Although my time at NESN was far, far shorter than I hoped/expected, I’ve moved on to the next phase of my career which takes me to the MLB Facts and Rumors blog at CBS Sports.
I’ll be writing alongside long-time Mariners reporter David Andriesen (previously sighted at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer) and C. Trent Rosencrans (Cincinnati Post) to bring baseball fans the latest in general baseball coverage. You can see me there starting Monday.
I’ll be checking in at Fire Brand multiple times a week, resurrecting the trivia challenge and letting everyone know of the latest transactions involving the BoSox.
I’d like to take this time to say a few things I didn’t over the last few months, as well as put out a call for ways Fire Brand can improve:
- You may recall that I wasn’t too hot on the signing of John Lackey. Well, I wasn’t hot on the extension for Josh Beckett either. The way things have played out so far, you might say I was right, but I think it’s far, far too early to fully judge the extensions. (Especially if Lackey corrects his platoon splits as Troy mentioned on Saturday, and if Beckett comes back healthy.) I will say that even if the deals don’t work out as panned, they won’t be busts, either — simply paid market value or slightly over market value. In other words, no biggie. It gives the Sox deep pitching depth, which will and has worked to their advantage.
- David Ortiz is still alive, ladies and gentlemen. While the slump he was in April/May 2009 and April 2010 was nothing short of eye-gouging, he’s proved in the other months that he’s still a force. That said, there’s near-zero chance he sees his $12.5 million option picked up. Does that mean he’s done with the Red Sox? I hope not — I’m of the belief he should be brought back. But both sides may be ready to part.
- Clay Buchholz has emerged as Ace 1B as Jon Lester has moved on to Ace 1A. It’s going to be enjoyable to watch the two pitch together for at least the next five years, but keep in mind that Buchholz’ emergence has all but nailed that there will be no major splash in the trade market for the Red Sox either at the deadline or offseason. Casey Kelly should be considered untouchable and the only other player capable of getting one of the best players in the game (Ryan Westmoreland) is currently dealing with far more important issues than baseball. It doesn’t mean there aren’t strong trade chips — Lars Anderson, Josh Reddick, Ryan Kalish, Anthony Rizzo, Felix Doubront — but Boston will probably have to “settle” for a best-case scenario of getting a player similar to Victor Martinez’ talent level.
- Marco Scutaro has been all Boston could have asked for.
- Mike Cameron is unfortunately going to be relegated to playing time of about 75 percent the rest of the way, a product of his abdominal tear that will eventually require surgery. But this man will impact the club on both sides of the ball before his contract is up.
- The bullpen is simply no good. Jonathan Papelbon is not a shutdown closer anymore, and unfortunately it will not be until after 2011 that the most deserving person (Daniel Bard) takes over. However, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to plug the bullpen hole. Dustin Richardson will be up in the bigs by season’s end and give Boston a power lefty. Past that, Boof Bonser and Ramon Ramirez seem to have some strong talent but struggle to put it all together. Nothing to be worried about.
- Lastly, if there’s anything you think Fire Brand could do better (the site design, bugs, ideas, comments) please shoot me a line or leave a comment. We want to make Fire Brand a strong home for you guys.