Runs, Hits and Errors: Being Snide and Letting The Fur Fly
The strange brew that is part Red Sox’ post-apocalyptic season, part free agency, part new hires and trade rumors is in the pot and percolating. Which brings us to another installment of Runs, Hits and Errors, where I take a whack at just about anything Sox related.
Mikey We Hardly Knew Ye
Sep 22, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles (3) throws to first base against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE
Will Middlebrooks, who cites Mike Aviles as his most influential teammate during his break in as a pro in 2012, said he’ll miss Aviles but will be happy to see him often during inter-divisional games with the Blue Jays. Ah, check that Will. After holding onto Aviles for two weeks, Toronto sent Aviles and Catcher/First Baseman/Third Baseman Yan Gomes to the Indians for right handed Pitcher Esmil Rogers. It’s a good thing that Middlebrooks’ second favorite teammate, David Ortiz, will soon be signed a two-year, $26 million deal. Which brings us to …
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
August 24, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) bats during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE
During his past two contract negotiations David Ortiz has rather unfairly waved the respect flag first flown by Pedro Martinez upon his exit from Boston. The Red Sox have been fair with Ortiz on both occasions, which is why it was ever more curious when the Red Sox website published a piece saying that Pedro was happy that Ortiz was nearing the completion of his deal, the tie-in being that Martinez is himself looking to close a deal as an instructor for the Red Sox . I wonder how much “respect” the Sox will have to pay to retain Martinez’ services, which I guess makes Martinez sort of the ultimate free agent. Which brings us to…
I’m Free, Free Falling
Oct 17, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (26) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of game three of the 2012 NLCS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Two likely free-agent suspects in the Red Sox sites are the Rangers’ Mike Napoli and the Cardinals Kyle Lohse. While a Napoli signing would give me same deja vu creeps as a string of terrible Sox signings (think Eric Gagne, Matt Clement, Edgar Renteria, Brad Penney…do you really want me to go on?), Lohse cold solve at least one of Boston’s starting rotation pitching problems. The 34 year-old Lohse was 16-3 last year with a 2.86 ERA in a career high 211 innings. Go get him!
I’m free – I’m free,
And freedom tastes of reality,
I’m free-I’m free,
AN’ I’m waiting for you to follow me.
– I’m Free, The Who