WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox - Page 9

AZTarHeel · 06-11-2004, 12:35 AM

MLB Insider

Rumor Mill: Boston, Florida talking blockbuster summer trade?

The Boston Red Sox want Josh Beckett -- and possibly even Brad Penny or Dontrelle Willis -- on its pitching staff for the stretch run.

But the Florida Marlins are asking a hefty price, according to insiders who contacted MLB Insider after seeing Boston GM Theo Epstein and an entourage in Miami this weekend.

A handful of sources say the teams have been engaged in "heavy talks" and have already worked out one separate deal -- Boston SS prospect Hanley Ramirez (4.5 stars) for Florida MR Armando Benitez (5 stars). But neither team will confirm this transaction. Boston's bullpen definitely could use the help. Outside of Brendan Donnelly and Keith Foulke, the relief pitching has been inconsistent at best this season.

Sources say the asking price for Beckett -- the apple of Boston's eye it seems -- is Boston starter BK Kim AND 4.5-star prospect Freddie Lindstrom Jr., plus a few other minor leaguers.

"The Sox really don't want to part with Lindstrom, their prized draftee," the source said. "We've also heard that the Sox would be willing to part with Lindstrom if Boston could get Brad Penny as well as Beckett. It doesn't appear Florida would accept any offer that includes both starting pitchers."

Stay tuned as closed door, off-the-record sessions continue...

AZTarHeel · 06-11-2004, 02:12 AM

Clean sweep: BoSox tame AL Central leaders

Game 1: Boston 13, Minnesota 5. Derek Lowe improves to 9-2 as the Sox cruise... LP: Boof Bonser (1-5)... MVP: Manny Ramirez, who goes 4-for-5 with three RBIs (including two doubles)... Other highlights: Boston hits 7 doubles... 7 different guys have RBIs...

Game 2: Boston 10, Minnesota 2. BK Kim wins his fourth straight game, giving up just a pair of runs over seven innings. Boston scores 4 in the first and never looks back... LP: J Santana (4-8)... MVP: Kevin Millar, who goes 4-for-5 in the number two hole with three RBIs...

Johnny Damon is a double shy of the cycle... Terry Francona gets ejected in the third inning for arguing a questionable stolen base call... In the first two games of the series: Boston has 31 hits. Wow!!

Game 3: Boston 6, Minnesota 4. This is the featured game of the series as it pits Curt Schilling (9-2) against Twins ace Brad Radke (14-1, 2.55 ERA)... Boston scores a run in the second and three in the third to get ahead early (despite having only three hits - errors and walks help us)...

Schilling surrenders just one run in the fifth and improves to 10-2 (the first Sox pitcher to 10 wins!). Radke takes the loss. The BoSox bullpen is a little shaky with Embry and Donnelly giving up two scores and Keith Foulke giving up a pinch-hit HR to Andres Gallaraga in the ninth (The Big Cat has still got it!).

MVP: David Ortiz, 3-for-4 with a solo HR... This was Schilling's seventh-straight win... His ratings keep going down in the player development realm, but he's a battler... Boston has 43 hits for this series...

On Deck
1) A much anticipated three-game interleague series at Fenway with Philadelphia -- Francona's old team. The Sox will see some more good pitching and some great hitters like Jim Thome (25 HRs right now)... Lefty Abe Alvarez will get his first start on Saturday for Boston (not Friday as reported before)... It's Wakefield on Friday and Lowe on Sunday...

2) After an off-day on Monday, it's time to go back to Yankee Stadium for more rivalry action... Can't wait!!

3) Trades? Rumors are heating up that the Red Sox are getting ready to wheel and deal. Some wonder why? Others are nervous about the still shaky bullpen and continuing ratings decline of players like Schilling and Tim Wakefield...

---> Try this on for size: Boston wheeling and dealing for Beckett, just in time to go back to Yankee Stadium! Yeah!!

AZTarHeel · 06-11-2004, 07:37 PM

Jim Thome and the Phils put up some big numbers in two of the three games in Fenway Park over the weekend. MLB.com

Phillies end Sox streak, win two in Fenway
Boston wins big in finale but that's about it

June 25-27, 2004

Terry Francona's old team got the best of his new team in two of three games over the weekend. Tough pitching outings by BoSox starters Tim Wakefield and Abe Alvarez may speed up the trade fervor that has followed this club the past few weeks...

Game 1: Philly 10, Boston 3. Tim Wakefield struggles big time on a rainy night in Fenway. He gives up 5 runs through 4.1 innings in the loss... Reliver Ramiro Mendoza doesn't fare much better... Brett Myers gets the win for the Phillies... MVP: Ricky Ledee (PHI), who homers, has three hits and finishes with four RBIs...

Game 2: Philly 9, Boston 8. This game wasn't as close as the score indicates. Philly takes a 9-1 lead, getting eight runs in the first 4.1 innings off AAA call-up Abe Alvarez. Abe walks four and surrenders a homer in his Major League debut.

Boston gets five runs in the bottom of the ninth to make it scary down the stretch. Jason Varitek's three-run homer brought closer
Billy Wagner to the hill. Wagner got the save (Kevin Millwood the win) after striking out pinch hitter Doug Miribelli...

Game 3: Boston 16, Philly 5. The Red Sox avoid being swept in a big way. Derek Lowe becomes the second BoSox pitcher to win 10 games, outdueling Randy Wolfe (7-6).

Boston's approach this season may just be to outscore opponents since some of its pitching is shaky right now. Consider this line from game three:

* 16 hits total, including homers by Manny and Nomar
* Ellis Burks drives in SIX runs on a 3-for-4 performance. He's back on top as the AL's RBI leader...
* Manny Ramirez has three RBIs and finishes 4-for-4...
* Johnny Damon and Jason Varitek have two hits each...

On Deck
After a day off Monday, Boston travels to the Bronx for the first meeting with the Yankees since April. Boston currently leads the season series 4-3...

The rumor mill is heating up that some significant trades are coming before this series. Stay tuned...

AZTarHeel · 06-11-2004, 07:48 PM

MLB Insider

Red Sox release relief pitcher Timlin, 38

June 27, 2004

Another shaky bullpen outing by Mike Timlin earlier today caused the Boston Red Sox to release the 38-year-old right-hander.

Timlin refused assignment to the minors. He threw just one inning in a mop-up role of Boston's 16-5 win over Philadelphia. But coaches weren't happy that Timlin gave up two runs and walked a batter.

His season ERA is 5.40 -- after posting a 3.55 ERA last season during Boston's run to the ALCS. He had a propensity for walking batters early in an inning and had a tough time keeping runners he inherited from scoring.

Another team may pick Timlin up for the stretch run. "I hope so. I think I've got a lot to give still," said Timlin, who had intended to retire at season's end anyway.

Most observers believe this is a move designed to free up roster space for possible pitchers obtained via trades. Rumors have the Red Sox adding Florida MR Armando Benitez to its bullpen to compliment Brendan Donnelly, Scott Williamson and Keith Foulke.

soc624 · 06-11-2004, 08:02 PM

tough break on pedro.....i like penny! =] go sox nd backs!!

AZTarHeel · 06-12-2004, 09:41 PM

!!! BREAKING NEWS !!!

Report: Boston trades for Beckett, 2 others pitchers

Monday, June 28, 2004 * 3:39 a.m.

Ian Browne * MLB.com

After several days of fervent meetings, the Red Sox and Marlins have apparently reached a deal to bring World Series MVP pitcher Josh Beckett to Boston.

In a deal that was sealed just minutes ago, Boston sources report that they've traded six players for Beckett (10-4, 2.24 ERA), starter Brad Penny (4-10, 3.63 ERA) and reliever Armando Benitez (3-0, 1.24 ERA).

The Sox reportedly have given up six players to land the three pitchers: starters BK Kim and Tim Wakefield, reliever Ramiro Mendoza and three prospects. Boston's first round draft choice Freddie Lindstrom Jr. is apparently among the minor leaguers, sources say.

More details as they become available. Boston and Florida officials had no official comment, saying there would be a press conference sometime later today...

AZTarHeel · 06-12-2004, 10:17 PM

Fishing Trip: Boston lands three good ones in Miami

But did the Sox mortgage the future to help their chances at ’04 pennant?

The Boston Globe * Monday, June 28, 2004

Finally, at 3:19 a.m., Boston GM Theo Epstein emerges from a hotel conference room looking disheveled.

His tie and sport coat are long gone. His knit shirt is unbuttoned a few notches and bears the stains of a careless coffee drinker and frustrated pizza eater. His five o’clock shadow is growing its own five o’clock shadow.

As Epstein shuffles past a pool of reporters, each looking as equally haggard, he mumbles just two sentences: “We finally got it done. You’ll know all the details and get my comments in a few hours – when the sun comes up.”

Those details have come to light now and center on the biggest blockbuster trade of the season. Nine players in all will change hands in the next day between the Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins organization.

The Sox will get their most prized trophy – 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett as well as fellow pitchers Brad Penny (starter) and Armando Benitez (reliever). What will be determined over the coming months – and years – is whether the Sox paid too steep a price to shore up a shaky pitching rotation.

Boston gave up three members of its current roster, all pitchers: starters BK Kim and Tim Wakefield, and long reliever Ramiro Mendoza – essentially trading those three for Beckett, Penny and Benitez. But they also shipped away three of their most coveted prospects – SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Freddie Lindstrom Jr. and RF Matt Murton. Lindstrom was the Sox’s first pick in the June draft. He and Ramirez were expected to be the infield combination of the future in Boston.

Boston’s minor league system is now listed as the worst in the majors – a stark contrast to the Big Club that has the best record in all of baseball.

“The Red Sox are definitely operating on the win-it-all-right-now principle,” said ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons. “Florida fleeced them for some pretty good young talent. Gosh, if there’s no pennant in Boston this year. It could be many, many years before they have another chance at one.”

The trade process proved just as intriguing as the player moves. Things began several weeks ago when Beckett, answering a reporter’s question about a frustrating 2004 season after winning the Series in ’03, casually mused over how he’d love to pitch for a contender like Boston.

“Red Sox officials jumped all over that,” Gammons said. “They laughed it off publicly but sent plenty of feelers along the back channels to see if he was serious.”

This week’s deal actually was made two parts. The first was a one-for-one trade – shortstop Hanley Ramirez (20 year old, 3.5 stars) for reliever/stopper Armando Benitez (age 31, 5 stars). Florida, in fifth place in the NL East, was ready to dump some salary for a quality prospect, and Boston of course was looking for a better reliever than 38-year-old Mike Timlin (5+ ERA), who was released earlier this week.

For awhile, it appeared the wheeling and dealing would end there. But Epstein wanted to get at least one starting pitcher as well. Both teams worked for hours on countless combinations. The Marlins made one thing clear – no trade would pass that didn’t involve Lindstrom, the grandson of a Hall-of-Fame infielder. They certainly weren’t going to let Beckett go without getting Kim in return. Both are 4.5 star guys, and both are young with tremendous upside.

“It looked for awhile that Boston would take Brad Penny for Tim Wakefield and some minor leaguers,” said Gammons, who hung around the Miami Hilton used for negotiations the past few nights.

“But Florida was demanding Lindstrom in any trade involving its starting pitchers. Epstein got furious at one point and said something like, ‘Heck if we’re parting with Freddie than we had better get Beckett. Let’s pull out all the stops. We’ve got to win the World Series this year. I want Josh.’’”

Boston got their Josh. Now it remains to be seen if they’ll get their Series crown as well.

“If you look at the symbolism of who Boston let go, it’s startling,” Gammons said. “Tim Wakefield gave up the home run to Aaron Boone in last year’s crushing ALCS game six. BK Kim had been coming along this year but still has a shadow over him due to two collapses in Yankee Stadium while with the Diamondbacks.

“Penny was 3-1 in the post-season a year ago. Beckett, meanwhile, shrugged his shoulders over the mystique of Yankee Stadium, took the ball on three days rest and pitched an improbable team to a World Series championship. Boston’s hoping for a repeat.”

TexasLonghorns · 06-12-2004, 10:37 PM

WOOHOOO Beckett in a Red Sox uniform

soc624 · 06-12-2004, 11:31 PM

sick trade, i love penny

YankeeFanatic04 · 06-13-2004, 12:42 PM

Disgusted in the Yankees as they just sit back and watch this all happen. and has there been any other trades in the league...

GreenBud · 06-13-2004, 04:34 PM

How can they trade Wakes? He is the Red Sox.

AZTarHeel · 06-13-2004, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by YankeeFanatic04
Disgusted in the Yankees as they just sit back and watch this all happen. and has there been any other trades in the league...

This is the only move the Yanks have made in my season...

Trade with Chicago (N) :
We get :
2B Mark Grudzielanek
Chicago (N) gets :
C Dioner Navarro
RF Estee Harris
SS Hector Made

Frankly, I'm disappointed in them too... They aren't that competitive... I was hoping, for a good storyline's sake, that they would be better... Maybe they'll make a late charge...

YankeeFanatic04 · 06-13-2004, 07:28 PM

So what is the Redsox rotation with a healthy Pedro.... Oedro/Schilling/Beckett/Penny/??? .... Also can you post the Standings if you can.

AZTarHeel · 06-13-2004, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenBud
How can they trade Wakes? He is the Red Sox.

Boston GM Theo Epstein responds to critics:
"Yes, this is a controversial move indeed, but this is a win-at-all-costs season for us, and Wakes wasn't getting it done... His ERA was 6.35ish and Boston had lost five of the previous six games in which he had started. The team had lost confidence in him."

(note: he lost his first start with Florida as well... details on that when I catch up)

**Thanks for the feedback by the way folks, that makes this fun...

AZTarHeel · 06-13-2004, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by YankeeFanatic04
So what is the Redsox rotation with a healthy Pedro.... Oedro/Schilling/Beckett/Penny/??? .... Also can you post the Standings if you can.

After the Yankees series, which is coming up next, we'll be done with June. I'll do a roundup of standings and leaders then.

Anything else folks want to see?

Boston's probable rotation when Pedro comes back in August:
1) Pedro
2) Beckett
3) Lowe
4) Penny
5) Schilling

(may have to adjust the 3-4-5 order at that point. Schilling is an interesting story. His ratings have plummeted since the year started. He is now a 2.5 star pitcher, but somehow keeps winning games...)

YankeeFanatic04 · 06-13-2004, 07:35 PM

Trade Schilling while you can and make the Yankees go after Johnson.

AZTarHeel · 06-13-2004, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by YankeeFanatic04
Trade Schilling while you can and make the Yankees go after Johnson.

Two problems with that -- Schilling is old with a big contract (signed through '06) and Arizona is LEADING the NL West in my reality with the second best record in baseball (52-27).

Randy Johnson is 11-4... Interesting;y enough, he's still listed as a 5-star guy...

YankeeFanatic04 · 06-13-2004, 07:52 PM

Im sure the Yankees will take Schilling... Trade Schilling for Contreras...Also can u maybe put a link of the yankees stats on the board...

AZTarHeel · 06-13-2004, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by YankeeFanatic04
Im sure the Yankees will take Schilling... Trade Schilling for Contreras...

haha - For the fun of it I offered Schilling to the Yanks for Contreras... their response: "there is no way we can afford the contracts offered... We will not accept Schilling - he just eats $$"

YankeeFanatic04 · 06-13-2004, 08:42 PM

damn...Redsox should trade for Vidro..

06-12-2004, 09:41 PM	#166
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	!!! BREAKING NEWS !!! Report: Boston trades for Beckett, 2 others pitchers Monday, June 28, 2004 3:39 a.m.* Ian Browne * MLB.com After several days of fervent meetings, the Red Sox and Marlins have apparently reached a deal to bring World Series MVP pitcher Josh Beckett to Boston. In a deal that was sealed just minutes ago, Boston sources report that they've traded six players for Beckett (10-4, 2.24 ERA), starter Brad Penny (4-10, 3.63 ERA) and reliever Armando Benitez (3-0, 1.24 ERA). The Sox reportedly have given up six players to land the three pitchers: starters BK Kim and Tim Wakefield, reliever Ramiro Mendoza and three prospects. Boston's first round draft choice Freddie Lindstrom Jr. is apparently among the minor leaguers, sources say. More details as they become available. Boston and Florida officials had no official comment, saying there would be a press conference sometime later today... Last edited by AZTarHeel; 06-12-2004 at 09:49 PM.

06-13-2004, 12:42 PM	#170
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	Disgusted in the Yankees as they just sit back and watch this all happen. and has there been any other trades in the league... Last edited by YankeeFanatic04; 06-13-2004 at 01:03 PM.

06-13-2004, 04:34 PM	#171
GreenBud Bat Boy Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16	How can they trade Wakes? He is the Red Sox. __________________ Red Sox Nation DIEHARD

06-11-2004, 12:35 AM	#161
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	MLB Insider Rumor Mill: Boston, Florida talking blockbuster summer trade? The Boston Red Sox want Josh Beckett -- and possibly even Brad Penny or Dontrelle Willis -- on its pitching staff for the stretch run. But the Florida Marlins are asking a hefty price, according to insiders who contacted MLB Insider after seeing Boston GM Theo Epstein and an entourage in Miami this weekend. A handful of sources say the teams have been engaged in "heavy talks" and have already worked out one separate deal -- Boston SS prospect Hanley Ramirez (4.5 stars) for Florida MR Armando Benitez (5 stars). But neither team will confirm this transaction. Boston's bullpen definitely could use the help. Outside of Brendan Donnelly and Keith Foulke, the relief pitching has been inconsistent at best this season. Sources say the asking price for Beckett -- the apple of Boston's eye it seems -- is Boston starter BK Kim AND 4.5-star prospect Freddie Lindstrom Jr., plus a few other minor leaguers. "The Sox really don't want to part with Lindstrom, their prized draftee," the source said. "We've also heard that the Sox would be willing to part with Lindstrom if Boston could get Brad Penny as well as Beckett. It doesn't appear Florida would accept any offer that includes both starting pitchers." Stay tuned as closed door, off-the-record sessions continue...

06-11-2004, 02:12 AM	#162
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Clean sweep: BoSox tame AL Central leaders Game 1: Boston 13, Minnesota 5. Derek Lowe improves to 9-2 as the Sox cruise... LP: Boof Bonser (1-5)... MVP: Manny Ramirez, who goes 4-for-5 with three RBIs (including two doubles)... Other highlights: Boston hits 7 doubles... 7 different guys have RBIs... Game 2: Boston 10, Minnesota 2. BK Kim wins his fourth straight game, giving up just a pair of runs over seven innings. Boston scores 4 in the first and never looks back... LP: J Santana (4-8)... MVP: Kevin Millar, who goes 4-for-5 in the number two hole with three RBIs... Johnny Damon is a double shy of the cycle... Terry Francona gets ejected in the third inning for arguing a questionable stolen base call... In the first two games of the series: Boston has 31 hits. Wow!! Game 3: Boston 6, Minnesota 4. This is the featured game of the series as it pits Curt Schilling (9-2) against Twins ace Brad Radke (14-1, 2.55 ERA)... Boston scores a run in the second and three in the third to get ahead early (despite having only three hits - errors and walks help us)... Schilling surrenders just one run in the fifth and improves to 10-2 (the first Sox pitcher to 10 wins!). Radke takes the loss. The BoSox bullpen is a little shaky with Embry and Donnelly giving up two scores and Keith Foulke giving up a pinch-hit HR to Andres Gallaraga in the ninth (The Big Cat has still got it!). MVP: David Ortiz, 3-for-4 with a solo HR... This was Schilling's seventh-straight win... His ratings keep going down in the player development realm, but he's a battler... Boston has 43 hits for this series... On Deck 1) A much anticipated three-game interleague series at Fenway with Philadelphia -- Francona's old team. The Sox will see some more good pitching and some great hitters like Jim Thome (25 HRs right now)... Lefty Abe Alvarez will get his first start on Saturday for Boston (not Friday as reported before)... It's Wakefield on Friday and Lowe on Sunday... 2) After an off-day on Monday, it's time to go back to Yankee Stadium for more rivalry action... Can't wait!! 3) Trades? Rumors are heating up that the Red Sox are getting ready to wheel and deal. Some wonder why? Others are nervous about the still shaky bullpen and continuing ratings decline of players like Schilling and Tim Wakefield... ---> Try this on for size: Boston wheeling and dealing for Beckett, just in time to go back to Yankee Stadium! Yeah!!

06-11-2004, 07:37 PM	#163
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Jim Thome and the Phils put up some big numbers in two of the three games in Fenway Park over the weekend. MLB.com Phillies end Sox streak, win two in Fenway Boston wins big in finale but that's about it June 25-27, 2004 Terry Francona's old team got the best of his new team in two of three games over the weekend. Tough pitching outings by BoSox starters Tim Wakefield and Abe Alvarez may speed up the trade fervor that has followed this club the past few weeks... Game 1: Philly 10, Boston 3. Tim Wakefield struggles big time on a rainy night in Fenway. He gives up 5 runs through 4.1 innings in the loss... Reliver Ramiro Mendoza doesn't fare much better... Brett Myers gets the win for the Phillies... MVP: Ricky Ledee (PHI), who homers, has three hits and finishes with four RBIs... Game 2: Philly 9, Boston 8. This game wasn't as close as the score indicates. Philly takes a 9-1 lead, getting eight runs in the first 4.1 innings off AAA call-up Abe Alvarez. Abe walks four and surrenders a homer in his Major League debut. Boston gets five runs in the bottom of the ninth to make it scary down the stretch. Jason Varitek's three-run homer brought closer Billy Wagner to the hill. Wagner got the save (Kevin Millwood the win) after striking out pinch hitter Doug Miribelli... Game 3: Boston 16, Philly 5. The Red Sox avoid being swept in a big way. Derek Lowe becomes the second BoSox pitcher to win 10 games, outdueling Randy Wolfe (7-6). Boston's approach this season may just be to outscore opponents since some of its pitching is shaky right now. Consider this line from game three: * 16 hits total, including homers by Manny and Nomar * Ellis Burks drives in SIX runs on a 3-for-4 performance. He's back on top as the AL's RBI leader... * Manny Ramirez has three RBIs and finishes 4-for-4... * Johnny Damon and Jason Varitek have two hits each... On Deck After a day off Monday, Boston travels to the Bronx for the first meeting with the Yankees since April. Boston currently leads the season series 4-3... The rumor mill is heating up that some significant trades are coming before this series. Stay tuned...

06-11-2004, 07:48 PM	#164
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	MLB Insider Red Sox release relief pitcher Timlin, 38 June 27, 2004 Another shaky bullpen outing by Mike Timlin earlier today caused the Boston Red Sox to release the 38-year-old right-hander. Timlin refused assignment to the minors. He threw just one inning in a mop-up role of Boston's 16-5 win over Philadelphia. But coaches weren't happy that Timlin gave up two runs and walked a batter. His season ERA is 5.40 -- after posting a 3.55 ERA last season during Boston's run to the ALCS. He had a propensity for walking batters early in an inning and had a tough time keeping runners he inherited from scoring. Another team may pick Timlin up for the stretch run. "I hope so. I think I've got a lot to give still," said Timlin, who had intended to retire at season's end anyway. Most observers believe this is a move designed to free up roster space for possible pitchers obtained via trades. Rumors have the Red Sox adding Florida MR Armando Benitez to its bullpen to compliment Brendan Donnelly, Scott Williamson and Keith Foulke.

06-11-2004, 08:02 PM	#165
soc624 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 155	tough break on pedro.....i like penny! =] go sox nd backs!!

06-12-2004, 10:17 PM	#167
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Fishing Trip: Boston lands three good ones in Miami But did the Sox mortgage the future to help their chances at ’04 pennant? The Boston Globe Monday, June 28, 2004* Finally, at 3:19 a.m., Boston GM Theo Epstein emerges from a hotel conference room looking disheveled. His tie and sport coat are long gone. His knit shirt is unbuttoned a few notches and bears the stains of a careless coffee drinker and frustrated pizza eater. His five o’clock shadow is growing its own five o’clock shadow. As Epstein shuffles past a pool of reporters, each looking as equally haggard, he mumbles just two sentences: “We finally got it done. You’ll know all the details and get my comments in a few hours – when the sun comes up.” Those details have come to light now and center on the biggest blockbuster trade of the season. Nine players in all will change hands in the next day between the Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins organization. The Sox will get their most prized trophy – 2003 World Series MVP Josh Beckett as well as fellow pitchers Brad Penny (starter) and Armando Benitez (reliever). What will be determined over the coming months – and years – is whether the Sox paid too steep a price to shore up a shaky pitching rotation. Boston gave up three members of its current roster, all pitchers: starters BK Kim and Tim Wakefield, and long reliever Ramiro Mendoza – essentially trading those three for Beckett, Penny and Benitez. But they also shipped away three of their most coveted prospects – SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Freddie Lindstrom Jr. and RF Matt Murton. Lindstrom was the Sox’s first pick in the June draft. He and Ramirez were expected to be the infield combination of the future in Boston. Boston’s minor league system is now listed as the worst in the majors – a stark contrast to the Big Club that has the best record in all of baseball. “The Red Sox are definitely operating on the win-it-all-right-now principle,” said ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons. “Florida fleeced them for some pretty good young talent. Gosh, if there’s no pennant in Boston this year. It could be many, many years before they have another chance at one.” The trade process proved just as intriguing as the player moves. Things began several weeks ago when Beckett, answering a reporter’s question about a frustrating 2004 season after winning the Series in ’03, casually mused over how he’d love to pitch for a contender like Boston. “Red Sox officials jumped all over that,” Gammons said. “They laughed it off publicly but sent plenty of feelers along the back channels to see if he was serious.” This week’s deal actually was made two parts. The first was a one-for-one trade – shortstop Hanley Ramirez (20 year old, 3.5 stars) for reliever/stopper Armando Benitez (age 31, 5 stars). Florida, in fifth place in the NL East, was ready to dump some salary for a quality prospect, and Boston of course was looking for a better reliever than 38-year-old Mike Timlin (5+ ERA), who was released earlier this week. For awhile, it appeared the wheeling and dealing would end there. But Epstein wanted to get at least one starting pitcher as well. Both teams worked for hours on countless combinations. The Marlins made one thing clear – no trade would pass that didn’t involve Lindstrom, the grandson of a Hall-of-Fame infielder. They certainly weren’t going to let Beckett go without getting Kim in return. Both are 4.5 star guys, and both are young with tremendous upside. “It looked for awhile that Boston would take Brad Penny for Tim Wakefield and some minor leaguers,” said Gammons, who hung around the Miami Hilton used for negotiations the past few nights. “But Florida was demanding Lindstrom in any trade involving its starting pitchers. Epstein got furious at one point and said something like, ‘Heck if we’re parting with Freddie than we had better get Beckett. Let’s pull out all the stops. We’ve got to win the World Series this year. I want Josh.’’” Boston got their Josh. Now it remains to be seen if they’ll get their Series crown as well. “If you look at the symbolism of who Boston let go, it’s startling,” Gammons said. “Tim Wakefield gave up the home run to Aaron Boone in last year’s crushing ALCS game six. BK Kim had been coming along this year but still has a shadow over him due to two collapses in Yankee Stadium while with the Diamondbacks. “Penny was 3-1 in the post-season a year ago. Beckett, meanwhile, shrugged his shoulders over the mystique of Yankee Stadium, took the ball on three days rest and pitched an improbable team to a World Series championship. Boston’s hoping for a repeat.”

06-12-2004, 10:37 PM	#168
TexasLonghorns Major Leagues Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 302	WOOHOOO Beckett in a Red Sox uniform

06-12-2004, 11:31 PM	#169
soc624 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 155	sick trade, i love penny

06-13-2004, 07:28 PM	#173
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	So what is the Redsox rotation with a healthy Pedro.... Oedro/Schilling/Beckett/Penny/??? .... Also can you post the Standings if you can.

06-13-2004, 07:35 PM	#176
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	Trade Schilling while you can and make the Yankees go after Johnson.

06-13-2004, 07:52 PM	#178
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	Im sure the Yankees will take Schilling... Trade Schilling for Contreras...Also can u maybe put a link of the yankees stats on the board...

06-13-2004, 08:42 PM	#180
YankeeFanatic04 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 232	damn...Redsox should trade for Vidro..