Random Thoughts (July 8, 2008)

I owe Terry Francona an apology. Yesterday I wrote that Tito made some poor roster decisions in choosing the reserves for the AL All-Star team, especially selecting his offensively challenged catcher and captain, Jason Varitek. Well, I made that criticism without knowing that 'Tek was actually voted as a reserve by his fellow players throughout the American League. Sorry Tito... Although I falsely accused Tito, it does look like the Red Sox got some good out of my post from yesterday. After complaining about the bullpen and Manny Ramirez' lack of production, as well as making a call to the starting rotation to carry the team through July, all three aspects shined last night. Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched 7 1/3 dominant shutout innings (lowering his ERA to 2.84) before giving way to Hideki Okajima, who closed out the eighth inning, escaping a bases loaded jam with one out. Jonathan Papelbon them came on to throw nine pitches (eight strikes) to close out the 1-0 win (the Sox major league leading 10th shutout). Manny came through in the bottom of the eighth, driving in Dustin Pedroia for the deciding run. It was a great win for a team that was reeling. The Sox send out Jon Lester tonight to start a winning streak before the All-Star break... My vote for the last AL All-Star comes down to Evan Longoria of Tampa Bay and Jermaine Dye of Chicago. Both should have already made the team, as should have Mike Lowell... NBA free agents can officially sign contracts starting at midnight tonight. The Celtics will be facing an important decision about how much money they want to commit to James Posey. Posey is a great role player (defense, shooting, leadership) but if his contract is going to put the C's well above the salary cap it might not be worth the investment. Posey is 31 (he will turn 32 in January) and a four year deal will take him to age 36. I have reservations about Posey's ability to earn nearly $7 million per year at that age because of the intensity and effort he plays with every game. In a perfect world, the Celtics would give Posey the full mid-level exception (starting at $5.8 million with a maximum 8% yearly raise) for three years. It is affordable for the Celtics and it keeps their cap situation in a manageable place. That is important because the free agent class of 2010 -- LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh -- is very, very deep and that is when the contracts of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will be coming close to an end. The C's do not want any dead money on the books at that time when they could be looking to rebuild the Pierce/Garnett/Allen team. Sadly, we don't live in a perfect world. Posey knows this his last big pay day and after winning championships with Miami in 2006 and with the Celtics this past season, I can't blame Posey for wanting to make some big cash. Still, I hope that the C's and Posey can come to terms that make sense for both sides... We all know that we are far and away from the lifestyles of the professional athletes we follow. Sometimes it is hard to try and understand what these athletes are thinking when they take vacations that cost triple my yearly salary. I think this quote from Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who agreed to a 6-year/$111 million deal with the Wizards, kind of sums up what I am trying to say: "What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can't do with $111 million?" It looks like the self-proclaimed "Hibachi" feels like he has done a great thing for the world by giving up $16 million. I would have signed for $111 dollars per game... I like the news that the Red Sox are sending Justin Masterson to Pawtucket to prepare him for a role in the bullpen. Clay Buchholz, now the master of a fastball to match his curveball and changeup, will reclaim his role in the rotation. Masterson's ability to get out right handed hitters (.170 BA) with his fastball and slider should make him a nice compliment to Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen in the 'pen... Enjoy Lester tonight...