More on Bard
In case you're wondering, a source has confirmed an agreement between the Red Sox and catcher Josh Bard, whom the club eyes as a backup, perhaps to Jason Varitek. The Bard acquisition in no way eliminates the chance of Varitek returning to the club in 2009.
Bard's deal is worth $1.7 million, though indications are that most or all of that money is non-guaranteed. By major league rules, as little as one-sixth or one-fourth of that amount would be guaranteed if the Sox were to release Bard during spring training, making his deal similar to Doug Mirabelli's entering camp last year.
Bard's deal also has incentives that could bring it to within the range of $2.5 million.
Bard appears likely to work again with knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, though that could change depending on who else the club signs to handle catching duties. (If Varitek returns, it will almost certainly be Bard.) Sox officials believed that Bard, in time, would have learned to handle Wakefield when the catcher struggled early in the 2006 season, but the team's fast start and Bard's considerable difficulties inspired them to trade him and reacquire Mirabelli early that year.
One final note: The switch-hitting Bard generally has proven more effective from the right side of the plate, which does not necessarily make him the best fit with Varitek. Varitek, too, is far more productive from the right side, which leaves the Sox vulnerable to righthanded pitching at the catcher position.
Josh Bard is not that much of an improvement over cash. If he sticks with the team he will be paided approximately $1 million dollars more than what cash signed for. He couldnt catch wakefield the first time. What makes the sox think he can do it now?
Looks like 2006 all over again to me. 86-88 win team.
BARD STINKS
Why not turn it around and see what Varitek can do catching the knuckleball. If memory serves me right he did no better last time 2 innings 2 passed balls.
With the Florida trade rumors indicating that the Red Sox are willing to part with Buchholz and Ellbury given the right return, how likely is it that we eventually see a Buchholz for Saltalamacchia swap? What's the hold up? Are they hoping Texas will take less? Why do you think Ben Sheets is totally out of the realm of possibility after the Penny signing? $$ ??
As with the Penny signing, both of which I agree with, I am curious whether options for a second year were entertained.
Why can't we give Pawtucket catcher George Kotteras a chance. He bats lefthanded, had 22 hrs in less than 400 at bats and is experienced catching the knuckleball from Charley Zink. He is 25, cheap, and has nothing left to prove at AAA. Kotteras is at least the equal to Kevin Cash. Let Jason Bard attempt to return to his previous success in 2006/7, this time with a winning organization. I would roll the dice with these two, and say adios to Jason Varitek. Even Dusty Brown at Pawtucket is a capable injury replacement.
who cares
And they also seemed vulnerable to LHP at the DH and lead off position as well. Who said Bard only catches Wakefield?
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn...
What the heck are the Red Sox thinking? Why not retain Kevin Cash?
The Red Sox were vulnerable to all types of pitching last year with the Cash/Varitek platoon's utterly mediocre hitting, so it's not like it makes them any more vulnerable to RHPs.
Signing Bard is good news for the sox, offering some some continuity and a solid backstop who won't have to learn all of the pitchers from scratch. Hey, that's also an argument for getting Varitek resigned as well. While browsing through the shops in Fanieul hall with my kids yesterday, we spied photos of the Varitek-Arod scufffle from July 24, 2004...the season changing event that foreshadowed the ALCS and world series title. Would any other catcher in the league have taken on Arod and exposed him for the over priced dandy he is ? Are we really going to let Tek get away? He's the soul of this team. I hope Theo et al take another look at that photo before giving away the rock upon which all of this success was built.
My thinking still is that part of the hold up with Varitek is that the Red Sox have told him that his workload is going to be reduced and this guy is to be taking on the probably like third Varitek won't. Varitek can handle Wakefield's knuckleballer, but if they manage to move Lugo to free up the roster spot (and however the fourth outfielder works out, and while I understand the need for a right hand bat, Mark Kotsay, I would like to see him back and it seems to be that gives you more flexibility with a guy who can play all the outfiled and first base and if you manage to find a better shortshop, though I like Lowrie, Lowrie can play second, short and third base) haven't George Kottaras and/or Dusty Brown been handling Charlie Zink's?
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