Rock And Roll

By Chris Cue
11/10/10 at 7:33am ET

It’s been a long time since I rock-and-rolled

It’s been a long time since I did the Stroll

Ooh, let me get it back, let me get it back, let me get it back

mm-baby, where I come from

It’s been a long time, been a long time

Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time

Yes, it has

   Maybe “You say goodbye and I say hello” would have been a better choice here? Either way, wow it’s been almost a year since I last checked in. I don’t know if I should say “You’re Welcome” or “I’m sorry”….:-)  

     I do have a few things/thoughts on my mind regarding the Red Sox, so I thought this to be as good a place as any to lighten the cerebral load….so to speak. I won’t bother re-capping the entire 2010 season. I’m pretty sure that everything that could be said regarding that disappointment has been said already. I would like to gather some thoughts regarding where the club is headed for next year and what moves could or should be made to make us a contender once again.

     To that extent, here’s what I’m thinking has a decent chance of happening…..it’s simple, straightforward and expressed with merely a positional depth chart.

C   John Buck
1B Lyle Overbay
2B Dustin Pedroia
3B Kevin Youkilis
SS Marco Scutaro / Jed Lowrie
LF Jayson Werth
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
RF JD Drew
DH David Ortiz

Is that a Championship caliber team? You really never know, but I will say this: It’s at least Do-Able. I should admit that this roster is not what I’d really like to see next season. My “wants” are tempered by what I think our Front Office would do and the above roster reflects that. What that roster represents in my mind is a little loss of power at the plate (Overbay vs Beltre)  and an  increase defensively with the addition of Buck. Essentially, switching out Beltre and the year he had for Overbay I would assume to be a downgrade both at the plate and in the field. The problem is, there isn’t anyone out there on the free agent market who you can feel comfortable about putting up the numbers Beltre did last season……it’s questionable that even Beltre could do that again himself.  The addition of Werth makes up for some of that lost power, but the number of times he strikes out is going to drive some folks nuts (147 k’s last season, 156 k’s in 2009.That’s comparable to Ortiz last season. He whiffed 145 times last year)

     So, if we’re going to take that kind of hit somewhere, I’d prefer it be at first base rather than third base. Youkilis may not be the defensive third baseman that Beltre is, but I doubt he’ll be much of a downgrade either. Having less of a glove anywhere on the field always works out best if it’s at first base. It’s simply easier to hide it at that position.

     Now, I’ll throw out what I would like to see our Front Office do…..knowing of course that there is little to no chance of it happening. This will just be a gift from me to you which will allow you to laugh at me and call me all sorts of names. Which is fine. Nobody enjoys laughing at themselves more than I, so I say go for it.

Here’s my official “Wouldn’t it be great” roster. It’s a wish list that I plan to send to Santa Clause..even though I know this years Santa is illiterate 🙂

 C  Victor Martinez
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Dustin Pedroia
3B Kevin Youkilis
SS Scutaro / Lowrie
LF Carl Crawford
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
RF JD Drew
DH David Ortiz

     If that roster shows up in Ft Myers for Spring Training, I’ll eat my hat…..but I’ll enjoy every bite.

 

Advertisement

Where’s Theo?


Posted by: Chris Cue

5:11am Thurs, 11/26/09

    I’d like to know where Theo Epstein is today. Six years ago he made Red Sox fans very happy by sitting down, eating and talking Turkey with Curt Schilling. Any chance he’s having Thanksgiving dinner away from home again this year? One can only hope. If not, no problem. Enjoy your Turkey today Theo, but do us all a favor and come to work tomorrow ready to talk Turkey with someone who will be a difference maker in 2010…..please.

    To everyone else, enjoy your family and friends today. They are what we should be truly thankful for.

……….on a lighter note:

      If Emeril Was a Turkey


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Does This Have Legs?

Posted by: Chris Cue
10:15am Wed, 11/25/09

     Doesn’t it just irk you when people play the “I told you so” card? Especially when it’s a no-brainer “I told you so” in the first place? Me too, so I won’t mention the fact that this was covered in my Hot Stove Predictions HERE and HERE 🙂

     If today’s headline’s are to be believed, then it looks like the Red Sox are all in for a Roy Halladay trade with Toronto….

Here’s a rundown of today’s stories on the subject with links provided…

From Boston dot com….
Halladay is being targeted
Jays may want Kelly, Buchholz
(link HERE)
============================================
From the NY Daily News

Sources: Boston Red Sox making push to trade for Roy Halladay, try to beat New York Yankees to punch

(link HERE)
============================================
From MLB.com

Red Sox making run for Halladay

Boston putting on ‘full-court press’ to acquire Jays ace

(link HERE)
============================================

     There are other stories out there saying the same, but that’s about the gist of what each say’s. This by no means is a slam dunk deal for the Red Sox. If all of these rumblings are correct, it won’t be long before you see a number of teams get into the picture as well. It’s a given the Yankees won’t let the Sox get this done without some sort of a fight/price hike. The LA Angels as well as the Dodgers and Phillies I would expect to have serious interest as well.

     It might be best to just look at this as a good sign that the Hot Stove is actually heating up.

Questions, Questions, Questions

Posted by: Chris Cue
5:30am Tues, 11/24/09

     If there is one thing that can be said of Baseball’s off season it’s that it’s filled with questions. “What will my team do?”, “Will we pay what is needed to land that guy?”, “Will they try to resign that player?” “Can we trade for so and so?” and on and on and on. There’s plenty of speculation to be sure. Equally as sure is that most of what we read is nothing more than that….speculation. So, at least during this point of the non-playing season, we all have equal ground to work on when it comes to “What I think will happen” types of conversations. With that in mind, let’s take a look at several area’s that may or may not affect the Red Sox and other AL East teams.

      We’ll start out with an article that perked my interest in where the Red Sox and Yankees might stand in the hunt for Doc Halladay’s services. The article (HERE) in today’s Herald by John Tomase states: “The Yankees and Red Sox are expected to be at the forefront of trade
discussions (for Halladay) with rookie general manager Alex Anthopoulos. The Sox have
more to offer, however, because they can dangle potential
front-of-the-rotation starter Clay Buchholz.”

   Now, being the Red Sox homer that I am, I would love to believe that is the case. However, when you step back and attempt to take a non-biased look at the situation, I’m not sure the Sox do have it over the Yankees because of Buchholz. Personally, as of today, I would take Clay over either Joba or Phil Hughes, but just because Clay may be considered a notch above (for now), you have to remember it’s going to be a package of players that lands Halladay….not just a single pitcher. The Jay’s needs for next season if they move Doc are going to be: Starting Pitching, a Catcher and a Short Stop. While the Red Sox can fill the Starting Pitching spot with Clay, we fall a little short in the Catcher and Short Stop positions as far as ML ready players go. Of course, it may not be necessary for either team to fill immediate needs for the Jay’s. It could be a matter of what the Jay’s see as future needs too. It appears to me that both the Sox and Yanks may be a little closer in available talent then Tomase gives credit for. As always, it will boil down to which team is willing to give up the needed talent to land Halladay. Recent history tells me that both Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman are rather shy about giving up the kids they develop, but for the opportunity to sign Halladay long term (if the Jay’s provide such a window to negotiate an extension ), we may see more of a willingness then we have in the past to trade some kids. Stay tuned to this one.

==========================================================

     The other curiosity I have also is in regards to Starting Pitching. While the Sox do appear to have a set rotation already in place, there’s no doubt that Theo is going to want to add depth to it in case of injury or flat out ineffectiveness. But will he (or the Yankees) be interested in a front of the rotation starter this off season?

     I started wondering how much next years crop of available Starting Pitchers will
determine what we do and don’t do this year. I think a case could be
made that both the Sox and Yanks made decisions long before last years off season
that allowed each team to be in the Teixeira race when he became available.
So, I’m wondering how much the crop of available starting pitchers next
year will determine what teams do this off season.

Take a look at a few of the names that are slated to become Free Agents next off season

Roy Halladay
Cliff Lee
Josh Beckett
Brandon Webb
and there are a number of 2nd tier guys available too like:
Ted Lilly, Javier Vazquez and others

By the way,
not only are all of those guys slated to become Free Agents next year, that list doesn’t include some guys that may be available via trade. For
instance, the Marlins by their recent actions may have opened up the possibility that Josh Johnson
could be available via trade next off season. Of course the Marlin’s didn’t come
right out and say he would be available, but they failed to sign the kid to an extension
and opted to go year to year for his last 2 Arbitration eligible seasons that
they have him under control (2010 & 2011). That would appear to
make him trade bait next off season, so we may be able to throw his name on that list too. We’ll have to see about that
because Marlin’s have been known to hang on to guys and just get draft picks
when they leave instead of trading them. However, it seems safe to assume there is at least a
very good possibility he’ll be shopped.

     That’s a pretty good
crop of potential available starting pitchers next year which is why I’m
wondering if teams may have an eye on that and be a little shy of
locking up someone less desirable long term this year. In other words,
let’s say that neither the Red Sox or Yankees show interest in John Lackey this
off season, I’m thinking that next years available pitchers may have
something to do with it.

Just a thought…..and of course, it adds more questions.

Cheers and Go Baseball!

Hot Stove Predictions – Yankees

Posted by Chris Cue
6:05am Sun, 11/22/09

v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}

Normal
0

      OK, here’s my long awaited 2 cents on who and what the
Yankees may do this off season…

(OK, I know nobody was really waiting, but my Mother in
Law may read this and she likes to think I’m important, so go with me on this one OK? 🙂

Keep in mind, I’m no expert on all things Yankee and I’m not
trying to pretend to be one….(heck, I don’t think I’m the definitive “go to
guy” on the Sox either for that matter), so this is just an outsider
looking in and taking a rookie stab at what my gut tells me so others can
ridicule it. Here we go…..

Yankees

     
The Yanks don’t have a lot of holes to fill, but the one’s they do have are
pretty obvious.

1). Left field would seem to be the priority, but #2 IMO is close….depending.
The Yanks have 3 options to them for LF the way I see it. They could resign
Damon on a 2 year deal, They could promote from within (seems doubtful this
year, but maybe next?) or they could go the FA route and make a run at
either Holliday or Bay. My gut tells me Damon is option #1 as far as preference
goes, but they aren’t going to be shy about telling him “take this or we’re
moving on”. The point is, the Yankees are not going to allow Boras to drag this
on so that he can use the Yankees name in conjunction with Holliday. The Yanks
are going to want to nail this down before the other options are signed. In the
end, Damon will go where the money is no matter what he say’s. You have to
remember he won a title in Boston and was reportedly happy there too…..and he
still left for the payday the Yanks provided. I see no reason for his attitude
in that department to change. Still, unless a team like the White Sox gets
involved and offers him more, I’d bet the Yanks offer will be the best one he
gets and he will return. I’d also expect that move (if it happens) will be
made long before Holliday or Bay signs else where.
My prediction: Damon returns for a 2 year deal because the Yankees will
make the best offer and Boras will have to play the Holliday field w/o the
Yanks being involved. (a sparsely attended pity party for him then ensues…:-)

2). Setup Man. If Andy returns and if the Yanks are content with both Hughes and Joba in
the rotation (there is a good case for that one being debatable.), then
I think priority #2 will be on getting that bridge to Mariano….at least IMO it
should be #2. I don’t have a particular player in mind to fill that role,
mostly because the FA market (Soriano, Gonzalez, etc,.), the trade
market and even a promotion from within could deliver any number of guys who could end up with the Setup role in NY.
I have the feeling that if the starting rotation above is acceptable, then this
is where Cashman may spend a good deal of time. Until Hughes was brought up last year, the BP was a weakness for the Yanks and I’m sure they will try to address that if Hughes now ends up in the rotation.
My “outside the box” prediction: (get ready to laugh) I’ll throw
a long shot out here just for giggles……After Wagner declines the Sox offer of
Arbitration (which he will) and after he sees the money he may get from
other teams considering they are surrendering draft picks, I don’t think it out
of the realm of possibility that the Yanks could make him an attractive one
year deal to set up for Mo. I know that’s a stretch, but I think if that option
was out there the Yanks might be able to talk Wagner into it. Like I said….it’s
a long shot….but what good is a crystal ball if you can’t make stupid predictions

🙂


3). Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. The 64 thousand dollar question is: Do the
Yanks feel good enough with what they already have in place or are they looking
to buy or perhaps make a deal? Well, they did fine with what they had last
year, but expecting health for an entire season with your starting staff is a
gamble. There may also be other factors at work here that I alluded to in the
Red Sox predictions I made. For instance, if say the Sox get seriously involved
in the Doc Halladay sweepstakes, then I don’t think the Yanks will stand idle
and let that happen w/o putting in an offer or 2 of their own. Let’s take that
one step further and pretend the Sox do indeed manage to land Halladay. Does
anyone think that the Yanks will just let that go w/o a counter move? What if that
happens and Lackey is still out there unsigned? I’m not convinced that the
Yanks are interested in giving him the years and money he’s looking for, but
I’m also not stupid enough to think that they can’t do it if they want. We
could just as easily turn that entire situation around and play the “what if”
game on the Sox should the Yanks land Halladay, but this is my sillyYankee’s
prediction so I’ll save that one…for now 🙂

I’m also not sold on the idea that
the Yankees feel comfortable with both Joba & Hughes in the rotation even
if Andy does return. Personally, I think both of these kids deserve a shot, but I’m also
sure that if the Yanks go that way, Cashman will be looking for some quality
insurance to back it up, so he may very well be in the Sheets, Harden type hunt
as well.
My prediction: All hell breaks loose as soon as the Sox show clear
intentions to trade for Halladay. Absent of that, I think the Yanks will go
with what they have in CC, AJ, Andy (who I’m betting returns) and give
the kids a shot w/some veteran back up plans in place just in case.

4). DH. Will Matsui return? My gut say’s no and here’s why. I think the Yanks
have plenty of options to work a rotating DH into their plans for next year.
While I’m sure they will have someone on their bench that looks like the
everyday DH, my gut tells me that whoever that is will have on the field duties
assigned to him as well. With Damon back, with Posada behind the plate and the
option to rest guys like A-Rod and Tex by letting them DH, the Yanks don’t need
to clog the DH spot with somebody who can only serve in that limited role.
My prediction: Too bad for Hideki. He’s one of the guys that play for the Yanks that I can truly say I like and respect. I have the feeling Matsui gets thanked for his time and the Yanks make no
concerted effort to fill a FT DH spot.

I’m sure there is a lot more that can be covered, but I think I’ve probably ruffled
enough feathers with this….

 

Enjoy and as always, Go Baseball!

Hot Stove Predictions – Red Sox

Posted by Chris Cue
8:00 am Sat, 11/21/09

    Hello again! Having recently crawled out from underneath the rock I’ve been hiding, I thought it might be a good time to start talking Hot Stove Baseball. Now that all the free agents are allowed to discuss their future with teams other than the one they played for last season, getting some predictions in now before things start to happen seems like a good way to make a fool of yourself….sooo, being the glutton for punishment that I am, here you go.

    Let’s start off with the Red Sox. I’ll be happy to tick off some of my evil empire friends later with some Yankees predictions, but for now I’ll tackle the hometown team.

    I should mention that I’ll be impressed with myself (from a prediction standpoint) if
even one of these predictions comes to pass….(I don’t have a great track record in this dept. 🙂 With
that in mind, here’s what I think has a good chance of going down.

Red Sox

1).
I think the ground work to resign Bay is already in place. The caveat
to the current situation is nobody is yet sure what else may be out
there for him. As long as years or dollars don’t get too stupid (the
Sox won’t go 5/85), I think he’ll be back in Boston. I have no
predictions regarding what may go down if that doesn’t happen except to
say I don’t think the Sox will be players to sign Holliday. He has the wrong agent, there is too much
money required, too many years and too many questions about what he may or may
not bring that will keep the Sox out of that race IMO.

2). Even if the
Sox do land Bay, I believe the FO thinks we still need another bat
(thus their pursuit of Tex last year). Therefore, I’m pretty sure that
they will go hard after Gonzalez if Hoyer indeed makes him available.
However, I DON’T think that they will be successful there. I think
there are too many obstacles in the way for that deal to go down. (I could
give a lengthy list but won’t unless asked) Because there appears to be a lack of
premium players with bats on the trade/FA market coupled with the fact
that the Sox currently have limited spots to put a player like that in,
I think the Sox will turn to another area that could be addressed to
strengthen the team and that’s Pitching.

3). While the Sox
starting rotation appears to be set, we have several issues going
forward that could be addressed now if they choose to do so. Becketts a
FA next year, There are uncertainties with Dice-K and Wakefield’s health
issues are all questions the Sox have to think about now and with an eye on
the future as well. No matter what, the Sox will be signing one or two
insurance pitchers that they hope will have bounce back years (Sheets,
Harden, etc…types), but I’ll go on record now saying that after their
interest in Gonzalez is shot down, they will go just as hard after Doc
Halladay. Lot’s of moving pieces to that kind of deal too, but in this
case I think the Sox may have a better shot at landing him as opposed
to landing Gonzalez. It may never happen, but I really think the
interest is there and that the Sox will be motivated. The big obstacle
with that one? LOL take a guess……The New York Yankees. I don’t think Cashman
will just roll over and let the Sox get Doc without making them pay big
time. In fact, I think the Yanks may have an even better chance to land
Doc if they should decide to go that route themselves. This could very well be the
big Sox-Yanks battle of the off season…..it at least appears to have
all of that kind of framework in place. We’ll have to see.

4).
Once again (i’m sorry to say), I don’t see the Sox going long term to
fill the SS position. I think there may have been some interest in JJ
Hardy, but since he is now signed I think we’re looking at another stop
gap player. I’d like to think that Gonzo would be back, but from what
Ive read a sticking point may be that he’d like more than just a one year deal. I also think the Sox
would consider Marco Scutaro, but not for the length of time he’s
looking for either. There could be a trade out there that Theo is
looking at, but short of that I think Gonzo will be a Sox player in
2010. I say that only because the SS market doesn’t look like it’s
going to give him a 2 or 3 year contract so he may very well settle for
a 4MM one year deal in Boston….which is something I think they’d
offer.

5). Billy Wagner. I don’t think he’ll be back in a setup role.
I believe all the “I may accept arbitration” talk was only a rouse that
attempted to make the Sox gun shy in offing him that. Can’t say as I
blame Wagner or his agent for floating that one. Wagner is a lot more attractive to other teams if draft picks aren’t
involved, but I think the Sox will stick to their guns and offer him
Arb. At that point, he’ll turn it down and wind up closing for someone
at less than he would have made via arbitration…..It’ll be “Varitek
Part 2” if you know what I mean. I think the Sox will be content having
Bard and Oki for setup to Paps. The middle relief guys is where the
action might be. Tough to call who and what goes on there because some
of what we currently have may end up being trading pieces (DelCarmen
& maybe Ramirez). I’m fairly comfortable saying the back end of the
Sox BP will be Oki, Bard, Papelbon. Absent a trade, DelCarmen &
Ramirez will most likely be back so it’s guys like Wagner and Saito
that will be the possible holes to fill. That’s going to be a challenge
if our BP is once again going to be considered a strength. The glaring
hole I see is absent Masterson, the Sox don’t have a long man. We’re
going to need one.

I have more, but this is already enough hot air. For discussion purposes only, I’ll put my 2 cents in regarding The Yankees later. For now, let the criticisms begin 🙂

Cheers & Go Baseball!

The Red Sox Gut Check

By Chris Cue
Sept. 10, 2009

     I have a few feelings on where the Red Sox are headed and they’re not all rosy…….call me a
typical Red Sox fan, but I have some doubts. However, I also see things
to be encouraged about. I won’t belabor this with stats because they
are out there for all to see if interested, but mostly I won’t do that
because I usually watch and set my expectations based on my gut
feelings. They’re not always right (using stats to predict the future
isn’t either btw), but they are what they are.

Here’s what my gut is telling me.

     If
I had to equate where we are this season to season’s in the past, I’d
say I feel more like I did going into the final stretch of 04 then I
did going into it in 07. To be honest, I never thought we’d get past
the Yankees in the playoffs of 04. I’m not sure how many people who are
being honest with themselves thought we would, but if you remember back
then, you’ll remember that nobody was playing better ball going into
the playoffs than the Yankees…..much like this year.

     Now,
I’m not saying that a repeat is about to happen for us. I’m just saying
my gut tells me the same things it did in 04 and it wasn’t
pretty….(but turned out nicely 🙂 Let’s just say my gut tells me we
have a good sized hill to climb in order to make it to the final dance
this year. I didn’t feel that way in 07. Back then, I had all the
confidence in the world heading into the post season….much like I’m
sure how Yankees fans feel now. My only fear back then was that the Sox
would once again fall down when it mattered the most (see pre 2004 post
season play by the Sox and you’ll know what I mean).

     This year,
we’re obviously not breezing into October ball. We’re in the “fight and
scratch your way” mode. But I try to remember that’s not such a bad
thing. We’ve seen teams breeze into October only to fall on their faces
because they either were too well rested or began to take too much for
granted. I’m assuming that neither of those issues will be problems for
us this year……if we make it.

     The one thing we have going for
us right now is we’re not in the position to hope someone else fails so
we can improve……been there….. done that…..hated it. We have a 2
game lead, but let’s not take that for granted. In fact, I would be
surprised if the Rangers don’t make up at least one game….possibly 2
while we fight the Rays and Angels and they play Oakland & Seattle.
The key for us is going to be beating the teams we should (BAL, KC, TOR
& CLE), and winning AT LEAST one of the series against teams that
could give us a run (TB, LAA & NYY). I think if we do that, we
should come out ahead of the Rangers and once in the playoffs…..

(c’mon, say it with me)

Anything Is Possible!

The “Red Sox Nation Membership Card”

By Chris Cue
8/11/09

Normal
0

I have a few idea’s regarding these…..the least of which is
that anyone over the age of 13 that bought one of these because they thought it
validated something needs to have their head examined and should get a discount
for that if they present it to a doctor..

 

But, understanding what a great marketing ploy these really
are, I have a few changes regarding them I’d like to suggest. I’ll only highlight
one idea for now. Here ya go……

 

My first Suggestion is that there actually be 3 different
kinds of “RSN” cards.

 

1). “The Gold Card”. These should be issued to fans that
only see the positive and none of the negative. I think for marketing purposes
they should feel entitled to a Gold card if they’re still rooting for the team
after the math say’s their nuts. We of course never hope to put these folks in
that position, but IF it ever comes to that, they should have something to feel
good about before the stat geeks point out their futile desires.

 

2). “The Black Card”. These should only be issued to the
fans that always see the negative and ignore the positive. Considering that
these folks probably don’t have a lot of friends based on their demeanor, I’m
thinking they could use some incentive towards re-thinking their approach. How
about we start every one of them off with $1,000.00 in Red Sox money on the card,
which they can use to spend on themselves or others (needed friends) for
anything related to the team AFTER the season is over. The idea here is that
every time they rag on the team, it’s players, coaches, Front Office and owners
unnecessarily, $100.00 is automatically deducted from the card. This gives them
10 times per year to be who they are without costing them any money. However,
if they should go over the 10-time allotment, they then owe the rest of us
$100.00 per occurrence of unnecessary ranting, calling of names or just general
stupidity. All of that money would then be put into a pool to purchase tickets
for next season. Those tickets will then be given away for free to all the
rational members of RSN so they don’t have to sit in that gawd awful “Virtual
Waiting Room”. The caveat here is that any “Black Card” member is not eligible
to receive those free tickets, so if the rest of us have to listen to their
daily BS, at least we have a chance of getting something out of it.

 

3). “The Red Card”. This is the original one and the one
that is currently being issued. I’d like to see a re-call on those cards and
using the above factors, have the appropriate card then re-issued to the type
of Sox fan that warrants it. The Red Card should have some sort of marketing
push to it that encourages people to want it. So, given what seems to be the
scarcity of “Normal Sox Fans”, how about we only give these very special cards
to the people that show they are prone to being level headed….or rational if
you prefer? These are the folks that have the unique ability to see both the
good and bad. Just as an example, these are the kinds of fans that know after a
difficult series against the Yankees that we have some work to do, but they
also know that August 11, 2009 is not the right time to start closing up shop.
I know what you’re thinking….”Geez we won’t have to make many of those”….and
you could be right, but I’d like to think we have more of those types then most
people believe. How about we have enough “Red Cards” on hand to distribute to
the non-vocal majority and also those we are able to convert?

 

Anyway, those are just a few idea’s I have that might make
the “Red Sox Nation Membership Card” worth something.

 

Next time, I’ll offer up my suggestions on how to best burn
these stupid things.

 

Until then,

 

Cheers!

Open Letter to Terry Francona

By Chris Cue
8/11/09

Hey Tito…..

My Man, I’ve got a few things I’d like you to
consider. Let’s start with the everyday lineup. I know you struggle
daily with this, but I’m just trying to help here so hear me out.

You
ever hear of going with the hot hand? Well, the same applies to “hot
bats”, so let’s say we do this…..for now (depending on who is
pitching).

Ellsbury – CF
Pedroia – 2B
Martinez – C (Yes, I’ve heard how he doesn’t hit when he catches…it’s BS)
Youkilis – 3B
Bay – LF
Lowell – DH
Drew – RF
Kotchman – 1B
Green – SS

I
know Papi & Tek are the vets and they may get rubbed the wrong way
and everything, but just tell them that you love them, rub their backs,
pat their heads and sit them the “F” down for a while OK?

     
       OK, glad we cleared that problem up. Now let’s talk about the
pitching. First the bullpen. Do yourself, the team and us a favor and
don’t put poor MDC in a situation where he might give up a lead. I like
the guy and all, but he doesn’t perform well under pressure. Maybe
think about stretching him out for long relief. I think he’d do well
there. Now, here’s the deal on Daniel Bard. He’s a kid and you have to
expect some adjustment time. I know he’s made you say bad words his
last few outings, but really, give him a break. He’s got great stuff.
He just needs a little time. Leave him and the rest of the fella’s
right where they are.

I know this next topic is a sore spot so I’ll try to approach it gingerly.

Starting Pitching.

Josh
Beckett & Jon Lester have done great. Please give them all the
candy and ice cream they want…..heck, take them out and shoot some
pool with them too if you think they would appreciate it. They’ve
earned it.

Brad Penny is a different story. By all means
necessary, keep him away from the candy & ice cream. It’s not that
he’s a bad guy, but let’s be honest, he REALLY doesn’t need that stuff.
However, if you’re determined to treat everyone equally, then I might
suggest a rewards program for him. You know, if he has a 1,2,3
inning….give the slob a Hershey bar. If he has more then one of
those, take him to Dairy Queen where he can watch the fat chicks eat
sundae’s. He may back off on the sweets after that. Oh yeah, if he ever
sees the light of day known as the 7th inning, I think you should give
him the keys to the vending machine and let him have at it.

Incentives Tito….think “incentives”.

Clay
Buchholz is easy. Just tell him if he gets the “W” he gets his
Penthouse Magazine back…..other wise keep it yourself….just don’t
let the Mrs. know you’ve got it.

Tazawa…..hmmm He’s kind of a
tough one. You may have to play this one by ear. Just do yourself a
favor and don’t tell him how well his countryman Dice-K has done for us
in the past…..he might try to emulate him. WE DON’T WANT THAT. Dice
is a great guy and all, but really who wants to see the bases loaded
all the time and a magic act that nobody really appreciates. Just tell
him to go out there and strike MFers out. Simple as that. Heck, if it
helps build his confidence, tell him he’s taller then Pedroia.

OK, that’s it for now Tito. Let me know if I can be of anymore help.

Regards,

Chris

Darn it. I knew I’d forget something…

PS.
I have this friend of mine that say’s John Henry is cheap, Theo is
inept and that you’re in a coma. I hope that’s not the case, so could
you do me a favor? The wife, kid and I are coming to see you guys this
Wednesday & Thursday. Would it be too much to ask that John Henry
buy us a round? Could Theo arrange parking for us at Fenway? And do you
think you could say “Hi” to us while we’re there?

I only ask because I’d like to prove my buddy wrong.

Thanks again!

5 Things That Couldn’t Hurt

by Chris Cue
June 15, 2009

5 Things the Red Sox should consider doing regarding the SS position

1). Buy Lugo a free ticket to get on board the SS Minow for a 3 hour tour.

2). Infect Theo with the Swine flu so he’s not well enough to be around when a Short Stop decision is made.

3). Make another trip to Texas (Houston this time) and leave John Henry in Boston to Twitter away…

4). Move the Green Monster in about 100 feet

5). Kidnap Hanley Ramirez when he comes to Fenway this week.

Lugo_boat_trip-1.jpg