Category: Dailies
Total Bases is Moving On
I am now writing about minor league baseball over at Minor League Ball and Boston Sports Then and Now. I am doing lax writing at InLaxWeTrust and hockey at Inside Hockey. If I ever need to rant this will be my outlet.
But for now thanks for all the support as I wrote here the last year. Read me at those sites and thanks again for commenting and reading.
MLB Season Predictions
Here are your Total Bases MLB Season Predictions…
AL East:
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
AL Central:
Chicagi White Sox
Minnesota Twins
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Cleveland Indians
AL West:
Oakland Athletics
Texas Rangers
Anaheim Angels
Seattle Mariners
NL East:
Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves
Washington Nationals
Florida Marlins
New York Mets
NL Central:
Milwaukee Brewers
Bruins Fall to Islanders; Time to Panic?
The Boston Bruins have now allowed four unanswered goals in two of their last three games. They have also blown two goal leads two straight games. But last night was real bad. The Buffalo Sabres, right now a playoff team, is one thing, but the Islanders? Really?
Now I do not think it is panic time. It seems Tomas Kaberle has not impacted the power play as hoped. But there are still good signs. Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley bring skill and speed to the table, non-sucking Daniel Paille if you will. I will be disagreed with here, but I also feel Micheal Ryder is playing better.
Are they scoring four goals a game like on the road trip? No, but offense is not a problem. 2-0 to the Islanders should be enough with Tim Thomas. They have allowed 40 shots for two games in a row now, which cannot continue. Dennis Seidenberg has struggled of late, and they obviously miss Andrew Ference and Steven Kampfer.
But again, there are still good signs and the road trip should not be forgotten. This is a team that can go far with just a few tweaks.
Friday Sports Recap
OK, as baseball season approaches, us at Total Bases hope to start writing daily. There is a chance the blog moves to a new address, but that is still up in the air.
Main point is, I will continue to write about Boston sports with some national news also. Hopefully I can be at some live events for you too. But for lacrosse stuff, read inlaxwetrust.com
Scores:
The Boston Bruins blew their second straight game after leading by two goals with a 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders. This is the first time the Bruins lost in regulation after leading by two goals. They have three OT losses, one to Montreal and two to Buffalo. Zdeno Chara and Nathan Horton scored for the Bruins. Look for full recap tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Celtics also lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, their second straight loss after Wednesday’s loss to the LA Clippers. The Celtics were down most of the game, and made a nice little comeback in the fourth, only to blow it. Will probably also have a recap of this also.
In other relevant scores, The Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, 2-1. The win keeps the Caps in second overall in the east. As I write this, the Ottawa Senators are leading the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in the third.
As far as spring training goes, the Red Sox split their split squad games. They lost 3-2 to the Minnesota Twins, while Jon Lester pitched a good game and Jonathan Papelbon struggled. They did defeat the Houston Astros, 9-3. Kyle Weiland got the win for Boston, and Brett Myers took the loss.
Meanwhile, the NFLPA decertified. Shocker. So we miss out. Does the MLL take advantage of this? We will have an article up on ILWT at some point on this.
So to all our loyal followers still here, thanks for sticking around, you will see more action hopefully. Maybe some more youtube videos too.
Thursday Sports Recap
What happened yesterday in sports? A lot, and we are here to recap it for you.
Game Notes:
* The Chicago Bulls topped the Miami Heat, 93-89 . This comes after both teams did not make many deadline moves, but the Heat are very much in on Troy Murphy, though I think he will end up a Celtic. Derrek Rose had 26 points for Chicago, while Dwayne Wade led all scorers with 34.
* The Boston Celtics fell to the new-look Nuggets, 89-75. Boston was without Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, who they traded to the Thunder. Also out was Shaquille O’Neal, leaving the Celtics without any big men after Semih Erden was traded to Cleveland.
* The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Islanders in OT, 4-3. The Islanders took an early lead, but the Flyers stormed back to take this one.
* The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Montreal Canadiens, 5-4. Toronto took a 3-1 lead and Montreal later tied it with two PP goals. But the Maple Leafs scored soon after, and were able to win in Montreal.
* The Los Angeles Kings topped the Minnesota Wild in a key western conference game, 4-2. Also in the west, Vancouver topped St.Louis, 3-2, Dallas beat Detroit 4-1, and Chicago beat Nashville 3-0.
News and Notes:
* Some big moves in the NHL and NBA yesterday. Gerald Wallace was sent to Portland, which really shows the state Charlotte is in. That is all they have, and you have to wonder if folding is inevitable.
* I like the Perkins trade for both teams. From the Thunder side, they get a big man that can really make a difference. For the Celtics, they improve offenseivly with Jeff Green and while Perkins is great on defense, it does not hurt them that much. It is a gamble, with both O’Neal’s hurt, but if they get Murphy I think it’s well worth it.
* The goaltender carosual in Tampa Bay continues. They get rid of Dan Ellis and bring in Curtis McElhinny. I don’t think this makes a difference for the Lightning. The east will come down to Philadelphia and Boston.
* Brooks Orpik will miss the next five weeks for the Penguins. Tough loss after trading Alex Goligoski. Also interesting to see how Alex Kovalev works out there.
* And lastly, an NLL shout out. Brad Bannister, what are you doing? Folding the Roughnecks could kill the league, and you’re fine with it? Take the offer from the Flames and go away.
Spring Training
Hello baseball fans, Total Bases is back just in time for the season! I will be in spring training to bring you all the up to date news of the GrapeFruit league, so stay tuned!
MLB News and Notes:
* Those comments by Hank Steinbrenner were unwaranted. Who cares about what Derek Jeter does in the offseason? I mean, your team got to the ALCS, how were they not focused? If Mark Teixera didn’t get hurt, you might have gone to the World Series.
* Don’t overlook the Oakland Athletics. They have a terrific pitching staff and I think their offense is improved. I am a big fan of Cliff Pennington and Daric Barton, plaus Kurt Suzuki, Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham should all help.
* Another team to watch in spring training is the Chicago White Sox. I also have a great feeling about them, with their pitching and I think Adam Dunn helps Paul Konerko a lot.
* We refuse to talk about Albert Pujols.
* I would like Tampa Bay if they had a bullpen. Their starting pitchers are awesome, and offense should be decent but other than JP Howell and Jake McGee they got nothing.
Free Agent Tracker Update
| Free Agents | ||||||||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | Predictions | ||
| Rick Ankiel | CF | 31 | Free Agent | Atlanta | — | Atlanta | ||
| Brad Ausmus | C | 41 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Retire | ||
| Rocco Baldelli | DH | 29 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Tampa Bay | ||
| Grant Balfour | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Houston | ||
| Rod Barajas | C | 35 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | Dodgers | |||
| Josh Bard | C | 32 | Free Agent | Seattle | — | Mariners | ||
| Miguel Batista | RP | 39 | Free Agent | Washington | — | Orioles | ||
| Erik Bedard | SP | 31 | Free Agent | Seattle | — | Twins | ||
| Joe Beimel | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Rockies | ||
| Adrian Beltre | 3B | 31 | Free Agent | Boston | — | Angels | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Joaquin Benoit | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | Tigers | |||
| Kris Benson | SP | 36 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | Nationals | ||
| Lance Berkman | DH | 34 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | –Cardinals | |||
| Henry Blanco | C | 39 | Free Agent | NY Mets | — | Mets | ||
| Willie Bloomquist | RF | 32 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Reds | ||
| Geoff Blum | SS | 37 | Free Agent | Houston | — Arizona | |||
| Jeremy Bonderman | SP | 28 | Free Agent | Detroit | — | White Sox | ||
| Russell Branyan | DH | 34 | Free Agent | Seattle | — | Mariners | ||
| John Buck | C | 30 | Free Agent | Toronto | — Florida | |||
| Pat Burrell | LF | 34 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — | Giants | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Dave Bush | SP | 31 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | Brewers | ||
| Orlando Cabrera | SS | 36 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Reds | ||
| Miguel Cairo | 3B | 36 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | Reds | |||
| Jorge Cantu | 1B | 28 | Free Agent | Rangers | — | Rays | ||
| Chris Capuano | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | Brewers | ||
| Eric Chavez | DH | 32 | Free Agent | Oakland | — | Retire | ||
| Bruce Chen | SP | 33 | Free Agent | Kansas City | — | Marlins | ||
| Randy Choate | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Rays | ||
| Jose Contreras | RP | 38 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | — Philadelphia | |||
| Kevin Correia | SP | 30 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Padres | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Craig Counsell | SS | 40 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | Mariners | ||
| Jesse Crain | RP | 29 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Blue Jays | ||
| Carl Crawford | LF | 29 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | –Red Sox | Angels | ||
| Johnny Damon | DH | 37 | Free Agent | Detroit | — | Rays | ||
| Doug Davis | SP | 35 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | Brewers | ||
| Jorge De LaRosa | SP | 29 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Diamondbacks | ||
| Elmer Dessens | RP | 39 | Free Agent | NY Mets | — | Mets | ||
| Octavio Dotel | RP | 36 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Rockies | ||
| Scott Downs | RP | 34 | Free Agent | Toronto | –Angels | |||
| Justin Duchscherer | SP | 32 | Free Agent | Oakland | — | Red Sox | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Adam Dunn | 1B | 31 | Free Agent | Washington | –White Sox | |||
| Chad Durbin | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | — | Phillies | ||
| David Eckstein | 2B | 35 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Padres | ||
| Jim Edmonds | CF | 40 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Retire | ||
| Kelvim Escobar | RP | 34 | Free Agent | NY Mets | — | Astros | ||
| Kyle Farnsworth | RP | 34 | Free Agent | Atlanta | — | Braves | ||
| Pedro Feliciano | RP | 34 | Free Agent | NY Mets | — | DBacks | ||
| Pedro Feliz | 3B | 35 | Free Agent | Houston | — | Astros | ||
| Randy Flores | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Twins | ||
| Jeff Francis | SP | 29 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Rockies | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Frank Francisco | RP | 31 | Free Agent | Texas | — | White Sox | ||
| Jason Frasor | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Toronto | — | Yankees | ||
| Brian Fuentes | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Athletics | ||
| Freddy Garcia | SP | 34 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | — | White Sox | ||
| Jon Garland | SP | 31 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Padres | ||
| Jason Giambi | 1B | 39 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Retire | ||
| Troy Glaus | 1B | 34 | Free Agent | Atlanta | — | Indians | ||
| Kevin Gregg | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Toronto | — | Blue Jays | ||
| Vladimir Guerrero | DH | 35 | Free Agent | Texas | — | Rangers | ||
| Matt Guerrier | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Red Sox | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Jose Guillen | RF | 34 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — | Retire | ||
| Cristian Guzman | 2B | 32 | Free Agent | Texas | — | Marlins | ||
| Jerry Hairston Jr. | SS | 34 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Padres | ||
| Bill Hall | LF | 30 | Free Agent | Boston | — | Royals | ||
| Mike Hampton | SP | 38 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | Braves | ||
| Aaron Harang | SP | 32 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Reds | ||
| Willie Harris | LF | 32 | Free Agent | Washington | — | Nationals | ||
| Brad Hawpe | DH | 31 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Rays | ||
| Aaron Heilman | RP | 31 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | Orioles | ||
| Mark Hendrickson | RP | 36 | Free Agent | Baltimore | — | |||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Ramon Hernandez | C | 34 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Reds | ||
| Eric Hinske | LF | 33 | Free Agent | Atlanta | — Braves | Rangers | ||
| Trevor Hoffman | RP | 43 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | Retire | ||
| Orlando Hudson | 2B | 32 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Twins | ||
| Aubrey Huff | 1B | 33 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — Giants | |||
| Cesar Izturis | SS | 30 | Free Agent | Baltimore | — Orioles | Orioles | ||
| Derek Jeter | SS | 36 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | –Yankees | |||
| Nick Johnson | DH | 32 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Angels | ||
| Reed Johnson | LF | 33 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Dodgers | ||
| Andruw Jones | RF | 33 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | — | Blue Jays | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Gabe Kapler | RF | 35 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Rays | ||
| Austin Kearns | LF | 30 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Yankees | ||
| Adam Kennedy | 2B | 34 | Free Agent | Washington | — | Pirates | ||
| Paul Konerko | 1B | 34 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | –White Sox | |||
| Mark Kotsay | DH | 34 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | — | Orioles | ||
| Hiroki Kuroda | SP | 35 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Rockies | ||
| Gerald Laird | C | 30 | Free Agent | Detroit | — | Rockies | ||
| Adam LaRoche | 1B | 31 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | Orioles | ||
| Jason LaRue | C | 36 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Retire | ||
| Cliff Lee | SP | 32 | Free Agent | Texas | — | Rangers | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Derrek Lee | 1B | 35 | Free Agent | Atlanta | — | Mets | ||
| Mike Lincoln | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Reds | ||
| Felipe Lopez | 3B | 30 | Free Agent | Boston | — | Reds | ||
| Rodrigo Lopez | SP | 34 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | DBacks | ||
| Mike Lowell | 1B | 36 | Free Agent | Boston | — | Retire | ||
| Julio Lugo | 2B | 34 | Free Agent | Baltimore | — | Orioles | ||
| Mike MacDougal | RP | 33 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Cardinals | ||
| Ron Mahay | RP | 39 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Twins | ||
| Victor Martinez | C | 31 | Free Agent | Boston | –Tigers | |||
| Hideki Matsui | DH | 36 | Free Agent | LA Angels | –Athletics | |||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Kevin Mench | LF | 32 | Free Agent | Washington | — | Nationals | ||
| Aaron Miles | 2B | 33 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Cardinals | ||
| Kevin Millwood | SP | 35 | Free Agent | Baltimore | — | Brewers | ||
| Brian Moehler | RP | 38 | Free Agent | Houston | — | Astros | ||
| Chad Moeller | C | 35 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Retire | ||
| Bengie Molina | C | 36 | Free Agent | Texas | — | Rangers | ||
| Melvin Mora | 3B | 38 | Free Agent | Colorado | –Diamondbacks | |||
| Guillermo Mota | RP | 37 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — | Giants | ||
| Xavier Nady | 1B | 31 | Free Agent | Chicago Cubs | — | Cubs | ||
| Will Ohman | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Florida | — | Marlins | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Miguel Olivo | C | 32 | Free Agent | Toronto | — | Blue Jays | ||
| Magglio Ordonez | RF | 36 | Free Agent | Detroit | — | Blue Jays | ||
| Lyle Overbay | 1B | 33 | Free Agent | Toronto | — | DBacks | ||
| Vicente Padilla | SP | 33 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Dodgers | ||
| Chan Ho Park | RP | 37 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | — | Phillies | ||
| Corey Patterson | LF | 31 | Free Agent | Baltimore | — | Orioles | ||
| Carl Pavano | SP | 34 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Brewers | ||
| Jay Payton | LF | 37 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Rockies | ||
| Carlos Pena | 1B | 32 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | –Cubs | |||
| Brad Penny | SP | 32 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Cubs | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Jhonny Peralta | SS | 28 | Free Agent | Detroit | Tigers | |||
| Andy Pettitte | SP | 38 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Retire | ||
| A.J. Pierzynski | C | 33 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | — | Marlins | ||
| Scott Podsednik | LF | 34 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Dodgers | ||
| Nick Punto | 3B | 33 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Twins | ||
| J.J. Putz | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | –Diamondbacks | |||
| Chad Qualls | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Rays | ||
| Manny Ramirez | DH | 38 | Free Agent | Chicago Sox | — | Athletics | ||
| Jon Rauch | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Angels | ||
| Edgar Renteria | SS | 35 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — | Giants | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Dennys Reyes | RP | 33 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Cardinals | ||
| Arthur Rhodes | RP | 41 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Retire | ||
| Mariano Rivera | RP | 40 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | –Yankees | |||
| J.C. Romero | RP | 34 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | — | Phillies | ||
| Bobby Seay | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Detroit | — | Phillies | ||
| Ben Sheets | SP | 32 | Free Agent | Oakland | — | Rangers | ||
| Scot Shields | RP | 35 | Free Agent | LA Angels | — | Angels | ||
| Rafael Soriano | RP | 30 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Angels | ||
| Jorge Sosa | RP | 33 | Free Agent | Florida | — | Marlins | ||
| Russ Springer | RP | 42 | Free Agent | Cincinnati | — | Retire | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Matt Stairs | LF | 42 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Retire | ||
| Jeff Suppan | SP | 35 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Cardinals | ||
| Mike Sweeney | 1B | 37 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | — | Phillies | ||
| Fernando Tatis | 1B | 35 | Free Agent | NY Mets | — | Mets | ||
| Miguel Tejada | SS | 36 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Rockies | ||
| Marcus Thames | DH | 33 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Tigers | ||
| Jim Thome | DH | 40 | Free Agent | Minnesota | — | Twins | ||
| Yorvit Torrealba | C | 32 | Free Agent | San Diego | –Rangers | |||
| Chad Tracy | 3B | 30 | Free Agent | Florida | — | Marlins | ||
| Matt Treanor | C | 34 | Free Agent | Texas | — | Rangers | ||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Koji Uehara | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Baltimore | –Orioles | |||
| Juan Uribe | SS | 31 | Free Agent | San Francisco | — | Giants | ||
| Jason Varitek | C | 38 | Free Agent | Boston | –Red Sox | |||
| Javier Vazquez | SP | 34 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | –Marlins | |||
| Jeff Weaver | RP | 34 | Free Agent | LA Dodgers | — | Retire | ||
| Brandon Webb | SP | 31 | Free Agent | Arizona | — | Dodgers | ||
| Jayson Werth | RF | 31 | Free Agent | Philadelphia | –Nationals | |||
| Jake Westbrook | SP | 33 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — St. Louis | |||
| Dan Wheeler | RP | 32 | Free Agent | Tampa Bay | — | Rays | ||
| Ty Wigginton | 1B | 33 | Free Agent | Baltimore | –Rockies | |||
| PLAYER | POSITION | AGE | STATUS | 2010 TEAM | NEW TEAM | |||
| Randy Winn | RF | 36 | Free Agent | St. Louis | — | Rays | ||
| Kerry Wood | RP | 33 | Free Agent | NY Yankees | — | Cubs | ||
| Chris Woodward | 1B | 34 | Free Agent | Seattle | — | Mariners | ||
| Jamey Wright | RP | 35 | Free Agent | Colorado | — | Rockies | ||
| Chris Young | SP | 31 | Free Agent | San Diego | — | Padres | ||
| Gregg Zaun | C | 39 | Free Agent | Milwaukee | — | |||
What are the Red Sox Going to do?
The Boston Red Sox have already let Victor Martinez sign with the Detroit Tigers. While most fans and media are up in arms, remember one thing. While the Red Sox have not been good with free agency throughout the years, they have known when to let players go. Pedro Martinez. Manny Rameriz. Nomar Garciaparra. Jason Bay. Victor Martinez?
The Red Sox have confidence in Jarrod Saltalamacchia to be their everyday catcher, and I am starting to warm up to the idea. Bring back Jason Varitek to back him up, and then they also have prospect Ryan Lavarnway waiting in the wings. But even though they have some catching options, no one is going to live up to Martinez’s bat.
That’s where free agents and trades come in. The Red Sox were in on Justin Upton, but scoffed when asked for both Jacoby Ellsbury and Daniel Bard. They have always been conected to Jayson Werth, and I have always thought that was the best option for this Boston team. Adrian Gonzalez, also linked to the Red Sox, I believe will be a Red Sox at somepoint. Just not this season. Boston is not going to sell their farm system for a player who will be a free agent next season. This season, they should go for a Paul Konerko/Lance Berkman type of player. Berkman may be the best fit. He will only get a 1/2 year deal for not too much, and can still be productive.
Then the case for Konerko, who I also like a lot. The problem here is years. The Red Sox can not give him too many years if they want Gonzalez, and they also have prospect Anthony Rizzo ready after this season. And then you have that other guy, Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis is willing to play third base, which helps the Red Sox immensly.
What will their roster look like out of training camp? If I had to predict it today, this is what it would be.
SP- Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka
RP- Daniel Bard, Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Taylor Buchholz, Scott Downs, Jason Rice, Felix Doubront, Andrew Miller
IF- Dustin Pedroia, Lance Berkman, Kevin Youkilis, Marco Scutaro, Jed Lowrie, David Ortiz
OF- JD Drew, Jayson Werth, Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron, Daniel Nava
Does not look too bad. Remember, they also have Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick who could be up at certain points. For the pitching side of that, Junichi Tazawa could be up as well.
Yesterday in Baseball: Justin Upton, Derek Jeter, Boston Red Sox
* Justin Upton talks heated up in the GM meetings, with conculded yesterday. The team we heard the most were the Boston Red Sox, but according to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman, the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking for Daniel Bard and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox are unlikely to part with those two, when they can sign Jayson Werth for just money.
Other teams interested are the Yankees, Rockies, Padres, Dodgers and Rays.
* Derek Jeter was reportedly offered a 3 year $42 mm contract by the Yankees. If I were him, I would jump on that. But according to sources, Jeter is looking for at least a four year deal, and maybe up to six.
* The Tigers began talks with Adam Dunn yesterday, and even thought reports origanlly indicated they were deep into talks, they were just preliminary. The Tigers are also known to be targeting Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez and Manny Rameriz. It is possible they could sign Martinez and Dunn
Rumor Roundup….
The Rockies are interested in both Upton and Gavin Floyd and Kevin Millwood
Jonathan Papelbon is unlikely to be traded
Rangers, White Sox, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays interested in Miguel Olivo
Orioles interested in De La Rosa
Josh Willingham getting trade interest
The Weekend in Baseball: Padres, Red Sox, Marlins
A busy last few days in baseball….
* The Red Sox traded Dustin Richardson to Florida for Andrew Miller. An interesting trade. Boston needs bullpen help and Richardson was supposed to be a candidate next season. However, Richardson did not have the greatest stint in Boston last year. The case with Miller is very different. Miller was the #6 overall pick in 2005 by Detroit, and traded to Florida for Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Boston likes to take chances on pitchers with potential, so maybe a diamond in the rough.
* Florida also traded Cameron Maybin to San Diego for two prospects. This may have been to make room for Mike Stanton long term in the outfield, and the fact Maybin really needed a change of scenery. I wonder how this affects a possible Adrian Gonzalez to Boston trade, as Jacoby Ellsbury was always rumored to be a centerpiece in that deal. With Maybin now, does that change the picture for San Diego?
* The Padres have been talking with the Brewers about prospect infielder Brett Lawrie. What is Milwaukee interested in that San Diego has? Probably not Gonzalez, seeing they already have Prince Fielder. You could also say Heath Bell, but Milwaukee seems comfortable with John Axford. Now you think of starting pitching. Who could the Padres give up for Lawrie. Clayton Richard? Keep your eyes on this.
* The Blue Jays are the favorites for Dan Uggla. First thought is why, seeing they have Aaron Hill. But then you think they may move him to third base as they consider non tendering Edwin Encarnacion. It would make sense for Toronto, but they would certainly have to give up some pitching, for Florida preferably bullpen. They’ve already acquired three young relievers this week, and Toronto has plenty of them. That would be an interesting infield for Toronto with Uggla, Yunel Escobar and Aaron Hill.
Total Bases 