The Week that was - The Sunday Nine

So because I’ve not thought about it a lot, the name of this column is going to be The Sunday Nine.

First up this week will be the rumour gathering strength that MLB is returning to Five for yet another season. The channel will take the ESPN nationally televised game on a Sunday night but no news as yet as to whether Wednesday Night Baseball will return to the network. Most British baseball fans would never have discovered the game if it hadn’t been for Five’s coverage on the terrestrial network so even though many of us now fork out for MLB.tv and/or NASN, having the nationally televised game back for a Sunday night is superb news.

Now what is next, ah yes some little thing called the Superbowl. Not the game that most were expecting as Big Ben has led his Steelers to Detroit where they will meet league MVP Shaun Alexander and pals the Seahawks. Whilst it may not be the great match-up name wise it might well be a great match-up on the field of play. Both teams have good defences and the Seahawks have the better running game but I’d say the Steelers throwing game is better. It really could be a classic next week

The best deal of the MLB off season? For me this is a no brainer, the Oakland Athletics this week signed up Frank Thomas for a basic $500k with incentives that could take his salary up to $3.1m depending on performance. The A’s needed a power bat to play DH and who better than a borderline Hall of Famer who despite injury plagued years in 2004 and 2005 hit 30 Home Runs in 345 AB’s and in his last full year in 2003 went deep 42 times in 546 AB’s. Big Hurt still has the pop in his bat and I predict that despite playing in that big ballpark in Oakland, will have a 30 HR/100 RBI season and I think that’s value whatever he ends up costing them.

Last Sunday night whilst we were all concentrating on the Championship Games, Kobe Bryant was putting together the second best night any player has ever had on the court. By jacking up 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, Bryant became only the second player to score over 80 points in a game and yet he is still dissed by the media. The fact is the Lakers stink and unless Kobe shoots then the Lakers aren’t going to win many games, so until he has some talent around him, he’s still going to jack up the ball and rightly so.

There is a lot of talk about the possibility of a name change down in Tampa for the Devil Rays. What the franchise needs is not a name change but to play in an outdoor stadium. Tropicana Field is one of the worst places around MLB to watch a game and considering Tampa itself is such a beautiful place with pretty damn good weather, having an indoor stadium is not far of lunacy. Build an outdoor ballpark and that franchise may well thrive, if you don’t then it’ll always struggle.

This week Michael Vick came out in support of his brother, noble enough you might think but to say that Marcus’s stamp on an opposition player in the Gator Bowl wasn’t on purpose is just a flat out lie. The proof is in the pudding is what they say and the TV replays look pretty conclusive to me, and pretty much every other person with at least one working eye. Marcus clearly has a lot of skill in the Quarterback position, but sadly the baggage outweighs that skill and for that reason I’d be surprised if any team takes a flyer on Vick in the NFL draft at this moment in time.

I don’t know how many Americans will have heard of the 19 year-old boxing sensation Amir Khan. Well if you are any type of boxing fan then it won’t be long until you do. This kid has tremendous hand speed with bucket loads of power and most importantly, his feet firmly planted on the ground. He won his fifth professional bout on Saturday night after flooring Belarusian Vitali Martynov (10-1-0) after just 75 seconds with the ref stopping the fight as his opponent stumbled around wondering what country he was in. The boxing world needs a superstar and this kid could be that person. He is due to fight again next month on the under card of the Matt Skelton v Danny Williams fight and I think most people will be more interested in the young Bolton lad than in the main event, where the winner will fight for one of the Heavyweight title belts.

Just how great is the Martina Hingis story? The 25 year-old Swiss tennis player returned to action this month after three years after retiring from the sport at the young age of 22 due to ankle problems. She may have lost in the last eight in Melbourne but showed enough that she will be a force to be reckoned with this season and I for one am delighted. A comeback is always a great story and considering she is still only 25, she may yet return to the very top of her sport.

We’ll end this with a bit of a rant. On a scale of one to ten, how bored am I at the antics of Bode Miller? The skier who boasted about skiing drunk has now turned around and said Barry Bonds and lance Armstrong do drugs, and how much he hates being in the media spotlight. He makes these claims in an interview in Rolling Stone magazine. This is the guy who was on the front of Time magazine and was interviewed on 60 minutes. He is very quickly becoming a guy you don’t just love to hate; he’s a guy you hate. People will tune into the Winter Olympics to watch this guy fail and boy if he does, he’s going to be in for a rough ride.

I think that wraps it up for this week, more news and views from around sport next week and from the Yanks and the Sox throughout the week.

Pedro weighs in on A-Rod debate

I've never liked Pedro. I won't deny it as it is true so any chance I get to have a go I'll take but this time I genuinely have a problem with his comments. Whilst talking to local media and reported in Newsday, the New York Mets pitcher has said how disappointed he is that A-Rod has chosen to represent the USA in the World Baseball Classic, so far I've not got a problem, but to say, "Now Alex must prepare for the nasty comments that will arise in the Bronx, where almost half of the citizens are Latino and purely Dominican. In fact, when Alex gets [to the Dominican Republic] it's possible that not even the reporters will be here to welcome him." I think is seriously off.

We all know that A-Rod has changed his mind on several occasions and serious wrestled with the decision of whom, if anyone to represent in the tournament. Pedro's comments are certainly implying that the Dominican people will think ill will of the Yankees third baseman because his decision to represent his country of birth and upbringing instead of that of his heritage.

I have stated on several occasions that it is an honour to represent your country, over here in Europe playing for your country is a big deal in several team sports, Rugby, Football and here in England, Cricket are all huge team sports that are played regularly on the international level. Many players can represent two or even more nations and it is very rare for anyone to be hated on for choosing one country over the other to play for.

I know I sound like a broken record and whilst we all know A-Rod is quite often his own worst enemy, this story needs to go away and A-Rod should be left alone to play baseball, this story has been exhausted.

Sox go out and get Crisp

After an on/off saga that has been going on all week, the Boston Red Sox finally made the deal with the Cleveland Indians which sees them sign Johnny Damon's replacement for CF. 26 year-old Coco Crisp moves to the Sox along with backup catcher Josh Bard and RHRP David Riske. Going the other way are catching prospect Kelly Shoppach, hard throwing reliever Guillermo Mota and stud 3b prospect Andy Marte along with a PTBNL and cash considerations.

On the face of it you'd say that this deal is even, Bard looks nothing more than a backup catcher, Shoppach looks like a good player but was blocked by Varitek in Beantown. Riske looks like a very good reliable reliever and we all know about Mota, very hit and miss so it comes down to Crisp and Marte.

Marte is projected to be a stud third baseman for years to come and whilst he didn't perform well in his call-up to the bigs at the end of last season, he has shown enough in AAA to suggest that a great career is forthcoming.

Crisp on the other hand has impressed for Cleveland already in the bigs and is a good glovesman. He is also a switch hitter who could very much do a job in Boston at the top of the line-up.

What you must consider is that essentially Edgar Renteria was part of this trade as they used the only man they got in that trade in this. So when you look at it as Renteria, Marte, Mota and Shoppach, PTBNL + around $12m for Crisp, Riske and Bard then it doesn't look so good. Crisp will definitely do well in Boston but they may of overpaid for him, personally I'd of preferred the Red Sox front office to go after Jeremy Reed if I were a Boston fan but as it stands for 2006, this trade helps the Red Sox.

I'm sure Neil H will respond.

The as yet unnamed Sunday night column

Well I've yet to decide what to call this new weekly column but Neil H has suggested 'The Sunday 9' where I talk about nine points, I quite like that but I'll open it up to the masses to see if anyone has anything else. This column will be named by next week!

First up this week we have the AFC Championship Game going on as I type. It is 27-10 in the 4Q and the Broncos have had a good kick-off return, here is the copy & paste from me and Neil H's IM...

Neil H: this isn’t over
(Interception by the Steelers)
Neil M: is now
Neil H: ok maybe
Neil H: lol

So Broncos fans blame him!

In about half hour or so the NFC game gets underway and we have a difference of opinion. The Hay has the Seahawks whilst I'm going for an all W/C Superbowl with Delhomme leading the Panthers back to the big dance.

As everyone knows I love Around the Horn and PTI on ESPN but sometimes the panelists are completely off. Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times thought that Antonio Davis was wrong to go into the stands when he believed his wife was in physical trouble. How can any man say that they would stand aside and watch their loved ones when they thought they were in trouble is beyond me. Davis did not go up with malice and just went up to make sure everything was ok, no harm, no foul but some people just can't see that some things are more important than following rules.

Anna Benson is leaving NY, sorry Neil H. Husband Kris has been traded to the Orioles for Jorge Julio and John Maine, but no disrespect to those guys but in this thin FA SP market, is that all they could get for the former #1 overall pick? Think the Mets got fleeced on that deal but it gives them payroll flexibility to go after another player, Manny anyone?

Why do some people think that Bengie Molina is a serious option for the New York Yankees? Bengie is an overrated catcher coming off a career year, his defense is said by many to be well above-average but I've yet to see it and offensively he had worse #'s than Jorge in 2005 despite the Yankees man having a down year and Bengie having by far the best in his career. Get behind Jorge, one of the most undervalued members of the dynasty run.

News out of Hollywood suggests that George Clooney and Teri Hatcher are getting serious. Teri Hatcher is quite simply gorgeous and right up there on my 'If only' list, alas looks like George may of beaten me to it, I'll just console myself with the fact that she's never met me so therefore has never turned me down. If she had met me, I'm sure things would be, erm, different, yes that's right, different, I'm sure of it...

Cuba have been allowed to compete in the World Baseball Classic, finally a sane move by the US Govt. This tournament needed Cuba otherwise the winners would not of been able to say that they were the World's best, it could've been just like that horrible BCS.

I have gone and got myself a NYY replica jersey finally. I wanted #42 on the back but over here to get one is rather costly so eBay is the way to go and obviously not many are sold over here in the UK. So you have to take what you can get but luckily #25 was there and I'm a big fan of Jason's so I'll be more than happy to wear his number.

We have a result in Denver - Broncos 17-34 Steelers

Just because I made him look a bit stupid earlier...

Neil H: I think Steelers by 7+
Neil M: nah I have it by less than a score but Steelers too

As for that game, we finally saw the real Jake Plummer. Two Interceptions and two fumbles in the biggest game in his life. He made a number of poor throws as well and several bad decisions. It was a tale of two very different QB's, one stunk and the other has led his team to Detroit. I always said that Plummer wasn't the real deal and I was right, makes a change!

Neil H informs me that FOX are going with the 'Sexiest man in NFL' award during their pre-game coverage of the second big match of the night, luckily I don't have the pre-game but I'm told Bret Favre won it. Now don't get me wrong, I love Favre but I always thought women found winners attractive, and losers, you know, well, less than second best. It is the losers that are scrambling around the bar at last orders looking for a pash or more, the winners are already making out with fit young ladies in the back seat of their Ford Mustang. Big Ben has a nice manly beard and is in the SB, surely he's better than Mr. 'I'm sitting at home with my feet up and I could've been doing this since November and it wouldn't of mattered' Favre, surely? If women liked losers then my diary really shouldn’t be empty…

Lastly for this week, we got the first episode of the new series of American Idol over here this morning and I just want to say - Simon Cowell is the man.

And on that bombshell, I am out - Go Panthers!

Critical journalism at its best...

Well if my pin-striped fellow author is allowed to write about Theo's return, I can comment on this absolutely awful piece of "journalism" written in the name of buttering up Joe Torre - presumably so that Bob can get improved access to Joe throughout the year?

Let's look at the evidence shall we... Steinbrenner and Joe fall out every season when Joe doesn't deliver the big prize... every year Joe and Geroge have a big sit down chat where the "air" is cleared... George promises not to interfere ever again... Joe says that he knew George always respected him... - and you wouldn't mind, but Bob Klapisch wrote all of those other articles himself - here, here and here (and please, just to amuse me, just take special note of the dates on these "different" articles).

Is it just me, or are George and Joe like two kids the night after the prom where George had a few too many beers, made out with Joe's best friend, but still tried to get to second base on the way home... but the morning after, Joe still loves George, George still loves Joe and they kiss and make up... until next year...

I appreciate that the media are enjoying the disasterous (TM) off-season that the Sox are having, but Klapisch goes one step further and says that the 'stability' in the Yankees clubhouse was a big sales factor for Damon (that name again), and that in his list of 5 managerial names who are on the hot-seat for 2006... Terry Francona is in there at #5!

Why can they not hold off for some evidence before they write such idiotic rubbish?

Cashman / Torre are one series sweep from the Rays away from a George 'Rant' (I hope all readers fondly remember the "When the Going Get Tough" incident at Yankee Stadium - what kind of human being uses Billy Ocean as a motivational message... unless of course the message was, 'play that badly again, and I am moving on to The Thompson Twins'... I apologize, that man is a genius), followed quickly by a Torre 'managing here isn't the fun it used to be', followed by a leaked story to the NY Post where the "Tampa" crowd state that they are seriously considering a trade for insert aged pitcher name here for insert every prospect in the systems name here?

Theo's back!

The man who would be king has strolled back into his kingdom and declared that he is returning to his rightful place on the throne. Yes that's right boys and girls, before Neil H posts with gushing praise and endless Sabrina style 'Whoo hoo's' I'll bring you the news that he will be crowing about for a good while yet (he told me just as I was going to bed and now I have to blog, blimin' typical).

Theo Epstein has returned to the Boston Red Sox. Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, President/CEO Larry Lucchino and Epstein issued the following joint statement:

'As you know, we have spoken frequently during the last 10 weeks. We have engaged in healthy, spirited debates about what it will take over the long-term for the Red Sox to remain a great organization and, in fact, become a more effective organization in philosophy, approaches and ideals. Ironically, Theo's departure has brought us closer together in many respects, and, thanks to these conversations, we now enjoy the bonds of a shared vision for the organization's future that did not exist on October 31. With this vision in place, Theo will return to the Red Sox in a full-time baseball operations capacity, details of which will be announced next week.'

So whilst it hasn't been confirmed as to what his new role will be, reading between the lines then it is clear that he'll get to call the shots whether he is officially the GM or not. However this situation isn't always good, look at the New York Yankees where Brian Cashman was always second guessed by those above him causing him to nearly leave the franchise after last season, before beguaranteedteed the freedom to do things his way.

Still, I have a funny feeling that the whole of Red Sox nation are now ready and waiting for the 2006 season with renewed hope and beyond that expectations. This is on paper seemingly a good move for Boston and the feel good factor is going to be clear for all to see but is it the right move to bring in an old GM when you have two guys already sharing that role?

It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out when the details are known next week. Now over to you Neil, oh wait he's already posted and not one Sabrina reference in sight, I'm disappointed in you Mr Hay!

Teaser - more next week...

Well it only took 80 days...

and we still aren't quite sure as to the what...

but... Theo is back.

So based on the end of the world crowd that greeted his October 31st departure, sign me up to the Tejada, Abreu, A-Rod, Sheets, Santana and every A rated prospect had better be in our organization by this time next week, or Theo II is a bust.... ;-)

Actually, the best part of the release for me is -

"Theo’s departure has brought us closer together in many respects, and, thanks to these conversations, we now enjoy the bonds of a shared vision for the organization’s future that did not exist on October 31"

That press conference next week will probably be predictably dull, but please, oh please, someone has to explain all that has gone on here!

Pssst - JD hates the Red Sox...

Well it had to start at some point... the Damon campaign to win over his Yankee fan detractors.

If there is one thing that JD needs, it is to be loved - and he clearly believes he will need to work hard to win over the fans in the Bronx (but just think, every time he hits a HR into the RF stands, you can all go.... wow that was really like the HR in the 2004 ALCS...)

In today's New York Post: (registration required)

"I want to show the Red Sox that they made a mistake and the rest of baseball that I'm not old — I'm not washed up."

"After the Red Sox lowballed him with a four-year, $40 million offer, Damon turned to the dark (navy) side of the blood rivalry"

So $40m was lowballing... what was the next highest offer you received JD...

And the Sox thought you were washed up... but still offered you a 4 year deal...

Pathetic, but sadly, just the start of the idiotic nonsense that we are going to get out of JD for the next (let's guess) 4 years.

A-Rod commits...to the US

Well yesterday I wrote on this here blog that A-Rod should play in the World Baseball Classic and that his participation should honour his Dominican heritage. Well not 24 hours later and the reigning AL MVP made up his mind and he chose to play, but for his adopted United States of America.

Speaking to his website, ARod.com, Rodriguez said, "Following discussion with my family and agent, the Commissioner, and the Major League Baseball Players Association, I have decided to participate in the World Baseball Classic."

"In recent weeks, following dialogue with caring friends and players, both Dominican and American, I reached the conclusion that if I played in the Classic, I would play for the United States and honor my American citizenship."

I have no problem with him playing whatsoever, it was clear that he wanted to play but was really struggling with dishonouring one of the two nations. I feel quite strongly that its not a dishonour to represent the other nation, more of an honour to represent the other so hopefully now the book can be closed and A-Rod can enjoy being part of the classic.

A-Rod leans towards WBC

The biggest on/off saga in baseball has taken another twist today after Yankees 3b Alex Rodriguez was named on the preliminary 60-man roster for the Dominican Republic for this Spring's World Baseball Classic.

A-Rod had indicated that he wanted to play for the country of his parents but then decided against it as he didn't want either the US or the Dominican to feel that he was snubbing them so he left himself without a country to play for. He has still to commit to either country nor rule himself out completely and whilst I am getting a bit annoyed at his antics, I do actually feel pretty sorry for the lad.

Sometimes he is his own worst enemy but he is making pretty big decisions in the public eye. He wants to be loved by the public, but he knows that in general the public are not big fans of the guy. What we do know is that he is a great player and when all is said and done he may go down as one of the greatest to of ever played the game, he has more money than I'll earn in 100 lifetimes but he doesn't have either of the two things that makes him tick, a WS Ring nor the adulation of the baseball watching public.

I have a big opinion on this, representing either team will not be a snub on the people you love nor the natives of either country. It seems to me that he clearly wants to play and it really does look like he wants to play for the country of his parents and if that is what he wants to do then please A-Rod, do it. Playing for the Dominican is not a snub to your US upbringing, it is more of an honour to your heritage.

Play A-Rod, Play! (For the Dominican)

Tomorrow we'll know for sure.

Neil M's Sunday Night Quickie's

From now until the start of the Baseball season (or possibly I'll keep it going) I'll post a few quick tidbits and random thoughts (mostly on sport) every Sunday evening. Here is Sunday #1...

Aren't the winter months boring?

How can umpires get things wrong even though they have TV replays? (See NFL today) I am a fan of replays in all sports to get things right but if they use it and get it wrong it really pisses me off.

How did the Rays (who are generally good at trades) only get Edwin Jackson and a young guy from Class A ball for Baez and Carter when there was talk of them being involved in a Mets, Birds, Sox four-way?

Can Jason Giambi be the most feared player in the AL in 2006? My gut instinct says no but he'll be right up there again. Pitch to Giambi with Sheffield on deck, nice.

Can anybody answer me this question, Can a NFL Head Coach be ejected?

Why hasn't anybody signed Jeff Weaver yet? He isn't *that* bad

Michelle Wie needs to play on the LPGA more

In a salary keeper league of 30 players and a $90m cap why has some idiot spent $15m on Lance Berkman?

I need a fantasy baseball draft...now

Some Quotes from me tonight whilst talking to Neil H during the Panthers/Bears game

(After the poor reverse of the fumble call that would've resulted in a Panthers TD) I'd of thrown the red flag if I was John Fox and I'd of taken a run up and thrown it as far as possible. 'what are you challenging?' 'Your bullshit call on the challenge'

If I ever find a Quantum Leap Machine I want to go into Bill Cowler's or John Fox's bodies after those challenges then Dave Roberts body whilst he's standing on 1st in Game 4 of the ALCS...*starts running* ooooo my shoe lace is undone *bends down to tie it up* *tagged out*

Ok back to the game...This blogging update has been brought to you by the chocolate bar Galaxy and the fizzy drink Cherry 7up

Will he stay, or will he go?

Well for today anyway, Manny thinks he might stay.

I think in common with a lot of Sox fans, I am pretty tired of the circus that has been the Manny story, off-season 2005/06 version. I am pleased that he is staying, but I am concerned that dealing with the Manny saga has interfered with the teams ability to deal with the issues they do have.

So now the question is... how do we get Tejada without giving up Manny?

Just say YES

With the ball-club being quiet over the past few days, I thought I'd blog about the YES Network and my thoughts on the announcers that I regularly stay up until the wee small hours of the morning listening to. Having mlb.tv means that I don't always get the Yankees feed but in around 80% of cases last season I was lucky enough to do so. So here's my two cents on the six people who called the games last season.

Michael Kay - He is clearly the front man and the least knowledgeable and I'm not his biggest fan. Although as a broadcaster and journalist by trade myself and therefore tend to stick up for guys who aren't just former players, I don't think he brings much to the plate in terms of style, which you need when your knowledge is lacking.

Bobby Murcer - I like listening to Bobby Murcer and was disappointed not to hear as much of him in the 2005 season. In the 2004 season it seemed as if he and Kenny Singleton seemed to do a lot of road trips and I enjoyed both their voices, I hope he returns and does more games next season.

Ken Singleton - As Neil H knows, Kenny S is my favourite announcer on the YES network. He brings a very relaxed style and ease to the call and also brings good insight which he doesn't give in a condescending way. Much more Singleton says I!

Jim Kaat - Another nice style who brings an expert knowledge and tries not to dumb it down too much but even beginners could understand what he was putting across. These three are the best three in my book and when there are games without any of these three I kind of wish I'd of gotten the other feed...

David Justice - Ok he saved our season once upon a time but in all honesty he's very dull and boring as an announcer, keep him in the studio as I don't get to watch that so I don't have to listen to him.

Paul O'Neill - I'm unsure of O'Neill, clearly a great Yankee whose # will probably be retired at some point but compared to Joe Girardi who he replaced for the 2005 season, he doesn't offer the insight and he never seems to get excited. The best bit about Paulie is he winds Kay up and takes the piss out of him which I personally always enjoy.

So there are my thoughts on the people behind our summer, more Murcer, Singleton and Kaat and less Justice and Kay thank you very much Mr YES Guy.

It is January, not April, 1st?

In the Washington Post; (free registration required)

"Soriano's defiance triggered calls from several interested teams who wondered if the Nationals might be willing to trade Soriano, including Boston, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Nationals front-office executives, however, for now appear unwilling to part with Soriano unless they are bowled over with an offer that includes either a front-line starting pitcher, such as the Red Sox' Josh Beckett, or several younger, front-line pitching prospects."

Soriano for Beckett...

I am guessing that the source got a call from Wally the Green Monster?

Happy New Year everyone!

Four-way blockbuster on the cards?

Happy 2006 Boys and Girls, hope you all enjoyed the festivities and have a fine year. The first 3,079 miles... update of the year is on the way. Shall we start with some serious hot stove action? How about a four-way blockbuster including the D-Rays, Orioles, Mets and those pesky Red Sox?

The New York Daily News is reporting that the four teams are in talks about a deal that could be the swap of the century so far. Two of the biggest stars in the game would be moving states, one of the best setup guys, three premier prospects and others could also be on the move in the next few days as the Red Sox and Orioles start to resign themselves to trading star players.

The Mets are the team that have instigated the deal as they have been after Danys Baez for a while, and from such an acorn a big tall oak tree with many various branches has grown. The reports indicate that Miguel Tejada will move to the Red Sox along with Joey Gathright from the D-Rays, to plug both the holes they have in their line-up. Manny will join the power hitting Mets along with Baez.

The Orioles would fill up the now vacant SS hole with Julio Lugo and will also add pitching depth with former #1 pick Kris Benson, who may finally find his way under the guidance of pitching guru Leo Mazzone. The Devil Rays are looking to add high-ceiling prospects and Andy Marte (Bos) and Aaron Heilman and Jae Sao (Both NYM) are thought to be the players they are after. Kaz Matsui may also come over with a bundle of $ to play SS whilst they wait for BJ Upton to learn the position.

Whilst this potential blockbuster trade is still very much in the works it could happen. Manny and Miggy are both unhappy, they seem to want moves to the Mets and Red Sox respectively and the teams are now looking to accommodate those wishes.

Should the deal go down then I think it could possibly have three winners and one loser. The Mets add a huge bat and a power setup guy, the Sox add a great SS who'll hit at three and drive in 120+ runs in Fenway and get an interesting guy in Gathright who could turn into a good player, they get rid of the Manny saga and lose a top prospect in Marte but to get Tejada, sacrifices have to be made. The D-Rays get top notch prospects in non OF positions but the Orioles lose a great player and don't get one back, the deal looks bad for them.

As a Yankee fan I'd prefer Tejada to stay away from Beantown as he's an awesome player. As a fantasy manager who took Tejada with the #2 overall pick in a keeper league then I am desperate for Tejada to be protected by Big Papi and play 81 games a season in the confines of Fenway Park.

It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out...