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July 3, 2007

Projo Sports Chat transcript

Here is the transcript from today's Sports Chat. Remember to join us Thursday at noon for the next chat with sports editor Art Martone. You will be able to submit your questions beginning around 8 a.m.: go to projo.com/chat, choose a display name and send them in.

Kevishere: Dear Art, what are the chances of the Sox picking up some bullpen help via a trade? Timlin has done a ton for this team in the past few years, but he and Pineiro are not very reliable. What about Theo revisiting the possibility of getting Chad Cordero from the Nationals? He would be a nice addition, possibly along with veteran Dmitri Young. Supposedly, Washington GM Jim Bowden covets Wily Mo.

Art Martone: Hi, Kevishere. The Sox are in the market for bullpen help, according to my understanding, though I don't know if they're still looking for Cordero (whom they were interested in during spring training, prior to Papelbon's being named closer again). Anyone they acquire would be placed in a setup role, which is why I'm skeptical of reports that have them interested in established closers; it would seem a) an experienced closer who be too expensive to slid into a setup role and b) they probably wouldn't agree to it anway. It's also my understanding that Theo Epstein still has hopes for Wily Mo Pena, not so much because he's trying to justify the trade -- though, with Bronson Arroyo currently at 2-8, the trade is a little easier to justify than it was last year -- but because he still thinks Pena has the potential to develop into a rare type of right-handed slugger, particularly in Fenway Park. I'll be curious to see how this develops over the course of the next month, both in terms of who they pursue and who they're willing to give up.

SoxFanatic456: Any chance the Red Sox try to make a trade for the Pirates Salomon Torres, who just yesterday asked to be traded? Also, any truth to the report by a San Francisco radio station that the Red Sox are interested in Matt Morris?

Art Martone: The Matt Morris rumor is a new one on me, Fanatic; I hadn't heard that anywhere. It makes sense in the same way the Mark Buehrle reports made sense, that they're looking for another dependable starting pitcher, but Morris' contract makes $9.5 million this year and again next year. (He has a $9 million club option for 2009, with a $1 million buyout.) If the Sox are going to expand their payroll so drastically, I wonder if Morris is the guy they'll do it with. At 0-3, 5.14, I don't know that 35-year-old Salomon Torres holds much interest for Boston.

Warren: Art...the Rocket sure looked sharp in gaining his 350th win...what a shame he is likely to end his career toiling for the yanks...He should done the right thing if he had to play ( I think he should have not come back) and signed with Boston.

Art Martone: That's *your* version of the right thing, Warren. *His* version of the right thing involves signing the fattest contract. That being the case, the Yankees were his only choice, since they outbid everyone else by $10 million.

Warren: Art...Has the Ortiz shift gotten into Papi's head...seems like he is so hell bent on going with the pitch that he nolonger looks to pull the ball...While the result seems to be he is a better hitter for average he seems to have sacrificed alot of power ? What do you think ?

Art Martone: I wonder if there isn't something physically wrong with him, preventing him from planting and driving. He's had some leg issues, and they may be affecting him. He's been hitting into the shift for years, so I don't know why that would affect him now.

Warren: Art...last night on NESN they kept talking about the All-star break and how much the players need it and want it...they made it sound like Spring Break from School...if so shouldn't we not be voting sox players to the game so they can get some rest and relaxation ?

Art Martone: Kind of goes against the whole concept of the All-Star Game, though, doesn' t it?

Warren: Art....What did you think of Gabbard last night...I thought the kid pitched a pretty good game and has a future with the big club ?

Art Martone: He pitched pretty well, and has in two of his three starts up here. I don't see him as a top-of-the-rotation guy, but he certainly has the potential to be a useful pitcher.

Warren: Art....Is Hinske one of the most under-rated aquistions Theo has made...this guy really is a great supplment to our starting nine...I really hope he stick with the team for many years to come...

Art Martone: I like Hinske a lot, even though his numbers are down this year, and I think the role he's in is perfect for him. His contract expires at the end of the year and it remains to be seen a) if he wants to come back as a reserve or would prefer to play regularly somewhere else, and b) if his experience level will make him too costly for the role he fills with the Sox.

Warren: Art....only in New York..Only in New York..Clemens wins 350 and it's not even the lead yankee story.

Art Martone: Well, with A-Rod getting hurt, I can see how Clemens got pushed into the background.

Warren: Art...When are we likely to see Bucholtz in Boston....and doesn't the rather pleasant progression of our young pitchers make the prospects of Schilling coming back less and less ?

Art Martone: He's not even in Pawtucket yet, Warren! With the way things are going, there is absolutely no reason to rush him.

Warren: Hey Art....maybe you should show your friend who debated you about who is worse , yankee fans or red sox the picture of the classy t-shirt Mrs. Stray-rod was wearing the other day ?

Art Martone: Yeah, but she's not a fan!

Warren: Art...I really think something is wrong with Ortiz...notice he opted out of the All-Star homerun derby ?..I think he needs a week off to rest....

Art Martone: Could be. As we said earlier, I wonder if his legs aren't bothering him.

Warren: Art...have you ever had a time in your career where the guy you were interviewing was being such a SOB you wanted to pop him ? Or at least give him a piece of your mind ?

Art Martone: Warren, I don't think I'd ever thought that popping a pro athlete, any professional athlete, was such a good idea, either professionally or personally.

Kevishere: Hi Art, How has Craig Breslow flown so far under the radar? His numbers at Pawtucket are great!

Art Martone: They're not really in the market for another left-handed reliever. If they were, they might have thought about giving him a chance.

Warren: Art...any reports on how Schilling is feeling after throwing yesterday ?

Art Martone: We'll hear more today, I'm sure.

Warren: Art...before we close the chat for the day...I want to wish you, Pam and all my friends at Projo a Happy and Safe 4th of July.

Art Martone: Thanks, Warren. Same to you, and to all of you out there! See you again Thursday.

Posted by Mike McDermott at 1:26 PM | Permalink

July 3, 2007

Projo Sports Chat transcript

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