It was a busy day yesterday for the Boston Red Sox as they made the Rocco Baldelli deal official and had John Smoltz sign an offer sheet. Then just after midnight this morning, we found out that the Red Sox re-signed Mark Kotsay to a 1-year deal.
The way I see things now is the Red Sox still have two things to take care of. The number 1 priority is finding another catcher. The second is finding a backup infielder although it’s quite possible that whoever loses the battle between Jed Lowrie and Julio Lugo could be the backup.
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke yesterday about Jason Varitek saying that the Red Sox are still considering signing him.
“There’s still some unfinished business,” Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. “Jason is still out there. As I said at the beginning of the offseason, he’s been a really important guy here to this organization and by no means have we shut the door on him. There’s still some unfinished business there. And also, in the pursuit of a younger catcher.”
My feelings are that if Varitek isn’t back, the pitching staff may struggle a little bit because of the way Varitek handles them calling the game and almost acting like a psychologist to keep them calm. His bat may not be what it used to be but no one will ever question his abilities behind the plate. And with the lineup the Red Sox have, the production can come from other places.
Of course is Boras doesn’t come down on his demands for him, we could Varitek sporting a different uniform next season because the Red Sox aren’t going to overpay him at all.
Jon Lester will be busy tonight as he will be getting married.
Rob Bradford of WEEI.com has some notes that include Daisuke Matsuzaka being the only Red Sox to particpate in the WBC, Brad Penny’s physical going well and that John Smoltz will have his physical sometime next week.
The news about Smoltz signing with the Red Sox has hit fans hard down in Atlanta.
Dustin Pedroia took a few moments to talk about his new teammates.
Pedroia also picked up his 2008 AL MVP Trophy at last night’s Boston Baseball Writers’ dinner.
Mike Lowell will be ready for spring training according to Theo Epstein.
Cliff Corcoran of SI.com says the Red Sox can afford to gamble on their 4 recent signings.
The new signings are showing Theo Epstein’s strategy.
Former Red Sox pitcher Mike Torrez has no regrets about his place in baseball history.
The Fenway Sports Group has added another venture to their stable, the Professional Bull Riders.
Alex Speier of WEEI.com talks with Red Sox prospect Michael Bowden.
Jim Rice says he will be watching the Young and the Restless until 1:30 on the day the Baseball Hall of Fame could call.
Mike Petraliga of WEEI.com has some audio clips from last night’s press conferences at the Boston Baseball Writers’ Dinner.
Former Red Sox and current Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo stopped by the NECN studios to talk about life in Cincinnati and his concert at Patriot Place tonight. He closed out by performing a song to close out the Sports Late-Night Show.
