Love of Sox

Welcome Back to Love of Sox

New season, new blog.  Welcome back to Love of Sox.

Nip/Tuck

The Red Sox have named Gary Tuck their bullpen coach, replacing Al Nipper, who actually replaced Dave Wallace, as pitching coach last season during an illness, who was repalced by John Farrell.  The Red Sox still need to name a first base coach.

Foulke Off, Thanks for the Memories, Keith

Keith Fouke opted for free agency last week.   Keith was very important to the Red Sox World Series Championship in 2004, and all rational Sox fans will thank him forever for his perfomance that year, some even believe he should have been the World Series MVP for 2004.  Happy trails, Keith! 

Sox are Looking for a Few Fellows

The Boston Red Sox are seeking "three (3) college graduates and/or recipients of advanced degrees for the inaugural Red Sox Fellowship Program in Partnership with KeySpan." Some of the particulars of the program, you'll get paid $2000 a month and receive a $1,000 a month housing allowance and you'll be expected to work nights, weekends and holidays "during peak operation times." The eligibility requirements are the following: college graduates and/or recent recipients of an advanced degree; 3.0 GPA or higher; must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills; must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; must be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays. This looks like a great opportunity fo someone who loves sports and the Red Sox. Further information about the program, incuding deadlines and application materials can be found on the program's page on RedSox.com.

Baseball America Gives Sox Top Ranking for Amateur Draft of 2006

Baseball America has given the Boston Red Sox amateur draft of 2006 the top ranking of all the major league baseball teams.   According to "BA," as the publication is known, the Red Sox "...addressed their biggest shortcoming (home run power) while also adding athletes and power arms." 

It's gettng better all the time, I look forward to seeing this draft class work their way through the system!

Red Sox Name Baird

The Red Sox have announced that former Kansas City Royals GM, Allard Baird, a New Hampshire native, has been named Assistant to the General Manager, effective November 1.  Apparently Baird joined the Red Sox organization as a scout in July of this year.   The Red Sox have built an impressive brain trust to advise Theo Epstein.

How Would You Fix the Sox?

The Cape Cod Times has a piece about fixing the Red Sox.   The newspaper had a contest and the winner was Matthew Skala of Sandwich.  Here is how Skala would fix the Sox:

We need to begin with pitching. Leave Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett as starters and move Tim Wakefield to the bullpen. Then look to acquire Barry Zito and John Smoltz, dominant starting pitchers who both recorded 16 wins, over 150 Ks and ERAs under 3.9.

For relief pitchers, Guillermo Mota and Bob Wickman are available. When Jonathan Papelbon becomes a starter, Wickman should be our closer. He recorded 33 saves in 2006. Mota went 4-3, with 46 Ks in 56 innings.

As for the infield, leave Kevin Youkilis (1B), Mike Lowell (3B) and Varitek (C) where they are. At 2B, bring back Mark Loretta. Dustin Pedroia's not ready. At shortstop a better alternative than Alex Gonzalez would be free agent Julio Lugo, who in 122 games hit .278 and popped 12 HRs.

In the outfield leave Coco Crisp in center and Manny Ramirez in left. Although not thoroughly impressed by Coco, I would like to see him play healthy. I'd like to have Nixon in right, but his health is too detrimental to the team. I would try to sign free agent and former Sox Dave Roberts, who hit .293 and stole 49 bases.

The problem with Skala's suggestions is that the Red Sox payroll would likely balloon astronomically under his plan with all the signings called for by Skala.  Many Sox fans are not sold on Barry Zito being an effective pickup, just look at his playoff performace this year.  Skala doesn't address the backup catcher problem and puts too much faith in Bob Wickman being able to continue to perform as a closer.  If this was the best Red Sox fixing plan on the Cape, there must be brain drain over the Sagamore Bridge.

Skipper San

MLB announced that Terry Francona would be managing a team of MLB All-Stars in a trip to Japan this fall.    Hopefully this will not be the only Red Sox related news out of Japan as many Sox fans have hopes that the Red Sox will be at the top of the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka the RHP for the Seibu Lions who is ticketed for the major leagues.

A's Lack Sox Magic and Now Macha's Fired

The Boston Herald has a piece by Michael Silverman, entitled A's miss out on magic, on how Oakland lacked the magic that the Boston Red Sox had in 2004 in coming back against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.  The article is a nice trip down memory lane for Red Sox fans as well as a comparison of the Detroit Tigers to the magical Red Sox team of 2004. 

Now comes word that Oakland skipper Ken Macha's been fired. 

Sox Fans Getting Scalped

Once again one of the Boston newspapers, this time the Globe, has an article about the antiquated anti-scalping laws and how they are not being enforced.  We have seen previous "investigations" into this system of highway robbery that is allowing ticket brokers to grab so many of the tickets out of the hands of fans who should be able to go to a ballgame at a reasonable cost.