Here’s his 10th installment.
Since his arrival, Josh Beckett has been an integral part of the rotation, and by 2007, he had become the ace in terms of both performance and leadership. Any chance you'll try to help broker his extension like you did back in 2006? A rotation of Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Dice-K, and Clay Buchholz for the next five years would be dominant.
–Matt, Cambridge, Mass.
You are certainly correct in that Josh has been (and hopefully will be) an integral part of our rotation. He has done an outstanding job of leading our staff. When Jon Lester was first arriving in the major leagues, we urged him to follow Beckett, and I think you can see a lot of similarities between them. Hopefully we will have Beckett in our rotation for a long time. If I can help (hopefully I did last time), then count me in again!
Given the circumstances of his departure, I was wondering what type of reception you think Manny Ramirez will receive when the Dodgers come to Fenway in June? Are the players' reactions going to be different than the fans? Personally, I think he'll be having knee issues about the time the series takes place and won't play.
–Andy, Ludlow, Mass.
That’s part of what makes baseball in New England so special. No one really knows how the fans will react until it happens. I think our fans have been really terrific in showing their appreciation for guys that played on the 2004 and 2007 teams. One way or another, I am sure Manny will elicit a response from the fans.
I would like to first commend you for all your success in Boston and thank you for all you have done for this organization. You are truly an inspiration for not only the team, but for Red Sox Nation.
My question is about Jason Bay and why he was not offered a fifth-year option from Boston, whereas John Lackey was. I know this is not your department, but I myself find these two at an equal value when it comes down to dollars and years and wondered why the Red Sox did not go all that much harder for Bay. He's not a megastar, but he has a good bat and we needed that more than another starting pitcher.
–DJ, Boston
That’s a hard question for me to address. You are correct in that it is not my area. And even if it was, we don’t really comment too much on negotiations and things like that. It just works better that way. We try to communicate a lot with the players but never through the media. Theo Epstein’s job is very difficult in deciding who to sign and for what length. I don’t envy that job.
Will Boof Bonser have a big impact on the 2010 season?
–Thomas, Marshfield, Conn.
That’s an easier question to answer after the 2010 season! None of us are quite sure where Boof will make his impact, but that’s also what makes baseball so special. Guys like Boof come to spring training and someone always ends up making an impact with the Red Sox. Maybe it will be Boof.
I wanted to know what you tell your team about stealing bases? I'm a high school baseball coach whose team relies on the stolen base and would like to teach this better? Any suggestions?
–Charlie K, Eastford, Conn.
Our goal is not to lead the league in stolen bases; our goal is to have an extremely successful ratio. I have no doubt Jacoby Ellsbury could steal more bases, but he does an outstanding job of understanding our philosophy of not wanting to make outs on the bases. Stolen bases get the majority of headlines, but going from first to third and scoring from second on a hit are just as important.
