In any event, Jason Varitek has activated his $3 million player option, which ensures at least another year with the Sox–of course unless they release or trade him…

From Theo: “We’re happy to have Jason back, and we look forward to a good year from him in 2010. He means an awful lot to the organization on and off the field. He helps solidify our catching position also and is a big asset to the pitching staff. We’re happy he decided to come back and stay in the organization he’s such an important part of.”

In addition to his base $3 million, he could earn up to $2 million in incentives, based on how many games he starts.

And strangely enough, nothing has been said about Jason retaining his captaincy–although, how could they really take it away from him? He has led this team for 5 years–it was be rather petty to take it away…

And it looks like the Sox will have to play in Satan’s sandbox again this year after all. While the Jason Varitek deal will only be minimal, the Sox are looking at Matt Holliday as a backup option is they cannot do a deal with Jason Bay–and guess who Holliday is rep’ed by? Yup…Satan himself…

And what is this crap about the Sox may be interested in Hideki Matsui? Are you freaking kidding me? He cannot play the field anymore, and we have a DH thankyouverymuch…Sorry “Godzilla”, you and your expansive porn collection are not welcome in our Nation…Thankfully, it seems to be just a rumor, as Teams are not even allowed to talk with free agents until the 15-day exclusivity window is over–on November 20th…

Holy Buckets! Billy Wagner changes his mind more often than he changes his Sox (no pun intended) First he wants to be a closer, then he is cranky and is going to retire…NOW, based on his super excellent experience with the Nation, he may actually accept arbitration from the Sox and be a set up man for Jonathan Papelbon. From his Agent, Bean Stringfellow (STILL think that is a made up name…): “I just visited with Billy and his family the other day, and I can tell you this much: Billy thoroughly enjoyed his time in Boston. It was one of the best experiences he has ever had in baseball…One thing that’s important to him is the chance to win a championship, and that’s not a minor detail. Based upon his experience in Boston and his desire to win, to say he has completely ruled it out (accepting arbitration from the Sox), certainly he has not.

Interviews for the Red Sox Bench Coach position, which will be chosen from internal candidates only, will begin this week. DeMarlo Hale, Gary DiSarcina, and seem to be on the short list–although DiSarcina seems to be a better fit as a base coach…

Looks like some of the lessons stuck: instead of spending most of the off-season in Japan, Daisuke will return earlier to the states, and do his workout here. He is currently looking for a workout place. From Theo: “(Daisuke’s) going to spend more time in the States than he has in the past. Starting earlier than he has in the past will help his conditioning. He has his throwing program mapped out and it’s a really sensible one. It should put him in a really strong position in spring training.”

Coming up: Silver Slugger Awards come out today…Hopefully some of the Sox are winners–and for the record, whomever is voting for Golden Gloves should have their head examined–Derek Jeter AGAIN ? REALLY? UGH…

In no surprise to anyone, they have declined Jason Varitek’s $5 million option, which means ‘Tek has until Saturday to let the Sox know if he will activate the $3 million player option he holds. If he activates, chances are he would be the backup catcher, although with his difficulty catching Tim Wakefield in the past, I don’t think he’ll be HIS catcher.

If he opts not to, he will once again become a free agent. It’s also possible that he may retire, but with Scott Boras as an agent, I don’t see that happening…

Taking ‘Tek’s position as everyday catcher will be Victor Martinez, whose $7.1 million option was activate yesterday. Acquired in a trade with Cleveland on July 31, Martinez (I refuse to call him V-Mart) hit 8 homers, had a .336 average, with 41 RBI’s with the Sox. Over the course of the whole season, he played 155 games, and has a .303 average…From Theo: “We’re going to really look for Victor to be an everyday catcher for us next year. We feel like that puts us in the best position to win with Victor catching as much as he can. The other spot we’ll have available is for more of a traditional backup. We’ll see what Tek’s decision is before we move forward.”

O…U…C…H…

And for comparisons sake, Jason Varitek’s numbers for the 2009 campaign: He started in 106 games, hitting 14 homers and 51 RBI’s–he also had a batting average of .209

Double O…U…C…H…

Unfortunately, this decision was clear–Jason Varitek does not have what it takes to be an everyday catcher anymore…and it always sucks when it gets to this point…

But some good news, albeit it with a surprising twist. Yes, Tim Wakefield will be back for 2010–and 2011? Yep? The Sox have revamped the $ 4 million year infinity contract with Wake–to 2 years, 5 million guaranteed–with the potential to make up to $10 million with incentives. 1st year is $3.5 million guaranteed…From Wake: “I can tell you with all seriousness that after this two-year deal’s up, I probably won’t play anymore. It gets me to 45. It gives me an opportunity to break Roger Clemens’ and Cy Young’s record (they each have 192 wins with the club). It gives me a chance to get to 200 wins career-wise (he is at 189). That’s what I’m most excited about. They understand it, and they’re giving me an opportunity to get it done. That’s the really cool thing about it. I’m ecstatic…”I’ll be 150 percent ready (for spring training). I don’t feel anything from the surgery at all. No more pain. No more limping. No more anything.” Wake’s career numbers are 189-162 with a 4.33 ERA in 562 outings, including 421 starts…

On Monday, the Sox opted to not exercise Alex Gonzales’ $6 million option, instead taking his $500K buyout. But the Sox are agreeable to exploring a lesser contract with the Shortstop…Which I really hope they do–While I really like Jed Lowrie and Nick Green (who had back surgery this week–and is currently a free agent)–Who know what will happen with their injuries–will they be ongoing problems? Or just blips on the radar?

Coming up: Still FAR too much time until Opening Day…

BUT, since October of 2004, when the Skanks completely choked, and the Sox became the only team to come back from a 0-3 deficit to win the ALCS, and subsequently sweeping the Cardinals in the World Series, it has been utterly…and blessedly SILENT…Some Skankee fans have even went out of their way to AVOID me–which is always an added bonus…

And it has been a BEAUTIFUL thing–and sadly now it’s over…

Which makes the comment I received this morning all the more ironic: You can read it for yourself if you want, but it’s more of the same: “Where is your post now that the Skanks won? blah blah blah…”Don’t have anything to say, Yankee Hater?” blah blah blah “This is your one chance to become a Skankee fan…” blah blah BLAH…

Hmmm….let’s see:

Well, 1st of all, I am a RED SOX fan–I don’t define myself by the team I hate….that is just stupid.

2nd of all, after the Red Sox won in both 2004 and 2007–I was joyous and proud–and I certainly had much better things to do that actively search for blogs from other teams to crow about it.

But then again, that is vintage Skankee fans–absolutely no joy in the victory of their team–they only thing that matters to them is the fact they now can be poor winners, and rub people’s faces in it….

And as far as it being my one chance to become a Skankee fan–I doubt that–it’s not like the window is closing on being an idiot. However, as soon as I have that full frontal lobotomy, becoming an ultimate band wagoner by being a Skankee fan will be the 1st thing I’ll do…

And should add that I DO have some friends who are Yankee fans–who are respectful of the game, and other fans, and who love the Yankees for reasons other than “They are the team who wins the most”…and the above obviously does not apply to them…

And I fully expect the response to be “Well, you’re just mad the Skanks won” Which is pretty much a Skankee response to everything….

`Nuf Ced…

So the Sox have traded for Jeremy Hermida, giving the Marlins pitcher Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez ? Uh, WHY? Is this the replacement for Rocco Baldelli, who just filed for Free Agency yesterday? Theo says: “This was not a blockbuster. This was a value trade, a chance to get a guy with unfulfilled potential at a reasonable cost.” Unfulfilled potential is right. When he debuted in the bigs at the age of 21, his 1st hit was a Grand Slam–certainly a way to get people’s attention. Unfortunately, his progression as a player sort of stalled. Now almost 26, his slugging % and batting average have significantly dropped since the 2007 season. With the Marlins in 2009, he played right and left field, and hit 13 homers, with 47 RBI’s, and an average of .259. Hermida was eligible for arbitration this off-season, after making $2.25 million in 09…

The 1st day after the World Series always sees a flurry of eligible players filing for free agency, as the formal Free Agency portion of our program begins. Joining Rocco Baldelli from the Sox yesterday was Jason Bay and Billy Wagner. I expect we will see many more in coming weeks…other Sox free agents include Paul Byrd and Takashi Saito

And, as the Hot Stove starts heating up–I think the biggest thing for the Sox is what is going to happen with Jason Bay? Their path forward will in part depend on if they can sign him or not. I personally think he needs to be signed–just not for $18 million a year–if they can do a $14-15 million a year deal for 3 or 4 years, that is a good thing. Any more than that is a bit much…The Sox have until November 20th to sign him, and then he is free to negotiate and sign with anyone he chooses. One of the best things about Jason Bay? Satan isn’t his agent…

And wouldn’t it be a beautiful thing if the Sox could have a “Scott Boras Free” off-season?? They said after the Mark Toxemia debacle last year, they would not longer work with him–but we’ll see…

After his successful back surgery, look for the announcement that Tim Wakefield’s contract has been renewed for his 16th season in a Red Sox uniform, the Sox need to exercise the $4 million option within 5 days after the end of the World Series. It would be completely shocking if this did not happen…

Also another given is the $7 million option the Sox hold on Victor Martinez–well. DUH…

On the bubble is Alex Gonzales, for which the Sox have a $6 million mutual option for 2010. If they opt out, there is a $500K buyout. If they pick up the option, A-Gon has 2 days to accept; if not, he becomes a free agent. With the state of the shortstop position (Nick Green was outrighted to Pawtucket), I think they need to make this happen…

And then there is the $ 5 million team option the Sox have on Jason Varitek. It’s likely they will not exercise it, but ‘Tek has a $3 million player option he can activate–so the big question there is: Could he live with being the backup catcher? If not there is retirement, or testing the waters to see if there is a team that wants him as an everyday guy…

Coming up: 4 months, or 150 days to Opening Day….CRAP…

In the last 5 games a no pitcher not named Cliff Lee has managed to beat the Skanks…

That one completely bone headed move on Sunday night, where Skeezy Bastard was allowed to steal 3rd base BECAUSE NO ONE WAS THERE, may have been the play that lost this World Series for the Phillies…

But then again, the Phillies actually think they can win a World Series with a closer who makes Scott Williamson look like Mariano Rivera…

The role of the overpaid postseason choker, formerly played by A-Fraud, is now being played by Mark Toxemia, with is .111 BA in the World Series—HA HA…

I always though the Skankees “little meetings” with everyone on the team ceasing play to gather at the mound to talk about SOMETHING, was a bit excessive–and after they met 8 times–IN ONE INNING on Sunday night while CC Sabathia was on the mound–MLB apparently does too…Old friend (and VP of Umpiring) Mike Port said that frequent mound meetings by all teams would likely be discussed by baseball officials this off-season….

Chase Utley needs one more homer to beat Reggie Jackson’s record of 5 in a World Series–Oh I HOPE it happens!

Neato Stat: Eric Hinske is currently playing for the Skanks, having played for Tampa Bay in 2008, and the Sox in 2007, which makes him only 1 of 2 players (Don Baylor from 1986 to 1988) to appear in 3 World Series in a Row…

This World Series has gotten completely out of hand–you CANNOT give Skanks extra chances to beat you–they WILL Take advantage…I think the Phillies got a little cocky, thinking they would dispatch with the Skanks and be done with it–But in Philadelphia, where before this World Series, the Phillies were 11-1 in Postseason Game, they only managed to win ONE game out of 3…

So to win this, they need to win TWO in New York–good luck with that…

Coming up: A day off so the teams can travels the hugely long distance from Phila to NYC (what is it, 4 hours by train–tops???), then Game 6–and a match Red Sox fans have seen before: Andy Pettitte (on short rest, which he has not done all year–and he’s 42…) vs Pedro Martinez, who is being uncharacteristically silent about his start. 1st pitch 7:57pm…

And then last night’s game….not so much. Pedro certainly pitched well enough to win (6+ IP, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits (including solo shots to Hideki Matsui, and the ever revolting Mark Toxemia) while walking 2 and striking out 8. But AJ Burnett, who has been lackluster pretty much the whole year, certainly came up big when he needed to, with 7 innings of 1 run ball….

And of course, Joe Girardi over thinks things again, and put Mariano Rivera in for 2 innings. To be fair, he really had no other choice if he wanted to give the Skanks the best chance to win–but it took Rivera 39 pitches to get through those 2 innings (the most he has EVER thrown in a World Series game)–and sure, they have today off, but he is going to be 40 years old at the end of November…how often does Girardi think he can do that to him??? And now there are 3 games in a row coming up–certainly won’t be able to have him in multiple innings in multiple games…

But I see that A-Fraud has returned to his earlier brilliance: In 2 World Series games, he is 0-for-8 with six strikeouts…HA HA….

How come the only Red Sox news these days is that people are leaving? And its not even players! 1st Jed Hoyer leaves to helm the Padres, and now Brad Mills, Bench Coach, and lifelong friend to Terry Francona will be heading to Houston to manage the Astros. That is certainly good news–for him… I wonder who they will replace him with–Bench Coach is a pretty big deal–like 2nd in command… Here is what he has to say at his Announcement: “I just left an organization, the Boston Red Sox, that I owe a lot to…They were very special to me the six years I was over there…And it goes without saying, Terry Francona. The experience that all of them and Terry were able to give me helped set me up for this today. I am deeply proud to say that I was involved with them at that time, and I appreciate it, and I want to thank them very much.”

So, Bud Selig was asked yesterday WHY the baseball season seems to be getting longer and longer (If the Series goes 7 games, it will end on November 5th–provided there is no bad weather) and he mentioned that the Owners were asked to consider a 154-game season, which they unanimously rejected. Is this a surprise to anyone???? I am sure the revenues for those 8 games are pretty substantial and they don’t want to lose that….

Finally, if you want a bit of reading to cheer you up, check out Dan Rowinski’s blog post from yesterday, chronicling the 2004 Red Sox and what they are doing today. Did you know that Doug Mirabelli is now a realtor, and a HS Baseball coach? And Mike Myers is Special assistant to current (but leaving soon head of the Players Association, Donald Fehr? It’s all here. Ahhhhh…the memories….

Coming up: The Skanks and the Phillies head to my home state of Pennsylvania for the next 3 games. Cole Hamels vs Andy Pettitte on Halloween night in Philly. 1st pitch 7:57pm

Happy Halloween! Go Phillies (gulp)

The other awards BBA has handed out this year include:

Manager of the Year: Mike Scioscia (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) and Jim Tracy (Colorado Rockies).

Rookie of the Year: Andrew Bailey (Oakland Athletics) and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Cy Young: Zack Greinke (Kansas City Royals) Tim Lincecum (San Francisco Giants)

Formed in the fall of 2009 to encourage cooperation and collaboration between baseball bloggers of all major league teams as well as those that follow baseball more generally, BBA has grown to 90 blogs spanning 28 of the 30 major league squads as well as those that focus on general baseball writing. A complete Blogroll can be found at the top of the page…

Organized under a similar structure as the Baseball Writers of America, BBA combines blogs that follow the same team into “chapters” and only two votes from the chapter on an award are counted. Blogs not dedicated to a specific team are allowed to vote on their choice of either the American League or National League award. Ballots are posted on the respective blogs Ballots are posted on the respective blogs and tabulated on a 5-3-1 point scale for first, second and third.