Youk.... and more

Today, Kevin Youkilis finalized a 4-year deal with the Red Sox. They've locked him in to a great contract : 4 years for $41 million. So we've locked in the AL MVP and the runner up to long term contracts. Who needs Teixeira?

I applaud Theo and Company for what is shaping up to be a great off-season. While everyone was lamenting that we were losing out on the pricey free agents, our Front Office has quietly gone about cementing some of the key elements in our 2009 success. And another piece of the jigsaw puzzle may be about to fall - from the Globe:

In what may be a final attempt to end a stalemate that has existed throughout this offseason, Red Sox captain Jason Varitek has a meeting planned with club owner John Henry on Friday night that could facilitate a resolution with the free-agent catcher. Reached by phone on Friday, Varitek would confirm only that he is meeting with Henry "tonight,'' in the Atlanta area, where Varitek makes his offseason home.

I love that Jason is removing Borassss from the equation. As the guys on MLBN's "Hot Stove" said tonight, it's up to Tek to tell John Henry that he wants to end his career as a Red Sox. He may only get a one or two year deal out of it, but it would be beneficial to both sides for this deal to get done.

No disappointment here

July 30, 2008. RS vs. Angels. This dude went 0-for-3, with two Ks.

So, we've had 24 hours to digest the news that Mark Teixeira is not going to the Red Sox, Angels or Nationals. He is, in fact, going to be a New York Yankee. What a shock, that a Scott Boras client would sell his soul to the highest bidder - and then claim that he's dreamed his whole life of playing for said team.

But, you know, I feel no disappointment, no sense of disillusionment. Yes, Teixeira is a good, good player. Yes, he would have helped the Red Sox. And yet, I can't see locking in ANY player for eight years. We saw what can happen at the end of those long term contracts (hello, Manny Ramirez). Yes, this makes the Yankees a favorite in the AL East in 2009. And they may win it all next year - but there will be plenty who will say they merely bought the title.

It does make me sad for Major League Baseball. Despite the outcome for my team, the Tampa Bay Rays were the story of the year in baseball - the small market team who beat the big guns in the AL East. It gave hope to all those teams - the Pirates, the Royals, the Orioles - hope that by building on their farm teams, that by carefully using draft picks, by biding their time, ANY team can triumph. The Yankees pulling out Daddy Steinbrenner's checkbook once again seems to make a mockery of that hope. And that's bad for baseball.

My hope? An epic fail. Would I love to see the Yanks open the season 0-20? Hell, yes. Would I love to see the fans who are paying $2500 for a seat in the New Yankee Stadium booing their own team? Hell, yes. Would I love to see Teixeira booed at home? Hell, yes.

And selfishly? I'm so glad that the #25 will still be worn by Mike Lowell.

Now, Theo, go find us a catcher!

I hate the hot stove

I am one fan who finds nothing fun or exciting about the hot stove season. Every time you open a paper or look at a website, the rumor mill is saying Masterson is about to be traded, that the FO is offering Tek $1.50 per game, that Papelbon has taken up knitting, yadda yadda yadda.

This time of year is especially taxing if you're a Mike Lowell fan. It seems like we have to sweat it out each year. Last year, it was waiting for a new contract offer. The year before, it seemed he was being offered to every team short of the Bruins. And, of course, the year before that, RS Nation was complaining about our being "forced" to take him in order to get Beckett.

Of course, the rumors are swirling over him again this year. Since his hip surgery in October, he has been subject to all kinds of trade stories. The talk is especially prevalent in articles about Mark Teixiera. If the Sox sign Teixiera, the stories go, he'll take over 1B and Youk will move back to his "natural" position at 3B. That leaves Lowell out in the cold.

Sitting Still photo

Yes, I know he's aging. That he's losing what little speed on the base paths he once had. That his offense is slowing down, and his defense is sure to follow. But he brings so much to the team. His leadership, his incredible rapport with all of the players. I know it's a mistake to get too emotionally attached to any of the players. It will only lead to the kind of heartbreak that accompanied the Damon trade. I trust in Theo to do what's best for the team.

But, damn, I'd sure miss this guy. The prettiness factor alone will drop substantially.