misch as the southpaw retired the side in order on 11 pitches, ending the game with a three-pitch strikeout.
Game 2 will be played tomorrow night at Fenway Park as Brad Radke (10-9, 4.59 ERA) takes the mound for Cleveland and Boston sends out Roy Oswalt (18-10, 3.09 ERA).

ALDS: Rangers v. Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have a 1-0 lead in the ALDS after a 6-4 victory over the Texas Rangers in Arlington. Corey Patterson and Mark Ellis homered in the losing effort for Texas. Troy Patton picked up the win, Luke Prokopec was charged with the loss and Pat Neshek earned the save.

NLDS: Padres v. Phillies
Ryan Braun led the Philadelphia Phillies past the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS. Braun hit a pair of homers for the Phillies in their 6-2 win at home. Josh Hamilton also homered for Philadelphia while Padres outfielder Bill Holland hit a home run as well. Yovani Gallardo earned the win for the defending World Series champions while Ryan Feierabend was hit with the loss.

NLDS: Cardinals v. Nationals
The St. Louis Cardinals hold a 1-0 advantage over the Washington Nationals in the best of five NLDS with a 4-2 victory at Busch Stadium.
Ty Wigginton of the Cardinals and Washington's Manuel Hernandez each hit home runs in the contest.
Making the first playoff appearance of his career, Dave Bush earned the victory while Jake Westbrook was charged with the loss. Former Red Sox closer Joe Nathan picked up the save - the 22nd postseason save of his career - for St. Louis.

[Moriarty9]

Carpenter strong in surprise start
Indians tie series at 1-1
Tuesday, October 6, 2010

BOSTON - Chris Carpenter got the start instead of Brad Radke in Game 2 of the ALDS and held the Red Sox lineup down as the Cleveland Indians tied things up with a 3-2 win at Fenway Park.
About 90 minutes before game time, the Indians announced Carpenter would be taking the start instead of Radke. At the time, there was no information available as to why the last minute switch was made. Carpenter pitched very well, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out five over 7 1/3 innings. Boston starter Roy Oswalt was hit with the loss despite a strong outing in which he gave up three runs on five hits and no walks, striking out five over seven innings.
The Red Sox took the lead in the first inning with a Manny Ramirez RBI double. The Indians responded in the third inning with a RBI single from Robinson Cano, tying the game at 1-1.
Cleveland took the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run home run from Garrett Atkins - his second such blast in as many days - making it 3-1.
The Red Sox fought back in the seventh with a Chris Iannetta RBI single to make it 3-2 but Boston was unable to produce any additional runs.
Eulogio De La Cruz closed out the ballgame with a five-pitch ninth inning.
In Game 3 of the Series, to be played Friday in Cleveland, the Red Sox will send Josh Johnson (11-9, 5.93 ERA) to the mound while the Indians put Rick VandenHurk (13-13, 3.87 ERA) on the hill.

ALDS: Rangers v. Tigers
The Texas Rangers pounded the Detroit Tigers in Arlington to tie the ALDS at 1-1 with a 9-1 win. Texas scored three runs in the first and six in the second - all without a single home run.

NLDS: Padres v. Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are one win away from returning to the NLCS after picking up a 5-1 victory over the visiting San Diego Padres. The Phillies rallied for a four-run eighth inning to propel themselves to the victory.

NLDS: Cardinals v. Nationals
The Washington Nationals evened the score in Game 2 of the NLDS with a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

[Moriarty9]

Atkins pushes Indians to ALDS lead
Red Sox are one win from elimination
Friday, October 8, 2010

CLEVELAND - The Indians are hopeful they'll be able to move on to the American League Championship Series with a win tomorrow night in front of their fans at Jacobs Field.
That scenario was made possible with a 7-3 Cleveland victory over the Boston Red Sox tonight.
The Indians jumped out to an early lead when Robinson Cano hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. A bases loaded walk to Chris Shelton pushed across the team's second run of the inning.
The Red Sox responded in the second inning with a run of their own, courtest of a Chris Iannetta single.
Cleveland began to pull away in the fourth and fifth inning with three total runs to push it to 5-1. Boston then attempted to chip back at the lead with a two-run home run off the bat of Conor Jackson, making it 5-3.
Garrett Atkins, who has driven in six runs in the first three games of the ALDS, pushed runs across the plate in the sixth and eighth innings with groundouts. Atkins finished the day at 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Hunter Pence went 4-for-4 with a RBI.
Rick VandenHurk pitched well for Cleveland, picking up the win with a six inning effort in which he gave up three runs on eight hits and a walk. He struck out four Red Sox hitters.


ALDS: Rangers v. Tigers
The Texas Rangers ran over the Detroit Tigers in the Motor City, taking a 2-1 ALDS lead with an 8-3 victory at Comerica Park.
Jerry Gates of the Rangers and Kenji Johjima of the Tigers each hit solo home runs in the ballgame.

NLDS: Padres v. Phillies
The defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies swept the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, taking the deciding Game 3 with a 5-1 score. Augie Ojeda and Josh Hamilton homered for Philadelphia in the contest.

NLDS: Cardinals v. Nationals
The Washington Nationals held off the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the NLDS with a 5-4 victory. Alex Sanchez hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to help spark the Nats to victory, giving Washington a 2-1 advantage in the best of five NLDS.

[Moriarty9]

Francoeur homers Indians to ALCS
Carmona holds Red Sox to two hits in finale
Saturday, October 9, 2010

CLEVELAND - The Boston Red Sox took a 1-0 lead six innings before their first basehit of the ballgame and ultimately found themselves packing their bags after a 4-1 loss to the Indians ended their season.
The game was a great pitcher's duel early on as Fausto Carmona and Johan Santana locked horns, each vying for a no-hitter until the latter innings of the contest.
Boston scored its lone run of the game in the first inning, taking advantage of a pair of Cleveland errors and a walk to Manny Ramirez to load the bases. Nick Markakis then pushed the game's first run across with a groundball to second base.
From that point, the baserunning was nonexistent as both pitchers shut the opposition down.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Robinson Cano hit a leadoff infield single for the first hit of the game for either team. After Santana struck out Chris Shelton, the Orioles took the lead with a Jeff Francoeur home run.
With one out in the seventh, it was Boston's turn to end the no-hit bid as Conor Jackson singled to left, picking up the first hit of the game for the Red Sox. Hanley Ramirez followed with a double, putting two men in scoring position with the Red Sox down 2-1. Carmona fought back with a strikeout of Chris Iannetta before hitting David Murphy with a pitch to load the bases with two out. Willy Taveras then came to the plate and went after the pitch offered, grounding out to third base.
In the home half of the inning, the Indians repeated their feat from two innings prior as Cano doubled and was followed by another Francoeur homer, making it 4-1 Cleveland.
The Red Sox threatened in the eighth with one away after Miguel Cabrera was hit by a pitch and Manny Ramirez drew a walk, only for the inning to end with a Nick Markakis doubleplay ball.


ALDS: Rangers v. Tigers
The Texas Rangers will move on to the ALCS to take on the Cleveland Indians after defeating the Detroit Tigers 2-0 today.
Jon Garland went 8 1/3 shutout innings, holding the Tigers to four hits.

NLDS: Cardinals v. Nationals
It took 10 innings but the St. Louis Cardinals tied up the NLDS with a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Juan Cortez hit what proved to be the game-winning single in the top of the 10th inning, giving closer Joe Nathan and the Cardinals the win.
Game 5 will be played Monday night in St. Louis. Gary Glover (7-6, 4.02 ERA) of the Nationals and Ubaldo Jimenez (15-11, 3.00 ERA) of the Cardinals are expected to be the starting pitchers for the deciding game.

[Moriarty9]

With the Philadelphia Phillies winning their second World Series championship in as many seasons, the Boston Red Sox are looking to revamp their big league club and minor league system going forward.

Among the changes is the retirement of firstbaseman Todd Helton at age 37. Helton hadn't been a regular player in the lineup over the last few seasons but still had a fine career with the Red Sox. In his 15 years in the big leagues, all but his rookie season was in Boston. Helton came up with the Detroit Tigers in 1996, hitting .327 with 10 home runs and 54 RBI in 84 games.
He would be traded to Boston in November 1996 for veteran catcher Terry Steinbach and went on to be named to five All Star teams and win the 2001 American League MVP award.
Helton hangs 'em up with a lifetime average of .319 and 1,962 hits, including 447 doubles, 342 home runs and 1,253 RBI. He hit .300 or better for the first 13 seasons of his career, topped the 30 home run plateau five times and drove in 100 or more runs six times.

With Boston's former top dog calling it quits, the team also has to deal with the potential departure of its current top dog - thirdbaseman Miguel Cabrera, who opted not to exercise his option for the 2011 season. The Red Sox have made a new contract offer to Cabrera in hopes of signing him before he can enter free agency.

The Red Sox also had to deal with other potential free agents, namely Manny Ramirez and Ichiro Suzuki. The team had tried to come to terms with both outfielders but had been unable to find the money for the aging stars.

Elsewhere around the league, a number of job openings have been created. In Tampa Bay, Brian Cooper was fired after four seasons with the Devil Rays in which he won 310 games. After securing the Wild Card berth in 2009 with a 91-71 record, the Rays took a huge step back in 2010, finishing in last place at 68-94.
Cooper has been replaced by Carl Salter, who had been fired by the Atlanta Braves. Salter went 158-166 in his two years as Braves skipper.
After three seasons at the helm of the Oakland Athletics, Thad Goode was also fired. Goode's first managerial job came in Oakland in 2008 when the A's won the AL West with a 95-67 record. In 2009, the team repeated as division champions at 89-73 only to fall to second place with a 79-83 record this season. He has since been hired as the bench coach for Rod Martin and the San Francisco Giants.
In Wrigleyville, the Chicago Cubs fired first-year manager Archie Jones after a 75-87 season.
Veteran manager Bruce Bochy was let go in Cincinnati after finishing in second place with a 79-83 record this year. In Bochy's four seasons with the Reds, he went 312-330, winning the NL Central in 2009 with an 89-73 record.

[Moriarty9]

Cabrera to stay in Boston
Slugger signs extension
Monday, November 1, 2010

BOSTON - With the deadline for players to file for free agency looming, thirdbaseman Miguel Cabrera decided to stay with the Red Sox for the next 3-4 years.
Cabrera signed a three-year deal with a mutual option for a fourth season. He will be guaranteed $80.75 million over the next three years with the option year coming in at $23 million. He also has a clause in the deal that will pay him an additional $600,000 if he wins the MVP award. Cabrera, 27, would be 31 at the end of the contract if both parties exercise the option for the 2014 season.
Cabrera hit .352 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, 55 doubles, 6 triples, 9 stolen bases and scored 125 times in 2010. He is a lifetime .340 hitter with 245 home runs, 1,007 RBI and 1,733 hits.
He was named the 2002 NL Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .300 with 16 homers and 64 RBI in 148 games. He was traded to the Red Sox for outfielder Vernon Wells in 2003 spring training and has since been named to seven All Star teams and won back-to-back MVP awards in 2008 and 2009.

[Moriarty9]

A quick look around baseball at the men filling out the lineup cards...

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS - Tyron Jennings
Jennings has spent much of the last 18 months on the hot seat in Arizona but has managed to hold onto his job. The Diamondbacks have gone 266-382 in his four seasons there. In the three years (2004-2006) prior to managing Arizona, Jennings was manager of the Cincinnati Reds, where he started off with a division championship but saw the team finish second in 2005 and fifth in 2006.

ATLANTA BRAVES - Way-Ming Kong
MLB's first Taiwainese manager was recently hired by the Atlanta Braves to replace Carl Salter, fired in the offseason. Kong, 54, managed the Arizona Diamondbacks for four seasons (1998-2001), the Chicago White Sox for two (2002-2003) and was at the helm of the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies, winners of that year's World Series. Kong has gone 554-580 in his big league managerial career, making two runs to the postseason.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES - Sean Green
Green did a fine job in his first Major League managerial job last season, leading the Orioles to a 78-84 record - good enough for second place in the AL East. Green has previously managed minor league teams in Corpus Christi, Jacksonville and Tacoma.

BOSTON RED SOX - Kevin Kennedy
Not many have had 16 years of managing in the big leagues, certainly not with the same ballclub. Kennedy has put together a Hall of Fame resume as skipper of the Red Sox, winning 1,648 games, 14 AL East championships and three World Series championships over his time in Boston. He is signed through 2013 and shows no sign of slowing down.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX - Mike Osborne
New ChiSox skipper Mike Osborne comes to the Windy City a few seasons after his last managerial job. Osborne had managed the Atlanta Braves in 2006 and 2007, leading the team to a very respectable 168-156 record over that time.
Osborne was named the interim manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2001, guiding the team to a 32-22 record during his tenure. That Pirates team finished sixth on the season.

CHICAGO CUBS - Todd Haney
Former Cubs infielder Todd Haney returns to Wrigley Field in 2011 as the new manager. Haney, who appeared in 173 games from 1994-1996 with Chicago, had previously managed the Baltimore Orioles from 2006-2008. During his three seasons as O's skipper, the team went 225-261.

CINCINNATI REDS - Orlando Cota
Cota gets his first shot as a manager after several seasons as a coach with the Reds. He is considered a player's manager and the 51-year-old rookie manager is highly respected despite his lack of managerial experience.

CLEVELAND INDIANS - Dave Valle
Valle had a great rookie season as Indians manager in 2010, leading the team to the World Series in his first managing gig. Cleveland went 92-70 int he regular season and advanced all the way to the World Series before being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies.

COLORADO ROCKIES - Paul Molitor
A Hall of Fame ballplayer, Molitor is already a veteran manager - having gotten his first skipper's post with the Kansas City Royals shortly after retiring. Molitor was Royals manager from 1997-2000, leading the team to a Wild Card berth in 1998 but was fired after going 69-93 in 2000. He was hired by the Cincinnati Reds as manager in 2001 and led the team to 241 wins over three seasons there. Molitor was given another manager's job in 2009 by the Rockies, where he has gone 162-162 in his first two seasons.

DETROIT TIGERS - Jesse Hendrix
Hendrix has had a fine career as a big league manager, making it to the post season four times with three different clubs. After several seasons in the minor leagues, including three very successful seasons (288-102) with Boston's AAA affiliate in Pawtucket, Hendrix was named manager of the San Francisco Giants in 2001. He enjoyed success in the Bay area, winning 277 games and making the playoffs twice in his first three seasons. He was unceremoniously fired in 2004 by the Giants after starting the season a disappointing 10-21. Within a month he was hired as the interim manager of the San Diego Padres, guiding the team to a 47-70 record during his time there that season.
Hendrix later served as a coach before returning to the manager's post in 2007 with the Colorado Rockies. In his first season at the helm of the Rockies, the team went 90-72 and won the NL Wild Card. He was fired the following season after finishing in fourth place with a 79-83 record. He was hired by the Tigers prior to the 2009 season and led the team to a 104-58 record and a division title. Last season Detroit finished second in the AL Central at 88-74.

FLORIDA MARLINS - Mike Henneman
Henneman, a longtime Tigers hurler, has weathered the storms in Florida since being named manager there prior to the 2003 season. Though he has guided the team to just two winning seasons in his eight years as Marlins manager, he has held on to the post and is signed through the 2012 season.

HOUSTON ASTROS - Johnny Oates
Oates has certainly seen his share of ballgames over the years and the veteran skipper has no desire to slow down just yet. Oates, 64, has managed six teams at various points over the last 30 years.
He managed the Baltimore Orioles from 1991-1994 (291-270), the Texas Rangers from 1995-1997 (231-226), the Detroit Tigers on an interim basis in 2002 (29-47), the San Diego Padres on an interim basis in 2002 (44-38), the Colorado Rockies in 2005-2006 (159-165) and now the Houston Astros (70-92 last season).
With just one year in Houston under his belt, the lame-duck manager is already on the hot seat and it is believed he will be fired if the Astros don't get off to a strong start in 2011.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS - Joe Kerrigan
A pitching guru, Kerrigan has been the Royals skipper since 2006 although the team has never placed higher than third in his tenure.
Kerrigan's managerial career began in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, promoted to the post from pitching coach early in May of that season. The Pirates went 57-67 during his time as manager that season, finishing fifth in the division. The following year the team lost 99 games under Kerrigan before turning it around in 2004 with a Wild Card worthy 85-68 record. He was fired 38 games into the 2005 season with a 13-25 record.
Kerrigan was hired as an interim manager of the Atlanta Braves soon after, leading the team to a 54-64 record in his short time there.
Since coming to Kansas City in 2006, the Royals have routinely won around 75 games annually, although they did go 83-79 in 2007.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS - Javier Hernandez
Hernandez enters 2011 as a second year manager, having led the Dodgers to an 80-82 record in his rookie season. Hernandez has six years managerial experience in the minor leagues (including two championships with the Oklahoma RedHawks) and had been a Dodgers coach for several seasons before being hired as manager.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM - Don Baylor
A former California Angel, Baylor returns in 2011 for his third year as manager of the LA Angels of Anaheim. Baylor has led the Halos to a 157-168 record thus far.
Prior to taking the job of Angels skipper, Baylor spent 12 years as manager of the Colorado Rockies. He was the first manager in Rockies history, and obviously the longest tenured manager in the team's 18-year history.
Fired just before the end of the 2004 season (with 9 games to go), Baylor returned to managerial duty with the New York Mets from 2006-2008, going 216-270.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS - Pat Gray
Veteran manager Pat Gray has yet to put together a winning season since taking the helm of the Brewers in 2008.
His first big league manager's job came as an interim manager in 1997 with the Texas Rangers - the team went 15-14 under his guidance.
Gray was hired as the manager of the Chicago White Sox the following season and he remained there through the 2001 season. He led the Pale Hose to a 332-316 record during his time in the Windy City.
Gray next managed two terrible Detroit Tigers teams in 2004-2005 (123-192) before being hired as manager of the Oakland Athletics in 2006. During his two years with the A's, the team went 175-149.
Milwaukee media has reported Gray is on the hot seat this season with the team's bench coach - veteran manager Buck Showalter - the likely option to succeed Gray as Brewers skipper.

MINNESOTA TWINS - Bob Tewksbury
Tewksbury has had a short but successful career as a manager, although he led the 2010 Twins to a 75-87 record in his first season as Minnesota's manager. From 2006-2009, however, Tewksbury was manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his four years with the Pirates, he had three winning seasons including a World Series championship in 2008.

NEW YORK YANKEES - Alexander Mills
Just one year into his big league managing career, Mills is already feeling the pressure of the Steinbrenners at Yankee Stadium. Mills led the Bronx Bombers to a 78-84 record in 2010 but may be fired early in 2011 if the Boss isn't satisfied with the team's progress.

NEW YORK METS - Brian Cooper
Cooper will experience his first taste of being manager of the Mets in 2011 after four years in Tampa Bay. Cooper had mixed results with the Rays, leading the team to the Wild Card with a 91-71 record in 2009 but losing 94 games last season.
Cooper also has experience as interim manager of the 2006 Toronto Blue Jays. While in Toronto, the Jays went 31-47 under Cooper.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS - Ron Gardenhire
After many years as a Minnesota Twins coach, Gardenhire was named A's manager this off-season. He was quite popular with Twins players and is known to stress the fundamentals of the game.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES - Alfonso Ramirez
Although his minor league managerial career was lackluster to say the least (179-280), Ramirez has been touted as one of the game's elite managers thanks to the success of the Phillies since he was hired prior to the 2008 season.
In 2008, the Phillies went 111-51, winning the division. In 2009, Philadelphia repeated as division champs, winning 111 games and ultimately winning the World Series over the Boston Red Sox.
The Phils repeated as champs in 2010, going 98-64 in the regular season.
In his three seasons with Philadelphia, Ramirez is feeling the brotherly love with a 320-166 record and two World Series rings.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES - John Hunt
Veteran manager John Hunt enters his second year at the helm of the Pirates, who finished 2010 at 77-85.
Hunt has managed the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros. In his 11 seasons as a big league manager he has only guided his team to the playoffs once, winning the Wild Card with the 2001 Royals at 90-73 - winning the World Series that season.

SAN DIEGO PADRES - Richard Crowley
Crowley has been a steady figure in the Padres clubhouse the last three years, leading the team to three winning seasons. Last season Crowley's Padres took the NL West with an 88-74 record.
Prior to managing the Padres, Crowley had led the Arizona Diamondbacks (2002-2006).

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS - Rod Martin
Martin hopes to return to the playoffs in 2011 after finishing 83-79 last year. The Giants have gone 345-303 during Martin's tenure (2007-2010) and have won two division crowns.

SEATTLE MARINERS - Jose Arreola
Many consider Arreola lucky to have a job after two losing seasons with the Mariners. The Mariners went 72-90 in 2009, Arreola's first season as a big league manager, and 68-94 last year.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS - Andy Puckett
Puckett saved his hide in 2010 after the Cardinals' front office had publicly stated the veteran manager would be fired if the team failed to make significant progress. With 14 playoff-less seasons at the helm of the Cards, it is surprising Puckett has lasted this long. He finally led the team to the post-season this past season, going 105-57 - the only winning season in his career.

TAMPA BAY RAYS - Bruce Bochy
Bochy looks to start over fresh in Tampa Bay after four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds in which the team has only once posted a winning record.
Bochy spent three years as manager of the San Diego Padres (1995-1997), where there was a downward spiral in wins: 97 in 1995, 86 in 1996 and 65 in 1997.

TEXAS RANGERS - Kirk Gibson
Known best for his pinch-hit home run off Dennis Eckersley in the World Series, Gibson is making a name for himself as manager of the Rangers. Hired early in the 2004 season, Gibson has led Texas to four playoff appearances in seven years and a 614-511 record. The team went 105-57 last season, helping Gibson earn a two-year extension.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS - Tim Harris
Harris will be lucky to reach the end of his contract - which expires after the upcoming 2011 season. Harris has had four dismal seasons as Blue Jays manager, going 234-414 during his tenure.
Harris had relative success as manager of the Detroit Tigers from 1998-2001, leading the team to a 322-327 record during that time. In 2002, Harris was bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates but became interim manager to finish out the year, guiding the team to a 12-24 record during that time.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS - Phil Garner
Garner has had fine success throughout his career and his time in Washington is no different.
Garner has led the Nationals to the post-season in his two years as Washington skipper, going 186-138 during that time.
He began his managerial career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1992-1999, 1 playoff appearance) before moving on to the New York Mets (2000-2004, 3 playoff appearances) and the Minnesota Twins (2006-2008, 1 playoff appearance).