A few guys for the Sox to consider when their compensation talks with the Cubs come out of hibernation

     Let's face it the Red Sox have a lot of holes. That being said, instead of focusing in the Red Sox ailments and what the cure prescribed by Ben Cherington (or Larry Luchhino or whoever is actually running the team) should be I'd like to focus on another void that has yet to be filled as of yet, the compensation the Sox will receive for Theo Epstein. Furthermore, not only who we should get from the Cubbies but what we should do with them whence they arrive.
     Now, there are few givens in this whole compensation deal. The first of which is that Cubs have virtually have very little down on the farm. However, if we are going to go the the prospect route (which seems to be what is going to happen) and I had to pick three I would go probably after one of the following prospects: Trey McNutt, Josh Vitters or Rafael Dollis.
     As with all of these guys, there is a lot to like about Trey McNutt. Ranked as the Cubs 4th best prospect, McNutt has soared up through both low and high A ball. However, 2011 proved to be a bit of a roadblock for McNutt who struggled at Double A Tennesee going 5-6 with a 4.55 ERA. In addition, he has not pitched overly well in the Arizona Fall League either (0-2, 5.00 ERA in 18 innings). Nonetheless, his plus curve and fastball at least make him some what of an attractive option.

                                                      McNutt pitching at Double-A Tennesee. (AP)
     Josh Vitters is another option the Sox could look into. Drafted 3rd overall in 2007, Vitters has been slow to progress,  yet recent signs have suggested that he may finally becoming around. Known for his raw power and bat speed, Vitters showed promise this year when he hit .283 with 14 home runs in Double-A ball. Furthermore, Vitters has torn it up so far in the Arizona Fall League hitting .360 in 100 at bats. Vitters, a recent convert from third to outfield, also provides a great avenue for the Red Sox to fill the one of their current gaps down the line as right handed hitting outfielder (if they can deal with the fact that he strikes out too much).

                                                        Cubs 5th overall prospect Josh Vitters. (AP)
     Rafael Dolis, is arguably the most interesting possibility out of three. A converted infielder, Dolis is the 6th best prospect in the Cubs system and represents another great pitching option the Sox could look into. Despite some control issues, Dolis thrived this past year at Double-A (8-5, 3.22 ERA) before earning a September call up to the bigs. While the Sox may be attracted to his power stuff, Dolis' greatest advantage may be the fact that he generates a massive amount of groudballs (GO/AO of 2.07 in 2011), which is obviously pivotal do to the closeness of our beloved oversized left field wall . Despite this, Dolis will need to further hone his control and repertoire if he is going to be a force in the rotation, but is still an intriguing option if the Sox can pry him away from the Cubs.

                                                 Rafael Dolis pitching for the Tennessee Smokies. (Chicago Cubs)
     While none of these three are definites, (since the Sox were shot down when they acquired about the the Cubs definites, Matt Garza and Starlin Castro), I believe they are at least definite possibilities for two major reasons. One, they could finally come into their own with the Sox (which would be great), or two we could just use them as close to "major league ready"trade chips (which is another area in which the Sox are lacking). Anyway, as I've said before, let's go Sox. And also since sharing is caring in the world of blogging, check out this blog and this blog.

To (Bobby) V or Not to (Bobby) V

Sorry KFC, but there's a new colonel in bean town.
According to multiple industry sources Tuesday night, including Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, the Red Sox have concluded their managerial search by hiring Bobby Valentine.
A late arrival to the Red Sox shortlist, which included such up and comers as Indians' bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Valentine emerged as the favorite following an interview on November 21st.

                                          Bobby Valentine following his interview at Fenway Park. (AP)
Pumped up as one of the game's great minds by the likes of ESPN's Buster Olney and Hall of Famer Peter Gammons, Valentine is know for both his mastery of in game tactics and his volatility, previously managing both the Rangers (1985-1992) and the Mets (1997-2002) to the tune of a 1,117-1,072 career-record.
Valentine will be the 45th manager in Red Sox history.

The 2004th

     Someone wise once said there's a positive in everything. In the Red Sox 6-3 loss last night this positive came in the fact that we could at least try to sleep off the paultry events that had occured right away since the game got over fairly late. It didn't work, and unfortunately for us we wake today with our wild card lead relinquished and our backs further against the wall than ever.
     I could start off by discussing how the Red Sox a terrible team (which they are), or that they have a guy who looks like a petrified deer everytime he steps on the mound pitching today (Erik Bedard), but I won't since I'm pleading the 2004th. What's the 2004th? Well it's an amendment to the Red Sox Nation Constitution I just made up, that precludes those who choose to excercise it from throwing the towel in, in hopes that the Red Sox can produce a 2004 like result. Do I think it will work? I have no idea, but if it does it would be great.

                                                    Erik Bedard during a rencent start at Fenway.          (AP)
    
     As Peter Abraham of the Globe reminds us, the Sox number is two, and I have to be honest although my mind says the Sox can't do it as terrible statistic (such as our record 6-19 record in September), after terrible statistic runs through my head (our team ERA of 7.91 also for the month of September) I still believe the Sox have a chance. Not only because I'm pleading the 2004th, but also because I think I genuinely believe it. The Sox have two of their best pitchers (Erik Bedard, 5-9 with a 3.50 ERA and Jon Lester 15-9 with a 3.49 ERA)going in the make it or break it last two against the Orioles (who will be throwing Zach Britton 11-10,4.44 ERA today and Alfredo Simon 4-9, 4.85 ERA tomorrow), so things at least on paper (which hasn't been overly correct this month) look promising for the Sox.
     In the end, even though we're down, we're still not quite out. This thing can turn around in an instant, and as Red Sox fans we can't discount the possibly of a miracle. There are more Fenway Franks to be cooked and more games to be watched, all we need is a little bit of luck.

The Last Hurrah

     They finally did it. The Boston Red Sox have won a game, and although their journey to the promise land is still far from over, last nights victory has enabled the Sox to elevate their status from "bums" to "hobos".
     Typically I would revel in this victory, (since after all we did give the Yankees the old one -two-skiddo) but since I don't want to give John Lackey any credit I won't. In other news though the Sox begin a three game set with the crappy Rays, better known as the Orioles tomorrow down in Baltimore. The crappy Rays, have been bareing a striking resemblance to the real Rays as of late, taking three of four from the sputtering Sox during their series last weekend at Fenway.
     Hoping to keep the Red Sox on track will be the man, the myth, the soul patch, Josh Beckett. A tough luck loser his last time out against the Orioles, Beckett will be aiming to keep the Sox on top in the wild card race and infront of the Rays who begin a series with Yankees tonight in St. Pete.

  Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett.     (AP)

     Needless to say, it is crunch time and hopefully the newly knighted Boston hobos can get the job done on the backs of their three best pitchers in Beckett, Bedard and Lester when the time comes. For if they can't, it is going to be a long off season for us, and I really can't stand to eat all of my feelings again this winter like I did this past off-season. Needless to say again, with much love in hopes it gets you guys over the top and into the play-offs, Let's Go Sox.