Boston.com / Sports / Baseball / Red Sox

Gordon Edes chat transcript - August 4, 2004

Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:07PM	OK, fresh from remedial typing school, I'm back. Anybody want to talk about anything? Pretty quiet around here lately
Sgt. 80 P. Font 01:07PM	Gordon, what do you consider a conflict of interest as far as the media goes? It seems like a lot of media members are both on the radio and in the paper, or the interrnet, etc
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:09PM	That's a good question, Sarge, and a fair one. I had a discussion with my editors this morning about how much opinion I should be offering on the nomar affair, since I've been doing much of the globe's reporting on this subject. For me to weigh in on one side or the other would seem to undercut trying to offer balanced reporting
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:11PM	But that's not exactly the question you're asking. It's not a conflict of interest, IMO, for a reporter to appear on a TV show or radio show as a representative of his paper. Where's the conflict there? What blurs the line, at least in terms of perception, is the sitiation we face at the Globe, where the NY Times Company, our parent company, owns a stake in the Sox and NESN, and we appear regularly on NESN. For all I might say about my editorial independence--no one on the Sox can censor what I say on NESN, for example (within the bounds of good taste)--still, the perception of a conflict remains, and it;s tough to overcome
I'll Type For You! 01:11PM	Gordon - do you think, or have you heard anything, that this management & ownership vs. Nomar debacle will effect the abilities of the Sox to sign, or retain, free agents?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:13PM	God, I wish you could. No, I don't think the Nomar business, as distasteful as it appears, will affect whether free agents come here. Players will come here if the money is right, and because they know every year they have a chance to win, I think the Foulke and Schilling signings are the latest example of that
Pats67is12yearsold 01:13PM	Hi Gordon, don't you think the fans should stop paying attention to the Ownership and Nomar and pay more attention to the product on the field. If last two games were any indication, they play DRays 4 more games at Fenway with David Ortiz in the lineup. Am I too optimistic?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:14PM	Pats67, I think when the most popular player in a generation gets traded, people want to find out everything they can about the reasins for the deal. Attention will shift back to the field soon enough
! I'm on top now 01:15PM	Gordon, Any fundraisers scheduled for the White Sox series? You have been the best read on this whole Nomar scenario. Keep up the good work.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:17PM	Yes, save that Saturday night in Chicago. I'll be appearing at a sports bar in Linciolkn Park in Chicago called Jack Sullivan's for a Jimmy Fund benefit. Miore details to come
sox fan in nyc 01:19PM	gordon can you tell us about Nomar calling you Monday? what was that like? did you know he would be calling? what has your relationship with him been like?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:21PM	I was very surprised to get a phone call from Nomar. I was talking to his agent, Arn Tellem, on the phone Monday night when Tellem says to me, 'Nomar is on the other line. I'll cakll you back.' Now the reason I had called Tellem was to get some kind of response from Nomar, or failing that, from Arn. Fifteen minutes later, my cellphone rang, and it was Nomar. We've had a very up and down relationship, so it came as a big surprise, but it shows you how badly he wanted to get his story out
dannycater 01:21PM	Gordo, loved your stuff when you wrote for the LA Times a long time ago covering the LA Kings. Do you think that Dan Shaughnessy is crossing a line when he is basically feeling compelled to explain his columns? Does he have something to feel guilty about? Like his Nomar obituary column, then his need to tell fans not to send in certain types of e-mails and what "cancer" means. It seems you and Ryan constantly are writing pieces that offset Curly Dan and are seemingly more balanced in reporting facts/gossip. What's your take on this tit-for-tat with Globe writers?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:23PM	Man, you're going way back when you talk about my Kings days, of which I have many fond memories. The Miracle on Manchester, still one of the best games I ever covered. Did Dan cross the line? I don't think so. As a columnist he has the prerogative to express his opinion in just about any way he likes, short of libel, slander or extreme bad taste. I happened to speak with Dan prior to the publication of this column, and he said to me he'd gotten so many e-mails, he felt compelled to explain a couple of things. I had no problem with that
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:24PM	As far as Ryan and/or myself taking a different tack from Dan, that's why you have different voices, to offer a variety of perspectives
GameSix 01:24PM	Would it be fair to say now almost 8 months later that not closing the A-Rod deal just keeps getting more costly for the Red Sox?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:25PM	GameSix, I put a variation of that question to John Henry last night, asking him if now, with the Sox not having Nomar for the stretch run, he regrets even more that the Sox didn't get the A-Rod deal done. He answered something along the lines of that was like asking him if he was sorry he didn't buy Microsoft stock
Nomore 01:26PM	Gordon, concerning this ongoing Nomar saga (its got some legs don't it), tell me: would an impartial observer watching his daily interactions and moods in the clubhouse fairly describe him as crabby, unhappy, issue-laden, etc?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:30PM	Nomore, there was much about a ballplayer's life in Boston that bothered Nomar, much of it revolving around his interaction with the media, and in the last year, obvious unhappiness that the Sox tried to trade for A-Rod, and also dropped their contract offer to him by a lot. This was the player, for example, who was behind the red-tape boundary for reporters in the clubhouse. He would on occasion make comments disparaging the media even when questions were not even being directed to him--he was obsessed in many ways with what was written about him and others. But as for his daily routine, he kept to himself much of the time in the clubhouse--he wasn't one who was going to play cards or joke around with manny, but i think teammates accepted that as part of his routine. By no means, in my view, did he cast a dark cloud in the clubhouse on what the other players were doing
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:31PM	it looks like my last answer didn't post. This is a test
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:31PM	I guess it did. Bueno. Next question
Joe Friday 01:31PM	In your story today, you quoted JHW as saying "Has any position player been paid $15 million in average annual value since Manny [Ramirez]? The answer is no. No one who is healthy. No one who has an injury." The answer is yes. Bonds and Sosa have each signed for $18m average deals since 12/2000. Not that I think Nomar is worth Sosa or Bonds money, but I was surprised that JHW's assertion was not challenged by any of the writers covering the team.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:34PM	JF, Maybe I was wrong to do so, but I took Henry to mean that there haven't been players since that period of time when Manny signed his big deal, as did A-Rod and all. Bonds and Sosa were already at that level when they signed extensions, though I dopn't have the figures here right in front of me. I think JWH's basic contention was correct---since that period, especially looking at last year and the signings of Vladi Guerrero and Miggie Tejada, the AAV of contracts has come down. In '00, Miggie and Vladi would have been closer to $20 million.
Scribe_War? 01:34PM	Hi Gordon, Couldn't help but notice the disparate opinions about Nomar conveyed by Dan Shaugnessy (on Sunday) and Bob Ryan (Tuesday) in the Boston Globe. There are some, by my estimation, some not-so-subtle jabs at some of Shaugnessy's assertions -- particularly on whether Nomar really "hates" Boston and "hates" the Red Sox. Care to comment on your fellow scribes? Who really hates who here?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:36PM	Again, I think that's one of the beauties of reading the Globe, that you can get perspectives from both a Ryan and Shaughnessy that on occasion may diverge greatly. Both guys are very passionate about their positions, and any debate between them on Nomar would be very lively. But would it get personal? I doubt it
GoingToTampaTonight 01:36PM	Gordo, two questions, do you think the Sox will move on a 2nd baseman anytime soon and why would Olerud say he did not want to come to the Sox because he wanted to stay out west yet he signs with...them
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:38PM	I think Theo might well pick up another infielder on the waiver market, but it won't be Alomar--the Sox don't think he can play anymore, and it won't be Bret Boone--at 8-plus million next year, they think he's too expensive. With olerud, I think it came down to no opportunities to play out west, he had to take the yankee deal if he wanted to keepo playing. the giants had expressed some interest a month earlier, but it never happened
*nochatforyou 01:38PM	Larry Lucchino is a cancer. This is what happens when Bud Selig steps in to award you a team. You catch a cancer like Lucchino.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:40PM	nochat, with all due respect, considering you are speaking about a man who nearly lost his life to lymphoma, your comment is in horrible taste. You might want to think about that the next time you throw that word around.
anthony n garciaparr... 01:40PM	Hi Gordon, I was wondering if you thought the Sox gave up too much in this trade and I'm not talking about Nomar but rather Murton. We gave up the best player and the best prospect in the deal. Couldn't we have acquired Doug M for say Juan Perez and spun Nomar off for Cabrera plus a prospect in a better 3 way deal instead of having to give up Murton? These weren't highly regarded prospects Chi Cubs gave up.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:42PM	Anthony, I haven't quite gotten to the bottom of the Murton part of this deal--I was surprised, too. The best explanation I've gotten to date was that there were indications that Expos GM Omar Minaya wouldn't deal Cabrera unless Murton was included in that deal, but then decided to take another Cubs prospect instead (Harris). But I haven't been able to confirm that to my satisfaction yet.
GhostofNomah 01:43PM	Gordon, Don't you think Nomar will be playing 2nd base for the Yankees next season??
Joe Friday 01:43PM	Had Nomar stayed, would the Sox have to offer him arbitration to pick up draft choices if he signed elsewhere? If so, was the possibility that Nomar could accept arbitration and stick the Sox with $19m for 2005 (Jeter money) a factor in the decision to trade him?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:44PM	JF, yes, the draft picks would have been awarded as compensation only if the Sox had offered arbitration. I hardly doubt that Nomar would have asked for Jeter money in arbitration, or gotten it from an arbitrator.
Bossman Junior 01:44PM	Gordon, do you think it's a coincidence that the 3 new guys the Sox picked up at the deadline cost them about the same money this year as the guy they traded (Nomar)? Could they have gotten more for Nomar if they were willing to take on some additional salary? Also, do you think they will stay away from any waiver moves (including putting in any claims) that could result in adding more payroll for this year?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:46PM	No, I think Theo was working within his budget, and will do so during the waiver period, too, which is why you shouldn't expect to see a Boone, who is owed 8-plus mil next year. If the Astros decide to put Beltran on waivers, which the Sox consider unlikely, I don't think they would hesitate to add him as a rental, with an eye to signing him long-term
Quoyle 01:47PM	Hi Gordon, This may not be the hottest of topics right now, but the fate of Frank Castillo has puzzled me since he was cut at the end of spring training last year. The Sox have had a gaping long- and middle-relief/spot starter hole for two years; Castillo performed well out of the pen at the end of 2002 and in spring training of 2003. Do you have any insight as to 1) why he was dropped in spring 2003? and B) why the Sox have opted to parade a steady stream of Bruce Chen, Ryan Rupe, Steve Woodard, Rudy Seanez, Mark Malaska, Lenny Dinardo, et al. in and out of Boston to try to fill a hole that, it seems to me at least, Frank Castillo might have helped to fill? Thanks.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:48PM	Quoyle, I admit I haven't given that topic much thought, but all I can tell you is that the Sox obviously must be basing that decision on Castillo's track record in the majors and their observations on how he is throwing,. Nothing else makes sense. They are convinced he can't do the job here
cubswincubswin 01:48PM	is there a major dirrence between Mcarty and reese and Meinkavich and Cabraro,
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:48PM	Yes, both Mientkiewicz and Cabrera are better bats
carlosquinto 01:49PM	With Orlando Cabrera's impending free agency, do you think the Sox will make an attempt to re-sign him or opt to make a run for an A-list shortstop, i.e. Edgar Renteria?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:50PM	CQ, the sox will use the next two months to evaluate cabrera, just as he will use the time to see if this is a place he'd like to sttcik long-term. I'd be surprised to see Renteria leave St L, but the Sox may decide to go with cheaper alternatives at short and make their biggest free-agent plunges for position players at third base (Adrian Beltre) or the OF (Beltran).
DirtDon 01:51PM	Gordon, how is the globe going to divvy up the work during the olympics? A couple of guys staying here to cover the local teams, and some of the guys going to Greece? Who is going where? You've got to cover the Sox and Nick Cafardo has to cover the Pats.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:51PM	DirtDon, not to worry. Edes is not going to Athens, and neither is Nick. We've got a whole bunch of other folks going
! I'm on top now 01:52PM	With Mientkiewicz's salary and the options of Millar, Embree, Timlin already triggered, the Sox have $88.17 million committed already for next season. Now, if you add Bill Mueller's $2.1 option for next year, it's up to $90.17. Having said that, the Sox have committed $90 million without: SS, 2B, C, backup C, Williamson, Pedro, #3 starter, or much of a bench. Your staff right now is: Schill, Wake, Arroyo, Kim, TBD. Not good. If the reports of the Sox wanting to be under $120 million next season are true (and note the 2005 Luxury Tax threshold is $128 Million), what will Theo do?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:55PM	IOTN, I'll trust your figures, since i don't have them right here in front of me. I think Theo will explore the trade route to reduce payroll--Damon in my view may be particularly vulnerable, especially since his value should go back up some because he's playing well this year. I also think you make it abundantlky clear why the payroll isn't going to fall precipitously next year. By the time he's finished, Theo may be bumping up against the threshold again, tho I strongky doubt he'll go over
Epstienbrenner 01:56PM	Do you expect to see the Sox pursue some bullpen help through the waiver period? They cant give the ball to Embree/Timlin everyday can they?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:57PM	If the Sox learn sooner than later that they can't count on a healthy Williamson, yes, I think they absolutely need to add another reliever
magars 01:57PM	Gordon, Thanks for all of your great work on the Sox. Can you give any insight into how different the clubhouse is from the how it is portrayed in the media. Every great while you hear someone (Schilling most recently) talk about the contrast between what the fans hear and how things actually are. Makes me think we (the fans) have really no idea about what actually goes on.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 01:59PM	Magars, Understand this: Even those of us with regular access to the clubhouse only have a partial view of what things are like in the clubhouse, and the way the players interact with each other. Too often, and perhaps this is what Schilling is alluded to, we in the media focus on how players interact with us, instead of each other
Bones 02:00PM	why am I not seeing any of my questions but I see "I'm on top now" twice and a pretty rude comment about Larry Luchinno and cancer from another participant. This chat stuff sucks
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:01PM	Bones, yikes---sorry, I try to keep an eye on not answering more than one question from the same chatter, but I occasionally misfire. the only question i saw from you was asking about the event at Chicago. No, this is the first time we're doing it there, and come on out--I promise you'll get to speak with me firsthand, and I'll answer your questions
sean_e13 02:02PM	Hi Gordon, Why are some in the media questioning Nomar in regards to his atttitude. If I weren't 100% healty and hurting and my team isn't playing well, I wouldn't look happy either and the other players shouldn't be happy the way the team's played so far. As far as his comments to Luchino I wouldn't go out of my way either. He just got traded because the team didn't want him, I'd say my inuries are fine too just to get him off the phone!
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:02PM	Sean, You are not alone in having that perspective. I suspect Nomar, for one, would say you're dead on.
vicenteromo 02:03PM	Gordon: Are the Sox planning the same strategy with the Varitek and Kapler suspensions waiting for an opportune time in the schedule and drop the appeal ?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:04PM	Vicente, I haven't checked recently becuase of all the Nomar biz, but yes, I think there's a strong likelihood that's the way it will play out
Edso 02:05PM	Gordon, Very simply, do you think that Nomar was "polluting" the clubhouse as your colleague wrote? As much as has been said about Nomar, I haven't heard a single player defending him. Players have said they will miss him and wish him well, but nothing has been said to suggest that any player disagrees with the trade.
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:08PM	Edso, that's a very strong characterization and personally I would disagree with it. There were players who defended him in published reports, and perhaps we've been remiss in not saying ebnough on that subject, but when a guy is always on time and plays hard, the pollution is limited. What he did do was create uncertainty, at least from the club perspective, as to whether he'd be able to play down the stretch
Bossman Junior 02:08PM	Gordon, now that the Nomar situation has finally resolved itself, what is your prediction regarding Pedro? Comparing the Nomar and Pedro negotiations, are there any key differences (or similarities) between the two that would suggest to you how the Pedro situation will end?
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:09PM	reading the tea leaves--most notably Pedro's demeanor--I'm betting he stays
Gordon Edes (Moderator) 02:09PM	thanks everyone...got to get ready to go to the yard
51 Chatters, 51 Lurkers