Strength In Numbers by Jared Carrabis
Sox Looking To Build On 2008 Success


With Spring Training just around the corner, the Red Sox have been arguably the busiest team in recent weeks looking to build another championship team here in Boston.

In 2008, the Red Sox strong point was their depth which came in handy as the club made it within three runs of their third World Series appearance in five years. In 2007, the Red Sox strong point was their lights out bullpen which aided the efforts to win Boston's second World Series title in four years. In 2009, thanks in part to the tremendous efforts by Theo Epstein, the Red Sox will be equipped with both depth in their bench and a bullpen capable of cutting down games to seven or eight innings.

Having already brought on board right-handers, Ramon Ramirez and Wes Littleton, the Sox signed relief pitcher Takashi Saito this past Tuesday. Saito will join the Black Pearl after inking a one-year deal with a club option for the 2010 season. The right-hander will be guaranteed $1.5 million but could earn up to $7 million in incentives but one would assume that his paycheck could only reach a total that high if he were to take the place of Jonathan Papelbon as the Red Sox closer. In other words, expect Saito to earn $1.5 million in 2009.

Since Saito has made the decision to sign with Boston, the next decision he will be faced with is going to be the number in which the Japanese born pitcher will don for the Red Sox. It has been reported that Saito's first choice was to wear the number 44, but that number is currently occupied by Boston left fielder, Jason Bay. Next, on Saito's list was the number 29, but the Red Sox introduced the Hall of Fame pitcher already and he will be wearing the same number he wore in Atlanta, 29. Saito's third and final choice? Get ready...24. It is rumored that Saito will in fact be wearing the number first made famous by Dewey Evans but most recently made infamous by Manny Ramirez.

Saito's quotes were translated by the Boston Globe to have said, "[Red Sox] seemed OK with me taking that number." Well, I think it's safe to say that Manny Ramirez has seen his last day in a Red Sox uniform. It's not like they're going to "hold" 24 just in case he is to return one day. As much as I loved him as a player, he certainly burned his bridges here in Boston and he will not see his number 24 retired as he had once dreamed. Saito, you have my blessing. When this guy is at full health he is one dominant force out of the pen.

Speaking of Manny Ramirez, his replacement could be looking to buy, not rent, in Boston in the near future. The Boston Globe reported this past week that the Red Sox "have every intention of approaching Jason Bay" about a contract extension "between now and the start of the season." The Red Sox are known for their methods of avoiding negotiations with their players during the season while it can be a distraction. However, when the Red Sox have a special player on their hands, as we have in Jason Bay, I'm sure Theo can make an exception if need be. For example, the Red Sox extended Josh Beckett in the middle of the 2006 season.

As I mentioned earlier, Spring Training is right around the corner and I'm sure that all of you are just as excited to see this new look Red Sox team as I am. However, let's not forget that this team is still without a starting catcher. Going into Spring Training without a starting catcher is like getting up to bat without a bat in your hands.

I think we've gotten to the point where we can all point the finger of blame directly in the face of agent Scott Boras as to why the Red Sox are without Jason Varitek at this very moment. Declining arbitration in this kind of market, being a Type A free agent following an abysmal season just may have been the most foolish decision that Boras has ever advised one of his clients to make. As a result, Varitek will not be guaranteed a job making around $10 million. Instead, he will be lucky to be making anything over $4.5 million at the start of the 2009 season.

In an article written by Alex Speier for WEEI.com, an executive coming from the National League was quoted as saying, "If we sign him and give up a draft pick, it would have to be over my dead body." Those are certainly words that you want or need to hear if you originally set out to find "Jorge Posada" money. In the article, Speier breaks down each of Varitek's options in detail but the most logical decision would be to sign a one-year deal for what he's worth and work his value back up (if that is at all possible).

On an even sadder note, WEEI.com is reporting that the Red Sox will be without utility infielder, Alex Cora, for the 2009 season and beyond. Cora had been waiting around to see if Boston was going to make a trade to move Julio Lugo but it appears as if though a trade is less and less likely as we get closer and closer to Spring Training. With the emergence of Jed Lowrie and the unmovable contract of Julio Lugo, Alex Cora was forced to move on with his career as he has signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the New York Mets. Alex was a staple in the Red Sox clubhouse and gave it his all every time he took the field. He will be sorely missed as Red Sox Nation wishes him the best as he returns to the National League.

Lastly, I suppose it's worth noting that in Ken Rosenthal's latest blog, the FOX Sports writer is reporting an interest in Adam Dunn coming from the Red Sox camp. Rosenthal's take on the situation is spot on. Boston virtually touches base with every big name free agent, this is probably just another one of those situations. I understand that the Red Sox missed out on their opportunity to bring Teixeira's big bat to Boston, but let's not do anything stupid. Sure Dunn hits tape measure home runs, but a move like this would downgrade the defense in Boston's infield significantly. With Teixeira you were getting a power-hitting switch hitter, with Dunn you're getting a power hitter that strikes out just as often as Mark Bellhorn did in 2004 with the same defensive ability. You lost out on Teixeira, Lowell stays.

-Jared Carrabis

Published on January 14, 2009

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