Luckylady493: What does Jerry think about Pedro and Nomar getting signed before the season gets started.
Jerry: I think there will be an attempt by mgmt to do that, not sure how deep it will go in negotiations. I think the focus initially will be on Nomar, but as they said earlier this week their policy has been not to negotiate during the season, but that may be waived under the circumstances with so many guys up for free agency. Obviously from a players point of view, once you make it through the season healthy, the majority of players opt to test free agency, which makes I more difficult for the current team to sign them.
Roxxanne61: I would love to know what Jerry thinks about Ellis Burkes being back with the team and what kind of contribution he thinks he will add to this 2004 team.
Jerry: I think it is a great move because he obviously now is in a different stage of his career. If he was a younger Ellis Burkes he would probably insist on being an every day player. Being a veteran he has had some knee and last year elbow problems, he realizes that being in a role as a bench player is probably the best for him at this stage of his career. Along with his ability he brings leadership qualities and professionalism.
Zimmerolls: Jerry, How do you think our bench compares w/ the Y********'s?
Jerry: First of all I like what the sox have done with their depth, especially with Burkes, Bellhorn, and the possibility of Womack among others. You are going to have to give me time at ST to see what the Yankees bring to the table. I can tell you that I like the Travis Lee signing.
MaydayMalone11: I have heard a rumor that Mr. Steinbrenner is planning to pay as much as he can to get Nomar on second at the end of the season. What do you think of this?
Jerry: Right now if I had concerns about other teams who would be interested in Nomar it would be out west; the Angels, Dodgers.
For Nomar to go to NY means Jeter would have to move to 2nd and that will not happen. But if the boss gets angry you never know what he will do.
conig25: Manny was obviously not there for his teammates in '03 during the Yankee series. He took himself out of the line up in Philly, (thank god for Trot).
Outside of the "Manny being Manny" rhetoric, - Do you feel his ill-timed disloyalty will stick with him in the eyes of 'baseball insiders' (GM's/Owners) as someone they can do without?
Jerry: At the end of the season the sox put him on waivers and nobody claimed him for different reasons. Obviously the biggest reason was his contract. One concern for Sox players is to get him on the same page as everybody else, and for the most part that has happened
Redsox1918: What are your thoughts about the fifth starter this year?
Jerry: I think Kim will get the 1st opportunity and Arroyo will start the season in the pen. Unless KIM gets hurt or does poorly in spring, the ideal situation is Kim as the #5 and Arroyo because of his youth, grow up in the pen.
Pat3734: I read the NY tabloids every day. For years, the New York papers had a total focus on Tampa with no mention of Ft. Meyers. This year there seems to be an extraordinary interest on what is happening in Ft. Meyers. Every NY paper has at least one or two beat guys assigned to the Red Sox in Ft. Meyers. There is even a daily blog entitled "The Misery Index". That said my question for Jerry is: Are the Yankees and their fans afraid of what the Red Sox have put together this off season?
Jerry: Last year the Red Sox came as close as possible to beating the Yankees. The Yankees realize that the Red Sox team of 2003 was probably their equal. Watching the off season moves the Red Sox made in particular bolstering their pitching, the Yankees realize that this is obviously going to be a dogfight. Thats why I think there is much more concern with what is going on in Ft Meyers than what has in the past, plus the fact that the owners dont particularly care for each other.
Aunitepatti: My question for Jerry is in regard to a salary cap and/or threshold for baseball. What are your thoughts on this Jerry? Do you feel either or both are needed, and if so any comments on the way you think it should be done?
Jerry: That is a tough one to answer. When you look at football and they have salary caps, there seems to be more parity. It is unlikely in my mind that this is going to change easily. Baseball has the strongest union of all sports and it is unlikely that they would ever go for a drastic change in the system. Lets remember, the last three WS champs have not been high payroll teams.
Jimsemons: I had just heard Saturday on Sporting News Radio about looking at a potential "possible" trade involving Randy Johnson to Bawston with NY Yankees showing interest in Randy also---Sporting News Radio said "if" we see Diamondbacks not doing well look for this to happen before trade deadlines end. I would be interested on your comments on this especially since Randy is a lefty
Jerry: You could throw him in with a bunch of other people. As we all know as time goes on throughout the season, the needs for clubs in competition becomes very important around the trading deadline in July. Obviously, if you are talking about a guy like Johnson, the Diamondbacks would have to be out of the competition to do that. That is still months away, and as we all know so much can happen in a matter of a few months.
SoxFan57: Do you think that the owners will eventually decide the so called Luxury tax doesn't work and try to go for a Cap which would result in another strike? I find if amusing that the only team in MLB with a CAP is the Expos that have a payroll cap enforced by the other owners.
Jerry: Every time the basic agreement is close to expiring, throughout history we always anticipate a strike. I think in the next session I am sure a salary cap will be a major issue but I do not see it ending up like basketball or football: the baseball union is too strong.
xeonman: Hi Jerry, do you think that a 2-year, $10 million contract for Kim is really a good idea?
Jerry: It surprised me, and I am sure a lot of other people in baseball. It is a lot of money for a #5 starter.
Claudy23: Hi Jerry, How do you think we'll do against the NL teams we play this year?
Jerry: There are some pretty good teams on the schedule and it is impossible for me to predict now, but I am looking forward to seeing Bonds and the Giants.
RoyNHSox: Could you comment on the impact that Pokey Reese will have on the team with his strong defense at 2B? How will his presence help Lowe and Nomar in particular? Could he be the Sox next best second baseman since the RemDawg?
Jerry: Sox fans will see the best defense at second they have seen in memory. Reese has great quickness, quick hands, and great range. He will make highlight type plays at 2nd base. He will be a huge help to Lowe, and this will be the best defensive 2nd baseman Nomar has played with.
Tekistheman: How do you feel Shoppach compares to Tek in his earlier days? Do you think he'll be a good replacement for Tek (hopefully, not for several years)?
Jerry: You will have to give me a mulligan on this one as I have not yet seen him play, but that will change in the next couple of days. I will have a better answer for you in a month.
youngd2: Hi Jerry! Since spring training has begun and Nixon has a new contract, of the potential 2004 free agents, who do you think will be signed next? Who will most likely not return after 2004?
Jerry: My guess, and it is only a guess, is that Nomar will be the main focus during ST. After that I believe they need to focus on pitching with Pedro, and Lowe, because with good solid starters you can remain competitive; "see Oakland"
Lalo456789: Do steroids really matter all that much in hitting anyway and do you think this will be the year of the incredible shrinking first baseman?
Jerry: I think that anything that enhances your power is a factor. It has become such a huge issue that you are going to see many players shrink!
mehoppy: Thanks! Jerry - How's your back coming along? Be careful! What are your thoughts on Daubach's chances of coming north with the major league club? We like his "dirt dawg" credentials!
Jerry: The back is so-so. As far as Brian goes, I believe he will make the team as a left handed hitter off the bench; and lets not forget he can play 1st and backup in the OF.
mrcleanwell: Jerry, who do you see as having the biggest impact off of the bench this year, do you think anyone will have a break out year?
Jerry: Off the bench I would think that Burkes would have the biggest impact. He has always had great numbers against left handed pitching. As far as break out year lets just hope no one has a breakdown year stay healthy.
VTHERDSMAN: Do you think that the Angels are a competitive threat to the Red Sox?
Jerry: The west is going to be very good. Oakland with their great pitching Anaheim with the changes they have made both those teams along with Boston and New York will be fighting for first place and wild card.
Rice4HOFaks: Jerry - As a former teammate of Jim Rice, do you think he's a Hall of Famer? What do you think is the biggest thing keeping him out of Cooperstown? His relationship with the media; the perception that he was slow, poor fielder, hit into too many DP (or any of the other excuses used by writers who don't vote for him); the fact that he didn't win any rings (not his fault..); or do you have some other insights you could share with us?
Jerry: My opinion is that Jim Rice belongs in the hall of fame for a period in the late 70's and early 80's as he was one of the most dominant players in the game. The reason is that he not in there at this point is because his career ended maybe a few years to early to get larger numbers which would have made him more attractive to voters.
JimRice2HOF: Everyone talks about parity in the NFL. Is MLB headed that way...I mean Detroit improved significantly, as did the Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays (over the last several years), KC. It just seems as though the smaller markets are making an effort and finding a way to compete now. Is the MLB on the way to the same kind of parity the NFL has?
Jerry: I dont think so because as I mentioned earlier the baseball union is very strong and lets not forget that the last few world champs were not high market teams.
BoSox589: How much of an impact Bronson Arroyo will have in the sox bullpen? Do you think his skills would be better to have as a starter?
Jerry: From what we saw from Arroyo last season (which was very little) he looked like he could be a major contributor. I think it's always good especially on a team that is supposed to win to relieve as much pressure as possible at the start. That's why I think it is a good idea to start him in the bullpen (just one man's opinion).
iloveconan: How do you think setup men Timlin and Williamson will work with Foulke?
Jerry: If both Timlin and especially Williamson pitch the way they did late in the season and the playoffs the red sox should have a great bullpen.
Boston CyberSox: Jerry, Ortiz has said he wants more time at 1B, but we all saw last year he was sub par defensively. With guys like Burks and (maybe) Daubauch on the bench, do you expect Ortiz to see significant action at 1B this year?
Jerry: No, I would expect that he would serve the same role as a year ago.
Trish: Jerry ... we all want to wish you well on your trip to Ft Meyers tomorrow. Take good care of Wally and thanks for thinking of us and doing this chat! We welcome hearing you and Don/Sean soon for ST games! Thanks again ... and good job John!!!
Jerry: Thanks everybody!
Jerry: I think there will be an attempt by mgmt to do that, not sure how deep it will go in negotiations. I think the focus initially will be on Nomar, but as they said earlier this week their policy has been not to negotiate during the season, but that may be waived under the circumstances with so many guys up for free agency. Obviously from a players point of view, once you make it through the season healthy, the majority of players opt to test free agency, which makes I more difficult for the current team to sign them.
Roxxanne61: I would love to know what Jerry thinks about Ellis Burkes being back with the team and what kind of contribution he thinks he will add to this 2004 team.
Jerry: I think it is a great move because he obviously now is in a different stage of his career. If he was a younger Ellis Burkes he would probably insist on being an every day player. Being a veteran he has had some knee and last year elbow problems, he realizes that being in a role as a bench player is probably the best for him at this stage of his career. Along with his ability he brings leadership qualities and professionalism.
Zimmerolls: Jerry, How do you think our bench compares w/ the Y********'s?
Jerry: First of all I like what the sox have done with their depth, especially with Burkes, Bellhorn, and the possibility of Womack among others. You are going to have to give me time at ST to see what the Yankees bring to the table. I can tell you that I like the Travis Lee signing.
MaydayMalone11: I have heard a rumor that Mr. Steinbrenner is planning to pay as much as he can to get Nomar on second at the end of the season. What do you think of this?
Jerry: Right now if I had concerns about other teams who would be interested in Nomar it would be out west; the Angels, Dodgers.
For Nomar to go to NY means Jeter would have to move to 2nd and that will not happen. But if the boss gets angry you never know what he will do.
conig25: Manny was obviously not there for his teammates in '03 during the Yankee series. He took himself out of the line up in Philly, (thank god for Trot).
Outside of the "Manny being Manny" rhetoric, - Do you feel his ill-timed disloyalty will stick with him in the eyes of 'baseball insiders' (GM's/Owners) as someone they can do without?
Jerry: At the end of the season the sox put him on waivers and nobody claimed him for different reasons. Obviously the biggest reason was his contract. One concern for Sox players is to get him on the same page as everybody else, and for the most part that has happened
Redsox1918: What are your thoughts about the fifth starter this year?
Jerry: I think Kim will get the 1st opportunity and Arroyo will start the season in the pen. Unless KIM gets hurt or does poorly in spring, the ideal situation is Kim as the #5 and Arroyo because of his youth, grow up in the pen.
Pat3734: I read the NY tabloids every day. For years, the New York papers had a total focus on Tampa with no mention of Ft. Meyers. This year there seems to be an extraordinary interest on what is happening in Ft. Meyers. Every NY paper has at least one or two beat guys assigned to the Red Sox in Ft. Meyers. There is even a daily blog entitled "The Misery Index". That said my question for Jerry is: Are the Yankees and their fans afraid of what the Red Sox have put together this off season?
Jerry: Last year the Red Sox came as close as possible to beating the Yankees. The Yankees realize that the Red Sox team of 2003 was probably their equal. Watching the off season moves the Red Sox made in particular bolstering their pitching, the Yankees realize that this is obviously going to be a dogfight. Thats why I think there is much more concern with what is going on in Ft Meyers than what has in the past, plus the fact that the owners dont particularly care for each other.
Aunitepatti: My question for Jerry is in regard to a salary cap and/or threshold for baseball. What are your thoughts on this Jerry? Do you feel either or both are needed, and if so any comments on the way you think it should be done?
Jerry: That is a tough one to answer. When you look at football and they have salary caps, there seems to be more parity. It is unlikely in my mind that this is going to change easily. Baseball has the strongest union of all sports and it is unlikely that they would ever go for a drastic change in the system. Lets remember, the last three WS champs have not been high payroll teams.
Jimsemons: I had just heard Saturday on Sporting News Radio about looking at a potential "possible" trade involving Randy Johnson to Bawston with NY Yankees showing interest in Randy also---Sporting News Radio said "if" we see Diamondbacks not doing well look for this to happen before trade deadlines end. I would be interested on your comments on this especially since Randy is a lefty
Jerry: You could throw him in with a bunch of other people. As we all know as time goes on throughout the season, the needs for clubs in competition becomes very important around the trading deadline in July. Obviously, if you are talking about a guy like Johnson, the Diamondbacks would have to be out of the competition to do that. That is still months away, and as we all know so much can happen in a matter of a few months.
SoxFan57: Do you think that the owners will eventually decide the so called Luxury tax doesn't work and try to go for a Cap which would result in another strike? I find if amusing that the only team in MLB with a CAP is the Expos that have a payroll cap enforced by the other owners.
Jerry: Every time the basic agreement is close to expiring, throughout history we always anticipate a strike. I think in the next session I am sure a salary cap will be a major issue but I do not see it ending up like basketball or football: the baseball union is too strong.
xeonman: Hi Jerry, do you think that a 2-year, $10 million contract for Kim is really a good idea?
Jerry: It surprised me, and I am sure a lot of other people in baseball. It is a lot of money for a #5 starter.
Claudy23: Hi Jerry, How do you think we'll do against the NL teams we play this year?
Jerry: There are some pretty good teams on the schedule and it is impossible for me to predict now, but I am looking forward to seeing Bonds and the Giants.
RoyNHSox: Could you comment on the impact that Pokey Reese will have on the team with his strong defense at 2B? How will his presence help Lowe and Nomar in particular? Could he be the Sox next best second baseman since the RemDawg?
Jerry: Sox fans will see the best defense at second they have seen in memory. Reese has great quickness, quick hands, and great range. He will make highlight type plays at 2nd base. He will be a huge help to Lowe, and this will be the best defensive 2nd baseman Nomar has played with.
Tekistheman: How do you feel Shoppach compares to Tek in his earlier days? Do you think he'll be a good replacement for Tek (hopefully, not for several years)?
Jerry: You will have to give me a mulligan on this one as I have not yet seen him play, but that will change in the next couple of days. I will have a better answer for you in a month.
youngd2: Hi Jerry! Since spring training has begun and Nixon has a new contract, of the potential 2004 free agents, who do you think will be signed next? Who will most likely not return after 2004?
Jerry: My guess, and it is only a guess, is that Nomar will be the main focus during ST. After that I believe they need to focus on pitching with Pedro, and Lowe, because with good solid starters you can remain competitive; "see Oakland"
Lalo456789: Do steroids really matter all that much in hitting anyway and do you think this will be the year of the incredible shrinking first baseman?
Jerry: I think that anything that enhances your power is a factor. It has become such a huge issue that you are going to see many players shrink!
mehoppy: Thanks! Jerry - How's your back coming along? Be careful! What are your thoughts on Daubach's chances of coming north with the major league club? We like his "dirt dawg" credentials!
Jerry: The back is so-so. As far as Brian goes, I believe he will make the team as a left handed hitter off the bench; and lets not forget he can play 1st and backup in the OF.
mrcleanwell: Jerry, who do you see as having the biggest impact off of the bench this year, do you think anyone will have a break out year?
Jerry: Off the bench I would think that Burkes would have the biggest impact. He has always had great numbers against left handed pitching. As far as break out year lets just hope no one has a breakdown year stay healthy.
VTHERDSMAN: Do you think that the Angels are a competitive threat to the Red Sox?
Jerry: The west is going to be very good. Oakland with their great pitching Anaheim with the changes they have made both those teams along with Boston and New York will be fighting for first place and wild card.
Rice4HOFaks: Jerry - As a former teammate of Jim Rice, do you think he's a Hall of Famer? What do you think is the biggest thing keeping him out of Cooperstown? His relationship with the media; the perception that he was slow, poor fielder, hit into too many DP (or any of the other excuses used by writers who don't vote for him); the fact that he didn't win any rings (not his fault..); or do you have some other insights you could share with us?
Jerry: My opinion is that Jim Rice belongs in the hall of fame for a period in the late 70's and early 80's as he was one of the most dominant players in the game. The reason is that he not in there at this point is because his career ended maybe a few years to early to get larger numbers which would have made him more attractive to voters.
JimRice2HOF: Everyone talks about parity in the NFL. Is MLB headed that way...I mean Detroit improved significantly, as did the Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays (over the last several years), KC. It just seems as though the smaller markets are making an effort and finding a way to compete now. Is the MLB on the way to the same kind of parity the NFL has?
Jerry: I dont think so because as I mentioned earlier the baseball union is very strong and lets not forget that the last few world champs were not high market teams.
BoSox589: How much of an impact Bronson Arroyo will have in the sox bullpen? Do you think his skills would be better to have as a starter?
Jerry: From what we saw from Arroyo last season (which was very little) he looked like he could be a major contributor. I think it's always good especially on a team that is supposed to win to relieve as much pressure as possible at the start. That's why I think it is a good idea to start him in the bullpen (just one man's opinion).
iloveconan: How do you think setup men Timlin and Williamson will work with Foulke?
Jerry: If both Timlin and especially Williamson pitch the way they did late in the season and the playoffs the red sox should have a great bullpen.
Boston CyberSox: Jerry, Ortiz has said he wants more time at 1B, but we all saw last year he was sub par defensively. With guys like Burks and (maybe) Daubauch on the bench, do you expect Ortiz to see significant action at 1B this year?
Jerry: No, I would expect that he would serve the same role as a year ago.
Trish: Jerry ... we all want to wish you well on your trip to Ft Meyers tomorrow. Take good care of Wally and thanks for thinking of us and doing this chat! We welcome hearing you and Don/Sean soon for ST games! Thanks again ... and good job John!!!
Jerry: Thanks everybody!
