Breaking News: Red Sox Trade For Joe Blanton (UPDATED)

The Red Sox made a deal for Joe Blanton this morning

Blanton went 9-6 with a 4.82 ERA and 134 Ks, he's under contract until 2012 and makes about 8 million dollars a year. I don't get the deal because Blanton wasn't that great in the American League.

deal doesn't make sense to me

More details later.


***BMack's Take***

I am a Blanton fan, so obviously I like this. Also, I think it is a smart move for the Sox. Every year we use at least 6 pitchers. I know, I know we have Wake, but does anyone really want him starting anymore? No, me either.

So, if Beckett, Lackey, or Dice-K get hurt, or suck the will have a backup plan. Another theory could be that there are more moves on the horizon. What I am about to say here has nothing behind it other then rumors from earlier in the offseason. These are crazy ideas, but in an offseason where anything seems possible why not kick these aroung.

WHAT IF...

The Sox sent Dice-K to the Mets for Beltran. Then turned around and sent Ellsbury, and prospects to Arizona for Upton?

So, Blanton is now the #5, the Sox then have Upton, Beltran, and Crawford in their outfield.

Another theory that DP just texted me was maybe this could be part of a large move to try to pry Felix Hernandez away from Seattle.

Listen, all of this is crazy, but even if they are keeping Blanton I like it because it gives them more pitching depth, and we have all seen how important that can be. The only reason to not like this deal is because Blanton is making like $6 million next year, and that's a lot for a 6th starter, but then again I'm not paying him, so what the fuck do I care?

Oh, and for all you conspiracy theorist out there you'll love this...

There is a rumor that the Sox told the Phillies that if they signed Cliff Lee the Sox would turn around and help them out by taking Blanton and his $6 million off their hands.

Also, it should be noted this deal is not done, and could all be rumors.


***UPDATE***


"No agreement has been finalized, reports WEEI's Rob Bradford. A deal is unlikely, tweets ESPN's Gordon Edes (MLBTradeRumors)."

Phillies One Win Away

Talk about encouraging, last nights 10-2 win was exactly what Philly fans wanted to see. Rollins got on base 4 times and is finally hitting the ball like the leagues MVP, Ryan Howard hit 2 homers to left then to right and looked like the leagues leading HR and RBI man.


And then theres Joe Blanton. This cat was an ace last night. When the Phillies picked him up in late July I was skeptical, especially since CC Sabathia and Haren were available. But turns out the Phils are 12-4 when he takes the mound, and last night he played the game of his life. I say played because he closed his eyes and blasted a solo home run to make up for one of the ones he gave up. Ata boy Joe, do your thing.


the Rays simply look out of their swagger that led them here. The media will jump all over the Phillies doing poorly with RISP, but Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria havent gotten a hit yet this WS and the 2 of them combine for 15 Ks. Without those guys swinging well, the team just cant win.

Tonight could be the best night of my sports life. Coming home from the hospital after being born i was wrapped in a phillies blanket, since day 1 i have loved this team. My entire life has been a patient fan and the time is up. Cole pitches tonight and he simply doesnt lose. He's 4-0 in the post season, the only Philly pitcher to ever do that, and tonight he looks to make it 5-0 and lead the Phillies to the..dare i say it..National Championship.


holla

A's Continue Fire Sale, Send Blanton To Philly

Well I knew the Phillys would make a move, and I really like what they did here. Blanton is a guy who goes deep into games and in the weaker NL could be a very effective pitcher. I know what you're thinking...BMack what the hell are you talking about this guy is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA. Well guys if you know baseball at all you would know Philly scores a lot of runs, and most pitchers that go to the NL are much better pitchers (sometimes even drop a point in his ERA).
Philly sent minor leaguers Josh Outman (AA), Adrian Cardenas(A), and Matt Spencer (A). I know nothing about any of those players, but at least this will help Philly's rotation problems.

-BMack