Red Sox Mailbag: Could Pedro Martinez Get Nomar Garciaparra Deal, Officially Retire in Boston?

by abournenesn

Dec 9, 2011

Red Sox Mailbag: Could Pedro Martinez Get Nomar Garciaparra Deal, Officially Retire in Boston?DALLAS — The winter meetings came and went without any groundbreaking acquisitions from the Red Sox. So while general manager Ben Cherington regroups in Boston, let’s take a look at this week’s mailbag in the meantime.

Josh Reddick last year and Ryan Kalish the year before showed great potential. Why is right field such a big concern?
–@thejonrojas, via Twitter

With Ryan Kalish, the concern obviously lies with his shoulder. After suffering a torn shoulder muscle last April that caused him to miss the majority of the season, the promising outfielder lost out on much needed repetitions. Although he appeared in 24 games, it wasn’t enough to ease him into a routine. That’s why Ben Cherington suggested that a minor league stint would be valuable.

As for Josh Reddick, he showed glimpses of potential with seven homers, 28 RBIs and a .280 average. If it came down to it, he could likely fill the vacancy. But this team could benefit with a switch hitter like Carlos Beltran or a right-handed bat with Michael Cuddyer. Both are established veterans that can provide an offensive punch and still be signed at a reasonable price.

Would you say the No. 1 problem for the Red Sox is the starting rotation? If so, what moves would correct the problems?
–Bill Burke, Boston

I would definitely agree that the starting rotation is the priority. With Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey sidelined after Tommy John surgery, the back end of the rotation is a bit spotty to say the least. The plan is for Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard and/or Andrew Miller to reportedly prepare as starters heading into spring training and Cherington is hoping that at least one could emerge as a starting candidate.

If that doesn’t work, the Red Sox could look into a few options like dealing for Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, Athletics pitcher Gio Gonzalez, White Sox lefty John Danks or even making a bid for Japanese phenom Yu Darvish. Of those options, the most likely to come to fruition — at this point, anyway — is a deal for Danks since Cherington didn’t show much interest in Darvish.

Do you think Hanley Ramirez would mesh with Jose Reyes and be OK with switching to third base? Or should the Red Sox try to get him back in a trade that would send Kevin Youkilis to Miami? This would give Miami a player at 3B and the Sox would get the SS they have been missing since Nomar left.
–Ron Adams, Miami

I like the creativity, Ron, but despite the signing of Jose Reyes, there’s no way I expect Hanley Ramirez to demand a trade. If he did, I wouldn’t expect Miami’s management team to budge and appease him.

After a bevy of losing seasons in Miami, Ramirez is aware that this is a unique opportunity to contend with Reyes, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Mike Stanton and Josh Johnson along for the ride. In the process, he can also build his brand in a new stadium.

It would be wise for Cherington to look into the possibility of trading for Ramirez, but with Jose Iglesias waiting in the wings, it appears unlikely that he pulls the trigger. Upgrading at shortstop simply isn’t a headliner on the agenda.

Should the Sox trade for closer Andrew Bailey?
–J.J. Fairbanks, Springfield, Mass.

Yes, I think that would be a smart move. Although the righty regressed last season — he went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA in 41 2/3 innings pitched — a fresh start surrounded by strong talent could be exactly what he needs. He’s only 27 years old and could potentially find his groove.

Since Bard expressed a preference to contend for a starting rotation spot, according to manager Bobby Valentine, it wouldn’t hurt.

Now that Pedro is “officially” to retire, will he sign a one day contract with the Sox (like Pudge and Nomar) so when he is inducted into the Hall he can have his Sox number retired?
–David Palozej, Hartford, Conn.

I’m not hearing anything on that, but it wouldn’t be a shocker. With all his trademark quotes and memorable outings during his tenure, Boston will always have a special place in Martinez’s heart, so I’d keep an eye out for any gimmicks.

Martinez is, however, planning a homecoming tour for his retirement, where he will pass by Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Montreal to say his goodbyes and throw a few bashes along the way.

Have questions for Didier Morais’ mailbag? Leave them in the comments section below, send them to him via Twitter at @DidierMorais or send them here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week. Be sure to check back to see if your question was answered.

Previous Article

Bobby Valentine Shows Off Dance Moves, Acting Skills in Japanese Music Video (Video)

Next Article

Tomas Kaberle Adds More Spice to Bruins-Canadiens Rivalry, But His Cap Hit Hampers Habs’ Ability to Compete

Picked For You