Jerry Remy: Welcome everybody, this is Jerry. Glad to have everyone join us tonight. Baseball fans are fired up with pitchers and catchers in Fl. Our first televised game is March 4th. Tonight we are very fortunate to have Peter Gammons joining us. Peter and I go back a long way. He is the hardest working journalist in Baseball which is evident when you read his columns or see him on Baseball Tonight on ESPN. Thats why hes got the nickname The Commissioner. There is nobody in baseball, whether it be front office or on the field or in the minors that he doesnt know. Obviously, most of our interest is in the Red Sox, but please feel free to talk about any baseball issue with Peter. Thanks again and enjoy! And now we will turn it over to Trish.
MooseSox: Peter, thanks for chatting with us tonight. When a general manager position opens up, I have heard your name mentioned on more once as being the perfect candidate. Have you ever been asked to interview for a position? If no, would you like to become a GM one day?
petergammons:: Many Years ago, I discussed it, but not now. The game is changing dramatically, and when I see the Theos, Paul DePodestas, mark Shapiros, JP Ricciardis, et al get jobs, I know they are far, far smarter than I.
Bohoosh: Welcome to RemDawg Nation Peter. Can we expect to see any new contracts for any of the Free Agent 4 before the start of the season? If so who is being given top priority?
petergammons: The Red Sox haven't listed priorities, and know it will be tough to sign any of these players. Varitek and Lowe have Scott Boras, who wants his players to go into the market. Ortiz is a tough call. Pedro has the Yankee threat, and Nomar understandably isn't real happy. His last meeting with Theo and Lucchino didn't go well, as he felt Henry might well have been there. No hometown discount. Hometown could have been Commiskey Park.
FenwayBleacherDawg: Peter what is up with D. Lowe and his attitude coming into camp?
petergammons: Derek Lowe's attitude isn't a problem. He gets nervous about things. The question is: did Boras tell him that the Red Sox have called and tried to open talks? Obviously, not.
Professor Nutbutter: Thanks for coming Peter, Do you think that some sort of salary cap would be good for baseball, and is it even possible with the strong players union?
petergammons: A salary cap would be great, but won't happen. What baseball needs is 7-8 divisions decided by revenues, but that means the Red Sox and Mets would have to be in with the Yankees, and I don't think they can play financially with them as long as Steinbrenner is in there.
mrcleanwell: Peter, Do you think Derek Lowe hired Scott Boras because he wants to get out of Boston next year?
petergammons: Lowe wants to stay. Boras plays the market. Kevin Millwood played the market. Lost.
ToofarawayfromBoston: Mr. Gammons, why were there so many conflicting reports from the media about the ARod-Red Sox discussions?
petergammons: The whole ARod thing was crazy.. His preference was Boston--SS, team leader. There was too much leaking by Hicks, some ill-advised, irrational statements by the Red Sox, then misunderstandings. The Yankee people told me that Boras had a similar deal. scenario where the Rangers would take back $67M--making ARod $16M a year for Boston--and send Varitek to Texas, but Hicks stated he did not want to deal with Boston ownership. Now Texas wants to ,move Soriano to the Mets for Reyes, and were turned down.
Daubach69: What players on the 25 man roster do you see coming off the roster this year and does Daubach have a chance?
petergammons2004: It will be tough for Daubach to make it now that Burks is on board, but a lot can happen. I can't wait to see David McCarty pitch.
rufflesdog: Hi Peter! Who do you think should take the second in the batting line-up for the Sox now that Todd Walker is gone?
petergammons: In a perfect world, Jonny Damon would hit second; their OB% goes lowest in the one hole last year. But they could go Mueller or Trot. Mueller might be terrific, especially in front of the big boys.
Darlucky: What kind of contribution do you think we should expect from Pokey Reese this year?
petergammons: He is the best defensive second baseman in the game, can hit .260, not great OB%. Great energy person. Mark Belhorn is interesting, but he used to be able to rake
Santsman: Mr. Gammons, Thanks for taking the time. If the big 4 end up as FA's, would it be prudent for the Sox to offer them arbitration so they at least get the draft picks ?
petergammons: Absolutely. It would give them all one more year. I think it might happen with Varitek. The problem with Lowe and Martinez is that there aren't many other good starters on the market.
Irish27: Peter, how do you think Casey Fossum will do in Arizona and do the Diamondbacks have a chance at winning the NL West?
petergammons: I think the 'backs are the favorites in a weak division. I don't know about Fossum. Some day he will be very good, but he has to be willing to make adjustments. My guess is a long role. Someday, he can be very good, but he has to change his angle, and he hasn't. Fossum-Millwood. It's easy to second guess.
VTHERDSMAN: Grady Little was always known as a "players" manager. Do you think that Terry Francona will be able to maintain the same level of rapport with the team members?
petergammons: Terry has tremendous people skills, and the Phillies players trusted him. ARod took several shots at Buck Showalter, saying he looked forward to playing for Joe Torre because "I look forward to playing for someone I can trust." That's a key element in managing, because star players have to trust managers, and I think players will find that Francona won't sell them out to the media and also I know he is smart and loves the Big East mentality.
Boston CyberSox: With Frank McCourt buying the Dodgers, do you think it has any impact on the Sox (in terms of land for a new stadium and/or Nomar)?
petergammons: Not really. The Dodgers are not going to be a $100m team, and Paul DePodesta will be hard to buy on Nomar.
joydow2003: Hi Do you think there is any truth in the rumor that Nomar was really injured at the end of last year, and not just in a slump? Could this be why management is also being careful about his contract?
petergammons: He will never make excuses, but I think he has a tired wrist at the end of the season. I am told he is in unbelievable shape, and while his relationship with the club may be strained, he is up for his best season since '99
nixon4prez: It's an honor Commish...Who, in your opinion, is "flying under the radar" right now on the Sox 40 man roster that could be a big contributor to the Sox success this season? A 2004 version of Bill Mueller
petergammons: First of all, II hope it's Trot, not Richard for president. I really liked Mark Malaska last year, I liked Nick Bierbrodt's stuff if he can throw strikes, and I believe Bellhorn can be a surprise. If he hits .275 with a .370 OB and some homers, hes a big help.
WFlynnJR: Welcome Peter! With the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, how can MLB bring parity back to the game? So the Pittsburgh/Texas of the league can compete. I don't think the luxury tax is working.
petergammons: My best situation is to make 7 divisions by revenues, move teams in and out of the AL and NL, end up with seven division winners and three wild cards and have the three wild cards play with the worst % division winners in best-of-three play-ins. The problem; and John Henry is right, that the Red Sox and Mets would have to be in eigth the Yankees, and they can't play financially with them. But the Players Association is all about the top dollar, and the Yankees.
blackjava1964: Peter .. this is our last question and we will let you go ... thanks so much for joining us!!! HeyElvis ... you are UP! (Of course our beloved Remdawg himself will have the last word! LOL)
heyelvis97:: with the threat of steroid testing, how do you expect power numbers to be this year? Will we see more "dirt dog" type players gain value while sluggers lose value? Will a more small ball/hit and run style play become more popular in the AL?
petergammons: Absolutely. With the threat of testing last year, no one hit 50 homers. This spring, heads and necks may seem smaller, and we will hear the expression "personal nutritionist" ad nauseum. Good, I want to see the Nixons, Variteks, Millars, Ortiezes, et al do well.
Jerry Remy: Thank you Peter for joining us....and thanks to everyone for participating....and thanks to Trish for her usual fine job.
petergammons: Hey, I saw the Remdog in high school. It's been an honor to know him!
MooseSox: Peter, thanks for chatting with us tonight. When a general manager position opens up, I have heard your name mentioned on more once as being the perfect candidate. Have you ever been asked to interview for a position? If no, would you like to become a GM one day?
petergammons:: Many Years ago, I discussed it, but not now. The game is changing dramatically, and when I see the Theos, Paul DePodestas, mark Shapiros, JP Ricciardis, et al get jobs, I know they are far, far smarter than I.
Bohoosh: Welcome to RemDawg Nation Peter. Can we expect to see any new contracts for any of the Free Agent 4 before the start of the season? If so who is being given top priority?
petergammons: The Red Sox haven't listed priorities, and know it will be tough to sign any of these players. Varitek and Lowe have Scott Boras, who wants his players to go into the market. Ortiz is a tough call. Pedro has the Yankee threat, and Nomar understandably isn't real happy. His last meeting with Theo and Lucchino didn't go well, as he felt Henry might well have been there. No hometown discount. Hometown could have been Commiskey Park.
FenwayBleacherDawg: Peter what is up with D. Lowe and his attitude coming into camp?
petergammons: Derek Lowe's attitude isn't a problem. He gets nervous about things. The question is: did Boras tell him that the Red Sox have called and tried to open talks? Obviously, not.
Professor Nutbutter: Thanks for coming Peter, Do you think that some sort of salary cap would be good for baseball, and is it even possible with the strong players union?
petergammons: A salary cap would be great, but won't happen. What baseball needs is 7-8 divisions decided by revenues, but that means the Red Sox and Mets would have to be in with the Yankees, and I don't think they can play financially with them as long as Steinbrenner is in there.
mrcleanwell: Peter, Do you think Derek Lowe hired Scott Boras because he wants to get out of Boston next year?
petergammons: Lowe wants to stay. Boras plays the market. Kevin Millwood played the market. Lost.
ToofarawayfromBoston: Mr. Gammons, why were there so many conflicting reports from the media about the ARod-Red Sox discussions?
petergammons: The whole ARod thing was crazy.. His preference was Boston--SS, team leader. There was too much leaking by Hicks, some ill-advised, irrational statements by the Red Sox, then misunderstandings. The Yankee people told me that Boras had a similar deal. scenario where the Rangers would take back $67M--making ARod $16M a year for Boston--and send Varitek to Texas, but Hicks stated he did not want to deal with Boston ownership. Now Texas wants to ,move Soriano to the Mets for Reyes, and were turned down.
Daubach69: What players on the 25 man roster do you see coming off the roster this year and does Daubach have a chance?
petergammons2004: It will be tough for Daubach to make it now that Burks is on board, but a lot can happen. I can't wait to see David McCarty pitch.
rufflesdog: Hi Peter! Who do you think should take the second in the batting line-up for the Sox now that Todd Walker is gone?
petergammons: In a perfect world, Jonny Damon would hit second; their OB% goes lowest in the one hole last year. But they could go Mueller or Trot. Mueller might be terrific, especially in front of the big boys.
Darlucky: What kind of contribution do you think we should expect from Pokey Reese this year?
petergammons: He is the best defensive second baseman in the game, can hit .260, not great OB%. Great energy person. Mark Belhorn is interesting, but he used to be able to rake
Santsman: Mr. Gammons, Thanks for taking the time. If the big 4 end up as FA's, would it be prudent for the Sox to offer them arbitration so they at least get the draft picks ?
petergammons: Absolutely. It would give them all one more year. I think it might happen with Varitek. The problem with Lowe and Martinez is that there aren't many other good starters on the market.
Irish27: Peter, how do you think Casey Fossum will do in Arizona and do the Diamondbacks have a chance at winning the NL West?
petergammons: I think the 'backs are the favorites in a weak division. I don't know about Fossum. Some day he will be very good, but he has to be willing to make adjustments. My guess is a long role. Someday, he can be very good, but he has to change his angle, and he hasn't. Fossum-Millwood. It's easy to second guess.
VTHERDSMAN: Grady Little was always known as a "players" manager. Do you think that Terry Francona will be able to maintain the same level of rapport with the team members?
petergammons: Terry has tremendous people skills, and the Phillies players trusted him. ARod took several shots at Buck Showalter, saying he looked forward to playing for Joe Torre because "I look forward to playing for someone I can trust." That's a key element in managing, because star players have to trust managers, and I think players will find that Francona won't sell them out to the media and also I know he is smart and loves the Big East mentality.
Boston CyberSox: With Frank McCourt buying the Dodgers, do you think it has any impact on the Sox (in terms of land for a new stadium and/or Nomar)?
petergammons: Not really. The Dodgers are not going to be a $100m team, and Paul DePodesta will be hard to buy on Nomar.
joydow2003: Hi Do you think there is any truth in the rumor that Nomar was really injured at the end of last year, and not just in a slump? Could this be why management is also being careful about his contract?
petergammons: He will never make excuses, but I think he has a tired wrist at the end of the season. I am told he is in unbelievable shape, and while his relationship with the club may be strained, he is up for his best season since '99
nixon4prez: It's an honor Commish...Who, in your opinion, is "flying under the radar" right now on the Sox 40 man roster that could be a big contributor to the Sox success this season? A 2004 version of Bill Mueller
petergammons: First of all, II hope it's Trot, not Richard for president. I really liked Mark Malaska last year, I liked Nick Bierbrodt's stuff if he can throw strikes, and I believe Bellhorn can be a surprise. If he hits .275 with a .370 OB and some homers, hes a big help.
WFlynnJR: Welcome Peter! With the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, how can MLB bring parity back to the game? So the Pittsburgh/Texas of the league can compete. I don't think the luxury tax is working.
petergammons: My best situation is to make 7 divisions by revenues, move teams in and out of the AL and NL, end up with seven division winners and three wild cards and have the three wild cards play with the worst % division winners in best-of-three play-ins. The problem; and John Henry is right, that the Red Sox and Mets would have to be in eigth the Yankees, and they can't play financially with them. But the Players Association is all about the top dollar, and the Yankees.
blackjava1964: Peter .. this is our last question and we will let you go ... thanks so much for joining us!!! HeyElvis ... you are UP! (Of course our beloved Remdawg himself will have the last word! LOL)
heyelvis97:: with the threat of steroid testing, how do you expect power numbers to be this year? Will we see more "dirt dog" type players gain value while sluggers lose value? Will a more small ball/hit and run style play become more popular in the AL?
petergammons: Absolutely. With the threat of testing last year, no one hit 50 homers. This spring, heads and necks may seem smaller, and we will hear the expression "personal nutritionist" ad nauseum. Good, I want to see the Nixons, Variteks, Millars, Ortiezes, et al do well.
Jerry Remy: Thank you Peter for joining us....and thanks to everyone for participating....and thanks to Trish for her usual fine job.
petergammons: Hey, I saw the Remdog in high school. It's been an honor to know him!
