Posted by Chris Cue
6:05am Sun, 11/22/09

      OK, here's my long awaited 2 cents on who and what the Yankees may do this off season...

(OK, I know nobody was really waiting, but my Mother in Law may read this and she likes to think I'm important, so go with me on this one OK? :-)

Keep in mind, I'm no expert on all things Yankee and I'm not trying to pretend to be one....(heck, I don't think I'm the definitive "go to guy" on the Sox either for that matter), so this is just an outsider looking in and taking a rookie stab at what my gut tells me so others can ridicule it. Here we go.....

Yankees

      The Yanks don't have a lot of holes to fill, but the one's they do have are pretty obvious.

1). Left field would seem to be the priority, but #2 IMO is close....depending. The Yanks have 3 options to them for LF the way I see it. They could resign Damon on a 2 year deal, They could promote from within (seems doubtful this year, but maybe next?) or they could go the FA route and make a run at either Holliday or Bay. My gut tells me Damon is option #1 as far as preference goes, but they aren't going to be shy about telling him "take this or we're moving on". The point is, the Yankees are not going to allow Boras to drag this on so that he can use the Yankees name in conjunction with Holliday. The Yanks are going to want to nail this down before the other options are signed. In the end, Damon will go where the money is no matter what he say's. You have to remember he won a title in Boston and was reportedly happy there too.....and he still left for the payday the Yanks provided. I see no reason for his attitude in that department to change. Still, unless a team like the White Sox gets involved and offers him more, I'd bet the Yanks offer will be the best one he gets and he will return. I'd also expect that move (if it happens) will be made long before Holliday or Bay signs else where.
My prediction: Damon returns for a 2 year deal because the Yankees will make the best offer and Boras will have to play the Holliday field w/o the Yanks being involved. (a sparsely attended pity party for him then ensues...:-)

2). Setup Man. If Andy returns and if the Yanks are content with both Hughes and Joba in the rotation (there is a good case for that one being debatable.), then I think priority #2 will be on getting that bridge to Mariano....at least IMO it should be #2. I don't have a particular player in mind to fill that role, mostly because the FA market (Soriano, Gonzalez, etc,.), the trade market and even a promotion from within could deliver any number of guys who could end up with the Setup role in NY. I have the feeling that if the starting rotation above is acceptable, then this is where Cashman may spend a good deal of time. Until Hughes was brought up last year, the BP was a weakness for the Yanks and I'm sure they will try to address that if Hughes now ends up in the rotation.
My "outside the box" prediction: (get ready to laugh) I'll throw a long shot out here just for giggles......After Wagner declines the Sox offer of Arbitration (which he will) and after he sees the money he may get from other teams considering they are surrendering draft picks, I don't think it out of the realm of possibility that the Yanks could make him an attractive one year deal to set up for Mo. I know that's a stretch, but I think if that option was out there the Yanks might be able to talk Wagner into it. Like I said....it's a long shot....but what good is a crystal ball if you can't make stupid predictions :-)

3). Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. The 64 thousand dollar question is: Do the Yanks feel good enough with what they already have in place or are they looking to buy or perhaps make a deal? Well, they did fine with what they had last year, but expecting health for an entire season with your starting staff is a gamble. There may also be other factors at work here that I alluded to in the Red Sox predictions I made. For instance, if say the Sox get seriously involved in the Doc Halladay sweepstakes, then I don't think the Yanks will stand idle and let that happen w/o putting in an offer or 2 of their own. Let's take that one step further and pretend the Sox do indeed manage to land Halladay. Does anyone think that the Yanks will just let that go w/o a counter move? What if that happens and Lackey is still out there unsigned? I'm not convinced that the Yanks are interested in giving him the years and money he's looking for, but I'm also not stupid enough to think that they can't do it if they want. We could just as easily turn that entire situation around and play the "what if" game on the Sox should the Yanks land Halladay, but this is my sillyYankee's prediction so I'll save that one...for now :-)

I'm also not sold on the idea that the Yankees feel comfortable with both Joba & Hughes in the rotation even if Andy does return. Personally, I think both of these kids deserve a shot, but I'm also sure that if the Yanks go that way, Cashman will be looking for some quality insurance to back it up, so he may very well be in the Sheets, Harden type hunt as well.
My prediction: All hell breaks loose as soon as the Sox show clear intentions to trade for Halladay. Absent of that, I think the Yanks will go with what they have in CC, AJ, Andy (who I'm betting returns) and give the kids a shot w/some veteran back up plans in place just in case.

4). DH. Will Matsui return? My gut say's no and here's why. I think the Yanks have plenty of options to work a rotating DH into their plans for next year. While I'm sure they will have someone on their bench that looks like the everyday DH, my gut tells me that whoever that is will have on the field duties assigned to him as well. With Damon back, with Posada behind the plate and the option to rest guys like A-Rod and Tex by letting them DH, the Yanks don't need to clog the DH spot with somebody who can only serve in that limited role.
My prediction: Too bad for Hideki. He's one of the guys that play for the Yanks that I can truly say I like and respect. I have the feeling Matsui gets thanked for his time and the Yanks make no concerted effort to fill a FT DH spot.

I'm sure there is a lot more that can be covered, but I think I've probably ruffled enough feathers with this....

 

Enjoy and as always, Go Baseball!

Posted by Chris Cue
8:00 am Sat, 11/21/09

    Hello again! Having recently crawled out from underneath the rock I've been hiding, I thought it might be a good time to start talking Hot Stove Baseball. Now that all the free agents are allowed to discuss their future with teams other than the one they played for last season, getting some predictions in now before things start to happen seems like a good way to make a fool of yourself....sooo, being the glutton for punishment that I am, here you go.

    Let's start off with the Red Sox. I'll be happy to tick off some of my evil empire friends later with some Yankees predictions, but for now I'll tackle the hometown team.

    I should mention that I'll be impressed with myself (from a prediction standpoint) if even one of these predictions comes to pass....(I don't have a great track record in this dept. :) With that in mind, here's what I think has a good chance of going down.

Red Sox

1). I think the ground work to resign Bay is already in place. The caveat to the current situation is nobody is yet sure what else may be out there for him. As long as years or dollars don't get too stupid (the Sox won't go 5/85), I think he'll be back in Boston. I have no predictions regarding what may go down if that doesn't happen except to say I don't think the Sox will be players to sign Holliday. He has the wrong agent, there is too much money required, too many years and too many questions about what he may or may not bring that will keep the Sox out of that race IMO.

2). Even if the Sox do land Bay, I believe the FO thinks we still need another bat (thus their pursuit of Tex last year). Therefore, I'm pretty sure that they will go hard after Gonzalez if Hoyer indeed makes him available. However, I DON'T think that they will be successful there. I think there are too many obstacles in the way for that deal to go down. (I could give a lengthy list but won't unless asked) Because there appears to be a lack of premium players with bats on the trade/FA market coupled with the fact that the Sox currently have limited spots to put a player like that in, I think the Sox will turn to another area that could be addressed to strengthen the team and that's Pitching.

3). While the Sox starting rotation appears to be set, we have several issues going forward that could be addressed now if they choose to do so. Becketts a FA next year, There are uncertainties with Dice-K and Wakefield's health issues are all questions the Sox have to think about now and with an eye on the future as well. No matter what, the Sox will be signing one or two insurance pitchers that they hope will have bounce back years (Sheets, Harden, etc...types), but I'll go on record now saying that after their interest in Gonzalez is shot down, they will go just as hard after Doc Halladay. Lot's of moving pieces to that kind of deal too, but in this case I think the Sox may have a better shot at landing him as opposed to landing Gonzalez. It may never happen, but I really think the interest is there and that the Sox will be motivated. The big obstacle with that one? LOL take a guess......The New York Yankees. I don't think Cashman will just roll over and let the Sox get Doc without making them pay big time. In fact, I think the Yanks may have an even better chance to land Doc if they should decide to go that route themselves. This could very well be the big Sox-Yanks battle of the off season.....it at least appears to have all of that kind of framework in place. We'll have to see.

4). Once again (i'm sorry to say), I don't see the Sox going long term to fill the SS position. I think there may have been some interest in JJ Hardy, but since he is now signed I think we're looking at another stop gap player. I'd like to think that Gonzo would be back, but from what Ive read a sticking point may be that he'd like more than just a one year deal. I also think the Sox would consider Marco Scutaro, but not for the length of time he's looking for either. There could be a trade out there that Theo is looking at, but short of that I think Gonzo will be a Sox player in 2010. I say that only because the SS market doesn't look like it's going to give him a 2 or 3 year contract so he may very well settle for a 4MM one year deal in Boston....which is something I think they'd offer.

5). Billy Wagner. I don't think he'll be back in a setup role. I believe all the "I may accept arbitration" talk was only a rouse that attempted to make the Sox gun shy in offing him that. Can't say as I blame Wagner or his agent for floating that one. Wagner is a lot more attractive to other teams if draft picks aren't involved, but I think the Sox will stick to their guns and offer him Arb. At that point, he'll turn it down and wind up closing for someone at less than he would have made via arbitration.....It'll be "Varitek Part 2" if you know what I mean. I think the Sox will be content having Bard and Oki for setup to Paps. The middle relief guys is where the action might be. Tough to call who and what goes on there because some of what we currently have may end up being trading pieces (DelCarmen & maybe Ramirez). I'm fairly comfortable saying the back end of the Sox BP will be Oki, Bard, Papelbon. Absent a trade, DelCarmen & Ramirez will most likely be back so it's guys like Wagner and Saito that will be the possible holes to fill. That's going to be a challenge if our BP is once again going to be considered a strength. The glaring hole I see is absent Masterson, the Sox don't have a long man. We're going to need one.

I have more, but this is already enough hot air. For discussion purposes only, I'll put my 2 cents in regarding The Yankees later. For now, let the criticisms begin :-)

Cheers & Go Baseball!

By Chris Cue
Sept. 10, 2009

     I have a few feelings on where the Red Sox are headed and they're not all rosy.......call me a typical Red Sox fan, but I have some doubts. However, I also see things to be encouraged about. I won't belabor this with stats because they are out there for all to see if interested, but mostly I won't do that because I usually watch and set my expectations based on my gut feelings. They're not always right (using stats to predict the future isn't either btw), but they are what they are.

Here's what my gut is telling me.

     If I had to equate where we are this season to season's in the past, I'd say I feel more like I did going into the final stretch of 04 then I did going into it in 07. To be honest, I never thought we'd get past the Yankees in the playoffs of 04. I'm not sure how many people who are being honest with themselves thought we would, but if you remember back then, you'll remember that nobody was playing better ball going into the playoffs than the Yankees.....much like this year.

     Now, I'm not saying that a repeat is about to happen for us. I'm just saying my gut tells me the same things it did in 04 and it wasn't pretty....(but turned out nicely :-) Let's just say my gut tells me we have a good sized hill to climb in order to make it to the final dance this year. I didn't feel that way in 07. Back then, I had all the confidence in the world heading into the post season....much like I'm sure how Yankees fans feel now. My only fear back then was that the Sox would once again fall down when it mattered the most (see pre 2004 post season play by the Sox and you'll know what I mean).

     This year, we're obviously not breezing into October ball. We're in the "fight and scratch your way" mode. But I try to remember that's not such a bad thing. We've seen teams breeze into October only to fall on their faces because they either were too well rested or began to take too much for granted. I'm assuming that neither of those issues will be problems for us this year......if we make it.

     The one thing we have going for us right now is we're not in the position to hope someone else fails so we can improve......been there..... done that.....hated it. We have a 2 game lead, but let's not take that for granted. In fact, I would be surprised if the Rangers don't make up at least one game....possibly 2 while we fight the Rays and Angels and they play Oakland & Seattle. The key for us is going to be beating the teams we should (BAL, KC, TOR & CLE), and winning AT LEAST one of the series against teams that could give us a run (TB, LAA & NYY). I think if we do that, we should come out ahead of the Rangers and once in the playoffs.....

(c'mon, say it with me)

Anything Is Possible!

By Chris Cue
8/11/09

I have a few idea's regarding these.....the least of which is that anyone over the age of 13 that bought one of these because they thought it validated something needs to have their head examined and should get a discount for that if they present it to a doctor..

 

But, understanding what a great marketing ploy these really are, I have a few changes regarding them I'd like to suggest. I'll only highlight one idea for now. Here ya go......

 

My first Suggestion is that there actually be 3 different kinds of "RSN" cards.

 

1). "The Gold Card". These should be issued to fans that only see the positive and none of the negative. I think for marketing purposes they should feel entitled to a Gold card if they're still rooting for the team after the math say's their nuts. We of course never hope to put these folks in that position, but IF it ever comes to that, they should have something to feel good about before the stat geeks point out their futile desires.

 

2). "The Black Card". These should only be issued to the fans that always see the negative and ignore the positive. Considering that these folks probably don't have a lot of friends based on their demeanor, I'm thinking they could use some incentive towards re-thinking their approach. How about we start every one of them off with $1,000.00 in Red Sox money on the card, which they can use to spend on themselves or others (needed friends) for anything related to the team AFTER the season is over. The idea here is that every time they rag on the team, it's players, coaches, Front Office and owners unnecessarily, $100.00 is automatically deducted from the card. This gives them 10 times per year to be who they are without costing them any money. However, if they should go over the 10-time allotment, they then owe the rest of us $100.00 per occurrence of unnecessary ranting, calling of names or just general stupidity. All of that money would then be put into a pool to purchase tickets for next season. Those tickets will then be given away for free to all the rational members of RSN so they don't have to sit in that gawd awful "Virtual Waiting Room". The caveat here is that any "Black Card" member is not eligible to receive those free tickets, so if the rest of us have to listen to their daily BS, at least we have a chance of getting something out of it.

 

3). "The Red Card". This is the original one and the one that is currently being issued. I'd like to see a re-call on those cards and using the above factors, have the appropriate card then re-issued to the type of Sox fan that warrants it. The Red Card should have some sort of marketing push to it that encourages people to want it. So, given what seems to be the scarcity of "Normal Sox Fans", how about we only give these very special cards to the people that show they are prone to being level headed....or rational if you prefer? These are the folks that have the unique ability to see both the good and bad. Just as an example, these are the kinds of fans that know after a difficult series against the Yankees that we have some work to do, but they also know that August 11, 2009 is not the right time to start closing up shop. I know what you're thinking...."Geez we won't have to make many of those"....and you could be right, but I'd like to think we have more of those types then most people believe. How about we have enough "Red Cards" on hand to distribute to the non-vocal majority and also those we are able to convert?

 

Anyway, those are just a few idea's I have that might make the "Red Sox Nation Membership Card" worth something.

 

Next time, I'll offer up my suggestions on how to best burn these stupid things.

 

Until then,

 

Cheers!

By Chris Cue
8/11/09

Hey Tito.....

My Man, I've got a few things I'd like you to consider. Let's start with the everyday lineup. I know you struggle daily with this, but I'm just trying to help here so hear me out.

You ever hear of going with the hot hand? Well, the same applies to "hot bats", so let's say we do this.....for now (depending on who is pitching).

Ellsbury - CF
Pedroia - 2B
Martinez - C (Yes, I've heard how he doesn't hit when he catches...it's BS)
Youkilis - 3B
Bay - LF
Lowell - DH
Drew - RF
Kotchman - 1B
Green - SS

I know Papi & Tek are the vets and they may get rubbed the wrong way and everything, but just tell them that you love them, rub their backs, pat their heads and sit them the "F" down for a while OK?

             OK, glad we cleared that problem up. Now let's talk about the pitching. First the bullpen. Do yourself, the team and us a favor and don't put poor MDC in a situation where he might give up a lead. I like the guy and all, but he doesn't perform well under pressure. Maybe think about stretching him out for long relief. I think he'd do well there. Now, here's the deal on Daniel Bard. He's a kid and you have to expect some adjustment time. I know he's made you say bad words his last few outings, but really, give him a break. He's got great stuff. He just needs a little time. Leave him and the rest of the fella's right where they are.

I know this next topic is a sore spot so I'll try to approach it gingerly.

Starting Pitching.

Josh Beckett & Jon Lester have done great. Please give them all the candy and ice cream they want.....heck, take them out and shoot some pool with them too if you think they would appreciate it. They've earned it.

Brad Penny is a different story. By all means necessary, keep him away from the candy & ice cream. It's not that he's a bad guy, but let's be honest, he REALLY doesn't need that stuff. However, if you're determined to treat everyone equally, then I might suggest a rewards program for him. You know, if he has a 1,2,3 inning....give the slob a Hershey bar. If he has more then one of those, take him to Dairy Queen where he can watch the fat chicks eat sundae's. He may back off on the sweets after that. Oh yeah, if he ever sees the light of day known as the 7th inning, I think you should give him the keys to the vending machine and let him have at it.

Incentives Tito....think "incentives".

Clay Buchholz is easy. Just tell him if he gets the "W" he gets his Penthouse Magazine back.....other wise keep it yourself....just don't let the Mrs. know you've got it.

Tazawa.....hmmm He's kind of a tough one. You may have to play this one by ear. Just do yourself a favor and don't tell him how well his countryman Dice-K has done for us in the past.....he might try to emulate him. WE DON'T WANT THAT. Dice is a great guy and all, but really who wants to see the bases loaded all the time and a magic act that nobody really appreciates. Just tell him to go out there and strike MFers out. Simple as that. Heck, if it helps build his confidence, tell him he's taller then Pedroia.

OK, that's it for now Tito. Let me know if I can be of anymore help.

Regards,

Chris


Darn it. I knew I'd forget something...

PS. I have this friend of mine that say's John Henry is cheap, Theo is inept and that you're in a coma. I hope that's not the case, so could you do me a favor? The wife, kid and I are coming to see you guys this Wednesday & Thursday. Would it be too much to ask that John Henry buy us a round? Could Theo arrange parking for us at Fenway? And do you think you could say "Hi" to us while we're there?

I only ask because I'd like to prove my buddy wrong.

Thanks again!

by Chris Cue
June 15, 2009

5 Things the Red Sox should consider doing regarding the SS position

1). Buy Lugo a free ticket to get on board the SS Minow for a 3 hour tour.

2). Infect Theo with the Swine flu so he's not well enough to be around when a Short Stop decision is made.

3). Make another trip to Texas (Houston this time) and leave John Henry in Boston to Twitter away...

4). Move the Green Monster in about 100 feet

5). Kidnap Hanley Ramirez when he comes to Fenway this week.

By Chris Cue
May 5, 2009

By Chris Cue
April 26, 2009

     With over  5 months to go in the baseball season, it's probably a little too early to go jumping up and down with 2 game lead over the Yankees and a 4.5 game lead over the Rays heading into today......BUT......if you want to do a little cheering, I'm certainly not going to mock you for it :-)

     The last 2 games vs the pinstriped brigade have been just about everything a baseball fan could expect. So far, we've witnessed some of the very best baseball we're likely to see. Granted, yesterday's game was far from what most expected. With Josh Beckett on the hill for the Sox and AJ Burnett pitching for the Yankees, most felt we would be in for a real old fashioned pitchers duel. With a final score of 16-11, the Red Sox had another win in what turned out to be an offensive battle and not a toe to toe 9 round fight between elite pitchers at all. It's funny how baseball is tricky like that sometimes. On paper everything looked like it was going to be a low scoring game, but then Wham! Here came the Yankees with 6 runs in 4 innings. Not to be out done, the Sox then returned the favor by putting up 5 runs of their own in the 4th inning lead by a Grand Slam from Jason Varitek.  The Sox then followed that up with 3 runs in the 5th, 1 in the 6th, 3 in the 7th and finally 4 runs in the 8th inning. While yesterday wasn't a classic pitching matchup, it certainly was an impressive display of offensive power from both sides. Another hard fought game by both teams and another win for the Red Sox. There's not much to complain about there.

     Yesterday's win for the Red Sox gives them a league leading 9 game winning streak and pulled them within 1 game of tying the Blue Jays for the lead in the AL East. For all you baseball historians, yesterday's comeback from six runs down was Boston's largest comeback in a game against the Yankees since May 16, 1968 (according to the Elias Sports Bureau). Today, the Red Sox go for their 10th win in a row and third consecutive home stand ____ (I don't want to jinx it by saying it) of an opposing team after defeating the Orioles in a 4 game series and the Twins in a 2 game series at Fenway.

     Justin Masterson will take the hill for the Sox hoping to secure the win and veteran Andy Pettitte will be trying to stop the bleeding for the Yankees. You wait and see. Today will end up being the pitchers duel. Why? Because baseball is tricky that way :-)

Game time is set for 8:05pm est on ESPN.

Enjoy the game

and

GO SOX!!!!!

By Chris Cue
April 23, 2009

     Boy I've been busy. Sorry for not posting in a while and thank you to those of you who e-mailed wondering if I'd fallen off the face of the Earth. Obviously I haven't, but I have to admit, there were a few times when that seemed like a pretty good option. :-)

     On to Baseball.......How about them SOX huh? Reeling off seven victories in a row! Wow, that's pretty good. In fact it's the best run so far this season in all of MLB. That puts the Red Sox tied for 2nd place in the AL East with the NY Yankees.

By Chris Cue
April 18, 2009

     What was it we were saying about hoping the bats would wake up? What a great effort by the Red Sox last night. Down 7-0 in the second inning, Brad Penny tossing up meatballs for the Orioles to clobber and the good guys didn't give up. The bats came alive at the right time and pulled out a victory from what looked to be a certain defeat. Some stellar pitching from the Bullpen by Manny DelCarmen and Ramon Ramirez helped stop the bleeding. Combined, they pitched 4 scoreless innings allowing only 3 hits from the 4th and into the 8th inning. That proved to be enough for the Boston offense to finally come alive and score the 10 runs needed to rob the O's from a win.

     While this was no "Mothers Day Miracle", it was a great comeback lead by Jason Bay, J.D. Drew and a clutch hit by Nick Green. Patience at the plate, a walk here, and key hit there and the Sox were in business. That was by all accounts a team win. After Penny's poor performance, it seemed like everyone took this game on their back and brought it home. Good stuff and great to see the Sox put one together. Now all we need is to see Big Papi come to life. From what I understand, he's got that well under control....

"Bats, they are sick. I cannot hit curveball. Straightball I hit it very much. Curveball, bats are afraid. I ask Jobu to come, take fear from bats. I offer him cigar, rum. He will come."
(Pedro Cerrano from Major League)

     I'll drink to that :-) Today they'll be looking to add another "W" with Beckett on the mound facing Orioles RHP Adam Eaton. Game time is  7:10pm est and will be shown on NESN.

Let's go for 2 in a row!

Enjoy the game and GO SOX!!