Fireside Chats #37: Where we get the goods from the Red Seat and talk long term contracts

Spring Training brings out the best in Paul and I as we go into the rolodeck for a special guest, one of our favorite apparel producers in Red Sox Nation, Chris from The Red Seat.

But before we talk t-shirts, we talk contracts. Spurred on by the good “news” of Jon Lester’s “reported” contract extension, we talk long term contracts. We wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t an extension in the works for closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Not that he wouldn’t be deserving, we make the case that it’s not in either sides’ best interest. Plus, have you seen Daniel Bard pitch this spring?

As you prepare for your Fenway Park wardrobe this summer, look no further than our friends at The Red Seat (http://www.theredseat.com). Chris tells us about his company and where they come up with their great designs. I still think they missed a best seller in a Manny shirt, but their repertoire of t-shirts rivals that of Dice-K’s pitches.

Chris was kind enough to offer up some shirts as giveaways to Fireside Chats listeners over the next four weeks as we prepare for Opening Day. But we are going to make you earn it. Next week, we’ll be giving out one Red Seat t-shirt to the caller (yes you have to call in and leave a voice mail – the number’s below) who best describes their first Fenway Park experience. Paul and I will select the best narration to win a Red Seat original t-shirt.

Red Sox chat underway!

Click here and join us.

About Joe Mauer… and his back

From MLB.com:
Joe Mauer is scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance arthrogram on Wednesday since he has continued to experience discomfort in his lower back nearly 2 1/2 months after [...]

Jon Lester: For Better or Worse 2009

As are most of our readers, I too am thrilled with the news of Jon Lester’s recent 5 year, $30 million dollar contract extension that includes a $13 million dollar club option that could keep the young southpaw in Boston through 2014.

The 2008 season was a breakout season for Lester in more than just the obvious ways. From the no-hitter, to two A.L. Pitcher of the Month awards, Lester took the mantle of staff ace on his shoulders without it ever being asked of him.

As we look forward to 2009, the expectation of Josh Beckett’s performance might not require Lester to continue to play the role of #1 starter. There are more than enough indicators from 2008 however, that point to Lester’s ascension to the elite levels of Major League pitchers whether its required of him or not.

Chat Red Sox with Evan Brunell

Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT, Evan Brunell will be chatting Red Sox with the
fine folks over at Red Soxx Country. Submit your questions to NESC2006[AT]cox.net (replace [AT] with @) or join the chat and ask your own questions when the forum opens. See you then.

A moment of silence

Click to see who.