Red Sox manager Terry Francona will be answering questions on NESN.com this offseason. Send questions to his mailbag.
Here’s his seventh installment.
Some people are questioning the Red Sox’ approach this offseason. Should anyone really take all this "bridge" talk seriously? The Red Sox are one left fielder and a couple of spare arms away from being the same team that won 95 games and a playoff spot this past season. Aren’t the Red Sox in good shape?
–Arthur, Fall River, Mass.
I think the Red Sox organization is very healthy. I think when Theo used the term "bridge," it got completely dissected and probably not always correctly. We won 95 games (which is exciting) and got swept out of the playoffs (which sucks). It’s easy to remember the last thing you see, which was us losing. I have a feeling that when we head down to Ft. Myers, we will all be excited about our team.
What did Mike Lowell mean to you and your club? If the rumors are true, Mike Lowell is heading to Texas on Boston money. I have been a Red Sox/MLB fan for over 40 years. Mike was the best fielding third baseman I have ever seen. Every play just seemed easy to him, no matter the difficulty. Great throwing arm, great range, just amazing. Last year was tough to watch, but with another year of healing, I am sure he will be better. His hitting has never been a disappointment and he always performs in the clutch. He will be missed. I hope the other rumor is wrong. I don’t want the team giving a big money/long-term deal to Adrian Beltre. He was more overpaid than Julio Lugo or Edgar Renteria. I think the team would be better off with Casey Kotchman at first and Kevin Youkilis at third, or better yet, keep Lowell. Beltre is a terrible investment.
–Mike, Pittsfield, Mass.
I am not comfortable commenting on potential trades. But I am happy to talk about Mikey Lowell. Whatever happens in the future won’t diminish how I feel about what Mikey has meant to the Red Sox. Watching him play third base has been a treat! He has an amazing way of getting low with a drop step and slowing everything down. That’s why he’s able to make so many difficult plays look easy!
With Pedro Martinez being a free agent, is there any interest in bringing him back as a spot starter/long reliever? He did post some good numbers with the Phillies.
–Bryan, Duxbury, Mass.
I saw Pedro in the Dominican Republic last week at David Ortiz’s charity golf tournament. He looked great! But I think our pitching is probably in pretty good shape. I can’t imagine Pedro wanting to come back in the bullpen.
Do you expect the Red Sox to make a blockbuster trade this offseason? How much input do you have on trades and which players and/or prospects get included in packages?
–Anna, Salem, Mass.
Talking about potential trades is difficult. Those conversations are better off in the privacy of our offices. Saying that, we really value our young players. We have been very fortunate to have a lot of good young players come through our organization. Rather than trade them away, we need to keep them coming!
Growing up as the son of a major league player, how did your background and time spent with your father at the ballpark influence you? What’s the most important lesson you learned about the game? What advice would you give kids who want to play in the big leagues?
–Daniel, Revere, Mass.
Growing up around the game with a father that played was very exciting for me. I loved it. But I was also very lucky. My dad taught me to respect the game of baseball and the way it’s supposed to be played. He also taught me to respect people. He was always terrific about asking me how I did and never putting pressure on me. I think so many parents want to their kids to be great athletes and put way too much pressure on them. Athletics are a great way to learn life lessons!
