Building Dynasties in Boston, Part III

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The urge to write has come back to me...further recap forthcoming...

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A team-wide slump struck the Sox at the worst possible time, as the Tampa Bay Ray’s swept Boston out of the playoffs last night with a 3-1 victory at Fenway Park.

Getting that deep into the playoffs was a surprise in of itself, as the 2012 season will be remember for more for the failure of Bobby Valentine’s short tenure with the ball club. General Manager Ben Cherrington pulled the plug on Valentine’s misadventure on June 7th, with the Sox (26-31) in 4th place in the American League East.

His replacement, Wallace Jacobson, was plucked out of obscurity at the little known Sam Houston State in the NCAA Division 1.

“Coach Jacobson was just the guy we needed,” second baseman Dustin Pedroia said during the season. “He wasn’t going to take any bull, but he isn’t giving any either. The guys are enjoying coming to the ballpark again, and it’s showing.”

What might have added the rebound from that disastrous start was Pedroia himself. The leader in the clubhouse and in the field missed a significant portion of the early goings after straining his hamstring in the second game of the season. In his absence, Pedro Ciriaco (.253/.249/.341) and John McDonald (.272/.301/.380) split time at second base and helped establish their importance for the rest of the season.

The rebound wasn’t all Pedroia’s doing. Ben Cherrington was constantly tinkering with the Sox roster all season long. The two biggest moves made by the Sox brass were the acquisitions of Andre Either from Los Angeles and Cole Hamels from Philadelphia.

Either, brought to the club in May after Cody Ross proved unable to adjust to playing in Fenway, was acquired from the Dodgers in exchange for prospect Jackie Bradley, Jr. (In order for the Sox to take o Either’s contract, the Dodgers agreed to take back Roy Oswalt and his $8m contract) Either’s addition was immediately felt in the lineup as his stabilizing presence helped the Sox navigate the loss of Pedroia and David Ortiz.

The move that probably saved the season more than any other was the acquisition of Hamels from Philadelphia in exchange for 3B Will Meadowbrooks, P Andrew Miller, P Phil Hughes and OF prospect Brandon Jacobs. The addition of Hamel, thought at the time as a bolster of a strong rotation, proved fortuitous as Josh Beckett (10-10, 4.26 ERA) suffered a torn flexor tendon that will leave the righ hander on the shelf for the majority of next season. Hamels, back in the playoff race, rebounded from a poor first half with the Phillies (4-10, 5.05 ERA) to start 14 games down the stretch for the Sox, with a 3.82 ERA.
Cherrington was done with just those big names. In all, Boston used 28 positions players this season, to go along with 21 different pitchers. Some were here for only a short time, as include Daisuke Matsuzaka (traded to SF after one appearance), Jim Johnson (acquired from Baltimore and lost on waivers after 12 IPs and a 6.57 ERA), Roy Oswalt (7.82 ERA after signing in late April; dealt to Los Angeles), and Phil Hughes (claimed off waivers from NY, and later dealt to Philadelphia). Long time Red Sox Kevin Youkilis was sent packing as well, shipped to Seattle in a cost-cutting move to fit Hamels on the payroll.

It wasn’t just Pedroia’s return and Jacobson’s arrival that caused the Sox turn around.

Adrian Gonzalez put up MVP caliber numbers posting a .312 average to go along with 38 home runs and 121 runs batted in. His .402 wOBA ranked 4th in the Majors, and his 61.3 VORP was 3rd best. Joining him in putting up stellar numbers was centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury lead the league eith 59 doubles while posting a 47.5 VORP, 7th best. Mike Avilies (.297, 13 HRs, 72 RBIs) proved to be a surprise as he was the latest to audition as the Red Sox shortstop.

While the starting staff was anchored by Jon Lester (19-8, 2.92 ERA, 4.13 FIP) and Clay Buchholz 912-12, 4.35 ERA), the bullpen proved to be less stable. At different points in the season, they sox relied upon Daniel Bard (2-3, 4.25 ERA, 13 S), Mark Melancon (4-1, 2.03, 13 S) and Koji Uehara (2-2, 4.15, 2 S) to finish games, leaving a group that was never able to solidify into a dominant group after Andrew Bailey went down to an injury during Spring Trainig.

In all, having this group make the playoffs was a blessing with the amount of turmoil and injuries they suffered through. Cherrington and Jacobson should be commended for their efforts in getting this group to stick through a difficult season and end as strongly as they did.

Most Valuable Player: Adrian Gonzalez
Best Pitcher: Jon Lester
Rookie of the Year: C/DH Ryan Lavarnway (.265/.342/.473, 1.7 WAR)
Biggest Surprise: SP Jeff Niemann (18-10, 3.82 ERA, 155 Ks, 1.24 WHIP)
Biggest Disappointment: LF Carl Crawford (.266/.318/.413, 3.6 WAR)
Best Acquisition: Cole Hamels
Worst Acqusition: Roy Oswalt (10 GS, 1-4, 7.82 ERA, -11.4 VORP)

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The Future is Bright in Tampa Bay and Washington
Oct 29, 2012

The two teams that earned the right to represent their leagues in the 2012 World Series have taken different routes to arrive here. And for one, that road will lead to the first ever World Series title in franchise history.

The Nationals (99-63) cruised to a playoff birth by taking the National League Eastern Division with a comfortable eleven game cushion. Led by the 1-2 punch of Stephen Strasburg (18-9, 3.04 ERA) and Gio Gonzalez (15-9, 4.38), Washington took hard fought series against the Atlanta Braves (3-2) and the St. Louis Cardinals (4-3) to earn their berth in the World Series.

The Rays, on the other hand, fought the entire month of September to fend off the advances of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to claim their place in the postseason atop the American League Eastern Division. After barely getting into the playoffs, Tampa Bay cruised through the Red Sox (3-0) and the Detroit Tigers (4-0) to earn their spot in the World Series.

On paper, Washington and Tampa Bay appeared evenly matched. The Nationals were 2nd in the NL in runs scored (809) while allowing only 651, good for 4th best. The Rays may have only scored 765 runs, 7th best in the AL, but they led the league in runs allowed (654), thanks to the combined efforts of Cy Young candidate David Price (19-10, 3.26 ERA), Jeremy Hellickson (19-9, 3.58) and James Shield (15-7, 3.27).

In the end, it appears the combination of their lengthy playoff run and the dominant pitching staff of the Rays was enough to quiet the bats of the Nationals, as the Rays continued their unbeaten run, to win the first World Series title in franchise history.

As the champagne rained down over the freshly crowned World champions, the Nationals can take solace in the fact that just a few years prior, it was these same Rays that tasted defeat, only to finally bask in glory tonight.

Around the League

- Several teams are circling the [b]Detroit Tigers[/]b with interest in Victor Martinez - or so the rumor has it. Sources inside the Tigers organization report that the team is interested in moving the 33-year old catcher, now that he is healthy and within a spot in the lineup.

- Maybe when the Tigers find a home for Martinez, they can get some bullpen relief, as Octavio Dotel has decided to retire. Dotel appeared in 738 games in his career, claiming 111 saves, to go with a 55-47 record in 931 innings.

- Miami Marlins free agent-to-be Carlos Zambrano receive the worst kind of news for a pitcher looking for one last pay day: he's going under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Coming off a 11-10 record for the Marlins at age 31 after being cast aside from Chicago, Zambrano will have to sit out most of 2013 while rehabbing. Look for the veteran to sign a make good one year deal in 2014 to reestablish his market value.

The Axe Falls

- Fairly or not, missing the playoffs often results in some one(s) losing their jobs, and, this offseason got off to a bang with some big names on the list:

Colorado Rockies: Fired manager Jim Tracy and GM Dan O'Dowd.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Fired manager Clint Hurdle.
Seattle Mariners: Fired GM Jack Zduriencik
Kansas City Royals: Fired GM Dayton Moore
Chicago White Sox: Fired GM Kenny Williams
New York Yankees: Fired GM Brian Cashman
Baltimore Orioles: Fired GM Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter. Appointed bench coach John Russell as new manager.

Leyland Retires

- One of the game's premier managers has called it quits. Jim Leyland announced he is leaving the Detroit Tigers to take an advisory role with the organization.

"It's been a long time coming," Leyland said. "The team is in a good spot, so it's time for me to put my efforts elsewhere and let a younger man get a shot at the guys."

After 22 years as manager, Leyland is sure to hear his name called in five years time at Cooperstown.

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2012 Boston Red Sox: 91-71, .562 (6th best, MLB)
2nd in AL East, -4.0, 1st AL Wild Card

Runs Scored: 678 (4th), 5.24 p/game
Runs Allowed: 591 (18th), 4.48 p/g
Run Differential: +87 (5th)

Attendance: 2,565,247 (37,724 p/g, 1000.8% capacity)
Minor league record: 389-301, .564% (7th)

C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.269/.341/.415, 29 2Bs, 16.0 VORP, 1.5 WAR)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez (.312/.409/.561, 33 2Bs, 38 HRs, 121 RBIs, 61.3 VORP, 6.2 WAR)
2B: Dustin Pedroia (.304/.362/.446, 40 2Bs, 32.1 VORP, 4.7 WAR)
3B: Jose Altuve (.279/.318/.395, 32 2Bs, 4.3 VORP, -2.0 WAR)
SS: Mike Aviles (.297/.328/.490, 34 2Bs, 72 RBIs, 25.8 VORP, 2.9 WAR)
LF: Carl Crawford (.266/.318/.413, 30 2Bs, 32 SBs, 14.3 VORP, 3.6 WAR)
CF: Jacoby Ellsbury (.298/.357/.491, 59 2Bs, 113 Rs, 28 SBs, 47.5 VORP, 5.0 WAR)
RF: Andre Ethier (.266/.352/.380, 19 2Bs, 8 HRs, 5.6 VORP, -0.4 WAR)
DH: Ryan Lavarnway (.265/.342/.473, 23 2Bs, 24 HRs, 77 RBIs, 25.8 VORP, 2.9 WAR)

SP: Jon Lester (19-8, 2.92 ERA, 241 Ks, 65.0 VORP, 7.8 WAR)
SP: Josh Beckett (10-10, 4.26 ERA, 156 Ks, 17.4 VORP, 3.2 WAR)
SP Clay Buchholz (12-12, 4.35 ERA, 175 Ks, 32.1 VORP, 3.5 WAR)
SP: Jeff Niemann (18-20, 3.82 ERA, 155 Ks, 32.5 VORP, 3.7 WAR)
SP: Cole Hamels (6-4, 3.82 ERA, 15.9 VORP, 1.6 WAR)
SP/MR: Felix Dubrount (6.06 ERA, -7.2 VORP, 0.3 WAR)
MR: Clay Hensley (61.1 IP, 3.67 ERA)
MR: Daniel Bard (48.2 IP, 4.25 ERA)
MR: Koji Uehara (28.0 IP, 4.50 ERA)
MR: Vincente Padilla (41.0 IP, 4.50 ERA)
CL: Mark Melancon (57.2 IP, 2.03 ERA, 13 S)

Bench:
UT Pedro Ciriaco (.253/.249/.341)
2B/SS John MCDonald (.272,.301/.380)
OF Ryan Sweeney (.294/.357/.363)
OF Ryan Kalish (.143/.257/.222)
C Francisco Cervelli (.217/.270/.362)

Notable Transactions:

Jan 25, 2012: Traded SS Nick Punto & CF Juan Carlos Linares to the New York Yankees for C Francisco Cervelli
Feb. 8, 2012: Traded SP Ross Ohlendorf to the Houston Astros for 1B Jonathan Singleton
Feb. 9, 2012: Traded 3B Carin Cecchini and RF Peter Hissey to the Atlanta Braves for SS Andrelton Simmons
Feb 12, 2012: Traded 1B Jorge Padron and SS Xander Bogaerts to the Toronto Blue Jays for C Travis d'Arnaud
Feb 12, 2012: Signed SP Roy Oswalt to a 2-year contract worth $11.1m
Feb 20, 2012: SP Jeff Niemann claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay.

April 25, 2012: SP Daisuke Matsuzaka was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for MR Clay Hensley
April 29, 2012: MR Chad Gaudin was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for MR Jim Johnson

May 25, 2012: 2B Jose Altuve was acquired from the Houston Astros in exchange for SS Andrelton Simmons, RF Darnell McDonald, and MR Matt Albers.
May 28, 2012: RF Cody Ross was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for MR Koji Uehara
May 28, 2012: CF Jackie Bradley, Jr. and SP Roy Oswalt were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for LF Andre Etheir
May 31, 2012: Claimed MR Phil Hughes off waivers from the New York Yankees

June 8, 2012: Fired manager Bobby Valetine
June 9, 2012: Traded SP Brandon Workman and SP Alfredo Aceves to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for SP Shelby Miller

July 10, 2012: Traded 3B Kevin Youkilis and SP Charlie Haeger to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for SP Danny Hultzen
July 24, 2012: Traded SP Phil Hughes, 3B Will Middlebrooks, LF Brandon Jacobs and MR Andrew Miller to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for SP Cole Hamels

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MLB Free Agents:

1. CF Curtis Granderson (2012 NYY: .405 wOBA, 60.9 VORP, 7.2 WAR)
- After 3 solid years roaming the outfield for the Yankees, Granderson could be the prize acquisition of the offseason. A rare five-tool athlete that makes it to free agency, Granderson will cash in from the numerous contenders in need of pop and speed in centerfield.
– Interested teams: Texas, San Francisco, New York

2. 2B Robinson Cano (NYY: 85g, .299/.345/.489, .357 wOBA, 22.1 VORP, 2.1 WAR)
- The second of four prized Yankee free agents, Cano is sure to cash in. He appeared in only 85 games due to a hamstring strain, but has been durable throughout his 8 year career. Eventually he’ll move off second base, but, at 29 years old, he should be able to remain productive for at least another six seasons.
– Interested teams: New York, Texas, Los Angeles, Miami, Anaheim

3. P Cole Hamels (PHI/BOS: 10-14, 4.50 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 18.7 VORP, 4.3 WAR)
– The top starting pitcher on the market, Hamel has pitched in Philadelphia and Boston, so he is capable of handling the big market environment. Look for him to take his time and pick his new club from any of the big market World Series contenders.
- Interested teams: Boston, St. Louis, Los Angeles

4. DH David Ortiz (BOS: .260/.385/.418, 4.9 VORP, 0.5 WAR)
– After 10 seasons with the Red Sox, Boston is following the trend of sharing the DH at bats amongst numerous players, rather than on. The market for a player like Ortiz is going to be small due to his age, position and asking price. Durability is a concern as well, after struggling through just 50 games in 2012.
– Interested teams: Baltimore, Oakland, Houston, Seattle.

5. CF Shane Victorino(PHI: .272/.324/.408, 25.2 VORP, 0.0 WAR)
– Victorino’s market is going to be determined by whether clubs still see him as a centerfield or a corner outfielder. A -25.2 zone rating with the Phillies last season leads credence to the notion that he can’t cover the field as well as he used. At only 31 years of age, 33 stolen bases shows he still has speed and can be useful if used properly. Look for a desperate team with no CF options to give him a three year deal.
– Interested teams: San Francisco, Texas, Atlanta, Seattle.

6. 3B David Wright (NYM: .262/.381/.413, 18.8 VORP, 3.0 WAR)
– Curious move by the Mets to let Wright get to free agency after losing Jose Reyes last season to the Marlins. A strong veteran presence for any contender, Wright will likely garner one of the longer contracts this offseason, as he will probably follow the career track of Michael Young and eventually move across the diamond to 1B or DH.
– Interested teams: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles

7. 2B Ian Kinsler (TEX: .264/.325/.426, 19.3 VORP, 3.3 WAR)
– With their championship window wide open, the Rangers’ decision to let Kinsler get to free agency is a curious move. With their lineup, though, any struggles by Jurickson Profar and Mike Ott can be tolerated.
– Interested teams: New York, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Detroit

8. CL Mariano Rivera (NYY: 4-5, 36 SV, 2.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 25.5 VORP, 2.1 WAR)
– New found fiscal discipline in New York finds Rivera on the open market for the first time in his career. An All Star in 2012, Mariano can still close out games like none other, so it would be surprising to see him linger on the market long, but he has hinted at retirement in the past, so if he doesn’t pitch in 2013, it wouldn’t be a surprise either.
– Interested teams: New York, Texas, Oakland, Tampa Bay

9. SS Jhonny Peralta (DET: .318/.357/.493, 37.5 VORP, 3.0 WAR)
– Squeezed out by big contracts to Cabrera ($21m), Fielder ($24m), Martinez ($12.6m) and Verlander ($20m), Peralta is the top shortstop on the market and the drop off is steep. His fielding may be on the decline at age 30, but his bat (6.70 RC/27, 9th in MLB) will translate to third base, where he played some while with the Indians earlier in his career.
– Interested teams: Anaheim, Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco

10. 3B Kevin Youkilis (BOS/SEA: .228/.348/.398, 0.5 WAR)
11. RF Carlos Quentin (SD: .247/.342/.426, 1.2 WAR)
12. C Mike Napoli (TEX: .256/.337/.457, 0.6 WAR)
13. P Dan Haren (ANA: 7-1, 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 2.0 WAR)
14. SP Brandon McCarthy (OAK: 6-7, 3.3 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 1.8 WAR)
15. SP Edwin Jackson (WAS: 13-7, 3.94 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 4.9 WAR)
16. 3B Edwin Encarnacion (TOR: .252/.334/.435, 0.5 WAR)
17. CF Michael Bourn (ATL: .255/.320/.309, 2.3 WAR)
18. 2B Howie Kendrick (ANA: .256/.300/.382, 2.4 WAR)
19. SP Gavin Floyd (CHW: 8-4, 5.52 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 1.6 WAR)
20. 3B Chipper Jones (ATL: .269/.370/.443, 2.6 WAR)
21. C Russell Martin (NYY: .253/.336/.417, 1.6 WAR)
22. SP Shaun Marcum (MIL: 12-8, 3.44 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 5.7 WAR)
23. CL Ryan Madson (CIN: spent 2012 season on DL)
24. LF Delmon Young (DET: .302/.344/.506, 1.6 WAR)
25. SP Ryan Dempster (CHC: 7-9, 3.89 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 2.7 WAR)
26. 1B James Loney (LA: .294/.369/.411, 1.9 WAR)
27. CL Sean Marshall (CIN: 8-5, 36 SV, 2.66 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 1.7 WAR)

Noteables:
RF Ichiro Suzuki, 3B Scott Rolen, MR/CL Rafael Soriano, CL Kerry Wood, SP Carlos Zambrano, 1B Jason Giambi, C Nick Hundley, LF Melky Cabrera, SP Anibal Sanchez, SS Erick Aybar

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Red Sox Offseason Preview
November 11, 2012

As currently constructed, the Red Sox don’t have too many holes, but, depending on how bold GM Ben Cherrington is, this team could look drastically different come Opening Day 2013.

The first order of business for the Sox is determining what the club wants to do with its big three pending free agents: DH David Ortiz, RF Andre Ether, and SP Cole Hamels.

Ortiz, a mainstay in the Boston lineup since 2003, is a likely goner as long as his asking price remains in the $10m-$12m range. With the mergence of Ryan Lavarnway last season, a player with little value on the field is tough to carry at that price.

As rumors of the unhappy and fractured marriage between Carl Crawford and the Red Sox management looking close to ending, the negotiating power of Andre Ether grows daily. Looking for a long-term deal in the range of 5 years, $70m, Ether might have to come in a bit lower to meet the Sox tight payroll constraints.

Hamels may be the toughest choice for the Sox. Leery of long contracts for pitchers, the Sox management must weight carefully the cost of brining Hamels to Boston and the cost of keeping him in a Red Sox uniform. With a career average of 4.5 WAR per season, Hamels could be looking for a payday in the range of $16m per season.

If Ether or Hamels does go, their positions easily rise to top of the Sox needs.

C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia may not be the second coming of Carlton Fisk in a Sox uniform, or even Jason Varitek, but he is a solid candidate to return behind the plate next season. Familiar with the pitching staff with some pop in his bat, Salty is under team control with two more season of arbitration before being eligible for free agency. In that time, the Sox should be able to figure out if Ryan Lavarnway can develop behind the plate or if any of the catching prospects Cherrington has been accumulating (Travis D’Arnaud, Lucas Bailey, Luis Exposito or Jackson Williams) are the real deal. Francisco Cervelli is due back for one more season as backup at the league minimum.

1B: Adrian Gonzalez just put up another Adrian Gonzalez season and is signed through 2018, meaning Kyle Blanks (Pawtucket) and Jonathan Singleton (Portland) either spend another year in the minors or find themselves in another organization.

2B: Dustin Pedroia, like Gonzalez, is secure in his position for the foreseeable future. Fortunate for the Sox, because, unlike at first base, the Sox have no immediate help on the horizon.

3B: Boston needs to figure out if youngster Jose Alvue is the answer at third base. After dealing away Will Middlebrooks to Philadelphia, Boston has no immediate answer in the minors at third base. Do they stick with the 22 year old as he continue his move from second to third base, despite his -24.6 ZR at 3B? Or do they look at a short-term veteran like Chipper Jones, David Wright or Edwin Encarnacion?

SS: At shortstop, is Mike Aviles a viable option in 2013? Since joining the Sox from Kansas City midway through 2011, Aviles has hit around .300 while fielding the position well, posting a +3.1 ZR in 118 games at short in 2012. But, is he the long-term solution? Since the departure of Nomar Garciappara, Saviles is the seventh regular in nine season to play the position. With slick fielder Jose Iglesias in Portland, Aviles might hang around for one more season.

LF:: The Carl Crawford experiment looks like it may be coming to an end. Neither side is happy with the other and an amicable divorce seems the best solution. Now, how many clubs will take a 31 year old speedster due over $100m? If Crawford does depart, do the Sox move Blanks or Singleton at LF and sing a veteran stopgap like Torri Hunter or does Boston look for a cheap, long-term solution on the trade market.

CF: Jacoby Ellsbury shook off his detractors with a solid 2013 campaign, further distancing himself from his fragile reputation by appearing in 155 games. Faith in Ellsbury will come once he has a long-term contracts, but when the Sox traded Jackie Bradley, Jr., they put their chips in with Ellsbury for the near future.

RF: If Andre Ether does depart, the internal options are going to have Fenway faithful reliving the glory years of J.D. Drew and Trot Nixon. Neither Ryan Sweeney or Ryan Kalish are going to be in the Opening Day lineup, so expect Boston to either sign Ether or bring in a veteran like Carlos Quentin, Delmon Young, Hunter or Melky Cabrera.

SP:With Josh Beckett out until sometime after the All Star Game, Boston till be looking for at least one, if not two starting pitchers this offseason. Jogn Lester and Clay Buchholz can be penciled into two spots, and Cole Hamels is the obvious choice to fill another, but his market value may price himself out of Boston. After striking out with Roy Oswalt lat year, will Cherrington be gun-shy about dipping into the veteran free agent pool? Or, does Boston stay in house with Daniel Bard going into the rotation, or does does the club turn to Felix Doubront/Junichi Tazawa until either Danny Hultzen or Shelby Miller are ready to step in at midseason. The free agent market is not shaping up to be too deep with quality arms. Once you get past Hamels and Danny Haren, the best second tier options are Shaun Marcum, Brandon McCarthy and Edwin Jackson.

MR/CL:With the volatile nature of the bullpen, expect Boston to dabble all over the market to rebuild a group that struggled for the majority of last season to form a cohesive unit. Boston brings back Andrew Bailey, Mark Melcancon, Bard and Koji Uehara, all with closing experience, along with Clay Hensley and Doubront, so, on paper, there isn’t an immediate opening. Spending big money on a proven closer is become less and less of a priority, and it is unlikely Boston would chase Mariano Rivera, Jose Valverde or JJ Putz.

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Ether Resigns with Sox
November 12, 2012

Boston, Ma – The Red Sox announced late last night that they have agreed to a contract extension with free agent to-be Andre Ether that will keep the right fielder with the club through the end of the 2015 season.

“Andre was an important part of our playoff push, and we wanted to keep him around,” GM Ben Cherrington said in a conference call with reporters.

“He’s a huge part of what we are trying to accomplish here. He’s proved over his career to be able to handle the pressure of playing in a big market, and that’s something that we don’t take lightly.”

Ether debuted with Los Angeles back in 2006 at the age of 24 and immediately become a regular in the Dodgers lineup. In 897 career games with the Dodgers, Ether hit .292 with 114 HRs and 468 RBIs.

“Andre took a bit to get acquaint to the change in leagues, new pitchers, new ballparks, but he’s capable to being a .300 hitter,” manager Wally Jacobson said. “We expect more production out of him over the course of the full season.”

Acquired in a mid-season deal with the Dodgers last season, Ether appeared in 99 game with the Sox in 2012, batting .266 with a .352 OBP.

With the signing of Ether, the sox appear to be closing the door on their other pending free agents, DH David Ortiz and P Cole Hamels. All three were rumored to be looking for contracts in the $14m range. Rumors are that the Sox gave all three players take-it-or-leave-it offers and refused to budge off those numbers.

Both Hamels and Ortiz turned down the Red Sox arbitration offer, leaving them free to sign with another club. Ortiz, however, does carry draft pick compensation for Boston.

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Sox Send Crawford to Mets, Bring Back Santana
November 14, 2012

The Red Sox filled one hole by creating another when they agreed to exchange bad contracts with the New York Mets. By send Carl Crawford to New York, Boston agreed to take back Johan Santana’s $25m for next season.

“It’s a move that benefits us in the short- and long-term,” GM Ben Cherrington said. “We acquired one of the premier arms of this generation and he’s still pitching at an elite level.”

Cherrington made little mention of the cost benefits of moving Crawford for Santana. While Boston’s payroll will climb and extra $4m in 2013, Boston is only on the hook for $5.5m buyout if they don’t exercise his $25m 2014 option. Crawford, on the other hand, is due $21m for five more seasons.

When Boston signed Crawford before the 2011 season, it was a curious move as the club already had a younger version of Crawford on the roster in the form of Jacoby Ellsbury. And, with the size of the contract he was given, Crawford had a difficult time living up to fan’s expectations.

Crawford during happier moments

In 279 games over two seasons, Crawford batted only .261, down from his career average with Tampa Bay of .296. And, in what will be remember as his final at bats with the club, Crawford went 2 for 17 in the four playoffs games in 2012.

Santana too has had difficulties living up the high expectations of his lofty contract. In his five seasons in New York, Santana has managed to win 57 games, which would rank him just 34th in baseball during that time frame. (New Boston teammates Josh Beckett has 58 wins and Jeff Niemann has 56. Jon Lester is third overall with 84 wins over the past five seasons.)

“I’m excited,” Santana said when he heard the news. “It’s a great organization, can’t wait to get to work.”

Also going to New York as part of the deal were MR/CL Koji Uehara, SS John McDonald and 1B Lars Anderson.

The addition of a starting pitcher of Santana’s caliber most likely removes the Sox from the offseason pitching market, although, some bargain shop before Spring Training may still be possible.

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Jeter Retires, May Test Political Waters
December 2, 2012

Shortstop Derek Jeter announced today that he is retiring from the New York Yankees after 18 years and five World Series championships.

What he does next is still anyone’s guess, but the popular Jeter has been rumored to be considering a run for political office.

“I know he has an interest in politics, but he hasn’t said anything yet,” said New York manager Joe Girardi. “He hasn’t told me his plans yet.”

The 1996 Rookie of the Year is leaving the game on his own terms while he was still performing at a level above most others in the league. A career .311 hitter during his tenure with the Yankees, Jeter retires as the all time leader in career hits with 3,238.*

Hall of Fame Standard: 62

Games: 2,567 (7)	Hits: 3,238 (1)
2B: 514 (14)	3B: 70 (14)
HR: 241 (53)	AVG: .311
SLG: .443	wOBA: .328

Part of the resurgence of the Yankee franchise along with Any Pettite, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera in the mid-90’s, Jeter is one of the rare athletes in the game that played his entire career with one franchise.

“He was a marvel,” former manager Joe Torre said, when he heard the news. “He could have kept going, for sure.”

The big question now, with the timing of his announcement, is what the Yankees do about the holes in their offense. Center field and second base were already areas of need because of the departure of Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano, but now, shortstop vaults to the top of that list.

“I don’t think this is the way they wanted to get under the luxury tax, but now they are under that magical number of $189m with only A-Rod, Teixeira and Sabathia left on the books.”

The top remaining shortstop on the market are Jhonny Peralta and Stephen Drew.

MLB Free Agency Roundup

- The Texas Rangers agreed to terms on a two-year contract with CF Curtis Granderson. Granderson will receive $11.6m in each season.

“I’m surprised by the length, to be honest,” a rival GM said. “I thought he’d go longer, but I guess he must have really like Texas.”

- The Philadelphia Phillies: Signed LF Tai-Chi Kuo away from the Brother Elephants of the Chinese Baseball League with a six year contract that will pay $24m.

- The Cleveland Indians signed 3B Kevin Youkilis to a 4 year contract worth a total of $37.8m.

** The MLB record book and Hall of Fame were wiped clean before the 2012 season. Two “modern” (appeared in game in mid-200’s) retirees were brought back per franchise to populate HOF. For example, Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra for Boston, Lenny Lofton and Charles Nagy for Cleveland, etc…

[BostonRS14]

Winter Meetings Set to Begin

Nashville, TN – While a few big names have come off the board, the marquee free agents should be wrapping up negotiations this week as the league General Managers meet for the annual Winter Meetings.

2B Robinson Cano, SP Cole Hamels and CF Shane Victorino remain unsigned, but that can no longer be said for David Wright.

The former Met has left New York for Houston, signing a 5-year contract to man the hot corner for the newest member of the American League. He leaves New York ranked first in games (1,401), second in home runs (205), VORP (31.48) and wOBA (.336) and third in batting average (.295)

“It’s a curious move for someone who we always thought put winning first,” a rival GM who had made a substantial offer to Wright said. “We were close in terms, but, we thought we could win out by offering a chance to contender. It surprise you sometimes, what a player’s motivation is.”

Wright going to the Astro's is a surprise, as Houston is coming off a disastrous 66-96 season and will move to the AL West in 2013. With little chance of unseating Texas or Anaheim in the West, it is an odd move by Houston to be spending so much during a rebuilding phase.

“David is a great clubhouse guy, a solid veteran,” said a scout familiar with the Houston organization, “He’ll be great for the young kids coming up.”

Houston’s top prospect, 3B Taylor Motter, is in Double A Corpus Christi and is expect to the major league ready by the 2014 season.

Big questions remain as to what the Mets have planned this offseason. Despite ending last season in fourth place in the NL East, the Mets have yet to make any additions other than swapping contracts with the Red Sox to acquire Carl Crawford.

MLB Free Agency Roundup

- C Mike Napoli agreed to terms with the Milwaukee Brewers on a 4 year contract worth a total of $45.7m. Napoli is expected to get the majority of his ABs at first base with the Brewers.
- P Brett Cecil, in an attempt to reestablish his career after being released by the Houston Astros, has signed with the Chatham Athletics of the independent Cape Cod Baseball League. Cecil will earn $750,000 with the Athletics.
- Former Orix Blue Wave RF Ichiro Suzuki shocked the *** when he signed not with Oriz, but with the Hiroshima Carp after 11 seasons with the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro will earn $3.6m for two years with the Carp.
- The New York Yankees acquired 32 year catcher Erick Kratz from Philadelphia in exchange for SP Ivan Nova
- Milwaukee and RF Corey Hart have come to terms on a six year contract extension that will earn him $66m over the length of the deal.

[BostonRS14]

Hall of Fame Candidates Announced

December 11, 2012

The Class of 2012 has yet to be announced, but we do know who the final 10 candidates are.

From the original list of 21 candidates, the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) narrowed the list down to 10 on the eve of baseball’s annual Winter Meetings.

The nominated class includes:

• 1B Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros (2,314 Hits, 449 HRs, 1,529 RBIs, 0.297/0.408/0.540)
• 2B Craig Biggio, Houston Astros (3,060 Hits, 291 HRs, 1,175 RBIs, 0.281/0.363/0.433)
• SP Roger Clemens, Boston Red Sox (314-171, 4,423 IP, 3.13 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 4,234 K's)
• RF Shawn Green, Tor. Blue Jays (2,003 Hits, 328 HRs, 1,070 RBIs, 0.283/0.355/0.494)
• SS Barry Larkin, Cincinnati Reds (2,295 Hits, 195 HRs, 941 RBIs, 0.295/0.372/0.445)
• CF Kenny Lofton, Cleveland Indians (2,428 Hits, 130 HRs, 781 RBIs, 0.299/0.372/0.423)
• C Mike Piazza, New York Mets (2,127 Hits, 427 HRs, 1,335 RBIs, 0.308/0.377/0.545)
• SP Curt Schilling, Phil. Phillies (216-146, 3,253 IP, 3.47 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3,116 K's)
• RF Sammy Sosa, Chicago Cubs (2,408 Hits, 609 HRs, 1,667 RBIs, 0.273/0.344/0.534)
• RF Larry Walker, Colorado Rockies (2,160 Hits, 383 HRs, 1,311 RBIs, 0.313/0.4/0.565)

Little of the behind closed door deliberations have been made public, but they did appear to be contention over the leaving off of catcher Javy Lopez of the Atlanta Braves, who did have better numbers on paper than Shawn Green despite playing a more demanding position.

The Lopez/Green controversy is not the only interesting development in the list announced. The candidacies of Curt Schilling and his 216 wins and Larry Walker's 2,000 hits and 400 home runs will help establish the new benchmarks for the foreseeable future.

Voting will now take place by mail-in ballot, with the results expected to be announced before the start of Spring Training in March.

In my world, the records, history, HOF, etc.. were erased and two retired players from each team were reintroduced to populate the game history. All but a few immediately retired and this is the first group eligible for the HOF.

[BostonRS14]

Winter Meetings Heating Up

December 14, 2012

Nashville, TN – David Wright may have been the first big name to change teams, but the Houston Astros were not going to be the sole club to make a big move here in Nashville. A pair of perennial All Stars have found new homes that will surely shake up the playoff races for next season.

2B Robinson Cano will be spending his summer in sunny southern California for the foreseeable future, as the Anaheim Angels outbid both the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers for his services.

Cano (.302, 13 HRs, 48 RBIs) was ranked as the premier free agent on many big boards, and his departure from the Yankees will leave a large hole in the middle of their lineup.

“I think New York did themselves a disservice here,” a rival GM said. “Losing Jeter was out of their control. Huge hole in their clubhouse, but you can fill that spot in the lineup. Cano! That’s a bat that isn’t easy to replace. Add that to Granderson and [Russel] Martin, and that’s a lot of offense to fill in.”

Cano will earn $79m over the course of the 7 year contract with the Angels.

The other marque name to find a new home was P Cole Hamels, who spent this 2012 season split between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox.

In a big blow to Boston, Hamels decided to remain on the East Coast and sign with the World Series champions Tampa Bay Rays for $41.7m over four years.

“We saw this as an opportunity to improve out club, first and foremost,” Tampa Bay GM Andrew Friedman said in announced the deal. “We weren’t contend keeping the status quo. We see a window here, and Cole will compliment David [Price] and the rest of our staff and hopefully help us win another World Series next year.”

Notable Transactions:

• The Oakland Athletics traded LF Seth Smith and minor league 3B Cheslor Cuthbert to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for SP Tommy Hanson.
• The Milwaukee Brewers traded 3B Taylor Green to the Cincinnati Reds, getting SP Mike Leake in return.
• SP Brandon McCarthy resigned with the Kansas City Royals for $79.1m over 7 years
• The New York Yankees traded SS Eduardo Nunez to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for 1B Cody Ransom
• 1B Yonder Alonso was traded by the San Diego Padres to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for 2B Freddy Sanchez.
• The Seattle Mariners traded SP Jason Vargas to San Francisco in exchange for minor league SP Joan Gregorio.
• The Chicago White Sox traded CL Matt Thornton to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting two minor leaguers in return.

[BostonRS14]

Aging 3B Agrees to Pact with Orioles
December 25, 2012

Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles presented a battle-hardened Chipper Jones to the local press corps today as their latest signing. The 40 year-old third baseman sealed a 1-year deal worth $9m mere hours before the formal introduction.

Having spent his entire 19 year career with Atlanta, Jones leaves the Braves as their all-time leader in hits (2,817), home runs (470), and RBIs (1,616).
The addition of Jones is seen as a coup for Baltimore GM Bob Wilson, who is trying to advance of 69 win team into contention in the same division as the Yankees, Red Sox, and the World series champion Rays.

“This is going to be a huge challenge,” Jones said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. But, the level of play in this division is like none elsewhere in the game. Every game matters, every at bat is a battle, and no team will give more effort than we will.”

Jones will not only be an improvement in the lineup, but also defensively. Last season, the Orioles used Mark Reynolds (-10.2 ZR) and Matt Antonelli (-7.5 ZR) at third for the majority of the season.

Baltimore also announced the signing of MR Matt Belisle, formerly of the Colorado Rockies, to a three year contract. Wilson said he expected Belisle to compete for a starting job in Spring Training despite only having started 43 games in his nine year career.

Star DH Settles on New York

The New York Yankees started to rebuild this club today, coming to terms with Travis Hafner, a 35 year-old designated hitter they’ve been scouting for a while.

Hafner will earn $9m a year over 2 years and is expected to play a key role with the club.

Adding a bat like Hafner will help the Yankees recoup some of the offense that they lost with the departures of Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano. In the past 10 years with Cleveland, Hafner has hit 210 home runs while batting .279.

Notable Transactions:

• The New York Yankees traded CF Justin Maxwell and minor league 3B Jorge Alcantara to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for RF Brandon Guyer.
• The Anaheim Angels traded RF Rajai Davis and minor league CF Francis Larson to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for LF John Mayberry, Jr..
• SP Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a contract extension worth $28.5m over 3 years.
• The Baltimore Orioles signed free agent C Nick Hundley to a 6-year contract for $6.9m.
• The Boston Red Sox signed MR Jonathan Broxton to a 1 year contract worth $708,000.

[BostonRS14]

As expected, Peralta Joins Yankees
December 26, 2012

New York, NY – Ever since the retirement of Derek Jeter, the Yankees have been linked to SS Jhonny Peralta. The worst kept secret in baseball this offseason finally became a reality, as Peralta has put his name on a contract with New York to play shortstop for the next seven seasons.

The 30 year-old Peralta has spent the past two and a half seasons with the Detroit Tigers, batting .298 while primarily serving as the Tigers shortstop.

“We didn’t want to see Jhonny go,” Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski said afterwards. “But, the economics of baseball are what they are. Jhonny has proven to be an elite player in this league, and we do have to fill out an entire roster. Can’t be buying All Stars at every position.”

For his part, Peralta wasn’t looking for a record pay day.

“I’ve been a part of winning in Detroit and losing in Cleveland, and I know which I like better.”

As for replacing New York icon Derek Jeter in the field, Peralta was a bit more modest.

“I’m not going to be the next Derek Jeter. I’m not going to be the next savior. This team has enough guys from the top down to win games, and that’s what I’m here to do. Help the Yankees win ball games. Pronk [former Cleveland teammate Travis Hafner] and I are just ballplayers looking to win games and championships.”

Notable Transactions:

• The Oakland Athletics signed MR Juan Carlos Oviedo to a one-year contract worth $3.52m.
• 1B Chad Tracy signed a two-year contract with the Anaheim Angels worth $6.8m.

[BostonRS14]

Where are the Red Sox?
December 29, 2012

Boston, MA – Resting on your laurels is one thing when you win a championship, or when you have few deficiencies, but, the Red Sox fail to fall into either of those categories.

After a frantic sprint to make the playoffs last year, the Sox should be able to willing to make a big move this offseason to keep up with the Rays and Yankees in the East. Instead, all we have seen is a swap of Carl Crawford for aging Johan Santana and the signing of injured reliever Jonathan Broxton. Not quite the type of moves that will inspire hope in the masses.

So, what the Red Sox up to?

Rumblings out of Yawkey Way have the team’s front office under strict instructions not to spend wildly like previous years.

“They’ve been burned by big contracts that past few years, and now, there is little money to spend this year,” A rival exec said. “I expect the made the Santana deal to free up cash for next year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to move some arbitration guys that are getting pricey, like [Andrew] Bailey, [Jarrod] Saltalamacchia, or even Ellsbury.”

Internally, GM Ben Cherington and his staff are still trying to figure out what to do with Ryan Lavarnway. Is he the next catcher for Boston, or is he a full-time DH. Or, does he split time between the two as part of a complicated platoon with Saltalamacchia behind the plate and Andre Ether at DH.

Answering this question will go a long way to filling out the Sox lineup.
In the rotation, Cherrington has been reluctant to dip into the market and overpay for mediocre results.

“After Hamels left,” Cherrington said, “we felt like the market price for a pitcher jumped to a place we were not comfortable with. Unless something falls into our laps, I expect to go to camp with our internal options and see where we end up.”

With Danny Hultzen and Shelby Miller expected to start the year in Portland, the Sox are not looking to tie up roster spots to aging veterans. Instead, a one year rental or make-good signing are more in line with Boston’s position.
Even though Boston has internal options, they must face the realization that the rest of the division in getting stronger.

Tampa Bay won the World Series last season and then turned around and found room for the best pitcher in free agency.

Baltimore signed Chipper Jones to bring much needed championship-caliber leadership to the club.

New York let half its roster leaves, then added Travis Hafner, Shane Victorino, Brandon Guyer, and Jhonny Peralta to the club.

What Boston does next as the calendar flips to 2013 will define not only the upcoming season, but also set in motion the future of this franchise as it looks to get back into the World Series.

[BostonRS14]

Nationals Make Big Splash in Free Agency
December 29, 2012

Washington, DC – One of the signs that your ball club is a contender is the signing of veterans chasing one last championship. When you are in the position to offer World Series champions a chance at one last ring, you know your club is a title contender.

And that is exactly what the Washington Nationals are offering Mariano Rivera, the former New York Yankees closer with five World Series rings.

Rumors of a deal have been circulating since the veteran closer hit the free agent market, but the two sides finally say down in Nashville to discuss the parameters.

Rivera will earn $9m next season on a one year deal with Washington.

“This is great for both sides,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said in announcing the deal. “Mariano’s resume speaks for itself. And we feel like he will be a strong addition to our bullpen, mentoring Tyler [Clippard] and Drew [Storen].”

After dropping a heartbreaking World Series to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Nationals have been quiet this offseason, adding only Tommy Hunter from Baltimore previous to today.

“This is a championship club,” Rivera said. “I think they are capable of putting together a run like we did back in New York.”

Notable Transactions:

• The Philadelphia Phillies signed RF Marlon Byrd to a three-year contract worth $10.9m.
• CF Shane Victorino signed with the New York Yankees for $28.5m over 3 years.

[BostonRS14]

Sox Make Swap with Royals, Add Myers

December 31, 2012

Boston, MA – As the calendar closes on 2012, Boston went out and acquired one of the bright stars of the past year.

Left fielder Wil Myers comes to Boston from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for 1B Jonathan Singleton.

“This was a swap of assets, plain and simple,” GM Ben Cherington said on the conference call announcing the deal. “We had a hole in the outfield and they were looking for depth at first base.”

With Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Blanks ahead of Singleton on the depth chart, Cherington was smart to move out the asset now before any possible deterioration occurred by his slow move through the organization.

“It’s a classic sell high move by Boston,” one scout commented. “Singleton was not going to help them, not with their logjam at first. And Myers is major league ready. He won’t have to carry the lineup like the Royals would have wanted, clearly Boston wins this one.”

Myers was drafted by the Royals in the third round of 2009 draft and made his major league debut last season, appearing in 12 games. He hit .385 in his callup after splitting the season between Northwest Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA), where he hit a combined .336 with 19 home runs and 85 runs batted in.
“Wil is going to be a great hit here,” Red Sox manager Wally Jacobson said. “He reminds me of an outfield version of Dusty [Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia]. And, if he is half that, we are in for quite a ride!”

Cherington also took the opportunity to announce the addition of Buck Showalter to the organization. Showalter will assume the bench coach position on Jacobson’s staff, after having served as manager in New York (1992-1995), Arizona (1998-2000), Texas (2003-2006) and Baltimore (2010-2012).

[BostonRS14]

Mets Make Big Free Agent Splash, Add Kinsler and Quetin

January 1, 2013

New York, NY – Sandy Alderson must have really enjoyed his New Year’s Eve after he was able to get signatures from two of baseball’s biggest remaining free agents yesterday.

2B Ian Kinsler and RF Carlos Quentin agreed to contracts with the Mets yesterday as the clubs tries to make a move to claim supremacy in the New York market. Trying to dispel that notion, Alderson was clear in explaining his motives.

“This is not about the Yankees,” Alderson said emphatically today. “We don’t compete against the Yankees, we build this team to win against Washington, against Atlanta, Miami, and Philadelphia. We focus on our division, not what they are doing other there.”

Quentin was the first to agree to a deal with the Mets, signing a 6-year contract worth $60.6m. He comes to New York after spending time with Arizona (2006-2007), Chicago (2008-2011) and San Diego (2012).

“I’ve played in cities where the love the game, and others were you couldn’t find us on the local news. I wanted to go somewhere with passionate fans, and a direction that’ll win World Series.”

Quentin is expected to play right field for Terry Collins’ club, a spot that was split last year bewtween Jin-Young Lee (traded to Nationals) and Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Kinsler, who left the Texas Rangers to sign a 4-year, $38.5m contract, was a coup for the Mets. After leaving to Rangers to a pair of World series defeats in 2010 and 2011, it was expected that Kinsler would sign with a club that was closer to a championship than the Mets.

“I think he overplayed his market,” one agent with a second baseman on the market said. “There were not a lot of spots for second basemen this year. Even the Mets, they are shifting their incumbent [David Murphy] to third base to accommodate the signing.”

Kinsler, Quentin, Murphy and Carl Crawford form a strong core offensively, but the Mets still need to address their pitching if they expect to compete in a strong National East. Joe Saunders and Mike Pelfrey lead an underwhelming staff that’s biggest off -season additions were Ricardo Rodriguez (signed out of China) and Koji Uehara, acquired from Boston.

[BostonRS14]

Sox Wake Up, Realize Off-Season Half Over
January 8, 2013

Boston, MA – It seemed like for the longest time, the Red Sox were going to sit out the entire offseason after acquiring Johan Santana from the Mets back in early November. It this were 2007 and not 2013, that would have been the type of trade to hang your hat on, but, Santana alone doesn’t bring World Series (he didn’t do it for either the Twins or Mets, but neither club had the complimentary players that the Red Sox posses.)

Boston, and general manager Ben Cherington in particular, have stayed away from back-page attention grabbing moves this offseason. Instead, the Sox have focused on filling holes and establishing some financial freedom for future seasons.

“We are pretty set right now,” Cherington commented. “We’re not looking to make moves for the sake of making moves. Right now, filling out our roster is the key for us, and the moves we are making today, and the ones we are working on further that goals.”

The moves he was referring to are the free agent signing of center fielder B.J. Upton and the trade for starting pitcher Kyle Lohse.

Upton comes to Boston after batting just .188 for the World Series champion Tampa Bay Rays. A highlight-a-day player in the field, Upton has never lived up to expectations with his bat, and should be looked upon as a bench asset for the Sox.

“It’s a good opportunity for B.J. to prove himself,” Upton agent said after the deal was finalized. “We feel like the Rays had given up on his potential and weren’t interested in working with him. Boston is the type of club that will work with B.J.”

Upton supposedly shunned long-term deals to take a one-year make-good contract from the Sox for $2.5 million. Lohse, on the other hand, will be a regular for the Sox. Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for SP prospect Hudson Boyd, CF Jeremy Hazelbaker and MR Collin Balester, the Sox expect the veteran right-hander to slot into the fifth spot in the rotation.

“We are excited to bring Kyle in. He’s a proven winning with a ring on his finger, great qualities we look for in our acquisitions.”

Notable Transactions:

• The Anaheim Angels and SP Edwin Jackson agreed to a 4-year contact worth $32m.
• Baltimore Orioles signed SP Ryan Vogelson to a 3-year contact worth 24m
• SP Nelson Figueroa agreed to terms with the St. Louis Cardinals on a 2-year contract worth $26m.
• The Houston Astros signed LF Luke Scott toa 3-year contract worth $14.2m.
• C A.J. Pierzynksi signed a 3-year contract with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighers of the ***
• The Mainez Athletics of the Bundesliga (Germany) signed free agent CL Matt Capps to a 3-year contract worth $4.4m per season