So, there are quite a few rumors out regarding the Sox, so I figured it'd be helpful if I gave you guys some updates in 140 characters or more (sarcastic Twitter reference there).
First off, Oakland A's pitcher Gio Gonzalez has been a name widely discussed internally by the Sox. The lefty was 16-12 this past season with a 3.12 ERA. The Sox have inquired on him, but Billy Beane is feeling lazy at the moment and hasn't begun any serious discussions with anyone interested in the guy. Also, some NL talent evaluator who wishes to remain anonymous said that 26 year old Gonzalez would be at the top of most teams' wish lists.
The Red Sox checked in with Yankees reliever Luis Ayala. The 34 year old pitched to a 2.09 ERA in 56 inning for the Skanks last season. He did pretty ugly in 2009, pitching to a 5.63 ERA while splitting time between Minnesota and Florida. But, his solid performance in New York is probably going to get him a guaranteed major league deal.
The Sox are still pursuing lefty C.J. Wilson, according to John Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Please Ben, for the love of God stay away from Wilson. Yeah, I know, the guy's got impressive numbers in the regular season. But how about when it was crunch time? His playoff numbers were brutal. His total playoffs ERA in the past 2 seasons with Texas is 4.82. Not exactly pretty. Not to mention his record over those 2 seasons is 1-5. Pretty scary if you ask me. I personally have concerns on whether or not he could handle the pressure in a market like Boston or New York or even Chicago, where old friend Theo Epstein is most likely going to pursue him. It gives me visions of John Lackey. Exactly, that scary.
The Sox apparently asked the Jays about interviewing former Sox pitching coach and current Toronto manager John Farrell for the managerial vacancy. What did Anthopolous have to say? "Give us Buchholz and you can talk to him." Hey Alex, stick it in your ass. Dink.
Within the next week, the team will announce the new manager. It'll either be Bobby Valentine (God damn it) or Gene Lamont (you've got to be kidding me). Pretty shitty candidates if you ask me. It appears that Lamont is Cherington's guy while Valentine is Lucchino's. Who do you think will win out on that one? (Rhetorical question, obviously Lucchino)
Nick Cafardo thinks that the Red Sox should go after Michael Cuddyer for right field with Carlos Beltran as Plan B. He also says that the Red Sox have inquired on Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. Seriosu discussions haven't taken place. Sounds like the Sox were just seeing how available he is. He also thinks that Joe Saunders and Francisco Liriano would be good fits in the Red Sox rotation (maybe on Saunders, hell no Liriano)
One last note, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald believes that the Red Sox should convert Daniel Bard into a starter. former Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young acknowledged that Bard does have a "starter's repertoire". I still don't see that happening.
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