Larry Lucchino, Red Sox CEO

Final hour Dennis and Callahan free for a flat bread photo caption contest Friday as cold and as Whitney -- was outside. As our next guest not make you feel a bit warmer not because he loves so much and -- Make -- think of a difference boarded a different time now this picnic table and port Meyers form -- joining us some AT and the -- AT&T your world deliver the presidency EO of Boston Red Sox. Larry Lucchino long time no talk mr. --

K good morning gentlemen yes it's unusual the get together here in the off season.

To Vista so much just had to have a cumbersome now to Australia at the beginning of the tickets selling season. I'll see you once I owe you some on your -- today we'll be sure our. Our fans were aware. Tickets selling. On Saturday morning that I can I.

I'm worried are you worried I heard you know a few guys were. And it's have a bridge year transition you weren't fully committed to the fans we're gonna run away in droves almost gonna watch games anymore that's why read this when I heard. Is that the concern -- Larry.

February on form. It's. That is not the case but we are concerned our fans to know the they can buy tickets starting tomorrow and they can get. Tickets this Christmas presents and they've got to do is Collins to. 88 Red Sox six it took a toll on an on line do. It protects the outcome and and they can buy tickets and the idea for years and years we have. And done this it it can edit it and it's Christmas that we think until after the football season.

trying to score I don't know about you your article cheap used and tawdry here have to Lucchino.

Ultimately yes that's you can't -- using active turnaround airplane it's fine about it and trying to do is make sure aren't exactly. And cannot -- what -- we in the conversation lets you plug Christmas at Fenway and the raffles well -- Kenya the on every action -- say okay. That's with the -- Package it's. Okay it's -- on this I said do you -- the following question who bridge or not to bridge you know what I'm talking about.

I do I do I think it's saying here it is -- gross overreaction to one quarter. That word is it is preached discipline. We get it right back just look at our track record -- and knowledge in the -- we say. There. -- Competitive bunch. -- CEO John Henry Tom -- myself a whole organization is is animated by its very strong. Commitment to winning and yeah it and a personal sense of competition. If you look at last. Seven years in the postseason for six of them and now and and we on the tentative. Shift change our philosophy it is terrible reaction to word the misunderstood.

You have to worries I think there is can be that emotional reactions we gotta do something he actually here right. Real fans smart fans say they gotta do something and -- what do you mean. Do you want them to put the best possible team on the field we want to react to the Yankees and and and make a splash of every team's. That makes splashes don't win I -- it makes splash of course splashes say. Does it take some disciplined though to resist the urge. -- to you know make a splash just to let them make everyone can -- everyone that you're trying and that you're not that you know rebuilding.

Well we had to it once again we don't that we should ask two. -- about our. Our commitment to winning its is -- we article was played baseball real tool. And it keeps going all the lake golf. Proposed it is now we've done that. Six. Seven years for those who may have been. Our supply area now. One particular column. Yesterday. I would -- EU. If you want. Some different perspective look at the department today in the -- When he writes about the the fact that there is plenty of time left and shopping. Don't think -- and this policies and for next year's team players are are tendered beginning tomorrow. To share for example big signing last time to Christmas. There's -- activity the main market actually and rather slow and developing this -- and it is different personality.

Your payrolls gunned down the last two years Larry will -- go down again.

And found a link -- the newspapers -- report dinner pin it on -- the last three years that is just not accurate to prepare him. Are there will be will be -- the issue we don't discuss. Publicly what are -- because we think there's a competitive disadvantage that telling. Via other teams are division and partly what we're gonna spend and not spent as they may be it would reduce them. Guesses calculations. Call active in the market so always -- other teams announced their payrolls going to be extra -- And he just does sit quietly and don't say that it is inaccurate to say are being honest and not a payroll will go up these.

I know you're not inclined -- probably allowed to discuss specifics free agents here but as a general matter of of discourse here as as on trying to. A range in my mind -- expected chronology going forward the accepted theory is that Jason Bay will sign first at whatever price he can get. Then holiday will sign second and that would be bay plus the Boris premiums that chronology seems about right and I'm on this carry.

Who won't allow him you know who's -- alone. Is like the -- Anybody wants.

Now so we we try to live -- certain kind of this spot about the head premature publicity. And now. And speculation about free agents where they go what did they do. Can can Japan and can form your your opponents of what I think. I'll let Larry you know that its concept as to my right I don't even have a job and that's again as much information as you can possibly get. Or your case. -- opinions and Andy has -- the fact is that. We don't have a similar obligation to to inform. You guys because that same information can be disseminated to go to people who are waiting to see what our plans are perspectives are. On many players so just look back at the last few years and something which teams have been. Very active. Last several years we been quite active in the offseason and among the most active teams in baseball a year in year out and I think you'll last. Again this. Offseason you will will fall on that same pattern again. I think -- in -- one word. -- word about the yet the word bridge. We're talking about is a bridge to. Young players that will be available that we've got to find other ways to be competitive. -- could -- years and that can mean. Treats sickened -- free agents. It can mean we don't have is this set of reinforcements AAA -- it to jump into the basically team. Next year 2000 and at. We have some that we're already planning for and 2002012. More likely and so that -- Where could admit alternatives you know for alternatives. To need -- influx of young players that I can tell you. Definitively it. John Henry Tom -- the US needs. People and our organization aren't our partnership wants to -- were committed to winning. And and we're doing everything possible to to make our art. The European that's -- and support -- and it --

All right so by may rephrase then counselor who's commenting on the chronology. Of uh oh left fielder's. Offend your sense and sensibilities.

I had just don't know what's gonna happen and it went one better presented by Boris right you can guess that's going to be a longer protracted negotiation works at once and probably right. Or whites and more expensive too good to be aptly it's potentially -- it. You know agents there many of them are are are expensive then. Other agents do a good job drive and media support as well. But does so I think it's if you look at the track critique it casket return conclusion that the scenarios and John you laid out is that probably more likely and and the other but it's. It's just speculation. On our part because. Schedule -- dictated by the agent and the -- when your in the free agent. Peter it and buy it by the clubs -- market.

Have these -- arbitration rethought their rules of engagement Larry and suddenly maybe not so suddenly. Defense is much more at a premium that it was a year or two ago.

Well I've been. More efforts in recent years -- thrilling notes to qualified defense to try to on day metric current set of metrics that will help. Qualify defense because it is and fundamentally important and traditional baseball people always talk about pitching in defense. And two to do it define it and two qualified. As they would like. Think you have that -- some effort to do that not a case. We recognize that one of these deficiencies we have to. Last year and give it talks about this with some regularity is our our our defense. We we had a yet. A very good offense despite it would. It being -- good -- force built on the top to retreat offenses in the -- very it is. Potential most of cedar. But we had some some defensive issues and I think that's. Something that. Tiki does not seek access your strength in use sister weaknesses he tried to Patricia.

So the first thing you did was get -- Alex Gonzales house that's that's gonna shore up defense.

Well no you can't you know you have your opinion about. About -- doesn't -- scooter up and we're talking about. 2010 character in the 2005. In terms of players. Evolution art or. The changes take place it takes awhile for. Back to catch up to two reputation.

What's your opinion and just in general of Adrian Beltre did you have you always been a fan.

again it's specific to a question about specific get a free agent. Assistant. Personal view you know but what I've -- now all outstanding defensive player is the civil affairs stating.

Is the Michael old deal done.

Now. Account because it we have to make. It.

I thought you might make it here and now. So because we can't even ask about who's playing third nation no no it'll ask declared that it --

You know we have. Mike -- on this team we have Kevin Youkilis. We have again and scooter room complete a couple of different position so there are two possibilities open.

Do you expect to you and your authority on San Diego he'll live out there sometimes you certainly have history you expect. It's lament the do you expect them to. Will they traded during Gonzales do you think we'll they have to.

In other things. The team that is identified where it's people pretty serious. Their payroll well tool will be forty million dollars. It's very nice for us to hear that and now we see now that. From published reports that it payroll currently is it isn't about 36 million dollars. So. Oh we can calculate. On how severe -- economic. Pressure they'd be on them. To move players 01 way or another now -- give you published numbers. Because of these internal calculations -- yet rated hand. But that that's I think the reason why can't. We don't grow by the fact our payroll and 2000 content will be -- 2009. And legal issues specific. Comments. About two. What that number will be to submit it to to analyze it is payrolls determine whether there are some economic. Compelling economic reasons or they may make it or not --

Larry there's a a graph on a chart in the Boston Herald today the talks about costly mistakes and paying other. Teams to take -- players and some of them free agency and I'm wondering if you look at those numbers. Does does is our rationalizations out of what you'd call this dead money first of all over the web of the term is. Is it is the rationalizations. That's just the cost of doing business in the second part of that that question as they know you guys are comparing stats and information. Our our -- their rankings system which teams in Major League Baseball or specifically the American League. Are spending more money with other teams with other players then then you -- or the Yankees are some other team is.

I've actually done there there was any ranking it came out recently from the leak case. Regarding down. Just talking. But John Andy -- part of -- do it the efficiency of capture right the likes of contracts. Entered into there were. -- years at the end. And Tuesday. Despite the media portrait Jamaica in the paper today Red Sox came it is there and and sided. And -- Particularly. Efficient. Respective. To counteract that -- the money to to Leo and that way he has. It's and negotiated. Contracts that -- years and did it certainly made some mistakes and we -- it certainly admit to that but I think that every team makes mistakes. We -- what we are able to do because the in Park City loyalty and pace today. You know -- 550 consecutive sellouts. Tremendous high ratings on -- and oh we are able to do is is make up for those mistakes when we help them. And now they don't require us to dramatically. Cut ten. The payroll. And in some major wafers yours yours except for that year. Set of that contract. Were able to -- and -- well. And we -- and take money out of this team the money it's decorated we've put into. Major League payroll put into temperatures sign. Were the most active -- attempt to. Baldness and -- sightings at the top of the oh lead when it comes to international -- We spend we spend money. Two dispute between -- news and sports.

Happy Chanukah Larry. How are in a -- it. After -- to hypothetically Larry if they slugging first baseman with the checkered past maybe some alcohol and the -- violence issues was available. Would there be an extreme hesitancy. On the team's part to pursue this said slugging first risen.

I -- that is on the -- I would say that. I hate to over uses afraid that -- story in this conversation but. Our obligation. -- fundamental obligations as. Ownership of this team to field -- team. It's worth the fans' support. And that means the team that is competitive. Year in and year out on the playing field but it also means do it keen. It has players that are. Children and our community can be proud of not -- Problems off the field or do things compares the the -- And the and the reputation of the Boston -- so we scrutinize very carefully. Players. Were available to us. Do Maria. A good citizenship tests but to do sort of personality assessment to see if they're going to be. Troubles more helpful in in the clubhouse. And it they're gonna be yeah. Player's behavior would do costs because some. Sleepless nights.

Speaking of behavior Larry. And journalist whose gonna answer that one and only data collected signature or not intrude scum bags and you thought he's gonna say yeah we'll take a moral there don't Dillard's and there always is the obligation to put a team on the field it's competitive. Represents the name brand well -- in -- you like it. In my years in baseball being around players Larry I've ever met a player as prolific as Tiger Woods.

that this could hear us. Where'd. A little bit of ambiguity to it prolific in terms of success. You know he's probably been as successful as the and I think that's. College success. Of course it was accidental by giving it a hey I know I give.

ago that a political question and you probably thrilled that your guy Obama got the Nobel prize even though he was in office for a when it's twelve days before they made the selection.

It very proud of that to see America and -- those on the extreme far right -- product that. That a cheap black.

So the questions you like is chances for the Heisman this weekend with the some --

There's our body count that's straight. Idea though I don't -- advertisement some much but I am proud of what he's accomplished and this. Is slated must I don't use gallery. We pretty eleven months of this Sarah Palin administration but some of us don't see it as -- likely Hillary and is desirable. Alternatives.

Well I I would ask his accomplishments but that there haven't been any or the -- ten seconds left is certainly aren't any in any twelve days they took that he was in office where he won the award but he.

While that was about changing. Perspectives on America. It's about the possibility that he represented. And I think that can be an important not try to get to the to the end to the peace process.

I think I know the answer this but I'm gonna ask -- anyway our our you'll green global warming guy Larry for a good deny air. --

Is that you know why you know yeah -- deny. The the abundance of scientific. Information. That's been accumulated over years and every. Renowned international. Scientific organization that sets -- want proposition. And then there's policy on the other side did contact Gerry Callahan. That -- act so not.

I'm coming over. Coming over learn and I used to you know -- and over now he's a zone giant industrial -- that it sarcasm.

That must be a -- bicycle ride to your house in San Diego on on the holidays. But your Green Zone it's a.

And the Red Sox agreed to definitely you know and it did make an effort to to address. And -- we -- some. This solar panels that we part.

you'll learn that part and the -- is a society as -- absentee yours and Alaska are smiling Larry but at at at at. All right Chris. It's always nice to do is not yet -- perspective. -- out via the other half it seemed like it.

How to make the -- smile Christmas at -- tell us again.

Tomorrow -- first opportunity for people to well we invited people to -- parts of we have some. Sam honest on effectively eight is broadcast all based in part to -- some ways this is a -- preview of the baseball season. And not people -- at a clocked 1 morning people and by Red Sox tickets in April and may gain to. -- opening day. The if they can do that protects nine. On line and I hope people be patient because -- an early morning hours. There's a lot of people candidate and on line we could do increased size plates that make it easier and there. And of course -- Q do -- deal is well. Indeed eight toxic. In it it's toxic. People can buy tickets. By telephone and they can do it does Saturday they can do it sounded as the only piece of text and suspect talks. On Monday as nice as disparate rest of the big yard sale. On this weekend that's certainly part to -- over some artifacts. Like Ian -- home.

Michael available there. But that -- Recycle via pay a final question for me New Year's Day at the weather's like it is today. Are you staying in the owner's box with the window down or staying in the out of -- the window up the this is -- gives the -- a carbon footprint questioner Larry so tread lightly.

Yet. I well. I will be wander around the ballpark had trouble sitting still for long periods department. I'm pretty darn excited to the way it is today the inside out the outside of Leo that placed. And there's some beautiful photographs they paper today. To show people what it's gonna be like to be an exciting. Holiday season for rest of the public skating is -- part of these celebrity hockey game they'll be a college doubleheader. It's an idea. Terry is -- historic.

You make there you'd you'd certainly think. All right thanks Larry. -- and react thanks Larry Larry Italian president CEO happy holidays happy holidays. Just this for the rest of us. We'll be right back.

Just when you thought waking up in the morning couldn't get any better. You found DNC. It's Dennis and Callahan on the WEEI Sports Radio network and WEEI dot com.