Master of Surprise

Bill’s up to his old tricks once again.  While the last 130 plus days of the lockout were tortuous for NFL fans, Belichick took that time to retreat to his lair and now that the lockout has been lifted he has emerged to unleash all of his diabolical schemes on unsuspecting teams around the league.

 

The first shock of the day was announced early Thursday morning when a report surfaced that New England had acquired Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins for a 2013 fifth-round pick.  Once considered as one of the premier interior pass-rushing lineman in the NFL, Haynesworth cashed in on that reputation with the Redskins signing a seven-year, $100 million contract in 2009.  

Needless to say, that relationship did not quite go according to plan.  The highly publicized, ongoing feud between head coach Mike Shanahan and Haynesworth apparently was too tumultuous to reconcile.  So the Patriots organization took advantage of the situation and swooped in to rescue the disgruntled player.  The Patriots hope that they can help Haynesworth pick up the pieces of a crumbling career and begin to put them back together in New England in an effort to repair his image and restore his status as a prominent player.

This deal is a win-win situation for the Patriots.  It’s a perfect example of an incredibly low risk, minimal investment that could potentially yield huge dividends.  But even if it doesn’t, the Patriots have not lost anything but a late-round draft pick, which, by the way, they happen to have more of those than Tiger has scorned mistresses.  It’s certainly a risky move involving a player with a checkered past but, in the end, I think the possible reward made this deal a no-brainer and a homerun for the Pats.

While most fans were still digesting Albert’s acquisition over the breakfast and lunch hours, Belichick was preparing the main course for dinner:  Chad Ochocinco.  Reminiscent of the 2007 trade that brought Randy Moss to New England, this trade seemed to develop out of nowhere.  The details of the trade have not yet been announced, but regardless of what the terms are, Patriot fans have to be excited about the move.

One of the most talented and entertaining athletes, his theatrics sometimes overshadow his tremendous receiving abilities.  He has been pretty open before with his displeasure with the Bengals organization and the direction they’re heading (i.e., Randy Moss with the Oakland Raiders), but as highly competitive individual, it would be hard to totally blame him for that.  The off-the-field antics that were tolerated in the circus in Cincinnati will not be acceptable under this regime, but I don’t foresee that being an issue as Chad will gladly exchange those for a legitimate opportunity to win a championship.

While both of these players have a certain amount of risk and baggage accompanying them on their way to Foxboro, their level of talent is undeniable.  I’m sure that every scenario and detail was discussed ad nauseam by the coaching staff prior to acquiring them, but in the end, the visions of Haynesworth and Wilfork bearing down on opposing quarterbacks and Tom Brady and Chad Ochocinco celebrating in the end zone were too good to pass up.  

So if you’re still harboring any ill will toward the NFL due to the lockout, Bob Kraft and his boys are doing their absolute best for their fans to atone for it.  It’s a pretty good start so far and if the first few days are any indication of what is in store then it will only be a matter of time before all is not only forgotten in Foxboro but also forgiven.

A Call to Arms

With another subpar performance from Andrew Miller on Tuesday night, it seems more and more likely that the Red Sox will be actively pursuing starting pitching to improve their rotation before the July 31^st trade deadline.  Although the Red Sox have managed to achieve the best record in the American League to this point, the continuing health concerns Surrounding Clay Buccholz and Wakefield’s escalating ERA have placed a renewed and vigorous urgency to improve the current status of the Red Sox rotation.

While Wakefield has enjoyed moderate success since stepping in for the injured Daisuke Matsuzaka, his 6-3 record is a little deceiving due to the astronomical run support the Boston offense has provided him.  The mediocre performances will usually be sufficient against inferior opponents but once the competition level is raised, his contributions cannot be expected to continue to yield such positive results.

So what’s the solution?  Unfortunately for the Red Sox, this year’s depth of starting pitching talent available for hire is fairly thin.  Therefore the limited options combined with the numerous teams desperately searching for starting pitchers could make finding a solution to this problem incredibly difficult.

The most prominent name floating around the league is Ubaldo Jimenez.  A pitching phenomenon over the first half of last season, his production has been on a steady decline ever since. His underwhelming season has left him with a 6-9 record with a 4.20 ERA so far.  Given the fact that he is one of the most notable pitchers being shopped, the price for teams to acquire him should be pretty steep.  This does not mean that a trade to Boston would be impossible, but it does make it a rather unlikely destination.

Another pitcher people seem to think would be a viable option is Hiroki Kuroda.  Trapped on an L.A. Dodger team about to collapse under immense financial distress, Kuroda has put together a very solid statistical season.  Further demonstrating the debacle that is the Dodgers, his very respectable 3.19 ERA has earned him a record of 6-12 this season.  His numbers certainly warrant the attention that will be paid to him over the next few days, but a no-trade clause and no American League experience lead me to believe that Boston would be wise to search for their solution elsewhere.

If it were up to me, that search would be directed to southern Florida.  Not only is the weather great down there this time of year, but their baseball team has a pitcher that could be just what the Sox need down the stretch.  Anibal Sanchez, of the Florida Marlins, should be a familiar name to loyal Sox fans.  A once highly-touted prospect within the Red Sox organization, he was one of the players included in the package that landed Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell.

A 2001 draft pick by the Red Sox, the 27 year-old has quietly put up decent numbers since taking his talents down to South Beach.  The Marlins are on a train headed nowhere fast and could be willing to deal some of their big league talent to replenish their farm system.  Their focus has shifted to the future as they are hoping to provide their fans with a young, new and exciting team to compete when they move into their newly constructed stadium.  

He currently has a 6-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in a very tough NL East division.  His strikeout-to-walk numbers in particular are very impressive.  He has struck out 138 batters while walking only 39.  He is definitely a much more attractive option given his age, affordability and previous stint in the organization.  He is not one of the more recognizable names being tossed about so that could positively affect the price the Sox would have to pay in order to get him.

No rumors have really been generated linking Sanchez to the Sox as a possible trade target, but if I were Theo Epstein (and trust me, I wish that I were), I would turn my attention toward a deal such as this.  It’s a far less risky alternative to the typical over-the-hill, overpaid pitchers that are exchanged this time of year like unwanted fruit cups at elementary school lunch tables.

This year instead of making the move that makes the biggest splash at the trade deadline, the Sox need to keep it simple and make the move that makes the most sense.  This day and age there is far too much attention paid to the name rather than the numbers behind the name and Anibal’s numbers just make sense. 

Free Agent Forecast for Foxborogh

For the first time in a very long time I was able to throw on my New England Patriot hat this morning without feeling any sense of shame or depression.  To what or who we owe the conclusion of this lockout we may never know.  Perhaps Roger Goodell finally got fed up with pulling in $1 a day for the past four and a half months.  Or maybe the multi-million dollar athletes finally figured out that it was more fiscally beneficial to make millions of dollars to actually play football rather than argue about making many more millions of dollars while not actually getting paid anything to do so.  In all reality it was probably a carrying combination of both.  But whatever the reason, I’m just glad all this nonsense is finally over.

Along with the excitement the promise of a guaranteed season brings this fall, there are also several notable questions the Patriots will need to answer within the frenzy of activity that will unfold in the NFL over the next few days.  Despite compiling the best record in the regular season last year, the Patriots failed to win a single playoff game.  This embarrassing performance exposed a few glaring deficiencies that will need to be addressed if the Pats hope to contend in a fiercely competitive AFC East.

The first priority of Mr. Robert Kraft and his staff should be to re-sign offensive tackle Matt Light.  One of the premier players in the league at his position, his presence is vital in protecting the Patriots’ most valuable asset – Tom Brady.  The price tag will be high, but given his level of production and familiarity within the system, it would be much more fiscally painful to lose him.

The most glaring deficiency from last year’s failed season was the lack of a consistent pass rush.  With no accomplished pass rushers on the current roster, it seems that the solution to this problem will have to be found within the free agent pool.  The Patriots would do well to turn their attention toward the available linebackers and defensive ends to help supplement the core of young players they presently have at these positions.

One potentially beneficial addition to the inside linebacking core could be former Buffalo Bills defensive star, Paul Posluszny.  Only being able to play in three games in his rookie year due to a broken arm, his production has seen a steady increase since the injury.  Last season he was able to log career bests in tackles (151) and sacks (2).  The twenty-six year old is a relentless worker and would add a wealth of depth and talent to an inexperienced bunch.

Looking at the outside linebackers who are unrestricted free agents, the most appealing option for the Patriots is James Anderson.  Last season was his first year as a full-time starter and he took full advantage of the opportunity.  He recorded career highs in tackles (130) and sacks (3.5) while forcing two fumbles and adding an interception as well for good measure.  With only one full productive season under his belt, some teams may be skeptical to take a shot at him which could mean the Patriots might be able to land him for a very reasonable price.

Although the linebackers may not rack up huge sack totals, their hard work creates opportunities for the defensive ends to attack the opposing QB and reap the benefits in the form of a sack.  There are several key players coming off career years that the Patriots could definitely use.  Jason Babin is an intriguing player.  The former Tennessee Titan earned his first Pro-Bowl honor by piling up 12.5 sacks last year.  It was a breakout season and he will certainly be looking to cash in big on the tails of that success, but if New England could lure him in at the right price, his presence would be a very welcomed addition.

The emergence of the backfield combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead not only electrified the New England fan base last season but they also provided the Patriots with some unexpected production which afforded them the opportunity to unload a perennial disappointment at the running back position -- Lawrence Maroney.  While the surprising success was a nice story, questions remain on whether Ellis is a legitimate every-down running back.  With Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk being unrestricted free agents, the Patriots could be looking to a crowded free agent pole to help solidify this position for the upcoming season.

A potential option for the Patriots could be a player who is in a position that is eerily reminiscent of a former Patriot – Corey Dillon.  Also playing for Cincinnati, his troubled past will scare off many suitors, but a rigid organization and stout locker room leadership could yield tremendous dividends, just as Dillon’s addition did.  Enjoying a resurgent career in 2009 and 2010, he racked up almost 2400 yards rushing and scored 13 touchdowns.  His downhill running style could be the perfect complement to the two change-of-pace backs already in the backfield.

While it’s unlikely these seemingly perfect pieces to the puzzle would all find their way to Foxborough next season, we’re at least discussing the possibilities and that is certainly far better than the alternative that had been facing fans for the last few months.  Although two-a-days have been terminated for the players under the new CBA, there is only one day that matters to football fans now – September 8^th; and it is right around the corner.

Top Outfield Trade Targets for the Red Sox

The rumor mill is beginning to turn and the trade talks are starting to swirl as the MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching.  It wasn’t too long ago that the Boston sports world was rocked with a last-second trade before the NBA deadline involving the Celtics and Kendric Perkins.  While no shockers of this magnitude appear to be on the horizon for the Red Sox, it’s a good idea to always be prepared.

Early predictions point toward a heavy push for Carlos Beltran to be in a Boston uniform by the time the July 31^st deadline passes.  His acquisition would undoubtedly be for the purpose of replacing right fielder J.D. Drew, who is in the midst of a woefully dreadful season.  The Mets, although not completely out of the playoff picture, should be very open to trade offers due to the combination of the staggering salary Beltran commands along with the complex financial troubles that have stifled the franchise. 

This move, however, does not seem all that appealing in my opinion.  This would basically be the case of one overpaid, oft-injured outfielder replacing another.  Additionally, the list of suitors who would be in line to solicit the talents of Mr. Beltran would be extensive and this would drive up the price needed to attain those services.  Therefore I am not convinced that the price tag would warrant what would be somewhat of a marginal upgrade and, for all intents and purposes, the move could potentially be reduced to a two-and-half month rental as Beltran’s current contract is set to expire at season’s end.

Another possible option worth exploring would be Houston right fielder, Hunter Pence.  While it probably would not be in the best interest of the Astros to trade away their lone all-star on the current roster, they are trapped in a downward spiral of futility and need to start stockpiling young, inexpensive talent to facilitate their rebuilding process.

 Pence, only 28 years old, is making $6.9 million this season and would be eligible for arbitration and under the Sox control for the next two years.  His numbers are vastly superior to Drew’s as he is batting .323 with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs.  His offense from the right side of the plate would help balance a heavily left-handed lineup and he would settle in nicely behind Ortiz or Crawford, depending on where Francona places him once he returns from injury.  If the Red Sox are content in parting with some of the talent in their minor league system, this would be the type of player that would justify such a move.

The next potential trade target that Boston could be coveting is Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton.  Tampa Bay has surprised a ton of people and have exceeded all expectations to this point.  The series with the Sox this weekend could seriously effect which direction they go as the trade deadline nears.  Prior to the weekend series, they are six games behind Boston and 4.5 back of the AL wild card.  His game could be described as a sort of poor man’s version of the aforementioned Hunter Pence.  The 26 year old’s numbers aren’t as good as Pence’s but he would still be a considerable upgrade to Drew in several statistical categories.  His contract situation is the same as Pence’s as well with the difference being he is only making $4.825 million this year.  He also would remain under Red Sox control for two more seasons.  He is hitting .239 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs.

The one major benefit in Upton’s game is his speed.  He currently has 21 stolen bases and would add a good mix of speed and power to the bottom half of the lineup and he also bats from the right side of the plate.  The speed he possesses would also have positive contributions defensively.  There would not be very many balls that would be able to drop in an outfield manned by Crawford, Ellsbury and Upton.  The only potential snag that would make this a difficult deal to pull off is the fact that the Rays reside in the AL East.  Tampa would certainly be extremely hesitant to trade a player of Upton’s talent within the division and this would undoubtedly drive the asking price way up.  But don’t worry.  If that does end up being the end result, then I have one more possibility that may just be the best one of all.

As of today, the Chicago White Sox find themselves with a record of 44-48, -- five games back of the division and 10.5 games out of the wild card.  A poor showing in the next couple of weeks could not only push them out of playoff contention, but could also increase the availability of the most intriguing player for the Red Sox.  Carlos Quentin is a power, right-handed bat that could be just what the Red Sox are looking for as Drew continues to break down and fails to provide any positive, offensive production. 

While Quentin has had some injury problems of his own, he is hitting .251 with 17 HRs and 51 RBIs this season and was a legitimate MVP candidate just a few years back.  He is still only 28 years old and is making just over $5 million this year with one year of arbitration eligibility left.  While he may not provide the defensive upgrade that Pence and Upton would bring to the team, the price to acquire
Quentin could be substantially lower after taking all of the factors into consideration. 

Therefore as the clock ticks down and the countdown to the deadline begins, let’s hope this year’s moves lead to another late autumn run and yet another championship parade through the streets of downtown Boston.  Whichever way the front office chooses to go, it’s always an exciting time for Red Sox nation and this year should provide us with a few leftover fireworks to help launch us into August and into the stretch run.

Red Sox Draft Day Diamonds

The July 31^st trade deadline is just around the corner and the Red Sox seem to, once again, be in the desirable position of looking to acquire talent rather than unload it.  Although this appears to be the case more often than not in recent years, a common misconception among other baseball fans is that this is the main tactic the Red Sox employ in constructing these powerhouses.  However, the current roster is packed with several players who were plucked deep within each of their respective drafts and who can also assist in dispelling this incredibly misguided notion.

Here are the top five hidden gems on the current roster for the Boston Red Sox:

5.  Josh Reddick:  While he has yet to reach his full potential or earn a regular, starting role for the Red Sox, his contributions this year have given reason for optimism and have solidified him as a legitimate candidate to replace J.D. Drew after his contract expires at the end of the season.  If that were to happen, his selection as the 523rd pick in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB first-year player draft would be nothing short of remarkable and he would certainly be in a prime position to move up the board in this discussion.

 4.  Jon Lester:  Lester was selected in the second round (57th Overall) of the 2002 MLB draft.  Now I know what you’re thinking: Second round… that’s not a very deep draft pick.  But, when you look at the 56 players drafted before him, there are only two other starting pitchers in that group who have had any type of consistent success at the major league level (Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels).  Therefore anytime a player of that caliber is discovered outside of the top 50 picks, the “diamond in the rough” title is more than appropriate.

 3.  Dustin Pedroia:  Also a second-round selection, Dustin was drafted 65th overall in the 2004 MLB draft by the Sox.  Trying desperately to shed the criticism surrounding his diminutive stature that followed him his entire career, Pedroia used the doubts as motivation to become one of the best players to surface from that year’s draft.  Once again, a second round selection is not that much of a stretch, but in the 64 players selected before him, only four position players now have regular starting gigs for the teams that drafted them and, just in case you were wondering, none of those players were named Rookie of the Year or MVP. 

2.  Jonathan Papelbon:  114^th overall isn’t a bad spot to find the man who would later become the all-time saves leader in the history of the Boston Red Sox.  The keen eye of the Sox scouts and management is almost as impressive as how unimpressive the long list of unknown players was who were taken prior to his selection in the 4^th round of the 2003 MLB draft.  Originally thought to be a starting pitcher, his eccentric personality, intimidating mound presence and fiery competitive nature made him the perfect suitor to fill the void created by Keith Foulke’s departure.  His clutch, late-game results since that time have elevated him as one of the more elite closers in the game and without his contributions it’s fair to assume that the 2007 World Series title would not have been clinched.

1.  Kevin Youkilis:  Before he was dubbed the “Greek god of walks” (even though he is not Greek), Kevin Youkilis was a relatively unknown first baseman out of the University of Cincinnati.  After 242 picks in the 2001 MLB draft, the Boston red Sox decided to take a chance on this Bearcat in the 8^th round.  Needless to say, it was a choice that would not only pay enormous dividends but also go down as one of the great draft day steals in all of modern baseball.  On top of being one of the most popular players among the Fenway faithful, this three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner personifies the hard-working nature of the city in which he is so beloved.  It would be hard to argue for a more deserving individual to lead this impressive list of players who have had such a significant impact in Boston and it will be fun to see who will headline the next generation of late-round phenoms.

Red Sox Mid-Season Awards

With all the injuries beleaguering the Boston Red Sox it’s amazing they even had five healthy bodies to send to Arizona to represent the team in the 2011 MLB All-Star game.  Despite the myriad of aches and pains accompanying the roster around the halfway corner the Red Sox have still managed to pony up to capture the best record in the American League heading into the break.  While the long journey is far from over, this achievement certainly deserves some recognition and there are a few players in particular whose contributions can be directly linked to the team’s success thus far.

We’ll begin this award show with the most prestigious honor of all:  MVP.  If you’ve followed the Red Sox at all this season this might be the most obvious choice among the various accolades.  Adrian Gonzalez has not only been the best player in Boston, but also, arguably, the best in the entire league to this point.  His numbers throughout the first 90 games are exactly what Theo Epstein and the rest of the Red Sox staff had envisioned when they traded for him this winter.

Nobody is seeing the ball better at the plate than A-Gon.  His .354 batting average and 77 RBIs are tops in all of baseball.  He has a .591 slugging percentage, which is second in the American League, and his .417 on-base percentage is third.  At his current pace, he is on course to hit 31 homeruns and drive in 139 runs while leading the league in hitting.  Although there are a couple players putting up great numbers for the Sox, it’s fairly easy to say that none of them are in the same stratosphere as Adrian at the moment.

To hand out the next award we must travel out 60’ 6” from the plate and visit our favorite fiery Texan, Josh Beckett.  A disastrous 2010 campaign has made this achievement even more unbelievable.  Beckett, like Gonzalez, has earned the top spot on the Sox but is also in the running for the American League honor as well.  He has put together a marvelous season so far that has not only silenced his doubters but has also earned him Boston’s mid-season Cy Young award.

Although his eight victories are not incredibly impressive, a deeper look inside the numbers will reveal a more accurate depiction of the brilliant performance Beckett has showcased for us so far.  The sparkling 2.27 ERA he has produced is the third best in the AL.  His 0.95 WHIP is tied for the third best in the AL.  And, if you’re still not impressed, his .187 BAA (Batting Average Against) is the best mark in MLB.  An intense competitor, expect Beckett to continue to use the criticism of a failed season as fuel to power his 2011 Cy Young ambitions as we surge into the second half of the season.

The Comeback Player of the Year award is not always necessarily one that a player would aim for due to the fact that it generally means it was preceded by an unfortunate set of circumstances.  Boston’s recipient suffered a horrific injury last season which permitted him to participate in only 18 games.  Jacoby Ellsbury’s play has given the organization a glimpse of just how bright his future in Boston is going to be.

Voted to the All-Star game by his peers, Ellsbury’s selection is a validation of his emergence as one of the premier young talents and one of the most electrifying outfielders in the game today.  His maturity as a hitter has been evident in the fact that he has already hit 11 HRs this year.  Prior to this season, his career high was nine!  Even more amazing is that he has racked up 49 RBIs as a leadoff hitter.  If he is able to maintain this season’s frenetic pace he will hit 20 HRs and knock in 88 runs, which would also shatter his previous career high of 60 RBIs.

While the elevated power numbers are welcomed, his speed remains his most potent weapon.  An absolute terror on the base paths, his 28 steals lead the American League.  The ability to swipe bags with relative ease and advance into scoring position on a regular basis is an invaluable asset for which the hitters in the order behind him are forever grateful.  His determination and resiliency in his recovery earned him this award but at the level he has raised his game to let’s hope this is the last time he is even a nominee for the award.

While no real trophies will be awarded to these fine players, it’s always nice to give credit where credit is due.  These players’ efforts have carried a team who some had left for dead after that miserable start to the year. Besides; with all the media attention being focused on the Bruins and their recent accomplishments, it appeared as though some of the Red Sox players were growing a little envious.  Therefore hold your heads high and be recognized.  There may not be a parade through the streets of Boston scheduled upon receipt of these imaginary mid-season awards, but if these performances continue then there just might be one of those in their future after all.

Theo's Five Worst Free Agent Signings

The Red Sox have enjoyed an incredible amount of success since the organization made the decision to hire Theo Epstein as the General Manager in November of 2002.  Not only was the “curse of the Bambino” lifted during his reign, but the Sox managed to clinch a second World Series title and have been one of baseball’s best teams year after year. 

At the time of his hiring, Epstein was the youngest GM in the history of baseball.  But with age comes wisdom and if he were given the opportunity to go back and do a few things differently, I’m sure he would agree that these are a few he wished he would have avoided.

5.  Last week the Red Sox decided to designate veteran outfielder Mike Cameron for assignment.  This announcement signaled the surrender of Red Sox management on Cameron and kicks off this list of forgettable blunders. 

In the winter of 2009 Theo Epstein inked Cameron to a two-year, $15.5 million contract to try and fill the gaping hole that was left field for the Sox.  With the trade of Manny and the failure to re-sign Jason Bay, the move was a peculiar one that obviously has winded up backfiring and yielded minimal results.

During his short tenure with Boston, the 38-year-old has suffered a plethora of injuries and has only played in 81 games.  His pathetic .219 batting average is laughable and he’s only managed to hit a total of seven home runs and drive in 24 RBIs.  His recent demotion means he will either have to be traded or accept a minor league assignment (neither of which are very plausible scenarios).  Therefore the Sox will most likely be forced to cut him and then eat the rest of his remaining salary.

4.  Some Sox fans may not remember the name Matt Clement, but back in 2004 he signed a three-year $25 million contract and was projected to be an integral part of Boston’s rotation.  The plan went better than expected early on as Clement began the 2005 season 10-2 and made the American League All-Star team.  Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there.

Shortly after that all-star appearance, Clement was nailed by a screaming line drive and his psyche and mound skills never seemed to return to him.  From that point on he compiled an 8-9 record and only appeared in 12 games in 2006 before pitching in his final game for the Sox on June 14^th.  He ended his Sox career at 18-11 with underwhelming 5.09 ERA.

3.  The short stop position has been a point of much consternation during the Epstein regime and the search to replace Boston favorite Nomar Garciaparra has proven much more difficult than he originally anticipated.  However, Theo thought he had found the solution in 2006 when he employed Julio Lugo to man the position.

It was a four-year $36 million contract and his production certainly did not warrant such a substantial salary.  In his four years in Tampa prior to coming to Boston he showed some promise as his season averages were a .287 average with 10 HRs, 53 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.  In his entire time with the Sox (266 games) he batted .251 with a meager total of 10 HRs, 103 RBIs and 48 steals.  Given his mighty struggles the Red Sox found themselves in another Mike Cameron situation and ended up cutting him just to watch him eventually be snatched up by another team while Boston picked up the tab.

2.  Although this next player’s contract is not yet complete, it’s fair to say that by the end of next season Daisuke Matsuzaka’s time in Boston will be viewed as a monumental disappointment.  Out of all the potential free agent pitchers available in the ’06 offseason, none were surrounded with the type of hype that accompanied this Japanese star.

The six-year, $52 million contract is just the tip of the iceberg because the Red Sox had to fork out $51.1 million just to own the rights to negotiate with Dice-k.  So, in reality, the Sox basically signed him to a $103.1 million deal.  That is a ton of money to dole out for one good season.  Matsuzaka was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 2008.  That effort placed him fourth in the Cy Young voting but also ultimately proved to be the ceiling of what was, at one point, a very hopeful, young talent.

After a subpar 2009 campaign he followed it up with two seasons of extensive DL stints (including season-ending surgery earlier this year).  With these displays of deterioration and patterns of significant decline, it’s difficult to imagine that 2012 will be any different, and it looks as though this will just have to be another one chalked up under the loss column.

1.  Let’s just say that 2006 wasn’t exactly Theo Epstein’s greatest year.  The final three players on this list were all signed within that timeframe.  Rounding out this undesirable group is another player whose time in Boston has yet to expire, but will be celebrated once that time arrives.  J.D. Drew was a number one overall draft pick who never quite lived up to the expectations that follow a prospect of that magnitude. 

Although he did have a couple good years prior to signing with the Sox, the five-year, $70 million contract has not been viewed favorably amongst the Fenway faithful.  Throughout his Red Sox career, Drew has never played in more than 140 games in any season and has never reached 500 at bats.  He is currently on pace to hit 8 HRs, knock in 36 RBIs and his average now sits at .231 for the season.  Those aren’t exactly the eye-popping stats that would be associated with a corner outfielder pulling in over $14 million a year.

Despite these shortcomings it’s very difficult to criticize Theo too harshly.  Even with overpaying Lugo, Dice-K and Drew he managed to field a championship team in 2007 and in his profession that is ultimately the only thing that matters.  Hindsight is always 20/20, so for whatever few poor decisions have been made, the good decisions have far outnumbered the bad. His dedication and proven track record make it easy for Red Sox nation to place their trust in his hands and there’s no reason not to believe that as long as he remains in the front office that this will be the status quo for many years to come.