Uh Oh A's (UPDATED)

Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey is going to visit Dr. James Andrews for a sore elbow in his throwing arm and the name Dr. James Andrews is pretty much a death sentence for every pitcher that has every played.

Which brings me to my next point, Andrew Bailey is a scumbag. You know why? He's from New Jersey. He probably needs Tommy John from fist pumping too much.

Luckily the A's picked up everyone passed around slut Brian Fuentes to step in and close if need be. Fuentes is serviceable and did an alright job in Anaheim and should be able to pick it up in Oakland.

***UPDATE***

Seems the A's dodged a bullet...

"Tests revealed Tuesday that Oakland closer Andrew Bailey has a strained forearm, news that came as a relief to the Athletics after they feared he had a serious elbow injury (ESPN)."

Sox Rumors

I've heard 3 peoples names this morning and none of them were named Carl Crawford.

Scott Downs, Brian Fuentes, and Russell Martin.

Scott Downs is the bullpen guy that I covet the most, and even though he's a type A free agent and the Sox would have to give up a 1st round draft pick, I'm for it. Last year our bullpen was poop, I mean so were our starters, but we are stuck with them so whatever. A Bullpen trio of Downs, Daniel Bard and Papelbon is a good start and a lot better sounding then with Hideki Okajima.

Brian Fuentes on the other hand is a reliever, but I believe he sucks. He has never really impressed me and other then 1 good year in Colorado has blown. I feel if the Sox sign him, it'll be another guy that they sign, just to sign.

Russell Martin had a hell of a rookie and sophomore campaign but has been extremely injury prone. If the price is right I would sign him, because this year we will most likely have a catcher by committee. But the Sox have taken the potential guys recently and haven't had much luck (Jeremy Hermedia, Brad Penny).

Thinking About The Red Sox

So Adrian Gonzalez is on the Red Sox, but their offseason is far from over. The Sox still need to figure out what they are going to do with their outfield and bullpen. Many people have thought the Red Sox will be the team that signs Crawford, but after seeing the crazy contract Werth got, I am thinking that is less and less likely, on top of that I am less and less comfortable with it.

Werth got a 7 year deal, and I am thinking that means Crawford is going to get 8. That really makes me nervous because he is a speed guy, and if he loses a step he could be a far less constant hitter. He doesn't have a very good arm either, which is another reason I get a little scared. Don't get me wrong if the contract turns out to be shorter (5 years), then I am all for it, but when you are talking about guaranteeing a guy who realize on his speed for 8 years is more then a little bit concerning.

If Crawford does ask way too much the Sox could go with a stopgap option like Magglio Ordonez. He is obviously a big injury risk, but the Sox could probably get him cheap, and would only have to commit for a year, so it could be something the Sox take a look at.

As for the bullpen, they have a lot of work to do. Their are rumors that the Sox are looking at Brian Fuentes. I am not very high on him, but at this point they need bodies out there. I would like to see them sign Scott Downs and maybe a guy like Jason Frasor. If you could add any two of those three that could be enough to solidify the bullpen with Papelbon and Bard.

Overall I like where this offseason is going, and I have all the faith in the world now that they'll figure it out.

Fuentes To Angels

The Angels and left-hander Brian Fuentes have agreed to a two-year contract, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Fuentes, 33, saved 30 games for the Colorado Rockies last season with a 2.73 ERA in 62 2/3 innings. ESPN

I don't get this signing. I believe Jose Arredondo would have been more than capable to close the games for the Angels.(Plus he was going to be one of my secret guys in fantasy baseball) Fuentes is Ok, but I don't trust him as far as I can throw him. Mark my words, I guarentee this is the worst signing in the off season.