Merry Chrstmas Special

by Eli Greenspan on Dec 25, 2007 1:16 PM EST

Before I begin, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. But in baseball, while the lull this off season is still going on, I'd like to look ahead to the 2008 off season and the issues that present themselves to the Red Sox. The Red Sox have never minded spending money to build up their team, but have preferred youth lately. Next offseason, they are faced with possibly losing Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek, and Manny Ramirez. I suspect they will bring Varitek back, just because there is not a better catcher available. Schilling will probably retire while the question to bring Manny back comes up. This is the first year Ramirez has not requested a trade in awhile, and with players like Vlad Guerrero on the market, it might be hard not to try and get him. As for other pitching, they will have Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Buchholz, and a free agent or Michael Bowden. For free agents, the best pickup would be Brad Penny, who has former teammates on the team and would happily accept a new team. I think the Red Sox are in good shape for the next several years, but that does not mean they can sit tight. The Blue Jays and Rays are looking to compete and could effect the standings if you do not watch out for them. Here is what else is making news this Christman day: The Phillies continue to try and solidify their bullpen and have contacted Aki Otsuka.

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Vlad has an option for 2009 that will most certainly be excercised.

by Anonymous on Dec 25, 2007 1:44 PM EST reply actions

if Manny leaves, filling his void should be the bosox's first priority. If it be Vlad or not, they need to do it. he will likely get some ridiculous amount of money from Bos, NY, or some other desperate team, like the Giants.

by Tim on Dec 25, 2007 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Brad Penny will not be available until 2010. The Dodgers hold an affordable club option for 2009.

So unless Penny blows out his arm, in which case the Red Sox would not want him, he will be with the Dodgers in 2009.

by RonCey10 on Dec 25, 2007 3:03 PM EST reply actions

Eli, Why do you say that Penny would gladly accept going to a new team? He also has many friends here with the Dodgers.

by PlmsC on Dec 25, 2007 7:34 PM EST reply actions

tek will def. be resigned the sox have already been talking about extending him before spring training, as far as manny goes it he does what he did last season especially in the post season picking up his option for 2009 for 20 milion is a no brainer. i mean if andruw jones can get 18 million after a horrible year manny for 20 milion for one year or even 2 if they pick up his 2010 option isnt bad at all. i dont see vlad as an option this guy never performs when it matters and would likely command a longer term deal, would make more sense to just keep manny for his 2 option years unless he had a major regression. theres also a chance that manny would just sign an extension after the 08 season for a little less money since now he is stating he would like to retire as a red sox

by Anonymous on Dec 26, 2007 5:16 AM EST reply actions