YFSF

Oil Can And The Squeaky Wheel

“If I wasn’t outspoken and a so-called ‘proud black man,’ maybe I would have gotten the empathy and sympathy like other ballplayers got that I didn’t get; like Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Steve Howe. I can name 50 people that got third and fourth chances all because they weren’t outspoken black individuals.” — Dennis Boyd, talking with Nick Cafardo in The Globe.

I think it is impossible to know what factor being an "outspoken black man" played, and though I have no doubt racism may have swayed some opinion of and prospects for the man it seems more likely that being an average pitcher in decline with baggage probably held the exit door for Oil Can. That said, I always loved watching him pitch.

Opening Move is a Closer

The new regime in Boston made their first player move this week, dealing Josh Reddick and 2 minor leaguers to Oakland for two-time All-Star closer Andrew Bailey and versatile outfielder Ryan Sweeney. 

Bailey has had some arm issues in the past, appearing in fewer games and throwing fewer innings with each successive season since his 2009 debut.  But when he has played he has been pretty much lights out, posting a sub-1.000 WHIP, a 206 ERA+, and a 3.55 K/BB over those 3 seasons.

As for Sweeney, the 26-year old outfielder can apparently play all three OF positions well and has better offensive numbers pretty much across the board than the 24-year old Reddick (+35 points in BA and +52 points in OBP, though -38 points in SLG).

While there is nothing earth-shattering here, and I don't know enough about the minor leaguers dealt to assess that portion of the deal, it would seem this is a pretty good move for Boston, with an apparent upgrade in the 3rd or 4th OF position and the filling of a big gap left by Papelbon's departure at relatively low cost.

Here's to hoping that Bailey's numbers have been massively inflated by pitcher-friendly Oakland Coliseum...

Nothing Rhymes with Melancon. Or Punto.

Melancon seems like a decent addition at first glance.  Then I got bored.  And Punto... well, I guess he knows how to win or something, though he may have helped the Cardinals win a Series last year mostly by staying out of the lineup for the greater part of the season. I started to dig some math to describe the Punto factor, but then I got bored. Then I tried to think of a headline. And got bored.

This video is strangely appropriate.

Hot Stove Heating Up

There are lots of rumors surrounding both of our teams right now.  The Yankees are being linked to Hiroki Kuroda, Gio Gonzalez and John Danks.  The Sox are making a push for a Wagner College's own Andrew Bailey.  Most importantly it's being reported that the Yankees are willing to listen to offers for A.J. Burnett.  Who do you want?  Who don't you want?  Here's your place to discuss it all.   

Feeling Good Was Good Enough For Me...

Good enough for me and Bobby V.

Edes says Bobby V to helm the Sox.

Verlander Voted Most Valuable

Justin Verlander wins the MVP to go with his Cy Young, while Jacoby Ellsbury (gerbil's MFRS) got the runner up. I was on the fence whether it should be Ellsbury or Verlander and can not argue with either choice. Jim Ingraham of The Herald-News in Ohio left Verlander off his MVP ballot entirely (and explains his position in the linked article.

I don't get omitting Verlander altogether. There are 10 other major-league players more valuable than he was? Pete Abraham provides an interesting read as he explains his MVP ballot.

The Jig Is Up

Jon Papelbon is no longer a Red Sock. 

The Long Short Goodbye

Woke up this morning and found that Theo left a 1,600 word Dear John on the fridge.

Hey guys I'm leaving and just so you know I know September was all my fault and everyone else's fault too except yours because you are the best fans ever but you should stop being so hard on me and the guys and me and 12-year-old me loves the Red Sox and everyone should remember that the Sox before September and right now and FutureSox are still totally awesome and I'm sorry I left the house a mess but it really isn't and Ben is a super dude and he and some other guy will be great roommates and maybe they will even get along with Larry and we're sorry for whatever we did or didn't do that pissed you off and I won't be here but we have a plan and I promise it won't happen again unless it does and I'll see you in June and maybe in October so anyway I love you bye bye now.

He kept his key.

To Infinity And Beyond

So... what do you think?

Musical Chairs

ESPN is reporting that the compensation talks for Theo Epstein are basically done, and that Epstein will become the President of the Cubs. In tandem with that Jed Hoyer will leave San Diego after just two years (and a trade of their fan favorite to his new boss!) to become the GM in Chicago. Josh Byrnes, another former Epstein lieutenant will ascend to the GM role out west in place of Hoyer. Story here. We are curious to know the compensation, it will probably be nothing like what has been reported over the last two weeks.