Red Sox Throw Their Hat In The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes

I fore-casted this. The Red Sox and 6 other teams and going after Cliff Lee.

I don't know if we are going to get him, but I'm glad they are at least a player in this. I know the Sox do this BS all the time and throw their name into the biggest free agents and nothing ever comes of it, but I really hope Theo and the Red Sox owners grow a set and splurge and deal with the consequences later.

I think we all got fed up with the recent signings with the Sox. And as much as I like our low risk, high reward players (Penny, Smoltz, Beltre), We are dying for a stud player. We haven't had one since Manny left and we desperately need it.

However, I really hope we aren't too worried about our soccer team and that gets in the way of us making a splash in free agency.

I swear to god if we finish free agency with Jayson Werth, Justin Duescherer, John Buck and Brandon Webb, I'll be pissed and minor protest the Sox.

Paul Pierce Opts Out

Paul Pierce has opted out of his contract forgoing his 1 year, 21 million dollars left in hopes of getting an extension done.

This is all very interesting to me. Because it seems pretty obvious Pierce wants to end his career a Celtics, however, this team is only going to regress unless Doc comes back, we sign key free agents, and all that jazz. If we are to resign him we will most likely have to give Paul a 4 year deal between 60 and 70 million dollars.

But this does a couple of things for Paul. It will give him some security with the lockout coming up next year, and gives him a chance to sit back and watch what the Celtics are going to do this offseason and see if they are going in the right direction, and if not.... I don't want to talk about that possibility. This forces the Celtics to make some good moves this offseason. I like it.

Interesting LeBron Rumor

Apparently LeBron James and John Calipari are being shopped together as a package deal. The Bulls who have been the hot rumor team for LeBron say they have not discussed it at all. As a Kentucky fan this makes me very uneasy, I don't believe Coach Cal will leave Kentucky just and think this whole rumor started because he was spectating a Cavs game. However, I don't put it past the controversial coach.

At the End of the day, my guess is that he goes to South Beach with Dwayne Wade. I don't think he will live under MJ's shadow in Chicago, I don't think NY will be able to get enough pieces and NJ isn't in Brooklyn yet. So Miami is the place where I think the Queen will end up.

LeElbow, LeBron, LeJoke

It's been well documented that I despise LeWrong James. And after watching this series it has become evident that Queen James isn't the player that we all thought he was. I hate to say it but Kobe is the best player in the NBA and will go as far as saying that I will take Dwyane Wade over LeOverrated. What LeChoke doesn't have over those other two is a killer instinct, he will not put the game on his shoulders and have himself be the make or break player. His one "moment" that he has held onto was game 2 verse the Magic where he shot a catch and shoot 3. And the NBA will whore out those clips over and over again, but what they won't tell you is that the Magic (much like the Celtics) whooped the Cavs in 6. Sure he will put up sexy numbers and fill the box score, but lacks the killer instinct. I was more impressed and scared of Dwayne Wade at the end of the game then LePassive James. Wade at some points in the Heat series just said "fuck it" and shot the ball every times. Anderson Varejeo shot the ball more than LeElbow come the end of game 6. James is a Robin and he needs to find a batman. If I were him, I would be going to south beach where he can play side by side with Wade and the Heat.

Is Dirk Going To Opt Out?

"I wanted to obviously have a long playoff run and go for my dream again," said Nowitzki, who would make $21.5 million next season if he doesn't opt out of his contract. "Now it's obviously too shocking and too disappointing. I haven't really thought about anything about my future yet. I guess I've got some time now to think about some stuff and think about my options.

"We'll just have to wait and see. Like I said, everything is too fresh now."

I ultimately thing Dirk will stay and not opt out because I don't know if he can get 21.5 million dollars in a contract again. I think he will get 15ish in a long time deal. Dirk is a premier player but his team tends to disappear in the playoffs, I don't know what the issue is, but you have to figure it has to be his fault somewhat. If he chooses to leave Dallas, free agency will get a lot more interesting.

Patriots Cut Adalius Thomas

The only surprise here is that it took the Patriots this long to do it, but I guess they wanted to wait until after the draft (even though they really didn't do much to fill shit spot. Thomas was a major bust for the Patriots, even being benched at one point. Belichick was obviously sick of his "game" and attitude, so it was time for them to part ways.

In a lot of ways this sucks, because I still think this guy can play I just think he didn't fit into the Patriots system. I just wonder how they are going to fill out their linebacking core, and if I see Seau near this team I will climb to a top of a building and start picking off people.

Next Years Free Agent Class

* Two big names jump out at catcher: Joe Mauer and Victor Martinez. As you know, the Twins are aiming to take Mauer off the market with an extension.
* First base is potentially deep - Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Adam Dunn, and Paul Konerko are eligible for free agency, and Lance Berkman could join them if his $15MM option is declined. Albert Pujols makes an appearance, but his option will be exercised at the least.
* No one particularly interesting at second base.
* Derek Jeter is the name to watch among shortstops, but most expect he'll re-sign before reaching free agency. Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are technically on the list, but both have very team-friendly club options.
* Aramis Ramirez could head the third base group if he declines a $14.6MM player option. Ramirez did take less to re-sign with the Cubs last time around though.
* The outfield corners are interesting, with Carl Crawford, Manny Ramirez, and Jayson Werth.
* Very little going on in center field.
* Heading up the starting pitchers: Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, Ted Lilly, Javier Vazquez, and Brandon Webb. This group definitely looks more promising than the current one.
* Always plenty of closers listed, with Mariano Rivera at the top of the class. Huston Street will also be among those eligible.
* As always, the following year's free agent class looks strong until players start getting extensions. Roy Halladay just left the 2011 list. Still, next year's group does look better, led possibly by Mauer, Crawford, Aramis, and a quality crop of frontline starters.
MLBTraderumors

Powe To Cavs

The Plain Dealer reports the Cavaliers have the framework of a two-year contract completed with free agent forward Leon Powe. It could become official as early as Tuesday, when Powe is expected to meet with team doctors.

Powe is in the middle of recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee and may not be able to play until around the All-Star Break.

This burns, and burns deep. I love Leon and there will always be a part of me that wishes he came back, but I understand the Celtics logic. Leon is a banger and I honestly believe if he was healthy during last years play-offs we would have been able to beat the Magic easily. For Powe's logic I understand it too. He gets a two year deal (which many teams were very hesitant to do) and he gets to get a little revenge back at his former team. I don't know where Leon fits into this team figuring they have Varejeo, Shaq, Big Z, but I guess another big man doesn't hurt.

The End Of The Hard Work Era?

"While the Celtics did retain the right to match any contract offer to Glen Davis through the qualifying offer, Ainge said the injury status of Leon Powe - who had reconstructive left knee surgery after tearing his ACL in the playoff series vs. the Bulls - was a determining factor in the decision.

Ainge said Powe has been rehabbing with the team’s medical staff and will continue to have access to the staff, if he chooses, despite no longer being with the team. Ainge said he believed Powe was planning to continue his rehab in California." Scott Souza


I understand the risk of not signing a guy that has had knee problems, and isn't going to be able to play a game before the All-Star break, however, Leon is a risk I would be willing to take. If we had Leon for the Magic series, I guarantee we would have won. Even though he is undersized, he plays a lot bigger than he is. But it looks like it is the end of the Hard Work Leon Powe era in Boston.

Eddie House To Stay

"It was a tough decision," Bartelstein said. "We went back and forth the last couple of weeks. But, when it was all said and done, Eddie loved his time in Boston, he feels like he is on a championship contender, he really enjoys playing with his teammates and playing for Doc (Rivers), and the fans have been great to him."

I was kinda hoping he would opt out so the Celtics would have an extra 2.86 million to play with this off season. Eddie House is a one trick pony, and even though he was the only scoring option for much of this season, he is very hot and cold. At the end of the day, Eddie House made the best decision for Eddie House. He couldn't of got more than 2.86 million in free agency.

Compensation For Kessel

I found this really interesting. I did not know the rules about players who are restricted free agents, and what the compensation is if he chooses to leave the Bruins. Well now I know....

"However, if the 21-year-old Kessel does sign one of those Group 2 offer sheets, the Bruins, if they were to decide not to match the offer and keep Kessel for a minimum of one year, would be due compensation. According to the CBA, if the offer is between $3 million and $4,520,150, the Bruins would receive a first- and third-round draft pick. If the offer is between $4.52 million and $6 million, compensation would be a first-, second- and a third-round pick (Boston.com)."

So at least we know if he walks the Bruins will get some nice draft picks in return...

Ron Bartell Picks Rams

A couple of days after making a free-agent visit to the New Orleans Saints, the Rams cornerback reached a four-year, $28 million deal to stay in St. Louis, according to a source. Included in the deal is $13.6 million in guarantees.

This is terrible news for the Saints who were hoping to pick him up. Bartell was a second-round draft choice in 2005 and was considered their main free agent to lock up to a long-term deal. He started 28 games over the past two years and intercepted five passes during those two seasons. He has 36 starts during his four-year career with the Rams. The Saints really needed cornerback depth because Mike McKenzie is always hurt, and Jason David can't cover anyone over 5'7. Either way the Rams are having a pretty good free agency with this signing and center Jason Brown.

Haynesworth To Test Market

"Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has decided to test the free-agent market, according to various media reports. The NFL Network first reported that the two-time All Pro will become a free agent after weeks of discussions between his agent, Chad Speck, and the Titans. Free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 27 (Sportsline)."

The Titans will not, and can not give up on this guy, but he is going to get paid top dollar, and they are going to have a lot of stiff competition. There are so many teams in the NFL that need a All-Pro defensive tackle to anchor their defense. Look for teams like the Packers to really push hard for this guy, and it is really going to come down to how much the Titans want to invest in this guy. Haynesworth is known throughout the league as one of the best defensive linemen in the game (if not the best). Look for him to get paid as such.

Griffey Chooses Braves...guess not

"Ken Griffey Jr. has decided to play for the Braves, a person close to the veteran outfielder and familiar with the negotiations (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)."

This is a stupid move by Griffey. He breaks down every year, but if he had stayed in the AL he would have had a shot at staying healthy playing DH everyday. Seattle really needed a bat, and have to be pissed that they lost out on another free agent. Griffey would not have turned around that offense, but at least if would have given them something. Not with Griffey playing part time I don't see him hitting more than 15 HRs, and that's if he even makes it through training camp.

The contract is believed to be a 1 year deal worth around $2 million, and it is also believed that Griffey picked Atlanta because it is closer to his family.

**UPDATE**Griffey at the last second changed his mind and is returning to Seattle....more tomorrow.

Griffey Update

Ken Griffey Jr. will choose what team he will play for by tomorrow. He has to choose between the Seattle Mariners and the Atlanta Braves. My hope is that he goes back to the Mariners, it would be nice to see his career go full circle, plus he might be able to have a decent year if he gets to DH a lot more. Seattle really needs some kind of bat, and even though Griffey is washed up, he is actually better then most of what Seattle has to choose from.

Angels Close To Signing Abreu **UPDATED**

"Free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu is in serious talks toward a one-year agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, two baseball sources told ESPN.com (ESPN)."

This would be an awesome move by the Angels. After losing Mark Teixeira and Garret Anderson to free agency the Angels really need another bat. Rumor has it that Abreu would be willing to sign a 1 year $8 million deal, considering that Abreu was seeking a 3 year $48 million deal, this is a steal. I think Abreu still has some good baseball left in him, and if he is signed to a 1 year deal then you know he is going to go all out so that he can have a chance to cash in next offseason, when the market should bounce back some (maybe?). This will provide some protection for Vlad, while adding a hitter who has a high OBPs, which is something the Angels always need.

**UPDATE** "The Angels and free agent outfielder Bobby Abreu have struck a one-year agreement, according to a report by SI.com. The deal is worth $5 million plus incentives, the Web site reported (MLB.com)." Wow they got him for less then the $8 million that reported earlier. WHAT A STEAL!!! Great move for the Angels.

Cardinals Make Superbowl; Boldin Still A Dick

Boldin told ESPN's Rachel Nichols on Thursday the chances of him staying with Arizona are "very slim."
Boldin had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and is a huge part of this high flying offense. I have faith in Steve Breaston, but at the end of the day he isn't Boldin. The Cardinals already have to worry about whether Kurt Warner will be returning to the team, and if Boldin leaves it will make it a lot less appetizing for Warner to come back. As for possible destinations, I would love it if Boldin found his way to Philly or Atlanta. I have nothing to base that on, but it would be cool.

Red Sox Sign Brad Wilkerson

"MLBTR has learned tonight that the Red Sox have signed outfielder Brad Wilkerson to a minor league deal with roster and playing time incentives. Wilkerson, 31, hit .220/.308/.326 in 309 plate appearances for the Mariners and Blue Jays in 2008. The Ms signed Wilkerson last year for $3MM but designated him for assignment before May (Sportsline)."

The Sox seem like they are set for outfielders, but depth is never a bad thing, especially when you have two very injury prone outfielders on your roster (Drew, Rocco). This is a really good move for the Sox, it really fits in their philosophy this offseason, which is sign low risk high reward players. Wilkerson is only 1 year removed from hitting 20 HRs, and though he has never had a high OBP, he hits for power, and could be a very good player for the Sox to have on their bench. He will be spending a lot of time with the PawSox, but he really is good insurance in case Rocco and Drew go down.

Manny Rejects Another Dodgers Offer

"Manny Ramirez received a new one-year contract offer worth a reported $25 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers last night ... and he promptly rejected it. According to Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers, Manny's agent Scott Boras said he informed Ramirez of the offer -- what he classified as a suggestion by the Dodgers, the LA Times reports -- and the former Red Sox outfielder turned it down. Boras said that he informed the Dodgers of Ramirez's decision last night (Boston Globe)."

Manny's stock just keeps sliding. If you can remember back in November the Dodgers offered Manny a two-year $45 million contract, which he turned down. Now the Dodgers have come back and lowered the years of the contract to just one, and this might be the last contract he gets offered from LA. If I was the Dodgers I would turn by sights to Abreu, because you could probably sign him to a 1 year $7 million deal (he is worth so much more than that). Manny is too good of a player to sit out the season, but I don't see him getting anymore than that 2 year $45 million offer that he got back in November.

Sox Sign Varitek

"Jason Varitek will remain with the Red Sox, after all. Varitek is closing in on a two-year deal, CBSSports.com has confirmed. The Red Sox had offered Varitek one guaranteed year and a mutual option last week, and had asked for an answer by today (Sportsline)."

All I can say is I am glad this is over. Varitek caved in and will now be here for another two years, and I know a lot of people (DP) will be pissed. There is a part of me that agrees with that feeling, but the other side of me says "fuck it, most catchers suck, and at least he knows our pitchers". So fine, whatever, I hate the "C" on his jersey, I hate his batting stance, but at least I don't have to write another stupid fucking post about whether or not the Sox sign some do nothing catcher. We will give you word when the exact contract is announced.

Smell that? DP just threw up.

**UPDATE**
"Varitek is receiving a $5 million salary this year, with the team holding a $5 million option for next season. If the Red Sox decline it, Varitek can exercise a $3 million option that includes an additional $2 million in performance bonuses that could push the deal back up to $10 million (Boston Herald)."