What was your reaction when you first heard the news this morning, that the Red Sox had basically dropped out of the Mark Teixeira negotiations after rumors stating they were in the lead?
My reaction was, well, I had no reaction.
Since Day 1 of this off-season, the Red Sox have been in control. They didn’t have to do anything. They still have one of the best lineups in baseball. They have one of the best pitching staffs. Their bullpen was bolstered with the addition of Ramon Ramirez. And it appears Justin Masterson might be that No. 4 starter for 2009.
If Teixeira was signed by the Sox, then it would have meant peace and mind for six, seven or eight years (however long he would have been dominant) at the cleanup spot.
If they didn’t sign him, well, Mike Lowell remains with the team at least another year, maybe two, and that might not be a bad thing either. If healthy (that is the big “if” with him), he is 25 HRs, 110 RBI and a possible Gold Glove at third base.
I understand the Red Sox pursuit of Teixeira. It gives them certitude in the middle of the lineup.
But do they really need that?
While I believe most people will point to the pressure being on Lowell to have a good year in 2009, I believe the guy with more pressure on him will be David Ortiz. And the pursuit of Teixeira might have had more to do with his age/health than Lowell’s.
Basically, the world didn’t end today. The Red Sox didn’t have to do anything. They are a World Series contender for 2009, as is.
If Josh Beckett rebounds from mediocrity (12-10, 4.02 ERA in 2008), at least for him, and contends for a Cy Young Award (est: 18-9, 3.00 ERA) then the Sox will be the team to beat. That is a bigger concern than Lowell or Ortiz.
What do you think?
