MVN: Most Valuable Network

Which TV characters resemble Red Sox players?

I was thinking about the multitude of TV shows that I watch and I thought it would be pretty funny and cool to pair up who I think represents a certain character best on the Red Sox. I'm not limiting this to one show (but am limiting it to shows currently on the air), so... let's check out my comparisons. In the comments, leave your own!

J.D. Drew still hurting

In 2008, J.D. Drew was hobbled by a herniated disk. The fallout is still hindering him as he is battling back soreness. While he is still able to play, I would venture a guess that Tito will rest Drew more often against tougher left-handed pitchers in favor of Rocco Baldelli.

Fireside Chats #31: Where a little Smoltz and Baldelli goes a long way

Download

Paul and Tim seem to have recovered from the aftershock of Mark Teixeira's donning the pinstripes, and John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli have alot to do with it. Aside from breaking down the new acquisitions, they go up and down the lineup, wonder if Tim Wakefield's position on this team is secure, and review the MLB Network. Are they suddenly optimistic about the Red Sox 2009 prospects? Listen and find out.

JUNKYARD DOGS, A Season of Redemption . . . and Hope.

17 of the starting 25 Red Sox for 2009 have much to prove this season. Of this number, 15 are rebounding from injuries which plagued 2008.

Rocco Baldelli, John Smoltz signings are master strokes

Smoltz - y-its-mom (Flickr)

As we all know by now, the Boston Red Sox are on the cusp of signing outfielder Rocco Baldelli and starting pitcher John Smoltz to contracts. These are master strokes by general manager Theo Epstein.

All that's standing in the way of Penny, Smoltz and Baldelli is not ineffectiveness, it's injury. And all indications (considering the Red Sox do their homework on this) is that these players do not have injuries holding them back anymore.

They're ready and able to get Boston that World Series ring in a year where they have two heavyweights on their back in the Yankees and Rays. What the Yankees and Rays may not be counting on, however, is that the Sox, as presently constituted, could be better than them.

Cafardo's Latest: Baldelli, Smoltz close

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is reporting that Rocco Baldelli and the Boston Red Sox are close to agreeing on terms for the Rhode Island native to become the fourth outfielder for 2009. The St. Petersburg Times reported earlier this evening that Baldelli was likely to sign soon, and Peter Gammons later reported that Rocco and the Red Sox "close."

Cafardo is also reporting the team is likely to announce a deal with 42-year old veteran John Smoltz. Sources involved with negotiations indicate Smoltz with get a one year, $5.5 million deal with the potential to make $10 million in 2009. Smoltz is likely to return by early May and has a desire to be a starter.

Fourth Outfielder Candidates: Rocco Baldelli

This is part one of a three part series about the fourth outfield spot for the 2009 season. Let's begin with Rocco Baldelli, the former Tampa Bay Ray golden boy who mysterious medical situation has turned up more false hope and dead ends than the search for Natalie Holloway. Currently, the Reds, Pirates, Rays, and Red Sox are interested in signing the 27 year old outfielder. There have been recent reports indicating his condition has been upgraded and is "more treatable" than thought before. There is a good chance his fatigue could have been a reaction to medication given based on a misdiagnosis.

Who should be the fourth outfielder in 2009?

With JD Drew, Jason Bay, and Jacoby Ellsbury all under contract for 2009, the Red Sox starting outfield is set in stone before pitchers and catchers report. Unless you consider Jonathan Van Every, Chris Carter, or Jeff Bailey a long-term solution, the team still needs to acquire a fourth outfielder via free agency or trade. Needing to acquire a fourth outfielder may seem like an exercise in gluttony, but let's be candid about our current situation. JD Drew has played 135 games or less seven times in his ten year career and the Red Sox can afford to pay above market on some spare parts to sit the bench.

Sox set to sign Baldelli, Bloomquist?

The Red Sox have been hotly linked to two players: Seattle's Willie Bloomquist and Tampa Bay's Rocco Baldelli.

Fireside Chats #28: Where the hot stove keeps us warm and we tool on Evan Grant in honor of the AL MVP

In this week's Fireside Chats podcast, Tim and Paul celebrate the coronation of Dustin Pedroia: AL MVP, look at what the trade of Coco Crisp to the Royals may signify, and talk over a hot stove.

TB 9, BOS 1: Upton, Baldelli ring out Sox

B. J. Upton and Rocco Baldelli both belted three-run home runs in the Rays 9-1 win over Boston to take a 2-1 lead in the ALCS. Jon Lester only lasted 5 2/3's innings, eight hits, five runs, four earned, two walks, seven strikeouts, and two homers in the loss. Goat of the Game: It hurts to say this... Lester just did not have it today. Boston just did not have it today. Next Game: Wakefield With the way the offense looked today hope for lots of goose eggs on the board tomorrow....

Know Thy Enemy: 2008 Tampa Bay Rays

When you've finished nine of the ten seasons in your franchise's history in last place of your division and you've only cracked the 70 win mark once, maybe a change of name serves to help wipe that slate clean. At least the Tampa Bay Rays and their fans would like to think so. The Devil Rays were always burdened with a complete and utter lack of pitching and raw, but not developed, talent at the plate. The newly named Rays hope that 2008 signifies a step in a new direction. With a developing ace in Scott Kazmir, a solid two in James Shields, and youth at the tail in Matt Garza, Edwin Jackson, and Andy Sonnanstine, the Rays staff should provide support for a surprisingly tough lineup. These aren't your father's Rays. Fire Brand Quote of the Team: "Will score a bunch of runs. Can they stop giving up so...

Know Thy Enemy 2007: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

This is the first installment of our annual Know Thy Enemy series, where Firebrand goes in-depth and analyzes the key members of each of our division rivals. We’ll go through the starting lineup, rotation, bullpen, GM and even decide which off-season move will benefit and detract the most from each given team. First, the cellar dwellers of the AL East for many years, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team still flirting with youth and trying to get by with limited resources and no payroll. They have flashes of potential on the roster, but overall 2007 could be another struggle for the maligned franchise. For a team the Sox play 5849 times this upcoming year, I thought it would be a good idea to go inside the Devil Rays makeup: General Manager- Andrew Friedman A busy first season as GM for Friedman, who did his best to rid the team...