Larry Lucchino

Sports radio late 50 WE EI -- holly completing our three day stint of shows that city of palms park and beautiful downtown Fort Myers, Florida. Joining us as we wrap things up this week is the president CEO of the Boston Red Sox Larry Lucchino with the the CF.

You know Michael nice that he here in town so orient to go back to -- picking he would have felt that Tenet work with the -- The powers that be overs that that the Yankee stadium along and here I mean did we got WE EI try to do whatever you -- Gross overstatement on the catcher areas that the guys needs to -- Ellis -- do and who is who to blame when the played them men and elements and with it goes both ways I heard this -- on era. I hired you tell Johnny Jerry a few weeks ago that once you get down here it takes a stick of dynamite to get out at -- I think I don't lie having spent a few days down in the sun (%expletive) man.

It is a it is one of the nicest parts of the end of the baseball season to be here there's an informality. And accessibility to players age relaxation this particular spring training. And it's certainly had its share of excitement with the my soccer mania. You know that that we have been relatively lucky very few. Contract disputes very few injuries certain were all pocket would buy knock on wood is exactly right the us open continues that way. For the next a couple of weeks and do we mercifully get the season started I think now I mean here. But I know though where it's all of Red Sox nation is eager to -- let's get the -- on the road let's let's get this party started. I -- that some very nice things about Fort Myers and city of palms park here. How do you think being in the vero beach rumors got start. You know it's such an appealing piece of real estate. And it on a number of clubs may have some interest in it we are not one of them. We are going to be here for some time to come. And I mean you never say never but we have a long term lease here Fort Myers that he does extremely well. And I'm. Things will woo woo -- that is common is is protective and is now that you.

Stealthy puts water that important didn't let informant ticket -- of -- water here then as opposed to wearing it which is what we can work it often it is wrong with Poland spring. -- water. And we gotta walk around behind -- RS that I it was water we saw him with everything is okay. -- Terry we talked to carry guns now on Monday at first they we were down here and I told the quote that I read in the local papers. One of the players that this is the most organized training camp he had ever seen it it was a veteran player not some Q do only spent one like one camp. And Terry seemed to really take some pride in the way things have been setup here.

Hewitt he is is some new coaches all of whom bring a high level of experience -- them. And talent that this operation of course the coaches. Who get a little plane and -- little credit I think for for how well spring training goes so much of the burden of organization falls on them very creative but delegating do them and I think he's assembled a staff would be very pleased that their product and that. Again so far so good. As we get -- the industry training. It becomes a lead here as the number people -- hand that you refuse Andy focuses on a few specific situation -- the generalized concern that you have with

I think some comments that you were perspective here you've seen a lot of baseball if you a lot of spring training. Spring training 2007 Boston Red Sox compare it to spring training that -- knights -- 1983 Baltimore Orioles.

Well a funny I was doing that just recently we had a a meeting earlier on on spring training and the efficiency evident in the expensive it. And the challenges -- and we were a document that exact thing how much smaller at all was in the early 80s how much. A simpler was how much lest he nailed it it. It was and I think there's a danger. You don't want spring training to become an extension of the baseball year you wanted to be a distinct element but its -- attributes and its own charm. And now we do with it it is it is very different than any more people here many more people at the games maybe four people behind the scenes and many more players can't. Players I mean now in shape to be sure that that that's that that's a considerable difference. So I'm a traditionalist like him like old fashioned spring training and like Florida spring training -- I hope it doesn't the become too commercial and -- large. You say that and yet Sunday night you had people sleep on the sidewalk outside of your your spring training ballpark to buy tickets for a pre season. Well you know that's a good thing about it and there is an undeniable buzz and excitement then. And intrigue about this team here and some of the senators on the pitching that been in new a Japanese imports to be -- But no we used to say to back in my goes where's the regency in you know is in Baltimore. They every spring training is your one sort of pod alien activity once you know in -- or something. Changes -- the little spice and flavor to it be here we've got one in the person Daisuke Matsuzaka -- brought. Who knows several dimensions do this spring training and made it even more interesting anymore.

Demanding we've seen all the reporters we know the sideshow when it comes to Matsuzaka what do you think of the pitcher who performer and so.

Well I was. All the reports I've gotten has been a very positive both about the quality of his stuff and the quality of his demeanor and his. Psychological aspect pitching. He is certain always comment confidence. And now poker face. Approach to a diversity. That I think is he is right there are both are quite positive I think that when he get day in a little bit in the third and fourth inning via the day. I was every you know all the rejoicing is overstating it but I was -- pleasantly. I took it well because I sit people -- got to understand that this is not the second coming. This guy isn't very talented pitcher that he can go one you know. And 90 about no home runs in the game unity in last year 75% in six and Japan. He loses games he's not that this is pitching this baseball there's randomness that is unpredictability -- And I think people can -- expectations have managed their expectations and a little bit and have a longer term point of view with respect of occupations that. Both matches not you know it team will make this team I think -- be better off I -- we will be better.

Let's go back to the sideshow aspect for just a moment though because on Monday when we had a chance to talk to Brian Cashman about what it was like five years ago when Hideki Matsui. Joined the Yankees and he talked about their initial experience with a rob little and how that didn't go so well and he talked about how much he's here it was with Mets silly. Because of the type of person that he was and how he tried to make sure he did not become a distraction to his team do you sense the same thing with my two socket.

Undeniable absolutely not society. I homer earlier in the week just walking across the parking lot that are coming in the morning to work. It by himself wearing shorts and flip flops than just looked like. Any other player. It was it was a delightful think immediacy do you eat it suggested that the he was adjusting. And and that the who is becoming. Another teammate another regular guy here and he'll always be a little different because of the gigantic media following -- attached to him wherever he goes. But I do think he is sensitive about being a -- I think news he's got a a sense of humor and a and a quiet dignity and I am I hope we'll translate well -- and everything I've heard so far is that both to the Japanese pitchers -- have fit in quite well and made an extra effort so that the media problems do not get. Transferred to their teammates.

No bill mentioned that interview with Brian Cashman in this same interview I asked him. How much the Yankees did was for Matsuzaka. The post deeply and it was in the neighborhood of 3132 million dollars many consider member of the number I mean yeah -- a yeah. -- rarely now a quick just yeah I don't but but but Mike Schmidt as the -- it if they did in the low 30s and you -- in the low 50s. Your famous quote may not apply anymore evil army guys are close to me tired.

Lowe a nine Davis one example of trying to. Do beat the empire at something and then -- and they are sort of -- well first of all the Yankees -- second yankees' third threats -- Mets I'm like the Yankees do remember their number 39 million knows that gate and then number before the highest numbers did for created posting was Ichiro at number what does he mean. That the Yankees didn't exactly to -- we just threw a number and we took it a little bit the passage of time and move an inflation UN team in which they substantially increased number. From what the last was. I just think they underestimated. The underestimated the Mets and in underestimated us but that doesn't mean because the wind. Isolated episode we have somehow put ourselves in the revenue bonanza that is New York City and then and they and the largest sports market in the western world but. -- a lot of yet.

You're not in a Yankee territory but would you say that your resource is it seems that your resources have increased. Let's say since you took over the team in 2002.

That's true that issue we have we came with a couple of fundamentals. Commitments -- obligations of ownership as as we articulated them one wasted the field a team worthy of the fans support. And to did you that we thought we were going to have to increase revenues and try to. At first of all infield the right county but also to preserve protect improve Fenway Park. There are two majors. Areas where we -- of our affair do money in front of the major league payroll. If you look at the minor leagues and scouting commitments that we we have like here with you some time the the additional investment we needed signing amateur players we -- most of our top and the -- now that wasn't always the case. We signed -- foreign players that we didn't sign before there is in a significant investment market John Henry now born in the entire ownership group. In this in this team and now we've determined when that means we've got to go out and find ways to generate revenue. We've been blessed supportive Red Sox nation the passion of Red Sox nation. But we've also in. Imaginative enough I think to create new revenue streams. And we don't make the money put pocket we reinvested in Fenway Park we reinvested in the payroll we're reinvested in the minor league system. And I think that stands at the minute features that.

When you guys took over and you did all your financial planning and did all your due diligence could you ever have envisioned that within a five year period of of taking possession -- this team. Payroll would be where it is now.

Now we did not we had a sense that we are always going to have to be competitive and with the with the empire with the other teams in the -- in the American league east we knew it was the biggest of the big league divisions. And we thought we have to be competitive but we didn't know we didn't have this crystal ball tell us what that new market dynamics of the year after year. And in which we didn't know how well we would. Perform these the other teams our goal make no mistake is to win every year -- we want to be in October baseball in every year. There aren't a lot of teams in baseball that said that exalt the standard as this as their operating standards. We want to be there every year we know that. There's too much -- to a business or randomness in the in baseball to the same much more than. Just want to get the that the -- not to -- the way you want to get to the dance in march that's the NC AA tournament hope that things go right -- it two ways. What that's done mixing -- of

what happened about you're supposed to be the carpet -- who was going to leave town. Or what if fill -- with the money I remember that we're. I was going to reduce the only now the guys that there were some there is some folks out there who's predictions. Have proven that the grossly inaccurate and -- and some of them with him up and say by the way we mystery you guys. I'm John Henry would like to on this team for the rest it is that through life and stuff Tom mourners committed to winning like no other owners of the guys that I know. And and so we -- the year -- you know I live here full time months on my roots here low spots meant northeastern. Birthplace -- Camera from the east you know anything it is Diego California with an. Frolic in the two from mine natural light -- I love Boston the challenges the Red Sox the count to Fenway Park and centrality baseball to New England. I mean I'm I'm happy -- this delicately on the job that hadn't been preparing me.

You know toward toward the end of the previous regime we heard a lot about a new Fenway Park in how this was. The necessity for the Red Sox to be viable. You guys continue to improve Fenway Park is that something that's on your radar list a new ballpark in the next I would say next two -- three years but the 100 year anniversary of Finley pars coming up 2012 in the.

Can't miss that opportunity it and you guys that are -- have a where is doctor -- ceremony it exactly right. -- going to start the count down this year with the 95 anniversary of Stanley park in August night. Counting down to 2012. And it will be the boat the first sports facility -- in the Roman coliseum the most celebrated 100 anniversary. And we intend to to make it big deal that gives us a few years to get the improvements the Fenway Park completed where in years six of those improvements that we some great things here that I think then to really like. But at some point we world. Include this renovations cycled. And and it will be an answer to well one year anniversary. So we are not thinking for a moment about new ballpark about the challenges that possibility that we are. Comfortable and excited about America's most beloved ballpark you're comfortable with him that my seats. You better you -- I had just or are you got a point there -- some challenges some of the eight you in the grandstand seats where they're where I have season tickets or whatever whatever I don't it's it's pretty cramps and I I think. Small guy in this if this prayer for me so imagine somebody 62 victories well I mean I understand and it's well with the new seats that we put in had been at least consistent with the standards applied immediately new ballparks certainly the club seats the state street -- the -- seats the green monster seats the right field seats the we've we've created more room for people move around Millar around we've made it took over improvement I think in the comfort factor and we -- it didn't work and then.

We talked about how people miss read the ownership group when they came on board. Called the fears of Red Sox fans who fear that a 15 million dollar investment in fenway Roush racing is not money taken away from the baseball product well.

Is first of all it's not relish that went right is it is throughout fenway and it is a year. In his investment -- which as a separate subsidiary that we -- separate subsidiaries Everett's -- central subsidiary. If it into heat and we sports who. And media. The name and money -- generated by -- holding companies so the combination that is what was was being used to operate that. We see opportunities communities. Cross marketing possibilities. And we don't succeed business that will generate substantial profits. And those profits will be free the.

Revenue sharing tax imposed by Major League Baseball which is prone to be quite substantial in recent years. And quite heavy burden group frankly on the on the Red Sox. So if anything people which it sees if you look at the quality of the investment today if these guys do right. If this is sound prudent to potentially lucrative investment. This is not -- generate more money -- holding company and period little less financial pressure on their race more. Are there any other ideas that you have along those lines -- can generate some incomes revenues that will not be -- subjected to accidentally movement -- time we we work -- that all the time finished he figures the entrepreneurial arm our company. And might be in the post it that he constantly looking for new opportunities even in minor league baseball beat me in other special events. The name consulting with -- of the sports teams and other sports entities so that's an exciting world -- sports entrepreneurial activities that is that that he engaged in but we will do more but we will never forget. Then forget the central purpose of central motion. Of our company is Red Sox baseball it's what drives. -- and popularity and success to a large degree what you'd think he'd -- opportunities -- and and make use with other people Red Sox have got to be successful that's we came here do you here we in. We need to generate revenue when you can generate new business opportunities but you've got to keep your eyes on the prize and we aren't doing that. -- we're never going to deviate too far. From days central focuses club -- to be winning -- please.

Being mindful of your stated goal of October baseball and being mindful that -- probably fairly cautious person to begin with. What are your feelings about it that you baseball is sit here in the march yen and Lamar it's ridiculous that prospect the team. We've been -- he says there is there have been a lot of injuries so far if this team stays healthy. And plays performed to. Expectations and new historical standards I think this is going to be very exciting team -- it is here I am conscious and I don't like do. Jinx myself latest French guys with. Old premature prediction. But that is pitching staff is strong very -- there -- some questions of course about the -- then in the closer. But there is India talent mix of veterans and players -- some balance. Across the board offensively it's a much stronger team offensively we had last year -- much deeper pitching that starting rotation. And I think fans -- sensed that that people are buying tickets that we have losses tickets sold we have lots more that's now. But we sold about it to mean -- Tickets to mean nine we will so here. News day keen anticipation that this team will be both successful and teachers thing and it's. We know you're businessman got thing to do their place no snow. One question where's your final four points we upon

final four pick that just got my practice this week and a I didn't want you guys that knows that that we have this. Office pool I don't know that's for entertainment writers don't actively for entertainment purposes. And but we have we Putin and people and it last year. And guess who won the coolest thing Iowa Janet Marie Smith knows it was yours truly. I -- to redo the Protestant. I don't know I would try outs -- the -- we'll have have an indictment last year. So I'm thinking of of retirees boldly disqualify myself on Giles is too easy you know for me it should be allowed are below you build in but I -- doing is I'm addicted to -- I love -- basketball on buses. Wonderful you'll be Francona has he'll have Arizona winning capsule -- have George Mason in the -- now last year how I deliberate I went online early. And now but it entered mason but still -- does lets you. I'm beginning in New England chauvinist be you know like now that sentiment known -- for peace the early rounds -- him. Home counties thank you very much for your hospitality for let us down here it is notice -- tell me because he went off with the last in his when nobody five they -- yeah -- managerial authority than record thanks Larry Lucchino joining us here on sports radio W media