Teal Shadow

Red Sox discussing Clemens Lucchino makes call to Hendricks brothers By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff | December 11, 2005 The Red Sox have communicated with Roger Clemens's agents, the Hendricks brothers, over the past few days to express their interest in the future Hall of Famer if he elects to play in 2006. ''We had an internal discussion," said Sox CEO and president Admin Lucchino, ''and concluded we should make an initial call to let the Hendricks brothers know we were open to discuss Roger's return if he should have interest in the Red Sox in 2006. ''Nothing further." The theory among those close to Clemens is that if he still wants to pitch, he would return to Houston May 1, the earliest date he can re-sign with the Astros. That way, he can monitor spring training, and the first month of his son Koby's progress; Koby Clemens is a catcher in the Astros organization. But he has surprised people with his decisions before. In an interview with the pitcher during the playoffs, Clemens spoke fondly about Boston and the many friends he still has in the area. ''Here I am, still pitching," Clemens said in October. ''Debbie and I were looking forward to the day where we could just go up to my old neighborhood [Framingham] and just hang out with some of our friends up there. Maybe go to a few games at Fenway. Same in New York. Just grab five or six of your close friends up there and go out to eat and see a ballgame. ''But here I am, still pitching." Clemens is 341-172 lifetime with a 3.12 ERA in 672 games and 4,502 strikeouts. Last season, he went 13-8 with a league-low 1.87 ERA and likely would have won his eighth Cy Young Award had Astros hitters supported him better. He is 100-55 with a 3.19 ERA in 199 starts at Fenway and 53-22 with a 3.55 ERA in 101 starts at Yankee Stadium. At 42, Clemens still pitched 211 innings and made 32 starts, striking out 185 and walking 62. He was bothered by back and hamstring problems late in the season and into postseason. The Astros feared Clemens's salary ($18 million last season) would likely increase in arbitration and the team would not be able to offer more than $15 million. Another Sox link for Clemens would be Boston's offseason addition of his former teammate, Al Nipper, as bullpen coach. Clemens and Nipper remain close friends. Sox pitchers Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett have idolized Clemens, and Tim Wakefield is a holdover from Clemens's tenure with the team, which ended after the 1996 season. The Sox also have had contact with Clemens's Houston batterymate, Brad Ausmus, about coming aboard as a backup to replace Doug Mirabelli. Ausmus, who is from Connecticut and has a home on Cape Cod, is still negotiating with the Astros and would prefer to remain in Houston as a starter, but so far the numbers haven't worked to his satisfaction. Clemens probably won't decide his future for some time. He should be in shape after playing for Team USA at the World Cup in March, which may influence his decision. He had a unique schedule with the Astros, who allowed him to spend a lot of his non-pitching days at home. The Red Sox allowed Tom Seaver a similar schedule in 1986. Any team that signed Clemens would have to make those concessions. While Clemens returning here is a long shot, what the Red Sox have done is to make sure they're not left out of what could be a public relations coup. http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...ussing_clemens/

The Marlins didn't receive a sure-fire prospect in the Pierre deal but they picked up three very credible pitchers, which is a lot for a player like Pierre. This is why I favor this deal for Florida. Ricky Nolasco dominated the Southern League this past season, going 14-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 27 starts. He rung up 173 batters in 161.2 innings of work. The 22-year-old right-hander was able to take a step forward as a pitcher this season because he improved his fastball command. He works all parts of the plate with the pitch now. Nolasco's best pitch remains his curveball and his change-up is an average third offering. Nolasco could very well end up being an innings-eating #4 starter in the majors. Sergio Mitre could enter next season as the Marlins' 5th starter. The 25-year-old right-hander lives and dies with his low-90s sinker. When the pitch is on, Mitre can make it through a big league line-up three times. When Mitre's sinker is misfiring, he becomes very ordinary because his secondary stuff is a bit short, although his curveball has its moments. Renyel Pinto is a huge wild card in this deal. Pinto is currently a mess because he cannot command his low-90s fastball with any kind of consistency. He often misses up and away with the pitch against right-handed hitters. He's so wild with the pitch that he can't even get hitters to chase it. What Pinto lacks in command he makes up for in stuff. Pinto complements his explosive fastball with a knock-out change-up and his slider shows nice potential. If Pinto can somehow harness his fastball, he has the potential to become a power reliever in the majors. A Damaso Marte-type. So far, I've liked the talent the Marlins have gotten back in every single deal. They are going after the right prospects. Travis Bowyer is one of the best reliever prospects in the game today. The 24-year-old right-hander is all about the #1. He can routinely hit the mid-90s with his fastball and can touch the high-90s. He also throws a curve and a change-up, but both pitches could still use some fine-tuning. Bowyer should at least develop into a set-up man in the majors and he definitely has the potential to become a closer. Scott Tyler has always possessed a big-time arm but he's never really commanded his power stuff enough to take the next step as a pitcher. He's getting closer and closer to doing this, though. Tyler's best pitch is his heavy, low-90s fastball. The pitch shows some real nice life. Tyler also throws a hard curve and a change-up. Both pitches have shown improvement the past two years. The key to Tyler's future has always been linked to his control. He was a mess early in his career but he's really made some strides with his command the past two seasons. How Tyler fares at Double-A in 2006 will go a long way in determining his near future. My guess is that Tyler ends up in middle relief in the majors. Gaby Hernandez, a Miami native, has the potential to become an innings-eating #3/4 starter in the majors. The 19-year-old right-hander currently relies on a sinking, low-90s fastball and a good curveball to get outs. Hernandez's fastball won't dominate big league hitters, but he does a solid job of commanding the pitch down in the zone. Hernandez's curve and change-up are definitely going to be critical to his future success. He must sharpen both of these pitches. Since Hernandez is still so very young, time is definitely on his side. Hanley Ramirez is one of the most skilled prospects in the minors today. He's a 6-foot-3 shortstop who has terrific physical tools. He can pretty much do it all on the field and he's still just scratching the surface. The thing that really makes Ramirez a potential star and team leader is his upbeat attitude. He exudes positivity and confidence. He really livens up a team. I really like Ramirez. I think he has the potential to become the Dominican version of Derek Jeter. Ramirez, 21, isn't as pure a player as Jeter, but I think he has the physical talent and intangibles of a Jeter. Anibal Sanchez is a very critical player in the deal for the Marlins because I think that if a team is going to deal away a pitcher like Beckett, they must get back a pitcher with #1-3 starter potential, and I think Sanchez fits the bill. Sanchez's physical talent is currently ahead of his pitching acumen at this point in his development, which is normal. The 21-year-old Venezuelan has the makings of three quality pitches. His fastball routinely hits the low-90s and can touch the mid-90s. He really likes to challenge hitters up in the zone with the gas, which I like a lot. Sanchez's change-up can be a "strike out" pitch when he's commanding it with the heater. The combination can equal many weak outs. Sanchez's curve is the key to him becoming a consistent starter in the majors. He's made progress with the pitch but he still tends to roll the pitch at times. The only question I have about Sanchez at this point is his style. Does he have the "eye of the tiger" that is needed to become a #1-2 starter in the majors? Even if he doesn't reach #1-2 status, he should become a innings-eating #3 starter, which still should be enough to make the Fish happy. Jesus Delgado and Harvey Garcia are potential middle relievers in the majors and Delgado has the chance to develop into a set-up man. Delgado has been around for a little while but he's never really put it all together. He started to take a big step forward as a pitcher this season and he continued that trend in the Arizona Fall League, which is probably one of the biggest reasons why the Marlins wanted him in the deal. The 21-year-old Venezuelan has always possessed a plus fastball but his off-speed stuff hasn't been sharp enough to get hitters off the #1. If he can continue to improve his off-speed stuff, he should be able to make the jump to the majors and become a middle reliever and a possible set-up man. Like Delgado, Garcia is a live-armed Venezuelan who could find his way to the Show with improved command and sharper breaking stuff. I actually like Garcia a little more than Delgado because his off-speed stuff is a little more advanced. Yusmeiro Petit has the potential to become a Livan Hernandez-type in the majors. He's not going to blow you away with his stuff, but he will make some big leaguers look foolish with his deceptive delivery and pinpoint control. Petit's fastball is not overpowering, but he spots it very well and he seemingly holds on to the pitch forever. Hitters have a very difficult time picking up Petit's heater and they also become very anxious with the pitch. Petit also throws a good change and a solid slider, but neither of those pitches are necessarily nasty. It's the fastball that makes those pitches work. I think Petit can become a workman-like starter in the majors. A #3/2 starter who can win you 15 games. Mike Jacobs raised quite a few eyebrows when he hit .310 with 11 homers in just 100 at-bats for the Mets this September. Jacobs was also named the Eastern League MVP this season after hitting .321 with 37 doubles, 25 bombs, and 93 RBIs in 117 games. The 25-year-old slugger has bounced between catcher and first base in his pro career but his future in the bigs is at first base. Jacobs is mostly a pull-hitter with a long, whippy swing. Even though his swing is long, he does generate good bat speed, which allows him to catch up with inside fastballs. Like most left-handed hitters, Jacobs punishes down-and-in stuff. When he gets full extension on a low fastball... look out. It will be interesting to see how Jacobs handles the away stuff and pitches in and above the belt next season. If he can handles those pitches, he can become a 25-30 home run guy in the majors. As of the moment, I would guess that Jacobs and Josh Willingham will end up platooning at first base for the Marlins next season. Grant Psomas' prospect star went up this season after he hit .301 with 37 doubles, 20 homers, 81 runs scored, 69 RBIs, and 77 walks in 133 games between Low-A and High-A. Psomas is in the baseball player class more so than the toolsy athlete class. He has a steady, professional approach to both hitting and fielding. He currently projects to be a reserve in the majors, but I would not be surprised to see him work his way into a starting third base job in time, ala Casey Blake.scouts view One last thing if I'm the Marlins I start looking at teams with surplus of 2B and OF. Look at the Angels for 2B.... WS or Reds for OFers to fill those holes, if they get the right players to fit in LOOK OUT.

According to Ken: "The Tigers never were serious players for Josh Beckett, but they were one of the handful of clubs that the Marlins approached at the GM meetings about a possible Beckett-Mike Lowell package. The Marlins wanted center fielder Curtis Granderson and top pitching prospect Justin Verlander. The Tigers also had interest in center fielder Juan Pierre. The talks failed to progress." http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5106080

o well what's done is done here's stats on both Mike Jacobs in 30 games 100AB .310BA .375OBP .710SLG19R 31H 11HR 23RBI Y.Petit in 21(2CG) 9-3 2.91ERA 117IN 90H 38ER 15HR 18BB 130K I like the KtoBB ratio $7million? Samson is worthless I wouldn't say the FO is worthless. - they paid 11 million for one year of Delgado. Not great, but still a good price - In turn, we got 2 players may turn out to be OK. I guess the 7million is the money Carlos would lose going to a state with state tax

they should have gotten more, but with only two teams(the O's) seriously involved it killed the Marlins chances of getting a good deal. I don't like the deal Well at Miggy will feel more comfortable now with Jesus Delgado, A.Sanchez, and now Petit all from Venezeula. :plain my view they should have gotten Milledge instead of Petit

Background: Petit has dominated at every step up the ladder. He has struck out more than a batter an inning in all six minor league stops, finishing second in the minors with 200 whiffs in 2004. He followed up with a strong winter in Venezeula. Strengths: Petit?s fastball leaves batters and scouts scratching their heads. It has solid velocity (89-91 mph, touching 93) and movement, but nothing about it appears to be exceptional?except how hitters never seem to get a good swing against it. His slider is already average and has plus potential. His changeup is more advanced than his slider, but with less room for growth. Weaknesses: It?s uncertain whether Petit?s fastball will play as well against more advanced hitters. However, those questions are diminishing as he continues to have success. Petit carries a little extra weight and will need to make sure he doesn?t add too much more. his fastball is OK but like it say up there it scares me with big league hitters

Milledge is a must if your going to deal with within the division, just b/c your probable not going to compete next season it doesn't mean he won't stand in the Marlins way when they do compete ala Mike Piazza and speaking of Mike the Marlins should look a similar deal when dealing with the Mets. What was the deal there top position P-Funk, and two top pitching prospects. I understand Mike was a little younger, but just to offer Petit is unacceptable. By the way the Marlins were trying to dump Piazza just like Delgado.

the D-backs have some good young OF including a CF , so that might be the direction but if the d-backs would have to pick-up most of that contract for Vazquez it might be a good fit.

I personally like the Dodgers system Chad Billingsley is a stud and before he got hurt I really like Greg Miller. The best position player in the Dodgers is Joel Guzman he like Miguel in that he's SS who's outgrown the position at 6'6'' 230, so 3B could be where he ends up. I have a feeling though if the Dodgers make an offer for Delgado 1B James Loney could be in the deal not Guzman...but IMO Billingsley is a must in any deal with LA

For comparison's sake, in his fifth season in the major leagues, Martinez was 13-10 with a 3.70 ERA. In 2005, Beckett went a similar 15-8, with a 3.38 ERA. A year later, in 1997, Martinez opened the world up to his dominance, when he was 17-8 with a 1.90 ERA. By December, he was in Boston. Could Beckett be heading down the same road? by the way back then gave up its top prospect and another good prospect. There names Carl Pavano and Tony Armas Jr.

Jacoby Ellsbury I wish, but it might be a player who was taken in last summer draft and can't be announce till a year of his signing.

is it true that the Dodgers was better than Red Sox deal? but again money stood in the way? I doubt it it probable had to do with the Dodgers being a NL team

Teal, do you or anyone else have an english laguage site for following Winter Ball teams and player performance? A link would be appreciated. I've failed miserably at finding one. Thanks in advance. Nope sorry, here's RHP Anibal Sanchez's stats. He was pounded for 3 runs on 5 hits in just two-thirds of an inning for Magallanes a couple of nights ago. Sanchez's ERA 9.82. I would hope now that his a Fish Beinfest would shut him down b/c it appears he's still recovering from that late seaon injury. Did the Sox eat all of Lowell's contract? That's the most important thing. nope

Now that his a Marlin here's Hanley stats from last night Dominican Winter League action Hanley Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a steal and 2 runs scored, Ramirez is hitting .258 with 13 runs scored, 10 walks, and 5 steals in 25 games for the Tigres

by the way the last time Boston acquired a pretty good pitcher in his prime his name was Pedro. Boston back then gave up its top prospect and another good prospect. There names Carl Pavano and Tony Armas Jr.

that Roger Clemens will sign with Boston for a year to take Josh to the next level like passing the torch

1. HANLEY RAMIREZ, ss Age: 21 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 195 B-T: R-R Signed: Dominican Republic, 2000 Signed by: Levy Ochoa Hanley Ramirez(rank as the 10 overall best prospect in all of baseball) Ramirez has the potential to excel in all aspects of the game Background: The 2004 season began inauspiciously for Ramirez, who fell and injured his left wrist while running the bases on May 1. After sitting out a game with what initially was diagnosed as a sprain, Ramirez tried to play through the pain. He had six hits in four games before sliding into a 2-for-23 slump. Another examination revealed a hairline fracture that sidelined him for seven weeks. Once he was fully healthy, he took off. Ramirez batted .354 the rest of the way at high Class A Sarasota, where Florida State League managers rated him the circuit's best defensive shortstop and best infield arm. Following a promotion to Double-A Portland, he hit .310 with power and made just three errors in 32 games. The Red Sox named him their FSL player of the year, the third time in four pro seasons that Ramirez has won a team MVP award. Strengths: Shortstop has become a position of strength in the organization, yet Ramirez' five-tool package easily stands out among a crop that also includes Dustin Pedroia, Luis Soto, Christian Lara and Kenny Perez. He's the best athlete in the system with the potential to excel in all aspects of the game. A career .313 hitter, he has quick hands and a short stroke, allowing him to catch up to any fastball. He also excels at pitch recognition, so breaking pitches don't fool him. Ramirez signed as a switch-hitter but was so advanced from the right side that the Red Sox told him not to bother batting lefthanded. Besides his ability to hit for average, he also has plus raw power that started to show up in games after he reached Double-A. He can drive the ball out to all fields, and his home run totals would be higher if he didn't focus so much on hitting the ball up the middle, an approach Boston preaches at the lower levels of the minors. In addition to his offensive skills, Ramirez also has the most speed, best infield skills and strongest infield arm among Red Sox farmhands. After making 36 errors in 2003, he played more under control and cut his miscues to 20. Weaknesses: Coming into the season, Ramirez hadn't done a good job of handling the hype he started receiving after he was rated the No. 1 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast and short-season New-York Penn leagues in 2002. He was sent home from instructional league that fall for cursing at a trainer, and suspended in 2003 for making an obscene gesture to fans. But Ramirez matured and didn't have any behavioral problems in 2004. He's a hard worker, but his biggest need at this point is to improve his day-to-day preparation. When he's fully focused, he's usually the best player on the diamond. Though Ramirez doesn't draw as many walks as the Red Sox would hope, that's in part because he makes consistent hard contact so easily. The Future: Ramirez showed enough at Portland that he may begin 2005 at Triple-A Pawtucket. He could be ready to play regularly in Boston by 2006, so the Red Sox may avoid locking up a shortstop to a long-term deal this offseason. "What a young talent. He makes the game look so easy." --Fort Myers manager Jose Marzan ANIBAL SANCHEZ, rhp Age: 21 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180 Signed: Venezuela, 2001 Signed by: Carlos Ramirez Background: Sanchez pitched well for two seasons in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League, then needed elbow surgery to transpose a nerve. After missing all of 2003, he came back in a huge way, leading the New York-Penn League in ERA and strikeouts and ranking as the circuit's top pitching prospect. Strengths: Sanchez succeeded in Venezuela when he worked at 88-90 mph, and he dominated in 2004 when his velocity jumped to the mid-90s. His fastball is also notable for its movement and his ability to command it to both sides of the plate. Sanchez also has one of the better curveballs in the system, and his changeup shows flashes of becoming a plus pitch. Weaknesses: With an electric arm and pitching savvy, Sanchez just needs more innings and continued good health. His curveball and changeup aren't totally reliable yet, but should improve as he gains more experience. He's not physically dominating, but he generates velocity with arm speed rather than extra effort. The Future: Sanchez will move to full-season ball for the first time in 2005, pitching at Boston's new low Class A Capital City affiliate. He might not need much more than two more seasons in the minors. baseabllamerica and Yes I like the deal, if anybody watched the Future Games last summer. You'd know why some of us are excited about the kids were getting in this deal. Sanchez pitched an inning and Ramirez played the most of the game. It was time for a change as much as it hurts

Just a thought on the Lowell deal to the Twins ,has anybody thought that maybe the player they want the Twins won't give-up b/c of Lowell contract and maybe if they acquire a Blalock the player would come available. And that's why the Sox deal isn't clearly better.

I don't have a huge problem with a youth movement in 2006 involving MLB ready players with a look towards competing in 2007. Giving guys like Hermida, Willingham/Aguila, Vargas, Olsen/Johnson, and Resop larger roles in 2006 is fine with me. However, trading Beckett isn't necessary for this to happen. How do you know that? I would think they tried everything and anything to move Lowell contract without trading a Beckett to no avail. Thats why not moving Lowell last summer could have cost us Beckett this offseason.

This deal is interesting. I doubt Beckett is on the market. But for the Rangers - who are one of his home town team and desperately need pitching - we can get the greatest value for him. Worth discussing. I'd rather re-sign him and go forward with the Cabrera-Willis-Beckett movement, but if we can get a great cheap talent in return. It's well worth it. I believe they have no choice, to move Lowell awful contract a Beckett or Willis has to be included in any deal. Yes they are getting great value here considering Lowell contract is a negative

years? Did this team get stale after the 03' season to you? Where did that Marlin way go? Was it McKeon? Was it the players? Was a change needed....a complete change? I personally didn't enjoy the last two season as much as the 03' that never say die attitude die at Yankees stadium after they won it all IMO. Sometimes change is good, I'm all for it as long as the talent is ML ready and gives us a fighting chance

Here's Positive spin Blalock is one of the better 3B in AL and left-handed power hitter. RHP Diamond is one of baseball's top pitching prospects. If I make this deal I want Diamond. Danks is good but another lefty? I think they have no choice but to make this move, maybe they feel if they add more to the stadium pot by cutting payroll that the deal could happen...maybe or they are getting to sell the team. People we aren't getting prospect that are 2 or 3 years away. Its a good deal considering the situation the Marlins are in. Do I like dealing Beckett? NO but how many games is he going to win you throughout the course of a season? 12-16 games out 162. It hurts to watch talent like Burnett and Beckett leave the same year. I think that is the most troubling part of this offseason. Yes trading an 18 milllion contract and a 4 million dollar contract will magically give Loria the 100 million needed to fill the gap. Blalock is worthless outside of Arlington. Not to mention his stellar numbers versus lefties. There is no positive in this trade. Why the hell would you trade for a 3rd baseman anyways. Don't you wanna make Cabs happy and put him there. It makes no sense whatsoever. 3B Mike Lowell, who has not committed an error in his last 29 games and has just two in his last 53 contests, leads National League third baseman with a .982 fielding percentage. Hank Blalock leads the majors with a .983 percentage 14 million over 10yrs sound like filling the gap, but I'm no account. Hey even if they come to the table with half of that its showing the city/county that there willing to make the deal happen BUT again that might not be the reason maybe there getting ready to sell. I just find it hard to believe that Mr.Loria would just ruin all the goodwill he's built up with the fans and public in general

Here's Positive spin Blalock is one of the better 3B in AL and left-handed power hitter. RHP Diamond is one of baseball's top pitching prospects. If I make this deal I want Diamond. Danks is good but another lefty? I think they have no choice but to make this move, maybe they feel if they add more to the stadium pot by cutting payroll that the deal could happen...maybe or they are getting to sell the team. People we aren't getting prospect that are 2 or 3 years away. Its a good deal considering the situation the Marlins are in. Do I like dealing Beckett? NO but how many games is he going to win you throughout the course of a season? 12-16 games out 162. It hurts to watch talent like Burnett and Beckett leave the same year. I think that is the most troubling part of this offseason.

Here's a question stadium or trading Lowell/Beckett?

:zipper