The Candidate

POST MORTEM

For the 84th consecutive year, the Red Sox did not win the World Series. Despite having two 20 game winners and the AL batting champion, the mantra once again is "Wait until next year"... Despite new ownership, a new (interim) general manager, a new field skipper, and a couple of key off-season AND mid-season acquisitions, the fat lady has sung for YOUR beloved baseball team.

Before we go into hibernation or start to heat the stove for winter ramblings, let's look at one man's humble assessment of HOW we should move forward.

KEEPERS

Starting Pitchers- Martinez, Lowe, Wakefield, Fossum

Relief Pitchers- Embree, Urbina

Non Pitchers- Garciaparra, Hillenbrand, Ramirez, Damon, Nixon, Varitek, F. Sanchez, Mirabelli, Floyd

Comments- Fossum can be a decent #4 starter if he bulks up a little. Ugie and Embree can close the deal in the 8th and 9th innings. Nixon and Varitek need more consistency on offense, but Nixon's power and D and Varitek's value to the pitching staff are key components. Freddie Sanchez could replace "cousin" Ray. Signing Floyd, and letting him play 1st base is a possible solution..

DUMPERS

Pitchers- Arrojo, Banks, Gomes, Castillo

Non Pitchers- Clark, Henderson,

Comments- The bullpen was THE problem this year. Dump these four pitchers and bring in some fresh, young arms to help with middle relief. Clark's only contribution was helping to avert a labor strike. Rickey is Rickey: GONE !!!

TOUGH CALLS

Pitchers- Burkett, Hermanson, Howry

Non Pitchers- R. Sanchez, Daubach, Baerga, Merloni, Agbayani

Comments- Hermanson probably deserves a fresh start after an injury-plagued season. Let him and Burkett battle for the 5th starter spot. The "loser" is the long reliever or early 2003 dumper. Howry can help a depleted bullpen. Keep Ray Sanchez until you know Freddie S. can do the job at 2nd base. See if and what you can get for Daubach. Baerga's fun to have around and a good pinch hitter, but... Merloni is a cheap backup. Benny, weren't you a former Met ???

OVERALL

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is going to have a big impact on the game of baseball, and salary structures in particular. AFTER next year, the Sox will have some MAJOR decisions to make on what to do with Nomar, Manny, and Derek. What the market will bear given the new CBA, luxury payroll tax, and debt service facing the Sox ownership group is very difficult to project. All nonsense about trading one of the "big 3" is just very premature. Since that's 2004, let's worry about that NEXT year.

As I alluded above, the bullpen was the biggest culprit this year. Let's look at the positives though: Last year's injuries of Nomar, Pedro, and Varitek seemed to have healed nicely, beyond expectations. Lowe was simply "lights out" in his first full year starting. Wakefield proved he could be consistent and effective. Fossum shows a lot of promise. "Tryout" a 5th starter, and we should be all set there. Whoever doesn't crack the rotation can be the first one out of the bullpen. Pick up a couple of decent HEALTHY free agent relievers that are on the upside of their careers.

The left-side of the infield is set. Teach Shea a LITTLE more patience. Try Cliff Clavin Floyd at first and one of the Sanchez' at 2nd. Merloni can fill in any of these positions. If Damon can cure his knee ailment, he should be solid ALL next year. I think Nixon's going to be one of those Paul O'Neil types that's going to get tougher and grittier, even though he'll struggle at times. Let Manny play left as much as possible so he can shake out his "lazy bones". Another DH/1B/backup outfielder will help this crew.

The truth is this: the Sox won 93 games this year. It's the 1st time a team with that many wins has NOT made the playoffs. The teams that are in are BETTER. The Yankees, A's, Angels, and Twins deserved it. End of story. The Patriots spoiled us last year. The Sox tried, but couldn't live up to our expectations. What else is new ??? But the team doesn't need to be "blown up", at least not yet. Team chemistry was better, but not perfect. We realize Jimy Williams wasn't an idiot. Maybe Grady Little is not the answer. Maybe it's the players taking on more of the responsibility. Maybe it's the fans being overly critical. I got it, blame it on the media. Nope. The truth is we weren't good enough.

Sleep well through the winter, my fair weather friends.

You can email Jack at JCooney@challiance.org