Q&A with Mazz

Mantas: you in St. Pete right now, Tony?

Tony Massarotti: Actually, no. I'm in Tampa. But I'll obviously be in St. Pete later. You keeping a log?

orlando_soxfan: I noticed Timlin is on the roster. How might he be used?

Tony Massarotti: Hed's probably the emergency guy - the last reliever to be used before Byrd. Byrd will be last in the event the Sox get into a long game - they'll need someone on the mound who is stretched out.

BRADYMOSS: Hey Tony, I was just wondering do feel that with Youk at 3rd and Kotsay at 1st we are still just as good if we did have Lowell healthy. I think so, Lowell had an unbelievable year last year but he is who he is 280/20/80? What do you think?

Tony Massarotti: They're a better team with Lowell in the lineup, but as far as Plan(s) B go, this is a good one.

Mantas: Tony, what do you expect from Jason Bay this series?

Tony Massarotti: Not sure as he can be exposed by right-handed pitchers who can control the outside corner. But he might be able to have a big game against Kazmir.

pat_from_lowell: What's the latest on Drew? Will he be in the lieup tonight?

Tony Massarotti: Expecting so. He will probably sit against Kazmir with Coco Crisp inserted into the lineup for Game 2 - but that's just a guess.

soxanddodgers: What's the mood like down there? Can you tell there is a playoff baseball series going on?

Tony Massarotti: area seems geuinely interested, if that's what you mean. games are sold out. atmosphere should be good.

orlando_soxfan: Who will need to hit/pitch beyond expectations to secure a win against the rays? Tek? DelCarmen? Beckett?

Tony Massarotti: We actually posted our five keys to the series this morning. Check `em out!

soxwinsoxwin: Do you see the Sox winning tonight?

Tony Massarotti: I think their better shot is in Game 2, but you never know. Pedroia and Ortiz certainly need to produce more than they did in ALDS. If that happens, everything changes.

JayBay_in__08: MAZZ... so glad you came over to the Globe! What do you think about the difference between starting Beckett in game 2 (and 6 if nec.) and Lester in 3 (and 7 if nec.) instead of the other way around? Lester has been your best guy and having him start (maybe) only one game in the series seems foolish and giving him the ball in game 2 would have been normal rest. No disrespect to Beckett but we know he's not ok and could use an extra 2 days rest.

Tony Massarotti: people are analyzing this too much. if need be, the sox can switch latedr. lester can pitch 3 and 6, the latter on FULL REST.

catfewd: Hi Tony, You're a great addition to the Globe. I know they've exceed expectationall yr, etc, etc. but I have to think the previous playoff experience is a massive plus for the Red Sox in the series. Am I being overly optimistic?

Tony Massarotti: Experience is their greatest asset, no question. Just not sure how much of a benefit it will be because this Rays team strikes me as fearless.

Pudge: I know they are inside, but has Mike Lowell been able to work out with the team in the warmer weather?. Thanks

Tony Massarotti: He's getting treatment on his hip and doing what he can, but don't get your hopes up. I wouldn't expect him to play again.

rr: Will the Rays lack of a legitimate closer hurt their chances or is their bullpen that good?

Tony Massarotti: Absence of a true closer is indeed a concern, but we'll see. Remember: Before Dan Johnson homered against Papelbon in Boston last month, Jason Bay homered against Dan Wheeler. The Red Sox would seem to have an edge there.

Mantas: Tony, who would you prefer the Sox to play for an eventual WS, considering last night's result?

Tony Massarotti: DODGERS!!!!!

SoxSkeptic: Mazz, I don't like the rotation. I would have preferred to space out Beckett and Dice-k. I worry bout the pen being over used with them back to back. You agree?

Tony Massarotti: When you get right down to it, Lester really wasn't a wise option for Game 2. The man is not a robot. People need to understand the demands of pitching at this time of year.

wally97: Will the Trop actually sell out tonight?

Tony Massarotti: I believe it already has!

Bellhorn: Hey, Tony, I enjoy your column.....It's always a nail-biter for me to watch Dice-K pitch, but tonight will be especially tense, I think!

Tony Massarotti: When Dice pitches ... is it ever NOT tense?

orlando_soxfan: Do you see these next few games as potential pitchers duals or will they be higher scoring then previous meetings?

Tony Massarotti: I would expect low-scoring games throughout this series. The pitching (on both sides) is just too good.

BRADYMOSS: Tony, Rays reliever Grant Balfour has been really good for them, but all he has is a 97mph fastball. Can't the hitters sit on that especially when they know it's coming? Think the sox can get to him?

Tony Massarotti: Hmmm. Doesn't Papelbon get away with just fastballs most of the time? If you can spot 97, you don't need much else. Location, location, location...

db: What is a better investment...GM stock, or a bet in Vegas on Sox in 5?

Tony Massarotti: Good question. Given market's status, I'd probably take my chances with the Sox.

Ackman: Why is Jason Bay batting 6th and not 4th? Is Youkilis really built to be a clean-up hitter? Don't get me wrong, I love Youk, but I'm not sure his skills match that spot in the lineup.

Tony Massarotti: Couldn't disagree more. I think Youkilis is their best and most disciplined hitter now - with the possible exception of Pedroia.

PMac: Are you as tired of Papelbon's excessive celebrations as much as I am? What happened to act like you've been there before? One of these days someone is going to get hurt jumping up and down and rolling an ankle on a bat, or pulling a muscle while dancing like an idiot.

Tony Massarotti: Admittedly, the celebrtaions are over the top. But you are who you are.

DCFoye: Why not throw wake in the dome game 1?

Tony Massarotti: well, he WAS their No. 4 starter. And as we mentioned before, his numbers here were not nearly as good this year - different Tampa team now...

JayBay_in__08: How does JD look this week? No one talked about it last week but he definitely looked like he was continuing to stretch his back between swings, etc.

Tony Massarotti: Nobody said he was 100 percent, but he can play.

Big_Doog: Tony, to me the key to this series is David Ortiz. He needs to start hitting with power. If he gets hot he could carry the team. Do you think he's been getting good pitches to hit? Youk seems to be good enough protection for him.

Tony Massarotti: Ortiz looked to be getting a lot of breaking balls in the Angels series, many of which he chased. He needs to start taking walks and trust Youkilis, Drew and Bay.

ray: Tony, great work, do you think "when" the Sox beat the Rays they will continue their dominance in the World Series over the inferior national league?

Tony Massarotti: don't put the cart before the horse. win this series first. tampa deserves reespect.

Mantas: Tony, when is El Caballito finally gonna start blasting, in your opinion...and do you know if Stephen King's gonna be there to haunt Tampa?

Tony Massarotti: Pedroia will hit. Don't know about Stephen King.

richmond_sox: tony, am i the only guy that sees taht manny deal as our having given manny to the dodgers for nothing, then making a separate deal with pittsburg? it's not being presented that way, but ultimately that is how it is.

Tony Massarotti: i think everyone has acknowledged that the dodgers got Manny for nothing. The Red Sox viewed it as addition by subtraction. Bay was a nice bonus.

DCSoxfan: Hi Mazz, really enjoying your articles on Boston.com. Going back to the last game with the Angels...the tag that Tek made to throw out the runner at third on the suicide squeeze. It has caused so much controversy (and given the folks on ESPN something to talk about). Why didn't Tek just throw to Youk who could have easily tagged out the runner?

Tony Massarotti: Because the runner did not fully commit to third. Varitek played it right. By the time Willits broke, Varitek was too close to risk a throw.

PMac: I still think Lester should have started the 8th in the last game, and that Francona's biggest weakness is his game-day management, despite the article in today's Globe.

Tony Massarotti: Again, pitchers aren't robots. Looked to me like Lester was spent after the seventh - which is what he told the pitching coach.

Booyah: The Trop is sold out, but it's typically an easy destination for Sox fans - are you expecting a large contingent of Sox fans there tonight (more than usual)?

Tony Massarotti: Not as large as usual, but yes.

orlando_soxfan: I know everyone has already changed the name of the mgr of the year award to the Joe Madden award, but couldn't a case be made for Tito given the lineups/wins he's put together despite injuries? I'm not saying there's any chance that would happen, but wanted to get your thoughts...

Tony Massarotti: Francona did a terrific job this year, but I'd still put him behind Maddon and Ron Gardenhire of the Twins...

SoxSkeptic: the playoffs are tense and with the past history between these teams has MLB issued a warnings to the umps?

Tony Massarotti: Umps don't get warnings ... they give them. Something tells me that the magnitude of the games will have everyone of their best behavior.

Big_Doog: Tony, I love Timlin and what he's done for the team. I especially liked what he said about Wakefield after the WS last year. But was he really the best choice as the last roster spot? Is Aardsma still hurt? Or should they have kept another bat?

Tony Massarotti: Aren't you splitting hairs at this point? Does Aardsma or Gil Velazquez really inspire that much confidence in you?

pat_from_lowell: Tony, can we expect Francona to continue to use Masterson in the eigth as a bridge to Papelpon? Does Mastreson project to you as a starter or reliever next year?

Tony Massarotti: Still think Francona will matchuip in eighth, but yes. As for next year, I'm not sure the Sox know yet. May depends on whatever other moves they make, but it's nice to have the flexibility, no?

RTFM: Hi Mazz! I wasn't sure until someone else brought it up. DO was announcing for one of the division series ... [1] Why not Sox/Angels, and [2] Is he going to get the call for any other series, hopefully Sox/Tampa Bay?

Tony Massarotti: My guess is they wanted an unbiased viewpoint.

Tony Massarotti: Not a criticism of Don there, by the way, but do you think Angels fans would have been happy with that?

BRADYMOSS: Tony both Carlos Pena and Ortiz are the big boppers for each team who do yout think will have the better series. Ortiz struggled in thr ALDS and i'm sure Pena is overally excited to be playing back in his home state.

Tony Massarotti: Longoria and Upton scare me more than Pena does.

Kyle: This may be a little over-analytical, but would it have made sense to start Beckett in Game 1 on normal rest, instead of his previous rough outing on 13 days rest? I like a Beckett in his normal routine in Game 1.

Tony Massarotti: You're overanalyzing. Beckett is fine. The extyra day should helpo - especially if hjios oblique is still an issue.

Bellhorn: Very happy that the first two games are weekend nights!

Tony Massarotti: Amen to that- at least for you. Unfortunately, my kids get up on the weekends at the same time they do during the week. Love those road trips!

JayBay_in__08: I am in a wedding tomorrow DURING game 2... can you write a Human Interest piece adviseing all weddings be cancelled for the next 3 weekends?

Tony Massarotti: Just sneak out and find a TV at the bar. Have done that in the past and it works.

gouconn13: I know Tampa own Boston this year, but if you look at the roster for Tampa against Boston, Maddon probably have used over 30 plus different players in all 18 games this year. Now Maddon have left off Dan Johnson and Eric Hinske along with few others, do you think he will now have a disadvantage on beating Boston due he only have 25 playoff players on his roster??

Tony Massarotti: With all due respect, this makes no sense. They also won 4 of the final six without Longoria, Upton and Crawford, basically.

RTFM: Hi Mazz, Can we expect both teams to be professional and NOT clear the benches because of HBP's during this series?

Tony Massarotti: I would think so, yes.

Jake_Peavy: Hi Tony, I was just wondering where I'm going to be playing next year?

Tony Massarotti: I'm sticking with the Padres. Stay sexy, San Diego!

Tony Massarotti: Wait. Is it stay classy? Never actually saw the movie.

orlando_soxfan: As far as the Rays pitching staff is concerned, what Sox hitter would you guess they fear the most?

Tony Massarotti: FEAR? Ortiz. RESPECT? Youkilis.

Booyah: OK, this is all fantasy at this point, but imagine Sox get to the WS and are winning a blowout in the final (winning) game - would the final outs go to Papelbon, or to the likely-to-retire veteran Mike Timlin?

Tony Massarotti: Papelbon. No room for sentimentality in the playoffs.

G: Tony, I realize it's old news but wanted to ask your opinion about the whole Coco brawl. Alot of people aftewards kept saying "I can't believe he charged the mound." My question is why? If we look at the sequence of events, it only makes sense. Tampa got all this started when the second basemen blocked second with his knee. Everyone, including Remy, said that was not right. So, as payback, Coco went in hard to second. It should have been done with there. Instead, they throw at him, so of course he's going to charge the mound. Also, I thought it was unbelievable the way Crawford, Iwamura, Navarro and the others acted. No respect for Maddon for saying his team did the "right thing" in that brawl.

Tony Massarotti: Actually, I thought the Rays stood up for themselves quite nicely. Sounds to me like you're looking at it solely through the eyes of the Red Sox.

Big_Doog: At least Aardsma can hit 96 on the radar gun. Timlin doesn't fool anyone nowadays. I just don't want to see him in an extra inning game is all.

Tony Massarotti: Aardsma can't throw strikes consistently.

matth: How hard will the Sox try to obtain a new catcher in the offseason or will the Sox have to put up with Varitek for at least one or two years?

Tony Massarotti: Expect them to try to re-sign him for two years - and to get him some help, maybe from the left side, if it exists

fessiewig: On paper, the Sox don't have a chance. With Dice-K matched up against Tampa's hitters who will wait for thier pitch and their speed on base both are bad for Dice-K.

Tony Massarotti: I wouldn't go that far. They didn't have a chance on paper against the Angels, either, but LA blew the series.

PMac: You're picking Rays in six. I'm picking Sox in six. I'll take you to Neptune Oyster in the North End if you're right. Where will you take me if I am right?

Tony Massarotti: Golden Arches?

nomar10: Is Varitek gone after this year giving he was upset for being pitch hit for?

Tony Massarotti: he likes it here. wants to stay here. needs to hit better. simple as that

Kyle: it's stay classy haha

Tony Massarotti: thought so

B: You on the Big Show today, Mazz? I'm sure you can't answer on here, so just post a random "17" if yes.

Tony Massarotti: yes, i can answer - and no, i'm not. now that i'm here, i can't be there. get the picture?

DCSoxfan: Do you see the Sox making any "BIG" moves this off-season: Sabathia, Burnett, Holliday, etc? And how likely is Manny in pinstripes next year?

Tony Massarotti: if manny goes to the yankees, i'll be shocked. and don't the sox almost ALWAYS make a big move?

HottKarlMalden: whatup

Tony Massarotti: chillin'

californiapdentist: it was a news reporter, but still . . .

Tony Massarotti: news reporters are fans. they think it's ``nice'' when the home team wins and that it's ``cute'' when players embrace each other. they generally have no clue

Tony Massarotti: shame on them for having a good pespective on the world

Kyle: I'm wondering how you think the whole Lugo/Lowrie situation at short will play out. Do the Sox try and move Lugo, or possibly stick him into a 9 million-a-year utility man? Or (Heaven Forbid) start Lugo again?

Tony Massarotti: tough guy to trade, no? If they eat $6-$7 million a year, they might be able to move him. i wouldn't rule that out.

Giggsy_O_Shea: What was the deciding factor for wakefield over byrd?

Tony Massarotti: if wake pitches as reliever, sox have to rotate catchers TWICE in mid-game. if he starts, they only have to do it once.

goods62 red sox have more intangilbles do you agree?

Tony Massarotti: yes, probably, but not as much as you might think

Fan_of_the_new_Manny: Tony: Will Manny Delcarmen's solid appearance in the ALDS mean that he'll get some meaningful time in the late innings?

Tony Massarotti: i wouldn't expect them to alter roles too much at this point, so expect to see him in the 6th and 7th, generally speaking. he pitched late in Game 4 because of Papelbon's uncertain status

wally1918: Why the 4:30 start on Monday? Is it a Columbus Day thing or a MNF thing?

Tony Massarotti: Probably MNF, but I like it.

James: Tony since you're at the Globe, you done with WEEI? I miss hearing the highest pitched voice in sports talk radio

Tony Massarotti: Yes, I'm done. Rules are rules.

DustyPedy: hey Tony, Fan of you work online. Todays paper talked alot about the sox and the young talent great story! i'd be interested to see how this would affect the teams payroll in the future and if maybe this might free up some money next season for them to go after a big RBI guy to fill mannys shoes

Tony Massarotti: depending on where payroll ends up, they will have $40-$60M to spend this winter, thanks largely to the flexibility their farm system has given them

sullydog: How do you see them using Casey for this series

Tony Massarotti: Not much - Kotsay at first, Casey probably to pinch-hit

franklyp: do you think the Sox will lock up Bay long term after the playoffs before he becomes a FA next year

Tony Massarotti: Maybe - or maybe they'll trade him (for Matt Holliday?)

mike65: With Beckett being there worst pitcher over the last few weeks, do you thing the order should have been Dice-K, Lester, and then Beckett?

Tony Massarotti: no, i don't. still trust beckett's heart.

Slim_Dickens: Who will the country know about after this series? Who will breakout?

Tony Massarotti: B.J. Upton?

Brian: After watching Lowe last night, I could not help but think he was watching his future payday take a tumble ... only 3 runs, but it is when it happened. Your thoughts?

Tony Massarotti: He will make a pile of money. He lost 3-2, not 10-2.

wally1918: Is it true that the Sox offered Manny for Bay straight up?

Tony Massarotti: To whom? Pittsburgh?

El_Tiante: Do you think the double Pedey hit against the angels will help him snap out of his little slump?

Tony Massarotti: Not worried about Pedroia. I thought the Angels pitched him really well. He's tough, as we learned last year.

HottKarlMalden: I see Masterson as Deer in Headlights during ALDS.

Tony Massarotti: You mean ALCS?

PMac: Are you as nervous about Masterson as I am? His first appearance against the Angels was shakey.

Tony Massarotti: Yes, a little. He still has trouble throwing strikes against lefties. He blew a game here late in the year.

HottKarlMalden: Who do we have to give up for Holliday- both from Prospect and Majors?

Tony Massarotti: Bay and Buchholz?

pat_from_lowell: Tony, do you think Theo may consider bringing back Derek Lowe?

Tony Massarotti: Doubt it

ddawga37: not to get off topic, but with all the success the Sox have had is it possible that both Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer are gone as GM's in 2009?

Tony Massarotti: Always possible - both are smart guys

PMac: Are you a Red Sox fan? Where did you grow up?

Tony Massarotti: When I'm not working ... sure. Went to Waltham HS.

franklyp: But if they sign Bay, wouldn't it be even more valuable to the

Tony Massarotti: Depends on what the salary is

pre440: do you think Shill will pitch next season and where?

Tony Massarotti: I'd expect him to retire, but you never know.

lester3117: If beckett was indeed just rusty . . . .I'd say the sox r fine . . . beckett and Lester twice . . .easy peasy lemon squeezy

Tony Massarotti: Agreed, but that's a big IF...

MA_dan_in_LA: What are the chances that the sox trade away Lowell for some youth with pop since he's getting towards the end of the rope and yet still has some value?

Tony Massarotti: Would you trade for him after hip surgery? C'mon. His value was higher LAST winter, when he was a free agent.

wally1918: That's what they are saying here in Pittsburgh. The Sox offered Manny for Bay straight up,

Tony Massarotti: And how would that benefit Pittsburgh?

DCSoxfan: Do you see Casey, Byrd, and Kotsay staying next year?

Tony Massarotti: Doubtful, but you never know. Would love to see them keep Kotsay, but he can probably play everyday somewhere else.

HottKarlMalden: Masterson looks like he's unable to handle the pressure right now. It is a lot to ask of a youngin' but long term he's gonna be a beast

Tony Massarotti: He's done fine so far. It is more of a reflection on the absence of veteran arms in their bullpen.

lester3117: which of the Rangers catchers will the sox trade for Teagarden, Salty or Gerald L? . . .I'd LOVE Teagarden but so do the Rangers

Tony Massarotti: Rangers are an obvious trade candidate, yes. Do we really know is Saltalamacchia can catch everyday in the big leagues? Regardless, the Sox love him.

HottKarlMalden: Why not just keep Lugo as a utility man? Among Lowell, Lowrie and Pedroia, Lugo could easily see 50-60 starts at SS as Lowrie spells Pedroia & Lowell . Makes sense to keep him over Cora, right?

Tony Massarotti: Minus the salary, I suppose. But don't you want your utility man to play good defense?

matth: Do you think TBS focused too much on the Angels during the ALDS? It seems like there was a million shots of the Angels dugout especially Mike Scoscia.

Tony Massarotti: Wasn't counting, but it didn't bother me.

pre440: who would be a better match-up in the WS the Dodgers or the Phil's? Im hoping Sox v. Dodgers since im currently living in LA!

Tony Massarotti: I think the Sox would have a better chance of hitting Philly's pitching, but the Dodgers series has more storylines

My_Dog_Sox: I actually though Varitek had better ABs in the ALDS than most of the season. Can he get hot and pop a couple?

Tony Massarotti: He has swung better for the last 6 weeks or so. And I'd be happy with singles.

HottKarlMalden: Bay & Bucholz are quite acceptable to give up for Holliday. I be down with that. Isn't Holliday 28 years of age?

Tony Massarotti: Yes ... just a couple of more questions...

bob: You may have already answered this so sorry if it is a duplicate question. I know you like the Rays in 6 but who do you like tonight's match up: Dice K vs. Shields. Just hope Dice K does not walk too many hitters...the Rays have speed.

Tony Massarotti: I like Shields. He's a gutsy kid. That's why he's pitching Game 1 for them.

franklyp: who do you think has a better shot of getting into HOF.. Tiant or Rice?

Tony Massarotti: Rice

Herewego: Assuming Lugo is gone... is Jed Lowrie our shortstop next year?

Tony Massarotti: Most likely. May be true even if Lugo is here.

MA_dan_in_LA: not to get TOO far ahead of ourselves, but if the sox play and beat the dodgers in the WS, Boston would have won consecutive titles (NBA and MLB) against the same city... when has that happened before?

Tony Massarotti: Interesting question. May have to look that up.

RickyResin: I actually enjoy your chats a lot. However . . . do you have a poster of Matt Holliday on your bedroom wall?

Tony Massarotti: No, just in my bathroom

pat_from_lowell: Tony, did you feel like you made the big leagues when you did the pre-game with Tom Caron, Jerry Remy, and Jim Rice.

Tony Massarotti: Indeed I did. High company there. All we needed was to replace Tom Caron with Eck.

Tony Massarotti: OK, folks, we're going to call it quits and prep for the game. As always, thanks for joining us and enjoy the game(s).

Tony Massarotti: P.S. Can't believe you didn't ask about the Bruins!!!