Post by bostonredsoxgm on Apr 4, 2010 12:16:50 GMT -5
Great year in 1908. Nothing to complain about. Playoff spot, and then a significant humbling in the AL championships. That's the way it goes - no real reason to restructure the team on the basis of those final four games.
I can't see holding on to Hemphill. Fans love him, he's good, but it may be time for him to move on. We'll see how free agency plays out. The Pirates resigned Lobert - that makes Hemphill about the best bat available this year. Even so, the Sox have a couple extra outfielders and first basemen who should be able to at least approximate Charlie's output.
Kisinger and Bliss have eased up on their arbitration demands, but those are not negotiations the front office intends to win. Far simpler to let them go and beg for coins from somebody else.
Morrie Rath needs to be a quick study. I'd ship him to Caracas or Havana for the holidays if that was an option. At least he's healthy now. Shortstop of the future doesn't have as nice a ring, when the shortstop of the present is finding it hard to hit 220, or reach second base as either a baserunner or fielder. Freddy Parent deserves a thick and spongy pasture.
Fisher wants, and will get, a moderate raise. Here's hoping he bites on the long-term contract I'm offering, instead of stringing me out in annual arbitration wrangling.
The AL East is always going to be tough. With luck the Sox can drift through another successful regular season, and charm the playoff fates while they're at it.
I can't see holding on to Hemphill. Fans love him, he's good, but it may be time for him to move on. We'll see how free agency plays out. The Pirates resigned Lobert - that makes Hemphill about the best bat available this year. Even so, the Sox have a couple extra outfielders and first basemen who should be able to at least approximate Charlie's output.
Kisinger and Bliss have eased up on their arbitration demands, but those are not negotiations the front office intends to win. Far simpler to let them go and beg for coins from somebody else.
Morrie Rath needs to be a quick study. I'd ship him to Caracas or Havana for the holidays if that was an option. At least he's healthy now. Shortstop of the future doesn't have as nice a ring, when the shortstop of the present is finding it hard to hit 220, or reach second base as either a baserunner or fielder. Freddy Parent deserves a thick and spongy pasture.
Fisher wants, and will get, a moderate raise. Here's hoping he bites on the long-term contract I'm offering, instead of stringing me out in annual arbitration wrangling.
The AL East is always going to be tough. With luck the Sox can drift through another successful regular season, and charm the playoff fates while they're at it.