Francona on the hot seat (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

The "TITO WATCH" begins now...

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I'd make it the Theo watch with this roster full of lotto tickets.

 

[PIK95]

You guys are nuts. They could finish last and nobody would lose there jobs.

 

[eoMMan]

You guys are nuts. They could finish last and nobody would lose there jobs.

ORLY?

 

[Darth Cheney]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

 

[the moops]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

 

[MAC_32]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

The only roster that might be deeper is the Rays, and I do not say that with any confidence at all.

 

[Darth Cheney]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

I guess you don't watch many of their games. That starting lineup is fairly average at best. He's got a nice pitching staff...albeit some questions there.

 

[HellToupee]

what a stupid ### thread

 

[Homer @ RJ]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

I guess you don't watch many of their games. That starting lineup is fairly average at best. He's got a nice pitching staff...albeit some questions there.

Pedroria-Youklis-Ortiz-Bay is average? They have one super-sucky hitter in Varitek and some average bats in Lowrie, Ellsbury and Lowell, but that team is WAAAAY above average on paper.

 

[Raider Nation]

what a stupid ### thread

Agreed. It's a much dumber premise than say a "Yankees Rebuilding" thread.

 

[Darth Cheney]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

I guess you don't watch many of their games. That starting lineup is fairly average at best. He's got a nice pitching staff...albeit some questions there.

Pedroria-Youklis-Ortiz-Bay is average? They have one super-sucky hitter in Varitek and some average bats in Lowrie, Ellsbury and Lowell, but that team is WAAAAY above average on paper.

Ortiz is on a decline. Bay is no ManRam. Youk and Pedroria are quality ballplayers.

 

[the moops]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

I guess you don't watch many of their games. That starting lineup is fairly average at best. He's got a nice pitching staff...albeit some questions there.

Pedroria-Youklis-Ortiz-Bay is average? They have one super-sucky hitter in Varitek and some average bats in Lowrie, Ellsbury and Lowell, but that team is WAAAAY above average on paper.

Ortiz is on a decline. Bay is no ManRam. Youk and Pedroria are quality ballplayers.

What AL teams lineup would you rather have?

 

[Homer @ RJ]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

The Red Sox roster is thin on talent?

I guess you don't watch many of their games. That starting lineup is fairly average at best. He's got a nice pitching staff...albeit some questions there.

Pedroria-Youklis-Ortiz-Bay is average? They have one super-sucky hitter in Varitek and some average bats in Lowrie, Ellsbury and Lowell, but that team is WAAAAY above average on paper.

Ortiz is on a decline. Bay is no ManRam. Youk and Pedroria are quality ballplayers.

So since Bay is no Manny (nobody other than the Moops has tried to claim he is), he's a below-average player? Since Ortiz is on the decline, he's a below-average player? It's going to take a lot to keep them out of the race, and nothing you have mentioned seems likely.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

what a stupid ### thread

Agreed. It's a much dumber premise than say a "Yankees Rebuilding" thread.

 

[the moops]

So since Bay is no Manny (nobody other than the Moops has tried to claim he is), he's a below-average player?

I never said any such thing.Jason Bay is nowhere near as good of a ballplayer as Manny.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Can't believe he still has a job. Worst manager in BoSox history.

 

[the moops]

Can't believe he still has a job. Worst manager in BoSox history.

 

[Gr00vus]

It's all about pitching this year with the Sox. The staff's struggled a bit to start the season against two of the strongest offenses in the league. The bullpen will get right and if one of Penny, Smoltz or Buchholtz pitches well this season (assuming the top 3 guys perform as they should) they'll be tough to beat.

I do expect the offense to take a marked step back from years past due to some roster turnover and age.

 

[Darth Cheney]

It's all about pitching this year with the Sox. The staff's struggled a bit to start the season against two of the strongest offenses in the league. The bullpen will get right and if one of Penny, Smoltz or Buchholtz pitches well this season (assuming the top 3 guys perform as they should) they'll be tough to beat. I do expect the offense to take a marked step back from years past due to some roster turnover and age.

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! That can't be!!!!!!!

 

[HellToupee]

. I do expect the offense to take a marked step back from years past due to some roster turnover and age.

until the deal is made

 

[Clifton]

. I do expect the offense to take a marked step back from years past due to some roster turnover and age.

until the deal is made

The Hanley deal? Should be finalized before the break.

 

[Raider Nation]

Dice-K injured... leaves game after 1 inning. This can't help matters.

 

[Finless]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

 

[Raider Nation]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

I think I've identified the problem with your team. Too many goatees. Youk, Lowell, Tek, etc. The goat went out of style in '98.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

 

[Gr00vus]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

 

[Homer @ RJ]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

You don't honestly think there's some Hanley deal in place do you? Let me guess...Buchholtz and Lowrie for Hanley?

 

[Finless]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

Agreed but I was talking about every game, not just last night's. Masterson will stay in the pen. I think he's a starter but the Sox want him where he is. I think we may see Bowden. This goes beyond last night. They just don't look alive out there. Ortiz is done in my opinion. You can't lose the middle of the lineup production of Ortiz, Manny and even Lowell and expect to pick up where you left off. Yes they added Bay but that's just not enough. Drew and Ellsbury can't hit and Pedroia and Youkilis can't carry this team.Wouldn't be surprised to see the them bring up Lars and shake things up. This team as it stands isn't going anywhere in this division. Great rotation and strong pen but they just don't have the firepower at the dish anymore. When we failed to make any real improvements over last year I was worried. I know the season is young but I honestly think Ortiz is done and with the exception of last year he's consistently put up borderline MVP numbers. Bay is a nice addition but he's probably going to put up similar numbers to Lowell before his injury and we're not going to see that production out of Lowell anymore.I'd like to see Ellsbury heat up and Theo put a package together for Hanley. I know they tried it a few months ago.This team is in trouble. Reminds me of the Tigers in 2007. Could be a long summer.

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

You don't honestly think there's some Hanley deal in place do you? Let me guess...Buchholtz and Lowrie for Hanley?

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

 

[Homer @ RJ]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.Why would the Marlins do that deal?

 

[Gr00vus]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

You don't honestly think there's some Hanley deal in place do you? Let me guess...Buchholtz and Lowrie for Hanley?

If I'm the Marlins I don't trade Hanley, period. I don't really buy the rumors, but you have to at least acknowledge them, right?

 

[Gr00vus]

Masterson will stay in the pen. I think he's a starter but the Sox want him where he is. I think we may see Bowden. This goes beyond last night. They just don't look alive out there. Ortiz is done in my opinion. You can't lose the middle of the lineup production of Ortiz, Manny and even Lowell and expect to pick up where you left off. Yes they added Bay but that's just not enough. Drew and Ellsbury can't hit and Pedroia and Youkilis can't carry this team.Wouldn't be surprised to see the them bring up Lars and shake things up. This team as it stands isn't going anywhere in this division. Great rotation and strong pen but they just don't have the firepower at the dish anymore. When we failed to make any real improvements over last year I was worried. I know the season is young but I honestly think Ortiz is done and with the exception of last year he's consistently put up borderline MVP numbers. Bay is a nice addition but he's probably going to put up similar numbers to Lowell before his injury and we're not going to see that production out of Lowell anymore.

I agree with just about all this. I think they still have a shot in the division if the pitching holds up. I've said earlier I think they're wasting Masterson in the pen - I think he could give them more than Wakefield at the very least, those guys could swap. It'll be tough on them if Daisuke is down for a while. It looks like he'll need a week or two off at least to recover, but who knows. They're going to miss Manny though, Bay just isn't the presence Manny is. Maybe they can get Giambi from the A's in their annual fire sale for the stretch run and move Youkilis over to 3rd again. I don't know what the path of least resistance is going to be for them to upgrade their offense.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

This is a bit painful to watch. No fire whatsoever. Its like an empty clubhouse....no soul.

If it wasn't for running a pitcher out there who obviously shouldn't be pitching right now (and leaving him out there when he obviously wasn't right), they probably would have won last night. They will have a problem if Matsuzaka is out for a while unless Buchholtz can be productive in the rotation - but that also would probably neg any Hanley deal. Maybe they give Masterson a shot at starting now?

You don't honestly think there's some Hanley deal in place do you? Let me guess...Buchholtz and Lowrie for Hanley?

If I'm the Marlins I don't trade Hanley, period. I don't really buy the rumors, but you have to at least acknowledge them, right?

No. A lot of message board nerds trying to swirl #### up, especially when it comes to the Yanks, Red Sox and sometimes the Mets.The Marlins got their stadium as well. They're not trading Hanley.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

Masterson will stay in the pen. I think he's a starter but the Sox want him where he is. I think we may see Bowden. This goes beyond last night. They just don't look alive out there. Ortiz is done in my opinion. You can't lose the middle of the lineup production of Ortiz, Manny and even Lowell and expect to pick up where you left off. Yes they added Bay but that's just not enough. Drew and Ellsbury can't hit and Pedroia and Youkilis can't carry this team.Wouldn't be surprised to see the them bring up Lars and shake things up. This team as it stands isn't going anywhere in this division. Great rotation and strong pen but they just don't have the firepower at the dish anymore. When we failed to make any real improvements over last year I was worried. I know the season is young but I honestly think Ortiz is done and with the exception of last year he's consistently put up borderline MVP numbers. Bay is a nice addition but he's probably going to put up similar numbers to Lowell before his injury and we're not going to see that production out of Lowell anymore.

I agree with just about all this. I think they still have a shot in the division if the pitching holds up. I've said earlier I think they're wasting Masterson in the pen - I think he could give them more than Wakefield at the very least, those guys could swap. It'll be tough on them if Daisuke is down for a while. It looks like he'll need a week or two off at least to recover, but who knows. They're going to miss Manny though, Bay just isn't the presence Manny is. Maybe they can get Giambi from the A's in their annual fire sale for the stretch run and move Youkilis over to 3rd again. I don't know what the path of least resistance is going to be for them to upgrade their offense.

Giambi is on an insanely cheap contract, and Oakland is good enough in a bad division that they should be able to hang around all year. They don't (at the moment) appear to have any reason to dump anybody. Plus, JG is a horrid defensive first baseman. Going from Youk (exellent) to JG would be bad times.Not trying to piss on your ideas, just giving you another side to it.

 

[Finless]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.Why would the Marlins do that deal?

The Marlins were said to be most interested in a centerfielder, and it's believed Boston's promising young centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz were among those mentioned in a potential package for Ramirez

I don't make the news Cap, I just pass it on. If the Marlins weren't willing to deal they wouldn't have listened. And if the Sox weren't interested they wouldn't have contacted the Marlins. Sure it didn't go anywhere but all deals begin with interest and discussion. On another note you might want to dial the smug factor down just a hair. I know you have a good young team but it took a decade of finishing in the basement to get there. You're as cocky these day as the fans of the teams that have actually won something. The same fans you've bashed for years. Not a personal attack, just an observation.

 

[Sammy3469]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

It's a better than fair deal for a mid to big market club, but after 3 years, the 15 mil per year isn't digestable for them in their current park. Even now, their payroll for this year went from something like 21-22 million last year to 32-35 million this year in an environment where revenues are going to be down. I don't see them doing anything right now, but can easily see them do something in July if they're out of it again and want to get rid salary.

 

[Finless]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

It's a better than fair deal for a mid to big market club, but after 3 years, the 15 mil per year isn't digestable for them in their current park. Even now, their payroll for this year went from something like 21-22 million last year to 32-35 million this year in an environment where revenues are going to be down. I don't see them doing anything right now, but can easily see them do something in July if they're out of it again and want to get rid salary.

Bingo bongo

 

[Annyong]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.Why would the Marlins do that deal?

The Marlins were said to be most interested in a centerfielder, and it's believed Boston's promising young centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz were among those mentioned in a potential package for Ramirez

I don't make the news Cap, I just pass it on. If the Marlins weren't willing to deal they wouldn't have listened. And if the Sox weren't interested they wouldn't have contacted the Marlins. Sure it didn't go anywhere but all deals begin with interest and discussion. On another note you might want to dial the smug factor down just a hair. I know you have a good young team but it took a decade of finishing in the basement to get there. You're as cocky these day as the fans of the teams that have actually won something. The same fans you've bashed for years. Not a personal attack, just an observation.

Source?

 

[Homer @ RJ]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

The Marlins were said to be most interested in a centerfielder, and it's believed Boston's promising young centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz were among those mentioned in a potential package for Ramirez

I don't make the news Cap, I just pass it on. If the Marlins weren't willing to deal they wouldn't have listened. And if the Sox weren't interested they wouldn't have contacted the Marlins. Sure it didn't go anywhere but all deals begin with interest and discussion. On another note you might want to dial the smug factor down just a hair. I know you have a good young team but it took a decade of finishing in the basement to get there. You're as cocky these day as the fans of the teams that have actually won something. The same fans you've bashed for years. Not a personal attack, just an observation.

A Red Sox fan telling me to stop being cocky? :( Nothing in this thread I've said has been cocky. By the way, the bolded comment is nerdalicious. Really, no fans should be cocky, chach. We're all just watching. Some just have the fortune to be in places where there are good teams. Or some (like most Sox/Yanks fans) just latch onto the bandwagon and go full speed ahead.

And I know you're trying to dismiss their 2008 season by saying "teams that actually won something", but that team with a $40 million dollar payroll did take your team down, twice. That's something.

 

[Darth Cheney]

Tito's good when he has more talent than the opposing team. When his roster is thin on talent like now or when he is playing a decidedly better team...he struggles.

:( This guy knows things.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

It's a better than fair deal for a mid to big market club, but after 3 years, the 15 mil per year isn't digestable for them in their current park. Even now, their payroll for this year went from something like 21-22 million last year to 32-35 million this year in an environment where revenues are going to be down. I don't see them doing anything right now, but can easily see them do something in July if they're out of it again and want to get rid salary.

So in 2012 his contract becomes a bear? Still doesn't answer why they would do it now. I mean, they make extra income if they play playoff games, and they have an excellent shot at that for the next three seasons.

 

[Gr00vus]

Masterson will stay in the pen. I think he's a starter but the Sox want him where he is. I think we may see Bowden. This goes beyond last night. They just don't look alive out there. Ortiz is done in my opinion. You can't lose the middle of the lineup production of Ortiz, Manny and even Lowell and expect to pick up where you left off. Yes they added Bay but that's just not enough. Drew and Ellsbury can't hit and Pedroia and Youkilis can't carry this team.Wouldn't be surprised to see the them bring up Lars and shake things up. This team as it stands isn't going anywhere in this division. Great rotation and strong pen but they just don't have the firepower at the dish anymore. When we failed to make any real improvements over last year I was worried. I know the season is young but I honestly think Ortiz is done and with the exception of last year he's consistently put up borderline MVP numbers. Bay is a nice addition but he's probably going to put up similar numbers to Lowell before his injury and we're not going to see that production out of Lowell anymore.

I agree with just about all this. I think they still have a shot in the division if the pitching holds up. I've said earlier I think they're wasting Masterson in the pen - I think he could give them more than Wakefield at the very least, those guys could swap. It'll be tough on them if Daisuke is down for a while. It looks like he'll need a week or two off at least to recover, but who knows. They're going to miss Manny though, Bay just isn't the presence Manny is. Maybe they can get Giambi from the A's in their annual fire sale for the stretch run and move Youkilis over to 3rd again. I don't know what the path of least resistance is going to be for them to upgrade their offense.

Giambi is on an insanely cheap contract, and Oakland is good enough in a bad division that they should be able to hang around all year. They don't (at the moment) appear to have any reason to dump anybody. Plus, JG is a horrid defensive first baseman. Going from Youk (exellent) to JG would be bad times.Not trying to piss on your ideas, just giving you another side to it.

Those are all valid points worth considering - except maybe the A's hanging around all year. They don't have the arms for it (barring incredibly rapid maturation of their starters) and I think the Angels will run away with that division when they get their rotation back. I'm really reaching for ways the Sox could help their offense. Things will come clearer as the season progresses and teams out of the races get ready to deal.

 

[Finless]

Source?

Sports Illustrated broke it a few months back. It was all over the place. Google it.

I don't make the news Cap, I just pass it on. If the Marlins weren't willing to deal they wouldn't have listened. And if the Sox weren't interested they wouldn't have contacted the Marlins. Sure it didn't go anywhere but all deals begin with interest and discussion. On another note you might want to dial the smug factor down just a hair. I know you have a good young team but it took a decade of finishing in the basement to get there. You're as cocky these day as the fans of the teams that have actually won something. The same fans you've bashed for years. Not a personal attack, just an observation.

A Red Sox fan telling me to stop being cocky? Nothing in this thread I've said has been cocky. By the way, the bolded comment is nerdalicious. Really, no fans should be cocky, chach. We're all just watching. Some just have the fortune to be in places where there are good teams. Or some (like most Sox/Yanks fans) just latch onto the bandwagon and go full speed ahead.

And I know you're trying to dismiss their 2008 season by saying "teams that actually won something", but that team with a $40 million dollar payroll did take your team down, twice. That's something.

I said dial down the smugness, that's all. You've been riding the high horse a bit since last summer. It's like the little guy in high school who hits his growth spurt, puts on some muscle and grows a mustache. I love your team...great group of guys. I've got nothing bad to say about the Rays. The beat the Sox last year and looked good doing it. Thing is they're playing for hardware, Cap. Something that's going to be hard to come by in this division. Just glad I got to celebrate recently.

 

[Homer @ RJ]

Source?

Sports Illustrated broke it a few months back. It was all over the place. Google it.

I don't make the news Cap, I just pass it on. If the Marlins weren't willing to deal they wouldn't have listened. And if the Sox weren't interested they wouldn't have contacted the Marlins. Sure it didn't go anywhere but all deals begin with interest and discussion. On another note you might want to dial the smug factor down just a hair. I know you have a good young team but it took a decade of finishing in the basement to get there. You're as cocky these day as the fans of the teams that have actually won something. The same fans you've bashed for years. Not a personal attack, just an observation.

A Red Sox fan telling me to stop being cocky? Nothing in this thread I've said has been cocky. By the way, the bolded comment is nerdalicious. Really, no fans should be cocky, chach. We're all just watching. Some just have the fortune to be in places where there are good teams. Or some (like most Sox/Yanks fans) just latch onto the bandwagon and go full speed ahead.

And I know you're trying to dismiss their 2008 season by saying "teams that actually won something", but that team with a $40 million dollar payroll did take your team down, twice. That's something.

I said dial down the smugness, that's all. You've been riding the high horse a bit since last summer. It's like the little guy in high school who hits his growth spurt, puts on some muscle and grows a mustache. I love your team...great group of guys. I've got nothing bad to say about the Rays. The beat the Sox last year and looked good doing it. Thing is they're playing for hardware, Cap. Something that's going to be hard to come by in this division. Just glad I got to celebrate recently.

Opiates?

 

[Finless]

Opiates?

 

[Reaper]

Dial down the smugness.

 

[Finless]

Dial down the smugness.

...Rays fans

 

[eoMMan]

Go Rays.

 

[dparker713]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

It's a better than fair deal for a mid to big market club, but after 3 years, the 15 mil per year isn't digestable for them in their current park. Even now, their payroll for this year went from something like 21-22 million last year to 32-35 million this year in an environment where revenues are going to be down. I don't see them doing anything right now, but can easily see them do something in July if they're out of it again and want to get rid salary.

So, the Marlins apss up their chances at a WS this cycle of player development because they're worried about paying the bills in three years? Somehow I doubt this. Plus, if Hanley doesnt breakdown he'll still be marketable in three years. This rumor makes no sense.

 

[Finless]

I'm not delusional Caps. I know there was talk about Buccholz and Ellsbury and someone else but the Sox thought the asking price was too steep. All's I'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised to see talks open up again. Is it really that much of a stretch?

Hanley is signed to a fair deal (better than fair, actually) and is a top-5 player in the game. Plus, the Marlins are flush with pitching prospects. Clay has ace potential, but hasn't shown it in the bigs yet, and would be just one of a million arms who flamed out. Ellsbury is pretty ordinary. Bowden is too, as far as prospects go.

Why would the Marlins do that deal?

It's a better than fair deal for a mid to big market club, but after 3 years, the 15 mil per year isn't digestable for them in their current park. Even now, their payroll for this year went from something like 21-22 million last year to 32-35 million this year in an environment where revenues are going to be down. I don't see them doing anything right now, but can easily see them do something in July if they're out of it again and want to get rid salary.

So, the Marlins apss up their chances at a WS this cycle of player development because they're worried about paying the bills in three years? Somehow I doubt this. Plus, if Hanley doesnt breakdown he'll still be marketable in three years. This rumor makes no sense.

It wasn't a rumor. It was confirmed by SI.