Spring Training Surprises

I am not sure how many of you have notice but it appears that Nick Green looks like a solid utility infielder the likes of Alex Cora. Now we all know we have a heated battled between Jed Lowries and Julio Lugo, with the assumption that Lugo gets the nod at Short and Jed takes on Cora's versatile role....but is there a possibility of having someone take on Lugo in a trade near the end of spring training? His contract certainly si a concern but with Lowrie as solid defensive and offesnive threat, although lacking the speed of Lugo, Green would spell the Cora role at least to start the season. Other option would be to shuttle Green to AAA and hope Lugo shines and is trade bait for a needed bat near the trade deadline in July as a package...perhaps Bucholz and Lugo for catching.

Brad Penny or Bucholz

Is it my imagination or do you sense that Brad Penny for all of his potential, just does not have the edge to win on the big stage that is Boston? I know he is recivering from shoulder ailments but for a guy with his level of ability and need for him to play a singiifcant role this season, it seems too quiet surrounding him. As for Bucholz...crickets...can the kid overcome his sudden lack of confidence and regain the form that propelled him to the big leagues and probvided him the opportunity to produce and uttlery clueless no-hitter?

Varitek and Boras

So Tek and Boras are mulling the offer of 2 years at $5m a piece with incentives. What exactly is there to mull? Given the abysmal state of Tek's offense last year and the need for him to redeem himself with the bat, would you not take the deal and go with a mutual option for next year? Have some confidence in your self.

Side note, who is the catcher of the future?

Manny to Yankees?

Given that Scott Boras has been somewhat challenged this off-season to find a home for some of his, shall we say more marginal (Varitek/Lowe) or controversial (Manny)....does he give a home town discount to the Evil Empire and land them the best bat in the game just to drive the Red Sox even crazier? Or given his arrogance does he try and hold up the Yanks for 4 years/$25m and thus forcing Manny to the only other teams who can afford him for merely 2 years, the Dodgers and the Giants? what would Manny care if the teams won't win, he doesn't care about that does he? Thoughts?

Varitek & "Curt in the car"

So " Curt in the car" has a point......Tek is needed for a strong pitching staff that Theo and the team have spent wisely on. Given we have seen no clear inidcation of any MLB team willing to give the Americans (Red Sox) a potential catcher of the future, how do they not resign Tek for another two years. Scale back the innings, mix in Josh Bard, George Kottaras/Dusty Brown for a year or two and see what happens when Joe Mauer hits the market in 2010? Giving up Bucholz or Bowden for Teagarden or Montero, both of whom are unproven in a big market, how could we play a wait and see come spring training with Bard as our only option?

Tek behind the plate bringing stability and leadership will ensure we get the most out of the current big 3, Lester, Beckett and Matsuzaka (yes, in that order) while we watch Penny and Smoltz love throwing to the polished and best prepared receiver in the game....never mind the average, pitching is what wins in October.