I read your posting about catching prospects. Any word on Jon Still who DH’d and caught with the Spinners? He was a high draft pick and showed great judgement and a solid bat in the Cape League? I never hear mention of him. Is he on the map or falling by the wayside?

Jack McCarthy

How can Coco Crisp be reporting lingering problems with his finger? Did the Red Sox stay on top of this injury during the offseason? Did everyone just go home this offseason and figure his finger would be 100% when he showed up to camp?

This is ridiculous. If this finger is an issue for yet another season, terrible job by all parties involved.

I dont know if you read the report that the Sox’ FO was considering shifting back to Papelbon as a closer but had yet to announce it. Although this has been reported to be untrue in reality (Edes: IT’S A JOKE, KIDS,) what do you think the chances are of them moving Paps back into the closer’s role if Piniero et al doesn’t work out in the early part of the season?

They have Lester, god bless him, Tavarez and others that could serve as a servicable 5th starter, and could give the team a lock-tight closer. I’m not saying I WOULD do this, because I would rather see Paps pitch 200 innings/year, but I’m just wondering if you have any inside information/observations on the topic. Thanks!

http://elguaposghost.blogspot.com/2007/01/trust-this-scout-red-sox-special.html

With all the talk of who the closer is going to be, I haven’t heard much talk of the red sox maybe trading for say Chad Cordero. I know Jim Bowden likes Willy Mo Pena, so maybe they could get something done. Thanx, keep up the good work

Has Curt Schilling come in way out of shape? You may have addressed this already, but I have heard that in more than one place.

Thanks,
Tom (fellow SC slum)

I saw a blurb this offseason that the Sox planned to use Ortiz at 1B a little more this year, with Manny DH’ing a little more, and Wily Mo playing LF. It seemed that this was an idea to get Wily Mo more AB’s. I’m wondering if you’ve heard of any such thing?

Also, can you clarify that Allard Baird thing? Are you saying Matsuzaka’s curveball is as good/better than Gordon’s… according to Baird’s scale?

Thanks! Love this blog!

I have a question that’s been bugging me for a few days. Maybe you can shed some light on it. I’ve heard whispers from Gammons and other pretty knowledgeable sources that the Red Sox are displeased with Schilling’s conditioning entering ST this year. Now, I know Schill will never be a male model and that he’s pitched with that thick midsection for years, but I do think he looks a bit huskier this year than I previously recalled. Seeing as he’s looking for an extension, I was wondering if you’d heard anything about the Red Sox’s take on his physique. Thanks!

I still can’t believe that the Helton deal is 100% dead as it made too much sense for both teams. Any chance of this resurfacting before the start of the season?