It all started in early September, when word first came out that the team planned on permitting Bill James to take on more responsibility within his Special Advisor role to GM Ben Cherington. Placing more emphasis on James’ role within the team’s front office may prove to be an impactful part of this complicated puzzle and it could prove to be a good place to start. After all, James is widely viewed as the inventor for most of the modern day ways in which players are evaluated by baseball teams, scouts, writers, and fans so there is certainly some value in what he recommends. Despite having been a part of the organization since his hire in 2003, it would seem James had fallen out of favor over the past two years, according to comments principal owner John Henry made to the Boston Herald’s Michael Silverman (as reported by Dan Shaughnessy on boston.com) on September 6th:

One of the biggest issues we’ve had is that Bill James was a great resource for us but fell out of favor over the last few years for reasons I don’t really understand. We’ve gotten him more involved recently in the central process and that will help greatly.

Connecting James’ apparent absence to the team’s on-field failures over the past two seasons would be the easy way to justify this decision, but the team’s struggles are not solely the fault of a strained relationship that has since been fixed. But having James more involved in the team’s plans can only prove to be a benefit for the organization moving forward and it is a move that simply makes sense for everyone involved. Cherington has long been a big believer in James’ principles and reportedly has welcomed the change with open arms. The initial cause of the problems between the two sides is unclear, but there are plenty of directions one could speculate. During the first year of his tenure there was tension between management and the team’s front office, as Grady Little was never was satisfied with his bullpen and used players in roles that differed from what the front office envisioned (I’ll avoid rehashing what took place at the end of that season.) James was largely credited with some of the adjustments made that following offseason which resulted in winning the World Series in 2004. But things shifted course somewhere thereafter, perhaps James simply stood back while Theo Epstein ran the team towards a second championship season despite not having the full backing of ownership (another tidbit Henry revealed in that September interview, specifically that he was not on board with all of Epstein’s decisions), taking things up until the present.

(Image Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE)

Perhaps the single biggest James-influenced signing during his tenure was also one of the first moves made by the team, just weeks after his hiring. David Ortiz, then 26, was coming off a six year stretch in Minnesota during which he hit a combined .266/.348/.461 over 1,691 plate appearances (455 games), adding 58 HR, 238 RBI, and 186 walks. Over the ten years since he’s made 5,956 plate appearances (1,377 games) for the Red Sox, batting .290/.389/.573 with 343 HR and 1,088 RBI. Add in eight All Star Game appearances, five Silver Slugger Awards, multiple Top 5 finishes in the MVP race, and a decade’s worth of positive good will towards the fan base and it would seem pretty clear that James was right on this one.

He’s also made no secret of the fact that he disagreed with the organization’s decisions to sign Carl Crawford and John Lackey prior to the 2011 and 2010 seasons respectively. Neither signing – in terms of dollars or years – made sense from his perspective. The team was able to rid themselves of the Crawford mess in late August, rendering that argument a moot point, but they still find themselves on the hook for an additional $45.75 Million over the next three seasons for Lackey, a guy who’ll turn 34 in late October and didn’t throw a single pitch in the Major Leagues during the 2012 season. The general opinion on that situation is well known so there’s likely no need to discuss it further.

There’s no guarantee that taking more stock in James’ suggestions in the coming months will suddenly be the ticket to turn around the organization. Where this will have the biggest impact will ultimately be in the long term ramifications of their decisions, which could suggest that some of the bigger name free agents likely will not be on Boston’s radar this winter. In the process of jettisoning Crawford off the team’s financial ledger (and others, of course), the team shed somewhere in the vicinity of $262.5 Million in future commitments. Speculation immediately pointed to the team going on a spending spree this winter, but the more realistic approach suggested a likelihood that they’d be conservative in their spending, at best. Given the deficiencies facing the current free agent market and the team’s needs, there really aren’t any likely many options worthy of consideration for a long term, big dollar deal. It’s a strategy that likely works in the team’s favor in the long run.

Josh Hamilton’s name has continued to be thrown out as a possibility, but despite his obvious upside there just simply are too many risks to be concerned about when it comes to handing him a guaranteed contract in excess of $100 Million. His past addiction concerns are one story, but over recent years he’s been plagued by a number of nagging injuries and more than a few public issues that the Rangers have been forced to address. He’s also going to be 32 next May and is a prime candidate to not age well over the life of what could be a six year contract. Boston’s need for an outfielder will also hinge on whether or not Cody Ross is resigned, as there is likely only room for one addition to the outfield unless someone is moved.

The team’s primary need is naturally in the starting rotation, but even there the biggest name on the free agent market would appear to be an unlikely fit regardless of James’ suggestions. Zack Greinke has long shyed away from pitching in the larger markets, at least before approving this past July’s trade that send him from Milwaukee to Los Angeles in exchange for a trio of minor leaguers. The right-hander will turn 29 in late October and has a proven track record in both leagues. There are other options on the open market that could fit Boston’s needs in a more efficient manner.

The team didn’t stop with re-affirming James’ role within the front office, even though that move will result in a series of smarter spending decisions, as they continued to add a team of advisors to properly support Cherington.

(Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE)

There was never much of a secret that former Captain Jason Varitek would end up working within the organization in some capacity in the futre when he announced his retirement a year ago. Most never expected that role to begin quite so soon, however. Thursday evening, just a day after hinting at a pending agreement between himself and the team, Varitek was officially announced as a Special Assistant to the GM. According to reports, he’ll take part in personnel decisions and evaluations while taking on a mentoring role with the organization’s younger players. No specifics were released whether or not any conversations have taken place regarding a future managerial position.

Varitek may not have the formal experience working in a team’s front office, but he breeds instant credibility, a high degree of respect, and a certain comfort level with the current roster that should help facilitate communication efforts between the two sides. His presence is a win/win for everyone involved.

Deciding that wasn’t enough, news came out Saturday evening thanks to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston that the team was on the verge of hiring Eddie Bane as a Special Assignment Scout who’ll help oversee both amateur and professional scouting. Bane has served as a pro scout for the Detroit Tigers for the past two seasons before landing this job with the Sox, after losing his job in Los Angeles over a disagreement in philosophy with then Angels GM Tony Reagins during the 2010 season. He had been the Angels’ Scouting Director the six previous years, responsible for drafting a number of the team’s current Major Leaguers.

Bane’s first official draft selection was Jered Weaver, the team’s current ace and one of the premier pitchers in the American League. Bane also was responsible for the international free agent signing of Kendrys Morales (2005) and the drafting of Peter Bourjos (2005), Mark Trumbo (2004), and perhaps most prominently, Mike Trout (2009) who’s had such a phenomenal 2012 season that he may become only the third player in Major League Baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards in the same season (joining Boston’s Fred Lynn and Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki). Bane also directed the team’s drafting of Brian Matusz (2005), Matt Harvey (2007), and Buster Posey (2005) out of high school, though none of the three would sign and would later be drafted by other organizations.

A former pitcher who spent parts of three seasons with the Minnesota Twins in the mid-1970s, Bane has been scouting and evaluating players across baseball for over 30 years and spent an extensive amount of time within the Dodgers organization before a stint with the Tampa Bay Rays that ended with him taking the Angels job. While Boston has made some drastic improvements to the talent level of their minor league system, if there is going to be long term success bred from an influx of homegrown talent then the organization will need to continue to draft well. An evaluator with Bane’s experience should be able to offer some quality insight in order to maintain the team’s flow of future talent.

There’s been some disent within Red Sox Nation for the way in which the organization has been run over the past few years. Epstein was seemingly given too much freedom to make the moves that he wanted to, ultimately resulting in much of the fiscal mess he left behind when he left for Chicago. In his stead, the blame mostly fell on team chairman Larry Lucchino, who’s worst decision may have been his biggest in the hiring of Bobby Valentine. What’s most telling in all of this, however, is that Cherington is finally regaining control of the organization and he’s been given the tools he’ll need in order to make the right moves and decisions for the organization’s future. The team just got out from under a mountain of poor investments and it would be foolish for Cherington to blow a rare opportunity by simply throwing money at the biggest name free agents based solely on star power. The financial slate’s been wiped clean in Boston, at least to some partial degree, and he’s been given a second chance to rebuild and retool this roster. Add in a pair of highly respected and highly experienced minds to advise him and a well-respected and recent former player to help facilitate communication and it becomes obvious that he’s being handed everything he needs to succeed.

It was strongly hinted by Jason Varitek during a Fenway Park in-game interview with newly-minted All Fenway Team member Jerry Remy and veteran NESN broadcaster Don Orsillo Tuesday night that he was in the final stages of a negotiation with the Red Sox that would bring him back to the club after just one year in retirement. Although an announcement from the Red Sox has yet to make it formal it’s a done deal if you are to believe all of New England’s talking heads. This is real. It’s a done deal.

July 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former catcher Jason Varitek waits in the dugout before being honored in a ceremony before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

In exactly what capacity Varitek will function both short and long-term are as yet undecided. The safe bet is on a special assistant advisory role with Boston, where he will reportedly be joined by Pedro Martinez, who is also said to be sewing up a deal with the Sox as well. Varitek is expected to be in Fort Myers as early as next week when Boston starts to size up their off season winter meeting, free agent and draft options.

Speculation has also included a possible 2014 managerial role for Tek, although a lot pieces would need to fall into place, primary of which is answering the question if a player so early after retirement is not only able to manage but to create enough distance from players still on the club that were once teammates.

In any event, this a good deal for everyone. It’s good for the organization. Save for circumstances beyond his control at the end of 2011, Tek has and will be a huge stabilizing influence; a player who’s work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge of pitchers and situations made him the thinking man’s catcher. The fans win. How could they not? Varitek wins by coming back to an organization in which he has instant credibility and respect. It’s hard to imagine former teammates Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz or Jacoby Ellsbury disrespecting Tek or his decisions.

Varitek’s presence in Boston is a win/win. Here’s to hoping it leads to just that.

Baby, even the losers, get lucky sometimes.
Baby, even the losers, keep a little bit of pride, they get lucky sometimes.
- Even The Losers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 

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You’re Ben Cherington and you’ve got the ball.  You always wanted to be the guy on the mound with the entire season on the line. You got what you wished for: to be the one who makes the choice at the moment of decision on the diamond: this will be the turning point in your baseball career.

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The Red Sox need a front-line starter to compete for a slot in the AL playoffs.

By now every Tom, Nick, and Larry, websites and bloggers, came to a consensus about that weeks ago; last week even GM Ben spoke about the need for starting pitching on Sirius XM with Casey Stern and Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio.

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Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

It’s been a long time since the Red Sox have been over .500. In reality it’s been since the Red Sox’s season ending lost on September 28th to the Orioles. It’s been even longer since they’ve seen them playing good baseball.

As I write this article, 49 games into the 2012 season, the Red Sox are over .500 for the first time this year. Boy, how the world has changed since the last time the Red Sox were a winning team. Let’s take a trip back down memory lane. *Insert Wayne’s World flash back*

Since the last time the Red Sox were over .500…

• Manny Ramirez has un-retired. Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek have retired.
• Albert Pujols left the Cardinals, Prince Fielder left the Brewers, Mark Melancon unfortunately was traded from the Astro.
• We were forced to learn who Lana Del Rey was.
• Good bye Twilight (almost), hello 50 Shades of Grey!
• Middle and lower classes citizens in MA are no longer the only ones who hate Mitt Romney.
• The “With Mitt” app has learned how to spell “America”.
• Siri got sassy.
• I’ve perfected my pancake making technique.
• We learned that we should call Carly Rae Jepsen. Maybe? I think I lost her number. Carly, if you read this, please send it to me again. (I don’t advice clicking that link)
• SNL had their 100^th digital short. Plus, Laser Cats 7.
• Terry Francona went from managing the Red Sox to in the booth at ESPN.
• Bobby Valentine went from the Booth at ESPN to managing the Red Sox.
• Whitney Houston died and Blue Ivy Carter was born.
• The Cabin in the Woods came out (three years late). AND IT WAS AWESOME!
• People started caring about Kony.
• People stopped caring about Kony.
• They ‘ve made zero progress on “The Killing”.
• I got a Pinterest. I’ve yet to post on it. I’m not even going to link it here.
• Jordan “Lil’ Debbie” Capozzi left the “White Girl Mob”. Please hold back your tears…
• Khaleesi lost her dragons. Found my affections.
• One Direction apparently is a thing now.
• Facebook bought instagram and the people bought facebook shares (hopefully they didn’t).
• Dick Clark did his final ball drop.
• You became just Somebody That I Used To Know
• Kentucky won March Madness. More importantly I won my bracket. Anthony Davis has hopefully won a trip to the groomer.
• “Swag” got replaced by “YOLO”, the obnoxious level has remained constant.
• Zooey Deschanel has gone mainstream. But still loved by hipsters.
• Carl didn’t stay in the house. Shane is now a zombie.
• Have you seen Girls? Not bad.
•  A naked man in Florida ate someone’s face.
• Amber Heard is clearly the hottest person in the world. That has not been changed. Just look!
  

  Actress and grand marshall Amber Heard at the Daytona 500. Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

• Everyone except me has seen The Avengers. Even the characters in The Avengers have seen The Avengers and they were the ones doing the avenging.
• Steve Jobs has stopped texting.
• Hunger Games is no longer known only as a book read be tweens.
• Jennifer Lawrence has because super rich.
• Jennifer Lawrence has not called me. Call me! Maybe?

Try to remember back to almost the year 2011. A year when the Red Sox were over .500. Won 90 games. Just missed the playoffs. Remember we used this thing called Twitter. Posted on a website called Facebook. Used Gmail and Skype. Awaited the arrival of the hoverboard. Actually I’m still waiting for that. Only 3 years away!

Sep 1, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former player

After the legendary collapse that the Red Sox suffered in September of 2011, the phrase I’ve heard most is “move forward”. The best way for the Sox to do so is to first take a giant leap backward.

Does anyone out there remember that mystical 2004 season that saw our beloved Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years? Looking at the Red Sox squad of today you have to wonder where those days have gone. There’s no sign of Pedro Martinez and his taunting personality, long gone are the days of “Manny being Manny”, Kevin Youkilis hasn’t put on his Hooters gear since he was a rookie and “Cowboy Up” is an unfortunate thing of the past.

Hell, even the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry has seemingly become a thing of the past. Jason Varitek isn’t around to feed A-Rod his catchers mitt, the Yankees are no longer “daddy” to the Red Sox’ ace and the war of words is practically non-existent. In simple terms the “Greatest Rivalry in Sports” appears to be dying. You could even argue that it’s not the greatest rivalry in MLB at this point.

Sure, the Red Sox of 2011 probably had more talent than the ’04 team but the chemistry wasn’t there. What we were left with was the larger than life personality of Dustin Pedroia, the monotony of Adrian Gonzalez and always visually frustrated John Lackey. Pedey does the best he can but he’s all alone on a team full of “straight faced” ballplayers.

The starting rotation will play a big part in the Red Sox’ success in 2012 but the real formula for winning will involve taking a step back, getting back to having fun playing baseball and re-igniting the rivalry that has defined the Red Sox and Yankees for so many years.

For all the latest news and analysis from BoSox Injection, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or with our RSS feed.

And, no doubt Bobby Valentine has studied the results and there will be a major shift in the Red Sox approach to base stealing, holding runners, and tossing out base thieves this season.

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Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been sidelined with hip bursitis and will miss a few days behind the plate because of it. He did get some at-bats in during a B game on Saturday morning, going 2 for 5 and manager Bobby Valentine expects Salty to be able to recover in the coming days, possibly as early as Sunday.  

This is the same type of injury that plagued Kevin Youkilis for most of last season that forced him to miss over 40 games.  Even when he did return it was obvious he was in pain, wincing anytime a ball was hit to him at third that required him to shift his body quickly.  I’m not saying that Salty will follow down that painful path, but there is certainly good and bad news from what appears to be a minor injury at this point.

First the bad.  This could very well turn into a year long injury, one where we see Salty play in a handful of games only to be sidelined for a handful.  An on/off type of scenario where he never really gets into a regular routine because of the bursitis, leaving a void at the everyday catcher position.

For most of last season Salty was productive both at the plate and behind it.  He showed the poise to call a good game and was effective when base runners tried to steal, at least more effective than Jason Varitek.   His offense started slow but picked up for a four month span before returning to a dormancy stage in September.  He wasn’t the only one.  What he did was show the talent that the Red Sox were hoping for when they acquired him from the Texas Rangers in 2010.

He has a history of injury but last year proved that when he’s healthy, Salty can live up to the hype that once surrounded him as a potential star catcher.  If the bursitis lingers, I don’t expect a productive Salty this year simply because of the lack of repetition he’ll get in before being sidelined again.

The good news, if there is any is this. One man’s pain is another man’s gain and for Ryan Lavarnway, this could be his opportunity.  When the Red Sox signed Kelly Shoppach it garnered a curious reaction.  With Lavarnway showcasing his skills late last year, both power at the plate and his arm, it appeared that the backup catcher job was his.  Then Shoppach comes aboard and suddenly Pawtucket looks like Ryan’s home for another year.

If Salty’s injury should linger it may give Lavarnway every opportunity to get the playing time he needs to once again prove he is the man for the job.  Should the bursitis force Salty to miss an extended period of time and Lavarnway relish in the spotlight then perhaps it’s Saltalalamacchia who will be the odd man out come the trading deadline.

Time will tell if the hip bursitis is minor or if it turns into something more.  Suddenly being three catchers deep isn’t a bad thing anymore for the Red Sox, giving them options behind the plate.

For all the latest news and analysis from BoSox Injection, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or with our RSS feed.

Right out of the blocks he told the media about his hatred of the Yankees.  Then calling Jason Varitek a “man’s man” for stuffing his mitt in A-Rods face.  The other day criticizing Derek Jeter‘s famous flip play as a shortstop being out of position. 

 The Yankees aren’t Bobby V’s only target.  He seems to be enjoying the banter between himself and former Sox Manager, Terry Francona.  The two have been going back and forth since the start of spring training.  Funny thing is, the Sox players seem to be on Valentine’s side.  

 These are just examples of how Valentine does things different from other Major League Managers.  Which leads to speculations by many media types that Bobby V is going to do something out of the ordinary this season that will surely get everyone’s attention. (more…)

December 21, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek (right) walks off the court with Catherine Panagiotopoulos (left) after the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 81-73 at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

After 1,546 games in 15 years at home plate for the Red Sox, Jason Varitek is ready to go home.

“After months of deliberating on what to do I decided it was best for me and my family to retire. What convinced me not to (come back) is what is best for me and my family. “

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September 14, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher

[NOTE:  This article was originally posted on Feb. 12th.  That day we received a tweet from Mrs. Varitek, who said that she and Jason read it and liked it.  On this day, when he officially announces his retirement, we are re-posting this article as a tribute to him.]

You’re Jason Varitek and you are trying to decide whether to retire, or go to spring training. There are rumors that you may sign with another team, but, anyone who knows you, expects that’s not going to happen.

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photo credit: SportsIllsustrated.com

In 1968 Andy Warhol, said  that “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.“ and thanks to the exponential increase in the speed of media, it seems that fame allows just a single image.

For Jason Varitek it will be the “Mitt Moment.”

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September 14, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey (left) and catcher Jason Varitek (right) talk on the mound during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

“He is a man’s man…He was a big hitter when needed. He was a leader of the pitching staff. He was able to beat up Alex. All that stuff is good stuff. He was exactly what he was supposed to be.” [Bobby Valentine]

Jason Varitek, one of only three Captains of the Red Sox from 2005-11, will announce his retirement Thursday at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers.  As Captain he led by example and commanded the respect of his team mates with his actions on the field. 

He was a man’s man.  He was a gamer.  He left it all on the field.

Maybe they can schedule “Jason Varitek Day” at Fenway with A-Rod and the Yankees in town.

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Feb 25, 2012; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) during batting practice at spring training at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

“That was just one of those things in there that went really well,”

Valentine said of Ortiz’s speech.

The departures of team captain Jason Varitek, the quiet leader, and their oldest player, Tim Wakefield, left a leadership void that desperately needed to be filled. Enter: David Ortiz.

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