 |
CURT SCHILLING Santana-Beckett duo would dazzle (File/Associated Press) |
red sox notebook
NASHVILLE - Even Curt Schilling wants to know.
The pitcher weighed in on the Johan Santana trade talks on his blog, 38pitches.com, yesterday afternoon with a vote of support for obtaining Santana via trade, even if it would come at the cost of some of the best prospects in the Red Sox system. That's in agreement with what a lot of baseball people are saying at the winter meetings: Prospects are nice, but a player of Santana's caliber doesn't come around all that often.
"A rotation featuring [Josh ] Beckett, Santana as the top two is pretty much as good as it can get," Schilling wrote. "The thought of pitching behind these guys has to fire ya up.
"If we make the move we'll have done so with Theo [Epstein] knowing whatever he had to trade to acquire him he can restock those spots either from within, or via trade. How much is too much when you're talking about trading for the best lefthanded pitcher in the game? How much is too much when you consider what he and Josh could do over the next 5-6 years.
"Whatever is too much I am more than confident that we won't get there. Based on the offers I know are out there I can't see anyone out bidding us talent-wise. The second part of this deal is the one that really narrows this down to a few suitors at best. Whatever contract Johan negotiates God Bless Him. If you were going to set a record for a contract with a starting pitcher this guy and about 3-4 others in the game would be the best bets."
Schilling, who is preparing for what he has said will be his final season, could wind up pitching behind Beckett, Santana, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in a rotation that could also feature Clay Buchholz, Tim Wakefield, or Jon Lester (if Lester were not included in a Santana deal).
That seems to sit well with Schilling, as it did with Jonathan Papelbon, who also said he would be pleased if the Red Sox could pull off the trade.
Though Papelbon suggested the team should keep outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, Schilling didn't refer to players the Sox might deal.
"Winter around here seems to be a lot funner these past few years," Schilling wrote, "and I think it may get a lot more interesting before the night's over."
There will be no more visits to the dugout before games to get manager Terry Francona to comply with the dress code. Instead, the rules will be changed. According to published reports, major league vice president of rules and on-field operations Bob Watson said baseball will alter its rules so managers and on-field personnel can wear only uniform tops and/or jackets in the dugout.
Francona was upset during last season when an emissary from major league baseball came into the dugout in the second inning of a game in Yankee Stadium and demanded to see if he was wearing his uniform top under his customary pullover. Now, Francona will no longer be able to wear that pullover.
"You know what, that'll be right under the Mitchell Report in order of importance," Francona joked. "So when it's 30 degrees in April, do I put my jersey on top of my jacket?
"Hopefully the jackets will be comfortable."
Unfamiliar rings
With the roster more settled than it has been in other years - backup catcher, fourth outfielder, and bullpen are the remaining holes - Epstein said the activity isn't what it has been. Other than the obvious interest in Santana, the Red Sox aren't being viewed as a major player at the winter meetings. That, of course, can change in a hurry. "I wouldn't want to speak too much for other teams but our phone's ringing probably less with the exception of a few players that are perceived to be somewhat available," Epstein said. "Our phone's certainly ringing less than it has in previous years. Some teams might look at our roster and say, 'Oh, they're set, they're not going to do anything.' I can't speak for them." . . . Hitting coach Dave Magadan, who was supposed to come to the meetings along with pitching coach John Farrell, isn't in attendance at the Opryland Hotel because his father-in-law was injured recently. Most of the scouting staff was scheduled to be in Nashville, but the inclement weather delayed the arrival of some of them . . . Though there will be an open spot on the 40-man roster, Epstein doesn't anticipate the team will make a selection in Thursday's Rule 5 draft . . . Mike Timlin's one-year contract will be announced after he passes a physical . . . Francona was named Manager of the Year by Baseball America yesterday. "I'm really honored," he said. "But when the manager gets an award I think it's a reflection of ownership getting some awesome players, a front office that does a great job, coaches that work about 18 hours a day, and fabulous players. When that happens the manager gets the award. But I'm honored though."
Adjusting the lineup
The Red Sox announced hires and shifts in front office and scouting personnel yesterday, headlined by the promotion of Raquel Ferreira from director of minor league administration to director of minor league operations. David Howard, who played nine seasons in the major leagues as an infielder, was promoted to special assistant to the general manager. He was a professional and major league scout for the organization for the last three seasons. Mike Reinold's title was expanded to rehab coordinator/assistant trainer. Ethan Faggett, who played for the Red Sox and Padres organizations from 1992 to 2000, was hired as assistant director, player development. Jared Porter was promoted from player development assistant to coordinator of professional scouting. Kyle Evans went from the team's advance scouting coordinator to the pro scouting staff. Jean MacDougall went from baseball operations administrative assistant to manager, travel administration. Matt Mahoney went from assistant, professional scouting to area scout, covering the Southwest. The other hires were: Jared Banner as assistant, player development; Ben Crockett, advance scouting coordinator; Chris Calciano, scout for the mid-Atlantic region; Matt Dorey, scout for the Pacific Northwest region; Chris Mears, scout for the Midwest region; Mike Lord, coordinator of European scouting. Also, Pablo Lantigua was promoted from area scout to Dominican scouting supervisor. The Red Sox also hired former Pawtucket pitcher Denney Tomori to work with Craig Shipley and Jon Deeble on Japanese matters. Javier Hernandez joined the team as assistant to director of Dominican operations Jesus Alou.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
