Ask Nick: Bridge Year Edition

(Key – Bold w/italic is Nick Cafordo’s opening, Bold is the quesiton asked, italic is Cafardo’s answer, unaltered text is my writing). FORT MYERS, Fla. – The low expectations for the Red Sox continue to ooze out in this week’s mailbag. There are lots...

Player Development: How Did Theo Do?

Theo Epstein’s stated goal when he took over as General Manager of the Red Sox was to turn the Sox into a “player development machine”. He envisioned a pipeline of minor league talent that would replenish the major league roster whenever needed. So how successful was...

Dreaming Big

Following a putrid 69-win season, there isn’t much optimism surrounding the Red Sox’ chances of winning the American League East in 2013. The Sox have not made the postseason since 2009. They haven’t won the division since 2007, which is the only time they’ve done it...

Bold Predictions for 2013, Part 2 — The Batters

Part 1: The Pitchers  Part 2: The Batters Part 3: The League (2/7) The same disclaimers apply:  1) Please feel free to bookmark them and come back later in September/October to see how I did — you know that if I hit on a few you’re going to hear about it. 2)...

Ryan Kalish And Prospect Attrition

You don’t have to be a Red Sox fan to have your heart go out to Ryan Kalish. After an exciting 2010 debut in which he showcased his potential, his flaws and his energy all at once, many assumed Kalish would start 2011 as the team’s left fielder. Then came the Carl...

Jackie Bradley Jr.: Different, But Good

For the better part of the past decade, the Red Sox have allowed three players to roam center field: Johnny Damon, Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury. Damon finished his career as one of the better Red Sox players of the 2000s: a postseason hero blessed with tremendous...

Coming to the Defense of Shane Victorino: Part Two

Part One of Shane Victorino’s Defense can be found here. As I am sure all of you know; a position player’s overall value is not simply tied to offense (with the exception of the David Ortiz’s and Miguel Cabrera‘s of the world). In the world of the Bill...

Coming to the Defense of Shane Victorino: Part One

Part one of a two part series on the defense of the signing Shane Victorino. We begin on offense: As a Boston Red Sox fan living in “Braves Country” I have to persistently make an effort to get my daily Sox news throughout the day. The Atlanta Journal Constitution,...