Numbers

For whatever reason, I've been having a large number of conversations about retired numbers lately. From students trying to get me on a tangent by asking who they all are to discussions about whether Pedro Martinez' return on Opening Day was a play to get 45 on the facade, the frequency of the topic has gotten me thinking about what the next number retired would be. So, instead of the usual recriminations or wishful thoughts on the 2010 campaign, I wanted to run down the top 5 candidates in order of what I think is their likelihood of retirement. I don't expect everyone to agree, but it should spark some interesting conversation.

The current list stands at 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, and 27 (along with Jackie Robinson's 42). Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, Jim Rice and Carlton Fisk -- as good a rundown of Red Sox greats as you can get. Hall of Famers all, aside from Pesky, who represents a special case. The restrictions on retirement have been eased by current ownership, and the rules are now a bit fuzzy; it used to be that a player had to begin and finish a Hall of Fame career with the Sox. That seems to no longer be the case, despite a few acrobatic moves to get Fisk there. So, with that in mind, here is my list of five, along with their numbers, chances and qualifications.

5/11 Online Seats Game Thread: Winning Red Sox Start Shaky Dice-K

The Boston Red Sox have finally pushed themselves to a winning record, and they will look to carry that momentum into tonight's game, as Daisuke Matsuzaka teeters on the edge of a double digit ERA.

5/10 Online Seats Game Thread: Blue Jays Bring Brighter Skies to Boston

After avoiding a New York Yankees sweep last night on ESPN, the Boston Red Sox will look to regain some ground in the AL East as the Toronto Blue Jays will send Brandon Morrow to the hill to face John Lackey.

5/9 Online Seats Game Thread: Lester Lessens the Blow for Boston

The New York Yankees have been more than effective against the Boston Red Sox this season, but Jon Lester will head to the hill this mother's day to try to retake some ground against A.J. Burnett and crew.

The Future Holds many Questions for the Red Sox Catching — And Hopefully an Answer

Fact: As a catcher, Victor Martinez makes a good first baseman – and a D.H.

Fact: Jason Varitek, at 38, is on the down side of a once brilliant career. Fact: Both players’ contracts expire after the 2010 season. Question: Who will comprise the next generation of Red Sox catchers? Will it be either Pawtucket catcher Mark Wagner or Dusty Brown, each of whom is on Boston’s 40-man roster? Or will it be one – or both – of Boston’s very best catcher prospects, Luis Exposito or Tim Federowicz?

5/8 Online Seats Game Thread: Buchholz Backs Boston

The New York Yankees took their twentieth win of the season last night from the Boston Red Sox. Boston will send Clay Buchholz to the hill tonight to face C.C. Sabathia to put the Red Sox past the .500 mark.

History tells us that the cards are stacked against a Red October

Last week, I wrote a realistic but pessimist outlook for the Red Sox. Essentially, my point was that the Rays and Yankees are too good with too big of a lead for the Red Sox to have a better than 50/50 chance to over take either club and make the playoffs.

5/7 Online Seats Game Thread: Red Sox’ Rivals Return

The biggest rivalry in baseball returns tonight as the Boston Red Sox begin their second series of the year against the New York Yankees. The first meeting between the two titans saw the Red Sox draw first blood on opening night, while they ultimately fell short of the series victory. Tonight, Terry Francona will send his ace Josh Beckett out to the hill to take on Phil Hughes at Fenway Park.

5/6 Online Seats Game Thread: Dice-K To Shake off A Dicey Start

The Boston Red Sox are riding the .500 line after taking three in a row off of the Los Angeles Angels. Now, Daisuke Matsuzaka will have to shake off the rust from his first start, in which he got tagged for six earned runs on seven hits against the Orioles, in order to complete the sweep of the Angels and give the Red Sox a winning record.

5/5 Online Seats Game Thread: Angels Face Lackey for the First Time as a Member of the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are picking up speed against the Los Angeles Angels at home. Tonight, John Lackey will take the hill to protect his new house against his old team.