Do you trade the future for a chance to be in the winner’s circle again come October, or do you stand pat with a bright future on the horizon?
The Red Sox are on the clock.
Is the end near for the John Smoltz, or will the veteran right-hander rediscover his winning ways on the mound?
–Lisa, Townsend, Mass.
I am concerned. I think he is trying to will his way through this based on his Hall-of-Fame mindset. He has pitched well in particular innings, which makes it hard to totally write him off. It’s just that his bad innings have been really bad and have quickly gotten away from him. The three home runs in one inning in Texas were the quickest, but there have been others.
Sadly, on this stage there is little patience from fans and executives based on the importance of each outing, especially now that the Sox are trailing in the division. Hopefully, he can turn it around in a hurry. I have always enjoyed watching him pitch from afar and was very excited when they signed him.
It seems like the holes/weaknesses on the Red Sox — no big bat, no shortstop, low OBP, inconsistent starting pitching, health concerns — are being exposed. We all know the team doesn’t like trading away prospects, but this seems like the year they might have to make a big move if they want to have a shot at getting to the World Series. Do you agree or disagree with that assessment? And why?
–Jeff, Derry, N.H.
I agree with most of that. I think the team is good enough to get to the postseason. Then, in a series, I like my chances knowing that you are going to run Josh Beckett and Jon Lester out there with the game's best bullpen ready. The "no big bat" thing is hard to fill without making some other areas weaker. When discussing Adrian Gonzalez or Victor Martinez,the risk is making a dent in your development system for awhile.
I am still of the mindset that you do it for Roy Halladay. I am of the opinion that if the Yankees swoop in and land him that would be a disaster. I am glad I do not have to make the decisions on whether to give up young pitching. I would be reluctant to do so unless we are talking about Halladay.
Should Major League Baseball be concerned about swine flu?
–Joanne, Clarksville, Va.
I think they are concerned about all sicknesses and infectious situations. Baseball players are so tightly together during the season that it is almost impossible to keep anything from spreading. All the players are in a clubhouse together, in the dugout or pen together, and in the plane together traveling. That’s why when the flu or anything happens, it quickly spreads throughout the team and, for that matter, opposing teams. I know the Texas Rangers have taken every precaution to make sure that it ends with Vicente Padilla and is not spread around.
What’s your favorite Jim Rice memory – on or off the field?
–Steve, Burlington, Mass.
I would say first as fan growing up, I was a huge Rice fan. There were so many huge home runs. I remember the battles against the Yankees and feeling good that Jim Rice was on our side. I am more of a Jim Rice fan now that I know the man. He is extremely personable, funny, and has been very good to me in my time with the Red Sox and on NESN. I am very much looking forward to emceeing the ceremony to retire his number retirement on the field Tuesday night at Fenway.
