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And just like that, the power has shifted in the American League. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Carl Crawford has agreed to a seven year, $142 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. 

Just days after trading for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Theo Epstein and company made the biggest splash of the Winter Meetings thus far by signing Crawford.

It was previously believed that Crawford would not make a move until Cliff Lee was signed.

In theory, Crawford may have hoped that if the Yankees could not acquire Lee, they would throw more money his way.

However, with a contract as lavish as this reported deal, it is understandable why Crawford would wait no longer. 

Now, the question looms: What does this mean to the rest of the American League? Are the Red Sox front-runners for a World Series run? 

Coupling Crawford with the newly-acquired Adrian Gonzalez, the Red Sox will boast one of the league’s best lineups. Crawford, who will play left field as he did in Tampa Bay, will likely lead off, followed by Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz. 

Jacoby Ellsbury will also be in the mix.

It is likely that with such a powerful lineup, Ellsbury will bat ninth, however, this makes the Red Sox that much more dangerous.

With the speed of both Crawford and Ellsbury, the Sox will boast two of the league’s best leadoff hitters as the lineup turns over each game. Both players have the ability to turn walks or singles into doubles with their speed. As a result, the Sox power hitters will have twice as many opportunities to knock in runners from scoring position. 

Another part of Crawford’s game that is often overlooked is his power. Last season, Crawford hit 19 home runs while driving in 90 runs. While he will not have as many opportunities to drive in runs in Boston, he will certainly benefit from the short porch in right field. 

The Red Sox will also return a strong starting rotation and bullpen in 2011.

While the pitching staff underachieved as a whole in 2010, if starter Josh Beckett and closer Jonathan Papelbon can bounce back, the Sox will also have one of the best staffs in baseball. Following stellar seasons from 26-year-old starters Clay Buccholz and Jon Lester, Boston has a rotation with the ability to shut down opponents on a nightly basis. 

With two blockbuster deals, the Red Sox have put themselves ahead of the pack in the American League. The New York Yankees, who were also in hot pursuit of Crawford, are undoubtedly concerned after seeing the Red Sox acquire two of the league’s best position players available. 

These deals put even more pressure on Yankees GM Brian Cashman to make a deal for Cliff Lee.

The Yankees pitching rotation was a disaster in 2010, as dismal seasons from starters A.J. Burnett and Javier Vazquez derailed the Yanks’ World Series hopes. The Yankees needed another top-end starter to compete in the American League prior to the Red Sox transactions. Following these mega-deals, the acquisition of Cliff Lee is more imminent than ever.

Howver, even if the Yankees are able to sign lefty Cliff Lee, this deal immediately puts the Yankees in a hole in the American League East. Carl Crawford was not the priority for the Yanks. While they would have loved to have him, he was essentially a backup plan if the team was unable to acquire Lee.

However, if there was one team in baseball the Yankees did not want to sign Carl Crawford, it was the Boston Red Sox.  

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Just three days after completing the trade for Adrian Gonzalez, the Boston Red Sox have pulled off an even bigger stunner— agreeing to terms with 29-year-old outfielder Carl Crawford on a 7-year, $142 million mega-deal that is almost certain to propel the Sox into the front-runners to win it all in 2011.

The news broke just hours after multiple reports indicated Crawford was leaning toward signing with the Los Angeles Angels, which, until now, were considered the favorites to land the 4-time All-Star.

Crawford was regarded as the top position player available this winter, and news of his arrival in Boston is especially ominous to their American League East rival New York Yankees, who were also seriously targeting the star.

Crawford, a career .296 hitter with over 400 steals, 100 triples, and 100 homers, has been one of the most dynamic players in baseball over the better part of this decade. Debuting in 2002, he has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays, leading them to the World Series in 2008 and the AL East crown this past season.

He enjoyed arguably his most productive season in 2010, hitting .307 while setting career-highs in homers (19), RBI’s (90), and runs (110). He also added 47 stolen bases, 30 doubles, and 13 triples in 154 games.

Crawford’s signing arguably makes the Red Sox the best team in baseball on paper. Boston overcame an almost unprecedented wave of injuries in 2010— Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis among the key players who missed significant time— yet still managed to win 89 games. Considering that all those players will be back for opening day and the additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, Boston seems primed for another championship run.

Here’s their 2011 projected opening day lineup:

1 Jacoby Ellsbury – CF

2 Dustin Pedroia – 2B

3 Carl Crawford – LF

4 Adrian Gonzalez – 1B

5 Kevin Youkilis – 3B

6 David Ortiz – DH

7 J.D. Drew – RF

8 Jarrod Saltalamacchia – C

9 Marco Scutaro – SS

Not bad, huh? The Red Sox now possess the fiercest offense in baseball. This lineup has longevity, too— their one through four hitters will all be in their 20’s on opening day.

With a top-flight rotation that already features Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett and John Lackey, all that remains this offseason for Boston’s GM Theo Epstein is to shore up the middle of that bullpen. If that can be done, Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon will be handed plenty of leads late in the game.

What a cap to the 2010 Winter Meetings. Happy Holidays, Boston.

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The city of Boston must be ecstatic tonight with the announcement of the signing Carl Crawford

Crawford’s home has been Tropicana Field for the last nine seasons, as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2010, Crawford’s batting average was .307, with 30 doubles, 13 triples, 19 home-runs, 90 RBIs and 47 stolen bases.

Add that to the other new Red Sox, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, who’s 2010 average at the plate was .298, with 31 home-runs, and 101 RBIs.

It would be hard to find anyone who doesn’t agree that the Red Sox are by far the AL East, if not baseball’s favorite heading into 2011.

The pressure is on like Donkey Kong for the New York Yankees to sign Cliff Lee. Maybe the new regime is fine with not being able to compete for a season, but that is just not going to fly.

You cannot forget the major backlash coming from Yankee fans if Lee is not in the Bronx come April. Especially with the Red Sox taking Crawford, who the Yankees were interested makes it a slap in the face.

The Texas Rangers clearly want Lee too; going as far as asking Lee’s camp what it will take to sign the Southpaw.

Lee has expressed how much he loved the Rangers clubhouse and it’s location to Arkansas where Lee lives.

GM Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner now have another reason to sign Lee.

First, the team is in desperate need to add to the starting rotation.

Second reason is pretty simply, the Yankees need to save some face considering it’s the first year the Boss is not in the background.

The rumor is that in two days, Lee will announce were he is bringing his talents in 2011, and my gut feeling is it’s not going to be to the Bronx.

Hopefully, I am dead wrong but Lee has not hinted or even given an inkling of a favorite.

This is why I believe Lee is waiting to give the Rangers a chance to match the Yankees, so he has reason to stay.

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The Boston Red Sox are making up for their poor 2010 season by making a big splash this offseason.

After trading for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last week from the San Diego Padres, the Red Sox have reportedly signed free agent outfielder Carl Crawford to a 7 year, $142 million contract, according to the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham.

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal has confirmed the deal as well.

As of Wednesday the Red Sox were not considered Crawford’s first choice, many believed the coveted outfielder was leaning toward signing with the Los Angeles Angels.

Crawford has played in the AL East his entire career as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, so he knows the Red Sox front office is dedicated to building a winner every season.

With the additions of Gonzalez and Crawford, are the Red Sox the favorites to win the World Series next season?

Right now, you’d have to say yes.

Boston nearly made the playoffs last year despite missing major players such as Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jacoby Ellsbury to lengthy injuries. 

With Crawford likely to be the leadoff man in the lineup, the Red Sox finally have a speed demon on the basepaths. Ellsbury’s constant injury struggles have rid the Sox of their only speed threat.

Crawford is a very good fielder, and like most everyone, will probably see his batting statistics improve due to playing 82 games a year in the hitter friendly confines of Fenway Park.

With Crawford playing the role as the best outfielder on the team, and still at a young age, Ellsbury becomes expendable.

Although, coming off a poor season, Ellsbury is not likely to be moved until the tradin deadline, because he currently has perhaps the lowest trade value of his young career.

Gonzalez gives the Red Sox a little bit of everything. His hitting credentials are well known, but he is a superb defensive player, having won two gold gloves.

Gonzalez has accumulated at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs in each of the least four seasons, and accomplishing this feat in the pitcher heaven of Petco Park in San Diego makes it more impressive.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has done well so far this winter to improve the team, but he has yet to improve the biggest weakness of 2010, the bullpen.

The bullpen roster is likely to be much different on opening day than it is now. With the Red Sox having spent a lot of money on two guys already, they will likely find some cheap, veteran relief pitchers.

With the Red Sox asserting themselves this offseason with a determination to go back to the World Series, their archrival New York Yankees now have to sign Cliff Lee. Do they even have a choice?

The only Yankees headlines this winter were the re-signings of captain Derek Jeter, and hall of famer to be closer Mariano Rivera.

With the additions of Crawford and Gonzalez, the Red Sox have a better all around lineup than the Yankees, and are younger as well.

Boston’s starting pitching is very deep too, and veterans Josh Beckett and John Lackey are sure to bounce back after injuries and inconsistency plagued their 2010 seasons. 

Jon Lester has emerged as a staff ace, and Clay Buchholz has become a player who could be a perennial all star.

The Red Sox are not done loading up for a serious 2011 run, but what they’ve done so far is very impressive.

They have acquired an offensive machine in Gonzalez for not to steep of a price in terms of prospects given up, and have acquired a young and athletic outfield star in Crawford.

But more importantly, they have kept these two players away from their competitors in the American League.

Boston will be fully healthy to start next season, and will be armed with the best lineup Red Sox fans have ever seen.

It’s fair to say, that for now, the Red Sox are the clear favorites to win the 2011 World Series.

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Cast your minds back two years. Philadelphia had just won the World Series; New York had finished third in the AL East; CC Sabathia was a hero in Milwaukee; Cincinnati, San Diego and Atlanta were irrelevant and Angels slugger Mark Teixeira was about to sign a blockbuster deal with Boston.

How things have changed.

Seemingly from nowhere, the Yankees reminded everyone why they were the Yankees and signed Teixeira to an eight-year/$180m deal. They also landed Sabathia and AJ Burnett, although they might like to forget about the latter.

18 months later, the new-look bombers were the World Champions; the Reds, Padres and Braves were amongst the best teams in baseball and Boston was desperately patching their team together with Minor Leaguers.

Losing Teixeira – especially after being so close to landing him – was a cataclysmic blow for the Red Sox and, in particular, the ownership and front office. It made Red Sox Nation doubt John Henry’s willingness to spend the money and further mistrust Theo Epstein’s ability to handle the free agent market.

Now, it looks as if all is well in Boston – at first base, at least.

With Adrian Gonzalez donning a Boston uniform in 2011, the Red Sox have gotten back much of what they lost in Teixeira.

Next year looks like it could be another great one in the storied Sox-Yanks rivalry. And when people compare the teams, they will focus specifically on first base.

It is reported that Boston and Gonzalez have reached an agreement on a seven-year extension worth $154 million. If that is the case, we will not find out until April, so that the Red Sox can avoid the luxury tax. For the sake of argument, and in the absence of any other figure, let’s go with that.

With both teams set up at the position for at least six years with very similar players, the question will be: who is better? And by extension, did it all work out better in the end for the Sox?

Let’s start with the basics: Both are multiple-Gold Glove-winning first basemen, with the ability to hit for both average and power, playing in ballparks very well-suited to their respective swings.

Teixeira will be 31 next season, Gonzalez will be 29, so both were 28 when they were acquired by their respective teams.

Both will have eight-year contracts, but Adrian will average $20m a year whilst his pinstriped colleague will make $22.5m. Slight difference, but it does add up to a rather significant $20 million over the life of the deal.

As for the numbers, they are very close to one another. Teixeira has played three more years at the Major League level and each season has been outstanding. In his last seven seasons he has clocked up 30 HRs and 100 RBIs and has finished in the top 20 in the MVP race five times. Last year, he had the worst average of his career, hitting .256, but he still slugged 33 homers and collected 108 ribbies.

In the last four years, Gonzalez has averaged 161 games, 34 HRs, 105 RBIs and a .284/.377/.517 line.

Over the same span, Teixeira has averaged 151 GP, 34 HRs, 114 RBIs and a .290/.389/.539 line.

Remarkably similar stats, but then we get to the biggest plus for Adrian Gonzalez.

Whilst Teixeira was putting those up those numbers (for the last two years in particular) in good hitting parks, Gonzalez has been playing at Petco, which is renowned for being incredibly pitcher-friendly.

Also, he was batting in a lineup of weak hitters, unlike Tex. Frankly, if anyone batting cleanup for the New York Yankees does not drive in 100 runs, he should be in the Minors.

The last two seasons, Gonzalez’ OPS+ (which is adjusted to account for the ballparks in which they play) is 157. Teixeira’s is 133.

One big plus for Tex is that he is a switch hitter. He would have been wonderfully suited to Fenway Park. However, he is also well-built for the sandbox that is New Yankee Stadium. If one were to move him to the Fens, his numbers would be very similar.

Adrian Gonzalez on the other hand, has put up very comparable stats in Petco. Move him to Fenway – as a left-handed hitter with great opposite-field power – and his numbers could improve drastically.

In all fairness, it is very hard to choose between the two, especially when we are yet to see Gonzalez play in his new stadium.

However, if his offense improves to the degree most people expect, one would have to say that it all worked out for the best for the Red Sox.

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It was a weekend of uncertainty, but Adrian Gonzalez was officially introduced as a member of the Boston Red Sox Monday.

It didn’t take him long to give the Boston fans what they wanted to hear.

“I’m very excited to be here in Boston and ready to beat the Yanks,” Gonzalez said in Monday’s press conference.

Next to playing for his hometown Padres, Boston was also always his second favorite destination.

“Ted Williams was from San Diego and played for Boston, “Gonzalez said. “We’re both left-handed hitters. I always felt I had a connection there.”

The trade signals the end of the discount days of the San Diego native’s services in a Padre uniform.

Gonzalez will earn $6.2 million next season in the final year of his contract, but there are reports that Gonzalez will eventually sign a seven-year extension worth more than $155 million, raising his contract to $162 million over the next eight seasons.

The Padres received four prospects: right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly (considered the top prospect in the Red Sox system), first baseman Anthony Rizzo (No. 3) and outfielder Reymond Fuentes (between sixth and 10th)—plus a player to be named later.

If you’re Boston, you’re elated. You picked up a 28-year-old, three-time All-Star first baseman without giving up a player on your major league roster.

If you’re San Diego—namely the Friar Faithful—there’s some frustration the Padres didn’t get a player ready to make an immediate impact.

“One of the things we wrestled with honestly was there were other trades we could have gotten that maybe included one major league player back,” Padres general manager Jed Hoyer told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “But the rest of the trade would have been weaker and not very deep. So I know there is a disappointment, I guess, that we didn’t get more major league players back.”

But if there is anyone that knows the Boston farm system, it’s Hoyer, who was the Red Sox assistant GM when the three prospects were drafted.

A deal wasn’t going to be done without Casey Kelly, the Red Sox 2009 Minor League Pitcher of the year. The Padres look for Kelly, 21, to be a fixture in the rotation.

Anthony Rizzo, 21, is a power-hitting first baseman who had 20 home runs and 80 RBI in less than a full season for Double-A Portland. Rizzo should slug his way to Triple-A in 2011.

Fuentes is the youngest of the three prospects that the Padres acquired in the deal. He is also the fastest. The 19-year-old Puerto Rican swiped 42 bags in 47 chances this past season at Single-A Greenville.

It’s the second major trade the Padres have made in as many seasons, including the deal that sent former ace Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for Clayton Richard and three other prospects.

Richard downright outperformed Peavy in 2010, and the three prospects are progressing in the farm system.

The Gonzalez deal, however, differs from Peavy’s in the sense that Padres didn’t get a major league-ready player like they did with Richard. But building a solid farm system in all facets is Hoyer’s mission.

If you’re Adrian Gonzalez, you’re also elated. While the San Diego native likely would have preferred to stay in his hometown if financially possible, he is now batting in the hitter-friendly confines of Fenway Park as opposed to the spacious PETCO Park.

Now that the deal is done, look for Hoyer and Co. to be active in their pursuit of a first baseman and other key free agents.

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Hasn’t the New York Yankees brass put us fans through enough already?

So far, the 2010 offseason has been emotionally draining for those loyal to the pinstripes.

To be fair, we were warned the moment owner Hal Steinbrenner uttered the word “messy” pre-captain Derek Jeter’s negotiations.

After weeks of vandalizing Jeter, one of the most luminous Yankees ever, and seemingly giving Mariano Rivera the silent treatment, Yankee fans have had about 24 hours of peace.

That was Saturday, today is Tuesday and the Winter Meetings are in full swing.

The MLB Network has around-the-clock coverage, filled with interviews and introductions. The first 24 hours a majority of teams’ GMs and owners sat down to give their respective clubs plan for 2011. I learned a lot:

• The West Coast, NL version of Yankees Mark Teixeira has left San Diego for Beantown, as Adrian Gonzalez is now with the Boston Red Sox. During his press conference, Gonzalez said he couldn’t wait to beat the Yankees. Boston gave up three coveted prospects and one player to be named later to the Padres for the All-Star. GM Theo Epstein said Kevin Youkilis would move to third-base, so Gonzalez can play at first. Gonzalez is described as a left-handed Manny Ramirez and hit .337 in 2010. Merry Christmas Red Sox fans!
• Jayson Werth signed a monster contract for seven years and $126 million with the Washington Nationals. So, now you know Scott Boras is in attendance. As for Werth, he better hope rolling around in dollar bills will ease the pain of losing. Not to worry as no one watched the Nationals games and Stephen Strasburg won’t be back till 2012 so stash some of the green in your locker, too.
• My love affair continues to grow stronger with White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, as he once again told it like it is and it is so refreshing. Ozzie was elated about his team’s new addition of Adam Dunn from the Nationals. Ozzie said his White Sox are AL Central’s team to beat. Ozzie ended his talk by stating he wished he was Jayson Werth’s wife.
• Also, heard from higher-ups of the Rangers, Mets, Braves, Padres, Phillies, Angels and others who took the time to inform us what they are up too. Also, the Red Sox have officially been labeled the favorites to win the 2011 World Series.

So, what news came out of Yankees camp?

Well, we were told that Andy Pettitte is leaning towards retiring, according to a friend of a friend. That is very reliable reporting.

Has anyone found the guy who heard this news from Pettitte’s buddy?

Obviously the answer is no, as no one even knows the “mole’s” name.

On to the Cliff Lee front, all I picked up from listening to this banter is that the Yankees are not the only club Lee’s camp is taking to.

This felt like some kind of polite warning.

Fact remains, sans the two southpaws spells trouble for Yankee universe.

One of the hosts said if this becomes the Yankees’ reality, that for sure the Royals’ Zach Greinke would be in pinstripes. I think this is a baaadddd idea.

I mean what’s next a press conference reintroducing Carl Pavano to New York?

I will happily put my foot in my mouth if GM Brian Cashman comes on TV with both Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee.

Only because that is the Yankees way….still?

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MLB trade rumors continue to swirl with the Winter Meetings underway in Orlando.

After the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, it appears another slugging first baseman could be on the move.

ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that the Dodgers are in talks with the Brewers about possibly acquiring Prince Fielder.

The deal would come as a surprise for L.A. since the Dodgers franchise is not believed to be in spending mode this winter.

Elsewhere, Zack Greinke remains on the trade market with the Royals driving a hard bargain for their ace.

Here’s a closer look at these deals and the latest hot stove rumors Monday evening.

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MLB trade rumors continue to swirl with the Winter Meetings underway in Orlando.

After the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, it appears another slugging first baseman could be on the move.

ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that the Dodgers are in talks with the Brewers about possibly acquiring Prince Fielder.

The deal would come as a surprise for L.A. since the Dodgers franchise is not believed to be in spending mode this winter.

Elsewhere, Zack Greinke remains on the trade market with the Royals driving a hard bargain for their ace.

Here’s a closer look at these deals and the latest hot stove rumors Monday evening.

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After a weekend filled with free agent acquisitions and a big trade, the winner at the end of the day is the World Series champion Giants. Even though the Giants lost World Series MVP Juan Uribe, they were able to steal Miguel Tejada away from their division rival Padres.

Tejada is a little old and I wish we had the Tejada of 10 years ago, but he’s still an effective shortstop that has a reliable bat. If it wasn’t good enough to steal your rival’s shortstops and leave them with a gap in the middle, things got even easier for the Giants as the weekend progressed.

The big-name trade was finalized this morning as the Padres dealt superstar Adrian Gonzalez for Casey Kelly, Raymond Fuentes, Anthony Rizzo and a player to be named later. While the Padres did get some young talent for Gonzalez, it was not nearly enough.

Kelly may be a good young right-handed starting pitcher, but in many baseball circles he is more regarded as as a second or third starter in a rotation.

Fuentes has high potential, but is still extremely raw. Rizzo is a young first baseman who is doing well in the minors, but there is no guarantee on how well he will perform when he is called upon.

While the Padres did receive some pieces, they have taken some steps back and no longer seem like a strong competitor for the NL West title.

The other big move this past weekend was Jayson Werth leaving Philadelphia to join the Nationals. While the Phillies are still uber-talented, they lost a big bat and defensive presence in Werth.

Werth was one of the only hitters on the Phillies’ roster that had success against Giants pitching in the NLCS. And his big seven-year, $126 million contract makes it almost impossible for the Phillies to replace him with Crawford.

Crawford has been expected to demand a bigger contract than Werth, and he may be now out of the Phillies’ price range.

Continue Reading…

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