Now that the ticker tape has flown and the stars have appeared on their favorite talk shows, it is time for Red Sox GM Theo Epstein to get back to work. The theme of this off-season will not be much different from any other: beat the Yankees. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner has made it clear that he will again try to remove the hearts of Red Sox Nation with a rusty spoon, in the person of Pedro Martinez.
Many experts believe that Steinbrenner does not want Pedro as badly as he wants to simply drive up the price of the free agent pitcher. Pedro has publicly stated that his preference is to stay with the Sox, but Epstein and many other general managers around the league are reluctant to match the seven year $92.5 million deal he was given in 1998. Steinbrenner wants to make Pedro a gaudy offer in hopes that the Sox will counter with an even higher number, thus leaving them less money for other free agents. If his move “fails” he will end up having added Pedro to his aging staff, which is not a bad consolation prize.
Jason Varitek is the heart and soul of the defending world champions and is the team’s top priority. He is far and away the best catcher available on the free agent market and the team should do everything possible to resign him. There is not a player capable of replacing his production and leadership available through free agency or in the Sox minor league system. Backup Doug Mirabelli is also a free agent and will probably be replaced by either Andy Dominique or Kelly Shoppach, from the Sox minor league system. Both are highly rated prospects, but neither would come close to filling the void losing Varitek would cause.
Postseason hero Derek Lowe seems to be the odd man out again this off-season. While the Sox battle for Pedro, Lowe may be courted by another team. If Pedro leaves Boston, Lowe will become the next highest pitching priority. Either Florida’s Carl Pavano or Minnesota’s Brad Radke would replace the starter that the Sox are unable to resign. Curt Schilling is signed through next season and should be available by spring training, following off-season ankle surgery.
The center of the infield could look different than last season. Pokey Reese, Mark Bellhorn and Orlando Cabrera are all free agents this off-season. Cabrera will be the player in this group that gathers the most interest from other teams, and the Sox may let him leave. Cleveland shortstop Omar Vizquel may be the short term solution in the twilight of his career. The team plans to see top prospects Hanley Ramirez or Dustin Pedroia take over the shortstop position by opening day 2006. Ideally the team would resign both Reese and Bellhorn, using Reese’s versatility at both second base and shortstop, to fill in for Bellhorn and Vizquel.
The health of Boston’s bullpen will play a large role in who is resigned this off-season. Ramiro Mendoza, Curtis Leskanic, Terry Adams, Mike Myers and Scott Williamson are all free agents. Mendoza and Leskanic battled injuries throughout the season and both may have off-season surgery, decreasing their value and leaving questions of their reliability. Williamson underwent the second Tommy John surgery of his career and will probably not be available to pitch until 2006. Adams and Myers were both midseason acquisitions by the Sox and will probably stay with the team. The lack of quality bullpen pitching in the past has taught the Sox a valuable lesson that they won’t soon forget. However, affordability and quality are both factors taken into account, so don’t be surprised to see some new faces jogging out from the center field bullpen next season.
Houston centerfielder Carlos Beltran and Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado are the top free agents available this off-season, and the Sox are exploring the possibilities of both, mostly because the Yankees are too. Rumors of trading Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar and/or Doug Mientkiewicz have been whispered so far this off-season. Any or all of these players would need to be moved in order to clear both roster and salary space for either Beltran or Delgado. The possibility seems remote, but priorities could change depending on what sort of moves the Yankees make this winter.
I would like to thank all of my loyal readers, and hope for the best during the off-season, because this is my final weekly column. Don’t despair, before you know it the snow will have come and gone, pitchers and catchers will report to spring training and we will start the season anew.
Don’t forget, Opening Day 2005 the Sox will be presented their World Series rings in Fenway Park. Their opponent: George Steinbrenner and the hated Yankees!