Clemens to the Red Sox?

Bentley92 brought up Roger Clemens possibly coming back to the Red Sox.
bentley92 said...

I think it is interesting that they are making a big push to get Roger to come back including a DVD J.H. & NESN is producing.

I heard the talk about Roger coming back to the Sox for next year, but I'm not sure I take it seriously. I would think he 1) still holds a grudge, and 2) I can't believe he would play so far from his home. Would he write his contract so that he would only play in stadiums near to Houston?

I would like to see him play in Boston again. He would have a lot to teach to the younger hotshots (Papelbon, Beckett) that Schilling's personality doesn't allow for. Based on how much Roger (according to media reports) focuses on teaching his sons the basics of baseball, I would imagine he could do the same for our 'kids'.

Tags: Red Sox, Clemens

Bentley, let me know and I'll change the link to one of your sites, instead of your profile. I'm just not sure which one you'd prefer.

Beckett and Sox get arbitration done

Good news for the Red Sox.  With Josh Beckett signed for next year, things should settle down for the Red Sox Nation.  I do expect Wells to be traded during spring training, but I don't expect Manny to be traded at this late date.  It just isn't possible, with Manny's contract, to get an even trade. 

BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: Sox give Beckett $4.325M

The 25-year-old right-hander sought $4.9 million while the Sox offered $3.75 million. The sides reached an agreement at the midpoint. Beckett earned $2.45 million in 2005, when he went 15-8 with a 3.38 ERA. He is eligible for free agency after his first season with the Red Sox and the team has indicated that it didn’t expect to begin negotiating a new deal with Beckett until during or after the season.

In related news:

BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: Crisp agrees to $2.75 million, one-year deal

New Boston center fielder Coco Crisp avoided arbitration by agreeing Monday to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Red Sox, who also announced their $3 million deal with free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

The best team won

By now, it's fairly obvious the best team won. Is there any doubt that the Steelers had the best QB (9/21, 2 interceptions, 0 TD passes, QB Rating under 30), the best running back (Bettis 43 yards, Parker 93, of which 1 was for 75), the best defense (allowed 396 yards total), best special teams (allowed 174 yards in returns, app 30 yards per attempt). They dominated on both sides of the ball (only 26:58 time of possession). Truly, the Steelers should be proud of their performance last night.

Yes, the above paragraph is all about sarcasm.

Maybe I'm making to much of this. The Steelers did beat out the top seeded teams to get to the Superbowl, and it was obvious the Seahawks didn't want to win. What were they doing at the end of the first half? What about the 4 penalties in the first half, including one that nullified the touchdown? Both QB's were throwing airballs all day, allowing whoever jumped higher to catch the ball.

I guess I'm just depressed I stayed up to watch such a boring game.

Tags: Patriots, NFL, superbowl, Steelers, Seahawks, Pittsburgh, Seattle

Brady working on his tossing

Brady will be at midfield to help out in the coin toss. He'll be the first active player to participate in the coin toss. Tom and Deion, as past superbowl MVP's, will be honored in pregame festivities. It's like they think they've retired or something.

Brady will reportedly be having off season surgery to repair a hernia, as well. Looks like he's keeping busy, at least.

Tags: patriots, tom brady, deion branch

One year deal for Gonzalez

Everything about this deal is good. Not only will they get a shortstop for one year who's defensive skills are superior to what they had last year, they also leave the door open for Pedroia to emerge as the starter next year. They keep Cora on as their backup player, but it's all risk free for this year, too. If Gonzalez hasn't recovered from off season surgery, he'll get only 500K.

BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: Gonzalez’ 1-year deal carries minimum risk

At a $3 million pricetag, Alex Gonzalez’ pending deal is considered by most to be a pretty good one for the Red Sox. It’s even better considering the bulk of the money is not guaranteed.

As part of the team’s policy for all free agents, Gonzalez will take a physical here today, the final obstacle remaining before signing his one-year deal with the organization.

The team reduced its risk and maximized its flexibility by retaining the ability to cut Gonzalez before Opening Day and not be on the hook for his entire salary. If they cut him before March 15, they are responsible for one-sixth, or $500,000, and if they cut him between March 16 and Opening Day, they are responsible for roughly one-quarter, or $750,000. If he is on the Opening Day roster, his $3 million becomes guaranteed.



By structuring the Gonzalez deal this way, the Red Sox buy themselves some time in case he passes the physical but has not made enough progress in spring training from his Sept. 30, 2005, arthroscopic surgery to remove two bone chips from his right throwing elbow. Gonzalez had a similar procedure performed at the end of the 2004 season.

The deal also allows the competition to be more intense. No one is expecting shortstop prospect Dustin Pedroia to jump to the top of the depth chart this spring but Alex Cora may have something to prove.