Red Sox Decline $4M Option On Craig Breslow

As most observers expected—including Craig Breslow himself—the Red Sox declined a $4 million option on the left-handed reliever today. Breslow will become a free agent upon a $100,000 buyout by the team. The 34-year old port-sider had an off year in 2014—going 2-4 with a 5.96 ERA. Boston could still bring back Breslow at a lower amount, but the emergence of other left-handed options in the bullpen will probably prevent that.

Red Sox Locker Room—One Year Ago Today

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo)

Rusney Castillo Likely Out Until Spring Training

The thumb/hand injury sustained by Rusney Castillo in the Arizona Fall League looks like it will derail his entire off-season. The Red Sox described the injury as "a strained abductor, the muscle belly between the thumb and the fingers." It was earlier thought that Castillo could simply sit out the balance of the AFL season and play Winter Ball in the Caribbean. That looks out of the question now. See you in Fort Myers, Rusney!

Ben Cherington "Hopes" To Talk To Jon Lester

Ben Cherington just gave The Nation a big Halloween treat—we're talking World's Largest Reese's Peanut Butter Cup here. The Red Sox GM announced today that he "hopes" to get a chance to talk to former Boston ace Jon Lester about a new free agent contract. Specifically, BenCher said, "We know him well and hope we get a chance to talk to him. I'm sure he'll talk to others and I'm sure we'll talk to others. We just have to get into the offseason and see what comes of it." As abstract as this is, it's the best piece of Lester-related news in weeks. It sure beat a granola bar in our Trick or Treat bag.

Japanese Team Offers Dice-K Four-Year Deal

Sooner of later, baseball is a closed circle. Former Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka may experience this hardball truism soon, as he has a contract offer from a Japanese team. The Pacific League Champion Fukuoa Softbank Hawks have offered Dice-K a four-year contract—said to be worth $3.58 million per year. Currently with the New York Metropolitans, Matsuzaka has a very specific desire in mind next year, "I want to start." Good luck, buddy.

'Greek God Of Walks' Retires After Ten Seasons

Youk

Moneyball got it partly wrong. Kevin Youkilis was not of Greek descent—but he did walk a helluva lot (539 times). The always popular Youkilis, who spent pieces of nine seasons with the Red Sox, is retiring from baseball. During his time in Carmine Hose, Youk hit .287, with a .388 on-base percentage. He also clouted 133 HRs for Boston and knocked in 564 runs. He will always be remembered for the classic "Yooooooouk" chant he got at Fenway and his utterly unique batting stance. The two years he spent in Chicago and New York are completely inconsequential to his career. He is Youk—and he will always be ours.

Red Sox Ink Koji To Two-Year, $18 Million Deal

(Exclusive FenwayNation Photo)

Hopefully, this deal won't be remembered for the day we all learned about it—Halloween. The Red Sox took a big gamble on 40-year-old closer Koji Uehara, signing the free-agent to a two-year, $18 million deal. This more than doubles his 2014 salary of $4.5 million. Uehara was—of course—lights out in 2013, but had some pretty serious struggles at various points in 2014. Nevertheless, Boston is clearly banking on the continuance of his overall record in Carmine Hose—a 1.75 ERA over 138.2 innings. GM Ben Cherington talked about the importance of the early signing of Koji, "...as we get into free agency, there will be a lot of other stuff to do." Indeed.

Whither Shane Victorino In The 2015 Sox OF?

As Red Sox GM Ben Cherington decides which of his free agents to offer qualifying offers to (starting today) and which free agents he covets from other teams (starting next Tuesday), there remains the issue of the 2015 outfield. Currently, it could be composed of any combination from among: Yoenis "He Hate Me" Cespedes, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Allen Craig, Daniel Nava and (oh yeah!) Shane Victorino. For those of you who are cipher-impaired—that's seven guys for (basically) four spots. How will Boston deal with this surplus? Trades? Demotions? Releases? Our guess is that Cespedes (given recent news) will get dealt—as could either Mookie and/or JBJ. Unless those deals bring back another OF, our 2015 starters could be Castillo in LF, Mookie or JBJ in CF and Victorino platooning with Nava/Craig in RF. But, will a fully-healthy Flyin' Hawaiian accept a part-time role? That's another conundrum BenCher faces.

Rest In Peace, Tom Menino

Big Red Sox Moves Coming On 'Election Day'?

Now that The Fall Classic has ended, the feeding frenzy can begin. Starting Tuesday—which also happens to be Election Day in the real world—the Red Sox (and every other team in baseball) can begin to shape their 2015 rosters with free agent signings, trades and other moves. While filling the multiple starting pitching holes remains the top priority on Yawkey Way, dealing with the void at third base is also a huge need. And, with Pablo Sandoval (Boston's main 3B target) hitting .429 in the World Series, that price is going to be higher than expected. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington may have to act quickly to nail The Panda (is that hate speech?) or—alternatively—try to wean Chase Headley away from The Evil Ones. Multiple free agent pitching options will be looked at—including (at least as a formality) Jon Lester and James Shields. And, trades for pitching can also be pursued—for the likes of Chris Sale (already signed through 2019). Whatever they do, the Red Sox need to do it both quickly and right.

Congratulations To The World Champ Giants!

(AP Photo)

Unfortunately, our prediction from nine days ago on the outcome of the World Series was accurate—Giants in seven. Their experience, their clutchness and the ridiculous MVP performance of 25-year old Madison Bumgarner was just enough to outpace the go-go Royals. Despite the lack of long-ball power, it was one of the most enjoyable World Series experiences in a while (except for 2004, 2007 and 2013). Congratulations to the new World Series Champions—the only team besides the Red Sox to have three titles in the 21st century!

Giants History Does Not Bode Well For Game 7

If you're a San Francisco Giants fan, stop reading this right now. Go get some latte. Are they gone? OK, the Giants franchise has faced a deciding World Series game four times—and lost all four. In 1912, they faced our very own Red Sox in Game Eight (the 20th century was so quaint, wasn't it?) and lost, 3-2 to the good guys. In 1924, the Giants lost to the Washington Senators in Game Seven, 4-3. Hold on, it doesn't get much better. In 1962, they lost 1-0 to The Evil Empire (which at that point was only The Moderately Wicked Fiefdom). Then, in 2002, The Los Angeles Angels (not yet of Anaheim) smacked them in Game Seven, 4-1 (with some guy named Lackey on the hill). So, if you believe in curses (and who among us doesn't?), put your money on the Royals tonight.

Lopez Best Shot At Sox-Related Glory Tonight

Lopez With A Young Fan (FenwayNation Photo)

With The Carmine Hose on the sidelines for Game Seven of The 2014 World Series, we have to really scrape for any—even tenuous—Red Sox connections. As it turns out, only the San Francisco Giants have any former Boston players—Jake Peavy (who really spit the bit last night), Javier Lopez (who's pitched great in 1.2 innings—0.00 ERA—in The Fall Classic), and Hunter Strickland (who was traded out of the Sox farm system for about a week-and-a-half of Adam LaRoche). The only even remote connection on the Royals is relief pitcher Tim Collins—who certainly visited Fenway Park many times having grown up in Worcester. That's about it, folks. Our guess is that Lopez has the best chance of impacting tonight's game.

Swihart Is Baseball America's Top Sox Prospect

Blake Swihart (Exclusive FenwayNation Photo)

Catcher Blake Swihart has been named as the top Red Sox prospect by Baseball America. The switch-hitting backstop made it all the way to AAA last season and might be paired with Christian Vazquez as the Boston catching tandem in 2015. Four pitchers made the Top Ten Red Sox list: LHP Henry Owens at #2; LHP Eduardo Rodriguez #4; LHP Brian Johnson #5; RHP Matt Barnes #8. OF Rusney Castillo was ranked #3 on the Baseball America list, and was also named to the Arizona Fall League All-Star Team. Also on the list were: 3B Rafael Devers #6; OF Manuel Margot #7; SS Deven Marrero #9; 3B Garin Cecchini #10. 

Ex-Sox Jose Canseco Shoots Self In Left Hand

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Folks, you just can't make this stuff up. Former Red Sox (and Oakland and Texas and Tampa and Yankee and White Sox) slugger Jose Canseco 'accidentally' shot himself in the left hand yesterday while cleaning a gun. Canseco told police he was cleaning the gun in his kitchen (that's where we clean all of our guns) when it went off and shot him in the hand. He was taken to a local Las Vegas-area medical center for treatment. You can all make up your own minds as to the veracity of Jose's story.

Seven Years Ago Tonight: Red Sox Glory Again!

Red Sox At Least Winning Series Ratings War

They may be playing golf, but the Red Sox (and Cardinals, for that matter) can take some solace in the fact that they pulled in more viewers in their 2013 World Series than the current one has. Games 4 and 5 in 2013 yielded a whopping 7.2 million more viewers than the corresponding 2014 tilts. Last year's clinching Game 6 at Fenway Park pulled in almost 20 million viewers (19.2 million). Tonight's Game 6 might not even get half that number. The rest of the country may hate us, but they love to watch us.

John Farrell Shoots Down Cespedes 'Hate' Talk

Red Sox manager John Farrell appeared on MLB Network Radio today and contradicted reports that his team's coaches "hate" Yoenis Cespedes. Farrell said he was "...totally surprised and caught off guard" by the reports and went on to state that they were "completely unfounded". Of course, Farrell may be acting on orders from management to tamp down the 'hate talk' to minimize the impact on the outfielder's trade value. We still feel the odds are very good that Cespedes gets moved in a one-on-one deal for pitching or in a "blockbuster package" for someone like the rumored Bryce Harper.

Two Red Sox Named AZ League Rising Stars

One you've heard of, the other you probably haven't. Red Sox properties OF Rusney Castillo and RP Robby Scott were named to the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Team. Castillo—who had a stint with the big club at the end of 2014—is hitting .278 through eight Fall League tilts. He has been out for a week with a hand injury. Scott has posted a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings of work in the AFL. Both play for the Surprise Saguaros. The AFL "Fall Stars Game" will take place Saturday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.

Friend Of Marathon Bomber Is Found Guilty

(John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe/AP)

Jurors at Federal Court in Boston found Robel Phillipos guilty on two counts of lying to investigators. Phillipos was charged with lying about being present in Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s dorm room when two other friends removed a backpack after the 2013 Boston Marathon attack. Three people were murdered and over 260 people were injured when two bombs exploded near the Boston Marathon finish line. Tsarnaev and his late brother are charged with the crimes as well as the murder of MIT police officer Sean Collier. Phillipos could get up to 16 years.

Sox Bench Coach Lovullo Twins Job Finalist

(Getty Images)

According to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo has gotten a second interview for the Twins managerial job. Reportedly, the choice has come down to Lovullo and local legend/Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. While another candidate with Red Sox connections—Doug Mientkiewicz—has also gotten two interviews, the word is that Lovullo and Molitor are the only ones who will have an "audience" with the Twinkies owner for the final decision. Stay tuned.

Can Ex-Sox Peavy Bring It Home For Giants?

(AP Photo)

Jake Peavy has a chance tonight to earn back-to-back World Series rings. The former Red Sox starter takes to the hill tonight in Kansas City with his new team one win away from glory. But, Peavy's track record in the post season is—at best—spotty. While he pitched very well for Boston in his 2013 ALDS start against Tampa (5.2 IP, 1 ER), he faltered in his subsequent post-season starts for The Carmine Hose (3 IP, 7 ER; 4 IP, 2 ER). This year—once again—he pitched great in the Division Series (5.2 IP, 0 ER against the Nationals), then slipped back into his old pattern (4 IP, 2 ER; 5 IP, 4 ER). In fact, over his entire post-season career—encompassing eight starts—he has never made it to the seventh inning. Granted, that's less important on post-season teams (like San Francisco) with solid bullpens—but that track record has got to be troubling for Bruce Bochy. Honestly, it looks like Game Six will go to the Royals and (as we predicted) the Giants will prevail in seven.

New Cuban Defector May Be Out Of Sox Reach

Andy Ibanez

As more and more quality players flee Fidel Castro's Prison Island, the stakes grow higher for the teams that want to sign talented Cuban players. The latest news is that the eighth-best player left in Cuba has, in fact, left Cuba. Andy Ibanez, a 21-year old second baseman, reportedly escaped Cuba before the start of September's Serie Nacional season. Because he has played fewer than three years in Cuba, Ibanez is subject to the rules governing the 2014-15 international bonus pool process. So, if he fails to qualify for free agency before next June 15th, the Red Sox (who have already exceeded their international pool spending limits) could not sign him. Ibanez is considered a steady—though not superb—player. The right-handed hitting Ibanez batted .267 last year and won a Gold Glove in his rookie year in 2011-12.

The Moment Of Glory—10/27/2004

REPORT: Sox Coaches 'Hate' Yoenis Cespedes

On His Way Out? (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

While it's important to consider the source (a New York-based sportswriter), it's still disturbing to hear rumors that Red Sox coaches "hate" Yoenis Cespdes. According to The New York Post's Bill Madden, the fact that Cespedes switched agents (moving to the annoying Jay-Z's organization) increased the chances of Boston dealing the outfielder this Winter. Madden added two other reasons why the Red Sox might look to trade him—his "disenchantment" with Boston and the talk that the team's coaches "hate" him. Said a source listed as a "Red Sox insider", "He marches to his own drum and the coaches all hate him." So, clearly, this news deflates Cespedes' trade value—just what Madden would like to get him more easily to a New York team. Again, consider the source.

Pumpsie Green Turns Eighty-One Years Old

Pumpsie Green

Elijah Jerry 'Pumpsie' Green turns 81 today. Many younger Red Sox fans may not recognize his name—but he has an important legacy with the team. Green was the first African-American player in franchise history—coming aboard at the relatively late date of 1959. The Red Sox were the last team to integrate, and—more than a decade earlier—they passed up opportunities to sign both Jackie Robinson and Wille Mays. While Green was a fine player, he never had the talent level of a Robinson or a Mays. So, to an extent, his performance in Boston—as part of the woeful group of teams in that era—was never going to be outstanding. In fact, in the four seasons he spent with the Red Sox, Green hit .254 with a .353 OBP. When manning his primary position (2B) he fielded at just about the league average—nothing great, but not bad either. Somewhat ironically, Pumpsie’s favorite player was Lorenzo “Piper” Davis—who, in 1950, became the first black prospect signed by the Boston Red Sox. Davis never made it to the big club. In 1955, Green was the California League’s Most Valuable Player, and the Red Sox gave him a signing bonus. In 1957, playing for AA Oklahoma City, Green was not allowed to travel to Louisiana to play the Shreveport Sports. Said Pumpsie, "I didn’t go, because they didn’t allow blacks to play in Louisiana. So I had a three- or four-day vacation." After Manager Mike Higgins had been fired in July of 1959, Green debuted with the Red Sox in Chicago. One guy that was there for him was Ted Williams—who asked him to become his warm-up partner before games. Pumpsie Green summed up his philosophy this way, "I’m no martyr, no flag carrier. I’m just trying to make the ballclub, that’s all. I’m not trying to prove anything but that." He did prove more—and it's had a lasting impact on the franchise. Happy birthday, Pumpsie!

10 Years Ago Tonight Ended 86 Years Of Pain

(Mike Ehrmann/WireImage)

"Well, Sherman, let's step into the Way-Back machine and set the date for October 27th, 2004." Exactly ten years ago tonight, The Idiots ended an era so angst-ridden you could almost taste it. Even though the Holy Grail was within our grasp, many of us would not believe the "curse" had really ended until that ball settled into the first baseman's mitt of one Douglas Andrew Mientkiewicz. The emotion that was released could be felt all over this thing we call Red Sox Nation—but it also reverberated across the decades. In that instant, Red Sox fans who had nothing else in common (not age, not culture, not politics) were crystallized into one unified whole. Relieved. Relaxed. Satisfied. This is how FenwayNation put it a decade ago, "The 2004 Red Sox have given the Nation what legions of fans have sought so desperately for generations—redemption. Finally, the taunting ends, the chants stop, the curses are forever stilled. This band of 21st century "idiots" has given us the greatest moment in Boston sports history—bar none. Our grandfathers, our fathers, and all the great players of teams past are forever redeemed. We have witnessed an historic march to glory—and through the Evil Empire to boot. Eight straight post-season victories—never done before. Coming back from a 3-0 hole—never done before. Lightening the hearts of millions—finally done. Champions, at last."

Cardinal Oscar Taveras Killed In Auto Accident

Oscar Tavares (1992-2014)

One of the brightest young stars in all of baseball was tragically killed yesterday in an auto accident in the Dominican Republic. Oscar Tavares, the 22-year rising talent of the St. Louis Cardinals, reportedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving and went off the road. A female passenger in the car was also killed. This is a huge blow to the Cardinal organization, as Tavares was slated to be a key figure in their outfield for years to come. Said Cardinal GM John Mozeliak, "I simply can't believe it. I first met Oscar when he was sixteen years old and will forever remember him as a wonderful young man who was a gifted athlete with an infectious love for life who lived every day to the fullest." All of us who love baseball have suffered a great loss.

Red Sox Scouting Yet Another Japanese Pitcher

(Photo by KYODO)

It's pretty obvious that the Red Sox are scouring every available starting pitching option for 2015—be it via trade, free agency or the international posting process. With their current options limited to "Kelly And Clay, And Look Skyward To Pray", they need all the warm bodies they can get. So it's not surprising that reports out of Japan have The Carmine Hose scouting soon-to-be 31-year old right-hander Chihiro Kaneko of the Orix Buffaloes. The 5'11", 170-pound Kaneko posted a 1.91 ERA this past season for Orix, and has a career mark of 2.69 over nine years. He is reportedly in the United States during the World Series to get a feel for MLB action. The Red Sox have also been mentioned in connection with another star pitcher from the Nippon Professional Baseball League—Kenta Maeda.

Rays Manager Joe Maddon Is Leaving Tampa

UPDATE: Going to Cubbies? 
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Rays Manager Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract and will immediately leave the Tampa organization. Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said the club "tried diligently and aggressively to sign [Maddon] to a third contract extension prior to his decision.". This news comes on the heels of Tampa GM Andrew Friedman leaving for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It remains to be seen whether the Dodgers remove current manager Don Mattingly in favor of Maddon.

REPORT: Red Sox May Trade For Bryce Harper

Coming To Fenway?

According to a report quoting "major league sources" on BaseballHotCorner.com, the Red Sox will try to acquire Bryce Harper this Winter in a trade with the Washington Nationals. Reportedly, Mookie Betts would be the centerpiece of any package to get the 22-year old Harper, along with one or two of Boston's top pitching prospects, and/or Allen Craig and Blake Swihart. The theory behind this deal is that the Red Sox need left-handed power and Harper has had "immaturity issues" while with the Nationals—which the team (and primarily its manager Matt Williams) is fed up with. Clearly, this would be a blockbuster move—one the ownership in Boston might need after the debacle that was 2014.

Grady Sizemore Re-Signs With Phillies For 1-YR

(Boston Herald Photo By Matt Stone)

Former Red Sox outfielder Grady Sizemore re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a one-year, $2 million contract. Sizemore had a great Spring Training with the Red Sox—winning the starting CF job on Opening Day. After faltering, he was released by Boston and signed with Philadelphia. He hit .253 with 3 HRs in The City Of Brotherly Love.

FN POLL: Solid Support For MLB Pitch Clock

The early results to our latest FenwayNation Poll indicate that almost four in five readers (78%) support the idea of a 20-second pitch clock for Major League Baseball. As the chart shows, just under one-quarter (22%) take the the opposite view—opposing the clock idea. You can still vote in the poll HERE.

Breslow Is Realistic About His Return To Sox

(FenwayNation Photo)

Craig Breslow is a wicked smart guy. After all, he went to Yale, you know. So, it's not really surprising that he's showing some dispassionate realism regarding a possible return to The Carmine Hose. The Red Sox will have five days after the World Series ends to pick up Breslow's $4 million option for 2015. In the words of Cosmo Kramer: "Not bloody likely". The 34-year old port-sider is philosophical about all of this, "If they were to decline it I would be a bargain for somebody and I'll pitch to the value of the contract." Probably true. Despite his disappointing 2014, we can't forget that he was a huge contributor to the team in his time here—particularly in the 2013 championship season.

Pedey, Yoenis And JBJ Are Gold Glove Finalists

Three Red Sox players are finalists in 2014 Gold Glove voting. Dustin Pedroia (2B), Yoenis Cespedes (LF) and Jackie Bradley, Jr. (CF) are among the three finalists at their respective positions. Pedroia will be up against Robinson Cano and Ian Kinsler. Cespedes will contend with Alex Gordon and Michael Brantley. Bradley will vie with Adam Jones and Adam Eaton. The winners will be announced on November 4th—which also happens to be Election Day in the real world.

FN POLL: 20-Second Pitch Clock for MLB?

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Players Not Thrilled With New 'Pace-Of-Play'

Major League Baseball is testing out a range of new "pace-of-play" rules in this year's Arizona Fall League. It's safe to say that many of the young players in that league are not too thrilled with the new initiatives. The three basic rules being tested are:

• a 20-second pitch clock;
• a 2:05 break between innings;
• a limit of three mound visits per nine innings.

Said one young player, "It was a little rushed, getting on and off the field, getting your stuff done in the dugout and in the box mainly because you only have 20 seconds between pitches. You swing and then get right back in—it’s a little weird." Yeah, "weird", as is in—appropriate. Hopefully, the kinks will be worked out in settings like the AFL before being instituted in the big leagues. But, eventually, something has to be done to speed things up and keep the sport alive with younger fans. Of course, starting week-end World Series games before 8PM Eastern might help, too. Earth to Bud!!!!

FN Is Proud To Promote Non-Tobacco Chew

As you all know, we have a lot of advertisers on FenwayNation—and we are proud of them all. But we are particularly proud of our newest advertiser—Jake's Mint Chew. This non-tobacco product is all natural, USDA Certified Organic and has no nicotine. And, on top of everything, it's made right in our own backyard—in Danvers, Massachusetts. Recently—most notably with the tobacco-related illness of Curt Schilling—the dangers of chewing tobacco have been spotlighted. We hope that the availability of products like Jakes's will encourage all current and future baseball players to avoid chewing tobacco. You can learn more about this great product HERE.

Time To Retire Jimmie Foxx's Red Sox Number 3

Jimmie Foxx

Today is the 107th anniversary of Jimmie Foxx's birth. "Double X" played seven amazing seasons for the Red Sox—winning the AL MVP once and ending up in the Hall of Fame. Yet, for some reason, his uniform #3 is not retired and on the facade in right field at Fenway. Can anyone please tell us why? In his time here, Foxx hit .320 with 222 HRs and 788 RBIs. In 1938 (when he won the MVP) he hit .349 with 50 HRs. He was an All-Star in six of his seven Boston years. Yesterday, we recounted the five worst Red Sox trades, but the trade that brought Foxx from the Philadelphia Athletics was one of the best. Boston sent George Savino (minors), Gordon Rhodes and $150,000 south. Not bad. So, come on, let's get old Double X's #3 up there! It's way overdue.

Is Shields Taking Himself Out Of Sox Picture?

(USAToday Sports)

"Big Game" James Shields has been anything but this postseason. He has hurled a total of 19.0 innings over four starts—and posted a very unlucky ERA of 7.11. He's also given up four HRs over that span—including last night's first inning, two-run shot to Hunter Pence. Overall this postseason, batters are hitting .337 against him. So, does this mean Ben Cherington and the Yawkey Way 'brain trust' are re-assessing their reported desire to give Shields a four- or five-year contract? One would hope so! After all, some guy named Jon Lester is younger than Shields and wants to come back.

Rusney Castillo Injured In Arizona Fall League

This is not what we want to hear! Multiple sources are reporting that Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo was injured Monday in Arizona Fall League action. Word is that Castillo has a bruised hand or thumb after batting yesterday for the Surprise Saguaros of the AFL. Castillo—who signed a $72.5 million contract with Boston—had been hitting .278 in the Fall League.

Top Five Worst Red Sox Trades Ever Made

As we sit on the playoff sidelines—and contemplate a flurry of Winter trades—it might be instructive to look back at the five worst Red Sox trades ever. Keep in mind that Babe Ruth to the Yankees was not a trade, so that doesn't count. OK, here goes:

5. Dave 'Hendu' Henderson to the Giants for Randy Kutcher. Yikes! This 1987 trade—one year after Hendu's thrilling HR against the Angels—was a real loser. Henderson later went on to the A's and made it to the World Series three straight years (1988-1990). Kutcher batted .224 in three forgettable seasons with The Carmine Hose;

4. Sparky Lyle to the Yankees for Danny Cater and Mario Guerrero. This 1972 deal brought a 32-year old Cater to Boston. He had three "vanilla" seasons for the Red Sox. The 26-year old Lyle, meantime, had 35 saves in his first year in pinstripes—and eventually collected 141 in the Bronx. Bad trade, no biscuit!;

3. Fred Lynn to the Angels for Jim Dorsey, Joe Rudi and Frank Tanana. Lynn had four solid years in Anaheim and another three-plus in Baltimore. Dorsey, Rudi and Tanana all had short, non-impactful Red Sox careers;

2. Curt Schilling and Brady Anderson to the Orioles for Mike Boddicker. This 1988 deal did bring back a productive Boddicker (39-22 over two-plus seasons), but both Schilling and Anderson eventually became pretty big stars. Then again, we did get that Schilling guy back;

1. Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson. This horrendous 1990 deal sent a little-known minor league infielder to Houston for the one-year rental of an OK relief pitcher. Anderson was good (1.23 ERA in 15 games), but Bagwell became a force in Houston. He played 15 years there, hitting .297 with 449 HRs and 1529 RBIs. He was Rookie Of The Year in 1991, the 1994 NL MVP and a four-time All-Star. He may yet make the Hall of Fame. Worst. Sox. Trade. Ever.

Chili Davis And The Yankee-Red Sox Connection

Chili Just Before Going Yard Off Pedro

New Red Sox hitting coach Chili Davis reportedly turned down the Yankee hitting coach job to sign with The Carmine Hose. Score one for the ChiliMan! Moreover, Davis has another solid Red Sox connection—he was formerly the hitting coach of AAA Pawtucket. However, an even more obscure connection might not sit too well with the Fenway Faithful. On September 10, 1999, Davis collected the only hit (a solo HR) off Pedro Martinez in the pitcher's legendary complete-game, 17-strikeout win at the old Yankee Stadium. The pinstriped Davis will always be held accountable for the only blemish that spelled the difference between a perfect game and a just amazing game. We might forgive him. If he asks nicely.

Reluctantly, We Say Giants Over Royals In 7

Honestly, we really want the Kansas City Royals to win the World Series. If the Giants win, it will be three rings in five years—overshadowing the Red Sox achievement of three in ten years. But, if we look at the series with our heads and not our hearts, we have to conclude that San Francisco will prevail in seven games. There are many reasons for this: the vast experience advantage of the Giants; the incredible hot-streak of Madison Bumgarner; the 'clutchness' of players like Buster Posey, Hunter Pence and (perhaps future Carmine-Hoser) Pablo Sandoval. All of this will outweigh the Royals' karma, defense and bullpen—barely. In the grand tradition of non-entities getting World Series MVPs (with some obvious exceptions—like 2013), we pick Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford. He will augment his manifold defensive skills with an offensive explosion.

Red Sox Fail To Make Any News For 15 Minutes

In an unprecedented circumstance, the Boston Red Sox failed to make any news in a 15-minute period between 10:15 AM ET and 10:30 AM ET this morning. While the team is out of the post-season and thus might be expected to have some slow news days, this quarter-hour news blackout is the first ever in franchise history. Attempts to reach officials on Yawkey Way have so far been unsuccessful. There are unconfirmed reports that PR Guru Dr. Charles "The Mad Dentist" Steinberg is scrambling to put together a news release—perhaps even about former catcher John Flaherty's 47th birthday. While Flaherty caught only 48 games for the Red Sox, he was drafted by Boston in the 25th round of the 1988 draft. Beggars can't be choosers. Stay tuned.

Lou Lusier, Oldest Red Sox Alum, Dies At 96

Lou Lusier (1918-2014)

He was a pitcher for the Red Sox during the World Ward II years. He was a local kid from Northbridge, Mass. He pitched 79.1 innings for Boston over a two-year span—going 3-4 with a 3.97 ERA. Until he passed away on Saturday at age 96, Lou Lusier was the oldest living Red Sox alum. His passing moves the legendary Bobby Doerr into that spot. Lou stayed active—even attending the 100th Anniversary Celebration at Fenway Park. He will be missed.

Yoenis Switches Agents, Now Has Shawn Carter

Shawn Corey Carter

If you were thinking that the Boston stay of Yoenis Cespedes might be short—you now have more reason to feel that way. Cespedes announced on Monday that he is switching agents from Adam Katz of WMG to Shawn Corey Carter (otherwise known as 'Jay-Z') of Roc Nation Sports. The highly-annoying Carter got Robinson Cano his 10-year, $240 million contract with the Mariners. Considering Carter's hatred of the Red Sox, you can pretty much assume Ben Cherington will unload the 29-year old outfielder this off-season (rather than face him and 'Jay-Z' in free agency next year). Unfortunately—even if that does happen—we'd still have to deal with Carter since he represents Rusney Castillo as well.

POLL: Slim Majority Would Trade Cespedes

Very early voting in our latest FenwayNation Poll shows that a slim majority of readers (55%) support the idea of including Yoenis Cespedes in trade discussions this Winter. As the chart shows, 45% take the opposite view—that the 29-year old slugger should not be in trade talks. You can still vote in this poll HERE.

Honoring A Great Yankee On His Birthday

It isn't often that we take the time to honor a member of the Yankees. But, today we will make an exception. To those of us who faintly remember baseball in the late '50s and early '60s, Mickey Mantle—despite his pinstripes—was an icon. He was a five-tool player before there were five-tool players. His Hall Of Fame numbers speak for themselves—.298 BA, .421 OBP, .557 SLG, 536 HRs, 1509 RBIs over 18 seasons. And, even with his famously gimpy knees, he stole 153 bases—swiping 21 in 1959. Mantle was the Mike Trout of his day, so, when a little kid from Somerville, Massachusetts almost caught one of his batting practice HRs in the early sixties—it was a moment to treasure. I was hanging out about halfway up the bleachers at Fenway (leaning over the gap with the grandstands), when a majestic Mantle clout eluded my grasp by inches. If only I had been a little taller! Had he lived, Mantle would have been 83 years old today. Happy birthday, Mick.

POLL: Should Sox Offer Cespedes In A Trade?

The Cespedes Trade Quandry
Should the Red Sox offer Yoenis Cespedes in trades?	Yes No
	Current Results

Red Sox May Be Looking To Deal Cespedes

(AP Photo)

Multiple reports suggest that the Red Sox may be looking to trade just-acquired OF Yoenis Cespdes. The slugger with the amazing arm just turned 29 and is owed $10.5 million in 2015—the final year of his contract. Cespedes was picked up in the Jon Lester deal and has sent out mixed signals about his desire to stay in Boston. Clearly, he could be the centerpiece of any one of several trades the Red Sox are looking to consummate this winter—to address their twin needs for front-line starting pitching and a left-handed power bat.

Chili Davis Is The New Red Sox Hitting Coach

(USA TODAY Sports)

Multiple sources now report that the former long-shot candidate Chili Davis has—in fact—been named as the new Red Sox hitting coach. The team passed over a bunch of other candidates—including Bill Mueller, Rich Gedman, Kevin Long and Dave Magadan. Since 2012, Davis has been hitting coach for the Oakland A's. Previously, he was the hitting coach for Boston's AAA Pawtucket ballclub.