All-Aughts Team of the Decade SP5: Tim Wakefield

He's certainly not the ace of the All-Aughts Team of the Decade, but Tim Wakefield has himself a spot in the rotation as the No. 5 starter (there are five rotation spots that will be named) as he is the only pitcher to play for Boston every year from 2000-9. In 2009, Wakefield hovered around a mid-4 ERA for the seventh straight year, leading the American League in victories at the halfway point while being named to the All-Star team. (Fire Brand archive: Mr. Reliable, 3/14/09.) It all went to hell in a handbasket after that, as he made just four starts the rest of the way before undergoing back surgery in the offseason. (Fire Brand Archive: Wakefield set to return, but for how long? 9/21/09.)

New Poll Question: Which Red Sox veteran will have the biggest impact on the 2010 team?

New Poll Question: Which Red Sox veteran will have the biggest impact on the 2010 team? * Jason Varitek * Tim Wakefield

So Much So Soon: Analyzing the Sox’ Looong Weekend

Well, that was quick. After a slow couple weeks while we waited for the crowning of the new World Series Champion (who, sadly, were the New York Yankees), the MLB hot stove exploded in a flurry of moves including the trades of Jeremy Hermida and J.J. Hardy, the rejection of Alex Gonzalez’s, Jermaine Dye’s, and Jason Varitek’s options, the outrighting of Nick Green and Joey Gathright, the retention of Victor Martinez, and the re-signing of Tim Wakefield and Bobby Abreu. I’m out of breath. But man, what a week. Jeremy Hermida Though Hermida was just the first pin to drop, coming over to Boston in exchange for Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez, he is quite the exciting piece. Though he vastly underperformed his prospect billing during his seasons with the Marlins, Hermida used to be quite the prospect, ranking as Florida’s top farmhand from 2004-2006 and the MLB’s 4^th best in 2006. But he has fallen quite far since then, posting a cumulative .265/.344/.425 line in 1708 career at-bats. Though Hermida is a big-bodied corner outfielder, standing 6-3, 222 lbs, his power has yet to come around at the big league level, as he posted a career high of just 18 homers back in 2007. Of greater concern, however, has been the dissipation of his walk rate since arriving in the Majors. His once begone elite batting eye was the primary reason for his soaring stock in the minor leagues – of particular interest was his prodigious showing at AA Carolina in 2005, where he drew 111 BBs against just 89 strikeouts in 504 plate appearances on his way to a .293/.457/.518 line.

Wake Re-signed, Contract Re-Negotiated

According to Dan Roche of WBZ-TV, the Sox have re-signed Sox' elder statesman Tim Wakefield to a two-year deal, guaranteeing the pitcher $3.5 million in 2010 and $1.5 million in 2011. MLB Trade Rumors, citing WEEI's Rob Bradford, states that the deal could approach $7 million should the knuckleballer reach all his incentive landmarks. This contract is a departure from past negotiations between the Sox and Wakefield, where the team held a renewable $4 million option on the pitcher's services. The transaction demonstrates that the Red Sox brass have lost a modicum of confidence in Wakefield and his ailing back, as he recovers from his latest surgery and enters his age-44 season. While it is discouraging that the team has lost enough faith in Wake to discontinue his $4 million option, the good news is that he will once again be donning the Boston red come April. Hopefully, he will be able to top his 129.2 inning total from 2009, which was his lowest single-season mark since his rookie season in 1992. Given Wake's effectiveness last season, the Sox can reasonably expect good production out of their aging starter. His 4.58 ERA and 4.58 FIP suggest a quality pitcher still remains, so long as he can stay out of the trainer's room. However, his accumulating injuries suggest that he cannot be relied upon to consistently take the mound. While it's unfortunate that the Sox ended their previous arrangement with Wakefield, it is a good move for the team, as they can save a couple million here and there, allowing the team to spend money elsewhere. In addition, there is a very good chance that this is Wake's final contract, so any leverage he gains by 2012 through performance and inflation will likely make little difference. While $0.5 million this season and $2.5 million in 2010 may not seem like much, the money saved will go a long way toward keeping young talent around in arbitration and signing bench players to add depth.Even for teams with $100+ million payrolls, every penny counts.

Wakefield, Hoyer, and Squinting at Free Agents

Wake Undergoes Surgery Tim Wakefield underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a herniated disk and loose bone fragment in his back. Wakefield is expected to pitch next year and should be ready for Spring Training. The 43 year-old vet was visually hampered last year, turning in a 4.58 ERA and 4.58 FIP despite his woeful last three starts (14 IP, 14 ER, 8 K, 12 BB). Squinting at Free Agents While we have gone at length discussing the top free agents and mapping out blueprints for the Sox’ offseason, there are a number of intriguing names on the market that are flying under the radar. Not all of them are the safest bets, with varying levels of performance or injury history, but they do have some sex appeal. Here are a few names to mull over. Special thanks to Eddie Bajek of MLB Trade Rumors. OF Rick Ankiel: Ankiel came off a sub-par season in 2009, as his power was down, his walks were down, and his K’s were up en route to a .231/.285/.387 line.

Red Sox Offseason BluePrint v.2 : Holliday, Harden, Scutaro

Like most teams, the Boston Red Sox offseason will be defined by the willingness of their owner to open his wallet. Fortunately for Sox fans nationwide, Uncle John certainly has some deep pockets. However, the amount he is willing to spend will have a lot to say about the direction that this team will be headed. The prudent move by the Red Sox will be to look for incremental gains in what is partly a transitional year, while also being a year of opportunity. The club has nearly its entire 2009 starting lineup under contract, including its entire starting staff and at least seven of nine position players. For a team that won 95 games last season, that’s a recipe for success. Still, the American League gets more competitive every year, as the AL West, the Yankees, and our little brother Rays make it harder and harder to buy the Wild Card.

Red Sox Offseason Blueprint v.1: Figgins, King Felix head to Boston

Today is the first in a three version series on an offseason blueprint the Red Sox should follow. What should their starting lineup and pitching staff look like entering the 2010 season? I'll take a look at one possible scenario while Mike and Tim follow up with their own in the next two days. Before I jump in, let me clarify something important: this is not necessarily a prediction of what the Sox will do, nor an endorsement of a particular path. All this is is simply food for thought. What possible scenarios could Boston pursue? Well, this particular one involves three major names being added to the team while losing Clay Buchholz.

Sunday Notes: Wake done, Farrell staying, etc.

Happy Sunday, everyone. It's the last day of the 2009 regular season. Mixed emotions abound... a dark winter is foretold, but the most exciting time in baseball is well within our grasp. Let's check out what's going on in Red Sox land...

TOR 12, BOS 0: Jays Fly Away, Sweep Sox

After getting swept for the second series in a row, the Red Sox look as if they are used to the late season beat down, getting blown out by the Blue Jays, 12-0, Wednesday night.

Roy Halladay went the distance last night, while Tim Wakefield let up five in only three innings of work. Joey Gathright gave the Red Sox a few brief moments of hope, but the Doc had a quick cure for those, namely six strikeouts over nine innings and only three hits.

9/30: Scrub time

GAME NOTES: Well, the Sox lost last night... but clinched the Wild Card. Whatever works, I guess. Scrub lineup tonight, check the comments for it. Please note I will be holding live chats for every playoff game the Red Sox are in.