More photos » by LM Otero - AP

3 months ago: Boston Red Sox reliever Takashi Saito, of Japan, throws in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, July 20, 2009. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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For all of you thinking Takashi Saito would be back next season...

Well, that's just not going to happen now. The Red Sox outrighted Saito, removing him from the 40-man roster. The Red Sox will most likely not exercise his 2010 club option.

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

11 days ago: Boston Red Sox's Jason Bay speaks to the media in the clubhouse at Fenway Park in Boston Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 one day after the Red Sox were eliminated in baseballs American League Division Series by the Los Angeles Angels. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Perhaps if the Toronto Blue Jays and new general manager Alex Anthopoulos really want to make their mark on the MLB, they'll try to make a deal for Jason Bay this offseason:

That said, the new GM also is in charge of shopping for the groceries now. So how about Jason Bay for a main course?

Shouldn't Anthopoulos be entitled to make one big free-agent splash when the market opens next month? He has Roy Halladay to deal with and also might have some good young arms in surplus for trading purposes, assuming they get, say, Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan back from injury.

But what of Bay? He's Canadian by birth (dual citizen now) and that certainly would, or should, count for something. The Jays have never had a Canadian non-pitcher of all-star calibre and given the way things are going around here with fans, that surely couldn't hurt.

There's some obvious factors here: Bay is going to have a big contract next season, no matter where he ends up. Is Toronto rich enough to afford that? Also, Bay has gotten used to winning with Boston. Although it is his home country, he might not want to take a step back from a year-in, year-out contender to a team that can't even finish their in their division.

But, ya' never know. What do you think? If the Red Sox don't re-sign Bay, do you think he will be Toronto-bound, or to a team that would pay him a prettier penny?

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

6 months ago: Boston Red Sox Jason Varitek, right, and New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada watch Varitek's grand slam off starter A.J. Burnett in the fourth inning of their MLB baseball game at Fenway Park, Saturday, April 25, 2009, in Boston.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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There was a point last offseason where the Red Sox had to make a decision about Jason Varitek. After he rejected arbitration and went out on the open market, nobody wanted him -- but suddenly, Varitek and agent Scott Boras wanted the Red Sox.

Funny how those things work.

Once Varitek signed, most of us all though the same thing: Well, he can't possibly play as bad as he did in 2008.

That turned out to be true -- but not by much.

Jason Varitek #33 / Catcher / Boston Red Sox

Height: 6-2

Weight: 230

Bats: B

Throws: R

Born: Apr 11, 1972

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG 2009 - Jason Varitek 109 364 41 76 24 0 14 51 54 90 0 0 .209 .313 .390

Status for 2010: The Red Sox hold a $5M club option, while Varitek has his own $3M player option. It's unlikely the team will exercise their option. It's unknown if Varitek will exercise his.

Varitek actually had a pretty funny season: he played in 22 less games than in 2008, but he had more home runs (14 in 2009 to 13 in 2008), more runs batted in (51 to 43), and a better OPS (.703 to .672), among other things. His .209 batting average was the only thing that was down this season (he batted a much better .220 in '08).

Taking a deeper look at his stats, he really did become a better player at the plate. His walk percentage went up, he struck out less and his power was better. The one thing that really didn't help him was his batting average with balls in play (BABIP). It was a .238 -- which would have been worst in the major leagues, had he played enough games to qualify (Ian Kinsler had a .245 BABIP, leading qualified players).

This means Varitek was quite unlucky. Although it's rare to see someone with a high batting average have a low BABIP, it definitely was an unlucky road for the Captain.

As far as Varitek in the field, we all know he had problems throwing out baserunners. However, his range factor per game (RF/G) and range factor per nine innings (RF/9), ranked second best in baseball behind the Giants' Bengie Molina:

 

NAME TEAM INNINGS RF/G RF/9 Bengie Molina Giants 1042 8.3 8.8 Jason Varitek Red Sox 924 8.3 8.7 Russell Martin Dodgers 1201 8.2 8.4 Brian McCann Braves 1078.2 7.7 8.2 Rod Barajas Blue Jays 974.1 7.2 8

Does it say a lot about Varitek's defense? Maybe, but it's also hard to judge a catcher's defense with any form of measurement. Trust your eyes, I say.

This offseason will be interesting for Varitek. I imagine he isn't going to test the free agent waters again, but Scott Boras has done some weird things before. If he does, don't expect to see Varitek back in Boston. But if he exercises his option, I definitely see him at least starting the year as a Red Sox. Could he be cut later? Most definitely. But for the foreseeable future, he's a Sox.

Poll Grade Jason Varitek's 2009 season

• A
• B
• C
• D
• F

  419 votes | Results

by Elise Amendola - AP

"Hey, Kev, what did you think of that first link?"

View full size photo uploaded October 15, 2009

Alright, I'm exhausted from various non-OTM activities; combine that with the relative lack of material, and this is going to be a short post.

Blame Cake is Done - Boston Dirt Dogs
So many fails - if I can get on later today, I'll go through it more extensively. For now, let's just say that I don't agree most of it.

Francona: 'I would do that again every single time' - Extra Bases
Stubborn pain in the @$$ - this is one of those things that people who have issues with Tito like to bring up. He's too damn proud to reconsider his actions, especially when there's tons of data proving him wrong.

Japanese lefty sparks interest from MLB - Extra Bases

Kikuchi is trying to decide whether to bypass the Japanese draft in favor of signing with a Major League team as a free agent. Kikuchi is a 6-foot-1 starter who reportedly has a mid-90s fastball. He has until tomorrow to decide whether he will enter the draft.

Upcoming events on the Red Sox and baseball calendar - Extra Bases
What, you don't plan your life around this?

Tek Still Has Value for the Red Sox - Fenway West
Not likely.

With few fixes, Sox can go deeper in '10 - MLB.com

Five ways to fix the Red Sox - Tony Massarotti sports blog - Boston.com

The best way for them to thicken out their lineup is to find a shortstop who can get them in the top five in OPS at the position.

*cough*JED*cough* Damn, I think I'm getting sick or something on top of being tired...

Red Sox, Matsuzaka finally may be on same page - The Boston Globe

"I think there’s a feeling that it’s going to work out,’’ said the source. "I think they’re finally on the same page. Took a long time, but I think the two cultures have finally converged and there’s good feeling again.’’

Might work on a graphic header later today - I'll post mockups in the comments if I do. If anyone else gets bored and wants to give it a shot, go on ahead. Comments and links are still acceptable as well.

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

about 1 month ago: Boston Red Sox pitcher Billy Wagner winds up during his first appearance for the Red Sox in their 7-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. Wagner pitched one scoreless inning with three strikeouts and one hit. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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Twitter gives us wonderful news, including the fact Billy Wagner will not be retiring:

billy wagner will "absolutely'' play next year, his agent bean stringfellow said via email.

Draft picks! Here we come!

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Make no mistake, Jon Lester is the current and future ace of this Red Sox staff. Sorry, Beckett, but it's time to pass the torch. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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I was originally going to post this the day we lost-I had written it as something of a therapeutic exercise-before I realized that this might be a "the body is still warm" situation. I thought that fit with the title. Anyways, we've all had time to cool off, time to grieve, and I think it's about time we move on. The stove is warming up, so let's get right to work, starting with a player-by-player review of the current and free-agent bound Red Sox. Who's going, who's staying, and who has trade value.

 

Daniel Bard: As a young, cost controlled player, Bard provides an immense positive for the Red Sox in the pen. Groomed as a closer throughout his career, Bard may not be ready yet, but he certainly gives the Sox flexibility in the event that Papelbon does become a sought-after commodity, both in the decision to act on a potential trade, and in the pieces they may get back, since they would not necessarily need a closer in return.

Josh Beckett: In the final year of his contract, Beckett actually has a lot to prove. Beckett has largely been living off his 2007 reputation with the Sox. While he was by no means bad this year, his 4.03 ERA in 2008 is not what we expect of an ace-type pitcher, nor is his 3.86 this year. Looking further into the stats, he's giving up quite a few more walks and homers, and striking out fewer of late too. This has lead to a steadily rising FIP from 3.08 in 2007 to 3.24 in 2008 and 3.63 in 2009. His tRA has also risen dramatically from 3.09 in '07 to 4.57 in '09. Ultimately, the Sox cannot approach Beckett's free agency with the idea that he's a necessary commodity. 2 years ago this idea might seem ridiculous, but as is Beckett may be a very replaceable pitcher for the money he will want.

Clay Buchholz: With his salary in check and his potential finally starting to show, Buchholz should be a valuable part of the Red Sox for years to come, whether as a future ace that many project him as, or as a solid #3 man. The real question with Buchholz is what his trade value is. There haven't been many trades mentioned throughout this last year that haven't involved the young hurler, but it seems that the Sox and potential trade partners just cannot agree on his worth. While his much-improved showing during this regular season may have raised his stock, it's still questionable whether the rest of the league sees him as being worth as much as the Sox feel he is. I doubt the Sox deal him unless he gets value near that of a potential ace.

Paul Byrd: The Byrd man is gone, possibly for good. After getting no interest from anyone until the Sox were forced to sign him due to injuries and poor results from FA signings, Byrd may even choose to go out on his own terms and retire. Either way, there are better options for the Sox in the offseason.

Manny Delcarmen: Around the trade deadline, the Sox had a great chance to get value for Delcarmen. Now they'd be lucky to get any trade offers. Even with a good start to the season, teams would need to see prolonged success to believe in him. Given the talent he's got, it would be smart for the Sox to keep him on as a low-leverage bullpen man if the rest of the pen gives them the option, and then trade him the second a team shows significant interest. He's still under team control for a number of years though, so it's not a big risk (yes, I know, low-risk high-reward is a crap buzzword right now).

Jon Lester: Not much to say here. He's our ace, he's young, he's under team control for many years. He's one of the most definite of the Red Sox' pieces.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: Much has been made of Daisuke's difficulties with the management and coaching staff of the Red Sox. And certainly the Sox can't be happy with him after he all-but-sacrificed his season with the team to pitch in the WBC. He is young, he isn't too expensive (well, not now after the posting fee) and he does have plenty of ability, but there are many questions as far as Daisuke's future is concerned. If Daisuke recommits himself to the team this offseason, then perhaps the Sox will recommit themselves to the idea of the Wunderkind Daisuke. But if the Sox can get good value on him, despite their weak bargaining position, they may jump at it, even if it does mean hurting their position in the Japanese prospect market.

Hideki Okajima: Okajima will be entering his first year of arbitration-not free agency-and as such is likely not going anywhere anytime soon. However, Sox fans do have to question how good Oki is going to be from here-on-out. 2009 was a down year for Oki, as his ERA rose to 3.39, though his peripherals were largely unchanged. He lost a few strikeouts, and gave up 2 more homers (though, when you're giving up 6 on a year, that's not a small deal), but his HR/FB% was up similarly, and his BABIP was up too, suggesting it might be some luck. The fear has to be that the league has figured out Oki and his bizarre delivery. In this case, only time will tell. If Okajima can return to form, it'd be a significant boost to the Red Sox' pen.

Jonathan Papelbon: After blowing up to end the season on a horrible note, plenty of Sox fans were calling for Paps' head. The post-loss fervor seems to have died down, but the idea is still out there. Papelbon has not been as good as he was in 2007, though he has by no means been bad, average, or even just above average. Let's make no mistake, he's one of the games best. However, the Sox are going to lose him one way or another in a couple of years, and Daniel Bard certainly has the stuff to replace him soon, if not now. Ultimately, it seems likely the Sox very quietly inform the league that his name is out there, and then if someone decides to overpay for a relief pitcher due to the "closer" title, give it a long, hard look.

Ramon Ramirez: Another cost-controlled pen arm, Ramirez started the season hot but struggled as the year went on. While his 2.84 ERA is still very low, his high walk rate and middling strikeout rate lead to a high FIP and ERA. If Ramirez can return to early-season form next year, he'll be a valuable part of the pen. If he returns to being a guy they can't trust in late innings, though, the organization will have to choose when to cut and run.

Takashi Saito: Saito is an interesting case. The team holds a $2.5 million option on him, and while his tiny ERA would seem to make this an easy decision, there are many things that suggest otherwise. The first is that his peripherals are universally worse. His K/9 are down, his BB/9 up, his HR/9 up. His FIP and tRA have risen tons compared to his career averages, and he seems to have lost his ability to induce ground balls. The team has also shied away from using him in pressure situations, and if he's only gonna pitch blowouts and 6th innings than he's likely not worth the money it would take to keep him-especially if his numbers regress towards what his process suggests they should.

Note: South Coast Ghost correctly points out that the option is actually worth quite a bit more, as Saito fulfilled all his incentives for remaining on the active roster, as well as two for innings pitched. This brings the option value up to $6 million with $1.5 million in incentives remaining to be had. If it was a tough call for Sox management before, it's even harder now.

Billy Wagner: To the Red Sox, Wagner represents draft picks. Beautiful, beautiful draft picks. A type-A free agent, Wagner will net the Sox the top draft pick of any team that signs him, and a supplementary pick after the end of the 1st round-assuming he doesn't retire. While earlier, it was questionable whether the 38-year-old Tommy-John patient would garner enough interest for a team to sacrifice a pick, 26 strikeouts in 16 innings should turn a few heads, not to mention a 1.72 ERA. The Sox have already agreed to pass on Wagner's $8 million team option, and it seems unlikely he will accept arbitration if the Sox offer it, since his reason for demanding they pass on his option was his desire to close. In essence, the Sox have a chance to recycle Carter and Lora for first-round talent. Now that's a deal.

Tim Wakefield: As per usual, Wakefield outperformed his 4 million dollar option, and as usual it would be foolish of the Sox not to pick up his contract if he's willing to come back. But given his status as a perpetual injury risk, the Sox had also better be sure they have a back up ready. If he chooses to call it a career, then it will be the end of a long and fruitful career that set the bar for loyalty.

by Jim Prisching - AP

Thanks for not doing this, Gonzo.

View full size photo uploaded October 14, 2009

First things first - thanks to Bloggy for the new name idea. And now, as payment:

Red Sox Likely To Watch Alex Gonzalez Walk, Jason Varitek Return - NESN.com

These should probably be flipped. As much as I love Jed, no one is 100% certain that he can come back (more on this is a second), even as a lesser player than we would expect. Gonzo somehow managed to destroy all rational predictions and give the Sox several runs of production above replacement. He was able to stretch what appeared to be normal variation into a relatively high level of play, something we could not have expected when we resorted to trading for him.

There's no one else really available that can provide the safety net that Gonzo can, so I can't see a reason why the Front Office doesn't try to resign him, albeit without the option (unless that vested without my noticing or something).

The other part of this story is that Tek is supposed to be coming back - well, I have some bad news:

2009 Catcher Defense: Filling in the Holes (yet again) - Driveline Mechanics

A certain catcher is WAY down on that list. Vic is managing to break roughly even, but that would likely not be the case if he was asked to catch too often. Now, for more bad news:

Jed Lowrie: Wait ’til next year - BostonHerald.com

"It really depends on what the doctor says," Lowrie said. "I don’t know what the surgery would be if there were to be one, but I guess it’s not out of the question."

Time to defend'em: Of course it's possible - it's also possible that every single player on the Sox catches swine flu, drinks gallons of tequila in some Paps-led attempt to flush their system, and puke all over the floor of the clubhouse, killing an ant that managed to find it's way in. See, Jed? THAT's what you're supposed to say - oh, and bring one of those Neurolyzers to wipe their memory if they start writing anything down. Can't trust the media anymore, kid.

After the jump, we get slightly less random and look at next year. Not much else to do now anyways.

Shades of 2006 coming should scare Red Sox fans - Red Sox Monster

NG, keep your hands where we can see them. Also, I propose a game: everytime NG mentions "2006" this offseason, we have to quote a movie; which is up to you. Should be interesting.

David Mamet and Surviving Grady Present: Glengarry Glen Sox

It'd be funnier if it was right - like, not using 3 games to determine if we should resign Bay - but it's still pretty funny.

Lowrie has something to prove - The Boston Globe

Theo lays down the law on Dice-K - Extra Bases

"We want him to have a really productive offseason and come into camp in the best possible shape," Epstein said. "We can notice right away that he’s had a strong offseason of workouts. And then also with his shoulder. That he does the shoulder program to an extent that he’s ready to go out and throw 200-plus innings. Those are things he didn’t accomplish last year.

Wagner’s agent doubts talk of retirement - Clubhouse Insider

"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 a few minutes ago over the phone. "That’s probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel."

Red Sox contracts - BostonHerald.com

Sox’ Expiring Contracts - Fire Brand of the American League

In case some of you hadn't discovered Cot's yet, or choose not to refer to them - weirdos.

Steve Phillips: Red Sox Should Trade Jonathan Papelbon - NESN.com

Damn, it just got a whole lot harder to argue for trading him.

I still LIKE Jonathan Papelbon. There. I said it. - Fenway West

Spike TV Names Red Sox Fans #3 Most Annoying Fans In Sports - Masshole Sports

Dane Cook =/= funny. And I promise, there's no reason I put these last three links together.

Anything that we missed ("got through the Filter"? Ooh...) or you want to share? We accept all major brands of links here. Or, you can write out a comment. Ya know - your choice.

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

about 1 month ago: Boston Red Sox pitcher Billy Wagner winds up during his first appearance for the Red Sox in their 7-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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It looks like Red Sox setup man (and now free agent) Billy Wagner may retire instead of pursuing another year in the big leagues:

"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]."

This is surprising in my opinion. He showed in his time with the Red Sox that he can still pitch and he could probably make a good payday out of it. There will be a few teams that would love to take him on and give him the closer's role. This could be a lot like Trevor Hoffman last year, who spent the majority of his 16-year career with San Diego, but then jumped ship to Milwaukee when the Padres thought he was too old and ineffective. The result was one of his best seasons of his career.

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

about 1 month ago: Boston Red Sox pitcher Billy Wagner winds up during his first appearance for the Red Sox in their 7-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

Browse more photos »

It looks like Red Sox setup man (and now free agent) Billy Wagner may retire instead of pursuing another year in the big leagues:

"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]."

This is surprising in my opinion. He showed in his time with the Red Sox that he can still pitch and he could probably make a good payday out of it. There will be a few teams that would love to take him on and give him the closer's role. This could be a lot like Trevor Hoffman last year, who spent the majority of his 16-year career with San Diego, but then jumped ship to Milwaukee when the Padres thought he was too old and ineffective. The result was one of his best seasons of his career.

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Maybe I should have checked to make sure that BS kid was still away before I started talking about Jed. Aw, shoot.

Browse more photos »

I'm back and I've got a lot of links - going to do some rapid fire linkage today:

Why the Red Sox lost to the Angels - THT

The fact of a short series is that anything can happen.

Why the Angels beat the Red Sox - THT

Sean breaks down how the Angels rode a strong defense and steady relief pitching to the ALCS.

Two different perspectives. I can still feel the hate coming from the Angels, and it feels good.

Of course, EVERYONE wants in on the Paps story:

Lester on Booing Papelbon: ‘It Was Uncalled For’ - Full Count

Sorry, Lester, but he deserves it...

Papelbon Messed With His Mechanics - Sox Tea Party

Loss Will Fuel Papelbon - Full Count

It had better - whatever issues that he seemed to have fixed by the end of the regular season need to be examined in depth this offseason.

Torii Hunter scolds boo birds - BostonHerald.com

"Papelbon, I got so much respect for him, man. I definitely think he’s one of the best closers in the game. That’s terrible, actually."

Your evaluation of him? Yeah, it is. The best closers in the game didn't consistently lean over the cliff this season.

Blown Saves vs. Fielding Independent Pitching: Graph of the Day - Beyond the Box Score

Not entirely sure that I get what was trying to be shown here... Perhaps that Paps should have had more blown saves, based on his FIP? Seems like more of an anti-saves point.

After the jump, more links wrapping up the season and unwrapping the next season - we like our holidays to come early, apparently.

The Real Kevin Youkilis Is Missing - Sox Tea Party

Youkilis scratched out one double in 12 ABs en route to a .083 BA. Throw in his mental miscues in Game over at first base and you have reason to wonder what was going on? How can Youkilis play so poorly?

Because you're judging a player based on the equivalent of, say, 4 paragraphs? Forgive me if I have to check the previous Tea Party link to make sure this guy knows baseball, especially when you blame Youk for the errors/blown calls at 1B, when he should be credited with saving runs.

Boston Red Sox's Weak Record Outside of Division Foreshadowed ALDS Sweep - Bleacher Report

Decent breakdowns until they got into looking at records against individual teams - WAY too small of sample sizes...

BtB Power Rankings Season Review: AL East - Beyond the Box Score

Yes - the Rays had a better team than us. This is one of the many reasons why I'm not COMPLETELY pissed about the results of the series. That said, it was fun to rant when people made fun of me for wearing a Sox shirt yesterday.

Beckett wants his Tek-nichian back in 2010 - Full Count

Sorry, Beckett, but the only way he's coming back is as a coach. Check previous posts for more on this.

Astros to interview Bogar, Mills - Full Count

Good luck guys - just wish we could have polished their resumés with a nice World Series ring.

Bay plans to test free-agent market; Wakefield headed for surgery - The Providence Journal

Tim Wakefield will have surgery this week on his back to repair a herniated disk.

Get well soon, Timmeh.

Bay Contemplates ‘Uneasy’ Future - Full Count

Theo and Tito look ahead to 2010 - Full Count

Guess who they talked about? Let's follow my facial expressions as I read this:

Lowrie is an important factor for us as well.

:D - R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (sorry Aretha)

[T]his is a young player we really believe in who has been hurt as a big league player. We’ve not seen the type of player he can be yet at the big league level because he’s been playing hurt the entire team.

:/ - He was pretty good while playing with a major injury though.

At some point, the player has to get healthy to be able to show what he can do and to be able to help the organization. I don’t think we can hand a job to him because he hasn’t proved his health yet at this point.

:O - Blaming Jed for his wrist not healing when y'all held him back from getting surgery? Weak.

But at the same time, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re sitting here at this time next year, hopefully with champagne and not having one of these post-mortems,

:P

but looking back and saying, wow, he really got healthy and proved himself in winning that job or playing his way into a meaningful role.

@>~~~>~~~ - I mean, :)

So we’ll see. Now it’s on him. He’s got to get himself healthy and make an impact. We can’t stake our season on the hope that he’ll be healthy. We have to have other options."

: | - Well, dur, Theo. We have to have other options EVERYWHERE.

Did you see Sox failure coming? I did - Fire Brand of the American League

These posts never come off well. NG, you want to set the standard for the crazy-meter (and decide what we're doing about the bet)?

That's all I've got. Thanks again to USG and Randy for covering me while I took some personal time off. Looking forward to talking about how we dominated everyone we've played this time next year. For now, let's just talk and share some links, man.

Josh Beckett made it clear on Monday that he would like to see Jason Varitek back in a Red Sox uniform in 2010.

"He’s definitely one of those guys I’d love to see back, even if the transition starts like it started at the end of the year," Beckett said. "I think there’s a lot of things that a lot of people can learn from him. And him being around, it’s never a bad thing. He’s so great with young guys and he knows to run a clubhouse and that’s why he wears that ‘C’ on his chest."

Full Count " Beckett wants his Tek-nichian back in 2010

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Theo is getting gray hair. Damn. That job must be stressful.

Browse more photos »

Theo Epstein and Terry Francona addressed the media today. Here are some of the highlights:

• Epstein said it was safe to "pencil in" Clay Buchholz for the 2010 rotation.

• Victor Martinez is the catcher, period. As Epstein said, that was the expectation when they traded for him. "He's about as good as it gets," the GM said. As for Jason Varitek, discussions will be held.

• Epstein termed the Jason Bay negotiations unusual in that the team wants the player back and the player wants to come back, yet no deal has been reached. The Red Sox could well make a deal before Bay enters the market. But history suggests that any player who gets this close to free agency usually takes the opportunity. It's difficult to get a gauge of your worth until there's a market for it. Given the lack of depth in the market, Bay could drive his price up.

• Epstein said that 2010 could be the last chance for the core players to "make a run" before significant changes are made. While the Sox do not have many MLB-ready players in AAA, they have prospects who could be ready by 2011.

• Epstein said it was possible that Alex Gonzalez could be back at shortstop. But he spoke highly of Jed Lowrie and the need not to lose faith in young players. Still, as Epstein said, Lowie has yet to prove he can stay healthy in the majors.

I don't expect to see significant changes in the starting rotation: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield. But I'm sure the Sox will want some depth. Michael Bowden, too, will be interesting to watch this offseason.

The second to last bullet point is interesting. "Core players," hmm? That brings to mind David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek (?). There are probably more, but those are the first few that come to mind. The Red Sox seriously have to start thinking about filling the offensive holes that will be left by Ortiz and Lowell (defensively for Lowell, too).

With all of that said, answer the poll.

Poll You have two choices: who should be the Opening Day shortstop for the Red Sox in 2010?

• Alex Gonzalez
• Jed Lowrie
• I have another option! Casey Kelly!

  1097 votes | Results

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

7 days ago: Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz watches as the Los Angeles Angels celebrate their 7-6 win over the Red Sox while leaving the dugout after Game 3 of an American League baseball division series in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Browse more photos »

It's been a few hours. Is everyone feeling a little bit better?

I hope so. Go have a good breakfast, drink your OJ and snuggle up next to the computer. Let's get linkalicious, baby!

Will Jonathan Papelbon be wearing a Red Sox uniform in 2010? - Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

Trading an elite relief pitcher who just saved 38 games with a 1.85 ERA during the regular season would seem to be the type of reaction easily dismissed as a knee-jerk notion made in the heat of of a disappointing loss.

But the truth is that the idea has been quietly discussed by the members of Red Sox Nation for some time now. Papelbon still has two years of arbitration remaining before free agency and he was just awarded $6.25 million in 2009, a record for a pitcher. The thinking in New England circles is that GM Theo Epstein could command a decent trade package for Papelbon in the offseason and Billy Wagner could fill the 2010 closer's job at a cheaper rate.

Quick trigger finger is right. I don't think there's any chance that Papelbon is traded this offseason. If he's traded, it's probably in his last year of arbitration. I still don't think this talk should come up just because he blew game three. The guy had a really good season and he blew this game. No real reason to cut him loose now.

Theo's thoughts - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

How long does something like this linger?
"It kind of always lingers. You find your mind going back to postseasons past and the last game. I still think about ’03. I still think about 2005 and last year. And now I’ll think about this. You don’t find yourself too often thinking about a Tuesday game against Seattle in April. Just as the times you win series, those stay in your memory bank, so do these. It’s part of life. It’s part of reality."

Theo shoots from the hip. His thoughts are the same as ours -- the Angels just played better. This was a good Red Sox team, but the Angels were better.

Full Count " Loss Will Fuel Papelbon

Papelbon said that he would leave behind the sting of defeat as soon as he left the clubhouse. He set to the task of packing his belongings for the winter after the game. Even so, the Sox closer admitted that he might make a point of replaying this game to drive himself in his preparations for the 2010 season.

"I don’t take anything home with me or take anything into the offseason with me," Papelbon said initially. "Although when you do go into the offseason after the season is over and it ends like it did today, definitely, definitely you remember those situations when you’re in the weight room in the offseason and when you’re getting ready to prepare. Who knows? I may be replaying this on the TV in my weight room in the offseason and give me a little motivation for next season."

I think this is just going to piss Papelbon off and he's going to come out like a banshee next season. A really pissed off, drunk, Louisiana-accented banshee.

Discussion: What's Next For The Red Sox?: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The team has a few impending free agents, most notably outfielders Jason Bay and Rocco Baldelli. Billy Wagner will also hit the open market since the Sox have agreed not to exercise his $8MM option. Josh Beckett's $12.1MM option for 2010 has already vested, and you would think Victor Martinez's $7.7MM option is a no-brainer pickup. The team still has decide what to do with the options they hold for Jason Varitek, Alex Gonzalez, and Takashi Saito, though Varitek also has a player option that could keep him in, well, red socks next year regardless of what the club decides to do.

My straight-to-the-point predictions: Bay, Baldelli, V-Mart, Varitek and Gonzo will be back. Wagner and Saito will be gone. I might as well throw that out there. We'll have more analysis down the road on each player here on OTM.

Full Count " Bay Contemplates ‘Uneasy’ Future

"I’ve pretty much loved every minute of [playing in Boston]," [Jason Bay] continued. "I’ve been here for roughly a year and a half. The quickest year and a half I’ve ever had in the big leagues. That’s a good thing. … It’s been everything – the fans, the whole experience has been very, very positive. There isn’t really a lot of negatives that I can draw from being here, which makes it, once again, tough not knowing my situation and if I’ll have a chance to be back or not."

Speaking of bringing Bay back, this is how he feels. He loves Boston and seriously, don't we love him? OK, so not everyone loves him, but I'll say it: I have platonic love for Jason Bay. And I don't care if you all know it.

Red Sox Prospects  |  SoxProspects.com

Y'all ready to talk prospects this offseason?! I hope so!

Was this randomness of a short series?
"No, that sounds like a crutch. I think we got outplayed in this series. We didn’t play our best baseball. We didn’t play all that well, all things told, over these last three games. And they certainly did. They deserve it. They outplayed us fair and square and deserve to move on. You have to be a really good and play really well to win in the playoffs. We didn’t play well in this series." - Theo Epstein

Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

John Henry called up some real voodoo
When the first pitch was tossed out by Hendu
The ghost of Donnie Moore
Snuck thru Fenway's back door
Specifically to Papelbone-you

Halos Heaven on the bank of the river Charles

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

7 days ago: Los Angeles Angels' Kendry Morales, left, is congratulated by teammate Maicer Izturis after a fourth-inning home run against the Boston Red Sox during Game 3 of an American League baseball division series in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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The Sox offense came alive for the first time in the series, but it wasn't enough. Down 6-4 in the 9th, the Angels rallied, scoring three runs off of Jonathan Papelbon in the 9th inning, and completed the sweep with a 7-6 win over the Red Sox.

 

A blow-by-blow dissection of the game seems somehow inconsequential right now. Buchholz was solid, giving up 2 runs in 5 innings. Daniel Bard cleaned up a bases-loaded, 0 out situation in the 6th inning giving up only 1 run on a double play, and pitched a clean 7th inning striking out 2. J.D. Drew, Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez, and Mike Lowell delivered in key situations, with Pedroia's 2-run double putting the Sox on the board and J.D.'s homer putting the Sox up 5-1.

 

But in the end it would come down to the back-end of the bullpen—the part that was supposed to be reliable—giving up the game. Billy Wagner gave up a double and a walk before Terry Francona called on Papelbon for the final 4 outs. Papelbon didn't deliver. A single to Juan Rivera scored both of Wagner's baserunners in the 8th, and in the 9th Papelbon—who had never given up a postseason run--absolutely blew up with 2 outs, giving up a single, a walk, a double, and an intentional walk to bring Vladimir Guerrero to the plate with the bases loaded, 2 outs, and a one run lead. Guerrero singled to center, the Sox went down in order in the 9th, and their season was over.

 

For the Red Sox, it will be a long offseason with plenty of questions. What to do about Jason Varitek, who holds a $3 million player option but can't seem to really play baseball anymore. Or David Ortiz, the aging slugger who hasn't been the same since 2007, and is only getting worse. Jason Bay is a free agent, the Shortstop position continues to be a giant question mark, and their once strong bullpen seems to need some serious reworking.

 

The story of the 2009 Red Sox will be one of a good team that couldn't get the job done in the postseason. For Sox fans, this is nothing new—it was the story so many times during the 86-year drought. But now we expect more out of this team—certainly more than the performance we received this October—and Theo Epstein will need to have an active offseason to meet our expectations.

 

March is only 141 days away.

 

 

The season is over. Nothing we can do now.

It didn't end like we'd want it to. Being swept hurts, but it was obvious we were beaten by a better team. I thought there was a little magic left in the tank for the Red Sox, but the Angels proved that they had magic too -- a helluva lot more.

We're going to have more analysis of the game, the series and the season in the days, weeks and months to follow, but I wanted to first thank  all the readers of Over The Monster.

This is my fifth season blogging here at Over The Monster and I must say, it's been the best one yet. I really appreciate each and every commenter (even the trolls -- gotta' love 'em) and this place wouldn't be the same without you guys and gals. You make Over The Monster. You make SBNation.

So here's a big "thank you" to all of you that have contributed over the course of the season.

But don't go anywhere -- this blog will be active all off-season long and right back into the preseason. So don't miss a beat with us here.

Quicker than you know, it'll be spring training allllll over again.

Go Sox!

Three words:

Do or die.

Current Series 3 game series vs Angels @ Angel Stadium of Anaheim --> Angels lead the series 2-0 Thu 10/08 WP: John Lackey (1 - 0)
LP: Jon Lester (0 - 1)
0 - 5 loss Fri 10/09 WP: Jered Weaver (1 - 0)
SV: Brian Fuentes
LP: Josh Beckett (0 - 1)
1 - 4 loss

Los Angeles Angels Halos Heaven
@ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster

Sunday, Oct 11, 2009, 12:07 PM EDT
Fenway Park

Scott Kazmir vs Clay Buchholz

Complete Coverage >

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Please don't have the deer-in-the-headlights look today, Clay.

Browse more photos »

I leave for ONE day, and everything goes crazy.

Okay, so I like hyperboles - whatever. The name of this post isn't going to be "Bloody Sox Laundry" anymore; instead, it shall be given a new name. This isn't going to be some cheezy, lame name that has no meaning to it either. Considering this dire situation that the team finds itself in, we need an identity for this team. The players aren't going to help, it appears:

No 'Idiots' or Rally Cries This Year to Ignite Red Sox Mojo - NESN.com

So I leave it up to y'all - what shall be the fate of this team, and this post? Submit your best inspirations or "rec" another suggestion; the most "rec'd" will replace "Bloody Sox Laundry" as the daily name of this post.

Now, for a slightly less over-dramatic topic:

Terry Francona thinks short term - BostonHerald.com

Though they took the losses in the first two Division Series games against the Los Angeles Angels, the Red Sox still have plenty of confidence in Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. Any doubt on the issue was erased by the way Terry Francona set up the rotation for what the manager hopes will be the continuation of the series.

Going with lefties at Fenway seems the right thing to do - The Boston Globe

Francona: We might adjust our batting order - Full Count

Big Papi Needs to Sit for Game 3 - Fenway West

A couple of the players were interviewed Saturday, and Full Count provided the individual transcripts:

Pedroia, Francona, Buchholz, and Bay

After the jump, some laugh and thought-provoking links.

The catcher conundrum in the AL - Extra Bases

Odd thought: how bad would the catching situation in baseball have to be for a team to find a way to play without one? Baseball's not like basketball or football, where a team can flex the roster and work around a weak position, but it is possible to play with extra infielders or outfielders; are catcher and pitcher the only two absolutely necessary players?

Clutch skill DOES exist - Inside the Book

Read the link first, then comment on it - the particularly important part being the bit about the nearly impossible sample size necessary to determine who is "clutch" or not with data.

Why don’t they have a straight-on center field camera? - River Avenue Blues

Lazy, cheap, etc. Good video explanation though.

You naughty, naughty Sox fans - Extra Bases

Fear Red Sox Nation - we may not be 4chan (probably best not to be), but we can still work the Web.

Comments, links, chowdah recipes, etc. - all of them can go here.

[Thanks again to USG for covering me yesterday. For those of you who were questioning why I disappear around the playoffs, the simple explanation is that life required I move the Sox to the back-burner for a while last year. They did help me through a tough time, and the fact that I needed to disappear again this year probably gives you a decent idea of what's up. I apologize if that makes me a bad fan, but this is JUST a game, folks. I'm back now, and I'm bringing the offense with me - let's kick some ass!]

The Red Sox are about 19 hours away from a game to save their season, and manager Terry Francona has carefully planned his strategy.

"Do what we always do on early games," he said. "Have 12 pieces of bacon, a Red Bull, and go get 'em."

Breakfast of champions - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog