Red Sox Acquire Andrew Bailey

The Red Sox acquired Oakland closer Andrew Bailey in a trade the other day that also saw outfielder Josh Reddick and Oakland outfielder Ryan Sweeney change uniforms

Somewhere, Ryan Madson is bawling his eyes out.

The other day, the Red Sox finally made a move for a closer. They traded outfielder Josh Reddick along with prospects Raul Alcantra and Miles Head for Oakland closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney. The move was first reported by ESPN's Buster Olney (Twitter link).

Well it's about damn time. I had a bad feeling the Sox were gonna go the closer by committee route and just use Melancon, who, let's face it, isn't about to be an AL East closer anytime soon. Bailey is a proven closer (he's done for more than one year) and is a two time all star, and figures to be the Sox closer for quite a while.

Despite his injury history, Bailey appears to be in perfect health and should be one of the last pieces that solidifies the bullpen. With Daniel Bard and possibly Alfredo Aceves heading to the starting rotation, the Sox needed to make this deal. And if you ask me, Billy Beane got his balls chopped off in this one.

Also, with the bullpen seemingly taken care of, the Red Sox are exploring every poswsible starting pitching option. They've expressed interest in free agents Roy Oswalt, Hiroki Kuroda, and Edwin Jackson, and have talked to the Cubs about Matt Garza. Lou Merloni thought of something brilliant in regards to Matt Garza. Swing a deal for him, but make Theo and co. let Cherington give up one less prospect in the deal as compensation for losing Theo (Twitter link). Awesome idea if you ask me. Having 3 top notch starters (Beckett, Lester, Garza), 1 starter on the cusp of being top notch (Buchholz) and then either Bard or Aceves would be a pretty good looking rotation on paper going into the year.

You can also expect the Sox to either make some sort of trade or a free agent signing to fill the right field hole, as Ryan Sweeney and Darnell MacDonald will absolutely not cut it.

Rangers Win Bidding for Yu Darvish

Widely considered to be the best pitcher in all of Japan,  Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish had his negotiating rights sold to the Texas Rangers from his Japanese League team, the Nippom Ham Fighters

Well, this is a bit surprising. Even though everyone in the baseball world expected the Jays to win the bidding for Darvish, the Rangers won instead, topping the Red Sox record bid for Dice-K ($51M posting fee) with a $51.7M bid. The Nippom Ham Fighters, Darvish's Japanese League team, accepted the bid late last night and immediately afterwards, the MLB announced that Texas had placed the winning bid. This was first reported by Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, and later confirmed by multiple other reporters. The Rangers now have until January 18 to hammer out a contract with Darvish.

Not like it matters, but I have quite a strong opinion when it comes to Japanese pitchers and the amount of money it costs to both win their negotiating rights and sign them to a a major league contract. I've been highly skeptical of Japanese pitchers for a couple years now, not only because of the Red Sox complete failure with Matsuzaka, but also the failures of former Yankees pitchers Chien Ming Wang and Kei Igawa. The style of play for pitchers in Japan is completely different than it is here in North America. Here, teams pitch guys until they hit their limit or until they start to lose the game. In Japan, they pitch guys until their arms fall off and, as we witnessed with Dice-K here in Boston, it doesn't matter what the count is, they always push it to 3-2 just for the thrill. It's extremely difficult for the pitchers to adapt to the style, and that causes problems and a lot of failures.

I also think that teams have to post far too much money just for the right to negotiate with the player and then have to dish out all star contracts to sign them. I personally think that all international players, not just Japanese players, should be treated as draftees/prospects. It shouldn't matter how highly touted they are, they're still coming to a completely different country with a completely different style of play. The bidding prices should be a hell of a lot lower than they currently are, and the actual contracts the players sign should be similar to those of players just drafted/being signed as prospects. They shouldn't even jump right into the major league either. If it were up to me, I would assign the player to my team's AA affiliate so he can start at an easier level and have an easier time transitioning to the style of play.

Anyways, good luck to Texas. Darvish is supposed to have some really good stuff, and I for one would actually like to see him become the ace he's supposed to become. I wonder if he throws the gyro ball.....

Red Sox Acquire Melancon, Sign Punto

Ben Cherington made his first trade as GM the other day, acquiring reliever Mark Melancon from Houston

Cherington has officially made his first trade as General Manager of the Red Sox, acquiring Houston closer Mark Melancon for shortstop Jed Lowrie and pitcher Kyle Weiland. The move is probably the first in a series of moves the team will make in order to solidify the bullpen. Melancon was pretty good for the lowly Astros last year, converting 20 out of 25 save opportunities while going 8-4 with an ERA of 2.78. Cherington has stated that he's comfortable with Melancon being the team's close next season, but multiple reports indicate that they are still pursuing Oakland closer Andrew Bailey, and Ken Rosenthal has said that they still can't be ruled out on free agent closer Ryan Madson.

I personally like the move. Melancon is only 26, is under team control through 2016 and isn't arbitration eligible until after 2013. I don't see him as an AL East closer, but this move definitely solidifies the late innings role, as he'll most likely take over the 7th inning role. Melancon has always had god numbers against righies, but he tends to struggle against lefties. So far, it seems like Cherington knows what he's doing. Building a bullpen isn;t an art, and it sure as hell isn't easy. Hell, the most succesful bullpens were built by teams who pretty much threw shit at the wall and prayed that it would stick (Prime Example: Tampa Bay)

Later that day, Cherington signed utility infielder Nick Punto to a two year, $3M contract. Punto wasn't signed for his bat though, thankfully. He has great defense at second base, shortstop, and third base. Also, from what I've heard, Punto is a great clubhouse guy that has been very well liked by the guys on every team he's played for. That's a quality that can't be overlooked, especially considering the clubhouse issues the Sox had last year. Cherington said of Punto, "He's a guy who understands his role on a winning team". That's actually really good, 'cause you can't be signing guys who feel like they're entitled to a starting job. Punto should help clubhouse chemistry, and he'll also split utility infield duties with current utility man Mike Aviles.

Top 10 Bruins Prospects

The Bruins roster, as it stands right now, is hands down one of the best in the league. But, that's where most people stop looking. Here, I give you guys a look into the future of the Bruins. The team's farm system is stockpiled with tremendous talent, ranging from players who have very real shots at cracking the NHL roster in the next couple years, to players who have very high potential that requires some time in Providence. The top 10 for this team is a very deep list, and it further proves that the Bruins are set to be a really tough team to play for quite a while.

1.Doug Hamilton (D, Niagara OHL)

• Drafted 9th Overall in 2011, Hamilton pretty much fell right into Chiarelli's lap. At 6'5, Hamilton is a fast skater for his size, and he uses both of those tools to his advantage. Even the slickest danglers struggle to get past this kid. He uses his size to his advantage as well, as he is fearless along the boards, in the corners, and both in front of and behind the net. His ability to clear players out of the crease is similar to current Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, whose strength allows him to lay down destructive hits in open ice as well as in front of the net. Hamilton's offensive abilities are not to be doubted either. He has a complete cannon from the blue line and is also an effective passer, both in transition and in the zone, and looks to be useful as a powerplay weapon. Hamilton signed a three year entry level contract with the Bruins last month and will join the Providence squad upon conclusion of his junior season.
• Projection: No. 1 Shut Down Defenseman, 40+ Point Potential, Potential Future All Star

2. Ryan Spooner (F, Kingston OHL)

• Spooner may be small, but he's very crafty and very good with the puck. In three seasons split between the OHL's Peterborough Petes and Kingston Frontenacs, he has been a consistent point-per-game player. He possesses the ability to create space for himself using his elusive and pacing abilities. He has a bit of sniper and playmaker in him, but he isn't the type that you can classify as one or the other. In rookie games against the Islanders, he showcased his offensive abilities with a one timed slapshot, a deceptive wrister, and perfect tape to tape passes through heavy traffic, waiting until the very last second to get rid of the puck. His defensive game still needs some work, but he has made great strides since last year, and while he may never be a true two-way player, he may work his way onto a PK unit and score some shorthanders in the process. Spooner is very comfortable being a quarterback, both in full strength and on the powerplay, and isn't afraid to play along the half wall to create space for his teammates. He signed an entry level contract with the Bruins last spring and will join the Providence squad upon conclusion of his junior season.
• Projection: Good First Line Center/Winger, 70+ Point Potential, Destructive Powerplay Weapon)

3. Jared Knight (F, London OHL)

• Jared Knight is one of my favorite prospects. He plays a hard nosed, two way game that has earned him the respect of both Boston fans and well-respected media members. Knight has excellent straight line speed and a powerful shot, and he's definitely not afraid to drive straight to the net, with or without the puck. Jared not only has the physical tools to succeed, he has the mental toughness as well, with a great work ethic that will undoubtedly earn him a full time NHL job. He's a very good power forward, but don't be fooled, the kid can snipe as well. He has a hard shot with a very quick release that he is able to blow by even the best of goalies from mid and long range. What about his close range ability you ask? Just watch this video, and you'll see what the kid can do when he's coming down on the goalie.
• Projection: Second Line Scoring Power Forward, Excellent Two Way Player, Consistent 30 Goal Threat, Possible 40+ Goal Potential

4. Jordan Caron (F, Boston NHL)

• Caron isn't a guy you'll see on the highlight reels, but do not doubt him, he is a very good player. He isn't the fastest skater, but he has a high hockey IQ and he moves very efficiently and deliberately all around the ice. At 6'2 202 lbs, the kid is hard to knock off the puck, an advantage he always uses. He has good hands and good goal scoring touch, and is clearly the most NHL ready prospect in the Bruins' system. Caron likes to hang out right in front of the net, something that most fans remember as being Dr. Recchi's office, and he's not afraid to bang bodies when he gets the chance. When he gets a full time NHL job, he'll earn his keep as a two way player, similar to Patrice Bergeron in the fact that he's effective in all three zones, and that in itself will keep him in the league for a long time.
• Projection: Second Line Two Way Power Forward with Some Offesive Touch, 20 Goal Potential, May Top Off at 30 Goals.

5. Alexander Khokhlachev (F, Windsor OHL)

• Considered to be a second round steal, Khokhlachev made the jump from being one of the faces of Russia's MHL Junior League to excelling on the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, a team that has a history of producing top flight NHL talent, such as 2010 draftees Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. After spending time in Minnesota with a skating coach, "Koko" returned to Boston  after a Development Camp that saw him worn out by the intense skating drills and excelled in Rookie Camp. Khokhlachev is an extremely deceptive skater, never taking a straight route and always moving in a snake like motion with the puck, constantly changing direction and never giving away his intentions. Unlike many Russian players, Khokhlachev has no problem battling it out in the corners and getting physical, and that combined with his high offensive talent makes him a very special player. His defensive game needs a lot of work though, as it isn't evena t a passable level yet, and that in itself could keep him in Providence for a while before he's called upon to walk through the Gahden doors. He's relentless in the corners and will do anything to spark some kind of offense. His mindset to never be denied the puck shows that his defensive game will get better with time, as he attacks the puck carrier over and over until he or one of his teammates has the puck on his stick. With the fact that he's about two or three years away from seriously competing for an NHL job, there are some concerns about him jumping ship to the highly lucrative Russian Professional League, the KHL, but "Koko" has been consistent in saying his one desire is to play in North America, which is a very good sign. You guys should be excited that this kid's in the system.
• Projection: First/Second Line Scoring Winger/Center, 80 Point Potential

6. Maxim Sauve (F, Providence AHL)

• Probably one of the fastest skaters in the Bruins' system, Sauve has the ability to blow by any defender without much effort. He has consistently been one of the best P-Bruins in regards to plus/minus, which shows his defensive ability that goes along side his offensive talent. He doesn't seem to be the type of player to win a third or fourth line NHL job, and that alone may keep him out of the NHL for a few years, so he'll have to continue to develop his gritty playing style if he wants to crack the Bruins' roster.
• Projection: Second Line Sniper With Good All Around Game, Point Potential Unknown

7. David Warsofsky (D, Providence AHL)

• At 5'8, Warsofsky is well below average NHL size, but don't let the kid fool you, he's got game. The former BU Terrier is tenacious, fast, and has what may be elite offensive skill. He's not the greatest defensively, but he's capable, and that's all due to his speed. When I say he's fast, I mean he's blazing fast. Not even the fastest of forwards can beat him. Of course, being 5'8 is quite a burden, but with a little coaching, some heavy lifting, and learning to use his body in leverage situations, the kid could very well crack the top 4 one day. Even if his defensive play goes nowhere from where it is now, he will always have an NHL job because his offensive abilities are just that good. Give the kid the puck and he immeiately takes charge, almost like it's second nature. His transition game is great, and he can either make the long pass from the defensive zone (kind of like everyone expected Kaberle to do last year) or just take it himself and beat everyone with his speed. On the powerplay, he does whatever he wants, and I mean that in a good way. He can set up a play with a pass, open up lanes with rotation, go all around the zone to look at his options, or just send a rocket down low to the net and set up a goal (did I mention he has a hell of a shot?)
• Projection: Top 4 Defenseman, Possibly Third Pairing, Dominant Powerplay Specialist

8. Ryan Button (D, Providence AHL)

• Button has all the skills to be a top flight puck moving defenseman. He's got speed, great passing, and he's not afraid to battle it out in the corners. There's just one problem. He never seems to put those tools to use in games. In the rookie games against the Islanders this fall, he played very conservatively, sticking to the safe D to D passes and hardly ever jumping into the play. If he can get everything together, he’ll be a good transitional defenseman. He stays calm under pressure, battles with all he has, and is able to make the big outlet pass or jump up into the rush. His skating is above average, possibly even better and it makes him difficult to beat on both ends of the ice. Button has a good shot, and looks at home on the powerplay, and could one day be a solid powerplay quarterback.
• Projection: 3-4 Puck Moving Defenseman, Possible Powerplay QB

9. Tommy Cross (D, Boston College Hockey East)

• BC captain Tommy Cross has all the tools to be a strong stay at home defenseman in the NHL. He has a high hockey IQ and a charismatic nature that makes it very possible he will one day wear a letter at the NHL level. The one problem that could derail the kid is the fact that he's got a knee like Marco Sturm. He's already had three knee surgeries and that has set him back from the rest of the 2007 draft class, but the fact that he's still on track is an accomplishment in itself. He's physical, reads the play well, and is pretty fast for a guy his size. He doesn't have the best transition game, but he can make a play under pressure and isn't afraid to take a hit to make something happen. He isn't the most physical guy you'll ever see, but when the opportunity presents itself he can lay down quite a hit. He isn't much of an offensive player, but his big shot makes him look perfectly in place on the powerplay, as it is usually low to the ice, frequently tippable, and often creates rebound opportunities. He'll jump into the rush if the opportunity presents itself, but he's more content falling back and trying to disrupt the play on the backend.
• Projection: Solid 4-6 Defenseman

10. Jamie Arniel (C, Providence AHL)

• Arniel is your typical third line player. He's gritty, tough, has some scoring touch, and is great defensively. He'll take one for the team, whether that means blocking a shot, taking a hit to move the puck/make something happen, or planting himself right in front of the net. He's a good faceoff guy and is always one of, if not the first in on the forecheck. His high goal totals are misleading though, as they come from his gritty and scrappy style of play. While he may not be the best player, the Bruins are still really high on him, probbaly because of his similarity to another organization favorite, Chris Kelly.
• Projection: Bottom 6 Checking Center With Some Scoring Touch

Honorable Mentions:

• Matt Bartkowski (D, Providence AHL)
• Colby Cohen (D, Providence AHL)
• Craig Cunningham (F, Providence AHL)
• Brian Ferlin (W, Cornell ECAC)
• Anthony Camara (W, Saginaw OHL)
• Zach Trotman (D, Lake Superior CCHA)

Chris Paul Traded to Lakers...Or Not

So last night reports came out of a three team deal between the Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets in which the Lakers would acquire PG Chris Paul, the Rockets would acquire F Pau Gasol, and the Hornets would acquire Lamar Odom, Kevin Martin, and others. Then, later on, Commissioner David Stern killed the deal, apparently caving in to pressure from the owners that the deal, on the heels of the lockout, would look pretty bad.

What it looks like to me is that this was a player orchestrated trade. By that, I mean it seems like this is Chris Paul  trying to get his way. If that's true and the deal hadn't been axed, that would just prove that the owners and the league are the same old pussies they have been for years and the players still had all the power. I don't care what the hell the reasoning was behind it, whether it was the teams not wanting larger markets poaching the stars of smaller markets or David Stern not liking Paul controlling exactly where he went like Carmelo did last year (all of those were reasons named by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports in his article on the deal that fell through). It's good to see that the owners have finally grown a pair and decided to step in and push Stern to veto this kind of deal. It's also nice because it means that Celtics have another chance to try and land Paul (Wojnarowski also says the Celtics have been relentless in attempting to acquire Paul)

The owners are right though, that trade went against every reason the owners pushed for a lockout and that kind of deal would've made it look like the players had neutered them yet again. The league seems to be heading in the right direction, but there's still a lot to be seen as to who has the power.

Chris Paul has just one thing to say on Twitter when the deal was axed. "WoW." (Link to the Tweet, couldn't find the actual Twitter link though.). No one cares what you have to say there Chris. Either play for New Orleans or let yourself get traded to wherever the hell New Orleans wants to send you and see how that works. If it doesn't work, hit free agency and take the offer that you want to take. That simple. It shouldn't be such a big deal. Jesus, these basketball players and their egos. They're probably the most annoying athletes on the planet.

Rumors From the Winter Meetings

So baseball's winter meetings are 3 days in, and there have been many, many rumors surrounding the Red Sox. Here's what you need to know:

• David Ortiz officially accepted arbitration and will be back for one more year at least. (Twitter link)
• WEEI's Alex Speier writes that the Red Sox have no plans to try and trade Carl Crawford this winter. This should come as no surprise, as nobody is going to want that contract after that kind of year.
• Scott Lauber of The Boston Herald tweets that the Sox didn't have "substantive conversations" with free agent lefty Erik Bedard before he signed with Pittsburgh. (Twitter link)
• The Red Sox appear to be in on free agent starter Hiroki Kuroda, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. (Twitter link)
• T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported yesterday that the Red Sox and Rangers were discussing possible trades. The Sox like relievers Koji Uehara and Mark Lowe, while the Rangers seem to like Jed Lowrie.
• ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes says the Red Sox and White Sox met yesterday to discuss Chicago pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd. Danks is unlikely, as Chicago GM Kenny Williams is looking for a king's ransom for the guy. (Twitter link)
• The Red Sox are seen as a possible wild card bidder for Japanese ace Yu Darvish, as new manager Bobby Valentine "loves him" after watching him pitch during his tenure in Japan.
• SI's Jon Heyman says that the Red Sox don't seem too enthused by outfielder Carlos Beltran. (Twitter link)
• The Sox remain interested in free agent closer Ryan Madson, but aren't willing to give him crazy money, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Cafardo also says the Red Sox have taken many calls on shortstop Marco Scutaro but don't appear ready to commit to Jose Iglesias full time just yet. (Twitter link)
• Yesterday Peter Gammons tweeted that the Red Sox had made a trade offer to the Atheltics for closer Andrew Bailey and that it was being considered. WEEI's Alex Speier later tweeted that talks were not very far along, but the A's like Lars Anderson, Raul Alcantra, and Brandon Workman.
• Ben Cherington's comments the other day suggested that the Red Sox would not be bringing back Jason Varitek or Tim Wakefield, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
• The Red Sox re-signed lefty Andrew Miller to a 1 year contract. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports was the first to break the news, and WEEI's Alex Speier filled in the salary details. Miller will make $1.04M on a non-guaranteed major league contract.
• Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale won't be returning to the team next year, according to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston. He's expected to take a job within the Orioles organization.

Weekend Roundup

It's that time again! Weekend roundup! I know you guys just love these posts (no joke, I can see these get the most hits) so I'm gonna keep 'em coming. Well, last week was one hell of a week and a pretty solid weekend on top of that. Let's see, I'll start with the biggest news in sports, the end of the NBA Lockout.

• This really sucks actually. The league really is brutal, and when I say that I'm talking about the business aspect of it. The players have far too much power (see: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh all setting it up so they all sign in Miami) and the owners and league office don't have enough sack to do anything about it. They seriously need a full year off so the league and the owners scan take the power back.
• The league will have a 66 game season that will open up on Christmas Day, when the Celtics play um, I think the Knicks? You Twitter followers needa help me out here. Tweet me and tell me if I'm right or wrong. Anyways, of course the NBA wouldn't let the lockout go past Christmas. That is THE biggest money making day of the season. I can't count how many people I know that open their presents on Christmas and then sit on their asses and watch game after game after game after game (pretty ridiculous if you ask me) If they let it get past Christmas Day everyone knew they were screwed.

How about them Bruins?

• 12-0-1 since the beginning of November. It's almost getting to the point where I can't count that high (that's a joke obviously, I can count far past 12)
• KHL seems to have hit their stride. Krejci is tearing it up right now after that extension and Horton and Lucic seem to be following his lead.
• When did Chris Kelly become a goal scorer? The dude has 10 goals already and is only 5 short of his career high. The man is red hot right now.
• Seguin is still the single most exciting young player in the game right now. Do you see how people just sit on the edge of their seats whenever he gets the puck? The kid's special. All you Twitter people, don't forget to keep writing him into the All Star Game in Ottawa on the NHL website and get #SeguinforAllStarGame trending!
• Poo Poo Pouliot seems to have turned a corner. The guy brings a ton of energy every shift and is starting to make some really nice plays, as well as score some important goals (ALWAYS use Pouliot in a shootout. He'll score every time) If he keeps this up I would have no problem with the Bruins giving him a new contract.
• Joe Corvo is officially a Big Bad Bruin! He got into his first career NHL fight with Joey Crabb towards the end of the Leafs game on Saturday night. It was a pretty crappy fight, and it eneded in a draw anyways, but the fact that he's now willing to drop the gloves has made him an official Bruin in my book.

The Red Sox had quite a week last week, so let's check up on them!

• The team officially introduced Bobby Valentine as the new manager on Thursday. Well, he is the perfect guy for a culture change. But, here's the deal with Bobby V. Either things go tremendously right and the team does better than anyone could ever have expected, or this whole thing blows up in The team's face and becomes a HUGE mess for them to clean up. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
• A day after being introduced as manager, Valentine flew down to the Dominican Republic to visit with David Ortiz and attempt to bring him back to the Red Sox. I seriously don't want him and his whining back in Boston. He can take it to New York for all I care. Just not here.
• Jim Bowden of MLB Network says that the Red Sox are maintaining dialogue with Scott Boras about free agent closer Ryan Madson (Twitter link) WEEI's Rob Bradford says that the Red Sox also had discussions with closer Heath Bell before he signed with Miami.
• Jim Bowden also says that the Red Sox priorities, in order, are: David Ortiz, a closer, a starting pitcher, and a right handed hitting outfielder (Twitter link) Seriously, why Ortiz?
• The Red Sox are set to meet with Bob Garber, the agent who represents both C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, according to Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald (Twitter link) Hopefully with Wilson their just doing their due diligence and talking to him. His playoff numbers are scary, and personally, I believe if the Red Sox signed him we'd be looking at a left handed John Lackey. I do like the idea of adding Roy Oswalt though.
• According to WEEI's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox are interested in free agent starter Hiroki Kuroda. Their ability to sign him though depends on gaining financial flexibility via other moves.
• Tim Wakefield told Scott Lauber of The Boston Herald that he would like to pitch one more year with the Red Sox. Please, for the love of God don't bring him back.
• Larry Lucchino told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that he won't be attending the Winter Meetings in Dallas. Maybe this is a sign he's finally going to back the hell off and let Cherington do his job?
• According to SI's Jon Heyman, few teams want bullpen help more than the Padres, Brewers, and the Red Sox (Twitter link) Good sign if you ask me.

That's all I have today. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on Twitter as well as Facebook until my next post. Not sure when that will be though...

Bruins Extend Krejci

David Krejci and the Bruins announced today that they had agreed to a 3 year extension

Today, the Bruins announced that they extended center David Krejci for another 3 years. The deal is reportedly worth $15.75M and will carry a cap hit of $5.25M.

The timing of this is just so damn funny. All week there have been rumors galore of the Bruins possibly trading David Krejci in exchange for Anaheim winger Bobby Ryan.  Then, the end of the week comes and it's "Hey guys! We extended him so shut your mouths!" Great timing Chia.

The money he's getting in this makes me a little bit uneasy though. He's a 60 point player who's off to a downright horrible start this year and adds almost nothing to the powerplay. 5.25 million for a 60 point player? That just seems insane. Very few GM's in their right mind would give a 60 point player 5 million. But, I do see where Chiarelli is coming from. He's taking everything into consideration with this deal. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Not just his regular season play, but his play in last year's cup run (without Krejci I don't know how the Bruins would have won) and witnessing how much of a factor he is to the team in the playoffs (see: Injury in 2010 East Semi-Finals) So I guess you can make a case for 5.25, but it still seems too high to me. Then again, we all said that about Ference, Thomas, and Bergeron, and sure as hell those guys are earning their money.

The other funny thing about this deal is that it was signed yesterday in Krejci's hotel room before the Toronto game. I guess the new contract explains the huge game he had, not the trade rumors.