For now, let’s take a look at this week’s mailbag.
Can the Red Sox compete in the AL East after such a horrific collapse? Will the Yankees be a good, great, or average team? And with the Rays having such great young talent where will they rank in the AL East?
–Kyle, East Bridgewater, Mass.
Of course they can, Kyle. Although the collapse was ugly and unprecedented, the Red Sox fell one game short of reaching the postseason. One game was the difference between the St. Louis Cardinals making the postseason — and eventually winning the World Series — or sitting outside the playoff picture with the Braves in the mix.
The lack of depth in the rotation is a concern, but team management has its sights set on signing a veteran arm. If Alfredo Aceves or Daniel Bard can steady the ship with the last rotation spot, the Red Sox should be in the thick of the race.
As for the Yankees, I don’t expect much of a drop-off. If Phil Hughes returns to the pitching form he flashed in 2010 — when he finished 18-8 — they may become more of a threat to claim the AL East crown. But it’s hard to count out the Rays with a mastermind like Joe Maddon managing and a boatload of young arms at the ready. As always, I anticipate a tight race.
Hey, are the Red Sox going with what they have now? I hope not because if they are, I think they may end up in like fourth or fifth place. Or if they are not going to do anything else and can’t keep up with the big boys then I guess they will stay on the porch. What are your thoughts on these points?
–Jim, Denver
No, I don’t think the team is done making moves. Now that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is inching closer to gaining residency in the Dominican Republic, teams should be able to bid on the five-tool talent in January and I expect the Red Sox to be interested.
The key will be Cespedes’ asking price. The 26-year-old is reportedly looking for north of $50 million for a contract and it’s worth keeping an eye on if Boston is willing to shell out the dough to slot him in right field.
Even if Cespedes doesn’t sign, the Red Sox could be a potential suitor for Oswalt now that he’s lowered his contract demands. The odds for this union are more likely, considering that retooling the rotation is a priority.
Hanley Ramirez?? With all of the mess in the clubhouse at the end of the season, would he really be a good fit? We don’t need another diva. What say you?
—Channel chick, Warren, R.I.
Trading for Hanley Ramirez would be a gamble, that’s for sure. For all his talent, the shortstop is a polarizing presence in the clubhouse and his confrontation with then-teammate Dan Uggla in 2009 is just one example. He spoiled his chances to be a bona fide leader in Miami.
But Boston has a way of humbling players. With the scrutiny that comes with playing for the Red Sox, it may be the dose of reality that Ramirez would need.
A reunion with close friend David Ortiz could serve him well, too. Considering young players have surrounded Ramirez for the majority of his Miami career, he could benefit from a clubhouse full of veterans –– especially after last year.
Whatever happened with compensation talks for losing Theo Epstein to the Cubs. Last I read, they had put it off until after the Rule 5 draft and haven’t heard anything since? When do you expect to hear something on this?
—Stephen Curtis, Dexter, Maine
The most recent update came Tuesday, when it was reported that Theo Epstein would be barred from hiring any members of the Red Sox organization for the next three years. Other than that agreement, don’t expect any groundbreaking additions to the package. Maybe one or two minor league prospects, but that’s it. Once the Red Sox allowed Epstein to bolt to the Chicago Cubs, they lost the control –– and urgency, for that matter –– to come away with a meaningful deal.
At the winner meetings, general manager Ben Cherington didn’t appear too concerned with striking a quick deal, either.
With the acquisition of Kelly Shoppach and likely the end of Varitek’s playing career in Boston, what are the chances he could come back as a member of the coaching staff?
—Kevin Bosley, Winchester, Ky.
I think it’s too soon for that and unlikely. At this point, Bobby Valentine is trying to carve his own legacy by hiring his coaching connections. To successfully start this new era, he’d likely want to put his stamp on it with seasoned coaches.
Valentine also retained catching instructor Gary Tuck for this upcoming season, so that decreases Varitek’s chances.
If Varitek were to retire and return to the organization soon, I’d envision that it would be in a front office capacity. But his playing days may not be over. Agent Scott Boras recently said the only conversations he’s had about Varitek concerns him as a player.
But in the long term, I think he’ll join the organization in a front office capacity. Last week, owner John Henry went out of his way to stress that Varitek will always be welcome with the Red Sox.
Have questions for Didier Morais’ mailbag? Leave them in the comments section below, send them to him via Twitter at @DidierMorais or send them here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week. Be sure to check back to see if your question was answered.
