Today's Q&A with Mazz

The Globe's Tony Massarotti checks in each Tuesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. to answer your questions about the Boston sports scene. What follows is a transcript of today's Q&A session:

Tony Massarotti: hello all - thanks for joining us here on MVP tuesday ... should be quite an eventful day - fire away...

Lola: Two questions here: Who do you think WILL win the AL MVP today? And who do you think SHOULD win the AL MVP?

Tony Massarotti: in all honesty, it's a tough decision ... i bet pedroia will win, but i'd probably vote for youkilis just because he moved around the diamond and lineup more ... either is worthy...

Brawny: Hey Tony ... what's the status of the Red Sox' talks with Jason Varitek? Are they actively negotiating?

Tony Massarotti: doesn't seem so. sounds like sox want to address other matters first, then get to varitek. could take a while...

Dischord: Hi Tony, is it possible that a potential Red Sox signing of Junichi Tazawa could be the first domino that will determine Varitek's fate. My thought is if they can land Tazawa, that frees up a nearly ready pitching prospect (Buchholz, Bowden, etc) to be dealt for a young C.

Tony Massarotti: not sure if they are related (with regard to varitek specifically), but tazawa would definitely give the depth for a trade. tazawa needs time in the minors, from what we hear, but unclear as to how much...

VT_Sox_Fan: Now that Holliday is off the market, do you see the Sox extending a long term deal to Bay? Any other big names on the table right now? Thanks Tony

Tony Massarotti: Bay talks will probably come later, but yes. They will go after Teixeira.

Rich_D: Tony....enjoy your work...What do you think about a professional sport having a contest end in an overtime?? Ludicrous to me...

Tony Massarotti: Presumably, you mean ending in a TIE. Don't like it, either. Why can't they just keep playing?

COSoxFan: Tony, what are the odds of D-Lowe coming back to Boston? And what sort of money is he seeking? Seems like a 2-3 year deal for $10/year would be about right.

Tony Massarotti: if sox could get him for that, they'd sign him in a minute. actual cost will probably be closer to $15M a year, which complicates things considerably....

tm987: tony,what do you think about; coco,lugo, and a pitcher for michael young and a catcher?

Tony Massarotti: what exactly would the rangers get out of that deal? nowhere near enough...

Southern_Sox: HI Tony...If Lugo goes to the Tigers, what do you think happens at SS? Greene from SD?

Tony Massarotti: depends on other moves, but don't count out lowrie!

soxfan: what other matters? isn't catcher the biggest thing that they have to take care of?

Tony Massarotti: well, yes and no. personally, i think they need a big bat in the middle of the lineup...

soxfan: Tony, Who is going to be the first big free agent to sign and start the windfall of signings?

Tony Massarotti: going with sabathia. i think he is the big domino...

8totheRafters: Tony, I don't think the Patriots make the playoffs this season, they would pretty much have to win 5 of their last 6 because of their poor conference record. Would this be considered a failure.

Tony Massarotti: failure might be a stretch because we all know what brady means. however, the defense has clearly been the biggest issue, so from that standpoint, i would have to agree...

Jim: Will Manny get a multi-year deal? Why would any team take a chance?? I know his stats but he also has a history of quitting on a team...

Tony Massarotti: yes, he'll get multiyear. teams will take a chance for the same reason the red sox put up with his shenanigans: he can still hit...

tguess: What do you think the sox's chances are at actually landing texeira and if the don't get him what r they're other options for power?

Tony Massarotti: actually, i think chances are pretty decent. if they don't get him, they may very well have to make a trade or two to upgrade at catcher and shortstop ... that's why i think moves are connected...

tonyc: Hey Tony! big fan enjoy your writing. what is the chances of the Detroit deal going thru with lugo being sent for possible willis?

Tony Massarotti: not sure that makes sense for sox as they would basically be trading headaches. wouldn't the sox be better off eating lugo's money if they want to deal him? that would get them a prospect back...

tony: Which Texas catcher do sox get and what do they have to give up? Is there anyone else out there for Tek?

Tony Massarotti: texas is the best match. again, i the sox get teixeira, they can make a lesser trade for someone like laird. if they fail on teixeira, they might have to pay more to get more...

soxfan: Tony, what would you consider to be the best move for catcher the sox can make this offseason?

Tony Massarotti: Russell Martin

Sox67: Mazz, Boras has said the he is looking for a "Posada" contract for Varitek. We all know that with that request comes the good chance that Varitek may not get any offers. What is the logic behind Boras and his thinking?

Tony Massarotti: Don't mistake public words/posturing with reality. Boras knows Varitek will not get 4/52 ...

Dustin4MVP: why haven't the sox offered Teixeira a contract

Tony Massarotti: Just because they have not made a formal offer, don't get concerned. These things take time. Teixeira knows the Sox are big players here...

The_Ghost_of_ManRam: Senor Mazz...Not much gets written about how the big money bats are physically falling apart. Ortiz, Drew, Lowell, and Lugo all spent time in the trainers room and only Drew came close to his norms. Add Varitek and his salary into this group and what we have is a high priced, physically ailing, group of underachievers. Do you see Theo drafting fewer pitchers in the future and try to develop a slugger in the farm system?

Tony Massarotti: Well, that's part of the reason they're going after Teixeira, but you're general assessment is correct. Lars Anderson projects a year or two down the road, but it can never hurt to draft and develop pitching. you can always trade it....

gator39: Hi tony, What are the chances of Lowe coming back to Boston? I know the Yankees plan on pretty much throwing money at any and every problem which includes throwing it at Lowe. Do you think he will go to the highest bidder?

Tony Massarotti: depends on how big the gaps are in the bids. If we talking a million (or two) a year, Lowe would come here, i bet...

7: teixeira 10yr/200mill contract?

Tony Massarotti: something relatively close to that, i would imagine...

T_from_Brighton: Are the Sox going to get a new veteran for their pen now that Timlin's leaving?

Tony Massarotti: possibly. it could also be that they like their young guys, along with okajima. remember: timlin really didn't do much this year and their bullpen was pretty decent in aug and sept...

t_wheaton: Hey Tony, Thanks for joining us, love your work. What is the chances of the Red Sox going after Burnett? he has always done great against us and the Yankees.

Tony Massarotti: gets hurt a lot, appear to have motivational issues. doesn't seem like their type of guy...

Filnadal: Hi Tony, I love our writing I'm from Montreal, Big Sox Fan, what is the chance of the sox of acquired Martin?????

Tony Massarotti: je ne sais pas ... depends on other moves ... but yes, there is a chance ... au devoir!

Sportsbozo1: Tony My best friend in baseball is Chad Billingsley and I'll tell you right now Russell isn't going anywhere

Tony Massarotti: you're probably right ... tell chad we all said hello...

soxfan: hows beckett looking? will he bounce back from last season?

Tony Massarotti: ok, i think. no plans for surgery, etc. his problems in 2008 may have been some of the aftereffects of 2007....

soxfan: does the past hurt the sox considering what happened with tex and the draft a while back, or does it not matter to him because it was old ownership or he just wouldn't care?

Tony Massarotti: can't see how it matters as it was a different ownership and management. besides, money talks...

T_from_Brighton: Where do you see the Sox team salary for next season?

Tony Massarotti: somewhere in the range of $150M, just like this year...

jim_2: why are you not allowed on WEEI anymore?

Tony Massarotti: globe policy. thanks for asking...

soxfan: tony do you need an assistant? I need a job...

Tony Massarotti: what are your credentials?

t_wheaton: what do you see as the major move for the red sox this offseason?

Tony Massarotti: TEIXEIRA

gator39: I heard rumors a long time ago about Matt Cain....anything to that?

Tony Massarotti: sox like to buy low and cain has huge upside, but remember: lincecum pitched for the same team and won the Cy. true aces elevate the team for which they pitch...

p2000: who will finish better next year...yankees or rays?

Tony Massarotti: i'm going with the yankees....

dewey_24: Hey tony -- a quick one ---- now that Pesky is up on the wall do you see me and Jim Ed joining him any time soon and respect brought back to the #24?

Tony Massarotti: Dewey: Rice for sure. You are in a gray area at the moment...

Tex: Why don't teams front load contracts? Wouldn't it make sense for a contract to decline from year to year so that a player is easier to trade as he gets older? So in the first year player X makes 22 mil, and the next year 21mil, etc etc.

Tony Massarotti: all depends on revenue streams. wouldn't it make more sense to backload deals in this economy?

tjyaco: who will have the bigger impact next year Buchholz or Bowden? Do you think one of them will be dealt in a trade?

Tony Massarotti: i think buchholz will be dealt this winter ... of course, i also thought that about coco last year ...

Sportsbozo1: You know I live and die with the sox, I sure wish they would make a play for Furcal

Tony Massarotti: too injury prone ... but if they can get him for a song...

tony: any MLB rumors you're pursuing that haven't hit the blogs or Internet?

Tony Massarotti: in this day and age, EVERYTHING hits the web...

Tony Massarotti: even the lies

Tony Massarotti: especially the lies?

p2000: do you like masterson in pen or in the rotation in 2009?

Tony Massarotti: for now, the pen. but ask me again in january....

p2000: do you think CC will go with yanks or stay in CA?

Tony Massarotti: well, if he doesn't accept new york's offer soon, i'd say that's a bad sign for the yanks...

t_wheaton: any chance of New England native Rocco Baldelli returning to the area as a 4th outfielder if sox deal crisp?

Tony Massarotti: possible. he obviously has some issues playing a lot, however, which is a major concern for anyone...

t_wheaton: if the sox sign Teixeira and move youk to 3rd , what could the sox gat in return for lowell from possible philly?

Tony Massarotti: depends on how much money - if any - they're willing to eat. also depends on lowell's health. there could also be other suitors...

Tony Massarotti: but i'd expect him to go for prospects...

bc_dude: what's wrong with buchholz? head case? underdeveloped?

Tony Massarotti: not sure it's that simple. maybe he just needs to develop...

JIMEDRICEHOF2009: Do you think there is any chance that I will be in the Hall of Fame next summer?

Tony Massarotti: i think there's a very good chance, JIM ED

JIMEDRICEHOF2009: Buchholz could be the next Rick Ankiel!!!

Tony Massarotti: don't think he can hit...

Southern_Sox: Rumors about Crisp trade??

Tony Massarotti: again, all spins off of teixeira. sox need to start there and see what they can get. if they have teixeira, their other needs change....

Kevin: What are your thoughts on the Lugo for Willis/Robertson deal? Doesn't seem to be a lot of upside for the Sox.

Tony Massarotti: don't like it

Tony Massarotti: nothing worse than a bad pitching contract...

WL: Where is Gordon Edes?

Tony Massarotti: at another website

p2000: what's your prediction for next year's starting rotation?

Tony Massarotti: hmmm ... beckett, lester, dice-k, wake, TBA ... how's that for being non-committal?

Evan_Brunell: What % chance do you think there is that Mills or Hale gets the Seattle job? Who would replace them?

Tony Massarotti: mills chances seem good. not sure who the new bench coach would be. ...

T_from_Brighton: Should the Sox get another leadoff hitter or continue with Jacoby?

Tony Massarotti: best to be patient with young player. Ellsbury has game-changing speed. best lineup is with him at the top...

Poon: How can you stand to work with the curly haired boyfriend?

Tony Massarotti: you guys have bad perception. dan loves baseball. he just doesn't think sports are the be all and end all, and i agree with him...

Tony Massarotti: just a few more...

anw: How about J. Farrell bench coach/pitching coach and hire someone else in addition to do some of the p coach duties

Tony Massarotti: interesting thought. farrell crossed my mind, too. but he has such value as the pitching coach. they'd still need another guy...

JIMEDRICEHOF2009: Peavy doesn't look to be going to Atlanta, anyway Jake might open the door for the Sox?

Tony Massarotti: sounds like he wants to stay in the NL, no?

Dustin4MVP: pierce or kobe?

Tony Massarotti: kobe's talent, pierce's guts

dan_g: what sports did you play in high school?

Tony Massarotti: baseball and basketball - neither very well

KCSox2: who will win the next championship...Red Sox, Celtics, or Patriots????

Tony Massarotti: Bruins!

SAWXalltheway: tony you rock!!

Tony Massarotti: Amen, brother. Peace out...

The_Ghost_of_ManRam: How about Pedro for one year?

Tony Massarotti: too risky ... he should retire ... love the guy, but it's time...

Red: In the end, what is the biggest move the Sox make by the beginning of the season

Tony Massarotti: last one here: I do believe they will be making a strong run at teixeira. because of that, i believe their chances of getting him are quite good. but we'll see...

Tony Massarotti: see y'all next week ... we'll have updates/analysis on the MVP voting later today, so don't touch that dial! (or in this case, mouse!) ... have a good day...