Trades Talk, B.S. Stays Put (Please)

So, as we approach the deadline, here’s all the news the internet has deemed fit to print:

Lugo, Devil Rays (Boston Globe) for ?
Ryan Shealy, Rockies for Tavarez or Seanz
Ray Kind, Rockies for Julian Tavarez or Seanz
Ryan Klesko (Braves) for Ruby Seanz (no way…)

Nick Cafardo of the Globe ran a credible and interesting story on the possibility of Wily Mo Pena being on the block (follow here for a quick summation). He mentions a lot of intriguing possibilities: Kip Wells from the Pirates (for Pena), Livan Hernandez from the Nats (for Pena), or Jake Peavy from San Diego (for Lowell and prospects, Theo vehemently denies this one).

Personally, although Epstein has been active in the past, I don’t see the Red Sox making too many moves this season. Why? First, I would be shocked if Pena goes—I don’t think the Sox are prepared to offer Nixon top dollar, and if they do, they might reconsider moving Manny (again). To do this, they need a power bat ready to enter the lineup, and Pena provides just that.

And while the Sox need starting pitching, they could be getting some back this season—hopefully Wakefield will be back at full strength soon. Wells is throwing a five-inning simulated game today (the outcome of which could drastically change the opinion of this post-er). Unfortunately, Clement seems to have suffered a few set-backs, and isn’t expected to return until September—probably too late for either the playoffs (he would have to be active by September 1st) or to contribute to the stretch run. The rotation would be:

1. Schilling
2. Beckett
3. Lester
4. Wakefield
5. Wells, Gabbard, Clement, Johnson, Snyder, DiNardo, etc.

So, the question becomes, how much are you willing to spend for a 4-5 starter? I hope the Sox do not sell off the future for the present (see entry number 2 ). And the last time we tried acquiring a starter, things didn't quite work out.

But, then again, in Theo we trust. Personally, so long as Wakefield looks o.k., then the Sox can make the playoffs with the current roster—though another pitcher would certainly be great if if the price were right! If we are talking about Kip Well, Jake Peavy or Dontrelle, that’s one thing. Livan Hernandez and John Lieber, well—that’s another…

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Is it too soon to panic,

Or simply not late enough?

I've spent the first few months in a kind of conscious-denial of reality. While the Red Sox went into the all-star break with a four game lead, I knew that it should have been more. Much more. But, an inconsistent pitching staff (from top to bottom--anyone see how many homeruns Beckett has allowed) allowed the Bombers, suffereing through far many more injuries, to remain within reach.

And now they've all but grabbed us.

I know, I know... Wily Mo's about to return, Clement could return back in form, Lester continues to improve and learn on the fly. I know, I know... Sidney Ponson is (hopefully?) not going to be this year's Aaron Small, delivering a 10-0 second half. I know, I know... the Yanks are still without some of their big hitters for another month and probably don't have enough quality prospects to land Bobby Abreau or Soriano.

And, of course, I know, I know that its only July.

But the cynical part of me, that pre-2004 Red Sox fan, can't help but think "just let'em pass us now..." It would be too painful to lose first place to the Yanks in September. Funny, despite the championship, I'm finding it harder and harder to BELIEVE in this year's group. Maybe its because I'm in Indiana and are not surrounded by the daily "hoop-la." Nor do I get to watch many of the games. I haven't even been listening to as many this year as I usually do.

So I guess I'll write-off my lack of faith (or try to, at least). But in the back of my mind I still hear Bob Ryan's echoing call: "The Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming..."

Its Official

I no longer care about the All-Star game, even if it does determine homefield advantage in the playoffs.


Of course, it shouldn't determine homefield--that should be determined by record as it is in every other sport. If it takes more time to schedule and prepare for World Series games, then simply "freeze" the records on September 1st and decide the W.S. homefield based on win-loss on that date. Anything would be better than having an exhibition game...wait, let me say that again, an EXHIBITION game...k...determine one of the biggest advantages for a championship, ahem, CHAMPIONSHIP series.


Returning to my "topic" sentence, I don't care about the All-Star game. Despite being a close game last night, I was far more interested in video baseball than real baseball (2018 Red Sox, World Champions). Talking with Meg about it--I think interleague play is one of the biggest reasons why I no longer care. Before interleague, there was only one time all year that you could see Ken Griffey Jr. take on Orel Hershiser or see Pedro Martinez face (and strike out) McGwire and Sosa. Of course, free agency means that players switch leagues more, but interleague means that its no big deal to see Andrew Jones face John Papelbon--they see each other every season. So I didn't watch the All Star game (although I did flip to it in time to see the final out, nice to root for Rivera for a change), and don't feel bad about missing it.

On another note--I really like the change to the Home Run Derby; the totals from round to round should carry over. I don't know what to make about all the talk that participating in the Derby can mess with players swings, but it sounds like Howard will be an exemplary case--they intentionally changed his swing to pull the ball (like the Philles need any additional help tanking in the second half).

This Can't Be Real

Somebody pinch me, cause I'm having this dream where every time the Red Sox are in trouble a large, left-handed angel floats to the plate and blasts a baseball very, very far.

On second thought, if this is a dream, let me sleep. Peacefully.

Honestly,

I don't know how I feel about this...

Sell the Yankees

Wallace a Bull

In my heart of hearts, I secretly hoped that Wallace would end up a Celtic--he would have made a tremendous compliment to Pierce and given Paul once last chance at a title run (assuming he's still in Boston).

I don't know how successful Wallace will be with the Bulls. Wallace benefited from Detriot's tremendous offensive talent--Billups and Hamilton, especially, so their was little need for him to score. Or even play offense. While Ben Gordon has shown flashes of brilliance, I don't know if Chicago will generate enough offense from their other players to carry Wallace, perhaps the worst offensive big man in the game.

That said, Wallace is one of my favorite players to watch (assuming he's not at the free throw line). I thought he would end up in Cleveland or L.A.--he would have made a perfect compliment to James or Bryant respectively.

As far as Boston goes, I'll go out on a limb and say that I like what Ainge has done so far this off season. Unloading LaFrenz's contract (which, granted, he signed) was a key move, Ratliff is a great sixth-man type player, and Telfair should be exciting to watch. So, even though my Wallace is green dream is done, let's hope the Celtics playoff chances aren't... (this, of course, assumes anyone still cares about the Celtics...)

Then, of course, there's this (a few days old now...is no news good news?)