Here is a list of free agents that the Red Sox could have signed, but instead signed with other teams. The list will include only players that play position which we need to have filled. The team is the team that signed or re-signed them.
OF Jacques Jones - Cubs
OF Kenny Lofton - Dodgers
1B Heep Sop-Choi - Dodgers
SP Joe Kennedey - Athletics
SP Jarrod Washburn - Mariners
RP Mike Myers - Yankees
OF Johnny Damon - Yankees
RP Braden Looper - Cardinals
RP Ricardo Rincon - Cardinals
SP Kenny Rogers - Tigers
OF Dave Roberts - Padres
SP Matt Morris - Giants
IF Lou Merloni - Indians (just kidding)
CP Jose Mesa - Rockies
RP Todd Jones - Tigers
SS Rafael Furcal - Dodgers
SP A.J. Burnett - Blue Jays
SP Paul Byrd - Indians
RP Tom Gordon - Phillies
RP Kyle Farnsworth - Yankees
1B Paul Konerko - White Sox
RP Bobby Howry - Cubs
CP Billy Wagner - Mets
SP Estaban Loiaza - Athletics
CP B.J. Ryan - Blue Jays
That is quite a bit of talent that the Red Sox simply missed out on. It wasn't for lack of money, either. They haven't spent a whole lot of it. In fact, they've saved quite a bit by trading Renteria, and now losing Damon will save them a few million dollars. But, they have done next to nothing on the free agent market.
Oh, and by the way. Has anyone noticed that the Yankees coaching staff is nearly as ridiculous as their $115 million lineup? They got Tony Pena to coach first base, Larry Bowa to coach third, Lee Mazilli as bench coach, Ron Guidry as pitching coach, Joe Kerrigan as bullpen coach, and Don Mattingly as hitting coach. This all behind Joe Torre. That's simply ludicrous. They've got 5 guys who have managed MLB teams on their staff.
My friend asked me "What are the Red Sox going to do?" My reply: "lose."
In response to your "Johnny Damon Signs With Scum" post I offer the inaugural post at my new blog (redsoxbloggers.blogspot.com) devoted to Red Sox fans everywhere. "A Gorilla in Times Square". Speaking of gorillas in Times Square, Johnny Damon, the hairy one, is now a Yankee. He has chosen the Evil Empire over allegiance to the city, team, and fans that made him a baseball icon. My wife was shocked when I told her that Damon signed with the Yankees. Her response, "Wait a minute, I liked him. What about loyalty? Oh no, that's just wrong!" My daughter Ashley (eight years old) said, "Damon is a Yankee, how did that happen?" I just closed my eyes and re-imagined an October moment from 2004, "the year" > It was the top of the second inning, Yankee Stadium, the sacks were racked, and Damon "yanks" a grand slam into the right field bleachers, and the lights on the scoreboard blinked from 2-0 to 6-0... I remember that moment like it was right now. And with that moment re-imagined, I was OK. Johnny Damon fulfilled his destiny as the center fielder for the Boston Red Sox, he helped bring joy unspeakable and a lasting peace to the heart of Red Sox Nation. And now he is a member of the New York Yankees, the greatest chokers in the history of professional sports. Adieu #18.
ReplyDeletehope to see you at my blog from time to time