Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Florida Marlins trade Jeremy Hermida to Red Sox

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November 6

Miami Herald

"When Jeremy Hermida hit the stage with the biggest bang possible, blasting a pinch-hit grand slam in his first major league at bat, most nodded in knowing approval. Hermida, after all, was a prized prospect the Marlins had been raving about, a can't-miss first round draft pick with one of the slickest swings in the sport. But after waiting five years for an encore that never occurred, the Marlins on Thursday traded Hermida to the Boston Red Sox for a pair of young, left-handed pitchers. It was a move that surprised no one. ``I figured a trade was going to happen,'' Hermida said shortly after being told he had been dealt. ``It was just when and where.'' With the moratorium on major ..."

Marlins trade outfielder Jeremy Hermida

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November 6

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Jeremy Hermida had no illusions about his future with the Florida Marlins. That didn't deaden the shock of getting traded. Thursday, the Marlins sent Hermida to the Boston Red Sox for a pair of left-handers, including South Floridian Hunter Jones. A product of Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens and Florida State, Jones made his major league debut last season and is now a Marlin along with Class-A swingman Jose Alvarez. "It came out of nowhere," said Hermida, the Marlins' first round pick (11th overall) in 2002. "I figured it was coming, but you're never quite ready for that day." One of the club's more polarizing figures since a splashy September 2005 debut, Hermida never fully ..."

Hermida brings his promise to Fenway outfield

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November 6

Boston Globe

"Jeremy Hermida's first at-bat in the major leagues produced a grand slam. He was 21 at the time, and the Florida Marlins thought they had a player worthy of building a team around. That was five seasons ago. Yesterday, the Marlins grew tired of waiting and traded Hermida to the Red Sox for lefthanders Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. "This was not a blockbuster,'' Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. "This was a value trade, a chance to get a guy with unfulfilled potential at a reasonable cost.''"

Jason Bay among three to hit free agency

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November 6

Boston Herald

"Three former Red Sox players - outfielders Jason Bay and Rocco Baldelli and reliever Billy Wagner - officially filed for free agency yesterday, the first possible day they could do so. As many as six others could file in the coming days. The stakes are high for both Bay and the Red Sox. Left field is an obvious hole for the club next season, and Bay's worth in his year-and-a-half here - 45 home runs, 156 RBI - was both proven and substantial. The Red Sox now have a 15-day exclusivity window in negotiations with Bay, who can't talk with other teams about financial terms of a deal during that span. If the Sox want to sweep the outfielder off his feet with a rich, multiyear offer, this is the ..."

Ex-Marlin Jeremy Hermida reeled in by Red Sox

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November 6

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox made what general manager Theo Epstein called a "value trade" in acquiring 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins in exchange for left-handers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez yesterday. The 11th overall pick in 2002, Hermida's abilities have yet to develop to the Marlins' expectations. In addition, there was the potential for his $2.25 million salary in 2009 to increase in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The Red Sox, meanwhile, feel this could be Hermida's time and place. "Hermida's the kind of player who hasn't fulfilled his potential yet," Epstein said. "We acquired him for a reasonable cost to see if he can fulfill his potential for us. There's a ..."

Daddies get last laugh as New York Yankees pound Pedro Martinez in Game 6 of World Series

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November 5

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez quickly bolted Yankee Stadium after a 7-3 loss in Game 6 of the World Series Wednesday night. In fact, his daddies still were celebrating their 27th title on the field as Martinez exited. "I didn't get the performance I wanted and we ended up losing the game, but I'm extremely proud and I had fun and I enjoyed it," Martinez said before boarding an elevator in the basement near the visitors' clubhouse. "I don't regret anything." Martinez lost his second game of this World Series, this time with his fastball nowhere close to 90 mph. He was charged with four runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batter in four innings. The damage came on a two-run homer and two-run single by ..."

Theo Epstein can't just wait 'til next year

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November 5

Boston Herald

"The plan for Theo Epstein and the Red Sox never included a part about watching the World Series on TV in October, never mind November. But plans change. Instead of sweating out the details in person with a third visit to the World Series this decade, Epstein is spending time at home like most everyone else not associated with the Phillies or Yankees. Not your average fan to begin with, Epstein is still carving out as much time as he can to watch the games. "I've been watching, but pretty casually," Epstein said yesterday from his office at Fenway Park [map]. "Like everyone else in the organization, though, most of our time these days is being spent planning for next season." There is ..."

A night at the theater

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November 4

Boston Globe

columnist Dan Shaughnessy

"Six years later, he is back in new Yankee Stadium, still pitching for the honor of Red Sox Nation. Pedro Martinez gets the ball in Game 6 tonight of the World Series, and he is the only thing standing between the Evil Empire and its 27th world championship. In his role as Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher, Pedro knows he is carrying the colors for Sox fans around the world - just as he did in 2003 when Grady Little left him on the mound too long in the ancient ballpark across the street."

Buchholz prepared to play mind games

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November 3

Boston Globe

"As Astros right fielder Hunter Pence cranked eight home runs off Clay Buchholz yesterday at the Reebok Baseball Summit, the righthanded hurler sported an ear-to-ear grin. The smile wasn't masking any gloom festering during the pitcher's three-week-old offseason. If anything, the Wiffle Ball blasts for charity were cathartic for Buchholz, who hadn't watched a pitch of his sail out since the Game 3 loss to the Angels in the American League Division Series. Buchholz hasn't watched tapes of his five-plus-inning performance, but he spent plenty of time replaying the outing in his head."

Hazen turns down Padres, opts for Sox

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November 3

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox may already have lost assistant general manager Jed Hoyer to the Padres and bench coach Brad Mills to the Astros, but they won't be losing director of player development Mike Hazen, who was offered an assistant general manager job by San Diego. According to a baseball source, Hazen will remain with the Sox. His duties won't be different, including no new title, though he will be granted more autonomy based on the changing role of assistant general manager Ben Cherington. With the departure of Hoyer, Cherington will move from overseeing amateur scouting and drafting and player development to focusing more on the major league club, including roster construction and contract ..."

David Ortiz swings by

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November 3

Boston Herald

"Theo Epstein has since said the words weren't meant as a shot across the bow, but they sure came across that way. At the Red Sox' season-ending press conference, the general manager directed the following at David Ortiz: "If he's going to be the DH on this team, we need him to be a force." Yesterday during a promotional stop at Reebok headquarters, Ortiz offered his reaction. "He's right," Ortiz said. "I've got to be a force. He's right about that. It's all good. Come out next year and do my thing. That's it." Suffice it to say, this is a huge offseason for Ortiz, and he knows it. Though his final numbers - 28 home runs and 99 RBI - were more than respectable, they were short of what the ..."

Mike Hazen hangs around

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November 3

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox retained one of the key members of their minor league system yesterday when director of player development Mike Hazen declined to join the San Diego Padres as assistant general manager. Hazen was offered the Padres job by Jed Hoyer, his former co-worker with the Red Sox who recently became the general manager in San Diego, but ultimately chose to stay put. The Abington native and Princeton grad has family in the area, which contributed to the decision. There's also the potential for upward mobility with the Sox, who did not give Hazen a promotion to influence his decision, but did make it clear that he's in their future plans and could eventually assume an expanded role. Hazen ..."

Decision looms for Sox, prospect Casey Kelly

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November 1

Boston Herald

"Sometimes, it feels as if Casey Kelly's life has been one tough decision after another. In the summer of 2008, Kelly had to choose between baseball and football. He was the Red Sox [team stats]' No. 1 pick in the first-year player draft, but also had a scholarship offer to play quarterback for the University of Tennessee. Ultimately, Kelly chose baseball. But the decision-making had only just begun. As a baseball player, Kelly was a two-position high school star in Sarasota, Fla., splitting time between shortstop and the pitcher's mound. When he signed with the Red Sox for a $3 million bonus, it was with the understanding that Kelly could, for the time being, continue to both pitch and ..."

Pedro Martinez's twilight time with Phillies a strange sight for Indians fans

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November 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It's hard to root for Pedro Martinez, even now when he's old and pitching against the Yankees in the World Series. There are few players who tortured the Indians more than he did during their glory days in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Indians and Martinez were in their primes, but Martinez's prime was always better. It never seemed like victory was enough for him. During his great run with Boston from 1998 through 2004, Martinez seemed to go out of his way to rub his opponent's face in his greatness. The Indians were often that opponent. On April 30, 2000, Tribe catcher Einar Diaz doubled twice off Martinez at Progressive Field. In the seventh inning, with a 2-0 lead, Martinez ..."

Cuban defector Jose Iglesias looks to fill Red Sox' need

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October 30

Boston Herald

"Since the start of the 2004 season -- a lifetime ago in local baseball history -- the Red Sox have gone through shortstops like an office might go through temp workers. Seven different players have started at the position, including one, Alex Gonzalez, who received the nod on two different occasions, three years apart. Twice, long-term free agent deals backfired. Edgar Renteria endured one disastrous season before the Red Sox paid the Atlanta Braves to take him off their hands. Julio Lugo was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals last July but not before the Sox were saddled with approximately $13 million in remaining contractual obligations. Even now, four months away from the start of spring ..."

Rays hike ticket prices for Yanks, Red Sox games

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October 30

Tampa Tribune

"It will cost more to attend the Rays' most attractive games next season at Tropicana Field. But in announcing their 2009 ticket pricing Thursday, the Rays emphasized that nearly 40 percent of the games will be at or below ticket prices for 2009, when the Rays where named by ESPN the Magazine "the most affordable team in professional sports. "Although some prices are increasing this year, and there are more nuances to the pricing schedule, we aim to maintain that title, or come in close to first," team president Matt Silverman said. The Rays will have five categories of games rather than last year's three: Diamond (nine games), Platinum (20), Gold (20), Silver (27) and Bronze (5). Diamond ..."

Agent: Chapman had 'very good visit'

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October 29

ESPN.com

"Free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman met with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Wednesday and reportedly came away impressed with what he saw. "Boston was one of the teams he was interested in from the start, and that certainly hasn't changed," Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, told The Boston Globe. "It was a very good visit." Mejia told the Globe that he and Chapman met with baseball operations personnel and one player, whom Mejia would not identify. Chapman, 21, reportedly had been scheduled to throw for the Red Sox as well, though it is unclear whether the wet weather in the area Wednesday pushed back those plans. The New York Yankees also are among the teams interested in ..."

Pedro Martinez slams Don Zimmer again for 2003 bout, Zim admits fault

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October 29

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez believes he might be the most influential player ever to perform in the Bronx. And while Martinez is sorry he tossed Don Zimmer to the ground when the benches cleared during the 2003 ALCS, the former Red Sox ace placed the fault squarely on Zimmer. "I'm sorry I'm going to recall this, because it was an ugly scene," Martinez said on the eve of his World Series start in Game 2 Thursday night against the Yankees with a chance to put the Phillies up 2-0. "This is probably the first time I'm ever going to talk about it publicly. But when Zim came over to me, I thought he was going to just give me advice or something, just '...You need to slow down or something,' or try to make it ..."

Tampa Bay Rays adviser Don Zimmer disputes Pedro Martinez's account of 2003 ALCS incident

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October 29

St. Petersburg Times

"Rays senior adviser Don Zimmer said Pedro Martinez is the one who is wrong this time, disputing the version Martinez shared Wednesday of their 2003 ALCS Fenway Park throwdown. The Phillies' Game 2 starter said when Zimmer, then a Yankees coach, charged at him, he expected a lecture. Instead, Martinez, saying this is the first time he has discussed what really happened, claimed the then 72-year-old "was trying to punch my mouth and told me a couple of bad words about my mom." Speaking from his Seminole home, Zimmer said that was definitely not the case. "Pedro is full of crap," Zimmer said, adding he was trying to take down Martinez, then a Red Sox star, by putting his head in his chest ..."

After four years, Damon finally in Series as Yank

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October 28

New York Post

"Things happen for a reason. In the case of the reasonable expectations of Johnny Damon, he's four wins from living happily ever after in New York, even if those are his last four here. Considering his 36 years, declining ability to play the field, upcoming free agency and the Yankees' interest in promoting Austin Jackson or signing Matt Holliday, Damon likely is gone, making the next seven games about not being forgotten. "I'll worry about [2010] in 12 days," said Damon. "I came here to win a World Series and finally get an opportunity after four years." Not exactly the fast track Damon expected, but he has $12 million additional Steinbrenners in the bank over the $40 million the Red Sox ..."

Terry Francona happy to lose Brad Mills

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October 28

Boston Herald

"Friends since college, teammates in the major leagues, and colleagues for the last six seasons with the Red Sox, Terry Francona and Brad Mills were nearly inseparable. Until yesterday - and Francona couldn't be happier. "Isn't that great?" marveled Francona after learning that Mills was named manager of the Houston Astros. "He deserves this and I'm glad he's getting his chance." Mills was given a multiyear contract by the Astros yesterday, who fired Cecil Cooper in September, interviewed 10 candidates and initially offered the job to Manny Acta before Acta turned the position down to become manager of the Cleveland Indians. Mills has 11 years of managerial experience, all in the minor ..."

Experience with Bosox is a winning attribute

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October 28

Houston Chronicle

"For six years, no manager in major league baseball had a more trustworthy, more dependable lieutenant than did Red Sox manager Terry Francona with bench coach Brad Mills, his former college roommate at Arizona. Mills planned spring training. He was the tactician with the color-coded charts that helped set up critical moves during two World Series. When Francona made a decision about playing time and days off, Mills frequently would be the one to pass it on to the player in question. When Francona was ill, as was the case early in the Red Sox's 2005 season, or was ejected or suspended, Mills ran the ballclub in the dugout. "There was no doubt in my mind if I ever got a job, he would be the ..."

Astros name Mills new manager

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October 27

Houston Chronicle

"Brad Mills was hired Tuesday by the Astros, taking over as manager of a team that has missed the postseason four straight seasons despite having one of baseball's highest payrolls. The hiring ends a month-long search to replace Cecil Cooper, who was fired Sept. 21. The Astros will introduce Mills at a 3 p.m. press conference at Minute Maid Park. “You may say I haven’t been a major league manager, but I managed for 11 years in the minor leagues,” Mills said after his first interview with the Astros. “Six times going to the playoffs with one championship. I’ve coached now for 11 years at the major league level. And I just ran through the last six years in Boston and (worked) with two ..."

Astros interview Mills, Clark on Tuesday

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October 27

MLB.com

"Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills and Astros interim manger Dave Clark arrived at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday morning to interview with the Astros again about their vacant full-time manager position. Mills and Clark were two of 10 original candidates to replace Cecil Cooper, who was dismissed on Sept. 21, and join former manager Phil Garner as the lone remaining finalists. Garner was told by club officials Monday he was still in the running for the job, but he had yet to have another interview scheduled. The Astros offered the job Saturday to Manny Acta, but he turned down the Astros' two-year deal with an option in favor of a three-year deal plus an option to become the manager of the ..."

Really big news

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October 27

Boston Globe

"The greatest season in modern Red Sox history opened with the team's two aces sniping at Boston's sports media, chroniclers of the franchise's ancient culture of doom. "You have the right to remain silent,'' read the T-shirt Curt Schilling draped over his locker as spring training started in 2004. "Anything you say will be misquoted and then used against you.'' Pedro Martinez arrived firing a similar salvo. As twinkle-eyed children, coaxed by parents and grandparents, screeched for his autograph at the spring training complex, Martinez tromped past and said only this: "Don't believe the media. They don't know [expletive].''"

Epstein's stable has another winner

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October 27

Boston Globe

"Jed Hoyer, the new general manager of the San Diego Padres, said all the right things during his introductory news conference yesterday, but he fell short of saying what Red Sox fans wanted to hear - that he would trade superstar Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. The 35-year-old Hoyer's biggest asset as he takes over a team with a $40 million payroll, about $100 million less than he had in Boston as an assistant to Sox GM Theo Epstein since the end of the 2003 season, is Gonzalez. He could bring a small fortune in prospects, and Hoyer probably has a willing trade partner in his former boss. One wonders how much the two already have talked about a deal for the lefthanded-hitting first baseman."

Red Sox not out to fill Jed Hoyer void

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October 27

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox will not replace Jed Hoyer with another assistant general manager, a team source said yesterday, but will instead spread out his duties among top members of the front office. Scouting personnel could be added to the staff, according to the source, which could indicate a spot is open for former Padres general manager Kevin Towers. Hoyer was officially introduced yesterday as Towers' replacement in San Diego. According to sources close to Towers, he is not in a hurry to move to the East Coast and would be unlikely to do so for anything other than another general manager's job. He will be paid through the end of next season and could be amenable to a West Coast scouting post with ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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October 26

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

Yankees and Red Sox are expected to battle for Aroldis Chapman

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October 26

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to do battle for talented left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector. While many other teams have shown interest, it's still hard to imagine anyone else plunking down $40 million-plus for a pitcher who's unproven at the big-league level."

Mets meet Cuban defector, 100-mph hurler Aroldis Chapman

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October 24

New York Daily News

"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman met the Mets at Citi Field Friday as part of his tour with agent Edwin Mejia to find a team for the 21-year-old lefthander. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly registers 100 mph, arrived in New York this week after establishing residency in Andorra , a European nation bordered by France and Spain , to avoid being subject to the draft. The Yankees have been tight-lipped about their interest in Chapman, but are thought to be more serious suitors than the Mets, and will meet with him this weekend before he talks with the Red Sox next week. It's unclear what type of contract Chapman will command as a free agent, but the interest of several ..."

Tim Wakefield will be back

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October 23

Boston Herald

"Tim Wakefield was brimming with optimism yesterday, one day after he underwent surgery to repair his herniated disc. "The whole procedure went as planned," said Wakefield. "Everything went perfect. They didn't see any further damage. The doctors said, 'You look perfect and you should be ready to go by spring training.' " Wakefield was "ecstatic" about the news, a 180-degree change from his attitude in the second half of his season when the injury cropped up. Wakefield had his first-ever All-Star first half this year, leading the majors with 11 wins, but he made just four starts after that. Limping around the clubhouse for months while trying to work through the injury via cortisone shots - ..."

Acta, Mills get second Astros interviews

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October 22

MLB.com

"Former Nationals manager Manny Acta and Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills both interviewed Wednesday for a second time with the Astros for the managerial position than became open when Cecil Cooper was dismissed last month. Acta, who was fired in July after 2 1/2 seasons as manager of the Nationals, and Mills were two of 10 men to interview with the Astros during a six-day span ending Monday. Houston general manager Ed Wade confirmed Acta interviewed with the front office, including owner Drayton McLane. "Manny came to town and had an opportunity to sit with us and sit with our group, including Drayton," Wade said. Acta arrived in Houston from Cleveland, where he interviewed Tuesday for the ..."

Wakefield surgery 'successful'

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October 22

Boston Globe

"While there's not a lot of news on Tim Wakefield's back surgery yet, a Red Sox spokesman said that the procedure was "successful" in an email. The surgery, which was to address a herniated disk, occurred this morning at Massachusetts General Hospital. Wakefield can begin rehab immediately, according to the spokesperson. The knuckleballer had a fragmented disk in his back that caused him to start just four times after making the first All-Star game of his career. He had significant pain in the back, compounded by weakness in his legs. He had multiple cortisone shots, which did allow him to pitch those four times, but he could barely cover his position in many of the starts."

Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman on radar screen

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October 22

Boston Herald

"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman arrived on U.S. soil for the first time yesterday, making New York his first stop. A visit to Boston may soon be on his itinerary. The Red Sox are among the teams that have expressed interest in meeting with the 21-year-old left-hander and watching him throw, although it is premature to categorize their interest as anything beyond preliminary, according to sources."

Sources: Padres moving closer to hire

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October 21

ESPN.com

columnist Buster Olney

"The San Diego Padres are moving closer toward hiring Jed Hoyer, an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, as their next general manager, according to major league sources. Hoyer, 35, has worked in Boston's front office under Theo Epstein. Hoyer has interviewed with other teams for GM jobs in the past. Jeff Moorad, who became CEO and part-owner of the Padres earlier this year, informed Kevin Towers on the final weekend of the regular season that he would not continue as the team's general manager. Towers had been San Diego's GM since 1995."

Happy anniversary

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October 21

Boston Globe

"What, you thought we'd let the five-year anniversary of the most liberating, cherished, downright meaningful Boston Red Sox game in modern franchise history pass without raising the proverbial shot glass of Jack Daniel's in celebration? C'mon now. Like anyone who ever felt real, genuine emotion about the Red Sox could ever forget the date and details of a victory that was generations in the making, a victory you and me, our parents and spouses and children and grandparents wondered if we would ever be blessed enough to witness."

Wakefield set for back surgery

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October 21

Boston Herald

"Tim Wakefield will undergo surgery today at Mass. General Hospital to repair the herniated disc that derailed his season after the All-Star break. If the surgery goes well, as expected, the team believes Wakefield will be ready by spring training. The 43-year-old knuckleballer literally was hobbled by the disc issue, which cropped up after Wakefield's first career All-Star Game appearance. Wakefield developed weakness and then a limp in his left leg as the condition worsened. He went on the disabled list in July for a month, and as the season wound down, he carefully was monitored in four starts that were used to determine if he could contribute in the postseason. Wakefield's limited ..."

Seeking Red Sox coaches

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October 20

Boston Herald

"Members of the same coaching staff since last winter, Brad Mills and Tim Bogar were competitors of a sort yesterday, as both were interviewed by the Houston Astros for their vacant managerial job. Mills interviewed in the morning and was followed in the afternoon by Bogar, who played for the Astros and later managed in their minor league system. The Astros already have interviewed a handful of other candidates, including former Houston manager Phil Garner. Mills and Bogar met with a handful of Houston officials: general manager Ed Wade, president Tal Smith, director of player development Ricky Bennett, scouting director Bobby Heck and special assistant Enos Cabell. "I thought it went ..."

Bay watch to be revealing

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October 18

Boston Herald

"How the Red Sox really view Jason Bay's worth and how they approach contract negotiations with him in the coming weeks will be one of the more revealing chapters of the offseason. Talks are not expected to get under way until after the World Series, plenty of time for the Red Sox to weigh the costs and benefits of: a) hitching their wagon to Bay; b) paying Matt Holliday more over a longer term; or c) going short-term with somebody for a couple of years before a homegrown talent such as Ryan Westmoreland, Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick is ready. With the notable exception of the eight-year offer they made last year to Mark Teixeira, the Red Sox in recent history have been very hesitant to go ..."

Sox farm system not at level best

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October 15

Boston Globe

"For the last few years, there has always been someone, always a big-name, high-impact prospect just waiting at the upper levels of the Red Sox farm system to make a mark on the major league club. There was Jonathan Papelbon in 2005, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen in 2006, Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia in 2007, Jed Lowrie in 2008, and Daniel Bard in 2009. But there might be a void in 2010. There are names, to be sure. But they are slightly lesser lights, at least at the moment. There is no guarantee any of them will be ready to be major players with the Red Sox in the near future. Josh Reddick and Junichi Tazawa and Lars Anderson will remain in the plans, possibly for ..."

Projected projects for Theo Epstein

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October 15

Boston Herald

"Theo Epstein's attempted reclamation projects with John Smoltz and Brad Penny were not what the Sox general manager had hoped for. Still, the idea of dipping into the free-agent well for similar low-cost, incentive-based deals for pitchers coming back from injuries or with long histories of injuries is still a possibility this offseason. Here's a peek at three possible pitchers who could be on the Red Sox' radar this winter: Ben Sheets Age: 31 Status: Free agent Salary last year: DNP Recent stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA (2008) Strengths: Imposing power righty when healthy, with great command. Weaknesses: Durability is an issue. Sheets has made more than 25 starts in a season only once since 2004. ..."

Theo Epstein has to figure out his plan of attack soon

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October 15

Boston Herald

"One of these years, the Red Sox will enter an offseason knowing who their shortstop will be the next season - but not this year. The Sox are analyzing their options for next year and beyond at the shortstop position, trying to juggle more than a half-dozen variables: defense, offense, age, experience, health, potential and cost. Free agency offers a few options that will be investigated, such as Marco Scutaro (a trade possibility at the end of July), Miguel Tejada, Orlando Cabrera and even defensive whiz Adam Everett. And there is always the possibility the Red Sox could call up the Marlins again like they did last offseason and be reminded that either Hanley Ramirez is not going to be ..."

Theo Epstein sees value in patch jobs

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October 15

Boston Herald

columnist Sean McAdam

"Last winter, the Red Sox signed two veterans with shoulder issues - Brad Penny and John Smoltz - to modest deals, designed to give the team inexpensive depth. Neither deal worked out particularly well. Penny won seven games for the Sox, but from May 9 until his release in late August, won only twice. Smoltz was even worse, winning twice in eight starts while compiling a bloated 8.32 ERA. So the Red Sox won't try that strategy again, right? Wrong. "There's a tendency on the heels of some of those buy-low, one-year deals not working out to go in the other direction, and say we're not going to do that, we're going to avoid anyone who's coming off a bad season or anyone who's got health ..."

John Farrell says he's not interested in being Cleveland Indians manager

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October 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The next manager of the Indians will not be Boston pitching coach John Farrell. Farrell, former Indians pitcher and farm director, has withdrawn his name from consideration. He told GM Mark Shapiro this morning. "It's an honor to be considered for the job," Farrell to The Plain Dealer. "Especially for a team that I played for, my father played for and where there are so many people I know and respect. All those things considered, my desire is to fulfill the commitment between Boston and myself. "There's no denying there is an intent to manager at sometime. But I have a mutual commitment with Boston that I feel I should fulfill." Farrell pitched for the Indians from 1987 through 1990 and ..."

A meeting of the minds?

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October 14

Boston Globe

"After being excluded from the American League Division Series rotation, it might be easy to conclude there's a great deal of frustration on both sides and perhaps the Daisuke Matsuzaka-Red Sox marriage should end this offseason. But while that appeared to be the sentiment for a long time in 2009, there actually is a pretty good relationship developing, according to a source close to the situation."

Left with work to do

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October 14

Boston Herald

columnist Sean McAdam

"Until at least the middle of November, potential free agent Jason Bay can't sign with anybody else except the Red Sox [team stats]. But given that Bay and the Red Sox already have had plenty of opportunities to work out a contract extension for the outfielder, how meaningful will those next five weeks be? "It's very unusual for a player not to take the opportunity to at least listen, if he's come this far, to what other teams have to say," general manager Theo Epstein said Monday. Indeed, if the Sox couldn't get Bay signed in March, and again at the All-Star break, why should the next month or so be any different? Industry sources suggest Bay and the Sox are quite far apart - both in terms ..."

Agent doubts Billy Wagner will retire

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October 13

Boston Herald

"Billy Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, did not take his client's comments about leaning towards retirement too seriously. "Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I'd bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated," said Stringfellow in a phone conversation today. "That's probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel." Wagner, 38, told the New York Post, "I don't plan on talking to nobody," regarding where he could pitch in 2010. Asked if that meant retirement, Wagner said, "Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." Wagner is 15 saves short of reaching 400 in his career. "That's just dust in the wind," he ..."

Ex-Met Wagner eyes retirement, not 400th career save

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October 13

New York Post

"Billy Wagner may have thrown his last pitch in the major leagues. The former Mets pitcher told The Post yesterday he's planning to retire rather than pursue a closer's job -- and 400 career saves -- next season. Wagner allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning for the Red Sox on Sunday in Game 3 of the ALDS before closer Jonathan Papelbon surrendered three runs in the ninth. The Red Sox season ended with a 7-6 loss to the Angels. "I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season. Does that mean retirement? "Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." That's a different picture than Wagner painted before leaving the Mets ..."

Los Angeles Angels' sweep of Boston Red Sox puts New York Yankees on notice

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October 13

New York Daily News

columnist John Harper

"The Jonathan Papelbon meltdown notwithstanding, there was absolutely nothing fluky about the way the Angels swept the Red Sox into the offseason, which means the Yankees will have to raise their game another notch if they're going to bring a World Series to the Bronx. Joe Girardi's ballclub has every right to feel good about itself, surely believing that if Alex Rodriguez is hot in October, this must be their year. But they have to know that while the Twins were intimidated by their history of failure against the Yankees, and played the entire ALDS looking over their shoulder, the Angels are emboldened by their own history of success against the Bombers. And somewhat like A-Rod leading the ..."

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