Today's Red Sox Q&A with Peter Gammons

Hey Peter:
Put a stake in the ground; will Manny find a job this year, and in what city?
Also what's up with Jason Bay, I have not heard his name mentioned all winter?

Thanks !

Any chance the sox make a play for Prince Fielder if he becomes available????

hey Peter, thanks for the chat. how comfortable are the sox with Lowrie as their everyday SS?? he seems much better suited for a utility role. who is available via trade at SS? Michael Young and Salty for Buchholz and others??

Mr. Gammons........Do you have any afterthoughts about the negative manner in which you treated Leigh Teixiera? Do you really feel that a spouse should have no say in where she will live and raise her family or are you actually a male chauvinist?

Peter,

Sabathia has thrown a lot of pitches over many innings, much on short rest, the past 3 years. With the Indians in 2007 he was too tired during the playoffs and last year with the brewers he was awful. Is there any thought that Sabathia is being burned out and won't last 4 years (which would make his contract worthwhile) for the Yankees?

Are the sox waiting for the all star break to make a move on another power hitter?

Peter
What are your thoughts of Hanley Ramirez and what would it take to make that happen. That big bat to me brings us closer to the Yankess and provides protection in case Ortiz and or Lowell's production slips.

Mr G a big fan here for a long time now. Any chance at all that baeball will go into some kind of salary cap. I think the game needs it to keep smaller markets cometative. It is so unfair that team like the Sox etc can buy more players

Mr. Gammons,

Always a pleasure to read/hear what you have to say. It seems that the only 2 positions the Sox can significantly upgrade this off-season are catcher and short. Do you see them making any more moves or do you think they are done now?

Why do the Red Sox continue to talk with Scott Boras? He continually shows them how bad he is for their business- situations with Teixera, Damon, Dice K, Varitek and others. Most notably the Manny fiasco. By now Boras has lost credibility everywhere (the A-Rod world series thing, advising Varitek not to take arbitration, etc.) Why deal with him at all? He ruins the game for all but a handfull of clients, and is bad for business.

Hi Peter ,

Do you think the red sox try to get a home run hitter in the line up.
or do there need one

Mr. Gammons,

Reading through an article of yours the other day and it sounded as if you thought that Tek would not be back with the Sox? Did I read that wrong? If Tek comes back do the Sox still trade for Saltalamacchia and carry 3 catchers on the roster?
Seems ideal to have Salty learn from Tek for a couple seasons.

peter... thanks for taking my question.... what do you think the red sox will do at the catcher's position?

Peter, big fan of you and your writing for the past 15 years....what is the situation with Varitek?

Peter, Is Rice in this Year?

Hello Peter,
It was reported weeks ago that the Sox had reached an agreement with Brad Penny & his signing was pending a physical.
When is this scheduled to occur.

The Red Sox seem to be taking care of business nicely by adding certain high q2uality low risk players to the roster. Is there any likelihood of them doing a stealth blockbuster deal at this time?

Peter, with the Sox having Gold Glove caliber 1B and 3B talent and the Yankees losing Giambi and Abreu, isn't it logical to assume it was the Red Sox pushing the price of Teixeira up for the Yankees and not the other way around? The Sox would have liked Teixeira but they didn't need him. The Yankees HAD to sign Teixeira and Sabathia(Mussina 20Ws and 200+inn) just to make up for what they lost to free agency, no? Not to mention losing the back pages to Wright, Reyes and Santana. The Yankees are stronger with the signings and with Wang coming back, but Wang is as much of a question as Lowell until he proves otherwise. The Red Sox on the other hand have increased their options and opportunities to improve at catcher and maybe shortstop with the signings of Penny, Smoltz, Baldelli and possibly Kotsay. What are the possibilities of other Sox prospects, like OFs Brandon Moss, Chris Carter, Jonathan Van Every,or Ps David Pauley, Devern Hansack/ Chris Smith being included in a trade for one of Texas' catchers? One last question, are Hagadon or Holdzkom on the fast track?

Are you concerned about the stalled Youkilis negotiations? Do you think the Sox will sign him long-term?

Peter, with the Sox having Gold Glove caliber 1B and 3B talent and the Yankees losing Giambi and Abreu, isn't it logical to assume it was the Red Sox pushing the price of Teixeira up for the Yankees and not the other way around? The Sox would have liked Teixeira but they didn't need him. The Yankees HAD to sign Teixeira and Sabathia(Mussina 20Ws and 200+inn) just to make up for what they lost to free agency, no? Not to mention losing the back pages to Wright, Reyes and Santana. The Yankees are stronger with the signings and with Wang coming back, but Wang is as much of a question as Lowell until he proves otherwise. The Red Sox on the other hand have increased their options and opportunities to improve at catcher and maybe shortstop with the signings of Penny, Smoltz, Baldelli and possibly Kotsay. What are the possibilities of other Sox prospects, like OFs Brandon Moss, Chris Carter, Jonathan Van Every,or Ps David Pauley, Devern Hansack/ Chris Smith being included in a trade for one of Texas' catchers? One last question, are Hagadon or Holdzkom on the fast track?

Thank you Peter for everything that you do! What affect do you think John Smoltz will have on the younger pitchers on the staff? Thank you!

What is the status of Curt Schilling or have I missed something?

hi PETER
first of all, let me say i love the passion you have for baseball
i'm a big fan of yours
i was wondering what your thoughts were on the chances of Joe Mauer hitting free agency rather than sign long term contract with contract with the Twins
that would be a great fit for the Red Sox or anyone else for that matter

John Henry's hedge fund is off 95% from it's '05 high. Any bearing on team payroll being way down since the '07 team?

Peter- good to hear from you. Project ahead to opening day for the Red Sox- who's throwing the ball back to Josh Beckett?

I think that Manny would pull the same nonsense that he did here out in LA if he doesn't get at least a 3-4 year deal.

Peter, Great to see you on Boston.com. What are your thoughts on how much Rocco Baldelli can contribute to the Red Sox, knowing that he's signed on as the 4th outfielder?

You have to love that Peter is answering fluff questions only. I doubt he'll answer my question about he and Buster Olney being partially to blame for the Steroid Era. If he knew nothing about players using steroids I'll take a bath in a pig pen.

If the Sox can't get Varitek signed, what are their best options behind the plate for 09 and beyond?

Is it possible that MLB teams start doing Sign and Trades in order to bypass the compensatory draft pick system that has been dragging down free agency? In other words, is a scenario possible where Boston signs Varitek and trades him to Florida for a lower level draft pick without Florida giving up a #1?

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Do you think the red sox will sign anyone else?

Do you think the red sox will sign anyone else?

What odds do you give that Baldelli really has beaten or can beat (control?) his medical condition enough to play 100 games? Is there any hard medical evidence to suport the idea that he has?

Peter: the insane spending by the evil empire never assures much until the games begin. Truly, not many more free agents are out there. My main concern is finding a way to keep Tek. What is your take on that possibilitty. Also do you feel Scott Boras was involved with the way Manny played last year?

Hi Peter
Whats your feeling on Jim Ed? Does he make it this year?

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Do you think the red sox will sign anyone else?

hi PETER
i dont think the red sox should give up buchholz and other top prospects for one of the 2 talented texas catchers
due to the fact that they themselves are prospects, not proven or a sure thing
whats your feelings on this?
what would you do ?

Smoltz Set up For Pappelbon or 5th Starter?

Peter,
One Arizona BBWAA writer (Corky Simpson ) left Rickey Henderson off of his ballot
yet voted for eight other players. He claims he regrets the error and would "would vote for him next time" as if there would be a next time. Should he have his BBWAA card rejected?

Peter,
One Arizona BBWAA writer (Corky Simpson ) left Rickey Henderson off of his H.O.F. ballot yet voted for eight other players. He claims he regrets the error and would "would vote for him next time" as if there would be a next time. Should he have his BBWAA card rejected?

Do you think there is a chance that Manny will come back to Boston?

Peter, in your opinion can the Red Sox contend in the much improved East without a big bat to replace Manny, or is their current lineup good enough based on the pitching staff?

Do you think that there is a chance Manny will come back to Boston?

Why didn't the Bosox bring back Alex Cora, a proven commodity and great on field and clubhouse guy who'd expressed an interest in coming back? Nick Green seems like a weak replacement. Was money the issue?

Hello Peter,
It was reported weeks ago that the Sox had aquired Brad Penny.
How come theres been no offical signing?

If the Sox resign Tek, what type of year would you expect from him?

Do you think Jason Bay did a good job replacing Manny?

Do you think that Marc T deal will hamper the signing of Veriteck. They are both Scott Boras's clients.

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Hey Peter,

Do you think there is any chance the Sox could get Hanley Rameriz from the Florida Marlins? I know there was talk about it recently but seemed to die out. He would be awesome with the Sox.

What will the Sox do at SS in 2009? Any big names out there for possible free agents in the future at SS?

Hi Peter

Are the sox interested in Adam Dunn? If not why?

Peter,
How much longer is Papelbon tied up for? He seems very vocal about going to the highest bidder when he has the chance. How do you see this playing out?

Serously? That's it? Nothing on Texeira or even Baldelli? Nothing about the Yankees' spending spree? COME ON!

Pete

Would you take Manny Ramirez back?

Hey Peter,
First off I just want to let you know that You are the true basesball guru and when anything big may be happening I only believe it when you say it. My question for you is, what do you think the chances are of maybe getting back into talks with the Marlins about a trade for Hanley Ramiraz? He would be just the boost the sox would need in the lineup and his defense speaks for itself.

Do you see any scenario whereby the Red Sox make a deal with the Twins for Joe Mauer prior to next season. And what do you think it would take. Personally, the Sox have the pitchers and/or players to give, and Mauer would be a great fit for the Sox and Fenway.

Peter:
Do you think the Sox acted to aggressively in acquiring Bard? It seems that with no other offers for the 'Captain' that a combo of Veritek and one of the young Texas catches would be the way to go.

Peter,
In my estimation, the Sox have done a terrific job in developing and acquiring players with the fortitude to handle the pressure of being perennial contenders in the AL East. That said, I hate the "body language" of Bucholz, before his value falls into the Craig Hansen territory isn't he the most logical piece to get a catching prospect?

What will happen with Julio Lugo and what was it that made the Red Sox so hot to get him for a number of years?

Peter, The C.C. signing is obviously a big deal in the AL east, but I question he's really worth the money. His career numbers, before his 3 month stint in the NL last year are good, but not great and his post season numbers are horrible. What do you expect from him this year (wins & ERA)?

Hey Peter
Any thoughts on how confident the Sox brass are with Lowrie at short? It seems SS has been an achiles heel ever since the last No. 5 left town. I've heard distant rumors of Theo liking Texas' Michael Young, although he's not getting any younger. Do you think the Sox have their sights on some long term plan at short, or are they confortable with Lowrie for the time being?
See you at that Chart Room in Falmouth this summer

What do you think of the pat Burrell signing in Tampa Bay?

hi peter , i can't understand why the sox won't trade bucholtz or bowden for one of the texas catchers it would seem like a no brainer to me

Will there be any surpirses out of spring training, such as a rookie darkhorse to make the roster?

Legend.

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Dear Peter,

Isn't Pedro a free agent again this year? And, if so, wouldn't it be nice to bring he back?

I feel very positively about the Rocco Baldelli signing. From what I understand, if he can put his medical issues behind him, he has the potential to be as good as any player they have. Do you agree with that assessment,?

Hi Peter
A lot has made of losing out on Texiera. Many people feel that the Red Sox did not play their cards right; however, isn't it true that in the pursuit of any Free Agent involving the Yankees and Red Sox (or any other team for that matter), that utlimately if the player just wants the most money that it will always come from NY. Assuming the interest in the player's services is the same on both sides.
The only way the Red Sox have upped the Yankees on bringing in stars from outside the organization is thru trades (Beckett, Schilling, etc) or better scouting/talent evaluation. (David Ortiz)

why don't they go after Jake Peavy? You can never have enough pitching!

/

are michael bowden and clay buccholz that great of a commodity even though buccholz had an awful season last year and we don't know what to expect from bowden?

Jim Rice - 77-79 .320 124hr 384RBIs and 37 triples over this three year strech. Oh, 619 hits. Plus the Royals went with a four man outfield in a game at fenway on NBC GAME OF THE WEEK...Rice Homered!!!! I have campained for this guy for 20 years. You are good at exit polls, is he in this year?

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Combine the money spent on a 42 year old rehabbing pitcher, a fourth [or fifth] outfielder who battles a disease and a pitcher with shoulder problems. Thats almost the amount that made the difference between getting Mark Teixeira signed before there ever was a second (and winning) Yankee offer. But somehow the addition of three injured players will be better than whatever move the Evil Empire makes. Or was the Tex chase just a hoax? You lost Mr. Gammons. Mind to share whatever you using btw?

Oh, and real classy that jab at Leigh Teixeira. Very funny Mr. Gammons, stop hating, stop crying because all that hate is going to be there all season long. If the Yanks signed Smoltz, Baldelli and Penny, there would be blogs all over the place about "Yanks once again overpaying aging injured has-beens". But now the almighty Red Sox did it, it the greatest thing since chowda.

why not Adam Dunn? sounds crazy? Well Theo is a big stat guy and Dunn is the antithesis of OBP right? WRONG, in fact his lifetime OBP is HIGHER than TEXEIRA'S!!!!! Look it up, i believe it's 381 (tex) to for Dunn. Dunn walks over 100 times a year..in CINCINNATTI!!!!!Imagine him sandwiched between Ortiz (4 spot) and Drew (6 spot). His avg is 240 compared to tex's 285 or so. that computes to about 25 hits a year. The slugging pct is in tex's favor but not by alot. Dunn could probably be had for 15mil for 4yrs. lot cheaper than tex and in line with the young budding Sox hitters who will be free agents. He's lefty and so is Ortiz but I think its a good fit. He could be a stop gap if Ortiz doesn't fully recover.

will David Ortiz have another up and down year ??

Who's bat are the sox going to put in front of Big Papi?

Why would the Sox not go after Orlano Carbrara and bring him back at shortstop ? Then they could keep Jed Lowrie as a utility infielder and try and trade Julia Lugo. I would think Cabrera would be an asset again.

Peter, Considering the lack of a steady full time shortstop I'm surprised the Sox never made an effort to resign Orlando Cabrera. He seemed to be a great fit in the Sox club house.

Gammons your a pro BoSox jerk and if Theo stopped quick you'd smother. Authority on baseball ......hahahahahjust a pro Suxer

It was better when the Globe ran the transcripts of these chates

I am a little nervous about these injury prone players. Colon didn't work out last year. Also, was the Hanley trade out of desperation and would he be worth some of our young players.

The Red Sox will be in a budget scenarion and have prospects to offer before the trading deadline. Are they positioning themselves for that after having lost out on big budget players? Who might they be targeting?

Peter, where is Alex Cora going to end up? I didn't hear that he signed with anyone yet? Thank you.

Mr. Gammons: Regarding the catching situation...
1) Do you think Varitek will be back?
2) Who in your opinion is the best catcher available and what might he cost?
3) Why did the bring back Bard who showed he can't catch Wakefield (seems like a must for a Red Sox backup catcher) and doesn't hit much either?
Thanks

What if anything is happening with Curt Schilling?? Is he not a pitcher of interest to the Sox similar to the Smoltz signing?? I'd like to see him back as I would bet he has some gas left in the tank.

peter, how high do you think the yankees payroll can go? is it possible to reach 500 million a year some day? do the red sox trade for a catcher?

Peter, how is your health these days? You gave us quite the scare last year. Please take it easy and keep up the great work!

Good news on Beckett, Buchholz, Penny, Smolz and the rotation in general, and positive comments on RRamirez and Masterson for the Pen. Seem like Theo did it again.

Any chance of Millar coming back to the sox? If so will they allow the sox to drink whiskey in the clubhouse?

What is the likelihood that the Sox can acquire SS Michael Young and a catcher from the Rangers in exchange for Bucholtz ? Surely Texas must realize that noone trades a highly touted young pitcher for only a highly touted catcher.

Peter

I guess we all know the Sox want Salty from Texas. . I don't think they will give up Buckholtz, Bowden or Anderson. What do you believe the Sox are willing to give up and will that get it done or are one of those three a deal killer?

Peter,

I love what the Sox have been doing lately in lieu of the fact that they lost out on Texeira....my one concern is for another bat in the lin-up to both protect Papi and to add to the offense in the absence of Manny....although good at DH...how does Dunn look to you for the Sox? I think he would eat up Fenway Park.

Who do the Sox have hiding in the reeds,off radar, that could make the team this spring.

What are the chances that the Boston Redsoxs trade for Brewers SS J.J. Hardy or Texas Rangers SS Micheal Young ? They would be huge upgrades at the position for the Redsoxs because Jed Lowrie is uncertain and Julio Lugo was a Horrible acquistion.

I have heard you say the Sox may wait until March to trade for a catcher. Assuming that at over a million, Bard is on this team, what happens to Varitek? I realize that teams have to surrender a first round choice to sign him but what would the Yankees have left to give up? I assume the Yanks forfeited picks already in signing CC, AJ, and Tex.

I would think Tek would be a nice tutor for the Yanks new toys.

Peter, I hope the buzz about the Sox talking to Arizona about Montero is just talk....don't you think the better option is one of the two Ranger catchers?
Also, are the Rd Sox going to make a move for a short stop? Why the aversion to Caberara...he certainly has a better stick then the two options we hold now in Lugo and Lowrie

Hi Peter.
I would like to know what is likely to acquire Boston SS Michael Young 1B Princer Fielder or someone else or are in the sights of the Red Sox to protect David Ortiz or just to fill gaps missing, this will be rumors or are dadando the negociaciones.esa is a concern of mine that I would like to know.

Peter, I heard the Young from the Rangers has requested a trade. why can the Sox try to work something with them including Young and a catcher? we can solve the 2 holes that we currently have with that trade.

Peter are the Sox not signing Tek because Boras is his agent or because they feel he has lost a step? Also what percentage of players have Boras as their agent and why is he so popular among players? What is your opinion of Boras? It seems to me he hurts his clients more than he helps them.-example-Manny

Hello, Mr. Gammons:

I have often run across people who consider you to be a regretless Red Sox sympathizer. And when I started hearing that, I started paying much closer attention to your TV reports and newspaper columns. What I found was that you are a very respected man in the MLB industry, and that you often get the scoop on a big story, no doubt in my mind due in no small part to that aforementioned respect. But I have never seen any lack of professional journalism in your reporting; I think you are unbiased and professional, regardless of what your personal allegiances may be ( I assume from your bio that they do indeed lie with the Red Sox). I just wanted to let you know that someone out here thinks that about you.

Now that I've buttered you up, I'd like to ask your advice. I am trying to prevail over a debate about the concept of a salary cap in baseball, and can't, for the life of me, find information regarding MLB Central Fund distributions and Revenue Share distributions for 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2004. Can you point me in the right direction? I would kill for a spreadsheet or similar definative information.

Glad you came throught the stroke ok. May you live to be a thousand years old.
Sincere