Why Didn't I Start This Guy On My Fantasy Team??

A quick and completely selfish post here. The Sox are currently a back and forth battle with the Royals (which should never happen), but I can't help but be kicking myself for keeping David Ortiz on the pine in my fantasy league.

Ortiz sent another opposite field shot over the green monster a short time ago...making it three taters in his last 16 at bats. That, in part, naturally coincides with a boat load of RBI of late. Ortiz may just end the season with near David Ortiz-like numbers...something I would have bet the small apartment against just over a month ago.

The reason why it's really eating at me? I have Mark "I can't hit a thing" Teixeira in there in front of him. I take full blame for losing this week to a divisional rival because of not believing in a hometown guy. This is why fantasy baseball is bad for die-hard fans, it provides for a near constant conflict of interest. Not only do I already get mad when Pedroia pops out to shallow right, but I freak out because of the fantasy baseball ramifications. When did watching baseball become anything more than rooting for your hometown team? Those days seem long, gone, and hard to find. Regardless bad management and a lack of faith won't lead to a successful season of any kind...real or fantasy.

Hot Stove on Halladay

One day removed from Jays' manager J.P. Ricciardi's unexpected reversal on Roy Halladay, and the hot stove is definitely warming up. Ricciardi avowed earlier in the season that his ace righty was not on the market, but that was back when the Jays were the surprise leader in the AL East, before an injury outbreak dropped them down to fourth. Ricciardi, as every baseball fan now knows, said yesterday that the Jays were willing to "listen" to trade talks, though in order to move, he'd need to get a call from a "highly motivated" bidder with a package of young studs. Ricciardi's phone has no doubt been ringing ever since, and reports are starting to leak out about who, precisely, is the most "highly motivated" caller.

Word today is that the Phillies are the early favorite. They've been looking for what seems like months for a powerful righty to put at the top of the rotation next to the southpaw Cole Hammels. The Phillies, like everyone, love Halladay - particularly since they think he fits their ballpark, with a high ground-ball to fly-out ration (1.28 over 2009) and solid strike out numbers (the Phillies have a hitter-friendly home). The Phillies aren't as loaded with young talent as a few of the other teams, but the word is they may be willing to bet the farm on this trade. They feel that he could simply dominate the NL and make them a strong repeat contender.

After that comes the West Coast teams - the Angels, Giants, and Dodgers are all reported to be interested in Halladay. Again, these teams don't have the strongest farm systems, but likely could put together an appealing prospects package, with some decent young pitching going back to the Jays.

Then there are the longshots in our very own AL East. They've got the most talent, but, according to club sources, little inclination to part with it. Both the Yankees and the Sox have let it be known that they're not in active talks for Halladay---here in New York, Yanks officials have spent the day telling anyone who'd listen that there is absolutely no chance they make this trade. But, keep in mind, that's the Yankees talking. Never really the model of caution or consistency. A bad week in the Bronx, and it could certainly be an interesting All-Star break.

That really just leaves the Sox to discuss. The fact is, no one has the young talent - particularly the young arms - that the Sox have. The Jays have said they prefer not to deal within the division, but seem to have acknowledged that a team like the Sox (or possibly the Yankees) have the ability to make an offer they can't refuse.

From this perspective, I'd say it's highly unlikely the Sox or the Yanks get in on this action. Yes, Halladay is a proven AL East winner. Yes, he's under contract through 2010 at a relatively reasonable cost. And yes he'd likely approve a trade to either. But the Jays are reportedly looking for a package of 3 high quality prospects, possibly pushing to 4 depending on what kind of a bidding war they can ignite. You've got to think that's the last thing Cashman or Theo wants after years of work plowing those farms. It would, at the very least, cost them Hughes and Buchholz, respectively.

So we'll just have to wait and see. And I'm just gonna hope against hope that Halladay finds himself a nice comfortable home in the National League.

Are You Picking Up What John Smoltz is Putting Down?

John Smoltz certainly knows more about the game of baseball than I do, I would never question that. However I am starting to question his constant optimism after some difficult starts. Sure, he's only 3 games into his Red Sox pitching career, but after last night's struggle against a weak-hitting A's lineup, I was surprised to see the positive statements continue from the future hall of famer....

"I went back and watched the whole game again and I'm still shaking my head on some of the hits and some of the plays. Some of the pitches that I didn't think should have gotten hit, and they found holes. ... What I hate more than anything is two-out runs. But I felt in control. I threw the ball really well. I didn't have much to show for it tonight, but as mad as I get, I have to make sure to realize I'm making a lot of progress even though the results don't look like that."

So allowing 13 base runners over 6 innings to the Oakland A's is a good thing? Smoltz wasn't exactly hitting his spots last night, especially with his breaking stuff....clearly he's battling the combination of old age and rust, at least he expects to be better....

"I've given up all two-out runs except one or two, and that has to change. I'm going to look and see if there are any trends. I don't think I have to be perfect. I haven't pitched away from my fastball or contact. I'm almost there."

Would I be writing this quick post if the Sox had won in a high-scoring game last night? Maybe, maybe not. I guess I continue to trust John Smoltz, but perhaps I want to see him kick a water cooler or two....maybe sever Julio Lugo's arm so he can't launch balls into the stands....something to show he's pissed off and expects better.

Thankfully Josh Beckett looks to pick up the pieces tonight. After losing two of three to the Mariners and making a 21 year old kid look like Cy Young last night, the local nine need to get their collective asses in gear. Go Sox.

Nomar Loves You

The fourth of July is over and done with, so it's back to work and focusing on the second half of the season. We all know Nomah is coming to town tonight for the first time since 2004.....so long as he doesn't blow out his hammy climbing up the dugout steps, he should receive a warm reception...

Nomah recently sat down with a San Francisco writer and discussed both is time in Boston and the fans....try not to shed a tear:

"I got my ring for that. I was cheering them on and rooting for them," said a smiling Garciaparra, who will be playing at Fenway Park for the first time as an opposing player.

"I was just as much a part of that as anything, although I might not have been there. No one knows all the phone calls I got during it and everything, and that was great. I was calling them back multiple times. The whole thing was to win one for the city. I felt every bit a part of it."

Five years later, Nomar returns, and guess what, he's banged up. His calf issue will likely limit him to one game in the field and keep him available to be a designated hitter or pinch hitter in the other games.

Asked if he thought he'd get a positive reception from Red Sox fans, Garciaparra said, "I would hope so. I always loved them and appreciated them. They were great to me, and I gave them everything I had there, for sure."

Also, does this confirm that no one can actually write in the city of Oakland? I know San Fran is a rock's throw away and everything, but wouldn't you think a hometown guy would get this story....or at least someone who covers the American League??

Welcome back Nomah and good luck, but we'll never forgive you for taking that SI photo....

Lugo Admits The Truth

The guy almost every member of Red Sox nation loves to hate, Julio Lugo may have actually earned back a few fans with his game-winning hit last night. However that didn't stop him from admitting something we've all known for a long time....he's been a complete bust in Boston.....

"No, it hasn’t," he said late yesterday afternoon in regards to things working out in a Boston uniform....

"I thought it would work, but that’s not where we are," ........ "But one thing I am not going to do is throw a log on the fire. It’s just the way it is right now and I have to deal with it."

Julio Lugo has achieved a complete vote of no confidence from Red Sox fans, despite showing signs of life at the plate in limited time. Perhaps if he didn't launch every other ball hit to him into the stands, or get paid about 87 times more than his market value, or live up to any of the irrationally high expectations from team management, he might have a few more fans here in the rain capital of the world.

But with Lowrie managing to get hurt in his rehab start, we may have to live with a little more Lugo than expected. Is it possible he can swing his way out from under the cloud of hate? I'm going with no, but he may be slowly gaining some steam.

Eric Hinske, some guys have all the luck

In case you missed it, the Pirates moved Eric Hinske to the Yankees yesterday. The man just seems to be a magnet for winning teams. After filling in on outfield and occasional first base duties for the Sox in 2007, Hinske picked up a slightly more regular role for the Rays in 2008, getting 381 at bats, and putting up some decent power numbers: 20 HRs and .465 SLG. In 2009, Hinske wore out his welcome with the Pirates, hitting .255 with only 1 HR and .368 SLG. But the man seems to stumble into good situations.

Given the "cash considerations" included in the deal, the Pirates will essentially pay Hinske's salary for the remainder of the year (approx. $800,000). (You read that right, by the way. The Pirates utility backup will be payed by the Pittsburgh Pirates for the second half of the season.)

In return, the Yankees send to the Pirates a couple of minor leaguers: Casey Erickson (right handed pitcher) and Eric Fryer (outfielder/catcher). Neither is considered a prospect in the Yankees system, though Erickson is said to have some potential.

What does this mean for the Yanks? Mostly, it's an acknowledgement that more likely than not, Xavier Nady will never suit up in pinstripes again. Not long ago the Yanks starting righfielder, star 2008 acquisition, and all-around fan favorite (also acquired from the Pirates), announced over the weekend that he would elect for Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his season. Nady was on rehab in Newark when something happened during a weekend start (reports are unspecific) that told him surgery was the only option.

The Yanks were also dealing with the realization that Ramiro Pena was not a backup option they wanted to go to down the stretch. The 23 year old utility man was hitting .267 in 86 at bats, with a paltry .308 OBP. The Yankees sent him down to Scranton and plan on getting him time in the outfield, hoping that may make a late-season call-up more practical.

So, from what we can piece together, the Yankees are going to be looking to Eric Hinske as a principal utility backup. Word is they think he might see some time at third, first, and right field. Personally, I'd be pretty surprised if they put him in the hot corner, but with the new plan to give A-Rod a day off every week, you never know. But they want to get him at bats, and every time you think Nick Swisher might cool off, he starts to get hot again and force the issue in right.

All in all, a smart move for a contender. I don't think Hinske will do much for them in the infield, but I'll bet he gets at least a couple big hits against the Sox or the Rays. He just seems to be that type of guy.

Jon Lester: See How Much He Poured?

Quick lunchtime post just to say Jon Lester is on fire. I mean, the guy friggin beat cancer, like shutting down the Orioles is going to be that tough for him? Last night's performance was a dominate one, but you can't help feeling that it was a routine outting for the 25 year old. Just another day at the office for Lester, you know, punch in, go 7 strong innings without surrendering a run, then punch out. Done.

Teams are lookign at their schedules against the Sox and praying they don't get both Beckett and Lester right now, because if they do, they're going to lose that series (ITM note, no matter what, the Sox apparently don't like to sweep anymore, they give away the final game of the series in pitty).

The early season struggles for Lester seem to be long gone and hard to find.....Consider Lester's last six starts...... 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA. Add that in with his money wife and his recent sweet long term contract with the Sox...and Lester on a roll for sure.

Round 2 for Smoltz tonight. It seems like there is something "big" to look forward to every night as a Sox fan. Something my fiance` is quickly starting to hate. God forbid I help with the weddign planning, "this is Smoltz' second start, it's a huge game".

Go Sox.