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11/17/11--11:00: At long last, the Curse of Heidi Watney is over for the Red Sox (chan 1800687)

The sideline reporter had a cult-like following with Boston sports fans.

Yes, you read that headline correctly. For the Boston Red Sox, the Curse of Heidi Watney is over.

The blonde starlet is reportedly taking her talents to Hollywood, leaving her job as a Red Sox field reporter for NESN to cover the Los Angeles Lakers for Time Warner Cable. That's assuming the NBA ever returns, I suppose.

To say this is sad news for many Red Sox fans would be an understatement. With her good looks and improving job performance, Watney inspired a borderline cult following. Well, she did with male Red Sox fans, anyway.

Why say she was a curse, then? Let's consider the facts.

Watney joined the Red Sox in April 2008, as the team was coming off its second World Series title since 2004. What have they done since? They lost in the American League Championship Series to the Tampa Bay Rays the first season that Watney was around. The following year, they flamed out in the first round against the Los Angeles Angels, and they haven't made the playoffs since.

Coincidence? I think not.

In all seriousness, Watney earned a growing respect with Red Sox fans not only for her journalism, but her sense of humor and work with Boston-area charities.

The blogosphere has buzzed with this news in a way that isn't normal for a cable TV reporter. Red at Surviving Grady, an unabashed Watney fanboy, penned this loving message for her after hearing the news:

It’ll take a while for this one to sink in, but right now, I’d just like to wish her well. And remind her that if she ever feels the need to drop the glamorous broadcast life for a cramped apartment, cheap beer and the pale but loving arms of an underemployed blogger, she’s got my number. Or at least it should be on the restraining order.

Watney was willing to mix it up with her fans at times, too. This sports blogger tells the story of chatting her up on Twitter and eventually meeting her for a photograph before a game.

Watney has been interesting and frequently fun to follow on Twitter, but she hasn't had much to say about leaving NESN yet. This message went up today:

Right now I'm enjoying vacation with my family in Australia and New Zealand, and will answer all questions when I return home. :)

Best of luck, Heidi. You won us over with hard work.

11/28/11--08:25: For the Red Sox, 'tis the season to be uninspired (chan 1800687)

Gene Lamont or Bobby Valentine will likely become the next manager of the Red Sox.

So, this is what is has come to: Barring a surprise, an eight-week search has yielded Gene Lamont and Bobby Valentine as the main candidates in the Boston Red Sox manager sweepstakes.

It's a little like life after Thanksgiving, isn't it? Last week, we were all psyched for a 10-pound plate filled with turkey, stuffing and a return to Red Sox dominance.

Now, we just hope the leftover gravy will taste the same after congealing in the refrigerator.

I don't mean to be flip, but as a fan, it's hard not to be concerned with the direction of the team. We've gone from having relative stability with Theo Epstein and Terry Francona running the show to watching an unclear Red Sox management hydra seek solutions.

Their first significant order of business was to select a new manager. I think most of us can agree at this point that as much as most fans loved and respected Francona's tenure in Boston, it was probably time for him to go after the 7-20 September collapse. When you can't fire most of the players, you find a new boss to yell at, er, motivate them.

The problem is our options are not only retreads, but retreads whose history and stated managerial principles don't match Boston's focus on statistical analysis.

Consider Lamont, almost 65. He has managed in the big leagues for eight years, but not since 2000, when he was fired by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the American League manager of the year in 1993, when his Chicago White Sox won 94 games in the American League West before baseball realignment.

His best player that season? A young slugger named Frank Thomas, who won the MVP and is now waiting on enshrinement to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

It has been a while, you could say.

Then there's Valentine, 61. It has been fascinating to watch the Boston writer camp split on his candidacy for the job.

On one hand, you have folks like Nick Cafardo, who have praised him repeatedly as a no-nonsense baseball man.

On the other hand, you have folks like Chad Finn, who seemed more hesistant before endorsing the idea.

Personally, I think the job probably goes to Valentine. He'll probably light a fire under the team, but also create new divisions between players and management that will complicate life at Fenway Park. It's just what he does.

So, here we are at the 11th hour. Please pass the mashed potatoes.

11/30/11--09:10: Dreading the Red Sox hiring Bobby Valentine as manager? I am (chan 1800687)

Can Valentine bring discipline to Boston without inspiring a mutiny?

It's said that every man deserves a fair chance.

Fair enough. When it comes to Bobby Valentine and the Red Sox, though, it doesn't mean I need to like it.

Boston reported hiring of Bobby V as their next manager raises as many questions as it answers.

The chief one is easy: How long will it take before Valentine wears out his welcome with his in-your-face nature? Because let's be realistic: It isn't a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when."

Valentine has a long history of lighting a fire under his teams, then lighting them on fire. While managing the New York Mets, he sniped at players publicly, feuded with his own front office and generally demonstrated his belief that everyone had to know he was the smartest guy in the room.

On the flip side, he managed the 2000 Mets to the World Series -- an impressive feat that included a thrilling National League Division Series win against the San Francisco Giants highlighted by a 13-inning, walkoff win in Game 3. They fell short against the Yankees in the World Series that year, but there was no shame in it. The Mets were underdogs all the way.

Valentine will inherit a Red Sox team that is in transition, but still loaded. With Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and plenty of other stars returning, the 2012 team should be able to win 90 games in its sleep.

The question becomes can Valentine bring discipline without making it all about him? Can he inspire confidence in his players, rather than a mutiny?

If I was a betting man, I'd say that the Sox will return to the playoffs this season, and Valentine will receive plenty of credit.

At some point, though, there will be a spectacular fallout, and the team will again be searching for a manager.

My head hurts already.

12/06/11--07:19: Red Sox reportedly seeking Andrew Bailey, Oakland A's closer (chan 1800687)

Several teams are pursuing the two-time All-Star reliever.

The Red Sox made a splash by announcing Bobby Valentine as their new manager last week, but they've still got significant holes on the field to fill.

The pitching needs upgrading, in particular. Unless the team feels like counting on Tim Wakefield to make 35 starts, Boston needs to do something with its rotation, which currently has Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and a lot of question marks after them.

They've also got a significant hole to fill at the back end of their bullpen, thanks to Jonathan Papelbon packing his bags to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. There are several free agent options out there, but they all come with some degree of risk.

Ryan Madson? Too inexperienced for the asking price.

Francisco Rodriguez? Too crazy.

That's why it makes sense for Boston to seriously kick the tires on acquiring Andrew Bailey from the Oakland A's, particularly now that former Padres closer Heath Bell has signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Miami Marlins.

Multiple media reports suggest that the Red Sox brain trust will meet with the A's to discuss Bailey today. That comes on the heels of reports that Daniel Bard may prefer starting next season, or at least be open to the role.

Bailey, 27, will almost definitely be moved somewhere, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. A slew of teams have apparently expressed interest, including the Angels, Mariners, Mets and Red Sox.

Bailey made a splash in 2009, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award after posting a 1.84 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 91 strikeouts and 26 saves in 83.1 innings. He made the All-Star team that year and again in 2010, before his season was cut short due to oblique and elbow injuries that season.

Bailey bounced back in 2011, though. In 41.2 innings, he had a 3.24 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 41 strikeouts and 24 saves. He's also under team control through 2014, which means he's a relatively affordable option.

The obvious catch is that Oakland is going to want some significant prospects. This is a situation that will bear monitoring going forward.

12/13/11--07:58: Searching for positivity in this Red Sox hater offseason (chan 1800687)

Albert Pujols' monster deal with the Angels dwarfs the one Adrian Gonzalez signed with the Red Sox.

It hasn't been an easy season to be a Red Sox fan.

Fresh off a 7-20 September meltdown that will be seared into our brain for years, we've watched several American League teams strengthen themselves considerably.

The Angels have made the biggest moves, signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to longterm deals that will strengthen their lineup and rotation, respectively.

They're not the only ones, though. The defending AL champion Texas Rangers lost Wilson, but have bolstered their bullpen by signing closer Joe Nathan. They're also reportedly seeking Cubs pitcher Matt Garza and other starters through a trade.

The Red Sox? So far they've lost their longtime closer, Jonathan Papelbon, and reached an agreement with designated hitter David Ortiz that will bring him back for 2012, if not longer. They've also floated the idea that Daniel Bard could start next season, raising even more questions about what their bullpen could look like.

Exciting stuff, isn't it?

It's in these moments when Red Sox fans and media types sometimes need to get a grip. The offseason already is being painted by many as a failure, even though there are still a number of smart moves Boston could make to shore up weaknesses.

For one, the trade market isn't dead. Any starter that a team like Texas is looking at also may make sense for Boston. If Boston manages to snare Garza or closer Andrew Bailey, for example, a lot of analysts are going to be singing a different tune about the team's chances in 2012.

It's also worth noting that sometimes the best move a team makes is standing pat. That's especially true with the free agent pitcher market, which is dramatically overpriced this offseason. Over the Monster had a great blog post analyzing the leftovers on the market, and I agree wholeheartedly: Boston needs to pass on most of the options left.

We also shouldn't forget how much talent Boston has left in the barn. The 2011 season was a debacle on numerous levels, but it also was undone by injuries to players like Clay Buchholz as much as anything. They should be back and healthy in the spring. The lineup also will still be one of the league's best, especially with Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez at the top.

In fact, the new 10-year, $254 million deal that Pujols signed sheds new light on the deal Gonzalez reached with the Sox earlier this year. As WEEI's Alex Speier pointed out, Pujols, Gonzalez and Prince Fielder all were slated to hit free agency together this winter. It appears that the seven-year, $154 million contract Gonzalez signed will be by far the most affordable.

Before readers start hammering on me for drinking the corporate Kool-Aid, I'm not. But I'm also not ready to throw in the towel on the 2012 season, and baffled by fans who are.

The Boston Herald's Steve Buckley was one of the latest curmudgeons to jump in, ripping the team and fans alike in a column Sunday. Apparently, the Sox playing in Fenway Park, rather than a new stadium, remains a personal affront to him.

His argument isn't exactly new, but its timing highlights that we are squarely in Red Sox haterade season.

It's time to get a grip, OK?

12/19/11--08:10: Red Sox acquisition of Mark Melancon raises as many questions as it answers (chan 1800687)

Who will be Boston's closer in 2012? And how do all the other pieces in the bullpen fit in?

Finally, the Red Sox upgraded the roster in a substantial way.

In trading for Astros closer Mark Melancon, Boston has added a young, dynamic reliever who can compete to be the team's stopper at the back end of the bullpen. Perhaps just as importantly, it appears he'll come in with no ego -- if he's given a substantial role, it looks like he'll be happy, whether he's closing or not.

Still, it's hard to look at the bullpen as it is presently constructed and not wonder if the team is still a piece or two short.

Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves are coming to camp as potential starters, and it seems likely that at least one of them will land the job. That means the other could be Boston's closer or setup man, with Melancon also pitching late in games.

What about the rest of the bullpen, though? Bullpen production is notoriously hard to predict across the major leagues, but the Sox are in an uncomfortable position, whether they'd like to admit it or not.

As the Globe's Peter Abraham pointed out last week, Melancon struggling in spring training would invite the possibility of Bard taking over the closer role, for which he certainly was groomed. Bobby Jenks also should be able to provide more innings (er... some innings?) than he did last year.

After that, though, there are even more uncertainties.

If Aceves doesn't get a job in the rotation, how does he fit in?

Will Matt Albers look like the pitcher he was early last season, or the guy who ran out of gas late in the summer?

How much can Boston expect from Franklin Morales, Scott Atchison and the other merry band of relievers they used in 2011?

If Boston can sign former Phillies closer Ryan Madson to a reasonable contract, some of the question marks go away.

For now, though, there's still no sigh of relief when looking at the pitching staff.

12/23/11--07:31: Alfredo Aceves to close for Red Sox? (chan 1800687)

Given the expensive free-agent options, it may make sense for the Red Sox to the Alfredo Aceves in the spot after his 2011 success.

Sometimes, the best move a team can make is the deal on which it doesn't pull the trigger.

That very well may be the case with Gio Gonzalez, the Oakland A's starter. He was reportedly traded to the Washington Nationals, eliminating another potential option to fill out the Red Sox starting rotation.

The continued state of flux for Boston's pitching staff has raised interesting questions, though. ESPN reported last night that the Red Sox are still seeking to acquire at least one or two more pitchers, including Ryan Madson, the former Phillies closer.

They're also considering Alfredo Aceves for the job, even after saying they'd prepare the pitcher for a potential spot in the starting rotation.

From the report:

The thinking at this stage is the Red Sox will acquire at least two pitchers, perhaps more. While closer Ryan Madson would be an attractive fit, the price remains higher than what the Sox are willing to pay, and the team has only limited interest in the next-best free-agent option, Francisco Cordero, according to the source. As has been reported, they have inquired on a number of trade options for a closer, including Oakland's Andrew Bailey, the Seattle Mariners' Brandon League, and the Kansas City Royals' Joakim Soria.

But one option that is being discussed internally is looking at holdover Alfredo Aceves as a potential closer. For now, the plan is for Aceves to come to camp as a starter, but that could change depending upon the caliber of starter the Sox are able to acquire.

How serious is the team about having Aceves close? It's hard to say, and it also seems possible that the rumor is being floated to combat the perception that Boston needs to acquire a new closer.

If Aceves can handle the role, though, it allows Boston to use its remaining resources to fill out the rotation.

12/28/11--17:15: In closer Andrew Bailey, the Red Sox get their man (chan 1800687)

Bailey was fantastic for Oakland -- when healthy - and gives Boston a legitimate replacement for Jonathan Papelbon.

Ever since Jonathan Papelbon departed the Red Sox to become the closer of the Philadelphia Phillies, the question hung there: Who is going to close games in Boston in 2012?

Now, we have our answer.

The Red Sox made a bold move Wednesday afternoon, acquiring Oakland A's closer Andrew Bailey in a trade for outfielder Josh Reddick. The Sox also sent the A's prospects Miles Head and Raul Alcantara, while the A's sent Boston outfielder Ryan Sweeney.

Above all else, though, this deal was about bolstering Boston's bullpen and cementing roles in it. It's also now all but assured that either relievers Daniel Bard or Alfredo Aceves (if not both) will start for Boston next season, a significant change considering the Aceves-Bard-Papelbon mix that carried the water most of last season in the bullpen.

The trade for Bailey is already being criticized in some corners for costing Boston three prospects, but I'll say this: Too many fans forget that the Red Sox are still built to contend in 2012, so long as Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez and a few other stars stay healthy.

When you have that opportunity, you do everything you can to take it. Even if it means giving up a promising outfielder who started off hot last season before hitting .235/.283/.368 in the last two months of the season.

Several questions remain:

Can Andrew Bailey stay healthy?
He has been fantastic when healthy, but hasn't pitched more than 50 innings since his rookie season, when he pitched 83.1 innings, posting a 1.84 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 26 walks and 91 strikeouts.

Will the Red Sox push to sign Roy Oswalt or another veteran starter?
As it stands, they have Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz at the front end of the rotation. Those things are set in stone. They also have Aceves, Bard, Felix Doubront and Andrew Miller to compete for No. 4 and No. 5 spots, which leaves a lot of uncertainty. If Boston can sign a veteran to a reasonable one- or two-year deal, they can build depth, installing Aceves as a swing man who could start games in the event of an injury.

How does Mark Melancon fit in?
When the Red Sox acquired reliever Mark Melancon before Christmas, many fans assumed and pundits assumed he'd be the closer. All indications are that the job is Bailey's to lose, but Melancon also saved 20 games last season for the Houston Astros. That's somewhat reassuring if Bailey runs into injury problems again.

12/29/11--04:15: Top 10 Red Sox Monster headlines of 2011 (chan 1800687)

From Muddy Chickens to laughing commentators to rookies dressed in drag, the Red Sox Monster saw its share of interesting headlines in 2011.

When talking about the Boston Red Sox, weird things do happen.

The weird things in 2011, however, may have been the weirdest of all.

From Muddy Chickens to laughing commentators to rookies dressed in drag, the Red Sox Monster saw its share of interesting headlines in 2011.

See the Top 10 Red Sox Monster headlines of 2011 by clicking here.

01/03/12--04:32: Maybe the Jason Varitek era isn't over for the Red Sox, after all (chan 1800687)

The 15-year veteran still wants to play. Is there room for him?

When the Red Sox signed veteran catcher Kelly Shoppach in December, the writing on the wall appeared to be clear: Jason Varitek's career in Boston was over.

What if it's not that simple, though?

Respected baseball writer Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox are still considering a new contract for Varitek, who has played a team-record 15 seasons in Boston. It creates a conundrum, considering the Sox also have Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway on their roster.

What would be the point in bring Tek back? The Salty-Tek tandem actually was quite productive at the plate in 2011, combining for 27 home runs and 92 RBIs. The two switch-hitting catchers also complemented each other, with Salty performing far better against right-handed pitching and Varitek hitting better against lefties.

Varitek had 11 home runs and 36 RBIs in a limited role. Overall, he hit just .221/.300/.423, but was useful against left-handed pitching, hitting .264/.346/.403 in 72 at-bats from the right side.

Saltalamacchia, meanwhile, hit .247/.304/.481 with 11 homers from the left side. From the right, he hit just .209/.252/.383 with five homers.

The Shoppach signing appeared to render the debate about what to do with Tek moot, but it's worth considering Shoppach's numbers, too. In both 2010 and 2011, he hit under .200. That's despite playing in enough games (63 in 2010, 87 in 2011) to have ample repetitions to perform better.

Shoppach is well regarded for his defense, though -- something Varitek has increasingly struggled with for years. Shoppach threw out 41 percent of attempted base-stealers last season (18 out of 44), best in the American League. Varitek threw out just 14 percent (12 out of 85).

Shoppach also handled left-handed pitching well enough last season (.241/.344/.444 with seven homers) to envision a similar arrangement to the Salty-Tek platoon in 2011, with Salty getting the majority of the playing time and Shoppach starting against left-handed pitching.

There's also Lavarnway -- a powerful right-handed hitter who's working to improve his catching and game management. Boston may start him off in the minors this season, but he's too talented to keep on ice for long.

With all those pieces, it's tough to imagine how Varitek will find his way back onto the field for the Sox in 2012. And yet, the rumors persist.

Here's hoping this ends gracefully.

01/08/12--21:55: New Red Sox pitcher Aaron Cook a potential steal (chan 1800687)

The sinkerballer is coming off the worst season of his career.

Finally, the Red Sox did something meaningful that could upgrade their starting rotation.

Boston just signed veteran Rockies starter Aaron Cook to a minor-league deal, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Sunday night. He has struggled with injuries, but turned in solid seasons in 2008 and 2009 while healthy.

Cook, almost 33, also leaves the Rockies with a team-record 72 wins. He has pitched his entire career in Colorado, relying largely on a heavy sinker.

It's exactly the kind of acquisition that flies under the radar until a player turns his career around. Cook won't dominate the American League East anytime soon, but he'll provide the rotation with some depth and likely compete for an open spot at the back of the rotation.

Now, the downside: Cook is coming off the worst year of his career. He finished 2011 with a 3-10 record, a 6.02 ERA and just 97 innings pitched. He missed time due to shoulder problems early last season and later broke a finger after slamming it in a door.

Cook's struggles may continue, but he's still young enough to potentially bounce back. No one is expecting 30 starts and 16 wins, but if he can provide some reliable innings and stay healthy, he could be a steal.

Fun fact: Cook started against the Red Sox in the 2007 World Series, losing the decisive Game 4 against Jon Lester. Cook allowed just one run over the first six innings, but gave up a two-run home run to World Series MVP Mike Lowell in the top of the seventh inning. Boston went on to win, 4-3.

01/15/12--20:07: Win a date with former Red Sox reporter Heidi Watney (chan 1800687)

The former NESN personality will participate in a charity date auction in Boston.

Heidi Watney may be gone, but she isn't forgotten.

The former Red Sox reporter for NESN will return to Boston next month to participate in Project Cupid, a Feb. 11 date auction that will benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, both charities devoted to cancer research.

Details about the auction can be found here on the event's website. Organizers posted even more on Facebook recently:

As many of you know, the beautiful Heidi Watney will be auctioned off at our 3rd Annual Date Auction for The Jimmy Fund. Your winning bid includes the following: 3 tickets (you, Heidi and you can bring a guest) in John Henry's seats, first row behind home plate; tickets for batting practice and dinner at Jerry Remy's.

That sounds like it'll be a pretty sweet package for some Red Sox fans... even if they're bringing a third wheel to the date.

In all seriousness, there isn't another big baseball tie to highlight the event here. However, it's worth noting that Project Cupid was started three years ago after its organizer, Amy Blue, lost her 9-year-old cousin Isaias Valentin to Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Watney hasn't mentioned the event on Twitter yet herself, but retweeted a message Sunday posted by Blue to promote the event. Watney, who left NESN in November to take a job covering the Lakers, certainly deserves credit for following through to appear at the event despite no longer working in New England.

01/23/12--04:12: Marco Scutaro trade raises questions for Red Sox at shortstop (chan 1800687)

The move leaves Boston without an obvious starter at a key position.

The Red Sox rolled out a surprise Friday, trading incumbent shortstop Marco Scutaro to the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Clayton Mortensen.

Who? You're not the only one asking. Mortensen, 26, has appeared in 44 games over three major-league seasons, pitching for the Rockies, A's and Cardinals. His best season came last year, when he had a 2-4 record, 3.86 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 16 games, including six starts.

If that sounds like a journeyman, you're probably right. But the assumption is that general manager Ben Cherington made the move to dump Scutaro's $6 million salary, giving them the cash needed to make a run at free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt. He's apparently seeking a one-year deal worth about $8 million.

That could be a fantastic move to shore up the starting rotation -- a glaring weakness for the Sox heading into 2012. Oswalt, 34, is a three-time All-Star with postseason experience, but affordable because he struggled through injuries in 2011. He'd fill out a staff that includes Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz and a few question marks.

The Scutaro trade raises another question, though: Who plays shortstop for the Sox in 2012?

As Boston Globe writer Peter Abraham pointed out, Red Sox utilitymen Nick Punto and Mike Aviles have experience playing short. Neither one is what you'd want to consider a fulltime replacement, though -- and the Red Sox already dealt infielder Jed Lowrie to the Astros earlier in the offseason.

That leaves prospect Jose Iglesias, the hotshot fielding heir apparent at shortstop. Iglesias, 22, has hit just .261/.308/.316 over the last two season in the minors, and probably isn't ready to handle major-league pitching on a regular basis.

What's next, then?

Do the Red Sox keep dealing, and move, say, Kevin Youkilis in a deal for a shortstop and another starting pitcher?

Do they wing it and hope that Punto, Iglesias or Aviles emerges as a fulltime option?

It's not time to freak out yet over the decision, but it's hard to take Boston's roster as it is presently constructed seriously. The team has a gaping hole at the most important spot in the infield.

We'll be watching, Ben.