MLB FanHouse

Jason Bay Turns Down Red Sox, Will Hit Open Market on Friday

Josh Alper — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, AL East, MLB Rumors

To no one's surprise, Jason Bay has decided to see what the 29 other teams in the big leagues have to offer before deciding whether or not he wants to return to the Red Sox. Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that Bay turned down a four-year contract offer worth approximately $60 million just before free agency officially kicks off a minute past midnight on Friday morning.

It would have been quite a surprise if Bay had decided to skip the free agency process, something that Red Sox GM Theo Epstein admitted to Heyman.

"It's not a surprise that a player that's gone this far wants to see what's out there."

Bay, who hit 36 home runs and posted a 921 OPS in 2009, figures to draw a lot of interest on the open market. The Red Sox offer was decent, but the paucity of other strong bats on the free agent landscape would suggest that he could get either more years or more money once several bidders are in the mix.

Bay's decision should also impact Matt Holliday. The Red Sox may now be in play for his services, which could pit them against the Yankees, Mets, Cardinals and others in a heated battle for the slugger. That kind of talk is music to agent Scott Boras's ears as the more big-money teams get involved with Holliday the more likely it becomes that he'll land a contract that will help put another wing on Boras' house.

It's hard to think that there would be many teams who would prefer Bay to Holliday, which probably means Bay will have to let Holliday talks play out for awhile before finding his home for 2010 and beyond. That makes him a consolation prize, albeit one who can console himself by drying his eyes on many stacks of $100 bills.

Jason Bay Turns Down Red Sox, Will Hit Open Market on Friday originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scouting Notes: Braves Shopping Pair of Arms, and Both Could Be Bargains

Frankie Piliere — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, MLB Inside Scoop, Scout's Eye View

On the free-agent market, all the focus has been on John Lackey. On the trade market, the talk has been about Roy Halladay. The consolation prize for teams seeking a top-flight arm may come out of Atlanta.

The Braves have two of their top starters on the block, Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez, and there's little doubt that at least one of those two pitchers will be moved, according to multiple major league sources. With strong resumes for both, there should be teams lined up for their services.

One source said that the Braves intend to move one of the two pitchers, and who goes will depend on the offers they receive.

Trading for Halladay could take a king's ransom, and Lackey will demand a huge financial commitment. With that in mind, and one of these pitchers clearly on the block, how might the market be impacted, what do each of these Braves hurlers bring to the table and what might it take to get them?

Lowe is more likely depart and would certainly come cheaper than Vazquez, but the Braves won't get nearly the same return for the former as they would the latter. Atlanta could use the contract relief that would come with dealing Lowe, who has three years and around $45 million left on his contract.

Count the Yankees and Mets as possible destinations for Lowe. Would the Yankees go down the Vazquez road again? It seems unlikely, and given his National League success, he might be best served to stay there. Either way, Vazquez' desirability is the reason Atlanta is more likely to try and hold onto him. After all, he's cheaper, younger, and had a fantastic 2009.

Any suitors for Lowe will have to be financially flexible, and that rules out quite a few teams. Not many clubs would give up players and also pay the $45 million left on his contract. For example, the Texas Rangers, who have also been linked to Vazquez and are looking for pitching help, will not be in on either of these two pitchers because of the money each is making. Other than the Yankees, who figure to lead the charge here, the Angels, who have money coming off the books, will likely explore both pitchers. Whether the Braves would trade within the division to the Mets remains to be seen, but they would be a logical destination otherwise.

Although it will take a financial commitment, Vazquez and Lowe are not going to command a haul of prospects that someone like Halladay would. If Halladay isn't moved, one could make the argument that either Vazquez or Lowe would be the best pitcher available this winter.

While his 4.67 ERA in 2009 doesn't look all the glamorous, Lowe was much better than that ERA would indicate and has been a model of consistency since 2003. Minus a few bad starts near the end of the season, Lowe was as good as ever this year. Don't expect teams to be any less impressed with Lowe than they were when he was free agent last offseason

And then there is Vazquez. He likely won't win the Cy Young Award, announced Thursday, but he was a legitimate contender for the hardware in 2009. He mixed his pitches better this season than he ever has in the past, and his walk numbers were way down from 2008. While some scouts may doubt that he can repeat his fantastic 2009 performance, he has been a consistent innings-eater with good strikeout numbers for many years now.

So what can we expect? Finding a home for Derek Lowe's big contract won't be easy, but it appears that he's the one in this pair that Atlanta would prefer to jettison. Vazquez, on the other hand, will draw much more widespread interest, with only a year remaining on his contract and his impressive performance this past season.

In the end, bet on Lowe getting dealt, with the destination being one of the big-market clubs that showed interest in him when he was a free agent. Expect the Yankees to be heavily involved, especially if money is more the issue at hand than the players that Atlanta gets in return.

Quick Hits

o. It's looking more and more like the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes will be a two-team race. Mid-market teams do not expect to be involved in the bidding, according to sources with several different teams, leaving the Yankees and Red Sox poised to battle it out for the Cuban left-hander's services.

o. As the market takes shape, Rafael Soriano has been placed on the top of many wish lists. Few relievers warrant premium free-agent money, but most agree that Soriano is one of those guys. It looks like he'll hit the big money on the open market and Mike Gonzalez could be the one that remains in Atlanta. Soriano has, for many years now, drawn high praise from scouts for his outstanding pure stuff, and it looks like he'll get compensated like a closer with that type of stuff now.

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.

Scouting Notes: Braves Shopping Pair of Arms, and Both Could Be Bargains originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Red Sox

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, AL East

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

It's been quite a decade for the Red Sox, who flipped an 86-year-old script in 2004 by winning a World Series and a second in 2007, but they enter this offseason behind a very familiar eight ball.

Yes, Boston made the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons in 2009, but after getting swept by the Angels in the American League Division Series and watching the Yankees win their 27th World Series just weeks later, it is once again the chaser.

The Red Sox have redefined success at Fenway Park over the last few years. Now the trick is to keep duplicating it, a task that's harder than ever with their more monied rivals to the south apparently rejuvenated.

More Footprints in the Snow

Who Might Leave

Jason Bay, LF; Alex Gonzalez, SS; Nick Green, IF; Rocco Baldelli, OF; Billy Wagner, LHP; Takashi Saito, RHP; Casey Kotchman, 1B

Shopping List

General manager Theo Epstein's dream of a pitching-rich Red Sox organization at every level has largely been realized. He may nibble on top free-agent pitcher John Lackey. He'll almost certainly add a bullpen arm or two and sign a high-risk, high-reward starter in the mold of Brad Penny and John Smoltz, who he brought aboard last winter, but his main priority has to be the offense.

The Red Sox' lineup is aging. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury are the only returning regulars under 30.

Bay, who had the second-highest OPS on the team last year, figures to be the center of attention because of his potent bat and his proven ability to play in Boston. Now 31 and requiring a long-term financial commitment, he may not be all that desirable to the Red Sox, but whatever path they choose to take, whether it be to him, to fellow free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday or to someone else, you can be sure it'll end at the feet of a big bat.

Epstein must once again search for a shortstop, a near-constant pursuit since he traded Nomar Garciaparra in July 2004. Gonzalez may be the stopgap solution again as the club waits on Jed Lowrie and, perhaps, Cuban international signing Jose Iglesias to develop, but the situation at that position is as murky as ever.

Money Matters

The Red Sox are never short for cash, but indications are that they might have more than usual to spend this winter. Boston has shaved more than $20 million off of its payroll since 2007(from roughly $143 million to $122 million), but it is typically close to the luxury tax threshold, which would give it nearly $50 million in average annual salary to spend.

That doesn't account for significant raises due to Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester and Dustin Pedroia, who all signed long-term extensions over the last year, nor does it account for Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez and Jonathan Papelbon, who are all in arbitration years, but Epstein is still going to have plenty of money to play with.

Some of that might go toward extending ace Josh Beckett, who is due to be a free agent after 2010, but other than him and Papelbon, who seems destined for free agency instead of a long-term deal, none of Boston's top talent has an uncertain future, leaving Epstein with plenty of options as he looks to strengthen his club.

He's already gambled on outfielder Jeremy Hermida, who became eligible for arbitration before he could ever fulfill his promise in Florida, acquiring him from the Marlins for a pair of throwaway prospects a little more than a week ago. He could take on more risky talents with all of his payroll flexibility, but the Red Sox are going to need a few sure things in their lineup, including a slugging left fielder. Sure things are expensive, whether you're signing them on the open market or absorbing a cash-strapped team's albatross contract in trade.

Offseason Goals

The Red Sox need to get younger and more dynamic offensively. The pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, will require its usual pruning, but it was primarily an inconsistent lineup that had them chasing the Yankees down the stretch in 2009. Boston doesn't have to change much this winter to be a contender in 2010, but the resurgence of its biggest rival means that if the Sox wish to really compete in the AL East, they will have to make significant improvements. The only way to do that might be by throwing their financial weight around more than they have lately.

Footprints in the Snow: Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Money Worries Could Force Reds to Move All-Star Phillips, Others

Ed Price — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:48:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Blue Jays, Giants, Nationals, Red Sox, Reds, Tigers, Yankees, MLB Inside Scoop

Editor's Note: FanHouse's Jeff Fletcher contributed to this report

CHICAGO -- The Reds' need to slash payroll, according to a major league source, could lead them to explore trading second baseman Brandon Phillips as well as right-handers Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang.

Cincinnati's 2009 payroll was about $71 million. General manager Walt Jocketty said during a break Tuesday at the GM Meetings that he "might" have to move some high-salaried players to meet the 2010 goal.

"We're going to probably have less to spend this year than we have in the past," Jocketty told FanHouse. "It just depends on how [ticket] sales go this offseason."

Boras: Holliday Can Play in Either League

Cincinnati's total attendance fell from 2.06 million in 2008 to 1.75 million this year, a drop of more than 15 percent.

The source above said the Reds plan to cut back to $65-70 million, which is a challenge in part because of raises due Harang ($11 million to $12.5 million), Arroyo (from $9.5 million to $11 million) and Phillips (from $4.75 million to $5 million).

With their salaries and so-so 2009 seasons, the pitchers would be hard to trade without the Reds taking on some of their pay. So Cincinnati's best bet could be finding a taker for Phillips, who last season hit .276 with 30 doubles, 20 homers, 98 RBI and 25 stolen bases.

The source said the Reds would prefer to keep closer Francisco Cordero, who has two years and $25 million left on his deal. They also need a shortstop and a catcher and have a decision to make at first base, where Joey Votto hit .322 but prospect Yonder Alonso (.838 OPS in the minors last season) seems close to being ready.

o. In a 180-degree turn from predecessor J.P. Ricciardi, new Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos declined any comment on whether he will trade ace Roy Halladay. But baseball sources expect that to happen this winter, with one GM predicting the Dodgers as a landing spot.

o. Detroit is probably content to let second baseman Placido Polanco sign elsewhere as a free agent and replace him with prospect Scott Sizemore, who by spring training is expected to be recovered by from a broken ankle suffered in the Arizona Fall League. It would seem to make sense for the Tigers to re-sign shortstop Adam Everett, a defensive specialist who could help a rookie double-play partner.

o. Washington should name its manager by the end of the week. A source confirmed the FOXSports.com report that Jim Riggleman, who finished out the 2009 season as interim manager, and Bobby Valentine are the finalists. One major league source said the decision will be based on who can help the team develop -- rather than public personality -- which seems to point to Riggleman.

Once that is settled, the Nats may target a veteran starting pitcher to top off and mentor their young rotation. Jon Garland and Randy Wolf are free agents who fit the profile.

Washington seems committed to Adam Dunn at first base with an outfield of Josh Willingham, Nyjer Morgan and Elijah Dukes. And Ian Desmond (.280 as a September call-up) will get a chance to be the everyday shortstop.

o. One official from another team expects the Red Sox to trade for a left fielder to replace Jason Bay, in part because they see Bay's rough two-month stretch from late June to late August -- .214 average with 59 strikeouts in 168 at-bats -- as a red flag. But another major league source said Boston is still engaged with Bay, a free agent. The Giants, in dire need of offense, could also get involved with the slugger.

"Chronological age does not have anything to do with a player of his genetics."
-- Scott Boras on client and free agent Johnny Damon San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean said his team won't be used as a pawn in a bidding war.

"You've got to be realistic," Sabean said. "Do they really want to come to San Francisco versus the people they are going to be talking to, including their own teams? We'll gauge in that way. People who are interested in San Francisco sincerely, we'll be interested in. Are we going to chase people we have no chance of signing?"

The Giants may have a tough time convincing a slugger to play in San Francisco because AT&T Park is so pitcher-friendly.

"If you can hit, you can hit," Sabean said. "The ballpark shouldn't bother you."

o. Johnny Damon just turned 36, but, as you'd expect, that's not going to deter Scott Boras from seeking as long a contract as he can get.

"The thing I'll say about Johnny is his durability is off the charts," Boras said. "It's like when I had Maddux on the market at age 37 and he got a four-year deal. Johnny Damon is at the point he's played 12 years and played 140-plus games and put up this remarkable career. Then you are talking about Pete Rose and all those players who went on to play till they were 40 at very high levels. Chronological age does not have anything to do with a player of his genetics."

Boras also said that Damon would not necessarily want to wait until he goes on the open market to re-sign with the Yankees, even though he conceded that it is customary for Boras clients to test the waters.

"If there is a deal that comes across the table that Johnny is happy with, I'm sure he'd sign quickly," Boras said.

o. The Angels have started a dialogue with all of their free agents, including the two big ones, John Lackey and Chone Figgins. General manager Tony Reagins said it's too early to tell how those negotations will go.

He said neither player has closed the door on re-signing with the Angels before the end of the 15-day exclusive negotiating window.

o. After the main portion of the GM Meetings on Tuesday morning, there was a second meeting just for the assistant GMs. Essentially, that's the meeting where they discuss topics so mundane that MLB officials know that the GMs would leave if they were invited.

"We spent 20 minutes talking about urine samples," one assistant GM said.

Money Worries Could Force Reds to Move All-Star Phillips, Others originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boras: Holliday Can Play in Both Leagues

Jeff Fletcher — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees, MLB Inside Scoop

CHICAGO -- Matt Holliday's performance in Oakland last year might have given some American League general managers a reason to be reluctant before ponying up the big bucks for him, but Scott Boras is ready with the answers.

Of course, Holliday's agent has to take that approach, because the two biggest suitors on the market -- the Yankees and Red Sox -- play in the American League.

Boras said the slow start had less to do with Oakland or the American League than it did with Holliday's own swing.

"Really, it was about Matt's hitting mechanics," Boras said. "He made some adjustments in the offseason. After about the first five weeks of the season, he went back to his normal stance. If you look at numbers from that point on, his slugging and OPS was at the same level he was at in the National League."

Sure enough, starting on May 5, Holliday hit .330 with 22 homers and a .961 OPS over his final 134 games, a stretch was just about evenly split between the A's and Cardinals. (By the way, it should be noted here that one of the sources of Holliday's revamped swing last winter was Mark McGwire, who was recently hired as the Cardinals' hitting coach.)

Boras used the phrase "franchise player" repeatedly in describing Holliday, comparing him to Mark Teixeira, who signed last year for $180 million, and practically said the Yankees got a bargain with the Teixeira deal.

"Last year we had one club that went and made a commitment to a franchise player and they won a world championship," Boras said. "They had an infrastructure and made the right decision and it turned out to be the right decision baseball-wise and economically. I think Matt Hollliday is another player like that in this marketplace."

What Boras didn't say is that Teixeira had proven himself in both leagues, is a premium defensive player at a more important position and is a switch-hitter.

Boras said he's been meeting with as many teams as possible during the GM Meetings in Chicago. The Cardinals, the only team that can talk dollars with Holliday before Nov. 20, have been one of them. Boras wouldn't close the door on a return to St. Louis. He said that realistically, if there turn out to be five serious bidders for Holliday, that would be a good number.

When asked what Holliday wants out of a team, other than the most money, Boras said he wants to play for a winner.

"If you talk about these long-term contracts, you don't want to get stuck in a place where you can't win annually," Boras said. "That's an important part for a free agent that's a franchise player. You want to make sure the owner is not only committed today, but committed longt-erm."

Boras: Holliday Can Play in Both Leagues originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Sox Make Decisions on Martinez, Wakefield, Varitek

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Transactions

The Red Sox made a flurry of contract decisions on Monday as they hurtle headlong into the Hot Stove season. Boston picked up its 2010 option on Victor Martinez, and declined options on longtime catcher and captain Jason Varitek and knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, renegotiating a two-year extension with Wakefield at a low average annual value.

There's little surprise about Martinez or Varitek.

The former, a catcher/first baseman who will make $7 million next year, was acquired at great cost in talent from the Indians at the trading deadline this year, and he excelled in the Boston pressure cooker, hitting .336 with 41 RBI in 56 games. The latter, a New England fixture and the heart and soul of two championship teams, has seen his production dip over the last few seasons.

The Red Sox declined a $5 million team option on Varitek, but he can still return in 2010 if he picks up his $3 million player option, and there are indications that he will.

The Wakefield decision is a mild surprise. The right-hander, who is the longest-tenured Red Sox player having been with the club since 1995, agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal in 2006 with recurring club options. Because Wakefield has been durable and essentially league-average during his time with Boston, the deal was seen as extraordinarily team-friendly at the time.

But Wakefield has run into injury problems the last two seasons, so the Red Sox worked out the extension reportedly at a lower base salary ($5 million over the next two seasons), with incentives based on starts and innings pitched.

Wakefield, 43, could probably pitch into his late 40s because he throws almost exclusively the knuckleball, but you have to wonder if he'll call it a career when this latest contract runs out.

Wakefield told the Boston Globe that he's "done after two more."

Red Sox Make Decisions on Martinez, Wakefield, Varitek originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hermida Could Pay Off Big for Red Sox

Frankie Piliere — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Brewers, Marlins, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox, MLB Transactions, Scout's Eye View

In Advanced Scouting, MLB FanHouse's professional talent evaluator breaks down offseason moves from a scouting perspective.

It hasn't taken long for the Hot Stove to get heated up as we roll past the World Series. Some key players have already been locked up and some high upside trades have already gone down. What do these moves mean for each club involved and how will the players dealt respond to their new homes? Just as significant, how important will the prospects dealt turn out to be?

From Mark Teahen headed to Chicago, to the Carlos Gomez for J.J. Hardy swap, to Bobby Abreu's new deal with the Angels, each move had a distinct impact. Perhaps the most interesting of these, however, was Jeremy Hermida being shipped to Boston. For the price of a pair of young lefties, the Red Sox took a gamble that may prove very worthy.

There was a time when Jeremy Hermida was a can't-miss outfielder, considered pretty much unanimously to be one of the top prospects in all of baseball. For the former Marlin, those days were many setbacks ago. But make no mistake, there was good reason he was held in such high regard on his way up through the minor leagues. The raw power potential is still very much there and he has the skills that any scout points to with excitement.

On the other hand, the story of a player with physical skills that doesn't pan out has been retold many a time. So, did Boston get the player who never reaches that high ceiling or one it can help turn the corner?

There's no clear answer here, but it's safe to say that Boston has a good track record with left-handed hitters in recent years. Giving a guy like Hermida something to shoot for with that inviting Green Monster in left field will be fascinating to watch. It could very well put him in a better frame of mind at the plate. If they can get him confident in his ability to drive the ball to the opposite field, he could still blossom into the .300-hitting, 20-homer bat scouts envisioned a few years ago.

Considering his contract, his injury trouble and his failure thus far to reach his potential, Hermida is most definitely a gamble for the Red Sox. That only leaves the issue of the players that Boston sent to Florida in return.

First, there is lefty reliever Hunter Jones. With a fastball hovering around 86-88 mph, Jones is not a guy who figures to ever be a key setup man in a major league bullpen. If he's going to have a career, it's going to have to be against left-handed hitters. He relies heavily on his sweeping breaking ball and has shown he can have some success against tough lefty bats, but all things considered, this isn't a player Boston fans need to be concerned about dealing for a high-upside player like Hermida.

Jose Alvarez, the second and even lesser known of the two lefty arms Boston sent to the Marlins, also does not profile as a savior in this deal for Florida. After scouting him back in spring training, my impression of Alvarez was not an uncommon one. This isn't a pitcher with standout skills or projectability. There are some things to like about the 20-year-old southpaw, who finished the season at advanced Single-A, but he is not going to wow anyone with his raw stuff.

He's a feel pitcher with plus command of his pitches, and that control is going to need to remain for him if he's going to have success at higher levels. His fastball sits at 86-89 mph and he relies heavily on his two average secondary pitches. He has confidence in his changeup and has proved he could locate his 74-77 mph breaking ball against lefties.

The main concern with Alvarez is his over-aggressiveness in the zone. He gets too much plate when he's ahead in the count for a pitcher with less-than-electric stuff. Overall, there is enough there for him to have a role in a big-league bullpen, but given his smallish frame and current stuff there isn't a lot of upside.

If there is gamble for Boston in picking up Jeremy Hermida, it is not because it gave up high upside talent to get him. Clearly this was about dumping salary from the Marlins' perspective, and that is the positive they must take from this, because the talent they received doesn't come close to equaling Hermida's upside.

Quick Hits

o. We've yet to see how this year's market will take shape, but Bobby Abreu will not be left hanging like he was last year as it evaporated before his eyes. The pairing of him and the Angels is a perfect one, as his patient approach brings a balance to their aggressive lineup. With potential losses of key players elsewhere on its roster looming, this was a big move for Los Angeles. You know what Abreu will give you going into a season, and the Angels can now plan around him when constructing their 2010 lineup.

o. Carlos Gomez was one of the centerpieces of the Johan Santana trade, but things just never got off the ground for him in Minnesota. It was evident at times that both his attitude and careless play did not mesh with the hard-nosed, mistake-free brand baseball the Twins like to play. In that regard, you have to credit the Twins for being unafraid of dispatching a player for whom they clearly had high hopes. From a Brewers perspective, it can not hurt to give a player with physical gifts like Gomez a fresh start. Despite his struggles, there is still tremendous upside there. Of course, if J.J. Hardy can return to his peak offensive form, we might look at the Twins' side of the deal as one of the steals of the offseason.

o. He's never had overwhelming numbers, but from a scout's perspective there are a number of reasons Mark Teahen could continue to develop offensively. He's shown some of his best power to the opposite field, but it would be nice to see him learn to spin on the good fastball inside. That is about the only thing that's prevented him from taking off at the plate, and that's how opposing pitching will continue to try to get him out. The White Sox obviously hope he puts it all together with them.

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.

Hermida Could Pay Off Big for Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Sox Decline Gonzalez's 2010 Option

Andrew Johnson — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Transactions

The Boston Red Sox have declined their $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez for next season, according to the Boston Globe, once again leaving the team without a reliable everyday player at the position heading into offseason.

It's been a revolving door at shortstop in Boston since the team dealt Nomar Garciaparra at the trading deadline in 2004, with general manager Theo Epstein unable to find a suitable long-term replacement.

Four different players -- Gonzalez, Nick Green, Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie -- played at least 21 games at the position this season. Between Garciaparra's departure and this season, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Gonzalez (in 2006), Lugo and Lowrie have manned the position, with the Red Sox doling out $76 million in contracts to Renteria and Lugo alone.

According to the report, Boston has not ruled out bringing back Gonzalez, just at a lower salary than the $6 million they would have had to pay had they picked up the option.

Gonzalez was very good down the stretch for the Red Sox, hitting .284 with a .769 OPS in 44 games after being traded from the Reds, but those numbers are well out of line with his career norms (his lifetime OPS is 80 points lower), and Boston doesn't typically go for players with such poor plate discipline. Gonzalez's career on-base percentage is .294.

The Red Sox are not afraid to get creative, and they have been linked to the recently traded J.J. Hardy and Marlins superstar (and former Boston farmhand) Hanley Ramirez over the last year or so. Still, the acquisition cost of a major upgrade at short could be very high in trade and a weak free-agent class could lead Gonzalez back into the arms of Boston.

Red Sox Decline Gonzalez's 2010 Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox

Matt Snyder — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, Red Sox, MLB Transactions

With the conclusion of the World Series, it appears Major League Baseball isn't wasting any time thrusting us directly into Hot Stove season. In the midst of Mark Teahen rumors, we have been served our first actual trade. The Boston Red Sox have acquired 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for pitchers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.

Thus far in his career, Hermida has failed to live up to the lofty expectations that come for someone with his natural abilities. A former first-rounder once said to have five-tool potential, Hermida has hit .265 with a barely above average OPS through just over 3 1/2 seasons in the bigs. Of course, some circumstances should be considered.

Remember, Hermida will enter 2010 at the ripe, young age of 26. It's not like he never has a chance to live up to the first-round expectations. Secondly, he's been playing home games in the spacious Land Shark Stadium. Despite an outlier last season (where it somehow, inexplicably, became a hitter's park), the Marlins' home field is traditionally rough on power hitters. Hermida's splits show he has had trouble hitting at home, and we have a perfect sample upon which to judge.

Through his career, Hermida has played exactly 258 games at home and on the road. At home, he's hitting .253 with 23 home runs, 94 RBI and a .721 OPS. On the road he's hitting .276 with 34 home runs, 116 RBI and an .815 OPS. Clearly, the ballpark was doing a number on Hermida.

Another plus is he'll get to join a much more potent lineup in Boston, though it appears he may not have an immediate starting spot. Hermida is a corner outfielder, as are Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Bay is a free agent and it's not a sure thing the Red Sox re-up with him. It should also be noted Hermida's name was in the mix in the Manny Ramirez trade rumors in the summer of '08 -- a move that eventually landed the Red Sox Bay. Thus, Theo Epstein and company may have had their eyes on Hermida for a while. Maybe they wouldn't mind replacing Bay with him, however, a source told FanHouse that the trade will not effect the Red Sox' effort to retain Bay.

Perhaps it's just insurance in case they can't sign Bay?

As for the players the Marlins received, Jones is a 25-year-old lefty who had a 4.25 ERA in 53 Triple-A innings this year. He appeared in 11 games for the Red Sox and was roughed up for a 9.24 ERA. Alvarez looks like the Marlins' prize in the deal. He only made his way to Single-A-Advanced this season, but put up a 2.26 ERA in 26 total outings. He is a 20-year-old left-hander.

Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Bay Has Options in Free Agency

Knox Bardeen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, AL East

The Red Sox have a storied history of long-term, very popular left fielders patrolling the grounds in front of the Green Monster at Fenway Park.

Ted Williams spent 16 years in left field for Boston, Carl Yastrzemski lasted 11 and Jim Rice played 12 years. If you add the eight years of Mike Greenwell's tenure and seven from Manny Ramirez, those five players have spent 54 of the 69 years since Williams' first year in 1940 playing left field for the Red Sox.

Now, that's job security.

Jason Bay has been playing in left field for a season and a half, and for the first time in his seven-year career is up for free agency. Will Bay continue the trend of longevity? On Thursday, Bay spent some time chatting with fans on WEEI's website. The topic of his impending free agency took up most of the chat even though Bay says he's not sure what he's looking for yet.

"There isn't one important factor.", Bay said when a chat participant asked what factored into which team he would select. "The funny thing is that everybody has an opinion of what I'm waiting (f)or or what I'm doing and I don't even have an opinion, and that's the truth."

Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, told WEEI that he feels Bay will be the most complete free agent on the market (the free-agency period won't open until the conclusion of the World Series, and the Red Sox have exclusive negotiation rights for 15 days after that). "I think the most important thing about Jason Bay is that he is truly the most complete player in this free-agent class. I don't think, I know."

Whether Bay takes his show on the road to test the free-agent market or signs quickly to stay in Boston remains to be seen. Rumors are flying that the Red Sox may be willing to spend $60 million for four years to rehire Bay. Not only is that good money, but it would be a nice fit for someone who admittedly loves the atmosphere in Boston.

"Playing left field in Boston is great for a few reasons. The history of the wall and all the players who have played there in past years make it really special", said Bay in the chat room. He's also a fan of playing for Terry Francona -- and there's much to be said about finding a positive player-manager relationship.

One of the criteria not mentioned by Bay in his chat is playing for a contender. The 31-year-old left fielder has it made in Boston compared to the days he spent in Pittsburgh. A quick scan shows that three playoff contenders could be in the market for a free-agent left fielder. The New York Mets and San Francisco Giants could surely offer similar money to Bay if that four-year, $60 million contract is the benchmark. The Atlanta Braves, who likely wouldn't spend that much money, are also in need of a big stick in the middle of their lineup.

A fourth option may be St. Louis, which is another fanatical baseball-driven town. For the Cardinals to throw their hat in the ring in an attempt to sign Bay, their current left fielder, Matt Holliday, would have to sign elsewhere. Holliday is also eligible to become a free agent when the World Series ends.

The options for Bay are plentiful, as you can see. It's hard to think that he's not going to see how much the market will pay for his services. Wherever he ends up, it's sure to be an interesting ride.

Jason Bay Has Options in Free Agency originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Common Ground

B. Thompson Stroud — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Yankees, MLB Playoffs, The Dugout

The playoffs are almost over and the stage is set for the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies to face the dreadnought New York Yankees ... or the Los Angeles Angels Angels, pending a dead Christopher Lloyd-style miracle.

The bottom line is this: the World Series is like one block to our left, and we're going to have to start buckling down and making some declarative statements. Before we do that, though, today's Dugout features some pre-ALCS decision arguing and some sad realities.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to the 2009 MLB Playoffs Chat!
	NeedsABathia: ...and then if we beat the Angels tonight, we go to the World Series. I can't believe it.
	ManuelLabor: that's great... it's gonna be the very best team in the AL against the very best team in the NL.
	BenFranciscoGiants: it's fun to hate on you because y'all are a bunch of greedy homosexual ingrate dirtbags, but "baseball success" and "Yankees" are pretty much synonymous
	ACliffLeeTiltingPlanet: And hey, if we're gonna win, we should win against the best!
	CarlNotLenny: well yeah they're good, but "best in the AL?" I don't know, I thought we had a real shot at it
	PeteRoseWentToBetancourt: the yankees won 161 1/2 of 162 games this year no offense to the twins but
	FightTheHerges: It doesn't matter! The Angels aren't out of this yet. The ANGELS are the best team in the AL.
	TheDefeatedVictor: yeah right, they're the best team because they're in the AL West, even the Orioles could win 80 games in the AL West
	InTheSpringBecomesDeRosa: dude, have you SEEN the Orioles?
	TheDefeatedVictor: not since I came to Boston, they wouldn't let me play, they've got me washing their dishes
	LudwickVanBeethoven: the AL West isn't so bad, you've still gotta beat the Mariners 55 times out of 60
	InTheSpringBecomesDeRosa: washing their dishes??
	FightTheHerges: Angels/Phils Angels win in 5
	TheDefeatedVictor: yeah I hear next season they're gonna sign David Eckstein and David Wright and move Fenway Park to Berlin
	PointBlake: we kept telling people to "think blue," but I guess we should've specified the shade
	PunchedYourBelliard: anybody still picking the angels is a dumb, i'm still picking the angels to lose in the first round i don't care what you say
	NeedsABathia: come on, guys, calm down, I can't tell where the conversation is going anymore
	ManuelLabor: Everyone here deserved to be here. We all had great seasons, win or lose, and we gotta remember that.
	ACliffLeeTiltingPlanet: maybe if we could all find some common ground
	NeedsABathia: I'm pitching my next two games on one day and twenty minutes rest respectively, is anybody else doing that
	CarlNotLenny: lol no
	InTheSpringBecomesDeRosa: well we all like 30 Rock, don't we? That's new tonight, we could watch that instead of the Yankees
	PointBlake: I find 30 Rock to be pedantic, overrated, and mediocre at best. Also, "underwhelming"
	LudwickVanBeethoven: give me a break, what kind of shows do you like then
	FightTheHerges: I bet he says "Scrubs"
	PointBlake: why yes I do like Scrubs, I like how they go from jokey to serious without any warning and I also love the use of low-distrubition rock songs to show emotion instead of dialogue or acting
	PointBlake: I also like "My Name Is Earl." Your point???
	PeteRoseWentToBetancourt: we should check and see if we all have the same birthday, in case we are merely fragments of an insane man's imagination
	BenFranciscoGiants: maybe we all been dead this whole time!
	ManuelLabor: What about baseball? We all love baseball, right?
	NeedsABathia: nah man I f***in hate baseball
	ManuelLabor: What!! Since when?
	NeedsABathia: when you get traded to New York they put you under and remove the part of your brain that thinks baseball is fun and happy and replace it with one that treats it like a stressful obligation
	NeedsABathia: it also makes you think Ed Hardy clothes and Affliction t-shirts are cool
	CarlNotLenny: come to think of it Ed Hardy is pretty bad ass
	TheDefeatedVictor: I guess we're never gonna find common ground
	ManuelLabor: Yeah, you're right. I mean, what could EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US have in common?
	Online Host Meanwhile, in the Los Angeles Dodgers Chatroom...
	WordUpThome: /sits on bench with head in hands
	MannyTheTorpedoes: nyah hee hee /makes bizarre scooping gesture with hands
	WordUpThome: WHAT ARE YOU DOING
	MannyTheTorpedoes: signelling to payro that we are oud of playoffs
	MannyTheTorpedoes: r u ok do u wan hifive
	WordUpThome: NO, I'M NOT FINE. IT FEELS LIKE IT IS JUST NEVER GONNA...
	WordUpThome: NEVERMIND, I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABO
	WordUpThome: ABOUT IT
	MannyTheTorpedoes: what r u gona do neg season /puts entire sunflower into mouth
	WordUpThome: HEAD BACK TO THE AMERICAN LEAGUE, SEE IF ANY TEAMS NEED A NIGH IMMOBILE OLD MAN D.H. HOW ABOUT YOU
	MannyTheTorpedoes: gona get millons of dollar to be gray at baseball sometime an sometime not care go home watch spontchbob
	WordUpThome: ALL THAT WORK WE DID TRAVELING THE COUNTRY ON A TANDEM BICYCLE, AND WHAT DID IT GET US
	MannyTheTorpedoes: cople extra weeks of beisbol
	WordUpThome: I GUESS I SHOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED A BUNCH OF CLEVELAND INDIANS TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS
	WordUpThome: SEE YOU NEXT SEASON, BUDDY
	MannyTheTorpedoes: bye jim tommy
	Online Host WordUpThome has left the chatroom.

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: Common Ground originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fenway Sports Group Enters Partnership With EPL's Fulham

Andrew Johnson — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:25:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Biz

Fenway Sports Group, the sports marketing company owned by the Boston Red Sox, has expanded its media empire, entering into a sponsorship deal with Fulham FC, an English Premier League soccer club.

The company already has a number of similar partnerships in other sports, most famously with Roush Fenway Racing, the NASCAR racing team that features top drivers Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards. Might this be there most impressive partnership yet?

That's hard to say, but partnering with a side from the Premiership can't be a bad thing. The EPL might not register much here in the NFL-centric United States, but its the most popular and powerful professional sports league in the world, with club revenues for the 2007-08 season exceeding $3 billion.

Picking Fulham, though? That's a little strange. The London side is probably more famous for being owned by Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed than for its success on the pitch (that's the field, for those of you that are soccer-illiterate). The Cottagers, as they're known, have never finished higher than seventh in the Premier League.

The Yankees partnered with Manchester United eight years ago, a collaboration that was much more congruous given the championship pedigree both shared. Fulham is more akin to the Minnesota Twins, while the Red Sox are similar to some of the more famous English sides like Arsenal and Liverpool.

The most exciting development for any stateside soccer fan is that Fenway Sports Group is now considering the possibility of bringing a Premier League match to Fenway Park. The oldest venue in the majors has hosted a string of rock concerts in recent years and will host the NHL's Winter Classic, an annual outdoor game, on New Year's Day.

"It's absolutely an idea at this stage," [COO Sam] Kennedy said. "It might not even be a good idea.

"Our mission is to explore all sorts of what we call 'blue chip events' in Fenway Park. It started back in 2003 with the Bruce Springsteen concert. We're having outdoor hockey games with the NHL and Hockey East. The concept of an English Premier League game at Fenway is very, very exciting, and fits in line with our standard of events.

"I don't know that they would be interested in doing it. We need to do some more homework and see if it would work."

OK, so a match on Yawkey Way seems a long way off right now, but for soccer fans in America, it's something to dream about.

Fenway Sports Group Enters Partnership With EPL's Fulham originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scott Boras Gives Us a Clue on How Much Matt Holliday Will Cost

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees, MLB Rumors

During FanHouse's marathon live chat of the ALCS and NLCS yesterday, I couldn't help but notice Scott Boras directly behind home plate as the Angels took on the Yankees in Game 3. I was informed during the chat by our own Jeff Fletcher that Boras has season tickets behind home plate at both Angels and Dodger Stadium, and he likes to show up early so he's available to the media.

Well, Boras was available Monday, and he fired his opening salvo of the Matt Holliday Sweepstakes this winter. It looks like any team that wants to sign Holliday should start their offers somewhere in the range of the eight-year $180 million that Mark Teixeira got from the Yankees last winter.

"These guys are blue-collar superstars," Boras said. "They don't hit 50 home runs, but they're complete players. They can give you something without swinging a bat."

Teixeira signed with the New York Yankees last winter, for $180 million. Boras would not say what his asking price would be for Holliday, but he made clear he considered Holliday's abilities in getting on base, hitting for power and playing superior defense similar to those of Teixeira.

"There are differences between hitters and complete players," Boras said. "Matt Holliday is a complete player.

"There is, frankly, no one like him in the market."

Well I don't know what Jason Bay did to deserve that last comment besides not sign with Scott Boras, but I think it's clear that no matter what Holliday has said, he's not going to be returning to St. Louis next season. I just don't see them paying that kind of money when they're trying to sign Albert Pujols to an extension.

As for where Holliday is likely to end up given the cost, the usual suspects come to mind. The Los Angeles Angels will probably show interest as they may be looking to replace Vladimir Guerrero, as may be the case in Boston as well should the Red Sox let Jason Bay walk. Both New York teams are likely to get involved as well, though I'm not sure how hard of a charge the Yankees will make considering the amount of money they spent on Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett last season.

Though if Boston is involved, the Bombers might get involved just to drive up the price.

Scott Boras Gives Us a Clue on How Much Matt Holliday Will Cost originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Sox Plan to Pick Up Tim Wakefield's Option Pending Surgery Results

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:22:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Injuries

Knuckleballer and longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is set to undergo surgery on his back Wednesday to relieve pressure on the nerves in a herniated disc that is pressing against in his lower back. The disc caused Wakefield to feel weakness in his right leg, and limited him to only four starts following the All-Star break and kept him off the team's ALDS roster.

It could turn out to be an expensive operation for Wakefield, and not because he has a bad health care plan. No, the reason is that if the surgery turns out to be successful, which it's expected to, then the Red Sox have said they plan on picking up his $4 million option to return next season.

It is expected if the surgery goes as planned that the Red Sox will pick up the pitcher's $4 million team option. "Wake is someone that is in our plans and we hope makes starts for us next year and is a member of the rotation," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein during his Monday press conference. "We haven't sat down and finalized anything. Obviously we want to see how the surgery goes and then both sides will sit down and talk."

The 43-year-old veteran has been very useful for the Red Sox during his time there, as both a starter and a reliever, and was having one of the best seasons of his career before the back problems sidelined him. He was named to his first All-Star team after going 11-3 before the break.

If he does return to Boston next season it will be his 16th year in a Red Sox uniform.

Red Sox Plan to Pick Up Tim Wakefield's Option Pending Surgery Results originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Farrell Not Interested in Indians Job

Pat Lackey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Indians, Red Sox, AL Central, AL East, MLB Rumors

It's now ten days after the end of the 2009 baseball season and the only thing the Cleveland Indians know about their vacant managerial position is that it won't be filled by Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell. That's because Farrell, who was initially seen as a front-runner for the job, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that while he is interested in managing some day, he's not interested in the Indians job and he'd rather stay in his position in Boston.

As the former farm director in Cleveland under Mark Shapiro, Farrell seemed like maybe the most logical choice for the job, but this isn't the first time he's turned a managerial job down. He was believed to be the frontrunner in 2007 in Pittsburgh, where former Shapiro assistant Neal Huntington is GM, but he also asked for his name to be removed from consideration then, as well.

Farrell mentions that he has a "mutual commitment" with Boston, but since Boston granted him the right to interview earlier in the week it's hard to imagine they'd begrudge him leaving for a managerial position. It could be that he simply likes being a pitching coach or working with the current Boston staff and doesn't want to give that up right now or that he feels too much loyalty towards Terry Francona to bail on his contract. Or it could be that he just doesn't want to manage somewhere like Pittsburgh or Cleveland enough to give up his job in Boston.

It is still early in the Indians' process, so Shapiro should still have plenty of time to find a suitable candidate. The Plain Dealer says that he and his staff are currently narrowing the list down to three to five names, at which point they'll begin face-to-face interviews. There are no names named, but Bobby Valentine's name has cropped up in the past week or so.

John Farrell Not Interested in Indians Job originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Billy Wagner Talking Retirement

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Rumors

After coming to the Boston Red Sox this season Billy Wagner made 17 appearances out of the bullpen and posted a 1.72 ERA. It was exactly the type of performance Wagner needed to help his chances of finding a closer's job somewhere in 2010, which is what he had been saying he wanted to do. Preferably one near his Virginia home.

Well after allowing two runs in the eighth inning of Boston's loss to end their season on Saturday, it sounds like Wagner is changing his tune. When asked about what his plans were for next season on Monday Wagner implied that he's planning to retire.

"I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season.

Does that mean retirement?

"Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]."

Which isn't entirely true as Wagner is only 15 saves shy of 400 in his career, and that is one of the reasons he gave earlier this season for wanting to return in 2010. Now Wagner says the 400 save mark is just "dust in the wind."

Though you have to wonder if it's possible that after letting the sting of being swept out of the first round of the playoffs wears off in the coming weeks, Wagner will change his mind. Which is a theory his agent Bean Stringfellow -- greatest name ever? -- echoed.

"Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I'd bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated," said Stringfellow a few minutes ago over the phone. "That's probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel.

"That's not what Billy has told me or indicated to me about next year. That's not to say that he couldn't, but he's given me no indication that he will retire. Certainly I am moving towards him playing next year."

And there's no way a man named Bean Stringfellow would lie to you.

Billy Wagner Talking Retirement originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Playoff Pulse: Games Compelling, but Dramatic Series Sorely Lacking

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Yankees, American League Division Series, National League Division Series, Playoff Pulse

Playoff Pulse is our morning rundown of the night that was and the night that will be during the MLB postseason.

Looking Forward ...

TNT purports to know drama. Its sister network TBS knows all too well the absence of it. At least when it comes to the Division Series, that is.

For the second time in three years, there were three sweeps in the opening round of the playoffs (there was only one in 2008). October baseball is all about drama, and while the games themselves have been extremely compelling this year, once again there just aren't going to be enough of them in the first round.

In fact, this problem extends beyond TBS' coverage of the postseason, which began in 2007, and outside the Division Series.

As FanHouse's Jeff Fletcher points out, 11 of the last 20 LDS have been sweeps dating back to 2005, and the last first-round series to go the distance was Angels-Yankees in '05. Since the 2004 postseason when both the ALCS and NLCS went seven games, 15 of 32 playoff series -- almost half -- have been sweeps. Conversely, only four of 31 (with the 32nd the not-yet-completed Phillies-Rockies NLDS) have gone the distance.

What to make of it? Probably very little, other than a bizarre fluke -- it's not as if parity is lacking, especially this season. Little that is, except disappointment.

In Their Own Words
"You need a hit. You need to keep the rally, keep it going. You need to stand up in that situation and show if you're a good hitter that's what the good hitters, you want it to be. That's what happened. That's my reaction. That was so emotion." -- Bobby Abreu on his contribution to the Angels' stunning rally to beat the Red Sox.
By the Numbers
15 Postseason wins by Andy Pettitte after he picked up the decisive victory in Game 3 of the Twins-Yankees ALDS. Pettitte is tied for the all-time lead with John Smoltz. -- Ed Price
More From FanHouse
Price: Yanks Draw Nemesis Steele: Halos Exorcise Demons Tomasson: Cold Call Piliere: Scouting Notes

Looking Back ...

Can the J.D. Drew vitriol be put to bed now? That's probably a silly question since Drew, a guy who has done nothing wrong in his career other than get hurt, seems to be a magnet for criticism.

But it really should be.

All Drew has done in a Red Sox uniform is produce, hitting .276 with a .390 on-base percentage and a .486 slugging average. Oh, he's also a terrific right fielder.

Drew was Boston's highest-paid player this year. He's certainly not its best. But that's more a quirk of baseball's financial structure than anything else. Tim Lincecum wasn't the highest-paid Giant nor Evan Longoria the highest-paid Ray. More often than not, salaries do not mirror production, at least directly.

But that's a digression. Drew may not be Boston's top star, but he is among its best, and he's hit some critical playoff home runs. His grand slam in Game 7 of the 2007 ALCS was the final nail in the Indians' coffin. His two-run blast in Game 2 of the 2008 ALDS off of record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez put the Angels in an insurmountable hole. Had his titanic two-run shot off of Scott Kazmir in Game 3 of this year's ALDS held up, it would have been yet another huge postseason big fly.

From the infamous Red Sox message board Sons of Sam Horn comes these numbers (double-checked by yours truly) on J.D. Drew when Boston is facing elimination: Drew is hitting .400/.483/.840 (AVG/OBP/SLG), with three home runs, five extra-base hits and 11 RBI.

Who wouldn't want that guy on their side?

Scout's Eye View ...

If you want the definition of a quality at-bat, look at A-Rod's seventh-inning battle with Carl Pavano on Sunday night. Quite often there is an obvious mistake by a pitcher early in a count that results in a home run, or in other cases there is finally a mistake forced by the hitter. This was a case of the latter against a pitcher who was on the top of his game.

Taking the close pitches and fouling off the tough ones, he was able to work the count full until Pavano left a fastball just elevated enough that he could drive it. In Pavano's defense, it was not a clear mistake pitch. When you are swinging the bat like A-Rod though, a minor mistake is all it takes. The rocket of a home run he drove over the right-field wall is the type of thing you'll see when he is letting the ball come to him. It can't be said enough what a special, and locked in player it takes to be able to drive a pitch like that in a two-strike count.

-- Frankie Piliere (Full Scouting Notebook)

Monday's Tale of the Tape ...

Phillies (Cliff Lee) at Rockies (Ubaldo Jimenez), 6:07 PM ET: We've seen what Lee can do to the Colorado offense. Following his Game 1 shutout, he's 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA against the Rockies in 2009 (and his career). The X-factor? He's never pitched in Coors Field, the ballpark which yielded the most runs in the majors in 2009. Despite the aforementioned Coors effect, Jimenez's ERA is actually a tick better at home -- something that could be attributed to comfort. He's coming off a less-than-stellar outing against these Phillies, but he's shown the ability to make good adjustments during the 2009 season. Beginning May 1, Jimenez allowed four runs or more six times and he followed those outings by giving up two earned runs or less each time out.

Playoff Pulse: Games Compelling, but Dramatic Series Sorely Lacking originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Case You Were Wondering, A-Rod as Locked In as Ever This October

Frankie Piliere — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:03:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, Twins, Yankees, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series, Scout's Eye View

In Advanced Scouting, MLB FanHouse's professional talent evaluator breaks down the playoffs from a scouting perspective.

Rest easy Yankee fans. It appears that you finally have the real Alex Rodriguez at just the right time. Sure, it's easy to say it's early, A-Rod still has much to prove and has many demons to overcome, but this is not just about results. Looking at him simply from a mechanical and approach standpoint, Rodriguez looks absolutely locked in.

Many sluggers like Rodriguez can overcome a poor approach at times and get by on pure ability, and to an extent the same goes for him. But, when you are looking for the super-human results that Yankee fans expect, look no further than his comfort level with his mechanics at the plate.

Unlike most hitters, Rodriguez has the luxury of being able to battle his mechanics and fight through adjustments, while still putting up good numbers. Tthe difference between the locked in A-Rod and the merely human A-Rod is very large, though. Essentially, it comes down to the quality of his at-bats. When he's right, as he clearly is right now, you see a hitter at ease with taking pitches early in the count. He is not afraid to get behind in the count and fight off tough pitches until he gets a pitch to drive. This is a player that, when he's on top of his game, can still drive the ball over 400 feet on a two-strike pitch.

On quite the opposite end of the spectrum, the out-of-sync version of A-Rod looks quite a bit in different in demeanor and approach. Tending to get caught in between, A-Rod gets pull conscious, and that's when you see those long, sweeping swings from him on outside breaking balls. That version of Rodriguez seems to have a distinct fear of getting beat by the fastball, which is why you so often see him look so poor on off-speed offerings during one of his rough patches.

Fortunately for the Yankees, Rodriguez is going through the furthest thing from a rough patch this October. Although he had his glimpses of playoff success in past ALDS action, as he did in 2004 against Minnesota, he has never looked quite so locked in and willing to drive the ball to the opposite field. When A-Rod comes to the realization that he does have the ability to wait and react late to the fastball without having to guess and start early, he is close to unstoppable. When he's at that level of confidence in his bat speed and he's staying short to the ball, he is no longer as vulnerable to the breaking ball down and away.

All mechanics aside, here is a key thing to keep an eye on in upcoming playoff action for Rodriguez. Just about the worst thing a pitcher can allow him to do is see and swing at a lot of pitches in an at-bat. As much as any hitter in the game, he gets exponentially more dangerous as he can see and file away a pitcher's arsenal. So, if you see a Rodriguez at-bat where he continues to foul off pitches, chances are he is waiting back well and unafraid of letting the pitch get right on top of him.

In his two biggest at-bats in the Twins' series against Joe Nathan in Game 2and Carl Pavano in Game 3, the pattern was similar. In both instances, Rodriguez, rather than starting the bat early, was content to foul balls off until he got a fastball he could time. Confidence is indeed an issue for A-Rod, and now that he can't be beat on the fastball, he will stay back and continue to punish the ball to center and right-center field.

Spotlight Moment

If you want the definition of a quality at-bat, look at A-Rod's seventh-inning battle with Carl Pavano on Sunday night. Quite often there is an obvious mistake by a pitcher early in a count that results in a home run, or in other cases there is finally a mistake forced by the hitter. This was a case of the latter against a pitcher who was on the top of his game.

Taking the close pitches and fouling off the tough ones, he was able to work the count full until Pavano left a fastball just elevated enough that he could drive it. In Pavano's defense, it was not a clear mistake pitch. When you are swinging the bat like A-Rod though, a minor mistake is all it takes. The rocket of a home run he drove over the right field wall is the type of thing you'll see when he is letting the ball come to him. It can't be said enough what a special, and locked in player it takes to be able to drive a pitch like that in a two-strike count.

Quick Hits

o. The end result may not have gone his way, but hats off to Carl Pavano. With every excuse to fold under the pressure of facing the Yankees lineup, he turned in a brilliant performance. But let's give him even more credit from a stuff standpoint. Pavano is known as a pitcher that relies on command and feel for pitching, but he attacked the New York lineup with some very impressive stuff. Pitching at an adrenaline-fueled 91-93 mph early on, Pavano settled into the 90-91 vicinity the rest of the night. Most impressive was his changeup. A true swing-and-miss pitch if he throws it the way he did Sunday, Pavano's change has some splitter-like action, which can be tough on both lefties and righties. He is a three-pitch pitcher who has a very good idea of how to get quality big-leaguers out. Looking ahead to next season, he may be poised for a big year if he can remain healthy.

o. Jonathan Papelbon has quality secondary pitches and plus velocity on his fastball, but the reality is that he is where he is because of fastball command. On Sunday afternoon, that command simply deserted him and he was burned because of it. Even when you are throwing 95-97 mph, big-league hitters will make you pay on fastballs in the middle of the plate -- especially when you are not showing your secondary pitches as he did (not) in this outing.

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.

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MLB Postseason Photos

The breath of Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley turns to steam in the cold during the fifth inning of Game 3 against the Colorado Rockies in a National League baseball division series in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)

2009 Baseball Playoffs

Colorado Rockies' Dexter Fowler tries to avoid the tag of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton, back, as Fowler tries to reach first base on a ground ball during the fourth inning of Game 3 in a National League division baseball series in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. Fowler was out on the play. (AP Photo/ Will Powers)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Philadelphia Phillies Joe Blanton reacts on the mound after giving up a solo homerun to Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez, who runs the bases in the background, during the fourth inning of Game 3 in a National League division baseball series in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey)

Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez celebrates after his solo homerun in the fourth inning of Game 3 in a National League division baseball series against the Philadelphia Phillies in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER - OCTOBER 11: Joe Blanton #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies tags out Dexter Fowler #24 of the Colorado Rockies for the third out in the bottom of the fourth inning in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Coors Field on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Blanton;Dexter Fowler

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DENVER - OCTOBER 11: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies hits a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the fourth inning in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Coors Field on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Gonzalez

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DENVER - OCTOBER 11: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the fourth inning in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Coors Field on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carlos Gonzalez

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DENVER - OCTOBER 11: Joe Blanton #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Colorado Rockies in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Coors Field on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Blanton

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DENVER - OCTOBER 11: Jose Contreras #54 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Coors Field on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/ Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jose Contreras

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In Case You Were Wondering, A-Rod as Locked In as Ever This October originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All at Once, Vlad, Halos Exorcise Demons

David Steele — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Red Sox, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series

BOSTON -- Even in the afterglow of the finest postseason moment of his career, Vladimir Guerrero wasn't thinking only about himself.

If that wasn't obvious by his words, one could tell as soon as he stepped to the interview podium in Fenway Park Sunday afternoon wearing a Nick Adenhart T-shirt.

So when he was asked, specifically, how great it must have felt for him to not only interrupt his personal history of playoff disappearances but also the Los Angeles Angels' dismal record against Boston with his game- and American League Division Series-winning hit, Guerrero talked not about himself, but about the teammate killed in a car crash six months ago.

Game 3: Angels 7, Red Sox 6 | Box Score | Series Home

"Yes, it's one of the biggest hits. I'm not going to say it's the biggest hit, but one thing it does bring to mind is that we lost a teammate earlier this year," Guerrero said, through an interpreter, a half-hour after the Angels had finished off the Red Sox in three straight, 7-6. "When it comes down to honoring Nick Adenhart and what happened in April in Anaheim, in that respect, yes, [it's] probably the biggest hit, because I'm dedicating that to a former teammate, a guy who passed away."

Guerrero and his Angels teammates have pointed at the unifying force of Adenhart's memory every time they've reached another milestone this season, and credited it for the way they've reached them. Certainly, the focus, resilience and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles has to be coming from somewhere. "It seems like a more emotional team, a little more gutsy, more put together,'' Guerrero said.

The Angels had put themselves in position to finish the Sox off Sunday with late-inning magic in Game 2 in Anaheim Thursday, mainly Erick Aybar's two-run triple.

Still, few obstacles seem as unscalable as what the Angels faced Sunday -- top of the ninth inning, down by two runs, Jonathan Papelbon taking the mound 26-for-26 in scoreless postseason innings in his career, and a sold-out crowd rising in anticipation, and probably planning on bundling up for Game 4 Monday night.

It got worse for the Angels: two outs, and one strike away from that fourth game, against Aybar. Then one strike away against Chone Figgins. Then one strike away against Bobby Abreu. Papelbon never got any of those third strikes. Two batters after that -- an intentional walk to Torii Hunter to load the bases with the lead now down to one run, then Guerrero's slashing of Papelbon's first pitch into centerfield to score the jubilant Figgins and Abreu -- Papelbon was walking off the mound to some completely unfamiliar exit music: scattered boos.

"You know,'' said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, "we knew going into it, one of their big strengths was their bullpen, and you're not going to get to [Papelbon] very often. But we did this afternoon. ... I can't say enough about our guys, just good at-bats with two outs in the ninth, just to string together those hits, get the tying run to the plate and eventually to second base.

"And I felt great for Vlad -- hopefully a momentum-builder for him. That's the biggest hit he's had.''

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Red Sox-Angels Photos

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar celebrates after catching a pop-up by Boston Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia for the final out as the Angels won Game 3 of an American League baseball division series 7-6 in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Red Sox vs. Angels

BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Bobby Abreu #53 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts after he hits a RBI double in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Angels defeated the Red Sox 7-6 to advance to the ALCS. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bobby Abreu

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Closer Brian Fuentes #40 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates his teams 7-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox to win Game Three and the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Fuentes

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Juan Rivera #20 and Erick Aybar #2 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim react in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Erick Aybar;Juan Rivera

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Closer Brian Fuentes #40 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on the mound in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox to win Game Three and the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Angels defeated the Red Sox 7-6. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Fuentes

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: (M) Gary Matthews Jr. #24 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and his teammates run out onto the field after the Angels defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-6 in Game Three of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gary Matthews

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Closer Brian Fuentes #40 and catcher Jeff Mathis #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrate with their teammates their 7-6 victory against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Angels swept the Red Sox and advance to the ALCS. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Mathis;Brian Fuentes

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Bobby Abreu #53 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hits a RBI double in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Angels defeated the Red Sox 7-6 to advance to the ALCS. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bobby Abreu

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Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, left, is removed by manager Terry Francona, right, in the ninth inning of Game 3 of an American League baseball division series against the Los Angeles Angels in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon waits to be relieved in the ninth inning during Game 3 of an American League baseball division series against the Los Angeles Angels in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

When Guerrero came to the plate, it didn't seem terribly obvious that this would be the time he'd break out. Covering four postseasons, from 2005 to the first two games of this series, he had one RBI in his last 19 games. For the series going into that at-bat, his 3-for-9 total looked decent, but still, no RBI or extra-base hit. The grand slam off Mike Timlin in the 2004 playoffs, and the six RBI he had in that series, felt like ancient history. (At the same time, the Angels' four playoff series losses to Boston in four tries were very fresh, especially after 1986 postseason hero Dave Henderson threw out the first pitch Sunday.)

In Game 3, though, Guerrero had gone 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored before facing Papelbon in the ninth, and he seemed due in more ways than one: Scioscia praised him for his previous plate appearances, working counts, seeing more pitches, basically going against his free-swinging instincts.

"You're not going to get to [Papelbon] very often. But we did this afternoon. ... I can't say enough about our guys."
- Angels manager Mike Scioscia Yet Sox manager Terry Francona weighed that and chose to play the percentages in the ninth; with first open after Abreu's clutch double off the wall in left brought the Angels to within 6-5 and put Figgins at third as the tying run, Francona put Hunter on and bet on his money closer to get Guerrero.

"Pap throws strikes, and he had had a lot of success against Guerrero,'' he said. "I guess, put in a nutshell, we thought it would put us in a better chance to win. It didn't work.''

The fact that the previous three Angels (excluding Hunter and his free pass) had nicked Papelbon up, especially with two strikes, helped enormously. "When you see a guy in front of you who took a lot of pitches,'' Abreu said, "it helped you see the velocity of the fastball and especially on the splitter, too -- and his commitment and command.''

Not that Guerrero isn't already as aggressive a hitter as exists in baseball today, but he said he was ready to go after the first good pitch he saw and had a good idea what he would see, again because of what he'd already seen in that inning from Papelbon.

It was a quintessential display of the kind of smart, unyielding ball the Angels have played all season. Starter Scott Kazmir got whacked all over the yard in the second, third and fourth innings and fell behind 5-1, but it could have been a lot worse. The Angels chipped away to get it to 5-4, then saw Papelbon, in with two outs in the eighth, pick the tying run off first to end the inning. The Sox followed by putting up an insurance run in the bottom half.

"Our guys were just saying, 'Let's get that tying run up, somebody get on and let's keep having good at-bats,''' Scioscia said.

"We don't take anything for granted, but we were in a good situation,'' Francona said. "And that's the way they've played all year -- they don't stop playing.''

The Angels kept playing long enough to get their most dangerous hitter to the plate with the game and series in the balance, and Guerrero reversed a career's worth of letdowns in big spots with ... well, one of the biggest hits of his life, at least.

"Hopefully it'll be the start of something good,'' Scioscia said, "because we're going to need him swinging the bat like he can, moving forward.''

All at Once, Vlad, Halos Exorcise Demons originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angels Rally Off Papelbon in 9th to Sweep Red Sox

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Red Sox, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series

BOSTON (AP) -- Vladimir Guerrero and the Los Angeles Angels shrugged off their postseason failures and swept the Boston Red Sox out of the playoffs.

Guerrero hit a two-out, two-run single off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning and the Angels rallied past Boston 7-6 in Game 3 Sunday, advancing to the AL championship series with their first postseason sweep in franchise history.

The Red Sox intentionally walked Torii Hunter with runners on second and third to bring up Guerrero, a star who had long been waiting for a big October hit. And he came through against Papelbon, who had never before allowed a run in the postseason.

"That's the biggest hit he's had," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think the way we did it, in a sweep, in Game 3 with two out in the ninth, gives us momentum."

The Angels open their first ALCS since 2005 on Friday against either the New York Yankees or Minnesota. The Yankees led that series 2-0 going into Game 3 Sunday night.

Los Angeles trailed 5-1 early, was behind 5-2 after seven innings and still down 6-4 when Papelbon retired the first two batters of the ninth. Erick Aybar singled on a two-strike pitch, Chone Figgins walked and Bobby Abreu singled in one run - the first postseason run Papelbon had allowed in 27 innings.

After Hunter was walked intentionally, Guerrero, who had one RBI in his previous 19 postseason games, singled sharply to center on the first pitch as Figgins and Abreu raced home.

Major league saves leader Brian Fuentes pitched a perfect ninth for Los Angeles. Dustin Pedroia popped it up to Aybar for the final out, with the shortstop pumping his right arm even as he tracked the ball with his left.

The AL West champion Angels came streaming out of the dugout. Jered Weaver joined his teammates on-field waving the jersey of Nick Adenhart, who was killed in an April car crash with a man who has been charged with drunken driving.

The crowd that just one inning earlier had been primed for a celebration quietly filed out of Fenway Park for the last time in 2009, having seen the wild-card Red Sox beaten.

The Red Sox had won 12 of 13 postseason games against the Angels heading into the series, including an 11-game winning streak that dated back to Dave Henderson's homer off Donnie Moore in the 1986 ALCS - Hendu's shot in Game 5 sent the Red Sox to a win by the same 7-6 score.

Henderson, not coincidentally, threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday, even adding a little jump and twist like the one he did after he helped propel Boston to within one strike of the '86 World Series title.

Boston didn't win it that year, but they ended their 86-year championship drought in 2004 after sweeping Los Angeles in the first round. The Red Sox swept out the Angels again in '07 en route to a second title, and beat them in four games last year before losing to Tampa Bay in the ALCS.

Darren Oliver earned the victory after getting one out in relief, and Papelbon took his first career postseason loss. The Red Sox closer had converted seven of his previous eight postseason save opportunities.

But after Billy Wagner put two on with two out in the eighth, the Red Sox were forced to bring Papelbon in with a 5-2 lead. He gave up a two-run single to Juan Rivera that made 5-4 before picking pinch-runner Reggie Willits off first base.

After Mike Lowell's RBI single made it 6-4 in the eighth, Papelbon got Maicer Izturis on a foul popup and Mike Napoli on a fly ball to center. Abreu lined one off the Green Monster to cut the lead to 6-5, and the Red Sox appeared to have caught a break when Figgins held up at third while the throw from left fielder Jason Bay rolled into the infield.

But after Hunter walked, Guerrero singled up the center for the go-ahead hit.

Guerrero is an eight-time All-Star and former AL MVP with a .321 career batting average, 407 home runs and 1,318 RBIs. A free swinger, he was regarded as someone who could hit any pitch, even ones that bounced.

But ever since a couple of big hits vs. Boston in the 2004 division series, Guerrero had barely made a dent in the postseason. He'd managed only one extra-base hit - a double - in 69 at-bats going into Game 3.

Angels Game 3 starter Scott Kazmir, who was on the Rays last year and he didn't join Los Angeles until Aug. 28, spotted the Red Sox a 5-1 lead as their bats awoke from a postseason slump. The three runs Boston scored in the third inning were more than it had scored in the first two games of the series combined.

In fact, Boston had scored a total of two runs in 32 postseason innings before taking a 3-0 lead on Sunday.

NOTES: In Game 2 of the 2007 World Series, Papelbon protected a one-run lead by picking Colorado's Matt Holliday off first to end the eighth inning - it was Papelbon's first career pickoff. ... Emergency Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was throwing in the sixth, but likely just to loosen up. He was not in the playoff rotation but would have come in if Buchholz had faltered early. ... The Red Sox hadn't been eliminated in Boston since the Chicago White Sox finished off a three-game sweep in the 2005 first round. ... Napoli was hit by a pitch in the second inning, but Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez argued that it hit the end of his bat. Napoli was also hit in Game 2 by Josh Beckett, who argued that the batter didn't make any effort to get out of the way. ... Boston CF Jacoby Ellsbury robbed Abreu of at least a single with a diving catch for the second out of the third inning.

Angels Rally Off Papelbon in 9th to Sweep Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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