http://www.sportsnipe.com Boston Red Sox, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1048631/sox-claim-righthander-manuel-from-mariners.html The Red Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher Robert Manuel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1047057/patriotsjets-preview.html The 2006 AFC Championship loss to the Colts hurt. The Super Bowl loss to the Giants killed. Last week's defeat in Indy didn't hurt nearly as much, and this Sunday's meeting with the Jets is why.The Jets and Pats met in Week 2. New England was 0/3 in the red zone. Gostkowski kicked three field goals, two of those were under 30 yards. Brady couldn't find Moss, there was no Wes Welker, and Mark Sanchez threw a 2nd half TD to propel the Jets to a 16-9 lead.It's safe to say that a lot has changed since Week 2. Brady's found himself in the pocket, and is once again synced with Moss. Wes Welker has returned with a vengeance.When confronted with these realities, Cryingasaurus Rex harped on the addition of Braylon Edwards to the Jets lineup. Well la dee dah. The Jets are 2-5 since their Week 2 victory, with wins over the mighty Titans and the indomitable Raiders.Sanchez is piling up the interceptions, 11 since Week 2. But Rex Ryan has reigned in his play-calling to compensate. And the Jets do one thing very well on offense: run.Thomas Jones and Leon Washington each average 4.6 yards per carry. The Jets already have 1,500 yards on the ground. That's the most in the NFL. Their 4.7 yards per carry is 5th best.The best way to stop the run, at least for the Patriots, is to score points. The red zone shenanigans have to stop and Brady has to put the ball in the end zone. Get a 10 or 14 point lead on the Jets, and Rex Ryan will be forced to pass the ball, which will lead to interceptions.This is nearly a must-win for both teams. A loss and the Pats are only 1 game up on Miami, only 1 game up on the Jets (with the Jets possessing the tie-breaker), and a Monday night date with the undefeated Saints. And if the Jets lose, they're pretty much out of the playoff races.I think the Patriots do enough to slow down the Jets' running attack, or at least keep them from putting the ball into the end zone. Welker and Moss will run circles around the Jets' secondary, and the Pats will come out of the gate strong. It'll get close later on in the 3rd quarter, but Sanchez will blow it and the Pats will pull away.Patriots 31, Jets 20Boston Blood Sox Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045939/david-oritz-admonishes-red-sox-for-adding-power-2007-ws-year-they-scored-867-runs-hit-166-hr.html David Oritz admonishes Red Sox for not adding power. 2007 WS year they scored 867 runs, hit 166 HR. In 2009 scored 872 runs, hit 212 HR. Twitter / Peter Gammons: David Oritz admonishes Red ... Mr. Gammons doesn't say much on Twitter, but when he does, he's always spot on. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045938/make-your-own-ampquotabraham-abominatersampquot-team.html Stealing is the sincerest form of flattery. Wait. That doesn't sound right... Anyway, moving on. Peter Abraham of the Globe at Extra Bases is proposing to create your own free agent team. He has a little contest going where you can submit your team, he'll look through them and decide a winner. I like this idea. For once, I am doing this kind of thing (but not for the free book, although I probably would read it, whatever it is). So I figured let's try this at OTM, too. I don't really care if you want to post your team here, there or both locations. Doesn't matter to me, I just think it would be a fun exercise. It will get our minds-a-movin'. I think we all need that on occasion. Here are two links to help you out: Free agent position players Free agent pitchers One rule that is different: your team has to be called the Abraham Abombinaters. Has to. No exceptions. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045494/what-exactly-thrasher.html Thrashers are a group of small bird species, not unlike mockingbirds. There are 15 species of thrashers. They're called thrashers because they quite literally thrash their beaks through dirt, leaves, and grass on the ground, searching for food (insects and berries). Perhaps the least intimidating and lamest nickname for a sports team EVER.And I'd like to meet the brain surgeon who decided to put a hockey team in Atlanta. Not only is it warm down there, but Atlanta fans are some of the worst in sports. The Falcons depend on day-of-game walk-ups to sell out, and we've all seen how empty Turner Field is for PLAYOFF games.Anyway, to the game. Normally, a 4-3 shootout win in Atlanta is hardly anything to rave over. But Atlanta won 4 straight coming into this game. They've got some very talented players like Kovalchuk, Antropov, and Peverley. And we all know how much the Bruins have been struggling.This was so close to yet another blood-curdling loss. The B's were up 2-0 in the 1st, but the Thrashers tied it at 2-2. Michael Ryder, who had one of his best games of the season with 2 goals, scored his second shortly thereafter to make it 3-2. The B's killed 5 penalties in the 3rd, but an unfortunate bounce from a shot blocked by Derek Morris set-up Afinogenov for the tying goal.Then Tuukka Rask shined in the shootout. Thomas has an undisclosed injury (broken brain from all the wins he's been robbed of), and being able to put a guy like Rask between the pipes is a nice insurance policy. Rask stonewalled all 3 Thrashers in the shootout, no easy task.It's up to Buffalo Friday night in an important divisional game. Savard might be available. Lucic played in this one buy was hardly the player we're accustomed to seeing.Source:ESPNPhoto Credit:AP Photo/John AmisBoston Blood Sox Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045261/blogging-in-1974.html Daniel Shoptaw, the man behind the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, is posting short Q&As of BBA members. Here's mine.One thought: this blog is a clear descendant of the sports pages I created on my parents' electric typewriter roughly 35 years ago. Also, I love hearing about other writers who did similar things when they were kids. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045260/create-your-own-team-free-agents.html Here's a fun exercise to kill some time at work today before the weekend: Create a team out of the free agents on the market. Now that the free agents are able to negotiate with any team out there, theoretically... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045259/jason-bay-getting-lots-freeagency-attention-yahoo-sports.html Midnight last night was the moment that the 171 free agents currently on the market can start negotiating with... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1045050/yankees-face-major-freeagent-decisions.html Starting today, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon are true free agents - able to field offers from any club, but really waiting to see how much the Yankees want them back. And... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044861/over-monster-top-20-prospects-voting-2-kelly-takes-spot.html Your #1 Prospect: Casey Kelly (via snapshots.mlblogs.com) View full size photo » Throwing this up a bit early. I have faith that no voting past 3:45 AM CST is really gonna mess with the overall result too much, and I've got a very busy day ahead. It's not exactly a revolutionary choice, but then again, why should it be? Coming in with around 34% of the vote, Casey Kelly claims the top spot on our prospect list by way of plurality. While Kelly is not quite as clear a winner as Lars Anderson was last year, he's no less deserving than the first baseman was last year. Hopefully, Kelly's followup performance won't be quite as...uninspiring. So, let's move on to round 2. See the first post for information on the various candidates. Loading... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044860/terry-francona-wants-pitcher-how-about-chris-capuano.html According to the manager himself, Terry Francona always tells Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein to get a pitcher. Get me dat pitchah. I need dat pitchah. Sure. That sounds simple enough. But have you seen the free agent market? It's kind of ugly. Plus, what does Tito want exactly? A starter or reliever? Or a guy that can do both? Or a guy who he can beat in cribbage? Unlike this guy. There's one name that is intriguing to me and I think the Sox can grab him if they wish: Chris Capuano, formerly of the Brewers. Like most free agent pitchers, there's a lot of reasons to cover your eyes when Capuano's name comes up. First of all, he hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2007. He underwent Tommy John surgery to start 2008 and the only time he's been on the mound is in rookie ball for six starts (three runs in nine innings). Health is obviously a concern with Capuano, but he also brings some good things to the table as well. Capuano is a deceptive pitcher with a solid strikeout rate in his career (7.4 K/9 in more than 700 innings). While other numbers of his like to fluctuate -- including his BB/9, which has historically been in the 3.5 range, but in '06 was under around 1.9 -- his strikeouts have been pretty consistent. This bodes well for someone pitching in Fenway Park. He had a "career year" in 2005, winning 18 games with a 3.99 ERA and earning a trip to the All-Star game. He struck out 7.2 per nine innings while his WHIP was a tad high at 1.38. A solid season for a pitcher in the National League, but 2006 was probably even better, despite less accolades (and wins, of course). Capuano won seven less games in 2006 while raising his ERA by .04. It seems like the year was slightly worse, but his WHIP actually improved greatly, down to 1.25 and he decreased his BB/9 almost by two: from 3.74 to 1.91. But after that, downhill. In 2007, he missed a few games and just struggled. A lot of it was being unlucky, though. His BABIP was .308 in his solid 2006 season, but in 2007 it ballooned to .340. It's tough to be a great pitcher with a number like that. Another selling point: Capuano is a local boy. Born and raised in Springfield, Mass., I'm going to assume he was a Red Sox fan, but I can't confirm that. Who doesn't love it when a local boy comes home? How will Capuano bounce back from Tommy John? No one knows and that's the No. 1 concern. How would he adjust to pitching in a tough AL East? No one knows and that's probably concern No. 2. While it doesn't seem Capuano has a clear spot in the pitching staff, I think he'd be a great pickup by Theo just to see what he could offer once he's ready to go. A starter or a reliever, it doesn't really matter. A Capuano signing would just be Theo trying to find another diamond in the rough that has shown potential. He's not going to be expensive either, so don't worry about the money. It's a low-cost move with a potential high-reward. I think Theo should make it happen. What do you think? Is this a move that could work for the Sox, or is this just another cheap option to hopefully fill a gap? How do you think Capuano would pitch in Boston? Is there a better pitching option? Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1044000/bay-ready-to-play-field.html The talks have been going on all season. But suddenly, as of midnight, things are different. Now it’s not only the Red Sox who can discuss contract numbers with free agent left fielder Jason Bay - every team can. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1043999/ortiz-says-sox-need-to-power-up.html David Ortiz suggested around this time last year that the Red Sox needed more power in their lineup. As he recalled, the advice was not treated with sufficient respect. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042802/david-ortiz-wants-another-bat.html David Ortiz and the Red Sox shared a similar vision last year. They both thought they needed another big bat and then the team swung and missed at Mark Teixeira. This... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042801/whos-out-there.html Of the 171 free agents to hit the open market today, here are a few who will likely be associated with the Red Sox in the coming days, weeks and maybe months: POSITIONAL... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042800/jason-bay-reaches-open-market.html That sound at midnight last night was the window closing shut on the Red Sox' best shot at a preemptive re-signing of Jason Bay. At 12:01 a.m., all 171 free agents,... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042127/best-2009.html Just kidding. I don't really want to relive this season which started so great and ended so disgustingly. I'd rather just watch the "kick his ask" video over and over and over and over and over again. Usually the "little kid doin' somethin'" videos don't do it for me, but for some reason we always go back to this girl at our house. Actually, we've never left. I feel like we've watched that thing at least once a day for months. We're at the point where we don't even imitate the main lines anymore--when someone says anything to me, I usually say "ohhhhh," and when something requires an affirmative response, I say "yeah, huh. ... huhuh."Kwiz season to be continuing soon.And I'm gonna be pushin' my baseball card magnets for a long time, because I love making them. You know where to click. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1042059/henry-receives-corporate-citizenship-award.html Henry receives corporate citizenship award Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040536/bay-remains-priority-for-epstein.html Free agency starts at midnight tonight. Teams have negotiating exclusivity with their own free agents until then. If you're expecting the Red Sox to sign Jason Bay or Alex Gonzalez before then, don't hold your breath. Once a player gets... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040524/once-again-david-ortiz-wants-another-power-bat.html More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP 3 months ago: Boston Red Sox' David Ortiz stretches on the field prior to a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park in Boston Thursday, July 30, 2009. Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were among the more than 100 Major League Baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to a report in The New York Times. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) Browse more photos » David Ortiz is already singing the same story from last season: The best stuff came when David was asked about the Sox needing more power in their lineup beyond retaining Jason Bay. "I said that like a year ago and everybody was looking at me like I was a (expletive) clown. You know? I said we needed another 30-home run hitter. Everybody was talking trash. There you go. Now what?" he said. "Everybody always will welcome a 30-home run hitter at any time, any day, any situation. You want to compete with those guys across the street? You better bring it. Period. Ortiz said last season the Sox need another 30 home run hitter because Manny was gone. The answer was Jason Bay. He did that and more. He filled the void. Now Ortiz wants another 30 home run hitter in the lineup. How 'bout you, Papi? (Ouch. Stings. He was close, but not quite...) If the Sox do try to acquire another 30 home run threat, where are they going to put him? Who are they going to get? Adrian Gonzalez is an option, which would push Kevin Youkilis to third base and send Mike Lowell packing. That would be losing 20 home runs from the lineup. So would we then have to make that up too, Papi? We need a power bat, sure, but we also need defense and some more pitching. We also need our designated hitter to hit more than one home run between April and May. That'd be a nice boost to the offense. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1040045/bay-rejects-bostons-460-offer.html Not a surprise, as Theo Epstein said.He may end up back in Fenway, but at age 31, Bay wants to see what is out there in the free agent waters.Terry Francona held court on a number of matters, including Bay:He has earned the right to be a free agent. This is his first time, and he wants to see it through. You know we're going to be a major player. We always are. Do I hope it gets done? Yeah.The Red Sox's exclusive rights to negotiate with Bay end at midnight tonight.While Tito would like the Sox to go after some pitching (like John Lackey), David Ortiz says the team needs a power bat:I said that like a year ago and everybody was looking at me like I was a (expletive) clown. You know? I said we needed another 30-home run hitter. Everybody was talking trash. There you go. Now what? ... You want to compete with those guys across the street? You better bring it. Period.The Sox have asked Atlanta for the medical records of free agent relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039611/ortiz-says-sox-need-more-power.html David Ortiz held a little get-together with the media this morning to discuss his upcoming charity golf event in the Dominican Republic. He has an impressive guest list that includes Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, newly married Clay Buchholz, Daniel... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1039009/theo-epstein-jason-bay-will-see-whats-out-there.html Jason Bay's agent will be able to begin fielding phone calls as early as the stroke of midnight tonight, as the Red Sox free agent is not expected to strike any deal... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038650/sis-heyman-bay-rejects-sox-initial-offer.html Jason Bay has rejected the Red Sox' initial offer, according to a Sports Illustrated report. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1038236/top-10-moments-2009-season-we-need-your-suggestions.html More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein talks to reporters during Major League Baseball's 2009 General Managers Meetings regarding the top 10 moments of the Red Sox in 2009 for OverTheMonster.com. He suggests no matter what the list is, he used a saber-friendly strategy to help aid the list. He will not sign any big-name free agents for the list. He's the man. Browse more photos » Every year here at Over The Monster, we like to not only look forward during the offseason but also look back. One way we do that is by recapping and labeling the top 10 best moments of the season. We want to do that now, but we need a little help from the smarter folks here: you guys. We've done quite a bit of top 10 coverage (more so than that link suggests, actually) and we want to keep doing it. Here's a pretty good list from last year, while this is the No. 1 moment from the 2008 season. Bad ending to the year, but a damn good No. 1 moment. Now it's time for 2009. Even a worse season (we weren't that close to reaching the World Series, if you remember), but there's no doubt we can find 10 great moments. Moments can be anything from a great game to a great play to a great managerial call. Anything that was great for the Red Sox is up for grabs (Jon Lester basically dominated the list in 2008, so don't be surprised that's true in 2009). So please leave a comment(s) telling us what your favorite moments of the season were. We'll take all of them together, compile a list and figure out which is the best. We really need your input to make this happen, so gives us a hand, OTM Faithful. Thanks and go Sox. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036895/exroyals-gm-amazed-by-greinkes-journey-yahoo-sports.html Allard Baird couldn't be prouder of how AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke got to be where he is today. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036892/1119-my-bad-tito-awesome.html Terry Francona Hopes Red Sox Re-Sign Jason Bay - NESN.com Of course. He's a player's manager, and he wants to support the guy who he thinks will be signed, right? I mean, he's one of those guys that believes heart and sportsmanship wins games... Coaches Tim Bogar, DeMarlo Hale to Step Up Following Departure of Brad Mills - Terry Francona - NESN.com Wow, he explains why "team chemistry" is a load of bull. Maybe I was wrong about Tito... Our Manager is a Closet Stat Geek? - Yawkey Way Academy Tito needs to talk about stuff like this more often - I was totally wrong when I said Tito was loyal to a fault. My bad. I really hope we get to see the saberfriendly Tito in action a lot more this season, so that we'll at least know what the thought process is if there's a controversial decision. VORP v RARP - Inside the Book Since ESPN has decided that VORP can be grasped by our feeble minds, you might as well find out how it compares to Baseball Prospectus's OTHER value stat. What John Henry Can Learn From Belichick’s 4th and 2 - Fire Brand of the American League Still, despite the loss, the second-guessing, and the media advocating for everything short of an all-out lynching of BIll Belichick, John Henry should use this occasion as an opportunity to learn something from Robert Kraft. Since there's a couple Pats fans on here, this link will probably mean more to y'all. After the jump, a look at the pay scale for the 2009 free agents, "modern" Moneyball, and some recognition for some of the most important Sox of the decade. How much did the 2009 free agents sign for, per win? Apparently 1 year deals ain't such a bad idea. Defense and the Modern Moneyball - Yawkey Way Academy Boston's Shortstop of the Future is Right Under Our Noses - NESN.com Yay, the MSM has finally take a liking to Je- wait, what? Iglesias? How is he any sort of secret at this point? Chone Figgins Could Add Explosive Dimension to Boston's Offensive Strategy - NESN.com If you're going to make the argument, I'd recommend not using steals as your #1 support - it's been proven that they aren't nearly as valuable as most people think. Jason Varitek Needs to Knuckle Down, Catch Tim Wakefield - NESN.com Jason Varitek has come up with clutch hits and incredible defensive plays, he's called a record four no-hitters and he has maintained order in a clubhouse with personalities like Manny Ramirez and Carl Everett. However, if Varitek wants to make the most of his next -- and potentially, his final -- season of Boston baseball, then the captain is going to have learn how to catch the knuckleball. Okay, not only is this factually wrong (he caught Wake when he first joined the Sox), it's also dumb. The argument of getting Vic rest should be used for Tek catching either Dice or Beckett, the two who "need" him. All-Aughts Team of the Decade LF: Manny Ramirez - Fire Brand of the American League What, you were expecting Bay or something? Oh, wait, Hermida's going to be our LF next season, so he'd obviously be a better choice. All-Aughts Team of the Decade RP1: Mike Timlin - Fire Brand of the American League Still have the urge to blindfold myself at the mention of his name, but that's not important. All-Aughts Team of the Decade RP3: Alan Embree - Fire Brand of the American League Closed out the 2004 ALCS, then proceeded to spiral into relative oblivion. Comments, links, and general discussion to keep the irritable among us happy with new material would all be greatly appreciated. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036891/who-would-you-rather-have-jason-bay-or.html More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP about 1 month ago: Boston Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay speaks to the media while his daughter Addison shields her eye from the bright lights at Fenway Park Boston, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. The Red Sox host the Los Angeles Angels in Game 3 of the American League division baseball series on Sunday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Browse more photos » Jason Bay is a good baseball player ... at some things. For other things, he's a bad baseball player. But that's true for a lot of baseball players. There aren't many players who are great at everything. We have an idea of what Bay's strengths and weaknesses are, but what's more important for the future of the Red Sox?   Let's look at the negatives first. In bullet point form, of course: Defense. Defense. Defense. I know -- it's harsh -- but we all know it's true. Sure, he committed zero errors. Which is absolutely fantastic ... if you are watching baseball from the 1980s. Instead, his UZR/150 was -11.2 (which was actually much better than his -24 in 49 games with the Sox in 2008). His -11.2 was second worst in the MLB  for left fielders only in front of Ryan Braun. So it's really simple to say he was one of the worst -- potentially the worst. This is something Theo Epstein knows and it will be huge when it comes down to figuring out a contract. (With all this fielding stuff, let me mention he wasn't even the worst Red Sox outfielder defensively according to UZR/150. Jacoby Ellsbury takes that honor with his impressive -18.3 -- third worst in the MLB. Hooray for Vernon Wells' impressive dropoff in production!) But we've killed fielding into the ground. It's dead. We know about Bay's inefficiencies. Now let's talk about what he does right. Bay's OPS of .921 was second best in the American League for qualified left fielders (Adam Lind was No. 1) and his .384 was second. His BB% of 15 was second in the major leagues ... and so was his K% (30.5). He also had the second most home runs for left fielders in the MLB (the last three stats, he trailed only Adam Dunn. Boy, they're just a little similar, huh?) So what's more important: Bay's great offense or Bay's poor defense? Let's put it this way. Who would you rather play left field for the Boston Red Sox, Jason Bay or Nyjer Morgan? Morgan was arguably the best defensive left fielder in baseball last season, but his bat isn't anything to write home about. Here's his full line: G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG 2009 - Nyjer Morgan 49 191 35 67 9 2 1 12 11 25 24 7 .351 .396 .435 (NOTE: Those are Morgan's stats from his time with Washington, not with Pittsburgh too. He batted .277 with the Pirates.) I'm sure a lot of you look at those stats and go, "Yes! I'd much rather have Morgan if his defense is true." But really, you're looking at another player like Ellsbury -- except better defensive. Admit it, you'd miss the power bat in the middle of the lineup. Defense wins games, but without offense, you'll never win games. A player might go to bat five times in a game, but never have a ball hit to them in the field in the same game. So where do you want your player to be better? Perhaps it's not a fair argument, because I know a lot of you will say: "Screw Morgan. Give me Holliday." Sure, and I get that argument, but I think it comes down to give and take. Which would you rather have: nine great defenders who can't hit, or nine great hitters who can't field. That's what we're struggling with Bay. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036036/bud-selig-baseball-will-tighten-playoff-schedule.html CHICAGO - Baseball plans to cut down on off days during the postseason next year. Commissioner Bud Selig said Wednesday he's working on tightening up the 2010 playoff... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1036035/tom-hicks-trying-to-keep-majority-ownership-rangers.html DALLAS - Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks is putting together a group of local investors, including Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, for a bid that would enable him... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034749/selig-playoff-schedule-will-be-condensed.html There is too much standing around in the postseason. There were extra off days in the middle of series and too many days after the end of the regular season. The Yankees should not have been able to get away... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034748/former-royals-gm-amazed-by-greinkes-journey-yahoo-sports.html Allard Baird couldn't be prouder of how AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke got to be where he is today. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1034747/terry-francona-says-jason-varitek-embraces-new-role.html The roster for next year still has significant holes that could take a while to be filled, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona expressed satisfaction with one spot yesterday. ... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1033958/ells-has-new-jersey-number-two-things-1-hahaha-at-anyone-who-thought-hed-stick-46.html Ells has a new jersey number. Two things: 1) Hahaha at anyone who thought he'd stick with 46 and bought a jersey/shirt. 2) Anyone know the significance of the #2 for him, or is it just the first low number he could grab? Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032660/henry-to-receive-corporate-citizenship-award.html Because he is introverted by nature, Red Sox owner John W. Henry's extensive work when it comes to community service -- be it in Boston or around the world -- often goes unnoticed. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032135/kottaras-claimed-by-brewers.html George Kottaras wasn't without a team for long. The Milwaukee Brewers have claimed the 26-year-old catcher, a day after he was placed on release waivers by the Red Sox. The lefthanded-hiting Kottaras batted .237 with one homer and 10 RBIs... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032041/lucic-savard-close-to-return.html Marc Savard skated in practice Tuesday morning for the first time since leaving the lineup with a broken foot. Since his departure, the Bruins have missed him on the power play, and frankly, all over the ice. When he returns, David Krejci will be able to play on the 2nd line, against opponents' 2nd tier of defensemen. Krejci's looked excellent the past few games, and this shuffle could further emphasize his hotness.Milan Lucic has also been skating with the team, and Tuesday morning was finally allowed to practice full contact. Lucic will be a game time decision Thursday night.I'd like to see the Bruins hurry Savard, but take their time with Lucic. Lucic depends on being stronger than his opponents, Savard depends on being smarter and slicker. I wouldn't be shocked if Lucic plays Thursday night, perhaps with limited ice time.Sources:NESNBoston GlobeBoston Blood Sox Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032024/francona-on-lackey-bay-ortiz-more.html Terry Francona visited with the hosts of WEEI's "Dale and Holley" show this afternoon, taking questions from the hosts as well as calls and texts from listeners. Sounding refreshed and answering with some candor, here are a number of topics... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1032016/jim-tracy-wins-nl-manager-award-gets-3year-contract.html DENVER - The Colorado Rockies have rewarded manager Jim Tracy with a three-year contract. The Rockies announced the deal Wednesday, less than an hour after he won the NL... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1031068/bay-will-soon-learn-his-true-value.html Kudos to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak for his candor. He told the St. Louis Post Dispatch on Tuesday that Matt Holliday is his priority and that Jason Bay, for now, is not on his radar. The Red Sox lose their... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1030787/red-sox-release-catcher-kottaras.html With Victor Martinez already entrenched as the starter behind the plate in 2010 and Jason Varitek guaranteed to return as his backup, the Red Sox have released catcher George Kottaras, according to a team spokesman. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1030785/red-sox-release-george-kottaras.html More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP 7 months ago: Boston Red Sox catcher George Kottaras, right, stands with Jason Varitek during a spring training baseball practice in Fort Myers, Fla., Tuesday March 31, 2009. With only a few days left before the team heads North to start the regular season, Kottaras is positioned to possibly break spring training camp as part of the Red Sox roster.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Browse more photos » WEEI's Alex Speier reports that George Kottaras has been granted his unconditional release by the Red Sox. With the 40-man roster deadline bearing down and with 4 other catchers already taking up slots (Martinez, Varitek, Brown, and Wagner), the Sox chose to release Kottaras. Kottaras played in 45 games last year, batting .237/.308/.387 while acting as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher for much of the year. While Kottaras had 1 home run and 10 RBI, his most memorable moment with the Sox was likely when fellow ex-Sox John Smoltz placed a bubblegum bubble on his hat in the dugout without Kottaras knowing. Hilarity ensued. Good luck wherever you land, Kott. Unless, of course, you follow in Kevin Cash's footsteps and sign with the Yankees. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1030175/report-kottaras-released.html Reports indicate backup catcher George Kottaras has been released by the Red Sox. Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1029419/sox-release-kottaras.html Zachary Nicholson, Sox Prospects:With the deadline to add players to the 40-man roster and protect them from the Rule 5 Draft rapidly approaching, the Red Sox [Tuesday] made another move to clear space, releasing catcher George Kottaras. ...Links: 40-man roster deadline and Rule 5 draft (to be held on December 10). Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1028318/sizing-up-baseballs-freeagent-market.html What would happen if there were teams all set to spend to secure talent and there was little talent there to bid on? We will find out beginning Friday, when free agency... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1028045/manfred-disputes-boras-figures.html Major League Baseball executive vice president Rob Manfred responded strongly to revenue sharing figures thrown out by Scott Boras at last week's General Manager's meetings indicating that Boras' numbers "have no basis in reality" and that Boras' is living... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1028044/mlb-to-award-2012-allstar-game-kansas-city-sportingnewscom.html Call it a doubleheader sweep for the Royals on Tuesday. First, ace Zack Greinke is named AL Cy Young Award... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1027823/zack-greinke-earns-al-cy-young.html NEW YORK - Zack Greinke won the American League Cy Young Award yesterday, easily beating out Felix Hernandez after a season short on wins but long on domination. Greinke... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1027163/wait-see-again-for-mike-lowell.html Mike Lowell figures there is no way out from hearing his name in trade talks this offseason. As unsettling as that can be, it still will beat last winter. Not only was... Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1026868/bibo.html I recently got a Bibo doll. Then me and my friends started "researching" this phenomenon. It needs no words: Boston Red Sox - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates