Boomer In Beantown, Pending Predictions

Dirt Dogs Love Company.

The Red Sox, a team known for their gritty attitudes on and off the field, made a move that began as a rumor and became a reality in less than 48 hours. David Wells, the one time New York Yankee is looking to join a rotation that will likely include veterans Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, and Tim Wakefield. The 42 year old Wells may look like a wash when it is compared to the other big names that are currently available at the winter meetings, but it gives the Red Sox team options in what they want to do with the remainder of the free agents that they have been courting this offseason.

Remaining a rumor is the Carl Pavano move to Boston. Pavano has claimed many times that Boston is his first choice in where he wants to play, but the money issue is one that could see him being landed by New York. When it comes to Pedro, the money he is being offered is right, it's just a matter of time before the news becomes official that he will return to the Red Sox -- in all actuallity I don't believe anyone wants to be a New York Met over a Boston Red Sox when the money is about the same. As for Varitek he too is having a deal dragged out, by his agent Boras, Scott Boras, who just seems to like all the attention.

Even before the Nomar trade to Chicago that brought us Orlando Cabrera, it was a fact that short stop would be one of the positions taking a pay cut this upcoming season. And up until a midseason injury, it was all but certain that the Pokey Reese era was set to begin in Boston. This is a guy that plays his heart out and is a fan favorite in Boston whenever the spotlight is on him. He is another gritty fit which allows the Red Sox to focus on their other tasks at hand. Reese is currently a free agent under arbitration by the Red Sox but likely a starter if he decides to return, and also at a reasonable price. You're not likely to see a long term Renteria or Cabrera deal because of prospect Hanley Ramirez who played much of last year in double-A Portland, ME, but is slated to begin his major league career in the 2005 season.

Wells' signing brings speculation that maybe Pavano is not going to be a Red Sox next season, but does not throw the idea completely out the window. Boomer is just another gritty dirt dog that fits well with the team and gives them more options for the winter meetings which also allows them to show that they are not going to be forced into any late offseason transactions -- in contrast to the Yankees who have a long shopping list left and seem to be waiting for December 24th to get any of their shopping done, at which time the market will likely be packed and the shelves will likely be empty.



My Red Sox Lineup Going Into Next Season:

SP - Schilling
SP - Martinez
SP - Clement
SP - Wells
SP - Wakefield
MR - Halama, Kim
LP - Embree
RP - Timlin
SUP - Mantei
CP - Foulke - one more veteran arm is likely to be brought in to relieve.

DH - Ortiz

C - Varitek, Mirabelli
1B - Millar, Mientkiewicz - one is likely to be traded by midseason or spring training
2B - Bellhorn
3B - Mueller, Youkilis
SS - Reese, Ramirez - Hanley Ramirez is almost ready, and if he becomes ready early it allows you to put Pokey Reese at 2B if Bellhorn ends up being a one year wonder, also allows you room to upgrade at midseason if necessary. Short stop is not currently a major concern for me, more focus on the pitching & Varitek. Renteria to Boston trade rumors are heating up but I would not be happy with this deal for many reasons which I have already stated.

LF - Ramirez
CF - Damon, Roberts, McCarty
RF - Nixon - Another outfielder at this point is a must -- an inexpensive back up signing is all that'll keep Adam Hyzdu from seeing action again in the outfield. Hopefully another Gabe Kapler comes around, but it's not often you find two of those...

My Priorities Are As Follows:
1)Jason Varitek 2)Pedro Martinez 3)Short Stop... (then distantly)
4)Bullpen 5)Backup Infield 6)Back Up Outfield

I'm just guessing here but I'd say a team payroll of about $140 Mil. by season's end. Not quite the Yankees, but 140 Million is not as high as it used to be -- many other teams are catching up. It's just a luxury that with the Red Sox victory that they have the money to spend...




Paolo DeVito
Philly's Own Fenway Faithful