Rob Bradford, WEEI.com

Our number three of five John Wallach -- and for dale and holly on the 365. And final day. Of the year 2008. And I don't know this is -- 366 right after got a base 36366. And by Doubleday. A 2008 will be hears you heard announcer voice it will be -- three. And Boston College football is they play the -- look at me like 366. It. Does the league Pierre -- 29 days this year it's amazing what -- teaching kids these days he's like a lot. I'll get back -- more of phone calls in a minute it's 617779850. Toll free 888. 525851. We're going to did dive in and taught some baseball we have done that yet today so in talks in baseball. And joining us on the eighteenth -- hotline. In the one and only rob Bradford of WEEI dot com rob how --

Not that punctuated the you'd like talk to you guys.

I. Paid -- right back catch it. Trust me right back catches a I you you someplace warm he's stuck in the -- like the rest of us.

I have someplace warm up -- because it didn't. I I'm -- I've -- remotely today I'm not talking about.

Are you working at WV EI dot com Florida head -- a branch office you're spouting out this spring training locations.

We took -- to a two week on the work that's what.

So I can understand that I saw Tim Murphy today when I got a and he is in the office and rob is not there I it's amazing I thought it was in charge.

Well yeah that'd go everywhere -- Doug Beckett and I have a laptop -- going to be cool that make you feel.

Not really doesn't think you so much for sharing. First and foremost rob the -- the story of the last couple of days as you know sports illustrator was the one -- first. First come out with -- is that the Red Sox have spoken in Florida Marlins about possibly bringing Hanley Ramirez to town. On eighty you agree with this in media think this is true.

So I mean I I agreed -- probably kick the tires on it and I would keep the title Taylor wrote to will be the the fact that it it is one of it if not -- other player in the National League not Major League Baseball and you'd also locked up to a party. Pretty good -- expect to be about 36 yeah it is going to be million dollars so. We don't -- guys go back through when when they traded and we were meant to -- would not here in. And there's been some dispute whether you would have done that trade it to double B it -- capable are there is no question about it but. It's if there's nothing wrong -- asking about it. And that nothing rod where it was going -- try to get one of the best players around and one of the best -- grounder. Coming into his peak years and also have very very manageable contract.

You know all right up there wins that Kevin Youkilis should be the shortstop the most annoying thing I hear from time to time -- why can't the Red Sox did Joe Mauer Hanley Ramirez for a bag of batting practice balls in May -- a replica World Series ring me. When people start talking about what it would take to get a player like that if they say. -- very embark Colts that's the starting line I think for something like this -- there's going to be a threshold that. The Red Sox even for a player like Ramirez they would say you know what. That's too rich for our blog because there's no way the Marlins even though they're going to pay repairs handsomely by their standards. What part with him -- less it was something that is just mind blowing -- the Sox would ever do something like that.

Well it would've looked well why did the wind the Marlins agreed to pay him and them is because they want him to be the cornerstone guys they want him could be defeat the Braves -- You aptly right Eric it's. If -- if you Marty you'd have a fight back I even if you will betrayed jump knock it straight the court -- at the -- out. A few players that the other all the reps like they're like that we ought to move up -- debacle. -- But they were talking about one of the one of the best players particularly baseball right now what -- people argue it well not recognize that the guide as a road. I know that certainly people who won't step baseball people understand how did you apparent that. But you know he's he put.

You know you mentioned -- Colts and you had talked to Brad Penny this week in the Red Sox are bringing him in what does that mean to -- Colts and is he someone who's being actively shopped and all the Red Sox can say all they want about you know the totality has any of the work through. You know changing the arm slot last year and expect in the comeback but. He's got to be the guy that's being shopped right now and that other team spank that wallet if we get our hands on him he needs a fresh start and and we can get emperor's song word is -- Colts stand in these offseason plans for the Red Sox.

What could course and I think good -- people but when a meeting there were adamant park the other he died in the red -- debate other teams were adamant they would react well. -- cold that you are being made available on and I particularly like Lawton weather is positioning for a potential trade out of order not. I didn't pick yet that they they think he's going to be popular pick in guys out he dug -- improving to do especially. Its regular workout regime and understanding what it takes. We get toward the 41 start to the back but -- these young guys not out of pat yeah acquisition of access. I -- that says bet that covered the -- yet up. Remember good good strategy they went into last year which is. We're going to go everywhere as six or stubborn guys. And with the idea that we're going to get guys -- breaks in. In between back don't lock your little bit because there because they were forced him to somethings because -- injury but not. We're sitting here that the in the example that you could buckle up here. Which it's okay not a five man rotation with the six or seven man rotation with the idea that we're going to use all the guy that. And and then you'll -- why you are Brad Penny which is big on my mind. If -- got it figured quiet on that took the high end they couldn't Bartolo Colon couldn't wait Miller. The guys have a lot of potential would be be very very good -- him. So I would get to that question it's the course not -- it's great but -- exhibit it's something bear bear up he would going in with the surplus and got a rotation.

Rob I want to of acted to the trade beat the a potential trade between the Marlins -- the rats she detailed what the Marlins were thinking. I seem to remember during Theo Epstein negotiations with Minnesota for Johan Santana he was only willing to give up Ellsbury or Lester but not both of them. For a pitcher in the prime of his career that you give them five more good years if he remains healthy. I understand Hanley Ramirez he's he's one of the best players in Major League Baseball but. This this kind of represented change in philosophy. Where it would be potentially Theo giving up a lot of what he has in the organization to get one guy I thought that kind of went against what he was what he believes it.

Well brooks lobby hundreds they're -- no look back what names are light art and all the Mets.

What are what are what Sports Illustrated sat and as his -- as final I understand that.

Georgia had no end and I I I know -- there and I think that if they're going to going to give up jumped out to you yes there is you're going to dig -- back. And you know you would you would you it's impair you at the contract he. Yeah -- years of the contract. At the lingering locate -- beard. The rumor going around about it -- ball but it no doubt they yell at the they're evident what was one of the best pitchers in baseball but it appears that we ever going to trade young talent. It's going to be for a guy like Italy were not who is beat the cream of the crop when it comes young out. I think that I think it dead in this system it tires that is that there's big what we keep you would do to improve the team in. And and everybody every -- big -- to have a beer man and I think that -- had to do it. It threw up a lot would exploring a little bit.

Tonight so the Red Sox lose out on Mark Teixeira. What is Dana who is their next target.

That would mean -- that's yeah it is not -- not expect people like this certainly but. I think that made it clear that okay we have this funny that we didn't spend a much does not like we're just coming out and rode around the Derek Lowe's at a price they were not helped. Well aware of dark or -- the free agent in the -- preferred favorite sport or another. The players that Mike you were the other so I don't see any huge huge acquisition I don't think because I think situation wobbling. In terms of he would be if one of these team will give up wondered dunk cut here that I don't think it well because Beckett don't think that. Actress and then there's got to back up what they do what they're out bidding -- in -- the -- cold for the Baptist and there are or an Arizona it obviously. They'll let got a double Montero and voted. The ball will go. I think if they could make the good work that becomes a priority but if I had to sit here right now I don't think -- better expect going to be back -- very good possibility might be Varitek by combo.

You know there seems to be a little split -- on that that the signing of Bard. In some -- may be signaling the end. Of the Jason Varitek time in Boston which seems like a pretty big lead but they'd -- indication was well in May be Bard's not coming back to. That's a knuckleballer and he can -- can split time with the young catcher but. But it sounds like -- more of the other point of view on that rob that you know what the Varitek thing is still very much in play and he could be that guy even though. It seems and everyone agrees that if they reduced role he won't be catching four out of five days -- may be doing three out of five days is that your best guess right now the Varitek. And the Red Sox -- the only you know kind of combination of Boris has gone right now.

I think so I -- time where -- coupled with the weather being yep you documenting. How they might have been trust Brett back but they all want that they offered arbitration -- that you draft pick for a and I'll keep you coming and -- a two year deal. Willing to give up but draft pick on Popovich go I think the most likely places him to come back the Red Sox and in terms of our I think this year. Maybe unlike some years past they prioritize in the touching aspect of the Tim Wakefield and -- and they're wondering about who could be able to -- Tim Wakefield. -- it is it was a weird -- who knows but he. Maybe you weren't pumping from the previous -- I know that once they leave -- excellently done and has had that cotton and he was after you left for Diego he was saying that. You don't back of video and try to emulate exactly what Doug Mirabelli was dormant for -- at knuckleballer. As he admitted that -- not the right way to approach it. But they're going to attempt of Varitek I think right now it would make a lot of sense. Let -- come back because. That's it was the most logical operators and I didn't think that it's going to be with the understanding where there's going to be another kept propagate more playing time and attempt active --

Robin national sense I mean all I was hearing was because it was such a slow moving free agent market once the first couple of dominoes fell. Another more would fall quickly for instance you know it we were waiting to see where Derek Lowe Atlanta we're waiting to see. There are there other pitchers that are out there of course my list of course is changing he's getting away from music is I'm looking at it but. There -- other pitchers out there. That we're all waiting to see what CC sabathia gotten any -- fun of the places while sabathia sign a couple of weeks ago. And we haven't had any movement same thing for Mark Teixeira I guess everyone was waiting for -- to set the market but we haven't had any big impact bat. Signing since then why do you think. The market is moving as slowly as it hats.

Well I think economy and the white. Played played in it I'm not a huge huge one but I think it does it factor a little bit that it's he goes out and baker played for what got electric -- make in the -- for another arm. And I hit it -- maybe because you figured that I mean you're in the years after that it's of the -- but who everybody had basically signed up prepared to fill in the gaps with. Besides it's you know world come January but that's not the case here I think that. I think what what could happen if from the Red Sox point of view is that in big you know with a pitcher -- you don't want to go there there never want to go with Derek Lowe would bench you. Go to private sit and then the other years you would have to go that would. What he used it desperately needing them particularly quiet on them big -- number two guy also has guys like all of the replacement into the red card. Basically he never acceptable so that could that could certainly happen the government probably -- in this awkward situation. The pyramid. They've never met every that you look at it yeah I'm done in the in the -- ultimate India Bobby Abreu Theres no doubt -- Oh you are. Are putting good players and putting good hitters and whoever is going to the government settled and -- you won't get I would this guy instead of taking they'll committing twenty million a year or two years from Beirut Madison. They're not -- it certainly is not what they were thinking well what not what me any respect you what he went from. -- And Boris publicly about that your contract well that's what you know is about all that way and I'll never put anything by Scott Boras on -- if you don't two years 36. -- but -- speak about the portal that it's happened probably would be the Dodgers were not going to Buick in.

I don't want. And rob don't you want to be there because it's shaping up to be Scott Boras going with this hat in his hand to -- qualities say okay hey where's that offer we had before because. The market is completely evaporate I mean I guess. But nationals -- the Orioles to make -- play from those teams that were supposed -- Teixeira sweepstakes but. There is no marketed seems right now and that whole idea strategist biding his time in just waiting for Boris comeback begging and it's. That's something you don't see all the time and he can't believe it would happen but that's how I was playing now.

You know you elected. -- of the -- and a good thing is. It in a big part of it is. And that other guy available as good as he gave him and either they happily knocked up from the economic no question about it. But. Ever order to justify your owner saying okay we can get by we can have a pretty good million ordered -- about oral round honour Bobby Abreu. In the short term. Column without spending to twenty million dollar a year and holding up -- that was a removed and that makes because what it before. That's a pretty good selling point the yard and the other belt all the world's sake go that route and go to major master cup like any -- Dodgers although the car here.

I'm looking at other big bats that are out there Bobby Abreu Adam Dunn and I think you know. With the Red Sox be interested in anything and and the reason I bring this up is J. D. Drew and and by the way how that that work out for the 282 last year.

Our -- regard water with it two years and will lose I. Didn't I don't know I thought those last it was last year that was last of my. My bet that last year look what Greg objective. I predict thought it would I would bet OK OK I.

I'm just saying that let's say J. D. Drew doesn't play a full season which by the ways very possible. Mean and it -- Red Sox beat in the market for another bat for the outfield and I'm not talking about. I'm not talking about Rocco Baldelli.

You know what I mean that the saying it but if your pocketbook appreciate you guys they're gonna have better -- a better opportunity than in the red. Not only financially but in terms of playing time -- can -- to a guy -- yeah. You know you'll come here and and you'll play because JD Drew going to get hurt at some point well as you do a little -- going to be in the -- lower. You know that's the the play has -- ago that every. In the army because he's going to make more money in one run doing it I'll buy it could have been threatening situation because you have -- by the guy you would pick. Who not only can play every bit of what a the potential to play every day because of the event of a guy gets but also probably placed an -- I would imagine they want through playing kind of field extended period of time. So that's going to be that we have a whole lot of bark up the ball belly -- contracting your medical status but that's going to be dropping out to elect.

He can't play every day if it came down to it I mean he's made great strides but I I it's stops at that I mean he can -- he still has to be able to have those built in days off -- that's not an option for him still right.

Yes -- already begun coaching news I guess in terms of their. The medical few weeks ago -- saying that. But it maybe not what you thought it was contributor the possibility of being able to more than eight spot but he Packers can't put people they -- comfortable at all and back to back and -- I'm -- you say what you want about. What the future Bob we know the public in the afternoon and capital not comfortable that so why -- another he'd pick.

I -- I have one more question asked to do Alex Cora and it appears at the moment that Alex scores being targeted by the New York Mets and it it makes sense. I guess for them to it to bring him on board but that leaves the Red Sox without a utility infielder than they look within the organization. Do they go out and get a guy like Craig Counsell to --

What figured their utility infielders Lugo slaps Lowrie right now. And today if if Lowry went the shortstop job. -- The question goes to artist Lugo except that that role -- living up to make some. Make some sort of arrangement -- try to trade gum under our you know figure that out but right now -- extent that's how it is that. -- record we're waiting Tom defeated you know Lugo did get traded. Then they're they're the pot potential come come back -- Right now -- at the Mets were brilliant novel -- Cora are they -- up a little bit because ownership. They want to save money here that don't know what I would I would -- up with a -- And the -- for the commencement -- Lugo.

You know to paraphrase Terrell Owens' agent wasn't last year though Julio Lugo has nine million reasons I'm here to become the utility infielder I don't know it's just his publicist I was outside -- on --

That it did you know you. Whether you went to -- not. If this is his career on the line to a certain that you get a ticket you -- make your money we all know that. But if you don't identify who -- a starting player in the Major League yet become spring training you have a good spring pregnant pro.

One final quick question -- talk to Brad Penny -- in the last few days and you mention a few moments ago it's different than wade Miller Bartolo Colon and I I have to admit there are some people out there who think well. Maybe it is different but. How much different is it because here's a guy is coming off an injury plagued season. He's been a guy who's had the reputation been known as a guy who over the Rose and perhaps all that mileage early in his career has caught up with them. What assurances did you get from him that he's going to be a different pitcher here in Boston.

Well I think there -- is throwing well it was that is so he's going to be started growing next week in the that you feel good field by the accidentally out of our primary ever thought the Brad Penny so I don't know what what -- hear it and in what happened last you'd. I'll buy you could eat why didn't you -- ago he thought maybe -- doctors. I totally mismanaged them but no -- probably going to back -- conducive there -- healing process. And but you seemed pretty optimistic about it like in the the other the other part about it is. -- it worked out -- richt all in the post apart aren't there. They're not there I'm -- that. -- you'd obviously very tight with Josh Beckett from the Florida days back to the beat out that translate because that he clearly. In US Wada has it William -- the work ethic could be beleaguered. On August absent parent so that. I think guys understanding what it takes between starts and pick pick ultimate. And excited they are home wondering if if that all I'm ready come back because the third -- of weapons on last. And it that it could they let you know this look -- For my body I'm seeing it. Seeing what you going about B greens are now I'm going to jump on board and and yet -- a -- to -- you know 1 o'clock technique. Make a lot of money couldn't stop the -- have a good year this year.

All right rob thank you very much as always for the knowledge I understand the web -- going to get a new look in the coming coming weeks and months is that right.

Yeah you have February February -- that it would -- up but not so well designed by the they haven't looked looked upon accuracy that's important. And I hope you get some great great --

Do us all a favor just be sure to -- analysts on block because I obviously to have to go back door and down and I know -- know don't we all. Thanks a lot -- I have read rob Bradford WEEI -- cup team Red Sox beat -- that really it is encompass it he does so much more for the I think he deserves -- title -- are.

BC grant who by -- understand and it's meaning he made me sing that song earlier today 617779850. Toll free 888. 525850. We'll take a break it back Demorrio phone calls on the other side -- to flash is John Wallach and Eric freedom for dale and Holley on New Jersey Sports Radio WE yeah.