Today's Q&A with Mazz

Falaf_URI: Tony, What's more annoying: A Yankee fan from the Bronx or a Jet fan from Long Island?

Tony Massarotti: a yankees AND jets fan from manhattan

KC_in_NH: Any possibility of Sox interest in Trevor Hoffman?

Tony Massarotti: asked myself the same question. it would be curious to whether hoffman would have any interest in coming here as a set-up man, but i doubt it...

patsFan573: Hey Tony who would you rather have Saltalamacchia or Teagarden and why?

Tony Massarotti: i prefer defense, so i'd go with teagarden, who also has power. but saltalamacchia projects as the better offensive player and it's easier to make improvements on defense, so i think the sox will go after him...

fat_tony: on a scale from 1-10 how bad does tedy bruschi stink at football?

Tony Massarotti: a little harsh, aren't you? bruschi obviously isn't the player he was, but would never go so far as to say he stinks. the guy came back from a stroke, for goodness sake...

Nick__Watertown_: Any chance Bard makes the team coming out of camp?

Tony Massarotti: doubtful. probably more likely that he will go the papelbon/lester/masterson route and join the team during the season...

brock_landers: hi tony, as much as I get logistics in terms of age and injuries I still dont get trading lowell in order to free up money to get texiera. I like texiera but I think lowell is better than youk at third. I think the sox should trade Drew and shop for someone like kemp

Tony Massarotti: not an issue of freeing up the money. more of an issue of creating the opening. youk and tex are younger, so that's why lowell is the obvious choice to be traded....

NickyNick: hey tony, the bruins are looking pretty good, do you see them making any kind of a move to acquire someone like shananhan or sundin? possibly a trade for gaborik?

Tony Massarotti: hockey maneuverings aren't my specialty, but i think everyone is pleasantly surprised so far. if they can keep this up, it's good for all of us. bruins won me over last year in game 6 vs. les habs...

Maghnus: Think the Pats will go right at Law ? I do.

Tony Massarotti: not sure how much he'll actually be on the field, but i suppose so...

patsFan573: Can the Sox pry Teixeira for 22.5 mil over 8 years

Tony Massarotti: you make it sound like a bargain - that's a lot of cake!

JoshR: Do you think that this is Bellichck's best coaching job?

Tony Massarotti: still seven games to go, of course, but right up there, if you ask me. this is when he's at his best...

Dookette: Any truth to the rumor that Ortiz will be traded to make room for Texiera?

Tony Massarotti: doubt it...

oli: Hey Tony, what's the deal with Clay Bucholz, do you see him making an impact in 2009.

Tony Massarotti: personally, i think he'd be exceptional trade bait...

JFL: hi tony.....how about moving Pedria to SS and finding a second baseman somewhere else to fill there?

Tony Massarotti: wouldn't mess much with pedroia. he just won the gold glove and could be MVP. range suits him better at second base ...

Sportsbozo: Tony since your field of expertise is diverse as far as Boston sports are concerned which do you prefer to write about the most?

Tony Massarotti: love baseball as a writer. love football as a spectator. like basketball as both ... like to play golf...

Sportsbozo: I have a new nickname for Paul Pierce, tell me if you like it. I'm calling him "The TORCH" because when he turns on the switch he's absolutely Torching his defender!!

Tony Massarotti: THE TRUTH works fine ... good player, eh?

beanpot: I'm 51 and still play hockey. My friends ands teammates never mention the BBB [big bad bruins] Will it take new ownership to turn things around as what happened to the Sox? We usually go to BC or NU hockey games but even their tickets are skyrockoting in price.

Tony Massarotti: real issue isn't with the price of tickets. if bruins play well and are contenders, people will go. as to whether ownership can make that happen, i think we all have serious questions...

The_BGC: What do you think ... will the Sox make a run at Derek Lowe?

Tony Massarotti: i believe they are i9nquiring, but he won't come cheaply...

soxnut12: if the sox sign Texiera does Lars Anderson become trade bait or a long term replacement for Ortiz

Tony Massarotti: i'm guessing a long-term replacement for Ortiz, but either is possible. remember: the sox always have the money to fall back on...

old_media: Ginger or Maryann?

Tony Massarotti: Maryann

GETEXERIA: Whats up with Tommys knee??

Tony Massarotti: read shira springer's story in today's globe ... she's got the latest dope...

soxfann1: What are you thoughts on Gary Guyton, a future starter or just another good roleplayer?

Tony Massarotti: role player, but that's a better question for BB ...

ergearhb: who did you vote for, McCain or Obama?

Tony Massarotti: aren't ballots private?

Tony Massarotti: obama

jay: Tony do you see the sox going after a pitcher like brad penny?

Tony Massarotti: possibly, but again, money is an issue. if the sox can get a good deal on a veteran starter, i think they'll do it. otherwise, they can just give the chance to one of their kids...

Kige_Ramsey: So, do you think my Titans can squeak out an undefeated season?

Tony Massarotti: NO WAY

Youk: Tony .. Youk was originally a third basement and became gold glove at first , do you think he can handle shortstop so we can bring in Tex

Tony Massarotti: ABSOLUTELY NOT

celtriotsox: Trade Bowden for Salty seems like a no brainer, your thoughts?

Tony Massarotti: It's a no-brainer for you because you'd want "Salty." The Rangers would want more...

GETEXERIA: Do you think the sox will come away with the Japanese pitcher Tazawa?

Tony Massarotti: Willing to bet yes on that one...

dallas: mazz, who will be the sox fourth outfielder if crisp goes?

Tony Massarotti: Unclear, but remember that Drew can play center in a pinch if needed. that would certainly give them the flexibility to add a RH-hitting OF to complement Drew and Ellsbury...

patsFan573: prediction for thursday's game?

Tony Massarotti: yeesh ... pats 23-21...

jkstraw: How was Ripkin's range compared to Youk?

Tony Massarotti: ripken was a shortstop his entire life. not a fair comparison...

smitty: Tony Whats your handicap in golf?

Tony Massarotti: when i'm playing? maybe a 14 or so. when i'm not? there's no limit...

seann: with all of the injuries plaguing the pats, do we have a shot of the playoffs?

Tony Massarotti: yes! as things stand, if i'm not mistaken, they're tied for the second-best record in the conference. if they beat the jets and pittsburgh, they could end up with a bye!

GETEXERIA: Over/under 22.5 Million for Teixeira?

Tony Massarotti: i'm guessing OVER, believe it or not...

Terry_Francona: Tony, what should I say to the next player of mine who is complaining about an injury?

Tony Massarotti: clam up, do your rehab and get back on the field ... but i feel for you ...

Tom_F: What would it take to get JJ Hardy

Tony Massarotti: again, see today's column/post. some of it will depend on what happens with sabathia and sheets...

smitty: Tony Does Dan really hate baseball? Tell the truth

Tony Massarotti: shaughnessy? he LOVES baseball. why do you guys always assume the worst?

GETEXERIA: What position is JJ Hardy now

Tony Massarotti: shortstop

Terry_Francona: Tony, who was a better athlete at WHS, you or Freddy??

Tony Massarotti: FRED - and it wasn't even close

celtriotsox: If Teixeira gets an 8 year contract, will he still be earning his paycheck come the end of the contract?

Tony Massarotti: my best guess is yes. he's young, a switch-hitter, good defensive player - and he could always become the DH, if necessary

Tony Massarotti: a few more, gang ...

brock_landers: you making ordway money now that your at the globe?

Tony Massarotti: only ordway makes ordway money. to make matters worse, i think he's in a free agent year...

Blue_Devil_Fan: Tony, any buzz in Beantown for the BC home opener vs. Central Connecticut on Friday night?

Tony Massarotti: hockey? men's hoop? women's hoop?

Tony Massarotti: i guess that answers your question, eh?

Oakie: Do the Sox have interest in Brian Fuentes?

Tony Massarotti: i would think so, yes. a power left-handed arm behind papelbon would be ideal - and give the sox a closing option on days papelbon cannot go. plus, masterson could then start...

Ornery: Where do you see Cassel playing next year and roughly how much bigger does his bank account grow?

Tony Massarotti: if he keeps playing like this, he'll make big dough. as to where he ends up - take your pick...

GETEXERIA: If you were Theo, how much would you offer Teixeira

Tony Massarotti: eight years, $200 million ... but i think the yankees can still offer more...

tkcronin: Hey mazz, if the Globe ever smartens up and lets you guys back at WEEI, they may not let you seeing how you voted for Obama

Tony Massarotti: i'm assuming you mean the right wingers at WEEI and not the globe ...

GETEXERIA: Do the sox have a chance to sign Sabathia?

Tony Massarotti: not sure they want to...

smitty: Tony Favorite sports movie?

Tony Massarotti: does field of dreams count?

smitty: Tony Do you hate the Yankees like all of us?

Tony Massarotti: no. lots of good people there. i'm beyond that fan stuff... :)

WALDOWORLD: DONT YOU THINK IT WOULD BE MORE WISE TO GO AFTER FIELDER IN A TRADE THAN HAVE TO PAY TEXIERIA THE $ HE IS GOING TO MAKE?

Tony Massarotti: wouldn't you have to pay fielder, too? i mean, why not give up JUST the money?

Tony Massarotti: three more...

Bostondotcom Mazz will be wrapping up after a couple more questions, but we'd like to remind you that Tony will be back every Tuesday at noon, so mark your sports calendar.

KC_in_NH: Have you heard anything concerning Josh Beckett's health?

Tony Massarotti: not yet, but asked him after game 7 of the ALCS and he assured his arm is fine. with rest and offseason conditioning, he should be fine...

earl: Hey Mazz, my friend claims that there is no such thing as having the green light on a 3-0 count. He says it's baseball etiquette to never swing on that count. Is he right?

Tony Massarotti: He's wrong. If the manager says you can swing, you can swing. Who comes up with this stuff?

Sub: what's the most difficult thing about being a sportwriter when there's no solid sports news to report?

Tony Massarotti: this final questions comes in two parts...

Tony Massarotti: creating topics for discussion. this is a down time in baseball as no free agent deals can take place and that affects the trade market for large market teams (like boston) who would be better off signing a player than trading for one...

brock_landers: whos the best up and coming writer?

Tony Massarotti: lots of choices there, but we have a slew of them at the globe, including amalie benjamin, adam kilgore, chris gasper, chris forsberg and others ... mike reiss is already established, in my book ... and if i've left anyone out, it was an accident. all of these people are in their 20s (again, not counting reiss) and know far more about the business (and life) than i did at that age...

Tony Massarotti: of course, that's not saying much given my flaws...

Tony Massarotti: thanks, folks...

Tony Massarotti: see you next week...