The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Brad Penny and offered a non guaranteed contract worth $1.6 million to free agent catcher Josh Bard.

Penny, battling shoulder and arm issues last season, posted a 6-7 record with an era over six (6.27).

The Red Sox have reportedly sent centerfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right handed reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Crsip's 2008 stats: .283 BA, 7 HR, 41 RBIs, 20 SB

Ramirez 2008 stats: 71 GP, 2.64 ERA, 71 1/3 innings, 3-2, 1 SV

According to multiple sources (MLB.com/ESPN.com) the Tigers and the Red Sox have been talking trade lately.

The Tigers are reportedly looking to deal for a new short stop, with their release of Edgar Renteria creating a void in their infield. The Red Sox are interested in dealing Julio Lugo, as he became expendable after missing nearly half the season due to a severely torn left quad.

The Red Sox are looking at either accepting Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson from the Tigers, two lefties who each had miserable seasons last year. Willis (0-2) posted a 9.38 era in eight games with the Tigers while Robertson (7-11) had an era of 6.35 in 32 games.

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

With the Red Sox victory over the Cleveland Indians last night, the BoSox eliminated the New York Yankees from post season contention. With the win, three of the four playoff slots in the American League have been filled (LA Angels of Anaheim, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox). The current Twins-White Sox series should determine the fate of the AL Central Race, with the White Sox leading the division by a game and a half.

The National League, as always, will most likely come down to the wire. The Cubbies are the only team to lock up a playoff spot, as the Phillies and Mets jocky for first place daily and even with a three game lead over the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers are really only safe from the Giants and Padres in the NL West.

The Yankees were unable to give their beloved Stadium a proper send off, as they failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the '94 strike shortened season.

And apparently, according to ESPN, the Rays are playing in the NLDS this post season....

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

Football season kicks off tonight with the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants taking on the Washington Redskins.

Many New Yorkers will turn to football as a way to drown out their lost hopes they held so dear for their New York Yankees. The last season at the Stadium, and the team can't even come close to adding one last page to its exalted history book.

While New Yorkers turn to football as a much needed distraction, they're going to miss the last and final Sign of the Apocalypse.

We here at 108 Red Stitches know a thing or two about the Apocalypse; our tag line is: One Blog in the Post Apocalyptic World of the New Home Run King. We're constantly on the lookout for signs of impending doom. And now, we're officially worried.

Whoever is in charge of the Apocalypse has skipped right over the frogs, nasty bugs, plagues, fire and brimstone, and sacrificing of firstborns. They've skipped right over to the Eighth and Final Sign: Boston Fans Routing for the Yankees.

My wonderful girlfriend pointed out to me yesterday that Mike Schweitzer, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, had indeed, posted on his Facebook wall this quote:

"Let's Go Yankees!"

After spitting out my cookie cake and milk, I sprayed us and the surrounding area with Holy Water and grabbed the only set of Rosary Beads I could find. This was surely the end.

I never thought I would live to see the day that a die hard Red Sox fan would be cheering for the Yankees, until I realized that, if the Bombers beat the Rays, the BoSox would move closer towards first place in the AL East.

After sadly realizing that all that is left for my beloved Yanks is a role they haven't played in almost two decades (spoilers), only one thought remained in my head.

"Let's Go Rays".

Atlanta, Georgia
By Chris Lima
River Avenue Staff Writer


The AL Central leading Chicago White Sox acquired Reds' outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., adding a bit of offense to their lineup. It's not currently known where or how Griffey will play in this lineup, but it was a huge addition to their lineup.

The Manny Ramirez saga is officially finally over in Boston, a last minute trade involving the Dodgers and the Pirates rid Beantown of their perpetual whiner.

The Dodgers received Manny from the BoSox and send third
outfielder Brendon Moss from the Red Sox, in exchange for left fielder Jason Bay.

The Bay trade is a bonus for the Red Sox; addition by prevention. The Tampa Bay Rays were holding talks with the Pirates, attempting to move Bay into Tropicana Field. The request from the Pirates was a bit high, and Tampa Bay quickly fell out of favor.

Ramirez is reunited with former BoSox teammate, Nomar Garciaparra, and joins former rival manager Joe Torre in what looks to be an extremely

The Yankees made a significant improvement to their lineup by adding Pudge Rodriguez and shipping Farnsworth over to Detroit. They also added former Bucs Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to help solidify their outfield and rotation, respectively. baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris to the Pirates. The Pirates also received RHP Craig Hansen and crowded Dodger outfield (Matt Kemp, Juan Pierre, Andre Either, and Andruw Jones).

Its almost the end of April, and "Big Papi" is beginning to look more like "Big Poopie". Fantasy players around the country are struggling to decide whether to keep many in the lineup, or replace him with a more productive option, Miguel Cairo.

Before "breaking out" against the Rangers the other day (Ortiz had a 2 hit game, including a grand slam) Ortiz had only one home run and four runs batted in. Not much production out of the four hole there.

To put Papi's numbers in perspective, guys like Mark DeRosa, Emil Brown, and Angel Pagan had (up until Papi's outburst) more than doubled Ortiz's rbi production.

Ask yourself this, do you walk DeRosa to pitch to Papi?

We began to wonder; "What is the source of Papi's troubles?" His swing looks the same as before, and it's not like he's facing anyone new so far this season (Sox have played Yankees, Cleveland, Detroit, and Toronto, teams they finished up against at the end of last season).

The answer came to us last night, while watching television. Papi has a new baseball cleat that he's advertising.

Its got to be the shoes!

Everyone talks about not messing with a guys hands (while he's at the plate) or checking his eyes to see if he's not seeing the ball. No one ever talks about the importance of comfortable shoes while trying to hit a 95 mph fastball.

What you put on your feet will determine the comfort level for the rest of your body. Your feet are the foundation for everything you do in life; walk, stand, sit, swing a bat, etc. If you're not comfortable at the base, everything else is out of whack.

Some one needs to get to Ortiz, and tell him its time to stop shilling a pair of s#*t cleats and get back to his comfort zone. No product endorsement is worth shaving off two hundred points off your batting average.

Until his feet come to his senses, Papi will continue to be "Poopie".

Name: Clay Buchholz
Organization: Boston Red Sox
Position: Pitcher
Born: 8/14/1984
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drafted: 2005, 1st Round (45th Overall)

Technically he's still considered a prospect, even though he threw a no-hitter against Baltimore last season. SoxProspects.com says that "Buchholz has a low-to-mid 90s four-seam fastball, a two seam fastball with decent movement, a slider, a hard 12-6 curveball, and a changeup." His best pitch is the curveball, followed by the changeup, then the 90 mph fastball.
In an early 2008 spring training session, according to rotowire.com, "Red Sox hitters were raving about Buchholz' 40-pitch batting practice session on Tuesday, the Boston Herald reports. "He has a fastball that moves, a really good changeup, and a good curveball," third baseman Mike Lowell said. "That's a pretty good mix to have when you can throw them all for strikes, and I think that's what separated him when he came up last year, that he threw them all for strikes." Kevin Cash caught Buchholz during the session and was equally impressed. "He was filthy." Cash said, "His changeup and curveball were great, but his changeup was even better than his curve. He really has them all, a 12-to-6 curveball, the changeup, and his slider is really nasty, too. He pretty much had it all going today." Buchholz, who is competing for the fifth starter spot in the rotation, will make his spring debut Sunday against Minnesota.

Here at 108 Red Stitches, we're growing weary of the constant debate and speculation regarding which baseball team has the best chances of winning the World Series. So we bring you part one of our two part installment of "Superbowl MLB; A Look at Which Baseball Team Could Win the Superbowl". Part I covers the American League Contenders.
For argument's sake, well use only a handful of teams to compare, one's that are normally (or would be considered) World Series Contenders. To balance out "position eligibility" catchers will equate to the team's position known as the Center and the team's front line starter will be considered the Quarterback. Every other position is fair game. Realizing that there aren't enough baseball players to fill out a football team, we'll base our studies on the theory that "Offense Wins Championships". Based on 2007 Season Rosters. Let's Begin.

New York Yankees:

Offensive line: The Yankees have one of the bigger lines in the game, consisting of lugs like Jorge Posada, Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Hideki Mastui, and Roger Clemens. They're going to need it to protect:

Quarterback: Andy Pettitte. The southpaw is more of a stationary quarterback, pocket passer. Limited arm strength due to re-occurring elbow and shoulder injuries. Not the team's best option, but their backup happens to be Mike Mussina.

RB/FB: Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera make up this NY team's version of Thunder and Lighting. It's a very powerful backfield, one that will have to carry the team's offense because of their receiving corps.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Jeter, Johnny Damon, and A-Rod make up a core receiving group. They've got overall average speed and decent hands. Just don't ask Damon to run a WR Option Pass route any time soon.

Defensive Highlight: Two names: Kyle Farnsworth and Shelley Duncan. They make up the scariest line backing duo in the American League. Finally, the Yanks have found a use for Farnsworth.


Boston Red Sox:

O-line: Slow, large, and lazy. Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, and Erik Hinkse make up one of the largest o-lines in baseball. However, they are severely un-athletic and too slow for their own good.

QB: Josh Beckett. Good fit for a QB. He's tall and strong, and throws a wicked slider, same arm motion as throwing a football. Good thing too because he'll need to his his speedy receivers because the run game:

RB/FB- Dustin Pedroia takes a large chunk of the running game. He's small and elusive, but his body can't handle a physical pounding. Boston's offensive game relies on an attack through the air.

WR/TE: Fleet footed green monsters. Jacoby Ellsbury, Coco Crisp, and Julio Lugo lead the league in speed, which translates into running rampant in most baseball team's secondaries.

Defensive Highlight: Kevin Youkillis transforms from the Greek God of Walks into the Greek God of Handing Out Mild Concussions.


Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem:
Finally, a football team returns to LA. Sort of. Not really. Well, at least LA is in the name.

O-line: Undersized, but quick, which in the MLBNFL is not such a bad thing. Most d-lines aren't exactly lining up with the likes of Warren Sapp or DeMarcus Ware. Line is comprised of Catcher Mike Nappoli, Garrett Anderson, Jeff Mathis, Casey Kotchman, and Robb Quinlan.

QB- Ah, finally, a quarterback controversy. Do you go with experience in John Lackey or flash and glamor, bringing in the fans with your new young gun in Jered Weaver. Sure his older brother tanked in the same position, but unlike the NFL, the little brother is better than the bigger brother in the MLBNFL (see Manning).

RB/FB: Riggie Willits and Howie Kendrick give the Halos a nice 1-2 punch. Its not the best in the league, but their offense doesn't have to rely on one aspect of the game.

WR/TE: Fast, but undersized. This seems to be the team's overriding theme. Chone Figgins leads the receiving bunch as Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera are Lackey/Weaver's 2nd and third option.

Defensive Highlight: Figgins (no surprise) is also a defensive back and special teams highlight reel. Vlad the Impaler leads an undersized defensive unit.

As the week is coming to an end we like to take a look back on any wheeling and dealing from the front offices of Major League Franchises around the country.

In an interesting move that could be a huge pickup, the Yankees signed ex-Astro outfielder Jason Lane to a minor league contract. Lane is expected to compete for the first base as well as a spot as a reserve outfielder. Lane was pushed out of the Astros' outfield with the signing of Carlos Lee to a long term deal and with the emergence of rookie sensation Hunter Pence. He might be a great insurance policy in case Matsui, Abreu, or Damon begin to show signs of old age.

The Cubs took 3.5 million dollar, one year gamble on right hander Jon Lieber. Lieber last pitched for the Cubs during the 2001 season, winning 20 games. Last season Lieber was plagued with injuries that led to inconsistent performances and a demotion to the bullpen.

The Tigers and left handed pitcher, Nate Robertson, avoided arbitration by agreeing on a three year contract extension with a nice raise tacked on. Robertson was eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. His contract averages out to be about 7 million dollars per year, pretty impressive for someone whose best season was a 13-13 record.

The Texas Rangers lassoed free agent Jason Jennings in with a one year, $4 million offer. Jennings returns home (he's a Dallas native and pitched for Baylor University during college) after a dismal performance in Houston. An injury shelved Jennings for the remainder of the season, after piling up a 2-9 record for the Astros. This was Texas' second move in as many days; they signed Marlon Byrd on Wednesday.

The Devil Rays continue to piece together a pitching staff, signing Mark Hendrickson and Dan Wheeler and added Jonny Gomes to their lineup; again.

Doug Mirabelli re-signed with the Red Sox, allowing Nation Fans and Tim Wakefield to breath a collective sigh of relief. Theo also receives a Smiley Sticker for not having to re-acquire him in a trade that loses the Sox valuable young talent.

Ancient Arthur Rhodes signed a minor league deal with Seattle.

He'll be my third pick in our upcoming fantasy baseball draft.

Good news loyal 108 Red Stitches blog readers! I've finally come out of my self induced baseball coma, one that kept me from writing for the past month.
So, what'd I miss?

Red Sox won the World Series? Did this coma transport me back in time?

Haha, you're funny, no way the Yankees "fired" Joe Torre.

Don Mattingly is going to be a Dodger? Are they really that hard up for a first baseman?

I'm sorry, the nurses must not have cleaned the wax out of my ears while I was napping, could you repeat that? A-Rod opted out? Did you say opted out, like, of his contract? So he's not going to be playing for the Yankees next season?

How will that effect next year's version of MLB 2K8? A-Rod will still be on the Yanks roster right? I want him breaking Bond's record while wearing pinstripes.

Did you just say that San Fransisco gave Bonds his walking papers? Well, that's nice. Good for San Fran.

He wants to sign with who?!?! Oh, Cashman has another thing coming if he signs that jerk.

Are we still talking about baseball? Because you mentioned instant replay for a minute there.

The Mets didn't fire everyone on their team?

The Phillies traded for Brad Lidge? What's the point of playing next year then? Might as well print off those championship t-shirt. Lidge solves EVERYTHING.

Really, so Tampa Bay gave up on the whole Devil thing? So you think that'll be the thing Peter Gammons points to when the "Rays" are leading the AL East?

I'm sorry, I thought you said the Devil sold his soul to Scott Boras.