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No news to report -- yet!

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein just held a conference call with the Boston writers in preparation for the upcoming winter meetings in Nashville, and no, he didn't announce a trade involving any of his players for Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana.

"We have nothing to announce," he said. "Nothing imminent. We're going to keep on working right up until the meetings, but if I had to guess I would say probably nothing to announce before the meetings."

Even though he would not get into specifics with any one certain deal, Epstein did say he's still looking to address the team's bench and bullpen during and after the winter meetings.

"Just because we're focused on those two elements of the club doesn't mean we're not going to look at other opportunities to get better," he said. "We'll see if anything presents itself and we'll be aggressive as we usually are . . . We're pleased with the position we are in. We think we have a really nice mix of veterans and young players at the big-league level, and another wave or two of talented young players coming through our farm system who should make an impact."

Epstein went on to explain he's very satisfied with the organizational depth, but would not "ignore" any opportunities that would make the team better in both the short and long term.

Blockbuster trades aside, the Red Sox still have some internal work to do with their own arbitration eligible free agents, including Mike Timlin, Bobby Kielty, Doug Mirabelli and Eric Hinske. Epstein said there will likely be some news to report on that front come Saturday, and that he was looking to bring back some of the role players from the 2007 team.

The team is also looking to extend the contract of manager Terry Francona.

Currently the talks between the sides still remain in the preliminary stages, but Epstein did say an extension is something that the Red Sox would like to get done at some point this winter.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 1:22 PM | Permalink

JIM DONALDSON: Make the deal

Hard to believe that the Red Sox could get Johan Santana without giving up either Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury, as was speculated Thursday by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, but, if that's possible, then what are the Sox waiting for?

The names being floated in Minnesota that the Twins supposedly want in exchange for their two-time Cy Young Award winner are center fielder Coco Crisp, left-handed pitcher Jon Lester, and highly-promising, minor-league prospects Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie.

If that's truly the case, then Theo Epstein already should have made the deal.

Having the left-handed Santana join the should-have-been Cy Young winner, and postseason pitching hero, Josh Beckett at the top of the rotation would all but guarantee the Sox a second straight A.L. East crown, assuming those two avoid arm problems. Adding Santana would drop Daisuke Matsuzaka, who almost certainly will be an even better pitcher next season than he was this year, to No. 3 starter. That leaves veterans Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield to vie with the highly-promising Buchholz for the remaining two starting spots. All that, plus the best closer in baseball, Jonathan Papelbon, coming out of the bullpen.

With Ellsbury replacing Crisp in center field, and every other position player -- plus DH David Ortiz -- returning, the Sox with Santana could leave even the Yankees looking like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Ah, yes, the Yankees . . .

New York GM Brian Cashman has got to be burning the phone lines to the Twin Cities, offering whatever it takes to get Santana -- if for no other reason than to keep him away from the Red Sox.

Which is why, if I'm the Twins, I'm thinking I could pry Buchholz away from Boston.

We'll see how it plays out.

But, if the Sox can get Santana without giving up either Ellsbury (whom I'd consider close to untouchable) or Buchholz, it's a deal that seems almost too good to be true.

As for the prospects the Sox would have to give up...the 23-year Lowrie hit .300, with 5 homers, in 40 games after being called up from Portland to play shortstop for Triple-A Pawtucket...The 6-5, 245-pound Masterson was 4-3 in 10 starts for Double-A Portland this summer while striking out 59 batters in 58 innings.

But they're just prospects. Santana is a proven star.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 7:37 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Report has Sox leading in Santana sweepstakes

Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports today that the Red Sox are the front-runners in the competition to obtain Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins. According to Walters, the Sox would part with center fielder Coco Crisp, pitcher Jon Lester, minor league pitcher Justin Masterson and minor league shortstop Jed Lowrie.

Click here to read Walters' column, which is vague on sources.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Lester wins Tony C. Award

Jon Lester, who returned to the Red Sox in 2007 after being cured from a form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, has been named this year's winner of the annual Tony Conigliaro Award, sponsored by the Boston Red Sox.

The criteria for selection is “that major league player who has overcome adversity through attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.” A panel of media members and baseball executives voted on the award.

This year's nominees were Lester, Dmitri Young of the Washington Nationals, Al Reyes of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Joe Borowski of the Cleveland Indians, Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins, Andy Phillips of the New York Yankees, Josh Hamilton of the Cincinnati Reds and Doug Brocail of the San Diego Padres.

Previous winners include Jim Eisenreich, Dickie Thon, Jim Abbott, Bo Jackson, Mark Leiter, Scott Radinsky, Curtis Pride, Eric Davis, Bret Saberhagen, Mike Lowell, Kent Mercker and Tony Saunders (co-winners), Jason Johnson and Graeme Lloyd (co-winners), Jose Rijo, Jim Mecir, Dewon Brazelton, Aaron Cook and Freddy Sanchez.

Lester will be honored at the annual Boston Baseball Writers’ Association dinner on January 17, 2007.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Steinberg leaving Red Sox to take job with Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers today named Dr. Charles Steinberg as their Executive Vice President/Marketing & Public Relations and made him their Chief Marketing Officer. The Red Sox’ Executive Vice President/Public Affairs had spent six seasons in Boston.

“Charles Steinberg’s contributions to the Red Sox have been important, innovative, and enormous, and his legacy will be enduring,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “He has been in many ways the team’s heart, conscience, imagination, and artistic soul. Given his prodigious productivity, many of us believe “Charles Steinberg” is a “nom de plume” for at least four different people!

“John Henry and Tom Werner join me and our entire organization in gratefully wishing Charles good luck and great success in his latest West Coast adventure. He will be missed immensely, both professionally and personally.”

“The swirl of emotions I feel befits the November winds of Boston,” Steinberg said. “I leave a front office so full of accomplished people, some of whom I believe will be someday enshrined in Cooperstown—and that’s not an easy achievement for front office officials.

“Although miles will test the friendships I have made here, so many are so deep that diminution seems incomprehensible.

“I leave a staff so capable, so learned, and so dedicated. I have no doubt that the Red Sox are poised to continue their ascent to the stratosphere of sports and entertainment organizations.

“I’m in awe to have had a front row seat to watch this ensemble that has saved Fenway Park, achieved this string of consecutive sell outs, won the 2004 World Series after an 86-year wait, and won the 2007 World Series with a blend of young and established players that give promise for continued success..

“But ever since Opening Day, 2005, when the fans reacted so warmly and so emotionally to the ceremonial conclusion of that 2004 season, I have wondered whether it’s time to move on to another club that may benefit from my love of baseball. The easy part has been to stay in Boston, a city I dearly love, and whose love I have felt in return. The hard part is to address the human spirit deep within that says to keep trying, keep pursuing, and keep challenging one’s self. Boston is in such good shape, I don’t think it will skip a beat. The challenge is to apply this love and passion to another city, another franchise, and that opportunity is afforded to me by Bostonians Frank and Jamie McCourt, who are so eager to take the Dodgers franchise to the heights where it belongs. I am grateful for the opportunity to help.

“So with indescribable gratitude to my fiercely loyal brilliant friend and mentor of 28 years, Larry Lucchino, continued admiration and affection for my friend of 16 years, Theo Epstein, and with everlasting appreciation to John Henry, Tom Werner, the partners, my amazing staff, and the rest of the front office for giving me the opportunity to give the people of Boston and New England all the love in my heart, I hope to go out West and bring the passion of Red Sox Nation to a fan base that too deserves to enjoy, again, the splendor of love between a baseball organization and its fans.

“May we meet again in a World Series, with Neil Diamond singing in person to Honey Fitz’s great granddaughter, ‘Sweet Caroline.’”

Steinberg will begin his new position with the Dodgers in January.

Posted by Art Martone  at 1:33 PM | Permalink

Red Sox see less money from World Series win

NEW YORK (AP) - A full World Series share was worth $308,236 for the Boston Red Sox, down from the record $362,173 set by the St. Louis Cardinals last year.

Boston's split of the postseason players' pool was $18.89 million, down from the $20.02 million the Cardinals shared when they won the title. The Red Sox voted 47 full shares, 14 partial shares and 11 cash awards.

NL champion Colorado, swept by the Red Sox, voted 44 full shares of $233,505, five partial shares and 45 cash awards. Mandy Coolbaugh, the widow of Rockies minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh, was voted a full share. Mike Coolbaugh was killed when struck by a foul ball during a game in July.

Last year, a full share on the Detroit Tigers was worth $291,668 after they lost to the Cardinals in the Series.

World Series ticket prices were basically unchanged this year, and revenue was down because of the success of the Red Sox - Fenway Park has the smallest capacity among major league ballparks.

The players' pool dropped to $52.46 million from a record $55.60 million. The pool includes 60 percent of ticket money from the first four games of the World Series, the first four games of each league championship series and the first three contests of each division series.

Full shares for the league championship series losers came to $139,460 for the Arizona Diamondbacks and $107,458 for the Cleveland Indians.

Among first-round losers, full shares were worth $31,594 for the Los Angeles Angels, $28,058 for the Philadelphia Phillies, $26,304 for the New York Yankees and $24,508 for the Chicago Cubs. For second-place teams that didn't make the playoffs, full shares were worth $11,404 for Milwaukee, $10,611 for Detroit, $9,411 for the New York Mets and $9,112 for Seattle.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:59 PM | Permalink

Inspiration for 'Sweet Caroline' revealed: JFK's daughter

LOS ANGELES -- Neil Diamond held onto the secret for decades, but he has finally revealed that President Kennedy's daughter was the inspiration for his smash hit "Sweet Caroline."

"I've never discussed it with anybody before - intentionally," the 66-year-old singer-songwriter told The Associated Press on Monday during a break from recording. "I thought maybe I would tell it to Caroline when I met her someday."

He got his chance last week when he performed the song via satellite at Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's 50th birthday party.

The enduring hit recently reappeared on the singles chart, thanks in part to the Boston Red Sox. "Sweet Caroline" is played at every home game.

"I think they consider it good luck," Diamond said, adding that the World Series champs have become his favorite baseball team.

Diamond was a "young, broke songwriter" when a photo of the president's daughter in a news magazine caught his eye.

"It was a picture of a little girl dressed to the nines in her riding gear, next to her pony," Diamond recalled. "It was such an innocent, wonderful picture, I immediately felt there was a song in there."

Years later, holed up in a hotel in Memphis, he would write the words and music in less an hour.

"It was a No. 1 record and probably is the biggest, most important song of my career, and I have to thank her for the inspiration," he said. "I'm happy to have gotten it off my chest and to have expressed it to Caroline. I thought she might be embarrassed, but she seemed to be struck by it and really, really happy."

The tune's return to the charts leaves Diamond "speechless," he said: "That song was written 40 years ago, so I am just overwhelmed by the fact that it has returned and that, more importantly, people have taken it into their hearts for so many years."

Audio: Listen to a clip of "Sweet Caroline."

-- Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 1:06 PM | Permalink

Lowell re-signs for three years, $37.5 million

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox finished their holiday shopping early, re-signing free agent third baseman Mike Lowell today to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million according to someone with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

The salary will be $12 million for each of the next three years, with a $1.5 million signing bonus.

Lowell's signing means the Sox will return the 2007 team almost in its entirety. Earlier this month, the Sox also re-signed pitcher Curt Schilling to a one-year deal.

The Sox had made it clear from the beginning that they were not willing to give Lowell a four-year deal, an approach they had previously taken with Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon.

Lowell attracted various levels of interest from the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and at least some of those clubs were apparently willing to go to a fourth year.

But Lowell made clear that he would prefer to remain with the Sox. His long-term contract, which paid him $9 million annually, expired after the season.

With the 2007 World Series MVP back under contract, the Sox' off-season wish list has shrunk to the depth positions. The Sox could still use a veteran outfielder, a corner infielder and perhaps an upgrade over Doug Mirabelli at the backup catcher position.

Posted by Sean McAdam  at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments 3

Herald: Sox, Lowell agree to terms

The Boston Herald's Rob Bradford, quoting an unnamed source, reports that the Red Sox and Mike Lowell have agreed to a three-year deal worth $12 million to $13 million a year. The deal will not be finalized today, Bradford says, quoting the source.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:18 PM | Permalink

Angels trade former Sox hero Cabrera

CHICAGO (AP) — The White Sox traded right-hander Jon Garland to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday for shortstop Orlando Cabrera.

The 28-year-old Garland, an 18-game winner in 2005 and 2006, was 10-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season. He 92-81 with a 4.41 ERA in 246 games, including 223 starts, over eight major league seasons, all with the White Sox.

Garland was acquired by the White Sox from the Cubs on July 29, 1998, for pitcher Matt Karchner.

Cabrera, 33, batted .301 with 35 doubles, eight home runs, 86 RBIs and a career-high 101 runs with the Angels last year. He had a career-high 192 hits.

He won his second Gold Glove and led AL shortstops in fielding percentage (.983). Cabrera, who has also played with Montreal and Boston during his 11-year career, is a career .273 hitter. He was on the 2004 Red Sox team that won the World Series.

Chicago also receives cash as part of the trade.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:15 PM | Permalink

ESPN says Lowell deal near with Sox

ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting today that Mike Lowell and the Red Sox are close to a three-year deal.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments 1

Pedroia one of many to want Lowell back

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

The Red Sox players under contract have made no secret of their desire to have veteran Mike Lowell back playing third base in Boston next season and beyond.

Lowell, the World Series MVP, is a free agent and has been in negotciations with the Red Sox and other clubs, too. The 34-year-old produced a career year for Boston and is seeking a four-year deal, but the Red Sox want to sign him for three years.

His Red Sox teammates want him back, but they also know this is a business.

Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, the A.L. Rookie of the Year, has been in contact with Lowell via text messages a few times since the players returned home after the World Series celebrations, but the subject of the veteran’s future has not come up in their conversations.

Pedroia said half-jokingly today that he was going to call Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and tell him to hurry up and get the deal done.

“(Lowell) has to make the right decision for what’s best for him,” said Pedroia. “He’s earned the right to be a free agent, but obviously we want him back. He was the biggest part of our team last year.”

Pedroia has said all along that he wouldn’t have had the type of season if it were not for the help of Lowell and Alex Cora.

As for Pedroia, who had surgery to remove his hamate bone in his left hand two weeks ago, had the cast removed on Friday and only has stitches remaining. He said it’s a little stiff, but he feels normal and that he’ll be 100 percent ready for spring training.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:36 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Sox adding 800-plus seats to Fenway

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Red Sox are adding more than 800 new seats at Fenway Park as part of a slate of improvements planned for next season.

The new seats and standing room areas for about 60 people will be added to the pavilion level, which is the third level of seating above home plate. The pavilion area will be extended down the first base line and the third base line, where about three-quarters of the new seating will be located, the team announced.

In total, Fenway's capacity will increase by about 900 fans.

The pavilion seats will cost between $75 to $90 and the standing room area tickets will cost $25.

"We understand the demand for such seats; thus we are adding to the supply," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said.

The team also plans to install new scoreboards, new stairways and elevators and open a year-round restaurant in center field that will have a view of the ballpark.

The announcement comes the same week the team said 2008 ticket prices would increase an average of 9 percent. Prices at Fenway range from $12 for upper bleachers seats to $125 for field box seats. Lucchino said the added revenue was needed to keep the team competitive, particularly as the rival New York Yankees see a major revenue increase when they move into a new stadium in 2009.

The new seats and other improvements are part of the annual offseason renovations the team has undertaken at the league's oldest and smallest ballpark since the ownership group led by John Henry bought the Red Sox in 2002.

Among the major renovations were adding seats above the "Green Monster" in left field in 2003. Before last season, the team added a new bleacher section on the roof deck in right field.

"For decades, there was a presumption that Fenway Park had outlived its useful life and, sentiment aside, would have to be replaced by a modern facility in another location," Lucchino said. "We are eager to see, in 2012, this ballpark become the first ever to celebrate its 100th anniversary."

Posted by Jack Perry  at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments 2

Download today's sports cover

On today's sports cover, Sean McAdam examines the Red Sox' decision to begin their season in Japan, and what it means for the 2008 season. Also, Paul Kenyon writes on Rhode Island's win at the Pizzitola center, and Bill Reynolds profiles Hendricken grad Matt Sherry, who might have a future in the NFL.

Download a copy of the page in PDF format

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:15 AM | Permalink

Francona finishes fourth in Manager of the Year voting

Eric Wedge of the Cleveland Indians won the American League Manager of the Year award today, after taking his team from noncontention to the brink of the World Series.

The Red Sox' Terry Francona finished fourth in the voting with 13 points. In addition to Wedge (116 points), Francona finished behind Mike Scoscia of the Angels (62 points) and Joe Torre, formerly of the Yankees (61 votes).

Bob Melvin of the Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League Manager of the Year award.

NEW YORK (AP) - Eric Wedge and Bob Melvin, former backup catchers who found far more success in the dugout than on the field, were honored Wednesday as managers of the year.

Wedge became the first Cleveland manager to win the AL award, picked by a wide margin after the Indians tied Boston for the best record in baseball. Melvin won the NL prize for leading the young Arizona Diamondbacks to the top mark in the league.

Wedge received 19 of the 28 first-place ballots and got 116 points, finishing ahead of the Angels' Mike Scioscia (62 points). Joe Torre, fired by the Yankees, was next with 61 and Terry Francona of the World Series champion Red Sox got 13.

Melvin was chosen on 19 of the 30 first-place ballots and got 119 points. Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel (76), Colorado's Clint Hurdle (58) and the Cubs' Lou Piniella (25) followed.

Wedge, a no-nonsense guy with a John Wayne calendar in his office, guided the Indians to a 96-66 record. Cleveland made its first playoff appearance since 2001, then lost to the Red Sox in Game 7 of the AL championship series.

Melvin was chosen for his steady hand in leading a team that sometimes started six rookies and finished 90-72.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:12 PM | Permalink

Red Sox release full 2008 schedule; raise most ticket prices

The Red Sox have released their entire schedule for the 2008 season. Some highlights:

-The season begins with games March 25 and 26 against the Oakland Athletics in Tokyo. Oakland is the home team; the two teams will fly across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to play two games at McAfee Coliseum on April 1 and 2.

-The home opener is Tuesday, April 8, at 2:05 against the Detroit Tigers.

-The Red Sox host the Yankees for the first time on Friday, April 11. They finish their season with a three-game series Sept. 26-28 at Fenway against the Yanks. Boston plays its last series at Yankee Stadium (which will be replaced in 2009) from Aug. 26-28. The teams will play nine games at Fenway and nine in the Bronx.

-Boston hosts interleague series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks. They will visit the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros.

See a copy of the schedule in PDF format

The team is also raising prices on most tickets at Fenway Park. Here are the regular-season ticket rates (valid if paid by early pay due date of Dec. 19), and single-game rates for different ticket categories.

Regular-season rates
Lower Bleacher $24 (up from $21)
Outfield Grandstand $28 (up from $25)
Infield Grandstand $45 (up from $40)
Right Field Roof Box $45 (up from $40)
Right Field Box $45 (up from $40)
Pavilion Box $85 (unchanged)
Loge Box $85 (up from $80)

Single-game rates
Upper Bleacher $12 (unchanged)
Standing Room $20 (unchanged)
Pavilion Level Standing Room $25 (unchanged)
Conigliaro's Corner $25 (unchanged)
Lower Bleacher $26 (up from $23)
Outfield Grandstand $30 (up from $27)
Infield Grandstand $50 (up from $45)
Right Field Roof Box $50 (up from $45)
Right Field Box $50 (up from $45)
New Left Field Pavilion Box $75
Pavilion Box $90 (unchanged)
Loge Box $90 (up from $85)

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments 1

Red Sox agree to open 2008 season in Japan

The Red Sox will open their World Series title defense in Tokyo.

Following months of negotiations, the Red Sox agreed to a two-game series against the Oakland Athletics in Japan on March 25-26, and the commissioner's office announced the trip early Wednesday.

With Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima, the Red Sox figure to be an attractive draw for the games at the Tokyo Dome. The Red Sox and A's also will play exhibition games on March 23-24 against Japanese teams.

After the trip, the teams return to the United States and open the rest of their regular-season schedules with a two-game series at Oakland on April 1-2. That originally was to be a four-game set.

Oakland will be the home team for the games in Japan.

The Japan visit is one of two Asian trips Major League Baseball hopes to make next year. Talks have been under way for months to have the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres play exhibition games in Beijing, most likely on March 14-15, at the ballpark to be used for the 2008 Olympics. That would be Major League Baseball's first trip to China.

If the Beijing games take place, the Dodgers likely would then travel to Arizona for most of their remaining spring training games. Next spring is their last at Vero Beach, Fla., where they first trained in 1949. They switch their training base in 2009 to Glendale, Ariz.

Boston and Oakland will be the third set of teams to open the regular season at the Tokyo Dome, following the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs (2000), and the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2004). A scheduled 2003 series between Oakland and Seattle at the Tokyo Dome was canceled because of the threat of war in Iraq.

"Opening our regular season in Japan for the third time is another example of Major League Baseball's commitment to continue the global growth of the game," commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement.

-- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted by Art Martone  at 7:55 AM | Permalink

Download today's sports cover

On today's sports cover, Sean McAdam explains how C.C. Sabathia's heavy workload won him the Cy Young Award, but may have hurt his team's chances to win the pennant. Also, Paul Kenyon previews tonight's matchup of URI and Brown at the Pizzitola Center.

Download a copy of the page in PDF format

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 7:00 AM | Permalink

Indians' Sabathia beats out Beckett for Cy Young Award

C.C. Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award on Tuesday, beating out several worthy contenders by a comfortable margin and becoming the first Cleveland pitcher in 35 years to earn the honor.

Voting took place before the postseason, when Sabathia struggled while Beckett pitched the Red Sox to a World Series championship with a string of dominant outings.

The Indians ace received 19 of 28 first-place votes and finished with 119 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Boston's Josh Beckett was second with eight first-place votes and 86 points, while John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels got the other first-place vote and came in third.

Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 209 strikeouts, pitching a major league-high 241 innings. Beckett (20-7) became the only big league pitcher to win 20 games since 2005, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 200 2-3 innings. Lackey led the AL in ERA at 3.01, going 19-9 and tossing 224 innings.

Sabathia became the first Indians pitcher to win the award since Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry in 1972.

Read more ...

-- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted by Art Martone  at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments 2

Pedroia checks in

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia was named the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year yesterday and afterwards answered questions via a conference call from Arizona State University, where he starred for three seasons during his collegiate playing days.

He talked about proving all his doubters wrong. He spoke about what the honor means for him and his family. He discussed the World Series, the entire season and the Yankees. He was able, however, to downplay the fact that he played the final two months of the season with a cracked hamate bone in his left hand.

Pedroia said he doesn’t know exactly when the injury happened, but he knew something wasn’t right.

“I was flying out to right field a lot and my hand was killing me,” he said yesterday. “So I went in and had a MRI done.”

The hand specialist told him about the fracture and said it was possible to play with the injury, but it would be painful. He toughed it out and finished the season and was an integral part of the Sox’ World Series Championship.

Pedroia had surgery last week to remove the bone and he said he’ll be 100 percent ready for spring training.

Other than having this procedure, his life has been a hectic one since the Sox clinched their second World Series title in four seasons against the Rockies on Oct. 28 in Denver.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said Pedroia. “Anytime you win the World Series, I didn’t know what to think of it at first because everything went by so fast, but once you get home you miss your teammates. I’ve talked to pretty much all of them throughout the last week or two. We do the same thing every day for seven or eight months, and you get accustomed to that environment. When you get home you have some time off before workouts, but you definitely miss those guys you shared those special times with.”

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 7:56 PM | Permalink

Pedroia earns top A.L. Rookie

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia didn’t get much sleep Sunday night.

He said it had nothing to do with Monday’s scheduled announcement of the American League Rookie of the Year Award, but because he was busy moving into his new home in Chandler, Ariz.

Truth be told, Pedroia and his wife, Kelli, celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on Sunday, and the couple had reason to rejoice again Monday when it was officially announced that Pedroia did, in fact, win the A.L. Rookie of the Year Award presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

“It’s kind of been a dream come true this whole year,” said Pedroia. “You definitely want to make an impact your first year in the big leagues, and establish yourself as an everyday player – a good player. Once the season carried on I started to have some success and the only thing I cared about was helping the team win because that was our ultimate goal.”

The Red Sox wanted to win the A.L. East title and they did. They wanted to win the World Series and they did. Pedroia was a big reason why the club accomplished both feats and for that he was named to this honor.

“If you’re dedicated to team goals then individual goals will come later,” he said. “You’re going to play your best baseball trying to do anything you can to help your team win.”

Pedroia said after winning the World Series he didn’t give too much thought to the notion of possibly being named Rookie of the Year.

“I’m not too big on personal accomplishments,” he said via conference call Monday afternoon. “I just want to help my team win. There have been some great players to get this award and it’s been such a fun and exciting year for me and my teammates. I’m so happy for the people who stuck with me through this whole thing. . . It’s definitely a huge accomplishment.”

More to come. . .

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 3:36 PM | Permalink

Pedroia named A.L. Rookie of the Year (updated at 2:17 p.m.)

Dustin Pedroia, the little Boston second baseman with the big swing, easily topped Tampa Bay outfielder Delmon Young. Voting was done before Pedroia helped lead the Red Sox to the World Series title.

Ryan Braun won the NL Rookie of the Year award in one of the closest votes, while edging Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki by two points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Pedroia received 24 of the 28 first place votes in balloting conducted by two writers from each of the 14 American League cities. He also received four second place votes and 132 total points and was the only player named on all 28 ballots. Outfielder Delmon Young of Tampa Bay was second with 56 points (3 1sts, 12 2nds, 5 3rds) with Kansas City pitcher Brian Bannister third with 36 points (1 1st, 8 2nds, 7 3rds). Boston righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka finished fourth with two seconds and six thirds for 12 points while lefthander Hideki Okajima received three third place votes. Voting is 5 points for 1st, 3 for 2nd, and one for 3rd.

Pedroia is the sixth Red Sox player to be named as the A.L.’s top rookie by the BBWAA, the first since Nomar Garciaparra in 1997. He is just the fourth A.L. player to win the award while playing the majority of his games at second base, joining Minnesota’s Rod Carew in 1967, Detroit’s Lou Whitaker in 1978, and Minnesota’s Chuck Knoblauch in 1991.

Pedroia batted .317 with eight homers and 50 RBI in 139 games with the Red Sox in 2007. His batting average was tenth highest in the American League and the best ever for a qualifying major league second baseman. Pedroia led all big league rookies with 39 doubles, ranked second with a .380 on-base percentage, and was third with 86 runs scored. He was also second among A.L. rookies with 165 hits, 49 multi-hit games, and 230 total bases.

Overall, he finished second on the Red Sox in runs and doubles and ranked third in batting average and hits. Pedroia ranked fifth among A.L. second basemen with a .990 fielding percentage, and his 132 starts were the most by a Boston 2B since 1967. He was the A.L. Rookie of the Month in May and the league’s Player of the Week for May 28-June 3.

Pedroia batted .283 (17-60) with two homers and 10 RBI in Boston’s 14 post-season games, including a .345 (10-29) mark in the ALCS versus Cleveland.

The Boston second baseman was also selected as the A.L.’s top rookie in the Major League Players Choice Awards voting and by The Sporting News. Pedroia, who now makes his off-season home in Chandler, Arizona, was the Red Sox’ second round selection in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft after an outstanding three-year career at Arizona State University.

-- ASSOCIATED PRESS AND BOSTON RED SOX

Posted by Art Martone  at 2:08 PM | Permalink

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Today's sports cover features Demetrius Andrade, the world boxing champion from Providence, and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.

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Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:17 AM | Permalink

Lowell next?

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Now that Curt Schilling is signed, sealed and delivered, the Red Sox will now focus their attention to free-agent third baseman and World Series MVP Mike Lowell.

After GM Theo Epstein officially announced Schilling’s one-year deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in incentives, he was asked if the Red Sox and Lowell were close on a possible deal.

“We’re working at it and hopefully moving the ball forward each day,” said Epstein.

Lowell did file for free agency today, but did say following the club’s World Series victory that he wanted to return to Boston. His teammates have made their feelings known to management that they want him back.

The significant contributions Lowell made for the Red Sox certainly didn’t go unnoticed with his teammates.

“Mike’s been our staple in our lineup all year,” said Red Sox captain Jason Varitek after the club’s Game Four sweep in Colorado. “He’s come up with big hit after big hit and that’s why he drove in 120 during the regular season.”

Would you like to see him back next season?

“I would love to,” said Varitek. “He plays great defense. He’s a huge part of this team and we would love to see him back in this uniform.”

Even Schilling finished his blog item announcing his signing by saying: "Sign Mike Lowell!"

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments 3

Schilling deal done

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

With the free-agent market for pitchers pretty thin this baseball offseason, the Red Sox decided it was best to sign someone the club knows, respects and feels will be reliable.

Veteran Curt Schilling, who will turn 41 on Nov. 14, and the Sox have agreed on a one-year incentive-driven deal worth a base salary of $8 million with another $6 in bonuses. Epstein said the negotiation process went smoothly and it only took a couple of days following the club’s second World Series title in four seasons, for the two sides to agree on a deal.

“Curt wanted to stay here and we wanted him back as long as we could get some protection in the contract, and we were able to accomplish that pretty quickly,” said Epstein.

It’s very possible that Schilling could have made more guaranteed money with another club – one of the many other teams he recently said he would play for – but he also knows that he has cemented his baseball legacy in Boston with two World Series Championships.

“I think it says a lot about Curt that he was willing to take less to come back here,” said Epstein. “It’s easy for a player to say it’s not about the money, but it’s hard to actually prove it. In Curt’s case, he put his money where his mouth was and really made a statement about what’s important to him right now. He deserves a lot of credit for that, and we benefit from that as an organization and our fans will benefit as well. It’s not too common in this day and age someone who can get guaranteed money was willing to take the risk associated with performance bonuses and other bonuses. He did a rare thing and we’re proud of him.”

Epstein said he is not allowed to get into specifics about the incentives included in Schilling’s contract, but it’s been reported that he has a $2 million weight clause, along with $3 million if he pitches a certain amount of inning and $1 if he receives a Cy Young vote.

“We’re not allowed to go into detail,” said the Sox GM, “but generally there were some incentives added to the contract as a method to bridge the gap between the guaranteed money we were willing to offer and what he was looking for. Curt recognizes the importance of reconditioning his body so he can get into the best possible shape and give his the best chance to stay healthy throughout the year. That’s something we certainly welcome.”

Epstein was quick to add that the veteran of four World Series appearances (three wins) was not in the best shape entering spring training last season, which led to Schilling going on the disabled list during the regular season (June 19 to Aug. 6) with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

“This should provide some incentive for him to work really hard this winter and get in great shape,” said Epstein. “Hopefully he can have a very solid season we can benefit from.”

With Schilling staying in Boston, it could mean some significant changes to the Sox’ rotation in 2008.

When asked during the regular season about the possibility of the Red Sox going to a six-man rotation – something Daisuke Matsuzaka was accustomed to in Japan and due to the organization’s pitching depth – manager Terry Francona pooh-poohed the notion. But, Epstein said on Tuesday there has been some discussion given the team’s pitching personnel to accept that concept.

“It’s premature to commit to any usage pattern” he said. “But certainly we’re in a little bit of a unique situation where you could say a number of our starters could benefit from something like that in one way or another.”

Epstein did say that if the club decides to go in that direction, that’s when a pitcher could go down with an injury in spring training then the Sox would be forced to find another player to fill that role. But, he did say that topic will likely be discussed in internal meetings prior to spring training.

“It’s an interesting concept given the personnel we have,” he said. “But it’s not something we’ve fully explored, yet.”

With such depth that obviously proved crucial for the club in 2007, Epstein said looking ahead to 2008 the club will be able to again structure the pitchers’ schedule to the team’s benefit, such as giving guys time off if needed, while effectively managing all the pitchers during the season will be a luxury.

“Given the age of our pitchers both on the very high end and on the low end, it’s important to have significant depth so you can make moves with that foresight rather than out of desperation. The importance of pitching depth we were always cognizance of, but the more we see just how dependant our season is on having effective, healthy pitchers the more we prioritize.”

If everyone is healthy come spring training, the Sox will have seven starting pitchers to fill the five-man rotation, including Josh Beckett, Matsuzaka, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Schilling, Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez.

Immediately following the club’s four-game sweep of the Rockies in the World Series on Oct. 28 in Denver, the Red Sox players said they wanted Schilling and free-agent third baseman Mike Lowell back with the team next season. Now that one of the two deals is complete, the players are quite happy with the situation.

“Curt Schilling is one of the most prepared pitchers in this game,” said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who won a Gold Glove this past season. “We all know he’s not throwing 95 or 97 MPH like he used to, but the velocity doesn’t change how well he can go out there and perform and get guys out. His hard work and dedication to the game is huge and it’s a big deal to have Curt back on the team because he’s a born winner and you need guys on the field who want to win, and know how to win on a daily basis.”

One down. One to go.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 6:22 PM | Permalink

Ortiz has surgery

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz had successful arthroscopy surgery on his ailing right knee at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. The procedure was performed by Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill.

According to a club press release, Ortiz will begin his rehab immediately and this surgery will not interfere with his offseason workout program. He is expected to be ready for spring training, according to the release.

Ortiz recorded a .332 batting average in 2007, while posting 35 homers and 117 RBI in 149 games.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:19 PM | Permalink

Youkilis wins Gold Glove

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis has been selected to the 2007 American League Gold Glove team. He becomes just the second first baseman in team history to earn the accolade, joining three-time winner George Scott.

"I would like to congratulate Kevin on this much-deserved honor," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. "It says a lot about him and his work ethic. He came up as a third baseman and he was able to make a smooth transition to first. He makes it look easy over there, but he works extremely hard at his craft. What he was able to accomplish this season defensively was extremely impressive. We're proud of him."

A third baseman by trade, Youkilis recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage, while posting 1,080 chances without making an error in 135 games. His consecutive errorless games set an A.L. record.

"It's quite an accomplishment," said Youkilis. "To have a great year and to win a Gold Glove means so much to me. It's definitely a boost in the confidence level, knowing this award is the highest award you can get for fielding. I'm so proud for playing defense for all the pitchers and the other guys across the diamond."

Youkilis was also a force offensively, compiling a .288 average with 16 homers and 83 RBI in 145 games. He's just the second Boston player to earn a Gold Glove in the last 16 seasons (beginning 1992) with catcher Jason Varitek being honored in 2005.

Other A.L. Gold Glove winners include: Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco, Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre, Minnesota outfielder Torri Hunter, Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore and Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana.

Posted by Joe McDonald  at 5:04 PM | Permalink

AP: Schilling, Sox reach preliminary agreement

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement on an $8 million, one-year contract that will allow the star right-hander to return next season to the World Series champions.

The agreement provides for him to make an additional $5 million in bonuses and match his 2007 salary. The deal is subject to him passing a physical, contains $3 million in performance bonuses based on innings pitched and $2 million based on weight clauses, a person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an announcement.

His agreement was first reported by ESPN.com.

"Talks with the Red Sox are moving," Schilling said in a posting on his Web site early Tuesday. "Theo and I have spoken multiple times daily over the past week and given the current situation, I am feeling very confident that we will be able to finalize a one-year contract to allow us a chance to finish our career as members of the Red Sox organization. There are some things to iron out and details that must be finalized for both sides, but barring something unforeseen or outrageously odd happening, I feel very comfortable that I will finish my career here."

Schilling, who turns 41 on Nov. 14, also posted the letter that team president Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein sent him before opening negotiations with him in November 2003.

"There is no other place in baseball where you can have as great of an impact on a franchise, as great an impact on a region, as great an impact on baseball history, as you can in Boston. It is hard to describe what the Red Sox mean to New England," the letter said. "We are so close to the goal that has eluded us for 86 years."

In 2004, Schilling went 21-6 and helped lead the Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918. His velocity diminished, Schilling was 9-8 during the regular season this year, then went 3-0 in four starts during the playoffs to improve his postseason record to 11-2.

After the Red Sox declined to give him an extension, Schilling said in February that he would become a free agent after the season. He said then he would return for Boston in 2008 for $13 million, the same salary he earned in 2007.

While he wanted to stay, he also was ready in case he had to change teams.

"We've prepared the kids that we may be moving again," wife Shonda said last weekend.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:21 PM | Permalink

JIM DONALDSON: Sign Schilling?

Here's hoping Big Schill enjoys playing for either the Indians, Angels, Phillies, D'backs, Cubs, Cards, Tigers, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, or Padres -- the teams he says he'd consider, now that he's a free agent.

Good for him for not including the Yankees on that list.

The Red Sox are, of course, on the list, too -- perhaps even at the top. But, if it's going to cost them another $13 million for his services in 2008, as it did this season, then they should take a pass.

Schilling was only 9-8 overall during the regular season, and was just 3-6 after June 7th. He pitched well in the playoffs, relying on guts and guile. But he'll be 41 on Nov. 16, and those two attributes, admirable as they are, won't get him through all of the 2008 season.

Speaking of ''guts,'' Schilling wasn't in the best of shape when he showed up in the spring, and never did slim down the way the Sox had hoped.

The fact is that Boston doesn't really need him next year, with Clay Buchholz ready to step into his spot in a rotation headed by the sensational Josh Beckett, and including Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester and either Tim Wakefield or Julian Tavarez.

Sox GM Theo Epstein has a history of overpaying for players -- $70 million over five years for J.D. Drew; $36 million over four years for Julio Lugo; $51 million for the negotiating rights to Matsuzaka -- and he's going to have to overpay now if he intends to re-sign team RBI leader and World Series MVP Mike Lowell, who's sure to draw a big bucks offer from the Yankees.

But Theo shouldn't shell out for Schill.

Schilling will forever be a part of Red Sox history. They never would have won the World Series without him in '04, and his ``Bloody Sock" win in Game Six of the ALCS against the Yankees that year was unforgettable.

Now, unless he wants to take a pay cut (fat chance), Schilling should be history in Boston.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments 4

JIM DONALDSON: Can you believe it?

Driving around the other day, listening to sports radio, I heard a promo featuring Joe Castiglione's call of the Red Sox completing their sweep of the Rockies in the World Series.

''Can you believe it?'' he shouted.

It was the first time I'd heard the broadcast, because I was in Denver, covering the Series for the Journal.

And my answer to that question is, well: ''Yeah. Sure. Absolutely.''

What's so unbelievable about the Red Sox winning the World Series?

They won 96 games, tying the Indians for the best record in the majors. They had the second-highest payroll in baseball. They were favored to win in each of their three, postseason series -- against the Angels, Indians, and Rockies.

What I can't believe is that anyone, much less someone who'd seen the Sox play all season, would ask ''Can you believe it?'' after watching them dispose of the overmatched Rockies in four straight games.

Posted by Jim Donaldson  at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments 2

Sox to bring back Wakefield, Tavarez; acquire minor-league outfielder from St. Louis; lose Kevin Cash to free agency

The Red Sox today exercised the 2008 contract options on righthanded pitchers Julian Tavarez and Tim Wakefield.

In addition, Boston has acquired outfielder Sean Danielson from St. Louis to complete the trade that sent righthanded pitcher Joel Pineiro from the Red Sox to the Cardinals on July 31.

Tavarez was 7-11 with a 5.15 earned run average in 34 games/23 starts for the Red Sox in 2007, his second season with the club. The righthander was 6-11, 5.22 in 23 starts and 1-0, 4.50 in 11 relief appearances. His 77 strikeouts were the second most of his career. Tavarez is 84-70, 4.42 in 734 career major league appearances.

Wakefield posted a 17-12 record and a 4.76 earned run average in 31 starts this season. He ranked second on the staff and eighth in the American League in victories, matching his career best, and was third on the club with 189.0 innings and 110 strikeouts. The righthander earned a decision in each of his first 26 starts, the longest such streak by a Red Sox pitcher since 1929 and was 4-1, 2.45 in August to earn team player of the month honors.

Wakefield is 168-146 in 511 career major league games and ranks second on Boston’s all-time list with 474 appearances and 337 starts. He was limited to one post-season start due to inflammation behind his right shoulder.

Danielson combined to hit .296 with four homers, 36 RBI, and 19 stolen bases in 103 games with Single-A Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield in the Cardinals organization. After beginning the year with a .355 average in 12 games at Palm Beach, the switch-hitter spent the rest of the season in the Texas League, batting .291 in 91 games. Danielson has a career .283 batting average with 61 stolen bases in 263 games in his three seasons in the St. Louis system. He led all Cardinal minor leaguers with a .407 on-base percentage and ranked second with a .342 batting average in his pro debut in 2005.

Danielson has been assigned to the Double-A Portland roster.

The Red Sox also announced that catcher Kevin Cash has elected free agency after declining an outright assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Cash batted .111 with four RBI in 12 games with the Red Sox in 2007.

NOTES: Manny Ramirez will be one of Jay Leno’s guests on The Tonight Show this evening…David Ortiz will be appearing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on Friday…Several members of the Red Sox organization are playing for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League…Catcher Dusty Brown has a .303 average in 10 games…INF Jed Lowrie is hitting .190 with one homer and 12 RBI in 15 games…RHP Jose Vaquedano has posted a 3.12 ERA in 7 appearances…In the Hawaiian Winter League, RHP Daniel Bard has a 0.75 ERA in 11 outings for Honolulu and RHP Jimmy James is 1-2, 3.68 in 5 starts…OF Jason Place has a .229 average with 3 homers in 17 games.

-- BOSTON RED SOX PRESS RELEASE

Posted by Art Martone  at 4:36 PM | Permalink

Farrell to return

John Farrell ended speculation about his leaving the Red Sox to accept a managing job by announcing today he will return as Boston's pitching coach in 2008.

''While I do have aspirations to manage in the Major Leagues in the future,'' Farrell said in a statement released by the team, ''my commitment to [owner] John [Henry], [chairman] Tom [Werner], [president/CEO] Larry [Lucchino], [general manager] Theo [Epstein], Tito [Francona] and the Red Sox needs to be greater than one year for their faith in hiring me as their pitching coach. Therefore, I have declined the opportunity to interview for the position of Pittsburgh Pirates manager. I look forward to contributing to and competing for another World Series title here in Boston.''

Posted by Art Martone  at 2:27 PM | Permalink

Video link: Papelbon on Letterman

In case you haven't seen it, here's a site that posts Jonathan Papelbon's interview on the David Letterman show earlier this week. The dancing closer made CBS glad that it uses a tape delay.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:29 PM | Permalink

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Posted by Rich Lee  at 10:33 AM | Permalink