Apr 16, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino (18) puts on his helmet before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. A Red Sox jersey with the Boston area code was hung in the dugout along with a note from a Cleveland fan. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Sox were awful again today, giving it all up to first time double A starter Chad Jennings. Boston’s pitching got hammered and the offense simply didn’t show up. Victorino’s injury, suffered while tracking down an Emilio Bonifacio tow-run homer, simply put a disgusting coda to an ugly Sunday afternoon dance.

Victorino was trying to track down Emilio Bonifacio’s two-run homer when he crashed into the wall. He stayed down on the warning track for more than a few minutes and was deemed able to stay in the game by trainers but eventually left in the seventh inning for a defensive replacement.

Victorino and the Sox now have two concerns – his ribs and his balky back. “The way Shane hit the wall, he started to stiffen up as the game went on,” manager John Farrell said. “And given what he’s been dealing with, low back-wise, we weren’t going to take any chances further today.”

Apr 16, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino (18) wipes his face before a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. A Red Sox jersey with the Boston area code was hung in the dugout along with a note from a Cleveland fan. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Manager John Farrell has said he wants to give the situation a chance to work itself out through Boston’s off day on Monday. If Victorino doesn’t come around by then he’ll likely head to the disabled list. The ironic twist in all of this is that if he does go on the DL, Boston’s only available outfielder on the 40 man roster is Jackie Bradley, Jr. Alex Hassan is out of Triple A Pawtucket’s lineup with a calf stain.

Boston can also exercise an option for any outfielder not on the 40-man roster but they’d have to make a move with another player to make room for them. Franklin Moralez, who recently strained a pectoral and has been shut down, might be a DL option for say Bryce Brentz or Jeremy Hazelbaker. Both Brentz and Hazelbaker are righties. Boston has a lefty option with Justin Henry, also on the Pawtucket triple A team.

With the exception of the 27-year old Henry, the Sox would want regular playing time for the other younger potential call-ups.

The left-handed hitting Hazelbaker has been crushing right handed pitching (.388) this season but is struggling against lefties (.158). Brentz, a righty, is much the same story, although he has gotten off to a slower start this year than last, Brentz is hitting .304 against righties but is batting just .167 against lefties.

Mar 10, 2012; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (41) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Lackey gave up just one run and four hits over five solid innings of work. He kept the ball on the ground and didn’t walk a batter, an especially good sign when a guy is coming back from Tommy John surgery, since control is generally that last skill to get dialed back in. A quintet of Red Sox relievers shut out the Phillies the rest of the way. Andrew Bailey got the win for the Red Sox.

“I felt good with the ball being on the ground a lot,” Lackey told mlb.com’s Ian Browne after the game. “It was a good sign for me. I’m still throwing a majority fastballs, trying to build my arm strength up. It was nice.”

Phillies starter Cole Hamels was Lackey’s equal, giving up 4 hits and 1 run over 6 complete innings. It came apart in the 7th inning when Hamels was replaced by Michael Stutes.

When driving a car the old adage “speed kills” is true. When throwing a baseball “walks kill” is also true. The trouble started with two outs after Stutes got Will Middlebrooks to fly out and Jonny Gomes to pop out. He walked Jarrod Saltalamacchia, tossed a wild pitch to advance Salty to second (who was replaced by pinch runner Matty Johnson) and then walked Daniel Nava. Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Johnson and advanced Nava to third. You could feel the train coming ’round the track when Stutes walked Jacoby Ellsbury to load the bases.

Victorino’s hit wasn’t a cheap one. He got a middle in fastball and hit it on the screws. The ball was smoked to right fielder Pete Orr who initially misjudged the ball. It sailed over his head and rolled to the wall while Victorino showed Red Sox Nation that he still has wheels.

The pitching held strong, the defense was solid and Boston took advantage of the opportunities presented to them. You can’t ask for much more than that. The win moves Boston to 14-12 in Grapefruit League play this spring.

Mar 6, 2013; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Team USA outfielder Shane Victorino (50) singles during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Victorino should supply a spark plug at the top of the lineup, where he’ll likely be hitting much of the time. He will add plenty of speed at the top of the lineup, and chances are that he and Ellsbury will combine to steal a very good number of bases if they each stay healthy. However, he isn’t the typical all-speed guy, he also will hit for a bit of average (career .281 hitter) and even some power (.432 career slugging percentage). Victorino will be motivated by his worst season last year when he batted .255/.321/.383, and became hapless against right-handed pitching, so if he can get back to normal a .270/.340/.420 season wouldn’t be out of sight.

On the other hand, defensively, expect Victorino to be nothing short of a star out in right field. He has a career 6.7 UZR/150 in the outfield, and when he is playing right field, that number jumps to an elite 19.5. He has a good arm and had 9 outfield assists last year, which would have put him seventh in the majors last year (he played mostly center field).

On the whole, do not expect Victorino to be a stud who finished top 10 in MVP voting. Instead, expect him to be a solid player who can and hopefully will do it all for the Red Sox. Fenway Park will help him when he’s hitting both left-handed and right-handed as it will maximize power from the right side and doubles and triples from the left side. Even if Victorino only does what he did last year, it’s only for three years, and he still wasn’t all that bad.

General Manager Ben Cherington gave us the answer a couple of days into the baseball winter meetings when the team announced they had signed former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino to a 3-year, $39 million deal.

July 14 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino (8) hits a RBI triple in the top of the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Phillies defeated the Rockies 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Andrew B. Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

Victorino endured an injury plagued 2012 campaign but the Sox think it is an aberration.  They think the player they are really getting is the dynamic player who was a key piece on the excellent Phillies teams of 2007-2011.

If his arrival in spring training is any indication, the Red Sox are getting themselves a ball of fire and great clubhouse influence.  He is excited to be in Boston with all the history the Red Sox franchise brings to the table.

Victorino recognizes he stunk last season.  He was injured a lot during the year and he never really got in the proper frame of mind because he couldn’t perform the way he wanted at his usual high energy level.  He is chomping at the bit to prove last season was a fluke.

I’ve watched a lot of Victorino because I’ve seen a lot of the Phillies the last few seasons.  I think the Sox are getting a player who can be clutch and disruptive to opponents in big spots.  He’s a real gamer that understands and can play in the pressure of a big market.

He’s always been considered a high motor player with gold glove skills and excellent speed.  Add to that his reputation as a clubhouse leader and voice and the Sox may have just lucked into an outstanding contributor who is also ready to help change the stagnant clubhouse culture.

Apr. 25, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox fans should love the excitement and positive energy Victorino brings to his game.  If he’s the player he was in Philly prior to 2012, the love affair between fan and player will develop quickly.

For more on this story check out the link to my web show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n02v2CBg9l4&feature=youtu.be

Lowell first came to the Red Sox as a throw in. Besides giving up a package of prospects that included Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez, taking on Lowell’s remaining two years and $18 million was a necessary cost in acquiring then budding ace Josh Beckett. Considering Lowell was coming off the worst season of his career in which he hit .236/.298/.360/.658 with only eight home runs and 58 RBI, this was a very expensive risk. The club even acquired the immortal Hee-Seop Choi as insurance in case Lowell’s 2005 was a sign of things to come.

October 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) advances to third on a triple in the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Lowell would prove the critics wrong, playing 307 games and hitting .305/.359/.488/.847 with 40 home runs and 200 RBI in 2006-2007. His swing was tailor-made for Fenway, he became known as a “doubles machine” (84 in those two seasons), and it all culminated with a World Series MVP.

In 2012, Shane Victorino had the worst season of his career (.255/.321/.383/.704 with eleven homers and 55 RBI’s). Those numbers are actually better than what Lowell put up in 05. Prior to that, Victorino was a dynamic player who’s capable of double digit homers and triples, 25+ doubles, 20+ steals. He’s only 32, the same age Lowell was in his first season with the Red Sox. Unlike Lowell, he’s already proven he can handle a big market. Now with his nagging hand injury behind him, as well as the stress of pending free agency, Victorino can get back to being the dynamic player he was with the Phillies. Here’s hoping Red Sox fans will be saying “Cody Who?” after 2013.

After this feel-good story, why such a long wait for Napoli? Well…

Sep 28, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Mike Napoli (25) bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rangers Ballpark. The Angels beat the Rangers 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After he became a free agent after the 2007 season, Lowell would eventually re-sign with the Red Sox for three years $37.5 million. In the 2008 season, Lowell would start to suffer hip ailments. He tried playing through the pain, playing in 113 games putting up a .274/.338/.461/.798 with 17 homers and 73 RBI’s. But the pain would be too overwhelming. The Red Sox would shut Lowell down in the postseason where they would eventually lose to the Rays in seven games in the ALCS. He had a similar season in 2009, playing 119 games with a .290/.337/.474/.811 with 17 homers and 75 RBI’s. Lowell would play a reduced role in his final season in 2010, playing 73 games (only four at third base) with a .239/.307/.367/.674 line with five homers and 26 RBI before calling it a career.

The original deal with Napoli was a similar one to what Lowell got in the 07-08 offseason. When concerns over his hip came up in the results of his physical, the club sighted a recent player with a similar problem. They eventually would agree to a new deal for only one season. Wise move by the Red Sox in case Napoli’s hip condition doesn’t improve. Wise move by Napoli as well considering he would’ve gotten even less going back on the market as damaged goods.

Sept. 28, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) hits a 3-run home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Today the Sox bagged Shane Victorino, a player who like Mike Napoli had a miserable 2012 when compared to his career numbers. Victorino, 32, will likely be signed to a three-year $39 million contract with the Red Sox pending a physical. Sound familiar? If you’re playing connect the dots you don’t need a compass to get from point A to point B over the past two days. Boston is once again going after players who have had subpar years and overpaying for them in hopes of a return to normalcy and consistency once in a Red Sox uniform.

Even the talking heads on MLB Network at the Winter Meetings are perplexed by the bookend deal in which two players have been paid more money after down seasons when baseball reason and a long historical precedent dictates that players having strong seasons going into free agency are rewarded.

The dead eye realist in me says, “So we’re gonna roll the dice again with players that appear to be on their downside and expect a different result?” The sunny optimist in me says, “I like Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino. A couple of years ago I would have loved these deals. They’re in their their early thirties so what’s the problem?”

Certainly with the signings Boston has effectively reduced their exposure by staying away from long-term deals and paying enough to put a team together that looks more like Boston’s grinders of the past. Victorino, Napoli and David Ross in particular are known for wearing pitchers down by going deep into counts and being selective.

Time will reveal if the short-term payouts present a problem. I’m sitting firmly on the fence. Read Conor Duffy’s piece on the Victorino signing here to get the full rundown.

Boston has likely closed the book on their 2013 outfield pursuits. Barring any craziness between now and Opening Day the starting outfield will be comprised of Jacoby Ellsbury in centerfield, Victorino in right and Jonny Gomes in left. The oft injured Ryan Kalish again gets the cold shoulder. With Kalish and Daniel Nava in platoon roles, it’s highly unlikely that either Cody Ross or Ryan Sweeney will be seen in a Boston uniform again. Josh Hamilton? Fuggedaboutit.

Looking even further out, Victorino – who plays both right and centerfield – provides additional insurance if he rebounds when Ellsbury is almost certainly either traded or walks after his contract expires in 2013. Victorino’s presence in the last two years of his contract will afford the team more breathing room as they develop outfield prospects Jackie Bradley Jr.and Bryce Brentz.

Baby, can’t stay, you got to roll me
And call me the tumblin’, roll me and call me the tumblin’ dice
- Tumbling Dice, The Rolling Stones

September 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Victorino’s normally solid numbers took a big hit in 2012 as he batted just .255/.321/.383 in 154 games between the Phillies and Dodgers. Throughout his career, he’s been a very good player, however, with a career slash line of .275/.341/.430 primarily with the Phillies. He also has averaged 30 stolen bases, 14 home runs, and 62 RBIs every 162 games through his entire career.

Besides his decent offensive capability, Victorino is an excellent fielder. In Fenway Park’s spacious right field, having a guy with great range and a strong arm is a huge benefit. In fact, Victorino has recorded a higher UZR/150 (19.5) in right field than in any other outfield position.

The Red Sox did overpay to get Victorino, but with their wide-open payroll, they can afford it. This deal does merit a bit of concern, however. Victorino has always been better against southpaws than righties, but in 2012 he only batted .230/.295/.332 against righties. His career splits against righties, .267/.330/.402, are probably closer to the truth though. Plus, as much as Victorino struggles against righties, he slams lefties– batting .323/.388/.518 in 2012 and .301/.373/.508 in his career.

I’m not overly enthralled by this signing. However, I’m certainly not upset with it either. There’s no getting around the fact that they did overpay by a potentially wide margin. However, there’s also no getting around the fact that Victorino has potential to be an elite outfielder like he was as recently as 2011. Perhaps most importantly, this move might fill (with the potential exception of shortstop) all holes in the Red Sox’ lineup. It’s nice to see Ben Cherington getting the job done during the Winter Meetings, now here’s to a bit of pitching!

Just how is Papelbon fitting in with his new rabid fan base?  Well we asked Ethan from the Philadelphia Fansided network, That Ball’s Outta Here and he informed us that Cinco Ocho has become a fan favorite.  We also discussed other things about the Phillies, like the possibility of the team becoming a seller if they don’t improve their position in the standings and who just might be available.  I also asked him if he thought a Kevin Youkilis trade would happen and whether the Phillies should consider it.  You might be surprised by his answer.  Enjoy.

1. The Phillies are playing .500 baseball with a plethora of injuries and roughly ¾ of the season remains.  Yet we hear talk that the Phillies could be sellers this summer, almost as though they’re giving up on the year.  Is this accurate and what are your thoughts on this?

All the talk about the Phillies being sellers is a product of a few factors. The poor start to the year has been a shock to everyone, and many fans have been quick to push the panic button. Ruben Amaro said it’s a possibility if the team struggles into July, but that was more of a wake up call posed to the team. The most intriguing  aspect is the pending free agency of Shane Victorino and Cole Hamels. The team is still far apart in talks with both players, and could be floating their names out for leverage or just in case negotiations break down completely.

2. If they do become a seller, which names should we look for to be available and what’s the price tag going to be?

If doomsday does come and the team decides to hold a player yard sale my three names to watch would be Hamels, Victorino, and Blanton.

Blanton would be the most likely to go, as he has been dangled by Amaro already this offseason. He’s a solid 4th starter and would command a low prospect or two.

Victorino woul likely require more, a la the Carlos Beltran trade last summer. There is no clear heir apparent yet in CF for the Phillies, but they seem reluctant to give the 32 year old more than 3 years.

Hamels being traded is a no win for the Phillies. It would be a PR nightmare for the team, and it would be difficult to get value back in a trade. It would take a lot for the Phillies to even consider a deal. I would say something a long the lines of CC to Milwaukee, but the odds of any deal are 100-1.

3. The Phillies were said to have one of the best rotations in baseball with Halladay, Lee, Worley et al.  Why is this club sitting at .500 given the talent they have on the mound?

If you’re wondering why the team has struggled so much look no further than the lineup. They are missing Utley and Howard, but the rest of their Vets have yet to step up aside from Carlos Ruiz. Hunter Pence has shown some power but his OBP is barely above .300. The lineup as a whole has been afflicted with impatience. Not enough players get on base to get a big inning going, and without their power threats the bats have been largely silent.

4. Jonathan Papelbon did his best to get Philly fans on his side when he opened his mouth comparing fans Philly to Boston fans.  Many Red Sox fans were peeved at him and the best way for him to back it up is on the field.  He’s been pretty good so far. Has he lived up to the hype and are Phillies fans pleased with him? Was he worth the $44 million?

Papelbon has been great for the Phillies, on and off the field. He’s lived up to expectations, but may never live up to the $$ he got. Most fans saw the length and dollars as too much, but the GM is taking the heat for that. It will be fun to see Papelbon pitch against his old friends in the Sox clubhouse. Knowing him, don’t be surprised to see plenty of chin music either.

5. Who do you think the Phillies should target for infield help and does Kevin Youkilis make sense in your opinion?

Kevin Youkillis makes sense for two reasons . He gets on base, and he plays third. As bad as the team needs an on-base machine like him, the last thing they need is another broken down infielder in his thirties. The team would no doubt be smitten to get their hands on a player like Middlebrooks, but it would take a lot more than Joe Blanton for that to happen.

6. Briefly compare the starting pitching match ups and who has the edge in each?

Game 1: Hamels v Bard

I have to give the edge to Cole on this one. No knock against Bard, but there are very few pitchers who are on fire like Hamels right now. He’s piling up a lot of K’s, and is finally getting some run support as evidenced by his 5 wins.

Game 2 Blanton v Lester

Blanton has been very reliable this year, but Lester looked lights out his last time out. Given his pedigree and the Phillies rough go against lefty starters Lester is my pick in this one.

Game3: Lee v Beckett

This matchup is interesting as it features two pitchers who are actually familiar with their inter league rival. Beckett has faced the Phillies countless times dating back to his days in Florida, and the same is true for Lee when he was in the AL. Since there aren’t a lot of great golf courses available to Beckett I foresee a pitchers dual with a lot of strikeouts. Call it a push, but I like the Phil’s chances of getting under his skin.

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