Q&A with Mazz

Tony Massarotti: If Drew can't go, Crisp will play. But Drew is the better player. In October, you go with your best.

orlando_soxfan: Who will be the first call in the bullpen if Lester or Dice-K get knocked out after 6 innings?

Tony Massarotti: Depends on the situation. If there are lefties due up, maybe Lopez. Delcarmen is also an option. Don't expect Masterson and Okajima until the seventh and eighth.

Mike_Lowell: Mazz, let's get right to it: Am I going to be on the playoff roster or not?

Tony Massarotti: Yes, Mike. Good luck with the hip.

orlando_soxfan: Is Casey that bad a fielder that he can't play more regularly? Kotsay isn't exactly lighting it up...

Tony Massarotti: The answer to your question is yet. And exactly how much offense did Casey generate this year?

Bushie: When did you first start following the Red Sox? What are your favorite teams? 1967? 1975? 1986? 2004?, 2007?, 2008?

Tony Massarotti: Started in early `90s. Loved the 2003 team - good guys, great games, tremendous personality.

Mike_Lowell: Mazz, love your stuff, but how come we haven't seen it in the Globe yet? Previous commitments forcing you to stay only online for a certain time period? When can we see you in print?

Tony Massarotti: Working primarily online in this technological age of ours, but I believe I'm in the paper today. Ready my introductory column/post for our philosophy here at Morrissey Blvd...

Bushie: The Red Sox don't seem to have any outspoken characters any more. Is this the trend in baseball? These guys seem to be media savy more so than the past generation of ballplayers. Do they receive media training these days?

Tony Massarotti: They've received media training for a while. Ortiz doesn't qualify as colorful?

Champs: Tony, what was your biggest reason on switching to the Globe?

Tony Massarotti: My boss. (Can I have a raise?)

mike: Hey Tony who do you think will win the ALDS?

Tony Massarotti: I like the Angels in 4. But ask me again tomorrow.

Ocho_Cinco: Hey Mazz, do you feel the red sox should start watching the conditioning of their pitchers? Beckett showed up chubby and his body is now paying for it, and dice might be able to get some more zip on his pitches if he gets more fit and trim.

Tony Massarotti: They do watch. Ultimately, that stuff comes down to commitment. But I think both are fine.

TexasSoxFan: Hi Tony, any report on how Becket felt today after throwing a bit yesterday?

Tony Massarotti: He only played catch. Big day is tomorrow, when he throws from a mound.

dave: Tony, Missing you on the Big Show!! 10 or 11 pitchers and will Timlin be on the roster?

Tony Massarotti: I'd bet on 10 with no Timlin, but that's just an opinion.

Coco_Crisp: Hey Tony, we barely get to talk anymore! What do you think are my chances of making an impact in the upcoming series? My thoughts are, lets beat them at their own game. We have speed in my legs, Jacoby, Petey, etc. What are your thoughts?

Tony Massarotti: Wassup, Coco? You could be a key guy off the bench - even a starter if Drew is hobbled. May the wind be at your back.

Champs: Lets set this straight:if the Sox can split in LA then they will win this series in four games. Correct?

Tony Massarotti: Not necessarily, but I'll like their chances a lot better.

Bushie: Your thoughts on where Manny plays in 2009?

Tony Massarotti: Excellent question. Texas?

sox_sweep_angels: Tony, who do you think is the key for the sox? Pedroia, Lester, Paps, Youk...?

Tony Massarotti: Ellsbury on offense. Okajima and Masterson on the pitching staff.

soxfan9: Tony, is Beckett pitching game 3 realistic? Oblique injuries aren't so quick to heal. I only see him pitching in the series if the Sox are down 0-2. Thoughts?

Tony Massarotti: Doesn't sound like it was a severe oblique strain. Don't rule him out ... yet.

dave: Tony, who will the Sox go to in the 8th inning with a lead? Materson, Okajima, or will it depend on matchups??

Tony Massarotti: Matchups!

bosoxrock: Tony: Noticed most writers picking Angels and Lackey has been getting scuffed up pretty well lately (8.14 ERA in September)....do you think they have the pitching to advance

Tony Massarotti: Yes, thay have the pitching. September was a meaningless month for them. Remember Sox last year?

Jersey_Santa: When do the official rosters get released to public? Thought they had to be in 2 hrs ago.

Tony Massarotti: 1 p.m. Eastern

sox_sweep_angels: Do you think Kotsay will have any role in this series?

Tony Massarotti: Potentially a big role. Kotsay is a good, hard-nosed player without the great numbers. But he knows how to play.

igotmylunchbox: Hi Tony, you say in a column today that the Red Sox are overmatched "on paper

Tony Massarotti: Yes, I do - injuries taken into account.

Bushie: Any chance that the Sox take a look at Carl Pavano in the off season?

Tony Massarotti: Are you nuts?

rdsox0521: If Sox win in 4 and Josh preforms "well", is he the game 1 starter

Tony Massarotti: Depends on health, but makes sense to me

seanomo: Hey Tony, Do you have any concern for the bottom of the order for the sox against this LA pitching? Especially Lowrie batting from the left side

Tony Massarotti: Heavens yes. Lots of strikeouts down there with Varitek and Lowrie. One of them needs to get hot.

orlando_soxfan: Byrd in game 4?

Tony Massarotti: Either him or Wakefield - may depend on whether either is used in Games 1 or 2

Tony Massarotti: Wait - I meant GAME 3 - Lester will pitch Game 4

PBandJay: Hey Mazz, any predictions for an unlikely hero from the Sox during this Series?

Tony Massarotti: Kotsay or Drew

Terry_Francona: Tony, am I going with Okie, Masty, or maybe even Paps in the 8th??

Tony Massarotti: How about all three?

igotmylunchbox: You say the Angels overmatch the Red Sox on paper, but the stats say otherwise (ERA, runs per game, strikeouts, etc) all either favor the Red Sox or are too close to judge...

Tony Massarotti: You're looking at stats from an entire year. Angels went 8-1 against this team - and most of those games were without Teixeira

Dice_-J: Tony, why you gotta get down on Dice-k so much? He's won 18 games-whadya want from a guy..forgetaboutit..

Tony Massarotti: The TEAM went 23-6 when he pitched, but he had a lot of help

Jersey_Santa: Is the ALDS where the Rays as a young team finally succumb to the pressure? They've been tough so far. Can it last?

Tony Massarotti: yes, it can. worried about their closing situation, but their middle relief and set-up is the best in the game

Terry_Francona: Tony, Do you think Bartolo Colon could eat me?

Tony Massarotti: yes - and with a side of pedroia

Champs: September in 2007 was hardly meaningless for the Sox, we were playing to win the division

Tony Massarotti: really? looked to me like they were resting people who were banged up

tony_is_fat: On a scale of 1-10 how much did the rapid rise of Lester surprise you?

Tony Massarotti: i'd say 8

dubsku05: Why is eveyone picking against the Sox? I don't particullary like the Angels Offense. I think that Lester and DIce-K is fine and Beckett is great in game 3. I am just not to scared.

Tony Massarotti: this is a different angels team. lineup is much better than in `04 or `07. don't get cocky...

bigtrout: Do you think Sox fans can count on Vlad struggling

Tony Massarotti: no. don't be silly.

zip: Do you think the Angels will pitch to Papi or pitch around him and make Youk or Bay beat them?

Tony Massarotti: to start, i bet they pitch to him

rdsox0521: SO Tony, does that mean they slot Lester as 2 or 3?

Tony Massarotti: not sure what you mean ... lester goes games 1 and 4 ... dice 2 and 5 ... beckett in 3

Bushie: Will Schilling be pitching for the Red Sox next year, or for that matter, for anyone?

Tony Massarotti: doubtful

SOSHer: Do you think the Sox will try to run more, play NL small ball, a bit more in this series?

Tony Massarotti: they've been running all year - they were third in AL in steals. they'll do what they have done all season - at least since manny left

orlando_soxfan: NL predictions?

Tony Massarotti: phils and cubs, cubs in WS

dubsku05: Can I start a fund to get rid of Lugo. I believe I could raise a couple Million!

Tony Massarotti: you'll need about 16 more...

Champs: Which game is bigger for the Sox GM 1 or 2? Which game do the Sox have a better shot to win?

Tony Massarotti: because of lester, gotta say game 1...

sox_sweep_angels: How do you like Dice K against this free swinging Angels team?

Tony Massarotti: good observation - it could be a good matchup for him. he shut them out for five innings in July before they had a 6-run inning against him...

CTPedroiaFan: Do you see Lowrie as the Bellhorn of this year's postseason? Lots of K's but solid in the field and a few clutch hits.

Tony Massarotti: good analogy - made it myself a few days ago

simmy: what is the feeling in la by Angels fans? They probably didn't want to see another Boston matchup?

Tony Massarotti: exactly. most people tend to focus on their own team's flaws. but this angels club is good, deep, healthy and balanced.

musial06: Where are you these days on "conflict of interest" issues? ;-)

Tony Massarotti: be more specific...

Terry_Francona: Lackey really as big as listed?? He doesn't look that big when I am in the dugout!

Tony Massarotti: he's huge. maybe the glare off your head is altering your vision

nato9: how can they risk roster spot if Lowell can't even swing bat?

Tony Massarotti: they can replace him in mid-series. besides, it's not like they have another ellsbury waiting in the wings...

MazMania: Tony, EEI or Boston.com?

Tony Massarotti: EEI has a website?

Concerned: I know that he threw too many pitches and gave up too many walks, but Dice-K didn't give up that many runs. Was he just lucky or is he good too?

Tony Massarotti: a little of both

dubsku05: Is anyone in the organizatin nervous about the huge jump in innings pitched for Lester and if that will hurt his future years

Tony Massarotti: not really. he looked quite strong at the end of the year. good delivery, strong kid - he's built to last (they hope)

ACELL_3: Hi Tony, do you know what the sox long term plans are for Lars Anderson? Lowell is locked in for two more years and if I am correct Youk is still arb elg. during that time too. Anderson could be ready before that...your thoughts?

Tony Massarotti: good problem to have, no? if he continues to develop, they can do any one of a million things. that's the beauty of having a productive farm system...

Bushie: Will the Sox go after Derek Lowe in the off season?

Tony Massarotti: would love to see it, but i doubt. in last 10 years, he's only ML pitcher to avoid the DL...

Champs: What are the expectations for Beckett? Gimmie his line.

Tony Massarotti: 7 ip, 6h, 3r, 3er, 2bb, 8k

rdsox0521: Tony I am listening to Tito right now on WEEI....why won't he release the information about the roster? Why do they have to wait until the last minute and let Theo do it even though Tito has stated he was decided last night

Tony Massarotti: what if someone falls in the shower or something?

Enza_s__1_Fan: If the sox can win a game in CA, do you think the odds are then in their favor to win the series

Tony Massarotti: better, yes ... in their favor, not sure...

CTPedroiaFan: Start Lowrie at AAA next year for more seasoning and play Lugo. If he is not playing better than this year after two months, bring up Lowrie and trade Lugo for whatever you can get.

Tony Massarotti: how about starting with lowrie as the utility guy and letting cora go?

nato9: pap is not same Pap as in previous yrs. Does that concern you? Gave up more hits than ever.

Tony Massarotti: true. also walked only 8 men. looked disinterested in september - until it was time to clinch...

bigtrout: Has Bay ever been in the Postseason? How do you think he'll play?

Tony Massarotti: excellent question. lackey is a bad matchup for him because he has a good breaking ball and turn the ball away from bay, where bay is vulnerable...

zoomzoom: why is beckett even making the trip to Calif?

Tony Massarotti: to work out and get treatment, etc. he is also a big believer in supporting his mates...

KazooKat: I gotta say I want to see Byrd pitching instead of Wake.

Tony Massarotti: wake might make more sense. pitching him out of the bullpen could require a shuffling of catchers in mid-game. who wants that?

jerry_boston: tony. if the red sox get by the angels you think we can repeat

Tony Massarotti: absolutely

rdsox0521: If Lowell is replaced mid-series....you lose him for the next round

Tony Massarotti: that is correct

nato9: So no more appearances on 'The Big Show'? I'll miss u and Big 'O' going at it.

Tony Massarotti: glenn talks enough for six people - eats enough for six, too

musial06: Re: Conflict of Interest" - Wasn't that a big beef of yours about the Globe when you were in the "old country"?

Tony Massarotti: you mean the 17 percent thing? i've changed my mind on that

rc: When does the MVP get announced?

Tony Massarotti: all awards get announced in november

Tony Massarotti: but ballots are already in

rdsox0521: tony is trying to be a funny guy

Tony Massarotti: what - i'm not succeeding?

****: Hey "Mazz" (your soo cool), I see your rooting against the locals again. Different paper, same old lame reporter.

Tony Massarotti: picked `em to win last year ... clearly, i have the same old lame readers

RedSoxSkeptic: are these the last games in a sox uniform for Tek, Timlin, and Coco?

Tony Massarotti: timlin - yes; coco - thought so last year, so no clue; varitek - bet he's back

KazooKat: I think Dice-K will get the Angels to swing at a lot of balls. Agree?

Tony Massarotti: quite possibly. of course, they could also hit them hard

Big_Dog: Hey Tony - you think the Sox will go after Teixiera in the o-season

Tony Massarotti: quite possibly. they certainly love his game. i also like the idea of trading for holliday

MazMania: *Putting up with Big O or chatting on Boston.com? That is better.

Tony Massarotti: definitely prefer chatting

KazooKat: I think we're gonna hit Lackey hard: he throws lots of strikes and we've got such good contact hitters...

Tony Massarotti: sox struck out more than angels did

Champs: Whats the chances that the Sox pull a houdini and sweep in LA?

Tony Massarotti: don't bet on a sweep - but yes, they could win if some things go right

Glennster: Hey Tony, When will we see Tito's starting line-up for tonight's game?

Tony Massarotti: probably this afternoon - but it should be pretty straightforward - ellsbury, pedroia, ortiz, youk, bay, lowell, drew, tek, lowrie

Terry_Francona: Tony, does the WEEI ban count for you if you only write online!!!!???

Tony Massarotti: yes, it counts. we here at the globe take a team approach

soxfaninVA: tony, if lowell is out, any chance we see lowrie at third, cora at short, and youk at first? i know it hurts us offensively, but seems to be MUCH better defensively. youk is a gold-glover at 1B, below average at 3B

Tony Massarotti: wouldn't say he's below average at third - played quite well there, i think. lowrie is better than cora at short and kotsay would do fine at first

Bushie: Is Timlin done? Even if he makes the post season roster(s), do you see him playing another year?

Tony Massarotti: i expect he will retire

Bring_Back_Edes: What time is game 3 at fens going to be

Tony Massarotti: my guess is prime time - isn't NL off that day?

Terry_Francona: speaking of D Lowe, he is dealing right now under 1 ERA in his last 8 starts I believe. What type of money you think he will get this offseason?

Tony Massarotti: a lot - maybe in the range of $13-$14 mil?

RedSoxSkeptic: does Lowe still have the blister issues? that never landed him on the DL?

Tony Massarotti: he got it under control his final years in boston...

Champs: If that is the line the Sox will get from Beckett, no doubt in my mind that they wil win this series.

Tony Massarotti: what if they lose the first two?

Ocho_Cinco: Hey Mazz! If the sox pull together and beat the angels and wind up playing the devil rays in the ALCS, who do you like to win that matchup?

Tony Massarotti: if the red sox win round 1, i am presuming reasonable health - so i'd take the sox

rdsox0521: Tony please tell me you are kidding in regards to the shower....the Angels have already not only released the playoff roster but they already have thier lineup

Tony Massarotti: good for them. why announce it early when you don't have to?

Tony Massarotti: but check the EXTRA BASES blog shortly after 1 and i bet we'll have it

TimothyB: Why did Gordon Edes leave the Globe?

Tony Massarotti: you should probably ask him that - you want me asking someone else about your business?

Terry_Francona: Bottom of the 9th, Game 7 of the WS, Bases Loaded, Red Sox 2 Dodgers 1, 3-1 Pitch to Manny Ramirez....what happens??

Tony Massarotti: who's pitching?

Number_2: Do we know if Lowell and Drew are in the starting lineups tonight?

Tony Massarotti: don't know yet, but i'd bet on it. bigger question is how long lowell can last if he plays.

Enza_s__1_Fan: Where will Jason Bay bat in the lineup tonight?

Tony Massarotti: i'm guessing he will hit fifth. no reason for them to change now. Lowell sixth, drew seventh

KazooKat: Lester's line tonight: 8 ip, 5 hits, 2r, 1er, 2bb, 6k

Tony Massarotti: nothing like asking the world of him, eh?

rc: How will we spend the $$ slotted for Manny?

Tony Massarotti: good question. with all the savings, sox will have $40-$60M to spend this offseason. They could acquire a big contract by trade (Holliday?) or free agency (Teixeira?). again, this is the beauty of having good, young (cheap) talent...

Glennster: What big name player do you think the RS will focus on in the off season for 2009?

Tony Massarotti: i'd package bay and a young pitcher (buchholz?) and try to get holliday, but that's just me

KazooKat: Timlin played hardball with a couple kids in Detroit looking for an autograph. I saw that and knew he was cursed for the year.

Tony Massarotti: don't put too much stock in autograph stories. deals - and some fans - can be relentless. i'd lose my patience, too

Bring_Back_Edes: Why are you so anti-sox, I have read much of your stuff and some of the NYC media sounds more pro sox then you

Tony Massarotti: i am not anti-sox. They have been the best team in baseball over the last 5-6 years and have a brilliantly run organization. i just think the angels are better this year. why do people always read into things so much?

soxfaninVA: will Coco get the start in game 3, vs. the lefty Saunders?

Tony Massarotti: lefties actually hit saunders better than righties this year, but for less power. tough call...

RedSoxSkeptic: is Varitek just getting old or was this a tough year due to his off-field issues?

Tony Massarotti: probably a little of both

Terry_Francona: Tony, who you think will win the NL?

Tony Massarotti: in the words of harry caray ... CUBS WIN!

KazooKat: good point, but Wake gets hammered by the Angels

Tony Massarotti: byrd has a 7.56 ERA against them this year

one_of_many_fans: I think Lugo should go back down to AAA and when he gets better bring him back up!

Tony Massarotti: simple solution, but not possible

Bring_Back_Edes: Wake should pitch game 3 unless becket is 100%, wake is a much better pitcher at home, and he will come up clutch if he pitches

Tony Massarotti: i also like wakefield for game 3 if beckett cannot go. really not sure of what sox plans are, however...

Tony Massarotti: only a few more minutes here folks, if that's ok...

SOSHer: What is your favorite "stat-head" stat for this series?

Tony Massarotti: hmmm... let's see... probably that the angels won 19 one-run games ON THE ROAD this year (19-12) while the Red Sox went 4-18 in the same situation

paulp: Tony, whats the word on Schilling? Will he be present in the dugout/clubhouse for postseason? Is there protocol on that?

Tony Massarotti: excellent question. he is not here. I will try to find out if it came up, but there are usually restrictions on number of players you can have in the dugout

teddyballgame9: Hi Tony what are your thoughts on Coco Crisp? Do you see him with the Sox next year. I remember reading that he was complaining alot about playing time.

Tony Massarotti: i didn't think he'd be with them THIS year. obviously, he's a trade candidate, but sox clearly won't give him away

JayRomano Tony how are you, current Tufts undergrad and brother of theta chi, just was wondering if by any chance you think dice-k can make it past the 5th or 6th inning?

Tony Massarotti: can he? yes. will he? your guess is as good as mine, comrade

Bushie: Do you think the two best teams in MLB are playing tonight in Anaheim, with all due respect to Tampa and the Cubs?

Tony Massarotti: no. i think the angels and cubs were the best teams in baseball this year

Glennster: I like Byrd, but you don't want to see him come in from the pen with bases loaded where he can give up the longball! Yikes!!

Tony Massarotti: he wouldn't enter in that situation. he'd start an inning.

Terry_Francona: Who do you miss the most from the Herald?? I know you are going to say Gerry Callahan!!!!

Tony Massarotti: honestly, i miss them all. good people there. they treated me very well. i honestly have no bad things to say. i hope they feel the same way.

Tony Massarotti: on that note, we're going to call it a wrap. thanks, as always, for the candid questions. i hope you all took attempts at humor as nothing more than that.

Tony Massarotti: enjoy the playoffs!