Theo’s “95-Win Team”, Beckett’s Extension, Falling Dominoes, and the Mailbag

Theo’s “95-Win Team”

In recent years, one of the most important axioms put forth by the Theo Epstein and the Red Sox front office is the law of the “95-Win Team”. According to this directive, the team’s goal is to target 95-wins annually in an effort to compete every season. This is really a great piece of wisdom, as a team that wins 95 games will make the playoffs most years. In fact, the Wild Card winner since 2003 – the first year Theo took the esteemed office of Red Sox General Manger – has averaged a record of just about 95-67.

However, this doctrine relies on one major assumption – that this team will always be able to perform up to their expected level…

Josh Beckett’s Extension

Over the past few days, rumors have been circulating that the Sox and the Josh Beckett camp have been discussing a contract extension. Adding fuel to the rumors, Beckett and agent Michael Moye have indicated that there will be no hometown discount for the Sox, so the team will have to be ready to shell out quite a bit of cash.

Introducing the FireBrand Mailbag

And, finally, introducing the FireBrand mailbag, where we will answer all of your darkest, most burning questions about Red Sox Baseball. If you would like to ask the writers a question to be answered on the site, please forward your inquiries to Mike_Silver_FireBrandAL@yahoo.com.

Torn about Victor Martinez.

Victor Martinez is a very good hitting catcher. But I am torn as to whether or not something of value should be given up to get him. Because he isn’t always a catcher. He sometimes plays first base as well, as we all know.

If acquired–as mentioned–something of quality would need to be surrendered. Whether that be Buchholz or Bowden, plus someone, I really don’t know. Anyway, if Victor Martinez puts on a Red Sox uniform before August 1st, then which position will he play, predominantly.

Sox to get both Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee?

Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse tweets that the Red Sox have told people they are trying to pull off a big deal, bigger than Roy Halladay.
Price goes on to speculate it may be a Cliff Lee/Victor Martinez package, as reported earlier by Joel Sherman.
The Sox also have been keeping tabs on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm team. It could be related to this big trade, or the Dodgers might be interested in acquiring a bullpen arm, most likely bringing Takashi Saito back.

BOS 3, CLE 1: Streak on

Jason Bay maybe stealing the “clutch” title away from David Ortiz.

4/27: Late Game Thread (still 0-0 so it counts)

Sorry for the late thread…some miscommunication at Fire Brand HQ cost us a few innings….but Wake’s there to pick us up!

BOS 4, NYY 1: Thieves

After Usain Bolt threw out the first pitch in Saturday’s win against the New York Yankees, Jacoby Ellsbury wanted to remind everyone who the fastest person wearing a Boston Red Sox jersey really was.

American League Central Preview.

Victor Martinez should get back on track upon returning from injury. Martinez may not be a great catcher, but he actually has value outside of the batters box, unlike Hafner. I expect good things out of Martinez this season, maybe not great things, but good. Shoppach will handle some of the duties behind the plate as well, which will help Victor stay rested.
If Carlos Santana can make his way up to the big leagues this season, Victor could basically stay at first, and Shoppach could be moved for another piece, since they will need something, somewhere, eventually…

9/23: Lee-ry Much?

Prev. Gm:

Cleveland Indians (79-77) @ Boston Red Sox (91-65)
Cliff Lee (22-2, 2.41) @ Tim Wakefield (9-11, 4.18)
7:05 PM EDT | Fenway Park (Boston, MA)
TV: NESN RADIO: WRKO 680, SBN 1150

GAME [...]

BLOGPOLL: A.L. Awards 7/14

Each week, I am participating in the 2008 MLB Blog Poll at RotoJunkie.com. Below are my current votes for the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year [...]

BLOGPOLL: A.L. Awards 7/1

Each week, I am participating in the 2008 MLB Blog Poll at RotoJunkie.com. Below are my current votes for the Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year [...]